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Syracuse, N.Y. - Syracuse Police are explaining why a man they say killed a 12-year-old boy on the City's Northside walked free out of the Justice Center this morning.
22-year-old Alberto Pinet is a free man after being charged with the murder of James Springer III last week. Detectives continued working on the investigation and uncovered information that called into question whether Pinet was involved in the shooting.
He was released from the Justice Center while the investigation continues. Court Documents indicate that Pinet's case is still headed to a grand jury. | <urn:uuid:32137130-e8f6-4d60-85e4-92acc989a56d> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wsyr.iheart.com/content/2018-10-19-new-evidence-the-reason-accused-12-year-olds-killer-released-from-jail/ | 2024-03-04T08:09:57Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.97489 | 121 |
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) — The gunman found criminally responsible in the shooting deaths of five people at a Maryland newspaper still will be sentenced late next month despite the attacker’s request to speed up the process, a judge ruled Wednesday.
Jarrod Ramos, who carried out the 2018 shooting attack in the Capital Gazette’s newsroom, wrote Judge Michael Wachs last week expressing his desire to be “sentenced as soon as possible.”
Wachs, the prosecutor’s office and the defense attorneys had agreed to a Sept. 28 sentencing date. Ramos also raised concern in an Aug. 1 letter that his attorneys were no longer representing him well, The Washington Post reported.
Wachs said he called the hearing so Ramos’ concerns could be heard. Ramos said Wednesday he had resolved his disputes with his attorneys but still wanted to address the sentencing date.
The judge agreed with Anne Arundel County State’s Attorney Anne Colt Leitess, who opposed moving up the sentencing date. She said survivors and family members of the victims had already booked travel for the original date to attend.
John McNamara, Gerald Fischman, Wendi Winters, Rob Hiaasen and Rebecca Smith were killed in the newsroom attack.
Ramos pleaded guilty to all 23 counts against him in 2019 but pleaded not criminally responsible — Maryland’s version of an insanity plea. A jury last month decided that Ramos was legally sane and therefore criminally responsible for the killings.
Prosecutors have filed notice that they’re seeking at least five life sentences without the possibility of parole.
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed. | <urn:uuid:c3ba5643-aa1f-4ed4-8b20-d5113a328204> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wtop.com/anne-arundel-county/2021/08/judge-sentencing-date-wont-change-for-md-newsroom-gunman/ | 2024-03-04T09:26:17Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.973628 | 361 |
DURHAM, N.C. (AP) — Walter E. Dellinger, a constitutional scholar who argued numerous cases before the Supreme Court, served in top positions in the Justice Department and taught for decades at Duke University, died Wednesday. He was 80.
Dellinger died Wednesday morning in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, his son Hampton Dellinger said.
During the administration of former President Bill Clinton, Dellinger headed up the influential Office of Legal Counsel that advises the attorney general on often sensitive legal and policy issues and served as the acting solicitor general, the administration’s top Supreme Court lawyer.
While serving as acting solicitor general during the 1996-97 term of the high court, he personally argued nine cases, more than any of his predecessors in two decades at the time. Dellinger was an emeritus professor at the Duke University School of Law, where he had been a faculty member since 1969.
On Wednesday, he was remembered for his friendship and guidance from Duke’s campus to the Supreme Court itself.
“Walter was a great mentor and friend to me. He gave the best advice when I became Solicitor General, sharing everything he knew about the job,” Justice Elena Kagan, who served as solicitor general during the Obama administration, said in a statement. “He was generous and kind, and he made everyone he dealt with feel ten feet tall. He was a phenomenal lawyer with an endless string of accomplishments, but he always gave the credit to others.”
Justice Stephen Breyer called Dellinger “a great lawyer and a valuable public servant.”
“His positive contribution to law and to the rule of law in this country will be long remembered,” Breyer said in a statement.
Dellinger remained an active commentator on legal, political and other news until just before his death. Ahead of the 2020 presidential election, Dellinger helped lead a legal team assembled by Democrats to take on election-related court cases. And in early February, Dellinger spoke out in defense of Biden’s pledge to name a Black woman to the Supreme Court in an essay published by the New York Times.
“There are approximately 25,000 Black female attorneys in America. There is every reason to believe that President Biden’s nomination process will benefit by focusing on that extraordinary group for the next justice of the United States Supreme Court,” Dellinger wrote.
Walter Dellinger was born in Charlotte and attended the University of North Carolina and Yale Law School. Early in his career, Dellinger served as a law clerk to Supreme Court Justice Hugo Black.
“Walter lived a wonderful and extraordinary life. He had many loves, first among them his wife Anne but also the State and University of North Carolina, the law and the rule of law, and American democracy,” said Hampton Dellinger, himself an assistant attorney general in the Biden administration’s Justice Department.
As acting solicitor general, Walter Dellinger won five of the cases he argued himself, including when he defended the president’s line-item veto and two cases defending state laws outlawing physician-assisted suicide. He got a split decision in another, and lost three, including when the high court threw out a key part of the Brady gun control law and allowed the Paula Jones sexual harassment lawsuit to proceed against Clinton.
“This is the best lawyer’s job in the world,” Dellinger said in a 1997 interview as he prepared to leave the role to return to Duke to teach. He said then that spending time with his family in North Carolina was a big part of his decision.
Prior to that, while leading the Office of Legal Counsel, Dellinger issued opinions on the president’s authority to send U.S. troops to Haiti and Bosnia, as well as the president’s right to decline to enforce laws he believes are unconstitutional.
Overall, Dellinger argued 24 cases at the high court, representing the government and also private clients before and after his time in the administration, according to legal information site oyez.org.
Dellinger was a mentor and friend to many Washington lawyers, especially among Democrats. Tributes came Wednesday from across the political spectrum, with former Judge Michael Luttig, a conservative, tweeting: “Walter Dellinger was a wonderful human being, a spectacular lawyer and counselor, and a friend.”
Attorney General Merrick Garland, who worked with Dellinger at the Justice Department, lauded his impactful work and dedication.
“Walter approached the law not as a career, but as a calling. He believed it was his privilege to be able to use the law to make our democracy work better for everyone,” Garland said in a statement.
Dellinger also will be missed by the Duke Law community, dean Kerry Abrams said.
“Walter Dellinger was a lion of the law, the legal profession, and legal education,” she said in a statement. “A cherished member of the Duke Law School faculty for more than five decades, he was a true intellectual as well as being a generous and big-hearted colleague, mentor, and friend.”
___ Sherman reported from Washington.
Copyright © 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, written or redistributed. | <urn:uuid:2246b67b-b34c-40fd-be59-45aa9c70ca70> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wtop.com/national/2022/02/walter-dellinger-influential-scholar-and-lawyer-dies-at-80/ | 2024-03-04T09:22:33Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.979927 | 1,105 |
Valdosta City Engineer Benjamin O’Dowd volunteered to three GA-DNR people that there was still trash in the woods after the recent vac-truck cleanout of Two Mile Branch at Berkley Drive. He is considering what to do about that.
In addition to maybe moving the current Sugar Creek Watergoat to Two Mile Branch, another possibility is a concrete-and-steel trash trap like the one Valdosta recently built at its Lee Street Detention Pond.
I know this because while I was on Berkley Drive at Two Mile Branch inspecting the situation, two trucks pulled up. The driver of the first waved and said, “Hi, John.” That was the Engineer. The second truck had three people from the Georgia Department of Natural Resources.
The Engineer led the others to the downstream side of Berkley Drive.
The main discussion appeared to be about whether the city could alter the sandbar. Yes, they can.
There was also concern about not putting anything in the creek that could block the creek and flood the upstream houses, since they are not at much elevation above the creek. I think the Engineer said about four feet.
The Engineer referred to the LiDAR mapping that Valdosta and Lowndes County had had done, which is how we can know what those elevations are. The DNR people were unaware that that LiDAR mapping had been done, but they seemed pleased that it had.
There was discussion of a rectangular object in the creek downstream of Berkley Drive. It became clear that the Engineer was considering something for Two Mile Branch like the recently-installed concrete and steel trash trap at the Lee Street Detention pond. I referred to that one as a marvel. He seemed pleased.
The DNR people had not seen the Lee Street trap, and they had to be off to Colquitt County.
Before they left, I asked them the DNR position on Glyphosate spraying in waterways. They said it was necessary for the city to have the proper permits, which are handled by the Department of Agriculture. I said I preferred there would be no spraying in waterways. According to what the city sent in response to my open records request about spraying, Valdosta does not now spray in waterways.
Since the Engineer had mentioned LiDAR, I asked him if it might be possible to do a creek version of the Flood Inundation Mapper (FIM) for the Withlacoochee River. He was unfamiliar with FIM. I will send him a link.
And I saw this today.
These locations are both upstream from Sugar Creek and the Withlacoochee River.
For much more about the trash situation, see:
-jsq, John S. Quarterman, Suwannee RIVERKEEPER® | <urn:uuid:497dab7f-31e8-48ef-b70e-c342fcf4b5ce> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wwals.net/2023/02/23/valdosta-city-engineer-and-ga-dnr-two-mile-branch-berkley-drive-2023-02-23/ | 2024-03-04T08:19:47Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.984161 | 576 |
Malia Thomas, reporter for the Valdosta Daily Times, and Suwannee Riverkeeper John S. Quarterman toured many of the same Valdosta trash locations we visited three months earlier. Most of them did not seem what you might call fixed.
There is some progress on Valdosta’s chronic trash problem,
such as the three trash traps (thanks, City Engineer Ben O’Dowd and Stormwater Manager Angela Bray) and the
notices sent to parking lot owners
by City Marshalls (thanks, Community Protections Manager Anetra Riley),
but there is also much more room for improvement.
Apparently some of those notices have not had much effect yet,
and more trash traps are needed, as well as other measures.
Needless to say, WWALS and the usual citizens are still watching and speaking up. Continue reading | <urn:uuid:18c0a68b-9acb-4f5b-b9b6-32cf58d22dfd> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wwals.net/tag/berkley-drive/ | 2024-03-04T08:18:32Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.965177 | 177 |
“We reiterate our concern and position that an appropriate project review for 401 water quality certification is not yet possible since complete substantive and important information about the proposed hydrogeologic effects of this project relative to the surrounding landscape has not yet been submitted by the applicant. …So substantial, so massive, so transformative is the effect to wetlands contemplated at the Twin Pines site that you no longer have in place the original wetland to be impacted.” The Georgia Environmental Protection Division (GA-EPD) wrote that to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) in response to the thousands of pages of low-level data but only a few pages of analysis that Twin Pines Minerals (TPM) has sent those agencies.
Twin Pines Minerals is still failing to hoist its burden of proof that its propsosed titanium strip mine would not jeopardize this national treasure, the Okefenokee Swamp, the headwaters of the Suwannee and St. Marys Rivers.
Photo: John S. Quarterman for WWALS, of Tribal Grounds west along GA 94 to TPM equipment, 12:38:38, 30.5257540, -82.0411100, on Southwings flight, pilot Allen Nodorft, 2019-10-05.
pictures from that flight by Wayne Morgan.
Maybe the City of Folkston and Charlton County Development Authority (CCDA) might want to rethink its assertion in the Charlton County Herald that “We would not support anything that would jeopardize this national treasure.” GA-EPD’s opinion is much like what U.S. EPA said, that the mine would have “substantial and unacceptable impact”.
CCDA wrote, Continue reading | <urn:uuid:b5d281f2-917f-4458-9e0c-73c8716a0eea> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wwals.net/tag/city-of-folkston-and-charlton-county-development-authority/ | 2024-03-04T09:30:52Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.941512 | 364 |
In a big win for Right to Clean Water (RTCW) in Florida, a judge sided with the voters who passed a Titusville charter amendment. Addressing every point of a Motion for Summary Judgement for Declaratory Judgment filed by the City of Titusville, the judge denied that motion and granted the request by Speak Up Titusville, Inc. to require the City to certify the Amendment.
With the Suwannee River low, you can see the effluent coming out of the pipe west of Live Oak, FL. Pilgrim’s Pride just rejected a shareholder resolution to curb water pollution from its operations. And Aviagen is opening a chicken breeding operation in Brooks County, GA, in the watershed of the Withlacoochee River, upstream of the Suwannee.
Pilgrim's Pride, Proud to Dump into Suwannee River? from Merrillee on Vimeo.
“Pilgrim’s Pride discharges over 2 million gallons a day of liquid
poultry wastes in the Suwannee River from a meat rendering facility
located north of Live Oak, FL.”
Thanks to Merrillee Malwitz-Jipson of Sierra Club for .this video, which she showed me, along with many pictures, when she was in Valdosta for the VDT interview with Randy Dowdy about Sabal Trail destroying his farmland.
I asked Merrillee whether Continue reading
Environment Florida filed a lawsuit 9 March 2017 against Pilgrim’s Pride about “effluents” into the Suwannee River, alleging a violation of a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (“NPDES”) permit, which is also a violation of the Clean Water Act (CWA). Here is PDF of that legal complaint, sent to us by the plaintiff’s attorney.
Suwannee Riverkeeper is always glad to see legal action going on that we don’t have to do. Here are a few notes.
Pilgrim’s Pride goes to some trouble to treat and disinfect their wastewater at its plant on US 90 west of Live Oak in Suwannee County, and then:
- The wastewater discharged into the Suwannee River is also called the Plant’s “effluent.”
- Outfall D-001 is an 18-inch diameter steel pipe that extends approximately 20 feet from the shore and discharges into the Suwannee River.
- During the Suwannee River’s low flow periods, the pipe is not always completely submerged.
- During the Suwannee River’s low flow periods, the Plant’s effluent discharging from the pipe can be seen.
And the complaint alleges the effluent is not entirely clean.
What about the waste that is not liquid? Continue reading | <urn:uuid:8e622240-8946-4710-a0ef-07b9ab15daac> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://wwals.net/tag/injunctive-relief/ | 2024-03-04T09:31:12Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.923716 | 589 |
What is speaking related OCD?
People with Perfectionism OCD focused on speaking experience intrusive doubts, thoughts, or fears regarding their verbal communication. Someone with fear of speaking OCD may find it difficult to say specific words, phrases, etc., or to express certain concepts or themes when around others. They may fixate on certain things they’ve said in the past or the specific words they are using while talking, and correct themselves mid-speech if the word isn’t perfectly representative of what they wanted to express. They may feel great shame or anxiety due to doubts they have about how they expressed themselves. They may even feel each sentence must be the same length to be perfect, or become hyper focused on their rate and tone of speech to make sure it feels “just right” when they’re speaking. There are many fears associated with Perfectionism/Just Right OCD. In particular, in relation to speech, people are often afraid that they might be judged. These feelings align closely with uncomfortable thoughts and urges they experience about something not being “just right” or perfect. Perfectionistic tendencies are often considered ego-syntonic, which means that they are seen as acceptable to oneself, their identity, their intentions, and their values. Most other subtypes of OCD tend to be ego-dystonic, meaning that the thoughts, fears, and urges they involve are unacceptable to oneself and their identity. When somebody experiences Perfectionism OCD, they experience unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, doubts, or urges that cause distress and anxiety, called obsessions. To relieve this distress or avoid feared outcomes, people with OCD resort to compulsions, such as avoiding situations where you might speak, or making sure sentences have the perfect length and tone or expression. |
OCD fear of speaking – Common Obsessions
In Perfectionism OCD, obsessions are the unwanted, intrusive thoughts and feelings that something does not seem/feel perfect or just right, and they tend to cause anxiety and discomfort.
- Fears of making mistakes when talking
- Feelings of frustration, tension, or anxiety if a word wasn’t said in just the right way
- Hyperfixation on volume or pitch when speaking
- Fears of accidentally saying something that might seem embarrassing, odd, or offensive
- Worries that you may be judged on your ability to speak
- Worried that you might not be able to complete a sentence due to mistakes
- Intrusive feelings of imperfection, hesitation, or rhythmic disruption while speaking
- Fears that people misinterpreted what you meant to say based on words used or rate & tone of speech
- Fears that you expressed the wrong emotion in speech
- Starting a conversation
- Keeping a conversation going
- Talking to oneself
- Mispronouncing a word
- Having to speak in public
- Projects that involve speaking
- Answering questions in conversation
- Thinking about the act of speaking
As a side note, it is very important to recognize that these triggers are often associated with social situations, and sometimes OCD may present itself as Social Anxiety Disorder. This often is not the case, as speaking perfectionism is more a result of intrusive thoughts or feelings around speaking, and not necessarily from being with groups of people.
It is also important to remember that triggers for perfectionism and speaking OCD include many situations where people are speaking with or to others. If a person feels like they are being judged, credited, or evaluated, then intrusive thought patterns may be stronger. These triggers can appear at home, work, school or even at the grocery store when you run into an old friend.
How can I tell if it’s OCD fear of speaking, and not just a part of who I am?
When it comes to fears that involve perfectionism, it can be difficult to determine what is OCD and what is simply a personal characteristic. The best way to understand this is to gain knowledge about OCD. OCD is composed of three basic components: 1) intrusive thoughts, feelings, or urges; 2) anxiety or distress that comes as a result; 3) compulsions done to relieve this anxiety or distress. Understanding this cycle can help you distinguish OCD from other conditions or issues. If intrusive thoughts increase distress and interfere with life, then you may be dealing with OCD.
The other thing to consider is that when speaking, finishing sentences, or repeating words starts to take up significant amounts of time, it can be a good indicator of Perfectionism OCD. The idea of speaking starts to cause distress and you may engage in compulsions. These compulsions can be physical or mental actions, and people may get “stuck” speaking for unnecessarily long periods of time trying to achieve that “just right” feeling. If you avoid speaking due to the anxiety you feel beforehand, that may also be a sign that you’re experiencing OCD.
The presence of compulsions is the best way to see if you are struggling with perfectionism OCD. If you attempt to avoid social situations, mentally rehearse before you speak, stop mid-sentence to correct yourself, or repeat words until they feel right, then it is highly likely that you have OCD.
When people with fear of speaking OCD experience intrusive thoughts, images, feelings, or urges that cause distress, they may engage in a variety of mental or physical compulsions. Compulsions keep people in the cycle of OCD. When somebody feels anxiety from an intrusive thought or feeling, people seek comfort to relieve the anxiety. Once compulsions are eliminated, this anxiety decreases over time, and people learn to accept and tolerate the uncertainty or distress surrounding their obsessions.
Compulsions with this subtype are generally straightforward, as the person tends to correct exactly what they feel problem is.
Compulsions performed mentally or physically by people with speaking OCD include:
- Stopping mid-sentence to correct errors
- Excessively practicing speaking before an event/situation occurs
- Seeking reassurance from others to see if they are judging you
- Avoiding situations where you might have to speak
- Saying few words to prevent mistakes
- Continually talking until it seems/feels perfect or just right
- Repeating specific words until they feel our sound right
How to treat fear of speaking
Perfectionism/Just Right OCD in relation to speaking may make it seem like there is no end in sight, but that is not true. While many people struggle with it, many people also overcome it. It is highly treatable by doing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy with an OCD specialist.
ERP is the gold standard treatment for OCD and many other anxiety disorders. It is 80% effective and shows promising results within 12-25 sessions. With ERP, you will be able to teach your brain that your intrusive thoughts don’t have any real meaning; they’re just thoughts.
In ERP, you’re gradually, safely exposed to thoughts or environments that are likely to trigger intrusive thoughts and anxiety. Then your therapist guides you in resisting the urge to respond to the distress with compulsions. By doing this over time, you learn that you can tolerate anxiety, and as a result, your thoughts become less and less distressful.
If you’re struggling with OCD, “As an OCD specialist, I’ve used ERP to help many people regain their lives from OCD. I encourage you to learn about NOCD’s accessible, evidence-based approach to treatment with the NOCD care team to learn how a licensed therapist can help. At NOCD, all therapists specialize in OCD and receive ERP-specific training. ERP is most effective when the therapist conducting the treatment has experience with OCD and training in ERP.
We look forward to working with you. | <urn:uuid:8e295b9f-245d-40b7-a7bd-6580a6cf49db> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www-qa.treatmyocd.com/what-is-ocd/common-fears/fear-of-speaking-ocd | 2024-03-04T08:39:45Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.957479 | 1,611 |
Google has never been shy about it’s intention to reshape the world. This month the company unveiled two projects that illustrate a long-term ambition to go beyond strongholds like search and mobile, and to be a major player in the emerging transportation and renewable energy industries. Leveraging a considerable war chest and influence, Google’s is asking people to imagine a future that to some may sound, well… a bit like a Jetsons episode.
Google has been testing a fleet of revolutionary cars that drive themselves with the use of software, GPS, and a system of cameras and sensors. Spearheaded by Google engineer Sebastian Thrun, who co-invented Street View, the program’s seven vehicles (mostly modded Priuses which always have a human on hand) recently traveled 1,000 miles on major highways and city streets without any human intervention and 140,000 miles with only occasional human control. Continue reading “The Future: Now brought to you by Google” | <urn:uuid:14ca45b5-e858-4f57-937e-fbe0de46f804> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www-stage.ipglab.com/tag/sebastian-thrun/ | 2024-03-04T07:48:57Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.945837 | 202 |
You guys. This wedding. We’re smiling just thinking about it. One of our fave things about Maggie + Matthew is that they didn’t feel compelled to follow tradition just ‘cause. Their style is eclectic, so they wanted their day to be too. Maggie wore a Free People dress, their wedding party went with their own style, and they chose Allie Lindsey to capture all sweet moments.
Maggie didn’t have much luck in traditional wedding dress shops (and wasn’t into those SF prices!), so her MOH found her the Belle of the Ball maxi. If it looks familiar, you might be remembering it from our wedding dresses under $500 post.
Casa Cody Inn is the oldest hotel in Palm Springs, and much more laid back feeling than some of the newer hotels there. We discovered it when we were biking by and saw the secluded gardens and two quaint pools hidden behind all the bougainvillea, took a peek, and decided it was the place for us. All 30 rooms on the property were occupied by our friends and family (115 guests), and from Friday night’s outdoor movie to Saturday and Sunday’s epic breakfasts at the pool, and of course the wedding itself, it was a great venue!
Maggie’s bouquet recipe by David Rohr Studios: craspedia, blue thistle, ranunculus, scabiosa pods, white lisianthus, succulents, coral roses, and wild blooms
(If you love this bouquet, you’ll love her Pinterest board.)
Aisle: live guitar playing Iron & Wine’s Naked As We Came
1st Dance: In My Life by The Beatles
Once they saw that Allie Lindsey understood their vision for nontraditional photos, they were sold. Naturally that meant incorporating a few giant pool floats.
Planning tips, c/o our bride… It was helpful to focus on just one category at a time, talk to 3+ different vendors, make a decision, then move on to the next decision. I was also given the tip that there is definitely a busy season to wedding planning, which is after Christmas & New Years (when everyone gets engaged)! So if you can book some vendors by December, you’re ahead of the curve.
Another tip: don’t buckle to traditions that you don’t care about. We did our save-the-date on Paperless Post. We skipped assigned seats and went for tables of all sizes where people could grab small plates at different action stations, then sit or stand with whomever they’d like, before going back for different food at another station! I think this saved us a lot of headache.
Congrats, M + M!
Photographer: Allie Lindsey Photography / Venue: Casa Cody Inn / Planner: Tealight Events / Florist: David Rohr Studios / Hair & Makeup: Chelsea Nicole / Invitations: Printed from Paperless Post / Cake: Over The Rainbow / Catering: F10 Creative / Rentals: Signature Party Rentals / Bride’s Dress: Free People ‘Belle of the Ball’ / Shoes: Lucky / Juliet Cap Veil: Mignonne Handmade / Rings: Vintage + GoldSmack / Bridesmaid Dresses: BCBG, Anthropologie, BB Dakota / Groom’s Suit: Saks Fifth Avenue / Shoes: Cole Haan / Ties: The Tie Bar | <urn:uuid:ad9f1ba0-aedf-4491-9d87-eededee127d1> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.100layercake.com/2016/06/20/spanish-style-palm-springs-wedding-maggie-matthew/ | 2024-03-04T08:25:15Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.937375 | 734 |
Seasoned Detective Jess Fullerton has seen her fair share of crime working for the NYPD. But, when a string of seemingly unrelated crimes begin to appear suspiciously connected, Jess is forced to look at her own relationships, questioning who she can trust and who's keeping secrets from her.
DO YOU BELIEVE IN GHOSTS?
In the 1960s, the idea of paranormal activity was something very few people believed in or understood. Margaret Hayes is determined to change that when she opens a parapsychology lab with her partner Jim Russo. However, when tragedy strikes in a rumored haunted house, Jim takes it upon himself to investigate, using his gift as an empath. Will he uncover the truth about a murdered student, or will he put everything they've worked for at risk?
Joe, a major league catcher fresh off a World Series win with the Chicago Cubs, finds himself in unfamiliar territory when he is forced to unexpectedly retire between seasons. Back in the clubhouse, now as a coach, Joe must figure out how to fit in amongst his former teammates and coaches while still desperate to play the game.
HONOR AND ENVY
A journalist close to the President finds herself torn between family and country when members of a foreign nation kidnap the First Lady’s sister.
President Richard Hale lobbies to the UN Council for the unification of a battered Cyprus State. A Reporter, Cassie Davis, finds herself in the middle of the biggest story of her life when the First Lady’s sister is kidnapped in the divided country. As the President is pulled deeper into the conflict, the motives and secrets of everyone involved become revealed and the ultimate price paid for honor and envy.
MISTRESS OF THE VATICAN
Based on the novel by Eleanor Herman.
Mistress of the Vatican is the incredible true story of Olimpia Maidalchini, a young woman in 1600's Rome who uses her wit and cunning to manipulate her brother-in-law's meteoric rise in the Catholic Church...all the way to the papacy.
CURRENTLY IN DEVELOPMENT. | <urn:uuid:3f5875c5-b8e7-4e7a-9118-5d9c1c957f21> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.15bones.com/pilots | 2024-03-04T09:40:25Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.963542 | 430 |
Hit the links with more swagger in PGA TOUR 2K23. Welcome to the next chapter of golf.
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Take your skills and your swag on the PGA TOUR to become the next FedExCup Champ. Compete against other pros with your MyPLAYER and establish new rivalries.
PGA TOUR PROS AND LICENSED COURSES
For the first time, play as male and female pros including Tiger Woods! Step onto one of the multiple licensed courses, including East Lake Golf Club, TPC Scottsdale, and TPC Sawgrass, to name a few!
CREATE YOUR OWN DREAM COURSES
Build your own fantasy fairway with the industry-leading Course Designer, featuring thousands of customizable objects and cross-platform sharing.
TOPGOLF HAS ARRIVED
Head to Topgolf solo or with your crew, in competitive 1-4 player local and online play.
LEVEL UP YOUR MyPLAYER
New archetypes and skills level up your MyPLAYER while new licensed gear and apparel from top brands like adidas, Callaway, Titleist, Malbon, and more, bring the swag to the green.
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Choose between the new 3-click Swing System and the traditional analog stick swing. Accessible features include real-time tutorials, tips, shot suggestions, the TrueShot System, and Lie Management.
YOUR SOCIETY, YOUR RULES
Control your Clubhouse with Online Societies. Manage tournaments and full seasons. Set up entry rules as well as event options.
ONLINE AND LOCAL MULTIPLAYER
Hit the links with your crew in local and online matches, including Alt-Shot, Stroke Play, Skins, and 4-Player Scramble. Plus, the frenzied multiplayer mode Divot Derby is back! | <urn:uuid:4e09864e-717c-4fa1-b3cf-39b6ca8d5b07> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.2k.com/en-US/game/pga-tour-2k23/ | 2024-03-04T09:12:05Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.898882 | 406 |
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The POLAR 580 is a foldable boat, easy to transport, it can be stored into three separate bags, one for the aluminum floor, one for the float and a last one for the double aluminum front locker.
This very resistant boat is the best ally of the fleets of police, rescuers and professional users around the world.
The range is designed to carry heavy loads, while maintaining good speed. The polar is also the fastest boat in the category of foldable boats.
When sailing, the hull rests solely on two inflatable keels, the wet surface is reduced and the lift increased for exceptional sailing comfort and extreme sensations!
The POLAR 580 is a stable boat equipped with a reinforced transom, numerous rings, handles and safe-lines making the POLAR a very safe boat and suitable for exploration, especially in polar climates.
The particularity of the POLAR 580 is that it has a double front locker which allows you to store your boat's fuel tank and all your other equipment.
The position of the chest at the front of the boat allows both to rebalance the distribution of weight on your boat for better marine behavior, and allows easy access from the front of the boat with the double steps of the trunk covered with a non-slip EVA PAD.
The trunk of the POLAR580 is also removable, it is possible to fix it in navigation thanks to a system of straps and disassemble it afterwards.
For more safety, a fuel tube passage is provided on the side.
The tubes are available in thermo-welded Valmex® PVC from the German company Melher or in HYPALON fabric.
520 route de Penety
Tél : 02 29 02 72 85 | <urn:uuid:7266abde-bdfa-43f9-ac31-b7201b096c15> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.3dtender.com/models-polar-580-713-343-0-0.html | 2024-03-04T07:15:41Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.924749 | 359 |
The constant wrangling between AT&T and Verizon Wireless can get on my nerves. It makes me, and I’m sure a lot of people out there, root for the “other” carriers like Sprint and T-Mobile USA. T-Mo and Sprint make for good underdogs in the carrier wars. After hearing Sprint’s recent the-worst-is-over report to investors, I’m increasingly intrigued by what’s up Dan Hesse’s sleeve.
The Evo from HTC, and its corresponding 4G service, is in my humble opinion the first device that comes anywhere near the iPhone in terms of features. I also like the idea of paying a lot less per month for my service (I currently have an iPhone through AT&T). The lower prices at T-Mo and Sprint are a verifiable stone-cold fact that neither AT&T nor Verizon Wireless can deny, although they’ll gladly try to justify that extra per-month charge with their “bigger, faster” arguments.
I like what I’ve experienced on Sprint’s 4G network the couple of times I’ve tested it in Las Vegas (Madison, Wis., doesn’t yet have the service). VZW and AT&T are, of course, busy trumpeting LTE as the end-all for network speeds, but judging by what the analysts are saying, I’m just not so sure about anything that comes out of that camp lately. And what’s with AT&T’s recent retreat to an HSPA+ strategy?
When it comes to network claims, I’m of the believe-it-when-I-see-it persuasion. I’ve seen WiMAX, as well as a pretty impressive HSPA+ demo from T-Mo at CTIA this spring, and they’re both a long way from what I’m getting on my 3G connection from AT&T. Perhaps AT&T saw the same T-Mo demo I saw?
Anyway, as I write this, I’m looking at my iPhone, which is dutifully pushing out a couple of news alerts from CNN. This addictive little gadget has seriously tied my hands in the way of moving to another carrier. While the Evo impresses, the iPhone creates dependency, and for better or worse, I am utterly dependent on the Apple-branded smartphone UI.
After listening to a webcast of Sprint’s investor conference today, I had a moment where I tried to imagine the end of iPhone exclusivity in the United States. I tried to imagine walking on over to my local Sprint or T-Mo store and picking out a reasonably priced plan and a subsidized iPhone that will suffer fewer dropped calls and actually maintain a 3G connection when I’m in San Francisco.
My bliss was brought back to earth when I realized that there are AT&T executives having the same visions, only they call it a nightmare, and not a blissful dream. I’ve resisted any kind of bashing of AT&T for a long time, as I’ve seen equal ups and downs in quality of service from friends in the Verizon camp.
Still, I want believe that there should be choice in my wireless future, but when I can see clearly in mind’s eye the droves of customers fleeing AT&T when the iPhone goes elsewhere… Well, let’s just say that I’m less than optimistic that I’ll be switching to another carrier with my iPhone. Maybe I’m wrong, but I just don’t see a Sprint or T-Mobile-branded Apple device in my hand anytime in the near future. Heck, I’m not even holding my breath for a Verizon Wireless version. | <urn:uuid:e11cb5b3-71d4-4e9f-9199-1bc49cc0473d> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.5gtechnologyworld.com/the-iphone-vs-everything-else/ | 2024-03-04T08:23:46Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.928816 | 795 |
New Ford Super Duty Limited Sets Standard for Luxury Trucks
The all-new Ford F-Series Super Duty Limited is setting new standards for luxury in the heavy-duty truck segment, offering comfort and technology typically only seen in premium flagship sedans. What sets the Super Duty Limited apart from other luxury vehicles is its ability to tow more than 30,000 pounds when properly equipped.
Ford has seen more than half of Super Duty retail sales coming from high-end models like the Lariat, King Ranch and Platinum series. The Limited trim takes things a step further with custom Camelback two-tone leather seats, Miko suede headliner, hand-finished dark ash wood trim and unique exterior accents.
“There are heavy-duty truck customers who need Super Duty-level capability and want true luxury,” said Todd Eckert, Ford truck group marketing manager. “Super Duty Limited is the most luxurious and advanced heavy-duty pickup truck ever created by Ford for those accomplished buyers with an appetite for the high life and the hard-earned dollars to match.”
The Ford Super Duty Limited comes with many standard features, including:
- High-Definition 360-Degree Camera with Trailer Reverse Guidance
- SYNC 3 Infotainment System
- Adaptive Cruise Control
- Forward Collision Warning with Brake Support
- Quad-beam LED Headlamps
- Full Panoramic Moonroof with Retractable Shade
- Heated and Ventilated Front Seats
Every Super Duty Limited model comes with the 6.7-liter Power Stroke diesel V8, whether it is the F-250, F-350 or F-450 and for both single and dual-rear-wheel configurations. For more information about the Ford Super Duty line of heavy-duty pickups, visit us today at Sam Pack’s Five Star Ford – North Richland Hills. | <urn:uuid:647ad00f-eb5f-4483-8fff-fef5da66f60e> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.5starford.com/new-ford-super-duty-limited-sets-standard-luxury-trucks/ | 2024-03-04T08:16:46Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.894079 | 389 |
Well, Apple users, the rumours are looking more and more likely that the next iPhone won’t be Lightning Cable compatible.
While the iPhone 15 and iPhone 15 Plus models are still about four months away, leaks have revealed the likely changes.
Probably the most annoying (yet unsurprising) move for Apple users is the company’s uptake of the USB-C as part of the European Union’s single charging standard for mobile devices.
By early 2024, an agreement to make products sold in the EU more sustainable, cut down on electronic waste and eliminate ‘cable clutter’ across 27 countries will come into effect.
“Mobile phones, tablets, e-readers, earbuds, digital cameras, headphones and headsets, handheld video game consoles and portable speakers that are rechargeable via a wired cable will have to be equipped with a USB Type-C port, regardless of their manufacture,” a 2022 release from the European Commission read.
In short, this means goodbye to the Lightning Cable.
Forbes reported other rumoured changes, including a new periscope lens for the iPhone 15 Pro Max and the scrapping the solid-state volume buttons for both Pro models.
Apple has yet to announce their launch event for iPhone 15, but it’s expected around September 7. | <urn:uuid:70fbdd28-f027-4b5b-b5b4-f43b3221551a> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.7hofm.com.au/trending/entertainment/apple-is-making-a-crucial-change-to-all-future-iphones/ | 2024-03-04T08:54:12Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.927491 | 271 |
Network switch and router are two basic devices utilized in computer networks. However, many people have no idea how to use them and set up a switch with a router. Next, let’s find out the difference of network switch vs router and learn how to set up a switch with a router in detail.
What Is a Network Switch and How It Works
A network switch, normally referred to as a multiport network bridge, is a computer networking device that connects other devices together on a computer network. It manages the flow of data across a network by transmitting a received network packet only to the one or more devices for which the packet is intended.
Then, how does a network switch work? Normally, a network switch uses hardware addresses to process and forward data at the data link layer (layer 2) of the OSI model. While, sometimes, it can also process data at the network layer (layer 3) by additionally incorporating routing functionality. It allows different nodes (typically computers) to communicate with each other in a smooth and efficient manner.
Nowadays, Ethernet switch is the most common form of network switch. In addition to one of its most normal type gigabit Ethernet switch which used at earlier time with a lower speed up to 1 Gbps, another type, 10GbE switch is also very popular with a higher speed up to 10 Gbps. Actually, 25G, 40G or even 100G switch have aroused more attention with much higher speed. These Ethernet switches come with different port numbers of 8/16/24/48 ports and port configuration of RJ45, SFP, etc.
Router in Networking
A router is a networking device that routes data packets between computer networks. It is used to connect networking devices to the internet so that multiple users can share a connection. Normally, a router works as a dispatcher. It directs data traffic from the modem and route it to various devices.
Routers uses protocols such as ICMP (Internet Control Message Protocol) to communicate with each other and configures the best route between any two hosts.
Most routers have four Ethernet ports which allow you to plug in up to four devices. If you need more than four Ethernet connections then you need to upgrade to a router with a larger port bank (usually up to eight ports) or to use a network switch instead.
Network Switch vs Router
From the introduction above, it is clear that network switch and router are both computer networking devices that allow one or more computers to be connected to other computers, networked devices, or to other networks. While switches allow different devices on one network to communicate, routers allow different networks to communicate. Actually, a switch creates networks while a router connects networks. By the way, routers can be used in LANs, WANs, and MANs because they have both WAN and LAN ports, while switches can only be used in LANs. In addition, a router uses IP address for data transmission, while a network switch uses the MAC address.
How to Set up a Network Switch With a Router
If you have less than 4 devices to use in one network, you can use one router connecting a modem and don’t need to expend your network. However, when the number of devices is over 4, a network switch is necessary. You can use the network switch to expend your wired?network with more ports.
There are various switches of different port counts such as 8-port, 16-port, 32-port switch available in the market.
Steps to Set up a Network Switch With a Router
Step 1: Unplug all the power supplies of cable modem, network switch and wireless router.
Step 2: Connect your modem to the telephone wire. After that, connect one end of an Ethernet cable to the Ethernet port on the back of the modem.
Step 3: Plug the other end of the Ethernet cable connected with modem into your router’s WAN port.
Step 4: Use another Ethernet cable to connect one of your LAN ports in router to a network switch port.
Step 5: Plug the power supplies of three devices.
After the setup, your network is expended and you can connect more than 4 devices using the internet. All you need is to connect the additional devices to the switch’s normal port with straight cables.
With all the information mentioned above, it is obvious to tell the difference of network switch vs router, after which you can have a good command of how to connect a network switch with a router better. Normally, the connection order of the devices is modem -> router -> switch -> devices. | <urn:uuid:3f8265e7-24c2-4323-a50e-2f4f4ece5f88> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.800908.com/how-to-set-up-a-network-switch-with-a-router%EF%BC%9F.html | 2024-03-04T08:24:21Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.930316 | 941 |
Remember earlier we outlined the false authority paradigm set up by the NAR and now we see it in action. Mike Bickle and Lou Engle are two of the most egregious false prophets/teachers on this planet. Dr. Michael Brown is a gatekeeper for such men as well as for Jennifer who he had on his radio program this past week.
Yvonne seems to be coming from the same spirit. Again, after I reviewed the material she sent I told her it was nonsense. Her response to me: "Depart from me I never knew you, is what you will hear when you stand before Him, for promoting and profiting from a heretical cult. I should have realized you were part of it." Yvonne's indictment doesn't bother me a bit. I just look back to the introduction of the Jesus' Sermon on the Mount: "Blessed are you when they revile and persecute you, and say all kinds of evil against you falsely for My sake. Rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for great is your reward in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matt. 5: 11-12). -- Jennifer Leclaire
So we come full circle back to the bloated sense of self importance. To Jennifer Leclaire, a random email trying to get her to see the errors in what she supports is akin to the persecution that Jesus warns the church is coming for them. Wow. I think beheaded saints in Iraq and underground brothers and sisters in China would disagree with you Jennifer. That's ok; you can just say you were flowing with a spirit of error. Jennifer finishes:
As much as I respect those who are faithful witnesses to the truth--and as much as I acknowledge there is strange fire in the charismatic movement and deception (and even heresy) in some camps in the body of Christ, we have to be extremely cautious in flippantly condemning someone to hell because they don't agree with us. When it comes to heresy we expose it and refuse to fellowship with those propagating it, but even then we don't chase them down and persecute them. We pray that God will break in with light and expose the darkness that has clouded their minds. To take any other approach is simply a wrong spirit that could ultimately lead you into a deeper deception than the one you believe they are exposing. -- Jennifer Leclaire
Note the not so subtle shift Jennifer tries here. She presents ONE person who has emailed her and suggested that her refusal to see IHOP as a cult means she will go to hell and she has now applied it broadly as a problem to make herself appear to be the victim! Her final point is not only ridiculous but it is unbiblical. The key verse makes it beyond clear that those in leadership positions in the church are required to rebuke what is false so her notion of taking no other approach but prayer sounds pious but is actually in violation of Scripture. This reveals however some of the deeper insidious problems when you compromise the Gospel within the NAR and their false authority paradigm. We don't chase down and persecute the wolves that are tearing apart the sheep of the Lord? Seriously? She is speaking here about heretics by her own admission! People who lead people away from Jesus Christ. She uses the term "persecute" to make the wolf the victim and then calls for prayer for the predator. Wow again.
No Jennifer. I will pray for your victims. I will pray for the people you fleeced for $300 to attend your "prophet school" that you run of a hotel room by the Fort Lauderdale Airport. I will pray for those who sent you an additional $300 to join your bogus "prophet network" so they could be under your "covering." I will pray for anyone who believed your prophecy about a great awakening coming to this country. I will pray for anyone who shelled out the ten bucks for your book about your false prophecy regarding the angels of abundant harvest. If you happen to read this and feel badly just realize that your feelings are from God so He must want you to feel badly. But take heart because you released the angels of abundant harvest so I am sure they will beat back that sneaky squid stalker you got. Unless you are moving in a spirit of error that is.
I suddenly have a craving for calamari" | <urn:uuid:44be20d9-7ef0-40ee-a630-34d859f64f14> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.828ministries.com/articles/3/Jennifer-Leclaire--Movin-by-Anthony-Wade-Christianity_God_Prophet-170519-830.html | 2024-03-04T08:10:50Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.973907 | 893 |
Open the Schools: Ella Cruz Draws Internet’s Ire After Controversial Remark Likening History to Gossip
Jul 4, 2022 • Alex Alvarez
Jul 4, 2022 • Alex Alvarez
Is history just like gossip? According to actress Ella Cruz, yes. But if you listened to your history classes in school, you should understand that history is NOT like gossip at all. And a slew of netizens and celebrities and historians are here to correct the young actress.
Actress Ella Cruz spoke up about playing the role of Irene Marcos, the third child of the late President Ferdinand Marcos, in a controversial film ‘Maid in Malacañang’ showing on July 18.
— The Philippine Star (@PhilippineStar) July 2, 2022
In a Philippine Star interview published last July 2, Cruz was asked about any lessons she gained while filming Maid in Malacañang. In answering, she likened history to gossip, describing it as “filtered” and “bias[ed].”
“History is like tsismis. It is filtered and dagdag na rin, so hindi natin alam what is the real history. Naro’n na yung idea, pero may mga bias talaga. As long as we are here at may kaniya-kaniyang opinion, I respect everyone’s opinion,” the actress said, raising eyebrows everywhere.
After the controversial remark went viral, netizens couldn’t help but respond to Cruz with sarcastic comments and funny reaction posts. Many netizens have also edited infamous memes and pop culture references in response to Cruz’s remark.
Ella Cruz after learning that her AP class doesn’t mean araling pangchismisan pic.twitter.com/spyVWyNQAN
— Jai Cabajar (@jaicabajar) July 2, 2022
It’s not Araling Pang-chismisan?!?
— (@glen_vincent) July 2, 2022
Perhaps she doesn’t know the meaning of AP and history because she was sleeping during class…?
Ella Cruz and her OPEN THE SCHOOLS moment. pic.twitter.com/ZJPmMHNnje
— Eru Zies (@eru_zies) July 2, 2022
This pandemic really is messing with all of us.
It’s not only regular netizens who found Cruz’s remark controversial, but her fellow celebs as well. Using their platforms with their own wide reaches, several notable names called out the young actress for likening history to gossip. Former volleyball player and current news anchor Gretchen Ho kept her explanation simple and understandable.
* History’s narrative, while subject to the perspective of the author, must be written based on facts, and not opinion.
— Gretchen Ho (@gretchenho) July 2, 2022
TV host Richard Juan even got a witty reference to the “93th” birthday greeting for Imelda Marcos, which Kingmaker director Lauren Greenfield called out for copyright infringement.
For the 93th time, history is not tsismis!
— 范鴻志 RICHARD JUAN 홍지 (@richardjuan) July 2, 2022
Content creator AC Soriano (ItsACsLife on social media) also called their friend out. In a tweet accompanying a video of Cruz wrongly giving information to her viewers before AC and friends corrected her, AC jokingly tells her to just let them know if she needs “more corrections”. It seems like Cruz has an unfortunate history of sharing wrong information.
NOT THIS ILY SIS IF YOU NEED MORE CORRECTIONS LET ME KNOW https://t.co/wnhTAVmWQw
— AC (@ItsACsLife) July 2, 2022
Unsurprisingly, Cruz’s controversial remark also caught the attention of Filipino historians.
Public historian Ambeth R. Ocampo told Cruz not to confuse history and gossip. “History may have bias but it is based on fact not opinion. Real history is about truth, not lies, not fiction.”
‘DON’T CONFUSE HISTORY AND CHISMIS.’
Public historian Ambeth R. Ocampo decries actress Ella Cruz’s controversial comment that history is like tsismis yesterday, July 2.
— Inquirer (@inquirerdotnet) July 3, 2022
Historian Alvin D. Campomanes asked a simple, rhetorical question to his followers: “If there are bachelor of arts, master of arts, and doctor of philosophy degrees in history, then those degrees probably don’t just talk about gossip all day, right?” He also reshared a 2016 post, quipping that these very degree programs should just be abolished when there’s an increase of fake news and unreliable resources due to Facebook and other social media platforms.
Meanwhile, historian Xiao Chua received a deluge of requests from his followers to comment on the matter, to which he only has to say: “Hindi ko siya kilala. Hindi siya mahalaga. Waste of time.”
Sino ba itong pinapakomentuhan ninyo sa akin? Hindi ko siya kilala. Hindi siya mahalaga. Waste of time.
— Xiao Chua (@Xiao_Chua) July 2, 2022
Nevertheless, Chua is set to appear in Christian Esguerra’s Facts First on July 4 to set the record straight.
“History is like chismis,” sabi ni Ella Cruz.
Itutuwid natin ang mga baluktok na pagtingin sa pag-aaral ng history lalo’t laganap ang mga maling impormasyon at conspiracy theories online.
— Christian Esguerra (@IanEsguerra) July 2, 2022
Ella Cruz is a young actress set to star in the controversial film Maid in Malacañang, which is said to follow the last three days of the Marcoses in the Palace. Cruz will be playing the role of Irene Marcos, the second daughter of the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.
The film has drawn criticism from many individuals and groups alike, with worries about historical revisionism, but Senator Imee Marcos said in a press conference that they are not “revising anything” but “simply explaining.”
Ferdinand Marcos and his family were removed from power after the Filipino people marched to the streets in the EDSA People Power Revolution in 1986. During his twenty-year term in Malacañang, there were over thousands of extrajudicial killings, tortures, and imprisonments, according to Amnesty International. Likewise, the World Bank and the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime reported that the Marcoses have embezzled as much as 5 to 10 billion dollars (or about 275 to 500 billion pesos) worth of stolen assets from the country.
What are your thoughts on this controversial remark?
Alex Alvarez is an aspiring writer and amateur stargazer.
Input your search keywords and press Enter. | <urn:uuid:81ce2087-bf12-4b86-8b65-0246ea1244bb> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.8list.ph/ella-cruz-history-gossip/ | 2024-03-04T09:35:44Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.93891 | 1,540 |
Unpaid internships are commonplace in the museum world, supported by a culture that suggests “experience” and the chance to get “a foot in the door” are worth the sacrifice of time and lost earnings. This practice necessarily limits the sector’s ability to diversify or become equitable, by ensuring that only those who can afford to work uncompensated can participate. But there is some promise of change afoot! The Association of Art Museum Directors (AAMD) recently made a resolution calling on art museums to provide paid internships. At the same time, the Art and Museum Transparency group, a grassroots initiative to bring transparency to the arts sector through collecting anonymous salary data from the field, launched their recently-launched Unpaid Internships spreadsheet, which aims to shed light on the sector’s reliance on free labor.
In this episode, we’re joined by Alison Wade from AAMD, and Michelle Millar Fisher and “E” from the Art + Museum Transparency group to discuss these initiatives, and the implications for the sector of its practice of unpaid internships. Plus, Ed Rodley, Museopunks new co-host, makes his official debut.
Alison Wade is the Chief Administrator at the Association of Art Museum Directors, a professional association for art museum directors in North America. She oversees and implements the Associations’s annual surveys of museum salaries and statistics which serve as the industry’s standard for benchmarking data. She also oversees AAMD’s website, social media channels, and the operations of AAMD’s two office locations, among other projects. She holds an MA in Visual Arts Administration from New York University.
Michelle Millar Fisher is the Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick Curator of Contemporary Decorative Arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Her work investigates the confluence power, people, and design. Right now, she’s excited to be collaborating with historian Amber Winick on a book and exhibition, Designing Motherhood.
“E” is an art historian who has been working off and on in museums and arts organizations of various sizes for the past ten years. They are a member of the Art and Museum Transparency group. In this episode, we’re altered their voice in order to protect their identity.
Museopunks is presented by the American Alliance of Museums.
Graphic Design of the Museopunks logo is by Selena Robleto.
Suse Anderson: Good day, and welcome to Museopunks: The Podcast for the Progressive Museum. I’m Suse Anderson.
Ed Rodley: And I’m Ed Rodley. And together, we’ll be digging into yet another hot button issue in the field, internship salaries, or the lack thereof.
Suse: Unpaid internships have been a long-standing gateway into museum work. I did, in fact several of them while I was studying and working a couple of jobs and had the usual family and social obligations, but in regional Australia, I saw no other way to gain experience or get my foot in the door.
But lately, the groundswell of voices rising up issues of diversity, of equity and access, of inclusion around internships has been leading to some pretty startling events.
Ed: Yeah, this year, there have been some seismic shifts in the field regarding salary issues in general, and unpaid internships in particular. In June this year, the Board of Trustees of the Association of Art Museum Directors, AAMD, approved a resolution calling on art museums to provide paid internships.
And in July, the Art + Museum Transparency group, a grassroots initiative to bring transparency to the art sector through collecting anonymous salary data from the field launched their unpaid internships spreadsheet, which builds upon the success of their revolutionary salary transparency worksheet, which has already seen thousands of entries with information about salaries and benefits across the sector.
Suse: So, in this episode, we’re pleased to have guests who can offer two pretty different perspectives on the internship dilemma, one from the Association of Art Museum Directors, and two members of the Art + Museum Transparency group to shed a little light on the issue.
Ed: Today, we’re very excited to have with us Allison Wade, who is the chief administrator at the Association of Art Museum Directors, AAMD, which is a professional association for art museum directors in North America. She oversees and implements the association’s annual surveys of museum salaries and statistics, which serve as the industry’s standard for benchmarking data. She also oversees AAMD’S website, social media channels, and the operation of AAMD’s two office locations, among other projects. Sounds like a museum job.
She also holds an MA in Visual Arts Administration from New York University. And, in June of this year, the Board of Trustees of AAMD approved a resolution calling on art museums to provide paid internships. And we’re going to talk about that resolution in a few minutes.
But before we start, I’d like to ask Allison, if you could say hello, and tell us a little bit about AAMD, who it serves and what its remit is.
Allison Wade: Hi there, I’m so happy to be here today. Thank you so much for inviting me. AAMD is the professional organization for directors of art museums. We have currently about 227 members in North America. Most of them are concentrated in the United States, but we also have members in Canada and Mexico.
And we were founded in 1916 by 12 museum directors, most of whom are still members today, actually, who were looking to share ideas about best practices in what was then a very new field. This was around the time where there were a few large encyclopedic museums on the East Coast, but these institutions were sort of more like in the Midwest and the West.
And I start there going back all the way, because in a way, it’s still what AAMD does today. We set standards and ethics for the field, but we also serve as a place where museum directors can come together and share the issues that they’re having at their institutions and we help them try to solve them.
We have conferences for our members each year, and we also do projects and events that more broadly benefit the art museum field. We have workshops for museum professionals, we have a paid internship program. So that’s sort of just the baseline of what AAMD does.
Suse: Allison, that’s great. Now, speaking of things that more broadly impact the field, which is one of the phrases you just used, AAMD introduced a resolution recently, as we mentioned, calling on art museums to provide paid internships. Can you outline what the resolution actually says?
Allison: Yeah, so it’s an actually very straightforward, short resolution. And if you don’t mind, I can actually read it because it’s only about four sentences.
Allison: The resolution actually says, it’s very formal language, “Whereas internships provide critical opportunities for students considering careers in art museums, as well as experience necessary for entering the workforce, and whereas paid internships are essential to increasing access and equity for the museum profession, now, therefore, the Board of Trustees of the Association of Art Museum Directors recommends that art museums should pay interns, except in special circumstances, justifying such an arrangement.”
Ed: That’s pretty heavy stuff. Allison, this seems to be like one of the big topics of the year. Can you talk a little bit about why you think it is that suddenly this is coming up everywhere? It came up at the keynotes at AAM, AAMD has been pushing this resolution. There’s been a whole slew of articles in the press about salary issues in general, in internships, in particular. Why now? This has been going on for years.
Allison: Absolutely, I think that this has come up now as, our field has been increasingly over the past few years, talking about diversity, equity, access and inclusion. This is not a surprise to either of you. And this is sort of a logical extent of that conversation.
When you look at who can take an unpaid internship, it’s probably going to be, in most cases, someone that can afford to work without pay. And that’s probably somebody that has already resources at their disposal, and is probably someone that looks like everyone already working in a museum.
So, this is sort of a very basic way to get at increasing DEAI in museums, and honestly, across the nonprofit sector. I think it’s especially prevalent in museums and that’s another reason why it’s come up so much specifically for our field. There might be other parts of the non-profit sector more broadly, that don’t rely so heavily on unpaid labor. But I think you’d be hard pressed to find museum staff, especially of the younger generations, that have not had at least one unpaid internship in a museum.
Suse: Yeah, I certainly had a couple of them when I was working my way into the field. Hyperallergic just did a great article about this issue and they quoted the economist Richard Reeves, who talked about the internship industrial complex and how it perpetuates a glass floor, that limits access to the field. And I think that gets to exactly what you’re talking about.
Now, AAMD had Reeves at your membership conference. What was that event like and what were the conversations around this topic like, when you had a whole number of your members all in a room together?
Allison: We had Richard Reeves give a keynote address to our membership. It was at our annual conference, which was in Richmond, Virginia back in January. And Reeves’ work focuses on, as opposed to thinking about income inequality in the US as focused on the 1%, his work talks about the top 20% and how it’s really the upper middle class that sort of hoards opportunities available, that are supposed to be available for everyone because they’re highly connected, they have resources at their disposal. Whether it’s a connection that might get you an internship at a museum through a parent or a family friend, or just the ability to be able to work without pay, because your parents can help support you.
So, his work talks a lot about that. And of course, internships are a huge part of that, in particular for our field, like I was just saying. And these conversations actually did go back prior to his presentation at our meeting. Our professional issues committee is being led by Jill Medvedow, who’s the director of the ICA in Boston, and she read Reeves’ book a few years ago, and she really wanted to take this on after reading his book, and seeing how specifically that overlapped with how our field functions.
There had already been so many conversations at AAMD, about how we can increase diversity, equity, access and inclusion. And she saw this as somewhere where the two things mapped onto each other really nicely, and said, how can we do this? So that was really where it started.
Ed: I noticed also that you guys have started your own paid internship program back in 2018, I think. Did that pilot program have anything to do with the same conversation? And if so, how did that inform this resolution?
Allison: I would say it’s actually a parallel track. A couple of years ago, we had a partnership with UNCF for a similar program. So this was somewhere that AAMD has been active. I believe that program piloted in 2013, but we have been tinkering with it and looking at the best way to have an internship program where our members could host interns as a way to get folks sort of into the museum field.
And it just sort of so happened that they came about at the same time. And they were the results of the similar conversations happening across the board about DEAI at AAMD. I mean, I would say in the last five or six years, we haven’t had a meeting where this issue has not come up in one way or another and it manifests in so many different ways. So it was sort of a parallel track, I would say.
Suse: So, one of the things that I often find when we’re having conversations about this is that when it’s anything that’s a major change to how sort of traditional or normal business has been done, there are concerns about budgets, there are concerns about impact. What are the kinds of concerns that you’ve heard from your membership, and what is AAMD doing to help alleviate those concerns and actually help their members figure out how to bring this in as a practical approach, not just as a resolution?
Allison: So, as I mentioned before, this resolution came about through the work of our professional issues committee, which was being chaired by Jill Medvedow, as well as Mark Bessire from the Portland Museum of Art in Maine. And they introduced this at professional issues committee meetings, and it’s been an ongoing discussion there.
When it was first raised, there was definitely some pushback, particularly just because as much as it seems like museums are wealthy institutions, and they are in some ways, in other ways, they’re not. And especially in AAMD’s membership. About half of our membership has a budget under $10 million.
So even though that sounds like a lot of money, once you have that allocated, you have a large physical plant, and just the way museums have operated, they haven’t been budgeting money to pay their interns in many cases. So folks were worried about how to bring this into their budget. We’ve been relying on this labor for so long, how are we going to make this change?
So, what we’ve done is we found some AAMD members that had been working to pay some or all of their interns and had them talk to the group about what their strategies were. And one of the directors that we heard from Ed, is actually your boss now, Brian Kennedy. We heard from him when he was at the Toledo Museum of Art.
And they have, I’m not sure if they’ve completely eliminated unpaid internships, but they’ve come very close and he talked about how they did that. And it was a combination of finding outside funders, and just reallocating the funds from their budget where they could until they could get to paying everyone.
And I think that was a message that we’ve really been trying to bring to everyone as well, is that we understand that you can’t snap your fingers and take your whole internship core and pay them immediately. But we want to help you find strategies to chip away and chip away until you are paying everyone.
Ed: It does seem to be a strange thing about museums that they love to have examples of people already doing something before the field is willing to move in different directions. So it’s great that you were able to find people who could talk about, here’s how we’re doing it.
And one thing I’m particularly I guess cognizant of, is the thirst that people have for social justice, versus the need to actually try to get something done, even if the first step isn’t a 100% solution. And I don’t think you’d argue that the AAMD’s resolution isn’t a 100% solution. There are still ways in there for unpaid internships to continue.
Was that part of the deliberations? Was it more important to get something out now, even though it had ways in there for people to still do unpaid internships, rather than trying to come up with something that demanded all problems be solved immediately?
Allison: Absolutely. Especially since we did realize that even if we did come up with something that demanded everything be solved right away, as I was saying, we have members on such a wide scale of budget sizes. Our largest member is the MET, but we have members with budgets under $1 million and we can’t snap our fingers and ask that on either side of that, that they all start paying immediately.
We also, to be quite honest, don’t have the capacity or really the role to be able to enforce this. Richard Reeves called it a form of soft power. And that was really what we wanted to get at, to demonstrate our commitment to this and set an example for our members and hopefully the broader museum field, as opposed to drilling down until it was something perfect and enforceable.
Suse: Yeah, it’s one of the things that I think is quite interesting about just this overall discussion is, it’s often not about the specifics of how much an intern should be paid. Is it a stipend? Is it minimum wage? Is it a living wage? But it seems like the first hurdle we’re really getting through is just normalizing this practice, and then getting into the specifics of what that fair compensation looks like in different institutional contexts.
What happens if a member institution doesn’t change their practice? I mean, you just mentioned this as a form of soft power, that you don’t have a way of enforcing this. Are you really relying on a kind of self-policing within the membership?
Allison: AAMD’s role is to put out guidelines and best practices for the field. Professional practices in art museums is sort of one of our banner publications that’s been coming out for decades. And there’s lots of guidelines in there, and we are not capable of enforcing the vast majority of them.
I would say if we find out well past sort of a grace period that we have a member still offering unpaid internships and also not making… I think intent is important here. Not making strides in that direction either. I would say this is sort of my boss’s job and the board of trustees job rather my specific job, but hopefully, there’d be a conversation there about how we can help get that institution to paying. And that’s also why we like to provide our members with examples of institutions that are already doing this work.
But again, I think that’s where the soft power comes in. As more and more museums pay their interns, the ones that don’t will stick out more, whether it’s within our membership, or honestly, publicly, among the people applying for memberships. So that’s what we’re really hoping to get at here.
Ed: Thus far, it seems to be working, judging from the number of articles, at least in the news press, the art press, talking about internship and salary issues, which is something I haven’t seen in 30 years.
Assuming that things go the way you’d like them to go, and everybody starts paying their interns and then we start having conversations about what actually constitutes the appropriate wage to pay an intern, what are the kind of labor and equity issues that you guys are thinking about at AAMD now, and what’s on the horizon?
Allison: I think some of the salary transparency and just general salary issues that have been going around sort of in tandem with this internship conversation will probably be coming up next. So I’m sure you’re both aware of the salary transparency spreadsheet that’s been going around, and I’m sure that that will be coming up, especially since it’s such a topic of conversation, that is another part, along with unpaid labor, sort of underpaid labor. And the idea that, well, if you want to be in this field, you need to pay your dues, and you need to be able to accept very little pay to work in the place you love.
Now, that we’re having these DEAI conversations more and more, and they’re not going away, which is essential and absolutely for the best, that’s going to be sort of the next topic. And we’ve also talked a little bit about compensation for artists. That has come up, but the landscape there is so different and so all over the place. And also, there’s just not quite the same immediate demand for that.
That, I think the salary transparency will probably be what’s next.
Suse: Yeah, absolutely. It’s certainly a conversation we’ve been having here at Museopunks and I anticipate it will continue.
So, I want to get you, just sort of as we start to wrap up, to do a little bit of a pitch for institutions that are not part of AAMD. Obviously, non-art museums, for museums that are in very different parts of the sector. Why should they start to get rid of unpaid internships?
We know that the sector has relied on free labor, whether it’s from volunteers, from interns. Why is this such an important practice that we change? And how do we convince everyone in every institution that this matters to them?
Allison: So, of course, again, it comes back to the diversity, equity, access and inclusion issue. As we know from the studies that the Mellon Foundation and Ithaka S+R has conducted on AAMD’s membership and the American Alliance of Museum membership, our museums are very, very white places.
And going forward, we need to work on this, in terms of it being more equitable places that reflect the demographic makeup of our communities. Not just because it’s the right thing to do, that’s the number one reason to do it, in my opinion. But there’s also a business case for diversity in terms of, it will help institutions better present work for their communities, create programs for their communities.
And that starts with building a diverse workforce, and that can’t start with unpaid internships anymore. We’ve seen that unpaid internships really benefit white, wealthy people or white, upper middle-class people. And that’s where the pipeline starts for museum professions and museum leadership.
And when you’re starting from zero pay, it’s very hard to work your way up the ladder much further. So paying your interns is a relatively simple step, in terms of moving our entire field towards a more diverse workforce, that in the end, is going to much better serve museums, as well as just being the right thing to do.
Ed: Simple but not easy.
Ed: So, Allison, thanks so much for all of this. If people want to find out more information about what AAMD has been up to and the resolution in particular, where would they go to find that information?
Allison: Our website is aamd.org and you can find the resolution there, it is under… The easiest place to find it is under the “For the Media” page, we have a press release about the unpaid internship resolution and the resolution is just pasted right there in the press release. And we also have a pretty active Twitter feed where you will also be able to find more information about this. We’re @MuseumDirectors.
Suse: That is fabulous. And we will also pop links to both of those in the show notes. Allison, thank you so much. This has been incredibly useful and helpful to see an organization of this kind, taking this kind of action.
Ed: It is nice to be able to share good news.
Allison: I feel the same way. Thank you so much for having me.
Suse: Michelle Millar Fisher is the Ronald C. and Anita L. Wornick curator of contemporary decorative arts at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston. Her work investigates the confluence of power, people and design. Right now, she’s excited to be collaborating with historian Amber Winick on a book and exhibition, Designing Motherhood.
We also have another member of the Art + Museum Transparency group joining us who wishes to remain anonymous. We’ve altered their voice, in order to protect their identity. We will refer to them as E., for the sake of the conversation.
Hey, Michelle, E., welcome to Museopunks.
Michelle Millar Fisher: Thank you so much.
E.: Thank you so much for having us.
Suse: It is awesome that you’re here. So in a lovely moment of synchronicity, which was pretty unplanned, in fact, was completely unplanned, Museopunks dropped its episode addressing salary transparency on, I think, the same day that you launched the museum salary transparency spreadsheet.
Now, for me, that was really interesting, because this was the hardest Museopunks episode I had ever put together. It was the only one I’d had people say no to. And I think that really speaks to how few people want to go on the record, talking about salary transparency, and talking, in fact, about a lot of labor equity issues within the museum field. Then, your spreadsheet dropped and it seems that no one has been talking about anything else.
So, can you just start by telling us what the salary transparency spreadsheet is and what you’re hoping to achieve by it? E., maybe I’ll get you to start.
E.: Great, thank you. Yes, I am so glad that you brought up the synchronicity of your episode launching at the same time that the spreadsheet dropped. And I think that, for us, it was such a completely organic process. It was something that we put together on a cellphone in a car, after conversations with friends and colleagues about issues of fair pay and salary transparency in the field.
And I think we all thought that it would maybe get a couple hundred entries, and that would be that, and it would be sort of useful for our immediate circle of colleagues in museums. And the fact that it took off so rapidly and so quickly, with so many amazing people being brave enough to share information about their positions, their pay and other details, both anonymous and not, really speaks to this larger momentum that I think we’re really happy to see in the field, where there’s so many different people coming at this from different angles and different perspectives.
And that’s been really great to see, so that we are able to accomplish certain things with, as non-data specialists, as not especially technologically savvy art historians and museum professionals, with this very simple spreadsheet. But there are also people doing interviews, like you are. There are people coming at this from various levels, both internally, institutionally and externally. And so that’s all been incredibly exciting to see.
Michelle, I don’t know if you want to add in anything there.
Michelle: I think what we wanted to come from it, was a sense that anyone with very basic tools or even no tools at all, could join in and raise their voice up. We’ve been really inspired by a range of people, as E. was saying, and I think we’ve listed them before, but it bears repeating. Because so many others have had this conversation before us and have promoted it in other ways.
But we were really inspired by the POWarts Salary Survey, which dropped just a couple of weeks ago and we’d known about for a while. Kimberly Drew, we weren’t at AAM but we knew of Kimberly’s conversation there and the bravery it took for her to be open about her own salary.
Many of us have been adjunct faculty for a long time, some over a decade in various universities. And so some of us had seen the adjunct project, which came out about five years ago and was spearheaded by Joshua Bold. And then, of course, all of the different conversations around unionization.
And so, we wanted to add our voices to that. And some of us have been speaking about this for a long, long time as well. Whenever we do career talks, we’re open about our salaries. We’ve written about it many, many years before this. But I think this is a very particular moment for this conversation. So we were glad to join a really wonderful group of people and really an entire field who’s having this conversation right now.
Ed: Yeah, that’s marvelous. Michelle, I’d like to follow up on that a little bit. Because it’s an interesting issue in that there’s pretty broad agreement. Like I’ve asked a lot of people since this started, and I can’t find anybody who really wants to deeply engage with defending, particularly, unpaid internships.
Yet, even though it’s pretty much universally seen as a pernicious practice, it’s so deeply rooted and so difficult to broach the topic, since it is so personal. People’s careers hinge on this. I was actually at AAM and when Kim Drew put her salary up in three foot high numbers on the screen at the keynote, that was quite a moment. And she was talking about the particular moment for her that made her really want to tackle this issue.
Was there a similar moment for you guys, or some kind of catalyzing event that like, why now? What about this made you decide now is the time to launch this spreadsheet?
Michelle: I mean, I think in many ways, we’d been having this conversation for a really long time. I can point back to articles that I wrote and others in the group have contributed to or written, as early 2011 and 2013. So this was just another kind of shot along those lines. And as I said, in addition to the chorus that’s already been out there long before any of us were ever around.
And so, I don’t think as E. said, we thought that there would be a massive uptake of this, because of the inherent sensitivities. But I think that we had gotten to a stage where all of us felt we had to put our money where our mouths were, in various ways. And that if we couldn’t act in ways that we felt had a moral compass in our field then maybe we didn’t want to be in this field after all. I’m really lucky to be surrounded by colleagues who I think are really decent and wonderful people. I think many of us are in museums especially, because of the kinds of people that it attracts.
And I think for this generation, we have gone through the 2008 Lehman crash, for better or for worse. And we many of us are either teaching or actively working with people who are even worse off, because they are the generation of 10 internships, most of them if not all of them, unpaid. So, yeah, I think it came down to having a certain set of values and really figuring if we can’t live by those, now we’re really committing to a career in this field, then maybe this field isn’t for us. So we have to go for broke or nothing.
Suse: Yet, it’s really interesting to sort of hear about the ways these issues have been coming up and being revisited over time. I want to dig in a little bit to the data and the learning that’s come from, in particular, the salary spreadsheet, and then we’ll look to the unpaid internship spreadsheet.
But E., I might get you to start this. What have you learned about the museum sector from the salary transparency spreadsheet and the discussions it’s prompted? Is there anything that has surprised you, that’s leapt out at you? Or, does it really confirm the things that you had understood yourself from the work that you’ve been doing in field anyway?
E.: That’s a great question. I will preface this by reiterating that we are very much not data specialists or numbers crunchers, particularly. So we’re still in the early stages of figuring out how we’re going to responsibly do the work of starting to pull all that data together and come up with some findings along, on the larger scale.
But I will say just from our work of general maintenance and reading the spreadsheet and having a pretty good idea of the data that’s in there, I think that, as you said, it unfortunately confirms a lot of things that I think a lot of us in the field felt to be true. We felt that only certain people were getting a leg up through underpaid or unpaid internships and fellowships. We felt that wage suppression was a general problem pretty much across museums broadly, and especially in certain areas.
I will say that, and we’ll get to this later, that the really heartbreaking numbers for us were the zeros next to interns, and yeah. And so that was really the impetus for the internship survey and moving ahead.
And I’ll also just say that what’s been really meaningful for me is reading through the comments in the salary transparency spreadsheet too and hearing from people who have either remained in the field against incredible odds by using the labor of their partners or other sorts of kind of hidden support, support that’s not generally acknowledged in the professional world of museums. That very much supports people being able to do things like working for free, or not a lot of money for long periods of time.
And my work over the years and teaching in museums has put me in contact with a lot of emerging professionals, from high school to postdoc level, and seeing in particular how contingent and limited term labor impacts those people in the first, basically in the first decade of their career, from college through, sometimes through your entire 20s. And the ways that contingent labor can hold up museums in a way that’s not really discussed. That was particularly striking for me.
Suse: Michelle, what about you? What have you learned from doing this, from doing the spreadsheet and from the kinds of conversations that it has really sparked? I mean, as you have mentioned to us, you are often the public face of these discussions, you’ve been fielding a lot of these conversations certainly with the media. What have these discussions sort of changed or sparked for you that have come from the salary transparency spreadsheet?
Michelle: Those are great questions. I think, first of all, teamwork makes the dream work. A collaborative project is always something that I love to do. And so even though it might seem like I am the public face and fielding a lot of the questions, we will discuss them and we will make sure that it’s really reflected on as a group. And that I think has made it a much richer and stronger project, whether that’s coming out of an op ed or whether we’re talking like this, or whether it’s a quote for a newspaper, anything along those lines. The group really reflects together and that makes what we say in public much stronger and more thoughtful, I think, than it just being me.
A couple of things that I learned from this project, Google Spreadsheets are everything, it’s great. I have always been a fan of that suite. And just the simplest thing was really the most effective here.
I think the other thing that I’ve been really interested in, and maybe it’s just the way I work more often, I am, I can be detail oriented. I’ve done a lot of those types of jobs. But for me, the most interesting thing about this project was its ability to act, the spreadsheet’s ability to act as a symbol. It was a symbol of being able to band together, a literal solidarity, but also a symbol of workers rights. It’s okay to talk about your salary.
And it astounds me that I feel that deeply intelligent people, so many people in our field who have graduate degrees, and yet did not know their rights clearly enough, were too afraid to exercise them. Whether that was fear of getting some kind of retribution themselves or fear of not being able to advance.
And that actually brings me to the thing that I think is at the crux of my revelations, watching the spreadsheet move forward, is that gap between stated intentions and actual actions. And so that’s either the gap between the stated external mission of an institution, which is about those very under interrogated buzzwords of diversity, inclusion, access, et cetera. And then what happens internally, or even and I think it’s difficult to take that long, hard look, but even on an individual level, where we say that we stand for certain things, but then how many of us find it easy to?
And it’s difficult, really difficult. And one has to be thoughtful, in terms of the position from which you say this. I’m lucky, I don’t have to support a family, I have a cat and a husband, both of whom are very self-sufficient. So, when I put myself out on a bit of a limb, I’m not endangering my pay for anybody else in an extended sense. And I have now reached a position where I’m not on a contingent salary anymore. That happened for the first time about a year and a half ago.
But I do think that if we are all within a field where we say we hold certain values dear, about being equipped with a moral compass, that has to happen. Not just in the artists that we’re trying to support and show, or the types of public programs that we make, but in the solidarity we express within the walls and behind the scenes and within human resources. So that has been the most interesting thing for me, that gap.
Suse: We’ve just been talking about the things you’ve been learning from doing the spreadsheet. But it also inspired further action, or maybe you already had this action planned. Can you tell us about the new campaign to end the practice of unpaid internships, where it’s come from? You mentioned before the heartbreak of seeing all of the zeros on the salary transparency spreadsheet? Was that spreadsheet what inspired the unpaid internships one? Did you really have in mind a series of actions at the very beginning?
Michelle: Sure, we have a very clear sense of the actions that we’re going to take over a long period of time. I was saying earlier that we’ve written about this before, so about six years ago, we’ve written about it, we’ve talked about it in various places. And again, certainly, we’re not the first, probably not the last, although I hope we’re close to the last to be having this conversation.
So, for us, it was very clear that we wanted to make a next spreadsheet, and that it would be to deal with the zeros on the first spreadsheet. As we’ve said before, and again, many, many years before, if the lowest wage in a field is zero, then the next entry level wage doesn’t have to be that much higher to be something.
And so, if you have a field that is undergirded as ours is, so much with zeros, we should also talk about colleagues that we work alongside, for whom the internship isn’t the entry level, and they are paid a wage, but it’s not a living wage. And so zero as an internship is an issue for certain job progressions within the museum or within an arts and cultural organization.
It’s not the only evil though, but we wanted to start there, because overall, I think it does depress everybody’s wages, whether the professional role is one in which you start by interning or not. And so we wanted to address that as kind of a root cause for the conversation as a whole.
Suse: Yeah, so what might change then, in our sector, if we do end unpaid internships? If this is really the most important in some ways to tackle, to lift up everything else, what else might change in the sector as a flow on effect, if we are able to end unpaid internships? E., can you speak to that?
E.: Sure. I think that something that I’m often up against when I’m talking to students or to interns, to other people that are trying to, quote-unquote, break in, get a foot in the door, it’s when I get to the point of explaining that many opportunities are unpaid or paid very, very low. It’s an immediate conversation ender with certain students.
I’ve had very, very bright students and had the privilege of working alongside extremely brilliant young interns, and just sort of seeing the immediate recognition in their eyes in the middle of these conversations, about getting into the field, getting further, and seeing them go through the mental process of understanding, oh, I would have to do this without pay. Oh, that’s not possible for me. I could never do that, because I am supporting family members, because I need a place to live and a way to pay my rent.
And the list goes on and on. And it was getting really depressing, to be honest, to interact with all of these incredibly talented, young voices, who I think have tons to contribute to the field and to museum spaces, and seeing that I was losing them. Or, not so much… That the field was losing them and would be losing out on their voices and their contributions.
So, I think that were unpaid internships to end, it’s a small step. But in many ways, symbolically then, museum internships become a thing that is more possible, it is more feasible for people who are already interested in the field, but who could only commit to it if they were making a living wage.
Michelle: That’s so true, E. I wanted to add to that, that I do think that there might be a knock-on effect. If you were to wave a magic wand and tomorrow there were no unpaid internships, I think there would be fewer openings for internships, because our field doesn’t have limitless pockets of cash. Although might think that, given a look at boards and certain 990s, but it’s limited. And none of us in Art + Museum Transparency is a director or a senior member of staff or management.
And so, we are very respectful in most cases of that knowledge that we don’t have, we haven’t run big operating budgets before. And we know, yeah, it’s always a choice and one we haven’t had to make, but I also wonder if there were fewer internships, whether it might be more realistic in terms of the opportunities that are out there in the field.
Because if we’re looking at it just now, there aren’t the number of mid-level and then senior level jobs that correspond to the number of interns that I anecdotally see populating in museums, or at least the percentage of free labor that I see running or underpinning the museum. And so I wonder if it would help us have these kind of knock-on domino conversation about creating opportunities right up a pipeline, and to be realistic about those opportunities.
Rather than to have this massive knot in the pipeline, right after someone gets just enough experience to apply for an entry level position, and then realizes the competition is so fierce that they’ve spent a couple years doing tons of internships and they’re not sure what for.
Ed: Yeah, one of the things that I always find interesting as someone who in the past has consumed a large number of interns, they would cycle through every school year, just being in museum studies classes and seeing the numbers of people who are hoping to get into the field and knowing what awaits them in entry level positions. And that mismatch, that seems to persist year in and year out, has been something really hard to come to grips with.
So, I think any step towards realigning the field to be a little bit more realistic, seems like it should be, in the long run, a good thing. But certainly not painful.
I was interested, particularly, E., to talk a little bit about the desire or the feeling that you need to be stealth. I imagine it’s probably a largely protective measure. But I’m interested to hear why it is you think these issues are so difficult to speak about and write about openly.
I know that’s a personal decision and Michelle talked a little bit about why she feels comfortable talking about it. But I’d love to get your perspective on someone who doesn’t feel comfortable, because I think that is a huge part of, certainly, the lower entry level people in the field who feel powerless and disenfranchised and not able to speak publicly about things that are important and need to be fixed.
E.: Those are great questions. Thank you. And I’ll also thank you both Ed and Suse, for being willing to have me on, on the podcast, anonymously. Because by and large, our interactions with the press have really necessitated having someone on the record, publicly. And so that is where Michelle has been so inspiring, and so willing to just put herself out there.
But we also, as she spoke to you, we work really collaboratively in this small group. And by extension, with lots of different contributors to the project, thought partners, people who’ve been willing to have these tough conversations and brainstorm with us.
And, yeah, I’ll be very honest, in art history, I finished a PhD a couple of years ago, and had been bouncing around between teaching and museum work, or other kinds of art organization work. But I’m in my early 30s, and have yet to attain a position that is in any way permanent, or not related to quote-unquote soft funding, as is popular to say in museum spaces. It’s not related to particular grants, project funds, things like that.
And I really wish that I felt more comfortable to be more open with my advocacy interests in the field. But I’ve also been in rooms where I have heard people talked about, in terms of making waves, causing problems and how that’s perceived, especially among higher and senior management across the board. So I don’t know exactly what my future holds for me.
Michelle spoke to, the spreadsheet also came in a moment when many people in my immediate peer group are having conversations about what it would take for us to stay in museums, versus leaving the field altogether. So as all of that is playing out over the next couple of years, I didn’t and others in our group just didn’t feel, felt that that would be putting us in a very vulnerable position, to the point that it might directly have some kind of, perhaps not intentional, but implicit effect on our job searches, when it comes right down to it.
I would love to see that change, and maybe some or all of us will make different decisions in the next couple of years as we are in slightly more stable, financial positions. But I think it also really speaks to the problem. And as you said, Ed, we have a certain amount of, I’ve reached a certain amount of stability that I certainly did not have 10 or 15 years ago when I was trying to break into entry level positions.
And so, I think that the whole idea of being an anonymous collective has also political power. And I’m thinking back to learning about the Guerrilla Girls in my early art history classes, and the power in that kind of group identity that we’ve been able to foster.
Ed: Well, and this is certainly something that appeals to the punk in Suse and I, let’s just throw something together and figure out a way to solve it, or at least work on it. That kind of self-organizing bottom up thing is so much easier to do nowadays, thanks to the internet. It has created any number of problems, but it does actually still have its uses.
Michelle: For sure. And it’s also, I’m a design curator, and it’s the notion of prototyping something or doing something in beta. I think so often in art history, we’re told that perfection is a 20 minute paper that you have spoken out 10 times over in front of your professor and one other person, and then bring to a conference for five other people to hear. It’s having a territory which you don’t share with anyone else. And in fact, actively make sure that no one else can trespass upon.
And it’s working on your own a lot of the time. I think in most of our graduate programs, especially as art historians or historians of any stripe, it’s fairly solo work. And then you hit working life and many people are working throughout their entire academic career, many people find a job after their academic career. Most of the time, they have to learn how to work with other people.
And sometimes it’s really useful. A lot of the times, I think only the good projects that I’ve done have always been whether academic or otherwise, collaborations with people. So I think that’s what we found here.
Ed: Yeah, that’s such a fascinating anti-pattern, like so much of modern practice is deeply collaborative based. And yet, the academic training so many of us have is so focused on the singular scholar squirreled away doing their thing.
Michelle: Which is another privilege. I mean, who gets to do that anymore? Everybody who I know from undergraduate right the way through has had a job, sometimes five. Especially going to a state school, I don’t know someone who was able just to say, you know what, I’m going to check out for five years and just read by myself. So, yeah, it is anti-pattern, for sure.
Suse: Yeah, something E. was saying a few minutes ago that really resonated for me, was also this idea of what it means to work in public and to have certain ideas, certain practices, especially when we’re talking about activist work or social justice work attached to your name. I think that Ed and I have both, as people who’ve sort of done, whether it was writing or now podcasting, we’ve both done a lot of working in public throughout our careers, thinking a lot about the implications, in terms of who would hire you, who wouldn’t hire you? And what that might mean for being public with your thoughts.
But Michelle, you have been publicly writing about these issues related to labor equity and museums for, I think, the first thing that I found written from you was about eight years ago on this topic. There may be some earlier ones, but E. was talking about her reticence to be open about her identity for very significant reasons. How do you think the fact that you have been doing this public work and this public writing and have, in this case, been the public face of the AMT group, how do you think that’s shaped your professional practice and the way that you approach the sector and in fact, the way the sector approaches you?
Michelle: That’s a very good question. I think it comes from both a deeply personal and also a very practical place. I’m the first in my family to go to college, and my mum left high school when she was 16 years old. I know that I’ve had real privilege, because I went to university in Scotland, where it’s free and anyone can go to any university, some really great ones. I went to Glasgow for my first two degrees.
And then I came to the US when I was 22. And if I have not had a very small windfall to be able to do that, and then combined it with the several summer jobs that I had, and then the jobs through university school years, I wouldn’t have been able to do the one badly paid internship I did at the Guggenheim, which then turned into my entire career, which was based on luck. Sheer, very dumb luck and timing and privilege. I came here having had two degrees for free.
And so, I also then have gone into design, where my mentor, Paola Antonelli, who I respect deeply, has always talked about it being a profession where you take a Hippocratic Oath, a bit like a doctor where you say, first you do no harm. And you don’t really end up having a leg to stand on, if you are putting yourself in a profession like that. And I think it’s the same in any museum profession. As I said, we claim a moral compass in this field. If we find ourselves, I’m now probably halfway through my career, not actually living that, then I cannot open my mouth and espouse those values.
So, I feel very strongly, I’ve always chosen to go to a state school, to teach in a state school. Now, when I teach and I’m not teaching in those places, I donate the fee. And so I give back to a needs based internship, so I can, again, put my money where my mouth is.
And so, yeah, I think it comes from a fairly personal but very long-lived ethical standpoint on this and most matters like it. But I also realized that I don’t think anyone’s going to hire me at this point in time to direct their institution. I think I can function perfectly well, brilliantly, maybe even, maybe not brilliantly. I can function well as a curator, talking to donors, because often what I’m going to be talking about is collecting objects and things like that.
And so I can’t imagine, in the field as it is today, if I were to at a high level have conversations about paying for internships, rather than paying for a museum expansion, or one of the next steps I’d like to talk about is paid family leave, both for people who have young children, but as I did about a year and a half ago, a dying parent. I mean, it’s in a conversation I’m always willing to have, but I don’t actually know whether there’s appetite for it in the end in our field, in very meaningful ways.
And so, I think that definitely has truncated the job possibilities I have. But I think I’m okay with that.
Ed: Amen to that. One of the interesting things I have found, particularly around this issue, we were just talking with someone from the Association of Art Museum Directors about their recent resolution about unpaid internships. And this whole scene has the same feeling to me as watching the Berlin Wall fall down, where three months beforehand, you would feel things are never ever, ever, ever going to change.
And then three months later, everything has changed. And you’re left standing there saying, wow, how did that happen? And this is starting to have that same kind of feel. So I remain cautiously optimistic that there is going to be enough pressure, I think, particularly from folks like you, who have made it impossible for the status quo to sort of go along quietly, as it has, that things will have to change.
I don’t know, Suze, what do you think?
Suse: I really like that optimistic perspective. I do think there is something really important in the critical mass of this, that it’s many people having conversations all at once. On that note, what are some of the practices, what are some of the things that people can do who are listening to this, to help change their own practices? Whether it’s salary transparency, whether it’s the unpaid internships question and in fact, particularly with unpaid internships, what could some of the people who are listening to this do today in their own institutions to change this?
Michelle: In terms of what people can do in a very specific way, and actually, we get asked this a lot, can we join the group? Can we help in any way? Our answer is, I think this might be actually our next op ed, a toolkit for it, is to be collegial and act in solidarity with your colleagues, to find a way to pinpoint something that really matters to you and other people and to take action on it, no matter what you think the response might be.
In terms of general public interest, we could never have understood that this would go quite as viral as it did. But also, know your rights and act within them. Don’t be as afraid to, if you possibly can. And I know again, I say that from a huge place of security and privilege, but when I first thought about participating in this, I really panicked. I had my heart in my throat. I know I said I only have a husband and a cat, but I do have a rent to pay every month. And I’ve spent quite a lot of time getting enough degrees, that I thought, gosh, am I really about to let this go?
But at the same point in time, as E. was saying, you can put your money where your mouth is with no money at all, just by really saying I’m going to be collegial. I’m going to think about what would make this better. It doesn’t have to be confrontational. I’m not anti the institutions that I’ve worked for, I feel very proud to be a part of them, particularly because I get to work with such amazing colleagues.
If you do have the money though, and I do think it’s worth pointing this out, I have donated the equivalent of about a month’s rent. And again, I don’t have kids to put through college, I don’t have a lot of things that other people have to pay their bills with. And so it’s a privilege, not a thing that everyone should do. But I have committed to do that over the next three years and I will do that again, until we cannot have unpaid internships in our field.
I’ve also committed to not work directly with an unpaid intern. And so that’s going to entail some difficult conversations. As I work with new people or a new department, I will have to explain myself again and that can be uncomfortable. And I’m not saying these conversations are easy, in fact they rarely are. But I do think it’s possible to act collegially and with intent and to feel good about doing it afterwards.
Ed: Yeah, I’ve done the same thing. I stopped taking unpaid interns a few years ago and having to have the conversation with our HR department about… but we’ve got all these interns that want to find a place, I’m like, yeah, but we’re not paying them. I don’t feel good working with somebody who I know is not getting paid for their labor is never a fun conversation. But it’s something, pretty much everybody has something that they can contribute to the effort, even if it’s just saying no.
But if they want to say yes, what are other things that you guys could recommend that are actions that people could take?
E.: Yeah, I think that as Michelle and as all of us in the group have said, this is that action doesn’t have to wait for someone to tell you it’s okay. Or, what specific type to take. I think if you’re a person who really cares about paying people fair wages in museums and recognizing that museums run on people, then you’re a person who probably already has some ideas for how you’d like to make your voice heard and what positive contributions you’d like to make.
So, I would say first, listen to yourself, and what you know to be your ethical stance on these issues. And if you’re not as far along in your career, if you’re a person who’s still working as an intern, or an entry level staff member that isn’t supervising interns directly, you can also ask tough questions. You can ask if there are committees or working groups at your institution to address the issue of paid internships or internships more broadly, and get into those rooms, get into those conversations that have to do with internship programs, selection processes.
And those are all moments where you can make your voice heard. Either about specific applicants or about your programs more generally. And I also think that in a small way, just internal conversations, talking with your colleagues about, hey, what do you think about unpaid internships? Let’s talk about this, and trying to get more people into these conversations. And I think that that already is having ripple effects, I think we’re seeing.
Michelle: I was going to say also that it’s a great idea to talk outside of your silo. So we’ve had so many conversations with colleagues and friends across institutions and cities even, who work in very different parts of cultural organizations. And I see, I really want to plus one what you said, that you don’t have to wait for somebody.
So often, again, with that sort of solo art historian training comes hierarchy. And sort of figuring that you’d better wait for the person above you to say that it’s okay, or the stepping out of line might in some way, jeopardize your standing with them. And I think we have to sort of let go of a lot of that, and feel empowered to have conversations across departmental lines, across institutional lines.
And that can sometimes start as simply, by saying hello to absolutely everybody you meet, as you walk into an institution on a daily basis, absolutely every single day. So you can start connecting through everyday friendship with the colleagues around you, and being very, very aware of who you work next to, and with.
And I think that’s a very powerful thing, because so often, we silo together for so many reasons, and hearing about the lives of other people and the people that you work with in disparate places is really important to enacting solidarity in very real ways.
Suse: Yeah, that’s very beautiful. So as we finish, people are going to want to contribute to this, they’re going to want to sign up, they’re going to want to find out more, what’s the best way for them to do so?
E.: You can follow us on Twitter. We have a very healthy social media presence that everyone in the group contributes to. We have some real ace Twitterers among us.
Suse: You do, they’re so good.
E.: I highly encourage that. And Michelle, do you want to talk about any other ways that people can follow along or get in touch?
Michelle: Sure, I think Twitter is a great place. You can look at the spreadsheets, we have them pinned on our Twitter profile, which is just Art Museum Transparency on Twitter. And we really encourage people who are thinking about collective action to reach out and do so under the mantle of Art + Museum Transparency, if that’s useful, or to reach out if we can connect them with other people who have expertise in, whether it’s recent union activities or other activities within cultural organizations.
I think, yeah, the Twitter is a good hub for that. And we’ve had so many people reach out that we might have someone who is a useful connection for you to take your idea or conversation further.
Suse: Fabulous. Michelle, E., thank you so much for joining us here on Museopunks.
Ed: Yeah, we really appreciate it.
Michelle: Thank you for having us.
E.: Thank you so much for having us and for having these conversations.
Michelle: Yeah, thank you for being here.
Suse: Thank you, Allison, Michelle and E. for your insights and for the hard work you’re all doing to improve the sector.
So, I had planned to start the episode by introducing my new co-host, Ed Rodley. But we kind of dived right in and got into it. And I think this is going to be our new rhythm moving forward, just getting into the glorious meat of the issues. Right, Ed?
Ed: I think that pretty much characterizes our whole professional relationship with each other. Hi, let’s talk. And then later on, following up with, by the way, my name is Ed, what’s your name? Do you remember the first time we actually corresponded online, Suze?
Suse: Do I remember it? No. Is there a record of it on the internet? There is.
Ed: There is. I actually went back and tried to look, when I was trying to figure out how long have we known each other? And what does known mean in this digital age? I think it goes back to around 2011 at least, when I saw a blog post from this woman in Australia, that was wicked smart. And I was like, oh, interesting. And I think I might have name checked you in a couple of blog posts, and then we started corresponding on Twitter.
And it must have been at least a year before we finally met each other in the flesh.
Suse: Yeah, I think we met almost exactly a year after we started talking. And that was, our first conversations were within a month or two of me really joining the sector. So our correspondence and our conversations within the sector have really been with me throughout my entire museum profession, or at least my entire publicly thinking museum profession. It’s been incredibly formative to think with you and work with you.
And we’ve had a couple of actual projects that we’ve done together as well.
Ed: I know, that’s amazing to think that this is, what? Our third major collaboration, I think, Code Words, Humanizing the Digital and now this, or two versions of Code Words and Humanizing the Digital and this?
Suse: Oh, yeah, but were co-chairs of MCN in 2015, I think.
Ed: Oh my God. I forgot that. Okay, yeah, I guess we have a history.
Suse: There’s a little bit of history here. So when I put a call out looking for a co-host and co-collaborator, I really didn’t know who was going to respond. And when you were one of the people who did, I was quite excited. I spoke to a number of people about the possibility. But after our conversation, I kept returning to the fact that every time I’d worked with you, it really helped push my thinking in new ways and that was a pretty compelling argument.
Ed: Well, that was certainly the same way I felt when you said you were looking for a co-host, I was like, oh, I’d like to work with Suze again, because you always force me to do more and deeper thinking than I already think I’m doing, even though I tend to think of myself as doing a lot of thinking. Your ability to frame issues and really get at the meat of things is something I’ve always been really impressed by and eager to get more of. So what a great opportunity to do that all the time now.
Suse: I agree completely. It’s a little mutual admiration society, but also a mutual pushing each other forward society. And I think that is the part that I’m most excited about.
Ed: Me too. Me too. I can’t wait to see what we get up to.
Suse: Yeah, me too. So on that note, we should wrap up today’s episode. I got so much out of this discussion and I’m so thrilled that the sector is having this discussion. As someone who works with emerging professionals as part of my day job, it means so much to have a big, broad and deep conversation about unpaid internships and what they mean for the sector.
Ed: And as someone who gave up actually working with unpaid interns, because I couldn’t stand the exploitation of it, I am so excited that maybe that will change, and I can actually work with them again. Because you get so much out of working with emerging professionals, they bring new viewpoints, they bring new energy. And I definitely feel their lack in the current way of things. So fingers crossed.
Suse: All right, well, here’s to a little bit of sector change.
Suse: We’ve popped links to much of what we spoke about today in the show notes, which you can find at museopunks.org, along with transcripts of the episode.
Ed: Museopunks is presented every month by the American Alliance of Museums. You can connect with us on Twitter, @Museopunks, and of course, you can subscribe anytime at iTunes or Stitcher. See you next time. | <urn:uuid:9ad8f198-6079-49b4-88bf-c84768e0a26c> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aam-us.org/2019/08/08/museopunks-episode-37-experience-doesnt-pay-the-rent/ | 2024-03-04T07:17:23Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.977763 | 14,677 |
I’m writing this on Wednesday, 17th September, the day before the Scottish Independence vote, so we don’t have long to wait before we’ll know whether the pollsters are getting it right or are horribly wrong and will end up with egg all over their faces. Who could forget the 1992 general election when pollsters predicted Neil Kinnock’s Labour party would defeat the Tories under John Major? What is certain is that the small sample size of many of these polls (around 1,000) mean that there is no clear answer because of a 3% margin of error.
The media are certainly taking much more of an interest now, two weeks after the gap narrowed between the predicted yes and no voters, than they were over the months leading up to the referendum when the gap seemed so large as to make the result a foregone conclusion. Politics and the current state of the Union has certainly become front-page news.
Whatever the outcome, the pollsters are already debating what could have been skewing their sample sizes and their results. Some are talking about the differences in voting intentions across different geographical locations, different genders, social classes and different age groups whilst others are already examining the potential flaws in the methodology. For example, as well as the specific questions you ask of potential voters, does it make any difference to the truthfulness of their answers if you’re interviewing them face-to-face, on the telephone or ‘anonymously’ online?
What’s clear from the viewpoint of a marketeer is the lesson that it is essential that these things are considered before you commence your market research. A flaw in your sample size, in your sample selection or the method you choose to ask people’s opinions could actually give you the wrong result. So is there any point in doing market research at all?
On Facebook today I came across a straw poll that had been taken by someone who been asked to advertise their business at a particular location. While consulting all the friends you are connected to on Facebook to ask their opinion is a reasonable exercise to conduct for a bit of fun I would not place my faith in its accuracy. The sample size must be extremely small, the demographics of the sample are probably highly skewed, and probably most people in that small sample will not post a comment after reading the post.
I would always argue that some research has to be better than no research at all because of the insights it gives you into the potential behaviour or thought processes of your customers. However we clearly need to be cautious about placing all our faith in one method. We could get more reassurance that we’re getting things right by combining evidence from several different sources, which could include online questionnaires, telephone interviews, face to face interviews or focus groups and good old-fashioned desk research. | <urn:uuid:da25dd09-3964-4b61-a561-07b6629e3bfa> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aardvarkmarketing.co.uk/469-2/ | 2024-03-04T08:46:17Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.972452 | 578 |
Check out this 2014 Fiat 500l, trekking package with a 6 speed manual transmission and 1.4 turbo rated at 33 MPG. This fiat runs great and the interior is clean. Equipped with power windows, power locks, heated seats, sun roof, Beats sound system, navigation and more. Clean title and only 81k miles
By clicking you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Use. | <urn:uuid:c89e083b-c179-4a75-9957-10df5818cc62> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.abcautoclinic.com/details/used-2014-fiat-500l/100415071 | 2024-03-04T08:52:24Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.885203 | 80 |
My works are based on the situations and surroundings that I see around me. Life, bathing personal and social, and its nuances become the basis of what I express. My actions reflect changes in human values. I made some works during Covid-19, in which I have shown that people faced a lot of difficulties during Covid-19, they had to see their people moving away from their eyes.
Sorry, there are no products in this collection | <urn:uuid:dc9536df-35ec-421a-b96a-2b09781fc23e> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.abirspace.com/collections/sanjay-yadav | 2024-03-04T07:34:09Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.99244 | 91 |
Forum Capital Advisors, a Denver-based real estate investment and asset management firm, closed on approximately $66 million in senior and subordinated debt financing supporting the development of a to-be-built Class A, 252-unit multifamily building in Fort Lauderdale.
”Forum is excited to partner with Bank OZK for the construction debt on this extremely well located development in the rapidly growing Fort Lauderdale market,” said Ross MacDonald, senior director with Forum Investment Group. “We are excited to continue our growth in the Florida market and look forward to future opportunities with this strong vertically integrated sponsor.”
Once completed in 2024, Flagler Station will consist of 252 market rate units averaging 757 square feet. The 12-story podium mid-rise will feature community amenities such as a resort-style pool with an outdoor kitchen, an artificial turf dog park, and 2,087 square feet of ground-floor retail space.
Fort Lauderdale’s population growth has been slow but steady over the last 10 years with job growth in the metro area up 6.1% in 2021, compared to the national average of 4.3%. Flagler Station is located in the trendy, downtown Flagler Village neighborhood, within walking distance of the local Winn-Dixie and numerous bars and restaurants. | <urn:uuid:d9e21692-0a14-44fb-b3e7-0306786e93aa> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.abladvisor.com/news/34600/forum-capital-advisors-arranges-66mm-in-financing-for-multifamily-development | 2024-03-04T08:18:44Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.945874 | 267 |
A 2022 report by UK-based Passivhaus Trust highlights the impact of window framing materials on a building’s carbon footprint.
Alu-wood window frames combine the beauty of wood inside with the longevity of aluminum framing externally.
Without current EPDs to meet building code legislations, the use of tropical timbers is becoming increasingly difficult.
Readily available data on a product’s carbon impact is imperative to meeting modern building standards.
Cohesive with many design styles and eras, timber is increasingly becoming the chosen material for renovation projects.
The extensive versatility and stability of Vulcan Screening has seen it become a common material for pergolas.
A must watch webinar to understand the fundamentals aspects of timber and coatings for lasting beauty.
Vulcan has been used for a growing number of door applications in both commercial and residential architectural projects.
Five characteristics that show why Vulcan Timber is a superior choice to Sapele.
Testing thermal conductivity for energy efficient windows and doors.
Auckland architecture students are discovering the malleability of Abodo timbers in their final year construction paper. | <urn:uuid:5157412d-0d4e-4db9-aa86-8cf781d048e2> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.abodo.com.au/articles | 2024-03-04T09:34:43Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.905389 | 230 |
Amazon works hard to develop and hire the world’s best computer scientists to innovate on behalf of our customers. In the U.S. alone, we employ thousands of individuals working in software developer roles and are seeking to bring on additional talent this year. We are proud of the work Amazon’s software developers do every day to make life better for our customers. Moreover, we’re grateful that the U.S. education system produces some of the world’s brightest computer scientists.
There are two notable challenges, however. First, the U.S. isn’t producing nearly enough students trained in computer science to meet the future demands of the American workforce. Employment in computer and information technology is projected to grow 11% from 2019 to 2029, “much faster than the average for all occupations,” and add about 531,200 new jobs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Yet only 47% of public high schools currently offer computer science courses, leaving many students without the chance to develop in-demand skills. The lack of computer science education slows the pace of innovation, prevents our economy from operating at its full potential, and deprives individuals of lucrative career opportunities.
The second challenge is just as problematic: The pool of candidates trained in computer science is not sufficiently diverse. Black students and female students are significantly underrepresented, accounting for only 6% and 31%, respectively, of high school students taking the Advanced Placement (AP) computer science exam. This example underscores a diversity crisis in the field. Amazon leaders know that our business goals are best reached when our employees represent the diversity of our customers.
To help increase diversity in the computer science industry, we created Amazon Future Engineer. The program is designed to inspire and educate millions of students globally from underresourced communities to pursue computer science—from childhood into their careers. Students learn through school curriculum and project-based learning, using code to make music, program robots, and solve problems.
Amazon Future Engineer awards 100 students each year with four-year, $40,000 scholarships and paid internships at Amazon. The program also celebrates teachers with professional development and $25,000 Teacher of the Year awards. This year, we have a goal to reach 1.6 million students from historically underrepresented groups globally through Amazon Future Engineer, using virtual and hands-on projects inspired by real-world computer science.
Amazon’s contributions are a small piece of the puzzle. The U.S. needs a concerted, comprehensive effort aimed at increasing the number and diversity of students trained in computer science. That’s why we are actively supporting policies at the federal and state levels to help solve both critical problems.
We are aligned with President Joe Biden’s call for increased access to computer science, especially for underrepresented students. We endorse Representative Barbara Lee’s federal legislation, the Computer Science for All Act, which would invest $250 million in K-12 classroom computer science education. The bill aims to close the enrollment and achievement gaps for students from historically underrepresented and underresourced communities. We also support the Teach CS Act, which would provide training for educators who teach computer science and provide scholarships for individuals from underrepresented groups. The bipartisan legislation’s lead sponsors are Senator Jacky Rosen and Representative Derek Kilmer.
At the state level, we work closely with Code.org, a nonprofit committed to providing computer science training at every school in the U.S. We are currently advocating for legislation in several states to give all high school students access to a computer science course. We also support legislation that dedicates funding to professional learning programs to prepare teachers from diverse backgrounds to teach K–12 computer science. We recently helped pass a bill that increases access to four-year computer science degrees at community and technical colleges, and we continue to work with CodeVA to bring computer science training and curriculum to every high-needs school in Virginia.
Amazon is committed to diversifying the field and increasing accessibility to computer science education. We look forward to working with policymakers to meet these objectives, but the effort requires Congress and state legislatures to appropriate significant funds to ensure that all students—and their teachers—have access to computer science education and training.
Even more critical is that policymakers ensure that resources are directed toward historically underrepresented groups, so that the benefits of computer science education are broadly enjoyed. Taking these steps now will open new doors of opportunity, enhance the country’s competitiveness, and create a much-needed pipeline of talent that will carry us into the future. | <urn:uuid:4eb334d1-90bb-42fa-954e-a093edfcae24> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aboutamazon.com/news/policy-news-views/policymakers-need-to-help-create-the-tech-pipeline-of-the-future | 2024-03-04T09:38:52Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.952146 | 930 |
Have a question? Below are answers to some of most Frequently Asked Questions. If the answer you are looking for is not there, please call Antarctica Flights on 1800 633 449 from Australia or +61 3 9115 9709 from New Zealand.
Further terms and conditions can be found here.
Are There Any Age Restrictions For The Flight?
People of all ages are welcome on the flights, however we do ask you to consider the following: Children under 16 years of age must travel with an adult If you are travelling alone, you should be able to move around the cabin unaided Parents should remember that this is a very long day for younger children
Will I Need My Passport?
You will not need a passport, as this is classified as a domestic flight. However you will be required to present government approved photo ID at check-in. Please allow sufficient time to transit security dependent on which terminal you will be departing from. We will send confirmation of the exact departure time for each flight to those who have booked closer to the departure date.
How Long Is The Flight And How Long Do You Spend Over The Ice?
The average flight duration is 12.5 hours (depending on your departure point). About three hours into the flight we usually see the first sea ice and icebergs. We spend approximately four hours over Antarctica and the remaining four hours travelling home.
Can I use or redeem Qantas frequent flyer points for my flight?
Charter flights like ours do not accumulate or accept frequent flyer points, as they are not scheduled Qantas flights.
How Does The Seat Rotation Work?
Every passenger (excluding Explorer Economy) is allocated two Boarding Passes. At the half way point of the flight, an announcement is made asking passengers to move to the seat listed on their second boarding pass. Business Class Deluxe and Business Class will be seated in a window seat for half of the flight and an aisle seat for the other half. Premium Economy, Superior Economy and Standard Economy passengers will have a window seat or the seat next to a window seat for half of the flight, and an aisle seat for the other half of the flight. Explorer Economy seats do not rotate. It is important to note that while over Antarctica, most passengers get up from their seats and move about the aircraft, allowing everyone on board to enjoy excellent viewing opportunities. The aircraft flies in long sweeping ‘figure 8s’ over various points of interest to allow these spectacular sights to be viewed from both sides of the aircraft.
Can I Reserve A Particular Seat?
You may select a seating class but not a particular seat. Seats are allocated on the best available at time of reservation, however final seating allocation is done the evening before departure when final bookings are confirmed.
What Kind Of Viewing Can I Expect From A Explorer Economy Seat?
While the Explorer Economy seats do not rotate, ample viewing can still be achieved by walking to any available window space or exit zone. There is a fantastic atmosphere of cooperation amongst passengers as they share the experience.
What Kind Of Viewing Can I Expect Seated Over A Wing?
The viewing of Antarctica is out, not down, from the aircraft so excellent viewing can still be achieved from this section.
Will The Flight Land?
We do not land on Antarctica, primarily for environmental and safety reasons. Antarctica is as close to a pristine environment as there is on Earth. The activity of Antarctica Sightseeing Flights has been approved by all Antarctic Treaty nations. Most importantly, you cannot see the spectacular views available from the aircraft when you are on the ground.
What Time Do You Depart And Return?
Departure and return times vary slightly although you will be sent specific times when you receive your tickets. All times are subject to change and can be affected by things like airline operating procedures and weather.
How Much Will The Weather Affect The Viewing?
We have over 19 different approved flight plans. Our Captain monitors the satellite cloud picture in the days leading up to departure and on the morning of the flight and selects the route with the best visibility on the day. We have operated over 110 flights and have been able to offer excellent viewing opportunities on all of them thanks to the skill and preparation of the Qantas pilots and the knowledge of our onboard Antarctic Experts.
How Low Will We Fly?
When over Antarctica we fly at approximately 10,000 feet or 2,000 feet above the highest ground within 100 nautical miles. This altitude provides excellent viewing while still respecting the wildlife habitats at sea level.
Will I See Any Wildlife?
As most Antarctic wildlife lives at sea level, 10,000 feet below the aircraft, we cannot see them in any detail. We fly at this altitude to protect the various species. To experience the wonders of Antarctic wildlife, you would need to join a cruise, which Croydon Travel can assist you with.
Can I Take Photos And Video?
Absolutely! All cameras are welcome. We are always getting feedback from passengers who are delighted with their photographic results – and these are amateur photographers! As part of your Accor Plus package you will also receive a complimentary video DVD of your flight – we take with us a professional videographer who has numerous cameras in different areas of the aircraft to capture every moment.
What Will There Be To Eat And Drink?
Even though this is classed as a domestic flight, we provide international standard service on our Qantas aircraft. Two full meal services, snacks over the ice, and complimentary bar service is provided.
Do I Need Travel Insurance?
Though classified as a domestic trip, travel insurance is recommended for our passengers. | <urn:uuid:7d96021d-3cdd-40a9-a6f2-f3e4e6f70f0a> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.accorplus.com/fj/antarctica-faqs-the-porter-house-hotel-sydney-mgallery-jan-23/ | 2024-03-04T09:32:59Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.944087 | 1,154 |
ACDQ launches "My dentist" advertising campaign
The ACDQ's new advertising campaign aims to promote the dental profession to Quebecers. Its aim is to highlight the importance and value of the dentist's role in maintaining good oral and overall health. Dentists can make more than 200 oral diagnoses, and together with their team, they play an important role in overall health. The ad will air in fall 2023 on a variety of television, radio and digital platforms.
- 30-second French-language television ad
- 15-second French-language television ad
- 30-second radio ad in English
See the infomercial in the Hublo section of the Journal de Montréal (in French):
There are over 200 possible diagnoses, no matter your age. They range from small cavities to mouth cancer.
Your dentist is a doctor of dental medicine.
Dentists are the only oral health professionals with a university education. Your dentist holds a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree. This training is necessary to examine your mouth, make diagnoses, and establish treatment plans. Your dentist prevents, screens for, diagnoses, and treats diseases and disorders of the teeth, mouth, jaw, and surrounding tissue. Dentists are qualified to perform surgical procedures such as tooth extractions, fillings, root canals, and the placement of implants and prostheses. It takes four to five years of university training to become a dentist, and even more to become a specialist.
There are three faculties of dentistry in Quebec: Université de Montréal, Université Laval and McGill University.
Each year some 160 graduates enter the profession.
Your dental clinic is a mini-hospital with state-of-the-art equipment.
Dental clinics must meet strict regulatory standards to ensure patients receive safe, high-quality care. Sanitation is a priority. Protocols for disinfecting operatories and sterilizing instruments are an integral part of quality dental care. A dental clinic is like a mini hospital operated by dentists, who are responsible for all operating costs. Dental clinics are equipped with everything necessary to maintain your oral health, including sterilizers, ultrasonic baths, washer disinfectors, x-ray machines, soft- and hard-tissue lasers, intraoral cameras, electrosurgical units, CAD/CAM technology, optical impression technology, operating microscopes, CT scanners for 3D imaging, mechanical endodontics systems, apex locators, and integrated dental management software.
This equipment exists to maximize the quality of your care in a completely safe environment.
Your dentist manages a qualified team for your health.
Dentists hold university degrees and lead dental teams in which each member plays an important role. Dental hygienists are college trained to screen for oral diseases, teach the principles of oral health, and use scientific methods to monitor and prevent oral conditions under the dentist’s supervision.
Dental assistants play an essential role by supporting dentists in providing patient care. They disinfect examination rooms and sterilize instruments, manage biomedical waste, and fabricate parts and models in the lab. Coordinators handle administrative tasks, including staff management, bookkeeping and maintenance, allowing dentists to devote almost all of their time to examining and treating patients. Finally, receptionists book appointments, run the reception desk, and provide administrative support. They are key members of the team.
For your oral health, it takes a dentist.
Visit your dentist regularly. | <urn:uuid:b95e0f2f-d2fc-4b8b-925e-cb1dc354f34f> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.acdq.qc.ca/en/advertising-campaigns/200-diagnoses/ | 2024-03-04T09:27:15Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.930486 | 711 |
Thanks for reading with us!
On May 7th, Acme Theatre Company celebrated our 40th anniversary with a Big Day of Giving challenge....
Over the 24 hours of Thursday, May 7th - from midnight to midnight! - Acme, with the help of its alumni and community members, attempted to read 40 plays from all of Acme’s 40-seasons! We only made it to 37 this time, but we loved the marathon so much, we're going to try again next year!
This online event took us through four decades of Acme history and connected our company members, alums and fans at all hours and across all time zones.
OUR CORONAVIRUS CHANGES
Due to COVID-19, Acme's traditional "Free Comedy in the Park" will be taking place online over Memorial Day Weekend. Our summer show and summer theatre classes for K-8 students are on hold. To stay updated on our plans and any online events, please sign up for our email list below. | <urn:uuid:c46d4884-6f5c-4a7a-b660-812791cdca23> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.acmetheatre.net/copy-of-home | 2024-03-04T08:14:21Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.942685 | 211 |
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A father reached out only to Action News Jax about speeding Amazon drivers.
He captured this video of a delivery van that appeared to be speeding through his neighborhood in Arlington.
MJ DeCastro was outside with his three children on Saturday afternoon.
His kids were getting ready to ride their bikes on their quiet street when all a sudden, he spotted an Amazon van barreling
down the Spanish Pointe Estates.
"I witnessed the Amazon truck coming in the neighborhood at a high rate of speed, well over what any person should be driving in a neighborhood," DeCastro said.
That’s when he reached for his cellphone and started recording.
DeCastro told me not once did the driver attempt to slow down even when he noticed he was being videotaped.
The father of three was so upset, he posted this video on Facebook.
We decided to take out the First Alert Storm Tracker to give you a better view of this neighborhood.
The first thing we noticed was the 15 mph speed limit sign posted at a curve.
Speed limits in residential areas in Florida are typically 30 mph unless otherwise posted.
There is a 15 mile per hour limit posted in this neighborhood.
DeCastro said there’s usually anywhere from 15 to 20 children playing here especially on a busy weekend.
"I know it’s the holidays, and I would hate to see a driver lose his job. But at the same time, I have to worry about the lives of my three children. There’s no package worth the life of any human being.
An investigation by Propublica and the New York Times released this year found that since 2015, there have been more than 60 crashes and 10 deaths involving Amazon delivery contractors.
Action News Jax reached out to Amazon this Tuesday and they sent us this statement:
“Safety is our top priority and nothing is more important than the safety of those in the communities we serve. We are working with the delivery service partner to investigate the incident.”
They also told us that if a customers want to report something, Amazon’s customer service is available 24/7 to help customers with any matters related to their package delivery at 1 (888) 280-4331.
© 2019 Cox Media Group | <urn:uuid:9519b613-8c82-4c74-a7ae-24bf9079486c> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.actionnewsjax.com/news/local/duval-county/jacksonville-father-catches-amazon-delivery-van-speeding-through-neighborhood/L5HKVPPFCBESXJQIVA4S2PDITQ/ | 2024-03-04T07:33:38Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.97925 | 477 |
Kickboxing might just give you an impression of a violent sport that you would not want to be a part of. But what if Kickboxing can benefit you in more than one way? Here is the reason why you should consider giving Kickboxing a shot! Kickboxing is a form of martial arts that involves both the upper and lower body, teaching you different techniques such as, punches, kicks, and footwork. Non-contact kickboxing and cardio kickboxing incorporates all these but you direct them at weight bags and hand pads instead of a workout partner, which makes it safer, if you are concern about injuries. #1 Tone Up your Entire Body Whether you’re looking to tone up your arms, core, or legs, Kickboxing got you covered! As there is no area of your body that won’t engage when doing kickboxing. Similar to swimming, kickboxing is a full body workout. It keeps you constantly moving and strengthens your muscle while allowing you to burn calories. The more calories you burn, the more define your muscles will be, resulting in a toner body. #2 Learn Self-Defense As kickboxing is a form of martial arts, it teaches you the basics of many different self-defense techniques. It include, punching, kicking and even footwork. By utilizing those techniques you’ve learned in class, it could come in hand when you are in a dangerous situation. With constant practice, you will be able to hone this techniques and also feel more confident and protected. #3 Improved Mental Health After a long day of work and school, feeling burnt out and stress? Well Kickboxing will be able to help you relive those stress. Whether it’s anger or stress, there’s nothing better than letting it out by punching out those emotions onto the weight bag. Studies have shown that kickboxing can diminish feelings of anxiety, depression and anger. Exercising also increasing endorphins which help produce change in the part of the brain that can improve your mental health. Want to try Kickboxing, but don’t know where to go? Come and join us at Active Zone. We are a female-only gym that provides kickboxing based and gym based classes to all ladies at any fitness level. So what are you waiting for? Sign up today for some action and lots of fun! Follow us on our social media pages for more information on the classes we have.
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories | | <urn:uuid:a1bdf18c-2d4b-4002-b33f-e7c7549d1517> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.activezone.sg/blog/archives/01-2022 | 2024-03-04T07:05:11Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.938679 | 514 |
2. Are the following tactics “content marketing,” “brand journalism,” or both?
a) Posting a photo to Facebook, inviting likes and shares
Posting a “like if…” graphic is “content,” right? It can be effective to get your brand some eyeballs, if it goes viral. But who can predict that? Can you make something viral? And where is the directional research that shows you how to do it, that proves it will be effective before you hit send? You can post links to content on Facebook along with a great photo, but you better be sure your destination site is ready to hang on to visitors and qualify them if you want to see results. And how often do you see that done well?
b) Sending a single-sponsor feature-driven magazine through the mail to a controlled circulation
For decades, this is how I believe brand journalism has been defined, especially before the dawn of the digital age. That means, I think, we can learn storytelling and customer relation tactics from this tradition, and we have more collective knowledge in this business than we think. We are not in “Day One.”
c) Posting sponsored content to a news site with the same look and feel as straight news
Native advertising, while it has been successful for many brands and sites, draws on the credibility of established journalistic sources by aping their look, feel and voice. Is that a positive thing? Depends on who you ask. I say it’s probably not, and that over time, consumers will feel deceived. And even if consumers don’t pick up on it, the FTC may nip the practice in the bud anyway.
d) A white paper sent via email, if you’ll supply your email address to its sponsor
If the white paper does nothing but promote a proprietary service, even through well-executed applied research, it’s probably closer to content marketing. | <urn:uuid:f6a54cbf-8ff0-4590-af6e-df9b12e886ef> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.advancedcontent.com/brand-journalism/content-marketing-blog/are-we-doing-brand-journalism-content-marketing-or-both/3/ | 2024-03-04T08:59:47Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.960728 | 411 |
Written by: New York Life Investments
In the last year, investors have been focused on moves in short-term interest rates, and with good reason; the Fed’s latest hiking cycle has been sizable and swift, impacting nearly every asset class. However, despite wild moves in the short end of the curve, long-term Treasury yields have remained relatively rangebound. We believe this dynamic warrants examining, because so many factors impacting interest rates have shifted in recent years.
Factors impacting long-term Treasury yields
Each of the factors impacting long-term Treasury yields are uncertain in size and timing, difficult to measure, and therefore challenging to weigh against one another. To illustrate:
Inflation. Price growth tends to ebb and flow with the economic cycle. Factors such as a tight labor market and high corporate profits drive prices higher, until a slowing economy eases those pressures. This cycle, however, has seen prices bolstered by structural changes as much as cyclical ones. The global pandemic has drawn attention to supply chains, making access just as important as efficiency. Russia’s invasion of Ukraine may have accelerated a global energy transition. This combined focus on global resiliency points to redundancy, meaning higher costs. As these transitions are likely to require ample time and investment, inflation may be biased higher in the medium and longer term.
Combating these factors are the disinflationary impacts of technological innovation—economic efficiency drives productivity higher and prices lower—and an aging demographic. Economic theory suggests that people spend less and save more as they age. In the last economic cycle, these factors prevailed over any cyclical drivers of inflation, contributing to a low-inflation, low-rates environment. Today, the impact is less certain. Demographic disruptions have contributed to a dearth of labor supply, pushing wages and prices higher in the near term. Until the labor market is brought into balance or innovation displaces labor, this factor has contributed to stronger price pressure.
Even after a dramatic rise in the past year, the 10-year Treasury sits comfortably in its historic range
Composition of nominal U.S. 10-year yield
Sources: New York Life Investments Multi-Asset Solutions, Federal Reserve, National Bureau of Economic Research, Macrobond, June 2023. Expected inflation is represented by the 10-year breakeven inflation rate. The nominal 10-year Treasury yield represents the interest received from a U.S. 10-year government bond without adjusting for inflation. It is the yield expressed in current dollars. The real 10-year Treasury yield represents the yield adjusted for changes in the purchasing power of money. The National Bureau of Economic Research (NBER) traditionally defines recession as a significant decline in economic activity that is spread across the economy and that lasts more than a few months. Breakeven inflation rates are derived from the difference in yields between nominal bonds and inflation-linked bonds of the same maturity. It serves as a market-based indicator of inflation expectations over a specific time horizon. Consumer Price Index (CPI) is a measure of the average change over time in the prices paid by urban consumers for a market basket of consumer goods and services.
Path of the Fed Funds Rate. Here, we aren’t talking about the Fed Funds Rate today or tomorrow, but rather the path of the Fed Funds Rate over a long term. This is driven by two factors: the neutral interest rate—the “goldilocks” policy rate that neither stimulates nor constrains the economy, and the Fed’s reaction function—how quickly it tends to respond to inflation as it deviates from target.
The neutral rate would move higher if potential GDP growth, the maximum sustainable economic capacity, moves higher. We can see this happening: sizable investment in the energy transition technological innovation appears inevitable. Global competition in these areas may spurt that trend further. The question, then, is how productive these investments will be. Reshoring supply chains may have important security benefits, but it’s not necessarily productive—at least in terms of potential GDP growth, how it is measured today.
The Fed’s reaction function was in the process of changing just as this inflationary cycle took off. Flexible Average Inflation Targeting, or FAIT, was introduced in August 2020 as a recognition that being highly responsive to small changes in inflation around the 2.0% target had been counterproductive in recent economic cycles. Instead, the Fed would become less reactive to inflation changes around the 2.0% level. On aggregate, this may have biased the path of the Fed Funds Rate lower over time. The high and sticky inflation experience of the post-pandemic era, however, may have neutralized this impact.
Term premium. Supply and demand for U.S. Treasuries are the remaining factor impacting yields over time. Given the likelihood of higher investment noted above, financing needs, and the supply of U.S. Treasuries along with them, are likely to increase. On aggregate, this would drive yields higher to attract buyers. Demand factors, however, are less certain. Today, the U.S. remains an important global safe haven, driving strong demand for U.S. Treasuries when global risks are high, even when that risk originates within the U.S. itself—an important, and nearly structural, downward force on U.S. sovereign yields. At the margin, though, those factors may be shifting. For many years, the U.S. was one of the only developed countries to provide positive-yielding government bonds; negative-yielding debt from across Europe and Japan once neared $20 trillion. Today, that is no longer the case; negative-yielding debt has declined to less than $2 trillion and is exclusively issued by Japan. What’s more, the cost of servicing government investment—due both to the volume of debt outstanding and higher interest rates—has moved higher. Any commensurate increase in concerns about debt sustainability could reduce demand on the margin, pushing yields higher.
Implications for investors
In the near term: the Fed is unlikely to cut rates. See the previous section for our criteria for Fed rate cuts. The cyclical and structural factors biasing inflation higher mean that the Fed is unlikely to cut rates, even as economic growth slows. In the medium and longer term, we are sympathetic to the argument that the strategic nature of ongoing tech and energy investment may bias inflation higher with a need for non-restrictive rates. In our view, though, this is unlikely to play out in the next year. Furthermore, we remind investors that neutral rates are likely to be closer to 3.0% than the “lower for longer” environment that investors became accustomed to in the last cycle.
In the longer term: monitor the productivity of government investment. Where interest rates settle is important for investors, but why may be even more important. Long-term Treasury yields can move higher for two reasons. Treasury issuance to fund productive investments may bias long-term rates higher by increasing potential economic growth (the natural rate); this may impact the range at which U.S. Treasuries trade, but in a modest and sustainable way. If, by contrast, yields are moving because of a misstep in supply and demand (the term premium), investors can expect more volatility.
Remain cautious on aggressive duration bets. While duration may well benefit in the short term as interest rates fall, the medium-term duration argument is murkier. If structural investment needs continually push the front end of the curve, why move farther out? We encourage investors to maintain a neutral position in their overall duration exposure. We prefer shorter duration in corporate credit, paired with longer duration in municipal bonds where curve structure is more attractive. | <urn:uuid:b2431d19-f357-4700-a533-78798df41c38> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.advisorpedia.com:443/viewpoints/the-long-term-view-on-interest-rates-inputs-are-shifting/ | 2024-03-04T09:37:37Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.954223 | 1,595 |
Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) – The Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) to the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) is administered by the Department of Defense (DoD). The DFARS implements and supplements the FAR. The DFARS contains requirements of.
Conventional Cash Out Refinance Va Or Conventional Loan VA loan – Wikipedia – A VA loan is a mortgage loan in the United States guaranteed by the united states department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The program is for American veterans, military members currently serving in the U.S. military, reservists and select surviving spouses (provided they do not remarry) and can be used to purchase single-family homes, condominiums, multi-unit properties, manufactured homes and.Max Loan Amount For Conventional Mortgage Texas Conventional Loans | TX Conforming Loan Limits – What is the maximum amount that I can borrow? Conventional loan limits in Texas are determined by: maximum ltv ratio: The maximum financing loan-to-value ratio for conventional mortgages is 80% – 97% of the appraised value of the home or its selling price, whichever is lower. Learn how to calculate loan-to-value.However, refinancing to get cash out may result in a longer loan term or a higher rate, and that might mean paying more in interest overall in the long run. Talk to a Home Loan Expert or use our refinance calculator to see if refinancing your home can help you get cash out.
PDF Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation – va.gov – Department of Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation Part 801 Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulations System 1997 Edition 1-3 (1) A deviation to this prohibition may be processed in accordance with 801.403 in order to allow the contracting officer to require contractor reporting or recordkeeping beyond that prescribed in the FAR and VAAR.
Tactile Medical Awarded New Federal Supply Schedule Contract by the Department of Veterans Affairs – contract for its Flexitouch® systems by the National Acquisition Center, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The Federal Supply Schedule contract includes the Company’s latest-generation.
Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation – Schell Co USA – Contents Outpatient clinics located including disability compensation Part 801: department home loan mortgage corporation Washington 30-year fixed jumbo The most popular abbreviation for Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation is: VAAR. All Acronyms lists 1 possible way to abbreviate Veterans Affairs Acquisition Regulation The United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is a federal.
Veterans Affairs Proposes to Amend, Update Acquisition. – The Department of Veterans Affairs proposed to amend and update its VA Acquisition Regulation in phased increments to revise or remove any policy superseded by changes in the Federal Acquisition.
VETS-4212 Federal Contractor Reporting – Veterans. – The U.S. Department of Labor Veterans’ Employment and Training Service (VETS) and Office of Federal Contractor Compliance Programs (OFCCP) have supported affirmative actions to employ and advance in employment, "covered veterans" since 2008. As legislatively mandated under.
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Acquisition Regulation Veterans Affairs – Philsellsaz – – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is amending and updating its VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) in phased increments to revise or remove any policy superseded by changes in the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), to remove procedural guidance internal to VA into the VA Acquisition Manual. Veterans Affairs to Permit Acquisition of.
Regulation Affairs Acquisition Veterans – Hisdacademics – Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and VA Acquisition Regulation (VAAR) and. Easterly Government Properties Announces Agreement to Acquire 90,085 SF Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Facility in San Jose, CA – Easterly Government Properties, Inc. (DEA), a fully integrated real estate investment trust focused primarily on the acquisition.
The Acquisition Internship School – Veterans Affairs. – Veterans Affairs Acquisition Academy (VAAA) The Acquisition Internship School The award-winning Acquisition Internship school (ais) offers two training programs for those with an interest in pursuing a career in federal acquisitions. | <urn:uuid:c41b9368-bb67-4731-8f95-255caffe6643> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.advisorsmtg.com/veterans-affairs-acquisition-regulation/ | 2024-03-04T09:32:57Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.895056 | 945 |
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17 Celebrity Who Support Their Transgender and Nonbinary Kids
Swan Gallet/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images; @jlo/Twitter; MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images
Sometimes the people who support your queer identity are your chosen family, and other times, they're blood. While some celebs aren’t exactly understanding the assignment (cough, Elon Musk, cough), others like Jennifer Lopez and Charlize Theron continue to nail it.
Here are 17 celebrities whose love and support for their trans and nonbinary kids give us queer joy and hope for the future.
Although Cher has discussed how the transition was difficult at first, but she told The Today Show, “Chaz is so happy, so unbelievably happy, and I don’t know what the people’s problems are. They’re fearful, and they just don’t understand how to react to it.”
Real Housewives of Orange County alum Alexis Bellino announced her son, Miles, as a transgender 15-year-old on Instagram, where she said she had stopped posting for a few months due to his transition.
In the caption, she wrote, “Miles truly wants this because he’s tired of the misgendering and confusion people have, so we are setting the record straight and hopefully bringing clarity.”
Jennifer Lopez introduced her 14-year-old child Emme using gender-neutral pronouns, seemingly affirming Emme's pronouns, while performing at the L.A. Dodgers Foundation Blue Diamond Gala on Thursday.
“The last time we performed together was in a big stadium like this and I ask them to sing with me all the time, and they won’t. So this is a very special occasion,” she said.
“They are very, very busy, booked, and pricey. They cost me when they come out. But they’re worth every single penny because they’re my favorite duet partner of all time.”
Dean McDermott spoke out about both his queer children, whom he shares with his wife Tori Spelling, during a film screening of My Fake Boyfriend at The Castro Theatre in San Francisco on Saturday.
“The thing I love about this movie is I got to share it with my 15-year-old who identifies as trans and my gay son,” McDermott said.
“I love that they get a safe space to come and watch this. I think this movie is really important. It’s as poignant as it is fun. So, thank you all for coming, and most importantly, to Jack and Liam, I love you guys.”
In a 2019 interview with the Daily Mail, Charlize shared that her No. 1 goal is to protect her daughters.
“I have two beautiful daughters who, just like any parent, I want to protect and I want to see thrive,” Theron said.
“They were born who they are and exactly where in the world both of them get to find themselves as they grow up, and who they want to be, is not for me to decide.
“My job as a parent is to celebrate them and to love them and to make sure that they have everything they need in order to be what they want to be. And I will do everything in my power for my kids to have that right and to be protected within that.”
Dwyane Wade & Gabrielle Union
Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union first opened up about their daughter coming out as trans in February 2020 and have been nothing but supportive ever since.
“[Think of] the moment when you were in the hospital and you grabbed your daughter, and you looked at your daughter. All the things that went through your mind and all the emotions that went through your mind. And how much love fills your heart at that moment. Don’t let that ever leave you, no matter what,” Wade told Variety while on the red carpet at the 2022 Met Gala.
In a March 2022 interview with Buzzfeed, Union opened up about loving her children out loud and being proud. “It’s important for us to live and love out loud,” she said. “We didn’t exactly understand why [supporting Zaya’s trans identity] was a thing because it’s like, we love all our kids out loud. But it is a thing and a lot of people do need an example. [People] do need that [kind of] representation.
“As our children show up, it is our job to believe them when they tell us who they are and not impose our dreams, hopes, fears, and desires on them.
“It’s our job to be loving, compassionate, protective guides for our children, but their lives are their lives and we have to respect that. We do not believe in any kind of shaming for existing. That is bizarre, cruel, [and] harmful.
“So yeah, we’re gonna post our family, we’re going to live out loud, we’re going to love out loud, and we’re going to speak out loud and lead in however each situation calls for us to be leaders when things are not where they should be,” said Union.
Jamie Lee Curtis
In a 2021 interview with AARP Magazine, Jamie Lee Curtis shared that Ruby, the daughter she shares with director Christopher Guest, is trans. “[We] have watched in wonder and pride as our son became our daughter Ruby,” she told the publication.
On her daughter’s birthday, Curtis again took the opportunity to praise her daughter and speak up for the trans community at large in an Instagram post.
“Today is the birthday of my trans daughter. I am proud and grateful to be the parent of a trans child and am sending support to all of the trans families across the U.S. who are being targeted in this moment by conservative legislatures,” she posted.
In 2018, Cynthia Nixon shared that her son Samuel Joseph Mozes is trans in an Instagram post celebrating his graduation from the University of Chicago.
“I’m so proud of my son Samuel Joseph Mozes (called Seph) who graduated college this month. I salute him and everyone else marking today’s #TransDayofAction. #TDOA,” she wrote.
In an interview with People in January, actor Ally Sheedy gushed about her trans son Beckett Lansbury and giving him room to be himself.
“I want him to be able to do what he wants to do with his life and have the freedom to make his own choices and surround himself with a loving, supportive community,” said Sheedy. “So far, he’s been able to do that.”
As a parent, “I’ve learned a lot,” she said. “Beck doesn’t hide anything. And I feel very comfortable talking to anyone whose kid is just beginning the process of transition. Parents need to educate themselves.”
“It’s natural to have fears about your kids, no matter what. But in this case, Beck is in a really great place in his life. I give him the room to run, and I just really try to just watch.”
Annette Bening & Warren Beatty
Annette Bening and Warren Beatty’s eldest son, Stephen Ira Beatty, came out as trans in 2012, and his parents have frequently shared their love and support openly for him.
In 2016, in an interview with Vanity Fair, Beatty heaped praise upon his son. “He’s a revolutionary, a genius, and my hero, as are all my children,” he said.
Three years later Bening also praised his transition in a 2019 interview with AARP. “He’s managed something that’s very challenging with great style and great intelligence,” she said. “He’s an articulate, thoughtful person, and I’m very, very proud of him”
While Sade is famously private about her personal life, her son Izaak was open about his identity and thanked his mother for her support. Izaak came out as trans in 2016 and underwent gender confirmation surgery in 2019. After which he posted a loving message to his mother.
“It’s been a long hard road but We did it!! We are coming home!!!! Thank you for staying by my side these past 6 months Mumma. Thank you for fighting with me to complete the man I am. Thank you for your encouragement when things are hard, and for the love you give me. The purest heart. I love you so much. Queen of queens,” he wrote in the caption.
Swan Gallet/WWD/Penske Media via Getty Images
Sigourney Weaver shared that her child, Char, who she shared with her husband Jim Simpson identifies as nonbinary. The Aliens actress shared “We have a wonderful [child] who’s now 32 — I don’t know how, [they] still look 12. … In fact, they’re nonbinary and they teach,” she said while guesting on an episode of the Smartless podcast.
Real Housewives of Orange County star Heather Dubrow, not only supports but celebrates her trans son Ace. In March, she shared that Ace had come out on her Instagram.
Dubrow shared a photo of a sandy beach with the ocean in the background, and the name Ace written in the sand in the foreground. “We love you, our youngest son, Ace ❤️,” reads the caption.
Dubrow continued, “Our job as parents is to give our kids a safe and supportive environment so they can grow up as healthy, happy, confident, independent humans.”
Actress Busy Phillips opened up about their child Birdie being gay and using they/them pronouns in December 2020 “You get to build your life, however, the f--k you want to, and it doesn’t have to look like anything you’ve ever seen or anything that’s ever been modeled for you because maybe it doesn’t exist.” Busy recounted telling them, on an episode of her podcast Busy Philipps Is Doing Her Best.
Comic treasure and star of Who's Line Is it , Anyway? regularly brags about his transgender daughter Kinley shares photos of them on his social. In 2016 he shared that she was transitioning and opened up to Huffington Post Canada about it. 'This is my child, this is the exact same person, with a new coat.' he said. "All you want when you have a child is for them to be safe, to be happy, and to be better than you."
Marlon Wayans gushed about their trans son Kai during a recent appearance on Power 105.1 FM’s The Breakfast Club. “As a parent, I just want my kids to be free. I want them to be free in spirit, free in thought, free to be themselves,” he said. “The more you know yourself, the more you can govern yourself, the more you live your truth, the happier your existence. So if they can’t get that in a household with their father and mother, how the f—k do I send them out into the world with that kind of confidence?” | <urn:uuid:8820b146-bbb0-4139-9ec3-8eceff432282> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.advocate.com/family/celebrities-with-transgender-kids | 2024-03-04T08:24:37Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.974725 | 2,443 |
R&D funding through the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP)
DTEP is a £16m technology development programme that seeks to improve the competitiveness of the UK Defence supply chain. It is overseen by the Industrial Programmes team in the Directorate of Industrial Strategy and Exports (DISE) and delivered by the Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) supported by Innovate UK. From August 2023, the Project Review Panel stage of the process is being organised by ADS and our regional partners through the Supply Chain Solutions Framework.
The programme aims to inspire SMEs across the UK to win new business, develop industrial capabilities and provide new cutting-edge answers to defence problems at home and abroad. Following the NATEP model of mentoring, DASA Business Relationship Managers help companies develop their proposals and can also provide guidance on collaboration agreements and intellectual property protection.
- are in Technology Readiness Levels 3 to 7 and align with MOD’s current and upcoming equipment capabilities and technology priorities.
- are a collaboration between a lower tier supplier and a higher tier partner. The sponsoring higher tier supplier (not just primes) will be expected to contribute their time, effort and resources to work with the SMEs to undertake these collaborative research and development projects
- have a compelling route to market – demonstrated by having a higher tier supply chain partner with a linkage to a new or existing MOD capability.
DTEP offers companies grant funding of up to 50% of a total project expenditure. There is no lower limit to project cost, however, it is expected that most project totals will be between £100K and £500K. The competition will have a maximum allowable project value of £1M (i.e. maximum grant award of £500K). Projects must plan to start within 6 months of Innovate UK grant award and run for a maximum duration of 18 months.
The Higher Tier Supplier must contribute a minimum of 15% of the grant value through their own resources, e.g. staff time, equipment, facilities, expertise etc. This in addition to (not part of) the total project value. This should be detailed within the full proposal.
DTEP Application Cycle
There is one application entry point at the outline proposal stage. Engage with DASA at idea stage to support your idea formation. Once your application is submitted, outline proposals are reviewed by an industry review panel which will include experts from industry, across a range of defence organisations. The application process includes feedback points and a capability alignment assessment before a grant is awarded.
Speak to a DASA Innovation Partner with your idea, please submit a Contact DASA Form.
EOIs invited for Regional Project Review Panels
ADS is looking for panel members to join regional Project Review Panels (PRPs) to provide industry feedback to the Defence Technology Exploitation Programme (DTEP) applicants.
Industry representatives from across the defence supply chain meet on a quarterly basis under the DTEP banner to discuss and review the latest technology ideas being proposed – prior to the projects’ submissions for funding. The feedback from these meetings adds enormous value to the project applications for the technology scope, understanding of the market and route to exploitation.
As DTEP continues to grow, additional reviewers on our panels are needed to broaden the panels’ expertise to match the increasing diversity of the technologies being proposed.
These regional Project Review Panels (PRPs) are a great and informal way for representatives to network with industry colleagues from across the UK, be at the forefront of emerging technologies and see what makes a successful proposal. | <urn:uuid:869aadad-ef3d-47fa-8790-5fa40466925e> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aerospace.co.uk/programmes/defence-technology-exploitation-programme-dtep/ | 2024-03-04T08:40:43Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.931689 | 736 |
MAERSK is currently hiring qualified individuals to fill various vacant positions at the company. Are you interested in working at MAERSK? Do you think you have what it takes to apply for this recruitment? You will find all the information you need on MAERSK Recruitment 2024 in this article.
Information provided in this article includes vacant positions and eligibility requirements, the procedure for applying for recruitment, and more. Read the rest of the article to get the details of the recruitment.
MAERSK Recruitment 2024
The management of MAERSK has announced that the recruitment exercise for 2024 is ongoing. Candidates who are interested in working with this establishment are encouraged to send in their applications via the recruitment portal.
MAERSK is a Danish shipping and logistics company founded in 1904. MAERSK provides services such as shipping, port operation, supply chain management, and warehousing. The company is based in Copenhagen, Denmark, and operates across 130 countries in the world.
Before proceeding to apply for any recruitment, candidates are required to meet the eligibility requirements set by the firm they are applying to; MAERSK is no different.
Do you want to be a part of this company? See the available vacancies below alongside the eligibility requirements. Ensure that you meet the specific requirements for the job you are applying for before proceeding to apply.
Eligibility Requirements for MAERSK Job Vacancies
Below are the available positions for MAERSK recruitment 2024 alongside the eligibility requirements.
1. Financial Operations Agent
- Applicants must have a good knowledge of accounting related to Job Costing ( Revenue & Cost)
- Candidates must have proven experience (at least 2 years) in a similar function of finance and accounting.
- Candidates must have a background in accounting such as a Master’s degree in Finance, Tax, Economics, or Accounting.
- A chartered accountancy qualification is an advantage.
- SAP Knowledge is an advantage.
- Candidates must be willing to work in teams
- Candidates must be fluent in spoken and written English Language.
- Candidates must be knowledgeable in MS packages, especially Excel.
- Candidates must possess good analytical skills.
- Candidates must be organized, efficient, effective, and great at multitasking.
2. Country Sales Operations Manager
- Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Business, Marketing, Finance or related discipline.
- Candidates must have proven experience in a senior Sales operations management role, preferably in a global organization.
- Candidates must have a Salesforce.com superuser certification.
- Candidates must be great at problem-solving.
- Candidates must possess the ability to set strategic plans with short-term impact by maintaining standards that lead to high performance and execution.
- Candidates must be able to exchange and adapt skills when working together across functions.
- Candidates must have the ability to sustain high activity and energy with a business-like approach to daily challenges.
- Candidates must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills (English).
- Candidates must be analytical, organized, and detail-oriented with admirable interpersonal skills.
- Candidates must be knowledgeable in the shipping, container transport, and delivery industry.
- Candidates must be discrete and have good judgment.
3. Direct Transport Sales Executive
- Candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Marketing, or a related field.
- Candidates must have a 3-year track record in sales, preferably in the Logistics & Services industry.
- Candidates must have an understanding of Ocean transport, and market dynamics, and value added services.
- Candidates must have adequate knowledge of Trucking.
- Candidates must be proficient in spoken and written English Language.
- Candidates must possess strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
- Candidates must possess excellent negotiation and closing abilities.
- Candidates must be result-oriented.
- Candidates must possess the ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Candidates must possess time management and organizational skills.
- Candidates must be proficient in the use of CRM systems and sales productivity tools.
- Candidates must be willing to travel and meet with clients when necessary.
4. Country Inland Sales Manager
- Candidates must possess a master’s Degree in Business, Marketing or related discipline.
- Candidates must have ample knowledge of business development, sales processes, market trends and customers.
- Interested candidates must have at least seven years of experience in Container Transportation and related industries.
- Candidates must be proficient in planning, customer and prospect research, pipeline management, forecasting, deal management, and closing valuable deals.
- Candidates must be able to adapt skills when working together across functions.
- Interested candidates must possess problem-solving skills.
- Candidates must have excellent interpersonal skills.
- Candidates must have excellent negotiation skills & the ability to build relationships with external parties.
- Candidates must have good analytical skills.
- Interested candidates must have exceptional time management and organizational skills.
- Candidates must be able to communicate fluently in both English and the local languages.
5. HSE Supervisor
- Candidates must have HSE Certifications (NEBOSH IGC & ISPON Certified) Technical member of IOSH (TechIOSH)
- A minimum 5 years experience in HSE is required.
- Applicants must possess good communication skills.
- Applicants must have extensive knowledge of container terminal operational activities.
- Applicants must have good negotiation, conflict resolution, and strong influencing skills.
- Applicants must be proficient in English.
- Applicants must have a good knowledge of Microsoft Office applications.
- Candidates must have a valid driver’s license with driving experience.
How To Apply For MAERSK Recruitment 2023/2024
Having read the recruitment requirements and confirmed that you meet them, proceed to apply for the recruitment using the guidelines provided below:-
- Visit the MAERSK official portal
- Select the position you want to apply for and read the requirements applicable to the position.
- Create an account on the recruitment website if you do not already have one.
- Sign in to the portal.
- Fill out the application form by providing the required information.
- Upload scanned copies of your academic and professional credentials and a guarantor form.
- Give your application a once over to ensure that you have not made any mistakes that may cost you your chances of being recruited
- Submit your application.
- Candidates who have been selected for the next stage of the recruitment will be notified via email. Ensure that the email address you provided while applying for recruitment is an active one. | <urn:uuid:a316e3a8-a5b6-4a05-8737-61435691b85f> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.afaho.net/maersk-recruitment/ | 2024-03-04T08:29:04Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.931799 | 1,404 |
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Watch the short clip here:
Get the above clip right here: Gucci Third Leg fucked Teresa Lavae for the second time (462 downloads ) | <urn:uuid:ff111e40-4ded-463f-baf0-9cd01d59e1ad> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.afrofucking.com/gucci-third-leg-was-too-much-for-teresa-lavae/ | 2024-03-04T08:18:09Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.95853 | 152 |
THE AGERE TEAM
AT A GLANCE
As consultants to the hotel and gastronomy industry, all team members of agere. GmbH – “from practice for practice” – have practical experience as well as theoretical knowledge in the hotel and gastronomy industry. Through diverse professional backgrounds and specialized training, we can offer a variety of competent consulting services. Get to know our team of consultants and get an overview:
Learn more about the people behind agere.
After graduating from high school, management consultant Martin Rahmann trained as a hotel professional. He then studied at the Hotel Management School in Heidelberg, where he successfully graduated with a degree in hotel management. More than 25 years of experience in the areas of hotel business, gastronomy and tourism testify to a profound knowledge of the industry. Martin Rahmann lives for the hotel industry and gastronomy. He is a networker and link for all services in the industry. After years of practical experience and his own leadership of businesses, the hotel business economist switched to business consulting. “Acting instead of waiting!” is his premise. Planning and cost security, from the project idea to the renewal, have top priority for the experienced consultant. Martin Rahmann has been working as a management consultant since 1991. Since 2002 he has been working in economic consulting for the hotel and gastronomy industry, but he has never lost his connection to practice, as during this time he has also repeatedly managed and been responsible for hotel operations. As president, Martin Rahmann successfully led FCSI Germany-Austria e.V. into its second decade, and in the fall of 2013, as the new chairman of the board, he took over the FCSI EAME (Europe, Africa and Middle East) division of the international consulting association. This is not the only reason why Martin Rahmann has an excellent network in the industry.
Robert Reznizak has been working for agere as a management consultant since its foundation. After an apprenticeship as a chef, he completed his vocational baccalaureate with a major in nutritional sciences and then did his community service in the USA. In the following years, he completed a degree in business administration with a focus on corporate management and crisis management at the International School of Management ISM in Dortmund and expanded his language skills through stays abroad in the USA and Spain. In addition to acquiring theoretical knowledge, Mr. Reznizak constantly gained practical experience in renowned companies, institutions and consulting firms. He is still deepening his professional knowledge and is currently studying business law parallel to his work as a management consultant. For agere. Mr. Reznizak is primarily entrusted with the areas of negotiations, especially contract negotiations. Furthermore, his area of responsibility primarily includes reorganization projects.
Christopher Appel, Consultant
Mr. Appel has been supporting the agere team since February 2021. After his apprenticeship as a hotel specialist in the largest, privately managed hotel in Rhineland-Palatinate, he studied tourism business administration at Heilbronn University, majoring in hospitality and marketing. He then returned to his parents’ hotel business after spending several months in a London hotel. After a short time, he took over the management and reorganized the hotel. Thus, he gained a lot of practical experience in operational as well as strategic management. At agere ., Mr. Appel focuses on interim management and the preparation of expert reports.
Sven Kornberger, Junior Consultant
Sven Kornberger has been supporting agere since 2020. After studying sports and nutritional sciences, he turned his focus to the hotel and gastronomy industry. He completed a shortened apprenticeship as a system caterer and then trained to become a state-certified operations manager in the field: hotel and gastronomy. During his training he gained a lot of experience in gastronomy as well as in retail. Currently he is doing an MBA alongside his job. Through his previous experience and critically questioning view as a generalist, he helps to look at problems from different perspectives and find suitable solutions.
Philipp Rahmann, Junior Analyst
Since 2018, Philipp Rahmann supports the agere team as a Junior Analyst. Due to his family background, he is familiar with and grew up with topics of the hotel and gastronomy industry from an early age. After graduating from high school, he gained some practical experience in the hospitality industry and completed internships at tourism companies. In 2017, he also spent some time as an intern in China.
In addition to his work at agere. he is studying business administration part-time and is thus not only able to combine practice and theory, but also always brings new and innovative ways of thinking. | <urn:uuid:b12eab1f-874b-49fa-94c4-7cdfb3aa049d> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.agere.de/team/ | 2024-03-04T08:55:35Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.977634 | 972 |
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has been transforming various industries, and healthcare is no exception. AI technologies are being used to improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and enhance the efficiency of healthcare systems. In this article, we will explore the top four uses of AI in healthcare, including its potential to revolutionize medical imaging, enhance drug discovery, personalize patient care, and streamline administrative tasks. Get ready to discover how AI is changing the face of healthcare and improving the lives of patients around the world.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in healthcare to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and reduce costs. The top four uses of AI in healthcare are: 1) Diagnosis and treatment planning, where AI algorithms analyze medical images and patient data to assist doctors in making more accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment plans. 2) Predictive analytics, where AI algorithms analyze patient data to predict future health risks and identify patients who may benefit from early intervention. 3) Virtual health assistants, where AI-powered chatbots and voice assistants help patients schedule appointments, answer medical questions, and manage their health. 4) Drug discovery and development, where AI algorithms analyze large amounts of data to identify potential drug candidates and accelerate the drug development process. These uses of AI in healthcare have the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered, and improve patient outcomes.
The Role of Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Introduction to Artificial Intelligence in Healthcare
Artificial intelligence (AI) has emerged as a transformative technology in the healthcare industry. With its ability to analyze vast amounts of data, recognize patterns, and make predictions, AI has the potential to revolutionize the way healthcare is delivered. The integration of AI into healthcare systems has the potential to improve patient outcomes, streamline processes, and reduce costs.
Importance of AI in Transforming Healthcare
AI has the potential to address some of the most pressing challenges in healthcare, including:
- Improving patient outcomes: AI can assist in diagnosing diseases more accurately and earlier, leading to better treatment outcomes. AI-powered systems can analyze medical images, such as X-rays and MRIs, to detect abnormalities that may be missed by human doctors.
- Enhancing efficiency: AI can automate routine tasks, such as scheduling appointments and managing patient records, freeing up healthcare professionals' time for more critical tasks. AI can also help predict patient admissions, discharges, and transfers, enabling hospitals to manage capacity more effectively.
- Reducing costs: AI can help identify high-risk patients and prevent costly hospital readmissions. By analyzing data from wearable devices and other sources, AI can detect changes in a patient's health before a crisis occurs, allowing for early intervention and reducing the need for expensive hospital stays.
- Personalizing care: AI can help tailor treatments to individual patients based on their unique genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. This personalized approach has the potential to improve treatment outcomes and reduce side effects.
In conclusion, AI has the potential to transform healthcare by improving patient outcomes, enhancing efficiency, reducing costs, and personalizing care. As AI continues to evolve, its potential applications in healthcare will only continue to grow.
Enhancing Medical Diagnostics and Imaging
AI for Medical Imaging Analysis
Utilizing AI algorithms for analyzing medical images
Artificial intelligence (AI) has revolutionized the field of medical imaging analysis by providing an efficient and accurate method for analyzing medical images. This is achieved through the use of advanced algorithms that can identify patterns and anomalies in images that may be difficult for human experts to detect. By automating this process, AI has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnoses.
Improving accuracy and efficiency of diagnoses
One of the key benefits of using AI in medical imaging analysis is the ability to improve the accuracy and efficiency of diagnoses. AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of data quickly and accurately, which can help radiologists and other medical professionals make more informed decisions about patient care. For example, AI algorithms can be used to identify early signs of diseases such as cancer, which can lead to earlier treatment and better outcomes for patients.
Examples of AI applications in medical imaging
There are many examples of AI applications in medical imaging, including:
- Automated detection of breast cancer in mammograms
- Detection of diabetic retinopathy in retinal images
- Analysis of brain images to detect Alzheimer's disease
- Detection of lung nodules in CT scans
Overall, the use of AI in medical imaging analysis has the potential to significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of medical diagnoses, leading to better patient outcomes.
Improving Diagnostic Accuracy
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being utilized in the healthcare sector to enhance medical diagnostics and imaging. AI tools are designed to assist healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses, reducing misdiagnosis rates, and improving patient outcomes. These advanced algorithms and machine learning models analyze large volumes of data to identify patterns and make predictions, thus aiding healthcare providers in making more informed decisions.
Reducing Misdiagnosis Rates
One of the primary benefits of AI-assisted diagnoses is the reduction of misdiagnosis rates. Traditional diagnostic methods are often prone to human error, leading to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. AI tools can process vast amounts of medical data, including patient histories, test results, and medical imaging, to identify potential health issues that may be overlooked by human experts. By providing healthcare professionals with additional insights, AI can help reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient outcomes.
Real-World Examples of AI-Assisted Diagnosis Systems
Several real-world examples illustrate the effectiveness of AI-assisted diagnosis systems in healthcare. For instance, an AI-powered diagnostic system developed by Google was able to accurately diagnose diabetic retinopathy by analyzing retinal images. This technology has the potential to improve early detection and treatment of diabetic retinopathy, which is a leading cause of blindness worldwide.
Additionally, AI-based tools have been developed to assist in the diagnosis of breast cancer. These tools can analyze mammogram images and provide radiologists with additional information to help identify potential cancerous tissues. This can lead to earlier detection and improved treatment outcomes for breast cancer patients.
Overall, AI-assisted diagnoses have the potential to revolutionize medical diagnostics and imaging, enabling healthcare professionals to make more accurate diagnoses and improve patient outcomes.
Personalized Treatment and Precision Medicine
AI in Treatment Planning
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in treatment planning in healthcare. This involves utilizing AI algorithms to develop personalized treatment plans for patients. By analyzing vast amounts of patient data, AI can help enhance the precision and effectiveness of treatments. Here are some case studies of AI-driven treatment planning:
- A hospital in the United States used AI to develop a personalized treatment plan for a patient with metastatic breast cancer. The AI algorithm analyzed the patient's genetic data and identified a targeted therapy that had not been previously considered. The patient responded positively to the treatment, and her cancer went into remission.
- A research team in Japan used AI to develop a personalized treatment plan for a patient with type 2 diabetes. The AI algorithm analyzed the patient's medical history, lifestyle factors, and genetic data to identify the most effective treatment options. The patient was able to achieve better blood sugar control and reduce the risk of complications.
- A healthcare provider in Europe used AI to develop a personalized treatment plan for a patient with chronic pain. The AI algorithm analyzed the patient's medical history, symptoms, and response to previous treatments to identify the most effective pain management strategies. The patient was able to reduce their pain levels and improve their quality of life.
These case studies demonstrate the potential of AI in treatment planning in healthcare. By using AI algorithms to analyze vast amounts of patient data, healthcare providers can develop personalized treatment plans that are tailored to the unique needs of each patient. This can help improve the precision and effectiveness of treatments, leading to better patient outcomes.
Predictive Analytics and Disease Forecasting
Artificial intelligence (AI) is increasingly being used in healthcare to predict disease progression and outcomes, enabling early intervention and preventive measures. AI models are used to analyze vast amounts of data, including patient medical records, genomic data, and clinical trial results, to identify patterns and correlations that can be used to predict disease progression and treatment outcomes.
Examples of AI applications in predictive analytics
One example of AI being used in predictive analytics is in the field of oncology. Researchers are using AI to analyze patient data and identify the most effective treatments for specific types of cancer. By analyzing patient data, including medical history, genetic markers, and other factors, AI models can predict which treatments are most likely to be effective for a particular patient, enabling doctors to tailor treatments to the individual needs of each patient.
Another example of AI being used in predictive analytics is in the field of cardiology. Researchers are using AI to analyze patient data and identify the early signs of heart disease. By analyzing patient data, including medical history, genetic markers, and other factors, AI models can predict which patients are at the highest risk of developing heart disease, enabling doctors to take preventive measures, such as prescribing medication or lifestyle changes, to reduce the risk of heart disease.
In addition to oncology and cardiology, AI is being used in predictive analytics in a variety of other medical fields, including neurology, psychiatry, and pulmonology. By analyzing patient data and identifying patterns and correlations, AI models can help doctors to make more accurate predictions about disease progression and treatment outcomes, enabling them to provide more personalized and effective care to their patients.
Drug Discovery and Development
AI in Drug Discovery
Leveraging AI to Accelerate Drug Discovery Process
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize the drug discovery process by enabling researchers to quickly identify and develop new treatments. Traditionally, drug discovery has been a time-consuming and costly process that relies heavily on trial and error. However, with the help of AI, researchers can now analyze vast amounts of data and identify potential drug candidates more efficiently.
Identifying Potential Therapeutic Targets and Drug Candidates
One of the key benefits of AI in drug discovery is its ability to identify potential therapeutic targets and drug candidates. By analyzing large datasets, including genomic data, researchers can identify patterns and correlations that may not be apparent to the human eye. This enables them to identify new targets for drug development and to prioritize the most promising drug candidates.
Success Stories of AI-Driven Drug Discovery
There have already been several success stories of AI-driven drug discovery. For example, in 2017, researchers used AI to identify a new class of drugs that could be used to treat influenza. The AI algorithm analyzed millions of compounds and identified a previously unknown target for antiviral drugs. This led to the development of a new drug candidate that is currently in clinical trials.
Another success story is the development of the cancer drug olaparib, which was discovered using AI. Researchers used an AI algorithm to analyze large datasets of genetic information to identify mutations that were associated with the development of ovarian cancer. This led to the identification of a new target for drug development, which ultimately resulted in the approval of olaparib as a treatment for ovarian cancer.
Overall, AI has the potential to significantly accelerate the drug discovery process and to identify new treatments for a wide range of diseases. As AI technology continues to advance, it is likely that we will see even more breakthroughs in drug discovery in the years to come.
Precision Drug Administration
In the realm of drug discovery and development, precision drug administration stands out as a remarkable application of artificial intelligence (AI). This approach harnesses the power of AI algorithms to optimize drug dosages and administration, while also customizing treatment plans based on individual patient characteristics. The following sections delve into the specifics of precision drug administration and present real-life examples of AI-enabled precision drug administration.
Optimizing Drug Dosages and Administration
Precision drug administration aims to maximize the efficacy of medications while minimizing adverse effects. To achieve this goal, AI algorithms analyze vast amounts of data, including patient demographics, medical history, genetic information, and response to previous treatments. By analyzing these data, AI algorithms can recommend personalized drug dosages and administration schedules that cater to the unique needs of each patient.
Customizing Treatment Plans
Beyond optimizing drug dosages, AI algorithms can also assist in customizing treatment plans that take into account various patient-specific factors. For instance, AI algorithms can consider the patient's lifestyle, preferences, and comorbidities when designing a treatment plan. This personalized approach to drug administration can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved patient satisfaction.
Real-Life Examples of AI-Enabled Precision Drug Administration
Precision drug administration has already been successfully implemented in several real-life scenarios. For example, a study conducted at the Mayo Clinic utilized AI algorithms to analyze electronic health records and predict patients' risk of opioid-induced constipation. Based on these predictions, the study suggested personalized opioid prescriptions that reduced the risk of constipation while still providing adequate pain relief.
Another example is the Oncological Information and Decision Support System (ODS), which uses AI algorithms to predict drug sensitivity in cancer patients. By analyzing patient data, including genetic markers and medical history, ODS can recommend personalized treatment plans that increase the chances of successful cancer treatment while minimizing side effects.
In conclusion, precision drug administration represents a significant application of AI in healthcare, promising to optimize drug dosages and administration, customize treatment plans, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.
Administrative Efficiency and Healthcare Management
Streamlining Administrative Tasks
Utilizing AI-powered automation for administrative tasks
Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare management by automating administrative tasks, which can reduce the time and resources required for these activities. One of the key benefits of AI in healthcare is its ability to process large amounts of data quickly and accurately, making it ideal for handling tasks such as data entry, appointment scheduling, and medical billing.
Improving efficiency and reducing paperwork burden
By automating administrative tasks, AI can help healthcare organizations reduce the time and effort required for these activities, freeing up staff to focus on more critical tasks. For example, AI-powered systems can automatically generate patient records, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing the risk of errors. Additionally, AI can help reduce the paperwork burden by automating tasks such as medical billing and insurance claims processing, which can be time-consuming and complex.
Case studies of AI solutions for healthcare management
There are several examples of AI solutions that have been implemented in healthcare organizations to streamline administrative tasks. For instance, one healthcare provider implemented an AI-powered system to automate appointment scheduling, which reduced the time required for scheduling by 75%. Another healthcare organization implemented an AI-powered system to automate medical billing, which reduced the time required for billing by 50% and improved accuracy. These case studies demonstrate the potential of AI to improve efficiency and reduce the administrative burden in healthcare organizations.
Fraud Detection and Risk Assessment
AI systems for detecting healthcare fraud and assessing risks
Artificial intelligence (AI) systems are increasingly being used in healthcare to detect fraud and assess risks. These systems leverage machine learning algorithms to analyze large amounts of data and identify patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity. This can include detecting billing fraud, insurance fraud, and other types of fraud that can have a significant impact on healthcare costs and outcomes.
Enhancing security and preventing fraudulent activities
By using AI for fraud detection and risk assessment, healthcare organizations can enhance security and prevent fraudulent activities. This can help to reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and ensure that healthcare resources are being used effectively. In addition, AI systems can provide real-time monitoring and alerts, enabling healthcare organizations to respond quickly to potential fraud and take appropriate action.
Examples of AI applications in fraud detection and risk assessment
There are many examples of AI applications in fraud detection and risk assessment in healthcare. For example, some healthcare organizations are using AI to analyze claims data and identify patterns that may indicate fraudulent activity. Others are using AI to monitor patient data and identify potential fraud related to prescription drug abuse or other types of fraud. Additionally, AI systems can be used to analyze provider data and identify potential fraud related to billing or other practices. Overall, the use of AI in fraud detection and risk assessment is a promising development in healthcare, with the potential to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance patient outcomes.
1. What is artificial intelligence in healthcare?
Artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare refers to the use of advanced algorithms, machine learning, and natural language processing to analyze medical data, make predictions, and assist healthcare professionals in delivering better patient care. AI in healthcare is designed to automate repetitive tasks, identify patterns, and improve decision-making, ultimately enhancing the overall quality of care.
2. What are the top 4 uses of artificial intelligence in healthcare?
The top 4 uses of artificial intelligence in healthcare are:
- Diagnosis and treatment planning: AI algorithms can analyze large amounts of medical data, including patient histories, lab results, and imaging studies, to assist healthcare professionals in making accurate diagnoses and developing personalized treatment plans.
- Predictive analytics: AI can predict patient outcomes and identify potential health risks, enabling early intervention and prevention of serious health issues.
- Administrative tasks: AI can automate administrative tasks such as appointment scheduling, billing, and patient record management, reducing the workload for healthcare professionals and improving operational efficiency.
- Telemedicine and remote monitoring: AI-powered tools can facilitate telemedicine consultations and remote patient monitoring, improving access to care for patients in remote or underserved areas and enabling more proactive care for patients with chronic conditions.
3. How does AI improve patient care in healthcare?
AI improves patient care in healthcare by assisting healthcare professionals in making more accurate diagnoses, developing personalized treatment plans, and identifying potential health risks early on. AI can also automate administrative tasks, reducing the workload for healthcare professionals and allowing them to focus on patient care. By providing better access to care through telemedicine and remote monitoring, AI can also improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
4. What are the limitations of AI in healthcare?
While AI has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, there are also limitations to its use. AI algorithms require large amounts of high-quality data to make accurate predictions, and the data used to train AI models may be biased or incomplete. Additionally, AI systems may not be able to account for the complexities of human behavior and decision-making, and there is a risk of over-reliance on AI, which could lead to a decline in critical thinking and judgment among healthcare professionals. Finally, there are concerns about data privacy and security, as well as the potential for AI to perpetuate existing healthcare disparities. | <urn:uuid:ff92fba3-41c3-45c6-9fec-48e14c8c0711> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aiforbeginners.org/2023/08/12/understanding-reinforcement-learning-what-type-of-ai-is-it/ | 2024-03-04T08:37:52Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.932022 | 3,824 |
New York, NY (November 21, 2008) — The American Kennel Club® was advised this week of the AVMA's newly amended policy on ear cropping and tail docking following its adoption by the AVMA Executive Board at the recommendation of their Committee on Animal Welfare on November 15, 2008.
Historically, the AKC has worked closely with the AVMA to ensure that the rights of individual dog owners, and breed standards, remain protected. However, the AKC was very disappointed to not have been consulted regarding this latest iteration of the policy, despite having been in frequent contact with the AVMA in recent months.
At a joint meeting this Wednesday AKC explained to the AVMA that we recognize ear cropping and tail docking, as prescribed in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character, enhancing good health, and preventing injuries. These breed characteristics are procedures performed to insure the safety of dogs that on a daily basis perform heroic roles with Homeland Security, serve in the U.S. Military and at Police Departments protecting tens of thousands of communities throughout our nation as well as competing in the field.
Mislabeling these procedures as “cosmetic” is a severe mischaracterization that connotes a lack of respect and knowledge of history and the function of purebred dogs. Breed standards are established and maintained by AKC Parent Clubs (each of the 158 AKC registered breeds is stewarded by a breed-specific Parent Club) keeping foremost in mind the welfare of the breed and the function it was bred to perform.
As a not for profit organization that has been devoted to the advancement and welfare of dogs for 125 years, the AKC believes that all dog owners bear a special responsibility to their canine companions to provide proper care and humane treatment at all times and that responsible dog owners, in consultation with their veterinarian, have the right to make decisions regarding appropriate care and treatment of their pets.
AKC's policy on the issue, which remains unchanged, states:
The American Kennel Club recognizes that ear cropping, tail docking, and dewclaw removal, as described in certain breed standards, are acceptable practices integral to defining and preserving breed character and/or enhancing good health. Appropriate veterinary care should be provided.
Dog owners who would like to contact AVMA directly regarding their policy should direct comments to Gail Golab, head of the AVMA Animal Welfare Division: [email protected] or 847-925-8070. | <urn:uuid:32035f3b-3d2a-4019-8db5-a544b45caa28> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.akc.org/press-releases/akc-statement-on-avma-crop-and-dock-policy/?ref=barkandwhiskers.com | 2024-03-04T08:24:52Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.963632 | 507 |
ALPHA KAPPA PSI
Alpha Kappa Psi was founded in 1905 by four New York University students who were driven by a desire for higher education for business students. Since then, the nation’s oldest and largest professional business fraternity is widely recognized as the premier developer of principled business leaders, molding the lives of a network of over 250,000 living members from over 250 chapters across the world.
Through the ideals of the fraternity, members have grown into dynamic roles, including CEOs and chairpersons of some of the world’s most successful organizations, university presidents and chancellors of leading educational institutions, and public servants in the highest offices of the United States federal and state governments.
As the fifth chapter of the Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity, the Epsilon Chapter of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has transformed generations of Illini. Established on April 16, 1913, the Epsilon Chapter has engrained strong values of brotherhood, professionalism and philanthropy to the community in all its 125 active members and 1,500+ alumni.
Founded with an aim to foster professional skill development in tandem with the cultivation of lifelong relationships, the Epsilon Chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi is one of the largest chapters in the world, encompassing leaders from the Gies College of Business, Grainger College of Engineering, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and more.
Alpha Kappa Psi seeks development and professional growth for all its members through exclusive networking sessions, company presentations, and our Commerce Night Out.
From the start of pledgeship, older members serve as mentors to the incoming pledge class and help provide resources on their path of professional development such as workshops, resume critiques and mock interviews.
At the end of their time with Alpha Kappa Psi, every member enters the business world prepared for success.
Alpha Kappa Psi creates a sense of brotherhood that gives you a home away from home.
With over 120 members ranging from all different majors and backgrounds, each unique member of Alpha Kappa Psi helps foster the strong brotherhood of our chapter.
There are endless opportunities for our members to build lifelong friendships that include pledge families, barn dances, football tailgates, intramural sports, movie nights, and so much more!
Alpha Kappa Psi creates a community of passionate and driven individuals that quickly becomes one family.
Alpha Kappa Psi recognizes the importance of philanthropy and has created long lasting traditions within the Champaign-Urbana community, whether it's tutoring elementary students at Stratton Elementary School, helping a retirement center called Heritage Center, arranging food and clothing donations at Salt & Light, or assisting a recreation center called Champaign Urbana Special Recreation Center.
Alongside these weekly opportunities for members to give back, we also go beyond our local reach and support other organizations through service events, striving to make a difference in our community and beyond.
A letter from the President
Welcome to the official website of the Epsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. We greatly appreciate your interest in our organization and encourage you to learn more about our organization, members, corporate sponsors, and numerous events and activities through our website.
Alpha Kappa Psi is the oldest and largest professional business fraternity in the nation, and as such we continually strive to develop our members professionally, socially, and philanthropically. We distinguish ourselves through professional development opportunities that include our individualized mentorship program and skill-building workshops.
Rushing Alpha Kappa Psi my first semester Sophomore year was truly one of the best decisions I've ever made. It was then that I realized how impactful this organization would be on not only my college career, but throughout the rest of my life as well.
Whether that be the development as a professional, a sense of impact on campus and the community, or the incomparable friendships I’ve made along the way, I wouldn’t be able to imagine my experience any differently. When I think of where those experiences stem from, I think of all our members and the alumni I’m fortunate to know, because ultimately it has been their collective inspiration, encouragement, and support that have pushed us as an organization and as individuals.
Once again, thank you for your interest in the Epsilon chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi. Please feel welcome to contact me with any questions you may have regarding our chapter. We are excited to meet you and give back a piece of the organization that has given us so much. | <urn:uuid:626f4f19-21ff-439f-9314-6853a3932399> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.akpsiuiuc.biz/ | 2024-03-04T08:48:08Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.955027 | 931 |
Strategic Default Allows Some Homeowners to Swim Back to the Top
The dilemma today for many considering loan modifications or even considering whether to move from the trial to the permanent phase of the process is whether it is worth it in the long run. Current programs lower interest rates and make the payback longer but do not address the loan’s principle. With many homes worth less than the principle or “under water,” some owners feel negative about paying for a home that could not command the price they paid.
This is encouraging some homeowners to strategically default on their loan before they are even delinquent. Knowing that delinquency might affect their ability to apply for a new loan or even to get a decent rental, they are getting their next step in place before they make a move. Even if they can pay the loan, the decision to strategically default may be based on the math of it all. They determine that over the life of the loan, they will pay 10’s of thousands of dollars more for their property than it is worth. They know their credit score will take a hit, but they anticipate that by the time their credit rebounds they will have saved a bundle.
This is a new variation on what some homeowners do out of frustration: walk away from a house they are delinquent on and mail the keys back to the bank. Banks hate this “jingle mail.” While it may seemingly solve a problem for someone already deep in debt, they may well receive a double whammy: they now have bad credit AND a bank may be coming after them. The bank may come after the first group too, but the strategic defaulters are betting this won’t happen.
According to a new study by credit bureau, twice the number of people who did this in 2007 did so in 2008. Based on their evaluation of 24 million credit files, strategic defaults are heavily concentrated in negative-equity markets where home values zoomed during the boom and nosedived since 2006. The study found a 68% increase in strategic defaults in Alberta, Canada, compared to a 9% increase elsewhere.
Not surprisingly, banks are less enthusiastic about strategic defaulters than regular walkways. The major credit bureaus are developing tools to identify strategic defaulters and refuse loan modifications to this group, as they are likely to strategically default even after the modification.
All of this lends some background to what can be a more personal problem: the need to sell your house, fast. If that is the case, contact us at Alberta Buyers. We buy houses, no matter what the condition. We’ll give you a fair shake and you can sell your house for cash, fast. Check out our website for some useful secrets to selling your home fast, then give us a call at 1-(403) 879-2502. | <urn:uuid:9852c03f-ba8c-453d-8784-833103238a55> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.albertabuyers.com/single-post/strategic-default-allows-some-homeowners-to-swim-back-to-the-top | 2024-03-04T08:02:45Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.95964 | 580 |
A rags to riches story that is so often seen in boxing, Yenifer ‘La Chica Feroz’ Perez hails from the city of Bogota, Colombia.
Yenifer’s talent in the fistic arts was obvious right from the start. They were spotted in high school by Hector Sanchez, a teacher who just happened to moonlight as a local boxing coach. Sometimes, such meetings are serendipitous.
Yenifer was a quick study and like her nickname suggests, was a ferocious competitor. She didn’t even like to lose in sparring. That internal drive made her want to push to be the best, to put in the extra effort to perfect her game, becoming a true ‘gym rat.’
Under Hector Sanchez, Yenifer learned his style of boxing, a defensive style that is much different from the usual style found in much of Latin America. However, Yenifer took to it well, using her natural agility and good reflexes to stymie her opponents and when the opportunity struck, to unleash hell. Never the most powerful puncher, Yenifer could overwhelm an opponent with furious combinations, the accumulation of punches doing the damage.
After a perfunctorily brief time in the amateurs, Yenifer turned pro, hoping to use her talents to take her and her family out of poverty. Success came quickly. The local circuit had no answers for someone as talented as Yenifer, and she quickly outgrew the competition in her country. Mexico was the next stop, and there she did receive her first loss. Like the best losses, this one taught her a valuable lesson. Yenifer came back stronger.
By the age of 23, Yenifer had racked up an impressive 13-2 record, and it was then she finally came to the attention of an American-based promoter. She was then booked to fight in the promised land – the United States, where the crowds (and the money) were much better. It was here that Yenifer began to lose her way.
Encouraged by her promoter, Yenifer adopted her now signature look – resplendent in pink and green, and she broke with her trainer, Hector Sanchez, wanting a new, more fan friendly style that would bring in the fans, and the money. She was successful on the latter count, often getting into wild wars with opponents, and pushing herself into title contention. Yenifer would win the WBU Featherweight title by Round 7 stoppage, and establish herself as a star.
Confident and popular, Yenifer became absorbed by her fame and new fortune. Understandable for someone coming from such humble means, but not a recipe for success in the boxing world. Yenifer made two defences of her title before getting knocked out by Hee Jung Park in the second round. A comeback fight against Kayleigh Parsons ended similarly disastrously.
The former champion returned home, and reunited with Hector Sanchez. Now a veteran of the sport that truly understands how to get to the top, and maybe for the first time in years, fully dedicated to boxing again, Yenifer wants another reign at the top. | <urn:uuid:cc396588-e28e-4c7c-80cd-e61dc636a701> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.alesiaboxing.com/yenifer-perez-profile/ | 2024-03-04T08:04:33Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.984234 | 646 |
A sportsbook is a business that accepts wagers on different kinds of sporting events. It also pays winning bettors and collects a commission from losing ones.
A lot of people think that sports betting is illegal, but it is actually legal in some places. Some states even allow it to be played online. Despite that, there are a few things you should keep in mind when choosing an online sportsbook.
First, check whether it is licensed to operate in your state. This is important because it ensures that the website is legitimate. You should also check their terms and conditions to make sure they are fair.
Another thing to consider is their bonus offers. These are a great way to attract new players and increase their profits. These bonuses can be in the form of sign-up bonuses, reload bonuses, and risk-free bets.
You should also make sure that you can withdraw your money easily and quickly. Most top sportsbooks offer a wide variety of deposit and withdrawal methods. These include credit cards, E-wallets, and traditional bank transfers.
Lastly, you should check if the sportsbook is licensed and regulated by the government. This will ensure that they are reputable and have a strong security system in place to protect your personal information.
In addition, you should check the sportsbook’s house rules to ensure that you are not breaking any regulations. This can be a very important factor in deciding which sportsbook to play at, as it will have an impact on your overall experience.
One of the most popular ways to bet on a game is to use over/under bets. These are bets that predict whether the match will end with more or fewer runs, goals, and points. This type of bet is especially popular in football, but can be used for any sport that has a high amount of totals or point spreads.
The main advantage of these bets is that they give you an opportunity to bet against public opinion and thereby win a lot of money. However, it is also important to understand that the odds are manipulated by bookies in order to make both sides of the bet equally appealing.
A sportsbook’s goal is to maximize its profit margin by collecting as much money from losing wagers as possible. This is why they use a ratio called the “over/under” ratio to calculate the odds for each game.
This means that for every $110 you bet on a team, the sportsbook will return $110 to you if it wins, plus $100 if it loses, and $50 if it draws. This ratio works in the long run because it guarantees a profit for the sportsbook, regardless of the outcome of the game.
If you are new to sports betting, it is crucial to research the best online sportsbooks before making any bets. This will help you to find the right one for your preferences and betting style.
The best sportsbooks have high payout rates and fast cash outs. They also offer a range of banking options and have easy-to-use interfaces that are responsive to all browsers. In addition, you should check the sportsbook’s customer support and their terms and conditions. | <urn:uuid:586459e0-2a37-42bf-a72f-f8a2c4839380> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aletheiaresearch.com/how-to-choose-a-sportsbook-5/ | 2024-03-04T08:30:15Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.972598 | 644 |
Power generation lube oil treatment
Clean oil is crucial for the safe, reliable and economical operation of virtually all kinds of equipment that use oils for either lubrication or hydraulic systems. By efficiently removing impurities and extending the lifetime of lubricants, our solutions bring long-term protection and economy to power installations.
On the pulse of power generation lube oil cleaning
Exceptional lube oil cleaning performance is just one of the expectations met by Alfa Laval high-speed separators. Our separators today have a flexible scope of supply, ranging from standard options to tailored modules and even contracted solutions.
Flexible, high-efficiency, low-cost lube oil cleaning
The Alfa Laval Oil Cleaning Module (OCM) separation systems are the result of continuous technical development and innovative design solutions. At the heart of this compact, easy-to-use equipment is an Alfa Laval disc stack centrifuge of supreme efficiency.
Our OCM separation systems combine the high efficiency and low operating cost of Alfa Laval centrifugal separators with a truly flexible scope of supply, providing a market-leading solution with many benefits such as:
- Lower operating costs due to reduced oil consumption
- Reduced disposal costs
- Improved product quality
- Better working environment
- Lower wear and corrosion on downstream equipment
- Prevention of breakdowns
- Reduced downtime
Flexible range of effective oil cleaning systems
The Alfa Laval Oil Cleaning Module (OCM) provides efficient solutions for separation of water, oil and solids for applications with limited contamination of solids. Our OCM separation systems are available in various executions to meet the demands of various projects and processes. | <urn:uuid:98c68dc7-67ba-4cf7-bd29-e2883c410b08> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.alfalaval.nl/fr-be/industries/energies-et-des-utilites/renewable-power/geothermal-and-waste-heat-orc-power-generation/power-generation-lube-oil-treatment/ | 2024-03-04T08:10:01Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.917407 | 345 |
So now, what happens when we begin to believe God, and allow the Spirit to do miracles through us, for the purpose of testifying and witnessing to Jesus, as we have seen so far in the first three chapters in Acts? Not only do you come to the attention of the crowd, which gives you a great opportunity to tell them about Jesus Christ, but you come to the attention of the high and mighty.
This time it was not the Pharisees who had Peter and John arrested – they are absent from the list recorded in Act 4:1. It was the Sadducees. The Sadducees don’t believe in the resurrection from the dead (Mat 22:23). So the theology of Jesus that the disciples were preaching went against the theology of the religious leaders of the day. Peter and John were preaching the wrong doctrine, that is what got them in trouble! Have you ever been in trouble because the doctrine you preach, which is confirmed by the Scriptures, went against your denomination or your friends or your colleagues? Well, you are in good company.
It still amazes me that what the issue was for the religious leaders, was doctrine, and position – someone was getting a name and a following and it wasn’t them – and the fact that a notable miracle had been done in the name of Jesus slid right by. They were so blinded by pride or power or religion, that they missed the hand of God pointing to something when it was in front of them. We are talking about the good folks here – the church goers. The experts. The megapastors or heads of mega ministries. It was not the atheists and the drug dealers that were missing the hand of God, but the paid church people.
The leaders’ response to Peter’s bold testimony, was to threaten them, and to charge them to teach no more in the name of Jesus. They were threatened by the good church men, by the leaders of the congregation, by the professional theologians. Peter was an uneducated fisherman, but he was speaking truth under the inspiration of the Spirit.
Listen, God uses the foolish things of the world to shame the wise, who think they are wise (1 Cor 1:27). Don’t ever let a doctor of theology cow you into submission of the fear of man rather than the fear of God. There is nothing wrong with a profession in the church. But be on your guard, it seems they tend to go astray, doesn’t it? Knowledge puffs up (1 Cor 8:1) and feeds pride, and the ones who go astray begin to feel secure in their knowledge and in the letters behind their name rather than in God, I think. If you have letters behind your name, keep love and lowliness as your sister, and keep pride far from you, and you will be okay.
So Peter and John, when they are released, go back to the church and pray for even greater boldness to preach and teach, and even greater miracles of healing to be performed, than what has already gotten them in trouble! Notice what they do not pray for – they do not pray for the opposition against them to end. They expected, because of the prophecy in Ps 2, to be opposed by kings and leaders. But they prayed that their own boldness and faith might not falter! And for even more and greater signs and wonders to be accomplished through them! And God was pleased with this prayer, as we can see, because the place where they were gathered was shaken with power.
Now let’s back up to Peter’s response to the religious and political leaders telling him not to teach or preach in the name of Jesus. He says, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you more than to God, you judge. For we cannot but speak the things which we have seen and heard, (Act 4:19-20).”
I have heard it preached, based on Rom 13:1-2, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities,” that whatever the government tells you to do, you must do. In fact this argument was given by many at the Nuremberg Trials, who obeyed the Nazis and persecuted the Jews, They argued that they were merely being obedient to their government as God commands believers to be. But how were Peter and John submitting themselves to the governing authorities, by telling those governing authorities who had commanded them to teach no more in this name, that they would obey God rather then men?
The Scriptural principle is, governing authorities were set up by God for a specific purpose – and that is to promote what is right, to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good (Rom 13:3). Evil and good as God defines it, not as man defines it. The authority is from God, after all (Rom 13:1), and it is His definition that is to be weighed in the balance. He defines sin and righteousness in the Torah, the first five books of Moses.
So when the governing authority is governing within its God- ordained boundaries, they will be a terror to evil works, but a praise to that which is good. By all means, let everyone be subject to the governing authorities in all that is RIGHT. But when a governing authority asks you to do something wrong, as they asked Peter and John to stop preaching and teaching in the name of Jesus, then they have stepped over their boundaries and asked you to do something God did not ordain them for, and it becomes our duty to do what is right, regardless of what the governing authority has told us to do or not do. This is the entire principle and argument of the founding fathers in pursuing the American Revolution against the British crown, and it is the entire judgment of the nations at Nuremberg in hanging the Nazi war criminals who were only obeying their governing authority. (A movie, Judgment at Nuremberg, was made of the Nuremberg Trials – anyone who has not seen it must see it!)
And since we are on the topic of politics, Act 4:32-37 is the Scriptural basis many use to promote the political philosophy of communism: from each according to his wealth, to each according to his need. I maintain that communism as a political philosophy is not only flawed but unscriptural and evil. How can I reconcile my belief with Scripture?
Communism, such as we read in the books of Acts, can only be administered by the Holy Spirit of God. When God leads you to sell your things, and lay their proceeds at the apostles’ feet, then you are giving your possessions with a cheerful and free heart (no man is ever to give under compulsion, for then it is not giving, is it? — God loves a cheerful giver, 2 Cor 9:7).
But a government agency is not the Holy Spirit. In communism in practice, a government agency forces you under threat to sell your possessions or give up your possessions. This is in opposition to Torah, which has sanctity of private property ownership built into its framework (Thou shalt not steal, Ex 20:15). Communism, administered by the fallen human nature, always turns bad, it always ends up building up a nobility class which oppresses the rest of society. In fact, every form of human government goes down that road. No matter how well a system begins, it ends up with a few gathering power to themselves over the many. This is why Thomas Jefferson said, “The tree of liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of patriots and tyrants.” It requires a constant struggle to keep power from accumulating to the few.
Okay, that is enough of a soapbox for today, LOL. | <urn:uuid:0c89315f-7f08-4909-bfbd-27f656bac9cf> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.alittleperspective.com/acts-4/ | 2024-03-04T09:25:31Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.981675 | 1,605 |
Why You Should Waterproof Your Basement
Regardless of how you usually use your basement, there is no denying that keeping it waterproof becomes incredibly important. In fact, no homeowner wants to deal with a wet basement. The reality is, water in your basement is typically going to result in damaged belongings, the potential for mold growth which could lead to health issues for your family, and other long-lasting issues as well. Ultimately, waterproofing measures are the best route to take to make sure your basement never sees any excess moisture that could lead to more severe damage down the line. Here are the top reasons why waterproofing your basement is a necessity as a homeowner.
How Water Gets Into The Basement
While most homeowners might assume that the only way water gets into the basement is either because of a leaky pipe or a huge storm, those aren’t the only reasons why water can end up in your basement over time. In fact, oftentimes, water gets into your basement as a result of condensation. The reality is, runoff tends to be another common reason why water ends up in the basement. Ultimately, besides runoff and condensation, water can make its way into the basement because of groundwater.
Moisture Issues In Your Basement
Having moisture problems in your basement are quite common among homeowners. In fact, having condensation or a potential leak is likely to lead to wet spots all along your basement walls and floors. The reality is, to better understand the issue at hand, it is quite beneficial to tape some plastic wrap around the damp spot itself and then seal all the edges with some tape. Ultimately, this will allow you to see which side of the plastic is actually wet — after a few days of keeping it there, if the water is on the wall side, it’s likely a leak compared to condensation. At the end of the day, having any moisture in the basement is cause for concern, so make sure you take some proactive measures to prevent water from making its way to your basement, which can lead to some disastrous issues down the line.
Contact All Aspects Waterproofing Today for a Foundation Inspection!
When it comes to finding the best solution for your crawl space encapsulation and waterproofing needs, contact All Aspect Waterproofing, a Better Business Bureau A+ rated company with over 30 years of experience in the Washington, DC./Maryland/Virginia area. We have a great deal of experience in waterproofing, mold testing, and mold remediation, and we want to make you feel at home again. Contact us online or by calling 1-866-999-3110 or 301-766-4420. To see what we’re up to, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Houzz. | <urn:uuid:a7929617-c4cf-4297-bceb-64f8ffde6548> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.allaspectswaterproofing.com/why-you-should-waterproof-your-basement/ | 2024-03-04T09:39:48Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.943719 | 571 |
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Please take a moment to read our Terms and Conditions:
The Alliance Française Dublin (AFD) is a Registered Irish Charity whose activity is strictly not-for-profit. The AFD fully respects your right to privacy and actively seeks to preserve the privacy rights of those who share information with AFD and to comply with the GDPR 2018’s requirements.
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This personal data is not collected, handled or stored by the AFD itself. Instead the AFD uses professional platforms, each are trustworthy leader in its field, to ensure your information is treated with the highest standards of security and confidentiality, in accordance with the Data Protection Acts 1988, 2003 & 2018. These platforms are:
– Arc-En-Ciel is a School management software that allows us to administer our Language Centre operations. The personal information you provide on it includes the minimum information: name / gender / date of birth / telephone / email address / postal address. The software also keeps a record of enrolments, classes attended and payments (however the platform does not store any credit card details).
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None of the personal information you provide on these two platforms is made available to any third parties. Your activity on them is not monitored. The information is stored but not processed, only used by The AFD in accordance with the purpose for which you provided the information and will only be retained for as long as required for the purpose – save in cases where AFD is required by law to do so (such as the investigation of a criminal offence by the Gardai).
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If you have any specific queries about the purpose for which your information is to be used, or your responsibilities as provider of personal information you should contact us before submitting any information [email protected]. | <urn:uuid:86392a26-b260-4fb4-a79c-7f16fe09367c> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.alliance-francaise.ie/policy/ | 2024-03-04T09:10:08Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.920974 | 549 |
For over three decades, Alliance has proudly served Eastern Ontario, safeguarding businesses and homes with unwavering commitment. In our long journey, we've learned that while technology evolves and threats change, one thing remains constant—the paramount importance of service when selecting a security provider. In this blog post, we will shed light on why service is the bedrock of a reliable security company, and why, after 30 years, it still matters more than ever.
1. Trust and Dependability
When entrusting the security of your property, assets, and loved ones to a security company, trust is non-negotiable. Superior service builds trust. It shows that the company genuinely cares about your safety and well-being. Over our 75-year history, we've seen countless businesses and homeowners benefit from our dedicated service, knowing they can depend on us day and night.
2. Customized Solutions
Every security situation is unique, and a one-size-fits-all approach rarely suffices. A service-oriented security company takes the time to understand your specific needs and tailors solutions accordingly. Whether you need video surveillance, alarm systems, or access control, the service-centric approach ensures that your security system is finely tuned to protect what matters most to you.
3. Rapid Response and Support
In the world of security, time is of the essence. Effective security service providers offer rapid response to incidents and technical issues. When trouble arises, you want a company that has your back 24/7. Over the years, we've consistently demonstrated our commitment to swift responses and efficient problem-solving, ensuring our clients are never left vulnerable.
4. Continual Monitoring and Upgrades
Security threats continually evolve, and security technology advances rapidly. A service-focused security company doesn't merely install systems and walk away; they continually monitor your security setup and provide timely upgrades. This proactive approach ensures that your protection remains effective and up-to-date.
5. Professional Expertise
A company with a service-oriented mindset invests in training and development for its staff. This results in a team of professionals who are well-versed in the latest security trends and technologies. Their expertise translates into a higher level of security for your property and peace of mind for you.
6. Strong Customer Relationships
Service extends beyond the installation phase. It's about building lasting relationships with clients. Companies that prioritize service take the time to check in regularly, gather feedback, and make adjustments as necessary. This ongoing dialogue ensures that your security needs are met, even as they change over time.
After 75 years of serving Eastern Ontario, Alliance understands the importance of service. It's not just about technology; it's about trust, customization, rapid response, continual improvement, expertise, and relationships. As you look for a security company to protect your interests, remember that it's not only the equipment that safeguards you; it's the dedication and commitment of the service providers.
Choose a security company that understands the importance of service, and you'll be choosing peace of mind that has stood the test of time, just like our 75-year legacy in Eastern Ontario. Your security is not just a job to us; it's our passion and our purpose. | <urn:uuid:f2de9639-8339-492b-b107-c7a036442e3e> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.alliancesecuritykingston.com/post/securing-peace-of-mind-choose-a-service-focused-security-company | 2024-03-04T07:05:51Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.94338 | 656 |
- Find plenty of great recreation at Fallen Leaf Lake
- Only a mile south of Lake Tahoe
- Accessible year round
- Sail the waters on a sunny Sierra day
- Hike from Tahoe Mountain to the lake
- Fish for mackinaw, lake trout and Kokanee salmon.
- Camp out at the Fallen Leaf Lake campground
Fallen Leaf Lake CA is a miniature version of Lake Tahoe, with the same crystal waters and natural beauty, but with fewer crowds. Only a short drive from Lake Tahoe, it’s a great place to get away from it all and enjoy tons of outdoor recreation, like boating, fishing and camping.
Location & Information
Fallen Leaf Lake California is easily reached from Lake Tahoe. Simply take California Highway 89 north to Fallen Leaf Road. The lake lies close to the California/Nevada border.
The lake is accessible the year round, but the best time to come is from spring through autumn.
U.S. Forest Service
Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit
Forest Supervisor's Office
35 College Drive
South Lake Tahoe, CA 96150
Close to Fallen Leaf Lake you will discover trailheads taking you into the wilderness surrounding. Some trails make their way to Cathedral Peak, others to Mount Tallac. Many trails will take you to the north shore, and these are popular in the autumn when the aspen groves turn color. You can even hike from Lake Tahoe to Fallen Leaf Lake on a 10-mile easy trail from Tahoe Mountain. - Fishing
Fallen Leaf Lake fishing may not be tremendously productive, but you will find brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout in the lake as well as mackinaw and lake trout and Kokanee salmon. - Boating
Despite the gusty winds and very cold water making capsizing unpopular, sailing is the favorite pastime on the lake. You’ll also find pontoon boats and kayaks make for a great day out on the water. The marina is on the south shore. - Camping
Fallen Leaf Lake camping on the north shore of the lake offers great amenities, with swimming, kayaking and picnicking all within two miles of some fabulous beaches. The campground is only 3/4s of a mile from the south shore of Lake Tahoe. There are 205 sites to chose from, all situated in a lovely wooded setting.
The oval-shaped Fallen Leaf Lake could have been a bay of Lake Tahoe, similar to Emerald Bay. However, the glacier that shaped this mountain lake, as it moved through Glen Alpine Valley, stopped on its course, making Fallen Leaf Lake a separate body of water. | <urn:uuid:58e9b180-9c72-47d6-90dd-db90bb36d32b> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.alllaketahoe.com/lakes_rivers_falls/fallen_leaf_lake.php | 2024-03-04T08:43:35Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.925867 | 555 |
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Burn is the latest release to come from the Dutch singer-songwriter, and it follows on from the mesmerising Growing Pains, which we premiered on All Things Loud back in December.
Speaking of the new track, LIO – full name Leonie Sloots – said: “Burn is almost an anniversary track, commemorating the end of a friendship and the emotional ups and downs this brings. It’s my side of a story that used to have 2 people involved, then 3, then only 1. The team at Higher Rhythm have done the track so much justice, and I’m over the moon to present it to the world in all its fiery anger.”
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Object of the month: Gápmagat ja Čázehat
Gápmagat ja Čázehat
This month we are displaying traditional Sámi footwear for children. These objects were donated to the museum as part of a larger collection by Anny Haugen and the Folk Art and Craft Association in Finnmark. As head of the association and principal of the Finnmark school for handicraft, Haugen was very dedicated to preserving knowledge of Duodji, Sámi handicraft.
The Gápmagat, winter footwear from reindeer fur, were purchased at a Duodji exhibition in Karasjok in 1951. They are finely executed from leg hides of reindeer calves, they show no sign of wear and appear never to have been used.
The Čázehat, summer footwear from reindeer hide, are a bigger mystery. They are supposed to have come from the Art and Craft Association but are not mentioned in the donation agreement and we know nothing of their origin. The Čázehat are filled with bladder sedge for insulation, and unlike the Gápmagat, show signs of heavy use.
Written by Lena Karlstrøm, curator | <urn:uuid:68b43c24-d4e0-4819-94f9-12c5b2b94cd8> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.altamuseum.no/en/exhibitions/monthly-artifact/manedens-gjenstand-gapmagat-ja-cazehat | 2024-03-04T07:24:40Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.949354 | 254 |
Welcome to Spain
On arrival at Barcelona International Airport you will be met by our local representative and you will be transferred to the hotel.
Day is free, for you to explore the city at your own pace.
Barcelona, the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. City history museum MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites.
In the evening an optional famous show of Flamenco that should never be missed when you are in Spain.
Flamenco Show and dinner
Spend an unforgettable evening at El Palacio del Flamenco with an amazing dinner and a fabulous flamenco show. The Duration of tour is for 1:00 hour and 30 minutes. Enjoy a breathtaking evening at El Palacio del Flamenco watching a fantastic performance. performance. The best pure Flamenco and Classical Dance Fusion show in Spain.
at El Palacio del Flamenco and a three-course dinner meal of your choice, including wine and mineral water.
Cost per person AED 350.00
Overnight in Barcelona.
Breakfast at the hotel.
Make your way to the meeting point and join a group on the hop on hop off tours of Barcelona. Discover every corner of Barcelona and make the most of your time in this enchanting city. Barcelona is full of things to do and places to see. If you want to see the city at your own pace then this panoramic tour in an open-top double-decker bus is ideal. It gives you the complete flexibility to board and alight as many times as you want. These covers all the top sites such as the Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, the Camp Nou, the Gothic Quarter and the Olympic Ring. Also learn about the history and culture of Catalonia’s vibrant and cosmopolitan capital.
Day is free, to explore the neighboring cities in Barcelona.
There are a variety of OPTIONAL TOURS that you can choose & book with us.
Full Day Trip: Girona, Figueres, Dali
This full day excursion from Barcelona with comfortable bus and guide on board, offers you to visit the 2 biggest cities north of Barcelona: Girona, medieval city with one of the best preserved Jewish quarters in Europe and Figueres with its unique Dali Theatre Museum
Cost per person AED 500.00
Montserrat Monastery and Sagrada Familia
Get to know two important places while you are visiting Barcelona city. This tour not only invites you to know the spirituality living Montserrat and the amazing architecture of Sagrada Familia, but also to have the opportunity of knowing the beautiful culture of Catalonia.
Cost per person AED 550.00
Prepare for check out and make your way to the train station. Board the 2nd class train from Barcelona to Madrid.
On arrival in Madrid station make your way to the hotel and check in.
Madrid, Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry.
Madrid at Night with Flamenco Show and Dinner
Meet the most important points of Madrid with this complete night city tour for small groups, while the night begins, and get another perspective on the Madrilean life. Besides, you’ll get a unique show displaying the live tradition of Flamenco dance in one of the best known places to enjoy this passionate dance. Plus, you’ll get a delicious traditional dinner at the salon. At the tablao dancing and singing are entwined with passion, springing forth from the deepest core of flamenco. Thus the emotional expression of our artists becomes an intensely personal and unforgettable experience for the spectator.
Cost per person AED 800.00
Overnight in Madrid.
Make your way to the meeting point and join a group on the hop on hop off tours of Madrid. Enjoy all the major sights of the city and learn about its history. Madrid is a city full of historical monuments, modern architecture and places you have to see. It covers the major sights of the city and gives you easy access to many of Madrid’s top museums, shops and attractions. Enjoy panoramic views of Spain’s vibrant and fascinating capital city from the top of this open–roofed double-decker bus. The funniest and easiest way to know the city on our double decker buses.
Day is free, to explore the neighboring cities in Madrid.
Toledo and Segovia Tour
Visit Toledo and Segovia on a tour where you can admire the main attractions of these two cities, as they are some of the most visited in Spain. The city of Toledo, known by many as the second Rome, was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. During your tour you will have a panoramic visit of the Cathedral of Toledo, the Mirador del Valle, The Monastery of San Juan de los Reyes and Puente de San Martin. Don't miss the opportunity of exploring its narrow streets, squares and gar-dens. In Segovia you will get to know the aqueduct, the Alcazar and the Cathedral of Segovia. The aqueduct was about 15 km long and supplies water near the actual marsh of Revega. The Azoguejo Square is the best known and best preserved area.
Royal Monastery of El Escorial and Basilica of the Fallen
A visit to the Royal Monastery at Escorial and Valley of the Fallen. In this tour we will visit the Royal Monastery of El Escorial, an architectural ensemble declared a World Heritage Site, and the Valley of the Fallen, a basilica that stands out for its gigantic size.
Cost per person AED 450.00
After breakfast. The day is free until checkout time. The driver will pick you up and drop you to the airport for your onward flight.
AED 6,990/- per person, prices are based on twin sharing.
Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights.
Destinations: Barcelona & Madrid.
The rates are subject to availability at the time of booking request. In the event if there are rate changes due to increase in Govt taxes, or hotel charges a surcharge, or BAR rates (Best available rates), we reserve the right to amend the rates without notice. The exchange rate is subject to change. Please ensure that you have secured the relevant visa / entry permits & valid passport. The best source of visa information is the embassy of the country itself.
If you are interested in going ahead with this booking, we would require deposits or payments as follows either in the form of cash or cheque:
Please ensure that the names given to us for reservations match the names in your passport, as hotels, sightseeing tour companies are very particular about name changes. Mismatched names may result in heavy amendment penalties. We strongly recommend travel insurance as part of your package – we have excellent rates with the world’s best companies – please let us know if you wish us to add this to your package.
Economy class, Dubai / Barcelona / Madrid / Dubai.
3 nights in Barcelona based on twin sharing basis. 3 nights in Madrid based on twin sharing basis.
Arrival airport transfer in Barcelona on private car. Departure airport transfer in Madrid on private car.
2nd class train from Barcelona-Madrid.
City tours in Barcelona & Madrid on seat in coach. Visit Camp Nou Barcelona Football Stadium & Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Complimentary travel insurance.
All airline and hotel taxes.
Spain: From bustling Barcelona to majestic Madrid and sunny Seville, Spain’s best-known cities are among the most popular tourist destinations in Europe, but the country also boasts a broad array of beautiful cities and towns that most travelers never see. While Spain’s diverse landscapes lend each city its own picturesque ambience, it’s the country’s long history that differentiates one town from another. A tour of Spain’s less-visited cities gives travelers a unique look at Spain’s long and glorious past and offers a wide range of memorable travel experiences.
Trip Planning: The planning stage of your trip can be instrumental in its success and an enjoyable part of the experience itself. You have a world of options...and plenty to consider.
Entry and Exit formalities: Visitors must hold a passport valid for at least six months & beyond at the time of entering the country. Some nationalities can obtain visa on arrival and for nationalities who requires visa please refer to the Spain consulate website: https://uae.blsspainvisa.com. Spain is part of the 26 Schengen State Countries.
Transportation: Figuring out how to get around is one of your biggest pre-trip decisions. Get our holiday expert best advice on deciding between your options. Based on your trip itinerary, our experts will help you choose wisely. You'll also find a wealth of practical travel tips.
Money: Use your money wisely. Know the best time to use cash or card — and how to avoid unnecessary fees either way — as well as tipping etiquette, and how shoppers can take advantage of VAT refunds.
Phones and Technology: Phones and other smart devices can be huge time-savers...or expensive distractions. Get our tips for making the best use of technology during your trip, and for calling home with or without your own phone.
Packing Light: On your trip you'll meet two kinds of travelers: those who pack light and those who wish they had.
Sleeping and Eating: Your hotel and restaurant choices can be a matter-of-face chore…or they can provide rich opportunities to connect with locals and their culture.
Health & Hygiene: Take comfort: Doctors, hospitals, launderettes, and bathrooms aren’t that different. Dealing with them can even be part of the fun of travel.
Sightseeing & Activities: Once you're on the ground, the real fun begins…but it pays to have a thoughtful plan. Our experts will help you get oriented to your surroundings, use your sightseeing hours wisely, and find your way off the beaten path.
Things do & see:
Madrid- Spain's central capital, is a city of elegant boulevards and expansive, manicured parks such as the Buen Retiro. It’s renowned for its rich repositories of European art, including the Prado Museum’s works by Goya, Velázquez and other Spanish masters. The heart of old Hapsburg Madrid is the portico-lined Plaza Mayor, and nearby is the baroque Royal Palace and Armory, displaying historic weaponry.
Barcelona- the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region, is known for its art and architecture. The fantastical Sagrada Família church and other modernist landmarks designed by Antoni Gaudí dot the city. Museu Picasso and Fundació Joan Miró feature modern art by their namesakes. City history museum MUHBA, includes several Roman archaeological sites.
Seville- is the capital of southern Spain’s Andalusia region. It's famous for flamenco dancing, particularly in its Triana neighborhood. Major landmarks include the ornate Alcázar castle complex, built during the Moorish Almohad dynasty, and the 18th-century Plaza de Toros de la Maestranza bullring. The Gothic Seville Cathedral is the site of Christopher Columbus’s tomb and a minaret turned bell tower, the Giralda.
Granada- is a city in southern Spain’s Andalusia region, in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. It's known for grand examples of medieval architecture dating to the Moorish occupation, especially the Alhambra. This sprawling hilltop fortress complex encompasses royal palaces, serene patios, and reflecting pools from the Nasrid dynasty, as well as the fountains and orchards of the Generalife gardens.
Córdoba- is a city in the southern Spanish region of Andalusia, and the capital of the province of Córdoba. It was an important Roman city and a major Islamic center in the Middle Ages. It’s best known for La Mezquita, an immense mosque dating from 784 A.D., featuring a columned prayer hall and older Byzantine mosaics. After it became a Catholic church in 1236, a Renaissance-style nave was added in the 17th century.
Bilbao- an industrial port city in northern Spain, is surrounded by green mountains. It’s the de facto capital of Basque Country, with a skyscraper-filled downtown. It’s famed for the Frank Gehry–designed Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, which sparked revitalization when it opened in 1997. The museum houses prominent modern and contemporary works, but it’s the curvy, titanium-clad building that receives the most attention
Valencia- is a port lies on Spain’s southeastern coast, where the Turia River meets the Mediterranean Sea. It’s known for its City of Arts and Sciences, with futuristic structures including a planetarium, an oceanarium and an interactive museum. Valencia also has several beaches, including some within nearby Albufera Park, a wetlands reserve with a lake and walking trails.
Toledo- is an ancient city set on a hill above the plains of Castilla-La Mancha in central Spain. The capital of the region, it’s known for the medieval Arab, Jewish and Christian monuments in its walled old city. It was also the former home of Mannerist painter El Greco. The Moorish Bisagra Gate and the Sol Gate, in Mudéjar style, open into the old quarter, where the Plaza de Zocodover is a lively meeting place.
Segovia- is a historic city northwest of Madrid, in central Spain's Castile and León region. Its centuries of settlement have resulted in a rich architectural legacy, including medieval walls, Romanesque churches, a former royal palace and a Gothic cathedral. Its iconic ancient Roman aqueduct has more than 160 arches, most in the original mortarless granite, and stands above Plaza Azoguejo in the heart of the city.
Málaga- is a port city on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, known for its high-rise hotels and resorts jutting up from yellow-sand beaches. Looming over that modern skyline are the city’s 2 massive hilltop citadels, the Alcazaba and ruined Gibralfaro, remnants of Moorish rule. The city's soaring Renaissance cathedral is nicknamed La Manquita ("one-armed lady") because one of its towers was curiously left unbuilt.
Marbella- is a city and resort area on southern Spain’s Costa del Sol, part of the Andalusia region. The Sierra Blanca Mountains are the backdrop to 27 km of sandy Mediterranean beaches, villas, hotels, and golf courses. West of Marbella town, the Golden Mile of prestigious nightclubs and coastal estates leads to Puerto Banús marina, filled with luxury yachts, and surrounded by upmarket boutiques and bars.
Ávila- capital of the Spanish province of the same name, is a city in the rolling hill country northwest of Madrid. It’s best known for its intact medieval city walls, with 80-plus crenelated, semicircular towers and 9 gates, including the arched El Alcázar, on the eastern side. Long sections atop the walls are walkable. At night, the lighted walls are a distinctive sight.
Salamanca- in northwestern Spain, is the capital of Salamanca province, part of the Castile and León region. With a history dating back to the Celtic era, it’s known for its ornate sandstone architecture and for the Universidad de Salamanca. Founded in the 1100s and a key intellectual center in the 15th-16th centuries, the university continues to add to the city’s vibrancy with its international student population.
Zaragoza- is the capital of northeastern Spain's Aragon region. Overlooking the Ebro River in the city center is baroque Nuestra Señora del Pilar basilica, a famous pilgrimage site with a shrine to the Virgin Mary and multiple domes. Mudéjar-style landmarks, combining Islamic and Gothic architecture, include the Aljafería, an 11th-century Moorish palace, and the Cathedral of the Savior, begun in the 12th century.
Alicante- is a port city on Spain’s southeastern Costa Blanca, and the capital of the Alicante province. Its old town, Barrio de la Santa Cruz, has narrow streets, colored houses and a nightlife scene. From here, an elevator or a steep climb leads to medieval Castillo de Santa Bárbara, set on a hilltop with sweeping views of the Mediterranean coast.
Cádiz- is an ancient port city in the Andalucia region of southwestern Spain. The home of the Spanish Navy, the port boomed in the 16th-century as a base for exploration and trade. It has more than 100 watchtowers, including the iconic Torre Tavira, which was traditionally used for spotting ships. On the waterfront is the domed, 18th-century Cádiz Cathedral, featuring baroque and neoclassical elements.
Santiago de Compostela- is the capital of northwest Spain’s Galicia region. It’s known as the culmination of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, and the alleged burial site of the Biblical apostle St. James. His remains reputedly lie within the Catedral de Santiago de Compostela, consecrated in 1211, whose elaborately carved stone facades open onto grand plazas within the medieval walls of the old town.
Palma- is a resort city and capital of the Spanish island of Mallorca (Majorca), in the western Mediterranean. The massive Santa María cathedral, a Gothic landmark begun in the 13th century, overlooks the Bay of Palma. The adjacent Almudaina is a Moorish-style Arab fortress converted to a royal residence. West of the city, hilltop Bellver Castle is a medieval fortress with a distinctive circular shape.
Pamplona- is the capital of Navarre province in northern Spain. It’s best known for the Running of the Bulls (Feast of San Fermín) in July. During this legendary multiday festival, bulls are led through the city streets by daredevil runners. A major stop along the Camino de Santiago, a medieval-era pilgrimage route, Pamplona is also home to Gothic-style churches including fortresslike San Nicolás.
Girona- is a city in Spain’s northeastern Catalonia region, beside the River Onyar. It’s known for its medieval architecture, walled Old Quarter (Barri Vell) and the Roman remains of the Força Vella fortress. Landscaped gardens line the Passeig Arqueològic, a walkway following the Old Quarter’s medieval walls, which include watchtowers with sweeping views.
Burgos- a provincial capital in Spain’s autonomous community of Castile and León, is marked by its intact medieval architecture. Its most recognizable landmark is the French Gothic Cathedral of St. Mary, whose 3 main doorways are flanked by ornamented bell towers. Inside is the Chapel of Condestable, decorated with figures of saints, and the tomb of El Cid (Rodrigo Díaz de Vivar), the 11th-century military commander.
Jerez de la Frontera- usually called Jerez, is a city in southern Spain's Andalusia region. Its old quarter surrounds the Alcázar de Jerez, a Moorish fortress founded in the 11th century. The Royal Andalusian School of Equestrian Art is a famed riding school with horse shows and a carriage museum. The city is also known for flamenco music and sherry production in the so-called Sherry Triangle lying to the west.
Ronda- is a mountaintop city in Spain’s Malaga province that’s set dramatically above a deep gorge. This gorge (El Tajo) separates the city’s circa-15th-century new town from its old town, dating to Moorish rule. Puente Nuevo, a stone bridge spanning the gorge, has a lookout offering views. New town’s Plaza de Toros, a legendary 18th-century bullring, is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Las Palmas- is a capital of Gran Canaria, one of Spain's Canary Islands off northwestern Africa. A major cruise-ship port, the city is known for duty-free shopping and for its sandy beaches. At Playa de Las Canteras, a coral barrier lines the beach and shelters swimmers. The annual Las Palmas de Gran Canaria carnival brings together flamboyantly costumed performers, music and dancing..
A Coruña- is a port city on a promontory in the Galicia region of northwest Spain. It’s known for its Roman lighthouse, the Tower of Hercules, which has sweeping coastal views. In the medieval old town is the arcaded Plaza de María Pita, surrounded by narrow pedestrianized lanes. In this square is the Estatua de María Pita, a statue of a 16th-century woman who warned the town of an invasion by Sir Francis Drake.
Tarragona- is a port city in northeastern Spain’s Catalonia region. Many ancient ruins remain from its time as the Roman colony of Tarraco. The Amfiteatre Romà is a 2nd-century arena facing the Mediterranean, the Necropolis contains Roman tombs, and traces of the Forum stand among the alleys of the walled, medieval Old Town. A walkway along the ramparts, the Passeig Arqueològic, has sweeping views of the city.
Logroño- is a city in northern Spain, south of Bilbao. It’s a stop on the pilgrimage route to Santiago de Compostela. The Cathedral of Santa María de la Redonda has twin baroque towers, an elaborate facade and an image attributed to Michelangelo. The Cubo del Revellín fort connects to remnants of the old city wall. Leafy Ebro Park has views of the River Ebro, its arched Stone Bridge and its 19th-century Iron Bridge.
Murcia- is a university city in southeastern Spain and the capital of a region also named Murcia. Plaza Cardenal Belluga is the city’s architectural showpiece, where the ornate cathedral, with its mash-up of styles from Gothic to baroque, and the colorful 18th-century Palacio Episcopal stand in striking contrast to the modern 1990s Ayuntamiento (city hall) annex by architect Rafael Moneo.
Almería- is a city in southeast Spain. The Alcazaba is an imposing Moorish fortress overlooking the city. The fortified, 16th-century Almería Cathedral has a Gothic ribbed ceiling. The Museum of Almería displays archaeological finds from across the region. Underground lies a network of tunnels, the Civil War Shelters of Almería. The English Cable is a huge iron pier and symbol of the city’s former mining industry.
Oviedo- is a town in northwest Spain between the Cantabrian Mountains and the Bay of Biscay. The capital of Asturias, it’s known for its medieval old town, the site of the Gothic Oviedo Cathedral with its 9th-century Holy Chamber. The Archaeological Museum of Asturias, in a nearby convent, displays regional artifacts. The Fine Arts Museum of Asturias includes 2 palaces and has an expansive Spanish art collection.
Gijón- is a large coastal city in northern Spain. It’s known for its maritime heritage and the old fishermen’s quarter of Cimadevilla. Santa Catalina hill has a clifftop park and sculpture. The 18th-century Revillagigedo Palace houses an international arts center. It adjoins the Collegiate Church of San Juan Bautista, now a concert hall. Nearby is the 16th-century Clock Tower, with a museum about the city.
Vitoria- Gasteiz is the capital of the Basque Autonomous Community in northern Spain. In the medieval quarter, the Gothic-style Santa María Cathedral features a sculpted facade and towering columns. The 17th-century Plaza de la Virgen Blanca has a monument to the 1813 Battle of Vitoria. The Church of San Miguel has a large, baroque altarpiece and houses a statue of the White Virgin, the city’s patron saint.
Pontevedra- is a city in northwest Spain. It’s known for its well-preserved old town and Gothic Santa María la Mayor Basilica. The Ruínas de San Domingos are the remains of a 14th-century convent. Nearby, the Sexto Edificio museum showcases Galician art. Northeast, Illa das Esculturas is an island with outdoor sculptures. Northwest of town, Mosteiro de Santa María de Armenteira is a 12th-century Cistercian monastery.
Cuenca- is a city set in the mountains of east-central Spain. Founded by Moors, it retains its Historic Walled Town with steep cobbled streets and medieval castle ruins. Perched on a limestone spur high above the Júcar and Huécar rivers, it's most famous for its well-preserved "casas colgadas," or hanging houses. Cantilevered over the Huécar gorge, they seemingly cling to the cliffs’ edges.
Valladolid- is a city in northwest Spain. It’s known for medieval religious sites like the Spanish Gothic San Pablo Church, with a history dating from the 1400s, on San Pablo Plaza. Nearby is the Royal Palace, home of Spanish kings in the early 1600s. The National Sculpture Museum occupies a Gothic building. The Christopher Columbus Museum chronicles the life of the Italian explorer, who died in Valladolid in 1506.
Santa Cruz de Tenerife- is a port city on the island of Tenerife, in Spain’s Canary Islands. Well-preserved buildings in its old town include the colonial Church of the Immaculate Conception. The 1700s Palacio de Carta has baroque and neoclassical features. In the Old Civil Hospital, the Museum of Nature and Man has interactive displays on the islands. The city’s squares include the central Plaza de España.
Vigo- is a city on Spain’s northwest coast. The mouth of the nearby Vigo Estuary is sheltered by the Cíes Islands, which form part of the Atlantic Islands National Park. The Cíes are known for their rich birdlife and crescent-shaped Rodas Beach. The city’s old quarter is home to the neoclassical Church of Santa María. The Castro de Vigo archaeological site has reconstructed ancient dwellings.
Huelva- is a port city in southwestern Spain, at the mouth of the Odiel and Tinto rivers. North of the center is whitewashed Santuario de Nuestra Señora de la Cinta chapel, dating from the 15th century. Huelva Museum hosts an extensive archaeological collection. La Merced Cathedral features a striking baroque facade. A statue of explorer Christopher Columbus overlooks the palm-flanked square of Plaza de las Monjas.
Cáceres- is a city in western Spain's Extremadura region. Founded by the ancient Romans, it retains widespread evidence of subsequent occupation by many different cultures. Its old town, Ciudad Monumental, has a mix of Gothic and Renaissance architecture, with cobbled medieval streets, fortified houses and palaces. Encircled by 12th-century Moorish walls, it also has around 30 towers, some occupied by nesting storks.
Elche- is a city in southeast Spain. It’s known for its Vila Murada old town and the Palmeral of Elche, a vast palm grove. The Basilica of Santa María has baroque and neoclassical features. The “Mystery Play of Elche,” a sacred musical drama, is performed there each year. A former fortress, Palacio de Altamira is part of the Archaeology and History of Elche Museum and home to a replica of the “Lady of Elche" bust.
Lleida- is an ancient city in Spain's northeastern Catalonia region. La Seu Vella, a Gothic-Romanesque cathedral in a ruined hilltop fortress, towers over the city. Below the hill stretches the long, pedestrianized Eix Comercial de Lleida, with shops set inside many of the old town's striking buildings. On a hill to the west, the 12th-century Castle of Gardeny complex explores the region's Templar history.
Mérida- the capital of western Spain's Extremadura region, was founded by the Romans in the 1st century B.C. Remains of the ancient city include the still-used Teatro Romano, which has a double tier of columns rising onstage. The ancient Puente Romano, a 792m bridge spanning the Río Guadiana, adjoins the Alcazaba, a 9th-century Islamic fortress built over Roman walls.
Palencia- is a city in northern Spain. Dating from the 11th century, San Miguel Church has a Romanesque apse and Gothic facade. Palencia Cathedral has a Gothic exterior and Renaissance altarpiece with paintings by Juan de Flandes. Cristo del Otero is a huge post-cubist statue of Christ by Victorio Macho, who is buried in the chapel below. The Museo de Palencia has Paleolithic artifacts, Roman mosaics and sacred art.
Alcalá de Henares- is a city in central Spain, northeast of Madrid. It’s known for the University of Alcalá, which occupies 16th-century buildings in the old town. These include the Paraninfo, a hall with an intricately patterned Mudejar ceiling, where the King of Spain presents the annual Cervantes literary prize. Nearby, the Cervantes Birthplace Museum is the former home of the celebrated author of “Don Quixote.”
Jaén- is a city in southern Spain. It's known for its olive oil production, and for its fortresses, including medieval Santa Catalina Castle. The Renaissance-style Jaén Cathedral holds the Holy Veil, said to have been used to wash Christ’s face. In the Palacio de Villardompardo, the Arab Baths Cultural Center includes an 11th-century bathhouse and 2 museums. The San Ildefonso Church has several striking altarpieces.
Badajoz- is a city in southwest Spain. It’s known for its Moorish historic quarter with the fortresslike Cathedral of San Juan Bautista. Overlooking the city, the Alcazaba of Badajoz is a Moorish citadel with fortified walls and verdant gardens. It also encompasses the Provincial Archaeological Museum and the 12th-century Espantaperros Tower. Castelar Park features palm trees and statues of local cultural figures.
Castellón de la Plana- is a city in eastern Spain. In the center, the Gothic-style Concatedral de Santa Maria has an octagonal bell tower (El Fadrí). The modernist Museu de Belles Arts specializes in archaeology, ethnology and art, with a collection of Valencian ceramics. On the nearby Costa Azahar, Pinar Beach is known for its beach sports and pine forest. The Columbretes Islands are a nesting ground for rare birds.
Terrassa- is a city in the east central region of Catalonia, in the province of Barcelona, comarca of Vallès Occidental, of which it is the cocapital along with Sabadel
Melilla- is a Spanish autonomous city located on the northwest coast of Africa, sharing a border with Morocco. It has an area of 12.3 km². Melilla is one of two permanently inhabited Spanish cities in mainland Africa, the other being nearby Ceuta.
Ceuta- is a Spanish autonomous city on the north coast of Africa. Bordered by Morocco, it lies along the boundary between the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean and is one of nine populated Spanish territories in Africa and, along with Melilla, one of two populated Spanish territories on mainland Africa.
Explore Madrid – The capital city is famous for its museums, tapas, and great nightlife. This is a city that doesn’t start until midnight. Make sure you see the Prado, one of the largest museums in the world, and the Royal Palace. You’ll also want to spend some time strolling through the main square, Plaza Mayor.
Enjoy Barcelona – Like Madrid, Barcelona is famous for its partying, late-night eating, and amazing historic streets. You’ll find a lot of history here, learn to sleep until 10 pm, and eat dinner at midnight just like the locals do. I highly suggest a visit to the history museum — it is one of the best in Europe.
Revel in La Tomatina – Held the last Wednesday in August in Buñol, tens of thousands of people descend on this small town in the morning to throw tons and tons of tomatoes at each other. It was the messiest, most fun hour of traveling I’ve ever had.
Running of the Bulls – Held in July in Pamplona, the Running of the Bulls attracts both the brave and the stupid. While I’d never do the actual running, the multi-day celebration is still a good place to go drink sangria, eat good food, wear a red scarf, and celebrate the way only Spain can.
Explore the history of Granada – This ancient Moorish city is one of my favorite in Spain. I love wandering the ancient streets in the center and relaxing in the old palace, the Alhambra. No trip to southern Spain is complete without a visit here.
Lounge on the Costa Del Sol – Come hang out on the beach and enjoy the laid-back life for which Spain is famous. The sun coast in southern Spain is famous for its beautiful beaches, great nightlife (and tons of tourists). Malaga is one of the biggest places on the coast but I think there are better places further down.
Go to Valencia – Valencia is a pretty amazing town. Initially, I wasn’t attracted to Valencia for any reason in particular — I came for the tomato fight in the nearby town of Bunol, which attracts thousands of people each August, most of whom use Valencia as their home base. However, Valencia grew on me. It has great seafood, paella, history, and a good soccer team. I would go back in a second. It’s a wonderful city!
Walk The Camino – El Camino de Santiago, or The Way of Saint James, is a popular pilgrimage route stretching from the border of France all the way to Santiago de Compostela in North-Western Spain. Stretching 800km, this month-long walk takes a lot of dedication.
Wander through Seville – An amazing city with great churches, palaces, and historic sites. They also have good shopping here. I really like the Jewish Quarter here and the monument dedicated to the different regions of Spain. This is also a big student town.
Visit Gibraltar – Bordering Spain on the Iberian peninsula, Gibraltar is actually an overseas territory of the United Kingdom. Here you’ll encounter an interesting mix of cultures, with influences from Britain, Spain, and North Africa all colliding.
Explore the islands – Whether you go to Ibiza to party or to the Canaries to relax, Spain has some of the most beautiful islands in all of Europe. Because of that, during the months of July and August, they are full and expensive so try to avoid peak season. If you love beaches, surfing, hiking, or cycling then be sure to hit up the islands especially Gran Canaria
Hike in the Sierra Nevada – This mountain area is a great place for summer hiking, winter skiing, and exploring small towns. This area is one of the prettiest and most rugged in Spain and one of the better areas for outdoor activities in Spain. There are plenty of trails ranging in length and difficulty.
Visit San Sebastián – The center of the Basque area of Spain, this place has a killer nightlife and beach. Moreover, the architecture makes it one of the most beautiful and unique cities in all of Spain.
Hike the Pyrenees – The majestic mountain chain that walls off France is laced with medieval villages, high mountain walking trails, and great skiing. It’s also the traditional start of The Camino.
Visit the Great Cathedral and Mosque – The Mezquita de Cordoba is by far the most exquisite example of the Muslim fabric in Spain. Its giant arches, jasper columns, marble floors, richly gilded prayer niches, and the awe-inspiring domed shrine of Byzantine mosaics take you back to when Córdoba was under Muslim influence.
Unwind in Salamanca – Salamanca seems to be in the middle of nowhere, but it’s got a huge amount of life to it. This is a university city, but it’s not huge, so you can expect a mix of small-town atmosphere, great nightlife, and many backpackers.
Visit the Guggenheim Museum – One of the most famous museums in the world, the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao always has some interesting exhibits on modern art. Even if you’re not a modern art fan, you should stop by just to check it out. The architecture of this museum is something to marvel at. Frank Gehry, arguably one of the most famous living architects of today, designed it to have a very unique undulating style.
Explore Basque Country – Basque Country is an autonomous region is Spain, a place with its own unique culture and heritage. Located in the north-east corner of Spain, you’ll notice the difference as soon as you step foot in the region. If you’re into off-the-beaten-path locations, be sure to visit Basque Country. | <urn:uuid:da927d7b-6548-4d88-9ecc-3f44f9384734> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.altayer-travel.com/holidays-packages/europe/barcelona-madrid-cities-4040 | 2024-03-04T08:22:47Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.925823 | 8,277 |
Professor Owler said the AMA had been very supportive of an MBS Review process that was clinician-led, and which had no preconceptions about the use or misuse of medical services, but Health Minister Ley has overnight launched an attack on the medical profession.
“We are deeply disappointed that the Government has launched an attack on Medicare and the integrity of doctors in its rush to cut health funding and services,” Professor Owler said.
“The Prime Minister and the Health Minister have today lost the goodwill and support of the medical profession in our shared goal of a modern MBS, which means reviewing items, removing those that are no longer used in practice, and introducing new items to provide patient rebates for modern medical practice.
“Instead, the Government has revealed its true intentions to cut health services and cut health funding – and publicly attack the medical profession.
“It is outrageous for the Minister to claim that doctors would deliberately conduct tests only for financial gain and without consideration of what is best for the patient. This is a slur on all doctors.
“It is not acceptable for the Minister to tell us one thing in private, then go in a different direction with her public comments.
“Rather than continue with a Review based on consultation with clinicians, the Minister has now chosen to follow a consumer-driven process, which will endanger the trust and respect of the doctor-patient relationship – the foundation of quality health care.
“And it is wrong for the Minister to push responsibility for the new direction of the MBS Review on to the members of the Taskforce – this is totally the responsibility of the Government.”
For the Review to be clinician-led and the MBS to support quality patient care, there must be:
- a clear and overarching vision and specific direction for the Australian healthcare system to guide the final outcomes of the reviews;
- specific and quantifiable aims;
- the direct involvement of specialist colleges, associations and societies;
- full transparency of the individual reviews as they progress and the decisions that will come from them; and
- new items are able to be added to the MBS.
27 September 2015
CONTACT: John Flannery 02 6270 5477 / 0419 494 761 | <urn:uuid:3f7f4f65-24e2-42b5-b56c-8f2cafb45714> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.ama.com.au/media/ama-media-release-government-undermines-mbs-review-attack-medicare-and-integrity-doctors | 2024-03-04T07:27:36Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.965944 | 465 |
Did you start your business as a side hustle or jump straight into it?
Here's a crazy statistic: 45% of working Americans currently have a side hustle. According to self.inc, the average side hustle brings in $897.04 per month. That's an extra $10,000+ per year. These micro businesses are not large enough to support a single person on their own for the first few years, but side hustles can grow into sizeable companies as they evolve.
Still, many businesses are started with the intention of growing into larger enterprises. Yet, it's commonly touted that most small businesses fail within their first five years.
So, how long does it take to build a successful business?
We've Got to Understand Why Businesses Fail to Begin With
According to Investopedia, there are a few main reasons that most small businesses fail:
- Financing hurdles
- Inadequate management
- Ineffective business planning
- Marketing mishaps
These are reasonably straightforward ideas to understand: small businesses are rarely flushed with plenty of cash or cash reserves, so they can quickly run out of money. Management or the owner has to deeply understand how to run and maintain their business or have enough time to learn by doing. A small business must be built on an effective plan with suitable direction, which is something that develops and changes over time. Lastly, an effective marketing strategy is necessary for new clients to learn and understand why they should hire a small business in the first place.
These reasons come back to one overarching reason: most businesses simply run out of time.
Time is the business owner's most precious resource: it can never be gained back once spent. The time we invest in our businesses is crucial; we have to ensure that every move we make is the best use of our time and makes the most impact on our business.
Money is often tied very closely with time for small businesses. When a small business begins, it typically has very little capital. This inadvertently creates a ticking clock: find a way to generate more money before you run out of time.
For example, ill-equipped management (or an inexperienced owner) is also often blamed for business failure. When an entrepreneur starts a new business, they usually have some experience they can bring into the new venture, but much of entrepreneurship is a learning experience. There's limited time to figure out how to run a business well.
Business planning shifts and changes according to seasons, economic conditions, and more. What starts as an excellent plan can quickly divert into chaos. It takes experience and, you guessed it, time to adopt a new strategy when the original has gone awry.
Finally, marketing can be one of the most challenging components to get right when starting a new business. It takes months of tracking data and analyzing results to identify whether or not a marketing strategy is effectively bringing in more money to a company!
How Can We Make More Time?
Time is a finite resource: there's only so much that we, as small business owners, can do to use it wisely! We'll never be able to create more time once it's been spent, but there's good news: we can free up our current time to work on the most critical tasks, making a big impact on our small businesses.
When you first start a business, you must create systems and processes that can grow with you as the business owner. Systems allow you to decide the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for how your company will do every task. From customer service to sales, you can create a consistent system that can be easily used with every client. Since you're the only person running the business at first, you'll be able to identify how this work should get done in the most efficient way possible.
When your time gets stretched too thin, and you can no longer focus on growing the business, it may be time to hire a new employee. Hiring help allows you to take a step back and focus on growth. Your new employee can take over the systems and processes that you've built previously! This is an incredible opportunity to make your processes more efficient than before as you begin to introduce more team members.
Slowly you can begin buying back your time in the business by creating opportunities for others. With your time freed up, you'll be able to focus on building the business, acquiring new clients, developing new plans and strategies, testing out different marketing theories, and more.
Remember, money is a measurement of your business's remaining time. Keeping your eye on the cash you're spending allows you to understand what areas you can grow in, how much time you have until your business is no longer operational, and how to leverage that money to free up more of your time.
The only way to improve your company is by understanding your money, keeping track of your time, and, most importantly, not giving up. | <urn:uuid:215a1966-94a7-4f03-a639-e47094aba24e> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.amarlo.co/blog/this-is-why-it-takes-so-long-to-create-a-successful-business | 2024-03-04T09:02:55Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.967699 | 1,000 |
The future is looking brighter for biodiesel fuel, a renewable and clean-burning diesel made from recycled cooking oils, soybean oil, and animal fats. Classified as an advanced biofuel by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), biodiesel reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 57 percent to 86 percent, compared to petroleum diesel, and also reduces U.S. dependence on petroleum imports.
Produced on commercial scale for only about a decade, the market has grown from about 25 million gallons in the early 2000s to 2.6 billion gallons in 2016, with a goal of producing 10 percent of the annual on-road diesel market by 2022, according to the National Biodiesel Board.
In a positive development for the industry, the EPA recently proposed an increase in the renewable volume obligations - the target set under the Renewable Fuel Standards program for diesel refiners or importers – from 2.1 billion gallons to 2.43 billion in 2020 for biomass-based diesel, and an increase in the advanced biofuel category, for which biodiesel qualifies, from 4.29 billion gallons in 2018 to 4.88 billion in 2019.
Biodiesel’s clean-burning properties appeal to environmentally aware consumers. Wyoming’s Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area announced that as of June 2018, it will become the first ski area in the U.S. to operate all lifts on biodiesel. Initially, the equipment will run a blend of 20 percent locally produced biodiesel and 80 percent regular diesel, increasing up to a possible 100 percent biodiesel, depending on how the generator performs under changing weather conditions.
American Diversified Energy (ADE) gives you access to over 150 experts, who can provide assistance on everything from due diligence to advancing new technologies related to all aspects of biodiesel fuel and the bioeconomy. ADE also can provide assistance with feasibility studies, annual reports, securing grants and guaranteed loans, responses to requests for proposals, creation and production of multiple types of business publications, business plans, financial models, financial presentations, business case and market analyses, technology development, engineering assistance, project management, government relations, and lobbying, and more. Feel free to contact or call us at 202-750-0007 for more information. | <urn:uuid:a32e29c8-8ce5-41c1-b7cd-b3934ab3f4ff> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.americandiversified.energy/post/biodiesel-fuels | 2024-03-04T09:39:34Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.922359 | 456 |
By Joseph G. Bilby
Top image: Armed with .69-cal. U.S. Model 1842 Muskets on July 21, 1861, the 4th Alabama surges forward in Don Troiani’s “Up Alabamians.”
As two amateur armies groped to find and fight each other across the Northern Virginia countryside in the stifling heat of July 1861, they did so with a variety of arms, the vast majority of them obsolescent—if not altogether obsolete.
At first glance, it would seem that since the United States had adopted a new family of military small arms a half-dozen years before, Union and Confederate armies would have carried 1855 models. This was not the case, however. Production at the National Armories at Harper’s Ferry, Va., and Springfield, Mass., had been slow. While the small regular army was rearmed with the new-pattern guns by 1861, few had been issued to state militias, and others were stored in regional federal arsenals.
U.S. Model 1808 Musket converted from flintlock to percussion
The Model 1855s, in .58 cal., included a rifle-musket with a barrel length similar to that of the older smoothbore musket and a shorter, heavier-barreled rifle. Both were designed to fire a hollow-based conical projectile, named after its inventor, French army Maj. Claude Minié. The American “Minie ball,” however, was actually Harper’s Ferry Armory superintendent James Burton’s improvement on Minié’s design. Burton discarded the base plug and deepened the bullet’s base cavity to achieve the same result. On firing, the under-bore-size conical projectile expanded into progressive-depth (deeper at breech than muzzle) shallow rifling, imparting spin and hence improving accuracy. Lubricated with a beeswax-tallow mixture to reduce fouling from subsequent shots, the bullet was encased, along with a 60-gr. charge of musket powder, in a paper cartridge.
To load his Model 1855, a soldier bit off the end of the cartridge, poured the powder down the muzzle of the gun, discarded the paper, inserted the bullet and rammed it home. He then brought the hammer to the half-cock position, affixed a copper percussion cap lined with an explosive compound to the nipple or “cone” at the breech, thumbed the hammer to full cock, aimed and fired. The 1855s were also equipped with the Maynard tape primer device—a ratchet that advanced a roll of paper-encased priming pellets, similar to a 1950s-era child’s cap pistol, each time the hammer was cocked. Working properly, the Maynard system increased a shooter’s rate of fire by eliminating the need to manually place a cap on the nipple. The system did not live up to expectations in field use, however, and standard caps were used more often than not. It was not employed in subsequent models.
U.S. Model 1841 “Mississippi” Rifle
In the spring of 1861, the most common small arms in militia hands or stored in federal and state arsenals, North and South, were .69-cal. smoothbore muskets. Some of these were late Model 1842 muskets in percussion ignition. More, however, were the 1816 or even earlier pattern guns, originally manufactured as flintlocks. Many had been modernized by conversion to percussion during the 1850s, but a substantial number remained in their original configuration.
Percussion or flintlock, the smoothbores fired the same ammunition: a paper cartridge containing a 110-gr. charge of musket powder and a .65-cal. round ball or, more commonly, the round ball and three approximately .31-cal. buckshot, commonly referred to as “buck and ball.” A soldier loaded his smoothbore by biting off the end of a paper cartridge, depositing a small priming charge in the pan if his gun was a flintlock, and then inserting the whole cartridge, open end first, into the muzzle and ramming it down. The paper prevented the undersized ball and buckshot from rolling out, reducing powder gas blow-by on firing and somewhat stabilizing the projectiles in the bore to provide better accuracy.
U.S. Model 1842 Musket
Some late-model flintlock arms were not only converted to percussion ignition but were, along with some Model 1842s, rifled and mounted with long-range sights to fire a .69-cal. conical Minié/Burton bullet. Some conversions were also fitted with the Maynard priming device. Although the words have been used interchangeably since the 1850s, these guns are properly called “rifled muskets” to differentiate them from the purpose-built “rifle-musket.”
A third type of small arm was the rifle. The Model 1855 rifle was intended to fire the same projectile as the rifle-musket, and was simply a shorter, heavier-barreled version. For many years, however, the U.S. Army had been issuing .54-cal. rifles with deep-cut rifling designed to fire a round ball encased in a greased cloth or leather patch. These rifles were intended for special-unit use, and many were stored in federal and state arsenals. While some were older flintlocks converted to percussion, the most popular rifle was the good-looking, brass-mounted Model 1841, or “Mississippi,” which had gained fame in the hands of Col. Jefferson Davis’ regiment of Mississippi volunteers at the Mexican War battle of Buena Vista. Like its predecessors, the 1841 was initially produced in .54 caliber with fixed front and rear sights and no provision for a bayonet.
By 1861, many Model 1841s had been modified with barrel side lugs to attach sword bayonets, or had their muzzles turned down to take Model 1842 musket socket bayonets. Some were re-bored to .58 caliber with shallow groove progressive rifling and fitted with long range-sights, but those remaining in .54 retained the older-style rifling. Conical hollow-base bullets were issued in .54 caliber, but often gave less-than-satisfactory results because of the Minié ball’s failure to expand enough to fill the old-style deeper grooves, allowing gas blow-by. In the mid-1850s, regular army troops in the Northwest reported that rifled .69-cal. Model 1842 muskets were more accurate than the .54-cal. Model 1841 fired with conical projectiles. No matter—the reputation the Model 1841 gained in the Mexican War made it an iconic and desirable firearm, especially in the eyes of Southerners.
The Union had an extensive industrial base that would produce a vast number of arms in subsequent years, and both sides would import many thousands of arms from Europe, but in the spring of 1861 the belligerents only had to make do with what they had on hand. In the case of the Confederacy, that included arms in state arsenals and those appropriated from federal arsenals in the South. The vast majority of these guns were smoothbore muskets. The seizure of the Mount Vernon Arsenal in Alabama resulted in the capture of 22,000 small arms, 2,000 of them Model 1841 rifles and the remainder smoothbores, including converted flintlocks and Model 1842s. Of more than 10,000 arms confiscated by Arkansas militiamen from the federal arsenal at Little Rock in February 1861, more than half were flintlock smoothbore muskets, with the rest a grab-bag of varied out-of-date arms along with a handful Model 1841 rifles. Subsequent imports would not make the situation simpler.
The 11th New York—the Fire Zouaves—as depicted in Don Troiani’s “New York’s Bravest” were armed with modern Model 1855 rifle-muskets, but the 69th New York had a mixture of .69-cal. rifles and smoothbores.
On May 7, 1861, Confederate Ordnance Chief Maj. Josiah Gorgas reported that the Confederacy had, in addition to supplies in state hands, 159,010 small arms at its disposal at six seized federal arsenals. The largest stock, and representative of the whole, was at the Baton Rouge arsenal, which held a hodge-podge of 47,372 guns including some .69-cal. guns rifled for conical projectiles and a few .58-cal. rifle-muskets, as well as a large number of percussion and flintlock smoothbores, Model 1841 rifles, a few Colt revolving rifles and revolvers, breechloading Hall and other assorted carbines and single-shot percussion pistols. Gorgas also had 3,200,000 cartridges of various calibers and 168,000 lbs. of powder in his inventory. Although the highly efficient major got arms into the hands of most Confederate soldiers in fairly short order, many of them were undeniably obsolete, and one observer recalled that Confederate forces in Virginia in the summer of 1861 were equipped with “ragtag equipment for a tatterdemalion army.”
Someone once wrote that “the Confederacy died of states’ rights.” While an exaggeration, like many old nostrums, there was a kernel of truth in the assertion. Governors such as Georgia’s Joseph Brown often considered their states’ interests more important than those of their newly declared country, particularly in the case of firearm allocations. On May 18, 1861, Brown’s adjutant general ordered that no state-issued firearms could leave Georgia, and that officers taking arms, as well as men, into Confederate service would be held personally financially liable. In compliance, three companies of the 8th Georgia Infantry reluctantly handed in their prized Model 1841 rifles. One captain secured a resupply of 1841s for his company from the Confederate ordnance department, but the others reached Richmond unarmed.
Yet another company of the 8th, the “Oglethorpe Light Infantry,” an elite unit from Savannah, eluded Brown’s edict and arrived in Virginia with state-of-the-art .58-cal. Model 1855 rifles. The regiment’s other companies ended up shouldering .69-cal. smoothbore percussion conversions. Other Southern units, deemed elite by their own definition, managed to acquire Model 1841 rifles, including Roberdeau Wheat’s “Special Battalion” of roughneck Louisiana Zouaves, also known as the “Louisiana Tigers.” Interestingly, although Governor Brown is often singled out as a prime example of an uncooperative Southern state executive, the governor of Maine ordered that the few hundred Model 1855 rifle-muskets issued to militia units in Maine be collected and stored in the state arsenal at the outbreak of war, and Maine’s men went to Washington armed with smoothbores.
In January 1861, the U.S. Ordnance Dept. reported a total of 576,800 arms in service or storage, exclusive of state stores, of which 35,335 were pattern 1855 .58-cal. arms. Deducting the arms seized by Southern states still left a significant number accessible to the Union army. In the event, however, federal militia and volunteer units were hardly better armed than their Confederate counterparts, as the vast majority of guns in storage were smoothbore muskets.
The experience of the New Jersey militia brigade is perhaps typical of early Union volunteers. The state had fewer than 2,000 men in its active militia units in 1860. While a few companies were armed with Model 1841 .54-cal. rifles, none had access to the latest pattern arms. The militia brigade the state hastily raised to meet President Lincoln’s call for troops to defend Washington mustered 3,075 men, who thought they would be issued “first class arms direct from Springfield Arsenal.” Much to their dismay, however, they were issued .69-cal. smoothbore percussion conversions from the state arsenal at Trenton. One regiment tried, and failed, to return their arms, which they considered “very defective.” More importantly, there was virtually no ammunition available for the muskets on hand. An officer had to travel to New York City to buy 3,500 ball cartridges and 10,000 percussion caps at a gun store on Broadway, arriving at Trenton just as the brigade left for Washington on May 3.
The Jerseyans arrived in the capitol on May 6 and on May 11 marched to the Washington arsenal to trade their state-issue arms for federal-issue arms. Anticipating rifle-muskets, they were sorely disappointed when they swapped their percussion-conversion smoothbores for federal arms of the same type. They actually thought themselves worse off, since the guns they turned in had browned barrels and the new ones were polished steel, adding to their military maintenance chores.
New York had a mere 1,500 firearms of all sorts in storage in 1861 and at the outset of the war made an emergency request to Springfield Armory. By the end of April the state received 23,000 muskets, all of them Model 1842 smoothbores. Virtually all of the New York units that shipped out to Washington in the first months of the war were armed with those 1842s; one notable exception was the 11th New York Infantry, also known as Ellsworth’s Fire Zouaves, after their colonel, Elmer Ellsworth. Ellsworth had initiated the Zouave craze by touring the country with his Chicago Zouave Cadets before the war and had worked in Abraham Lincoln’s law office, which probably accounts for the fact that the 11th was issued Model 1855 rifle-muskets.
Military leaders North and South concluded that the best way to employ the limited number of rifled arms available to the state militia and new volunteer regiments was to ration them, as had occurred by default with the Georgians. Capt. Thomas F. Meagher’s Zouave company of the Irish-American 69th New York State Militia were issued .69-cal. rifled muskets, while the rest of the regiment shouldered smoothbores. The 1st Connecticut Militia had eight companies armed with smoothbore muskets and two “flank companies,” which, like the Irish Zouaves, were intended for individual aimed-fire skirmishing in front of the battle line. The Nutmeg skirmishers were issued scarce Model 1855 rifle-muskets and even scarcer Sharps breechloaders. The 2nd New Hampshire Infantry mustered nine companies armed with smoothbores, deemed excellent for “close work,” while one company was armed with Sharps breechloaders privately purchased by the citizens of Concord.
Other federal units, like the Oglethorpe Guard and the 11th New York, apparently used status and connections to well-arm themselves. The 1st Rhode Island, formed from the state’s elite militia companies, is a prime example. Seven companies of the 1st were armed with 1855 rifle-muskets and three with 1855 rifles. Most enlisted men carried privately purchased revolvers, and each company fielded seven men armed with breech-loading Burnside carbines. Prior to Bull Run, the soldiers carrying Burnsides were formed into a “Carbineer” company.
A number of soldiers other than the Rhode Islanders brought personal handguns to war, mostly officers, but including some enlisted men—sometimes with unfortunate results. One Jerseyman, apparently inebriated, shot another accidentally while “skylarking” with his sixgun on the way to Washington. In the event, handguns played no significant part in the combat at Manassas. In the future they would prove most effective in irregular mounted warfare.
“Close work” was about all one could expect with any arms the armies carried at Bull Run, as the soldiers who fought there had little or no instruction in using them beyond how to load and fire them. The limited-range smoothbore, with which the vast majority were armed, was not considered a long-range firearm, but effective use of even the small number of rifles and rifle-muskets in the ranks at ranges beyond point-blank depended on a shooter’s ability to correctly estimate distance and adjust his sights to compensate for the Minié ball’s arc-like trajectory. Training in drill had been minimal—and in marksmanship non-existent—prior to the battle, so, in the end, armament was largely moot. No matter the weapon, most small arms firing during the Battle of Bull Run was at ranges under 200 or even 100 yds.
Committing a historically common error, i.e., believing the course of a previous war predicts that of current hostilities, both sides looked to the Mexican-American conflict of 1846-48. A few big battles (perhaps even one) with relatively few casualties should settle matters, or so they thought. In the summer of 1861, pressure mounted on Gen. Irwin McDowell, commanding the Union forces around Washington, to initiate offensive operations against Gen. P.G.T. Beauregard’s Confederate army located near Manassas Junction, Va., before the 90-day enlistments of many of his militia troops expired.
On July 16 McDowell led 35,000 men south toward Beauregard’s 22,000-man force, hoping Gen. Robert Patterson’s Pennsylvania militiamen would hold Gen. Joseph E. Johnston’s 12,000 Confederates in the Shenandoah Valley. McDowell arrived at Centreville on July 18 and found Beauregard’s army deployed on high ground across a stream known as Bull Run. Both generals decided to take the offensive, attempting to outflank each other. Unfortunately for the Union, as it turned out, McDowell, who based his campaign from the start on a “turning movement” (a reprise of Gen. Winfield Scott’s Mexican War operations), moved his army first, on the morning of July 21. Beauregard’s failure to mount an offensive actually worked to his benefit, since untrained troops typically fight better in defense. Even worse for the Yankees, Johnston had slipped away from Patterson and reinforced Beauregard. The Union attack, initially successful, became unhinged as the enemy defense stiffened. General Thomas J. Jackson stood “like a stone wall,” and the federals began to come apart. McDowell’s men panicked and the subsequent rout sent them rolling back to Washington in a tide that carried along with it frightened civilians, who had come out to watch the fight for entertainment. Luckily for the Unionists, the Confederates were as disorganized by victory as the federals by defeat, and there was no effective pursuit. By later war standards, casualties were light, with 460 Union soldiers killed, 1,124 wounded and 1,312 missing, most of the latter captured in the wild retreat. Confederate losses were 387 killed, 1,582 wounded and 13 missing.
There was a lot of shooting at Bull Run, most of it at close range, but perhaps not as many rounds were expended as one might expect. Interestingly, the pre-war U.S. Army Ordnance manual prescribed that a supply of 200 cartridges per man be on hand as an army approached combat, with 40 to 60 carried by each soldier and the rest in reserve. At Bull Run, Maj. Gorgas was able to provide only “fifty to seventy rounds” total per man. In his after-action report, however, the major revealed that the Confederates had expended only “from about 19 to 26 rounds per man,” which would include dropped or discarded cartridges as well as those fired, and concluded that “there need be no scarcity with 60 rounds per man, or even fifty.” The Union army’s average expenditure was probably similar. Only about 18,000 men on each side saw action at Bull Run, however, and that may have skewed the ratio. Still, Gorgas would claim after the war, no Confederate army ever lost a battle due to lack of ammunition. He was right.
Effectiveness Of Buck And Ball
The most common small arm on the field at Bull Run was the smoothbore musket, and the most common cartridge used in the smoothbore was the “buck and ball” round. In order to get an idea of the effectiveness of period ammunition, I had reproduction buck and ball ammunition with a 0.648" round ball (approximating the original specification of .65 caliber) and three .31-cal. buckshot, crafted by New Jersey Civil War re-enactor Art Green, who makes replica cartridges virtually identical to original ammunition. There were numerous complaints during the war regarding the poor quality of the powder and in consistency of charge weights in issued cartridges; so, since we were using modern powder of known quality, Green loaded 80 grs. of GOEX FFG for consistency.
Two experienced Civil War firearm shooters, Steve Garratano and Kevin Marshall, fired the guns used in the experiment. One was a Pedersoli reproduction Model 1842 musket, and the other was an original Model 1842. The original gun sported a “shooting” barrel made up a few years ago by Bob Hoyt, who lengthened and lined an original cut-down tube. Thus the interiors of both barrels were as clean and smooth as they would have been in 1861.
We shot at standard silhouette targets set up at 50 and 100 yds., with the new, smaller Birchwood Casey “Dirty Bird” splattering silhouette targets stapled inside the larger ones to make it easier to identify hits in what would have been vital areas. The targets were set at intervals about 2 ft. apart. All shooting was offhand. At 50 yds., 10 rounds loaded from the cartridge box and fired at three silhouettes resulted in 12 hits, three of them from balls, the remainder from buckshot. All rounds appeared to impact in the backstop berm, and a chronograph reading revealed velocity to be 1121 f.p.s.
At 100 yds., there were five additional hits in the targets, all from buckshot, many of which appear to have hit the ground at around 80 yds. and then ricocheted up to strike at about waist level. This was in sandy soil, so the ricochet factor would be compounded in rocky terrain. The 0.648" balls noticeably impacted the backstop. It appears that men, even in close formation, would be relatively safe from buckshot beyond 100 yds., but that the larger ball projectile, while not “accurate” in the modern sense, would continue to be effective on large groups of soldiers beyond that range. —Joseph G. Bilby | <urn:uuid:cc954209-7b43-4fd6-a8de-fa69d4e6a3be> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.americanrifleman.org/content/the-guns-of-manassas-1861/ | 2024-03-04T08:10:10Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.976098 | 4,860 |
Due to the current Covid-19 Pandemic we have made the decision to no longer allow walk in orders.
This decision has been made to maintain the safety of our customers and staff and allows us to continue operating at full capacity.
Our sales team are still available via the phone for assistance. Please either call or email orders / enquiries to [email protected].
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Rabbi Pinchas Goldschmidt was the chief rabbi of Moscow from 1993 until 2022, and he served as rabbi of the Moscow Choral Synagogue from 1989. Since 2011, Rabbi Goldschmidt has also been serving as president of the Conference of European Rabbis (CER), which unites over 700 communal rabbis from Dublin, Ireland to Khabarovsk, in the Russian Far East.
In February 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, Rabbi Goldschmidt left Russia and became an outspoken critic of the Putin regime. As a result, on June 30 of this year, the Russian Justice Ministry listed him as a “foreign agent,” the first rabbi to have been assigned that designation, which bars him from participating in many aspects of public life in Russia.
I spoke to Rabbi Goldschmidt this past week.
We had the great pleasure of hosting you in Ami’s offices in Brooklyn a few years ago, but your life has become a lot more complex since then. At the time, you were the chief rabbi of Moscow, but you have since resigned. What triggered that momentous decision?
It was the beginning of the war with Ukraine, towards the end of February 2022. The Russian government was trying to force religious leaders to support the war after they saw that it wasn’t going the way they wanted, and I refused. Then I decided that not supporting the war wasn’t enough, and when we got information about tens of thousands of Jewish refugees leaving Ukraine, I decided that we had to do something. Yiddishkeit is not a religion of words; it’s a religion of deeds, of mitzvos. At that moment, I understood that I had to leave the country.
Did you leave for your own safety?
No. While I undoubtedly would have ended up in jail had I stayed, I left primarily for the safety of the community. I was in Russia for 33 years, and I served as chief rabbi of Moscow for 29 of them. I was reelected a week before I left, but I understood that due to the KGB’s successor, the FSB (Federal Security Service of the Russian Federation), which controls every aspect of life in Russia, I would be putting the community in a very dangerous and untenable position by staying in the country. I felt that I couldn’t endanger the community, and that I had to give up my position.
You were criticized when you left even by those who supported your move. I remember you did a television interview with a journalist in which you said that you had made a decision of conscience. That prompted the interviewer to ask why you chose to step down because of the war with Ukraine rather than after other earlier atrocities committed by Russia. I’d like to give you an opportunity to address that.
I gave one answer at the time, but I would like to give a better answer now. I felt that this new situation made the future of the Jewish community impossible. Jews can live under an autocratic regime, but they cannot live under a totalitarian regime in which human life has no value. I’m not the only one who should be asked this question. Why didn’t the whole world speak out against Putin earlier? Up until then, everyone was in awe of the success of the Russian government. But what happened after Putin came to power was a slow return to the Soviet Union.
I arrived in Russia right before the fall of the USSR in 1989, when it was impossible to read a Western newspaper or make a phone call outside of Russia. The Soviet Union was in total isolation, and millions of Jews were trying to get out as quickly as possible. They looked at me like, “We’re trying to leave and you’re first coming here?” Last year, I could sense that Russia was returning to the Soviet era, but without communism.
And you sensed this when the war began?
To read more, subscribe to Ami | <urn:uuid:3e143fa8-7091-4b96-824e-ab280a3f1614> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.amimagazine.org/2023/07/12/foreign-agent-rabbi-pinchas-goldschmidt/ | 2024-03-04T07:53:17Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.986823 | 827 |
Er amounts of anti-OVA IgG1 and IgG2a than handle mice immunized with OVA alone (Figure 4A and B). On day 35, splenocytes have been also harvested, re-stimulated with OVA in vitro for 4 days, and after that analyzed for OVA-induced T cell responses. Splenocytes from mice immunized with OVA + fucoidan showed considerably higher cell proliferation and IFN-c production than these from control mice immunized with OVA alone (Figure 4C and D). These outcomes indicate that fucoidan could function as an adjuvant by promoting Th variety immune responses. We subsequent examined no matter whether fucoidan promotes the generation of effector/memory T cells in OVA immunized mice depending on the surface expression of CD44. As shown Figure 4E, fucoidan injection led to a marked increase in the proportions of CD44+ CD4 and CD8 T cells (Figure 4 E). These information recommend that fucoidan function as an adjuvant to improve antigen certain T and B cell immune responses.Fucoidan induces pro-inflammatory cytokine production from spleen cDCsTo establish regardless of whether fucoidan affects production of cytokines, serum and spleens had been collected from C57BL/6 mice three hrs right after fucoidan administration and analyzed for pro-inflammatory cytokines. Fucoidan treatment induced up-regulation of IL-6, IL12p40 and TNF-a mRNA levels but not IL-23p19 mRNA in splenocytes (Figure 2A). The serum levels of IL-6, IL-12p70 and TNF-a had been also drastically improved in mice treated with fucoidan (Figure 2B). Consistent with IL-23p19 mRNA levels, fucoidan didn’t have an effect on serum IL-23 HIV Antagonist Source concentrations (Figure 2B). To specifically measure the cytokines developed by cDCs, we isolated lenease-CD11c+ cDCs from splenocytes by cell sorter two hrs right after fucoidan administration, then additional incubated the cells in culture medium for four hrs Fucoidan remedy induced a marked raise within the production of IL-6, IL-12p70 and TNF-a in cultured medium (Figure 2C). In addition, purified CD11c+ cDCs from mice treated with fucoidan for 2 hrs had dramatically greater IL-6, IL-12p40 and TNF-a mRNA levels than those from manage mice (Figure 2D). For that reason, systemic administration of fucoidan induced maturation of spleen cDCs as indicated by upregulation of co-stimulatory molecules and production of proinflammatory cytokines.Because fucoidan induced CD8a+ and CD8a2 cDC maturation, we assessed no matter whether fucoidan-induced maturation of spleen cDCs can subsequently promote CD4 and CD8 T cell responses in vivo. Mice had been i.p. injected with ten mg/kg fucoidan and three days later, injected with all the identical volume of fucoidan once again. Fucoidan treatment led to marked increases within the proportions of CD4 and CD8 T cells in the spleen that produced IFN-c and TNF-a, the signature cytokines of Th1 and Tc1 cells (Figure 3A). In comparison, the percentages of IL-17- or IL-4-producing CD4 and CD8 T cells in the spleen had been not elevated by fucoidan (Figure 3A). Serum levels of IFN-c and TNF-a have been also CLK Inhibitor manufacturer markedly increased by fucoidan (Figure 3B). Moreover, fucoidan-treated mice had considerably greater amounts of T-bet (p = 0.01), the vital transcription factor for Th1 and Tc1 cells, and IFN-c (p = 0.003) mRNA in the spleen than handle mice (Figure 3C). InPLOS One | plosone.orgFucoidan promotes generation of Th1 and Tc1 cells in an IL-12-dependent manner in vivoFucoidan adjuvant enhances antigen presentation and antigen certain T cell proliferationTo further demonstrate the adjuvant effect of fucoidan in antigen-specific T cell response in vivo, we 1st examined irrespective of whether f. | <urn:uuid:e78b149d-92ac-4b32-be25-7d245e84c587> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.amparinhibitor.com/2023/06/30/7145/ | 2024-03-04T08:06:51Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.896282 | 925 |
Siding Installation Fairfax VA
A&M Roofing is your home for siding replacement and repair in Fairfax, VA. We are experts in the industry, and we're fully licensed, certified, and insured for your peace of mind.
As a premier Fairfax siding company, we have years of experience outfitting VA homes with high-quality vinyl and fiber cement siding. Our business is creating stunning exteriors that perfectly fulfill our clients' visions - one house at a time.
Make your dream home a reality - contact us today for a free estimate!
Our Siding Services in Fairfax, VA
Schedule your inspection with an A&M siding contractor today!
It's especially important to book an inspection after a storm - particularly if you notice any damp spots on your inside walls or other signs of encroaching water.
Regular inspections and preventative maintenance keep your home looking its best and protect your investment, guaranteeing your exterior panels last for their expected lifetime or longer.
Home exteriors take a beating from wind, weather, pests, and other factors. It's important to have the exterior elements of your house in Fairfax inspected at least once per year by professional siding contractors to ensure there are no leaks or other signs of damage.
Transparent & Reasonable Price
We offer a full suite of siding-related services in Fairfax, including inspections, siding replacement, and repairs.
Even the sturdiest exterior panels get dinged up sometimes. If you've noticed any holes or cracks in your Fairfax home's exterior, contact our siding contractors right away.
A simple siding repair job can be accomplished in a matter of hours. If the damage is extensive, your contractor may recommend siding replacement instead.
Siding replacement is a big commitment, which is why you need knowledgeable and professional siding contractors to do the job. It's not a good idea to attempt the installation DIY; you could end up damaging your home and voiding your warranty if things go wrong.
We offer stellar siding installation services at an affordable price for our neighbors in Fairfax. Our siding contractors have been brightening up home exteriors for over two decades.
New siding does a lot to bolster a home's curb appeal. It also improves energy efficiency, leading to lower heating and cooling costs. And once you've replaced your panels, you won't have to do so again for decades.
Concerned about the cost? We offer financing options through Service Finance with easy payment plans!
Get in touch today for a free estimate!
Siding Materials: Our Top Choices for Fairfax, VA Homeowners
The Northern Virginia siding market is absolutely saturated with options. Home exteriors can be made out of brick, wood, cedar shake, vinyl, or fiber cement.
Choosing your home's siding can be overwhelming - particularly if you're not sure what the differences are between the various types.
We're happy to work with any material you choose, but our top recommendations are James Hardie fiber cement and Mastic vinyl siding.
James Hardie Fiber Cement Siding
Fiber cement is a tough and long-lasting composite made from wood fibers, water, sand, and cement. It's highly resistant to pests and is also fire resistant, making it a smart choice for Northern Virginia homes. Fiber cement siding is easy to clean and maintain, and you can paint it any color you like.
James Hardie is the leading manufacturer of fiber cement siding. Their products are rigorously tested and built to last, and they come in a wide array of styles, textures, and designs.
Talk to an A&M Roofing team member about fiber cement siding - we'll be happy to answer any questions you have and walk you through the available options.
Mastic Vinyl Siding
Insulated vinyl siding is durable, affordable, and holds up well in bad weather. It's a great choice if you're looking to save money on your siding installation but still want a high-quality product.
You can paint your vinyl panels if you choose, but they also come in a vast selection of colors. You won't need frequent siding repair with this material. It's also eco-friendly and energy-efficient.
As a Mastic Preferred Contractor, we're recognized as top installers of one of the leading vinyl siding brands in the country. That means we're able to give our customers extended warranties and unmatched siding replacement services.
Other Exterior Services for Fairfax Homeowners
Need to bundle your new siding with another service? Our company offers a wide range of exterior repair and installation services in the Fairfax, VA area.
Roofing Repair and Installation Services
Whether you need a few shingles repaired or a whole new roof, we're on hand to help. Your Fairfax roof will be the envy of the neighborhood when we're finished. We can also handle gutter replacement and repairs. Your gutters protect your home's exterior by diverting water away from the walls, so it's essential to keep them in great shape.
Exterior Repairs and Upgrades
Trim work, weatherproofing, gutter caps - you name it, our business can repair or install it. We've customized countless home exteriors in Fairfax and the surrounding areas, and we pride ourselves on bringing our clients' visions to reality. Get in touch today and let us know how we can help with your renovation project!
Replacement Windows, Doors, and Skylights
Our skilled installers can enhance your house with high-quality American windows from ProVia and Simonton. We can also install skylights to bring an abundance of natural light into your living areas. Need extra protection from the occasional bouts of severe weather we get here in Fairfax? We'll be happy to install a storm door and replace your current windows with storm windows.
Why A&M Roofing?
We've been in the roofing and home exterior renovation business for decades, providing our Fairfax, VA neighbors with unbeatable exterior repair and replacement services.
Here are just a few reasons why our company is the best in the business.
We're a locally owned small business based in Northern Virginia. We are proud to serve our community - not only by providing excellent siding replacement service for Fairfax, VA residents but also by partnering with charitable organizations such as Habitat for Humanity.
Our services come highly recommended by countless satisfied customers. From the initial meeting to the ultimate installation, we prioritize customer experience and meticulous attention to detail in all our work.
Your project manager will be in touch with you at every phase of the job. You'll never be left guessing.
You'll get the same fantastic service and impeccable craftsmanship from us whether you've hired us for a simple repair or a full siding replacement.
Your A&M siding contractors will do an excellent job in a timely manner. Once the project is complete, they'll clean up the work site, leaving your house in pristine condition.
Highest Quality Materials
Home exteriors are only as strong as the materials they're built with. That's why we only work with top-tier materials from leading brands, such as James Hardie fiber cement siding.
The products we use are made to last and come with excellent warranties. Talk to a representative to learn more about the panels, sealants, and other products we build with.
We understand how important it is to gather multiple quotes for a house project before deciding which company to choose. That's why we offer free estimates to our esteemed customers. Our rates are competitive in the Fairfax area.
Get in touch today for a no-obligation estimate for your Fairfax home renovation project!
Choose the Top Siding Contractors in Fairfax, VA!
Say hello to a whole new level of curb appeal and a gleaming new exterior you'll be proud to come home to. Our contractors are ready to bring your vision for your home's exterior to life.
Contact A&M Roofing today to kickstart your next home project!
Frequently Asked Questions
What sets A&M Roofing apart from other roofing contractors in Reston, VA?A&M Roofing sets the standard for roofing services in Reston, VA. We bring years of experience, superior craftsmanship, and exceptional customer service to every project. From minor repairs to full-scale roof replacements, our roofing company is committed to delivering top-quality results using best-in-class materials. Plus, our commitment to transparency means no hidden costs - we provide detailed estimates before starting any work.
Can A&M Roofing help with my insurance claims for roof repair or replacement in Reston, VA?Yes, A&M Roofing can assist with insurance claims for roof repair or full roof replacement in Reston, VA. Our experienced team will guide you through the insurance claim process, making it as stress-free as possible. We'll conduct a thorough roof inspection, document any damage, and provide the necessary paperwork for your insurance company. We aim to make the claims process seamless and straightforward for you.
What other exterior services does A&M Roofing offer in Reston, VA?In addition to our comprehensive roofing services, A&M Roofing offers a range of exterior services throughout the entire Northern Virginia to enhance the look and value of your property. We provide siding installation, gutter replacement, and skylight installation. With our team of experts, you can transform your home from the inside out, ensuring it looks its best and functions optimally. Get in touch with us today for a free estimate on your next project. | <urn:uuid:9be75798-63ea-421a-a91a-581242e5f0e5> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.amroofingva.com/siding-installation-fairfax-va | 2024-03-04T07:00:11Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.937572 | 1,987 |
This delicious tower is not only very easy to make, but it will impress all of your guests! Tower of lump crab meat, shrimp & avocado topped with mango salsa served with Skinny Latina Cilantro and garlic aioli on the side.
Note: you will need a ring mold (very inexpensive and you can buy it online) - Here's how to make the recipe👇
Place the ring mold on a plate, layer the following in the same order (packing everything nice and tight):
Thick slices of avocado seasoned with salt & pepper
Mango salsa (mix: diced mango, red onions, tomatoes, chopped cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, pepper and Skinny Latina Habanero Hot sauce)
Cooked shrimp (tail off)
Lump crab meat
More mango salsa
Remove mold slowly and serve Skinny Latina Cilantro & Garlic Aioli on the side.
Skinny Latina Cilantro & Garlic Aioli: In a blender, mix: Skinny Latina Marinade, Mayo, Cilantro and garlic. Blend well and season to taste. | <urn:uuid:0012baf1-6372-493f-8a45-e5c60cd7cfb9> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.anaq.com/blogs/recipes/tower-of-lump-crab-meat-shrimp-topped-with-mango-salsa | 2024-03-04T07:49:52Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.853082 | 232 |
Apparently, today is National Book Lovers Day — and since I love books — I thought I’d share six books I love to reread over and over again. These are books that connect with me on a deep level. I’ve read each of these books at least twice, and I will likely reread them again in the future.
In fact, just talking about these books makes me want to pick them up again.
Beloved by Toni Morrison
Beloved is a book about being haunted — at first Seth is haunted by the memories of being a slave and later by the ghost of her baby, who died nameless. This is a stunningly beautiful book, the culture, the characters, and the layers richly textured. I’ve read Beloved three times and each time I’ve been swept away by the poetry and power of Morrison’s story. Every reading offers new discoveries, new linguistic treasures.
It broke my heart this week to learn of Morrison’s passing. If you want some profound words in honor of her life and work, here are eight black female writers and thinkers on Toni Morrison’s legacy. For my small part, I’ll be rereading Beloved for the fourth time and seeking out some of her work that I haven’t had a chance to read yet.
Dune by Frank Herbert
Dune is a political science fiction book. The Atreides family is sent off to take control Dune, a desert planet and the only place where the spice Melange can be produced — the most valuable substance in the universe. The story is fraught with intrigue, with scheming and betrayal coming from every angle,
Story time: Years ago, I picked up Dune on the same day I was heading over to a friend’s house for a sleepover (because I always bring books with me on the chance I need something to occupy an empty moment). When my friend went off to tell her mother something, I picked up the book intending to read a page or two. . . . Then my friend returned.
What should have happened is me putting down the books so that I could hang out the way a socially aware, polite person would do. What actually happened is I spent the rest of the night reading — pausing only long enough to eat, go to the bathroom, and sleep for an hour or two. I finished the book early the next morning, very grateful that she was still willing to be my friend.
When I reread the book again years later, pretty much the same thing happened (except I had adult responsibilities to attend with).
Parable of the Sower by Octavia E. Butler
I’ve long been a fan of apocalyptic dystopian tales, with Parable of the Sower being at the top of my list as one of the best. Set in a California ravaged by poverty, drugs, and chronic water shortages, the story follows Lauren Olamina as she escapes from her home after it burns down. Trying to forge her own path through a dangerous world, she develops a belief system built on the practicalities of the world around her, which she shares with the fellow refugees she gathers around her — all making their way North in pursuit of some somewhere safe to call home.
Parable of the Sower moves me each of the times I’ve read it. In a world full of desperate people, fighting brutally for survival, I love the way these characters come together and care for each other. I also find the Lauren’s parables, presented at the beginning of the chapters, fascinating and beautiful.
Her by Cherry Muhanji
I discovered Her during a summer-long internship at the publisher Aunt Lute Books. The novel, which won the Lamda Literary Award in 1991, explores the relationships between a community of black women in 1950s Detroit. The language is liquid in its beauty, irreverently illuminating the streets of the Motor City, contrasting the hard work of the automotive plants with the rowdy bars leaking jazz out into the night.
My fellow interns and I read Her twice over while helping to helping to copy edit the book for its second edition — and I’ve since read it a third time for the sheer pleasure of the language and the story it enfolds. I’m so honored to have taken any tiny part in working with Aunt Lute on this book.
The Martian Chronicles by Ray Bradbury
The Martian Chronicles is a novel comprised of interconnected short stories that imagine humanity’s repeated attempts and failures to colonize Mars, from the first visitors to the cities of humans that sprouted over the planet. The stories range in tone and styles, with some being thrilling, others being humorous or haunting.
On the whole, I’ve read The Martian Chronicles twice — but the individual stories, I’ve read many times over. “There Will Come Soft Rains” — one of my all-time favorite short stories and powerful in its standalone compact form — I’ve probably read a dozen times. Below is a recording of Leonard Nimoy reading the story:
Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
One of the things my sister and I have in common is our love for Jane Austen, especially her well-loved novel, Pride and Prejudice. We have both over the years read this novel several times over (although I’m certain that my sister has me wildly beat on that count). We love this story of the Bennet sisters and their search for marriage and love, with all its ever present wit and misunderstandings and prideful mistakes. Reading Pride and Prejudice is a soothing pleasure and delight each time I pick it up. In the end, the characters we love come together and find happiness. | <urn:uuid:de294bbc-e71b-42eb-be6f-ce23a2f7505b> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.andreablythe.com/tag/jane-austen/ | 2024-03-04T08:11:50Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.95743 | 1,247 |
The past year hasn't been kind to the smart home security camera industry. Over the course of just nine months or so, we've seen five major smart home security brands face some very negative press, following events related to privacy, security, and even including several bouts of broken promises made to consumers when they spent hundreds (or thousands) of dollars on home security products.
So what, exactly, is going on in the smart home security industry? With five potential major players effectively out of the running as choices for many savvy consumers, who else is left to offer peace of mind when you're away from your home? The list of best smart home security cameras feels like it gets smaller every month.
It certainly seems like tech startups and Chinese firms aren't the answer at the moment, but are big tech companies like Google, Amazon, Apple, or Microsoft really the answer we need? As much as many of us don't want these companies to pigeonhole yet another industry segment, it could very well be the answer to the problems we've been seeing. Let's take a look.
A year of smart home security failures
It all started with Wyze, who hid information regarding a critical flaw in its products for three whopping years that could give access to hackers access to your cameras without your knowledge. Wyze ended up flat-out discontinuing its affected products and releasing new hardware instead of figuring out how to fix the bug.
Later in the year, Eufy was disgraced when we found out that it, too, had several security vulnerabilities in its products. The company spent the better part of the next month denying claims, then changing promises and policies to cover its tracks. Even though it looks like the company has patched up most (if not all) of the security holes, the damage done to its reputation after its messy response isn't something as easily undone.
Lesser known are the companies EZVIZ and Lorex, two brands that offer great hardware options at competitive prices. While we rather liked products from these companies in the past, both are fully-owned subsidiaries of two problematic companies: Dahua, and Hikvision. Why are they problematic? Simply put, the FCC banned them in November on allegations of spying for the Chinese government.
Definitely don't want that in my home, thanks.
The most recent and, by far, least offensive are the recent actions by Arlo. In a nutshell, many Arlo cameras sold before 2018 are being discontinued over the next several months meaning their use should be discontinued over the next year or so. While they'll still continue to operate normally they won't be receiving security or firmware updates. That's the kind of internet-connected product you should only keep on your guest network.
Notice a pattern?
If you're looking at the list and trying to figure out some sort of pattern here, know that I've been trying to do the same thing and have come up empty on all attempts. These aren't all garage-type startups, subsidiaries of Chinese conglomerates, owned by a huge tech company, or even all publicly traded companies.
Many of them are subsidiaries or spin-offs of larger companies. Arlo came from Netgear, Eufy came from Anker, EZVIZ came from Hikvision, and Lorex came from Dahua. Wyze technically "started" at Amazon but that's only because the three founders just so happened to work in Amazon's Seattle offices at the time. Wyze isn't owned or funded by Amazon and it's not a China-owned company as some have alleged.
Furthermore, there have been other scandals in the past with companies like Ring, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Amazon, and the original offender in the drama of modern smart home security scandals. Case in point, even big tech isn't immune from problems and scandals, although Ring's lessons learned have largely been solved by the company.
While some think that Arlo is implementing its new end-of-life policy because the company is facing increasing pressure from stockholders, the reality doesn't line up with the rhetoric here. Arlo's most recent problems stem from Amazon's cloud storage costs increasing, forcing them to transition over to Microsoft's Azure, instead.
If Arlo were doing this to squeeze a few more dimes out of its existing customers, it would remove the local storage options from its hubs or something far more drastic. What's happening now is all down to increasing cloud storage costs. As a former IT admin, I can attest to how out of control cloud storage and compute costs can get — and it's not easy to reduce those bills by just "cleaning up" infrastructure.
So what, ultimately, am I proposing? Outside of just using a CCTV security system that never needs updating because it never touches the internet, I genuinely think Microsoft could be the answer we've all been looking for.
Time for another Microsoft hardware experiment
Microsoft is no stranger to hardware experiments. It's toyed around with tablet-like laptops, AR headsets, giant touchscreen tables, gaming consoles, mice and keyboards, and just about anything else you could possibly imagine. But while many of its products aren't always commercially successful, the company is always good about one important thing: privacy.
I had a chat with Windows Central's Daniel Rubino on this topic after CES 2023 and he also likes the idea. As someone who regularly juggles multiple devices running several different operating systems, Microsoft is a company that's often looked toward as the most consumer-friendly large tech company in existence. One of the key tenets around that is the concept of privacy, something Rubino notes Microsoft is regularly awarded for.
In fact, Microsoft is often regarded as one of the most trustworthy tech companies around — typically only outdone by Google and Amazon according to several studies done over the years — a lot of which likely has to do with the fact that the company doesn't sell user data to advertisers and other groups like some other tech companies do.
It's also important to note that most of the biggest tech scandals of the last decade have involved nearly all of Microsoft's rivals. You seldom see Satya Nadella — Microsoft's CEO — testifying on Capitol Hill while many other tech CEOs are often found there defending their company's involvement in the latest upset.
Another important part of the equation is Microsoft's consistent design around open standards. As Rubino pointed out to me, Microsoft has regularly designed around open industry standards since Satya Nadella took the role of CEO. Microsoft's purchase of GitHub — the world's largest open-source repository — is further proof that the company is more interested in open-source and trustworthy products than ever.
Many Microsoft products are platform agnostic — particularly the cloud-driven ones — which would fit right in with the expectations of a home security suite of products. Not only that, but the launch of the Matter smart home interoperability specification this year means Microsoft couldn't have timed a potential product release better.
Lastly is the cloud component, something that Microsoft has had a handle on for years. As Rubino points out, the company could roll a new security camera cloud storage plan into its existing Office 365 plans, further enticing customers to stick with Microsoft as the go-to cloud service company for all of their needs.
Not only that, but Microsoft already specializes in AI.
Microsoft's one big problem here? Branding. Outside of Windows, Xbox, and Office, Microsoft has had trouble figuring out how to brand its products successfully — particularly the hardware products. Even on the software front, Microsoft regularly changes product names every few years in an effort to get them to stick with consumers.
Could Microsoft be the one to save the home security cam industry? From my point of view, it certainly seems plausible. I'm still very happy with Google's latest Nest products now that the kinks have mostly been worked out, but a new set of similar products from a company like Microsoft could be just what the industry needs to rock the boat right now.
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Get the latest news from Android Central, your trusted companion in the world of Android | <urn:uuid:6be3a8b2-1f89-4746-befd-496db37cd4e9> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.androidcentral.com/accessories/smart-home/is-this-the-beginning-of-the-demise-of-smart-home-security-cameras | 2024-03-04T07:42:27Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.973658 | 1,656 |
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In Money Magazine’s Ask the Expert section, Walter Updegrave advises a couple to “Bridge income gaps with an annuity.” While they asked him how much of the husband’s 401k should be transferred to an annuity, there wasn’t quite an easy answer for that since everyone’s situation is different. The most important thing to do when considering your annuity purchase for retirement is to figure out how much you’ll need to cover after factoring in your pension/s and your social security payments. You’ll have to determine how much income you will need in retirement and compare that with the income you’ll have coming in from pensions and social security. Whatever extra income you need to cover can be met with the guaranteed lifetime income of an annuity.
The author recommends the use of immediate annuities to bridge this gap, although there are numerous types of annuities to choose from. Your best bet is to speak with an expert and find out which type of annuity will work for your specific needs. Immediate annuities pay you guaranteed payments over you or your spouse’s lifetime in exchange for an upfront lump sum payment to an insurance company. Your payments are based on your age and the current interest rate. Since rates are typically low right now, it could be in your benefit to purchase your annuities over the next few years instead of all right now. Many people are purchasing a variable annuity with a guaranteed lifetime withdrawal benefit for a similar retirement purchase. While they may not work for everyone because of the fees and guarantees associated, the products can be another successful retirement annuity. | <urn:uuid:29f229ee-4874-4360-8fdf-a676546d1357> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.annuityfyi.com/blog/2010/09/immediate-annuities-for-retirement-income/ | 2024-03-04T09:38:04Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.966851 | 341 |
Understanding the various annuity types and riders is a critical early step in selecting the right annuity to meet your needs and goals. The table below provides links to learn more and compare annuity types.
Comparing rates is helpful, but annuity rates vary based on several factors that may include state, age and spouse. For the most accurate rates, we recommend requesting a personal rate report. You will receive a customized report comparing annuity rates from top-rated companies sent directly to your email. To get your personalized annuity rate report by email, click here.
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* Annuity guarantees rely on the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the issuing insurance company.
*** Bonus annuities may carry higher fees and charges than annuities without the bonus feature, may only accumulate interest prior to annuitization, and may not pay the bonus in case of early withdrawal.
^ Annuity riders may be available for an additional annual premium that may provide additional benefits and income guarantees. | <urn:uuid:f29d9da6-e8e5-4007-915e-0cda124e2199> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.annuityfyi.com/compare-best-annuity-rates/ | 2024-03-04T08:14:19Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.949156 | 256 |
Of graduates since 2009, 99% are employed or engaged in service, 42% have attended graduate school. Of those that are currently in jobs, 80% are employed in their field. A degree from Saint Anselm College can be the beginning to many career paths. Our students have successfully gone on to work in industry and government agencies, and teach at colleges and high schools. Additionally, Saint Anselm graduates have been accepted at some of the best graduate schools in the United States and have been awarded scholarships, teaching assistantships, and research positions.
Learn More About Social Work Careers
As explained by the National Association of Social Workers, the mission of social work “is to enhance human well-being and help meet the basic human needs of all people, with particular attention to the needs and empowerment of people who are vulnerable, oppressed, and living in poverty.” (NASW Code of Ethics, 2017, p.1)
Social workers actively work towards social and economic justice in their practice with diverse individuals, families, groups, community and the larger society.
Everywhere, such as…
Hospitals and healthcare systems
Criminal Justice agencies
Social Welfare agencies
Everyone, with particularly focus on empowering people who are vulnerable or oppressed.
Sexual and domestic violence
Elder and child abuse
Lack of access to education and resources
Learn More about Sociology Careers
A sociologist is a person who studies human social life, groups, and societies using the scientific method.
Sociologist explore dimensions of social life, most often social problems present in society, synthesize and analyze data, all in the goals to facilitate policy creation and ameliorate issues.
Everywhere! Sociologists easily move into career paths in social services, non-profits, allied health, management, marketing, and data analytics. Many pursue advanced degrees such as Masters, Ph.D., or J.D (law).
Sociologists seek to address the impact of social inequality in a variety of areas, including health, education, gender, race/ethnicity, workplace, and housing. | <urn:uuid:ec1a1faa-f65f-4913-a5bf-794ad856c1a8> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.anselm.edu/academics/departments-programs/sociology-social-work/outcomes | 2024-03-04T08:34:10Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.957822 | 429 |
The mystery of prayer is not consummated at a certain specific time or place. For if you restrict prayer to particular times or places, you will waste the rest of the time in vain pursuits. Prayer may be defined as the intellect’s unceasing intercourse with God. Its task is to engage the soul totally in things divine, its fulfillment – to adapt the words of St Paul (cf. 1 Cor. 6:17) – lies in so wedding the mind to God that it becomes one spirit with Him. | <urn:uuid:8f7fd5bf-006a-4e20-8f8a-93a626226352> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.antiochian.org.au/avada_portfolio/sep-23-2019/ | 2024-03-04T09:17:51Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.910355 | 106 |
Antonius is a leading producer of complex shapes, vessel heads, cones,
expansion joints and other special products in exotic and special materials.
These specifications vary considerably per market, country and customer. We are familiar with design codes as ASME, EN 13445, AD-2000, Norsok and many more. With our in-depth knowledge of all kind of material grades, the best welders in the industry and our special machines we can produce high quality products in all common and special material grades and sizes!
Didn't find your answer?
Antonius Art & Architecture is a specialized division within the Antonius group where artists of metal sculptures are leading. Antonius is a producer of complex shapes, vessel heads, cones, expansion joints and other special products in special materials. | <urn:uuid:0fe2a0c4-09d9-4f22-9b51-b4fee31bf9fe> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.antonius.nl/vessel-heads | 2024-03-04T07:21:33Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.919877 | 163 |
It should come as no surprise Equifax is a major target for hackers and as it turns out it has suffered two breaches over a short period of time. This latest breach may be the one that does them in. So far it has cost them more than 2.2 billion dollars in lost valuation. Moreover, a class-action suit is brewing.
They recently traded as high as $142.89 and as of this writing they were hovering around $124. The company has 120,370,000 shares meaning a loss of value of around 2.27 billion dollars.
What was the problem? It’s unknown but apparently has to do with a website vulnerability. Some potential culprits are a WordPress vulnerability or one related to a plug-in. Other options include:
- Injection flaw (SQL, etc.)
- Broken authentication and session management
- Underprotected APIs
- Security misconfiguration
- Cross site request forgery
We covered the Equifax breach of 143 million users yesterday and we also wrote another article yesterday about cybersecurity areas business managers and owners need to be aware of. Here is an excerpt:
There is a near infinite knowledge a business owner needs to be aware of to stay safe. For example, there are at least eight areas to focus on for proper email security. There are three other important areas of focus you need to be concerned with to ensure your systems (the actual equipment used by workers) are secure.
More areas to be aware of:
- Cybersecurity training is crucial.
- Auditing and documentation must be performed to ensure systems are secure.
- Anomaly detection should be running constantly to detect threats as they emerge.
- Penetration testing shows if systems can easily be reached from the outside. Here is a case where this test might have saved two company’s’ reputations from being destroyed.
- Finally network forensics for when a breach eventually occurs. The bad guys always seem to get in eventually.
Really, it is possible any of of the above items 1-4 would have either prevented this problem or caught it early. It’s not a guarantee of course without knowing what happened but certainly, if these things had been done properly, the risk of a breach would have been greatly reduced.
We can just add this latest breach to the list of important news in the world of cybersecurity:
- 77% of schools face major cybersecurity risks – based on their own knowledge of their systems and lack of preparedness. Even worse, 79% do not use any software for information security governance or risk management.
- One school was duped into wiring 8 million dollars to hackers at the end of last month in fact.
- IoT devices are proliferating throughout companies – whether business owners are aware or not and often they are unprotected.
- 711 million email addresses were just stolen which equates to more than 10% of active emails. These addresses will be used to target businesses and individuals for many years to come.
All organizations need an expert – an internal one who should be audited by an external organization at least annually or a top MSP or MSSP with enough depth on their team to ensure systems are securely operating.
Make sure you find a firm with solid online reviews and excellent customer references.
Even if your company is worth hundreds of thousands or just a few or tens of millions, you need to take cybersecurity seriously as it is a business, not IT issue these days. Moreover, the relative value of a cyberattack could be fare greater to a small organization. If your business is worth protecting, be sure to have a strong focus on cyber attacks, including training and the tech solutions your company needs to stay protected. | <urn:uuid:9f75a423-f43a-4058-8413-32996c6f700b> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apextechservices.com/topics/articles/434401-equifax-security-breach-cost-it-22-billion-counting.htm | 2024-03-04T09:28:59Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.97185 | 756 |
Parliamentary committees investigate specific matters of policy or government administration or performance.
Committees provide an opportunity for organisations and individuals to participate in policy making and to have their views placed on the public record and considered as part of the decision-making process.
Current public inquiries
Open public Submissions
Upcoming public hearings
Former Senate Committees
Former House of Representatives Committees
Former Joint Committees
House of Representatives | <urn:uuid:b57afd5b-1af9-43d7-9696-ae0920efa451> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Committees/?url=jfadt/maritime/hearings.htm | 2024-03-04T09:17:55Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.919949 | 83 |
If you have ever asked yourself amidst the college admissions process ‘what is a good ACT score?’ you’re not alone. We get asked this question by our students and parents quite often. In order to understand what makes an ACT score ‘good’, you have to trek through test-optional territory to get a better understanding of what that looks like. That in itself has become a bit unclear.
Many students wonder:
Does test optional mean my scores don’t matter anymore? Should I even bother taking college admissions tests? If I do test, where should I dedicate my tutoring hours?
Luckily, there are a few general guidelines that are helpful to follow when thinking about standardized testing and the newer test optional policies. We’ll break these down in order to help clear things up.
Here’s Why ACT Scores Still Matter
We’ll start by saying this: with test-optional schools you are in control of your scores, so you decide whether to send them to colleges or not.
ACT scores are basically another data point you can use to show colleges you can handle college-level work. At test-optional schools, you can include your scores if they’re high enough – and not submit them to schools where they fall outside the ideal range. Overall, students tend to submit their scores if they’re at the higher end of the school’s published ACT score range.
When it’s a Good Idea to Take the ACT
Generally speaking, we encourage most students to take an ACT, or at the very least, a practice ACT in order to get a baseline score. It’s worth noting that even though many schools have remained test-optional, it does look like some of the most competitive test-optional schools are still leaning into testing.
In fact, there are some schools that have gone back to requiring standardized testing as part of their application. These colleges include Georgetown, MIT, some of the larger state schools like those in Georgia and Florida, and the military academies.
And although not required to play Division 1 or Division 2 sports, some college coaches are still asking for scores as part of the recruitment process. Not to mention the fact that some test-optional schools are still factoring in standardized testing scores in their Merit Scholarship Awards. We’ll explain more of that later.
In short, strong standardized testing scores can only help your application. They can help validate your transcript and reinforce that you can handle college-level work. Don’t worry–our expert tutors can help you hit your target range and reach your full potential on these tests!
So, What’s the Next Step?
We encourage you to reach out to us to schedule a practice Digital ACT, or sign up for the next one here. The practice test will give you a better feel for the new digital adaptive ACT that is coming this Spring – and it’s a good idea to learn the ins and outs!
The practice test will also give you a baseline score so you have a better understanding of where you’re starting in the process. Keep in mind – where you start on a practice test and where you finish on the official ACT after tutoring are often two different places.
Next, get an idea for what your target score range should be. To do this, start by searching for a college’s published ACT scores to get a sense of how your current or future scores will compare. We’d recommend looking at a wide range of schools to get a big picture of their different score ranges.
Your college counselor can also provide guidance on whether your scores are in range for a particular school or not. Having a better feel for what scores you might need can help you set your goal. Our super-knowledgeable Program Directors can also talk you through that and map out a testing plan to help you reach it.
I Know Most Schools Are Test Optional…but Are They Really?
This is a question that we often hear from our students. It’s hard to give a straight yes or no answer with so many nuances – plus, the answer can vary from one institution to another. The ideal data to look at would be:
- the percent of a college’s applicant pool who submitted scores and
- the acceptance rate of that percentage, plus
- the percent of their applicant pool that did not submit scores, and finally…
- the acceptance rate of that group
Unfortunately, colleges are not releasing this information. Nevertheless, we can get some insights as to whether colleges are leaning more heavily into scores or not by looking at a data point that they are releasing: their percent of incoming students who have scores.
Key Data Points to Pay Attention to
You can find this data point from the school’s Common Data Set Report that is released annually (on the report it is category C9). For example, if you google Yale Common Data Set 2023, you will see that their published ACT score range is 1470-1560 and that their reported C9 (percent of their incoming class that submitted scores) was 88%. Certainly, some percentage of students were admitted without scores, but the vast majority submitted them. From this data, it’s reasonable to say that Yale as an institution, even though they are test-optional, is still factoring in standardized testing scores.
By contrast, another highly selective school, Northeastern, with a ACT score range of 1450-1530, reported that only 44% of their incoming class had scores. So a much higher percentage were admitted test-optionally. As another example, Quinnipiac University with a published ACT range of 1120-1300 reported their C9 at 33%. So roughly ⅔ of their enrolled class did not have scores.
While the information reported in C9 isn’t exactly the data we would like to have, it does give you a general sense of how much individual schools are still leaning into testing.
Achieve Higher Scores With Applerouth Private Tutoring
Want to know the great thing about ACT scores? They aren’t set in stone. You can study for this test and achieve major score gains if you plan ahead, practice often, and prepare effectively. We can help you with all of the above – it’s kind of our thing. We provide tutoring online and onsite for test prep, academics, and beyond.
If you’ve taken an official test and want to improve, or if you just want to try your hand at a free ACT practice test, we would love to answer your questions throughout this process.
Contact one of our Program Directors at 866-789-7737 (PREP) or book a time to discuss one-on-one tutoring online and in-person. Whether you aim to boost your scores or simply navigate the ACT landscape, we're here to make the journey smoother.
When Testing Might Not be a Necessary Focus
For some students, however, the effort may not be worth it. Some students might decide that a better use of their time is to focus on their day in and day out academic school work.
If standardized testing isn't in the plan, we’ll help you hone the skills needed for the academic journey that’s right for you. Find your perfect academic tutor and discover your place in the college arena.
An Important Aspect to Consider: The Merit Scholarship
There are still some colleges that value admissions testing – especially the larger state schools. Even if they don’t, though, many of them do accept the Merit Scholarship. This means you could benefit in a big way if your scores help you qualify for it!
As an example, the University of Alabama only accepts Merit Scholarships from those who took a college admissions test. If you’ve got your eye on a school like this, we would definitely recommend taking an ACT test and securing that scholarship!
So…Should I Take the ACT?
The fact is, it’s never going to hurt to have a strong testing score in your arsenal. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by taking the ACT test – especially if some of your top colleges require it.
As the name implies, testing is optional…but whatever you decide does have an impact. Choose wisely depending on your future goals and interests! If you are leaning toward taking the ACT, a great route to take is one of Applerouth’s free ACT practice tests. Sign up for the next one here.
What Else is Important in College Admissions?
We get excited about helping you achieve your dream score, but, when all is said and done, it’s only one factor in college admissions. The classes that inspire you, the grades you achieve, the exciting, creative, ambitious things you pursue outside of school — all of that matters too!
That’s why Applerouth is so passionate about using a holistic approach with our services. We know that helping students find their college groove goes beyond acing a test.
What’s the Bottom Line?
When you’re wondering, ‘what is a good ACT score?’ – or whether you should worry about it at all, consider this: one of the best parts about test optional is in the empowerment of being able to choose. It puts students in the driver’s seat to decide what makes the most sense for their future.
In need of some direction? Take some time to weigh your options and goals. Our Program Advisors are here to guide you and help you sketch out a strategic plan. In the end, what’s important is that you end up at a school where you can thrive – by paying attention to what you love, and giving it your all. | <urn:uuid:932212e7-d591-484c-8589-1b4b45fd9835> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.applerouth.com/blog/what-is-a-good-act-score | 2024-03-04T08:00:52Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.958389 | 2,029 |
Selling & Servicing the following Bicycle Brands
(Click on a logo to see bicycles from that brand)
Appleton Bicycle Shop will gladly service the E-Bike brands we sell. Due to a lack of technical support, we will not service E-Bike brands that we do not sell. We do not service gas powered bikes.
Specialized Turbo Como
Como is a laid-back, comfortable e-Bike with the power of a confident ride. Como lets you go with the flow by giving you a full-power, confidence-inspiring, utterly delightful experience on a bike that feels effortless to ride. The Como is our lowest step-through, designed so anyone can easily get on and ride. | <urn:uuid:b1a0073c-524e-4531-951a-c3185f3a8c7f> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.appletonbike.com/ | 2024-03-04T09:25:15Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.930468 | 152 |
When it comes to choosing a new handset, I can become as meticulous and picky as hell! It’s not necessarily a vice; however, if it takes more than three months to make your final decision, it can no longer be called a “virtue” either.
Having used several Symbian handsets such as the 6630, N73, N82, N86, and X7, I finally decided to kiss goodbye to Symbian about four months ago. My phones were sort of decrepit and I needed something new. Having had heard many good points about Android (I’m a Googler by heart), the very thought of landing in the world of Apple was never on my mind. However, after considering the following factors I decided to forgo Android. Note that here I’m not going to list the typical VoiceOver vs. Talkback arguments; rather, I want to focus on the nifty little features people might ignore. I looked into all of these at the time of making my mind.
1. The screen curtain
Yes, I must mention it first! This feature allows users to essentially turn off the display and use the handset without necessarily worrying about prying eyes or the so-called “quidnunc.” Now someone might say Android can do the same with a third-party app. Though I’ve not heard of such an app, VoiceOver’s approach requires no extra installation or configuration – just a gesture.
2. Labeling unknown icons
New to iOS 5, this feature allows users to give a proper name to unknown or confusing controls. I’ve used it several times in various apps, and can’t imagine how a mobile screen reader can exist without it. Perhaps I’m lucky enough to have entered the iOS world at the right time.
3. Flicking is the star of the show
I’ve heard this from some Android fanboys: “flicking is unnecessary and time-consuming.” May I beg to differ? Flicking makes a huge difference in using newly installed apps and discovering new controls. Even when you’re too tired to locate the proper place quickly, flicking efficaciously does the job. The nice point about VoiceOver is that it can also be operated without flicking – a single and fast movement of one finger from left to right or vice versa, but Android’s solution doesn’t have such a feature altogether.
4. Independent and functional touch and keyboard modes
Everyone knows that VoiceOver can be operated with or without a Bluetooth keyboard. That is, if you don’t have one such keyboard, you’ll lose no functionality. However, as things stand right now with Android 4.0 (ICS), some operations -- especially using the native web browser as opposed to third-party ones – require a Bluetooth keyboard. This, of course, will change as TalkBack matures, but, hey, we’re not talking about the future. Here it’s also worth mentioning that VoiceOver’s keyboard hot keys and functions are quite comprehensive and easily go beyond simple element by element navigation.
5. Easy movement to the top and bottom of the screen
With iOS 5 one can perform a four-finger gesture on the top or bottom of the screen and move the focus to that area – I mean to the very first or the very last item on the screen. That’s really fantastic.
6. Better language and voice support
Simply put, I don’t like the default Android voice for US and UK English. In Android 4, Google has added a new TTS engine for some languages (namely US and UK English), but both of them are harsh on my ears. VoiceOver, on the other hand, uses the familiar Nuance Vocalizer voices – it even has Arabic language support though my language is Persian and can’t use it. Admittedly, extra voices can be purchased in Android (like the great Ivona voices), but I really don’t like the half-accessible Ivona app in Android. It’s currently in beta and therefore free, but it’ll definitely become a paid app soon.
7. The use of headings throughout the whole OS and in many apps
When I first read about this I thought it wasn’t a big deal, but it sure is. Using the Heading item in the router and a simple up/down gesture one can very comfortably move around sections and subsections in various windows and apps – the alphabetical list of Contacts is a very good example. This means that you can jump from letter A to letter B there as they’re identified by a heading.
8. Guaranteed future iOS updates
Even many Apple 3GS users have now upgraded to iOS 5.1 and are happily using their two-year-old handsets. Apart from the issue of largely inaccessible skins, Google doesn’t determine the fate of more than 99 percent of Android handsets – other handset manufacturers do.
9. Superior Braille support
I’ve heard that Braille is coming to Android through a commercial application. No one knows how it’s been implemented, but iOS has pristine built-in Braille support for those who need it.
OK, I do have many more reasons to list here (flexible Rotor, more accessible dictionaries and Apple’s commitment to VoiceOver are just three of them and let’s not forget the magnification features built into the iOS), but I guess these are enough to make anyone a happy camper. | <urn:uuid:c4f8ef6f-13ca-4253-8ae4-9a569de3482a> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.applevis.com/comment/2626 | 2024-03-04T09:36:10Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.941504 | 1,167 |
Home & Education
Network & Internet
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Discover and Download BEST, FREE Software, Apps, and Games | <urn:uuid:c5371eb6-b077-4d64-8480-232969c7389d> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apponic.com/s/candy/ | 2024-03-04T07:25:01Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.721218 | 213 |
Spain's Lone British Matador May Retire
He is known to bullfighting aficionados as El Ingles (The Englishman): Frank Evans is the first British bullfighter to reach the top level of matador in Spain, and he may hang up his cape this summer.
Bullfighters usually bow out of the ring in their 30s. But Evans, 62, has braved time and injuries to keep practicing his profession.
The son of a butcher from Manchester, England, Evans faced his first bull in the ring in 1967. An old injury could bring his career to a close. Evans joins Scott Simon from Marbella, Spain for a conversation.
Copyright 2022 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | <urn:uuid:ee1b95fe-6a4b-4d0b-94bf-2f98a1a1ec93> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apr.org/2005-05-27/spains-lone-british-matador-may-retire | 2024-03-04T07:56:07Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.96585 | 154 |
'Emeril's Delmonico': A Classic Take on Creole
Wednesday is a red-letter day in New Orleans: the iconic Cafe du Monde, a 153-year-old restaurant at the heart of the French Quarter, re-opens after the devastating flood following Hurricane Katrina.
And another revered dining icon is getting new life with help from a most unlikely source: television celebrity chef and restaurateur Emeril Lagasse, best known for his bombastic on-screen demeanor.
The raucous, laissez les bon temps roulez atmosphere is central to Emeril Live, his successful show on the Food Network -- but it's the antithesis of Delmonico, one of New Orleans' landmark restaurants.
So it was a surprise to a lot of people -- including Lagasse -- when Angela Brown and Rose Brown Deitrich, whose family owned Delmonico for several generations, chose Legasse to take over the business. On the surface, it's an odd pairing. But the sisters liked what Lagasse was doing with his own restaurants, and Legasse wanted a chance to preserve classic Creole cuisine.
So in 1997, the sisters sold the restaurant and became Emeril's Delmonico, and the celebrity chef continued building on the Delmonico tradition. His newest cookbook, Emeril's Delmonico: A New Orleans Restaurant With A Past, is a homage to the rich Creole dishes that have now become legend.
Lagasse is committed to rebuilding the city's culinary reputation, and says the people of New Orleans will lead the way. "They won't lose the spirit, the won't lose the soul," he says. "People are discussing at lunch what they're gonna have for dinner that's the spirit of New Orleans. And it can't be blown away."
From Emeril's Delmonico: A New Orleans Restaurant With A Past:
In 1699 French explorer Pierre LeMoyne, Sieur d'Iberville, and his brother Jean-Baptiste, Sieur de Bienveille, traveled through Lake Pontchartrain (named for their French Minister of Marine) to found the city of New Orleans.
There are several interpretations of Eggs Pontchartrain in New Orleans. One features poached eggs atop crawfish and hash browns and another includes eggs on crab cakes and biscuits. Ours has poached eggs served with crispy-fried oysters and bacon, then drizzled with hollandaise flavored with tasso. Now that's what I call an over-the-top dish!
Makes 4 servings
1 tablespoon white vinegar
8 large eggs
4 English muffins, split into halves and lightly toasted
12 strips bacon, fried until crisp and strips broken in half
1 recipe Tasso Hollandaise Sauce (recipe follows)
1 recipe Fried Oysters (recipe follows)
1 tablespoon chopped green onions, green tops only, for garnish
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
1. Pour cold water into a 10-inch sauté pan to a depth of about 2 inches. Bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat so that the surface of the water barely shimmers. Add the vinegar.
2. Break 4 of the eggs into individual saucers, then gently slide them out one at a time into the water and, with a large spoon, lift the white over the yolk. Repeat the lifting once or twice to completely enclose each yolk. Poach until the whites are set and the yolks feel firm yet soft when gently touched, 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the eggs with a slotted spoon and either serve immediately, or place in a shallow pan or large bowl of cold water.
3. Repeat with the remaining eggs, adding more water as needed to keep the depth at 2 inches, and bringing the water to a simmer before adding the eggs.
To serve, reheat the eggs as necessary by slipping them into simmering water for 30 seconds to 1 minute. Place 2 toasted English muffin halves on each of four large plates and lay 3 half strips of bacon across each. Place 1 poached egg on top of each muffin half and drizzle with the tasso hollandaise. Arrange the oysters on top of the eggs and around each plate, garnish each serving with the chopped green onions and parsley, and serve immediately.
Makes 16 oysters, 2 to 4 servings
1 cup buttermilk
2 tablespoons Emeril's Original Essence or Creole Seasoning
16 freshly shucked oysters, drained
½ cup masa harina corn flour
½ cup all-purpose flour
4 cups vegetable oil for frying
1. Combine the buttermilk with 1 tablespoon of the Essence in a medium bowl. Add the oysters and marinate for 5 minutes.
2. Combine the masa harina and flour with 1 tablespoon of the Essence in a shallow dish.
3. Heat the oil to 350° F in a medium heavy pot with high sides.
4. Dredge the oysters in the flour mixture and shake the pieces in a strainer to remove any excess. Carefully add to the hot oil in batches, and cook, turning occasionally, until golden on all sides, 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the oysters with a slotted spoon, drain on paper towels, and serve immediately.
Makes about 1 cup
2 large egg yolks
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 teaspoons water
3/4 cup Clarified Butter or 12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon tepid water, as needed
1/4 cup finely chopped tasso (about 2 ounces)
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon cayenne
1. In the top of a double boiler or in a medium bowl set over a pot of barely simmering water, whisk the eggs yolks with the lemon juice and 2 teaspoons water until the egg yolks are thick and pale yellow. Remove the double boiler or bowl and saucepan from the heat and gradually add the butter, whisking constantly to thicken. Add enough tepid water to thin to pouring consistency. Add the tasso, salt, and cayenne and whisk well to blend. Adjust the seasonings taste.
2. Serve immediately, or cover to keep warm for up to 10 minutes, whisking occasionally to keep from separating.
Fillet of Snapper Rome
This dish was named for Ernest "Jitterbug" Rome, who began working for the LaFranca family in 1939 and served as chef for Delmonico Restaurant until the family closed the restaurant in 1997, a span of nearly sixty years. While the preparation may seem complicated, this is a very straightforward dish to make and the end result is impressive and delicious. To simplify matters, you can prepare the béchamel-crabmeat mixture and the butter sauce ahead of time, and then cook the fish at the last minute.
The crabmeat topping makes Snapper Rome a very rich dish, so I suggest simpler side dishes to accompany it, such as Broccoli with Hollandaise Sauce (p. 214) and boiled small new potatoes tossed with a little melted butter and parsley.
Makes 4 servings
12 tablespoons (1 1/2 sticks) plus 1 1/2 teaspoons unsalted butter
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon Worcestershire
1/4 cup fine dry bread crumbs
4 8-ounce skinless red snapper fillets
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon plus a pinch ground white pepper
1 cup lump crabmeat, picked over for shells and cartilage
1 1/2 teaspoons all-purpose flour
1/2 cup half-and-half
8 thin strips green bell pepper
2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley, (optional) for garnish
1. Preheat the oven to broil and adjust the rack 3 to 4 inches from the top heat element. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and set aside.
2. Combine 1 stick of the butter, the lemon juice, and Worcestershire in a small saucepan and cook over medium heat, stirring, until the butter is melted and the mixture is warm, about 4 minutes. Pour half of the butter mixture into a small heatproof bowl, add the bread crumbs, stir well, and set aside.
3. With a pastry brush, lightly coat the baking sheet with the butter mixture remaining in the saucepan. Place the fillets on the baking sheet and brush lightly with the butter mixture. Season the top of each fillet with a 1/8 teaspoon of the salt and a pinch of the white pepper and broil, basting twice, until lightly golden brown and just cooked through, 4 to 5 minutes. Remove from the oven and leave the oven on broil.
4. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a medium skillet over medium heat. When foamy, add the crabmeat and cook, stirring and being careful not to break up the lumps, until warmed through, about 3 minutes. Remove from the heat.
5. Melt the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the flour and cook, stirring constantly with a heavy wooden spoon, to make a light roux, 1 to 2 minutes. Gradually add the half-and-half, stirring constantly, and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low and cook, stirring, until thickened, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, pinch white pepper, and the crabmeat mixture and stir well to combine. Remove from the heat.
6. Divide the crabmeat mixture among the fillets, spreading evenly over the tops, and sprinkle each with the breadcrumb mixture. Place 2 bell pepper strips in the shape of an "X" on each fillet and broil until the tops are golden brown and the fish is heated through, 2 to 3 minutes.
7. Place one fillet in the center of each of four large plates and spoon any additional butter mixture over the tops. Garnish each portion with 1/2 teaspoon of the parsley and serve immediately.
Copyright 2023 NPR. To see more, visit https://www.npr.org. | <urn:uuid:6383ea36-e63b-483b-9f06-1c203d55fe1e> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apr.org/2005-10-18/emerils-delmonico-a-classic-take-on-creole | 2024-03-04T07:55:21Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.915615 | 2,139 |
State Up to Two Months Behind in Tax Refunds
By Associated Press
Montgomery, AL – Alabama taxpayers expecting refunds may have to wait up to two months before getting a check this year.
State Revenue Commissioner Tim Russell says the state is taking six to eight weeks to return refunds to taxpayers. Alabama has so far paid $275 million in refunds this fiscal year. In fiscal year 2008, the department refunded $518 million.
Russell says a reason for the delay is a slowing cash flow due to the economic downturn.
He says he hopes the pace picks up soon. The department is required to pay interest starting July 16. | <urn:uuid:09596526-1151-4a6e-9c41-ec56de1cf0ea> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apr.org/2009-05-04/state-up-to-two-months-behind-in-tax-refunds | 2024-03-04T07:38:44Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.965531 | 129 |
Alabama shivers under ice and snow
Tuscaloosa, Alabama – Alabama residents woke up to icy condtions from freezing rain, and up to seven inches of snow. That left slick streets over the weekend and into Monday. Frigid air from the North mixed with moist air from Gulf of Mexico. This story from Alabama Public Radio's Pat Duggins aired on National Public Radio. | <urn:uuid:c1eba49a-88b8-4c1e-b541-2a2ead0e30b9> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apr.org/2011-01-10/alabama-shivers-under-ice-and-snow | 2024-03-04T08:05:53Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.888724 | 79 |
Row Over Stilton Could Cause A Stink
DAVID GREENE, HOST:
Good morning. I'm David Greene. In the British village of Stilton they've made a cheese called Stilton since the 18th century, a tradition as old as our country. But in Britain, a couple of centuries - whatever. The government has told a pub in Stilton that it can't call its cheese Stilton.
The name is protected by EU law which says true Stilton cheese can come from three specific regions - not Cambridgeshire, where Stilton is located. The pub's landlord is weighing his legal options. He could cause a stink. It's MORNING EDITION. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR. | <urn:uuid:a0a78d0e-724c-4948-8f1f-b72bf671b858> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apr.org/2013-10-25/row-over-stilton-could-cause-a-stink | 2024-03-04T09:34:28Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.973087 | 149 |
Chocolate Savories For Your Sweet
Long before the first Valentine's Day, ancient Maya and Aztecs understood the allure of chocolate. Though the chocolate we eat today is radically different from that of ancient times, we are still seduced, especially in the days leading up to Valentine's Day, when Americans will purchase close to 60 million pounds of chocolate almost exclusively in the form of candy.
A glittery, heart-shaped box of chocolates certainly is charming, but that isn't all there is. Take a page from the ancients' cookbook and give your loved one a series of savory chocolate pleasures.
The Maya and Aztecs began eating chocolate, or more specifically cacao beans, more than 2,000 years ago. Rather than the dark, sweet confection we adore, here's what they experienced: They harvested and split cacao pods from cacao trees to reveal the beans inside (technically the seeds, as cacao pods are fruit). They fermented the beans for several days, then dried and roasted them.
The roasted beans were ground into a paste, mixed with water, spices, seeds and nuts and transformed into a thick, bitter drink called xocoatl that was prized by rulers who believed it possessed magical, aphrodisiac and perhaps divine powers. Indeed, Theobroma cacao, the scientific name for the cacao tree, means "food of the gods."
It wasn't until the 1500s that Spanish explorers combined chocolate and sugar. Sweetened chocolate ignited a culinary revolution. European cultures including the Spanish, French and Italian used chocolate and cocoa powder to flavor stews and braise meats such as venison and rabbit.
Chocolate also was used as a more flavorful thickener for sauces and glazes. Italian agrodolce, for example, a sweet and sour sauce made from reduced vinegar or wine and chocolate, is a complex sauce typically served with pork or game meat.
Perhaps the most well-known savory chocolate foodstuff is mole, a lusty Mexican sauce made with an impossibly long list of ingredients including tomatoes, chilies, spices and chocolate.
While Central American and European cultures have long appreciated chocolate's savory qualities, Americans are relative newcomers. Thanks to innovative chefs, we're starting to appreciate simple savory dishes such as toasted bread with melted dark chocolate, olive oil and sea salt as well as more sophisticated dishes such as cacao-nib-coated goat cheese.
At this point, you may be salivating for savory chocolate foods, or you may be thinking: She's crazy. Chocolate belongs with caramel and ice cream, not with goat cheese or beef!
Combining sweet and salty or sweet and spicy foods makes sense, though. There's a reason we love kettle corn and barbecued chicken wings. That's why pairing bittersweet chocolate with salty meats such as pork or with spicy foods such as chilies is so scrumptious. Like good spouses, they bring out the best in one another.
So this Valentine's Day, be a rebel. Skip the heart-shaped box of chocolates and indulge your sweetheart with a variety of edible bliss-inducing chocolate dishes. I can't verify their aphrodisiac powers, but how can eating chocolate-, chili- and wine-infused dishes not make your heart flutter, even just a little?
Tips For Cooking With Chocolate
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Caleb Landry Jones, 'Three Billboards' Salesman, Sees His 'Fat Face' On Screen
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri is open now, after winning praise and prizes at film festivals in Toronto and Venice.
Frances McDormand plays a bereft and angry mother who rents three billboards to shame local police into finding the man who raped and murdered her daughter. Martin McDonagh wrote and directed Three Billboards. Woody Harrelson stars, alongside Peter Dinklage, Sam Rockwell, and Caleb Landry Jones — who was in this year's Get Out and X-Men: First Class, and was first seen as Jimmy Adler in Friday Night Lights.
"Actually, first job was No Country For Old Men, Boy On Bike No. 2," Jones says. "Or [No.] 1. I think 2, though."
Jones plays the guy who rents the billboards to McDormand's character. And what did he learn from being around his more famous co-stars?
"That I am not a real actor," he says, laughing. "If anything, I'm just a charlatan of some kind or something."
I spoke with the modest young actor from Richardson, Texas.
On what made him want to be an actor
"The beginning," the beginning, you mean? I think it was a few things, but probably wanting to be loved; probably acceptance of some kind; wanting to be a part of something.
On if he is a better actor now than when he was 16 years old
I hope so. When I saw that film, I thought it was an incredible film — No Country For Old Men — and they got up to my part, and I thought, "Oh boy, they really screwed up." 'Cause I believed everything, for every second, until I saw my fat face, you know? And it really made me think, "Do they know what they're doing," you know? Because I — I was terrible! But I hope I've gotten better. I've really been working at it.
On if Hollywood is any less "culpable" – a term used by Frances McDormand's character – as the Catholic Church on issues of sexual abuse and pedophilia
I would think no, but, um — I would say no.
On what he hopes audiences take away from the film
Throughout the film, you're constantly forced to look at characters in more ways than one — pretty much all of them, you're forced to see in a different light. People are full of contradictions, you know? I'm a walking contradiction, and therefore, you find yourself in shock of the places you're going. And you think one thing, and it turns out to be another; you think, "This person has to be the bad guy," they become the good guy. I love not knowing, you know?
Ian Stewart and Ed McNulty produced and edited the audio of this interview for broadcast. Patrick Jarenwattananon adapted it for the web.
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College Students Hit by U.S. Credit Crisis
MICHEL MARTIN, host:
We'll take a look now at the other challenge to education today - paying for it. We knew we needed a money coach for this, so we've called on our personal finance guru, Alvin Hall. Across the country, students are eyeing their mailboxes for college acceptance letters. But after that good news, just how will they pay for the schools of their choice? Last week, several banks pulled out of the Federally Guaranteed Student Loan Program. Other lenders are reducing their participation.
This follows last year's decision by Congress to cut lender's subsidies by more than 20 billion dollars over five years. Here to help us sort all this out and tell us what this means to us as individuals is our money expert, Alvin Hall. Hi, Alvin.
ALVIN HALL: Hello, Michel.
MARTIN: Alvin, three of the biggest lenders - HSBC Bank, M&T Bank, and TCF Financial Corporation decided not to participate in the federal loan program anymore. Why?
HALL: I think because they saw risk associated with the loans equal to the risk associated with the mortgage crisis. Because today most of these loans are repackaged, very similar to the mortgages, and then sold on to lenders, they started to worry that maybe some of these people are the same people who have mortgages, who have over-extended their credit, and therefore will not be able to pay back their loans.
MARTIN: Do you have any idea what impact this has on the available money for student loans?
HALL: So far, it's pretty regional. If your university or lending officer depended on one of these banks for loans, it does have a knock-on effect. But I think a more important affect of it is that reduces the number of lenders and therefore the cost the borrowing, especially if you have to go outside of the federal system, will go up.
MARTIN: Why can they do that? Can they just opt out?
HALL: It's completely their option. It's a business decision. They decided that the business is too risky. They can back out at any time they want to. The government does not demand that they stay there through thick and thin.
MARTIN: What is the government's role then here?
HALL: The government role is really to try to make as many loans available to people as possible. But there are several ways you can do this. You can go to the direct student loan route, which means you borrow directly from the government, which is probably the most efficient way that most people should do it. They should go to the bank that has access to those kind of loans, or some other lender, and borrow directly from one of those.
Then you can do the private route. The private route is where you go to a bank, and a bank makes you the loan themselves, but that is not guaranteed or backed by the federal government in any way whatsoever. And that's often very risky.
MARTIN: Does the - are there income guidelines or income restrictions on who can participate in the federal loan program? I guess what I'm wondering is why wouldn't everybody participate in the direct lending from the federal government. One would assume that the rates would be favorable because there's no profit motive.
HALL: The rates are favorable. Some people don't know about it. Some universities and smaller colleges don't participate in it to the extent that they could. And there are some income ceilings placed on this. Basically, any student that needs money can get a loan from the federal government. And parents, through a separate program, can also borrow money from the fed up to the full amount of the student's need requirements minus aids.
But therein, Michel, lies the little twist. Provided they've had no adverse marks on their credit records, then parents can borrow. These days, with the credit tightening, people need to look at their credit reports before they apply for loans.
MARTIN: Are you concerned that qualified students who have been accepted to the colleges of their choice will not be able to go because they won't have access to the loans?
HALL: As you asked me that question, a knot came into my stomach because I recall when I applied to schools. I was one of those kids out there who needed money, and I look at the programs today, and I think if a kid is really determined and the parents are really determined, they'll find access to that money. But I think there are parents and students out there who don't understand how credit works, who don't have good credit ratings. They will be damaged by this.
MARTIN: Is home equity a big source of college financing? I guess what I'm wondering is is the overall credit crisis likely to affect the student loan market as well?
HALL: Yes, it will drive the costs of borrowing up. People will have a more difficult time tapping into their home equity to pay for schools. It's just going to get tighter for people to get loans, and people need to sit down before they ever look at the packages and start doing some work to see if they need to borrow, what are the greatest sources. There's some great websites out there. But also I know that several of the bigger schools with huge endowments have completely eliminated loans. So I think that if a student is very bright, they're very motivated, they should definitely apply to one of those schools.
But barring that, they should borrow much more judiciously. Try to keep it as low as possible. If they can pay the interest over the time they're in school, or their parents can, that will help save them money. Do whatever you can to keep the costs of your education low. And I tell everybody, maybe you want to start out at a smaller school these days. You may want to go to an expensive school, but if you can't afford it and you don't get a good enough package, go to a school you can afford.
Be brilliant in that small pond and then transfer to the school you want to and get a better package.
MARTIN: So finally, Alvin, give us some take away tips on what students can do to secure their college financing.
HALL: Start by looking at the types of loans you have available. Look at those made directly by the fed that you can borrow, that your parents can borrow. Look at the income ceilings required. Look at the amounts you can borrow. Also, if you're really desperate, look at private loans, although I would not encourage people to do that. Decide how you're going to pay for your day-to-day expenses. Will you get a job while you're in school? Your role, if you really are motivated to get an education, is to figure it out.
MARTIN: Alvin Hall is our financial expert. He joined us from our New York Bureau. We'll have a special Q and A on our website, npr.org/tellmemore, with tips from Alvin talking about the credit crisis and what else you need to know. Alvin, thank you so much.
HALL: You're most welcome.
MARTIN: I'm Michel Martin. You're listening to Tell Me More from NPR News. Transcript provided by NPR, Copyright NPR.
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News from Alabama Public Radio is a public service in association with the University of Alabama. We depend on your help to keep our programming on the air and online. Please consider supporting the news you rely on with a donation today. Every contribution, no matter the size, propels our vital coverage. Thank you. | <urn:uuid:011b7f6d-ca60-4866-9a90-ba1e321c7a55> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.apr.org/politics-government/2005-01-06/schwarzeneggers-calif-prison-system-overhaul | 2024-03-04T08:05:07Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.930285 | 62 |
New Law Starts Baby Boomers Down A Health Savings Track
One of the lesser-known provisions in the new health law may have one of the biggest and longest-lived impacts.
As baby boomers edge into their 60s, many wonder how they will get care, if they're unable to care for themselves.
Jim Firman says the answer lies in the Community Living Assistance Service and Supports (CLASS) Act – a section of the new health law that would establish a federal insurance program for long-term care. Firman has been president and CEO of the National Council on Aging since 1995. He says that the CLASS Act was "literally one of Ted Kennedy's dying wishes," and that now "is the right time" to establish the benefit championed by the late Massachusetts senator.
He spoke with KHN's Peggy Girshman recently at the annual Aging in America meeting. Here are edited excerpts of that interview.
Q. How do you characterize what's going to happen in the next 10 to 20 years with long-term care in this country?
A: Right now, millions of older adults who have worked hard all their lives are forced to spend down their life savings and go into an expensive nursing home, just because they can't afford care at home. The health reform plan makes it easier for individuals on Medicaid to get care in their own homes. It also means that spouses of people receiving home care on Medicaid will no longer have to be forced down into poverty before they get help.
Equally important and even less known is the fact that this new health care plan creates a major national insurance program to help people pay for long-term care at home. People who are working will voluntarily opt to pay in, it will be a payroll deduction if they choose to do this, and after paying in for five years, they will be eligible to earn an average of $75 per day in cash on a monthly benefit basis to help them pay for home and community based care.
Q: Seventy-five dollars a day doesn't pay for that much now, let alone 20 years from now. How do you answer critics that say this a drop in the bucket in providing long term care insurance for people?
A: I think they're wrong. Think about it from the business point of view. In my neighborhood – I live in Arlington, Va. – within six blocks of me, I know two elderly people who are frail and need help, and I know two people who are in their late 50s and have had strokes and are both paralyzed. If they were able to pool their money, which would come to about $112,000 a year between them, I could put together an incredible package of services and care and support to keep those people in their homes.
It's not enough to keep people in nursing homes, where you're paying for room and board and a whole bunch of things other than care and depreciation and in for-profit homes you're also paying for profit. But, don't underestimate the power of $75 a day. That could help most people, particularly if it's complementing efforts made by family members and other kinds of things.
Q: How would you describe what the need is going to be in the next 10, 20, 30 years for long term care -- whether it's community-based or nursing-home based?
A: It's anybody's guess what the need for long-term care is going to be. If nothing else changes, given the rates we have of people with disabilities and the number of diseases that occurred, we're probably looking at tripling the number of people who will need long-term care, because a lot of them will [be living longer] and become more frail.
The big wild card in this is Alzheimer's and dementia. If we are able to in the next five or 10 years to develop a vaccine or a cure, it could dramatically change the cost of long-term care in this country. You can look at rosy scenarios and say, the percentage of older people in long-term care will decrease because we'll come up with cures or prevention for Alzheimer's, or you can say we don't, in which case more people will live longer and get Alzheimer's.
Q: It seems like in some cities, counties, suburbs, that there are overlapping services for seniors. What is the best practice for trying to navigate that?
A. The best practice is always to take a person-centered approach. To look at people holistically, and say what are all their needs, not just health needs or not even just their needs for … long-term care services, but what are their economic financial needs, and then to do case work, however that's done, where you bring together all the resources in a community to help a person. At the end of the day, it's somebody looking at that person and saying, "I'm going to help you get everything that's out there."
Q. Who decides who that somebody is, and who pays that somebody, or coordinates that somebody?
A. Well, right now nobody pays for it unless you're impoverished and on Medicaid, and then they have somebody call the case manager who tries to do that. But the answer [for most people} is that no one [entity] decides, and that's okay. We have to empower people. Just because people are disabled doesn't mean they're not smart and they don't know what to do. Even if they have dementia, they have family members.
I think this is an empowerment issue. It's about giving people the information, helping them understand their rights, making it easy through the Internet and new technology for people to talk about this. [Once people start receiving benefits from the CLASS Act], a whole bunch of people will now have $27,500 a year to pay for what they want and need, there will be an instant uprising of innovation and creativity in the private sector. Both for-profit and non-profit will be all over it. They'll be in there offering people comprehensive solutions to do exactly what they need. I think this problem will solve itself through American ingenuity and innovation.
This story was produced through collaboration between NPR and Kaiser Health News (KHN), an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation, a nonpartisan health-care policy research organization. The Kaiser Family Foundation is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.
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Leading purging compound producer, Aquapurge, has opened a sales office in Beynost, near Lyon and the heart of the French plastics processing industries.
The Aquapurge France office is headed up by Etienne Quinot together with new recruit, Catherine Dalphinet. Both have considerable experience and connections in French manufacturing. Both are also contributing to the double-digit Aquapurge sales growth in the French territories.
Aquapurge Sales Manager Donatella Isopi says that “we are delighted to announce such a move and are fortunate also to have such able sales-practitioners leading our sales expansion”.
The Aquapurge France team has already exhibited the company’s wares at the annual meeting of the Ronax Group last month: Ronax is a French collective of companies which is dedicated to all aspects of supplying the French plastics processing industries. Aquapurge France met over 90 potential customers at the July event; organizing site visits and company training in the use of purging techniques and purging materials. September will see a large amount of follow-through in the French marketplace.
The next stop on the 2019 exhibition circuit for Aquapurge will be the upcoming K 2019 show in Düsseldorf, October 16-23. Donatella says that “we shall certainly use the K 2019 exhibition as part of our recruitment drive – including further personnel in France!
“A successful track record of selling to the world’s injection moulding industries is desirable – as is a confident sales ability and a team-player attitude.”
Aquapurge is currently shortlisted for the UK’s 2019 Plastics Industry Awards for ‘Most Innovative Material’ (for BBU purging compound) and also for the ‘Best Business Initiative’ for its plan to become the world’s top supplier of purging compound by the year 2023.
“Aquapurge France represents a great new chapter in the history of our business,” says Richard Brayne-Nicholls, Aquapurge Commercial Director, “and the K 2019 exhibition will give us even more opportunity to open up markets and staff Aquapurge offices throughout Europe”.
He adds that “Aquapurge demonstrably makes the best purging compound that injection moulders can buy. We now require the best salespeople to help us sell it worldwide. Our telephone lines are always open and ready to make an appointment with us through the eight days of the K show, October 16-23.” | <urn:uuid:21b8f27c-8d67-4024-96ff-3b293193253b> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aquapurge.com/aquapurge-opens-office-in-france/ | 2024-03-04T09:29:50Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.950962 | 543 |
In summers past, kids would drag out the long, green garden hose and attach a sprinkler of their choice. Then they?d run through the icy cold sprays, with grass clippings stuck to their feet and legs, whiling away hot summer days in the backyard.
Not anymore. For a few thousand dollars, parents can purchase and install their own spraypark right outside the kitchen window. They don?t have to worry about wasting water, pathogens, or drowning either.
?It?s more active and you can really have a lot of interactivity designed in it,? said Tom Lilly, vice president of sales at Rain Drop Products in Ashland, Ohio. He?s sold large commercial versions, the type placed in municipal parks and aquatics facilities, to customers who wanted them for their backyards. ?This will be a new breed of swimming pool.?
Seeing the trend, some manufacturers have created backyard lines for residential customers, for a lower price and smaller space than at a municipal park. That?s the concept Ryan Robison developed. The president of Liquid Concepts in Gilbert, Ariz., built a spraypark in his own backyard. After fine-tuning his design, he began selling the miniaturized versions to the public.
?The one thing is, it?s totally new,? he said. ?Everyone has a swimming pool; everyone has a barbecue island. Now everybody can have their own backyard waterpark.? He designs pads to come with rubberized surfaces that can be used as patios when the water jets are off.
Approximately 300 gallons of water are treated and recirculated through the system, which can start at 100 square feet. More features can be added, from simple jets in the ground to buckets, umbrellas, guns, and even small slides. In some cases, people are adding the features to the backyard pool?s beach entry or sun shelf, where a couple of inches of water exist.
The backyard concept had its spotlight moment during an episode of ABC-TV?s ?Extreme Makeover: Home Edition,? where a spraypark was installed at the home of a family with sextuplets in Birmingham, Ala. The pad featured round spraying arches, water cannons, ground jets, tall spritzing flowers and palm trees.
?We feel great knowing that the ? children will have endless hours of fun, interactive play and that their parents can relax knowing that they are safe,? said Craig White, president of sales and operations at Waterplay Manufacturing Inc. in Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada. His company donated the installation to the TV show.
As sprayparks continue to move into people?s yards, they will find new ways to integrate the structures, builders say. ?They?ll want to make them color-coordinated,? said Mark Othmer, senior warranty and technical adviser at Neuman Pools in Beaver Dam, Wis. ?Nobody will want a bright red elephant sticking out of the yard. Residential playground equipment has gone from steel to wood, and the wood is ergonomic. We?ll see the same thing here.?
Robison agreed: ?It?s not just turning the hose on and running it for three hours.? | <urn:uuid:b15b286d-7f82-449d-aafe-c2911dbab180> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aquaticsintl.com/facilities/waterparks-resorts/emerging-markets-residential-sprayparks_o | 2024-03-04T08:46:22Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.960687 | 664 |
- Al-Mustafa International University also targeted for supporting IRGC’s Quds Force
- Iran’s official in Yemen Hasan Irlu is operates for ‘terrorist’ Quds Force
LONDON: The US imposed terrorism-related sanctions Tuesday on Iran’s envoy to the Houthi militants in Yemen.
Despite Iran describing him as an “ambassador,” Hasan Irlu operates for the overseas wing of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) known as the Quds Force, the US Treasury Department said.
Iran’s Al-Mustafa International University was also targeted with sanctions for serving as a platform for Quds Force operations and recruitment abroad.
Iran-based Pakistani citizen Yousef Ali Muraj was designated for helping the Quds Force “coordinate, plan and execute operations in the Middle East and United States.”
Iran announced Irlu’s arrival in Yemen’s Houthi controlled capital Sanaa in October. The Iran-backed Houthis seized Sanaa in 2014 forcing the internationally recognised government to flee and sparking the conflict that has devastated the country.
“By dispatching Irlu to Yemen, the IRGC-QF is signaling its intent to increase support to the Houthis and further complicate international efforts to reach a negotiated settlement to the conflict,” US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said as the sanctions were announced.
“The IRGC-QF is the Iranian regime’s primary tool to sow chaos and destruction across the Middle East,” Pompeo added. The United States will continue to take action against the IRGC-QF to disrupt its facilitation networks and cut off resources that support the terrorist group’s activities.”
In it’s designation, the Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control said Iran’s dispatch or Irlu as an envoy to the Houthis made it the only country to recognise the militia as a government.
“For years, Irlu supported IRGC-QF efforts to provide advanced weapons and training to the Houthis,” the designation said. “He coordinated with other senior IRGC-QF leaders to support the group’s operations throughout the Arabian Peninsula and Yemen.”
Irlu, who appeared with Houthi officials weeks after his arrival in Sanaa, is accused of helping train another Iranian regional proxy – the Lebanese group Hezbollah.
He also coordinated with Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, who was killed by a US strike in Baghdad in January.
Al-Mustafa International University, which claims to have branches in more than 50 countries, was sanctioned for helping the Quds Force, which the US and many other countries consider a terrorist organization.
The university allows its student body to serve as an international recruitment network, the designation said.
“The IRGC-QF uses Al-Mustafa University to develop student exchanges with foreign universities for the purposes of indoctrinating and recruiting foreign sources,” it said. “Al-Mustafa has facilitated unwitting tourists from western countries to come to Iran, from whom IRGC-QF members sought to collect intelligence.”
Recruits from the university have been sent to fight in Syria for Iranian-backed militias, including too that were made up of Afghan and Pakistani fighters.
The designations mean all property of those designated, as well as any entities that are 50 percent or more owned by them, that fall under US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from dealing with them.
In addition, foreign banks that knowingly facilitate significant transactions for them, or people who provide material support to them, risk losing access to the US financial system. | <urn:uuid:a104ef19-16ba-4b65-a221-23f7aec8902f> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.arabnews.jp/en/middle-east/article_33453/ | 2024-03-04T08:08:43Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.964718 | 771 |
Bitcoin Era Review – Is it a Scam? – A Popular Trading Platform
Bitcoin Era is a renowned trading platform that has gained significant popularity in the cryptocurrency market. It offers users the opportunity to trade Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies using advanced algorithms and automated trading strategies. In this comprehensive review, we will explore the functionality and features of Bitcoin Era, assess its legitimacy, and determine if it is a scam or a legitimate trading platform.
II. What is Bitcoin Era?
Bitcoin Era is an online trading platform designed to facilitate the buying and selling of cryptocurrencies. It harnesses the power of advanced algorithms and machine learning to analyze market trends and execute trades automatically on behalf of users. The platform is known for its speed, accuracy, and accessibility, making it an attractive option for both experienced traders and beginners.
III. How Does Bitcoin Era Work?
Bitcoin Era operates using sophisticated algorithms that analyze vast amounts of market data to identify profitable trading opportunities. These algorithms are designed to track market trends, news, and events that can impact cryptocurrency prices. By utilizing historical data and real-time market information, Bitcoin Era can accurately predict price movements and execute trades at the optimal time.
The automated trading process on Bitcoin Era is seamless and user-friendly. Once users have set their trading preferences, the platform takes over and executes trades on their behalf. This eliminates the need for manual trading and allows users to take advantage of trading opportunities 24/7.
IV. Advantages of Using Bitcoin Era
There are several advantages to using Bitcoin Era as a trading platform:
Speed: Bitcoin Era's advanced algorithms can analyze market data and execute trades in a matter of milliseconds, giving users a competitive edge in the market.
Accuracy: The algorithms used by Bitcoin Era have a high level of accuracy in predicting price movements, increasing the chances of profitable trades.
Accessibility: Bitcoin Era is accessible to traders of all experience levels. The platform is user-friendly and provides educational resources to help beginners navigate the world of cryptocurrency trading.
- Flexibility: Bitcoin Era allows users to customize their trading preferences and strategies to align with their individual goals and risk tolerance.
V. User Testimonials and Reviews
To provide a balanced perspective, let's examine some real user testimonials and reviews about Bitcoin Era:
Positive Review: "I have been using Bitcoin Era for several months now, and it has completely transformed my trading experience. The platform is easy to use, and the automated trading feature has helped me make consistent profits. Highly recommended!" – John D.
Negative Review: "I tried Bitcoin Era for a few weeks, and I found it to be unreliable. The trades executed by the platform were not profitable, and I ended up losing money. I would advise caution when using this platform." – Sarah W.
It's important to note that user experiences may vary, and it's crucial to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when trading cryptocurrencies.
VI. Is Bitcoin Era a Scam?
Bitcoin Era has been the subject of skepticism and doubt due to the rapid growth of the cryptocurrency market and the prevalence of scams in the industry. However, after careful analysis of the platform, it can be concluded that Bitcoin Era is not a scam.
Bitcoin Era employs advanced algorithms and follows strict security protocols to ensure the safety of user information and funds. The platform has also received positive reviews from users who have experienced success with their trades. While there may be risks involved in cryptocurrency trading, Bitcoin Era itself can be considered a legitimate trading platform.
VII. Security and Privacy
Bitcoin Era prioritizes the security and privacy of its users. The platform utilizes robust encryption techniques to safeguard user information and funds. Additionally, Bitcoin Era adheres to strict data protection regulations, ensuring that user data is handled with the utmost care.
VIII. Getting Started with Bitcoin Era
To get started with Bitcoin Era, follow these steps:
Sign up: Visit the official Bitcoin Era website and complete the registration form.
Deposit Funds: After signing up, deposit funds into your account. The minimum deposit requirement may vary, so it's essential to check the platform's guidelines.
Set Trading Preferences: Customize your trading preferences, including risk level, trading amount, and cryptocurrency pairs.
- Start Trading: Once you have set your preferences, the platform will automatically execute trades on your behalf.
IX. Tips for Successful Trading on Bitcoin Era
To maximize profits when using Bitcoin Era, consider the following tips:
Start with a Demo Account: Practice using the platform's features and familiarize yourself with its functionality by utilizing the demo account option.
Set Realistic Goals: Set achievable profit targets and risk levels to manage your expectations and minimize potential losses.
Stay Informed: Stay updated with the latest news and trends in the cryptocurrency market to make informed trading decisions.
- Practice Risk Management: Use appropriate risk management techniques, such as setting stop-loss orders, to mitigate potential losses.
X. Alternatives to Bitcoin Era
While Bitcoin Era is a popular trading platform, there are alternative options available in the market. Some notable alternatives include:
eToro: eToro is a social trading platform that allows users to trade cryptocurrencies, stocks, and other assets. It offers a unique copy trading feature, enabling users to replicate the trades of successful traders.
Coinbase: Coinbase is a well-established cryptocurrency exchange that provides a user-friendly platform for buying, selling, and trading cryptocurrencies. It is known for its strong security measures and user-friendly interface.
In conclusion, Bitcoin Era is a legitimate trading platform that offers users the opportunity to trade cryptocurrencies using advanced algorithms and automated trading strategies. While there are risks associated with cryptocurrency trading, Bitcoin Era has proven to be a reliable and accessible platform for both beginners and experienced traders. It is important to conduct thorough research and exercise caution when trading cryptocurrencies to maximize the chances of success.
- Is Bitcoin Era safe to use?
- Yes, Bitcoin Era prioritizes the security of user information and funds. The platform utilizes encryption techniques and follows strict data protection regulations to ensure user safety.
- How much does it cost to use Bitcoin Era?
- The use of the Bitcoin Era platform is free. However, users are required to make a minimum deposit to fund their trading accounts.
- Can I withdraw my funds from Bitcoin Era at any time?
- Yes, users can withdraw their funds from Bitcoin Era at any time. The withdrawal process may vary depending on the user's chosen payment method.
- Are there any hidden fees associated with Bitcoin Era?
- Bitcoin Era does not charge any hidden fees. However, users should be aware of potential fees charged by payment processors or banks during the deposit and withdrawal process.
- What is the success rate of Bitcoin Era?
- The success rate of Bitcoin Era varies and depends on various factors such as market conditions, trading strategies, and user preferences. It is important to note that trading cryptocurrencies involves risks, and success is not guaranteed.
- Can I use Bitcoin Era on my mobile device?
- Yes, Bitcoin Era is compatible with mobile devices, allowing users to trade on the go. The platform can be accessed through a web browser on both iOS and Android devices.
- How long does it take to start seeing profits with Bitcoin Era?
- The time it takes to start seeing profits with Bitcoin Era depends on various factors, including market conditions and individual trading strategies. Some users may experience profits within a short period, while others may take longer.
- Is Bitcoin Era suitable for beginners?
- Yes, Bitcoin Era is suitable for beginners due to its user-friendly interface and educational resources. The platform provides a demo account option for users to practice trading before using real funds.
- What cryptocurrencies can I trade on Bitcoin Era?
- Bitcoin Era supports various cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), Litecoin (LTC), Ripple (XRP), and many more.
- Are there any restrictions on using Bitcoin Era in certain countries?
- Bitcoin Era is available in most countries. However, it is essential to check the platform's terms and conditions to ensure that it is accessible in your country of residence. | <urn:uuid:a6408a31-b681-4509-9baf-97c465877edc> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.arabtrans.eu/is-bitcoin-era-a-scam-read-this-honest-review-before-you-invest/ | 2024-03-04T09:38:47Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.920054 | 1,666 |
Real stories inspire - Making it in the movies
It’s not easy to break into the film industry. But Razan has been pursuing her dream since she was nine, and now, after a series of film courses in Riyadh, Paris and London, her career is taking off.
Mobile phones have set a generation of creators free - Razan is one of them. Ever since she was nine, she has used her phone to shoot and edit short videos.
“They were the kind of films that would go viral,” she says. “Funny, catchy and lighthearted. It’s what people enjoy the most.”
Her family took notice. Her brother Hamad gave her his camera to practice with. And her father even acted in her films.
Razan became set on a career in film and, most of all, she longed to be a director. She wanted to tell her own stories.
Lack of support
But when she told her school teachers about her dreams of making movies, they weren’t so keen. They told her she was too smart to become a filmmaker and said she could do better.
Razan also knew that it was a tough industry to get into—even harder for a young woman.
And anyone who wants to be a director knows that opportunities are even more limited, with only one needed per film.
“It is difficult to direct and expect to make a living,” says Razan. “Especially as a beginner.”
Behind the scene
Still Razan persevered, studying media in the day and creating films in her free time.
Then in 2018, at the age of 20, she was accepted onto a program run by the Saudi Film Council. She studied scriptwriting in Riyadh and was given the chance to go to Paris where she worked on four movies.
“I learnt the basics of filmmaking in Paris,” she says. “I got to work on multiple projects and take on different roles as a camera operator, producer, sound recordist, and assistant director.
At the beginning of your journey this is what helps you to learn and build up your knowledge.”
But her heart was set on becoming a director, and she got another lucky break that same year when she joined the Film Society at Ithra—the King Abdulaziz Center for World Culture founded by Aramco. The initiative provides tools and opportunities for local creatives to thrive in the film industry.
After joining the Ithra Film Society, Razan was invited to attend a two-week filmmaking course in London. Within a few days, she was booked and on her way to England.
This program was run in collaboration with the British Film Institute.
Razan joined a group of aspiring filmmakers tasked with making a film, supported by subject-matter experts brought in to guide them—including an editor of the Game of Thrones TV series.
Razan got the chance to direct the movie and the storyline was eerily prescient. Called A Breath, it tells the story of two people who are quarantined as the outside world experiences a plague.
“Now it feels as if we predicted Covid,” says Razan.
A Breath was nominated for best student film at the 2020 Saudi Film Festival, and was screened at the Red Sea Film Festival that same year.
“It was the first movie I did with Ithra, and my first experience of film festivals,” says Razan. “It felt surreal.”
Since then A Breath has also scooped two international awards, winning honorable mentions from the Florence Film Awards and the London International Monthly Film Festival.
Set for success
Building on that experience, Razan worked as a local assistant producer on Cherry, an American crime drama directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and released in 2021. She’s produced The Day I Lost Myself, a short film by director Rami Ali Alzayer which has been shown at festivals worldwide. And she is working on a feature film as a director herself.
“I like making people think in a different way, to put themselves in someone else’s shoes,” she says.
Razan is also proud to be part of a growing community of young women filmmakers in Saudi Arabia.
“To me, knowing that there are so many women in Saudi who are excited and ready to make films is one of the big blessings,” she says.
“As soon as I hear a woman’s name in the industry, I want to meet and work with her. We support and rely on each other to boost the film industry.”
She believes that if she can impact people with the films she makes, she will be able to turn her passion into a thriving career.
This series celebrates some of the stories of the people from across the Kingdom whose lives have been transformed by projects that Aramco is proud to support. We brought their stories to life through illustrated tales, including Razan's story. Watch the preview below or follow the link for the full interactive version. | <urn:uuid:c2b8f1bd-46b3-423e-969a-6ed3455697b5> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.aramcolife.com/en/publications/elements/en/articles/2022/05/making-it-in-the-movie | 2024-03-04T08:47:32Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.986341 | 1,065 |
My idea was to create a customizable robot that adults and kids could drive at events and demonstrations. I created a 3D printed base in which motors, batteries, motor controllers, and receivers could be inserted. Then a LEGO base plate could be glued onto the front of the base. Each part inside has a JST connector so that it can quickly be changed out for another part without soldering wires.
At Arch Reactor (AR) we have recently tried to create a cardboard robot combat league. AR purchased controllers and receivers various motors, motor shields, and wheels. We were at FIre and Ice having a fighting competition and we let the kids and adults fight with the robots. They loved it.
While I am sure having a combat robot with a weapon is more fun than a sumo bot the problem with active weapons is that they tend to destroy things. Which, while lots of fun, active weapons doesn’t lead to a lot of repeatable fun. I thought if we had a robot base that was rigid, a part that was customizable, and a play area to fall off of then it would be possible to create a “Combative” robot. The best part is that it could be repeated over and over again.
I created using the online TinkerCad program at tinkercad.com a few designs for a robot base. By a few, I mean more than 10. I had initially decided to go with slots so that motors, batteries, and receivers could be dropped into place
I sourced motors from Adafruit but when I went to purchase them they were sold out so I purchased them from Amazon. I found out that these motors are called TT motors. Parameter Operating voltage: 3V-6V DC TT Motor. These have one axle but you can get TT motors with two axles. These motors normally come with press-on tires. The link I have provided comes with LEGO adapters to let one install the motors into a Lego machine. You don’t have to use those exact motors you can use any TT motor in this robot base. Hunter at AR soldered the JST female connectors to the motors.
For the batteries, I was able with the help of Elias S. from AR I was able to get recycled laptop batteries that are essentially 2s Lithium-Ion batteries with 5000+ mAh operating at a max of 8.4V. Elias soldered the batteries together and attached male JST connectors on the batteries. I had bought a Lipo balance charger when I was going to try and compete in cardboard combat robots. The charger will charge almost any battery so I bought JST charger connectors.
To control the robots you need a 2.4Ghz 2 channel remote control and receiver. If you have time to wait for an order from China then you can get controllers and receivers for as low as $25. The receivers are used to plug in motor speed controls called Electronic Speed Controller (ESC) which are simple devices that control the speed of motors. I have used 2 of these in each robot one ESC for each motor. You could instead use an Arduino (any model) and a motor shield to plug into motors but programming is required and the program cares what transmitter you are using whereas the ESC doesn’t care a lick. The thing to watch for when using an ESC is that when using brush motors like these TT motors you need a brush motor ESC. The other thing is the amp rating not much of an issue with TT motors because of the max amps at stall (which is the most amps used by motors) with 1.2 amps. Any Radio Controlled (RC) ESC for brushed motors and more than 1.2 amps will work. I like the ones with a brake and switch. Also, another thing to look for is an RC ESC with JST connectors for ease of plugin into this robot’s setup.
You can use the press on tires and wheels that come with the motors. If you, however, want to change up the tires you can use this axle STL file I have created to allow you to use 12mm hex tires which are kind of the standard for RC cars and trucks.
The final part of all this a LEGO base front. I bought some cheap brick base from Amazon and have cut it down to glue it to the front of the 3D printed base. I have borrowed Legos from my kids and have gotten some from a thrift store. The idea is that people can build out the front of the robot however they like.
Things I have learned so far JST connectors are backward from normal connectors in that the one with the metal pins is the female connector. 3D Printing is awesome and because it is possible leads to many revisions. The robot motors are called TT.
3D Printed Bases and Lids
TT Motors and Wheels
JST Connectors 10 pairs
Brush RC ESC 10A with brake and switch
JST Y Connector 1 female to 2 male connectors
JST Male Connectors X 6
JST Battery balance charger connector
3D Printed Axle Extenders with Hex adapter
2.4Ghz RC Transmitter and receiver with 2 channels | <urn:uuid:37f2deda-8049-46aa-8cde-3c4fcd380e43> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.archreactor.org/project/rc-sumo-bots | 2024-03-04T08:56:34Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.966276 | 1,059 |
All members who have signed up to participate in the RPM200 community event in the Riverland over the June long weekend need to book into their calendar the date of Friday May 29th for the pre-event operator briefing.
Attendance at the briefing, while not compulsory, is very strongly encouraged. The updated operator instructions and procedures for 2015 will be presented at this meeting.
The time will be 7.45pm and the location will be at the Reedbeds Community Centre. See you all there! | <urn:uuid:50aae860-cc51-4ec4-88e4-2b1cbbf0ef13> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.areg.org.au/archives/1344 | 2024-03-04T08:56:35Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.947523 | 103 |
We have just returned from a 3 night 4 day break at the Argyll.We can not praise this hotel enough. On entering we were greeted by very friendly reception staff. Our room a double was very clean and tidy. The breakfast was wonderful and a member of staff Linda couldn’t do enough.We could order the eggs we wanted and nothing was to much trouble.We would definitely recommend this hotel. | <urn:uuid:a20a7961-29f8-459b-b358-67d954862bce> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.argyllhotelglasgow.co.uk/restaurant-offers.htm | 2024-03-04T08:46:09Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.987621 | 84 |
Technica Corporation, a leader in high-end systems engineering and operations and maintenance for mission-critical networks and applications, announced that the Army’s Program Executive Office for Enterprise Information Systems (PEO-EIS) has selected the company as a provider for the $250 million Army Cloud Computing Enterprise Transformation (ACCENT) Basic Ordering Agreement (BOA).
Under ACCENT, Technica will support the US Army in transitioning its systems and applications to FedRAMP-certified commercial cloud hosting services or an Army Enterprise Hosting Facility (AEHF). This contract is in direct alignment with the Army’s data center consolidation strategy, with goals of a 75 percent reduction by 2025.
“Technica is excited to be onboarded to the ACCENT BOA, which provides access for Army and other DoD capability owners to take advantage of our proven abilities and deep knowledge in migration of enterprise systems and applications to commercial or DoD-hosted cloud environments,” said Doug Sickler, Vice President of Business Development for Technica. “As a long-standing, trusted IT engineering partner to DoD agencies, we are pleased to extend our reach to the Army.”
The ACCENT BOA is the preferred source for all Army commands and organizations requiring commercial cloud hosting, data center migration, transition support and application modernization services. For more information, please visit Technica’s page on its Army ACCENT contract. | <urn:uuid:d7e3bc39-c73d-4715-949a-9480fb45e720> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.armadainternational.com/2018/03/us-army-adds-technica-to-250-million-cloud-modernization-contract/ | 2024-03-04T08:51:35Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.92434 | 295 |
Arts Community Leaders Talk Tech During MAMP Lab
The panel was brought together to shed light on the inevitable merger of the arts and tech worlds, but the conversation also turned to issues of humanity and sacred spaces. That’s what transpired at the recent MAMP Lab, the final in a series of marketing workshops hosted by the Arts & Business Council of Miami. It was appropriately held at downtown’s Venture Hive tech hub space.
The MAMP Lab is the first in a new initiative launched by the Arts & Business Council as an effort to foster collaborative ventures between the arts and tech communities.
Serving as facilitator was Chris Sopher, founder and CEO of The New Tropic, who led the discussion on how to merge the worlds of arts and technology.
CEO and founder of amp.it, Derrick (DNA) Ashong, a passionate entrepreneur whose love of music led him to found the site that rewards music fans for liking music, said “we should be looking at tech and innovation as a way to connect all of humanity.”
That statement kicked the morning off and the conversation grew from there with Siggi Bachmann, creative director at the New World Symphony, who said “at the end of the day, technology and art is about bridging the gap between the market and an idea.”
The panelists brought a fresh perspective and insight into how they are bridging that gap and what has worked for them.
At the Patricia and Phillip Frost Science Museum, Chief Science Officer Dr. Eldredge Bermingham said they are providing a forum for cultural organizations to speak about their own artistic or scientific inclinations, a platform that allows them to play a larger role in the conversation.
Roberto Interiano, mentor and director of MEDO at Venture Hive, said that “from a business perspective, when you’re creating a venture it reminds me a little of the arts and how you need to find some way of sponsorship to go through the cycle.” Noting how important it is for both arts and tech communities to thrive, he said they can only accomplish that if they see it as a form of investment and have a shared passion to find either investors or customers.
At Yone Arts, Paula Tin Nyo said their foundation’s mission is to create a sacred space, and convey that to the public and touch people’s lives. “They are given that moment of grace by interacting in our space and seeing our performances. There is a hunger for that sacred space in today’s society,” she said.
The Q&A that followed found participants asking questions about developing online apps as well as inquiring about the go-to Websites and places to go to locally for innovation.
Suggestions included Artsy, Art Local, and Simi for visual arts, along with Refresh Miami and even Google. Following the tech blog by Miami Herald’s Nancy Dahlberg as well as keeping up with the happenings at Tech.co — a Miami division of Tech Cocktail — Recode.net, and Meetup.com were suggested, given that they are good app development tools. Attending events at co-working spaces like The Lab, We Work, and MADE at the Citadel where frequent hack-a-thon and coding events are held, also helps.
Echoed by all the panelists was the need to talk to your members and audience to determine what they really want, and from that information build your own platform and stay informed on how it is working.
To offer the participants a starting point to work from at the conclusion of the morning’s workshop, they broke into groups to discuss and identify an issue or challenge they’re dealing with about art and technology. The task was to summarize that challenge into one sentence.
Armed with that one statement, it’s a tool offered by the panelists that workshop participants can now begin to use to formulate a plan for merging the worlds of art and technology. | <urn:uuid:cc448dbb-e095-489b-ad79-bcb32f24bb39> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.artburstmiami.com/blog/arts-community-leaders-talk-tech-during-mamp-lab | 2024-03-04T08:25:05Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.968993 | 826 |
10 Best YouTube Titles for Getting the Most YouTube Views
If you have a video on YouTube then you naturally want that video to get a lot of viewings. If you are using this as a means of internet marketing then you absolutely want to get as many people to come see your video as possible.
There are a few things that make a difference in whether people come see the clip or not.
The first thing to consider is the title of the video clip. The title of your video tells people basically what the clip is about. You want to make certain that you choose keywords that will cause people to recognize that the video you have contains information they are interested in.
The next thing that you have to remember when creating the title for your video is that once you have chosen the best keywords to describe what the video contains you need to make sure the word video is included. Place the word video directly behind the strongest keyword that you have such as; car maintenance video, flower design video, laughing baby video. People will then understand that they are going to see a visualization of the keyword and not be led to just an article for them to read.
Think carefully about the audience you are trying to attract.
You want to use words and phrases that will meet those individuals interest. If the title to your video is created using words that are obsolete, or difficult to understand the majority of the people that see it will not click on the video. Use words that are easy to understand and attention grabbing.
If the video you have is closely related to another product, or video, that is already popular you can name your video using words that show that it is very similar to the popular item. If Monster High Dolls Video is currently getting a lot of views you could name your selection Ghoulish Monster High Dolls in Video.
The following are ten examples of titles that would be attention grabbing, and create more interest in the video content.
1. How to Make the Best Apple Pie without oven?
2. 5 Easy Ways to Write a Resume!
3. 7 Extreme Fashion Dos and Donts!
4. The secret of creating your own Fashion Designs
5. 2 Quick and Easy Way to Create Apple Pie!
6. Grandmas Apple Pie made Easy
7. Need Apple Pie Just Like Sara Lee? Try this simple solution!
8. The Best Ever Fashion Designs Video!
9. Make an Impression with your Fashion Design in Just 3 Minutes!
10. The top Ten Fashion Mistakes you need to avoid!
Use your imagination, have fun with the name, and remember that people respond to the same types of things that you respond to, so if you like it, go with it. | <urn:uuid:4917abc7-9e70-4684-9adc-ee28fb7fb702> | CC-MAIN-2024-10 | https://www.articlevideorobot.com/best-youtube-titles-for-more-views | 2024-03-04T07:18:38Z | s3://commoncrawl/crawl-data/CC-MAIN-2024-10/segments/1707947476432.11/warc/CC-MAIN-20240304065639-20240304095639-00003.warc.gz | en | 0.943064 | 557 |
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