text:
This is where U.K. mobile operator EE finds itself, according to Will Harmer, its senior manager—insights, optimisation, and personalisation.
"Almost everyone in the U.K. has got a smart phone and a network, so there aren't really new customers left for us to sell to," he told CMO.com recently. "As a consequence, we've got a really big challenge around keeping our existing customers happy."
For EE, this means it's vital to provide a "brilliant" customer experience. For Harmer in turn, it means two things. The first is understanding the key online customer journeys, optimising them to remove customer pain points, and increasingly personalising them so that people get to where they need to be quickly and efficiently, and get the answer they need when they get there.
The second is what he calls "the democratisation of data around the business."
"We want the whole business to be using the wealth of data that we have in digital because that's one of the key advantages that you have with a digital platform—the data that you collect," he said.
"The footprints the customers leave and the discussions they have with us are through the data we collect, so if we can impart that data to our colleagues around the business, then they can make decisions that make our customer experiences better and really drive those brilliant experiences we're seeking."


text:
It's been a week since Jacksonville Suns pitcher Chris Hatcher made his second major-league appearance, this time from the pitching mound.
While the Florida Marlins returned Hatcher to the Suns on Wednesday, he's still riding a cloud from his historic venture to the big leagues.
Hatcher made his major-league debut a year ago when the Marlins promoted the then-catcher to their roster in September.
During the offseason, Hatcher turned in his catching gear for a chance to become a relief pitcher. The move paid off when the Marlins added him to the roster before the All-Star Game. Hatcher became just the second player ever - and the first in nearly 80 years - to make his major-league debut as a catcher and then return as a pitcher.
Hatcher pitched a 1-2-3 inning against the Cubs in Chicago, throwing 14 pitches, nine for strikes, and recording a strikeout.
"My first two or three throws to the bullpen catcher, I kept telling myself, 'Don't air-mail it [over the catcher's head].' The bullpens are on the field there at Wrigley, and everyone would have seen it," Hatcher said. "But then the jitters went away. I had more anxiousness than nervousness. Having 40,000 people sitting there in Wrigley Field with the prestige and history of that ballpark is something I'll never forget.
"Pitching at Wrigley was unbelievable. We're out there at 10:30 in the morning taking BP [batting practice] for our day game, and people are already packing the stands, yelling at you."
Hatcher's toughest decision came after the game. His brother called and wanted Hatcher to bring him a memento from the park.
"I pondered what I should get him, and I figured what the heck, I'll get him some ivy and some dirt from the outfield. He'll cherish that more than a T-shirt," Hatcher said.
Now that he's back with the Suns, the right-handed Hatcher has his sights on returning to the Marlins.
"I'm just going to try and keep doing what I've been doing," Hatcher, 26, said. "It's working so far, so I'll just take it one pitch at a time, one out at a time. I look at it [like] the game is no different here than it is up at that level. There might be 40,000 people up there at a game and only 4,000 here, but you still have to go out and throw strikes."
Homer happy in Mobile
Mobile first baseman Paul Goldschmidt clubbed his 28th homer Friday night, leaving him two shy of becoming the first player in the Southern League to hit 30 homers in a season since Tennessee's Bucky Jacobsen hit 31 in 2003.
The league record is 42 by Tim Laudner of Orlando in 1981, the only player to hit 40 home runs in a single Southern League season.
Goldschmidt is averaging a home run every 3.4 games. With 40 games remaining this season, he's on pace for a 40-home run total.
Mobile's hot second-half start enabled it to post the best overall record in the league at 59-39, entering Saturday's game. It's the first time since 2004 that a Southern League team is 20 games over the .500 mark. … Suns outfielder Kevin Mattison set a team record with 12 triples this season, surpassing the mark of 11 set by Scott Cousins two years ago.
(904) 359-4292

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Google is following in the footsteps of Samsung.
Android Police is of the view that Google might actually be ready to introduce tap-to pay Android Wear. This has been concluded from the evidence obtained from the Google Play services version 10.0. Certain text strings suggest that Google is probably in the late stages of testing.
One such text message was 'try holding your watch to the terminal again'. This means if you own a compatible Android Wear watch you will be able to pay by a simple tap at any NFC-equipped terminal. There is also another cool feature on its way too. This feature will be known as 'Instant apps'.
In this feature you will be able to experience an app without actually installing it. Android Police reports that Instant App services have been switched on. This means this feature is being tested to be released soon.
The Android tap-to pay currently is available only to those who use Samsung Gear 3 and Samsung Pay. This feature can only be used by those who are using an Android device with KitKat 4.4 or later.
This is simply because Samsung has made the payment facility available to many other Android users who are using its Tizen OS-based watch. The Gear 3 has the same magnetic stripe payment tech as the Samsung phones so you can enjoy paying anywhere in the United States.
In general the sales of wearables have not been much impressive. Companies like Intel have actually scaled down the development of such devices. Even Google delayed its Android wear 2.0 to early 2017.
In the meantime Mountain View improved its software and gave smartwatch owners a reason to smile. Even though the tap-to pay has appeared in the Google Play services it won't be around till next year when the Android wear 2.0 arrives.
It is rumored that the service may come when Google is to announce a smartwatch equivalent to that of its Pixel Ph


text:
Market research in United States (USA)
List of data, research and insights companies and services located in United States (USA).
Click to view detailed company profiles, get contact information and more.
Click here to see all individual members in United States (USA)
Tip! Try looking at all companies operating in United States (USA), but that are not necessarily located there. Yes, show me!
Add filters:
Sponsored results
Decision Point Research Inc.
M4P 1A6 Toronto, Canada
At Decision Point Research, we have an open-minded approach to market research, encompassing a full range of qualitative and quantitative capabilities in data collection. We offer B2B and B2C solutions.
SIS International Research
10010 New York, United States (USA)
SIS International Research is a full-service global market research firm offering qualitative fieldwork, quantitative data collection, strategic research, desk research and market intelligence…
Addison Research Inc.
90017 Los Angeles, United States (USA)
Addison Research is your One-Stop-Shop for all your fieldwork and data collection needs including? telephone, recruitment, focus groups, on-site CLTs, exit interviews, and online. We have proven expertise in all facets of Quantitative, Qualitative and Custom Market Research solutions.
3Q Global
33418 Jupiter, United States (USA)
3Q GLOBAL, is a Multi-Service Research firm with experience Study Design, Project Management, Data Collection, Executive Summary Reporting, Text Analytics, Data Integration and Custom Visualization Dashboards.Request a proposal
Acuity Knowledge Partners
10007 New York, United States (USA)
Acuity Knowledge Partners is a global research and outsourcing firm. Market research unit specializes in Survey Programming, Data Processing, Dashboards, Verbatim & Social Media Coding, Email Campaign, Survey Hosting & Panel Management, Report writing, Data Analytics & Desk ResearchRequest a proposal
Addison Research Inc.
90017 Los Angeles, United States (USA)
Addison Research is your One-Stop-Shop for all your fieldwork and data collection needs including? telephone, recruitment, focus groups, on-site CLTs, exit interviews, and online. We have proven expertise in all facets of Quantitative, Qualitative and Custom Market Research solutions.Request a proposal
Armature Group, Inc.
19096 Wynnewood, United States (USA)
Armature Group, Inc. is a privately-held professional service firm that conducts market research for the pharmaceutical, biotech, and medical device industries on a global basis. We specialize in…Request a proposal
45202 Cincinnati, United States (USA)
Our powerful insights platform combines custom surveys, a validated sample, and industry-leading verbatim management software, and services. We enable the world's largest market research firms and corporate enterprises to efficiently collect, code, classify, analyze and visualize feedback.Request a proposal
NY 11946 Hampton Bays, United States (USA)
ase specialises in the design and implementation of qualitative and quantitative research programmes in the US and around the world. We also offer research-based consultancy across a broad range of...Request a proposal
Atkins Research Global, Inc.
90010 Los Angeles, United States (USA)
Atkins Research Global is a qualitative research organization combining first-rate facilities with exceptional service. Modern three-suite facility offers a boutique feel with a traditional floor plan. Skilled local recruiting with years of experience, and friendly, professional staff.Request a proposal
B2B International USA
10604 New York, United States (USA)
We are an international research firm, specialising in b2b markets. Clients value our depth of knowledge and decades of experience in making sense of complex, often technical industry verticals. We support this 'b2b focus' with global in-house fieldwork, technology and consultancy resources.Request a proposal
Blackstone Group
60604 Chicago, United States (USA)
Blackstone Group is a full-service, custom marketing research and consulting firm with over 24 years of experience providing clients with actionable research insights.
Our unique proprietary…
Bullseye Research Services, Inc.
94611 Oakland, United States (USA)
Data collection that's accurate, on time and within your budget! That's what you'll get when you partner with Bullseye Research.
We can help you get essential data in any industry and in any…
Burke, Inc.
45203 Cincinnati, United States (USA)
Founded in 1931, Burke is an independent, full service marketing research and decision support company.
Burkeâs objectives-driven focus, high quality standards, advanced analytical…
BuzzBack Market Research
10036 New York, United States (USA)
Since 2000, BuzzBack Market Research, headquartered in the USA, with operations in Europe, has provided creative, full-service, custom online market research solutions. At BuzzBack, we develop and…Request a proposal
C & C Market Research
72903 Fort Smith, United States (USA)
C&C Market Research is an industry leading market research field service firm based in Fort Smith, AR. C&C owns and operates over 50 research facilities in major markets all over the USA.
C+R Research
60611 Chicago, United States (USA)
C+R Research is an established and highly-regarded full-service marketing insights agency. We've been helping brands grow for over 50 years by delivering great research, deep perspective and committed client service.Request a proposal
Cambia Information Group
United States (USA)
Cambia Information Group is a market research consultancy that specializes in helping global companies understand how their key stakeholders groups perceive their brands, communications, products, and…
CEF Solutions Inc.
07024 Fort Lee, United States (USA)
Premier BPO & Consulting Service ProviderRequest a proposal
Clear Seas Research
48084 Troy, United States (USA)
Clear Seas Research is a full-service market research firm dedicated to providing clear insights to complex business questions.
At Clear Seas Research we employ the best research design, data…
Consensus Point
37203 nashville, United States (USA)
Consensus Point, based in Nashville, TN, is a leading provider of prediction market technology. Since its founding, Consensus Point has been a pioneer in the prediction market business. In fact, our…Request a proposal
CoolTool Inc
94111 San Francisco, United States (USA)
CoolTool is an online platform for market research. Its powerful survey engine includes eye tracking, emotions measurement, EEG and mouse tracking solutions. CoolTool is the place to shop for various research services, methodologies and latest technology.Request a proposal


text:
Nalyzing the relationship between United States and Mexico
Assignment: Alicia Gaspar de Albas novel, Desert Blood: The Juarez Murders, examines how the U.S. Mexico border functions as a wound that marks the tensions between the Firstand Thirdworlds. How do economic, political and cultural (including the sexual) relationships between Mexico and the United States affect or perhaps overdetermine the way the U.S. and Mexican characters in the novel interact (you might consider the relationship between Ivon Villa and her Mexican lover, between Irene and her captors, or between the consumers of snuff porn and the Mexican victims).
-The novel would be one of the sources and you would need 3-4 literary criticisms. The assignment is to answer the question above while incorporating the criticisms into the paper.


text:
See All
Video Recipes
"Pachakam" means cooking in kerala and Pachakam.Com welcomes you to the magnificent world of easy and healthy Indian cooking with a probe into the fascinating Indian cooking recipes. Cooking is not just about making food but is an art of presenting your culinary skills to those who love food with a different flavor and Indian cooking, by no means is an exception.
Moru curry with Plantain
Category :
Published On: 30 Mar 2011
English: Coconut
tamil: Thengai
malayalam: Nalikeram / Thenga
telugu: Kobbari Kaaya
kannada: Thenginakai
hindi: Nariyal
Bengali: Narcole
Gujarati: Naliyer / Nariyal
Konkani: Naarlu
Marathi: Naral
Oriya: Nadia
Punjabi: Gola / Nariyal
Kashmiri: Narjeel
for more details, click the name of the ingredient
English: Pepper Powder
tamil: Kurumulagupodi
malayalam: Kurumulagupodi
telugu: Miriyaalu / Miriyala Tige / Savyamu
kannada: Menasina Kalu / Karimenasu / Ollemenasu / Menasu
hindi: Kalimirchi / Kada Mari
Bengali: Goal Morich / Kala Morich
Gujarati: Mari / Kadamari / Kalamari / Kalomirich / Golmirich / Kala-Mircha
Konkani: Miriyakonu / Mirsang / Miire / Mirin
Marathi: Mire / Kale Miri
Oriya: Golmarich
Punjabi: Kalimirchi
Tulu: Eddae Munchi
Kashmiri: Marutus
Urudu: Kali Mirch / Siah Mirch
English: Cumin Seeds
tamil: Seerakam / Jeerakam
malayalam: Jeerakam
telugu: Jeelakara / Jidakara / Jikaka
kannada: Jeerige
hindi: Jeera / Jeeru / Safaid Jeera / Zeera / Shimai Shombu
Bengali: Jeera / Zeera / Safed Jira
Gujarati: Jeeru / Jiru / Safed Jiraun
Konkani: Jeerey / Jeren
Marathi: Jeera / Jeregire
Oriya: Jira / Jeera
Punjabi: Jira
Kashmiri: Zyur
English: Turmeric Powder
tamil: Manjalpodi
malayalam: Manjalpodi
telugu: Pasupu
kannada: Arashina / Harasina Pudi
hindi: Haldi / Hardhar
Bengali: Halood
Gujarati: Hardhar / Haldi
Konkani: Haladpito
Marathi: Halad / Halede
Oriya: Haladi Gunda
Punjabi: Haldar / Haldi
Kashmiri: Lader
Urudu: Haladi
English: Mustard Seeds
tamil: Kadugu
malayalam: Kadugu
telugu: Avalu
kannada: Sasuve / Karisasive
hindi: Rai / Banarasi Rai / Sarson
Bengali: Sarsay / Shorshe / Rai
Gujarati: Rai
Konkani: Sasaun
Marathi: Mohori
Oriya: Sorisa / Sarosha
Punjabi: Rai / Banarasi Rai / Kalee Sarson
Tulu: Sasive
Kashmiri: Aasur / Sorisa
Urudu: Rai, Banarasi Rai, Kalee Sarson
English: Fenugreek Seeds
tamil: Vendhayam
malayalam: Uluva / Venthiam
telugu: Menthulu
kannada: Menthe / Menthya
hindi: Methi Dana
Bengali: Methi
Gujarati: Methi
Konkani: Methi
Marathi: Methi Dane / Methi
Oriya: Methi
Punjabi: Meth / Methi
Tulu: Menthae
Kashmiri: Meeth
Urudu: Methe
English: Curry Leaves
tamil: Kariveppilai / Karivempu
malayalam: Kariveppila
telugu: Karivepaku / Karepaku
kannada: Karibevu / Baisoppu / Karibevina Soppu
hindi: Kadi Patta / Kathnim / Mitha Neem / Curry Patta / Gandhela / Bareanga
Bengali: Curry Patta / Barsanga / Kariphulli
Gujarati: Mitho Limdo / Meetho Limbado / Goranimb / Kadhilimbdo
Konkani: Karbapathi / Beva Palo
Marathi: Kadhi Patta / Karhinimb / Poospala / Gandla / Jhirang / Pandheri Kunthi
Oriya: Bhrusanga Patra / Barsan / Basango / Bhuraunga
Punjabi: Kadipatti / Curry Patta
Tulu: Bevudirae
English: Salt
tamil: Uppu
malayalam: Uppu
telugu: Uppu
kannada: Uppu
hindi: Namak
Bengali: Laban / Noone
Gujarati: Meethu
Konkani: Meet
Marathi: Mith
English: oil
tamil: Ennai
malayalam: enna
telugu: camuru
kannada: taila
hindi: tela
Punjabi: moyen
Cut plantain into medium piecesCook it with pepper powder, turmeric powder, red chilly powder, salt and water.
Grind grated coconut with shallots, cumin seeds, curry leaves and green chillies together.
Add the ground coconut mixture to the cooked plantain allow it to cook in a low flame.
Beat the yogurt and add it to the cooked plantain and stir well to avoid lumps.
Heat oil in a pan, splutter mustard seeds,dry chillies and fenugreek seeds and add it to the curry.
Kerala Vegetable Upma is favored as a nutritious breakfast dish, rich in nutrients and low in carboh...
Chicken Pasta with Tomato sauce...
Drumstick Toor Dal Recipe is a lip smacking day that is pack...
For anyone who thinks Dal is boring, I'm going to change you...
Soya 65-Nano Soya Chunks Fry or meal maker fry is a popular ...
Muringayila Koottan prepared from drumstick leaves is a trad...
Nizana Shammas is a hosewife who has lots of interest n cooking. She is an expert in providing various traditional recipes.
Renukadevi Kumanan is a well versed person in providing varities of South Indian recipes and also some modern recipes. She used to try varities of recipes from different cuisines.
Sign up to receive email updates for New Recipes/Special Announcements


text:
Now showing items 1-10 of 34
A Report Detailing the Development of a University-Based Knowledge Mobilization Unit that Enhances Research Outreach and Engagement
(Scholarly and Research Communications, 2011)
This field note presents reflections from the perspective of a knowledge mobilization (KMb) practitioner after five years of developing and delivering KMb services in a university-based environment. This field note is a ...
Canada's "Healthy Living Strategy"
While the economic market offers us the opportunity to earn income and allocate spending towards health, not everyone has the equal amount of resources to access these opportunities. Thus, just distribution of resources ...
Drug Safety Is Influenced More by Business Interests Rather Than Public Health
The safety of pharmaceutical drugs in Canada is a concern. While Health Canada is given the power to measure safety and approve drugs, the process has its limits. There is a growing trend towards practicing "risk management" ...
Changes to Housing and Income Policies Threaten Women's Health
Public policy changes with regards to housing and income can have serious effects on a person's health. The most vulnerable to these effects include lone parent families. Lone parent families led by men are just as vulnerable ...
The Topic of Race Is Absent from Canada's List of the Social Determinants of Health
The Social Determinants of Health in Canada must include race on the list of factors that affect health. If we use race as a tool to look at inequalities in health, it allows us to see structural problems that limit access ...
Clinical Trials Are Heavily Influenced by Drug Companies
Despite its stated interest in openness and transparency, Health Canada continues to deny the public access to information about clinical trials. It is also moving at a snail's pace in developing a policy on clinical trials ...
Research on Women and Video Games Needs to Improve
Research on gender and video games often conflates gender with sex, which leads to stereotyping of girls and women. In general, research on gameplay treats women like a second sex and gender like an insignificant variable.
Colonialism Continues to Impact the Health and Diet of Native Peoples
The impact of colonialism on First Nations is rarely looked at the through the result of food abuse and health. Institutions like residential schools attempted to disrupt the relationship between Native peoples with food. ...
Single Mothers' Depression Is Affected by Employment Status and Stress Rather Than the Ways in Which They Cope
Coping is an important tool for single mothers who work or who rely on social assistance. However, it does not always help these women deal with their feelings of depression. The type of coping strategy used also influences ...


text:
Hello, and welcome to the Inn!
We are seven fantasy fans from five different countries; our love for speculative fiction and the common need to share our favourite works led to the creation of this blog. You'll learn more about each of us in our individual bios!
We wanted to create a space where we could talk about the books we've read, but also share some lighter content (posts about fantasy-related data, and the occasional shitpost, for example).
We hope you'll enjoy your time here, and get some inspiration to make that ever-growing TBR even bigger. Feel free to follow us on Twitter, (@TheFantasyInn), or contact us through the dedicated page.
With love (and books),
The Fantasy Inn team


text:
Why Every Festival Should Look Up to New Orleans Jazz FestArticle by: Laura Mason|@masonlazarus
Thu April 27, 2017 | 10:30 AM
For many festival-goers, the who, what, how and why of putting an entire festival together isn't at the forefront of our brains. But as festivals become more of a global phenomenon, it's time we honor and get to know the people who make them happen for the rest of us.
One of the most admirable organizations not only putting on music and cultural festivals, but also making sure its community is strengthened through its work is the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Foundation , which happens to own one of our very favorite festivals, the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival presented by Shell (April 28-May 7). In addition to its crown jewel Jazz Fest (which has a huge lineup this year, featuring the likes of Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Dave Matthews Band, Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers, Maroon 5, Lorde, Pitbull, Widepsread Panic, Kings of Leon, and more), the Foundation owns the Crescent City Blues & BBQ Fest, Congo Square Rhythms Festival, Louisiana Cajun-Zydeco Festival and the Tremé Creole Gumbo Festival.
Everything the non-profit Foundation does goes towards celebrating NOLA's incredibly diverse, melting pot culture, whether it's showcasing traditional Louisiana musicianship at concerts; giving hundreds of thousands of dollars in community partnership grants towards preserving Louisiana culture and music/arts education; producing gallery events, cultural workshops and lecture series; or teaching generations of passionate new musicians at the Don "Moose" Jamison Heritage School of Music (to name just a few). Now that's a festival mission we can get behind.
Photo by Art Gimbel
We decided to get to know the folks of this tireless non-profit who put on Jazz Fest, so we dove into conversation with Scott Aiges, the Foundation's Director of Programs and an instrumental person who helps the Foundation hum like a well-oiled machine year in and year out. He told us more about the Foundation's inextricable role in the NOLA community and why NOLA music is so important to the entire world.
What's your personal history with jazz and NOLA music culture? When did you get involved in the Jazz & Heritage Foundation?
I first learned about New Orleans music while I was living in Washington, DC, in the late 1980s. A friend played me a song by The Meters – I think it was "Look Ka Py Py" – and I was just blown away. It was the sound I had always wanted to hear. I ended up getting a job as a newspaper reporter for the Times-Picayune in New Orleans in 1988. The following year, I became the pop music and jazz critic at the paper, and that started my education in New Orleans music and culture. I went on to manage bands, and then worked for the city and state governments doing music industry development. I joined the Jazz & Heritage Foundation in November 2006.
Food at Jazz Fest. Photo by Art Gimbel
How do you think the NOLA community views the Foundation?
That's a good question. For the longest time, most people didn't even know the Foundation existed – we were completely overshadowed by Jazz Fest, which is understandable. But in the past 10 years we've been so active with new events (like the four free festivals we produce) and programs (like our Any Given Child initiative to get music and art instruction back into the public school system), and growing some of our legacy programs (like our Community Partnership Grants), that it's really helped us get the word out. We get a pretty decent amount of media coverage, and lots of social media action and word of mouth. So, now, I think a lot more people know that there is something that's "the nonprofit that owns Jazz Fest." And to the extent that they know about us, they think nice things. Because we're doing some pretty cool stuff.
Why is music so important to NOLA's identity?
Four words: birth place of jazz. And two more: Congo Square , which is where African slaves were allowed to gather on Sundays and practice their drumming and dance traditions, which is pretty much where African music and culture were implanted into the New World. Also, when you have 1) a place that's prone to things like hurricanes and flooding, and 2) was founded by pirates, you can imagine why a somewhat fatalistic culture developed. Tomorrow may never come, so let's dance today. Another way of looking at it is that there's been a lot of poverty and other social problems here over the ages; music is often an expression of people trying to cope with adverse circumstances and finding a spiritual sense of joy and life. So I'm sure that plays into it.
Photo by Art Gimbel
How and why do you think Jazz Fest's reputation – in regards to its lineups – has gained so much respect in the mainstream music world? For example, this year's headliners include Stevie Wonder, J. Cole, Nick Jonas, etc. What do you think attracts them to Jazz Fest?
Looking at it that way – that the headliners are attracted to Jazz Fest – would make people here smile. Most often folks here look at it the other way: "What do Elton John or Lady Gaga have to do with 'jazz and heritage'"? But it's a yin/yang thing. The meat of the festival has always been the indigenous culture of Louisiana – the food, the folk art and, of course, the music. More than 90 percent of the performers at Jazz Fest are locals. That attracts many, many people. But there are many, many more who are first drawn to the festival because of the Eagles or Tom Petty or whoever may be headlining. What always happens, though, is that those folks come for Bon Jovi, but they end up getting turned on to gospel or traditional New Orleans jazz or brass band music or Mardi Gras Indians.
And they realize that there's something uniquely authentic here, and they're blown away. And nine times out of 10, they end up coming back year after year. It's that combination of attractions that has helped Jazz Fest grow into such a huge event. So, now, a lot of the big names have heard about this really cool, down-home festival in New Orleans. And for many of them, playing Jazz Fest is like a crowning achievement in their careers.
What roles, separate or together, do the foundation's festivals play in NOLA at large?
They kind of spread the Jazz Fest love throughout the year. All four of the free festivals that the foundation produces are like mini Jazz Fests, with music, food, art, kids activities and so on. We first started doing them right after Hurricane Katrina, as a way to provide more employment opportunities for our local musicians. As the events have grown, they attract visitors from around the country and around the world. That helps the hotels, restaurants, night clubs and the whole cultural economy. Plus, they're just a lot of fun, and we're proud that the local community has embraced them as a big part of the cultural calendar.
A Mardi Gras Indian at Jazz Fest. Photo by Art Gimbel
What do you think the worldwide festival community could learn from the festivals the foundation puts on in NOLA?
Well, we have a very unique model. What we've managed to accomplish is much more than just creating a big, successful festival. We've also figured out how to develop a sustainable nonprofit organization, one with a large budget that is able to do a lot of good work in the community on many different fronts. There are many festivals in the world that have some sort of "give-back" or "do-gooder" component. There are some that support music-in-the-schools initiatives, or that support local food banks, or provide music instruction for at-risk youth. There are some festivals that are free and generate just enough revenue to keep doing the event. And there are some that are run by for-profit entities and exist solely to make money for their owners. But I haven't heard of another one that actually supports a thriving nonprofit foundation that uses the festival proceeds for year-round programs in a wide variety of areas.
Jazz Fest is special because the festival itself is a mirror image of the mission of the foundation. It's educational, it's economic development and it's cultural enrichment. We're extremely fortunate that it is also very successful, because that allows us to do all the year-round work that we do. I'd love to see people in other places learn to leverage their own indigenous cultures the way that we have, so that they can provide a self-sustaining mechanism to keep the whole thing rolling into the future.
Bruce Springsteen and Tom Morello perform at Jazz Fest 2014. Photo by Art Gimbel


text:
Periods come with a whole slew of annoying side effects, including some that start before your actual period. From cramps to fatigue to mood swings, both the week before your period and the week it arrives can be peppered with less-than-ideal sensations and emotions. One of the worst? That dreaded bloated feeling that leaves you super uncomfortable and might even make you reach for your most forgiving maxi dress instead of your favorite high-waisted jeans. And if you step on the scale during that time, you might even be surprised to see that you've gained a few pounds. While this period-related symptom is frustrating, for many women, it's actually totally preventable through a variety of methods. Even if the bloating has already started, there are still things you can do for relief.
Don't worry, you're not the only one who stresses about PMS weight gain. The good news is that you can avoid it—here's how.
Why Do You Gain Weight Before Your Period?
Like a lot of health issues, the cause behind PMS weight gain and bloating isn't totally clear, and very often varies from person to person. "We do know that hormonal changes around the end of the cycle can lead to bloating by way of water retention," explains Anna Druet, a research scientist at Clue. "Other women may experience gas retention and constipation, as progesterone (a hormone involved in your menstrual cycle) can affect the speed of digestion. Some women also experience diarrhea, which is caused by the same hormone-like compounds that make the uterus cramp during menstruation (called prostaglandins)," she explains. All of these GI issues can result in bloating and temporary weight gain.
In terms of water weight, there are three main things that cause you to retain fluids during your cycle, according to Alisa Vitti, creator of MyFloTracker, author of WomanCode, and a women's health expert. First is that the hormone estrogen can cause salt and water to be retained in your body's tissues, which usually happens when your body has more estrogen than progesterone. "One way to know if this is your bloating type is if you have pre-existing hormonal imbalances like fibroids, endometriosis, PCOS, or ovarian cysts. If you do, then you have what is referred to as 'estrogen dominance,' and during the luteal phase (PMS week), you have your peak levels of estrogen causing the bloating," she explains.
The second kind of water weight gain is due to the stress hormone cortisol. "You know how when you're stressed and you step on the scale, you seem to weigh five pounds more than you did the day before? That's the effect of cortisol for you: It puffs you up due to its antidiuretic function, causing your body to retain sodium," Vitti says.
Lastly, magnesium deficiency can cause you to bloat. "The human body is like a battery that runs on special electricity derived from four key electrolytes: calcium, sodium, potassium, and, of course, magnesium," Vitti notes. Your magnesium level drops in the week before your period, which can contribute to all those nasty PMS symptoms, including bloating.
How Do You Prevent It?
Even though there are many factors at play that can cause menstrual-cycle-related bloating and weight gain, there is one remedy that all experts recommend to keep these symptoms in check before they start: eating healthy. "Consuming a highly-processed diet low in whole foods and high in chemicals and additives will increase your chances of suffering with bloating and weight gain during the premenstrual period," explains Kyrin Dunston, MD, a board-certified OB-GYN and author of Cracking the Bikini Code.
Druet agrees, noting, "While remedies may be different for everyone, some nutritional changes can likely help to prevent bloating. Though you may be inclined to reach for carb-heavy comfort food, steer clear of salty or processed foods, as these can cause your body to retain water, resulting in bloating." She says that alcohol and caffeine should get the nix, too, since they can make bloating worse.
And if you're experiencing PMS weight gain in conjunction with other symptoms, the best thing to do is to get your hormone levels evaluated, says Dunston. "Although PMS is extremely common in the U.S., it is actually not normal. When the hormones are perfectly balanced, PMS should not occur." With natural hormone regulation treatments and supplementation, which can vary depending on your particular imbalances, you can begin to feel better and kick bloating to the curb.
One thing you should definitely be doing if you're experiencing PMS weight gain? Hitting the gym. This is especially true if you think your PMS symptoms might be related to stress. "Exercise is a great way to beat stress and decrease levels of the stress hormone cortisol," explains Vitti. Sometimes, getting your heart rate up can make all the difference.
What Can You Eat to De-Bloat?
Already bloated? Here's what our experts recommend eating to soothe digestive issues and help shed water weight.
"Whenever you're bloated, your go-to drink should be kefir," says Frida Harju, in-house nutritionist at Swedish health app Lifesum. This is especially true is dairy products ever give you digestive troubles. "Kefir contains lactase, an enzyme that helps your body digest lactose, which is usually responsible for any bloating, gas, or tummy pain when it comes to dairy products."
"There are 156 milligrams of magnesium in just one cup of this vegetable, which also has many other health benefits," says Dunston. "Magnesium helps to relax muscles and may reduce cramping during your period."
Yup. Chocolate gets the green light. "Just make sure you opt for the 70% dark chocolate, or ones made with organic raw cacao," Vitti advises. "It's fairly high in magnesium, with 176 milligrams in a 100-gram serving, which is around half of your daily recommended intake."
"Avocados are high in potassium, and this is important for muscle relaxation and proper fluid elimination," says Dunston. She prefers avocados over bananas, which are also high in potassium because they're lower in carbs. And if you needed an excuse to eat a ton of avocado toast, here it is: "You need a total of 4700 mg of potassium daily, so don't worry, you can eat it liberally."
"While this Korean food has a very strong and pungent smell, due to being fermented, it is great for reducing bloating," says Harju. Packed with probiotics, kimchi will ensure your body is producing plenty of gut bacteria, which will result in a very healthy gut."
Another mineral you want to pay attention to in order to reduce bloating is calcium. "Broccoli contains 70 milligrams in one serving," Dunston says. "Have that broccoli with some salmon, which is high in vitamin D, to increase its absorption. Vitamin D has also been shown to improve mood around the menstrual time so this is an added benefit," she notes.
Nuts and Seeds
"Nuts and seeds contain high amounts of healthy minerals or electrolytes, as well as healthy fats," Dunston explains. "The minerals will help decrease bloating and healthy fats help to balance out your hormones."


text:
Regarding "Girls Who Risk Their Lives for Education" by Gordon Brown (Views, April 9): Just as the fight for civil rights defined an era for America, the current fight for girls' rights to education comes at a ripe and urgent moment for Asia and the Middle East. At a time when revolutions rock false republics and new powers struggle to balance political rights with economic prosperity, women and girls are demanding a guarantee of an equal stake in the futures of their respective countries.
I was honored to meet one such woman, 25-year-old Humaira Bachal, at the Asia Society's Asia 21 Young Leaders Initiative Summit in Dhaka, Bangladesh, this past December. Bachal, from the town of Moach Goth in Pakistan, spoke of her fight to attend school more than a decade ago despite her father's opposition, as well as her current fight to ensure equal access to education though her Dream Foundation, a school in her hometown enrolling 1,200 students where children pay a rupee a day to attend classes. The Dream Foundation also offers adult literacy classes taught at night by Bachal herself and her team of young volunteers.
Girls' education is one the defining struggles of our time, and with advocates like Bachal, it is looking more and more like a struggle that can be won.
Ben Linden, New York
Program assistant for the Asia Society's Global Leadership Initiatives.


text:
by Tom Dixon
Wingback is a series of British classics re-mastered. Inspired by two seating archetypes: the 17th century wingback and its smaller sibling the 18th century balloon back, these refined hybrids have been re-imagined and updated for the 21st century. The collection includes a chair, a dining chair, sofas and an ottoman. All are available in a wide range of colours and Kvadrat fabrics with chair legs in solid natural or black oak and copper-plated steel.
Visit Tom Dixon for full collection.
Tom Dixon


text:
Virtual horse racing and greyhound tracks are a fun part of the online casino room and can provide hours of fun.
What the games do so well is they produce the excitement of being at a race track with the opportunity to bet on one of the runners from the comfort of your own living room.
In the horse racing games there are a various different options to place a bet. The most popular is to back one of the horses to win the race. Each horse will have different odds according to its chance of winning the race. The shortest priced runner will be the favourite and the most likely to win, whilst the biggest priced horse is known as the outside of the race because in theory it has the least chance of winning.
Alternatively, to give yourself a better chance of finding a winner, you can back a horse to be placed. To win, your selection needs to finish first or second, however, do bear in mind that the odds will be much shorter in the place market.
Playing the exacta, which is also known as a forecast bet, allows you the opportunity to win much more money than on a single. In order to complete this bet, you need to predict the first and second horse past the line in this order.
In the greyhound game, the bets are very similar. Instead of running in a straight line, the dogs will run over around four bends on a track before reaching the line. Often a lot can change after the final bend when certain dogs start to tire and others stay on stronger in the closing stages.
Written by John, a fan of horse racing and blackjack.


text:
Untitled at the Whitney is one of our favorite restaurants, so I wasn't surprised when my son Kyle picked it for family dinner the other night. Although it's a delicious, grown-up restaurant (part of the Danny Meyer restaurant group), they're super kid-friendly with a special kids menu and coloring pages and crayons for younger guests.
Kyle decided that he wanted to look fancy for our night out, so he picked what he calls a "work shirt" (a button down) worn over cargo pants with sneakers. His idea of dressing up! Lol!
Whether you go to Untitled for brunch before or after a museum visit, or simply for dinner if you happen to be in the Meatpacking District at night, you'll love the bright, airy, open space. Large glass walls on all sides make you feel that you're outside even though you're cozy and warm indoors.
The menu changes often as they keep up with what's in season, but a few staples stand out. The Untitled burger is always on the menu and it's amazing! For kids, our family's favorite is the fried chicken with ketchup – an absolute crowd-pleaser every time.
My own personal brunch favorite is the buckwheat crepe with scrambled eggs. The French toast is delicious too.
For dessert, grownups and kids alike love the triple chocolate chunk cookie, served warm with a little glass of milk (can be replaced with almond milk). It's heaven on a plate!
Untitled at the Whitney, 99 Gansevoort Street, 212-570-3670


text:
Awana Clubs is a Bible Club whose goal is to
reach boys and girls with the gospel of Christ and train them to serve
him. Awana Clubs were started in Chicago, IL. in 1950, and the
ministry is now used all over the world to assist churches in reaching
boys and girls with the gospel of Christ. AWANA
stands for Approved Workman Are Not Ashamed and comes from the Bible verse 2
Timothy 2:15, "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a
workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of
Camp Creek Baptist Church started using Awana
ministry in February of 1989 for children from age 3 through sixth
grade. Today, clubs have been added for age 2 all the way through
high school. Our Clubs meet each Wednesday Night from September
through May from 6:30 PM until 8:30 PM. The Lord has blessed the
ministry, and hundreds of children have come to know the Lord over the
last twenty years.
View Awana Newsletter
View Awana Schedule
View Awana Newsletter
View Awana Schedule
Your Browser does not support Iframes.
Your Browser does not support Iframes.
24/7 Ministries is the Jr.
& Sr. High extension of the AWANA Ministry. The heart of the
ministry is to prepare young people to serve Christ throughout their
lives. They're taking on leadership roles, spending quality time
in God's Word and maturing in their faith.
24/7 meets on Wednesday evenings during the school year from 6:30
to 8:30.
Groups are divided into TREK for 7 & 8th graders
and JOURNEY for 9-12th with each participating
Copyright © 2010 Camp
Creek Baptist Church


text:
Mollie Payment PHP SDK by Mollie Followers
This SDK is a PHP mobile client for the Mollie API. It allows to integrate online payments by Mollie directly into your website or app. Mollie and your website will communicate by sending HTTP requests back and forth. Mollie provides a way for you to accept credit card and local payment methods on your website or in your app.


text:
I heard a song on the radio while driving home tonight that immediately brought back the nightmares the video gave me as a kid: "Don't Come Around Here No More" by Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers. (It also made me really sad, obviously — I'm a big Tom Petty fan, and his passing was a … Continue reading 31 Days of Halloween: Music Video Nightmares
Tag: In Memoriam
Monster Monday: Salem's Lot
Welcome to a very somber Monster Monday, fiends. We lost another horror legend this weekend: Tobe Hooper, one of the most important horror directors in history, died on Saturday. I will post a proper tribute in a few days, but for now we shall celebrate Monster Monday in his honor. Today's monster comes from Salem's … Continue reading Monster Monday: Salem's Lot
Remembering June Foray
I have sad news to report, fiends: legendary voice actress June Foray died today at age 99. If you don't know her name, I guarantee that you know her voice. From Disney's Cinderella and Peter Pan to The Rocky and Bullwinkle Show to The Smurfs to The Powerpuff Girls, almost any cartoon you grew up … Continue reading Remembering June Foray


text:
just a short note,to keep you updated, and expectation not raise too high… well the cast is kind of glued to the mould, i chiseled all day to get him free at least like this 😦 … i had to be extra careful, as i casted him hollow… geez… but, i think i know "who" the culprit was, why the mould glued to the cast : its the color. when i use uncolored plaster all works fine, but with the acrylic color in it is sticky, and more over it is more like chalk, not good plaster. soo,,, i wont do that again… so need more chiseling to free him. the cast itself seems be good, no airbubbles this time… and,,, a hello to ladner, thanks for the kind words…
gentle whisper 4
11 Jul 2010 Leave a comment
in woodcarving Tags: casting, clay, plaster, portrait


text:
Police in New York are looking for the driver responsible for causing a crash on the Bronx Highway that left one person dead and another injured. This incident occurred Saturday, March 17. Car accidents of this nature are never easy to understand. The family wanting answers is certainly reasonable.
Medical malpractice lawsuits arise from errors in diagnoses
When New York residents and others elsewhere around the country seek medical services, they trust that the training and expertise of the physicians will result in a proper diagnosis of the problem being experienced. Yet, studies show that misdiagnoses are common in the medical field. In fact, for the past five years, the significant number of medical malpractice claims were related to errors in diagnoses.
Distracted drivers and car accidents
Too many New York residents have suffered injuries or lost loved ones in auto collisions with distracted drivers. In fact, this is a nationwide problem, affecting thousands upon thousands of people and families a year. Here are a few facts about distracted drivers and car accidents.
Increased construction accidents reveal serious safety concerns
In New York City, construction accidents are running at a high mark due to numerous factors. A drop in OSHA inspections, increased safety violations and the soaring volume of construction work in the city are all contributing factors, along with several others. Usually, construction accidents result in injury or death to construction workers, but that is not always the case. Sometimes, the victims are members of the public.


text:
Today was a pretty easy going day. I was able to get a lot done including working on the temple painting. It is actually developing nicely so I am excited about getting it done. I already have a place above my desk to put it.
Tomorrow is a workout day so I'm happy that I am not feeling too sore today. It is a whole lot easier to get motivated to workout when you are not already feeling the pain from the last workout! Plus, I don't think that it is too healthy to work out too much. There has to be some time to get healed before you can really push it again. I also think that it is important to make sure to stay active for most of the day. You may be surprised how many calories your body burns just simply walking and standing. If you walked for an entire day straight, you would burn well over the 2500 calories recommended by the US Food and Drug Administration. That's quite a bit!
A reason for this large number is that your body is actually very inefficient at using calories for physical energy. Only about 20% of the calories used by the body result in locomotion. The majority of calories burned are used for brain function, with the rest going to basic body functions and heat regulation. So you can see how much you can expend by just moving your body.
One can only imagine the amount of time people spend just sitting and doing nothing. People who work in offices are the most prone to this problem. I, myself used to sit for most of the day when I had a desk job. I would try my best to get out of the building and take a walk around the building, but that would only be for 5-10 minutes and then I was back to sitting at my desk for the rest of the day.
If you can just get up and move around you can actually burn quite a few carbs. There are people who think that in order to work out and loose weight, you have to push yourself to the limit and really make it a chore. The only time you need to kill yourself working out is if you want to create muscle. In that case you have to literally tear the muscle in order for it to heal stronger, and bigger than it was before. For fat burning, you only need two things: be in a fat burning mode (ketogenic), and burn more calories than you consume.
Office life is not a good way to live. I feel bad for those who are stuck at a desk job, or any job, that they hate. Being locked in to a job that you hate is one of the worst ways to spend your life, but many Americans are doing just that. It is easy to get locked into a cycle of consuming debt. With things like credit cards and home mortgages, people get locked into having to just pay the bills. There are those who have so much debt that they will never be able to pay it off. That is no way to live.
A lesson I learned early on; Don't get put in a position where you owe someone something. As soon as you owe something to someone, you are their slave plain and simple. They can come and take your entire life away. It is always best to be as self reliant as you can. Sure there are people in your life that depend upon you and those you depend upon, but this dependence should be based on fellowship and love, not mandated by debt.
I'm digressing from by original purpose for writing this post, which was me working out and the value of being active. Again, it's amazing what you can do for your health and fitness by just moving around for the majority of the day. I've even had the thought of removing the chair at my desk so that I would stand all day and never really sit down for any length of time. That may be a little extreme, but it would probably be very effective.
The other thing that I have discovered only yesterday is that it helps when going through the 'keto flu' to take salt tablets. I discovered that most if not all of my keto transition symptoms where alleviated by salt pills. No more dizziness or light headed feeling from low blood pressure. I would highly recommend that you check them out if you ever feel fatigued or tired. They have really done wonders for my overall vitality, especially when transitioning.
When you are going through keto, or even during keto if your body is still adjusting, it is common to loose salt when your body is flushing out all the water weight. This can result in de-hydration. Even though you may be drinking a lot of water, you will still feel thirsty because your body is loosing salt as well as potassium. An easy way to take care of this is to salt your food more. After a while your body should adjust (takes about a week or two) and then you will be back to normal and you wont have to worry about your salt intake so much.
I found that by taking a salt pill every hour or so, all of my fatigue, headaches, and dizziness upon standing quickly went away. The effects where almost immediate. The nice thing about the pill is you don't have to take it with food so you don't necessarily have to eat to get your salt up. I like to take one just before we go on our walks around the neighborhood in order to have more energy.
Most people think that taking salt would be harmful, but really the issue with salt is not the amount that you eat. It is more about the amount of water that you drink with the salt intake and if you have high blood pressure due to other factors which can be exasperated by the salt. What people forget is that salt is an important part of our diet and is required by our bodies to function.
With the addition of the salt pills I have been feeling great. Today was the second day taking them and they are really making a difference. Hopefully tomorrow I will be feeling just as good when I work out.


text:
Let's dine and enjoy the autumn in Vietnamese with the famous traditional food. Complimentary one-time Vietnamese Pancake or Hoi An Tasting Platter for 2 guests with min 2-night stay in October 2018. The special offer is only applied for all reservations … Read More
Special Offer & News
Hội An listed in the World's Top 15 Cities
Hội An has been voted as one of the World's top cities by Travel and Leisure's readers. Every year for World's Best Awards survey, T+L asks readers to weigh in on travel experiences around the globe — to share their opinions on the … Read More
Japan cultural days in Quang Nam
"Japan cultural days in Quảng Nam" & "The 16th Hội An – Japan Cultural Exchange 2018″ Planned schedule Time: August 17 to 19, 2018 Venues: Hội An ancient town TIME ACTIVITIES VENUE Friday, August 17 08:00-12:00 Meeting with Japanese businesses Mường Thanh hotel … Read More
Agoda Gold Circle Award 2017
Hoi An River Town Hotel has won Gold Circle Award 2017 from Agoda Agoda has announced the winners of its prestigious 2017 Gold Circle Awards, given to top-performing accommodation partners around the world that exemplify the best qualities of the … Read More
Booking.com Guest Review Award 2017
Hoi An River Town Hotel has been awarded with Guest Review Award 2017 from booking.com based on exceptional guest rating and reviews from our customers, showing outstanding dedication and service. .
TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence
Hoi An River Town Hotel has won Certificate of Excellence 2018 from TripAdvisor Since 2011, the Certificate of Excellence honors hospitality businesses that deliver consistently great service across the world. This designation is presented to approximately 10% of total … Read More
Hotels.com Loved by Guests Most Wanted Award 2018
Hoi An River Town Hotel has been awarded with a Loved by Guests Award 2018 from Hotels.com based on exceptional guest rating and reviews from our customers, showing outstanding dedication and service.
Booking.com Guest Review Awards 2016
Hoi An River Town Hotel wins Guest Review Awards 2016 from Booking.com based on exceptional guest rating and reviews from our customers, showing outstanding dedication and service. .
Vietnam resorts listed among best accommodations in Southeast Asia
The US Conde Nast Traveler Magazine has listed five resorts and hotels in Vietnam in the top 20 best hotels and resorts in Southeast Asia and Asia. This was announced in New York on October 16 after a successful survey … Read More
Hoi An is listed among 10 best tourism cities in Asia
Hoi An ancient town (Quang Nam Province) has been listed among top 10 best tourism cities in Asia by the reputable tourism magazine Conde Nast Traveler in the US. This is the result of a recent survey conducted on readers … Read More


text:
The US Department of Health and Human Services Administration for Community Living awarded a 5-year $4.4M grant to The Ohio State University Nisonger Center, part of the Wexner Medical Center and Ohio State's Neurological Institute; Can You Hear Me Now? Listening to People with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in Health Research. This grant, in collaboration with key stakeholders, will establish a Rehabilitation Research and Training Center (RRTC) to improve the health and function of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
"The Nisonger Center is a national innovator in research to help improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. This extremely competitive award further galvanizes Ohio State's reputation as a national leader on health and function for people with intellectual disability and related neurodevelopmental disorders," said Dr. K. Craig Kent, Dean of the Ohio State College of Medicine.
"This award to establish a national Rehabilitation Research and Training Center on Health and Function for people with Intellectual Disability will help fund the development of a body of research that will improve the long-term health-related function and quality of life for adults with intellectual disability. This research will develop evidenced-based technologies to allow this underserved and under-studied population to speak for themselves in health research, determine the prevalence of psychiatric disorders and health outcomes in this vulnerable population, and develop best practice guidelines for clinical evaluation and intervention. To ensure the quality and relevance of our work, we will partner with people with intellectual disability and related neurodevelopmental disorders using principles of participatory action research to emerge as a national leader and resource on health and function for people with intellectual disability and related neurodevelopmental disorders."
Susan M. Havercamp, PhD
Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Psychology, and Genetic Counseling
Director, Health Promotion & Healthcare Parity/Behavior Support Services
The Ohio State University Nisonger Center
"This award is momentous for supporting what may be the single venue in disabilities research that engages two panels of experts–one to reflect and articulate the lived experience, and the other to disentangle the thorniest conceptual and methodological research problems– in understanding and measuring mental health of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities."
Gloria Krahn, PhD, MPH
Barbara Emily Knudson Endowed Chair in Family Policy Studies
Director of Strategic Initiatives
Oregon State University


text:
If you own a home, there's yet another reason to maintain good credit: Insurance companies may give significant weight to your credit history when setting rates for homeowner coverage.
While insurers' use of consumer credit in setting rates is nothing new, homeowners may be surprised to know just how much their credit profile can affect their premiums. If you have merely fair credit, you'll pay about 32 percent more on average for homeowner insurance than those with stellar credit, according to a report from the insurance data firm Quadrant Information Services.
If you have poor credit, the impact is even greater: You'll pay twice as much on average, in most states, as those with top-tier credit, according to the study, which was commissioned by the rate-shopping site InsuranceQuotes.com.
Laura Adams, the site's senior analyst, said insurers were putting greater emphasis on consumer credit in most states, which makes it increasingly important to pay your bills on time and correct any errors in your credit report.
For its analysis, Quadrant used data from six major insurers representing about 60 percent of the market in each state. The study used a hypothetical 45-year-old who owns an 1,800-square-foot single-family home built in 1976, with a policy providing $140,000 in dwelling coverage, $300,000 liability coverage and a $500 deductible. The report compared rates for three levels of credit rating: excellent, fair and poor.
The magnitude of the difference in rates based on credit standing varies by state. In New York, for example the analysis found the penalty for having fair rather than excellent credit was about 9 percent, one of the lowest nationally. In most other states that allow the use of credit files in setting rates, the increases were in the double digits.
Why does your credit history affect your homeowner premiums? Along with various factors like your home's age, insurers in most states also consider your "credit-based insurance score." Like a traditional credit score, which is used to determine whether you're likely to repay your debts, an insurance score is based on the information in your credit report — but the data may be weighted differently, and it's used to help predict the likelihood that you'll file a claim in the future. The lower the score, the higher the risk you'll file a claim for a loss — and the more you should pay, insurers say.
"It's all about trying to predict the likelihood of a claim," said David Snyder, vice president of policy development and research for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America.
Some consumer groups object to the use of credit history in setting insurance rates, saying it may unfairly penalize consumers who have experienced tough financial times. Some states, including Massachusetts and Maryland, don't allow credit history to be used for setting homeowner rates, and others limits its use.
But insurers say factoring in credit rewards consumers for responsibly managing their finances. "Strong credit can lower your insurance costs," said Robert Hartwig, president of the Insurance Information Institute, an industry group.
The Federal Trade Commission, in a 2007 report, found credit-based insurance scores were an "effective predictor" of the number and cost of automobile insurance claims consumers would file, although it said evidence was lacking to explain the correlation. The F.T.C. has been studying the impact of credit scoring on homeowner insurance premiums for several years. The agency didn't respond to a request for an update on when it may publish its findings.
Some insurers use their own scoring models, while others use outside vendors, and different insurers may place greater emphasis on different aspects of your credit report in computing your score, said Lamont Boyd, insurance industry director for scores and analytics at FICO, which provides insurance-scoring software in addition to traditional credit scores.
Because of this variability, "you should shop around" if you think your premium is too high, Mr. Hartwig said.
Here are some questions about insurance scores:
■ How would I know if my credit history hurt my insurance premium?
Insurers must notify you if information in your credit report led to a denial of coverage or an increase in your premium, said Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy with the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. You have a right to a free copy of the report that led to the action, he said. (You should obtain a free copy of your credit report each year anyway, at www.annualcreditreport.com.)
■ Is a credit-based insurance score the same as a C.L.U.E. score?
No. But both are used by insurers to help determine what you'll pay for homeowner insurance (and auto insurance). A C.L.U.E. score — for Comprehensive Loss Underwriting Exchange — is based on a database, maintained by LexisNexis, that tracks claims with major insurers. If you have a history of expensive losses, you may pay more for your insurance.
■ Can I obtain a copy of my claims history report?
You're entitled to a free copy of your C.L.U.E. report annually, Mr. Stephens said. (You may not have a report, however, If you haven't filed any claims in the last seven years.) If you're buying a new home, Mr. Stephens advises, request a copy from the seller. A history of repeated claims may flag the property as risk-prone and increase the premiums you'll pay. For instructions on requesting a C.L.U.E. report, visit the LexisNexis website.


text:
Url: http://recovery4lifeidaho.com
Facility Description: Recovery 4 Life specializes in helping adults, adolescents and children who struggle with addiction or are living in homes where addiction has taken its toll. We offer comprehensive services and a continuum of care to help create change and support that will last a life time.
Our services are geared towards helping the entire family system heal. We offer specialized programs for adults, adolescents and children.
Address: 8950 W Emerald St Suite 178
City, State, Zip: Boise, ID 83704
Categories: Dual Diagnosis, Substance Abuse
Type of Care Provided: Outpatient
Primary Focus: 12-Step
Population Served: Adolescent, Adults
Cost: $
Forms of Payment Accepted: Credit Card, Medicaid, Private Insurance, Self-Pay Sliding Scale


text: High Standard Shadow semiauto wood set For Sale from Chris 101 | Positive feedback: 98% View | Verified Seller | 233 Completed Sales View Sellers Items /UserImages/50121/913217747 13691287.jpg /UserImages/50121/913217747 13691288.jpg /UserImages/50121/913217747 13691289.jpg /UserImages/50121/913217747 13691290.jpg Description: New wood set for High Standard Shadow semi-auto 12 gauge shotgun. Will also fit Nikko Shadow semi-auto, and Savage/Fox FA-1 semi-auto guns. "Shadow" marked buttplate, 14" LOP, satin poly finish, color and figure as shown in photos, Rosewood grip cap with white elongated diamond inlay. Buttstock has a few dings from handling, shipping and storage, but is NEW. Forearm is flawless. Doesn't appear to have any cast, but it's hard to tell. Payment by check (personal is OK), M.O. Returnable if sent back in EXACTLY same condition as received, shipping not refundable. Read More Condition: Never fired Location: NV Trades Accepted: Sorry Read More Shipping Notes: Shipping by UPS or FedEx ground, or USPS Priority Mail, at my discretion. Read More Share Item Item #: 913217747 Stock No.: setShadowSA_01 Chris 101 Seller Since: Jan. 2007 Identity Verified ( Washoe Valley, NV ) This seller is an FFL City: Washoe Valley State: NV Price: $135.00 Buy It Now Add To Cart Please Login/Register to Order Login or Register to buy Shipping: $17.00 (or Arrange local transfer) Accepted Payment Methods: Returns: 3 Days Send Message to Chris 101 You must login or register to send a message to this seller. Contact Seller as Guest Message To Seller Email * That Email Address is already in use. If you typed your email correctly, you are already registered and you should login or click here for the password recovery system. First Name * Last Name * Phone * Address 1 * Address 2 City * State * -State- AK AL AR AZ CA CO CT DC DE FL GA GU HI IA ID IL IN KS KY LA MA MD ME MI MN MO MS MT NC ND NE NH NJ NM NV NY OH OK OR PA PR RI SC SD TN TX UT VA VI VT WA WI WV WY Zip * Already have an account? Login Your Recently Viewed Items


text:
A new start, new me, work hard!
…where is the party?
Why bother with work?
It's not like we have deadlines.
Wait. We have deadlines!?
What's your name, neighbour?
Tomorrow, we will be friends…
soon as I unpack.
Tall piles of old clothes.
The never ending cycle,
washing and drying.
Going out again.
Being young won't last that long,
nor will the finance.
It is at two pints
that he feels himself transformed,
from shy, to THAT guy.
Really… No more milk?
How can this be possible?
I hate black coffee.
Like a hot desert
after long harsh rainless months…
Bank account is dry.
Ugh, what should I eat?
There is nothing in the fridge,
let's get domino's.
Student loan's gone through…
YES! Now I can buy those shoes!
Shall I take them back?
Five thousand words, right?
We have a month to do it?
Bleurgh… time for a nap.
Oh hey, how are you?
She has boyfriend, go away.
Should have stayed quiet…
Rent hasn't been paid.
The internet's not working.
Mum, I need money.
Words by Hamish Dinsdale & Diogo Lopes
Image by Jake Sharpe


text:
The content of BIOL2921 will be based on BIOL2021 but qualified students will participate in alternative components at a more advanced level. The content and nature of these components may vary from year to year.
Two 1-hour lectures, one tutorial/lecture and one 3-hour practical per week.
One 2-hour theory exam (60%), Lab book (20%), Advanced poster presentation (20%).
Recommended reading: Hickman CP, Roberts LS, Larson A, l'Anson H 2004. Integrated Principles of Zoology, 12th ed. McGraw Hill, NY. Withers, P. 1992 Comparative Animal Physiology. Saunders, New York
Assumed knowledge
BIOL1XXX or MBLG1XXX
Annual average mark of at least 70 in previous yearProhibitions
BIOL2021 or BIOL2011 or BIOL2911 or BIOL2012 or BIOL2912
Semester 1
25 Feb 2019


text:
Worried About Picking the correct Experienced Commercial Roofing Replacement For the Renovation?
Well Restore The Self confidence in Roofing Companies
Call College Station Roofers at (979) 599-7531 right-away!
Many people have engaged general contractors that cut corners, and they supply sincere roofers just like us a bad name. You do not acknowledge if the choice was the correct one until the job is completed.
You need to be positive about how you shell out your hard-earned cash. Fortuitously with our Experienced Commercial Roofing Replacement reassurance is easy to obtain basically because we do not have gaps inside our value.
Value for us is an all-or-nothing proposal. As roofing companies we either present the top quality using the very best materials, backed by attentive customer support reps and a knack for leaving the residence as clear as we discovered it or we don't. Plus the pros at College Station Roofers in College Station Texas provide the greatest!
Exactly what might you anticipate from the trained professionals at College Station Roofers?
- Good quality elements that endure for several years
- No guess work on assignments
- Superb craftsmanship
- Right roofing experts that never ever scrimp.
The longer you wait around to speak to a dependable roofer much like us, the more the restoration will cost.
Simply click or call below to acquire a free of cost quotation today.


text:
Social Security Disability Insurance | Supplement Security Income Benefits
What is Social Security disability benefits anyway? Social Security pays disability benefits through two programs. One is the Social Security disability insurance program. The other is the Supplemental Security Income (SSI) program.
Contact Me Online or Call Me Now!
(337) 364-4556
Social Security Disability Insurance Benefits
The Social Security disability insurance program (SSDI) has been around for almost 60 years.
It's not a free program! You've earned your right to your benefits when you need them.
To be insured, you must have worked 20 of the last 40 quarters. There are other rules to accommodate the age of the younger worker.
Supplement Security Income Benefits
Another program is for individuals who have not worked enough to be insured for the Social Security disability insurance program. There are also certain income and resource requirements. This is the SSI or Supplemental Security Income program.
The disability requirements are the same for both programs.
Social Security pays benefits to people who can't work because of a medical condition. The condition must be expected to last at least one year or result in death.
Social Security disability rules are strictly followed. You are either totally disabled or not. There are no provisions for partial or short-term disability programs.
So far, so good, right. Make a claim; get paid.
This is where everything can get screwed up!
Social Security uses many regulations which may prevent you from getting paid. Recent numbers show that over 60 percent of initial applications are denied. Unfortunately many, many claimants just give up without pursuing all their options. For more information…
The Social Security Administration Can Make Mistakes About Your Social Security Disability Benefits!!!
You deserve the monthly benefits you worked hard for. Don't lose your benefits because of a mistake! Present your whole story with help from an experienced lawyer.
"Trust your claim to me, Social Security Disability attorney Hallman Woods. For more than 50 years, I have represented people with claims for injuries and disabilities. I only represent clients with Social Security Disability Insurance and Supplemental Security Income claims."
For more information about your eligibility for benefits, call me at (337) 364-4556. Or, send an email using the online contact form. Tell me about your case. Initial case evaluations are free. There is no fee unless you win your case.
If your current application was denied, it is important that you come in for a free review as soon as possible. There are crucial deadlines for an appeal.


text:
Annual Appeal 2019
Over the past few years we have seen great improvements to the facilities and programs at Artspace Mackay thanks to the support of individuals, funding bodies and business partnerships developed through the Artspace Mackay Foundation. Our vision of a community empowered through an engagement with own distinctive cultures and its increased knowledge and understanding of art and design is only achievable through the collective generosity of our many supporters donating amounts appropriate to them.
One such exciting project your funding will support is the 2019 Alfredo & Isabel Aquilizan Project Take root (Colony): Project Another Country. This internationally-acclaimed artist couple work with communities around the world to create large-scale installations from simple materials such as recycled cardboard. Artists Alfredo & Isabel will work with Mackay primary school students and new migrants to create hundreds of tiny cardboard dwellings, which will all come together in an incredibly large-scale art installation in Artspace Mackay's main gallery in June 2019.
To reach our aspirations this year our funding goal is $10,000 and today we ask you to consider a one-year donation or even a three-year pledge to the Artspace Mackay Foundation Annual Appeal, to continue to assist our gallery to meet its ambitious objectives, and further engage, enrich and inspire our community through extraordinary arts and educational experiences.
Financial contributions of all sizes play a vital role in Artspace Mackay's sustained success. You can give with confidence, knowing all funds raised from your donation will be directly re-invested into Mackay's community through Artspace Mackay. The Foundation is registered with the Australian Taxation Office as a Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) and therefore all donations of $2 and over are fully tax deductible.
Acknowledgement of your support
Donors are acknowledged in the Foundation Annual Report and entitled to have your name listed on the Artspace Mackay website.
We thank you for your vital support, and for recognising the positive impact art and culture make to the well-being and future of our community. We hope that you continue to be an active member of the Artspace Mackay family.
Artspace Mackay is doing well but we still need your support!
How to make a donation
It is easy to support the 2019 Annual Appeal.
Complete the donation form and send it in the post, via email or drop it in in person with credit card details or payment (cheque, cash or EFTPOS). A separate tax-deductible receipt will be issued for your donation.
Donation Form:
2019 Artspace Mackay Foundation Annual Appeal
Please present this fillable Donation Form at the front counter at Artspace Mackay or send to:
ARTSPACE MACKAY FOUNTION 2019 Appeal
PO Box 447, MACKAY QLD 4740
Your donation is fully tax deductible and a separate tax-deductible receipt will be issued for your donation
Donation Online:
You can also make an donation by filling out the online form
Please make cheques payable to Artspace Mackay Foundation.
Direct Deposit:
You can make a transaction directly from your bank account to:
Direct Deposit: BSB 084789;
Account No. 151095350;
Reference: your name
If you make a Direct Deposit, then please complete the Donation Form and post/email to ARTSPACE MACKAY FOUNDATION. so, we can match your donation against your receipt.
Phone: (07) 4951 2299
Email: email@example.com


text:
Can anyone tell me the song list of the cirrent tour? I'll be going to Reno this Friday night as well as the Palo Alto show.... I'd love to see the song list in advance.....so there's no "secret separation" ya know??
Shuttered Room
Reach The Beach
Calm Animals
Want That Life
1011 Woodland
Stage One
Can anyone tell me the song list of the cirrent tour? I'll be going to Reno this Friday night as well as the Palo Alto show.... I'd love to see the song list in advance.....so there's no "secret separation" ya know??
Reach the Beach...every cut is great.
This is so hard. It used to be Phantoms, then Walkabout, then Phantoms, then Walkabout, then Elemental, then Walkabout...
I love RTB, but for some reason when I'm in a Fixx mood it's either Elemental or Walkabout I pick up. Yet the song I'm dying most to hear live, and the only Fixx song I've used in my artistic life, is The Fool, and I do love Shuttered Room. The bottom is easier to determine. Crucified is the only thing I liked off of Ink, and just above it is Calm Animals. Everything else is too close to call.
But I did vote for Walkabout. It showed up the most when I started to type this out.
Last edited by MK; 04-30-2002 at 07:57 PM.
All of thier work is great, the older work just like with any other band has that unique experimental sound. I put the fixx in the catogory with rush, jamie and alex have that awesome unique style that is of no other,they are not clones of other bands...they are the trend setters. J-W-O has been one of my influences have been playing guitar for 20 years and it was a great pleasure to be able to meet him and talk a little at the stockton show.
Hi everyone.
I'm new to the message board & thought I would post something about this topic. I've been a fan since the early 80's and have to say I have 2 favorite albums... Shuttered Room and Reach the Beach. These 2 albums are responsible for me getting hooked to The Fixx. Two of the greatest albums from the 80's. Very cool videos from these albums as well.
Definately, it's the PHANTOMS lp. It's so cool, so many great songs. It's definately a classic!!! My second favorite lp is a tie between ELEMENTAL and REACH THE BEACH. Can't wait to hear the new cd.
I agree with Westland Armitage. I think Walkabout was their best album to date. You have to hear it on headphones to believe the most ultimate listening audio experience! It was their only and very spiritual, melodic and atmospheric sounding album, where as the other ones seemed kind of flat or basic sounding. I hope they create another album like Walkabout in the future. I think they have a future in that kind of sound. It suits them well.
Walkabout is the only original studio album that has NOT been re-released! Why is that? They re-released Phantoms and Calm Animals again. Why is the record company(ies) taking so long to decide?
Last edited by thenewhorizons; 06-01-2002 at 08:16 PM.
Phantoms is their best album to date, IMO. It has a quality about it I can only describe as "honest". Listening to it reminds me of the feeling I get on a cold, cloudy autumn day with the breeze brushing my cheek and the light rain tapping at my temples. I know that sounds weird, but that's how it makes me feel - quietly happy.
I also love Elemental - such great lyrics. Great reflections on life from mid-age. I am in love with the song "Going Without"!
This question comes up so often. Obviously everyone should take into account that the mood you are in might dictate your response. Sometimes I really HAVE to listen to Elemental. Sometimes it's Shuttered room. My favourite is Phantoms, but I've listened to it so many times especially when it first came out, that I don't feel the need to hear it as often. There really is no song of theirs that I don't like. Except for a couple from Ink. I fast forward through those every time! I can't wait for the new album to be added to that list!
How can Calm Animals get only 5% of the votes? I guess people didn't purchase the album.
Calm Animals is the best FIXX album, and it is the greatest album from any band in any decade.
1. First, this album has the best 2 songs, Gypsy Feet and The Flow. Let's see. 2. The drums are the best. Good sounding drums are rare in pop radio over here in the states. 3. Cy is best. The songwriting and vocals never sound forced or over-produced (see Deeper and Deeper). 4. The fantasy tone, that is the Fixx, is better on this album than anywhere. 5. Lyrics. For example "Let's escape","Driven out, holding out","How do you weigh in","There is cause","I can't stop the spiral","no wonder the pastures die". The lyrics are most powerful here. 6. Lead guitar is the best. 7. Keyboards are the best.
The whole album is like a fantasy dream. The sound flows from start to finish. When I listen to the songs, my mind wanders & drifts, and then I start thinking of images and other things in my life, like a daydream. This is such an incredible album.
that's funny - after reading your review, i'm sure we could interchange your comments w/ walkabout- if you wanna throw out the fantasy bit!!! LOL!
At this point in my life I would have to say that Walkabout is my fav. The songs really grove and inspire me to think and break out of the celephane wrapper so to speak. The lyrics are thought provoking to say the least.
I would say runner-up is Elemental. I was always a Fixx fan but when I heard this album they impressed the hell out of me. Being a guitarist this album is great. Jamie rocks!!!!
"Institut Romand de Recherche Numerique en Physique des Materiaux".
Changes week to week with me, can I vote for them all???? Tell you what, anyone wanna vote on their LEAST favourite album, now that's a difficult one........
Think I'll set the ball rolling with Reach the Beach, although that will definately be changed by tomorrow morning after it gets a blast in the car......... Opinions - getting me down...
Stuart at the Welsh Connection


text:
Etsy Vintage
Randy Hunt sent out a message on twitter that he was looking for a designer for a few days to work on some marketing design for Etsy. They were doing a promotional event for the launch of their Etsy Vintage category of their site.
He wanted some things to hand out during the event like cards, stickers and buttons. He also wanted a few items to sell on the site like a tote and t-shirts.
I also designed a rubber stamp that could be used for cards and hang tags.
It was a great experience because I got to work out of the Etsy office in Dumbo which is a beautiful space. They have their own workshops so they can produce things themselves like hand-made silk-screen t-shirts and totes.
Etsy has a real belief in hand-made artist goods. I was blown away at the quality of their holiday pop-up shop in Soho and hope to work with them again in the future.


text:
|Interior of the Kadamattom Church,Muvattupuzha, Kerala. en.wikipedia.org
|St. George Syrian Orthodox Church Kadamattom., Kerala
Among the churches of Kerala that are pretty old, dating back to several centuries, Kadamattom Church is a famous and historical church. This unique church of great antiquity is being visited by lots of devotees. Located in a serene environment, this church offers peace of mind and tranquility to the visitors.
Kadamattom Church, situated close to Kolenchery town near Muvattupuzha, Earnakulam District in the Southern state of Kerala, India, is one of the ancient churches in India dating back to the 9th Century AD. It is believed the old church was built before AD 650, as confirmed by the fact that, at that time, Kolencherry Church (built around AD 650) had not yet come into existence. Built on a property donated by the 'Karthas', the then prominent family of Kadamattom, this church is located near the Kochi -Madurai National Highway 49 and lies onr kilometer (0.62 mi) after the Peruvammuzhi Junction.
|.famous Persian cross,Kadamattom Church. en.wikipedia.org
This famous church was established by Mar Abo with the help of the then local ruler Kartha, of Kadamattom, well assisted by Reverend Paulose, alias the legendary Kadamattathu Kathanar's mentor. Mar Abo stayed with a poor widow and her son Paulose who was later ordained as a priest of the church.
A Persian cross with four equal arms with ancient writings inscribed is the major attraction here and can be seen on the right wall of the Madhbaha or Holy of Holies. The wings of the cross also end with floral designs. The tombstone of Mar Thoma IX (Formerly Pakalomattom, Kathanar) is on the left side just outside the Madhbaha. An interesting feature of this church that astonishes th visitors is the Church door lock. What is unique about it? Unlike locks made of metal of some alloy, the lock is a wooden one with wooden mechanism. There is a deep well here called Pathaala kinar that has been there since the inception of this church.
Major festivals are observed during the January – February period. they mark the death anniversary of the legendary priest, who, it is believed, besides being a theologian, had supernatural powers.


text:
When Airbnb launched into (and partially created) the Sharing Economy space in 2008, no one was quite sure how it would affect the hotel and hospitality industry. Now, nearly a decade later, the numbers are in, and, according to a 2015 report commissioned by the Hotel Association, it's estimated that hotels "lose approximately $450 million in direct revenues per year to Airbnb." The home-sharing service's biggest breadwinners are New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Miami, and Boston. Between October 2014 and September 2015, travelers spent $2.4 billion dollars on Airbnb bookings, with 55 percent being in these five cities.
Aside from avoiding notoriously high hotel prices in some spots, Airbnb users are drawn to the idea of "living like a local" while traveling. It doesn't get much easier to "step into a local pair of shoes" than staying in a real local's home and calling it your own, if only for a few days. Add to this the fact that many hosts provide either firsthand written or spoken guides to their neighborhoods and cities, and you've got something that seems fairly untouchable for hotels -- even those with top-notch concierge services.
Well, maybe until now.
Hotels in this story
Finding and Filling a Void in the Hotel Industry
The best ideas are usually born out of a want for something that isn't there, but is desperately needed. The difference is whether or not the person noticing is proactive or savvy enough to actually put this idea into fruition.
After spending years traveling as a food and travel writer, Caitlin Zaino says that no matter which unique boutique she was staying in, there was always something that remained the same. "I felt like when I walked out the door, I had no idea where to go." Small boutiques don't always have a dedicated concierge service, and while the staff can no doubt give out great local recommendations, they don't always have the time. It's something we've all probably experienced at one time or another — and Zaino decided to do something about it. In 2014 she co-founded Porter & Sail, a digital concierge app that is taking the hospitality scene by storm. Today she serves as CEO.
Her mission: To bring in all the ideas of a great concierge in a way that makes sense to the modern traveler.
What It Does for Guests
Porter & Sail is a sleek and sexy app that acts as the digital extension of a hotel's concierge — that is, if your hotel's concierge team is made of musicians, fashion designers, filmmakers, actors, and travel and food editors.
The main idea behind Porter & Sail is simple: talk to a bunch of influencers about the cities they know best — where they live, work, and let loose. For Porter & Sail's purposes, these people are called "insiders." Zaino says that the best insiders are those who possess "credibility, authenticity, expertise, and a certain swagger." Soak up the lowdown on these insiders favorite places to eat, drink, and be merry and then share it exclusively with guests who are staying at the app's partner hotels in an easily accessible and easy-to-digest way. No paid-position marketing, no random peer ratings — just bonafide suggestions from credible sources.
In addition to recommendations that run from "haute to hole-in-the-wall," guests using the app can book reservations, buy show tickets, and bookmark "favorites" through the app. In the future, the Porter & Sail team plans to have the app act even more like a personal, 24/7 concierge for its users, with the app acting as a reliable liaison between the hotel and guest. The idea is that the app will be able to provide personality and preference profiles on the users that can then be better served through the app thanks to the specific data points. But for now, Zaino feels the app's top feature is its ability to put "a sense of wonderment [back] in travel that is fueled by this powerful tech product" — though she is quick to point out that the easy design of the app doesn't feel tech-y at all.
What It Does for Hotels
In fact, the design and content is what first called the attention of Norma Alavedra, General Manager at Yurbban Trafalgar Hotel in Barcelona. For her, the value of the app's insider content is unquantifiable for a hotel, saying "it adds prestige to your brand." She believe that providing intimate recommendations for her guests from Porter & Sail's Spanish filmmaker insider Isabel Coixet Castillo "is a major value point."
Before the guests at Yurbban arrive, they are sent an email introducing them to Porter & Sail, and when they check-in and log onto the internet, the app automatically starts to download onto their device.
When we asked why a hotel with a concierge would need to use the app, Norma explained that not every guest wants to talk to the concierge, and that sometimes, staff in hotels without a dedicated concierge (like most of the hotels P&S approach) unfortunately don't have the time to chat with each individual guest about the perfect places for them to go.
"We can't fight technology", she says. And it seems that the 250-percent growth of Porter & Sail in the first six months of 2016 proves just that.
While there's no telling right now whether something similar could pop up for overnighters and hosts using AirBnB, for the time being it looks like Porter & Sail may just be the magical ace up the hotel industry's sleeve in this battle.
What's Next
Things are moving fast. Porter & Sail's incubation stage took place throughout 2014, and in 2015, the app launched into its beta year with 10 hotels. Though numbers show that the European markets are much more open to the type of service Porter & Sail is offering, it doesn't seem to have stunted growth; the concierge app more than doubled their partnerships to 35 hotels just in the first six months of 2016. Their goal for the next six? To make it 100 or more.
Currently, the digital concierge service is available in London, Barcelona, Singapore, Miami, Berlin, Madrid, and Los Angeles. New York City, Sydney, and Amsterdam are launching soon.
Also, be sure to download the new Oyster.com app!
Related Links:
- 10 Hotel Secrets To Watch Out For When Booking Your Next Vacation
- What To Do In NYC This Summer That Only Locals Know About
- Reasons to Book A Hotel Over An Airbnb


text:
Met Commissioner Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe to retire
Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe is to retire after five years as the Commissioner of the Metropolitan Police, the force has announced.
Sir Bernard, who was appointed to the role in September 2011, will remain in post until February to allow for his successor to be appointed.
During his time in charge, the 58-year-old oversaw policing of riots and the Olympic Games.
Sir Bernard said he believed it was "the right time to move on".
He said he had loved his time in the role but said it was "a good chance to make this change now" after the appointments of a new London mayor and home secretary.
"It also allows a decent amount of time to select my successor," he said.
Prime Minister Theresa May, who was home secretary for the majority of Sir Bernard's time as commissioner, praised his "total policing" approach saying he "has done an excellent job... at what has been a difficult time given the level of terrorist threat".
According to the Met, crime has fallen by around 18% during the time Sir Bernard has been in post.
He led the police response after the riots in 2011 and the murder of soldier Lee Rigby in 2013.
However, he has also faced controversy including questions about the Met's handling of Operation Midland.
The 16-month investigation was launched after claims boys were abused more than 30 years ago, but it closed in March without a single arrest.
Analysis: Danny Shaw, BBC Home Affairs correspondent
The announcement of Sir Bernard Hogan-Howe's departure came as a surprise, given that he'd sought, and been granted, an extension to his original five-year contract.
The commissioner's explanation for resigning seven months early was that it was better to go before his "power deteriorates" in his final year.
That suggests that with a new London mayor and a new Home Secretary, Amber Rudd, he did not expect that his contract would be renewed again.
Sir Bernard denied his decision was linked to criticism of Operation Midland, the high-profile inquiry into allegations of a Westminster paedophile ring. He's due to discuss the findings of a report into the affair next week.
But the controversy surrounding the Met's handling of Midland remains the one significant blot on Sir Bernard's tenure.
He'll otherwise be viewed as a commissioner with a commanding presence who kept a firm grip on the Met during turbulent times.
Sir Bernard took charge of the UK's biggest police force when his predecessor Sir Paul Stephenson quit amid criticism of the Met's role in the phone-hacking scandal.
The Sheffield-born former traffic officer was awarded a knighthood in the 2013 New Year Honours list.
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan thanked the commissioner "for his years of service" and denied reports he had helped oust the country's most senior police officer.
"It isn't to do with me, it's to do with Bernard deciding to retire," he said
Sir Bernard also said the pair have "an excellent relationship".
Home Secretary Amber Rudd, who will begin the search for Sir Bernard's successor with Mr Khan, called the commissioner a "determined crime fighter and an inspirational senior officer".
Key appointments
- 1979: Joins South Yorkshire Police aged 22
- 1997: Assistant Chief Constable, Merseyside Police
- 2001: Assistant Commissioner, Metropolitan Police
- 2004: Chief Constable of Merseyside
- 2009: HM Inspectorate of Constabulary
- 2011: Metropolitan Police Commissioner
Commissioner contenders
Several people have emerged as possible successors to Sir Bernard:
Sara Thornton is the current chair of the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC)
She has been in the role since April 2015 after the organisation replaced the Association of Chief Police Officers (Acpo).
Ms Thornton joined the Met in 1986 and undertook operational postings in West London and strategic roles in New Scotland Yard over the next 15 years.
Mark Rowley is the assistant commissioner in specialist operations at the Met and the national policing lead for counter-terrorism.
He was previously chief constable of Surrey and has served in the police for close to 30 years.
Among the crises he has had to deal with are the fatal shooting of Mark Duggan and the fleeing of three London schoolgirls to Syria to join so-called Islamic State.
Stephen Kavanagh is the chief constable of Essex, but started his career with the Metropolitan Police in 1985.
He was a founding member of the Racial and Violent Crime Task Force and was involved in creating the Race/Hate Crime Manual following the murder of teenager Stephen Lawrence.
He was head of intelligence in the Anti-Corruption Command before being named commander to SO15 Counter Terrorism Command where he worked closely with the security services.