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BOULDER, CO - August 17, 2010
Webroot, the first Internet security service company, today announced it has appointed Steve Cakebread, Theresia Gouw Ranzetta and Robin Vasan to the company's Board of Directors.
As both advisors and executives, Steve, Theresia and Robin possess great experience in building companies that have become leaders in cloud and collaboration technologies," said Dick Williams, chief executive officer and Board member, Webroot. "Together with fellow Board members Jake Reynolds and Quentin Gallivan, their guidance will be invaluable to Webroot as we make investments in our business to become the global leader at delivering security as a service."
New Members Recognized for Industry Leadership
Named one of technology's next-generation leaders by Fortune Magazine, Ranzetta is a managing partner at Accel Partners and focuses on security, Web-based marketing and social media technologies. Ranzetta has been responsible for the firm's successful investments in companies including Zimbra (now part of VMware), AdECN (now Microsoft), CRS Retail Systems (now Epicor), Interlace Systems (now Oracle), and PeopleSupport. She was also part of the firm's Walmart.com investment team. Ranzetta currently serves on the Board of Directors of ForeScout, Glam Media, Interlace Systems, Imperva, Jasper Design Automation, Kosmix, and Trulia. Prior to joining Accel Partners, Ranzetta was founding vice president of Business Development and Sales at Release Software. Before that, she worked as a management consultant at Bain & Company and a product manager at Silicon Graphics.
Vasan is a software entrepreneur and investor in SaaS, cloud computing, open source, virtualization, and security technologies. A managing director at Mayfield Fund, Vasan led the firm's past investments in companies including webMethods, Trigo (now IBM) and Akimbi (acquired by VMware). He also currently serves on the Board of Directors of Alfresco, Centrify, Groundwork Open Source, Marketo, and NorthScale. Prior to joining Mayfield in 1999, Vasan led several successful software startup companies including CATS Software, Infinity Financial Technology (acquired by SunGard in 1998) and Risk Management Solutions. Vasan has also been recognized as a Top Open Source investor by Infoworld Magazine.
Cakebread is chief financial officer of Pandora, the personalized Internet radio company. He also serves on the Board of Directors of Ehealth.com and Solarwinds. Before Pandora, Cakebread spent eight years at SaaS technology pioneer salesforce.com, where he most recently served as president and chief strategy officer, and previously as executive vice president and chief financial officer. Prior to salesforce.com, Cakebread was senior vice president and chief financial officer at Autodesk, and vice president of finance for Silicon Graphics World Trade before that role. Cakebread also held various roles at Hewlett Packard.
Building on a Strong Foundation
In addition to Williams, the three new members join Jake Reynolds, general partner at Technology Crossover Ventures (TCV), and Quentin Gallivan, chief executive officer of PivotLink, on Webroot's Board of Directors.
As TCV's lead investor in Webroot, Reynolds has been a strategic advisor to the company since 2005 and has led TCV's investments in companies within the software and technology enabled services industries for more than 15 years. Prior to TCV, Reynolds was an associate with General Atlantic Partners and was a member of the mergers and acquisitions team Lazard Freres & Co.
Gallivan joined PivotLink in 2008 after serving as chief executive officer of Postini (now Google). Under his leadership, the company became the market leader in secure messaging and compliance solutions delivered on demand, with more than 10 million users in 25 countries. Prior to Postini, Quentin spent eight years at VeriSign as the executive vice president of Worldwide Sales and Field Operations. Prior to VeriSign, Quentin was vice president and general manager, Asia Pacific and Latin America, for Netscape Communications. Additionally, he spent 12 years in key executive roles with the General Electric Company.


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November 20, 2010
More than 70 vendors will be at this year's Mayfield Market.
Stories this photo appears in:
Upcoming Bazaars and Craft Shows Yield Gift Ideas
Showcasing one-of-a-kind items.
A number of near-by bazaars will be taking place within the next few weeks. Each bazaar has a distinctive feel and offers a variety of items that could never be found at the mall.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

subset: commoncrawl


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Hi, y'all, from Austin! No matter what your background is, no matter what race or ethnicity you are, no matter if you're straight-laced or kinda grunge-y, you have to say "y'all" if you live in Austin.
I'm at the NIRSA show this week on a short visit. It's been pretty rainy and overcast here the last couple of days, but you can't tell that when you're indoors for most of the day.
Overall, it's been a good trip and a good show. I hope to tell you more about the sessions I attended in the next few days. The subject matter of my sessions involved dream jobs, how to interview for that dream job, the latest fitness trends (Expresso bikes, Nordic walking and the Wii were the highlights), and the always exciting topic of standards of care and legal issues. That was actually a pretty good session, conducted by brothers William and David Herbert, and it touched on the subject of AEDs, which I plan to report more about in the near future.
The show floor seemed a little bigger than last year in Minneapolis. Matt, our top sales guy in Chicago, is here in Austin, too, and we watched the Zumba demonstration Thursday afternoon. There was one dude out of the whole group of women brave enough to shake his tail feather. Call it "One-Dude Zumba."
After Thursday's show floor offering, Matt and I went to Buffalo Billiards on Austin's historic Sixth Street. The reason it's historic is because there is an unbelievable amount of alcohol available in a number of bars on this street. That and a few tattoo parlors, too.
NIRSA held an event at Buffalo Billiards on Wednesday night, so when Matt and I got there Thursday, it was pretty quiet. While we ate (and took turns coughing--the last remnants from our colds last week), we watched Matt's alma mater, Ohio State, play in the NIT on one screen while we watched reports on Matt's hometown team, the Cincinnati Bengals, on another screen. Later, we watched part of a soccer match involving Matt's current hometown team, the Chicago Fire. It was definitely a Matt-love fest.
(I have exciting news about Matt, but I'll wait to tell the gang when I get back in the office on Monday.)
I took in Gary Dunn and his country band at "NIRSA City Limits" before calling it a night. Austin was pretty nice on a breezy spring evening. The rains came today. I hope my flight's not delayed.


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How to Make Your Child Safer on the Social Web
Ever wonder what the best way to keep your kids safe online is? Us too! That's why we're starting a 6-part series, Social Network Safety: A Parental Guide, written by a special guest blogger. Read Part 2 for strategies on how to make your child safer online and tune in for Part 3 in two weeks.
Social Network Safety guest blogger: George Garrick
Faced with the real – and potential – perils, parents want to do all they can to protect their children and help offset the digital risks that accompany social media use.
That's why, with 50 percent of all 11-year-olds now in possession of social network accounts, nearly half of the parents who participated in our survey strongly agreed that "social network monitoring goes hand in hand with parental guidance, so when I find out something bad I can use the opportunity to explain to my children why it's bad, so they don't repeat the same mistakes."
If this approach is utilized and practiced properly, by the time your child is of driving age (when you really lose control of where they go and what they do), they will be wise enough to know how to use the Internet safely.
With that educational sentiment in mind, we offer several ways parents can help their kids have a safer experience on the social Web.
In any family, the "best" approach relates to the nature and age of the child, the parenting philosophy, and the parents' familiarity with technology. But, across the board, we believe that these practices are highly useful and productive in virtually all situations where parents are concerned about their children's use of social networks.
- Have an ongoing dialogue with your kids about the online world. Be sure to make them aware of the fact that potentially everything they do or put online is accessible by millions of people globally, and that there are real downsides to their reputation and future if they act inappropriately, or if their friends post damaging pictures or content. Make sure they realize that once something is out there on the Internet, they can't take it back. Just ask Paris Hilton. And show them news articles about kidnappings, harassment, suicides, and worse –which originated from contacts with strangers over the Internet. Encourage them to tell you or a trusted adult about anything they see that is concerning, inappropriate, or dangerous. But be sure not to take an "I-know-and-you-do-not" attitude. Listen to your kids and establish a basis for trusted communications; tell them that you trust them and don't want to spy on them but just want to perform your parental duty of protecting and teaching them. And finally, make sure they realize that there are large companies who track virtually everything your child does on the Internet, including which sites they visit, and what content they read or look at. Despite what these companies might claim, and despite laws that are designed to protect consumers, nobody, including the government, really knows which companies keep what information, and when and how it might be used in the future (or stolen by a hacker).
- Know who your kids' online friends are. The average tween / teen has 100 - 200 social network "friends," and it's not uncommon for kids to accept friend requests from people they do not know. Accepting new "friends" is exciting to a lot of kids, and many like to brag about how many friends they have online. That's why it's important for parents to review their kids' friends frequently, and to know their association with your child. If there's someone you don't recognize, ask your child who the person is, and ensure that your child "unfriends" the person if they are unknown, suspicious, or inappropriate. A person who is "unfriended" generally does not receive any notification at all that it has happened, so there is no risk of repercussions. Our research shows this is the single biggest concern of parents, and probably the biggest potential danger to their kids. And, since social networks do not require proof of identity, a 45-year-old convicted sex offender could pose as a football player from a high school across town. This is no different than watching who your kids hang out with after school and on weekends. You are just extending a normal parenting practice to the Internet.
– GEORGE GARRICK, CEO, SocialShield
SocialShield is an online monitoring service dedicated to helping parents keep their kids safe on Facebook and other social networks. www.socialshield.com


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Ok, so I'm sitting here bored and have decided to piece together a squad of players whose countries choked in the qualifiers *cough* Nigeria *cough* and those that didn't stand a chance e.g. Wales
Only one player per country is allowed in the 23 man squad. I have come up with the following team:
Shay Given (Newcastle, Republic of Ireland)
Carlos Diogo (Real Madrid, Uruguay)
Ivan Cordoba (Inter, Colombia)
Juan Manuel Pena (Villarreal, Bolivia)
Christian Chivu (Roma, Romania)
Aliaksander Hleb (Arsenal, Belarus)
Mahamadou Diarra (Lyon, Mali)
Thomas Gravesen (Real Madrid, Denmark)
Ryan Giggs (Manchester United, Wales)
Samuel Etoo (Barcelona, Cameroon)
Sanli Tuncay (Fenerbache, Turkey)
Jussi Jääskeläinen (Bolton, Finland)
Igor Akinfeev (CSKA Moscow, Russia)
Kakha Kaladze (AC Milan, Georgia)
Vincent Kompany (Anderlecht, Belgium)
Papa Bouba Diop (Fulham, Senegal)
Giorgos Karagounis (Benfica, Greece)
Morten Gamst Pedersen (Blackburn, Norway)
Yossi Benayoun (West Ham, Israel)
Eidur Gudjohnsen (Chelsea, Iceland)
Mido (Tottenham, Egypt)
Obafemi Martins (Inter, Nigeria)
Dimitar Berbatov (Leverkusen, Bulgaria)
It's a pretty handy little squad. Eto'o is probably the only genuine world class player but geez there is a fair bit of quality there. How far could my little squad go? Am I missing anyone obvious?


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My first time riding in the Bozeman & Big Sky area. Arrived on another glorious sunny day, set up camp and headed straight to the bike shop for a map and advice. There are plenty of trails to choose from in this area, but I quickly opted for the Bangtail Divide Trail. So, did this first Bozeman trail impress me? or was it a big disappointment? Trail Stats & Information Nearby City: Bozeman Length: 23.8 miles Trail Type: Point to Point with shuttle or loop [ for loop add 8 … [Read more...]
Bangtail Divide Trail Bozeman Montana
August 6, 2010 by 3 Comments


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StoryCorps Shorts: Common Ground
Special | 2m 3s
Cheraton Love is a liberal, and her father-in-law Jim White is conservative. Cheraton invited Jim for a conversation using the StoryCorps app at his home in Silver Valley, NC.
Aired: 10/18/18
Expires: 10/17/22Video has closed captioning.
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Major funding for POV is provided by PBS, The John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Bertha Foundation, Marguerite Casey Foundation, Corporation for Public Broadcasting, National Endowment for the Arts and the New York State Council on the Arts, with special support from The Fledgling Fund.


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"The poverty of being lonely, being uncared for and unwanted . . . this is the greatest poverty. We must start in our own homes to alleviate this type of poverty." – Mama T
The miracles that have unfolded during the past few weeks are going to take me a while to process and weave into stories for you. Stories are better than numbers- but numbers are what I'm swimming in, so I'll throw a few out there . . . we've paid one Monkee's $1000 adoption costs. We've served thirty seven families through 165 Monkees (so far). The requests and offers that have poured in via email have doubled those posted on the blog. They've all been granted or accepted. We've sent three ipads to kids who need them for therapy. Zero people have asked me if their donations are tax deductible. Checks and gift cards from God knows who have arrived at my home by the dozens. Several thousands of dollars have exchanged Monkee hands. I've learned how to make a spread sheet. YES, after tears and tantrums, but I learned. They work, those things.
The stories are better than the numbers, though. MIRACULOUS stories about beautiful people abound. For now, I'm keeping them in my heart. Can't tell them yet, because our work's not done.
Here is what I've learned during the past three miraculous weeks.
Those who have made requests and those who have offered gifts . . . both groups of people are givers.
This is huge, I think:
What we're doing here- The Truth about Holiday Hands . . . is that we're not really just helping people buy stuff. We're not trying to alleviate material poverty.
Here is what we're really doing: We're alleviating the poverty of loneliness. The poverty of disconnection. The poverty of feeling unneeded and unwanted . . . the greatest poverty that my hero, Mama T, referred to above. And that kind of awful poverty is alleviated by receiving AND by giving.
Because when the givers give they remember . . . I am needed. I am powerful. I am capable of Loving my neighbors. There is enough. And when the receivers receive they remember . . . I am loved. I am cared for. I am not alone. I have not been forgotten. There is enough.
And that's why we don't need to judge whether someone's particular need is worthy. It doesn't matter. Because we are not really about meeting that particular need. We are just meeting that particular need in an effort to meet the REAL need. Which is: "TELL ME I'M NOT ALONE. PROVE TO ME THAT LOVE WINS." We just prove it through a gift card, or a handwritten letter, or a check for $15 dollars or $1000, or a box full of well loved toys or a new ipad or a handmade tea cosie, or an email.
So that's why if somebody tells me she needs a ferret, I'm gonna find a way to get her a ferret.
Because it's not about the gift. It's about what the gift represents. It's about Love. It's about reminding each other that We Belong To Each Other. It's about proving what we believe: that Love Wins. You gotta prove what you believe to somebody, even if it's just to yourself. Otherwise your belief doesn't matter much.
*Sweet Jesus, please don't tell me you need a ferret. Scared.
Now, down to Monkee Business. So far we've placed about 175 Monkees in Monkee Holiday Families.
"He places the lonely in families. He sets free the prisoners and gives them joy." – Psalm 68:8
As of this morning, I still had fifteen Monkees waiting to be matched. Fifteen Monkees chomping at the bit to GIVE.
I've got you ladies. You are on my trustee spreadsheet. I've not forgotten you.
This morning, I received a message about a mother of five struggling with cancer, so a few of you waiting Monkees will be matched with this family this evening. Expect an email from me regarding your new Monkee Family.
Here is where I'd like to go from here:
If you have requested help, but have not yet received an email from me matching you with a Monkee family . . . please email me right away at momastery(at)gmail(dot)com. If you already have emailed me, please do it again and be patient with me. It might take me a while to get it all right, but we will leave no Monkee behind.
Also- I definitely have (at least) another week left in me to dedicate to this project. So go ahead and get quiet and listen. Listen for the name God whispers into your ear, and then send this post to her or him or them. There is enough. We can help more people and allow more people to help.
And to you – If you need: ASK. If you have: OFFER. Become a part of this miracle, one way or another.
Finally, I just wanted to say thank you. Being a part of this Love Project is one of the greatest honors of my life.
Love, G
Author of the #1 New York Times Bestseller LOVE WARRIOR — ORDER HERE
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Add vehicles to compare. You can compare up to 3 vehicles at a time.
In order to receive the advertised price, you must either present a copy of this page's advertised price in person, or you must specifically mention the advertised price to the dealership and have the same referenced in your contract at time of purchase. The advertised price does include $599 documentation fee and $59 Electronic Title Fee. The advertised price does not include sales tax, vehicle registration fees, finance charges and any other fees required by law. Advertised price may need to finance with captive lender with dealership. Certain discounts applied to advertised price may require a trade that is 1999 or newer. We attempt to update this inventory on a regular basis. However, there can be lag time between the sale of a vehicle and the update of the inventory. EPA mileage estimates are for newly manufactured vehicles only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you drive and maintain your vehicle. Before purchasing this vehicle, it is your responsibility to address any and all differences between information on this website and the actual vehicle specifications and/or any warranties offered prior to the sale of this vehicle. Vehicle data on this website is compiled from publicly available sources believed by the publisher to be reliable. Vehicle data is subject to change without notice. The publisher assumes no responsibility for errors and/or omissions in this data the compilation of this data and makes no representations express or implied to any actual or prospective purchaser of the vehicle as to the condition of the vehicle, vehicle specifications, ownership, vehicle history, equipment/accessories, price or warranties. Dealer pricing may include incentives. The Kelley Blue Book® Fair Market Range does not factor in consumer rebates and incentives. Tax, title, GA Warranty rights fees (Lemon Law), license (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance, lease and some other offers. Tax, title, license (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance, lease and some other offers.
Used Cadillac Cars for sale near Calhoun
Welcome to Riverside Cadillac where you're sure to find the exact Used Cadillac Car you've been looking for. We have a massive inventory of used cars for you to choose from. Once you've found the perfect Used Cadillac vehicle, don't hesitate to give us call and come on in for a test drive. We're just a short drive from Cartersville or Cedartown. We look forward to seeing you.
Customer Reviews (112Reviews)
Cathy Otting always gives excellent...
Cathy Otting always gives excellent service and keeps you informed of progress.
Philip M. ROME
The lady at the service department keep...
The lady at the service department keep me informed and went above and beyond to assist in an additional issue that had just happened. GREAT JOB
Vickie G. CEDARTOWN
Knowledgeable and polite
Knowledgeable and polite
Louis B. MILLEDGEVILLE
Kenneth J. BREMEN
Took a little time for a agent to get...
Took a little time for a agent to get with me, but my car was serviced very quick. Overall they did a great job.
John M. ROME
was in and out in 1 1/2 hours and I...
was in and out in 1 1/2 hours and I didn't have an appointment
Bill M. CEDARTOWN
Cathy has always treated me fairly; she...
Cathy has always treated me fairly; she has taken care of my car since I ordered it. She finds me a loaner when I ask for one; if the work is a short ...
Jerry C. CENTRE
My experience was great and they are...
My experience was great and they are detailed with helping me.
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As always great group of people, great...
As always great group of people, great service will keep going back.
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Great communication and were awesome to...
Great communication and were awesome to provide a courtesy vehicle.
Sharon R. ROME


text: SHARE THIS FLOOR: Dockside With its handsome graining, realistic knotholes, and worn saw marks, Dockside is a reclaimed and restored wood visual. Dockside is available in a larger 6" x 48" inch plank and makes a bold statement in design, color, and character. COLOR: Pier SIZES: 6" x 48" (nominal) 6" x 48" (nominal) LockSolid Add to Favorites PRODUCT DETAILS Product Number: ALP602 Colorway Name: Pier Sizes: 6" x 48" (nominal) Flooring Thickness: .157" (4mm) ScratchResist™: Yes FloorScore® Certified: Yes True Detail Styling™: Yes Edge Style: Micro-bevel Installation Type: Traditional Warranty: Limited Lifetime Residential Improves resistance to everyday household scratches that can make floors look old before their time. A FloorScore certification verifies that flooring and adhesive products have been tested and approved by the Resilient Floor Covering Institute (RFCI) in conjunction with Scientific Certification Systems (SCS) for contributing to good indoor air quality. A square edge means boards fit flush against each other for a smooth, traditional look. A micro bevel or full bevel edge creates an angled effect where boards meet, to create more depth and dimension. Kissed edge is the same benefit of the micro-bevel, but with the look of a square edge. Rectified edge mimics the look of real cut stone. Optic edge creates the most realistic grout and bevels available on a laminate plank Variable edge recreates the rustic, hand-planned edges found in hardwood. Contoured edge has rounded edges for a soft and attractive visual. Tumbled edge features the natural, irregular edge flund in many types of stone.


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Gillmore Security is Newest Shareholder in
Security Network of America
SOUTHERN PINES, NC (February 13, 2009) – Security Network of America (SNA) the organization in which independent security firms work together to compete successfully with giant national firms, announces its newest shareholding company, Gillmore Security of Cleveland, Ohio.
"We're very pleased to welcome Gillmore Security as a charter shareholder of SNA,†said Managing Director David W. Carter. "For nearly 40 years, Gillmore has been providing exceptional security service to businesses and residences in northeastern Ohio.â€
Participation in SNA is limited to firms that are privately owned, have a proven track record in the security and alarm business, own and operate their own UL Listed central station monitoring facilities and do not compete directly with each other. Today 36 SNA companies operate in 30 states and three Canadian provinces. Ranked collectively, SNA companies are among the top six security providers in North America.
"Membership in SNA brings significant advantages,†Carter said. "As a corporate entity, our members can share key operational indicators to evaluate how we compare to our peers, the education and training programs we've developed keep our members on the cutting edge professionally and our combined purchasing power helps us gain leverage with equipment suppliers.â€
"At Gillmore Security, we've never been concerned about being the biggest, just about being the best,†said CEO Alan Gillmore III, whose father founded the firm in 1971. "We see our involvement with SNA providing us with significant advantages that will translate into even better service for our customers. SNA companies are in the same field, and I've always felt that the best way to learn is from people who are facing the same challenges you are.
"Even though we operate regionally, participation in SNA gives us a national perspective that I'm convinced will help us serve our customers better than ever.â€
RedShift will use the funding to complete development of its Thermal Light Valve(TM) -based camera platform, which is designed to be the lowest-cost and easiest-to-integrate thermal imaging solution for OEMs. Thermal imaging is a critical technology for enabling a range of emerging energy efficiency products such as intelligent HVAC, energy auditing in buildings, adaptive data center cooling and network power management. Until RedShift, thermal imaging was largely unaffordable for use in these and many other applications.
"We are thrilled that Emerson has decided to back RedShift,†said Matthias Wagner, Chairman and co-Founder of RedShift. "There is tremendous fit between our technology and Emerson's businesses and I expect this investment will be the start of a very productive relationship.â€
Brink's Home Security's 4Q profit gains 21 percent
Brink's Home Security 4th-quarter profit rises on bigger subscriber base
Wednesday February 18, 2009, 9:46 am EST
IRVING, Texas (AP) -- Brink's Home Security Holdings Inc. said Wednesday its fourth-quarter profit increased 21 percent due to a larger subscriber base and lower royalty expense.
Net income rose to $14.8 million, or 32 cents per share, in the fourth quarter, from $12.2 million, or 27 cents per share, in the year-ago period.
On average, analysts surveyed by Thomson Reuters forecast a fourth-quarter profit of 39 cents per share. The estimates typically exclude items.
The company said it benefited from a reduction in the royalty rate charged by its former parent for November and December. Typically, the rate equaled about 7 percent of revenue, but decreased to 1.25 percent in November.
Quarterly revenue gained 7 percent to $135.2 million from $126 million in the previous year due to growth in subscriber base and higher average monitoring rates.
The company said its subscribers increased to 1.3 million, up more than 6 percent in the same period a year ago.
For the year, earnings increased to $57.1 million, or $1.25 per share, from $44.2 million, or 96 cents per share, in 2007. Analysts were predicting earnings of $1.59 per share.
Yearly revenue rose to $532.3 million from $484.4 million.
New Purchase: BRINKS HOME SECURITY HOLDINGS INC (CFL)
George Soros initiated holdings in BRINKS HOME SECURITY HOLDINGS INC. His purchase prices were between $15.5 and $23.5, with an estimated average price of $19.6. The impact to his portfolio due to this purchase was 0.82%. His holdings were 1,146,542 shares as of 12/31/2008.
In the early days of computing physical and cyber security were one and the same. Mainframe computers were locked in computer rooms and accessed by hardwired dumb terminals. But as computers became smaller, smarter and more ubiquitous, property and data were dealt with separately and there traditionally has been little reintegration of physical and cyber security. Today, data in any form can be the most valuable asset in any organization, government or private, and the proliferation of devices on which it resides means that physical security is becoming as critical to protecting it as cyber security.
"One major concern is that $200 billion annually in intellectual property theft is occuring. U.S. doesn't manufacture much anymore. It's our technology and intelligence, and it's getting ripped off by the Chinese, the Russians, the Israelis, the French. It's a huge, huge problem.
True, breaches caused by hackers can generate huge losses and big headlines. The recent hacking of Heartland Payment Systems Inc. potentially exposed data from hundreds of millions of online transactions a month for an untold number of compromised persons. But don't ignore the physical risks. One of the largest government data breaches occurred with the 2006 theft of a Veterans Affairs laptop containing records of more than 26 million persons. That incident has cost the VA $20 million in a settling a class action suit.
It is with great sadness that Potter Electric Signal Company, LLC announces that Robinson 'Robbie' P. Murray, Age 61, passed away on Thursday, February 5, 2009 at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. Robbie was hired by Potter in May 2008 as Global Product Training Manager for the Fire and Security Division. Prior to Potter, Robbie held several key roles within the industry over the last 25 years. These roles included 10 years as ADT Security System's Manager of Fire Design and 11 years as Cooper Wheelock's Director of Global Business Marketing "We were extremely fortunate to have of Robbie as a part of the Potter family, even if it was only for a brief time.†says Hugh Blair, V.P. of Potter's Fire and Security Division. "Robbie had such an extensive understanding of the product and people and will be missed greatly both as a colleague and friend.†says Blair.
Robbie is remembered by many as living life to the fullest and enjoying every moment with his family and friends. Robbie is survived by his devoted wife, Barbara Sue (nee-Sabatino) and his loving daughter, Ashleigh
The economy in Canada? My vision is that the Canadian banking system is completely different. We read that it's one of the best the world … Plus there are laws in place to prevent people from accessing property they cannot afford.†With that said, Demers noted that "80 percent of our economy is tied into the United States. I predict within six to nine months it's going to hit us. We can feel it already.
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On the Editor's DeskPaul Ragusa
News and notes
Monitoring MattersGinger Hill
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Pagan News and Views Since 1998
Time: September 26, 2018 from 9pm to 10pm
Location: Temple of Sedna Online Ritual Room
Website or Map: Http://www.templeofsedna.com/…
Event Type: online, gaia, ritual, healing, rite
Organized By: Rt. Rev. Anna Rowe HPs CCE
Latest Activity: Mar 25, 2018
Export to Outlook or iCal (.ics)
Merry meet!
The Correllian Temple of Gaia UK would like to invite our Correllian friends and family to an online Gaia Ritual hosted sponsored by the Temple of Sedna UK.
The ritual will take place on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at 9pm BST UK time (which is 4pm EDT/1pm PDT US time) in the Temple of Sedna Ritual Room (http://templeofsedna.com/RitualsOnline.html)
We hold an online Gaia Ritual on the fourth Wednesday of every month.
All are welcome to attend so spread the word! And feel free just to pop by and watch; you do not have to take part if you do not wish to do so.
We hold regular online rituals so if you are interested in attending our Gaia Rituals, or any of the other rituals we hold, then please do check out the calendar on the Temple of Sedna website (http://templeofsedna.com/TempleCalendar.html) for more details and just turn up!
We are hoping to build up a greater interest in our online rituals and therefore be able to hold Gaia rituals (as well as other online rituals) in other time zones.
For those of you outside of the UK here is a link to a time conversion website that will help you work out what your local time will be at 9pm BST.
Many thanks for your continued support and we look forward to seeing our Correllian Friends and family on Wednesday 26th September 2018 at 9pm BST UK time (which is 4pm EST/1pm PST US time).
Blessings to you all
From the
Correllian Temple of Gaia UK and the Correllian Temple of Sedna UK Ritual Organisers


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Liza Minnelli Gossip
Liza Minnelli gossip, latest news, photos, and video.
Tony Queens
Elton opened the show and yes… that was Poison at the Tony Awards. POISON! Last night's Tonys were all about the Queens. The Queens are holding up beautifully. Was really, really hoping for a Dolly/Liza/Elton photo opportunity but unfortunately, not even the Secret Service could make that sh-t happen. Full Story
Liza Minnelli > Denise Richards
Inconceivable but true… Charles in Charge…don't lie, don't tell me you didn't watch at least one episode and that once upon a time Scott Baio wasn't your boyfriend. So now he's in his 40s, I can't bear to look at him, but of course he has a new reality tv show and of course he was promoting it on Howard Stern yesterday and OF COURSE Howard made him talk about sex and of course he obliged. Full Story


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Ruby-Horsethief river rafting: Low water, fire ban make for quietest trip ever
Black Rocks, empty and quiet, during a river trip on the Ruby-Horsethief section of the Colorado River? Unheard of. At least not since, say, about 1965… But there we were, for about four hours, riding through the rapids repeatedly in our PFDs, picnicking along the banks and generally having a great time, the 15 of us. And not another soul.
Sure, the water was at about 2,650 cfs – and this is still July — compared to over 5,000 cfs at the end of the season in October last year. That's when our trip turned ugly, when Black Rocks was truly Party Central. Someone was shooting off a 9mm against the rocks, others had bottle rockets and more illegal fireworks galore, and people were stealing each others' campsites because there were just too many coming down this popular stretch – including our site, forcing us onto another one. It had gotten to the point that some people simply rafted had to the takeout in the dark.
That's why this year, the Bureau of Land Management instituted a permit system for weekend floats in this section, the 25-mile stretch from the Loma put-in west of Grand Junction to the Westwater Ranger Station takeout. Until next season, it's free. You call in 60 days prior to your launch date and try to snag the campsite you want. For weekdays, Sunday-Thursday launches, you still sign in at Loma for self-issued permits, first-come, first-served at campsites.


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MySQL 8.0 Reference Manual
MySQL 8.0 Release Notes
Table of Contents [+/-]
This section describes general security issues to be aware of and what you can do to make your MySQL installation more secure against attack or misuse. For information specifically about the access control system that MySQL uses for setting up user accounts and checking database access, see Chapter 3, Postinstallation Setup and Testing.
For answers to some questions that are often asked about MySQL Server security issues, see Appendix A, MySQL 8.0 FAQ: Security.


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Since our founding in 1976, our commitment to providing every one of our customers with the best relocation experience possible has helped us grow into one of the largest relocation departments in the region. No matter the reason for your relocation, our team will work to ensure all your needs are met before and after you settle in your new home.
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Our mobile app 📱 team works hard to improve travel for our customers and has been recognized for doing so with this year's reimagined app, twice over! Vote 🗳 for the United app here in 2019's @TheWebbyAwards for "Best Practices." vote.webbyawards.com/PublicVoting#/…
Following the devastating wildfires in Australia and powerful earthquakes that shook Puerto Rico last week, we're taking action to make a global impact through our international partnerships as well as nonprofit organizations Afya Foundation and ADRA (Adventist Development and Relief Agency).
Helping Puerto Rico recover from earthquakes
Last week, Puerto Rico was hit with a 5.2 magnitude earthquake, following a 6.4 magnitude earthquake it experienced just days before. The island has been experiencing hundreds of smaller quakes during the past few weeks.
These earthquakes destroyed crucial infrastructure and left 4,000 people sleeping outside or in shelters after losing their homes. We've donated $50,000 to our partner charity organization Airlink and through them, we've helped transport disaster relief experts and medical supplies for residents, as well as tents and blankets for those who have lost their homes. Funding will go towards organizations within Airlink's partner network, which includes Habitat for Humanity, Mercy Corps and Americares, to help with relief efforts and long-term recovery.
Australian wildfire relief efforts
Our efforts to help Australia have inspired others to make their own positive impact. In addition to teaming up with Ellen DeGeneres to donate $250,000 and launching a fundraising campaign with GlobalGiving to benefit those impacted by the devastating wildfires in the country known for its open spaces and wildlife, our cargo team is helping to send more than 600 pounds of medical supplies to treat injured animals in the region.
Helping us send these supplies is the Afya Foundation, a New York-based nonprofit that seeks to improve global health by collecting surplus medical supplies and delivering them to parts of the world where they are most needed. Through Airlink, the Afya Foundation will send more than $18,000 worth of materials that will be used to treat animals injured in the Australian fires.
These medical supplies will fly to MEL (Melbourne) and delivered to The Rescue Collective. This Australian organization is currently focused on treating the massive population of wildlife, such as koalas, kangaroos, and birds, that have had their habitats destroyed by the recent wildfires. The supplies being sent include wound dressings, gloves, catheters, syringes and other items that are unused but would otherwise be disposed of.
By working together, we can continue to make a global impact and help those affected by natural disasters to rebuild and restore their lives
Australia needs our help as wildfires continue to devastate the continent that's beloved by locals and travelers alike. In times like these, the world gets a little smaller and we all have a responsibility to do what we can.
On Monday, The Ellen DeGeneres Show announced a campaign to raise $5 million to aid in relief efforts. When we heard about Ellen's effort, we immediately reached out to see how we could help.
Today, we're committing $250,000 toward Ellen's campaign so we can offer support now and help with rebuilding. For more on The Ellen DeGeneres Show efforts and to donate yourself, you can visit www.gofundme.com/f/ellenaustraliafund
We're also matching donations made to the Australian Wildfire Relief Fund, created by GlobalGiving's Disaster Recovery Network. This fund will support immediate relief efforts for people impacted by the fires in the form of emergency supplies like food, water and medicine. Funds will also go toward long-term recovery assistance, helping residents recover and rebuild. United will match up to $50,000 USD in donations, and MileagePlus® members who donate $50 or more will receive up to 1,000 award miles from United. Donate to GlobalGiving.
Please note: Donations made toward GlobalGiving's fund are only eligible for the MileagePlus miles match.
In addition to helping with fundraising, we're staying in touch with our employees and customers in Australia. Together, we'll help keep Australia a beautiful place to live and visit in the years to come.
20. Spot Giant Pandas in China
In 2016, giant pandas were removed from the endangered species list, and China would like to keep it that way. This year, the country plans to consolidate the creatures' known habitats into one unified national park system spanning nearly 10,500 square miles across Sichuan, Gansu, and Shaanxi provinces—about the size, in total, of Massachusetts. —Nicholas DeRenzo
19. Follow in James Bond's Footsteps in Jamaica
When No Time to Die hits theaters on April 8, it marks a number of returns for the James Bond franchise. The 25th chapter in the Bond saga is the first to come out since 2015's Spectre; it's Daniel Craig's fifth go-round as 007, after rumors the actor was set to move on; and it's the first time the series has filmed in Jamaica since 1973's Live and Let Die. The Caribbean island has always had a special place in Bond lore: It was the location of one of creator Ian Fleming's homes, GoldenEye (which is now a resort), and the setting for the first 007 movie, 1962's Dr. No. Looking to live like a super-spy? You don't need a license to kill—just a ride to Port Antonio, where you can check out filming locations such as San San Beach and colonial West Street. Remember to keep your tux pressed and your Aston Martin on the left side of the road. —Justin Goldman
18. See the Future of Architecture in Venice
Every other year, Venice hosts the art world's best and brightest during its celebrated Biennale. But the party doesn't stop during off years, when the Architecture Biennale takes place. This year, curator Hashim Sarkis, the dean of MIT's School of Architecture and Planning, has tasked participants with finding design solutions for political divides and economic inequality; the result, on display from May to November, is the intriguing show How Will We Live Together? —Nicholas DeRenzo
17. Celebrate Beethoven's 250th Birthday in Bonn
Catch a Beethoven concerto in Bonn, Germany, to celebrate the hometown hero's big 2-5-0.
16. Eat Your Way Through Slovenia
When Ana Roš of Hiša Franko was named the World's Best Female Chef in 2017, food lovers began to wonder: Do we need to pay attention to Slovenia? The answer, it turns out, is definitely yes. This March, the tiny Balkan nation about two hours east of Venice gets its own Michelin Guide. —Nicholas DeRenzo
15. Star- (and Sun-) Gaze in Patagonia
Come December 13 and 14, there will be no better spot for sky-watchers than northern Patagonia, which welcomes both the peak of the Geminid meteor shower and a total solar eclipse within 24 hours. —Nicholas DeRenzo
14. Explore Miami's Game-Changing New Park
About 70,000 commuters use Miami's Metrorail each day, and city planners aim to turn the unused space beneath its tracks into an exciting new public space, a 10-mile linear park aptly named The Underline. Luckily, the Magic City is in good hands: The project is being helmed by James Corner Field Operations, the geniuses behind New York's High Line. "Both projects share similarities in their overarching goals," says principal designer Isabel Castilla, "to convert a leftover infrastructural space into a public space that connects neighborhoods, generates community, and encourages urban regeneration." When finished, Miami's park will be about seven times as long as its Big Apple counterpart. The first half-mile leg, set to open this June, is the Brickell Backyard, which includes an outdoor gym, a butterfly garden, a dog park, and gaming tables that call to mind the dominoes matches you'll find nearby in Little Havana. "We envision the Underline dramatically changing the way people in Miami engage with public space," Castilla says. —Nicholas DeRenzo
13. Kick Off the NFL in Las Vegas
Former Raiders owner Al Davis was famous for saying, "Just win, baby." His son, Mark Davis, the team's current owner, is more likely to be shouting "Vegas, baby!" Swingers-style, as his team becomes Sin City's first NFL franchise, the Las Vegas Raiders. After years of threats and lawsuits, the Raiders have finally left Oakland, and this summer they're landing just across the highway from the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino in a 65,000-seat, $1.8 billion domed stadium that will also host the UNLV football team, the next two Pac-12 championship games, and the Las Vegas Bowl. Construction is slated to be finished July 31, just in time for the NFL preseason—and just in time to lure football fans from the sportsbooks to the grandstand. —Justin Goldman
12. Celebrate the Suffragettes in Washington D.C.
All eyes are on the ballot box this year, but the electorate would look quite different if not for the 19th Amendment, which was ratified 100 years ago this August. Many D.C. institutions, such as the National Archives Museum and the Library of Congress, are honoring the decades-long struggle for women's suffrage with exhibits. In particular, the National Museum of American History unveils Sarah J. Eddy's portrait of Susan B. Anthony this March, before putting on a 'zine-inspired show on girlhood and youth social movements this June. —Nicholas DeRenzo
11. Go for a Ride Through Mexico City
If you want to get somewhere quickly in Mexico City, try going by bicycle. During peak traffic, bikes average faster speeds than cars or public transportation—which might explain why ridership has gone up almost 50 percent since 2007. And riding on two wheels is getting safer and easier. In 2019, the city announced plans to invest $10 million (more than it had spent in the last six years combined) into the construction of about 50 miles of new paths and lanes. Now, you can cycle on a two-mile separated path along the Paseo de la Reforma, from Colonia Juárez and Roma to Chapultepec Park and Polanco. Future plans include a route along the National Canal between Coyoacán (where Frida Kahlo once lived) and Xochimilco (with its floating flower farms). "The goal is to finish the six-year [presidential] term with 600 kilometers of bike infrastructure," says Roberto Mendoza of the city's Secretariat of Mobility. Time to start pedaling. —Naomi Tomky
10. Consider the Mayflower's Legacy in Massachusetts and Abroad
Before they came to America in 1620, the religious separatists now known as the Pilgrims lived in England and the Netherlands. This year, the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower landing will be commemorated not only by those nations but also by a fourth: The Wampanoag, the confederation of tribes that live in New England and whose role in this world-changing event has been at best left out and at worst distorted.
"We're challenging the myths and stereotypes," says Aquinnah Wampanoag author Linda Coombs, a board member of Plymouth 400, Inc., which is planning cultural events such
as an Ancestors Walk to honor the native villages pushed aside by settlers, as well as
an indigenous history conference and powwow (plus an $11 million restoration of the replica Mayflower II).
Kerri Helme, a member of the Mashpee Wampanoag nation and cultural programs manager at Plimoth Plantation, says that "people want to hear the whole story." She notes that it's a commonly held belief that the Pilgrims were welcomed by the natives, when in fact their first encounter was violent, since the English had been stealing the Wampanoags' food.
"The Wampanoag are key players in all of this," says Charles Hackett, CEO of Mayflower 400 in the U.K. "It's a whole other aspect of this history." In England, a Mayflower trail will connect Pilgrim sites in towns such as Southampton and Plymouth, and in Leiden, the Dutch town where the Pilgrims took refuge before embarking for the New World, the ethnology museum will run an exhibit about the natives.
"The most important thing for us, as the Wampanoag people," says Paula Peters, a former Wampanoag council member, "is to be acknowledged as a vital tribe comprised of people that, in spite of everything that's happened, are still here." —Jon Marcus
9. Discover Lille's Design Scene
Previous World Design Capitals have included major cultural hubs such as Helsinki and Seoul, so it came as a shock when Lille, France's 10th-largest city, beat Sydney for this year's title. Judges cited Lille's use of design to improve its citizens' lives; get a taste for yourself at spots like La Piscine Musée d'Art et d'Industrie, a gallery in a former Art Deco swim center. —Nicholas DeRenzo
8. See Stellar Space in Rio de Janeiro, the World Capital of Architecture
Rio de Janeiro is renowned for the beauty of its beaches and mountains, but the Cidade Maravilhosa's man-made structures are as eye-catching as its natural features. For that reason, UNESCO recently designated Rio its first World Capital of Architecture, honoring a city that boasts such landmarks as the stained glass–domed Royal Portuguese Cabinet of Reading, the fairy-tale Ilha Fiscal palace, and the uber-modern Niterói Contemporary Art Museum.
"Rio is an old city by New World standards, having been founded in the mid–16th century," says architectural photographer Andrew Prokos, who took this shot. "So the city has many layers of architectural styles, from Colonial and Rococo to Art Nouveau, Modernist, Brutalist, and contemporary." In the case of this museum, which was designed by perhaps Brazil's greatest architect, Pritzker Prize winner Oscar Niemeyer, Prokos was intrigued by how the 24-year-old building interacts with its surroundings. "The upward slope of the museum complements the slope of the Pão de Açúcar across the bay," he says, "so the two are speaking to each other from across the water." – Tom Smyth
7. Join the Avengers at Disneyland
This summer, Disney California Adventure unveils its Marvel-themed Avengers Campus, with a new Spider-Man attraction, followed later by an Ant-Man restaurant and a ride through Wakanda. If the hype surrounding last year's debut of Disney+ is any indication, Comic-Con types are going to lose their fanboy (and -girl) minds. —Nicholas DeRenzo
6. Listen to Jazz in Cape Town
Cape Town's natural wonders draw visitors from all over the world, but there's a hidden gem beyond the mountains, beaches, and seas: music. Much as jazz was born from America's diverse peoples, Cape jazz combines the traditions and practices of the city's multiethnic population, creating genres such as goema (named after a type of hand drum) and marabi (a keyboard style that arose in the townships). Cape Town has hosted an International Jazz Festival for
20 years (the 21st edition is this March 27–28), and now UNESCO is giving the Mother City its musical due by naming it the Global Host City of International Jazz Day 2020. The theme of the event—which takes place on April 30, features an All Star Global Concert, and is the climax of Jazz Appreciation Month—is "Tracing the Roots and Routes of African Jazz." During the dark days of slavery and apartheid, music became an outlet through which repressed people could express their struggle for freedom. What better way to mark a quarter century of democracy here than with a celebration of that most free style of music? —Struan Douglas
5. Take a Walk Around England
Many hikers love walking around England—but how many can say that they've truly walked around England? When it's completed, the England Coast Path will be the longest managed seaside trail in the world, completely circumnavigating the coastline, from the fishing villages of Cornwall and the beaches of Nothumberland to the limestone arches of the Jurassic Coast and the sandy dunes of Norfolk. Much of the trail is already waymarked (the 630-mile South West Coast Path is particularly challenging and beautiful), with new legs set to open throughout the year. If you want to cross the whole thing off your bucket list, be warned that it's no walk in the park: At around 2,795 miles, the completed route is 605 miles longer than the Appalachian Trail and about the same as the distance between New York and Los Angeles. —Nicholas DeRenzo
4. Get Refreshed in the Israeli Desert
Six Senses resorts are known for restorative retreats in places like Fiji, Bali, and the Maldives. For its latest location, the wellness-minded brand is heading to a more unexpected locale: the Arava Valley, in the far south of Israel. Opening this spring, the Six Senses Shaharut will offer overnight camel camping, off-roading in the surrounding desert, and restaurants serving food grown in the resort's gardens or sourced from nearby kibbutzim. While the valley is said to be near King Solomon's copper mines, the Six Senses is sure to strike gold. —Nicholas DeRenzo
3. Say konnichiwa on July 24 at the opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympic Games in Tokyo, which plays host for the first time since 1964.
The Japanese capital plays host for the first time since 1964. This year, softball and baseball will return after being absent since 2008, and four new sports—karate, sport climbing, surfing, and skateboarding—will be added to the competition for the first time. Say konnichiwa at the opening ceremonies on July 24, which will be held at renowned architect Kengo Kuma's New National Stadium. – Nicholas DeRenzo
2. Score Tickets to Euro 2020
Still feeling World Cup withdrawal? Get your "football" fix at the UEFA European Championship. From June 12 to July 12, 24 qualifying national teams will play games in stadiums from Bilbao to Baku, culminating in the semi-finals and final at London's hallowed Wembley Stadium. Will World Cup champion France bring home another trophy? Will Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal repeat its 2016 Euro win? Will the tortured English national team finally get its first title? Or will an upstart—like Greece in 2004—shock the world? —Justin Goldman
1. Soak Up Some Culture in Galway
Galway has long been called "the cultural heart of Ireland," so it's no surprise that this bohemian city on the country's wild west coast was named a 2020 European Capital of Culture (along with Rijeka, Croatia). The title puts a spotlight on the city (population 80,000) and County Galway, where more than 1,900 events will take place throughout the year. Things kick off in February with a seven-night opening ceremony featuring a fiery (literally) choreographed celebration starring a cast of 2,020 singing-and-drumming locals in Eyre Square. "This is a once-in-a-generation chance for Galway," says Paul Fahy, a county native and the artistic director of the Galway International Arts Festival (July 13–26). "It's a huge pressure. There's a heightened sense of expectation from audiences, not just from here but from all over the world." Art lovers will no doubt enjoy Kari Kola's illuminating work Savage Beauty, which will wash the Connemara mountains in green light to coincide with St. Patrick's Day, or the Druid Theatre Company's countywide tour of some of the best 20th-century one-act Irish plays. Visitors would also be wise to explore the rugged beauty of Connemara on a day trip with the charismatic Mairtin Óg Lally of Lally Tours, and to eat their way across town with Galway Food Tours. But beware, says Fahy: "Galway has a reputation as a place people came to 20 years ago for a weekend and never left." —Ellen Carpenter
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Senate Confirms Laurie Mikva to LSC Board of Directors
June 22, 2009
Washington, DC- Laurie I. Mikva, who served for nearly 30 years as a civil legal aid attorney and a public defender in Illinois and Maryland, was confirmed by the Senate on June 19 to become a member of the Board of Directors for the Legal Services Corporation.
"Having worked for most of my career to provide legal services to the poor, I look forward to this opportunity to help shape legal services policy at the national level. I appreciate the vote of confidence from both the President and the Senate as I carry on this important work," Ms. Mikva said.
The White House announced her nomination on April 14, citing her "strong record of working to aid indigent people to obtain necessary legal services." Ms. Mikva currently serves as a staff attorney in the Office of Legal Counsel at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
LSC is the single largest provider of civil legal assistance for the poor in the nation. Established by Congress in 1974, LSC operates as a private, nonprofit organization to promote equal access to justice and to provide high-quality civil legal assistance to low-income Americans.
From 1993-2008, Ms. Mikva worked in Champaign, Ill., as a staff attorney at Land of Lincoln Legal Assistance Foundation, the legal aid provider for central and southern Illinois. Specializing in areas of family law and domestic violence, she represented clients in cases involving divorce, custody, orders of protection and child support.
She helped to establish the Domestic Violence Clinic at the University of Illinois College of Law, and supervised students in the Clinic. She collaborated with service providers including shelters, victim advocates, prosecutors, and police to address family violence issues in the community. As Family Law Task Force Chair, she oversaw the provision of family law services throughout the organization, and provided support and training to both legal aid and pro bono attorneys.
From 1988-1991, Ms. Mikva worked as an Assistant Public Defender in Urbana, Illinois, where she represented indigent defendants in criminal cases, and parents in juvenile abuse and neglect proceedings. Before that, she worked in the Appellate Division of the Maryland Public Defender's Office, where she represented indigent appellants in criminal cases.
From 1984-1985, she was a fellow in the Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program at Georgetown University Law School, and from 1983-84 she clerked for Judge Luther M. Swygert on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
Ms. Mikva received her law degree from New York University in 1983, where she was a Note Editor for the New York University Law Review.
Legal Services Corporation (LSC) is an independent nonprofit established by Congress in 1974 to provide financial support for civil legal aid to low-income Americans. The Corporation currently provides funding to 132 independent nonprofit legal aid programs in every state, the District of Columbia, and U.S. territories.


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And I still don't think it is an accusation, he never said, 'I believe he tampered with the ball. He asked the match officals if there was anything wrong with the ball, big deal, I don't see every other fan go off their case when batsmen ask to have the ball checked because it bounces funny, or looks funny. In this case it swung funny and Vettori wanted to know if the ball had anything to do with that.
Anyway, it over for me, no point arguing with you all anymore.
Shouldn't you be off accusing someone being racist?


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For Immediate Release
March 29, 2006
Contact: Susan Hodges,
Citizens for Midwifery
1-800-CfM-4880 or
Athens, GA – The National
Institutes of Health has just completed a conference on "Cesarean Section by
Maternal Request," but recently-released results of a new "Listening to
Mothers" survey from Childbirth Connection http://childbirthconnection.com/article.asp?ClickedLink=334&ck=10068&area=27
indicate that it is extremely rare for a woman to ask for a cesarean section.
Childbirth Connection found in a nationally representative sample of birthing
mothers that only one (0.08%) out of 1300 women who could have asked for a
primary (first) cesarean section actually requested it.
The current focus on the
illusion of "patient choice" cesarean sections diverts attention from the very
real and serious fact that the U.S. has the highest rate of cesarean section
ever, at 29.1% of births in 2004 and increasing. The U.S. rate is nearly twice the 10%-15% rate for cesarean
section recognized as reasonable and safe by the World Health Organization
Willa Powell, Citizens for
Midwifery Board Member points out, "Although it may be interesting that Britney
Spears got her "patient choice" cesarean section, keep in mind that nearly one-third
of women having babies today get a cesarean section. Many of them did not want this surgery, and
about half of the cesarean sections were preventable."
"Cesarean sections are
associated with significant risks of immediate and long term harm to mothers
and babies and cost much more than vaginal births – an economic burden on
government, businesses and families," stated Susan Hodges, President of
Citizens for Midwifery. "Reducing the U.S. cesarean section rate by more than
half to the WHO rate could spare 638,032 women the many risks and pain
associated with cesarean sections outlined in "What Every Pregnant Woman Needs
to Know About Cesarean Section" (Childbirth Connection, 2004 http://childbirthconnection.com/article.asp?ck=10164). Such a reduction in cesarean sections also
would save 1.5 billion dollars annually."
Midwifery care in
out-of-hospital settings demonstrates that safe birth outcomes with very low
rates for cesarean section and other interventions can be achieved (see Citizens
for Midwifery website http://www.cfmidwifery.org/pdf/cesarean2.pdf). In
contrast, most vaginal births are managed in hospitals with practices and
interventions that have been discredited as ineffective or harmful for low-risk
women, but remain the standard of care. National cesarean section rates could
be reduced by replacing these outdated methods with known "best practices."
Susan Hodges, President of
Citizens for Midwifery, wonders "Shouldn't NIH be asking why "best practices"
for vaginal births are not being used?"
Citizens for Midwifery
suggests that NIH should recommend research to explore what is driving the
wasteful and unconscionable increase in cesarean sections for no medical
reason, and to determine strategies to decrease our nation's dangerously high
overall cesarean section rate.
References available on
# # #
Citizens for Midwifery is a
national, consumer-based non-profit organization that promotes the Midwives
Model of Care, provides information about midwifery and childbirth issues, and
speaks up for consumer interests regarding midwifery and maternity care. The Midwives Model of Care is based on the
fact that pregnancy and birth are normal life processes. The application of this
woman-centered model of care has been proven to reduce the incidence of birth
injury, trauma and cesarean section.
Find more information about Citizens for Midwifery at www.cfmidwifery.org.


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The School Management Services Team provides technical assistance to school districts and the public in the areas of public school open enrollment, public school district administration and organization, district boundary changes, school district facilities, private schools, private school choice (voucher) programs for Milwaukee, Racine, and statewide, charter schools, home-based private education (homeschooling), whole grade sharing, and financial administration for state and federal grant programs. Information about program policies and procedures can be found in the resource directory listed below.
Resource Directory
For questions about this information, contact Janice Zmrazek (608) 266-2803


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Treaties of Nijmegen, Nijmegen also spelled Nimwegen, peace treaties of 1678–79 that ended the Dutch War, in which France had opposed Spain and the Dutch Republic (now the Netherlands). France gained advantages by arranging terms with each of its enemies separately.
Although negotiations had begun in 1676, the first treaty, between France and the Dutch Republic, was not concluded until Aug. 10, 1678. France agreed to return Maastricht and to suspend Jean-Baptiste Colbert's anti-Dutch tariff of 1667; these concessions represented a major victory for Dutch naval power and commerce. In the second treaty, concluded between France and Spain on Sept. 17, 1678, Spain was forced to make major concessions, indicating that its power had declined since the Peace of Westphalia in 1648. Spain gave up Franche-Comté, Artois, and 16 fortified towns in Flanders to France. France returned some of its enclaves in the Spanish Netherlands to Spain to round out the formerly arbitrary frontier line there. On the whole, France gained substantially by the possession of a more rational northeastern border and of border fortresses that secured the safety of Paris. Furthermore, with Franche-Comté finally in French hands, Spain had lost its "corridor" between Milan and the Spanish Netherlands.
The Holy Roman emperor Leopold I finally accepted French terms on Feb. 5, 1679, keeping Philippsburg but giving up Freiburg im Breisgau to France and granting free access through his territory to it from Breisach (French since 1648). France also continued to occupy Lorraine, since its duke, Charles V, refused the conditions imposed for his restoration. Two further treaties in 1679 terminated hostilities between France and Brandenburg (Peace of Saint-Germain-en-Laye) and between France and Denmark (Peace of Fontainebleau). Brandenburg and Denmark restored to France's ally, Sweden, territories taken by them.


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major macro economic indicators*
|2018 (e)
|2019 (f)
|GDP growth (%)
|Inflation (yearly average, %)
|Budget balance (% GDP)
|Current account balance (% GDP)
|Public debt (% GDP)
(e): Estimate. (f): Forecast. *Territory controlled by Turkish Cypriots excluded.
- At the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia; eurozone member
- Services sector: tourism, international business and financial hub, maritime transport and transhipment
- Skilled, English-speaking workforce
- High-quality transport and telecommunication infrastructure
- Offshore gas potential
- Island divided (since 1974); strained relations with Turkey
- Small domestic market, isolated, remote and outside the centre of Europe
- Poor economic diversification (tourism, real estate, finance) and limited foreign customer base (United Kingdom and Russia)
- High levels of debt among all economic actors; dependent on external financing
- Massive and highly concentrated banking sector burdened by non-performing loans
- Slow legal process, poor enforcement of contracts
Growth remains strong but is slowing
Private consumption (69% of GDP) is contributing strongly to growth, driven by falling unemployment, more jobs, low inflation, higher wages, and the recovery in housing prices, which fell by 35% after 2010. Growth will likewise be supported by spending by the island's three million foreign visitors (more than three times the size of the local population). The construction of tourist facilities (marinas, golf courses, ports, and luxury residences) and offices will remain on track, thanks to foreign investment encouraged by the Citizenship-by-Investment scheme. Despite sustained public investment in infrastructure, particularly for health and education, national investment will remain weak because – with household and corporate debt levels equivalent to 100% and 120% of GDP respectively (excluding offshore special purpose entities) – banks will be inclined to exercise caution. However, households, given their creditor position, will be able to draw on their savings. In addition, the export performances of tourism, shipping, and financial services could lose some of their lustre amid increased competition from alternative destinations, a decline in the number of Russian and British visitors, and a downturn in international trade. Meanwhile, imports will remain strong, in line with domestic demand. As a result, trade should again make a negative contribution to growth.
A convalescent banking sector
Efforts to restructure the Bank of Cyprus and liquidate Laiki (the number-one and number-two banks respectively) in 2013 proved insufficient, and Cyprus Co-operative Bank (CCB), the replacement number-two, was liquidated in turn in 2018, with its good assets and deposits being transferred to Hellenic Bank, now the new number-two. This time, the rescue was done at the expense of the state, which owned 77% of CCB following its bailout in 2013. The sector, which has become even more concentrated, is still a huge presence, representing 350% of GDP at the end of 2017, excluding offshore banks. Non-performing loans (NPLs) continued to make up 30% of outstanding loans and 80% of GDP at the end of September 2018. A full 90% of these loans are to households and SMEs, and one third of them have already been restructured. The authorities are hoping that 2018 amendments to insolvency and foreclosure legislation, and the 2019 launch of the ESTIA programme, through which the state will provide financial assistance for household debt restructuring, will help to process bad loans faster. Dealing with NPLs is made harder by an inaccurate land register and difficulties in valuing assets. Neither households nor developers have any incentive to repay their loans, while banks are reluctant to engage in lengthy procedures, preferring to wait for house prices to rise.
High levels of public and private debt
Vigorous economic activity will keep budgetary revenues high (40% of GDP in 2018). Moreover, despite the gradual loosening of curbs on wages, the cost of launching ESTIA and the National Health Programme, fiscal policy will remain restrictive and the budget surplus will persist. The primary surplus, i.e. excluding interest (5.5% of GDP), combined with growth and the decline in interest rates after credit rating agencies re-rated Cyprus "investment grade", should lead to a reduction in debt, of which 73% is due to non-residents (65% public). This debt, which is still very high, has temporarily increased following the CCB rescue.
Although competitiveness remains good, the current account deficit could widen slightly, in line with the decline in the services surplus (21% of GDP in 2017) related to tourism and financial services. Poor manufacturing diversification (cheese, medicines, and electronics) generates a goods deficit (24%), while outgoing dividend and interest payments, as well as transfers from foreign workers, show a negative balance (5%). FDI in real estate, tourism, and gas exploration make it possible to finance the current account deficit, while allowing the country (especially banks) to deleverage. Gross external debt still represents five times GDP, with 45% owed by non-financial companies, 16% by banks, and 15% by the state, while 24% corresponds to intra-group FDI commitments. A full 60% of the private sector's debts correspond to commitments of Special Purpose Vehicles (SPVs) intended to finance ship-owners or companies with no real local activity. A quarter of the total is short-term, contributing to an external financing requirement equivalent to 150% of GDP.
A minority government
Although talks between the governments of the island's Greek and Turkish communities failed to end the country's division, the economic recovery was enough for President Nicos Anastasiades of the conservative Democratic Rally Party (Disy) to be re-elected in February 2018 with 56% of the vote, beating the representative of the left-wing Progressive Workers' Party (Akel). Since the May 2016 parliamentary elections, Disy has held just 18 of the 56 seats. Given that Akel has 16 seats, the President and his government need to build majorities by working with the nine MPs of the centrist Democratic Party (Diko) and the members of five smaller parties.
Last update : February 2019
Bills of exchange are used by Cypriot companies in both domestic and international transactions. In the event of payment default, a protest certifying the dishonoured bill must be drawn up by a public notary within two working days of the due date.
Although cheques are still widely used in international transactions, in the domestic business environment they are customarily used less as an instrument of payment, and more as a credit instrument, making it possible to create successive payment due dates. It is therefore a common and widespread practice for post-dated cheques to be endorsed by several creditors. Furthermore, issuers of dishonoured cheques may be liable to prosecution provided a complaint is lodged under both civil and criminal procedures.
Instead of promissory letters or notes, which are not usually used as a security or payment method in Cyprus, a written acknowledgement of debt may be obtained, which can be used as essential evidence during the hearing trials in a later stage to the court.
SWIFT bank transfers, well-established in Cypriot banking circles, are used to settle a growing proportion of transactions, and offer a quick and secure method of payment. In addition, SEPA bank transfers are becoming more popular as they are fast, secure, and supported by a more developed banking network.
Debt Collection
Amicable phase
Before initiating proceedings in front of the competent court, an alternative method to recover a debt is to try to agree with the debtor on a settlement plan. Reaching the most beneficial arrangement is usually achieved by means of a negotiating process.
The recovery process commences with the debtor being sent a final demand for payment by recorded delivery mail, reminding him of his payment obligations, including any interest penalties as may have been contractually agreed – or, failing this, those accruing at the legal rate of interest.
Interest is due from the day following the date of payment stipulated in the invoice or commercial agreement at a rate, unless the parties agree otherwise, equal to the European Central Bank's refinancing rate, plus seven percentage points.
Legal proceedings
Introduced in 2015, cases with small claims (no more than €3,000) can follow a simplified and faster procedure. To engage such a procedure, the creditor must possess a written document substantiating the claim underlying his lawsuit, such as a Statement of Account, an acknowledgement of debt established by private deed, the original invoice summarising the goods sold and bearing the buyer's signature and stamp certifying receipt of delivery, or the original delivery slip signed by the buyer.
For all other claims, the usual procedure is followed. The creditor files a claim with the court, who serves the debtor within twelve months. The hearing would be set at least eighteen months later. Cypriot law allows the court to render a default judgment if the respondent fails to file a defence. The ruling issued by the judge allows immediate execution subject to the right granted to the defendant to lodge an objection. To obtain suspension of execution, the debtor must petition the court accordingly.
Enforcement of a Legal Decision
Enforcement of a domestic decision may begin once the final judgment is made. If the debtor fails to satisfy the judgment, the latter is enforceable directly through the attachment of the debtor's assets.
For foreign awards rendered in a European Union member-state, Cyprus has adopted advantageous enforcement conditions, such as EU Payment Orders or the European Enforcement Order. For decisions rendered by non EU countries, they will be automatically enforced according to reciprocal enforcement treaties. In the absence of an agreement, exequatur proceedings will take place.
Insolvency Proceedings
Restructuring proceedings
This procedure aims to help debtors restore their credibility and viability, and continue their operations beyond bankruptcy, by aiming to negotiate an agreement between the relevant debtors and creditors. During this procedure, claims and enforcement actions against the debtor may be stayed, but the court will appoint an administrator to control the debtor's assets and performances. The reorganization process starts with the debtor's submission of a plan to the court, which conducts a judicial review of the proposed plan, while a court-appointed mediator assesses the creditors' expectations.
The procedure commences with an insolvency petition either by the debtor or its creditors. The court appoints an administrator as soon as the debts are verified. In addition, a Pool of Creditors (three members representing each class of creditors) will be given the responsibility of overseeing the proceedings, which terminate once the proceeds of the sale of the business' assets are distributed.


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Do you want to view all jobs in Manufacturing / Production / FMCG industry ?
View All Jobs in Nigeria Today
Related Companies
Thankfully, I closed in and secured a job at the biggest telecommunications company in Nigeria courtesy of myjobmag. Kudos guys...Kudos! Commercial Legal Administrator at MTN Nigeria Communications Ltd.
C. Kalu


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|Home >> Course Descriptions >> College of Arts and Sciences
|Medical Sociology
|Three semester hours.
|The role of social and cultural factors in the distribution and causes of disease; doctor-patient relationships; beliefs about health, illness, treatment and recovery; access to health institutions and the organization of health care systems. Prerequisite: Junior standing.
Home - General Information - Student Services -
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Undergraduate Degrees - Academic Graduate Regulations -
Graduate Degrees - Course Descriptions - Faculty -
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After many years of proactively looking for the one? I finally decided to take a new path. I decided to work on myself and become the person I wanted to be whilst in a relationship rather than focusing on what I could get out of a relationship. I enrolled in a course called Avatar which is about exploring consciousness and discovering any limiting beliefs which hold us back in our lives and I began working on being the best person, friend and partner I could be.
It was important to me to have integrity with my dating so I utilized Positive Singles while I was working on myself ... Site de rencontre seniors forum
I have only been living with this for about 2 months. I am learning to take it day by day. I refuse to let it define me. Or limit me. I will not be reckless, but I will be adventurous. I will always disclose my status to potential partners- it has separated the sincere from the strictly sexual already. I know that I will still find real love, the love I deserve...
I am not just STD. I am funny. I am strong. I am beautiful. I am sassy. I am worth getting to know. I am worth taking a chance on...for everything. The right man may or may not have Herpes, but the right man will see me ... Rencontres libres toulouse
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PositiveSingles is the best, largest, completely anonymous and most trusted online dating site for people with Herpes, HPV, HIV / AIDS and other STDs in the world. We have 60,000+ STD dating success stories, 120,000+ daily conversations, 15,000+ daily active members and 500+ daily blog posts.
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Michele Villinski is Indiana Professor of the Year
November 15, 2012
Michele T. Villinski, Hiram L. Jome Professor of Economics and Management at DePauw University, has been named the 2012 Indiana Professor of the Year by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching and the Council for Advancement and Support of Education (CASE). Dr. Villinski, who is an associate professor of economics and management, and co-director of DePauw's Environmental Fellows Program, will be announced as the award winner at a luncheon today at the Newseum in Washington, D.C.
At DePauw, Villinski teaches economics and management, specializing in environmental economics and policy, game theory and international economics. Her primary research area is environmental and natural resource economics. She was the recipient of a Fulbright Award for the 2008-09 academic year, which she spent teaching environmental and natural resource economics and policy at Universitas Surabaya (UBAYA) in Surabaya, Indonesia.
"Michele is a fitting recipient of this honor," says DePauw President Brian W. Casey. "Her service to DePauw University students has been of the highest caliber, and we are very proud of her achievement, and of this recognition she is receiving from the Carnegie Foundation and CASE."
"I am thrilled and honored to have been selected for this award," states Professor Villinski. "In my years at DePauw I have benefited from the mentorship and excellent example of many, many colleagues from across the disciplines, and from faculty development programs and grants. This award recognizes and affirms DePauw's commitment to providing high-quality liberal arts education."
She adds, "The enthusiasm, intellectual curiosity, and drive of our students at DePauw makes interacting with them a joy and fuels my ongoing efforts to improve my efficacy as a teacher and partner in their learning."
This year, a state Professor of the Year was recognized in 30 states and the District of Columbia. CASE assembled two preliminary panels of judges to select finalists. The Carnegie Foundation then convened the third and final panel, which selected four national winners. CASE and Carnegie select state winners from top entries resulting from the judging process. Villinski was selected from faculty members nominated by colleges and universities throughout the country.
The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching is an independent policy and research center that supports needed transformations in American education through tighter connections between teaching practice, evidence of student learning, the communication and use of this evidence, and structured opportunities to build knowledge.
Headquartered in Washington, D.C., with offices in London, Singapore and Mexico City, the Council for Advancement and Support of Education is a professional association serving educational institutions and the advancement professionals at all levels who work in alumni relations, communications, fundraising, marketing and other areas.
CASE and the Carnegie Foundation have been partners in offering the U.S. Professors of the Year awards program since 1981. TIAA-CREF, one of America's leading financial services organizations and higher education's premier retirement system, became the principal sponsor for the awards ceremony in 2000. Additional support for the program is received from a number of higher education associations, including Phi Beta Kappa, which sponsors an evening congressional reception.Back


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Will you be MY dad?
(How long do you think it'll be though before a pillow fight turns ugly and that Styrofoam AT-AT head gets decapitated? Just sayin')
Star Wars Imperial Walker Loft Bed [via Boing Boing]
DIY AT-AT Baby stroller – how it was made…
All of our Star Wars make and craft projects


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Analyzing Your Competition
Almost everyone in business understands the principle of trying to offer something better than what their competitors are offering. Gaining an advantage is the key to success and even survival. But many of the so-called advantages that businesses rely on are not sustainable. They can be easily copied, stolen or negated. Real competitive advantages things like brand name recognition, patented manufacturing processes or exclusive rights to a scarce resource cannot be easily copied.
Every company has a unique set of strengths, and it's critical that you determine yours, as well as your competitors'. Hold a brainstorming session with your staff and advisors to perform a formal SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis. This analysis helps you to see how your strengths stack up against your competitors' weaknesses and suggests ways to take advantage of marketplace opportunities. After you have performed the analysis, there are four basic competitive strategies to consider.
As you are customizing your strategy to meet your unique situation, keep in mind that your competitors are not just the obvious ones. McDonald's competes directly with Burger King and Wendy's, but they also compete directly with the grocery stores, especially during the summer barbecue season when people enjoy do-it-yourself burger grilling.
For more information, see Tailoring Your Company's Vision According to Trends and Changing Customer Preferences and Creating a Competitive Edge.
I. Gathering Competitive Intelligence
Have you ever made the wrong decision because you had inadequate information? Have you ever found yourself falling behind the competition and wondering how it happened? Have you ever wondered if there were new markets, sales channels and breakthrough communication programs that could take your product to the next step in sales and profits? If so, you need competitive intelligence(CI).
Many managers will argue they have plenty of information about their industry, competitors, customers and marketplace. So how is competitive intelligence different? The difference is that CI manages information so it becomes the knowledge you need for foresight.
CI can reduce the risk of making a wrong business decision so you won't be saying with regret, "If only I knew then what I know now, I would have done things differently." It also increases your ability to do the right thing at the right time, so you're not blind sided by a new competitor, unexpected actions of current competitors, or by emerging technologies that render your current technology obsolete.
The question all business owners should be asking themselves is not whether they need CI, but rather can they succeed without it?
The purpose of CI is to make the best decisions based on the best available knowledge on a given subject. The rules have changed: The stakes are higher, the game is faster, and the risks associated with bad decisions greater. CI is the practice of gathering, analyzing and disseminating information on what the marketplace requires (demand), about how you and your competitors meet these requirements (supply), and how each strives to meet market needs better than the other competition). The intelligence is then used to help make decisions about the future direction and growth of the company.
It's obvious that the best results come from the best decisions. The quality of the decision is a direct result of the quantity and quality of the information at hand, how it's analyzed, and how it's used. The right answers come from asking the right questions, and foreseeing events comes from looking ahead. This is why CI exists and is growing. Competitive intelligence can't predict the future, but it can help you make the right decisions about it.
Knowing what is going on in the marketplace and how it will impact you is the key to market leadership. This knowledge will help your firm become a strong competitor and seize the market first. The end result is a better chance of lasting success. As writer Damon Runyon says, "The race isn't always to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, but that's the way to bet."
To gain a marketing edge, you must first understand the nature of your competition and the dynamics and trends of your marketplace. Then, promptly use that knowledge to take advantage of opportunities and avoid threats. The critical tool to achieve that marketing edge is competitive intelligence and it's gaining ground every day.
It should be clear now that whenever you have an important decision to make about the future, you could use the kind of knowledge that CI provides. Examples include developing new marketing plans, counteracting competitor initiatives, considering a new product or line extension, entering new markets, repositioning an existing product, investigating a strategic alliance or acquisition, identifying new distribution channels, counteracting imports the list goes on and on.
Many managers rely on their years of industry experience to make key business decisions that are often based on instinct or "gut feelings." Certainly, there is no substitute for experience. On the other hand, change is happening faster and "you don't know what you don't know." CI can fill in the blanks of the most experienced manager's knowledge and help assure the decision making process uses the best intelligence to achieve the best results.
An axiom in CI circles is that 80 percent to 90percent of the information you need for a given project is available through public and published channels and the rest is insignificant. You'll often find that" public" information, however, has not been published. Court records, state filings and government hearings aren't published, but they are public and contain important information about a competitor's finances and future plans.
A frequent example of useful public information is a Uniform Commercial Code (UCC) filing. These state-required filings of assets and loan collateral can often tell you how much of a capital investment a competitor is making, the kind of equipment purchased and the manufacturer. A quick call to the manufacturer can tell you what the equipment is used for, and, therefore, what kind of new activity a competitor is financing.
Other sources of CI include internal and external sources. Internal sources include those pieces of information you and your employees need to do your jobs, such as technical papers, competitor sales literature, press clippings, annual reports, and the like. External information would include information found in proprietary databases like Biz@dvantage, Lexis-Nexis, Dialog and DowJones, to name a few well known resources.
Information also comes from primary and secondary sources. Primary sources are the originators of the information, and often you must interview the source to get the desired data. Secondary sources represent information that has been filtered through somebody other than the originator of the data, such as news stories and stock analyst reports.
CI professionals also differentiate between hard and soft information. Hard information is quantitative, like facts, statistics, raw data, financial information and hard news stories. Soft information is qualitative, and includes rumors, opinions, anecdote and customer feedback.
Which is more important, information gathering or analysis? Data gathering fans say that you must know where the information is and ask the right questions to get everything available. Analysis fans say that a "data dump" doesn't do anybody any good. It must be integrated and analyzed into graphs and charts and other information interpreters so that it can be acted upon. Then, there is a third group that believes each is equally important because if either is flawed, the other will compensate.
Analysis can be as simple as developing charts and graphs to show information relationships, or it can be as sophisticated as SWOTanalysis, scenario developing, and benchmarking.
Back to Outline
II. Conducting a SWOT Analysis
A SWOT Analysis takes is a method for examining the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats facing a business. It can give you insight into your company's position in the competitive arena. When carrying out a SWOT analysis to determine how you rate against a competitor, the following guides should be used:
Consider your company's strong points. This should be both from your own and your customers' points of view. Don't be modest; be realistic.
Evaluate your company's weaknesses not only from your perspective, but also from the perspective of your competitors. It's sometimes difficult to think about and discuss your weaknesses, but it is best to be realistic now and face any unpleasant truths as soon as possible.
Next consider the areas in your market that offer you room to grow. Opportunities can come from changes in technology and markets on both a broad and narrow scale; changes in government policy related to your industry; changes in social patterns demographics and customer lifestyle changes; and local events, such as the closing of a store near you.
Although we don't like to think about them, we all face threats in our businesses. Many times they're out of our control, such as a downturn in the economy, a shift in market demographics, or perhaps a new mega-corporation opening in your local area. It is critical to think about and be prepared for such events.
The primary strength of SWOT analysis arises from matching specific internal and external factors and evaluating the multiple interrelationships involved. The matching process can be greatly facilitated by the construction of a SWOT matrix. The SWOT matrix is constructed by creating a table showing the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats that you've just identified. (See figure 1 below.)
Figure 1
Basic SWOT Matrix
|SWOT Matrix
|O/S Matches
|T/S Matches
|O1 and S2
|T2 and S2
|O3 and S3
|T2 and S1
|O/W Matches
|T/W Matches
|O1 and W1
Next, you can use the matrix to methodically compare each relevant pair of lists to generate logical matches. The four SWOT cells are comparisons of opportunities with your strengths (O/S), threats with your strengths (T/S),opportunities with your weaknesses (O/W) and threats with your weaknesses (T/W). Analyzing each of the four SWOT cells of the matrix should yield a variety of matches that will help generate strategic alternatives. For example, if an opportunity in the marketplace exists for a firm that can provide superior service but your firm lags behind competitors in this dimension (i.e., customer service is one of your weaknesses), then you will quickly see when you do the O/W match that steps must be taken to improve customer service in order to capitalize on the market opportunity.
There are four basic categories of matches for which strategic alternatives can be considered:
Back to Outline
III. The Next Step
So what do you do once you've compiled your SWOTanalysis? Develop a strategic plan for dealing with your competition and other market forces. Your plan should be aimed at allowing all members of your organization to understand your market position and how your company plans to compete. If your organization is large, it may require a separate plan for each business unit.
Your plan should include:
Back to Outline
IV. Resources
Web Sites
Dow Jones
Leonard M. Fuld, "The New Competitor Intelligence: The Complete Resource for Finding, Analyzing, and Using Information About Your Competitors (New Direction Business)" (John Wiley & Sons 1994)
Tim Powell, "Analyzing Your Competition: Its Management, Products, Industry and Markets" (SVP Info Clearinghouse 1992)
Michael E. Porter, "Competitive Strategy: Techniques for Analyzing Industries and Competitors" (The Free Press, 1998)
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Copyright © 2013 Virtual Advisor Inc.


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Children's Musical for grades K-820 Minutes
A Christmas Carol: Scrooge in Bethlehem is an adaptation of Charles Dickens' 19th-centruy English story, A Christmas Carol. In this merry adaptation Scrooge is the Bethlehem Innkeeper who refuses shelter to Mary and Joseph on that first Christmas night. His front desk clerk, Bob Cratchit, comes to their aid while Scrooge sleeps alone in his dark room in the inn. When God sends an angel with the Light of Salvation to Scrooge, the wretched man is forced to search his soul. Gradually he realizes that he has traded his soul for money. His final redemption reflects the promise of salvation for all, both poor and rich, in the birth of Emmanuel, God with us.
Available Products: Director's Score; Singer's Edition 5-Pack; Listening CD; Accompaniment CD; CD Preview Pack (1 Per Customer); Performance Pack (contains 1 Director's Score and 10 Singer's Editions)
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