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Bathrooms in Assisted Living
Facilities may offer private or shared bathrooms.
More Information
When a person moves from their family home or apartment to a facility where they receive assistive services, a state government perspective and regulatory requirements take control. Policy makers and regulators focus on the organization providing the services and the credentials of the direct care staff, and on the building itself apart from the local and state building and fire codes.
An older adult can live at home with skilled nursing needs but when she moves to an assisted living facility or setting, regulations change the types of provided services. Today, state regulations focus on the person's conditions and service needs, the source of care and the source of payment. Licensed facilities cannot deliver skilled nursing services but the resident may receive the very same care from an outside agency.
Bathroom Requirements are Regulated by the State
The same is true for accommodations - they too are state regulated.
Assisted living room types and sizes vary with all facilities. There are studio apartments and one, two or three bedroom apartments. Each resident has her own "living unit," consisting of "a private bathroom, living and bedroom space, kitchen capacity, which may mean electrical outlets to have small appliances such as a microwave and refrigerator, closets and adequate space for storage and a door with a lock, except where a lock or appliances in a unit under special care designation would pose a risk or be unsafe."
Private or Shared Bathrooms
Some apartments and rooms have private bathrooms and some offer shared bathrooms. It's best to check with the facility to learn more about living quarters.
Shared bathrooms and resident rooms may have common toilets, lavatories, and bathing facilities. When shared, it's required to have at least the following: one bathtub or shower for eight residents; one lavatory for six residents; and one toilet for six residents, depending on your state regulations for assisted living facilities.
In construction projects after 1995, assisted living and residential care facilities must meet the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines. It requires that all public use and common use areas and at least 50% of the rooms, areas, and spaces be accessible to individuals with disabilities. this includes showers in rooms, apartments and individual living units. 50% must have roll-in showers that measure 3 feet by 5 feet and have no greater that a 1/2 inch lip.
Before 1995, licensed residential care facilities must have private bathing areas in at least 20 percent of the individual living units in each section.
Statistics on Bathrooms in Assisted Living
A survey of Residential Care Facilities conducted by The Center for Disease Control in 2010, to learn what bathroom amenities offered nationally, CDC discovered:
60 percent of rooms or apartments in facilities have a full bathroom within or between the rooms or apartments, while 40 percent do not.
Source: 2010 CDC National Survey of Residential Care Facilities Survey (Facility Responses)
30 percent of assisted living facility rooms have a half-bath within or between rooms, while 70% do not.
Source: 2010 CDC National Survey of Residential Care Facilities Survey (Facility Responses)
After seven years of helping her aging parents, Carol Marak has become a dedicated senior care writer. Since 2007, she has been doing the research to find answers to common concerns: housing, aging and health, staying safe and independent, and planning long-term.
- What is Assisted Living?
- Who Lives in Assisted Living?
- Services Provided
- Staff and Administration
- Quiz: What type of care is right for me?
- Talking to a Parent
- Assisted Living Costs
- Ways to Pay for Assisted Living
- Putting Together a Financial Plan
- If You Can't Afford Assisted Living
- Planning Your Social Security to Better Pay for Retirement
- Prescription Drug Assistance
- Choosing an Assisted Living Facility
- Moving Out of the Family Home
- Moving Into an Assisted Living Community
- Resident Activities
- Resident Health
- Medication Management and Adherence Education
- Safety
- How Tech Advanced are Facilities?


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HYDERABAD: The Telangana government has sought permission from the Centre to replace Hyderabad with Karimnagar for the Smart City Mission, a top official said.
The steering committee on smart cities headed by chief secretary Rajiv Sharma recently sent a proposal to New Delhi, requesting it to consider the change and also grant some more time for submission of the detailed proposal.
Officials said since Hyderabad is already well developed and has been getting massive funding under various schemes, the government decided to develop Karimnagar with all modern amenities. Earlier, the government had proposed three cities -- Hyderabad, Warangal and Karimnagar -- but the Union government approved Hyderabad and Warangal for smart cities project.
85 cities out of the 98 included in the Smart City Mission have submitted city level smart city proposals to the Union urban development ministry within the stipulated time. While 17 proposals were submitted on Monday, 68 proposals were by the ministry on Tuesday, the last day for submission.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sligo made me and Sligo undid me, but then I should have given up much sooner than I did being made or undone by human towns, and looked to myself alone. The terror and hurt in my story happened because when I was young I thought others were the authors of my fortune or misfortune; I did not know that a person could hold up a wall made of imaginary bricks and mortar against the horrors and cruel, dark tricks of time that assail us, and be the author therefore of themselves. – from The Secret Scripture, page 3-4 –
Sebastian Barry's fourth novel opens in an Irish mental hospital with the voice of Roseanne McNulty who, in the 100th year of her life, has decided to write her memoir and hide it beneath the floorboards of her room. As Roseanne revisits the past, the Roscommon Regional Mental Hospital is being dismantled due to safety concerns. Roseanne's psychiatrist Dr. Grene is attempting to evaluate the patients to determine if they can be set free, or must be re-committed in the new hospital. The story alternates between Roseanne's memories of her past and Dr. Grene's written thoughts in the present. As the novel progresses, the mystery of Roseanne's life unfolds and Dr. Grene uncovers a secret in his own life.
Barry's novel covers the period of the Irish Civil War (1922-23), as well as WWII and is steeped in the history of the Catholic Church and the politics of Ireland. There is a magical quality to the novel with rich and mysterious characters (including a priest who plays a large role in Roseanne's life).
Early on, the reader becomes aware of discrepancies in Roseanne's memories and part of the tension in the novel is one of separating the truth from fantasy. What is real and what is false?
For history as far as I can see is not the arrangement of what happens, in sequence and in truth, but a fabulous arrangement of surmises and guesses held up as a banner against the assault of withering truth. – from The Secret Scripture, page 55 –
But I am beginning to wonder strongly what is the nature of history. Is it only memory in decent sentences, and if so, how reliable is it? I would suggest, not very. And that therefore most truth and fact offered by these syntactical means is treacherous and unreliable. – from The Secret Scripture, page 293 –
Barry's writing is simply gorgeous. Lyrical and descriptive, the reader can hear the lilt of the Irish voices and see the desolate countryside of Ireland.
Always the deluge of rain falling on Sligo, falling on the streets big and little, making the houses shiver and huddle like people at a football match. Falling fantastically, in enormous amounts, the contents of a hundred rivers. And the river itself, the Garravoge, swelling up, the beautiful swans taken by surprise, riding the torrent, being swept down under the bridge and reappearing the other side like unsuccessful suicides, their mysterious eyes shocked and black, their mysterious grace unassailed. How savage swans are even in their famous beauty. And the rain falling also on the pavements outside the Cafe Cairo, as I tugged at the boilers and the machines, and gazed out through the fuggy windows with burning eyes. – from The Secret Scripture, page 125 –
The Secret Scripture is a novel about love and betrayal, truth and fantasy, sin and redemption … an intimate look at the history and religious politics of Ireland as it collides with one woman's life. Barry is the consummate story-teller, weaving his fantastical account beautifully and creating a truly memorable character for literary fiction lovers.
Highly recommended.


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Our Vision
To be the premier provider to corporate aviation, within the Asia Pacific Region. Our vertically integrated business will redefine value creation of our client's corporate aviation assets.
our mission
We will work to create a vertically integrated corporate jet business association throughout Australia and the
Asia Pacific. Our services will differentiate our businesses from our competitors and we will create value to all
stakeholders, customers, suppliers and the
environment we operate in.
our values
Every day we will conduct ourselves with integrity,
and fairness for all.
We place the safety and well-being of our clients,
and staff as the core value of
Light Jets AUSTRALIA.


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File Exfiltration Detection
Know when intellectual property (IP) is leaving your organization
Monitor endpoint activity
Continuous endpoint monitoring never skips a beat.
No policy management
Endpoint monitoring detects event anomalies. Set it and forget it.
Real-time activity
Capture file activity on each device and identify potential data exfiltration or security risks.
Updates every 15 minutes
A single app silently and continuously watches for any risky events.
Insider Threat Detection
Code42 empowers you to spot risk sooner, move forward faster, and always bounce back, all through a single app. Code42's Security Center feature helps you spot insider threats, and respond to them as they happen.
Customized security alerts
Get security alerts that matter to your organization.
Set custom thresholds
Specify which data events are risky to your organization and configure alerts to trigger when they happen.
Drill into the facts
Get details about the user, complete forensics on the files and understand impacted devices.
Alerts on the go
Know when your IP is at risk, no matter where you are.
Alerts based on true-positives
Configure alerts to be notified of the security events that truly matter. No more false positives.
Quickly respond to threats
Prevent and remediate threats to your IP.
- Pinpoint user and device. Confiscate risky devices and contain situations that pose a threat to your data.
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Learn more about Code42
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Data aggregation, visualization and analytics.


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In that broken game known as "real life" it is possible for low-skill players to obtain the same items as high-skill ones simply by grinding. For example, someone who flips burgers for ten thousand hours can save up for the same fancy car as a top engineer. Surely this can't be right! As many MMO players will tell you, it's it's skill that should be rewarded, not grind.
To fix this, I propose the introduction of three classes of currency to be used to reward different tasks, just as we have green, blue and purple items in WOW.
- Turnips should be awarded for unskilled manual labour. They could be used to to purchase basics, such as bus tickets, pornography, burgers and gin.
- Spanners should be awarded for skilled manual work. They could be used to purchase comfort items, such as basic cars, Royal Wedding Souvenirs and package holidays.
- Crowns should be awarded for skilled intellectual work. They could be used to purchase luxury items, such as iphones, books, computers,
epic mounts for posing around town onFerraris, private education for your children (heirloom schooling), armani suits, servants, seats in parliament, etc.
That way only the most skilled should have access to the most epic items in life and others are inspired to try harder by their example. Don't listen to their whining about plumbers and care workers being just as important as bankers. That's just socialist nonsense which encourages morons and slackers.


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Macy's to Pay $750K Fine for Peddling Deadly Hoodies
Children's upper outerwear with drawstrings, such as sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets, pose a strangulation hazard that may result in serious injury or death.
The civil penalty agreement settles CPSC charges that Macy's deliberately failed to notify the CPSC immediately -- as required by federal law -- that it sold children's sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets with neck drawstrings between 2006 and 2010.The sweatshirts, sweaters and jackets in question were sold by Macy's and stores owned by the Cincinnati, Ohio, company, including Bloomingdale's and Robinsons-May.
The CPSC accused Macy's of knowingly selling recalled children's clothing with drawstrings, commonly known as "hoodies," which was outlawed with the passage of the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act of 2008.
Under the settlement, Macy's denies intentionally violating the law.
Federal law requires manufacturers, distributors and retailers to notify the CPSC within 24 hours after being made aware of a product containing a defect that could create a substantial hazard, create an unreasonable risk of serious injury or death, or which fails to comply with any consumer product safety rule, regulation, standard or ban enforced by the CPSC.
The CPSC first issued drawstring guidelines in 1996 to help prevent children from being strangled by or becoming entangled in the neck and waist drawstrings of jackets and sweatshirts.
In 2006, the CPSC announced that children's upper outerwear with drawstrings at the hood or neck presented a substantial risk of injury to young children would be classified as defective.
That same year, the CPSC and certain manufacturers and distributors announced recalls of the following children's garments with drawstrings that were sold at Macy's, Bloomingdale's and Robinsons-May:
- Quiksilver Inc. Hide & Seek hooded sweatshirts
- Jerry Leigh of California Inc. Harajuku Lovers Hooded Jackets
- La Jolla Sport USA Inc. O'Neill children's sweatshirts
- Dysfunctional Clothing LLC children's hooded sweatshirts
- Macy's Merchandising Group Inc. Epic Threads hooded sweatshirts and Greendog sweaters
- C-MRK Inc. Ocean Current boys' hooded sweatshirts
- NTD Apparel Inc. Hello Kitty hooded sweatshirts
- S. Rothschild & Co Inc. girls' coats
- VF Contemporary Brands Inc. Splendid girls' hooded jackets and vest sets
On June 29, 2011, the Commission approved a final rule that designates the following hoodies as substantial product hazards:
- Children's upper outerwear in sizes 2T through 12 with neck or hood drawstrings.
- Children's upper outerwear in sizes 2T through 16 with certain waist or bottom drawstrings.


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Whatever you are doing in the industry, you can guarantee that there is someone who has more experience, or has faced similar challenges. Textile Scotland encourage small and medium-sized businesses to be confident to ask for help from others in order to develop.
Scottish Enterprise Business Mentoring matches experienced mentors with ambitious business people in all industries and sectors. This service will introduce you to a great network of contacts who will open doors and inspire new thinking. Fill out this form to express an interest.
Cultural Enterprise Office have assembled a team of over forty Industry Associates to the creative sector. They include Creative Mentors and Business Experts. Email CEO to take advantage of this service.


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Deal on studio space at Dell site will enhance Ireland's reputation as world class film and TV production location – Minister Humphreys
The Minister for Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, Heather Humphreys TD, has today welcomed the announcement that an agreement has been signed to establish a state-of-the-art film and TV studios at the old Dell site in Limerick, saying it will enhance Ireland's reputation as a world class location for audio visual production.
Speaking today Minister Humphreys said:
"The Irish film and TV sector is in a phase of rapid expansion. This additional studio space will help the sector here to attract further major productions to Ireland, and will also provide an avenue to allow the domestic market to grow.
"The audio visual sector is employment intensive, supporting up to 6,000 jobs. It is underpinned by the Government's tax relief scheme, Section 481, which was enhanced in last year's Budget. I am committed to working with the industry to encourage further growth.
"There is very positive momentum in the Irish film and TV sector, which I am keen to maintain and support. Today's announcement follows the news earlier this summer that Pinewood Studios, one of the biggest film makers in the world, is setting up an office here.
"I would like to congratulate Limerick City and County Council and Troy Studios for their pragmatic approach in bringing this project to fruition. Ireland is already attracting some of the world's biggest TV shows and films, such as Penny Dreadful, Vikings and Star Wars. When these shows come to Ireland, they hire local talent and crews and make a huge contribution to the local economy. The development of state-of-the-art studio space in Limerick will only enhance Ireland's reputation as a world class production location."


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Each year various expos introduce us to a host of hot new gadgets which promise to enrich our lives in ways we never envisaged. While many of these gadgets will never see the light of day beyond the exhibition hall, others do have more promise. A few will be in our within the next few years. Below we look at some of the best gadgets that we think are going to change the way we work and play.
The Livescribe Echo Smartpen
The Eco Smart Pen by Livescribe, is designed to record audio while taking notes, which can be played back later on. You can share interactive notes via the iPad, iPhone or computer, via a micro USB connector, which also doubles as a charger. Capable of holding up to 800 hours of audio and a built-in OLED display this is perfect for students and secretaries alike.
The Logitech Type-S
Designed to look and feel like a light protective keyboard case it works especially well with the Samsung Galaxy Tab S 10.5 because it also protects the device against accidental spills, scratches and bumps. The built in Bluetooth keyboard and well designed keys ensure relatively comfortable typing compared to having to type on the screen. The stand adds lots of capability from various viewing angles to an auto wake feature which means that the tablet will turn on when the case opens.
The Stunning Gadgets iPad mini Bluetooth Keyboard
Bluetooth Keyboards are a dime a dozen, but what marks Stunning Gadget's keyboard out is the fact that it has been designed for devices 7 inches and above, in particular the iPad mini. The keyboard supports all the shortcuts associated with iOS, making it very easy to use. However, it can be used with most devices including your iPhone, Samsung Galaxy and many tablets. The keyboard also doubles as a stand for your tablet, so you can compose emails, or letterswhile on the go. It's cheaper than the Logitech Type S and the keys feel more responsive.
G-DRIVE ev SSD
If you want a powerful and blazing-fast portable hard drive, then the G-DRIVE ev SSD is perfect. The drive boasts solid state performance and, when hooked up with a USB 3.0,boasts transfer rates in excess of 400MB/s. The first version first available will have 512 GB of storage and will be compatible with all major operating systems, including Mac OS 10.6. The manufacturers are also backing it up with a three years' warranty.
Stunning Gadgets 5000mAh Solar Battery charger
These days we all carry at least a cell phone and a tablet computer, and isn't it annoying when they run out of power when you least expect it? While it's possible to hook up a charger at home, things are not all that easy when you're out and about. The Solar Battery Charger by Stunning Gadgets has been designed to be used on the road, or when you're out camping with friends. The 5000mAh built-in battery charges via a series of highly efficient solar cells; all you need to do is leave the device out in direct sunlight for a couple of hours and the dual charging ports will support two devices at once. An excellent, portable device!
LaCie RuggedKey
This is a durable and highly secure USB drive, designed to withstand being dropped from around 100 meters. Though this means ultimate protection for your valuable data. The device is protected by a foam-like, rubbery body but it feels great in the hands. The RuggedKey supports USB 3.0, which means transfer rates of up to 150MB/s. Plus LaCie has thrown in AES 256-bit encryption, for added security.
The iFusion
The iFusion is an innovative integrated communication device that works as a docking station for the iPhone. The device combines many of the top-selling accessories from the Apple ecosystem into one unit. The built-in Bluetooth technology, patented ergonomic design, and full duplex speakerphone deliver excellent voice quality. The cradle supports iPhone 4, 6, 3GS, and 3Gand charges the device docked. iFusion also supports A2DP Bluetooth streaming,
The Pocket Chainsaw
An ultra-portable chainsaw which fits right in your pocket. Designed, manufactured and sold by Stunning Gadgets, it's the perfect time-saver whether you need to cut wood to start a campfire or trim a fallen branch in your yard. The well-designed cutting teeth ensure that the device can make short work of just about any type of wood. So, it's the perfect tool to carry around in your pocket when you're going out in the wilderness.
NEC VE281 Mobile Projector
This is a device which is designed to provide excellent, high-definition brightness for a small- to medium-sized enterprise, home or educational environment. It is perfect for places where there is excessive ambient light. The lightweight projector also includes 3D technology, and a 7W speaker. The lamp can provide a solid 6,000 hours of life and the Intelligent Driving Scheme increases the contrast and lamp life by up to 20%. The best projector out there for anyone who needs a lightweight, ultra-bright presentation system for their home or business.


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I LOVE my new design!! Thanks to Erin from .
I'm still not 100% in the mood to blog. I've just been down in the dumps lately and feeling completely disconnected from everything. I don't know if it's because we are so busy right now or if it's because CJ has been working so much that we hardly see each other. I totally feel like we are just roommates and not married.
Tonight I am going to my first Hurricanes game of the season (super sad our #1 goalie got hurt Sunday night and is out 6-8 weeks). CJ's mom is babysitting the boys so we can get out for a little bit. Last night I went to the bowling center where I worked for 10 years to celebrate the 30th anniversary. They opened March 4, 1983 and the general manager has worked there the entire time. We surprised her with a little party and she was definitely shocked!
Deqlan's select team has their first set of games this weekend (double headers every Sunday). Next weekend will be insane. Deqlan has a bowling tournament in the morning (we have to be there at 8:45 and he starts at 9:30) then as soon as he is done we have to drive 45 minutes back home so he can play ball for a cancer fundraiser that starts at 10am (yep he's missing the morning) and then turn around and play a double header on Sunday. I dread next weekend & next Monday!!
I saw the surgeon yesterday morning. Another 4 weeks of no bowling & then I'll see him again. Hopefully he clears me April 1st because I get on a plane for Reno May 16th and I need to get some practice in before then. He did tell me I don't have to continue PT but do need to get a gym membership (that was his nice way of saying get off your butt)!!
I got to get ready for my last PT appointment and to run some errands after before getting Hayden from school. Have a great day!


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Working as a healthcare traveler may be a great opportunity. Not only can you work somewhere different and live in a new city, but you have the chance to make new friends. With all the excitement, it can be hard to juggle everything. It can be challenging to balance a new healthcare travel job with your life outside of work, especially at first.
It is normal to be excited and enthusiastic about a new travel assignment, but you do not want to neglect other areas of your life. Keeping a balance between work and play helps you recharge. Consider some suggestions below to maintain a good work-life balance.
Use your days off wisely.
Depending on your schedule, you may be working eight or 12-hour shifts. On your days off, you may have to catch up on chores and your sleep, but try to plan something fun every once in a while. After all, part of the reason you wanted a healthcare travel job was probably to explore a new city.
Make new friends, but don't forget the old ones.
Meeting new friends is exciting and a great perk of working as a healthcare traveler. Spending time with new friends helps you feel a sense of belonging and will reduce homesickness – but do not get so caught up in your new life and new friends that you completely forget about friends back home.
Stay connected to people back home.
When you're working in a new city and living miles away from family and friends, it can be easy to start to feel disconnected. But there are ways to prevent that from happening. Make it a priority to talk with friends and family back home on a regular basis. Send a quick email or text to stay in touch when things get hectic.
Enjoy some downtime.
Between work and enjoying your social life, there may be little time to just relax. But everyone needs some downtime just to do nothing. Carve out a little time to just chill. Whether you like to read, listen to music or go for a walk in your neighborhood, do something that lets you just clear your head.
Keep your health in mind.
If you feel run down, it can be hard to maintain a good balance between work and your home life. Eating too much fast food or too many nights spent out can leave you feeling depleted. Do your best to eat healthy, get enough exercise, and sleep seven to eight hours a night. Finding healthy ways to deal with stress is also essential. If your body is in balance and feels healthy, it is easier for the rest of your life to follow suit
Maintain perspective.
It is common to struggle with juggling everything you have to do. In today's society, it can seem like your to-do list is endless. If you just started a healthcare travel job, cut yourself a little slack while you adjust. In time, you will be able to strike the right balance between work and play.
SVP, Sunbelt Staffing


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Survey Results: What Google Users Think About Privacy, Search Neutrality, & Google's Competitors
As SEOs, we're constantly buried in news, opinions, theories, strategies, and anything and everything else related to Google. After awhile, it's hard to even remember how a "normal" user interacts with the Big G. That's why we ran a couple of surveys to get some perspective on how people feel about Google's privacy policies, the neutrality of its search results and how the competition stacks up and then combined our answers with other similar surveys of every search engine optimization company that did this.
Some of the survey answers are hardly surprising, but I was particularly intrigued by two points:
- Users don't appear to support government involvement in search neutrality – only 20% of the respondents to our survey said they would support search neutrality legislation.
- Privacy gets a lot of buzz, and consumers complain about it, but when we asked what factor(s) might make them switch to another search engine, only 1 user mentioned privacy!
1) Google's Algorithms
Q: To the best of your knowledge, how does Google determine which webpages to return first when you perform a search?
44.2% felt that search results are ranked through a combination of manual/human factors and algorithms. This was slightly higher than the percentage of respondents that felt that Google's computer algorithms alone determine which webpages to rank first (43.2%), and all this computers do this all day everyday, and of course they count with good backup generators since they cannot stop.
According to Google's official article entitled "Facts about Google and Competition," the order of their search results are 100% algorithm driven. While Google does utilize quality raters, Google says these raters don't directly impact rankings, but rather help measure how a particular algorithm is performing. Google also does on occasion manually penalize or remove webpages that are spam, illegal, or otherwise violate their guidelines.
2) User Satisfaction
Q: In general, how satisfied are you with Google in the following areas?
Overall, satisfaction with privacy and the number/quality of search ads lags slightly behind satisfaction with search results. 21.6% are dissatisfied with the way Google protects their privacy and personal information.
- According to our sample, Google is doing a great job when it comes to the quality of its search results. Of the 500 people surveyed, 90% answered with "mostly satisfied" or "completely satisfied" when asked how they felt about the quality of the webpages returned in the search results with search engine marketing.
- While it's also true that 62.2% of the people surveyed were satisfied overall with the way Google handles privacy, 21.6% fell on the opposite side of the spectrum. Though it's difficult to determine exactly why without further investigation, it may have something to do with concerns related to remarketing ads and/or sharing data across Google services.
3) Other Search Engines
Q: In the past 6 months, which of the following search engines have you used?
69% have used Yahoo, Bing, Ask, or DuckDuckGo in the past 6 months.
Google is still king, but this large percentage of users who have at least tried other search engines recently may be an indication that they are far from untouchable. If users are using other search engines on occasion, then other search engines have the opportunity to deliver a better experience and win users away from Google.
4) Search Neutrality
Q: Some individuals have proposed legislation to govern how Google and other search engines rank webpages (search engines "rank" webpages to determine which webpages to display first when a user performs any given search). The stated goal would be to ensure search engines always rank webpages in an equal, objective, and unbiased manner. Would you favor or oppose passing such law(s)?
51.8% oppose search neutrality legislation, only 20% support it.
Anytime Internet savvy users hear the word "legislation" in conjunction with the way the World Wide Web works it sends up red flags all over the place. Based on how people rated Google's ability to deliver relevant results, most people seem to think Google is doing fine and that government oversight is undesirable. If the evolution of SEO has taught us anything, publishing a set of "objective" and precise factors that determine how websites are ranked will also bring us back to the keyword stuffing days when unscrupulous black-hatters simply gamed the system at every turn.
What Would Make You Switch?
We thought that the results of question #3 (In the past 6 months, which of the following search engines have you used?) were so interesting that we decided to run a side survey on "Google vs. Other Search Engines". We had a smaller sample to work with (104 people) but we did discover a few interesting trends when we analyzed the results.
As expected, the vast majority (89.42%) chose Google as their "favorite" search engine.
However, when asked "What could another search engine do to make you decide to use it instead of Google," we discovered:
- For all the buzz/hype privacy gets (and the fact that nearly 20% in the first survey indicated they were displeased with Google's privacy policies), only 1 person cited privacy as a potential motivator to switch away from Google.
- Better quality results was the number 1 cited reason (about 42% of respondents) that a user would consider leaving Google.
- The next biggest category (about 16% of respondents) was "nothing" – indicating Google has a pretty significant base of users who can't envision ever switching to another engine.
- A significant number (about 15% of respondents) also cited a more user-friendly interface, with several making fond mention of how simple Google's SERPs used to be.
We know that a sample of 604 people is a very small cross section of the hundreds of millions of daily Internet users. But nonetheless, the results are very interesting in terms of gaining insight into the minds of web users.
Get Insights And Advice To Improve Your Marketing Results:
Looking for expert input on your marketing plan? Request a free strategy consultation with one of our senior marketing consultants. (It's really a consultation, not a sales pitch.) We'll help you identify ways to get better marketing results and provide a list of recommended strategies and tactics.
Pingback: Can Google Be Unseated From Its Search Dominance Throne? | Online Innovation | Rise to the Top Blog


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Make a lasting impact on the lives of Artists
All artists need their patrons. Your investment is essential. It makes the statement that you believe that art is important and that it makes a difference in your life. A vibrant city is identified as such by its thriving community of artists that entertain, inform and inspire through their various art forms.
If we recognize that artists enliven cities, then we must not accept the fact that dancers earn an average salary of $18,000 per year. The many years of dedication required to develop and maintain their skills is comparable to other professionals such as doctors, lawyers and engineers, and should be justly recognized via commensurate wages. Like other fairly paid professionals, dancers take physical risks on a daily basis however they have little or no job security, as most are self-employed.
By giving generously you will be joining us in solidarity with the artists whose passion in making Art enlivens, entertains and enrichs our lives.
All donations of $25 and above will be acknowledged with a receipt for income tax purposes.
To make an online donation, simply click the "Donate Now" icon on the left-hand side of your screen. Alternatively, you may send a cheque in your gift amount to: Ballet Creole, 101 Portland Street, Etobicoke, ON, M8Y1B1.
2014-2015 Donors
We gratefully acknowledge and thank all the following individuals for supporting our 25th Anniversary Year and helping us move to our new home:
Olutoyin Ajimati
Hon. Jean Augustine
David & Rochelle Barkin
Karen Bell
Tim Bloos
Emily Chan
Jillian Cockburn
Rita Cox
Anna Di Costanzo
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Posts filed under: 'Willis Kattrell'
Another Post I never got around to Publishing… SOUL TRAIN MUSIC AWARDS a couple years ago… TEXAS STABBINGS & EXPLOSION at BOSTON MARATHON
Talk about not getting around to POST… when I finally came back to this blog it was I don't know how long. Now, after that it has been several weeks more …had to add the tags and things. And finally today here it goes…after a bomber or more…struck at the Boston Marathon today just as the runners started crossing the finish line.
I almost wrote… I'm just shaking my head… but it takes more than that if we ever expect to get a handle on this. And it goes beyond insanity to some type of morbid inner nothingness that these people have who go out and do these type of things.
Well, nevertheless…. here is another Post that I just never got around to publishing for one reason or other. After briefly reading through it I thought that I might share it with you…it seems that I felt like sharing some more of myself in it to you… wonder why?
I rarely like telling much about myself… though I must say that you really cannot tell it by reading many of my blogs. But for the record… I cannot remember at all when I wrote this but it was a while back… so today I am feeling great and the day is sunny and beautiful.
Now, here is that blog which I failed to published some time ago…
Not feeling well today… but I am not complaining. Because I have had many more days when I didn't feel bad at all. And not many people can say that.
I am just a touch under the weather. And because I am not accustom to being sick… it tends to bother me a little more than most people.
The other thing is… I do not take medication. Not at all. Well… almost not at all. There have been times when I had to breakdown and swallow something… or go in and have them give me a shot or something… but not often. And believe me when I say… I have to be in an awful lot of pain and/or discomfort for me to do it.
Otherwise, I just suffer whatever it is that is bothering me… until it goes away. Not many people can do that… or attempt to do that. Since so many people rush to go grab up a bottle of this or that at the slightest on-set of something they think may be bothering them… they never even try to fight off anything.
But this is just a little slight cold. A sliver of dust must have gotten into my system while I was helping my brother move some furniture that he chose to move from my parent's house into his new apartment. And since I am allergic to house dust… and it didn't take much before I started itching then a tickle came into my throat. But as soon as the dust gets out of my system I will be up and about again.
But this past weekend I had a chance to catch the Soul Train Music Awards. Needless to say… I did not know most of acts or the awardees. But, of course, I did recognize Anita Baker and Ron Isley as they paid tribute to them.
But I waited around watching because I had never seen Eryka Badu perform before… and boy…oh, boy… What a disheartening show it really was.
For one thing how can anyone who portrayed herself as being so Afro-centric ever have lighten their skin?
Well, that is exactly what Eryka Badu has done… or so it appeared to be the case to me. And she looked terrible. At first I didn't even notice it… because it was kind of subtle and her face was camouflaged by the hat she was wearing. It cast a shadow over her face.
We have all read about black women in Africa and the West Indies doing it… but to see that Eryka Badu has stooped to bleaching????
It is insane. If anything I have always wanted to be darker… but lighter no. A cousin of mine slipped and started calling me 'light' and I totally disliked it. She was trying to anger me. And she did the moment she let that slip out of mouth.
Needless to say, Eryka has always been a bit wired and out there. She likes doing things to grab attention… I guess you could say. I remember when she first came onto the music scene… everybody thought that the very long dredlocks she was sporting then were her own. But low-and-behold… over a period of time we all came to find out that it had been a wig or more than likely dred extensions. After that I think she went to having no hair at all.
But seeing Erykah Badu with lighter skin… was discussing to me. Talking about a mindless woman… who evidently hates herself. I wouldn't want attention that bad. And whatever song that was… that she song on the Soul Train Music Awards… if it was intended to catapult the re-emergence of her singing career?
I think not. For all it was worth she could have stayed home. But I must say that I did love the hat… and that was about all I liked about this whole supposed Soul Train Music Awards.
For the most part most of the music on the Soul Train Music Awards show really wasn't even 'soul music' any more. But a bunch of that 'neo-soul' junk.
So, in watching the Soul Train Music Awards… I began to feel that we are loosing our identity…our musical identity and authenticity. An identity and authenticity which has marked and ruled… in my opinion the whole music world in this country since we came to these shores as slaves brought to America. And my did we bring something with us.
Some of the best and most authentic music America has ever had really came out of a revised culture whose roots were founded in slavery. Much like the food we developed here called 'Soul Food.' Hence, Soul Music… the Blues… Doo-Wop… Gospel Music… Rhythm & Blues etc… etc.. etc…
In watching the Soul Train Music Awards show I felt that soul music had been replaced by a bunch of people who neither wrote lyrics or played real instruments. People who only looked black, but were trying very hard to appear as weird and way-out as they possibly could be. This because it would seem that everything today concerning music is about branding and images… and far less than about true talent… real vocal skills or any skills as far as being a musician or a real song writer. What happened to artists with the talent of a Little Stevie Wonder or a Prince?
Based upon what I had seen those type of talents had faded far far far away.
None of them… this group or now generation singers seemed to want to have any connection to the music that put Motown on the charts, or Philly on the map… or Chicago, Detroit, Memphis, New York, and LA. Or that had made other urban places hubs for the rich urban soul sound and melodic tones that had come to be called 'soul music' or 'rhythm & blues" …or even "gospel."
While watching the Soul Train Music Awards… there were no Anita Bakers or Ron Isleys awaiting in the crowd to hear their names called for award. In fact, the only soulful talenst on the show was Anita Baker, Ron Isley, Pebo Bryson, Chante Moore, Rochelle Ferrell, Jeffery Osborne and a few others. But clearly the 'soul' that had been in the history of Soul Train is now gone.
Everybody wants to be a cross-over artist… some neutral detergent that appears to be black or African American but actually doing some white thang.
The whole time I sat watching the Soul Train Music Awards… which is something I have not watched in years… or any other music or movie awards show in years. As I had long ago felt that they had been watered down to appeal to more less urban audiences.
But it was frightening for me to see such a lost of what seemed to me to be a vast depreciation of what has always been ours… our real musical genius and talenst… gifted voices and fantastic lyric writing… such as that of Barry White and Issac Hayes… Holland,-Dozier-Holland, Ashford & Simpson, Marvin Gaye, Curtis Mayfield… etc…etc… all to be turned into something which sounded a lot more like that puff of glitter disco music and digitized junk. And I must say that I see the exact same thing happening to gospel music.
In gospel music there has developed a vast desire to be played on something 'called' Christian Radio stations… which in my opinion is nothing but a bunch of rock music stations playing rock music and calling it 'Christian Music.'
It would be a shame to loose the richness of our music… and the history that our music carries with it to the junk I bared witnessed to on the Soul Train Music Awards. Outside of the tributes to some real Soul legends… there was nothing on that show I would have voted to give 1 award to.
One day we will look up and no one will know what 'soul music' was or that it had ever been. They will not know that there had been such groups like Blue Magic, the Dramatics, Delfonics, Temptations, Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, the Manhattans, Teddy Pendergrass, Harold Melvin & the Blue Notes, Chi-Lites, Rufus featuring Chaka Khan, Phyllis Hyman, Najee, Kirk Walham, the Sylvers, Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5, the Sugar Hill Gang and the list goes on and on and on… And those are just those from my era there tons more before them.
Who can forget when James Brown first cried-
"Say it loud I'm black and I'm proud."
Or, "Baby, please don't go."
Or when Curtis Mayfield song these words-
"If I had a choice of colors."
Or Nina came with-
"To be young gifted and black."
Maybe there is no need for such lyrics like these today anymore. But that can't true… particularly after what I just said about Eryka Badu and skin bleaching. But then how about-
"La-la-la means I love you… I love you."
What about –
"They're smiling in your face…all the while they want to take your place."
Will soul music die like jazz has died?
There are no more jazz artists like Max… Coltrane … Gillipsie… or Yusuf LaTiff… or Miles …. any more.
Or how about a Junior Parker… or another B.B. King… or Muddy Waters… or Bo Diddley and their special blend?
Now, I must admit that these days I am strictly into gospel music… but having a history in the radio industry it is hard for me to not realize the importance of preserving this cultural history. It is ours… and our children need to be recipients of at least knowing of that it once was. We cannot just forsake everything.
These musical forms and artists are long gone… Well, more or less off the musical scene… the ones I just mentioned above. And soon along with their names will the memories of Blue Magic, Phyllis Hyman, the Dells, Temptations, Supremes, the Staple Singers and everybody else either before them or who came after them like Chak Khan, Earth, Wind & Fire, Emotions etc. be forgotten too. To be replaced by a bunch of people who have forsaken moving bass beats for neo- tinty sounds that have nothing soul about them. Music you can hop and jump up and down to… like we used to watch those young white kids do on those afternoon after school dance shows like the Dick Clark Show. But they can't really dance to. And I guess that is really the point… its not meant to be danced to… but just to make some money.
Forget art… What does art have to do with it?
No wonder the Soul Train Musical Awards show didn't resemble anything like their old award shows… or for that matter… didn't come close to emitting anything I would have called 'soul'… outside of having a tribute to a few past 'soul' artists. What a real shame…a legacy gone to naught…
I hate to say it… but little wonder Don Cornelius took a gun… When you sell off something your control of it goes too… Truly the history of Soul Train will never be the same…
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Add a comment April 15, 2013
A SEASON OF FORGETTING…They do come…
Can't believe this. I had started a blog about something… can't remember what… but evidently I failed to save it. It is nowhere to be found among these records of things that I have written. Might be just as well… I suppose…
Alas… Nothing to do but to start another 1… and hopefully I will remember to save this 1. Needless say that over time…these last few months I have gotten a little bit older. So, though I had never done it before it is possible… that I just FORGOT.
Wow, don't you hate that… when people start tying your forgetfulness to your age?
It can be annoying. Like when you were young you never forgot anything. I used to forget things all the time. In fact, I had to make it a habit to go back into the house… to double-check if I had unplugged the iron almost all the time before leaving for work. Or I would always turn back to look down at the lock… to make sure I had taken the key. Now, don't tell you have never done that one.
I recall 1 night while in kitchen cooking there was a knock on the door… In fact, it happened to me at least twice but in 2 different apartments that I had once lived in. A neighbor knocked on my door to inform me that I had come in and forgotten my key. Luckily, it happened at a time when you could still find people who were honest… and caring enough to knock and notify you.
Well, once having to drop off some papers down at the Courthouse… I got all the way down there only to begin digging in my bag only to discover that I had forgotten the papers.
I have also gotten to the gas pump only to remember that I changed jackets leaving my card… and cash at home.
Now, what is my earliest remembrance of me forgetting something?
Well, I cannot remember. But I do know this I have been forgetting things for a long time… and it didn't just start when I celebrated my 60th birthday the other day. So, if you must lay it something do not lay my lack of being able to retain things to my age… simply say I have soooooo much on my mind. Yes, I think I like that better. Because truthfully that would be closer to the truth than anything else.
For all of my life I have been busy. And busy people are subject to forget things from time to time. Like how I lost my last blog… that I evidently forgot to save. Or maybe I never partially wrote 1 in the first place.
Now, that would be something huh?
Like me thinking that I had done something which I had not. Now, that I believe would be an age thing. Because I can't remember having ever done anything like that before.
Could it be… I am getting old?
Oh, well… I am informed that if you live long enough you too will grow old. Then I want to see how much you remember.
If I fail to write anything between now and Christmas… let me say it now while I'm still thinking of it : )…. Merry Christmas…
This case of the missing blog reminds of a dispute I had with 1 of my professors. At the end of the semester the professor claimed I had not turned in an important essay assignment. Come on now… as you can tell I do nothing but write. I love to write… and that paper was about writing on a subject giving my opinion. Now, I really like writing things like that. So, then why did that professor say she never got my paper?
It is a mystery to me. As I had indeed given the woman my paper. I never miss class assignments. Well, not since I've gotten older. You know how being young is… you are carefree. So, when I was young years ago I was carefree in college… back in the '70's I did nothing but stay in the campus radio station. Which might be why I never quite became that lawyer… but a professional radio announcer instead.
Well, everybody doesn't get offers to go professional in their first year of college… but I did. I never even thought about radio as a profession. But I guess God did. And it has carried me wide and far… and paid my bills for most of my adult life.
But going back to that professor. Until this dispute over my missing grade… because you see she had give me the paper back with a grade of -A. At that time I used to record the grades I got when my papers were handed back to me on my class syllabus. I had recorded the grade… but I was later unable to locate the paper to prove it.
The professor, however, said that she had never in her life ever lost a student's paper. Which she really had not done… because she had returned the paper back to me.
However, if you have ever seen a teacher's grading book you would understand how easy it is for an instructor to mark your work but give your grade to someone else. Because the names are all bunched up together. And sitting over a bunch of exams all night and day you start seeing cross-eyed. So, yes the woman probably gave my grade to some student whose name was near mine…either before it or after it. But I never got the grade. And I have never been able to find that paper.
But what was upsetting to me about the whole matter was the teacher's attitude regarding it. This class was 1 I had taken 7 years ago. So, it was long after my carefree days. At this point none of my classes were any real challenge to me mentally or otherwise. And I have never really been a dummie.
But the lady acted like she had never ever made an error in her life. And that really got to me… because I knew she had.
Having been a teacher there is 1 thing I know… a teacher knows her students. The teacher knows the slackers… and the students who study. The teacher knows the student that struggle with the subject matter… those who half do the work… and those who breeze their way through it. A teacher knows the good students from the bad ones. But for some reason this teacher seemed to have a problem differentiating between the 2. She didn't know me at all.
I never missed a class… always participated… and turned in all my work… and on time. So, why didn't that lady know me?
Because she didn't want to is the only reason I surmise. And maybe to some degree I intimidated her.
Though I was not 1 of those returning older students who took up class time talking about myself… or about how different things were from when I first started college… or ever talked about any of my life experiences or work expertise… or any vacations my husband and I once took… Because well.. for (1) I never had a husband and… (2) I have sat in classes where older students took up a lot of class time talking about nothing… and that nothing did not even come close to anything dealing with our text… or the class discussion if there was one.
My work and expertise in the various fields I have worked overwhelms most people. And because I have done so much… most people wouldn't believe it anyway.
Then too I have always been 1 who believes that I don't have to whip out my resume… and in my case resumes… in order to prove anything. A smart person need only listen to how I speak and what I say… and they will gather it for themselves.
So, there was a dispute because due to that paper which that professor did something with my grade other than having given it to me… she marked me down a whole grade for my class final grade. While having to fail to inform me that a paper was ever supposedly missing. It was not until I approached her to asked why I had not received a higher grade than the C+ she gave me… that the woman commenced to tell me about a paper I had not passed in.
Now, as I write this it sounds very shady doesn't it?
Because I remember being in her class and hearing her reading from her grade book the names of students who owed her papers… and she never once called my name. But this woman had also said at the beginning of the term that she was not going to accept any papers late.
I'm glad that I have them in Court right now… because now that I think about maybe it was I who did not know her.
God bless… and I had already said… I definitely hope you have a very Merry Merry Merry Christmas. And do remember to be safe.
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on…" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2012
Add a comment December 13, 2012
Taboo Subject 2…self-respect…maturing… Michelle Obama layout…
Got up very early again this morning…but I was not nearly as productive as I had been on Saturday. In fact, I got up going to the bathroom and then stopped to read a chapter in my Bible…and then returned to bed.
I spent the past couple of nights sweating out my cold…of course, I can certainly see a vast difference. Been drinking plenty of fluids too…and also been making sure I take my iron tablets. Got to thicken up my blood…which is why I am also enjoying my Cream of Wheat. I am working on my 2nd box of it now…and still enjoying every minute of it. And as I do…it makes me think of how my father used to make it for us as children.
Mondays was our father's day to care for us. As he was a barber…Sundays and Mondays were his 2 days off. I do not know how they worked out their schedules…but my mother and father did have it worked out as we were never left in the care of other people.
Daddy worked days and mommy worked nights. She worked at a state institution as a nurse supervisor…as I had previously stated in another one of my blogs…my mother had been the first black nurse in the little southern town where I was born.
Everything my parents did centered around us…their children. When they bought their first house…it was less than a block away from the little grade school that most of us went to…there was a bakery at the corner…a drug store…a small corner grocery store and deli…a bus stop…and we were only three houses in from the corner of a main roadway. Not to mention as I see by the city records today…they had bought the largest parcel of land of any 2 family house within our block. They were wise. And on top of all of that…there is a college right across the street.
So, when I eat Cream of Wheat it takes me back to those days…when daddy used to make it for us on cold mornings just as were going off to school. Some mornings he would fry us this thing called festival by some Jamaicans…or fried dumplings. He could really make those things…no matter what you call them. And we loved them…we filled them up hot out of the pan with plenty of butter and jelly…or some times with lots of syrup and butter…but they were good…always. But daddy was a great cook…and for that matter…so was our mother.
I am watching the snow fall down…and it is steady. It had been rain. It had rained straight through the night…and hard. Had all that rain been snow we would have been buried up under it right now. And that rain had been steady right up to the time it just turned to snow not so long ago. Now it is just a steady flow of un-yielding snow. I will soon have to go out and start shoveling…cold or no cold. But I am not going to complain…it is still beautiful.
I remember my friend in New York…the elderly woman, the church mother, who used to go to our church who passed this past August. You know I had never realized until some time later that she had passed on my mother's birth date. And last night as I was thinking of her…my friend…it also dawned on me that when I had gone to the hospital to visit her…that the floor I had to switch from elevator to elevator on…had the same name as our street…the street that my parent's house in on.
It is not a common name…and you do not see it everywhere. I thought that to be divine providence…you know…God's working in the matter. I was very blessed to have had her…to have met her…and that she counted me as a friend. Her guidance to me shall forever be treasured.
In reading the article on religion…it is odd to me that a country founded on the freedom to practice religious beliefs would today be shifting away from having religion at all. But these days were bound to come.
When you reflect back on the years following 1962 when the push began to remove prayer from public schools…then anything bearing the word "God"…the challenge to remove the 10 Commandments from court houses and so forth…then this really should be of no surprise.
I don't know…perhaps it is just me. But where were all those anti-gay marriage people…and anti-abortion people when all of this was going on?
Droves of anti-gay marriage people come out picketing and marching…and demonstrating…against something which does not affect them…and will never affect them. But when something like taking prayer out the public school system…removal of the 10 Commandments from the court houses and other federal buildings…removing the words "In God we trust" off of our U.S. currency…comes up…where are these people?
Prayer was taken out of our school and replaced by sex education…and condoms. The kids today in school learn less about their A-B-C's, Math, Sciences etc…than they are about condoms and the 'birds and the bees.'
Kids do not need to learn anything about sex. Nature through all her infinite wisdom and years of expertise in that department has not needed any help…from the day that Adam and Eve ate that fruit from that tree. There does not seem to be one time in history that men and women did not know how to get together to procreate. And now it seems…little kids too. And I won't blame it all on sex-education…because that would be foolish and quite absurb of me. But I do not see where educating kids about sex…does one thing to prepare them for their future in life.
But if they wanted to really to teach them something in regard to youth parenting…then maybe like those 'Scared Straight' programs they used to have years ago…perhaps they should take them to a welfare office where they get to meet and talk to some teenage mothers and see for themselves the pitfalls of pregnancy at young ages. There is nothing like a little one-on-one in reality in order to get the whole picture.
Or maybe…have them go do work study hours in places like a welfare office or WIC office aiding in in-take service…and they would truly learn a lot that just might give them a reason to pause and to think twice about the consequences of childhood pregnancy.
As I sit here watching the snow…I have been thinking about this guy…this man. I had met him at an event that I gave a few years ago. So, whenever he sees me…he likes to greet me.
Which is fine…I have no problem with that. It is something I became accustom to through my years in radio. Everybody wants to grab you…hug you…kiss you on the cheek. Okay…so, allow it. It is part of the territory…it goes with the turf when you become popular.
But this guy one day while I was in the library computer lab at school saw me…and he came greeting me…kissing me on the top of my head. Okay…fine. I did not say anything about it…but it was on my mind.
But the other day while I was waiting in a bank line…he happened to be passing by and saw me. My back was to the bank door…and he came up behind me. He said something to me grinning…and then kissed me to the back of my neck. I thought nothing of it at first…but later as I got into my son's truck…in which sat a friend of his whom I was giving a ride to…that is when it hit me.
That guy had kissed me to the back of my neck.
I am very picky. Peculiar…you might even say. I really do not like people getting too familiar with me…and particularly people who I do not really know. And besides…he was not even good-looking. And even if he was…he still out of order…and I am still picky.
After all, this guy started out by sort of hugging me. Then he moved on to greeting me with a light kiss to a cheek…then to the top of my head. And I really should have stopped him then. So, I put it in my mind that the next time I saw that guy I would have to tell him that he could not touch me again.
That time came shortly…while I was once again in the library computer lab. As he approached me…he bent with his arms open ready to embrace me…and I guess kiss me again. But I happened to catch him…right on time…and drew away from him.
I stopped him saying-
"Listen, shake my hand if you want to greet me. But do not kiss me."
He looked at me oddly.
So, I began to remind him about that day in the bank when he had come in and kissed me on my neck. I told him that anyone seeing that would have thought that we had a relationship and were involved with each other. Then I asked him what he would have thought if he had been standing off somewhere in the distance and happened to see a man kiss me on my neck.
And you know what he said?
"I would have thought that you were involved with each other too."
Case close.
I said-
"Look, I am a woman of God. I cannot just have people walking up to me and kissing me all over the place like that. Plus that is disrespectful of me for you to do that. You should have more respect of me to even do anything like that."
Wow, I have truly grown. I am a woman.
Gone are the days when I was a child…and people could do anything to me…or with me.
I have control over me.
And I am not having it.
You will respect me.
Wow… I am woman.
That guy apologized to me…and thanked me for correcting him. I appreciated him accepting my correction. Yet…I felt within myself that it should not have been warranted that I should have had to do such a thing. But men have a way…of taking things for granted…and particularly women.
I felt that many times while working in radio. I hated when my bosses called me 'sweetheart,' and 'dear.' It was very demeaning to me…while they never greeted each other in such a way…or spoke to each other in such familiar terms. Consciously , sub-consciously or unconsciously…such things historically have been designed to keep women in their place.
When I was a child…I was powerless. When I worked in radio…I had limited power. Today I am my own boss…I wheel power as I may…but yet…I measure it. As I know I can be highly intimidating to some.
But this may come as a surprise to some of you. But I have never been kissed. Not by the male species.
I know I have a son…but that does not mean that I allowed that man to kiss me. And I know that I said in my other blog…that Willis Kattrell…well, he kissed me. And he did. But I think my head was in motion when he did it…so he only caught a portion of my lips. To the side really…of my mouth.
So, I have never been kissed. Not really…though yes many women have kissed me…and I them. But the male species…no.
I never had a boyfriend…and have never dated men.
I am different… Not like most people. And my experiences have been different.
Yet, I am a mother. And I have a fantastically wonderful son. I treasure and love him very much. He too is…different.
This is how I know of generational curses. It was in my mother's family. And I do realize…that generational curses can be broken. I bear witness to it.
I love the change in my life and look forward to my tomorrow. Perhaps…my husband. I now wish I had had other children. My son often had spoken of it…and still does.
There is this funny thing about me. After having been sexually abused at a very early age…perhaps before or by the age of 10…only twice and by 2 different men…but sometime thereafter, I decided that I wanted to save myself for my husband. I thought I wanted to live in a big house with a white picket fence…with a 2 car gargage…and have all the children that I could have. So, that is what I did…I decided to save myself…and that is what I did.
From the point of whatever age it was…10 maybe less…the last time someone had taken sexual advantage of me…I never became engaged again sexually until some time when I was 25 years of age. At this point…I was only interested in woman. And not just any woman. Gay women…women like me. Women who were upper-wardly mobile and doing something with their lives…professional women mostly in media…though some were doctors, accountants etc…but talented…beautiful…well educated women…who looked and acted womanly.
Not all women who are gay…look it. In fact…many do not. The same is true of men…though the reverse thinking about gays is the myth.
I have no idea as to why I have begun to disclose so much to you…about myself. I shall have to pounder it.
Ahhh…yes… The point.
So, I decided to save myself. Well, at that point I could no longer save certain things as they had been stripped from me. My innocence had been stolen from me. But somehow throughout all the years one thing has remained…my kisses. So, since I have never kissed the male species…or allowed anyone of that species to kiss me directly on the lips…I decided to save it.
I am saving it for my husband…it is the least that I can give him. Unpolluted…un-tampered with…safe within my power…to give…or not to give. So, I am saving it for him. So, no I am not going to let somebody just walk up to me…or sneak up from behind me…and think that he can just come and steal it away from me…not that too. Except for…of course…er, uhm…if his name is Willis Kattrell. (you have just got to read that blog)
And let me just say…that I am still scrubbing my neck today…everytime I step into the shower…I am trying to remove the memory of that man's lips to the back of my neck.
Well, the snow is slowing up now. And the kids are on their way home from school. I better get out and start shoveling. Enjoy the rest of your day.
Didn't like the VOGUE cover of Michelle Obama at all…just goes to prove that nobody can do us better than us. Thank God for Essence, Ebony, Jet, VIB, Right-On, Black Enterprise…and everything
else we have today.
THE BISHOP'S WIFE is now on sale…CLICK this LINK to purchase my book. You do not need a paypal account to purchase, and you can purchase using a debit card. Thank you.
God bless…
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on " www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2009
Add a comment March 9, 2009
Aretha's diet…losing weight… finding someone
Heard her talk about being on a diet…and when she showed up at Barack Obama's inaugural in her grey suit with her Sunday morning go to church hat…she looked fabulous.
She was most recently spotted here on her way from the White House…pushing a shopping cart in Walmart. Signed autographs and took pictures…and people crowded around. I said I wanted to see the pictures…but my son saw them. And he said-
"Ma, it was her."
I thought it interesting when I saw that Obama's oldest daughter made sure she got a shot of Aretha with her camera during the inaugural ceremony. Those Obama's are teaching their children well. She knew Aretha and who it was she was looking at…and she wasn't going to let Aretha get pass her without grabbing a picture. Smart girl.
I didn't know that Aretha had signed up with Jenny Craig back in 2007. She might have lost some pounds…but evidently had like most…put them back on and then some. But at the inaugural she really looked great. And I was happy to see that she had shed lots of that extra added bagage…those dirty little pounds.
Her plan was this…
I heard her comment on some show that…she eats what she's suppose to for 4 or 3 days…then on 3 days eats whatever she wants. I think that is a great plan…because it seems to be working for Lady Re.'
Now, I have just found out what it really is. She has a new somebody in her life. It will make you want to do something… and real quick. Get somebody…and see if you don't want to make sure he only has eyes for you. Oh, yeah…you'll start losing real quick.
And don't have him look good. Because if he looks good…you will want to look good with him. No self-respecting woman would think any differently. And Aretha is the real r-e-s-p-e-c-t woman…didn't you know?
I just hope that this one is the one she has always been hoping for. After 3 or 4 prior marriages…a bout with the bottle (many many years ago)…one of her mansions burning down…and some local legal worries. I think it is about time…for plenty of happiness in her life.
And I certainly wish you well, Lady Re.'
One thing about Aretha Franklin…no matter what…you can always say that she has been a class act. I remember when I had considered her for a concert gig…the price tag, however, was a bit too much for this little ol' country girl…$65,000.00 with a quarter of it up front…and I think maybe a precentage. Now, that is business.
But that whole diet thing is mind over matter. If your mind is not there…then save yourself from the bother. It won't work.
But if you can get your mind there…you have won before you start.
I know some people who did the gastric bypass and a few other things. Though I must say…my friend who did the lap band raved about. And she truly did look good. But she told me that before she did it she went to meetings and read lots of information on it first. And she said she spoke in great detail with the doctor who was going to handle her surgery…and she too told me she was on her way to the altar once again.
I must admit to admiring women…and men who don't want to just lay around with everybody. And then find out that have nothing.
Marriage is good…and if you are going to be with somebody then let them marry you.
But that gastric bypass…I have a sister who did it. She can't eat anything without getting sick to her stomach. And the worst part is…though…yes, she lost lots of weight and even though she can't keep much down…she is still over weight. And it is all due to not having gotten her mind to where it needed to be. Sick or not she eats and then throws up some of everything she eats. I would hate to live like that.
If you really want to lose weight…learn how to put the fork down first. And believe me…you won't need anything else.
It's Black History Month…so enjoy…
Wow…the kids do not have anything compared to this.
I hope all of this downloads properly…and doesn't take too much time. Guess I got a bit carried away.
Enjoy your day…and this weekend. It's freezing cold outside…but the funny part is that the house doesn't seem quite so cold to me any more. Guess I must be getting used to it. My father would smile. All of my life I have been cold…because I am extremely anemic. I, in fact, am suppose to be taking iron tablets everyday…and I do when I can remember. But I have to really work on that.
Since, so many people have so much more to take by way of medication…and if I desire not to join them… Well, you know… I better take what I have to right now. Because based upon what they say having a low number of red blood cells can be very unhealthy. And I do not want anything to sneak up on me.
Between yesterday and today…it has looked like snow. In fact, there were flurries this morning. Might be too cold…it can't snow when the weather is too cold. But I guess even in that we are doing okay…because Vee, my friend's daughter in Chicago…had told me that Chi-town was definitely freezing.
THE BISHOP'S WIFE is now on sale…CLICK this LINK to purchase my book. You do not need a paypal account to purchase, and you can purchase using a debit card. Thank you.
Thank you for reading this blog…and my others. Please be sure to continue to share this blog site with your family, co-workers and all your friends… "pass it on" www.bsmith101.wordpress.com ©2009
11 comments February 21, 2009
Willis Kattrell… alas…
I have been doing nothing but smiling and glowing deep down inside since this past weekend…(it is a girl thang).
It is kind of like going to church and hearing a sermon that really seeps down deep into your soul. And you leave church feeling…feeling good all over…and glowing all through the week whenever you think about it.
I experienced one of those this past weekend. It was at a school reunion…Black Alumni Conference for my college…and since the moment I received an email from a very unexpected person…well, I had been looking forward to seeing him.
The email that was sent to me was out of the clear blue sky…and it said-
"See you tomorrow."
It could have been written directly from a suspense thriller.
It had me on the edge of my seat. It intrigued me.
It had been some mere 40 years since seeing that wonderful smile and those teeth of life…but I remembered them well. And that face which they lit from day to day.
Midway through the evening the following night upon not seeing him, I whispered to someone…
"Willis said that he was coming. But I guess he must be running late."
And to my surprise she informed me by poking out her little pinky finger saying-
He had been sitting directly in front of me…and… Well, I had not…well…he-he… Well, he was clean shaven. He looked corporate.
Gone was that big afro that marked his time in American history. He was bald…but when he turned and smiled in our direction. There it was…that smile…those teeth. They…they had not changed.
Upon getting the opportunity to speak with him…I did not fail to tell him of all that I had thought of him while we were in school.
Though he too had failed to recognized me…and that was okay, I still disclosed my undying love, my admiration, my appreciation and my respect for him. And he stood before me so gracious, so humble and so kind just politely thanking me all the while for every kind word.
To think that I would ever grow up to be able to tell Willis all of that…oh, alas….
And Willis, he was… He still walked like Willis. He still talked like Willis…his voice tone was the same. He was still pretty much basically his same size…and he still had that…that wonderful laugh.
Yeah…I may not have recognized him at first…but he was still very much Willis.
And near the end of evening he walked over to me and turned my chin upward towards his…oh, so unexpectedly…and he kissed me.
I have no idea how I reacted…but I have been smiling ever since.
Willis kissed me.
Did I tell you…that Willis kissed me?
Willis Kattrill kissed me.
He kissed me. And now I know how Peppermint Patty must have felt when Charlie Brown…excused me, when 'Charles' kissed her.
I can't believe it.
Willis Kattrell kissed me.
And I have been smiling ever since. I have been feeling happy way deep down inside…because that…that…that Willis Kattrell…he-he kissed me.
Are you sure that I told you….that Willis Kattrell kissed me?
Well, he did. And my world shall never be the same…because alas…that…that Willis Kattrell…he kissed me.
Now, nothing will ever be the same…because….well….because Willis kissed me.
And then he introduced me to his wife saying-
"Tell her all the things you told me."
I groaned saying-
"Awh…Willis, she already knows."
But just in case she didn't…I tapped the table a couple of times just to emphasize the point saying-
"Baby, you got the prize…you got the prize."
She got Willis Kattrell…and my what a prize.
He was standing behind me…and oh me, oh my…
I was suddenly propelled back into the 70's listening to that laugh. My mind went back to when Willis had a big afro, when on occasions I would see those beautiful teeth appear from up under his wonderful warm smile.
That Willis Kattrell…he was one of the best looking guys of the campus…par none. And he was always a gentleman. And then, of course, he was the guy who took the time to teach me everything I learned in radio that had to do with basic board operation in the beginning stage of what would become my profession.
It was Willis…and I was so happy to see him.
And now…I am still smiling because… Well, because Willis Kattrell kissed me.
This is for every wallflower, plain Jane and fat girl out there who has stood around wishing she were like all the other girls. Remember this…Willis Kattrell kissed me. I never dreamed it. Well, this should give you all hope…time is the great equalizer, baby. And don't you ever dare forget it.
I…I love you, Willis Kattrell.
Smile and have a beautiful day.
"Hey, are you sure?"
"Are you sure that I told you that…that… Well, that…that Willis Kattrell…that he…that he kissed me?"
"Did I tell you?"
Please be sure to share this blog site with all your friends…family…just….just….everyone!
Have a beautiful day…and thank you for reading.
…pass it on…' www.bsmith101.wordpress.com
God bless…and thanks for reading ©2008
Add a comment October 23, 2008


text:
A Library is a place filled with amazing stories. LIBRARY SALON is dedicated to bring its members the best stories around from the most brilliant people - being that a life story or business, art, literature story; we gather people, from trendsetters to movers and legends, who inspire and share their invigorating thoughts.
The guest of our next LIBRARY SALON is Mark Farid a conceptual artists, who investigates the perceived autonomy of the individual, examining the ethics of performing in social situations in an effort to further understand how the state, and new technologies, prescribe the identity of the individual.
"The illusion of autonomy presented to us is in simple, unimportant choices. What model of car? How we shall arrange our living room? Which football team we support? We take for granted that 21st Century Britain is domesticated 21st Century Britain, and we forget how unnatural that is. We submerse ourselves in manufactured audio, sound, and touch. We believe that this fiction to be the truth, because it is the only experience we know of. We assume the physical world is the real world and at this point the simulation becomes life. We are standing in Plato's cave, facing the walls and giving names to enough shadows that we are beginning to believe that this is it, oblivious to the fire and life outside."
Join Mark Farid at LIBRARY SALON on 27th of July
Members free, please RSVP
Non-members please request a day pass


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Enjoy tourist Apps in Spanish destinations with our portable Wifi for travelers
Are you traveling to Spain and you would like to benefit from the information provided by tourist apps available in many Spanish destinations? Stay connected to the internet 24 hours during your trip to Spain with our portable wifi service for foreign tourists and have access to useful information about your destination in your mobile device anywhere your are and at any time during your trip.
Photo by Vernon Chan / CC BY
We expect you already know that to download an interesting tourist app if you cannot check it when you most need it is pointless. Have you planned how to stay connected to the internet in Spain? With AlldayInternetSpain you can enjoy an optimal connection from only 5 euros per day, forgetting about expensive roaming fees in order to have internet connection outside your home country. You can also share wifi connection with all your devices (laptop, tablet, iPhone, iPad, eBook, PSP…) or with up to five travel partners. Book your Wifi package in Spain while making other reservations (flight, accommodation, guided tours…) and you will receive it upon your arrival. Avoid having to be dependent on unstable free wifi or uncomfortable connections provided at hotels, and enjoy from a 24 hours internet anywhere you are.
Did you know that Spain is the European country leading mobile internet use and smartphone use? In this framework, main tourist destinations of our country are aware of the advantage these devices have for the traveler, therefore they have designed tourist apps which can be used as a travel guide and will allow tourists to be informed at any time about main attractions, have a geo-location of places you want to visit or have access to calendar information to discover planned events that could be of your interest.
But all that glitters is not gold and it seems that the market of official tourist apps still have a long way to go in Spain. According to report "Mobile apps of Spanish tourist destinations ", part of research called "online communication of tourist destinations" and funded by the Ministry of Economy, tourist entities in Spain have in mind the importance of mobile marketing; however, there are still many tourist destinations that need to include this additional service for the traveler. 40% of cities and 30% of regions in Spain provide official tourist apps which are an additional tool to the information found in travel guides and tourist information centres, being 90% of them free for the tourist.
This same research states that the vast majority of these type of tourist apps offer information about destination resources, geo-localization and events, and only the minority of them include additional services which are every time more appreciated for the traveler such as augmented reality, photo-galleries and video-guides, promotions and discounts as well as place evaluation.
Photo by Dave Fayram / CC BY
Another disadvantage of the app market for tourists in Spain is the fact that over 60% of them are only available in Spanish, therefore they are not useful for foreign travelers who do not speak the language and they are exclusively designed for the national traveler.
The truth is that the majority of tourist entities in Spain have planned to launch their own app, however the uncertain role of these tools in the future, the cost and the lack of connection on the go are some aspects that complicate development.
We would like to highlight the case of Tourism in Segovia, the first Spanish city that offers 24 hours wifi for foreign tourists visiting the city, a service available in tourist information centres due to a collaboration partnership with AlldayInternetSpain. It is well-known that the first thing a tourist who downloads and uses tourist apps needs is to have an internet connection enabling to use internet at any time. If you travel to Segovia you will have at your disposal the Official App of Segovia for iPhone and Android that will allow you to discover each corner of the city only with your mobile device.
Published by: Julio R. Astarloa


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Real Estate Appraisal
Real estate appraisal – is that the real value?
The Web business Essential: FREE Guaranteed Visitors!!! Tracking: One of the most important keys to your success!!!
Real estate appraisal or property valuation is the process of determining the value of a property on the basis of the highest and the best use of real property (which basically translates into determining the fair market value of that property). The person who performs this real estate appraisal inspection and evaluation is called the real estate appraiser or property valuation surveyor.
The value as determined by a real estate appraisal is the fair market value. The real estate appraisal is done using various methods and the real estate appraiser evaluates different properties differently. The real estate appraisal might assign 2 different values to the same property (As-repaired value and as-is value) and again the same/similar property might be assigned different values in a residential zone and a commercial zone. However, the value assigned as a result of real estate appraisal might not be the value that a real estate investor would consider when evaluating the property for investment. In fact, a real estate investor might completely ignore the value that results from the real estate appraisal process.
A good real estate investor would evaluate the property on the basis of any developments going on in the region. So real estate appraisal as done by a real estate investor would come up with the value that the real estate investor can get out of the property by buying it at a low price and selling it at a much higher price (as in the present). Similarly, real estate investor could do his own real estate appraisal for the expected value of the property in, say 2 years time or in 5 years time. Again, a real estate investor might conduct his real estate appraisal based on what value he/she can create by investing an additional amount of money in the property i.e. a real estate investor might decide on buying a run-down property which needs repair (which no one likes) and complete repairs in order to increase the value of the property (the value that the real estate investor would get by selling it in the market).
So, here the meaning of real estate appraisal changes completely (and can be very different from the value that real estate appraiser would come out with if the real estate appraiser conducted a real estate the normal inspection and institutional appraisal on the property).
A real estate investor will generally base his investment decision on this real estate appraisal that he does himself (or gets done through someone whom he trusts or works with). So, can we then make the determination that a real estate appraisal is really the true value of the property?
The Real Estate Loan
NorthShore Advisory! Personal credit consultants


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Central Bank announced the release of banknotes in 100 000 sums
Published: 01 march 2019
The Central Bank of Uzbekistan announced the next issue of the banknote, in denominations of one hundred thousand soums. According to preliminary data, a new banknote will be launched into circulation on February 25.
The design of the banknote is dedicated to the great Uzbek scientist and grandson of Tamerlane Mirzo Ulugbek (1394-1449), it presents his main discoveries in the field of astronomy.
Also in the design of the bills were used modern technology, which allowed to create 5D effects and develop a special consist for the paper on which the banknotes will be printed.
The last issue of the new banknote of 50,000 was made on August 22, 2017.


text:
Kevin Ryde wrote:
The pod for treemodel->foreach() could helpfully show a sample call
rather than just describe it. I always reckon a picture is worth a
thousand words with such things :-).
Committed. Thanks for the patch.
Copyright © 2005 - 2013 The GNOME Project.
Optimised for standards. Hosted by Red Hat.
Powered by MailMan, Python and GNU.


text:
These well worn boots had not been cleaned or conditioned for many years. The surface had dried mud and was stiff. Here are some tips for treating leather boots:
We started by using a soft cloth dampened with the Leather Cleaner. With just one application the dust and dirt was removed.
The leather will appear to be slightly darker while wet, but once dry, will go back to the original color.
After the boots have air dried for several hours, they were treated with the Saddle & Tack Conditioner. This conditioner is perfect for treating the thick, heavy leather on these boots. Once the first application had dried for several hours, a second coat was applied.
The products did not leave the leather sticky or tacky, rather, the treated leather was soft and supple with a hint of a shine.
Learn more about Leather Cleaner | Learn more about Saddle & Tack Conditioner | Shop Leather Care Products


text:
- Related links
- Contact information
- For general information on DNR grant & loan programs, contact:
- CFA Bureau staff
- Search for DNR contacts by county & subject:
- DNR staff directory
Water and wastewater funding sources
Funding programs for municipalities
The resources & programs are listed in alphabetical order.
- Clean Water Fund Program (CWFP) - DNR
- Community Development Block Grant - Public Facilities (CDBG-PF) Program [exit DNR] - DOA DOH Bureau of Community Development
- Community Facilities Direct Loan & Grant Program [exit DNR] - USDA RD RHS
- Efficient Equipment for Agriculture, Schools, & Government (AgSG) Facilities [exit DNR] - Focus On Energy
- Safe Drinking Water Loan Program (SDWLP) - DNR
- Small Loans Program (SLP) - DNR and BCPL
- State Trust Fund (STF) Loan Program [exit DNR] - BCPL
- Water & Environmental Programs (WEP) [exit DNR] - USDA RD RUS
- Water & Waste Disposal Loans and Grants [exit DNR] - USDA RD RUS
- Water Finance Clearinghouse [exit DNR] - USEPA
- Water Infrastructure Finance and Innovation Act (WIFIA) [exit DNR] - USEPA
- Wisconsin Rural Water SIMPLE Loans [PDF exit DNR] - WRWA
Funding programs for individuals
The resources & programs are listed in alphabetical order.
- Division of Housing (DOH) Programs [exit DNR] - DOA
- Section 504 Home Repair Program [exit DNR] - USDA RD
- Water Well Trust [exit DNR]
- Well Abandonment Grants - DNR
- Well Compensation Grant Program - DNR
- Wisconsin Fund for Private Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems (POWTS) [exit DNR] - DSPS
Technical assistance
The resources & programs are listed in alphabetical order.
- Rural Community Assistance Program (RCAP) [exit DNR] - WISCAP
- Rural Water Assistance Programs [exit DNR] - WRWA
- Water and Wastewater Industry Best Practices Guidebook [exit DNR] - Focus on Energy
- Water Finance Clearinghouse [exit DNR] - USEPA
- Well Care Hotline [exit DNR] - Water Systems Council
- Wisconsin Partnership [exit DNR] - DOA Division of Intergovernmental Relations


text:
Crack reporter Elliott "LiesWhenNotHarassingArry" heard from an unconfirmed and potentially imaginary source that Perez has axed the Portuguese coach after a single game, a record even by Real Madrid standards. Perez told the press the usual spiel – Mourinho, simply put, had failed to deliver. Even though it was technically impossible for him to win La Liga after only one fixture, what with 38 games remaining, Perez is not a man known for his patience. Questions about remaining matches fell on deaf ears – the burly and bullish owner only heard "excuses." And he had another plan in mind.
Perez complained, above all, that Madrid lacked the magic of year's past. He expressed a desire to hire a manager capable of producing spell-binding football. After a lengthy search, various big-name candidates were sought but disregarded. Gandalf died years ago. Dumbledore, well, we won't run the next few films for you but he's not available. Vordemort refused to come out of retirement, as did snake enchanting necromancer Marco Van Basten. Finally, Perez thought back to Mourinho's own words, which would bite him in the arse. Harry. Not Redknapp.
Never one to care about details such as "no coaching experience" or "preexisting contracts", Perez took out a loan from his bank CEO buddies and pried away Harry Potter from his current obligations. While Hogwarts may fall into decay, the Bernabeu has never been happier. Already, Harry has used his evanesco spell on Marcelo and Arbeloa, erected a patronus charm in front of goal just behind Casillas, and spread a serious expelliarmus potion on the Madrid public, who bend over backwards for any blue-eyed foreign manager with a cutesy quasi-fluent Spanish accent. At least at first.
While traditional Madrid fans bemoan yet another coaching change midseason, Harry represents the best hope for at least one solution – getting rid of the hurling hex charm that American waitresses place on Cristiano Ronaldo.


text:
KDE is way too buggy.
The argument:
If you are like me, when it comes to computers you want them to just - work. For the past 7 years of my using Linux, I've always tended towards Gnome, because unlike KDE it was simplistic and always seemed to 'just work'. Sure - I had my share of difficulties with Linux, stuff thats kept me up til the early hours of the morning, but recently with Gnome3 I just couldn't take any more.
The Problem with Gnome:
My computer usage is twofold, reading and watching. If I'm not on the forums, I'm watching some documentary put out on Youtube - or some rather naughtily downloaded TV show from America. But with Gnome3 everything I watched seemed to stutter. At first I thought it was VLC, and I made excuse after excuse because I loved Gnome 3, it may be the most beautiful OS I've ever had. But I couldn't cope any longer and downloaded Neptune 3.1- A KDE distro.
The Problem with KDE:
From install - I got a segfault. By the time I lost my rag, I had no sound, and I couldn't even delete trash-1000 from my USB drive (I had to copy and paste everything onto my desktop). I have far too many programs, some of which are next to useless. Upon install I had no apt sources list. The only thing that was better than Gnome and not drastically worse - My videos didn't stutter anymore.
Put simply, I don't know how anybody uses KDE, it is the most awful desktop environment I have ever used. Maybe its Neptune's fault? But I doubt it. I am now hoping that
Solydx Debian XFCE will solve my issues (issues I spent 2 days on, and am no linux newbie) But either way, I will heave a sigh of relief when this awful, awful thing is off my computer.
The Conclusion:
I have used Linux for a long time, I started by trying an out-of-date DVD with Fedora 4 on it, I was quite out of my depth, and when I tried to update it threw a long list of errors at me. I quickly realised the issue, and installed something else (can't remember now). My computer only had 128mb of ram, and so I couldn't install ubuntu. I often used puppy, simplymepis 6.5 (which is the best iteration of KDE I've ever used). Eventually i upgraded my laptop, and put Linux Mint 7 on it (which was probably the best iteration of Gnome I've ever used). Of course I've used far more distros than listed here, but I just wanted to give you some idea of me not being an idiot.
I for one will spend many years avoiding KDE until it matures. As perhaps the oldest Desktop Environment in use today, I'm disappointed at its consistent crashing, its half-cocked widgets and its ugly themes. Someone somewhere must break it down to its basic components, and sort it out.