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In Klondike Solitaire, what's the chance for starting with two face-up cards of the same rank & color (what we might call "shadows", cards which don't help us very much)?
There are 7 face-up cards in starting Solitaire, so we consider the ways to choose 7 cards randomly without any duplicates. Every time we select such a card, the number available for the next draw (avoiding "shadows") goes down by 2, while the cards in the total deck goes down by 1. Therefore the chance for no-shadows is:
$${52 \over 52} \times {50 \over 51} \times {48 \over 50} \times {46 \over 49} \times {44 \over 48} \times {42 \over 47} \times {40 \over 46} \approx 0.63$$
This in turn means that the complement event, i.e., getting any shadows at all (at least two cards with duplicate rank & color), has a probability of:
$$1 - 0.63 = 0.37 = 37 \%$$
That is: About one chance in three.
More about Solitaire.
Monday, April 29, 2019
Monday, April 22, 2019
Facebook Learning Debacle
Yesterday, the New York times published an expose on how schools in certain (poor, rural) places are being used as guinea pigs and getting "Zucked" by the Facebook founder's "Summit Learning" initiative, yet another plan to replace teachers with computer time. The highlights are sad and predictable:
One reminder from yours truly: the promise of "personalized learning" is not new. It's been around at least since multimedia in the 90's, or the PLATO computer system in the 60's, or correspondence courses in the 40's, or the Gutenberg printing press, depending on how you count such things. None of them have come close to denting the need for real human teachers.
- A program that promises "personalized learning" at each student's individual pace. Software free of cost, but school district must buy everyone a laptop.
- Also, Facebook/Summit collects reams of information on the students involved, and expects to keep tracking students through college and beyond.
- The program was built by a grand total of 5 Facebook engineers (mo information on whether they have any training in education or pedagogy issues).
- A spokesperson says it is based on, "building a curriculum from the open internet", that is, mostly links to outside web sites. Examples given include links to the Daily Mail tabloid and Christian conversion therapy sites.
- The program "asks schools to commit to having students meet weekly in person with teachers for at least 10 minutes", but reports say not even this is happening.
One reminder from yours truly: the promise of "personalized learning" is not new. It's been around at least since multimedia in the 90's, or the PLATO computer system in the 60's, or correspondence courses in the 40's, or the Gutenberg printing press, depending on how you count such things. None of them have come close to denting the need for real human teachers.
Posted by Delta at 5:00 AM 2 comments: Links to this post
Monday, February 11, 2019
Honeybee Addition and Subtraction
Researchers in Australia and France claim to show honeybees learning to do symbolic addition and subtraction (really just incrementing and decrementing) based on 1-5 colored shapes at a time. Interesting ramifications if that's true.
AbstractMany animals understand numbers at a basic level for use in essential tasks such as foraging, shoaling, and resource management. However, complex arithmetic operations, such as addition and subtraction, using symbols and/or labeling have only been demonstrated in a limited number of nonhuman vertebrates. We show that honeybees, with a miniature brain, can learn to use blue and yellow as symbolic representations for addition or subtraction. In a free-flying environment, individual bees used this information to solve unfamiliar problems involving adding or subtracting one element from a group of elements. This display of numerosity requires bees to acquire long-term rules and use short-term working memory. Given that honeybees and humans are separated by over 400 million years of evolution, our findings suggest that advanced numerical cognition may be more accessible to nonhuman animals than previously suspected.
Monday, January 21, 2019
Computer-Based Naval Training Failures
A fascinating article by a PhD candidate in military history: On the U.S. Navy's switch from face-to-face classrooms for training officers in surface warfare combat to independent computer-based training (CBT) aboard one's ship from 2003 - 2012 -- which turned out to be both a training disaster and also wildly inequitable, and was replaced with renewed face-to-face training after that time.
For me, this seems to echo the recurrent drumbeat of hopes for distance/computerized classwork saving time and money, turning out to be generally complete failures, but administrators for various reasons eternally refusing to face up to the facts and evidence (out of an abundance of vain hopes). At least here we have a case study of an institution that has some higher motivation for responding to the failure, in that people's lives and billions of dollars in equipment are immediately at risk from obviously poor training. A key quote, I think, and more widely applicable:
(Coincidentally, my gaming blog today has a link to some excellent documentation on the history of wargaming used to train officers in the U.S. Navy: see here.)
For me, this seems to echo the recurrent drumbeat of hopes for distance/computerized classwork saving time and money, turning out to be generally complete failures, but administrators for various reasons eternally refusing to face up to the facts and evidence (out of an abundance of vain hopes). At least here we have a case study of an institution that has some higher motivation for responding to the failure, in that people's lives and billions of dollars in equipment are immediately at risk from obviously poor training. A key quote, I think, and more widely applicable:
Finally, changes undertaken with the principal goal of saving money or hurrying a process are fraught with danger. The overriding pressure to achieve financial or time savings threatens to overtake innovative ideas and turn them into quick-fix vehicles for the achievement of specific goals.
(Coincidentally, my gaming blog today has a link to some excellent documentation on the history of wargaming used to train officers in the U.S. Navy: see here.)
Monday, December 17, 2018
NY Times Magazine Finds C.I.'s Baffling
Another journalist publicly declares their inability to understand the most basic math: in this case, confidence intervals. This is Statistics 101, people.
New York Times Magazine.
When I asked that representative to check with a supervisor, she did, then returned to tell me that the company's certainty was 99.7 percent. Those answers were confusing, because behind each of Johnson's percentages was a range from which each ancestry point was drawn. For example, when we clicked on Johnson's Benin/Togo segment, which had been assigned 10 percent of her ancestry, the site showed that the percentage of her DNA from those nations could be as low as zero and as high as 21. In fact, every one of her African links showed a range that started with zero, while her Europe South's percent had a range of 9 to 33. Even the customer-service representative agreed that it was hard to fathom that the company could be so certain about the percentage when the range behind it ran to zero, which it did in four of the six geographic findings on Johnson's report.
New York Times Magazine.
Monday, September 10, 2018
Why Do Nigerian Scammers Say They Are From Nigeria?
From 2012:
Microsoft Research
Far-fetched tales of West African riches strike most as comical. Our analysis suggests that is an advantage to the attacker, not a disadvantage. Since his attack has a low density of victims the Nigerian scammer has an over-riding need to reduce false positives. By sending an email that repels all but the most gullible the scammer gets the most promising marks to self-select, and tilts the true to false positive ratio in his favor.
Microsoft Research
Monday, September 3, 2018
Dale Carnegie on Times Tables
Here's an excerpt from Dale Carnegie's uber-famous book, How to Win Friends and Influence People (Part 4, Section 8):
Clarence M. Jones, one of the instructors of our course in Cincinnati, Ohio, told how encouragement and making faults seem easy to correct completely changed the life of his son.
"In 1970 my son David, who was then fifteen years old, came to live with me in Cincinnati. He had led a rough life. In 1958 his head was cut open in a car accident, leaving a very bad scar on his forehead. In 1960 his mother and I were divorced and he moved to Dallas, Texas, with his mother. Until he was fifteen he had spent most of his school years in special classes for slow learners in the Dallas school system. Possibly because of the scar, school administrators had decided he was brain-injured and could not function at a normal level. He was two years behind his age group, so he was only in the seventh grade. Yet he did not know his multiplication tables, added on his fingers and could barely read.
"There was one positive point. He loved to work on radio and TV sets. He wanted to become a TV technician. I encouraged this and pointed out that he needed math to qualify for the training. I decided to help him become proficient in this subject. We obtained four sets of flash cards: multiplication, division, addition and subtraction. As we went through the cards, we put the correct answers in a discard stack. When David missed one, I gave him the correct answer and then put the card in the repeat stack until there were no cards left. I made a big deal out of each card he got right, particularly if he had missed it previously. Each night we would go through the repeat stack until there were no cards left.
Each night we timed the exercise with a stop watch. I promised him that when he could get all the cards correct in eight minutes with no incorrect answers, we would quit doing it every night. This seemed an impossible goal to David. The first night it took 52 minutes, the second night, 48, then 45, 44, 41 then under 40 minutes. We celebrated each reduction. I'd call in my wife, and we would both hug him and we'd all dance a jig. At the end of the month he was doing all the cards perfectly in less than eight minutes. When he made a small improvement he would ask to do it again. He had made the fantastic discovery that learning was easy and fun.
"Naturally his grades in algebra took a jump. It is amazing how much easier algebra is when you can multiply. He astonished himself by bringing home a B in math. That had never happened before. Other changes came with almost unbelievable rapidity. His reading improved rapidly, and he began to use his natural talents in drawing. Later in the school year his science teacher assigned him to develop an exhibit. He chose to develop a highly complex series of models to demonstrate the effect of levers. It required skill not only in drawing and model making but in applied mathematics. The exhibit took first prize in his school's science fair and was entered in the city competition and won third prize for the entire city of Cincinnati.
"That did it. Here was a kid who had flunked two grades, who had been told he was 'brain-damaged,' who had been called 'Frankenstein' by his classmates and told his brains must have leaked out of the cut on his head. Suddenly he discovered he could really learn and accomplish things. The result? From the last quarter of the eighth grade all the way through high school, he never failed to make the honor roll; in high school he was elected to the national honor society. Once he found learning was easy, his whole life changed."
Posted by Delta at 5:00 AM 1 comment: Links to this post
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Detriot, Mich. – Leading up to the 2018 Little Caesars Horizon League Men's and Women's Basketball Championship at Detroit's Little Caesars Arena, the League and 313 Presents announced the formulation of the Motor City Madness Esports Championship, featuring 16 online NBA 2K18 tournaments to be played in the month of February, along with a live championship event to be held at Little Caesars Arena on the eve of Motor City Madness.
Online tournaments will be played from February 20-25 on the GamerSaloon tournament platform. During the weekend of February 24-25, 12 tournaments will be played, 11 of which will be on the Xbox One system. The remaining four tournaments will take place from February 20-21 and will be split between the Xbox One and PlayStation 4 systems. Each tournament winner will advance to a live championship event at Little Caesars Arena on March 1, which will be broadcast live on Twitch. Each championship event participant will receive a one-night hotel stay and the top-four finishers will compete for $5,000 in cash prizes.
Participants for all 16 tournaments will register online with an entry fee of $25. To register, visit 313Presents.com/NBA2K. The registration fee also includes a one-day general admission ticket to Motor City Madness, valued at $15 for the general public.
GamerSaloon will provide the technology for the live event, and manage the other tournaments. Wasserman will provide strategic advisement.
Spectator tickets for the championship event will cost just $10 per person, which also includes entry to all four basketball games on Friday, March 2, the opening day of the Horizon League Championship.
"We recognize esports is an exciting industry which is experiencing tremendous growth," said Horizon League Commissioner Jon LeCrone. "We believe this initiative will further our efforts of being a leader in innovation."
"We're excited to participate in this event by holding the championship event at Little Caesars Arena heading into a great week of Horizon League basketball," said Tom Wilson, Olympia Entertainment President and CEO and Interim President of 313 Presents. "GamerSaloon has put together a great campaign for participants and fans."
"We are looking forward to hosting the preliminary NBA2K tournaments, and bringing the first-ever esports event to Little Caesars Arena in advance of the Horizon League Men's and Women's Basketball Championship," said Ari Dolgin, Director of Business Development for GamerSaloon.
"We are delighted to be working with the Horizon League, Olympia Entertainment and GamerSaloon to bring this exciting event to Detroit and Little Caesars Arena," said Tag Garson, Senior Vice President for Wasserman.
Below is the tournament schedule (all times Eastern):
Online Qualifier #1: Wildcats Bracket (Xbox One): Tuesday, Feb. 20, 7 p.m.
Online Qualifier #2: Cougars Bracket (PlayStation 4): Tuesday, Feb. 20, 8 p.m.
Online Qualifier #3: Hawks Bracket (Xbox One): Thursday, Feb. 22, 7 p.m.
Online Qualifier #4: Greyhounds Bracket (PlayStation 4): Thursday, Feb. 22, 8 p.m.
Online Qualifier #5: Raiders Bracket (Xbox One): Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m.
Online Qualifier #6: Norse Bracket (Xbox One): Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m.
Online Qualifier #7: Flames Bracket (Xbox One): Saturday, Feb. 24, 1 p.m.
Online Qualifier #8: Golden Grizzlies Bracket (Xbox One): Saturday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m.
Online Qualifier #9: Panthers Bracket (Xbox One): Saturday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m.
Online Qualifier #10: Phoenix Bracket (Xbox One): Saturday, Feb. 24, 3 p.m.
Online Qualifier #11: Jaguars Bracket (Xbox One): Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
Online Qualifier #12: Penguins Bracket (Xbox One): Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
Online Qualifier #13: Titans Bracket (Xbox One): Sunday, Feb. 25, 1 p.m.
Online Qualifier #14: Vikings Bracket (Xbox One): Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.
Online Qualifier #15: Bearcats Bracket (Xbox One): Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.
Online Qualifier #16: Storm Bracket (PlayStation 4): Sunday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.
Tickets for the 2018 Little Caesars Horizon League Men's and Women's Basketball Championship can be purchased at HorizonLeague.com, the Little Caesars Arena Box Office, the Little Caesars Arena Ticket Sales and Service Office (313-471-7575), or by calling or visiting their favorite school's box office.
Ticket prices for Motor City Madness, which will take place March 2-6, begin at $15 per day and will feature all 20 Horizon League teams competing in 18 games over a five-day span. The tournament will culminate with a pair of championship games on Tuesday, March 6 with automatic berths to the NCAA Basketball Tournament at stake. Tickets purchased for each day are valid for all games on that day.
About the Horizon League
The Horizon League is an NCAA Division I athletics conference comprised of 10 member institutions located throughout the Midwest's major metropolitan cities. Headquartered in Indianapolis, the League and its members strive to be highly competitive athletically while committing to the total development of its student-athletes and creating a lasting impact on campus and in the community. For more information, visit HorizonLeague.com.
About 313 Presents
Headquartered in the heart of The District Detroit, 313 Presents is a joint venture between Olympia Entertainment and Palace Sports & Entertainment, offering fans, artists, booking agents and touring attractions an unmatched platform of premier entertainment destinations. 313 Presents is responsible for delivering unforgettable fan experiences via best in class booking, production, accounting, marketing and public relations services for world-class entertainment events, concerts, family shows and community functions at Little Caesars Arena, Fox Theatre, Comerica Park, DTE Energy Music Theatre, Meadow Brook Amphitheatre and Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill. 313 Presents also manages booking, marketing and production of events for City Theatre.
About GamerSaloon
GamerSaloon was founded in 2006 to facilitate video game tournaments for cash prizes. With over 1 Million registered members and 10+ years of operational experience, the GamerSaloon platform has awarded nearly $50 Million in prizes. GamerSaloon offers cash prize tournaments in all the popular skill-based video games, including Madden 18, NBA2K 18, FIFA 18, and Call of Duty WWII. Tournaments range in size from over one hundred players to just two, and cash prizes for each tournament can exceed $1,000. Esports events include online tournaments, live events, live-streaming leagues, and social engagements.
About Wasserman
Wasserman is a culture-centric agency, serving the best talent, brands and properties in the world.
Founded in 2002 with roots in sports and entertainment, Wasserman has evolved beyond those categories. We are an agency not just of advisors, but creators, developers, influencers and innovators who work across music, art, entertainment, social, tech, content and beyond.
Headquartered in Los Angeles, Wasserman also operates in Carlsbad, Dubai, London, Miami, The Netherlands, New York, Portland, Raleigh, São Paulo, and Toronto.
Get to know us better at TeamWass.com and @Wasserman.

subset: commoncrawl


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"No matter how much you try, you can't stop people from sticking beans up their nose."
Its well worth reading, especially if you continually see crazy things happening at work, and need a way to deal with it.
In a similar fashion, I've also stumbled across a couple of comics which happen to describe (too accurately) most of the real world: OneFTE.com and PhD Comics. And lets not forget Dilbert. At least we can laugh about it.
I've been having trouble with my MythTV install. I've installed 2 tuner cards (one is a single tuner, the other dual) and when I reboot they seem to be randomly assigned to /dev/dvb/adapterX - I finally started looking into it, and found this reference which has helped me permanently assign the first card - which should be consistent across reboots. However, I've still got to set up the second card, and test properly.
An article (from 2007!) pointing out how Ron Jefferies failed to build a sudoko solver using TDD sparked a very interesting conversation in which we debated the usefulness of tests. It also sparked an interesting tangent, because it appears that most people think the second D in TDD stands for design (it actually stands for DEVELOPMENT). It also seems to be thought that if you do TDD you don't need to do any application design (a feeling that maybe Ron Jefferies sudoko posts perhaps promoted). I certainly prefer to work on a project where the high level design is mapped out and everyone understands (for example, mapping out the subsystems and how they interact). I like tests and I will continue to write them - I believe it improves the design of my CLASS, test-first where appropriate, but I'll admit that its not always easy. It takes a bit of skill to write good tests, but I think developing this skill helps improve your production code as well. Its a state of mind, and spirit+passion is important.
I currently have an old pre-paid phone. I use an iPod touch to listen to podcasts/music and play the odd game. It would be nice to shiny new Android smart phone so I could do this all on one device. So, looking around I was stunned to see so many phones running Android 2.1 and 2.2!! It seems like there are not many 2.3 devices out there. If I did get a new phone, I'd want to tether my laptop - so the minimum Android would be 2.2. I spend $150 p/y on my pre-paid phone, and theres another $150 p/y if I use my prepaid 3G broadband modem for internet access on the go. So the Garmin A50 on a $19 plan looks competitive but there is no indication of the Android version. I think that's done on purpose to make it hard to compare and to generally frustrate customers ;-). The next feasible ones would be on the $29 plan if they ran 2.3 but alas: LG Optimus (unknown version) and Samsung Galaxy S (2.1). Sigh, too hard. Anyone know why these phones are crippled with old software?


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The Environmental Studies Program offers a wide variety of courses covering a diverse field of disciplines and topics. A current list of all ES courses, including a brief description, prerequisites, recommended preparation, and units assigned for each is available for review via the UCSB's General Catalog's - Environmental Studies section.
Many current and past ES course syllabi are available for review in .PDF format from this website on the Course Syllabi page.
Note: Not all Environmental Studies courses are offered every year. When offered, the course is normally taught just once a year, so try to plan your schedule carefully and take courses you want when they are offered. For actual course offerings by quarter, please consult UCSB's Schedule of Classes - Class Search or GOLD (for current students). One may also view the ES Program's Proposed Course Schedule for a listing of ES courses to be offered in future quarters.
Some courses are offered in sequence and require the first course be completed before enrolling in the second or third course. Be sure to check the prerequisites of all ES courses before enrolling.
To register for a course for which you have not satisfied all the prerequisites you must first contact and obtain an approval code from the course instructor prior to adding the course.
» View ES Course Descriptions & Prerequisites
» Download Latest ES Course Syllabi
» View Current ES Class Schedule
» Review Future ES Course Schedule


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Sam Brownback
Samuel Dale Brownback is an American attorney, politician, and diplomat serving as the United States Ambassador-at-Large for International Religious Freedom since 2018. Brownback previously served as the 46th Governor of Kansas, as a U.S. Senator from Kansas, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives, and as the Secretary of Agriculture of Kansas. Wikipedia*
On the C-SPAN Networks:
Sam Brownback has 775 videos in the C-SPAN Video Library; the first appearance was a 1991 Forum as a White House Fellow for the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative. The year with the most videos was 2009 with 82 videos as a Republican Senator for Kansas. The year with the highest average number of views per program was 2010 with an average of 10,122 views per program. Most appearances with Todd Tiahrt (12), Mitt Romney (12), Chris Smith (11). Most common tags: Kansas, Republican Party, Brownback.
R-Kansas c. January 10, 2011 - January 31, 2018 Videos: 20 U.S. Senator, R-KS View Map November 27, 1996 - January 4, 2011 Videos: 685 U.S. Representative, R-KS 2nd View Map January 3, 1995 - November 7, 1996 Videos: 60 White House Fellow, Office of the U.S. Trade Representative c. August 9, 1991 - c. January 6, 1995 Videos: 1 U.S. Senate Candidate,
R c. November 5, 1996 - c. December 3, 1996 Videos: 0 U.S. Representative Candidate,
R-2 c. January 1, 1994 - c. November 2, 1994 Videos: 0


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Lawson Fans Hail Debut Single 'When She Was Mine" As "Amazing" After First Play - Audio
30 March 2012, 08:33 | Updated: 30 March 2012, 14:30
The 'When She Was Mine' singers' fans have described the band's first single as "amazing".
Lawson's debut single 'When She Was Mine' received its first play on Capital FM this morning (30th March), and fans have hailed it as "amazing" and a "massive tune".
The four-piece band's first release was heard on Capital today for the first time, causing the hashtag LawsonOnCapital to trend both worldwide and in the UK.
" I just died a little listening to @LawsonOfficial When She Was Mine on @CapitalOfficial #LawsonOnCapital," claireeeeeyyy tweeted.
User missbeth_tw posted: "@CapitalOfficial #lawsononcapital has made my day!!!! Love it!! It is a tuuuuuuunnnnnnneeeeeeee!!! :D."
" Boys. Everyone will love you after hearing#WhenSheWasMine @LawsonOfficial@CapitalOfficial #LawsonOnCapital #Lawsome :') x" bhaktishah06 also wrote, while user emmadalley posted: "@LawsonOfficial ahhh love #WhenSheWasMine I've been listening to @CapitalOfficial all morning so I didnt miss it!! Amazing!!"
Lawson member Adam Pitts also thanked Capital for the support today after the positive reception to 'When She Was Mine' from fans.
Adam tweeted: "Thankyou so much to @daveberry_tweet and @Lisa_Snowdon and @CapitalOfficial for our first national play :D #LawsonOnCapital."
Lawson are currently out in Los Angeles filming the music video for their debut single 'When She Was Mine'.
Keep it Capital for all the latest news on Lawson and join in with the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag LawsonOnCapital and for more information on Lawson check out their official website here.
Listen to Lawson's debut single 'When She Was Mine' below:


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How to an Online Freelance Writer
Web journals and online highlights are standard components in the advanced nearness of most news sources and magazines. That is uplifting news for the present specialists, a significant number of whom routinely procure work from such outlets. Online perusers depend on both of these advanced kin for every day news and amusement. Be that as it may, for the essayist, the terms aren't tradable, and understanding what's normal with each is critical to landing more assignments.
- Rediscover your energy for composing. A calling like web based written work is certainly for somebody who has had an energy for composing. Perhaps a little ballad for the school magazine , a short exposition for the school day by day the adoration for penning down considerations in a way that interests to others…is the main criteria required. There will come a point throughout everyday life, when each other thing around you winds up sufficiently commonplace or you need that additional little salary.
- Try different things with your companions and family: Friends and family can enable you, to be next to you when you require them most. This is the time. Influence them to experience, in some level of detail, the principal musings that springs from your brain onto paper (or a word doc). All the more imperatively along these lines, in the event that you are composing after long a very long time of inaction. Also, indeed, tune in to each input they give you. They are your first perusers, all things considered.Read More : Marketing Skills Basic That Will Change Your Life
- Compose in excess of 5 articles to start with: A great essayist is most basically a productive one. The most effortless approach to give a decent dispatch to your independent written work profession is to compose a considerable measure. Audit the book that you read of late or a motion picture you loved. You can expound on work bothers, misfortunes with your supervisor or partners, a casual night went through with your sweetheart or a decent date that you had of late. In the event that you have children, you will never come up short on subjects to expound on!
- Begin a Blog: Blogs are in! They are free (truly) for you to play around, run wild with your musings and post whatever you like. Be that as it may, again be watchful that whatever you are posting will be perused by editors with whom you may apply a future independent activity. So act in like manner. Venture that piece of you that can make your vocation as a fruitful independent essayist. This blog ought to be your strong point, your quality, the declaration of your flexibility.


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Tractor Purchases – New and Used
New Tractor Purchases
Landstar is proud to offer a variety of discount and rebate programs through LCAPP.
When requesting a rebate on a new or used truck purchase, please complete and send the LCAPP rebate request form, attached below, with a copy of the bill of sale by fax to 888-329-5787 or email to firstname.lastname@example.com within 30 days of purchase. Contact LCAPP at 800-531-5227 to confirm your fax or email has been received. Allow 6-12 weeks for rebate processing.
|LCAPP Phone
|LCAPP Fax
|LCAPP Rebate E Mail
To complete a LCAPP Rebate Request Form click here.
Rebate programs are intended for single unit purchases. If you are purchasing more than one tractor, or if your single unit purchase was part of a larger order, contact LCAPP® for rebate availability before the sale. Vendors reserve the right to terminate rebate programs without prior notice. LCAPP is not responsible for rebate requests determined as ineligible.
International Landstar New Purchase Program 2019
Navistar, Inc. is pleased to announce the launch of the Landstar Purchase Program 2019. Navistar, Inc. proudly participates in the Landstar Contractors' Advantage Purchasing Program (LCAPP), providing Landstar's operators with a powerful purchase incentive program that lowers their truck ownership costs. International dealers are encouraged to work with the Landstar operators based in their area and use this program to offer them attractive new truck purchase alternatives.
Program Name: Landstar Purchase Program 2019
Program Period: January 1, 2019- December 31, 2019
Qualifying Customer: Any Landstar member
Qualifying Models: Any new International® LT®, RH™, ProStar®, LoneStar®, 9000i tractor – Stock or Sold
Program Incentives:
The qualified new truck purchaser gets the following where applicable:
- $1,000 International Advantage® Card Credit.
Note: An International Advantage® Card Credit is a pre-loaded credit card that may be used for the purchase of parts and service at all International dealer locations.
Program Process:
- Landstar Business Capacity Owners (BCO) or agents make their best deal with any participating
heavy duty International truck dealer.
- Purchaser submits required purchase verification documents to Landstar System, Inc. at the following
Landstar System, Inc.
1000 Simpson Road
Rockford, IL 61102
Attn: Aaron Peterson
- This would include a copy of the MCO, a copy of the retail sales agreement and attached customer
incentive redemption form.
- Navistar Accounting Center (Knoxville) confirms authorized
Program Provisions:
- Orders and DTU's must be in the name of a bona fide Landstar operator. Verification certification
must be furnished upon request.
- Purchase quantities are limited to 5 new trucks per year per operator.
- Program incentives will be paid out based on DTU date and must be requested within 30 days of
retail delivery.
- Program incentives may not be combined with any other rebate programs offered through Navistar,
- Landstar members are responsible for any taxes due on all incentives.
- Navistar, Inc. reserves the right to cancel or modify this program at any time. Incentives cannot be
combined with any other retail program or promotion unless specifically offered by that program. No
modification to program incentives or substitution for program incentives will be allowed.
Mack LCAPP® Rebate Program
Get $2000 in Mack parts and service with purchase of a 2019 or 2020 Mack® truck before December 31, 2019. Landstar Members in good standing can receive rewards for the purchase of up to 5 Mack trucks. Talk to your Mack dealer to learn more.
The Mack Trucks Association Loyalty Reward Card Program is a loyalty program offered by Mack Trucks, Inc. to members of Landstar. Members in good standing who purchase a 2019 or 2020 MACK truck (excluding Granite MHD) from a participating dealer during the period from January 2, 2019 to December 31, 2019. Rewards limited to 5 VINs per customer. This program is available only where permitted by applicable law, is void where prohibited, and may not be available in all states or provinces. See Terms and Conditions at your Mack Dealer for full program information.
Western Star LCAPP® Rebate Program
Western Star is proud to extend the Association Rebate Program for members of Landstar. Dealers can apply the rebate to the truck purchase or process a direct rebate to your customer. Landstar Association Members may qualify for a rebate when they purchase any new Western Star 4900 or 5700XE model truck or tractor.
Rebate amount is based on truck model and configuration:
- $2,500 for 4900 Sleeper
- $2,000 for 4900 Daycab
- $1,200 for 5700XE Sleeper or Daycab
- Association membership must be valid for at least 90 days prior to taking retail delivery.
- Trucks must be new and never before retail sold regardless of model year or mileage.
- Maximum of five (5) trucks per customer/company in a calendar year.
- Rebate claim must be processed within 30 days of retail sale date.
- Not valid for gliders.
- Association member makes his/her best deal on up to five (5) new trucks or tractors.
- Truck can be from Dealer stock, or a new order.
- Only one Association Rebate can be applied per claim per truck.
- Dealer reports and enters the retail sale date and warranty registers the truck(s).
- Dealer submits a TIA using General Adjustment Form referencing Customer Name, Association, and membership number (if applicable) in the notes section.
- Dealer submits Rebate Claim Form.
- Association membership and truck sale are verified before TIA is processed.
- Dealer can apply the credit as requested by the customer/member:
- Dealer uses rebate toward the deal listing the rebate as a line item on the invoice.
- Dealer credits customer's parts/service account with full rebate amount.
- Dealer pays the customer full rebate directly. Western Star will send a Thank You letter and gift to the customer to thank them for their purchase listing the rebate that was processed.
Dealer is responsible for ensuring all conditions of this program and Association memberships are met. TIA's will not be approved if any condition or Association memberships are not in accordance with this program.
For questions, please contact Mike Guarino at 803-578-3241 or email@example.com.
Lone Mountain Truck Leasing
With four convenient locations, Lone Mountain supplies trucks all over the country through their simple, no surprise lease deals. They secure fleets of trucks from well-known vendors, and then lease those trucks to drivers who are looking for low monthly payments and the opportunity to own their own trucks.
Lone Mountain currently has locations in North Las Vegas, NV; Carter Lake, IA; South Holland, IL and Tifton, GA.
You can view Lone Mountain's inventory online by logging onto www.lonemountaintruck.com and clicking on the inventory tab. Specs on the truck can be viewed along with required down payments and monthly payments.
Landstar BCOs receive $2,000 off of the down payment on a new truck, and $1,000 off of the down payment on a used truck.
If you'd like more information about truck leasing or have any questions, they would love to talk with you. You can call Lone Mountain toll-free at 1-877-869-4364. Make sure to tell them you are a Landstar BCO. Find more information at http://www.lonemountaintruck.com/
Incentives From Peterbilt
New Truck Rebate Program
- Members receive a $2,000 cash rebate on Models 579, 567 or 389
- Landstar members must take retail delivery between January 1, 2019 and December 31, 2019. Retail delivery is defined as the time the ownership of the truck is transferred from the Peterbilt dealer to the customer.
Other Requirements
- Allow 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of form for check to process
- This program may not be combined with any other rebate offers from Peterbilt
- The program is limited to three (3) rebates per member during the 2019 calendar year
Red Oval Certified Promotion
- Purchase of Red Oval Certified Pre-Owned truck at any Peterbilt dealer
- A PACCAR Parts discount card good for monthly specials, including $1,000 in coupons
- Additional $1,000 rebate if financed through PACCAR Financial (PFC)
- An additional $1,000 rebate if purchased from a PFC Used Truck retail store
Used Tractor Program
The vendors listed offer incentives through LCAPP for those purchasing used tractors.
Arrow Truck Sales
- Arrow Truck Sales offers BCOs a free 6-month/50,000 mile warranty on 6 model years and newer trucks. Arrow Truck's comprehensive coverage includes protection on engine, transmission, rear ends, injectors, fuel pump, turbochargers, radiator, ECM module and more.
- BCOs receive $1,000 prime allowance that they can apply to their first truck payment when financed through Transport Funding or to use as a discount off the internet price of trucks. Click here to pre-qualify for credit.
- This exclusive offer also includes a one-year/120,000 mile prime plus engine warranty at special pricing. Coverage is available only on 5 model years & newer trucks and must be Gold 12 month/100k mile coverage or greater.
- Visit ArrowTruck.com or contact Jim Taber at 816-627-4937 for more information.
International Used Truck Centers
International Used Truck wants to earn your business. That's why they have put together an exclusive program for Landstar BCOs. They are the manufacturer and not a dealership. This gives you extra leverage to maximize your purchase power, and get the late model tractor you deserve. Benefits include:
The best value in the industry, the ProStar is aerodynamically engineered to conserve fuel consumption while offering superior driver comfort. Both Cummins and N13/A26 Engines.
They have other manufacturers' trades too.
Best Reconditioning
- 180 + point inspection includes exterior, interior, engine and chassis.
- DPF and DOC cleaned or replaced
- Oil Change and PM
- Detailed inside and out
- DOT certified and ready to go to work
FREE Manufacturer's Warranty on ProStars
- Be confident with your investment. The one year / 100,000-mile Navistar System 1 year Confidence warranty is exclusively offered to Landstar BCOs at no extra charge.
- They have the best warranty. Since we are the manufacturer, we provide a manufacturer's warranty and not a third party warranty on ProStars.
- Covered components include: Engine, Turbos, Injectors, Water Pump, and more.
- No deductible – 100% parts and labor coverage (excludes normal wear items).
FREE Drive Tires
- For a limited time, Landstar BCOs receive 8 virgin drive tires with purchase.
FREE $250 Fuel Card
- Free Fuel Card with purchase of any tractor.
BCO program is for 2015 or newer tractors under 500K miles. (N13, A26, ISX, X15 only)
Ryan White
Please visit http://www.internationalusedtrucks.com/lcapp-program to fill out the form and download your coupons.
MHC Kenworth Used Truck Purchase Program
MHC Kenworth provides outstanding service for truck sales, parts, service, body shop and financing with over 100 locations in 16 states. MHC offers parts and service for all makes and models, with over 1,400 professionally trained and warranty certified technicians, including: PACCAR, Cummins and CAT engines, Eaton and Dana components.
LCAPP has established several special programs exclusively for Landstar BCOs through MHC Kenworth:
- Exclusive $500 Used Truck Rebate
- Fleet Parts Pricing & Labor Rate Discounts
- Two-Stage DPF Cleaning Services at 40+ locations
- MHC Locations Open 7 Days, 24 Hours and Extended Hours of Service in Most Markets
- APU Support for RigMaster, NITE System, ComfortPro, etc.
- Over 2000 New and Used Trucks in Stock
- Full Line of Financing Options Available
- Full Service All Makes and Models Body Shops & In-House Paint Booths
Present your Landstar MHC/LCAPP Card at any MHC Kenworth dealership to receive your LCAPP benefits. With MHC, BCOs will find more than just special pricing – our quality service program ensures consistently great service at every dealer. Download our Locations and Services App, for Android or iPhone devices today at mhc.com.
Palmer Trucks
Palmer Trucks offers Landstar BCOs a $1,000 rebate on any truck sold, and an additional $2,000 rebate on any new ARI custom sleeper. Palmer Trucks also offers special financing for Landstar BCOs through the ITC Acceptance Company.
Please note: This offer is independent of, and cannot be combined with the International Truck and Engine Corporation Used Truck rebate offer.
Visit www.huntertrucksales.com for dealer locations and inventory information.


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Category: Plainfield
Let Professionals Handle Your Faulty Washer
Malfunctioning Washer Problems? Hire a Reputable Appliance Repair Experts to Repair it!
We depend on our washers in the laundry process. This is why a faulty one can cause a stressful day. No one really wants to pile up clothes or think about doing their laundry manually or take the dirty clothes to laundry shops. That said, washers can develop a number of problems and it is a good idea to let a professional handle it. If the washer in not working, this does not automatically mean that you should replace it with a new one, you can have it repaired andthis will be an easier cheaper option.
PremiumApplianceRepair.com is a professional company providing satisfactory washer services in Plainfield. We've been in this business for over two decades and have repaired many washers. This explains the many positive reviews and testimonials from the customers we provide services to. We guarantee you'll be one of our satisfied customers if you let us handle the repair process.
Our company has grown to be a leader in appliance repair. We work with experienced and trained technicians who are trained in handling different types of washers. Because of this, our services are always top-notch. We ensure our technicians follow modern repair methods and use high quality parts. We are available around the clock and the same day repair makes sure that your washer is repaired within a short period after you give us a call to help you solve the problem promptly.
Are you looking for affordable washer repair?For more information on appliance fixing, pocket friendly rates and a free quote, call us today.
Stove Appliance Repair Services Experts
Are You In Need Of Expert Stove Repair Services? Call Professionals Repairs Today
Is your stove inconveniencing you by malfunctioning? Do you need professional repairs? Well, you have come to the right place. We understand how stressful not having a working appliance can be. That is why we provide fixing services.
Premiumappliancerepair.com has been in businessforover 20 years. Over the years, we've repair many stoves. This has widened our scope and given us the experience we need to fix any unit across brands and models.This means that we'll take care of faulty appliances regardless brand and its age.Our dedicated services are portrayed by the positive testimonials and reviews from our customers.
To be sure that we're always offering quality services, we only work with professional technicians. These experts are factory trained and licensed to handle different appliances. With expert technicians and high quality parts, we guarantee that you will always receive satisfactory repairs.
Having experts handle your faulty stove is better than having it replaced because the former option is cheaper. For this reason, we always ensure that the process only costs a fraction of the purchase price of a new stove. The affordable price does not compromise our expertise and delivery.
We know appliances break down when needed most and this is the reason behind our flexible services. If you contact us, we will have the appliance repaired the same day to make sure you are back to cooking your meals at home.
Are you searching forquality stove repairing in Plainfield, call us today for more information and for repairs backed up by a warranty.
Professional Oven Appliance Repair Services
Do you have an Appliances that Need Repairs?Have Your Faulty Oven Fixed by Repair Professionals Today
A faulty oven is not how you would like to start your day. There are many things that can go wrong in this appliance to make it useless. The bad news is that these faults may occur when you most need the oven and this can greatly inconvenience you. Fortunately, you can have it fixed immediately. This will save you a great deal of money. It is obvious that repairing is cheaper than buying a new one but to be on the safe side, you need make sure you work with professionals.
Premium Appliance Repair is a professional company with more than 2 decades of dedicated service provision. We always ensure our customers are satisfied with what they get from us. This has led to the positive reviews and testimonials.Over the years we have repaired multiple appliances across brands and models
Our Services
We provide flexible services through our expert technicians who are highly trained and experienced.They use modern methods and high quality parts in the repairing process to ensure that ovens work perfectly. Since ovens will not break down at a convenient time, we offer same day services aimed at ensuring the inconvenience is dealt with as soon as possible.
We keep our repair rates affordable because we understand that you are selecting the fixing option becauseyou do not want to pay a fortune to enjoy oven services again. Are you in Plainfield and are looking for the best repair services, call us for a free quote and more information.
Dishwasher Appliance Repair Services
Does Your Dishwasher Need to be Repaired? Call the Experts Today
Cleaning your dishes is something you have to handle almost every day. This simply means that you need an appliancethat makes everything easy. This appliancecomes in form of a dishwasher. Since these dishwashers are convenient and make things easy, we depend on them to clean the dishes. A single day without the washer can be stressful and this is what happened when washers are faulty. Luckily, most faults are repairable. To be on the safe side, you require expert repair services to take care of the faults.
We are experts in repairing dishwashers and have been doing it for more than twenty years. This has helped us in building a professional company that delivers quality results in all appliances we fix. You can trust that the dishwasher will be in good hands and that it work as expected once our experts are done with it.
Our trained licensed technicians with vast experience in handling different type of dishwashers carefully deliver the services. We'll repair old and new models using high quality parts which will not break any time soon. Our dedicated services are aimed at solving your problem before you start dealing with piles of dishes in your kitchen. To get avoid the stress,we will make sure the appliance is repaired within a short period of calling us.
Are you having a hard time dealing with your dirty dishes because your washer it not working perfectly? You are in the right place because Premium Appliance Repair will help you get rid of these faults. For a free quote and exceptional repairs, call us today.
For more information about Dishwasher Repair,click here


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Setting files too big!
Hi, yesterday I started to use the new version (4), but the first problem I'm getting is the size of the setting files. Each one is 38 mb, so after I import them to GSA SER, it become too slow because each project now is 10 times bigger than the others made with the version 3.
My settings:
I prepared 20 articles, paragraphs count 5 to 8, paragraphs variations 2.
I want to use 10 articles for a T2 project and the other 10 for a T2S projects, so I mean 10 articles for each different project.
At the end (it took many HOURS on my vps... with the version 3 usually everything was ready after 20-30 minutes) I've got 20 articles files of around 300 kb each (it's ok!), and 20 project setting files of around 40 mb each!!
Spinning with WORDAI, it used 80.000 words.
So, where is my error? I think 40 mb is a file too big to import on SER, it make SER very slow.
Thanks for the help!
Fixed in 184.108.40.206


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[UPDATE: Some offers mentioned below have expired and/or are no longer available on our site. You can view the current offers from our partners in our credit card marketplace. DISCLOSURE: Cards from our partners are mentioned below.]
As the saying goes, there are two ways to get a donkey to pull a cart, dangle a carrot in front of him, or use a stick. It seems as if airlines have taken that wisdom to heart and have designed their co-branded credit cards with both techniques in mind. Some carriers are dangling valuable benefits and perks in front of their customers, while others compel travelers to get their credit card by taking away perks from those who don't have the "right" card.
Keep Your Eye on the Carrot
When most cardholders think of airline reward credit cards, they think of the frequent flier miles that they can earn. Yet in recent years, it has become harder to redeem those frequent flier miles for award tickets at the lowest mileage levels, while the perks offered by these cards have increased. Here are some airline credit cards that offer the tastiest carrots:
Citi Executive AAdvantage Card From American Airlines
Cardholders receive several valuable benefits such as access to the American Airlines Admirals club lounges as well as priority check-in, security and boarding, and a 25% savings on eligible in-flight purchases. This card also features 10,000 elite qualifying miles when cardholders spend 40,000 miles within a calendar year. These special miles are necessary to achieve elite status in their program, which offers even more perks including upgrades to first class. There is a $450 annual fee for this card.
US Airways Premier World MasterCard From Barclaysbank
Even though US Airways is merging with American Airlines, Barclaysbank will continue to offer their own cards affiliated with the new combined carrier. Cardholders can redeem their miles for flights with a discount of 5,000 miles of the standard price. Cardholders also receive an annual companion ticket good for up to two companion tickets at $99 each, plus taxes and fees, as well as priority boarding and first class check-in privileges. There is an $89 annual fee for this card.
Look Out for the Stick
Airlines would love to tout all of the aspects of their credit cards as benefits, but it is easy to see how they use a proverbial stick to motivate their customers to sign up for these products. At the recent Travel Executive Summit, Jeff Robertson, the Vice President for the SkyMiles program at Delta Air Lines spoke about how customers now had to qualify for elite status not just by flying more, but by spending more. However, customers could get a waiver from this spending requirement by signing up for one of Delta's American Express cards and spending $25,000 on it in a calendar year. According to Robertson, this policy has been a major driver of credit card sign-ups. Here are some airlines that allow travelers to keep certain rewards if they get their credit card.
Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card from American Express
This card offers a waiver from Delta's new spending requirement to qualifying for elite status this year, but only for cardholders who spend $25,000 on their card each year. Thankfully, cardholders also receive priority boarding, free checked bags and a 20% discount on eligible in-flight purchases of food, beverages and entertainment. There is a $95 annual fee for this card that is waived the first year.
United Airlines Club Card
A few years ago, United Airlines imposed a new "close-in booking fee" for award tickets issued within 21 days of travel. At about the same time, it began offering its United Club card from Chase, which offers cardholders a waiver from these fees. Here again, the airline adds fees, but offers a credit card with a waiver. There is a $395 annual fee for this card, but it does include plenty of carrots such as a priority service, a United Club membership, and elite status with Hyatt Hotels and Avis car rentals.
It's important to know what the credit score requirements are for each credit card that you want to apply for, and whether you meet those requirements. By checking your credit scores beforehand (which you can do for free through Credit.com), you can get an idea of whether you're aiming for a card you're more likely to get approved for.
Compare these cards with other airline miles cards on Credit.com.
At publishing time, The US Airways Premier World MasterCard and Gold Delta SkyMiles Credit Card are offered through Credit.com product pages, and Credit.com is compensated if our users apply for and ultimately sign up for any of these cards. However, this relationship does not result in any preferential editorial treatment.
Note: It's important to remember that interest rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products frequently change. As a result, rates, fees and terms for credit cards, loans and other financial products cited in these articles may have changed since the date of publication. Please be sure to verify current rates, fees and terms with credit card issuers, banks or other financial institutions directly.
More on Credit Cards:
- The Credit.com Credit Card Learning Center
- How to Lower Your Credit Card Interest Rates
- 6 Smart Credit Card Strategies
Image: idal


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Endangered Wildlife Visit Capitol Hill
The debate over climate change legislation is heating up. And as members of Congress grapple with which position to take, they'll be bombarded with opinions from many different sides of the debate.
But last week, as members of Congress arrived at work in the morning and left in the evening, they were greeted by the silent stares of one important (albeit non-voting) constituency: the plants and animals likely to be impacted by rising sea levels, changing weather patterns, and other impacts of climate change.
The round-the-clock sentinels were courtesy of a traveling photography exhibit (Irreplaceable: Wildlife in a Warming World) on prominent display in the rotunda of the Russell Senate Office building from May 18 through May 22, arguably the most critical week to date for climate change legislation. Starting this week, the images will be on display at another Capitol Hill landmark: the United Methodist building—just across the street from the Dirksen Senate Office Building.
From the polar bear the now-familiar face of climate change—to the monarch butterfly—whose annual pilgrimage to the fir forests of Central Mexico has been made more treacherous by freezing conditions—the species are among the 20 to 30 percent of animals and plants at increased risk of extinction because of climate change, according to the latest report by the United Nation's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
The images, by award-winning photographers at the International League of Conservation Photographers, have traveled to cities and towns throughout the country, inspiring more than 42,000 people to add their name to a letter to members of Congress asking them to consider species impacted by global warming. The effort, led by Earthjustice, is a unified campaign by faith leaders, scientists, artists and environmental advocates.


text: Enrique Pena Nieto, Mexico's president, is expected to sign a sweeping education reform bill into law next week. This will see the government taking control of public schools from the powerful teachers' union who have vowed to oppose the move. The President says the goal is to make Mexico more competitive as the country's schools perform poorly by international standards. Al Jazeera's Adam Raney reports from Mexico City. SOURCE: Al Jazeera Business & Economy Poverty & Development Latin America Mexico


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Monday, November 23, 2015
16 comments:
- Hilary Melton-Butcher said...
Hi Sia - so many people don't know what to say .. and I was there a few years ago - now I'd be different. I feel for you and I feel for those that haven't the foggiest and really should know better and look at the other side of life and help out ... but the wonderful world of people we live with, who are there to help, to just enjoy life with us ... at whatever level we're at - to understand us. My thoughts my girl! Well done Buttercup - it can't be easy ... take care and life is very big ... with lots of thoughts - Hilary
- November 23, 2015 at 1:20 AM
- Natalie Aguirre said...
I so feel for you and what you are going through. Dark times and feeling bad are hard. I know. I've gone through my own hard times. But there are good times ahead. Have faith in that, take care of yourself when you're tired, and stay as positive as you can. We're always here to support you and listen to you as you go through your journey.
- November 23, 2015 at 5:52 AM
- Kat Sheridan said...
I think this sort of thing is always hardest for folks like you: strong, independent, the one who is always the careGIVER, not the one being taken care of. You're still all those things. Cancer isn't changing that. It's giving others the opportunity to be strong, too, To take care of YOU. I can't begin to understand how that feels, and I suck at finding the right words, but just know that I'm here for you. Hugs.
- November 23, 2015 at 6:02 AM
- ~Sia McKye~ said...
HILARY--"Well done Buttercup." That cracked me up! I do understand that there are those who don't know what to say or how to act and so, for some, it's easier not to interact at all.
NATALIE--Thank you. :-) Dark times are dark times regardless of what 'tag' we attach to it. Another friend mentioned something similar and really whatever the 'tag' or reason we have for facing something like that it alters our daily life and that's hard.
KAT--yes, that's very true. It might be hard to let others take care of me but I recognize I need to do it. I've found opening myself to others and letting them know I need them has had some surprising and nice results. Or as my youngest sister says, allowing oneself to be vulnerable and without facades.
As for words...we're writers and we feel we should have the right words and get frustrated when we don't. But words have a great deal of power so saying what we can is a good thing.
- November 23, 2015 at 7:14 AM
- Alex J. Cavanaugh said...
I'm sorry, Sia.
Just avoid those who drain you. As you said, you don't have the energy to deal with them. And they'll only suck more of it.
Continuing to pray for you.
- November 23, 2015 at 8:20 AM
- ~Sia McKye~ said...
ALEX--I do avoid those that drain me as much as possible. Sometimes you can't but I didn't reach this age without learning how to smile pleasantly and beat feet, lol! I'll admit that there are those I see when I'm out and about and I will duck behind something and hope they didn't see me or ask hubs or the kid to run interference. Sheesh. And Thank you for the loving prayers. A lot of power there and I appreciate every ounce of it.
- November 23, 2015 at 9:28 AM
- Karen Walker said...
Dearest Sia,
You know what? Maybe it's time to not worry about being nice. You are in the hardest battle you'll probably ever have to face. And no one can know what it is your feeling or going through unless they've been through it themselves. And even then, everyone is different. So rather than suck it up, Buttercup, get selfish. Say what you feel, even if it might make someone uncomfortable. Do whatever you need to do to take care of yourself while your body is doing battle with both the disease and the treatment of the disease. You are in my prayers. And I'm so glad you're writing about this experience. Perhaps it will be a book one day that can help others who have to face this. Many many blessings are sent your way.
- November 23, 2015 at 9:56 AM
- ~Sia McKye~ said...
KAREN--Your comments made me smile because I've heard variations of this from my family. I don't know about a book but the writing helps me put things into perspective. I've found my wanning patience has ah...loosened my mouth a bit more. I've never been one that suffer fools gladly but I manage to remain tactful. But yes, there was a particular instance where the gloves came off and I stated my mind and this was to what I thought was a friend. The negatives really hurt so I let her know it, but not abusively (not my style,) in a very straight forward manner that left little doubt as to how I felt about it. My family, husband and sisters in particular, are a LOT more up front with people and don't particularly care about tact, lol! My watchdogs. I've found it's much easier, lately, to simply say, "Look, I don't have the energy to deal with your issues right now" or stopping a'horror' story (and so many have one to tell--kind of like when you're pregnant) in it's tracks. Thank you for your caring and prayers.
- November 23, 2015 at 10:19 AM
- T. Powell Coltrin said...
Everything about this journey will suck. That's not to say that you won't find blessings along the way. I believe you will. It's taken me a long time, but I'm starting to understand that those people who drain us of our life energy should be exited to the door,after it's opened of course. Otherwise they would just crash and not leave.
- November 23, 2015 at 11:30 AM
- Susan Gourley/Kelley said...
I hope those around you remember that right now it's all about you. Their discomfort or not knowing what to say is about them. You sound so strong and my prayers are with you every day.
- November 23, 2015 at 2:12 PM
- Karen Jones Gowen said...
Whatever you need to take care of yourself and add to your healing is the #1 priority. Thank goodness for the good people in your life who recognize that and help with it. God bless you as you deal with this huge challenge.
- November 24, 2015 at 10:40 AM
- Denise Covey said...
If everything goes right, I get to live!!! Keep that attitude Sia. I know it's a hard road but we don't get to choose, do we? Always thinking of you. X
- November 24, 2015 at 7:18 PM
I'm loving your "Suck it up, Buttercup" mantra! I expect many, many more blog posts from you in the future, Sia.
- November 24, 2015 at 7:45 PM
- ~Sia McKye~ said...
Theresa, lol! There are times that crashing them through the closed doors would be...cathartic. Ah, bad Sia. Like you, I've learned to steer clear of the toxic and clinging vines; both will suck the energy right out of you. :-)
SUSAN--Good point and one my sister reminds me of regularly. And to be truthful, it has to be about me right now. :-)
KAREN--thank you! I'll take all the blessings I can get. :-) for sure the #1 priority is getting well.
DENISE--no, we don't get to choose all we get to choose is how we handle it. The fighting spirit takes a hit now and then but it's still very much in working order. :-) Thanks for the support and encouragement!
OBERON--lol! See, I can and do get tough with myself. Oh, no worries, the blog posts will continue. :-)
- November 24, 2015 at 9:16 PM
- İslamda.org said...
- This comment has been removed by a blog administrator.
- October 20, 2016 at 1:21 PM
- Thomas B. Brown said...
- October 22, 2019 at 11:48 AM


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Consumer Tips
Financial Education
Consumer Tools
Consumer Tips
Página Principal de la NFCC
Alertas para Consumidores
Encuentre un Asesor
Asesoramiento Crediticio
Asesoramiento de Vivienda
Herramientas para Consumidores
Educación Financiera
Sala de Prensa
Recurso de Publicacion y Financieros
Acerca de la NFCC
Búsqueda del Sitio
Creditors are Watching Every Financial Move
A weak labor market. The credit squeeze. A slowing economy. Falling house prices. How is a family who is already strapped for money to pay these additional debts?
A recent Fed survey showed that a record 36 percent of banks reported less willingness to extend consumers installment loans, with 80 percent tightening standards on home equity lines of credit. The story with credit cards is just as grim, with 67 percent of the banks refusing new loans to consumers without good credit.
The NFCC recommends that consumers take the following steps to keep their existing credit lines intact:
Don't skip a payment
, make a short payment, or pay late. Banks are circling their wagons, and don't want to take on any more risk. A red flag goes up if you have the slightest financial hiccup. This could result in higher interest rates being charged, and a lower credit limit.
Keep your credit score high
. Creditors review your credit utilization ratio as a part of your risk evaluation. They look at how much you owe relative to your credit limit. You will likely be allowed to charge the full amount of your limit, or perhaps a bit more, but to keep your credit score high, don't max out your cards. This could signal that you don't have the cash to pay for purchases. Play it safe and only charge 30 percent or less of your available credit.
Get your credit report and review it for accuracy
. You don't want someone else's bad credit spoiling yours. Consumers are allowed one free credit report from each of the three major bureaus every 12 months. Go to
to start the process. The credit report is a major component of your credit score, thus you want the information contained in it to be correct. If there is negative information, but it is true, it needs to stay. If there is false information, take the necessary steps to remove it.
Purchase your credit score
. Even though you can obtain your credit report for free, you'll have to pay for your score. These few extra dollars will be the best money you spend. Make sure your score is at least 700, and do what it takes to keep it there.
Increase your income
. If you struggle each month, robbing Peter to pay Paul and Peter's tired of it, you may need to consider a second job. As burdensome as that sounds, you might not find it as bad as receiving calls and letters from collectors. If an account is turned over to a collection agency, it is likely that it will remain on your credit report for seven years. Generating extra income from a second job could get you out of debt much quicker with no damage to your credit report.
Review all of your spending
. Starting September 1, write down every cent you spend. It's the only way you'll ever know where all your hard-earned money is going. At the end of 30 days, review your spending and decide where you can reasonably cut back. Cutting back is better than cutting out, as it's not as drastic a change to your lifestyle. Have as your objective to carve 10 percent from each of your spending categories that are not fixed payments. This will result in over $100 in found money that you can devote to debts.
Ask for help
. Reaching out to an NFCC Member Agency for help is one of the smartest things a person can do. Allow a trained and certified credit counselor to review your financial information. If you're in trouble, they'll propose a variety of ways out. And if you're putting along just fine, they will validate your good financial sense.
To find the NFCC Member Agency counselor closest to you, dial (800) 388-2227, or go online to
. To locate a Spanish-speaking counselor, call (800) 682-9832.


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Quick links
- Email: [email protected]
- Phone: 01805 624624 (Box Office)
- Join our events mailing list.
The Plough Arts Centre 9-11 Fore Street, Great Torrington, Devon EX38 8HQ
Box Office
Telephone: 01805 624624
For all ticket bookings and enquiries about hiring Plough facilities.
The Box Office is open:
Monday 10.00am – 1.00pm & 5.30pm – 9.30pm
Tuesday – Saturday 10.00am – 8.30pm
Sunday – 1 hour before live events/film screenings (see programme for details).
An answering machine is available at busy periods and when The Plough is closed.
For general enquiries please email [email protected]
We accept payment by cash, cheque or credit/debit cards.
Tickets can be posted out for £1
Refunds: We do not refund or exchange tickets unless a performance is cancelled. We will try to sell unwanted tickets if an event is sold out. There is an admin charge of £1 per ticket resold.
Film ticket prices include a £1.50 discretionary donation to The Plough Survival Fund.
Live event ticket prices include a £1 or £1.50 (dependent on event) discretionary donation to The Plough Survival Fund.
Telephone: 01805 622552
For administration only.
Monday – Friday 10am – 5.30pm
How to...
The Plough Cafe
To book a table please call 01805 625925
email: [email protected]
The Staff
|Richard Wolfenden-Brown
|Director & Live Event Programmer
|[email protected]
|Paul Bennett
|Buildings and Maintenance Manager
|[email protected]
|Julie Cooke
|Marketing Manager/Box Office/Volunteer Coordinator
|[email protected]
|Sharon Dixon
|Marketing Assistant
|[email protected]
|Daniel Owen
|Box Office + Instagram
|[email protected]
|Roger Marsh
|Box Office
|[email protected]
|Caroline de Groot
|Box Office/Film Programmer/The Plough Prize
|[email protected]
|Sean Harrison
|Box Office Manager/Social Media
|[email protected]
|Belinda Urwin
|Box Office/Foyer Craft Shop
|[email protected]
|Peter Stiles
|Gallery Director
|[email protected]
|Sophie Hatch
|Plough Youth Theatre & Outreach Director
|[email protected]
|Mark Phillips
|Marketing/Programming Asst/Social Media
|[email protected]
|Andrew Hawkins
|Technical Manager
|[email protected]
|Brady Coysh
|Asst. Technical Manager
|[email protected]
|Marcos Willatts
|Asst. Technical Manager
|[email protected]
|Annemarie Shillito
|Catalyst Changemaker + Business Development Manager
|[email protected]
|Peter Stiles
|Catalyst Changemaker
|[email protected]
|Clare May
|[email protected]
|Tina Barnett
|The Plough Cafe: Front of House Manager
|[email protected]
|Cathy Heywood
|The Plough Cafe: Cook
|[email protected]
|Yvonne Ogden
|[email protected]
|Peter Villiers
|The Plough Prize
|[email protected]
|Alison Whittall


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Thank you all for having supported me through a long period of time, book five of Blue Phoenix has finally been released on Amazon and can be found here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XQKQWJ1 Book 1 of Blue Phoenix is also on a discounted price and if you haven't already bought it, now would be the time :) If you have the time, whether you buy the book or not, please leave a review. The more reviews I get the more people will try out my book and the better it will be for the series. Thank you so much for your support, I hope you will continue to support me in the future.
Kind regards,


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Welcome to our online store!
The Infa Toti 4 in 1 Toilet Trainer System is a potty that transforms into a toilet trainer seat with a step stool. It can then also be used as a step stool for your child to reach the basin.
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Lightning makes no sound until it strikes.
-by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Lightning makes no sound until it strikes.
-by Martin Luther King, Jr.
You can't build a reputation on what you're going to do.
-by Henry Ford
In the arithmetic of love, one plus one equals everything, and two minus one equals nothing.
-by Mignon Mclaughlin
I don't want the heavens or the shooting stars. I don't want gemstones or gold. I have those things already. I want . . . a steady hand. A kind soul. I want to fall asleep, and wake, knowing my heart is safe. I want to love, and be loved.
-by Shana Abe
After one look at this planet any visitor from outer space would say, "I want to see the manager."
-by William S. Burroughs
Die, my dear doctor! That's the last thing I shall do!
-by Henry John Temple (Viscount Palmerston)
The speed of a runaway horse counts for nothing.
-by Jean Cocteau
I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slaveowners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
-by Martin Luther King, Jr.
Courage is almost a contradiction in terms. It means a strong desire to live taking the form of readiness to die.
-by G. K. Chesterton
Before borrowing money from a friend, decide which you need most.
-by Proverb


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As early as last year, Mrs. Brenda Aihara has been searching for the school suitable for her daugter, Erina, who just graduated from high school. Erina passed her college entrance exams with flying colors in some prestigious universities in Metro Manila, even landing at top 12 in the overall ranking. However, being a person with autism, she has difficulty integrating herself to new environments. She has yet to master social skills, in spite of years of intensive therapy. In her search, Mrs. Aihara learned that Olivarez College is offering a new course in Library Science -- perfect for Erina who enjoys the solitude of reading.
To prepare Erina, a special therapy program was designed for her during summer to gradually psyche her up for college life. She was taught how to commute from her house to Olivarez College even if her mother regularly drives her to school, social stories of what to expect in school was retold to her several times and an actual familiarization tour of her classrooms were done to orient her of her routine before the school opened for classes.
Mrs. Aihara also took an extra effort to make Erina's college life more meaningful by launching an autism awareness campaign in partnership with Autism Society Metro South Chapter of which she is a member, and Olivarez College headed by Dr. Elaine Grace Bognot, the school's physician.
|(L-R) Ms. Charisma Leona Evangelio, Mrs. Teresita Abuan (Head, College of Education),
Dr. Elmer de Leon (AVP, Academics and Services), Mrs. Brenda Aihara, Mr. Hiro Aihara,
Mrs. Gina Bermudo, Mrs. Ditas Granada and Mrs. Imee Alviso
Such was the beginning of autism awareness in one school -- inspired by a special child, Erina Aihara. By opening their doors to an individual with autism, the school also opened the minds of the students and the teachers to respect, compassion and understanding of individuals on the spectrum.


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Internet in Canada
Canada ranks as the 21st in the world for Internet usage with 31.77 million users as of July 2016 (est). This is 89.8% of the population.[1]
Web use[edit]
According to the CIRA 2013 Factbook, Canadians spend more time online than anyone else in the world—an average of 45 hours a month. They also watch more online video, with an average of 300 views per month in 2011.[2]
The most popular websites in Canada are major sites such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube.[3] The 17th most popular website Pornhub is headquartered in Montreal, Quebec.[4]
The most popular native Canadian websites are the major Canadian news media companies, which maintain an extensive web presence. According to a February 2008 report by comScore, the most popular Canadian sites are Quebecor Media, principally Canoe.ca, followed closely by CTVglobemedia which includes globeandmail.com and CTV.ca.[5]
According to Harvard researchers, Canada has some of the lowest internet standards among OECD countries, as a result of high costs and slow internet speeds.[6]
File sharing[edit]
Canada has the largest number of file sharers per capita in the world.[7]
In general, the unauthorized copying or distribution of copyrighted material, whether for profit or for personal use, is illegal under Canada's Copyright Act.[8] However, certain exemptions are made for fair dealing copying of small portions of copyrighted works, for activities such as private study, criticism, and news reporting. Furthermore, the Act allows that the copying of sound recordings of musical works for the personal use is not copyright infringement.[citation needed] This is supported by a levy on blank recording media[citation needed], which is distributed to record labels and musicians, although not evenly. While the unauthorized downloading or uploading of complete copyrighted works such as books, movies, or software is illegal under the Act, the situation regarding music files is more complex.
Fibre optic networks[edit]
Multiple providers, including Bell Canada and Rogers Communications in Eastern Canada, Telus Internet in BC and Alberta, and SaskTel in Saskatchewan have made investments into upgrading their infrastructure to provide last mile fibreoptic connectivity, or fibre to the home (FTTH).[9][10][11] In December 2016, local company MNSi Telecom announced a $35 million fibre build in Windsor, Ontario.[12]
In July 2015, the CRTC ruled that major telecoms providing fibre to the home must allow smaller providers to purchase wholesale access to their networks. Bell Canada attempted to oppose the ruling, but failed.[13]
Regional Canadian ISPs peer through a few major Internet exchange points, the most notable of which is the Toronto Internet Exchange. However, these regional networks usually share the same backbones for longer distance connectivity.
The largest DSL provider in Canada is Bell Internet (formerly Bell Sympatico). Bell owns and maintains physical layer connectivity through a combination of optical fibre networks, DSLAM and Customer Premises Equipment. In British Columbia (BC), Alberta (AB), and parts of Quebec (QC), the incumbent telco is Telus, owning the DSLAMs and fibre, providing many of the same services Bell does.
The other major players offering DSL and IPTV services are SaskTel in Saskatchewan and Manitoba Telecom Services (MTS) in Manitoba. Download speeds are up to 25 Mbit/s for average users, though recent upgrades now make HDTV and much higher rates possible.[citation needed]
For cable offerings, standard North American DOCSIS based equipment are used. The largest cable internet providers in Canada are Shaw Communications (Western) and Rogers Cable (Eastern) offering internet speeds of up to 1000 Mbit/s.
Usage-based billing (UBB)[edit]
Internet bandwidth limits and caps are considered by many to be too restrictive, due to the increasing popularity of online streaming media services such as Netflix, which require large amounts of bandwidth.[14]
The decision to impose bandwidth caps on smaller independent ISPs[15] caused controversy in 2011 when the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC), Canada's telecommunications regulator, approved a request by Bell Internet to begin, on March 1, 2011, to apply a bandwidth cap on the users of smaller independent ISPs who use Bell's last mile infrastructure. This new billing structure is called "usage-based billing" or UBB.
Bell pushed for a cap as small as 25 gigabytes of transfer per month, plus a $1–2 CAD surcharge for every GB over the limit. The stated intent was to prevent the customers of independent ISPs from congesting Bell's network,[16] because many independent ISPs offer service with unlimited bandwidth, while most major Canadian ISPs do not. The CRTC was criticized for allowing Bell to use anti-competitive practices to favour its own Internet and television offerings.[17] Bell is also under fire for forcing its own pricing structure and business on its wholesalers. Bell admits that more than 10 percent of its subscribers (at the time of said download cap) exceed their limit, resulting in additional billing.[18]
Many savvy Internet users also accuse Bell of falsifying information to the public regarding network congestion. Network congestion is primarily caused by many users accessing the Internet at the same time (after school/work, 5pm–10pm) and not by heavy users alone. Similar criticism was levied when Eastlink Rural Connect applied UBB in July 2015, which many users reported made peak time congestion worse. See Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative for this and related wireless broadband congestion problems.
On February 2, 2011, industry minister Tony Clement and Prime Minister Stephen Harper called on the CRTC to reverse the decision. The next day, the CRTC announced that it would delay its decision by 60 days.[19]
There are some supporters for usage-based-billing (UBB) at lower rates instead of the current $2/GB. One example is TekSavvy, providing "Lite" cable Internet services (6 Mbit/s down, ¼ Mbit/s up) at $30.95/month with 300 GB, equivalent to around 10¢/GB.[20] Rogers Hi-Speed Internet offers Internet access at the same speed for $41.49/month but with only 20 GB, equivalent to around $2.07/GB.[21] The difference of $1.97/GB between the two providers is one key reason why consumer advocates oppose UBB. Some also claim that it costs the incumbents as low as 3¢/GB.[22]
Supporters also suggest that instead of a penalty-based system (heavy users pay more), a credit-based system (light users be credited back monthly) would be much more consumer friendly and fair.
See also[edit]
- List of internet service providers in Canada
- Censorship in Canada#Internet
- Science and technology in Canada
- Social networking in Canada
- Demographics of the Canadian political blogosphere
- Broadband for Rural Nova Scotia initiative
- CANARIE – national research and education network
- Canadian Internet Registration Authority – Canada's top-level domain registrar in charge of .ca
- ^ "The World Factbook". www.cia.gov. Retrieved May 23, 2016.
- ^ "CIRA Factbook 2013". Canadian Internet Registration Authority. Retrieved January 23, 2013.
- ^ Alexa.com Top Sites in Canada Retrieved April 21, 2013
- ^ "Montreal-based Pornhub reveals our porn habits with Big Data". Canadian Business - Your Source For Business News. January 24, 2014. Retrieved November 8, 2017.
- ^ comScore. Archived July 24, 2012, at WebCite Top Canadian Websites - 2008 Retrieved April 21, 2013
- ^ Nowak, Peter (2010). "Canadian internet slow, expensive: Harvard". CBC News. Retrieved March 6, 2013.
- ^ "Digital Broadband Content" (PDF). OECD. December 13, 2005. Retrieved July 15, 2006.
- ^ "Copyright Act of Canada". Department of Justice: Canada. November 5, 2007. Archived from the original on June 5, 2011. Retrieved November 16, 2007.
- ^ "Super-fast Internet is coming – along with super-high pricing". The Globe and Mail. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ "Fibre optic cable battle: Smaller players want in on Big 3 networks". CBC News. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ "Why sasktel internet". SaskTel. Retrieved May 31, 2018.
- ^ Roseann Danese, "MNSi Spending Millions on High Speed Internet", Windsor Star, November 30, 2016
- ^ "CRTC to implement wholesale access to ultra fast fibre networks". Financial Post. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
- ^ Lasar, Matthew. "200GB to 25GB: Canada gets first, bitter dose of metered Internet". Ars Technica. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ^ "CRTC decision 2011–44 on usage-based billing (UBB)". Toronto Free-Net. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
- ^ "CRTC decision 2011–44 on usage-based billing (UBB)". Toronto Free-Net. Retrieved May 8, 2011.
- ^ Marlow, Iain (October 29, 2010). "CRTC ruling handcuffs competitive market: TekSavvy". Globe and Mail. Toronto. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ^ Geist, Michael (February 6, 2011). "Geist: The real reason we pay so much for Internet". The Star. Toronto.
- ^ "CRTC to review usage-based billing decision". CBC. February 3, 2011. Retrieved February 3, 2011.
- ^ "Affordable Internet". TekSavvy. Retrieved December 30, 2012.
- ^ Rogers Communications, (2013), Compare Packages, retrieved December 30, 2012
- ^ Thompson, Hugh (February 1, 2011). "What is a fair price for Internet service?". Globe and Mail. Toronto.
External links[edit]
- DSL Reports – Extensive site on broadband with user reports from around the USA and Canada


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Ask A4A: Long-running Stories
Hi Richard,
My Scrum team has been working on a particular service for over a year. It's been 20+ Sprints. I'm concerned about the deliverables and the rate at which we deliver. I have just put together some material for my stakeholders. I am pasting those slides here for your review. Do you mind reviewing
Making Info Visible for Better Decisions
A key part of the ScrumMaster's or Product Owner's job is making information visible.* Whether that's a product backlog, taskboard, cumulative flow diagram, or a one-off visual for a specific need, good visuals lead to better decisions. Here are four principles for doing it
Talking About Our Feelings—Potentially Awkward, Definitely Important
Last week, I described how to do the observation step of Focused Conversation without having to talk about all the details. At this point, many facilitators would naturally want to guide the group through interpreting the data. But the Focused Conversation method prescribes another step in between:
Ask A4A: When the Observation Part of Focused Conversation Gets Boring
The Focused Conversation method asks us to start with observations before assigning labels – good, bad, effective, worthwhile, motivating, etc. In real-life facilitation, it can feel a little slow to start a retrospective with a simple "What happened this
MMFs: What they are and why they matter
Suppose you have a headache. A bad headache. "I'll take Tylenol to make it go away," you think. So, you grab the Tylenol bottle and see that the directions indicate taking two pills. Would you take 20 pills in an attempt to make your headache go away 10 times faster?
Getting Good at Story Splitting
As I've said before, working in thin vertical slices is the key habit in Agile software development. Many people struggle to find vertical slices, but it's a remarkably learnable skill. Teams can go from struggling to fluently identifying slices for features and big stories in their domain with only about 2.5-3 hours of practice. Of
Why Most People Split Workflows Wrong
Workflows are a very common element of software. But they can be hard to split well when you're trying to work in small, vertical slices because the most obvious split turns out to be wrong. In this video from my 80/20 Product Ownership online course, I explain why the obvious approach is wrong and
How We Use Agile at Home
Here's a short video about how my family uses an Agile approach for homeschool and


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Copyright 2019 Greenwich Township Committee. All rights reserved.
Links of Interest:
American Littoral Society
Bayside Tract - PSEG Estuary Enhancement Program
Bayside Tract Site Rules
Bridgeton Free Public Library
Cape May Bird Observatory
Citizens United to Protect the Upper Maurice River
Conserve Wildlife Foundation of New Jersey
Cumberland County College
Cumberland County Cultural and Heritage Commission
Cumberland County Historical Society
Cumberland County Library
Greenwich Environmental Resources Inventory
Greenwich Wikipedia Page
Natural Lands Trust
New Jersey Audubon
New Jersey Conservation Foundation
NJ Cultural Heritage Trail
NJ Wildlife Action Plan
NJ Wildlife & Birding Trails (Bayside Tract)
Press of Atlantic City
South Jersey Healthcare
Teaburner 5K and 1M Run/Walk
The News of Cumberland County
West Jersey History Project


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3/4" Black Elastic Roll (137 Yards)
3/4" Black Elastic Full Roll (137 Yards) Black elastic Roll, at approximately 16¢ per yard. 100% machine washable polyrubber blend. These super stretchy, ultra durable elastics can be used for various applications such as waistbands, inserts, hats, gloves, mask straps, garments, dolls, hangers, arts and crafts. Most common uses are for tailors/ seamstresses but can be used in unlimited creative situations. Made in China.


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Sam Mobile Application
SAM Service Manager Mobile Application
SAM mobile is an application designed for providing service personnel and service engineers with a central, portable and flexible solution for tracking and maintaining service requests, job status, job updates, customer addresses, contact information, and stock / job parts usage.
The SAM mobile application, works in conjunction with SAM Service Manager, it ensures that service engineers work smarter and faster with real time access to up to date information about their work schedules, helping them to achieve better customer satisfaction by providing immediate response for service jobs.
The application is designed with field technicians and engineers in mind, it provides a simple interface with consistent access regardless of internet connectivity. Sam mobile simplifies the process of job scheduling and empowers engineers and technicians to successfully complete complex work orders, and present service reports for customer signature. Engineers can also provide dynamic pricing of labour, parts and products in the field and much more.
The application works both online and offline through a data connection such as WiFi and 3G/4G mobile data services. Support Personnel's would receive customer support requests and their scheduled jobs directly to their mobile device, Service Personnel running the SAM Mobile application on their respective tablet/phone would synchronize with the central database, and download customer records, job schedules and stock/part details respectively.
SAM Mobile can work offline, it does not require a data connection, once the application is synchronised with the server, Job statuses and job updates can be updated at the mobile device, the updated information is held locally, until the details can be sent back to the central database via synchronization.
- Accept incoming Jobs and update Jobs in the field
- Record Activity against Jobs
- Scan Parts onto Jobs
- Look up customer and contact details
- list all engineer's jobs, filter and lookup specific jobs.
- Select a job for editing and change the job details.
- lookup available parts
- Automatically update with new jobs for the specific engineer.
- Create new jobs on customer's site
- Signature, allow customers to sign off completed Jobs
- Real time data synchronization with the server
- Filterable jobs list
- Record parts used
- Save times spent on jobs
Job scheduling and Status updates
Service Engineers can use the Jobs screen for listing, sorting and searching their scheduled jobs. A job can be selected which will provide a detailed summary such as where the job is located, job status, type of job and job priority etc.
Updates can be applied to a job such as the type of work carried out, and what was done to resolve or complete the job, these updates are pushed back to the central database in real time or when synchronisation takes place.
If an item of Stock is required to complete a Job, it will be possible for a Service Engineer to select and add a Stock Part to the Job. This would involve searching for a Stock code, and the quantity required before adding it to the Job.
Customer/ Site information
SAM Mobile contains a list of customers and their contact information, the Service Engineers can use the Customers list to find and if required, contact the customer using their phone.
The customer list details all the appropriate customer sites and the contact details of individuals that work at those sites.
A Service Engineer can use the list to search for a specific Customer, via a Site post code, or Contact name.
When the engineer completes a job it may be required for the the customer to sign off on the job confirming that the work was completed to their satisfaction. The signature is recorded and stored as an image on the job details screen.
SAM Service Manager Mobile Application is responsive and adaptive, giving good user experience across a variety of devices.
We have developed this solution to help businesses using our service management solution stay ahead with improved customer satisfaction.
The Application integrates with SAM Service Manager and can enable your organisation to fully realise the benefits of improved productivity throughout your entire service team.
Most importantly, we provide the training and support for this new application that ensures your staff can increase their level of proficiency improve customer satisfaction.
Stock & Pricing
SAM Mobile maintains van stock, the service engineers may require information about a specific Stock item that has been recorded in the system and may be required for a job.
They engineer can quickly search in the parts screen in order to display Stock summary information such as what is currently available in Stock, the stock description, and it's sales price.
The app can be downloaded from Google play store.


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Jewish World Review April 30, 2012/ 8 Iyar, 5772
The likability factor: We're going to find out how important it is in these troubled times
By David Shribman
http://www.JewishWorldReview.com | And so now we take on the question that has haunted you since the seventh grade: How important is it to be well-liked?
At Shaw Junior High, where I spent my seventh grade, it was pretty important. But in presidential politics? We're about to find out.
This is an unusual race for the White House in many respects. The incumbent came into office on a wave of adulation unlike any in modern times -- more so than John F. Kennedy, more so than Ronald Reagan. Even so, as he runs for re-election the polls put him in a dead heat with former Gov. Mitt Romney of Massachusetts.
Mr. Romney, by contrast, has few fervent fans. Polls show that the public is skeptical of how deeply he believes in his own campaign statements and is hesitant to warm up to him. He's knowledgeable enough, these polls suggest, but not adept at building rapport with voters.
The result is that the United States is about to conduct its greatest test in more than four decades of the power of personality, measuring whether in tough times a man with difficulty relating to average Americans can defeat an incumbent with a mixed record but natural personal skills.
The best comparison may be 1968, when the man who was the more natural campaigner, the man with the warmer personality, the man who was more at ease with himself, was defeated by a rival who was awkward on the stump, cold in person and visibly uncomfortable in his own skin. In that election, Sen. Hubert H. Humphrey was defeated by former Vice President Richard M. Nixon.
There were, to be sure, many complicating factors in that election. Young people were rebelling, African Americans were challenging the moral order and the nation was divided on the Vietnam war -- and that's before we factor in the unusual element of a strong third-party candidacy from former Gov. George C. Wallace of Alabama.
In the face of all that, a country in crisis turned to an experienced but unappealing hand, which seems unremarkable except when you consider that in 1920, 1932, 1936, 1940, 1944, 1948, 1952, 1956, 1960, 1964, 1980, 1984, 1988, 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004 and 2008, the candidate considered more personable prevailed. The candidates who appeared more competent but lost include Thomas E. Dewey in 1948 and Nixon in 1960. (Some readers inevitably will quibble with some of those elections, but the trend is unmistakable.)
It is still six months to this year's election, and it may turn out that Campaign 2012 is a dogma-eat-dogma race, pitting the Obama ethos of economic stimuli, higher taxes on the wealthy and an aggressive regulatory apparatus against the Romney ethos of lower taxes, less spending and an emphasis on business issues and economic growth. The country needs this debate -- after which, many argue, each side needs to compromise a bit -- and probably doesn't need a popularity contest. Even the president, none too popular during parts of his term, likely would agree.
Consider these findings from the latest New York Times/CBS News poll: Mr. Obama's favorability ratings are nearly half again as high as Mr. Romney's and he outpaces his challenger 47 percent to 34 percent as "someone you can relate to." Mr. Romney has slender leads as someone who would "make the right decisions about the economy" and improve voters' financial situations.
Those results are generally mirrored in the latest Wall Street Journal/NBC News poll, where Mr. Romney prevails in two areas (changing business as usual in Washington and having good ideas for improving the economy) and where Mr. Obama prevails in all the rest (including being compassionate, caring about average people and being easygoing and likable).
Ordinarily, Romney tacticians might take these indicators and shape a message broadly along these lines: We are living in difficult times and what is required is intelligent, tough leadership, not an appealing fellow whose ideas haven't revived the economy or strengthened the nation's position in the world.
But Mr. Romney's profile as someone who has changed his beliefs and repudiated his record makes that argument more difficult to make. So do small episodes like the way he dismissed a plate of cookies made by the Bethel Bakery -- which has a cult following in the South Hills for its breads, rolls, muffins, doughnuts and sheet cakes made with yellow and chocolate batter -- as probably having come from 7-Eleven. These incidents make his listeners recoil in disbelief -- and his advisers cringe in helplessness.
The Times/CBS pollsters asked whether each candidate says what he believes most of the time or what he thinks people want to hear, and the result was stark, with Mr. Obama scoring 46 percent for saying what he believes, far outpacing Mr. Romney's 27 percent. Add in Mr. Obama's advantages in the Journal/NBC poll as the candidate who is more honest and straightforward and who is more consistent in standing up for his beliefs, and you see the Romney challenge in sharp relief.
"Often likability reflects the fact the candidates or presidents are doing something well," says John Geer, a Vanderbilt University expert on presidential elections and co-director of the Vanderbilt Poll. "That's where the Obama disconnect is. Romney's task is to bring that into alignment by showing that the favorability ratings on Obama are premature and that there are in fact a lot of problems that voters can lay on Obama as a person."
The flip side is that, while Mr. Obama, as the saying goes, needs no introduction, Mr. Romney still has a chance to introduce himself to many Americans. Indeed, he's been scrutinized only by a minority of Republicans thus far. He's been bruised by the nomination fight -- but also toughened by it.
This presidential election is not even close to over. But even though it is primarily about Mr. Obama, not Mr. Romney, Mr. Romney has more work to do in the next half-year than Mr. Obama does. Only on television is the Cookie Monster lovable.
Comment by clicking here.
David Shribman, a Pulitzer Prize winner in journalism, is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
David Shribman, a Pulitzer Prize winner in journalism, is executive editor of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette.
© 2011, The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Distributed by Universal Uclick, as agent for UFS.