text:
Love It To Death is the 3rd Alice Cooper album and was released in 1971. If Easy Action was a step up in class from Pretties For You, then Love It To Death demonstrates a stratospheric shift into a fully polished group ready for commercial success. It's for this reason that many people recognise see this as the first 'proper' Alice Cooper album. This is an injustice to both Pretties For You and Easy Action, but the sentiment is understandable nontheless. The main reason for this is that it's rammed full of hits (thanks largely to the introduction of producer Bob Ezrin) and found the perfect balance between catchy, radio friendly, tunes and the macabre theme for which the Group became famous for. If you're going to start an Alice Cooper collection then this probably is the album to begin with.
Love It To Death Album Cover
Love It To Death 12" Promotional Vinyl Album
1971, Straight Records, WS 1883
This USA 12" promotional vinyl album comes in a gatefold sleeve and includes the infamous 'Thumb' cover of the Alice Cooper Group, which was removed from subsequent versions due to controversy about the position and look of Alice's thumb appearing like something else! Inside is a close-up image of Alice's eyes complete with newly-introduced make-up. If you look closely into either eye, you will find images of the rest of the Alice Cooper Group hiding away! On the rear of the sleeve is an alternative (less controversial) image of the Group taken from the same photo session as the front cover.
As this is a promotional copy, it includes white 2nd generation Straight vinyl labels and two additional stickers on the front. The first (blue) sticker provides three 'SUGGESTED CUTS FOR AIR PLAY' (I'm Eighteen, Caught In A Dream and Is It My Body) whereas the second is a DJ timing strip, which provides the track titles and durations of every song together with the total running time of each side of the album. Copies of this album with both stickers complete / in good condition, and the original Straight inner sleeve, are quite rare so this is a great addition to my Love It To Death collection.
Love It To Death 12" Vinyl Album
1971, Straight Records, 1C 062-92 463
This German 1st pressing of Love It To Death features the unique-to-Germany pink, white and black 2nd generation Straight vinyl labels, which only appeared on one other Alice Cooper album, Pretties For You (Easy Action did not see such a release for some reason).
This copy also includes the infamous 'Thumb' cover, plus a banner on the front advertising that the album includes 'Their Hit "I'm Eighteen"' which was added once the song became a hit single around the world. Also provided is the Straight logo on the front and back (rather than Warner Brothers).
1971, Straight Records, STS 1065
This UK 1st pressing of Love It To Death features 2nd generation Straight vinyl labels and the Straight logo on the front and back cover. Unlike the USA and German first press copies (above), Alice's thumb and forearm are airbrushed off the front cover.
1971, Warner Brothers, WS 1883
This Canadian 1st pressing of Love It To Death features green Warner Brothers vinyl labels. Similar to the UK version (above) this version was also censored, but this time only Alice's thumb was airbrushed off the front cover (i.e. his forearm remained). As far as I can tell, this form of censorship only occured in Canada.
1972, Warner Brothers, K46177
This UK 2nd pressing of Love It To Death features green Warner Brothers vinyl labels and retains the same censored image as the Straight 1st UK pressing (above).
The front cover of Love It To Death was subject to 3 notable attempts to censor Alice's thumb (see above for 2 other examples). This USA re-issue shows the most extreme solution, where large white banners were applied to the top and bottom of the sleeve, thereby reducing the original image to a 'letterbox' effect. In a somewhat unnecessary attempt at consistency, the same treatment is applied to the image on the rear of the sleeve. As far as I can tell, this form of censorship only occured in the USA.
These notable aspects aside, the remainder of the packaging remains the same, albeit with the vinyl labels switching to the 'Palm Tree' Warner Brothers design. Some fans have made best use of the blank canvas provided to them by getting the dead space autographed (see below)!
Love It To Death Original Front Cover Variations
To summarise the information above, here are the 4 different variants of the original Love It To Death front cover...
1977, Midi, MID 26033
This German 12" vinyl re-issue of Love It To Death by Midi was part of a budget 'Star Collection' range that included many different artists of the time (some of whom are featured on the rear of the sleeve). Interestingly, the actual album title isn't mentioned by name anywhere!
The front cover features an image of Alice only from the School Days complication album and on the back is a short biography which, like the front, rather tastelessly excludes the other members of the Alice Cooper Group from the background story (this is an especially heinous crime given which album is included). The inner sleeve includes promotional material for further releases of the time, including the From The Inside album.
2006, Unknown Label, P-8094W-P
This great looking unofficial Japanese version of Love It To Death was a very kind gift from UK-based Alice Cooper Group superfan Chris Daniels (see below for more information on this great guy).
The picture disc features the iconic thumb cover in full glory on Side A with Side B replicating the rear cover of the original album. Also provided is a card insert featuring the album cover on one side and promotional material for other Alice Cooper releases on the rear.
2009, Rhino Records, WS 1883
Picking up a decent condition vinyl copy of Love It To Death, at a good price, is not easy. Thankfully, Rhino Records re-issued the album in the USA on chunky 180 gram vinyl in 2009. Similar versions were also produced for the Pretties For You and Easy Action albums.
This is a rather basic reproduction, with a simple card sleeve in place of the original gatefold design. Additionally, the vinyl labels feature the latter 'Palm Tree' Warner Brothers design. Nevertheless, this, or one of the subsequent re-issues (below), are definitely worth obtaining to use as a playable copy of this iconic album.
This 'Collectors Limited Edition' USA vinyl re-issue of Love It To Death is the same as the above version only that it features an alternative hype sticker on the front and a transluscent red disc. Similar versions were also produced for the Pretties For You and Easy Action albums.
This 140 gram vinyl re-issue of Love It To Death features a gatefold sleeve design (which closely resembles the original release, above) and a nice opaque black / white swirl effect vinyl. The disc features the familiar green Warner Brothers labels and was limited to 6,500 copies worldwide.
It was released as part of the 2017 'Rocktober' event along with re-issues of Pretties For You and Special Forces, all of which followed on from the 2016 Rocktober re-issue of Billion Dollar Babies.
Love It To Death Cassette Album
1973 (Approx), Warner Brothers, M51833
This vintage USA cassette copy of Love It To Death is understood to have been released in the early to mid 70's and features a black 'Snapcase' box with wraparound paper cover. The cover retains the infamous thumb image, with track listings provided beneath. The white cassette also includes the track listings, plus the transitional Straight / Warner Brothers 'Ruler' logo.
Love It To Death CD Album
This European CD version of Love It To Death comes in a jewel case and features an 8-page booklet containing track listings, credits and a replica of the original vinyl centrefold (featuring a closeup of Alice's, eyes complete with makeup). There is also a useful 'Notes' page featuring a short history of the Alice Cooper Group up to and including the Love It To Death era. This copy features the censored version of the front cover.
Love It To Death '24KT + Gold' CD Album
This USA version of Love It To Death comes on a '24KT+ Gold' CD, which is stated as having a superior quality to standard aluminium discs. Additionally, the original recording has been subject to digital remastering to provide a "warmer" sound.
The inlay is nothing to write home about with just a fold out sheet featuring stock images plus some of the disc labels of the original vinyl release. The gold CD is beautiful though.
Further 24KT+ Gold releases were also made by Audio Fidelity for both the Killer and School's Out albums.
Love It To Death 'Mini LP' SHM CD Album
A notable feature of all the SHM releases is that they closely replicate the original packaging of the vinyl releases. In the case of Love It To Death, this is a fairly basic gatefold sleeve, so this is obviously reflected here (including the uncensored front cover). An additional black-and-white bilingual lyric booklet and external 'Obi Strip' are also provided (both of which are common features of Japanese music releases).
Eighteen 7" Promotional Vinyl Single
I was extremely grateful to be gifted three 7" versions of the Eighteen / (Is It My) Body 7" single by Alice Cooper Group superfan Chris Daniels in 2017.
Chris and I became friends through our mutual love of the Live From The Astroturf 7" release, which also features Eighteen and Body, and he undoubtably has the best fan-kept collection in the world of them (at last count he had 12 different copies, including 1 of every variant). He also has an incredible range of Alice Cooper Group vinyl albums and singles.
Chris had known for some time how keen I was to start building my own collection of 7" vinyl singles (particularly for this release) and these fantastic gifts really inspired to push forward with this in 2018.
Thank you Chris, you're a legend!
This USA 7" promotional vinyl single features white Warner Brothers labels, comes in a Warner Brothers paper sleeve, and includes Eighteen on Side A and Body on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
Eighteen 7" Vinyl Single
This is the 2nd copy of Eighteen that Chris gifted me.
This USA copy features green Warner Brothers labels, comes in a Warner Brothers paper sleeve, and includes Eighteen on Side A and Body on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
1971, Straight Records, STR S 7209
This is the 3rd copy of Eighteen that Chris gifted me.
This very rare UK 7" vinyl single features pink Straight labels and includes Eighteen on Side A and Body on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
1971, Stateside, 1C006 92 345
Eighteen was the first Alice Cooper single to see a release outside of North America, reaching numerous countries around the world. In addition to the UK version on the Straight label (above), bespoke European versions were seen in fairly limited numbers in Denmark, Holland, Germany, Greece, Italy and Portugal (the first three were released under the 'Stateside' label, whereas the others were under the more familiar Warner Brothers label).
Unlike the USA and UK versions, and in another first for Alice Cooper, many of these releases featured picture sleeves, making them highly desirable to collectors.
This German version on the Stateside label features one such picture sleeve, a pink-toned offering complete with picture of Alice (from the Pretties For You era) on the front. On the back is promotional material for other Stateside releases.
As with almost all other pressings of Eighteen, Body is the track on Side B.
1971, Stateside, 6E 006-92345
This rare Danish 7" vinyl single features black Stateside labels, comes in a paper sleeve, and includes Eighteen on Side A and Body on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album). Interestingly, the Stateside labels are slightly different in design to the German version (above).
The sleeve has a black-and-white version of a topless Alice Cooper Group,
with their backs turned away from the camera, as featured on the Easy Action album artwork. On the back is promotional material for other Stateside releases.
1971, Warner Brothers, N-63-2
This rare Portuguese 7" vinyl single features green Warner Brothers labels, comes in a paper sleeve, and includes Eighteen on Side A and Body on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
The sleeve has a purple-tone image of the Alice Cooper Group, which was originally shot for potential use on the Love It To Death album sleeve (but ultimately discarded). On the back are track listings and credits.
This Japanese 7" promotional vinyl single features unique blue Warner Brothers labels, comes in a Warner Brothers paper sleeve complete with fold-out colour insert, and includes Eighteen (simply titled '18') on Side A and Body on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
The insert has a two-tone image of the Alice Cooper Group, as featured on the Love It To Death album artwork, on the front, track listings, lyrics and credits on the inside and promotional material for other artists on the back.
This copy is in near-perfect condition, so at the time of typing, it's difficult to imagine that it's almost 50 years old!
This Japanese 7" vinyl single is exactly the same as the promotional copy (above) only that it instead features green Warner Brothers labels.
Unknown Year, Warner Brothers, GWB 7141
This USA 'Back To Back Hits' 7" vinyl single features 'Palm Tree' Warner Brothers labels and includes Eighteen on Side A and Caught In A Dream on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
The year of release is not known, but it is likely to have been some years after the original releases of Eighteen (above) and Caught In A Dream (below). My guess would be around the mid to late '70s. Interestingly, the release dates of both singles (i.e. 'Fall 1970' and 'Spring 1971') are also provided on the labels.
Unknown Year, Warner Brothers, WB 7141
This Canadian 'Back To Back Hits' 7" vinyl single is almost exactly the same as the USA version (above) only that it features green Warner Brothers labels. The year of release is again unknown, but it is also likely to have been around the mid to late '70s.
Caught In A Dream 7" Promotional Vinyl Single
This USA 7" promotional vinyl single features white Warner Brothers labels and includes Caught In A Dream on Side A and Hallowed Be My Name on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
Caught In A Dream 7" Vinyl Single
This USA 7" vinyl single features green Warner Brothers labels and includes Caught In A Dream on Side A and Hallowed Be My Name on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
This rare Japanese 7" vinyl single features green Warner Brothers labels, comes in a Warner Brothers paper sleeve complete with fold-out colour insert, and includes Caught In A Dream on Side A and Hallowed Be My Name on Side B (both from the Love It To Death album).
The insert has an image of the Alice Cooper Group, as featured on the Love It To Death album artwork, set against a yellow background on the front, track listings, lyrics and credits on the inside and promotional material for other artists on the back.
This release is notable in that it is the only version of Caught In A Dream that features any kind of picture sleeve (which I'd say this technically has). A promotional copy also exists, which is identical except that it features blue vinyl labels instead.
For the Killer era click here.


text:
Core Values Culture HSEQ Accreditations Careers
Equipment Manufacturing Drilling & Marine Services Production - Engineering & Construction
Wind, Wave & Tidal Hydropower
Hydro & Infrastructure
Nord Centre Facility (Aberdeen Harbour) Nigg Energy Park Invergordon Inland Facility Dyce Facility Evanton Facility Invergordon Port Facility
Thumbs Up for Safety - Global Port Services successfully complete pre-assembly activities for Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm
Beatrice, once fully operational, will be Scotland's largest offshore wind farm capable of powering 450,000 homes; comprising 84 x 7MW offshore wind turbines with a total capacity of 588MW.
The contract for Onshore Crane and Logistics Operations, awarded to Global Port Services (Scotland) Limited [GPSS] by Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy (SGRE) was for the provision of Heavy Lift Crawler Cranes under Contract Lift, SPMT's and associated lifting personnel for all loading/offloading, storage and marshalling of wind tower components on the pre-assembly site at the Port of Nigg. With over 48,000 man hours expended with Zero LTI's, the Project Delivery Team continue to demonstrate a positive safety culture in supporting our clients operations. Scopes also included CPA Crane Hire and specialist labour to support offshore operations with mobilising the installation vessel; the Pacific Orca, whilst berthed alongside at Nigg.
Colin Brown, Senior Project Manager – Offshore Wind for Siemens Gamesa commented" "SGRE worked with GPSS for around 18 months on the Beatrice Offshore Windfarm project. During this time both parties worked extremely well together, building up a strong relationship to the benefit of both parties. Through the scope of works that GPSS supplied within the onshore marshalling Port of Nigg, it enabled SGRE to successfully build the project utilising GPSS's heavy lift crawler cranes and SPMT's to manoeuvre our wind turbine components around, whilst also using GPSS's associated labour for all loading/offloading and storage of these components. Throughout the course of our works on site, GPSS worked with us to achieve the best solutions for the project, utilising the skilled teams employed by them to deliver when required. These works were carried out not only to a high standard but also safely, managing to reach the end of the project with zero LTI's with over 48,000 man hours worked. Myself and my wider team would happily work with GPSS again on any future projects."
Global Port Services were also awarded the Port Services & Facilities Management Contract for all pre-assembly support services to SGRE, which included quayside logistics, supply of plant and equipment, refuelling services, procurement and labour supply over the 18 month period.
Another key component of the project was the Port Agency Services Contract, awarded to Global Port Services' Shipping Division, enabling support for all vessel movements related to Pre-Assembly activities for the Beatrice Offshore Wind Farm. GPSS Shipping handled over 80 port calls for incoming components and equipment, all Crew Transfer Vessels (CTV's) and Supply Vessel port calls at Nigg as well as the installation vessel support for SGRE and direct with Swire Blue Ocean.
As the leading marine and logistics provider in the region, Global Port Services has a strong track record in delivering difficult and high quality projects in fast track environments. We do this each year in the renewable, oil & gas, industrial and construction sectors, crediting repeat business on our ability to reduce customer's risk through delivering a quality service, safely and on budget. As a contracting partner to the energy sector, we have built a sustainable organisation that is geared to reduce the risks listed above, whilst maintaining a high degree of flexibility for the customer and look forward to working with Siemens Gamesa in the near future.
Global Energy Group recognise the importance of clear core values that sum up the professional
and personal principles everyone throughout the company should aspire to.
Mobile Heavy Cranes
Towage & Workboats
Quayside & Drydock
Laydown & Storage
Copyright © 2020 Global Energy (Group) Limited. SC106415. All rights reserved.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Weird alignment in For some reason, the following code compiles as shown on the picture.
\begin{equation}
    t_{0\rightarrow1}
    \equiv\frac{1}{2}(X-iY)
    = \begin{pmatrix}
       0 & 0 \\
       1 & 0
      \end{pmatrix}
\end{equation}

Where is this extra space at the bottom coming from, and how do I remove it? It looks like the parenthesis are correctly vertically aligned, but the rows are not... Also, clearly, the parenthesis are too big.

UPDATE: RESOLUTION
So it turned out that earlier in the code I used the solution from this answer to align my equations nicely. Namely, I added a line
\savebox\strutbox{$\vphantom{\sum\limits_{k}}$}

to my code. However, I forgot to put the equation into {}, and so this caused the weird alignment later.

A: There is nothing wrong with your code.
The MWE
\documentclass{article}

\usepackage{amsmath}

\begin{document}

\begin{equation}
t_{0\rightarrow1}
\equiv\frac{1}{2}(X-iY)
= \begin{pmatrix}
   0 & 0 \\
   1 & 0
\end{pmatrix}
\end{equation}

\end{document}

results in the following output.

There seems to be a side-effect due to another package loaded. You can add the other packages you employ one by one and thereby determine where the problem comes from.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Unit #8: World War I: The Coming Fury
Learning Target: I can IDENTIFY the factors which plunged Europe into the First World War in 1914.
I know I know it when: I can EXPLAIN the causes of the First World War including Nationalism, Imperialism, Militarism, and Alliances.
I am learning this because: World War I was a conflict that could have been easily avoided. The lessons of World War I can be used to avoid even more costly conflicts in the future.
Directions: Please follow the directions in the box below to complete the assignment. Be sure to complete the assignment and carefully check your work before submitting your assignment for a grade.
Part 1: True or False?
1. The Age of Imperialism brought with it a fierce rivalry between European nations. While the sun never set on the British Empire, new powers such as Germany wanted to play a bigger role on the world
stage. Several factors such as militarism, nationalism, imperialism, and alliances set European powers on collision course that would result in the "Great War" or the "War to end all wars." Due to these
factors, World War I would break out in 1914 devastating the continent and a generation of young lives. In this lesson we will explore the factors that led to the outbreak of World War I.
Take a moment to download the World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment. Be sure to click File > Save As Google Slides before you begin.
2. First, before reading the text, carefully Read each of the statements below. Indicate on the line in your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment whether you feel the statement is
true "T" or false "F".
1.______ Militarism is a deep devotion to one's nation.
2. ______ Imperialism is when European countries completed for resources and territory around the world.
3. ______An Alliance is the policy of glorifying military power and maintaining an army for war.
4. ______ Nationalism is a union or association formed for mutual benefit, especially between countries or organizations.
3. Now read pages 743-745 to find the correct definitions for each statement. Rewrite the correct definition below each phrase in your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment
with the page number that contains the answer.
4. Be prepared to discuss the meaning of each term with the class.
Part 2: Causes of World War I - M.A.N.I.A
1. Read pages 743 -746 in your text book.
2. Use the most important information in the text to complete the M.A.N.I.A Graphic organizer below TO LEARN HOW WWI BEGAN in your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment
3. Be prepared to discuss the M.A.N.I.A graphic organizer with the class.
Part 3: Tangled Alliances
1. 1. Now, read the following passage below. Use your highlighter tool inside your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment to identify the most important information in the text.
Tangled Alliences:
During the 1900s, a dangerous rift arose between Russia and Austria-Hungary, who had conflicting ambitions in South Eastern Europe. Austria-Hungary's desire to crush Serbia, and Russia's support for the latter during the crisis of 1914, were motivated by fear that they would lose their status as 'Great Powers' if they backed down.
Britain's policy was to maintain a balance of power in Europe. Germany's growing strength and manifest pursuit of 'world power' status persuaded Britain to align with its traditional rivals: France in 1904 and Russia in 1907. This connected Britain, France and Russia in the 'Triple Entente' and stoked German fears of 'encirclement'. German nationalists viewed Britain as a barrier to their global ambitions and German generals increasingly feared the growing military threat of Russia.
Between 1864 and 1871, Prussia's blood-and-iron chancellor, Otto von Bismarck, freely used war to unify Germany. After 1871, however, Bismarck declared Germany to be a "satisfied power." He then turned his energies to maintaining peace in Europe.
Bismarck saw France as the greatest threat to peace. He believed that France still wanted revenge for its defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. Bismarck's first goal, therefore, was to isolate France. "As long as it is without allies," Bismarck stressed, "France poses no danger to us." In 1879, Bismarck formed the Dual Alliance between Germany and Austria-Hungary. Three years later, Italy joined the two countries, forming the Triple Alliance. In 1881, Bismarck took yet another possible ally away from France by making a treaty with Russia.
In 1890, Germany's foreign policy changed dramatically. That year, Kaiser Wilhelm II—who two years earlier had become ruler of Germany—forced Bismarck to resign. A proud and stub- born man, Wilhelm II did not wish to share power with any- one. Besides wanting to assert his own power, the new Kaiser was eager to show the world just how mighty Germany had become. The army was his greatest pride. "Iand the army were born for one another," Wilhelm declared shortly after taking power.
Wilhelm let his nation's treaty with Russia lapse in 1890. Russia responded by forming a defensive military alliance with France in 1892 and 1894. Such an alliance had been Bismarck's fear. War with either Russia or France would make
Germany the enemy of both. Germany would then be forced to fight a two-front
war, or a war on both its eastern and western borders.
Next, Wilhelm began a tremendous shipbuilding program in an effort to make the German navy equal to that of the mighty British fleet. Alarmed, Great Britain formed an entente, or alliance, with France. In 1907, Britain made another entente, this time with both France and Russia. The Triple Entente, as it was called, did not bind Britain to fight with France and Russia. However, it did almost certainly ensure that Britain would not fight against them.
By 1907, two rival camps existed in Europe. On one side was the Triple Alliance—Germany, Austria-Hungary, and Italy. On the other side was the Triple Entente—Great Britain, France, and Russia. A dispute between two rival powers
could draw all the nations of Europe into war.
2. Answer the questions at the end of each slide in your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment
1. What caused potential issues between Russia and Austria-Hungary in the 1900s?
2. Why did Britain wish to maintain a balance of power in Europe? Give examples.
3. How did Bismarck counter what he saw as the French threat to peace in Europe?
4. Describe the relationship between Bismarck and Kaiser Wilhelm II.
5. What did Russia do when their treaty with Germany expired in 1890?
6. What did Kaiser Wilhelm II begin doing that alarmed Britain? 7. How did Britain respond to the German threat in 1907?
3. Next use the Alliances Graphic Organizer and Map to answer the questions below in your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment
1. Which countries made up the "Triple Entente?"
2. Which countries made up the "Triple Alliance?"
3. Critical Thinking: With Serbia being allied with Russia, what could that potentially mean for Britain and France?
4. Critical Thinking: . If war broke out in Europe, what potential problems would face both Germany and Austria-Hungary because of these alliances? Explain your answer.
4. Be prepared to discuss your answers with the class.
Part 4: Submit your work for a grade
1. Once you have completed your World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment, use the Google Form below to submit your work for a grade. Be sure to check
your answers using the World War I: The Coming Fury Student Assignment
2. Carefully check your answer and submit your work for a grade.
3. Good Job!
World History with Mr. Gigliotti | Valley Forge High School | Parma Hts., OH | gigliottip@parmacityschools.org


A security guard from Dangriga, Charles Gamboa, was found dead at his workplace on Friday. The family believes he was murdered but the police are calling it a case of sudden death because a post mortem has not yet been conducted for lack of a pathologist. Gamboa, by family accounts, was in good health. But six hours after he was last seen at the compound of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Institute, his body was founded by another security guard. Police have questioned many persons, but a determination on whether or not he was murdered, remains in the air. Duane Moody has the reaction from family, students and the police.
The emotional family of Charles Gamboa spoke of the loss when the father of eight children—five girls and three boys—four of them still in school, was found dead at his workplace around five-thirty p.m. last Friday by a co-worker. The family received word of Gamboa's death sometime around seven that night.
According to Vice Principal of ANRI, Francella Linares, Gamboa was last seen by faculty and staff just before twelve that Friday and hours later, they were informed of his demise.
The family believes that Gamboa was murdered.
But the case is being treated as a sudden death by the authorities in Dangriga since a post mortem is yet to be done by Doctor Mario Estradabran to determine what caused Gamboa's death.
But while there are more questions than answers into the sudden death of Gamboa, he is greatly missed by his family as well as the students and staff at the Institute where he worked for eighteenth years.
From all the statements, Mr. Gamboa sounds like a nice man to have known. My prayers for his family and friends.
I think Belize should probably have another doctor trained as a medical examiner to determine cause of death. Some cases seem to call for a "second set of eyes" or second opinion, and sometimes simple logistics or even Dr. Estradabran's vacation schedule might require some other qualified person to do the job.
I'll bet if we fired some of the gangsters on government payroll, there would be money enough to train up another examiner on a part-time or Piecework" basis. And be ready to step in whenever Dr. Estradabran decides to retire and hang up his scalpels.
There is still only one pathologist in Belize and he is old, blind and deaf.
He is almost a hundred years old by now, and he should be eliminated from giving the cause of deaths especially an inept one who has difficulties remembering the importance of his job, time and dates.
It don't matter how nice or innocent you might be in Belize, don't matter if you lock your doors at night, don't matter who you are, the murders are lurking in the dark waiting for the opportunity to snuff your life right out of you.
Something just isn't adding up. If Gam's wife and kids are saying that he had stab wounds on his body, how on God's green earth can the Police not treat this case as a homicide?
They say only a pathologist can ascertain cause of death, so why has the body not been examined to make that determination? Indeed, there has been more questions than answers and a thorough investigation needs to be done in this matter. Not just because he was my friend and neighbor but more so because he was a father and husband and most importantly, a human being.
My deepest condolences to his grieving family, his wife and kids. And to Jun Jun: Just stay strong my Boy and keep yuh head up and carry on where your ole man ( Mahley ) left off.
Have the police been brainwashed as well? Just like our PM who is calling Belize "green heaven, pretending all is fine and dandy here"… If they family saw stab wounds an asthmatic attack will not inflict such wounds…right? Do we have qualified people in positions or are they just playing the fools? Do they take us as fools?
Mein- where are we headed as a country????
Mr Minister of National Security, Mr Person in charge of Police – whoever is in authority and in charge of our national security (certainly not our PM – he is so busy and all is well in Belize it is of no concern to him) are you living in Belize and noticing all that is happening and just turning a blind eye on the current situation? Or have you been brainwashed by our leader and think we are living in the jewel still???????
Belize police full of !!!!
The PTBs think that it sounds better to state that the murder count is 6 instead of 8 since Friday. That's the reason why the Police refused to suspect murder, even without knowing the cause of death.
He was a son, brother, husband, father and friend, and he will be greatly missed.
WOW, where is Belize heading, its 2012 and the police system is more corrupt than ever before. When did they start handing out police badges and medical depress together? How can anyone look at a dead body and determine that he/she died from an asthma attack…Dr. G. your job is safe if we leave everything up to the police in Dangriga. Only one Pathologist for the entire country…did I mention it's 2012. Where is all the money going from tourism, I agree with STORM…the government is corrupt.


Mao Zedong's image was one of half-emperor and half-god in the days when he presided as Great Helmsman of nearly one-quarter of humanity. But now it turns out that his wife could reduce him to tears.
''She sees that I'm on my last legs, so she's preparing for a future on her own,'' the 79-year-old Mao complained after she visited him in 1972 and asked for money.
That tidbit comes from a booklet published late last year by the People's Liberation Army Publishing Company, in a venture that appears to be aimed more at raising money than spreading propaganda. It also seems authoritative, for the authors cite specific quotations and precise dates so often that they must have had access to Communist Party archives.
The booklet is part of a wave of new historical material, much of it memoirs by people who were close to the leadership, published in the last two years or so. This new literature goes far beyond the previous Communist histories, which were stale and so laced with saccharin that many readers found them nauseating.
There are still taboos, of course, but there is a wealth of new information available to titillate readers and to provide a far more rounded portrayal of China's leaders.
It was well known, for example, that Mao and his wife, Jiang Qing, did not live together in the years approaching his death in 1976. But the army booklet indicates that Ms. Jiang had to apply to the Communist Party General Office whenever she wanted to see Mao. And sometimes he rejected her applications.
One new book indicates that Mao was often morose at the beginning of the 1960's, when his policies led to a famine in which millions died. But the books do not suggest any remorse during the Cultural Revolution, which Mao began in 1966 and which led to the torture or death of many of his associates.
So far, none of these books have been translated into English, but they are readily available in bookshops in Beijing, and foreign scholars are poring over them in delight.
''From the literature that's come out, we're finding out how human many of these people were, how they really exercised power, versus formal pronouncements that we've heard about before,'' said Kenneth G. Lieberthal, a China scholar at the University of Michigan.
Many of the recent memoirs are by bodyguards or assistants to the leaders, and their recollections are generally very favorable. But there are a smaller number of memoirs that are at least implicitly critical of Mao and of his Prime Minister, Zhou Enlai.
One book, by a former Mao secretary named Li Rui, gives an inside account of the famous Lushan conference of 1959, when Mao turned on his Defense Minister and threatened to lead a new revolution unless his colleagues backed him in dismissing the minister. Mr. Li shows how Mao manipulated his colleagues, lobbying them one by one and winning support before denouncing the minister, Peng Dehuai.
One of the clearest lessons of these books is the enormous importance of the secretaries of the leaders. These secretaries, of whom Mao had four, were well-connected aides who kept the Chairman informed and helped determine who could see him. Because of their access to Mao, they became among the most important people in China.
Once when Mao's entourage was in Shanghai for a trip, a secretary of his, Tian Jiaying, received a phone call from a top party leader in Beijing, according to a book of essays honoring Mr. Tian.
''The Prime Minister wanted me to ask you if our policy on the private economy in the countryside should be more liberal,'' the caller said to Mr. Tian. He agreed immediately, without checking with Mao.
By the 1970's, Mao was sending aides to take part in Politburo meetings on his behalf. Other Politburo members normally could not meet the Chairman, but had to send messages through his two closest female aides: Nancy Tang, his English interpreter, and Wang Hairong, his assistant.
In 1973, an interpreter, probably Miss Tang, took part in talks between Henry A. Kissinger and Zhou Enlai, the army book relates. The interpreter advised Mao that Zhou had neglected to seek the Chairman's advice on some issues. Mao believed the interpreter, not the Prime Minister, and called a Politburo meeting to criticize Zhou for his misconduct.
A few books have delved into China's military operations. A history of China's role in the Vietnam War, published this summer, records that China sent 300,000 volunteers in the ''war to assist North Vietnam and resist America,'' as it is known here. Some 1,100 Chinese died and 4,200 were seriously wounded in that war, the book reports.
Several books have also been published about the army's crackdown in June 1989 against the democracy movement, and although laced with propaganda, they include some interesting nuggets. They point out that not only the army troops but even their police guides were not Beijing natives - presumably because local people could not be trusted to attack the crowds.
One booklet recounts how armed police officers were smuggled in civilian clothes into the capital, and quotes from the lecture they were given after the martial law headquarters began to issue orders at 5:50 P.M. on June 3 to mount the attack.
''Comrades, the situation is grim, for the student movement has fallen into chaos and now into rioting,'' a commander declared to the troops, mostly unsophisticated peasants who knew little of what had been happening in Beijing.


On the weekend in an U/16's game Norwood whacked Westies 18.25 - 0.1. Was wondering how many times (particularly post WW1) a team had gone goalless in a match? Similarly, how does +42 rank in scoring shots differential?
Scrunch, I was at that game.
Westies kicked that point in the last 5 minutes of the game.
I was interested that West played their top 6 or 8 Under 16's players in the Under 18's trial that followed.
I think West's Reserves might have kicked only a point (or only a goal) in a Reserves game at Elizabeth in shocking conditions about 8 or 10 years ago. The League team played in the Riverland that weekend.
I played a game in Ammo's where we failed to score (I had a shot from 50 in the last minute and kicked it OOTF lol). Not a nice feeling.
Scrunch wrote: I played a game in Ammo's where we failed to score (I had a shot from 50 in the last minute and kicked it OOTF lol). Not a nice feeling.


text:
package sbtbuildinfo

case class ScalaCaseObjectRenderer(options: Seq[BuildInfoOption], pkg: String, obj: String) extends ScalaRenderer {

  override def fileType = BuildInfoType.Source
  override def extension = "scala"
  val traitNames = options.collect{case BuildInfoOption.Traits(ts @ _*) => ts}.flatten
  val objTraits = if (traitNames.isEmpty) "" else " extends " ++ traitNames.mkString(" with ")
  val constantValue = options.contains(BuildInfoOption.ConstantValue)

  // It is safe to add `import scala.Predef` even though we need to keep `-Ywarn-unused-import` in mind
  // because we always generate code that has a reference to `String`. If the "base" generated code were to be
  // changed and no longer contain a reference to `String`, we would need to remove `import scala.Predef` and
  // fully qualify every reference. Note it is NOT safe to use `import scala._` because of the possibility of
  // the project using `-Ywarn-unused-import` because we do not always generated references that are part of
  // `scala` such as `scala.Option`.
  val importScalaPredef = options.contains(BuildInfoOption.ImportScalaPredef)
  def header = List(
    "// $COVERAGE-OFF$",
    s"package $pkg",
    ""
  )
  val imports = if (importScalaPredef) List(
    "import scala.Predef._",
    ""
  ) else Nil
  val objectHeader = List(
    s"/** This object was generated by sbt-buildinfo. */",
    withPkgPriv(s"case object $obj$objTraits {")
  )

  def footer = List("}", "// $COVERAGE-ON$")

  override def renderKeys(buildInfoResults: Seq[BuildInfoResult]) =
    header ++ imports ++ objectHeader ++
    buildInfoResults.flatMap(line) ++
    Seq(toStringLines(buildInfoResults)) ++
    toMapLines(buildInfoResults) ++
    toJsonLines ++
    footer

  private val constantTypes = Set("scala.Int", "scala.Long", "scala.Double", "scala.Boolean", "scala.Symbol", "String")

  private def line(result: BuildInfoResult): Seq[String] = {
    import result._
    val (typeDecl, modifier) =
      getType(result.typeExpr) match {
        case Some(tp) if !constantValue || !constantTypes(tp) =>
          (s": $tp", "")
        case _ if constantValue =>
          ("", "final ")
        case _ =>
          ("", "")
      }
    List(
      s"  /** The value is ${quote(value)}. */",
      s"  ${modifier}val $identifier$typeDecl = ${quote(value)}"
    )
  }

  def toStringLines(results: Seq[BuildInfoResult]): String = {
    val idents = results.map(_.identifier)
    val fmt = idents.map("%s: %%s" format _).mkString(", ")
    val vars = idents.mkString(", ")
    s"""  override val toString: String = {
         |    "$fmt".format(
         |      $vars
         |    )
         |  }""".stripMargin
  }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
Q: No sound in Ubuntu 10.10 I'm not able to hear any sounds from my PC after installing Ubuntu 10.10. Videos and mp3 files are all playing but no sound comes out of my PC. I formatted my previous Ubuntu 9.04 and did a clean install of Ubuntu 10.10.
Output of lshw -c sound:
saran@saran-desktop:~$ sudo lshw -c sound
PCI (sysfs)

  *-multimedia
       description: Multimedia audio controller
       product: 82801DB/DBL/DBM (ICH4/ICH4-L/ICH4-M) AC'97 Audio Controller
       vendor: Intel Corporation
       physical id: 1f.5
       bus info: pci@0000:00:1f.5
       version: 02
       width: 32 bits
       clock: 33MHz
       capabilities: pm bus_master cap_list
       configuration: driver=Intel ICH latency=0
       resources: irq:17 ioport:e000(size=256) ioport:e400(size=64) memory:e8181000-e81811ff memory:e8182000-e81820ff

A: I also experienced something similar in Xubuntu and realised that there are different places to change the volume and to mute / unmute the audio. I'm sure it's more or less the same in Ubuntu. So check:

*

*The volume control in the task bar. Also right click and open the detailed settings. Is the correct audio card selected as output ?

*Search for alternative mixer settings in the menu. Most likely under Multimedia

*Maybe try alsa-mixer from a console

*Check if there are any hardware swtiches. Very unlikely if it's a PC, on notebooks there are sometimes hardware switches that overwrite any OS settings

A: Toshiba Satellite Pro A120 - had no sound in 10.10. Did an upgrade to testing release 11.04 (press Alt+F2 then type update-manager -d). I now have sound. 11.04 is looking promising -- after all I'm only playing with it so am happy to go with an unstable testing release.


One of our 2016 graduates, Madison Thiel, was awarded the University of Adelaide Principals' Scholarship. This scholarship is for new University of Adelaide students of high academic merit, who have also made a significant contribution to their high school and/or to the wider community.
Maddy has just commenced studying a double degree in Bachelor of Education/Bachelor of Science. She has also done a lot of work in the community and earned an ATAR of 97.25 without bonus points last year.
During Madison's time at Charles Campbell College, she also won the DECD Anti-Poverty Ambassador.
We are very proud of Maddy's efforts and wish her every success in the future.


Governor Steve Bullock has proposed an ambitious and comprehensive budget plan for the Legislature to begin considering next week.
He is insisting on a meaningful rainy-day fund – a reserve of $300 million. In previous sessions, Republicans have pushed back on that, saying the state doesn't need such a big cushion.
Several other things in the budget will doubtless cause friction. Bullock proposes an increase in the tax on tobacco, a renewal of Medicaid expansion, and an undeniably needed $290 million infrastructure package that contains a couple of items some that have been flash points with Republicans in the past – funding for the Romney Hall renovation at Montana State University and new construction for the Montana Historical Society.
Beyond that, he seeks to expand and continue the state's investment in early education; freeze college tuition; and invest in financial aid for students, including returning adult learners.
The key debates will surround Medicaid expansion and infrastructure.
In 2015, a group of Republicans in the Legislature worked with Democrats to expand Medicaid. The proposal has resulted in Montana's rate of uninsured dropping from 20 percent down to about 7 percent. Nearly 100,000 Montanans – nearly 10 percent of the population, including many veterans – have become insured under the program.
Uncompensated health care costs have dropped by nearly 50 percent since the expansion passage, throwing a lifeline to many rural and smaller hospitals in the state.
Some Republicans are sayng we just can't afford that kind of progress – that the price tag is simply too high.
Bullock argues that expansion has actually paid big dividends, infusing $500 million in new dollars into the state's economy.
There are many ways to look at this, we understand. We appreciate the concern of those who say the price of such coverage is not sustainable in Montana. But we believe the price of rolling expansion back ultimately would be much steeper. We fully expect that a coalition similar to that of 2015 will extend expansion. There is certainly a chance that new work rules may go into effect, and while those are well-intentioned, to protect taxpayers from getting soaked by those who simply want coverage without without working, such rules have led to bigger government and more expense in states like Arkansas. Some have asserted that the bureaucratic apparatus of job-rule verification in the state greatly outstripped the rule's benefits, and caused confusion and disruption.
We are neither convinced that the current system is unsustainable or that it is being widely abused by those who don't wish to work – particularly since the state's unemployment rate is even lower than the nation's.
In fact we believe expansion has greatly helped small businesses in Montana who are unable to offer their employees company insurance plans.
Bullock points out that the expansion has saved the state money as well as expanding the economy, because of the higher federal share of the cost under the program. He says that if expansion is allowed to sunset in Montana, federal funds will simply transfer to other states. His office asserts that 7 of 10 people on Medicaid are working and 8 of 10 live in working families. In fact, the governor is proposing additional money to help with job services for Medicaid recipients so that even more of them can find work.
We know that words will be sharp on both sides of the aisle, but we hope that leadership, in the main, can avoid the kind of acrimony and lack of collaboration that marked the 2017 session.
One encouraging sign, we believe, is the support by many key Republicans of a measure to remove supermajority requirements to move bills in the House of Representatives.
If Democrats and Republicans can truly work together in the coming session, we will see significant progress on issues like health care, education and infrastructure – something that the state has desperately needed for a long time.
We encourage Montanans to keep in close touch with their elected representatives in the Legislature during the session and to make known their preference for progress and collaboration, not gridlock and acrimony.


Many geocaches are hidden within areas that are generally open to access by the public, such as parks, national forests, etc. Agencies and their employees that are charged with the stewardship of these public lands (referred to on this web site as land managers or land management) have legitimate concerns that geocaching and the hiding of geocaches may have an adverse impact on environmentally sensitive lands, sites of historical or archaeological significance, and the like. As a result, many agencies have adopted policies regarding geocaching. These policies range from the prohibitive through the restrictive to the permissive.
Do you remember these days when you were looking for wild flowers in the meadow? The simple joy of picking them to make a small bouquet for your mum or the first girlfriend? We are committed to bringing this joy back to you. Visit our shop poczta kwiatowa gdańsk full of wild flowers and other treasures which are waiting to be discover by you. You can find here flowers like tulips, sunflowers, cosmos, gladiolus and much more. You can pick whatever you want and then pay only for those flowers you want to take with you. Why is this place so special? Because you can find there many different ways of getting pleasure. Not only composing your own bouquet will be pleasure for you but also the process of finding the flowers itself. You can unleash your childish nature and feel like a treasure hunter again. Geocatching is a great opportunity to awake your creativity.
If you are looking for a perfect place for integration event for your firm, it may be a great choice for you. Please, contact us to get more details about our offer for companies.
Flowers geaocatching is only one of our services. We are the team of professional florists. You can order one of the flower composition available on our website or send us a request to make your own, personalized composition. We also provide nationwide flower delivery services.


Visiting a new church can be intimidating. When you visit the Dripping Springs Church of Christ, you will never be asked to stand up, introduce yourself, or do any other activity that makes you feel uncomfortable. We'd just love to have you visit and study with us.
Preaching: We will enjoy a Bible lesson that lasts about 30 minutes (Acts 2:42; Romans 10:14). On most Sundays, our preaching minister presents these lessons, though occasionally a guest speaker will guide our thoughts. Each lesson will take a Bible passage and explain what it means and how it applies to our lives.
Bible Classes are offered for all age groups from Cradle Roll through Adult, each Sunday morning and Wednesday evening. The curriculum for ages 3 through 8th grade involves the "Bible Study Guide for All Ages" (see http://biblestudyguide.com/churches.php for more information). The Middle School and High School class (combined) is following a four-year curriculum approved by the Elders, with content for the Adult classes varying from quarter to quarter.
The center and sole focus of Christian worship is God—the Father, Son, and Spirit (John. 4:24). In worship, we humbly come before the throne of God's grace and offer the entirety of our heart, soul, mind, and strength to the Creator who willingly and lovingly laid down everything for us at Calvary. We love God fully, and it is within our worship that we hope to show that love to its greatest extent. We pray that our worship is a place where children of God can pour out their hearts on the altar of sacrifice.
A heart full of wonder for our Savior cannot be separated from His word. As we bow our souls to Him, we realize that God does not simply accept any worship that we give; rather He dictates that we word. As we bow our souls to Him, we realize that God does not simply accept any worship that we give; rather He dictates that we come to Him on His terms which are displayed in scripture. Therefore, as his purchased people, we strive to the best of our ability to offer to God "acceptable worship, with reverence and awe" (Hebrews 12:28).
As our guide for worship, we look to Jesus and the word of His covenant, which is seen in the New Testament. There we see the early church partaking of the Lord's Supper (Acts 20:7; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26), singing (Ephesians 5:19; Col. 3:16), praying (Acts 2:42), teaching (Acts 20:7; 2 Timothy 4:2) and contributing to the needs of the saints (1 Corinthians16:1-2). As 21st century believers we desire to simply be Christians and Christians only, to go back to the Bible and the Bible alone; therefore we follow the pattern laid out for us in the New Testament.
We hope that you will join us as we gladly rejoice in our God and Savior and "play our hearts out for God" (Ephesians 5:19)!


text:
torchat-node is an implementation of torchat written in node for all to enjoy.

The primary purpose is to allow TTY chatting over the tor network using the
pre-defined torchat protocol. The TTY interface is both bland and simple.
Being this way is by design and is designed to not attact attention that a
normal instant messaging appliation would typically bring.

**By using torchat-node you are doing so at your own risk. There is no
guarantee your communication is either anonymous or secure during transmission.
While all attempts have been made to meet the specification there is a chance
that some items have been missed. Use at your own risk.**

## PreReq for torchat-node

In order to run torchat you must install tor and it must be running as
a SOCKS 5 proxy. You also need to configure a "hidden_service" listening
on port 11009 which is the default torchat port. If you need help feel free
to reach out or better yet check on [torproject](torproject.org) for details.

## Using torchat-node

In order to run torchat-node you will need to pull down the source code and
install a copy locally on your computer. The package is not yet ready for
prime time so it has not been pushed to npm. I do have plans in the future
to publish this to npm.

#### Configuration

Currently the TTY front end does not allow adding friends directly. You will
need to manually edit the configuration file within your instance. This will
change as this feature is added.

*Example Buddies Configuration

```
buddies: [{
        address: 'notarealaddress',
        profile: {
            name: 'Example 1',
            description: 'Example 1'
        },
        client: {
            name: '',
            version: ''
        },
        active: true,
        lastConnection: ''
    }, {
        address: 'notarealaddress2',
        profile: {
            name: 'Example 2',
            description: 'Example 2'
        },
        client: {
            name: '',
            version: ''
        },
        active: true,
        lastConnection: ''
    }
]
```

#### Running

To start torchat-node

```
node index.js
````


Mutton Sukka | Mutton Sukka Fry Recipe | Mutton chukka varuval recipe with stepwise photos and video recipe.
take a cooker and add washed and cleaned mutton pieces. add turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, salt.
grind together green chilli, tomatoes, garlic and ginger to a fine paste.
add the tomato ginger garlic paste to cooker and mix well.
close and pressure cook for 8-10 whistles. I have not added water for cooking mutton. as it was tender and juicy. Incase you doubt if mutton will release more water or not, then add 1/2 cup water before you pressure cook. open and check if the mutton is soft and cooked.
now heat oil preferably groundnut oil in a deep kadai and pop in cumin seeds, bay leaf, red chillies, cinnamon, star anise, cloves. mix well and add curry leaves.
further add 1.5 cups sliced shallots and salt for frying. fry until the onions are pink.
meanwhile grind together cashews, khus khus, cumin, fennel seeds, cinnamon to a fine paste.
add the cooked mutton, ground cashew paste and mix well.
cook for 30 minutes in simmer until all the water is dried up and the mutton is roasted. lastly add pepper powder and ghee.
put the flame to high and mix well for a minute. serve hot with rice and rasam.
take a cooker and add washed and cleaned mutton pieces. add turmeric powder, chilli powder, coriander powder, salt.and rasam.
close and pressure cook for 8-10 whistles. I have not added water for cooking mutton. as it was tender and juicy.open and check if the mutton is soft and cooked.


An Illinois woman's message to bullies is going viral after she was body shamed for eating ice cream on Free Cone Day at Dairy Queen.
Shauna Arocho, of Springfield, said she was enjoying a sweet treat with her husband when a group of men driving by stopped in the middle of the street to yell at her, "Eat that ice cream you fat [expletive]!"
"I just don't get what people get out of tearing other people down. You know nothing about my life or my circumstances," she said in the video that's been viewed more than 3 million times.
The 27-year-old said she knows she "has a long way to go on her weight loss journey," but is proud of the progress she's already made. She's dropped 40 pounds since January, and is down nearly 120 pounds from her highest weight.
Minutes after the incident, Arocho filmed her reaction to the ordeal with a poignant message to her bullies.
"What if I had been in such a place that you saying that made me go home and kill myself? I'm not in that place, but I could have been," she said.
She went on to say that she doesn't hold any grudges against them and will pray for them.
"But I just really hope that maybe they see this," she said.
Arocho posted an update on Tuesday, saying she was overwhelmed by the level of support she had received from complete strangers.


Merry, this is just the kind of salad I love with Mexican food. Refreshing, tangy and a perfect foil to the rich sauces we so often get with our south-of-the-border dishes. Definitely will try this soon. I just may add a little freshly minced jalapeno to mine, but I'll have to serve it on the side because not everyone here likes that added bite and heat.
Thanks Giovanna, So glad it's one your son would enjoy too! It makes a nice change from salad and is so good with Mexican food of any kind. Enjoy!
I love this recipe. It's fresh and vibrant with good healthy ingredients. y son will love it because he's a great fan of coleslaw. Thanks for sharing.


text:
Preparing the Next Generation for the Fourth Industrial Revolution
Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Data Analytics, Education and Training (General)
The Fourth Industrial Revolution has already begun, but the U.S. faces a workforce shortfall of 250,000 data scientists. MITRE and leading technology companies are creating "Generation AI Nexus" to give students access to AI training, tools, and big data.
Ready or not, the Fourth Industrial Revolution is already underway.
In contrast to the First Industrial Revolution, which was powered by steam, the Fourth—which fuses the physical, digital, and biological worlds—will be fueled by big data and artificial intelligence (AI).
There is ample evidence it has already begun, as is apparent to anyone who does a Google search, uses voice or facial recognition devices, or drives a car with near-autonomous safety controls. While some, like Tesla's Elon Musk, have warned of the risks of AI, others see fundamental and positive changes ahead in security, healthcare, productivity, and more.
Either way, most agree that the explosive growth of AI is inevitable. The Fourth Industrial Age will burn through massive amounts of data, with potentially hundreds of thousands of analysts employing AI tools to make sense of it all. However, as MITRE senior vice president Rich Byrne discussed at a panel during the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency's (NGA's) GEOINT Symposium in April 2018, there's a big workforce challenge.
"In the past industrial revolutions, America led with technological advances and retrained the workforce and became a dominant power," he said. "But while the U.S. should be making technical advances in AI and leading workforce reengineering of people skills, there's a lot more competition now. And we're not going to succeed just based upon our past merits."
According to McKinsey & Company, there will be a shortfall of up to 250,000 data scientists in the U.S. in a decade. Byrne says that's particularly troubling given how heavily China and other countries are investing in AI expertise. And even more ominously, Russian President Vladimir Putin says that "the nation that leads in AI 'will be the ruler of the world.'"
Like other industrial revolutions, the Fourth will likely disrupt the U.S. workforce, particularly those with lower-skilled jobs. But one thing is clear: there are ample opportunities to those with AI expertise. Already, the shortage of AI analysts is quite apparent, with some PhDs earning $300,000-plus and experienced teachers being recruited from academia for more lucrative pay.
MITRE and Partners to Reach out to Students with Generation AI Nexus
Byrne offered an idea for strengthening America's AI skills by reaching out to university and high school students. He called them "Generation AI"—the generation that grew up knowing that the answer to most questions was a Google search away, that GPS made paper maps obsolete, and that Alexa was always listening. Yet, all too many members of this generation are also shying away from science, technology, engineering, and math careers.
"From school age through college, and into public service and work, we should give them the AI tools to reinvent themselves—so they can be the data analytics, machine-learning leaders of the world."
As a company focused on solving problems for a safer world, MITRE is in a natural position to organize and align the needs and resources of U.S. academic, industry, and government stakeholders. Byrne explained that MITRE will develop a secure automated analytic framework through Symphony™, complete with artificial and machine-learning tools.
But Byrne points out that success "will require the whole community. Those stakeholders will have plenty of heavy lifting to do to make this work. For example, academia—by integrating Generation AI Nexus into their curriculums. Industry—by supplying seed money and cloud resources. And the government—by providing data around crucial public service needs."
Ambitious Goals for Standing up Generation AI Nexus
Byrne has charged Jay Crossler, MITRE's chief engineer for Learning Systems, and Michael Balazs, technology integrator, with standing up Generation AI Nexus. To achieve the initiative's ambitious goals, MITRE has already reached out to leading commercial internet companies and computer manufacturers about seeding the project with startup funds and providing free cloud computing time for students.
Securing those agreements is a major step in itself, but beyond that, Crossler and Balazs outlined the following plan:
Opening up MITRE's Hackathons online. This is a quick way to begin reaching out to U.S. students. Traditionally MITRE's hackathons have been on site. By working with partners that can donate the computing time, MITRE can offer students access to real data via Symphony through agreements with our sponsors. "We'll pose tough questions around cyber, health, and national security as challenges for students," says Crossler. "For instance, 'Who can develop the best algorithm to find indicators of colon cancer in the next month?'"
Work with MITRE's close academic partners to integrate Generation AI Nexus into the classroom. "To begin, we'll work with those schools that are leading in AI and data science areas," Balazs says. "But we think it also has tremendous potential for those in hard sciences as well, such as biomedical engineering, physics, chemistry, and more." He says that initially, they will start at the graduate level, then work down to undergraduate school and eventually to high school.
Professors and students doing their own research. Crossler and Balazs envision the phase when students and professors apply the AI tools and data to their own projects. "While we may offer prizes for challenges, it will be even more exciting when they develop and research topics of their own," Balazs says.
A Preliminary Timeline
According to Byrne, the target is to ultimately reach more than one million U.S. students through Generation AI Nexus, with the following preliminary timeline:
Online hackathons by fall/winter 2018
Four universities will receive Symphony for free in summer 2019 and work Symphony into their curricula
40 universities planned for 2020
400 universities planned for 2024
Following that, Generation AI Nexus will reach out to high school and grade school students
The Right Time to Launch Generation AI Nexus
Ultimately, Balazs hopes to see every person entering the workforce with hands-on exposure to the transformational power of AI through Generation AI Nexus, just as the "Hour of Code" aims to do for programming.
And while there's every evidence that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is already underway, it's also clear we are in the early days. Crossler points out that this is a good time to be starting Generation AI Nexus. "We're beginning the conversations with the different stakeholders now—and they're excited. They see the potential just like we do.
"I think once we model Generation AI Nexus in a few universities, it will grow exponentially—right along with the Fourth Industrial Revolution."
To learn more about the technology powering Generation AI Nexus, go to Symphony or contact symphony@mitre.org.
—by Bill Eidson
Interested in MITRE's Work?
MITRE provides affordable, effective solutions that help the government meet its most complex challenges.
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"Lover of words and politics. Aspiring novelist."
In the world of international affairs, territory can be a tricky business. Many times in the past, countries have gone incredible lengths in an effort to attain ownership of a specific nation. Why do they go through all the trouble? Not only are acts like these incredible examples of power plays, but some lands also hold valuable assets that could potentially improve and build their existing owned states. Not to mention, economically, the political levels steadily make their way to higher grounds while maintaining a strong global presence.
This can get incredibly complex and messy— especially when multiple states have their eyes set on a single particular piece of land. Add China to the equation, a powerful nation with a large global impact, and things get interesting.
The South China Sea goes by many names as it is surrounded by many states, all claiming some ownership of the piece of land settled in the middle of the sea. The sea is also known as the West Philippine Sea by the Philippines, the East Sea by Vietnam, and in China, the South Sea. It is dominantly acknowledged as the South China Sea because most states in the region perceive it as so, namely Japan, Thailand and Malaysia. This brings out the implication that this body of water and all it holds belong to China, but that has been contested to vast extents.
The sea is surrounded by China, Vietnam, Brunei, Malaysia, Taiwan, the Philippines, Singapore and Indonesia. The states that claim ownership of the South China Sea are China, Vietnam, Taiwan, the Philippines, Malaysia and Indonesia. The tricky part of all of this is that, well, they cannot really claim ownership of anything.
According to UNCLOS, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, International Law states that a country may not claim islands that are 200 miles away from the borders of their state, meaning this area is completely unowned by law. This basically gives all states carte blanche to go to the parts of the territory that they legally own, and in the case of the South China Sea, multiple nations own definite parts of it. Keyword: parts.
China takes this law and plasters a big, fat "NOPE" on its forehead. China claims the South China Sea in its entirety as its own territory. This fact brings about deep patterns of complication and tension between all surrounding nations of the South China Sea, causing irreparable damage to its relations in Asia.
The South China Sea: What is it and Why is Everybody Losing Their Marbles About it?
The South China Sea is located east of Vietnam, west of the Philippines, north of Borneo and south of China. The sea is home to five dominant archipelagos including 250 mini-islands, some of them still submerged. These islands are The Scarborough Shoal, The Macclesfield Bank, The Spratly Islands, The Paracel Islands and The Pratas Islands.
The South China Sea is an incredibly fundamental body of water. And with the understanding of all the reasons that make it so important, that sentence might actually be an understatement. The body of water contains 30% of the entire world's vast reserve of marine biodiversity, making it home to many aquatic species and animals. The sea sits atop an underwater continental shelf. Decades later, land emerged and with it came valuable minerals and commodities honed during its slumber.
Oil reserves are highly prevalent in this area, potentially producing roughly 28 billion barrels of oil, which is like, kind of a big deal. And to add fuel to the fire, oil isn't the only thing this place is packin'. Its natural gas reserves are reported to measure about 266 trillion cubic feet. With these kinds of treasures lying around an unowned location, one can only expect exploitation of these valuables. And that is indeed the reality.
The South China Sea is the second most popular aquatic lane in the world, paving the way for merchant traders all over the globe. And what is it that they handle? Oil.
Millions of barrels of oil from the South China Sea is traded every single day. This began in 2014 by China's doing which would later be challenged by Vietnam. Vietnam was basically like, "What do you think you're doing on my property?". With China retorting back, "I beg your pardon? YOUR property?" Yeah, excuse me while I grab some popcorn. This did not stop China from exploiting more resources from the territory. In 2017, China discovered methane during their time mining the hydrates in the sea.
It is believed that China has been exerting too much of its self-proclaimed freedom and ownership on the sea, so much so that the essence of what makes it valuable may be slowly depreciating.
China is the New Poseidon: Why Does China Think They Own Sea?
China has set its sights on the South China Sea and it refuses to back down. International law states that no state may claim ownership of the sea, a rule old as time. But it is not the sea per se— it's what it holds.
With its wondrous and large reserves of valuable resources, China has sufficient foresight to know that passing up on these advantages would be no less of a colossal mistake. But the reserves of oil and natural gas are not the only benefits that come into play with ownership of the space. China utilizes the area for its trade routes. A state that controls a certain area of the sea also controls the trade routes. Imagine what that would mean when half of the entire world's trade happens in the South China Sea. *shudders* This puts a lot of countries in a tough spot. If anything were to happen to that trade route, it would cause major economic backlashes.
Putting trade routes and valuable resources aside, there is another reason China desires this territory so, and this may be the biggest of them all. China wants the South China Sea because it is an area where they can stow nuclear equipment in the event that the country gets attacked. This way, they have the preparations to retaliate with second-strike capabilities. If countries knew China had this ace up its sleeve, they would relent control at any cost making an already powerful nation ten times scarier.
Fortunately, China's reasons do not exactly fare well with the United Nations, as well as its neighboring countries and competitors. In that light, the country has succumbed to another excuse as to why the South China Sea belongs to them: a historical reason. And don't worry— this one is just as unreasonable.
In 1947, China claimed ownership of the South China Sea, publishing a map with its infamous 'dashed lines' depicting which parts of the space belonged to them. Nobody opposed. But not for lack of trying. World War II had just ended two years prior and China had surpassed Japan as the leading nation in the continent. Spirits were high, but this was exclusive to only them. Its current competitors, Vietnam and the Philippines, were still colonized states fighting for freedom and independence. UNCLOS had not even existed at the time. This made it possible for China to take over with little to no points of contention.
Apparently, a long time ago, Chinese fishermen used the land for fishing grounds. Oh, you expected more information? Nope, that's literally it. Of course, this reason was also disregarded by the general consensus, placing China in aggressive desperation. It was time to handle the conditions with brute force.
China is not opposed to making power moves, utilizing its infamous militia to get what it wants and protect its agenda. This is proven by its formation of artificial islands throughout the South China Sea. These islands contain nuclear and military equipment, as well as the Chinese military, aimed to take the land by force. They have acted upon this knowing that building these artificial lands are only permissible within 200 nautical miles of their border. But this is not a surprise. China respects power, not international law. This is a move of intimidation towards its biggest competitors regarding the South China Sea: Vietnam and the Philippines.
The tactic did not go down easy. Another party, a nation unlikely to be involved in the fiasco, appeared. And it did not like watching its allies get threatened by its number one enemy.
If China's military capabilities should be rivaled by anyone, it is the United States. In this battle of control over the South China Sea, it is apparent that the United States gains nothing over this dispute. They are not fighting for ownership of any islands. They are retaliating to protect Vietnam and the Philippines over the passive-aggressive tactics China seems to be dishing out. And well, maybe for spite too.
The United States' military have been sailing by the South China Sea and flying aircrafts over the land in an effort to say, "Hey, remember me? If it's a fight you want, it's a fight you'll get." The United States decided to call China's bluff and station 40% of their military in the South China Sea, waiting for China's potential navigations of war. Rest assured, the United States cannot sit idle while China manipulates its allies along with the rest of the world. Something had to be done.
This, of course, did not sit well with China. Historically, China and the United States have quite the competition with military strategies aimed to intimidate the other. Their approaches lie in very similar structures. But we know what happens when we pit fire against fire. Only, in this case, it's looking like one fire is much bigger than the other. Good luck, China.
Though the United States has joined forces, do not be mistaken— this is an ASEAN issue. In the end, what truly matters is what happens to the South China Sea. The United States can only do so much. In reality, we have to know: what is Vietnam going to do? What is the Philippines going to do? And what does the ASEAN have up its sleeve? ASEAN may not be the most united organization of all, but against the Dragon, it may just rise to the occasion.
China saying that they used the South China Sea first as fishing grounds struck a nerve with Vietnam. In 1974, China killed the Vietnamese officers settled on the Paracel Islands in order to take it. Furthermore, they took over the Spratly Islands in the same manner. Countless casualties all because of a self-proclaimed rule and an unofficial map. To this day, the victims are still remembered in Vietnam.
Because Vietnam was threatened by China's military power, they boosted their militia with the help of the United States and India, two well-known enemies of China. Vietnam ordered missiles from India and they are nice and settled in the Vietnam-China border. This land definitely ain't big enough for the two of them.
The Philippines is not fighting for anything other than the territory within 200 nautical miles of its coast. Unfortunately, this could not be done as China's nine-dash line coincides with the territory— something all parties know as an unreasonable and illegitimate claim. Yet, the Philippines is regarded as having the losing edge all for its understandable and appropriate rights.
The Philippines' claims are backed up by the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, France and many more. Logically, it's quite obvious which party is being out of line.
India is not here to claim anything nor cause any fires. They are merely little gasoline sputters, raising fires and trying to get China to back down. Although, this plan did not come about of their own accord. India has a friendly, amicable relationship with ASEAN and a not-so-great relationship with China (now THAT's an understatement). Because of this, ASEAN suggested India get involved in the South China Sea matter. India has the ability to counter China and, at the same time, maintain cordial relations with ASEAN.
ASEAN needs a strong, influential nation to help the Southeast Asian countries during this endeavor, and they can count on India to influence a peaceful dialogue. India has shown interest as this could potentially boost its relations with ASEAN and its countries.
China's Possible War Triggers: Is it Worth it?
China is growing more and more powerful as the years go by. This shows that being passive in situations like this can be fatal. The South China Sea matter has escalated to illogical proportions, inviting parties that were never meant to be involved. This entire situation is a magnificent example as to how China plays by their own rules and standards— something countries have learned to grow wary of. The intention to use aggression and bullying tactics can only get you so far.
This will no doubt greatly affect China's desire for a powerful global impact and influence. China's reputation has been dragged through the mud, now being labeled as oathbreakers or violators. Signing up for UNCLOS was a decision made by them— why is it not being respected? This will, unfortunately, result in untrusting ties with China from different countries too. Because if responsibilities cannot be honored, why bother getting into agreements in the first place?
The deep-seated problem in this issue is China's illegitimate ambition to be a hegemony, and try to get there with strategies that only accomplish the opposite. If everyone is not careful, scholars have reported that this very well may lead to a World War. There are consequences to opposing International Law. Let's hope China knows what it's doing. Be careful what you wish for. You might just get it.


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Darren Davidson
MindShare appoints digital strategy chief
MindShare has hired Simon Andrews, a former partner at Delaney Lund Knox Warren & Partners, as its first global digital chief strategy officer.
Most recently, he founded the digital agency Big Picture, whose clients include Halifax, STA Travel and Tetley.
Andrews, who starts his role at the end of October, will report direct to GroupM's chief strategy officer, Nick Emery.
He will be working in a network of 96 offices in conjunction with MindShare's other digital group heads: the worldwide chief executive, John Montgomery, the EMEA chief executive, Rob Noss, and Ruth Stubbs, the chief executive of GroupM Asia-Pacific.
Emery said: "In a market full of hype and inexperience, Andrews is a bloodied and pedigree talent who will continue to ensure that digital is at the centre of our strategy."
Andrews joined DLKW in 2000 - at the time of its management buy-out - and helped to develop the agency's capabilities in digital, direct and integrated marketing.
Andrews was also one of three partners who launched Poppe Tyson, the interactive marketing agency, in 1996.
He said: "To help shape how MindShare adds value for its clients is irresistible. I'm looking forward to working with the team to deliver groundbreaking work."
Mindshare's global digital strategy officer Simon Andrews quits


In case we need to reach you.
- Area Code Phone Number - In case we need to reach you.
In one sentence, why are you taking this seminar?
Creating a great day is also about understanding your needs.
The day starts promptly at 10:00am and finishes at 4:00pm. All registered participants will receive an email confirmation, and approximately two weeks before the event, will receive detailed directions and reminders to help make the day successful. A list of frequently asked questions is at the bottom of this form.
Cancellation Policy - If you cancel your participation in the March 24 Joy of Nature Photography, the following refunds will be made: Cancellations made on or before February 24 will be made in full minus $30.00. Cancellations made on or before March 10 will be refunded by 50%. Cancellations made on or after March 11 will not receive any refunds. Cancellations must be made by email to info@eddiesoloway.com and will be processed within 2-3 business days. If for any reason Eddie Soloway cancels the event, all fees will be returned or you may choose to receive credit towards a future session.
I hereby waive any and all claims of liability against Eddie Soloway as a result of my participation in this event, and agree to indemnify and hold harmless from any and all liability to the undersigned, his/her personal representatives, heirs, assigns, and next of kin, for any and all losses, damages or injuries or any claim or demand on account of injury to the person or property of the undersigned. I acknowledge that this hold harmless clause is prerequisite to my taking part in this event.
Our day will take place inside the Museum of Photographic Arts' Joan and Irwin Jacobs Theatre. For location and parking details - Click this link.
Restaurants and cafes are located throughout Balboa Park, but you might consider bringing a sack lunch to use the lunch break well. Food and beverages are not allowed in the theatre.
We recommend bringing a way to take notes. With that said, Eddie's presentations may not be audio or visually recorded.
The seminar description, and details on Eddie's upcoming workshops can be found at www.anaturaleye.com.


 IRVING – Blue Star Land LP and Lincoln Property Co. are gearing up for a major mixed-use project.
The almost 28-acre project is planned at the south corner of SH 114 and SH 161.
Plans filed with Irving's zoning commission say the development will include a hotel, retail space, and apartments.
Lincoln will build 288 apartments in the Las Colinas development on Meridian Dr. east of SH 161.
The hotel and retail site is to the north along High Point Dr.
In addition, a community park is planned at the center of the development.
Check out DFW Hotel, Multifamily, and Retail Market Research.


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UK Customs crunch warning as new system faces significant Brexit challenges
The UK National Audit Office (NAO) has warned that "significant challenges" remain in the implementation of a new Customs Declaration System (CDS) which is due to go fully live in January 2019.
In a progress update report on the implementation the NAO also acknowledges that HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has taken steps to mitigate risks in the final year of its programme to replace its existing customs system, CHIEF (Customs Handling of Import and Export Freight), with the CDS.
The project began prior to the UK voting to leave the European Union (EU), known as Brexit. However, the UK's decision to leave the EU and the customs union has important implications for the CDS programme.
The NAO said that, depending on the outcome of Brexit negotiations, at least 145,000 companies who currently trade goods solely within the EU might be required to make customs declarations for the first time from March 2019, and the number of customs declarations could increase from around 55m currently to around 255m each year.
The UK collects around £34bn annually from customs and excise duties and value added tax (VAT) on transactions at the border. In 2017, around £820bn of goods crossed the border.
Said the NAO in its report: "It is vital to the UK's economy and consumers that trade continues to operate smoothly across the border, for example by maintaining the trade flow of perishables such as food products."
It added: "We found that HMRC had made progress, but a significant amount of work remained to implement CDS successfully. We concluded that government as a whole had to decide whether it needed to do more to mitigate the risk of CDS being needed but not ready in time."
NAO also stated: "Since July 2017, HMRC has taken steps to mitigate some of the risks we previously highlighted. However, further technical and business issues have arisen in the CDS programme, and an already tight timeline has become even more demanding.
"Significant challenges remain and there is a risk that CDS will be unable to fully replace CHIEF by January. HMRC has mitigated some of the risk with its plans to operate CHIEF and CDS in parallel over this period."
However, the NAO said that it is also important that HMRC "fully tests and scales-up its contingency option over the summer of 2018," and supports delivery partners such as software providers to make necessary changes to their own systems. It should also "communicate effectively with traders about new customs processes and migrates them successfully on to CDS".
Brad Ashton, indirect tax partner at RSM, the UK-based audit, tax and consulting firm, commented: "The good news is that HMRC has taken steps to mitigate the risks identified by the NAO's previous report. However, significant challenges remain with the risk that CDS will be not able to replace the existing CHIEF system on time.
"One of the challenges facing HMRC was a lack of funding to fully implement CDS and have a functional contingency plan. The NAO confirms that HMRC has secured some £2.7m, allowing the contingency work to be accelerated.
"According to the NAO, this should allow HMRC to have the system capacity to handle the additional 200 million customs declarations that it would be required to handle post-Brexit."
Ashton continued: "HMRC has started to reach out to UK importers and exporters to inform them of the introduction of CDS but rather than the planned implementation of a fully functional system, HMRC plans to go live with CDS in August this year with limited functionality.
"Further functionality is planned to be rolled out in November and December this year. HMRC believes this approach will mitigate the risks of releasing a complex system from the outset."
He continued: "The problem with this approach is that HMRC will not know whether CDS actually works in the way intended until full functionality is released. This, in itself, presents serious risks of not allowing HMRC sufficient time to resolve any operational or system issues that may occur prior to the final roll out.
"Making the contingency of maintaining CHIEF to run in parallel with CDS is a critical factor. With the migration of users to CDS planned for January 2019, exporters will have a potentially fraught time as the export functionality of CDS is not planned to be rolled out until December 2018, giving them only a month to complete the migration process."
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ACI: Airport volumes up in April but growth starting to subside versus 2017


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Q: what does telegram look for in order to grab url info? when you send a URL to your friends in telegram it tries to view info about the URL and even shows a player if it refers to media.
I have a music player page in my website,i like to view a music player in telegram when someone sends the URL of my page to others rather than just viewing a URL.
Youtube does that with videos.


"Good one!" I thought, as a colleague of mine in the payroll industry was describing how one of her client's employees creatively embezzled hundreds of thousands of dollars from the company. The scheme was so ingenious, I added it to our internal "watch list" for future reference.
The worst part about this employee's actions was that they not only bankrupted the company but put the owners into personal financial ruin. Unfortunately, this is an all-too-common occurrence. Employees often have their hands in a business's cookie jar.
Despite the surprisingly common risks of fraud, there are smart steps you can take to stop it in its tracks. A 2016 survey by accounting giant KPMG surveyed 750 fraudsters, discovering that 60% or more of the perpetrators were allowed to continue their fraud due to weak internal controls – a significant jump compared to previous years.
Plus, it's important to realize that the people most likely to commit fraud are actually senior employees. According to the same survey, 38% of fraudsters have worked at a company more than 6 years, compared to 14% who worked there between 4-6 years, and 21% who worked there for 4 years or less.
Plus, you may want to make sure that no one person is authorized to both write and sign checks, as this is an easy invitation to fraud, embezzlement, and other kinds of financial abuse. It can also be a good idea to ban employees from making checks payable to cash and to closely protect any blank checks – treating them as securely as you would company cash.
While it's often necessary to give your employees access to credit cards to make important purchases, it can create a real temptation to commit fraud. That's why it's essential that you make sure workers know your rules about company cards. In most cases, you (as the business owner) should be the only one who can order/issue a new company card – and you should be the only one who decides who, when, and how those cards can be used.
Plus, it's smart to prohibit using cards for any kind of personal expense, even with subsequent reimbursement. All it takes is a few employees 'forgetting' to reimburse you, and you could be out a serious amount of cash.
While it might sound obvious, you should regularly check credit card statements and receipts to make sure your rules are being followed. If your people know statements aren't being checked, it makes it all the easier for them to decide to skirt the rules. The same concept goes for petty cash, debit cards, or any other ways employees are allowed to spend your company's money for business expenses; establish strict rules, limit the number of users, and track everything.
When it comes to keeping your finances safe from employee fraud, it pays to understand some of the strategies individuals might use to deceive you. Unfortunately, one of the most common methods is the creation of fake vendors. In some cases, employees have gone as far as to create their own corporation or LLC in order to bill their employer for some supposed service. Sometimes, the vendor's name will be nearly indistinguishable from a real vendor that your company uses, making it even easier to overlook.
In yet other cases, the fraud could be a partnership between your employee and an employee working at your vendor – which is why it's also important to look out for overpayments to vendors.
One way to keep your employees honest is to institute a surprise audit. Unlike a pre-planned audit, which could give a dishonest worker time to 'cook the books,' a surprise audit can often expose even the smartest of fraudsters.
Another way to thwart fraud is to institute a policy of mandatory vacations. It's well known that employees committing long-term fraud often refuse to take a vacation. From the outside, this could look like a result of their commitment to the company, but in reality, they're afraid that if they leave their desk for too long, someone might be able to detect irregularities in their work.
According to the same KPMG survey mentioned earlier, 44 percent of fraudsters "were detected as a result of a tip, complaint, or formal whistleblowing hotline." So, even if you're running a relatively small business, it could seriously benefit you to have some sort of mechanism that allows your employees to report potential fraud.
Keeping your business's finances safe can sometimes feel like a full-time job – but it doesn't have to be. Set the right policies and procedures, and you can rest assured that you're doing what you need to do to prevent fraud before it happens.
And, if it does occur, the right strategy can detect it before it becomes a serious financial problem. The faster you plug those holes, the less damage they will do.


Pet Epicure is having a photo contest in Facebook.
I'm entering 1 photo of our Fluffies, Maxie.
And 2 photos of the Purrrrs, Jebat and Memon.
To vote, simply click 'LIKE' on Adopt from Pet Epicure's page. Go to our photos (above), click to go to the direct link, and click 'LIKE'.
salam kat jebat tue yer…wah mermon…ada stoking…nak pinjam leh…?
Those really are cute pictures, I'll go see if I can figure out how to vote!
Thanks for voting us, Brian!
Mata Jebat, bulatnyer… sesuai dgn namanya. Jebat pendekar Malaya, yahoooo….