text:
By Steven R. Boyett and Ken Mitchroney
Read by MacLeod Andrews
Steven R. Boyett Blackstone Publishing 9781504757447
• 12.16 Hours • 06/13/2017 • Unabridged
6 Formats: Digital Download
6 Formats: Digital Rental
6 Formats: CD
6 Formats: MP3 CD
6 Formats: Hardcover
6 Formats: Paperback
At the height of the air war in Europe, Captain Joe Farley and the baseball-loving, wisecracking crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Fata Morgana are in the middle of a harrowing bombing mission over eastern Germany when everything goes sideways. The bombs are still falling and flak is still exploding all around the 20-ton bomber as it is knocked like a bathtub duck into another world. Suddenly stranded with the final outcasts of a desolated world, Captain Farley navigates a maze of treachery and wonder—and finds a love seemingly decreed by fate—as his bomber becomes a pawn in a centuries-old conflict between remnants of advanced but decaying civilizations. Caught among these bitter enemies, a vast power that has brought them here for its own purposes, and a terrifying living weapon bent on their destruction, the crew must use every bit of their formidable inventiveness and courage to survive. Fata Morgana—the epic novel of love and duty at war across the reach of time.
An Audible.com bestseller
A June 2017 Library Journal Audio-in-Advance Pick
Finalist for the 2017 Foreword Reviews INDIES Book of the Year Award in Science Fiction
An io9 Pick of Summer Reads
At the height of the air war in Europe, Captain Joe Farley and the baseball-loving, wisecracking crew of the B-17 Flying Fortress Fata Morgana are in the middle of a harrowing bombing mission over eastern Germany when everything goes sideways. The bombs are still falling and flak is still exploding all around the 20-ton bomber as it is knocked like a bathtub duck into another world.
Suddenly stranded with the final outcasts of a desolated world, Captain Farley navigates a maze of treachery and wonder—and finds a love seemingly decreed by fate—as his bomber becomes a pawn in a centuries-old conflict between remnants of advanced but decaying civilizations. Caught among these bitter enemies, a vast power that has brought them here for its own purposes, and a terrifying living weapon bent on their destruction, the crew must use every bit of their formidable inventiveness and courage to survive.
Fata Morgana—the epic novel of love and duty at war across the reach of time.
"Action, adventure, cool speculative events, well-drawn characters, and an ending that sticks the landing: Fata Morgana pushes all my happy buttons." —John Scalzi, New York Times bestselling author
"Gripping adventure stuff: a perfect updating of a classic mode of science fictional storytelling, modernized without losing any of the charm of those old, glorious war novels." —Cory Doctorow, New York Times bestselling author
"With Fata Morgana, Steven Boyett and Ken Mitchroney have created a work that defies categorization, unless that category is 'engrossing, brilliant storytelling.' They breathe life into the past and the future, in a book that manages to be both thought-provoking and thrilling. I loved it!" —Jan Burke, New York Times bestselling author
"The twists, turns, and adrenaline never stop flowing in Fata Morgana. You will be transported to another world in more ways than one. Easily one of the hardest-hitting science fiction books of 2017!" —Nicholas Sansbury Smith, USA Today bestselling author of Hell Divers
"So gripping and real it felt as if it were logged just minutes after landing. Fata Morgana is squarely in the ranks of the most classic and ingenious science fiction—a masterwork of purest cinema, relentlessly charming and inventive to the end." —Chris Sanders, director of Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon
"Amid harrowing yet realistic descriptions…readers are treated to a loving character study of the crew of the Fata Morgana, a B-17 bomber about to face its first combat mission…During a run over Zennhausen, the bomber passes through a strange portal in the air. Germany is gone; World War II is gone; the world as they know it is gone…Boyett and Mitchroney have the sense to forgo Hollywood predictability, so the ending's perfect. A worthy adventure." —New York Times Book Review
"Authors Boyett and Mitchroney deliver a well-grounded, gripping action thriller, with a fast-moving plot and inviting, evocative characters…The authors deliver equal parts suspense, romance, danger, aerial combat, and science fiction. All of this makes Fata Morgana an exhilarating, haunting, and memorable read." —New York Journal of Books
"An epic and original science fiction novel of love and duty at war across the reach of time, Fata Morgana is an extraordinarily entertaining read from cover to cover and unreservedly recommended." —Midwest Book Review
"[Steven Boyett and Ken Mitchroney are] a match made in literary heaven." —East Bay Times
"A war story and a romance that spans space and time…The mix of SF, action, and romance is all there…There's a lot to engage readers who enjoy their SF mixed with alternative history." —Library Journal
"Writer Boyett and film director Mitchroney team up for this fast-paced alternate-world tale that opens at the height of WWII…The prose is energetic, combining some of the gentler wit of Catch-22 with riffs on dystopian-fiction clichés. Boyett and Mitchroney elevate the pulpy vibe with unusual and fully developed protagonists…Fans of fun SF will enjoy this tale in the tradition of Forstchen and Morrison's Crystal Warriors books and Taylor Anderson's Destroyermen series." —Publishers Weekly
"Narrator MacLeod Andrews enhances this audiobook featuring a WWII bomber crew and the remnants of a decimated society…Andrews has the vocal chops to handle both the diverse group of airmen and the members of an advanced society who are struggling to survive. With a mix of accents, Andrews creates a distinctive and enjoyable cast of characters in this sci-fi thriller, which will make people think about the unintended consequences of war." —AudioFile
"This is a good mashup. The tech is advanced but not so far ahead that it is magic. The people in the future are used to living within strict limits, but they have lost the innovative spirit. The crew of the Fata Morgana has that spirit, and their influence will improve the survivor's lives. Time is a fluid thing, but time spent reading Fata Morgana isn't wasted." —SFRevu.com
"If you're interested in WWII history or like vintage-type hard SF, it's worth taking the flight with Captain Farley and his crew." —Fantasy Literature
"A rip-roaring adventure full of heart, duty, and sacrifice, Fata Morgana is a perfect combination of historical-novel authenticity and space-opera splendor. I couldn't put it down, and the ending made me cry." —Brooke Johnson, author of the Chroniker City series
"Fata Morgana is genre-bending, epic, and wholly original: an unexpected, fascinating page-turner." —Lee Kelly, author of A Criminal Magic and City of Savages
"Fata Morgana is amazingly true to history, incredibly human, and expertly told." —Joe Zieja, author of Mechanical Failure
"Fata Morgana is a classic WWII American Air Force drama juxtaposed with epic science fiction, and it works!…This was a great, jaw-dropping yarn, and one I would recommend to someone with a penchant for realistic WWII reenactments." —Spinning Jenny's Book Blog
by Audio Audits 8/18/2017
Joe Farley is the captain of the World War II bomber Fata Morgana. While on a mission Joe and his crew are thrust centuries into the future. A terrifying future where the ruler leads with an iron fist and his daughter Wynda looks just like the girl painted on the nose of the Fata Morgana!
I loved this mashup of science fiction, time travel, and military thriller. Authors Steven R Boyett and Ken Mitchroney work together to weave a detailed, fascinating and horrifying story. Fata Morgana starts off at a nice slow pace, but once they land in the future it's non-stop action all the way! I found the crew's interaction with a future society so different from the one they came from interesting. I also enjoyed the banter between the tight-knit crew. It added a breath of levity at just the right moments. This audiobook ticks all the boxes no matter what genre you're into including a little light romance.
MacLeod Andrews narrates this fully voiced production that comes in at just over 12 hours. He has so many voices in his arsenal and he voices them all well and it's needed because there are many characters to keep straight and I never got lost or wondered who was talking. Mr. Andrews made it easy. The sound quality of this production was excellent. I look forward to hearing more from this narrator.
Author Bio: Steven R. Boyett
Steven R. Boyett's (steveboy.com) novels include the fantasy classic Ariel, The Architect of Sleep, Elegy Beach, and Mortality Bridge. He wrote a draft of Toy Story 2 for Pixar/Disney, and created the groundbreaking online music series Podrunner and Groovelectric. He has been a professional martial arts instructor, paper marbler, advertising copywriter, proofreader, writing teacher, website designer & editor, chapbook publisher, and DJ who has played in major cities and Burning Man. He lives in the San Francisco Bay area.
Author Bio: Ken Mitchroney
Ken Mitchroney's (facebook.com/Ratfink) film and television credits include director, head of story, director of photography, and storyboard artist on Storks, The Lego Movie, The Ant Bully, Toy Story 2, Monsters Inc., The Annoying Orange Show, Mighty Magiswords, and more. His comic illustration includes Ren & Stimpy, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Myth Conceptions, and creating the influential Space Ark. He is an official artist for the Ed "Big Daddy" Roth estate, and official illustrator for the Oakland Athletics and at one time the Baltimore Orioles. Mitchroney has been a professional race-car driver and pinstriper, and restores and runs vintage locomotives. He is currently involved with the restoration of the Ward Kimball collection at the Southern California Railway Museum in Perris, California. He lives and works in the San Francisco Bay area and Los Angeles.
Format: Digital Download Format: Digital Rental Format: CD Format: MP3 CD Format: Hardcover Format: Paperback
Available Formats : Digital Download, Digital Rental, CD, MP3 CD, Hardcover, Paperback
Category: Fiction/Historical
Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Publisher: Blackstone Publishing Publisher: Blackstone Publishing
Tracks: 44 Tracks: 44 CDs: 10 CDs: 1 CDs: 384 CDs: 400
Runtime: 12.16
ISBN: 9781504750639 ISBN: 9781504750646 ISBN: 9781504750615 ISBN: 9781504750622 ISBN: 9781504757447 ISBN: 9781538507537


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Democratic Convention's Obama Video Seeks to Define 'Presidential'
By Daniel D'Addario
July 28, 2016 12:51 AM EDT
Wednesday night's telecast of the Democratic National Convention was focused on what is "presidential"—in Hillary Clinton, and more importantly, not in Donald Trump.
Speakers included former New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg, who endorsed Clinton despite a lack of affinity because he's so uncertain about Trump's abilities. Vice-Presidential candidate Tim Kaine, in a charming but not consistently steady address (one marked by frequent repetition of phrases in the exact same cadence, exact same cadence), indulged himself in a Trump impersonation. "Believe me," he intoned, reciting yet another way in which Trump had proved mendacious. (The imitation was more MadTV than SNL, which is to say, not strong, but it proved Kaine's willingness to go hard on the basic fundamentals of Trump's morals in his role as attack dog.)
Read More: Watch Tim Kaine Do His Best Donald Trump Impression
Joe Biden, whose ability to hold the camera would be nonpareil among American politicians were it not for his boss, repeatedly instructed the audience not to cheer or boo as he delved into what he saw as the inhumanity behind Trump's "You're fired" catchphrase. As stagecraft, it turned a rudimentary observation into a gripping theatrical performance.
President Obama's speech, which made mention of Trump in order to carry across broader points about the greatness of the American project (and the ways in which Trump doesn't fit into it), was effectively delivered. But as television, what preceded it was far more interesting. A video including the voices of (among others) former speechwriter Jon Favreau and First Lady Michelle Obama, leaned hard on the tough times of the Obama presidency, times—as after gun control measures failed after the shooting of schoolchildren in Newtown, Conn.—that Obama felt, in his own words used in the video, close to disgust.
It was a strange choice on first blush: Biden got a video paean, framing him as a relentless crusader for causes in which he believed and thus lending gravity to his words. Obama got a montage alternating truly low moments with moments in which his win was only conditional—sure, the financial crisis was averted, but it's not a moment one particularly relishes reliving. Sure, Obama's singing "Amazing Grace" at the funeral of the slain in Charleston, S.C., was moving, but it's another reminder of his failure to achieve his gun-control goals.
That was exactly the point, cannily made. The presidency is hard and grinding, and Obama's introductory video defined what "presidential" is. It's less a manner of speaking or being (after all, if Trump is elected, the way he speaks will automatically be presidential) than a set of responsibilities one needs to complete.
Even some Trump voters can admit that it's hard to imagine the real-estate developer, a man who's easily roused to anger over Tweets, enduring what the video shows Obama enduring. The video was a dark reminder of the lowest moments of the past eight years. It was depressing, and pushed the broadcast deeper past the end of prime time on the east coast. That made it a success. For no video package could have more cannily made a case against the Republican nominee.
It went negative only about the demands of the job, leaving Trump—just as his detractors imagine he will be on the major issues if elected—entirely absent.
Brie Larson Opens Up About 'Nerve-Racking' Captain Marvel Reveal
Underwater Noise Pollution Is Disrupting Ocean Life—But We Can Fix It

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Laboratory safety in the pre-analytic phase - hospitalsafetycenter.com - a division of HCPro, Inc. - the leader in providing information to the healthcare compliance, regulation, and management industry.
Scenario 1: The courier suddenly became sleepy in the middle of his daily driving route. It was cold outside, and he had all the windows in the vehicle closed. He also had filled his cooler with four pounds of dry ice, which was sitting in his back seat. He lost consciousness behind the wheel, only avoiding an accident by sheer luck.
Scenario 2: There was no education at the hospital for specimen collection staff regarding proper label placement on collection tubes. Since the complete blood count analyzer would not accept tubes with labels that were too long, the lab techs kept a razor blade handy to slice off extra label paper. It wasn't long before someone cut a finger.
Scenario 3: The phlebotomist completed the outpatient collection, but the large elderly patient was unable to stand up from the chair without assistance. The phlebotomist bent at the waist and attempted to lift the patient to standing. The back muscle pull that followed kept the phlebotomist out of work for two weeks.
Every laboratorian understands the value of quality in the pre-analytic phase of laboratory testing. If you have ever worked in a facility where phlebotomy has been decentralized and is no longer overseen by the laboratory, you may have experienced the many pitfalls due to inadequate specimen collection techniques. Laboratorians by nature want to provide good diagnostic results, and compromised specimens hinder that resolve. Sometimes, however, the aspects of safety that are important during the pre-analytic phase of lab testing get overlooked.
To address the issue in scenario 1, the dry ice courier, consider the impacts of this necessary service. For many laboratories, couriers are a vital part of the pre-analytic process. They bring specimens from clients and other labs, and their safety should be considered as well. Teaching dry ice safety is vital if it is used, and both couriers and lab staff need to know how to handle it appropriately. Dry ice sublimates (or changes to gas from a solid state), so it should never be placed into a sealed container, or the building pressure from expansion will cause the container to explode. Couriers should never place more than one pound of dry ice inside a vehicle, and the windows should be opened when transporting it to create good ventilation. The gas created from dry ice quickly reduces the oxygen content in the air, and the elevated carbon dioxide levels can cause unconsciousness or even death. Never place dry ice leftovers in the sink for disposal. While it might be fun to run water on it to see movie-style special effects, the cold temperatures can burst sink pipes and even dislodge the entire sink.
To address the issue in scenario 2, the labels on collection tubes, here is what you should do. If specimens often arrive in the testing area without being ready for analysis (for instance, the labels aren't placed properly), go to the source of the error to make corrections. If inappropriate labeling is a constant problem, staff will create workarounds to get the work done, and some of these workarounds may not be safe. Poorly labeled samples may prompt a lab tech to remove gloves to adjust the labels, and that should never occur. The use of sharp blades may be another workaround— one that can cause injuries. Be sure to explain to specimen collection staff the importance of proper labeling. Taking the time to do labels right might delay turnaround times, but it will also help keep lab workers safe.
To address the issue in scenario 3, the phlebotomist's back injury, needle safety and ergonomics should be considered during blood collection from patients. Using a needle with an attached safety device and activating it as soon as possible are important steps in needlestick prevention. Make sure there is a sharps disposal container near the point of collection or wherever needles are used so that the potential hazard can be eliminated quickly. When collecting blood, be sure to raise the bed height (or the arm height if in a chair) so that excessive bending is avoided. Use a chair or a task stool while performing the collection to maintain better posture throughout the procedure. Never attempt to lift patients by yourself; always ask for help. Thousands of back injuries occur every year in healthcare due to avoidable patient lifting errors.
Lab quality and safety are often related, especially during the pre-analytical phase of testing. Proper collection, labeling, and processing are all vital in providing high-quality lab results. Similarly, the pre-analytical process can't be done well without proper safety considerations. Safety events can cause staff injuries, longer turnaround times, and potential errors with test results. Make sure staff understand the impact of good quality as well as safety in the pre-analytical phase.
The other day I went to get a haircut (yes, even though I don't have the hair I used to have, I still go to a barber shop from time to time). The stylist was good at carrying a conversation. I began to notice as she continued her work, however, that her touch was anything but gentle. She combed with vigor, leaving what I imagined were indentations on my tender scalp. At the end she hefted the clippers to trim up the hairs on my neck. I have experienced haircuts in the past that were given much more gently, and the results were the same minus the mental and possible physical scarring. As I drove away, I started to think about my experience's applications to laboratory safety.
In my years as a lab safety officer, I have had to learn how to give feedback to those in the lab who are not following proper safety procedures. It is important. Usually if I need to speak to someone, the person is in danger of becoming injured or exposed to some hazard. The safety coaching moment is necessary.
The book Crucial Confrontations (by Grenny, McMillan, and Switzler) is an excellent resource that can be used to teach how to provide important coaching in any setting. One thing I learned from that book is that if someone is acting inappropriately — doing something unsafe, for example — there are at least six possible sources of influence potentially guiding the person's actions. Let's use an example: You walk into the lab and see Mary on the phone at the hematology bench with no lab coat and no gloves. Why is she doing that? Did she have proper training? Is the PPE located in a convenient area for staff to get quickly? Was Mary on her way to a break but no one else was there to answer the phone? Is Mary a person who is usually noncompliant? Is Mary following the general safety culture in the lab?
How you approach Mary here is critical. You could yell at her. You could angrily tell her to get PPE since you've discussed this with her before. You could tell her she will be written up. Then let's say Mary hangs up the phone and tells you she just learned her mother has passed away. That certainly changes the scenario, and it casts a negative (perhaps permanent) pall on your working relationship. That will be difficult to change, and it will be harder to influence Mary in any way about safety in the future. It is vital to be careful about any coaching event you have in the laboratory. Your approach affects the outcome, and much of that approach is determined by what you are thinking as you begin. A light touch in a coaching situation will produce more gains than a heavy hand. It will also build your credibility as a safety advocate in the department.
Approaching Mary is the right thing to do, no matter her situation. She is at a lab bench touching contaminated surfaces with no PPE. That needs to be dealt with. If you ignore it, you promote the behavior, and if others witness that, then you are responsible for untold harm to the overall lab safety culture. Even if Mary tells you she received bad news, it is still important to point out her inappropriate safety behavior, especially if you have seen the behavior before; however, it should be done at a later time.
Haircuts and coaching for lab safety occur in very different arenas, but performing these actions with a gentle, light touch is one way to make sure both outcomes are positive. A light touch can help ensure there are no types of scars, and a good outcome in the lab helps improve the overall culture — a goal every lab safety professional should desire.


text:
Lindt & Sprüngli Group continues to grow faster than
the overall chocolate markets and wins new market shares
Sales in Swiss francs terms up 17.4% to reach a total of CHF 3.385 billion
Organic sales growth of the Group (excl. Russell Stover) at 9,8%
Operating profit (EBIT) rises by 17.4% to CHF 474.3 million (EBIT Margin: 14.0%)
EBIT excl. Russell Stover at CHF 444.3 million (EBIT-Margin: 14.2%)
Confirmation of long-term strategic growth and earnings targets
Kilchberg, March 10, 2015 – In the financial year 2014, Lindt & Sprüngli reported sales in Swiss franc terms worth CHF 3.385 billion. This is a growth of 17.4 % against in the previous year. Including non-recurring costs and special expenditure based on IFRS standards in connection with the acquisition of Russell Stover, the company reached an operating profit (EBIT) of CHF 474.3 million (+17.4 % against the previous year).
In local currency terms, acquisition-adjusted organic growth of 9.8% is well in excess of the medium to long-term annual growth target of 6-8%. Excluding the proportionate contribution of Russell Stover, the EBIT margin grew by 20 basis points to 14.2% in line with the strategic earnings forecast of an increase of between 20 and 40 basis points.
These good results were achieved despite largely subdued consumer sentiment, high commodity prices, and a challenging currency situation. The above-average growth of the Group once again clearly exceeds that of the chocolate markets and was driven by higher volumes and innovations, further progress in the seasonal sector, and strong development of the company's own global network of retail outlets. Substantial market share gains were made in all the core markets and in the emerging growth markets.
The subdued economic situation in Europe, especially in the second half of the year, had an adverse impact on the currency environment and resulted in a weaker euro. On the other hand, the US economy picked up noticeably, which boosted the dollar and had a positive impact on consumer sentiment. In Europe, however, consumer confidence remained relatively weak. Despite this challenging environment, which was additionally impaired by a massive rise in important commodity prices (cocoa, hazelnuts), sales of high-quality chocolate products from Lindt & Sprüngli achieved above-average growth, clearly outperforming the trend of the chocolate markets which reported only slow growth; this was reflected once again in market share gains.
The key event that will sustainably strengthen Lindt & Sprüngli's future was by far the take-over of the traditional American chocolate manufacturer Russell Stover announced mid-July 2014 which was the largest strategic acquisition in the company's history. The proportionate consolidation of this new company is shown in the Group's annual financial statement for 2014 (September to December 2014).
Despite the demanding background, the Group looks back on a highly successful financial year 2014 and, with the Russell Stover contribution, achieved sales growth of 17.4% in Swiss francs terms with sales worth CHF 3.385 billion. Lindt & Sprüngli has thereby advanced in the USA to become the clear no. 3 in the world's largest chocolate market, the uncontested leader in the field of premium and seasonal products, and one of the most important partners for the local trade. Substantially higher volumes in all countries, a consistently high pace of innovation, continuous geographical expansion, and the dynamic development of the company's own retail network all contributed to this good result.
Both in Europe (+6.5%) and in North America (+14.3%, excluding Russell Stover) organic growth is well above the prevailing market average. In all other regions, outstanding organic growth of 13.9% was also achieved, attributable in large measure to exports from Switzerland and to the Duty-Free business.
With the proportionate contribution of Russell Stover, the Group EBIT reached CHF 474.3 million (+17.4% against previous year). Consolidated net income amounted to CHF 342.6 million (previous year: CHF 303.0 million), 13.1 % higher than in the previous year. The return on sales reached 10.1% in the year under review. The operating cash flow amounted to CHF 308.2 million (previous year: CHF 419.1 million); the reduction on the previous year is explained by the growth of net current assets. In the year under report, the Group's investments also remained high. A total of CHF 234.6 million was spent mainly on the extension and optimization of production capacity.
To ensure comparability with the previous year in respect of sales and profitability, reference should be made to the Group performance excluding the proportionate contribution of Russell Stover. Adjusted for this acquisition, sales in Swiss francs stood at CHF 3.133 billion. This represents organic growth in local currency terms of 9.8%, well above the long-term strategic target of 6-8%. Excluding Russell Stover, the operating profit (EBIT) amounted to CHF 444.3 million (previous year: CHF 404.1 million) with an EBIT margin of 14.2% (previous year: 14.0%). Once again, this is in line with the long-term strategic target of annual increase of 20-40 basis points.
To finance the acquisition of Russell Stover, on September 24, 2014 Lindt & Sprüngli issued a bond loan in three tranches with maturities of three, six and ten years. Despite these transactions, the balance sheet and capital structure remain extremely robust. At the end of 2014 the equity ratio was 53.8% (previous year: 67.9%). The share buyback program which began in the autumn of 2013 for a maximum of 5% of the registered equity capital was concluded on time on December 12, 2014, with a total buyback volume of CHF 54.6 million. With a price gain of 18.8% and 22.7% respectively at the end of 2014, Lindt & Sprüngli registered shares and participation certificates outperformed the SMI (+9.5%) by a wide margin.
Key figures 2014 for the Group (*)
Sales in CHF
CHF million
+ 17.4 %
Organic growth (**)
+ 9.8 %
Operating profit (EBIT)
- as % of sales (EBIT margin)
- as % of sales (return on sales)
– 26.5 %
- as % of sales
Shareholders' equity as of December 31
- as % of total assets
Average number of employees
- sales per employee
– 1.9 %
*) figures include proportionate consolidation (September to December 2014) of Russell Stover (except for (**))
**) in local currencies, net of acquisition
For the current fiscal year Lindt & Sprüngli confirms the middle- to long-term target for organic sales growth of 6-8%. The integration of Russell Stover into the Group will be the number-one priority this year. The strong Swiss franc and sustained high commodity prices continue to present great challenges. After successful completion of the integration of Russell Stover, Lindt & Sprüngli will adhere again to the medium to long-term profit target of a 20 to 40 basis points increase in the EBIT margin.
Annual Shareholders' Meeting on April 23, 2015
In view of the excellent results achieved, at the upcoming annual shareholders' meeting the Board of Directors will propose a dividend of CHF 725.00 for registered shares and of CHF 72.50 for participation certificates. This is equivalent to an increase of 11.5% compared to the previous year. The dividend is distributed at CHF 400.00 per registered share (CHF 40.00 per participation certificate) from available retained earnings and at CHF 325.00 per registered share (CHF 32.50 per participation certificate) from the approved reserve from capital contribution (agio).
About Lindt & Sprüngli: As the global leader in the premium chocolate sector, Lindt & Sprüngli looks back on a long standing tradition of 170 years which takes its origins in Zurich, Switzerland. Today, quality chocolate products by Lindt & Sprüngli are made at 12 own production sites in Europe (key brands: LINDT, CAFFAREL, HOFBAUER) and the USA (key brands: LINDT, GHIRARDELLI, RUSSELL STOVER, WHITMAN'S). They are distributed by numerous subsidiary companies and branch offices, and also via a comprehensive network of independent distributors all over the world. With some 12,000 employees, the Lindt & Sprüngli Group reported sales worth 3.39 billion Swiss francs in 2014.
Chocoladefabriken Lindt & Sprüngli AG
Seestrasse 204, 8802 Kilchberg
phone +41 44 716 24 56/57/86
Mediarelations-in@lindt.com
Investorrelations-in@lindt.com
The 2014 annual report is available online from March 10, 2015, (07:00 a.m.) at:
http://www.lindt-spruengli.com/investors/financial-information/annual-semi-annual-reports/
2014 annual report as online version:
http://www.report.lindt-spruengli.com
Images available at: http://multimedia.photopress.ch/Customer.do?oid=68


text:
Browsing the archives for the Stevie Wonder tag.
https://media.transistor.fm/efc2cbff/c9b1b107.mp3
Kim Carnes, Rod Stewart, Saxon, Scandal, Sex Gang Children, Slade, Stevie Wonder, Stiff Little Fingers, Talking Heads, Tina Turner, Twisted Sister, Uriah Heap
Episode 492: The Top 50 Albums Of 1972 Part V [#10-1]
We go back 50 years with a deep dive into a very heralded year for music in 1972. This is the last of five episodes counting down the best albums of 72 covering a vast amount of styles so Listen 'Like' Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/ae9b31b6/e4f5c253.mp3
Alice Cooper, Big Star, Billy Paul, Black Sabbath, Curtis Mayfield, David Bowie, Rod Stewart, Rolling Stones, Slade, Stevie Wonder
Episode 471: The Odds and Ends Of 2021 A to Z – Part V
Playing the absolute best from the box sets reissues EPs Single Only releases tribute albums cover albums and Pandemic Jams from 2021 so Listen 'Like' Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/28776ce1/a83e0e56.mp3
Chris Jericho, Elton John, Judas Priest, Kuarantine, Lickerish Quartet, Los Lobos, Melvins, Michael Monroe, Motorhead, Mr. Bungle, Mustasch, Stevie Wonder
Episode 390: The Top 40 Albums Of 2005 Part I
Traveling back to 15 years ago for the Top 40 Albums of 2005 so Listen Like Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/3914d9ae.mp3
Aquabats, Big Business, Bloodhound Gang, Crowbar, Dope, Glenn Hughes, Ok Go, Rolling Stones, Stevie Wonder, U.D.O.
Episode 349: Playlist For the Recently Deceased
Catching up with those that left us over the last year and a half. In music or otherwise important to me. Listen Like Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/ab2a1914.mp3
Alan Longmuir, Aretha Franklin, Bay City Rollers, Burt Reynolds, David Bianco, Eddie Willis, Matt "Guitar" Murphy, Nick Knox, Roy Clark, Stan Lee, Stevie Wonder, T-Rex, The Cramps, The Temptations, Tom Petty
Episode 262: The Fallen Of 2017 Volume IV
Volume IV of the Fallen for the year 2017. Listen Like Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/8af99d84.mp3
Andrew Dice Clay, Cuba Gooding Sr, English Beat, Grandaddy, Jamiroquai, Jimmy Copley, Jonathan Demme, Joy Byers, Kevin Garcia, Main Ingredient, Matt Holt, Michael Parks, Nothingface, Saxa, Stevie Wonder, Sylvia May, Talking Heads, Toby Smith, Tony Iommi
Episode 216: 1976 – More of the Majors
Part 4 of 4 of our tribute to 1976 with some more major acts. Listen Like Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/aa970eb1.mp3
Alice Cooper, David Bowie, Electric Light Orchestra, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, Paul McCartney & Wings, Robert Palmer, Rush, Stevie Wonder, ZZ Top
Episode 177: 80 From 80 Part IV
The Top 80 Songs from the year 1980 curated by me and ranked by Chris Part 4 with songs number 50 through 41. Listen Like Subscribe and SHARE!!!!
https://media.transistor.fm/a3cbb9b2.mp3
ABBA, Bauhaus, Jacksons, Kiss, Madness, Rose Tattoo, Specials, Stevie Wonder, Willy DeVille, XTC


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Government, Transport & Logistics, UAE
Dubai Customs has announced that its "Productivity Engine" has been approved by the Dubai Executive Council to be used at the government departments level, WAM reported.
The engine, developed in-house by Dubai Customs, uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) to boost productivity, reduce costs and make clients happier and more satisfied towards the fulfilments of Dubai bold plans and vision.
DP World group chairman and CEO Sultan Ahmed Bin Sulayem
The AI based productivity engine has many features which include the ideal time calculator, productivity predictor, and leadership nudges. Most importantly, the innovative engine encompasses an auto-time tracker that highlights productive and unaccounted time and notifies decision makers of productivity scores for each department and employee.
Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, DP World Group Chairman and CEO and Chairman of Ports, Customs and Free Zone Corporation, PCFC, said, "The productivity engine assists leaders in harnessing the power of AI and giving recommendations aimed at creating better workplaces to support legitimate trade. With this creative service, the Ports, Customs, and Free Zone Corporation aims to create a scalable productivity disruption program that can be implemented at other government organisations in fulfilment of the vision of our wise leadership.
"Advanced AI technologies increase ROI and attracts new investments while boosting productivity and facilitating procedures. PCFC is doing very well in this regard and we have implemented and developed a number of bold systems including the Smart Risk Engine, the Authorised Economic Operator and Dubai Customs' Smart iDeclare System for passengers, among others," he added.
In turn, Ahmed Mahboob Musabih, Director-General of Dubai Customs, said, "We have certain targets that we look forward to in the next two years which include reducing workload by 16.8 percent, increasing productivity capacity by 10 percent, automation of operations by 0.5 percent, and better employee commitment by 5.2 percent. This will save us 1,280,000 work hours. In Dubai Customs we realise how important boosting productivity and performance is. To this end, we have grown our productivity 15 percent year-on-year after Mirsal 2 joined the service."
Musabih further highlighted that having an innovative productivity engine will enable them to handle the additional capacity without expanding our headcount. "We have 7,400 independent tasks and it's impossible for humans to watch over them all, but the new system can calculate the ideal time for each task. And since it's based on artificial intelligence, the system will keep learning and adjusting the ideal time for the tasks."
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2. Answering machine- Answering machines are genius things when it comes to working with the kids at home. If the phone rings with a business call while you are busy with the children or things are getting a little loud around your house, then let the machine get it and then return the call when the kids are quiet or in the other room.
3. Make your child work for you- If at all possible, you should try to include your child in your work. Explain to them what you do and allow them to ask you questions. Let your child take part in what you do and if they are able to let them help you. When you have a work related success, allow your child to share in the celebration with you. They will eventually form an understanding and appreciation of your work and will want you to succeed.
4. Close the 'office door'. The simplest way to show your children that you are working is to have a door on your office. The reasoning behind this is that they will come to associate you needing to work in your office as your job, and your time outside of the office as your time for them. However, truth be told this connection will not be made instantly, but as the kids became accustomed to it; they will understand that when you enter the office it's time for you to work and for them leave you in peace.
5. Going for Childcare is fine. If you send your child to daycare or arrange for a playgroup, they will be plenty stimulated and will learn valuable social skills and will still active. There are so many benefits to daycare both socially and educationally. And at least you will have some uninterrupted time to work on your business.


The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie!
Who Killed Randy Ratphink?: The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie by Jerry Flu is a wildly unconventional karmic whodunit - a sort of astral film noir, as it would play if scripted by a fugitive beat poet with a chip on his shoulder, a bad case of wanderlust, and nothing to lose. Randy Ratphink from Rootworm, Illinois - our protagonist - wakes up in a void, realizes that he has been murdered and, in typical gumshoe fashion, replays the memories and events in his life, determined to learn the identity of his killer and settle the score. The resulting cinematic journey is a raucous, irreverent, madcap romp full of colorful characters, zippy dialogue, and enough pop-culture references to delight every hippie, geek, nerd, and fantasy junkie on the planet.
In a saturated market where very little seems fresh or new, Jerry Flu's Who Killed Randy Ratphink?: The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie is wildly inventive and quirkily ebullient - the proverbial "something different" for which persnickety savants have long been searching. Randy Ratphink is truly an Everyman for the disenfranchised: at long last, hippies have an antihero to call their own. Who Killed Randy Ratphink? is, therefore, cause to celebrate on many levels.
As with any good mystery, the merest reference to the ending would only spoil the fun; suffice it to say that our hero Randy, with the help of a Yoda/Shakespeare hybrid psychopomp named Budd, completes his monomythic journey and discovers that endings - in death, as in life - are never what they seem. Who Killed Randy Ratphink?: The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie is an edgy, winning modern epic not to be missed. A rare and captivating story - absolutely delightful from the first word to the last.
Who Killed Randy Ratphink? The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie! is written by Jerry Flu. After his untimely death, Randy Ratphink was on his way to the hereafter, but not before one last critical assignment. Randy was determined to solve his own murder before he was ready to cross over to the other side. Stuck between the mortal world and the great beyond, Randy switched into detective mode, hoping that by reviewing his memories he would solve the case. Just like any homicide detective, Randy started compiling his list of suspects, starting with the last person to see him alive - Mrs. Marguerite McGinty, a.k.a. Crazy Daisy. Crazy Daisy with whom he had shared some really interesting memories; from almost getting him arrested when they first met on a Caribbean cruise, surviving a double midair hijacking together, and a lot more not-so-glorious shared adventures. Join Randy on his final trip down Memory Lane as his mind works to solve his murder and also get a sneak peek into the beginning of his next journey.
Have you ever wondered what happens after one dies? After your soul departs your body for the immortal world? Well, in Who Killed Randy Ratphink? The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried-Brain Hippie, Jerry Flu has some pretty hilarious ideas. The book combines a brilliant and one of a kind story line with a writing style that is guaranteed to keep you focused and eager as you wait for Randy to solve his own murder. Giving dead Randy a chance to narrate his own story in first person is both bizarre and very captivating, giving the story a special kind of charm. Who Killed Randy Ratphink is a truly intriguing mystery with a touch of humor and a bonus twist.
Who Killed Randy Ratphink? by Jerry Flu has a promising start. The dead body of Randy Ratphink is hallucinating, leading to exclamations like the one reminiscent of French philosopher Descartes, "I stink, therefore I am." The dead body is in search of its killer; it metamorphoses into a cloud of thoughts and begins the search. On realizing that he was murdered, his aim is to find and square up with the murderer. His consultations, including a few with a known psychic graphologist adept at analyzing handwriting, take him many places. In his hunt, he sometimes gets caught on the wrong side of the law. He finally lands up with rather surprising developments connected with his murder, his search for the murderer, and the associates who joined him in his hunt.
The initial ten percent of this book is a real page turner; I relished it again and again. The way Randy takes revenge on his school time big bully is a wise and entertaining move. This book is full of such fascinating descriptions, like the behavior of certain characters presented as 'finger spelling expletives.' However the presence of the most interesting part of its plot, a corpse's search for its murderer, finds only scant mention, mainly at the beginning and end of the tale. Also, the end should have been made more engaging to match the superb start. Even so, this is a well narrated story with a plot capable of holding one's interest.
Oh my gosh! That's what I thought when I finished reading the laugh-out-loud funny new book by debut novelist Jerry Flu, Who Killed Randy Ratphink?: The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried Brain Hippie. What the heck is a "fried brain adventure," a reader may ask. Well, it's what happened to our protagonist, Randy Ratphink, after he found himself not just dead, but murdered, and determined to solve that crime even from the afterlife. Randy, a not-so-former hippie while he was alive, is able to look back on flashes of his life, remembering folks from his hippie days all the way up to his death, trying to determine who had it in for him. And when he discovers who it is....well, I better let you read for yourself to find out what happens next.
I so enjoyed Who Killed Randy Ratphink? Author Jerry Flu is a gentleman I would like to meet, his writing was so engaging and funny that I'd love to find out how his mind works in real life. He's done a fabulous job in creating characters, especially Randy, that are fun, funny and infectious. Once you start reading about them, you simply will not want to put the book down! In fact, the best piece of advice I have for readers, besides suggesting that they read this book, is to tell them to have enough time to read it through from start to finish when they pick it up; it's just that engrossing. I recommend Who Killed Randy Ratphink?: The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried Brain Hippie to any reader who loves humor, mysteries, or just a great read, and I will certainly be keeping my eye out for the next book by author Jerry Flu! If it's anything like this one, it will certainly be a must-read!
Who Killed Randy Ratphink? – The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried Brain Hippie by Jerry Flu is a humorous story of life after death. Randy Ratphink wakes up dead, murdered, and now he can't move on. Watching his life flash before him as he hovers in the in-between, Randy decides that he has to find out who killed him before he can move on. So, he takes a wander back through his memories to see if he can come up with any clues. He lists his suspects, starting with Crazy Daisy, the last person who saw him alive. But the discovery of who the murderer is comes as a huge surprise to him. So, who did kill Randy Ratphink? The only way to find out is to read the book.
Who Killed Randy Ratphink? – The Postmortem Adventures of a Fried Brain Hippie by Jerry Flu was laugh out loud funny. Jerry Flu has a very creative mind and has come up with a hilarious insight into life after death. His characters, especially the main one, are extremely well developed and have a real depth to them. The storyline is unique, which makes a refreshing change and it is definitely well thought out. Jerry Flu has some interesting ideas and insights on what happens to a person after death and some very funny ones too. The book is written in the first person as well, which adds an even more interesting twist to it. All in all, this was a humorous whodunit with a bit of a twist at the end, a book I guarantee no reader will put down until they have finished it.


Even the term 'Millennial' evokes images of youthful, fun-loving folk who prefer good times over prudence any day of the week. But Employee Pension Plans are considered important amongst Millennials and employers that offer them are more attractive propositions.
Statistics show that Millennials are far from the carefree bunch they were once seen as. While they remain committed to defining ideals like career development and happy working environments, a growing number now have one eye firmly fixed on their futures too.
Perhaps more surprising, however, is the fact that employers are missing this factual nugget when recruiting. Remuneration and employee well-being are frequently highlighted, but even employers who do offer Employee Pension Plans fail to recognise retirement as even being on a Millennial's radar.
The reality is that Millennials are no longer the youngest working generation. Born between 1981 and 1991, most are now heading fast towards 40, making the issue of their long-term financial wellbeing something much more serious.
Are Employee Pension Plans Really That Important?
The short answer is yes. According to a study from HSBC, 'Future of Retirement 2017', 65% of Millennials are more likely than the previous generations to cut back on other expenses in order to put more away.
A little as six years ago, in 2012, fewer than 50% of employees in the UK were able to save for retirement, with the gap between the cost of living and wages too wide. The most recent figures, however, show that over 71% of full-time employees are enrolled in a pension plan of some kind.
Admittedly, this dramatic reversal has been helped greatly by the introduction of Automatic Enrolment, legislation requiring employers to automatically enroll their employees in a pension plan. Under the terms of Automatic Enrolment, employers are required to put 2% of an employee's salary into a private pension plan, and contribute a further 3% themselves.
A detailed survey carried out by Prudential revealed that 24% of UK Millennials have no pension at all, and 23% of those who do believe current contributions are inadequate.
Do Employers Need To Pay Attention?
Once again, the short answer is yes – and it is as true when it comes to employee retention as it does to recruitment.
A report from The People's Pension showed that 83% of employees greatly value their workplace pension, suggesting they are happy to remain with their current employer if it means a better financial position in the long run. An impressive 69% of job seekers now actively look for pensions as a job benefit before deciding on a job.
Offering financial advice is also recognised as an important workplace benefit. Prudential's survey reported that over 50% of Millennials want their employer to do more to explain pensions and benefits, with a further 28% admitting to being unconfident with financial matters.
Despite the evidence, many employers have still not realized how important Employee Pension Plans are to Millennials and are not actively promoted their own workplace pensions as a recruitment benefit.
However, since Employee Pension Plans are not so high on employee priorities, promoting this single long-term employee benefit could be the key to attracting the top-quality recruits your organization is looking for.


The best month to snag a deal when buying a home? October. This isn't just some random guess; it's based on RealtyTrac's analysis of more than 32 million home sales over 15 years. The resulting data showed that on average, October buyers paid 2.6%below estimated market value at the time for their homes.
The National Association of Realtors, The Mortgage Bankers' Association, Freddie Macand Fannie Mae are all projecting that home sales will increase in 2017. Here is a chart showing what each entity is projecting in sales for this year and the next.
After all, you can't just slap down a credit card to buy a house, particularly if you need amortgage—your lender will want to check your financial background to size up whether you can afford the place you're eyeing. That means you'll have to round up some paperwork as proof.
Finally, if you're planning on getting a portion of your down payment as a gift (you lucky dog, you), plan on getting some documentation from the gift-givers, like copies of their checking or savings account monthly statements. "We need to also verify the donor'sability to give the gift," Witte says.
Your insurance company won't be on your side if something goes awry with your renovation and you don't have a permit.
You might roll your eyes at having to get a permit before doing a DIY project around the house, but permits serve a purpose.
Permit requirements are just ways for the city to nickel-and-dime you to death, right? Is your city invading your privacy by caring whether you want to replace your overhead light fixture with a ceiling fan?
Before you get too worked up, realize that cities have their reasons for requiring permits. "Obtaining a permit means that someone knowledgeable will review your plans and help spot mistakes before you begin the work," says Rick Goldstein, an architect and co-owner of MOSAIC Group in Atlanta, GA. If you make improvements without a permit, you might receive a big, fat denial letter from your insurance company when something goes wrong and you want to cash in.
You know the phrase "You don't know what you don't know"? Well, that's the way it is with permits. That ceiling fan might be too heavy to hang from a box designed for a simple light fixture, especially when it's going full blast and vibrating. You don't want the fan falling on you while you sleep!
You might know some projects that require a permit, but you might be surprised by these eight DIY projects that typically require a permit too.
Many people are making the switch from an electric to a gas stove. Depending on where you live, gas could be much cheaper, and if you're a foodie, food just tastes better cooked over fire. But if installed incorrectly and the gas leaks, it could be extremely harmful. Get a permit and make sure someone is checking behind you to catch any mistakes.
If you think this project seems pretty straightforward, think again. For windows, you need a permit to ensure emergency egress requirements are met in case first responders need to get in. If windows and doors aren't properly installed, water could get into the house. No one wants a side of mold with their renovations.
When dreams of outdoor living beckon, first call the permit office. If your deck isn't structurally sound, or if you used untreated lumber that decays, your deck could collapse, and that could really interfere with your meditation mantra. And don't even try to guess how to meet building codes for railings. Be safe and get that permit.
"Building a fence requires a survey and a permit," Goldstein says. The reason for this is usually to ensure you aren't violating city ordinances by building a fence too high in your residential subdivision or choosing one with barbed wire in the middle of the city. If you build a fence without a permit, you might receive a stop-work order.
If you want protection from tornadoes (and hurricanes), you might consider installing a shelter. But unless you design and construct this room to FEMA specs, you might not be so safe after all. A huge benefit of a prebuilding permit is that you can register it. "If there is a tornado in your area, first responders will know who has storm shelters and where they need to look for you in case you get trapped inside," says Blake Lee of F5 Storm Shelters in Tulsa, OK.
Picking out the perfect granite for your countertops and finding just the right fixtures and cabinetry aren't the only things on your checklist. If you neglect to get a permit for major remodeling work, you might not be able to easily sell your home in the future.
"If an inspector catches this kind of thing, or if a bank wants to make sure it's covered against all liability and demands to see the permit before funding a mortgage, this can potentially be a major time and money sink to rectify," says Kimberly Wingfield, a Philadelphia, PA, real estate agent and DIY fanatic.
Your house in the historic district simply isn't wired for all your gadgets — but an amateur electrical wiring job could cause a fire. This project definitely needs a permit.
Surely you can replace your old water heater without a permit, right? Nope. Although many DIY enthusiasts do it all the time, if it's done wrong, a fire or flood could ensue, or if gas escapes …kaboom. These risks leave a huge potential for serious injury. A permit also means that an inspector looks over your completed job to ensure it was done properly. This is a huge confidence boost in the knowledge that your work is up to code — and minimizes the potential for home-sale complications down the road.
It's agent safety month in the real estate industry — happy September!
We've been thinking about agent safety all month, from our special report about how safe agents feel on the job to contributed articles about open-house safety and beyond.
This list is compiled from a variety of resources — the articles on Inman's real estate agent safety resource page (which we update regularly), assorted sources online and my own experience taking and assisting in a women's self-defense course.
Real estate agents are in their vehicles a lot. Minimize the chances of being caught vulnerable in a breakdown situation by taking these precautions.
Keep your gas tank at least half full. When the needle hits the halfway mark, refuel.
Follow your car's guidelines for maintenance; get your oil changed regularly and don't neglect routine upkeep.
Stock your car with jumper cables and everything you might need to change a tire at minimum. Bonus points for a car battery charger and empty gas can.
Hide $20 in your glove compartment or sunglass holder in case of an emergency (or simply a forgotten wallet at the pump).
Learn how to change a tire. Practice until you feel comfortable doing it yourself. Keep a maintained and inflated spare tire (at least one) in your vehicle at all times. Keep your jack and other tools in good working order.
Stash bottled water and nonperishable food items in your car.
Keep at least one portable charger in your car — you never know when your car battery might die while your phone is running low. Recharge your portable charger regularly (once a month should do) so you don't lose your backup.
Think about the weather where you live. If the area is prone to blizzards, for example, keep a foldable shovel, blankets and extra coats/boots in your car for possible winter storms. Floods? You'll want an extra pair of rain boots and an umbrella.
Wear your seatbelt every time you drive or ride in a car. Have clients with you? Insist they put theirs on.
Studies have shown that your ability to pay attention to the road drops dramatically when you are on the phone. Even if it's legal in your state or municipality, hang up the cell phone when you have your hands on the wheel and feet on the pedals.
Part of your job involves spending time with strangers in private spaces — single-family homes. Here's how to make that less of a dodgy situation.
Park under a light where you can see your car clearly from the door. Do your best to park somewhere you won't get blocked in (on the curb instead of in a driveway, for example).
Charge your phone fully before you get to the open house or listing.
Pay special attention when walking around a vacant homefor the first time (which should always be done in the daylight). Look for signs that someone might have broken into the house: open doors or windows, wood pallets or boxes or even step stools outside the house that might have been used to grant access, extension cords leading from doors or windows to outside or a neighbor's house. If you see any of those things outside, don't enter; call the police instead.
Look for graffiti on walls, trash in corners, food in the kitchen and other signals that someone might be living in a vacant listing. If you think a vacant listing might be occupied by someone who shouldn't be there, your first priority is to get yourself to safety and then call the police and inform them.
When you're killing time at an open house, do it in a room that has good reception and where you have the most escape routes.
Definitely bring your mobile device — think twice about bringing the laptop and purse to an open house or showing. Those are probably better off stashed in the trunk of your car, and you're probably better off stashing them there before you drive to the open house, not after you arrive.
Have open house guests sign in. Offer some kind of giveaway so they're more likely to give you a valid email address, or a door prize drawing that they can cash in with a code emailed or text-messaged to them.
Prospects should always walk in front of you — women faced with a "ladies first" insistence can fall back on demurring that the client should really walk through the home and experience it without someone in front of him or her.
Don't walk into rooms with no escape routes (examples include walk-in closets, laundry rooms, basements, attics and many bathrooms). Point them out and allow clients to walk through them independently.
Another reality of your life: You will meet with strangers who want to work with you. How do you do that in a way that isn't flirting with disaster?
Find out as much information about your prospective client as you can before meeting. Verify their identity — ask for their full name, contact information and a photo of their driver's license and use a program likeVerify Photo IDto, well, verify it.
Don't ever meet a client alone for the first time. The Realtor Safe Harbor appcan help you find a meeting place if you aren't sure where to go.
Vet clients on social mediaand Google before you meet them for the first time. If they aren't on social media at all but have told you they have a job that indicates they should be, that's one red flag. Keep your eyes open for posts that indicate unstable personalities, and do your best to ensure that what you find on social media and the rest of the internet about your client doesn't contradict what your client has told you.
If it sounds too good to be true, or the client is being extra pushy, that's a hint to be extra careful. All-cash offers that are contingent on you dropping everything to show a property? That might be a scenario where you want to absolutely insist on bringing a buddy or two with you.
Get mail for work? Have it sent to your brokerage office or to a P.O. Box.
What can you discover about yourself using Google, Facebook, Twitter,Instagramor other places where your digital presence might be public? Open an "incognito" tab or sign in to a public computer and do some recon on yourself. Plug any holes that reveal more than you are comfortable sharing.
Is your birthday listed on your social media profiles? Some companies use birthdays to confirm identity — so you could be handing a scammer the keys to your account. Consider making that information private.
If you'll be away from your home for an extended period of time — for a vacation or a baseball game at a city an hour or two away, for example — wait until you get back home to post about how awesome it was.
Alert your clients about possible money-wiring scamswell before the time comes to work with earnest money, down payments or closing costs. Give them clear and explicit instructions about how to get their money safely from point A to point B, and continue repeating those instructions throughout the process.
Is there more you can do to keep yourself or your employees safe? Always!
Trust your gut. If something doesn't feel quite right about a client or situation, don't hesitate to get yourself out immediately. You might not understand in the moment what behavior or turn of phrase triggered that gut feeling, but you'll never be sorry you heeded it.
Consider taking a self-defense course. Many police departments offer courses geared toward women specifically and for affordable rates. Brokerages, consider hosting these at least once a year for your agents. A good program will include both practical ways to keep yourself safe (like all the suggestions above) as well as hands-on training for breaking holds so you feel confident that you will know what to do if that moment arises.
People who want your information will go to great lengths to get it. Know under what circumstances your doctor, dentist or even your vet might give out your contact or home address information. All of those service providers will likely be happy to give that information only under the circumstances you delineate.
Let people know where you are going! Put appointments or meetings on your Google calendar with names and contact information and make it public to your brokerage office, or use an app to alert a network of friends that you're heading out. Don't ever venture out, to meet anyone or attend to something by yourself, for work or pleasure, without telling at least two people (preferably more) where you are going and when you plan to return.
Document and report any safety concerns to the appropriate authority — whether that's your broker or the police.
Wear clothes that you can move around in.
Don't walk around with your nose in your phone or juggling a bunch of items. Walk with purpose and look alert.
The more physically fit you are, the better able to deal with a dangerous circumstance you will be. You want your body in good enough shape to handle the adrenaline rush and then run away effectively, so train accordingly, whatever that means for you.
Put a decent passcode lock on your smartphone, and if you have an iPhone, make sure Find My iPhone is enabled so you can remotely wipe your device if the need arises.
Considering carrying a weapon to keep you safe? By all means — but please make sure you are comprehensively trained in its use, and do not reveal it to anyone unless you are prepared to use it on them. If you hesitate, your attacker could take the weapon away from you, turning a very bad situation into an even worse one.


text:
Watch Now: News 11 FOX 2 TV Schedule Autos
8-year-old girl killed in quadruple shooting near Soldan High School
Posted 8:38 pm, August 23, 2019, by Kevin S. Held and Michelle Madaras, Updated at 12:41PM, August 24, 2019
ST. LOUIS - An 8-year-old girl is dead and 3 others were wounded in a quadruple shooting near Soldan High School in North St. Louis on Friday night.
Police identified the 8-year-old victim shot and killed Friday night as Jurnee Thompson. Her father tells FOX 2 she was a loving and caring little girl that will be missed.
St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden said there were reports of fights at a football jamboree at Soldan High School prior to the shooting.
Police responded to help with crowd control and clear the area.
Police thought they'd cleared the crowd when they heard gunshots down the street.
The shooting began just after 8 p.m. in the 900 block of Union Boulevard and continued to the 1100 block of Union.
The 8-year-old was with her family when the shooting began.
Two boys, between the ages of 16 and 18, and a woman in her 40s were also wounded. The teens and 8-year-old girl were related.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the department's homicide division or CrimeStoppers at 866-371-TIPS.
Topics: Crime, shootings, soldan high school
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Police: 22-year-old turns the tables on would-be carjacker, fights back


text:
Q: How to Start Scenebuilder with Java 11 on the way towards Java 11 I'm checking my toolkit,
among it the SceneBuilder.
I'm using java-11 in combination with javafx-sdk-11 and
started the SceneBuilder with
/opt/jdk-11/bin/java --module-path javafx-sdk-11/lib  --add-modules=javafx.controls,javafx.fxml,javafx.web,javafx.swing -jar scenebuilder-10.0.0-all.jar
The UI looks ok, but any attempt to create a scene gives some errors:
    (java:10329): GLib-GObject-WARNING **: gsignal.c:2451: signal 'expose-event' is invalid for instance '0x7f395831e720' of type 'GtkWindow'
    Sep. 05, 2018 10:26:17 NACHM. com.oracle.javafx.scenebuilder.app.SceneBuilderApp$SceneBuilderUncaughtExceptionHandler uncaughtException
    SEVERE: An exception was thrown:

java.lang.reflect.InaccessibleObjectException: Unable to make void javafx.fxml.FXMLLoader.setStaticLoad(boolean) accessible: module javafx.fxml does not "opens javafx.fxml" to unnamed module @42efe4f4

What would be the best way to use the Scenebuilder with Java 11 ?
Thanks, Carsten

A: I have looked high and low for an answer - to the problem of running SceneBuilder on Linux on a HiDPI configuration - and this thread seemed innocuous and irrelevant to the HiDPI issue at first - but it provided the answer over a few responses - I will summarise if I may:
To put it all together; for Ubuntu 20 on GTK
cd /opt/SceneBuilder
java --module-path /opt/javafx-sdk-11.0.2/lib \
  --add-modules=javafx.controls,javafx.fxml,javafx.web,javafx.swing \
  --add-opens javafx.fxml/javafx.fxml=ALL-UNNAMED \
  -Dglass.gtk.uiScale=2.0 -Djdk.gtk.version=2 \
  -jar app/scenebuilder-11.0.0-all.jar

I also had to
sudo apt install libcanberra-gtk-module libcanberra-gtk3-module

To get rid of a related error warning in starting up SceneBuilder.
Change the following paths according to your install:

*

*Note the install location of the JavaFX SDK (as specified in --module-path)

*Note the location of SceneBuilder

*Note the uiScale scaling factor.  Tweak this to make SceneBuilder workable.

*By not adding gtk.version; resulted in a working UI; but very funky errors on mouse drag and drop.

Big thanks to all the contributors - the HiDPI issue was really troubling me while other threads all pointing to it being fixed and "just working".  Hope this helps somebody.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
HomeCrimeMan who allegedly ran over an occupied tent said he was scaring off a bear
Man who allegedly ran over an occupied tent said he was scaring off a bear
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Adam Andrew Marini, 50, was arrested early this morning and charged with aggravated assault after allegedly running over an occupied tent with a car.
A Gainesville Police Department officer responded to a campsite in the 3800 block of NW 39th Avenue at 4:50 a.m. this morning and reportedly found a Honda CRV parked near a tent that he described as "smashed."
The victim, who had reportedly been in a relationship with Marini for about three weeks, told the officer that she and Marini had gotten into an argument over the phone, and Marini said, "Let people know I'm mad when I get home." She said Marini drove to the campsite in his CRV and ran over the tent while she was in it.
The officer noted that the tent was damaged and that there was a muddy tire mark on a white blanket inside the tent, along with other damaged items.
Post Miranda, Marini spontaneously said the victim wasn't in the tent at the time of the incident and that he was trying to scare a bear away. The officer stated that he canvassed the area for bear tracks but didn't find any; he wrote that he saw tire marks, matching the tire marks on the blanket, leading to the tent.
Marini's local criminal history dates back to December 2019, when he was arrested for and later convicted of domestic battery; at the time, he had six felony convictions. He is currently on probation from a 2020 case in which he took the debit card of a person who had been helping him and used it to purchase over $2,000 in goods. He has been arrested three times since then, twice for domestic battery and once for sending written threats; he was convicted on one domestic battery charge, and the other two cases were dropped.
Bail information is unavailable on weekends.
Come on if your going to lie at least make it believable like you swerved to miss a dog or person but a bear 😂😂😂😂
Now lock him away for a few years
Justin Case says:
The bear was after his pic nik basket
You voted for it, you got it. says:
"3800 Block of NW 39th Ave?"
Is there a campsite there or is the pestilence spreading? If the latter, I think it's time they find city & county leaders' front yards to make a new home.
They cause it, they invite it, let them live with it.
It's a wooden area have seen several walk off sidewalk into it the last few months
Bob J says:
Only in G'ville!
His record is beyond ridiculous. Should never been out of custody and turned lose in the community.
Sherman says:
Is this an illegal campsite?
Bullwinkle says:
Shouldn't they be at Grace Mkt? It was supposed to end homelessness in 10 years per Rodney….instead, Grace attracts more vagrants here…the very bad ones get kicked out of Grace snd move illegally to the nearby woods…they should clear every vagrant out of the woods & at Grace and give them all a one. Way ticket back to where they came from….is this the democrat plan to build back better and end world homelessness & world hunger? Miami isn't under water yet and we have too many climate change refugees here now….put 'em on a bus to DC to camp at the national mall.
Kenny Powers says:
GRACE has housed over 2,400 people and reduced people living on the streets by 47%. If that's not fast enough for you, you could jump in and help.
Mr. Peabody says:
Are you really so dumb? People come here from all over BECAUSE of Disgrace. I used to recognize all the vagrants in town because there were so few. Not anymore, obviously. It's only a matter of time before Florida turning red filters down into this blue hellhole. I was hoping old mayors died in threes like celebrities, but I guess no such luck.
I think we figured out one time that we spend $200/day for each person at Grace.
Mr. Pink says:
It's more than that…I believe Debbie Martinez figured it out like 5 years ago…you take the annual budget divided by those serviced….and then there was the equipment for the kitchen and other stuff…we could pay each vagrant $100/day to go away and we'd be saving a bunch of taxpayers money….
It's time to shut it down and let another county and city take over
She's not the brightest bulb in the box, either for hanging out with an obvious monster. WTF is keeping him here, the probation office and lawyers by chance? And WTF is there an RV park business on W 39th Ave, you mean like legit or just the woods? I'd look for stolen goods at the site and home break-ins from that area, fingerprint matches too, GPD. Thanks for keeping lawyers and fancy courthouse judges well fed here.
JeffK Fan says:
Those lawyer have to pay off those skool loans ya'know.
What does Boo Boo have to say about this attempted bear assault?
That's no ordinary bear…
Stop giving money to panhandlers
And don't feed the vagrants because you attract more like the crazy kat lady…
Can't fix stupid says:
"He's obviously not as smart as the average bear!"


Booster Mode is a special feature that allows unsupported devices to record your video. Find more about this in the video below.
Why do I need Booster Mode?
Booster Mode is required on some smartphone/tablet with OS version prior to 5.0 for Mobizen to be able to record and capture screen.
Visit Mobizen's website on your PC, download Booster mode and connect the phone to the PC to enable it.
Tap on the pop-up for Booster mode when Mobizen app is launched.
Connect the mobile device (phone/tablet) to the PC using the USB cable that came with the phone and tap "Yes, I have".
Following the instruction, press "Check Debugging" to enable DEVELOPER OPTIONS > USB DEBUGGING.
From the PC, visit www.mobizen.com, download the Booster Engine and install it.
From the PC, launch the Engine and follow the instruction to complete the installation.
Note! Booster mode MUST be re-enabled if (a) smartphone/tablet has been restarted or (b) Mobizen app has been updated.
Are you reading this on your smartphone?
Booster mode requires a PC to be activated. Make sure to connect the phone/tablet to the PC via USB cable.


text:
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About Spotlight Green
Sign Up To Spotlight Green
This Australian Organisation Is Brightening the Futures of Young South Africans With Solar Lights
Across South Africa, there are many communities that have, at best, intermittent access to electricity — for cooking, heating water, and for providing light.
When the electricity goes out, it leaves residents in these communities dependent on kerosene, candles, paraffin, and gas — for those who can afford it — all of which can pose significant health and safety hazards, as many of these informal settlements can be highly flammable.
That's why the Australian-based charity SolarBuddy is dedicated to providing these communities with access to safe and reliable sources of lighting. The lights are assembled by participants in SolarBuddy's innovative education and empowerment programmes and gifted to children in need.
These LED solar light emit zero emissions and provide 16 hours of light. They are an innovative source of energy that do not harm the environment.
"They are a sustainable option that will minimise reliance on toxic kerosene during these outages, enabling children to complete their homework and improve their sense of safety and security after dusk," says SolarBuddy.
This week, the SolarBuddy team — in partnership with Flight Centre Travel Group, Global Citizen, and Adopt-a-School Foundation — will distribute 6,000 solar lights to students from across eight schools in Thari Safe Park, Botshabelo, Free State.
Energy poverty is a reality for people across South Africa, particularly in townships that haven't been formalised by the government.
It presents a huge obstacle for people in providing cooked meals for their families, in heating water for washing, and for children to get enough light to do their homework by.
SolarBuddy said indoor air pollution was one of the causes of ill health found in these communities.
"The result of using kerosene for lighting leads to millions of deaths each year, damages eyesight, and limits opportunities," it said.
To support these families, the SolarBuddy team will focus on providing solar lights to learners who don't have access to reliable lighting sources — and they'll be doing it on Saturday, ahead of Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100, presented and hosted by the Motsepe Foundation.
The festival will remember Nelson Mandela's legacy and call on world leaders to take critical action to reduce poverty and provide everyone with a chance to achieve their highest aspirations.
The lights were generously donated by the Flight Centre Travel Group and will afford students of Thari Safe Park in Botshabelo, South Africa's second largest township, an opportunity to learn in a safe environment.
The Thari Safe Park is a safe place for vulnerable children, young people, and women, and is an initiative of the Adopt-a-School Foundation and the Cyril Ramaphosa Foundation.
Botshabelo is plagued by high levels of unemployment, violence, crime and skills shortage. And, while electrification has been done in the Botshabelo township, Solar Buddy warned that serious infrastructure problems in the community can hinder the success of young people — with "frequent power outages" often lasting for days.
"The first 300 lights will be handed out to students at their year-end party which will be attended by key stakeholders and partners, with the remainder of the lights to be delivered early next year," according to SolarBuddy.
"We are proud to be partnering with the Flight Centre Travel Group, Global Citizen, and Adopt-a-School Foundation who are helping us to achieve our mission to provide safe, reliable, effective, and innovative solar energy solutions," said SolarBuddy founder and CEO, Simon Doble, adding that education is a basic human right.
There are 1.4 billion people who live without electricity across the globe, according to SolarBuddy, which leaves these people experiencing darkness, ill health, unfulfilled futures, and repeated cycles of poverty.
"Families that rely on traditional fuels for lighting, such as firewood, send several hours each day collecting fuel," the organisation added. "This burden falls disproportionately to women and children and robs them of an education and income-generating work."
SOURCE: Global Citizen
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As part of its commitment to developing the potential of young people, a leading commercial bank has contributed financially to several causes which will benefit scores of youth across Barbados.
CIBC FirstCaribbean recently donated funds which will enhance therapy for autistic children and provide an enhanced learning environment at a rural primary school. The funds will also help to engage young people in organic farming and encourage others to be more service oriented.
The Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados is a youth development and award programme. With assistance from the bank, a contingent of 18 young people from Barbados including four leaders, are being outfitted for a regional camp in July in Grenada. There, participants will complete a four-day hike to qualify for gold and silver awards in the 'adventurous journey' component.
Paige Bryan, Manager, Retail Banking Channels makes presentations to (from second right) Mavis King, the Whim Outreach Programme; Carla Alleyne, Duke of Edinburgh's International Award Barbados; and Caswill Payne, Mount Wilton Eco-Tourism Association while Michelle Whitelaw, Director, Retail Banking Channels looks on.
More4Kids Barbados is also seeking to develop potential, through offering much-needed therapy to young children with autism. The charity which is just under a year old has started an initiative to cover the cost of therapy for one year for four children between the ages of four and six. "This is a crucial stage at which to make an intervention because the children are more likely to make bigger jumps and progress at that age," explained Natasha Heaselgrave, founder and occupational therapist.
CIBC FirstCaribbean also made presentations to the Whim Outreach Programme, which aims to train young people to perform voluntary service, as well as Mount Wilton Eco-Tourism Association Inc. for a water pump for farming project in which young people will grow organic crops.


The relative sizes of the Chinese and U.S. economies are close to that of the Japanese and U.S. economies in the interwar period.
What Are China's Military Recruitment Priorities?
The recruitment priorities of China's military reflect, among other things, its growing technological sophistication.
The hypersonic aircraft sustained speeds above Mach 5.5.
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China's habit is to flout the rules, but a reckoning is coming.