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Faced 7 Years in Prison: Dismissed
Faced 5 Years in Prison: Dismissed
Faced 2 Years in Prison: Dismissed
Faced $100,000 fine: Dismissed
Our client was accused of murdering his ex-girlfriend. We were able to get charges dismissed due to lack of evidence after our team did a comprehensive investigation.
Consensual Oral Copulation with a Minor is a Crime
Oral copulation is considered contact of the mouth with the genitals of another person, and it is illegal to engage in such activities if either person is a minor. California law states that it is a crime to engage in sexual acts with any person that is under the legal age of eighteen, regardless of consent. Oral copulation with a sober minor is going to carry a lesser charge than incidents that occur when the minor is disabled or intoxicated. In these cases, it becomes considered an act committed with the minor as a result of force or fear. It is possible for the person accused of the crime to also be a minor when the sexual act happened, but prosecutors do not often prioritize this type of case.
Age Classification and Penalties of Statutory Rape
The ages of the defendant and victim in cases involving oral copulation with a minor are going to determine the type of penalties the individual could face.
-If the victim is at least 16, or the defendant is 21 or younger, the crime could fall under a misdemeanor or felony. A misdemeanor might result in a $1,000 fine, a year in county jail, and probation for the defendant. When circumstances influence a harsher sentence, the individual is going to be charged with a felony. Penalties could range from a maximum fine of $10,000, up to three years in California state prison, and formal probation.
-If the victim is under the age of 16, or the defendant is older than 21, it is going to result in a felony charge against the defendant.
-The defendant could serve a maximum prison sentence of eight year if a victim under the age of 14 is involved in the crime, and the defendant is more than ten years older.
Becoming a Registered Sex Offender in California
A sex crime conviction that involves a minor is going to result in the requirement to register as a sex offender. This person has the lifelong responsibility to register their status with the police of their current county or city. Renewal is due each time the defendant moves to a new address, as well as once per years within five business days of their birthday.
Failure to register is going to result in a misdemeanor or felony charge, depending on the original sex crime conviction.
Your Right to Request Legal Help
It's the job of your experienced defense attorney to provide legal guidance and help you get the lightest sentence possible. Our lawyers are not afraid to represent sex crime offenders, nor will we ever pass judgement regarding your case details. The dedicated defense team focuses on the important details to ensure that you have adequate representation throughout the case. Regardless of a conviction, it might be possible to have the record expunged in certain circumstances. Although you must continue to register as a sex offender in California, it would prevent discrimination when applying for jobs or professional licenses.
Faced 7 Years in Prison: Dismissed
Faced 5 Years in Prison: Dismissed
Faced 2 Years in Prison: Dismissed
Faced $100,000 fine: Dismissed
One of the best lawyers I ever deal with. First of all they are very professional and they know what they are doing. I deal with both Chad and Sol, Thank you so much. I will 200% will recommend Chad his team to any of my friends and family.


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Monthly Archives: May 2013
Is Small Dogs the latest Trend?
A big trend amongst dog owners these days are that they go for the smaller dogs rather than the large,… Continue reading »
My Neighbours Dog Keeps Barking!
The best tips that cheap dog supplies blog can offer on barking dogs are beside from being a issue… Continue reading »

subset: commoncrawl


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A discussion & ideation platform with more than 20.000 users.
visual design / ux
As an already existing platform to discuss documents and ideas, Discuto had the objective to revamp, grow and become the reference tool for group discussions and dominate market. To achieve, a redesign of the platform was necessary, aswell as as other marketing elements such as a new website, a new landing page and new visual imagery.
As a member part of Proudsugar, my work on this project for Discuto was in three key areas:
-All visual design, including illustration, look and feel, iconography, video, physical products (posters and banners)
-Work on UX/UI, including analysis of the existing UX; creation and development of the new UX, and prototyping of it.
-As well work on: Competitor & Customer research & analysis, Customer journey, Use Cases, Flows.
Discussion & Ideation platform
The objective was to improve the usability of the platform so that users would be able to effectively and easily discuss ideas and documents. This new attractive framework would allow users to freely express their ideas.
The process started with objective definition. After that, different phases were tackled like competitors analysis, the customer journey or the customer personas. Then by arriving at the Solution Research, the terrain was prepared for later storyboarding and creation of the structural UX. (Visit "About my methodology" to learn about the methodology and the process that I follow)
It was in this phase that we arrived to the solution of create separates tabs between description and discussion. In the old version (see below), an unique page contains both elements, with the consequent overcrowding of information. In addition, potentially useful information was not shown, to prevent the page from becoming too long and for the user to find the discussion too low on the page.
So, the first tab, "description", would include the general info, timing, main description, latest activity of the people and works like high view. The second tab brings the user to the discussion itself, 100% focused on the paragraphs, comments, likes, etc. Of course, user can go to one to the other tab easily.
As well, on the tab "discussion", user has a specific tools to navigate through the document, going directly to the desired paragraph, or going to the beginning of the chapters. An small box showing the profile strength was added too.
The idea was offer to the user the appropriate and necessary information relevant to the discussion and the best possible way to interact with it; that means, an easy and quick way to access the discussion itself in order to participate through proper navigation. Once the user was on the discussion, he had to be able to easily perform all the commonly required actions (such as to see and comment on paragraphs) but also the non-commonly required actions (such as to see "further info").
All of this should be contained in a clear, readable interface that is both appealing and visually attractive.
Next video shows the behavior of the platform (for discussions):
Surely, the creation of proper usability for the platform on all devices as well as screens resolutions was taken into account:
Along with the platform, the management interface was redesigned in order to provide the user the necessary ease to share, manage and administrate all discussions and ideations.
Besides the improvement of the platform through the previously commented areas, gamification and onboarding were also included too, in order to increase the engagement within the platform.
With the website, the objectives were to explain the features in order to allow prospects to understand the product and give them sufficient reasons to choose Discuto against others options in the market. Also to showcase the high quality of the product. The key to reaching these objectives were visual appeal along a proper UX, information architecture and clear and direct copywriting.
Behind the style of the illustrations, the idea was create something exciting, fun, easily adaptable in any kind of resolution and very communicational. Colors were chosen in keeping with the branding of Discuto, but adding differentiation and dynamism. The intention of showing the appeal of the illustration was again, to show quality, and to connect good-worth-quality to the inner workings of the platform.
Related to the icons, clarity was the main objective, but also to maintain the style of the website/product and so order create a coherent and homogeneous experience.
Finally, work was made in different areas like social platforms, creating banners and adapting elements and the creation of signs and posters for use in conventions and other sales meetings.


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Jonathan upbeat in first meeting with Chibok parents
from HENRY IFEANYI in Lagos, Nigeria
LAGOS – NIGERIAN President Goodluck Jonathan has reassured the Chibok community that his administration was doing everything possible to rescue the more 200 girls abducted from a school in April.
Speaking to the parents in Abuja, having met them for the first time since the kidnapping, appealed for their patience, understanding and cooperation.
"Anyone who gives you the impression that we are aloof and that we are not doing what we are supposed to do to get the girls out is not being truthful," Jonathan told the parents and community leaders at the meeting which was also attended by Borno Governor, Kashim Shettima, Bauchi Governor, Isa Yuguda and the Senate President, David Mark.
"Our commitment is not just to get the girls out, it is also to rout Boko Haram completely from Nigeria. But we are very, very mindful of the safety of the girls. We want to return them all alive to their parents.
"If they are killed in any rescue effort, then we have achieved nothing," Jonathan added at the Presidential Villa.
"The President said that although he was yet to visit Chibok in the aftermath of the abductions, his heart was constantly with its traumatized parents and people, and his desire was to visit them when their daughters have been freed and they can receive him with "smiling faces of joy, rather than with tears of anguish."
He has come under heavy criticism for his failure to travel to Chibok to commiserate with families.
"Our duty now is to take all relevant steps to recover our girls alive and our primary interest is getting them out as safely as possible. I will not want to say much, but we are doing everything humanly possible to get the girls out. "This not the time for talking much.
"This is the time for action. We will get to the time that we will tell stories. We will get to the time that we will celebrate and I assure you that, by God's grace, that time will come soon," Jonathan said.
Responding to appeals from the community leaders for more help in overcoming some of the challenges imposed on Chibok and neighbouring communities by the Boko Haram insurgency, the President said the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and Federal Medical Agencies would intensify their efforts to provide them with additional relief aid and
He also assured them that Chibok and other communities in the three North-Eastern States most affected by the Boko Haram insurgency they would the first beneficiaries of the Victims' Support Fund, the Presidential Initiative for the North-East, the Safe Schools Initiative and other developmental programmes which the Federal Government is evolving to
address the damage, losses, setbacks, economic and social dislocations occasioned by the Boko Haram insurgency.
– CAJ News
Short URL: http://cajnewsafrica.com/?p=570


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FullContact News - SalesWings Deploys FullContact for Improved Lead Enrichment and Prioritization February 15, 2018
Denver, CO-February 15, 2018-SalesWings, a high-tech solution provider based out of Lausanne, Switzerland, deploys identity resolution and data enrichment from FullContact to improve its own solution, which is used to track, score and prioritize sales leads and win more business. Using the FullContact Enrich API, the SalesWings solution gives sales reps real-time insights for better understanding of prospects and customers.
"FullContact allows us to deliver faster lead qualification using complete data and real-time updates," said Philip Schweizer, Co-founder, CEO, and Head of Product "We built a better solution that meets our customer's needs, and gives them the ability to accelerate the sales cycle."
SalesWings software integrates with any email marketing solution, web form, landing page tool, or sales prospecting software to provide real-time notifications. It allows sales reps to accelerate the sales cycle by leveraging customer data to improve lead scoring, lead qualification, and lead prioritization.
Lead Intelligence
SalesWings gives customers the ability to instantly gain a snapshot of tracked leads, including contact info, company size, job position, education, social profiles, interests, and more. The customer intelligence, supplied by FullContact, enhances the relationship building process. It gives insights into who a prospect is on a personal level. Users can begin conversations and nurture leads by understanding where prospects live, which brands they buy, as well as related interest and behavioral data.
Lead Scoring
Users can better determine whether a lead is worth pursuing. A key component to lead scoring involves customer identification, and viewing attributable data that goes beyond interactions with the brand. That's where FullContact data comes in. Injecting relevant details such as a customer's online influencer score; topics of interest; and lifestyle, brand, and product affinities that combine to accurately score a lead to determine the next steps a brand should take.
Lead Prioritization
If the lead is qualified, the customer record is automatically highlighted for the sales rep, instantly providing a view into a wealth of information to prioritize sales activity. Instead of manually performing a client search using Google, LinkedIn, or other search engines and social platforms, which could take several minutes, SalesWings supplies lead data in seconds.
To learn more about how FullContact helped SalesWings, view the full customer story or to discover how you can instantly transform partial identities into complete profiles, visit www.fullcontact.com.
About FullContact
Founded in 2010, FullContact, Inc. offers industry-leading Customer Intelligence APIs which enable companies to unlock the benefits of understanding their customers and prospects holistically. For more information about achieving enrichment with the highest levels of data quality and security, please visit www.fullcontact.com.


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In 2011 and 2013, the Beverly Hills City Council adopted two ordinances that address the issue of views that have been impaired by foliage growing on a neighbor's property in Trousdale Estates. The intent of the ordinance is to encourage Trousdale neighbors to reach early resolution when addressing restoration of views that have been substantially disrupted by foliage growth on neighboring properties in Beverly Hills.
Hedges Between Properties
One ordinance revised the development standards for walls, fences and hedges in Trousdale Estates (Beverly Hills Municipal Code Section 10-3-2616). The definition of hedge was amended and new height standards were adopted for hedges on slopes between adjacent properties. This was intended to assist property owners in restoring and maintaining views by limiting hedge height adjacent to a neighbor's property. Information can be found here.
Trees and Foliage
The Trousdale View Restoration Ordinance sets out a process for property owners in Trousdale Estates to address views impaired by foliage, including trees, growing on neighbors' properties, where the foliage does not meet the hedge standards outlined above. This process provides a framework for neighbors to work together to resolve issues of view impairment. The process can have three steps:
The intent is for as many cases as possible to be worked out at the Initial Neighbor Outreach step in the process, saving all involved time and money. Neighbors are advised to be mindful of other neighbors' concerns, to be cordial, and are encouraged to find compromise solutions. Neighbors may find solutions outside of the City's view restoration process; however, if a property owner wishes to preserve the opportunity to apply to the City for a decision in a view restoration case, the City's view restoration process must be followed.
These ordinances do not apply to properties located outside of the Beverly Hills City limits.
Trousdale View Restoration Guidelines
Below is a link to the Trousdale View Restoration Guidelines which assist Trousdale property owners in understanding and using the Trousdale View Restoration Ordinance. The Guidelines provide a step-by-step guide to the view restoration process adopted in the City's ordinance.
The Guidelines reference sections of the Trousdale View Restoration Ordinance which is part of the Beverly Hills Municipal Code (BHMC), Section 10-8-100, and available online at the City's website. A copy of the Trousdale View Restoration Ordinance is the first attachment to the Guidelines.
Click on the link below to view the Trousdale View Restoration Guidelines:
Trousdale View Restoration Guidelines
City staff is available to assist in efforts related to Trousdale View Restoration. For initial questions regarding Trousdale View Restoration, please contact Code Enforcement at 310-285-1119.


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A Ratings Slide
ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell recently reported NFL TV ratings for the 2016 regular season were down eight percent from 2015. The comparison excluded Thursday night games as Twitter live streaming debuted this season as another option to watch and gave fans a non-TV option to consume. Ratings were down for all NFL TV programs and all networks. ESPN Monday Night Football took the biggest ratings hit, down 12% from 2015. NBC Sunday Night Football also suffered a double-digit ratings decline with a 10% decrease in ratings. Ratings for CBS and Fox Sunday games were down seven percent and six percent, respectively.
NFL is TV MVP
If the television industry handed out MVP awards, the NFL would need to bring a U-Haul trailer to the awards ceremony to pack all of its hardware. Despite a decline in audience viewership, it is undeniable that the NFL remains popular TV viewing. The average audience for an NFL game was 16.5 million in 2016. The NFL audience size makes it one of the strongest TV properties around. A recent Ad Age article reporting the top 50 TV program audiences for 2016 revealed that 11 of the top 20 programs were NFL games. All but one of the games were in the postseason, but the point is the NFL remains highly relevant as a TV product. The NFL is an MVP (Most Valuable Program) to its broadcast partners.
It's Not Just the NFL
Ratings concerns are not limited to the NFL. Network TV has dealt with dwindling audiences for years. First, cable networks fragmented audiences. Then, the internet and social media gave us more options for how we entertain ourselves. How have TV audiences changed over time? Take a look at TV ratings for top network shows at different points in time:
Nielsen Rating*
The Cosby Show
American Idol
NFL to Determine Future Success
The consistent performance of the NFL as a TV property shows little signs of letting up despite a ratings dip in 2016. There is one huge caveat, though. The NFL must maintain interest in its product on the field and manage its image off the field. Arrogance or indifference to concerns about safety and player conduct could derail the NFL train. Otherwise, the NFL will continue to be an MVP for TV networks.
Check out TV ratings for NFL regular season games in 2016 at Sports Media Watch.


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Jun 15, 2011
Cyberdog, Where the Rave Never Ends
I returned to Camden Market after an eight-year absence, assuming that the raver paradise Cyberdog would have long since closed (I mean, does anyone go to raves anymore?). Yet there it was, in all its blacklit, throbbing-techno glory. Naturally, I had to go in, even if my primary motivation was to see if my glow-in-the-blacklight nail polish still works. (Amazingly, it does—not bad for polish I bought in '98 or '99.)
Things to know about the shop: In case you couldn't tell from the above photo (and others in the Cyberdog Flickr pool, the entrance is guarded by two giant robots sentries. There are more robots inside, as well as dancing girls on platforms. The shop is, I believe, three or four stories, starting on the ground level (assorted accessories) and descending through more gadgets, men's, women's, and children's clothes, and sex toys and paraphernalia on the lowest level. That's also where you'll find the pole dancer.
Basically, the whole place looks like my dream house would have looked in 1999. My high school bedroom was approaching that level of seizure-inducing lighting (blacklight above the door, motorized disco ball above the bed, 3D alien head with strobing eyes on the wall, lava lamp, neon light, laser light, rainbow light, weird glowing orb thing, velvet blacklight poster, tie-dyed bedding, etc.), though I've never been super-down with most techno. Aside from a couple somewhat regrettable trips to Tunnel back in its heyday, I wasn't much down with the club scene, in fact. I guess I operated on the idea that the club atmosphere was better when you could chill in your pajamas. So I doubt I'll be making any purchases from Cyberdog (raver girl clubwear always makes the wearer look like a slutty futuristic baby), but it's fun as hell to visit.
On a side note, I couldn't remember the shop name at first. Thought it was The Android's Market, which I realized was my brain combining Android Market with Comic Book Guy's store, The Android's Dungeon. Funny that.
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LMWCC Business Plan for 2018
ANNUAL EVENTS (on-going):
- Bug Survey: Joyce Durdel and team, May date to be determined.
- Quality Survey: Joyce Durdel and team, July date to be determined.
- Private projects: Continue monitoring and assisting owners with the permitting process.
- Membership: Pursue the mass mailings to riparian owners begun last year. Dale Downes is in charge of membership.
- Mail renewal forms and letters to membership in December – Gordon Lewis
- Annual Meeting: Scheduled for 9:30 AM, July 7, 2018 at Skinner Park, Irons.
- Secure necessary permits, print raffle tickets, etc.
- Procure raffle prizes and solicit donations for the auction.
- Salmon-in-the-Classroom: LMWCC will continue supporting the program in the KND school system – Evelyn Furman
- Newsletter: To be published and distributed twice a year — June/December. — David Spruance
- SWAT: Joe Rogers heads the SWAT group keeping a clear navigational passageway on the length of the river.
- Fundraising: Continue to explore fundraising options —
- LMWCC signs and hats and T-shirts to be sold at the annual meeting.
- Identify organizations as potential underwriters for projects.
- Solicit businesses, organizations, and individuals to contribute to the annual fund raising event
- Web Site: Make sure that all significant and current information is available on the Council's web site. Encourage members to use the integrated Pay Pal account.
- Complete the funding for and begin the removal of the Syers Creek dam.
- Continue the stream-bank remediation program based on the CRA bank erosion survey of 2015.
- Verify a steam section for another proposed channelization project, and working with CRA begin soliciting funds for the project.
- Study the results of the TU woody debris and fish population survey completed in 2015 in an effort to target areas for improving fish habitat and populations.
- Complete three fish habitat projects in section #3 of the TU woody debris survey using funds from a gift of the Jorgensen Family Foundation.
- Continue the recruitment of river-front property owners to join the organization.
- Closely monitor the development of the EPA and MDEQ approved comprehensive watershed management plan being completed by Networks Northwest.
- Continue to analyze ways to improve the effectiveness of the annual meeting as the Council's principle fund raiser.
- In the event of the rewarding of a AHGP grant for the removal and use of dead and dying ash trees for habitat improvement and bank stabilization, select appropriate sites based on need and accessible material and complete the work as scheduled in the Grant Proposal document.


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Other services include bathing and grooming
your dog.
We also offer boarding for cats. Cats
are housed in a specially heated cattery, in individual crates
designed for their comfort and security. Cat pans are cleaned once
a day, and cats are provided with food and fresh, clean water.
You will need to provide a copy of your
pet's current vaccination records.
Your dog or cat must be current
on all required vaccinations, including rabies.
Please call for rates and availability.
Home Shelties


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Benetton Hot - For Her
By: Benetton Released: 1997
Hot by Benetton. This is a fresh and woody fragrance suitable for both men and women. It contains of mandarin, bergamot, brazilian rosewood, lemon, apricot, iris, water jasmine, lily-of-the-valley, sandalwood, amber, musk, vanilla, oakmoss and cedar.
Hot by Benetton was launched 1997.


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Nutrition Resoures for Healthy Kids (and Moms)
There are quite a few of you who are Career Girls who also have the title of "Mama." Let me take a moment to applaud you. I don't know how you do it. I'm constantly in awe of my clients juggling mega careers and mega families. Recently a few of my clients have come in talking about their kids having a rough time with their mood and how much that's impacting everything else in their lives. I've learned so much from them lately about children and allergies and how those kiddos who wont sleep or aren't listening or are really struggling are a huge drain to any mother.
I'm not a parental wealth of information and I know a lot of you are so first, what do you all use as resources? I think it's so cool when moms come together to support each other and if I can support your support, I'd be a happy camper.
The second is that I happen to have just had a conversation with Katie Jasper, a functional nutritionist who sold me on how much nutrition impacts the moods of young children, and that there is science behind picky eaters… I bet my mom wishes she knew that information as she raised 4 kiddos.
This information is especially hitting home to me as my best friends are growing and having children and they're constantly barraged with information about how to feed their kids, what to do and not to do and how to best parent. In my meeting with Katie, I listened to her talk about how she's teaching parents and kids about how to fuel up and choosing foods that are the best fuel for our activities. I was super inspired and have been using that reference to help me make my own nutrition choices. Is this really going to fuel me?
What I'm most inspired by is my adult clients making wishful thinking statements that they wish their parents had taught them about healthy eating and working so hard to teach themselves and their kids how to eat for health.
I've talked about Prescribe Nutrition before and truth be told, I'm loving their information. I've been a blog and facebook stalker of theirs for months and have adapted the FREE information they post into my life and have pushed it onto the lives of my friends and family members. What I want to also mention is that they're running a program called "Kids Rule" and diving into how to feed children those green things most of them don't want to eat, how to engage them in their own health and through nutrition they actually want to eat, boost their mood. Kiddo allergies are everywhere these days it seems and they're going to sort through some of that stuff too.
Another blog Katie turned me onto is called "Modern Parents, Messy Kids" where they seem to be dishing out all of the best information. Road trip book suggestions? Practical organizational tips for families? Yes, please.
Check this stuff out and let me know if it's helpful. I wanna build my mama resources to support all of your hard work!


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Ref.nr.: 67356
Hotel La Carolina Costa Brava, Spain
Hotel La Carolina Costa Brava Hotel with a swimming pool near a beach in Lloret De Mar, Catalonia, Spain
Welcome to the Hotel La Carolina Costa Brava.Hotel Carolina is located in a quiet area in Lloret, 175 metres from the beach and a short walk from the commercial centre. Its rooms offer views over the swimming pool. The outdoor swimming pool at Hotel Carolina is equipped with hydromassage. For more on this Hotel Accommodation by the beach in Catalonia on the Costa Brava please click on the availability buttons above and below.
Hotel La Carolina Costa Brava in Lloret de Mar. This Hotel Accommodation by the beach in Catalonia on the Costa Brava, has a swimming pool, is close to the beach. Prices from 37 EUR.
AvailabilityShow Availability for Hotel La Carolina Costa Brava
Facilities and Features
- Outside Area:
Swimming Pool
Room Details:
67 Bedrooms
Location Details and Things to Do
About Lloret De Mar and CataloniaThe Hotel La Carolina provides excellent Hotel Accommodation in Lloret de Mar, Catalonia, Costa Brava Spain. The address is Senia del Barral 72, Lloret de Mar, 17310.
Recommended Things to Do
Banyoles lake
Loch, Lake, Waterfall
Catalonia, Spain
Natural park of Volcanic Zone of La Garrotxa
Loch, Lake, Waterfall
Catalonia, Spain


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The cellphone has become more of a tool and less of a toy, especially among the poor and those trying to help them, in emerging markets. It helps deliver, via text message, water, energy, financial services, healthcare and even education.
The WHO estimates that more than 700 million people do not have access to clean drinking water and more than 2.5 billion have no access to toilets. Yet according to the International Telecommunications Union, 96 percent of the world is connected via cellphone — which is why it has become a means of doing good.
Many of the aid services that employ mobile phones are Western-inspired, but designed for people making US$2 a day. For example, graduate students at Stanford University developed software, M-Maji, to map clean water stations in Kibera, Kenya, a dense urban slum in Nairobi. Think of the Gas Buddy app, but instead of searching for the cheapest and closest gas station, M-Maji helps Kibera residents find clean water within walking distance. A text offers three options: find water, sell water or file a complaint.
Shivani Siroya, an advocate and entrepreneur who splits her time between Los Angeles and Mumbai, India, is using mobiles to create credit scores for the poor.
Siroya took inspiration from the free personal finance management site Mint.com to create a tool for customers in southern India without bank accounts or financial histories.
After logging in daily expenses and earnings via text, users get a monthly statement, creating a financial record. The statement becomes the basis for extending credit through microfinance loans and other services.
Siroya sells her service, InSight, to banks, microfinance institutions and nonprofit groups that want to engage the 400 million so-called "unbanked" people in India.
Since starting the enterprise in 2010, she has collected 614,426 financial records and has expanded to South Africa and Kenya. Her company is a hybrid model: a mix of private capital and grants, including US$100,000 each from the Vodafone Americas Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the telecom giant Vodafone and the US Agency for International Development.
The number of such initiatives seems likely to increase.
"The development community is eager to learn more about how to use mobiles effectively," said Nick Martin, a founder of Tech Change, a social enterprise based in Washington that educates development practitioners via online courses.
Martin said his most popular course had been mobiles for development.
In the last three years, TechChange has taught the course eight times to nearly 400 participants from more than 60 countries.
MHealth, or mobiles used for health services, is the most evolved of the mobile sectors, Martin said. Large-scale campaigns in mHealth have focused primarily on maternal health and vaccination campaigns.
Three companies — Dimagi, ZMQ and Medic Mobile — have turned cellphones into mHealth tools through open-source software that can be used by rural healthworkers.
Dimagi's director of operations Krishna Swamy recently demonstrated the technology at the organization's New Delhi office in the basement of a fashionable residential neighborhood.
He pulled out a Java-based Nokia cellphone, long antiquated in developed markets, but still handy in India. A series of avatars resembling healthworkers ask users questions in Hindi about prenatal care.


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Product Details
Liv Mossa Knickers
Liv Mossa knickers are an exceptional pair of women's 3/4 length cycling leggings. 3/4s are amazing. They offer the freedom of movement of a good pair of shorts, plus knee coverage.
Key Features
- 20% Spandex Lycra / 80% Nylon fabric.
- Multi-panel cut for a smooth precise fit.
- Flatlock stitched for comfort and longevity.
- Deluxe contoured stretch synthetic chamois.
- Exceptional attention to detail #1 - mesh panels at the back of the calves prevents overheating.
- Exceptional attention to detail #2 - the 3M Scotchlite Liv/giant logos on the outside of each leg enhance night riding safety.
The Benefits of 3/4 Length
Thanks to this extra coverage, many people who feel exposed going out in shorts feel 100% comfortable riding in 3/4s.
- 3/4s compress the knee like an elastic bandage and protect against chills.
- 3/4s can therefore help prevent the painful knee problems many people suffer.
Thanks to their knack for producing some of the best women's bikes at the best prices, Liv has been one of our fastest growing brands over the past year. The Liv clothing line achieves a similar trick - top notch cycling equipment without the top dollar pricing.
'Reliable bottoms are the basis of any good cycling outfit. Featuring Liv's Core Comfor™ chamois and a high grip waistband specifically contoured for female riders Mossa knickers offer long distance comfort and full knee coverage.'
Shop All Cycling Longs & Trousers >
Shop All Women's Cycling Clothing >


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Easter this year was simple. Ryan and I had a blast at a fun Easter themed party last weekend, so this weekend we could focus on Jesus.
And that all started with a Passover Seder on Friday night. My friend Kerry wrote a great article explaining the significance of the Seder meal to the Christian, and in it, she says that after having a Seder meal "suddenly Easter Sunday was no longer a church-centered event."
I think one of the reasons I have such a hard time staying focused on the real meaning of holidays like Easter is because all of the traditions, decorations, and fun activities overwhelms the one church service focused on it.
But this weekend was completely different. There was much less "pretty wrapping" and much more focus. Jesus is not someone we worship just at church. We worship Him at home too and we did that through the Seder.
As much as I love jelly beans and chocolate bunnies, it was really nice to keep things simple and focused this year. I'm already thinking about next year's Seder and how I can take this mentality throughout the year and cut through some of the (literal) pretty wrapping surrounding Christmas.
I could go on, but I'll just say, if you have the opportunity to attend a Messianic Seder next Easter, do it!
Other Life Tidbits:
- The big family Easter picnic takes place outside every year and it was so windy we had to hang tarps up to block off a corner of the picnic shelter. I'm voting for warmer weather next year!
- Turning off work on the weekends is still a bit challenging for me. Facebook is at least 50% business for me (if not more), so I almost have to ignore it on the weekends if I want to go completely work-free.
- It often feels like we're running in 5 different directions with house projects but we were able to get a bit of furniture painting done this weekend. Hopefully the top half of our china cabinet will finally be finished soon!


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- Bank for International Settlements (BIS) was established on 17th May 1930 and it is the oldest international financial organization.
- BIS is an international organization which fosters international organization which fosters international monetary and financial cooperation and serves as a bank for Central Banks.
- The head office of Bank for International Settlements (BIS) is located in Basel, Switzerland and there are two representative offices in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People's Republic of China and in Mexico City.
- As its customers are Central Banks and international organizations, the BIS do not accept deposits from, or provide financial services to, private individuals or corporate entities.
- Mission of the BIS: BIS mission is to serve central banks in their pursuit of monetary and financial stability, to foster international cooperation in those areas and to act as a bank for central banks.
- The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) pursues its mission by:
- fostering discussion and facilitating collaboration among central banks;
- supporting dialogue with other authorities that are responsible for promoting financial stability; carrying out research and policy analysis on issues of relevance for monetary and financial stability;
- acting as a prime counter party for central banks in their financial transactions; and
- serving as an agent or trustee in connection with international financial operations.
- The BIS currently has 56 members Central Banks, all of which are entitled to be represented and vote in the General Meetings. voting power is proportionate to the number of BIS shares issued in the country of each member represented at the meeting.
About BIS (bis.org)


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The Best Party Venues in London
A party isn't a party unless guests are mingling, dancing, eating, and soaking in the atmosphere. However, a party's vibrancy is partly dependent upon the venue. A lavish and spacious venue in the perfect location will draw in a lively crowd and truly make it a night to remember.
If you're looking to make your next event the talk of the town, then consider the following cool party venues in London.
Please sign up to our monthly newsletter to receive reviews of these openings.
Despite just opening its doors in 2014, One Embankment has already become a major venue and has even been used as the after-party location for big name events like the Elle Style Awards. With its dance floor, speakers, lighting options, and PA system, this is the ideal spot for hosting a buzzing party where you expect festivities to continue well into the early hours.
Aside from the main ground floor, the facility also includes an upper deck known as the Mezzanine, which wraps around the perimeter of the building. This area includes lavish upholstery and is perfect for those who wish to take a break from the festivities while getting a bird's eye view of the party below.
The Look Out is one of the best London party venues because of its exquisite location. It's situated right at the heart of Hyde Park. The location is a nature lover's oasis; even the facility itself is a sustainable building complete with Smart Board technology, wooden terraces, and a lush pond – all in an enclosed structure.
From the perimeter of the park, guests can make their way on foot to reach the Look Out within five minutes or be chauffeured by a buggy; either way, they can enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way.
A party is a dud if the guests aren't feeling the vibe. The best party venues in London don't just offer a room. They offer an atmosphere and vibe which gets guest in the mood to party, setting the tone for the entire event.


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In the Crown
In the Crown
from 48.00
Sterling disc stamped with sunburst. Hand-fabricated and hammered brass & sterling mix with your choice of stone totem. (Lapispictured). Soldered sterling link. L=1 3/4
Each piece comes with an ingredients card that holds a mini art bio and care info, too.
Stone Totem:


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El Presidente
"I am going to teach the South American republics to elect good men."
– US President Woodrow Wilson
Capítulo número cuatro, amigos. Today's installment from the ongoing "Drinks We Drank at Drink" series features the "El Presidente".
The bachelor, for whom we can thank for our debaucherous trip to Boston, is a rum man. As such, it was requested that a cocktail be brought to him that was to be made with rum and was to be made strong. With these criteria the bartender went to work making an El Presidente, one of the few classic stirred rum-based drinks in existence.
It would seem that the Presidente to which this cocktail owes its name is most likely Mario García Menocal, who was in office from 1913 to 1921. In his first term as the president of Cuba, Menocal made a name for himself by implementing fiscal and trade policies that facilitated foreign business investment from American corporations. In 1916 he was "reelected", defeating Alfredo Zayas, the liberal candidate, in an election torn by strife and marred by fraud. Apparently more votes were cast than there were qualified voters – whoops. Unsurprisingly, the liberals took objection to this discrepancy, lost their shit, and revolted. Menocal got on the horn to US President Woodrow Wilson and requested arms and Marines, which he duly received – Wilson was a fan of Menocal for reasons threefold: 1) he was good for US business interests; 2) he was more likely to support the Allied forces in the midst of WWI; and 3) he was devilishly handsome. Besides, Woodrow had to keep up the proud tradition of American hegemony. Starswipe to a few weeks later and Menocal's forces had crushed the uprising. American troops remained in Cuba until 1923, no doubt sipping on delicious Daiquiris, Mojitos, and the subject of this post: El Presidentes (actually, come to think of it, they're still there…)
Some sources claim that the cocktail was actually named after President Gerardo Machado, but this claim doesn't hold up to close scrutiny given that the first description of the cocktail was found in the New York Evening Telegram in 1919 – six years previous to Machado's presidency.
Or perhaps the cocktail was renamed after whoever happened to be president at the time to, ya know, not cast any doubt that the bartender's loyalties may not lie with the current government – the drinking public of Cuba blind to the name change: "…this cocktail has always been named after Muchado…¿estás loco?" Ha. That, of course, is complete and utter conjecture.
Anyhoo, enough poli-cocktail punditry – vamos a chupar!
- 2 oz. Havana Club Reserva Añejo 7 Años Rum
- ½ oz. Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambery
- ½ oz. Martini & Rossi Vermouth Bianco
- 1 barspoon Grand Marnier
- ½ barspoon grenadine
Add everything to a mixing glass, followed by enough ice to fill the glass ¾ full. Stir for about 30 seconds or so and strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Since Canada is not imposing an utterly farcical embargo against Cuba, Havana Club is readily available in my neck of the woods. Which is good, because it's cheap and delicious. As for the two vermouths, let me explain: The recipe traditionally called for "French" vermouth, which almost always means "dry". But if we dig a wee bit deeper, we find that the earliest Cuban recipe for El Presidente, published in the 1924 Manuel del Cantinero by León Pujol and Oscar Muñiz, specifies Vermouth de Chambery. "Great," I thought – "I've a bottle of Dolin Dry Vermouth de Chambery." But, as David Wondrich has discovered, the signature style of vermouth that Chambery was known for at the time was not dry, but rather semi-dry – so-called Vermouth Blanc. Now, the blanc version of Dolin isn't available here in Ontario, however Martini Bianco is. So why didn't I just sub in the Italian and call it a day? Good question: I don't know what came over me – I just thought I'd split the difference between the two and was curious to see how the combination fared.
Ay! Not bad. Maybe I've just become accustomed to a winter of whisk(e)y-based drinks, but the flavours offered by El Presidente took me a bit off guard at first. The chocolate, banana and oaky spice notes from the rum intermingle with the rich apple and honey flavours of the vermouth bianco. The dry vermouth pipes in with hints of herbs and grass, but these are mostly masked by the complex orange flavours of the Grand Marnier. I detect a slightest bit of tartness from the grenadine on the finish.
In 1949 the El Presidente was described in Esquire's Handbook for Hosts as "an elixir of jaded gullets". I can see what they meant – it's simultaneously rich and light, delivering multiple layers of flavours from start to finish.
I think I'll have another. Viva Cuba.


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Yesterday, I discussed the history of the land Saratoga Springs now occupies. Today, I will examine the resort itself and all that it offers.
To begin with, Saratoga Springs is a Disney Vacation Club (DVC) resort. In other words, it is a "timeshare" property. However, Disney hates the word "timeshare" and you will never hear it used in any official promotion or advertisement. For more information about DVC membership, click here.
If you're interested in staying at Disney's Saratoga Springs after reading my article, and you're not a DVC member, don't despair. Florida law requires that all timeshare properties set aside some rooms for non-members. And besides that, Disney is more than happy to rent you a DVC room when they can. Note, 3-bedroom units are not available to non-members.
Saratoga Springs has two distinct sections. First, there is the primary resort which was inspired by an 1890's community found in upstate New York. The other section is located adjacent to the "main" property and features the unique Treehouse Villas. This article will discuss the primary section of the resort. To learn more about the Treehouse Villas, check out an article I wrote in 2009 by clicking here.
Saratoga Springs has two roadway entrances available to the public. The main access is located off of Disney Vacation Club Way and is well marked with signage. The secondary entry is found off of Buena Vista Drive and has no signs and is easily missed. Depending on where I'm coming from and where I'm going, I will use either. The first picture is of the main entry. The following picture is of the secondary entrance.
After checking in with the security guard at the main entrance, guests drive along Broadway, a lovely tree-studded, two-lane road. Willow Lake can be seen on the left side of the street and the Lake Buena Vista Golf Course can be seen on the right. Many of the guest accommodations are visible in the distance.
Soon, guests reach the "town" section of the property where they will find most of the resort's services and check-in area.
Like all Disney resorts, guests arriving at Saratoga Springs pull up beneath an attractive portico. A 30 minute "check-in" parking lot is located nearby.
The horserace theme of Saratoga Springs becomes obvious shortly after arrival. Just past the portico is Winner's Circle. Here we find a bronze statue of a thoroughbred and his mount. A victory blanket of roses is draped across the steed's back. A keen eye will notice that the old DVC logo has been cleverly embedded into the floral design.
Next to the Winner's Circle is Performance Hall. During the heyday of the Disney Institute, this building played host to a multitude of cultural acts. Today, it is used as an Epcot rehearsal site and not open to the public.
In this same vicinity is Carriage House. This is the spot where guests check-in and take advantage of concierge services. This beautiful room is octagonal in shape and features a massive loft area. Paintings of Saratoga Springs landmarks adorn the walls. An appropriately clad greeter is on hand to offer assistance when needed.
Off of the main lobby is an alcove intended for children. This spot offers the little ones something to do while mom and dad check in. Miniature chairs sit before a TV playing Disney cartoons.
In this same room are pictures of seven famous Disney horses. These include Buck from "Home on the Range," Bullseye from "Toy Story 2," the Prince's horse from "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs," Prince Charming's horse from "Cinderella," Khan from "Mulan," Sampson from "Sleeping Beauty, and Philippe from "Beauty and the Beast."
Beyond the lobby is a lovely lounge. This spot serves no purpose other than to offer a pleasant place to relax and enjoy a comfortable atmosphere. A DVC sales associate can also be found in this room and is available to answer all of your questions regarding membership and properties. If you are curious about what membership offers, be sure to ask. And don't worry. You will not be given the "hard sell."
During the years of the Disney Institute, a shop called Dabbler was located off of this lounge. But when this area was remodeled for Saratoga Springs, the shop was closed to make room for other necessities. But instead of creating another standalone store someplace else, the Imagineers came up with a new idea – create a combination shop and counter-service restaurant. The end result is Artist's Palette (not to be confused with Artist's Point located at Wilderness Lodge).
Artist's Palette is a large, brightly lit venue that I divide into four sections. The north area offers your typical Disney souvenirs. The south area sells food and drinks that can be taken back to your room for preparation and consumption. The west wall features the counter-service restaurant ordering and pick-up station. And finally, the east wall houses a bank of registers where guests can pay for everything.
This section of Artist's Palette occupies the space of the former Season's restaurant.
A dining area is located across a hallway and offers ample seating. The chandeliers are especially fun. And for the budding artist in your group, easels are available for them to create a masterpiece.
I like the food served at Artist's Palette. Although the breakfast offerings are mostly standard fare, the lunch/dinner menu is upscale for a counter-service restaurant. It's obvious that the chefs are trying to use their culinary training when creating the selections. Many of the dishes offered here are cooked to order to ensure quality and freshness.
Guests ordering their food "to go" will be given a pager and food receipt so they may return to the pick-up counter when everything is ready. Guests eating in the nearby dining room will be given a number (and food receipt) to place on their table. When the food has finished cooking, a cast member will deliver the meal. While waiting, you can browse the shop and then take your receipt to the register and pay for everything in advance. This ensures that once the food is ready, you can start eating immediately. I much prefer this method to the restaurants at the budget and moderate resorts where you must wait in line to pay while your food gets cold.
To see the current breakfast menu, click here.
To see the current lunch/dinner menu, click here.
Exiting Artist's Palette through the south doorway brings guests into a long hallway. This corridor is lined with framed jockey jerseys. One is of special interest.
At the other end of this hallway is a lovely lounge. Tables, couches, and overstuffed chairs are available for conversation and relaxation. A pool table is on hand and the TV is usually tuned to ESPN. A walk-up bar serves soft and hard drinks starting at 4pm.
The Turf Club Bar & Grill is located just off of this lounge and offers understated sophistication. Although I've never been to a private racetrack club/restaurant, I somehow imagine this is what it would be like.
The walls of this establishment are made up of dark woods with tan accents. The carpet is a rich green with gold designs. The tables and chairs have a clean look and also feature dark woods. The lighting is simple and keeps the mood dark – which is perfect. A wall of windows runs along one side of the restaurant and allows filtered sunlight to bathe the dining room. Several shadow boxes hang on the wall displaying racing gear.
Adjacent to the indoor dining room is a covered porch with additional tables for outside dining. While eating here you can see the Sassagoula River in the distance and the water taxis ferrying guests to Downtown Disney, Old Key West, and Port Orleans. When the weather is pleasant, this is a wonderful spot to enjoy a meal.
I like the Turf Club. I have eaten here on many occasions and have always been pleased with my food and service. I also have a regular waiter, Max. If you choose to dine here, you might want to request him. He'll take good care of you.
For many years, the Turf Club was open for lunch as well as dinner. However, due to a sparse afternoon attendance, the midday meal was discontinued here late last year. Sigh. Dinner is served from 5pm to 10pm and reservations are recommended.
Down the steps from the Turf Club is the Lake Buena Vista Golf Club. This is the check-in spot for this challenging Disney course. Plenty of parking is located nearby.
The 18-hole Lake Buena Vista course is rated 4 stars by Golf Digest. It is also certified by Audubon International as a Cooperative Wildlife Sanctuary. As I mentioned yesterday, the course was conceived by Joe Lee. In his design, he created elevated bunkered greens that put a premium on accurate approach shots.
Just a few steps beyond the golf club you'll find the boat dock for transportation to Downtown Disney and the Treehouse Villas. Water taxis run every 20 minutes from 10am to 11pm. Space is limited on these boats to 34 guests, so if you're thinking of only using them as a sightseeing experience, you might be forced to disembark and wait for the next launch if lines are long at Downtown Disney.
The largest of the four Saratoga Springs swimming pools is located across and down a flight of stairs from The Carriage House. High Rock Spring pool offers a water slide, a splash and play area with Donald Duck, two hot tubs, lockers & change area, and plenty of tables, chairs, and lounges. Life guards are on duty during "slide operating hours." These hours vary depending on the season.
I will discuss the other three pools in tomorrow's article.
Also near the High Rock Spring pool is On the Rocks. This is the local watering hole where cool and refreshing drinks can be ordered. Food is not served here as the Artist's Palette is located conveniently nearby.
Just to the south of the pool is Win, Place, or Show Arcade. As at every Disney resort, this is the place to send your kids when you need some down time and they're still bursting with energy.
Also near the pool is The Spa. Inspired by the Adirondack's celebrated mineral springs, this spa offers a full array of services. Some of these include facials, body massages, body wraps, and aromatherapy. Also available in the Health Club is state-of-the-art exercise equipment for those of you wishing to stay in shape while on vacation.
The Spa was closed for refurbishment during my most recent stay at Saratoga Springs. Because of this, I have no interior pictures to share with you. For more information about The Spa, click here.
As I mentioned earlier, Broadway runs through the middle of the "town" of the Saratoga Springs Resort. In town you'll find several places of interest. One of these is The Springs Bus Stop for transportation to other spots at WDW.
Across the street from the bus stop is a laundry facility and Community Hall.
One, two, and three bedroom units at Saratoga Springs have washers and dryers within the room. However, studio units do not. Laundry facilities for these folks are located at all of the pools.
All DVC resorts have a "Community Hall." This is the spot for fun and games. Although primarily intended for children, the entire family can enjoy activities here. Be sure to stop by and check the Activity Schedule to see what's happening during your stay.
Next to Community Hall is Horsing Around Rentals. This is the location to rent sports equipment and surreys. DVDs are also available here and are loaned free of charge to DVC members.
The basketball, tennis, and shuffleboard courts are all located at the far south end of the Carriage House complex.
A movie theater was part of the Disney Institute's offerings. I believe this building continued to operate in this capacity when Saratoga Springs first opened. But today, this structure is used to house mockups of DVC rooms to show prospective members.
Speaking of prospective DVC members"¦
I'm sure you've notice, wherever you go at WDW, a DVC kiosk can be found. For most folks, talking to one of the cast members stationed at one of these locations is their first step toward membership. This next picture was taken of a Membership Information Center at Disney's Hollywood Studios.
The cast members at these remote sales centers provide guests with the basics of DVC membership. If this initial information piques their interest, arrangements are made to transport them to Saratoga Springs where a more formal and in-depth presentation can be made. Part of this presentation includes mockups of typical DVC rooms.
Here are a few pictures of the Saratoga Springs DVC reception area.
That's it for today. Check back tomorrow when I'll be discussing the various sections of Saratoga Springs, the other pools, and the rooms.


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When you visit be sure to see some of best Florida wild life in their natural setting at Ding Darling Nature Park. The islands offer a rare place to relax and enjoy the natural beauty with over 40 percent of the island's acres preserved as wildlife sanctuaries. You will be impressed with the fine restaurants, shopping, beautiful beaches, and excellent accommodations.
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Australia is the biggest island and the smallest continent on the Earth. It received its name due to the Latin "Terra Australis Incognita" � �Southern unknown land�. Australia is the only country occupying the whole continent. Here you can see the super modern metropolises, the driest deserts, the best beaches, coral reefs and much more.
About the Author: If you like to know about how to book hotel in any country of the world, please visit www.allrez.com


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Make Money Fast For Kids – Easy Ways For Kids to Make Money Online
If you're a parent looking for ways on how to make money fast for kids, there are a lot of things that you can suggest or teach them. While traditional moneymaking ideas such as starting a lemonade stand, lawn care or dog walking remain popular up to these days, contemporary moneymaking ways brought by internet have proven to be more creative and profitable, from blogging and writing to selling and marketing other people's products.
In this internet-dominated world, there's no way that your child hasn't heard or even visited a website. In fact, most of today's kids are internet-savvy and are even more knowledgeable than their parents when it comes to this technology. The internet offers fun and great ways to make money fast for kids; the most popular internet moneymaking method is affiliate marketing. Children who have set up their own websites can make money through this method by simply posting links of other people's products to their websites. Meanwhile, for children who don't have websites but love to blog and write just about anything or post ideas on forums, this type of marketing allows them to include product links to their articles and blogs.
Affiliate marketing has also been used by many adults and has given them huge profits. But what makes it the best method to make money fast for kids is the fact that it doesn't have any upfront cost. It's also easy to get started with this method as all they need to do is sign up for membership with an affiliate program, get a link and post them to their websites. They don't need to learn anything about the products or take orders from customers and ship them. They just have to include the affiliate link that was provided to them, and wait until somebody clicks on the link and purchases the product. And every time a visitor purchases the product, they get a commission.
The internet offers a lot of ways to make money fast for kids. However, affiliate marketing proves to be a fun and exciting activity for them. Through affiliate marketing, children not only get to do what they love doing online, but they're also generating money that they can use to help with the family's expenses or buy things that they want. Marketing online also builds their creativity and improves their ability to make strategic decisions so as to make more profits. It is, however, important to consider the children's age and skills. Depending on their age, they might need you to guide them through the process, especially during the start-up which includes the registration and creation of an account with their chosen affiliate program.
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Nicholas Carr: IT still doesn't matter, part 1
CHICAGO -- "IT is shifting from a potential source of competitive advantage to just a cost of doing business," said Nicholas Carr, author of Why IT doesn't matter anymore, during his opening keynote at this month's SIMposium 2004. Even though the name of his newest book, "Does IT matter?," might make you think he's changed his mind, he hasn't.
A few days before the conference, he talked about his controversial article, his new book and what lies ahead for IT. In part one of the interview, he clarifies his theory, explains why it may have been misinterpreted, talks about outsourcing's role, and discusses IT's strained relationship with business.
At last year's SIMposium, the delegates heard a speech from Harvard Business School Professor Warren McFarlan and received a packet of "letters to the editor" debunking your article "IT doesn't matter." Are you here this year to defend yourself?
No. I wasn't really aware of last year's program. I just think it's a great audience in terms of IT managers and seemed like a good one to talk to. What are the best arguments that you've heard against your position? Have they caused you to alter your opinions in any way?
I think some of the arguments are definitional -- how broad a definition you use of information technology. In some cases, people will say it's not the technology, it's the people. I have no debate with that. Whatever business resource you're talking about, whether it is computer systems or raw materials, it's obviously the talent, skill and understanding of a company's people that set apart how effectively they use that resource. But it seems to me that broadening the definition of IT so far just muddies the issue of the role of technology. So that's one line of arguments.
I think one of the most interesting criticisms is along the lines that as we see IT components, hardware and software become cheaper, more available and more flexible, then companies will be able to combine those components much more quickly, much more flexibly, and perhaps therein will lay the opportunity for advantage.
I wouldn't call it misinterpretation as just people defining it in different ways. I would say if there's a misinterpretation, it's more along the lines of understanding the distinction I draw between an essential business resource and a strategic one, because you can have something [in IT] that's essential. It's the cost of doing business; you have to buy it and you have to maintain it well. But it doesn't necessarily provide you with the basis for competitive advantage or competitive differentiation, which is what I think characterizes a strategic resource.
My argument is not that you don't need IT or that it's not important, but that it doesn't matter strategically and doesn't provide one company with a way to distinguish itself in any meaningful way from its competition. Given that you believe IT is no longer meaningful strategically, would you advise a corporate management committee to outsource every possible IT function as cheaply as possible and shrink its IT expenditures to the bare minimum?
I wouldn't say outsource everything possible in a blind fashion, because outsourcing is not without its costs and risks and, as we've seen, many outsourcing contracts don't go all that smoothly or don't produce the gains that were expected.
Having said that, I do believe that as more IT processes and more IT functions become standardized and routinized, then outsourcing is certainly one option that companies should look at. Anytime something becomes routinized and non-strategic, then it becomes a good candidate for outsourcing, and what we're seeing today is that a lot of the IT-related processes that you once had to do yourself inside your company, you can now look for an outside supplier to provide. That doesn't mean that it's always going to be the right decision, but it's certainly another option. If IT doesn't matter as much as it used to, what are companies supposed to turn to for innovation or advancement? Is some other field rising up as an engine of innovation or business creativity?
Every company needs to innovate if it's going to stay ahead of the competition, but the key decision is 'where do we innovate, and where do we not innovate' because innovation is costly and risky. So you don't want to do it everywhere, particularly those places where it's not going to provide you with an advantage. But I think there are all sorts of places where companies might decide to innovate, whether it's in product development in the services they provide, in their manufacturing processes or in seeking sale advantages. I think all along, IT has been one area of potential innovation but there are hundreds more. Do you think there was a particular time during the last few years that marked the loss of credibility IT had with business? Was it Y2K, the dot-com bust, the economic downturn, all three, none of the above?
I think there was a combination of forces. I certainly think Y2K and the dot-com bust showed executives that there was a lot of marketing hype focused on IT. At the same time, I think longer term trends toward the greater standardization of IT and toward rapid price declines of IT components have also influenced executives in leading them to move away from the cutting edge and look for cheaper ways to get the capabilities they need. So I think it's a mix of things. It also needs to be pointed out that a lot of companies have had a lot of IT initiatives that haven't worked out the way they would have liked -- they've gone way over budget, way off schedule, have been abandoned, or haven't produced the benefits they were expecting. So I think there's been a lot of frustration over the last five to 10 years with IT, and that's led toward a more conservative posture toward its purchase and its management.
If IT doesn't matter, do CIOs matter? Click here to read the second half of the interview, where Carr discusses his take on the future of the CIO role.


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text: TSO broke above its March 2015 high of $95, today, and as such officially confirmed major 5. So far there are only minor 1 and 2 of intermediate i, of major 5 in place. Hence, once intermediate i and ii are complete we can make a good target prediction for major 5/primary III. For now, price is in minor 3 of intermediate i. That's all there is to it. Enjoy 😉


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This site is operated by a business or businesses owned by Informa PLC and all copyright resides with them. Informa PLC's registered office is 5 Howick Place, London SW1P 1WG. Registered in England and Wales. Number 8860726.
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text: Quebec theatre director Robert Lepage's play SLĀV was cancelled in Montreal after accusations of racial insensitivity because it featured few Black actors. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn July 26, 2018 'I don't see race' and other white lies Corrie Scott, University of Ottawa A recent controversy surrounding Québec director Robert Lepage has had some people claiming to be colour-blind when in comes to race. But nothing could be further from the truth.


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Warning: Extremely Flammable: DO NOT TOUCH!
|photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images
A warning label along those lines needs to be slapped onto to the front jersey of Brad Marchand, as the Bruins winger continued his blazing scoring today, scoring twice versus the Los Angeles Kings to pace the Bruins to a hard-fought 3-2 win.
Marchand scored two goals in a game for the second day in a row, and backup goalie Chad Johnson made 21 saves as the Bruins won their 31st game of the year.
Marchand opened the scoring for the Bruins, just as he did a little more than 24 hours ago versus Chicago, yet this goal had just a bit more flare.
On the penalty kill, Marchand pulled off multiple moves to beat nearly the entire Kings team, stick-handling through the defense not once but twice. The first sequence saw Marchand turn around the Kings' All-Star and Canadian Olympian Drew Doughty before getting a shot on Quick. Marchand stuck with the play, getting the puck back and deked out another Olympian, Anze Kopitar, before beating Quick between the legs to cap off the highlight-reel goal.
Still in the first, Torey Krug put the Bruins up 2-0 on the powerplay with his 11th on the year at 17:51, ripping a slapshot from the top of the face-off circle off the feed from David Krejci. Zdeno Chara was screening in front of Quick, and the puck pinged off the post and in.
The next two goals came from the Kings, with Willie Mitchell at 4:09 of the second and Jeff Carter on the powerplay at 8:35 of the third, which tied the game at 2's.
|Miller lays out Brown (photo by Brian Babineau/Getty Images)
The Bruins battered down for the rest of the period, aided by a late penalty on the Kings' Jake Muzzin that put them down a man for the last minute of play.
It's been a good couple days for the Bruins, as they've grabbed five out of a possible six points versus the Stars, Blackhawks and Kings all since Thursday. After slumping a bit leading up to these match-ups, the Bruins have played three quality games in a row to get back on track.
But the story of the day was again Brad Marchand, who scored twice and provided the punch the Bruins needed on home ice to beat a solid Kings. He's now scored six goals in four games, and it's safe to say he's totally left behind his goal-scoring drought that plagued him most of the season.
The Bruins have the rest of the week off, with their next game being on Saturday away to the Philadelphia Flyers.
- Milan Lucic dropped the gloves with Jordan Nolan after Nolan crunched Torey Krug into the boards. Lucic tuned him up pretty good, landing some heavy shots in his ribs and over the top. It was Lucic's fourth bout of the year.
- It was a heavy hitting game, as you'd expect with these two rosters. A handful of huge hits were delivered, chief among them Kevan Miller leveraging Kings captain Dustin Brown into the boards, and Drew Doughty taking out Lucic with a check in front of the benches.
- Chad Johnson won his 8th game of the year and twice in a row, as he beat the Stars last Thursday on the road.
- With four goals in two days, Brad Marchand now leads the team in goals with 16, bumping out Reilly Smith from the top spot.


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Eve: Beauty From Lagos
Eve says, "My aspirations is to own my own modeling agencies or health care business, which I'm working on.�
[Our Beauty Of The Day]
Where She's From: Theodora Uzoamaka Uzoh, also known as Eve, was born in Lagos, Nigeria. "The name of my street is 53 Uzoh Street, named after my grandfather Mr. Uzoh," she tells The Black Star News. "I learned from my parents that God comes first then family."
Where She's At: Eve attended Queen of Rosary College (QRC) Okoyong, an all girls Catholic boarding school in Nigeria before moving to the US where she went to Hastings High School in Houston, Texas. "I started modeling about a year and a half ago," she says. "My aspirations is to own my own modeling agencies or health care business, which I'm working on." Eve is extremely entrepreneurial and is completing her business plan.
When asked how she's dealt with life's challenges, Eve says she's still recovering over the painful loss of her two young brothers. She continues because of the knowledge that "They would want me to live life to the fullest."
Some of the prominent shows Eve has been involved in include The En Vogue Fashion show, in Houston, Texas in 2006.
So how does this young beauty prepare to step out? Eve prefers Mary Kay, Burberry and Chanel.
Eve's Words Of Wisdom: "Love yourself because if you don't, who will?"
Eve's Secrets Of Success: "Education and knowing what you want from life and going after it."
Eve's Favorite Three Movies: "The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen, 300, and Diary of a Mad Black Woman."
Eve's Favorite Books: "Lord Of The Flies, Brown Sugar."
Leaders That Have Most Inspired Eve: "My mom, dad and brother."
The First Three Things Eve Would Do As President: "Work on health care, education and immigration reform."
Eve's Favorite Cars: "Range Rover, Mercedes-Benz and Toyota for the gas mileage."
Eve's Five Favorite Entertainers: "Beyonce, Akon, I love all but the best is mama Africa, and Toni Braxton."
Eve's Five Favorite Websites: "www.blackstarnews.com, www.myspace.com, www.google.com, www.modelmayhem.com, www.yahoo.com."
To contact Eve for business and modeling email@example.com
For your own profile consideration please send a short bio with headshot to firstname.lastname@example.com
To comment or to subscribe to or advertise in New York's leading Pan African weekly investigative newspaper, or to send us a news tip, please call (212) 481-7745 or send a note to firstname.lastname@example.com
Also visit out sister publications Harlem Business News www.harlembusinessnews.com and The Groove music magazine at www.thegroovemag.com
"Speaking Truth To Empower."
Latest comments
- Ann GarrisonFebruary 22,2018 @ 08:03 PM
I think you have "Filtered HTML" turned on here. If you switch to "Full HTML," it will probably...
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bits and pieces of our summer
August 22, 2012 | 2 comments - join the party! |
We celebrated a second birthday….
We camped
Baby boy got Christened
We went to a Drive In Movie
The Maker Fair
Worked on our manners
A few long weekends celebrating Canada
We had play dates and sleepovers
And we still have two weeks so a few more things on our summer list to check off
Bits and pieces post inspired by Bluebird Vintage.
2 comments - join the party!
those ice cream cookies look really good! Did you make all those yourself?
The kids are getting so big! I missed that you moved your blog and finally found you again 🙂 What a great summer! I can't believe it's over.


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It's making me giggle writing this blog post. This latest bucket list project feels a bit absurd. I'm so in over my head.
In my personal life (definitely not work life), I have a tendency to favor action over research and just jump into things, and learn as I go. Which is funny, because I used to over-research, take 20 different classes and struggle to execute, paralyzed by an exacting standard. I guess I've gone through a 180.
I'd argue it's an unexpected gift that came from becoming a parent, and the resultant focus on just get shit done – I don't have time anymore to luxuriously peruse, project plan, build and then roll out projects casually. The energy around projects whilst a parent is DECIDE. EXECUTE. ADJUST. BE PREPARED TO FAIL. There's lots of fails as a parent, so fails have lost their "scary edge."
Looking back over the years of bucket list items and personal goals, I'd rather be in a place of taking action, making mistakes and learning – than being caught up in over-planning, over-researching and over-thinking. I've been there. I know what it is like to be held captive by your own perfectionist standards, procrastination and fear to fail.
So this led me to launching a half-baked project – I got into Kickstarter without even knowing what I was getting into. I just thought it would be fun to try out getting some funding for a childrens' book I am working on.
Don't get me wrong, the children's book is WELL-DONE. It's almost done actually. We are in the final stages of imaging. It's a children's book where a little girl gets to explore five magical fantasy landscapes featuring mystical animals and beings with magical powers. There are some gorgeous values and character strengths woven into the story, which encourages each child to take their imagination onward with them, the rest of their lives. Kintara is a world each child can return to if they close their eyes. The magic passed on from the queens of each world is magic each child already has inside of them. Each image is derived from a recurring dream I've had since childhood.
(Here is one of the worlds in "development" stage)
I'm literally just trying out the Kickstarter part for the "funds" component of this project – it's a cherry on top of something that would go ahead anyways. So the nice part is that I have a bit of "gentle irreverence" as to the success of the campaign.
My project, The Gates of Kintara Children's Book & App was launched this week.
Exciting, no? As I read more on Kickstarter campaigning, I realized holy shit, there's a lot I didn't know about when I launched this. But sometimes ignorance is bliss. Had I read about all of the tips, tricks and "successful Kickstarter campaign checklists" out there on the web, I may have become overwhelmed and not even launched.
I really, really like drawing diagrams – I think in my past life, I was a sports coach, so let me put one up here for you.
I think people can have success by preparing and launching with a great, sound plan. But there's also hard-won success, but just getting started, making mistakes, floundering and then adjusting as you go.
It's just that one feels much more comfortable than the other.
There are SO MANY PEOPLE who want you to buy their courses, take their webinars and let them teach you how to prepare and do things right. Everyone wants to do this route instead, it's easier, so there is demand. People pay good money for these courses, and people make a good living "coaching" people on how to prepare and be successful.
The thing is though, you can be successful by making mistakes. It is a hell of a lot less comfortable, it's a longer road, but your knowledge is going to be hard won.
See? There's two routes below.
Route A takes longer (the pink route, it's filled with time, mistakes, barriers and deep learning. That's the route I am taking with my Kickstarter.)
Route B is much faster (the red route.) You work with a coach, take a course, learn from others' mistakes, shortcut many of those mistakes, spend less time getting to your goal. It's a lot smarter on a lot of levels.
Actually, looking at this, now I begin to wonder, why AM I taking Route A? I think it's simply because I like learning and am using this Kickstarter as a learning experience. I don't see challenges or failure as a bad thing.
I follow a lot of entrepreneur / business / coaching groups on linked in, Facebook and the web. There are amazing groups out there. I am a particular fan of Kimra Luna's Freedom Hackers group.
I do still believe that the single biggest thing everyone struggles with is the action part. People take endless courses. They are afraid to fail. They try to make their plans bulletproof. I could have easily spent 6 months reading up on Kickstarter.
So here I am, realizing how much I did not know when I launched my Kickstarter, wondering why the hell I did this half-baked plan. But I'm also excited for the brilliant learning experience and opportunity to really JUMP into it and learn fast.
I'm already making all of the mistakes that all of the courses say they will prevent you from making.
And that's okay. I'm learning. Fast. It's fun.


text: Those of you old enough will remember a series of jams in Canberra, many moons ago, held over the Easter long weekend. Well, the crafty dudes at Back Bone; with help of a whole swag of generous supporters have revived it! Being held on the 28-31 March, at Weston Creek, Belconnen, Tuggeranong and Back Bone respectively, there'll be money and prizes up for grabs at all three. It's guaranteed to attract Australia's best crew of shredders, and after hearing nothing but good stories about the old jams, there's no way I'll be missing this!