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What brings customers back to a brand, creates loyalty, and strengthens financial performance? Price incentives? Loyalty programs? Big investments to build brand awareness?
As much as creative marketing and promotions can help a product, service, or company stand out, it always comes down to a simple premise: Did you solve the need that triggered the customer to act in the first place?
Said simply, did you solve the customer's problem?
One reason that question may be difficult to answer is that marketing leaders get lost in trying to "surprise and delight" customers with the latest in technology and gadgets, or the most liberal service policies. All those additional features and options are bound to make customers happy in the moment, but if you don't solve the problem that triggered them to act in the first place, their satisfaction–and your business performance–will fade quickly. This holds true across industries. Customers are looking for companies that can simplify their lives by providing quality service without hassle. A great Harvard Business Review article on customer service highlights two key takeaways that should remain top-of-mind for businesses:
- Delighting customers doesn't build loyalty, but reducing the work they must do to get their problem solved does. (A win for your customers!)
- Acting deliberately on this insight can help improve customer service, reduce customer service costs, and decrease customer churn. (A win for your company's bottom line!)
The second reason this question may be difficult to answer is that marketing often doesn't have complete accountability for solving the customer's problem. As the old African proverb and a former First Lady have taught us, "it takes a village." Marketers must work across, up, and down the organization to solve customer needs. Your organization needs a shared view of the target customer experience that solves your customers' needs, and focus in each area of the company making the right daily decisions to make that happen. Marketing typically sets this direction; everyone plays a role.
Who Is Succeeding?
If you're looking for examples of companies that are living the mantra of solving every customer's need, start with Amazon. The company does consistently well in customer surveys and performance rankings because of a strong, unwavering focus on fulfilling customer needs. If there is a problem, it is quickly rectified with the goal of getting the right product to the customer ASAP. Technology investments are high for Amazon, but they're all matched to things customers' value. When Amazon was ranked the most trusted brand in the U.S. in a recent Millward Brown study, I thought it was a great testimony to the effectiveness of its ability to use technology to solve customer needs in a personal way. The model at Amazon is simple: Create a place where customers can find or discover anything they can imagine buying online.
Other companies that rank well in terms of solving the customer's need include:
How Does This Change the Role of Marketing?
Make no mistake about it, marketers' roles are changing. The link between marketing performance and effective customer experience is now unquestioned. Joe Tripodi of the Coca-Cola Company is a great example of a leader that is adapting to the expectations of customers while protecting one of the most well-known brands in the world. By remaining supportive of loyal Coca-Cola brand advocates, Joe and his team are reaping the benefits of customers who fill online channels with positive messages.
The flow of information is no longer just company-to-customer. Information now flows both ways, sideways and diagonally. The marketing team has switched from measuring impressions (views or reach) and now measures expressions (a comment or other kind of action that demonstrates engagement). What Joe's figured out at Coke is that if they can provide exceptional experiences that solve needs, then those experiences can be multiplied and shared time and again—online and off.
6 Simple Tips
By following some simple principles, most businesses can minimize the risks of negative "buzz" while ratcheting up the likelihood that positive experiences will be shared. Here are six tips to keep in mind:
1. Do what you said you would do to eliminate the customer problem. Seems simple really doesn't it? Deliver on the promise you made to address that particular customer's problem in the time period agreed upon. Poor customer experiences arise from a failure to deliver on that initial promise or when surprises in the process pop up that were not communicated.
2. Don't make your customers jump through hoops. Customers are not seeking another task on their daily to-do list. The reason they reach out for help is an understanding that there is someone out there more qualified to do this job than they are. They are seeking help. The last thing they want to do beg for it.
3. Don't try and deliver added benefits the customer doesn't need. Keep it simple. Don't try and oversell how wonderful you are. Bragging about those 20 new features you just added (that are more about extending your sales or helping your operation than they are about moving your customer toward a need solved) isn't going to convince anyone to be an advocate for your brand. Keep it simple. Fix their problem. Then stop. Then solve another one.
4. Be emotional. While the tangible product or service itself (and process steps a customer follows) must directly solve a customer need, the emotional elements of the customer experience best inspire loyalty and satisfaction. The trick is balance, a focus on both in a way that solves your customer's need better than anyone else could. Ideally, what should your customers feel at each step of their experience? Match your actions to that.
5. Be helpful. Any experience must be accessible. You're the expert. Your customer is hiring you to solve a problem or desire. Focus on how you can be a trusted source by providing the insight, explanation, and resources needed to solve the customer need. This is one area where your website, social networks and greater peer connectivity is a tremendous asset. Another (and often overlooked) opportunity is held by leaders whose customers use their company's products or services over time (rather than in a moment, like an ice cream cone). My use of Windows software as I type is an example. How can you design your customer's ongoing experience to give your customers the ideas and support they need to feel good about the process and decision to hire you, buy, and use your product or service?
6. Lead the village. Think about the interactions most critical to solving your customers' needs as customers learn about your product, try you out, buy, use your product or service to solve their need, and even evolve over time. Which departments, processes and people have the biggest impact on making those interactions successful? Marketers have a key role in defining the target–or most ideal–experience customers should have at each step, and then engaging others in the company to aim at the same target. Building alignment can turbo boost the efforts of smart, well-intended people across your organization.
Ultimately, it's not what customers accept, it's what they value that matters most.
All aspects of marketing, promotions, and engagement should be working toward the goal of solving the customer need. If—and how well—a need is solved is your customers' measure of success. And it's a key measure of performance for you, your brand, and your organization.
Original Post by Linda Ireland


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From small meetings to family functions, The East Riding Leisure Service has the perfect choice for almost any type of event. A variety of rooms, all different sizes are available for hire for events, conferences, exhibitions, celebrations and meetings.
From the moment you arrive, our friendly and efficient staff will ensure your conference or celebration run as smoothly as possible.
The leisure venues offer a bespoke hospitality service, so whether you're looking for afternoon teas, fork or finger buffets or dining our expert hospitality team will make sure your event is mouth-watering. Choose from a selection of delicious menus and enjoy great food tailored to suit your individual requirements.
BLC: Beverley Leisure Complex - 01482 395230
DLC: Driffield Leisure Centre - 01377 257480
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HaLC: Haltemprice Leisure Centre - 01482 652501
PLC: Pavilion Leisure Centre (Withernsea) - 01964 614000
Sewerby Hall and Gardens - 01262 677874
The Spa, Bridlington - 01262 401400

subset: commoncrawl


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Best of StockTwits: Whole lotta love for Whole FoodsJuly 26, 2012: 12:59 PM ET
Talk about your organic growth! Shares of grocer Whole Foods Market (WFM) surged nearly 10% after the company reported results late Wednesday that were far better than estimates.
The rally has to be considered vindication for anyone who stuck with the stock after it got pummeled Friday following a disappointing report from Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG). Shares fell 7%.
That sell-off was silly. I even called the dip in Whole Foods on Friday my Stupid Stock Move of the Day. The argument last week seemed to be that rising commodity costs might hurt Whole Foods. Some also seemed to try and suggest that the hipster urbanites who often frequent Chipotle may be slowing down their purchases due to the weakening economy -- and that they might be pulling back on buying pricey food too.
So far at least, those fears appear to be for naught.
CDMCapital: Whole foods is such a beast, trend is healthier eating. Pay attention to any stocks that have similar profiles. $WFM
BryanMortenson: $WFM Seeing solid traction with boomers who are more health focused (staying young by staying healthy).
seemacnbc: If you're wondering what Americans are spending their $$ on, check out $WFM. Whole foods says customers are spending MORE. Like this story.
Other traders were quick to point out though that the strength in Whole Foods may not necessarily mean the consumer has sprung back to life. Investors have to pick retail and consumer products stocks wisely. Companies like Hershey (HSY) and Colgate-Palmolive (CL), may also be attractive for example.
retail_guru: Stocks with pricing power, growth geographies increasingly rare in this environment. Valuation premium could stretch further $CL $WFM $HSY
At the end of the day, Whole Foods might simply be a must-have for consumers ... even if they are worried about the overall economy.
ldrogen:: street still doesn't understand the $WFM story and how it is the new $SBUX for food.
That is high praise. Now excuse me while I go step out for some sushi at Whole Foods followed by an iced skim caramel latte at Starbucks (SBUX) for lunch.


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|Kyle Busch Wins ISM Connect 300
|Modified Season Sweep for Santos
|Bell Wins UNOH 175 Truck Series Race
|Mile Kyle: Busch Takes Pole for ISM Connect 300
|Short Track Extravaganza Set for Sept. 2018
|New England Themed Going Away Gift for Junior
Debate: Should NASCAR Break Up Two-Car Drafts?
After six weeks of short- and intermediate-track races, the Cup Series heads to the largest track on its schedule -- Talladega Superspeedway.
There have been some exciting races recently at the 2.66-mile track, but there is a bit of an unknown coming into this weekend. At Daytona, the other restrictor-plate track, two-car drafts were where the speed was. Gone were the large packs of racing, replaced by two cars getting together and darting to the front -- until they had to swap places due to the rear car overheating.
It was new and interesting, to say the least. But does NASCAR need to make changes in hopes the two-car draft doesn't happen at 'Dega? Bill Kimm and Mark Aumann have their opinions: should NASCAR try to end the two -car draft?
Yes (Bill Kimm)
Quick ... aside from Trevor Bayne winning, what do you remember from the Daytona 500? I'll give you time ... what's the first thing that comes to mind?
The only thing that comes to my mind is the ridiculous two-car drafts that nearly ruined the Great American Race. These two-car drafts aren't NASCAR ... heck, they barely count as actual racing.
Seeing two cars -- not even teammates most of the time -- partner up and perform some on-track samba a la a retired sports star and Cheryl Burke on Dancing With The Stars is not only difficult to watch, it's not entertaining.
Where's the competition? Where's the racing?
The current mentality at Daytona and Talladega is survive until the final 20 laps and then go for the win. If that's the case, let's save everyone some time and just make those races 25 laps -- then we can cut out all the mindless driving in circles.
It's becoming so bad, drivers are actually talking to rival drivers on the radio ... DURING THE RACE. Why? So they can work on their two-car tango together. Something tells me even if the technology was there, Richard Petty and David Pearson wouldn't be racing like this.
NASCAR, we have a problem.
It's time for the sanctioning body to step in and try to repair the racing at two of the more storied tracks on the circuit. So many small changes have been made, I'm not sure where to start. But Daytona and Talladega have so much history, so much pedigree, it's a shame to see these two tracks become what they are now -- boring.
No (Mark Aumann)
We first saw the genesis of the two-car bump draft once Talladega was repaved in 2006. But until this year's Daytona 500, it seemed to be more of an oddity than an actual race strategy. Now that pairs of cars circling the track at speed like mechanized love bugs appears to be the norm rather than the exception, what should NASCAR do about it?
For all of the sanctioning body's tinkering with the rulebook in an effort to make the racing as uniform as a military parade, this is finally a situation where a hands-off policy is the right call. Anyone remember what happened when NASCAR tried to regulate bump drafting at Talladega? Yeah, a single-car parade.
Allowing drivers to communicate via radio with their drafting partners and spotters is not only a good decision, but almost a necessity because of the limited visibility of the current chassis configuration. There's a reason why NASCAR won't let a car on the track without a spotter at Daytona and Talladega. And having two sets of eyes is an additional layer of safety.
Yes, we're used to seeing packs of 30 cars running side by side, lap after lap. And this whole two-car, push-me-pull-you racing is weird. But in this case, function outweighs form. And I'm guessing fans in 1960 were a little taken aback by the sight of Junior Johnson driving directly behind another car as he figured out the aerodynamic advantages of drafting.
As long as the track surfaces are smooth, NASCAR templates allow the noses and tails of the cars to line up perfectly and the engine temperatures don't reach the melting point, this is the evolution of superspeedway racing. Whether it's just a temporary solution or a permanent shift, I like NASCAR's decision to "let it ride."


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Forget the exotic coverage schemes. Throw out the double teams. Oh, and the triple teams too.
Megatron worries Steelers
Will Graves
PITTSBURGH — Forget the exotic coverage schemes. Throw out the double teams. Oh, and the triple teams too.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Ike Taylor figures there's only one way to keep up with Detroit wide receiver Calvin Johnson.
"You have to take him mano y mano," Taylor said.
Even if there is no one in the NFL, let alone the planet, is quite like the 6-foot-5, 235-pound player Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin calls "one of the best football players, period, regardless of position, in the game of professional football."
One that seems to get open no matter how many bodies thrown his way. It's why the Steelers (3-6) insist they're not going to abandon their usual gameplan when they face Johnson and the NFC North leading Lions (6-3) on Sunday.
"We won't try anything that hasn't been tried, and he's still about 100 yards per game and a touchdown per game," Tomlin said. "We'll do the best we can."
Pittsburgh's best starts — and in most cases — ends with Taylor. The 11-year veteran has made a career (though still not a Pro Bowl) out of finding ways to slow down the best guys on the other side of the line of scrimmage.
Name an elite receiver over the last decade and Taylor has probably lined up across from him more than once. Still, even Taylor allows Johnson provides a unique challenge. Sorry, there aren't guys Johnson's size who can out-jump, out-run and out-think everyone laying around on NFL practice squads, no offence to Steelers rookie Justin Brown, who is wearing the No. 81 orange jersey on the scout team this week.
"I'm up for it, and I'm glad the coaching staff feels that way about me," Taylor said. "They like my skills and allow me to compete each week against a guy like Megatron. I'm a villain kind of guy. I like being a bad guy, so I'm going to stay on the bad-guy side."
It's a role he's used grown used to over the last five years. Every time Pittsburgh ends up facing one of the league's elite playmakers, Steelers defensive co-ordinator Dick LeBeau is asked what his unit could possibly do. Every time LeBeau's answer is the same: Taylor.
"He can match up with these big guys that can really run because he can really run," LeBeau said. "He's been the guy that we've put on their guy … He's a great competitor and I think he'd be disappointed if we didn't put him on (Johnson)."
The closest thing the Steelers see on a regular basis to Johnson is Cincinnati's A.J. Green, who has developed a mini-rivalry with Taylor through two-plus seasons. Taylor has limited Green to seven receptions for a pedestrian 49 yards in the last two meetings.
Still, Johnson, who sat out Lions practice on Thursday because of an ailing knee, is different. Asked to compare Green and Johnson, Tomlin was emphatic.
"There is no comparison," Tomlin said. "This guy is probably 235 pounds. He's big. He's strong. He's fast. He's a big dog."
The easiest way for the Steelers to limit Johnson's touches is LeBeau put it "to get the quarterback on the ground."
That hasn't happened this year. Detroit's Andrew Stafford has been sacked just 10 times despite averaging 41 pass attempts a game. Of course, it helps having a receiver who gives you a massive margin for error.
Stafford is completing nearly 62 per cent of his passes, the second-best mark in his five-year career. Part of it is experience. Part of it is an improved offensive line. Part of it is the acquisition of Reggie Bush, who becomes a fifth receiver when he moves out of the backfield. And part of it is the luxury of having the confidence that if you throw it somewhere in the vicinity of Johnson, the odds are forever in his favour.
At 6-1, Taylor is bigger than the average NFL cornerback. At 33 he's on the back end of a prime that includes starting in two Super Bowls and playing on five defences that have finished No. 1 in the league in fewest yards allowed.
Johnson might be the best receiver Taylor has ever faced. But he won't be the first.
"I remember him lining up week-in and week-out against Chad Johnson and some of those No. 1 wide receivers," Steelers linebacker Larry Foote said. "If there's somebody that can do it, it's going to be him."


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JoJo Capone "Boss Life"
They Talk It, I Live It.
Hosted By: Bigga Rankin & Dj Swamp Izzo
Artist: Jojo Capone
Mixtape Title: Boss Life (They Talk It, I Live It)
Host(s): Bigga Rankin & Dj Swampizzo
Act-Like-It Ent Global Gangsters CashMoney/ Rich Gang Presents. JoJo Capone "Boss Life" (They Talk It, I Live It) Hosted By: BIgga Rankin & Dj Swamp Izzo. Powered by the Promo Vatican.
Social Media:
JoJo Capone:
Bigga Rankin:
Dj Swamp Izzo:
Tags: jojo capone, global gangsters, actlikeitent, act like it ent, cashmoney, rich gang, team bigga rankin, boss life, cool running djs, core djs, coast2coast djs, promo vatican, they talk it i live it, chicago, rap, hiphop, mixtape,
Monday, March 7, 2016
[Mixtape] JoJo Capone "Boss Life" (They Talk It, I Live It)
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At Home Caregivers celebrated its grand opening with the Campbellsville Chamber of Commerce on Jan. 23. At Home Caregivers was created to assist seniors and people who are recovering from illness with services such as bathing, grooming, light housekeeping, transportation, laundry and grocery shopping. Owners Kenny Riggs and Lisa Riggs will match every client with the right caregiver based on personalities, skills, expertise and attitude. At Home Caregivers is located at 434 Hotchkiss St. in Campbellsville.
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It's been an eventful couple of days: the pig farm was idyllic, filled with friends around the campfire, bubbly wine, one very silly movie, lots of food, and a dash of nostalgia. Then, off to Switzerland, where I immediately put my masterplan into action: to eat as much delicious food as possible in 2.5 weeks.
So far, so good.
This is what greeted me upon arrival:
fresh asparagus, sauteed left-over Brezelknödel (kinda like big dumplings made from soft pretzels), and Hollandaise sauce to make it buttery, creamy and wonderful.
The view made lunch even tastier and helped to erase any lingering memories of a ridiculously delayed flight out of Philadelphia.
Then dinner with some lovely salads and vegetables, chewy bread, local cheese, and sausage (of course!):
No afternoon is complete with cake and coffee:
Just as no evening is complete without a full grill:
And then, to top it all off, Germany won the EuroVision song contest last night.
High five.


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Discussion in 'The Bar' started by dawg, Jan 24, 2013.
These are the questions i ponder.
Oh lord
thai tonight
Nope, grayish but full.
Damn, I just got it
all natural whisps, beth loves running her fingers thru it
It is what it is.
Is that the "Ralph?"
Why would one dye their hair AND wear a wig?
Would you shave or opt for the wig?
I think this should be in the Howard forum.
OMG BETH LOOKS LIKE A HORSE lol
I trim my pubes and put them in tacos, then offer to guests.
Howard wears a wig
shave - worked for walter white


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Images | October 2, 2010
Arsia Mons Flows
Context image
Daedalia Planum was created by extensive lava flows from Arsia Mons. Today's VIS image shows a small portion of those flows.
Orbit Number: 38717 Latitude: -19.1984 Longitude: 241.74 Instrument: VIS Captured: 2010-09-06 05:32
Please see the THEMIS Data Citation Note for details on crediting THEMIS images.
NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory manages the 2001 Mars Odyssey mission for NASA's Science Mission Directorate, Washington, D.C. The Thermal Emission Imaging System (THEMIS) was developed by Arizona State University, Tempe, in collaboration with Raytheon Santa Barbara Remote Sensing. The THEMIS investigation is led by Dr. Philip Christensen at Arizona State University. Lockheed Martin Astronautics, Denver, is the prime contractor for the Odyssey project, and developed and built the orbiter. Mission operations are conducted jointly from Lockheed Martin and from JPL, a division of the California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.


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We try so hard in the colder areas to have at least three seasons of bloom and this is certainly achievable with some planning and four seasons are possible by adding structures and enjoying the plantings that can be left up over the winter.
The flower heads will continue to dry and do hold up throughout the winter.
This is a grass that will also stand straight during the winter.
Looks great all winter


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Thunderbird Tips
If you work on multiple computers at various times (e.g., a Mac laptop, a Linux laptop, and CCRMA workstations) and you don't like to use webmail, you can use an e-mail client such as Thunderbird, Seamonkey (which is basically Thunderbird on steroids), or Evolution to configure your e-mail accounts with IMAP. This way you can seamless move from one computer to the other and always have your e-mails up-to-date on all clients.
Basically the idea is:
1) Install Thunderbird on all machines you want to use (you could keep using Mail on OS X, of course; but I like to have Thunderbird everywhere so I can have the same user interface no matter on which computer I'm at);
2) Configure your e-mail accounts in Thunderbird as IMAP instead of POP.
In addition, many other tweaks are possible: install Lightning to use instead of iCal, install SyncKolab to sync your calendar entries, adjust Thunderbird settings the way you like.
Install Thunderbird
First, install Thunderbird. At first launch, it can import all your mail from the OS X Mail program.
IMAP configuration
Then, on to IMAP configuration:
What is IMAP? Here's a useful guide from Stanford IT services: http://itservices.stanford.edu/service/emailcalendar/email/imap
Is IMAP right for you? Take a look at this: http://itservices.stanford.edu/service/emailcalendar/email/imap/rightforme
How to configure Thunderbird and IMAP for your @stanford.edu account: https://itservices.stanford.edu/service/emailcalendar/email/config/thunderbird_imap_ssl
Message Rules and Filters
If you like to use rules or message filters, I suggest you create them directly on your webmail interface, so they will automatically propagate to all your computers on Thunderbird. For example, if you create rules to sort all "Family" messages (either on Stanford's Zimbra interface (create new custom folders and filters; or using "labels" on Gmail). If you create rules on one instance of Thunderbird on a particular machine, these rules remain local and you would have to redo the work on every machine you use Thunderbird. So, creating rules and filters on your webmail server is the way to go.
After you get your e-mail working with Thunderbird and IMAP, everything should be always in sync between all computers.
Tip: if you create custom folders via Stanford's Zimbra webmail, you have to "Subscribe" to these folders in Thunderbird on each machine. You only have to do this once for each folder, so they will appear on your left-side folder list.
Below are has some optional add-ons and extra tweaks I found useful.
- Install Lightning Calendar for Thunderbird (iCal alternative): https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/lightning/
- Install SyncKolab to sync all your calendar events on all machines with Thunderbird: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/thunderbird/addon/sync-kolab/
- Want bigger fonts in the message list pane? Check these instructions: http://getsatisfaction.com/mozilla_messaging/topics/want_bigger_inbox_email_header_font_for_thunderbird_3_mac
SyncKolab occasionally has some glitches, but overall it works fine. I created folders on my Stanford account (via Zimbra webmail) specifically for the calendar sync (one folder for each calendar). I haven't tested SyncKolab with address book and tasks.
Page created by BTR on 2011-02-22


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Works of art
The illicit traffic in cultural heritage is a transnational crime that affects the countries of origin, transit and final destination. The illicit trade in works of art is sustained by the demand from the arts market, the opening of borders, the improvement in transport systems and the political instability of certain countries.
Over the past decade we have seen an increasing trend of illicit trafficking in cultural objects from counties in the Middle East affected by armed conflict. The black market in works of art is becoming as lucrative as those for drugs, weapons and counterfeit goods.
In February 2015, the United Nations Security Council approved Resolution 2199, calling for countries to take appropriate steps to prevent the trade in stolen Iraqi and Syrian cultural property. It also recognized the global role of INTERPOL in addressing this illicit trade.
At INTERPOL, we are working to raise awareness of the problem among the relevant organizations and the general public. We encourage not only police, but also art and antiques dealers and owners of works of art to play an active role in the exchange of information. This combined action will strengthen our efforts to curb the erosion of our cultural heritage.
International data
The efficient exchange of data is central to these efforts. INTERPOL's database of stolen works of art is a key tool, accessible to law enforcement agencies and other authorized users across the world.
In addition, certain types of data can be accessed openly by the general public:
- Recovered works of art;
- Works of art that have been recovered but remain unclaimed by their owners.
- Stolen Afghan Items;
- Stolen Iraqi Items;
- Stolen Libyan items;
- Stolen Syrian items.
Further resources are also available on this website:
- The latest INTERPOL posters showing the most wanted works of art.
- Object ID: the international standard for describing cultural objects, in order to facilitate their identification;
- Frequently asked questions.
We work in close partnership with other international organizations, such as:
- United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO);
- International Council of Museums (ICOM);
- United Nations Organization for Drugs and Crime (UNODC);
- World Customs Organization (WCO).
Romanian Police: database of stolen works of art (in Romanian only)
Latvian e-service: for owners and holders of cultural objects to record details of their objects, to be provided to police in case of theft.
Latvia : how to determine the status of a cultural object
Art stolen in Republic of Korea
Stop heritage crime - Joint Polish-Norwegian project on legal and illicit trade with cultural heritage
Protecting cultural heritage by disrupting the illicit trade
INTERPOL joins hunt for stolen Swedish royal regalia
Protecting cultural heritage across the Americas
Over 41,000 artefacts seized in global operation targeting trafficking of cultural goods
Protecting underwater cultural heritage focus of INTERPOL meeting
Sculptures stolen in Palmyra, Syria
Most wanted works of art,
December 2018
Fact sheet
- Access to the stolen works of art database (for authorized users only: once you have logged in, go to the 'My Profile' link at the top of the page and select the database from the list of options)
- Application form
- User guide (PDF) - AR | ES | FR
WARNING! Deletion of inactive user accounts
Accounts that have not been used for a period of one year will be deleted. We advise you to log in on a regular basis in order to keep your account active.


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MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — A Minnesota high school athlete is challenging his suspension from sports, saying a tweet about drilling his teammates was about tackling opponents and wasn't a threat.
Tyson Leon, a 16-year-old football player and wrestler at Shakopee High School, says the suspension from sports is hurting his chances of getting a wrestling scholarship to attend college. However, a school district attorney said in court Tuesday that his suspension was only for football and that he will still be able to wrestle, according to the Star Tribune.
Leon sent a tweet in August that said, "Im boutta drill my 'teammates' on Monday." Leon says the tweet simply meant he would tackle his opponents at practice, his attorney, Meg Kane, said Wednesday.
School officials did not call police over the tweet.
According to court documents, an Aug. 29 letter from the school district notified Leon that he had violated district rules and he was ineligible for football this year for "Threatening to harm members of the football team." The letter also said he was ineligible because he swore at the football coach and activities director, slammed and broke a door, and has three prior suspensions from sports for other violations.
Leon's prior suspensions were for violations including alcohol use and fighting.
Leon's parents sued the school district, the Minnesota State High School League, and school and league officials earlier this month, claiming Leon's constitutional rights were violated. The lawsuit seeks a court order that would allow Leon to participate in varsity athletics while the case is pending.
According to Kane and information in the lawsuit, the incident that led to the recent suspension began when a coach found a cellphone and saw a text sent to Leon that referenced smoking. Kane said officials pulled Leon off the football bus and question him. Leon denied using tobacco, but because he was agitated, school officials said he could not go to the scrimmage.
"He got quite upset," Kane said. Leon then swore at the coach, forcefully opened the door and left the room, she said.
Officials met with Leon and his parents two days later and showed them a printed copy of his Twitter account. The complaint said the message at issue was a private message sent to another student.
Kane claims school officials violated Leon's rights to freedom of speech, privacy and his right to be free from unlawful seizure. The complaint also says the school district singled Leon out because he is Native American.
In a statement Wednesday, Shakopee Public Schools Superintendent Rod Thompson said all student athletes and their parents or guardians must sign a form agreeing to abide by certain expectations.
Thompson said this isn't a case about social media or Twitter.
"This is a case challenging the premise that participation in athletics or activities is a fundamental right entitled to all students rather than a privilege," he said.
(© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)


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itsonsale necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 142 diseños de 37 diseñadores freelance.
We have two main aspects of our business. First: We offer amazing low cost "deals" online, thus our name "Itsonsale.com". We market our products on many major websites such as ebay, Amazon & Overstock.com . Second: We offer liquidation services & purchase all sectors of excess inventory & closeouts which feeds our online website. We sell computers, electronics & all kinds of mens & womans clothing. We buy & sell anything that is below market value. Finally, we offer liquidation services for companies going out of business & offer professional "relocation services".
We want to reach out to anyone looking for an "unbelievable online deal"! Students, thrifty shoppers, houswives & "deal seekers" are some of our biggest clients. We offer some of the best deals online. We want to make an immediate positive impression to anyone who visits our website.
A big part of our business model is our "liquidation services" we provide. We offer solutions for any business, leasing company or bank who have excess or problem inventory. We also offer a wide range of liquidation services including business relocation.
What we need: We want a fresh NEW fun identity including a cathcy logo for our website & business cards. We want to get more liquidation work & want potential customers to remember what we do. "Liquidation specialists". We want it to be proffessional, clean & most important fun! At the same time we want people to think they are getting a GREAT deal! We want it colorful, fresh & exciting! We also want potential customers who may need our liquidation services to want to use us because we are trust worthy & will get them the higest returns.
Lastly: We have a 18' box truck & want to turn it into a moving billboard. Once you come up with a great new logo & look, we want to exspand on that & help us create a fun design for our truck using your new logo look & feel. We want to reach out to our community to let people know we offer "Liquidion services & purchase excecss inventory of all kinds! (fast cash for excess inventory) In addition, we help businesses relocate & most important problem solve for anyone with INVENTORY PROBLEMS ! Anyone who is in trouble with inventory can use our services. We offer many options: Purchase, liquidate, sell on consignment, recycle! Help us create a new & exciting identity. A portion of all of our sales will be donated to several meaningful charities.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text: Miss New Jersey 2013 is one of fifty-one delegates that has the chance to be chosen as Miss Dream Doll of America 2013. If she wins the national title, her owner will receive a $300.00 cash prize; if chosen first runner up, a $200.00 cash prize; second runner up a $100.00 cash prize; and if chosen as third or fourth runner up a $50.00 cash prize. Runners up will also receive a custom monogrammed banner with their award. The winning doll will also receive a banner and custom made doll crown along with a beautiful custom made life size turquoise crown and monogrammed banner for her owner. The Top Fifteen semi-finalists will be announced and then narrowed down to the Top Ten and then the prestigious Top Five. The 2013 Miss Dream Doll Pageant will be judged by a panel of ten judges consisting of pageant winners and pageant industry professionals. The pageant will be judged and filmed before any of the delegates are sold. No one will know who the Top Fifteen are until all dolls have been sold on ebay. After the last doll is sold, the video will be released and winners will be notified. Unlike other doll pageants, this is the fairest way to make sure everyone who participates has an equal and fair chance to win. By putting the dolls on ebay, the highest bidder wins. Other doll pageants have sold their best dolls to their best customers to make sure they have an advantage. At Dollpageants.com, our motto is "Fun, Fair and Fabulous" because it is 100% fair. Dollpageants.com is being sponsored by Christopher Shannon Pageant Productions, Inc. with over 23 years in the business. Good luck to everyone and happy bidding! Maybe YOU will be one of the first 51 people in America to own one of the premiere 2013 Dream Doll of America collectible pageant delegates.


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PCMA Statement on Essential Health Benefits Final Rule
Feb 20, 2013, 04:32 ET
Regulators Reject Expensive 'Protected Class' Approach in the Exchanges
WASHINGTON, Feb. 20, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association (PCMA) released the following statement today on the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Essential Health Benefits (EHB) final rule:
"Regulators rejected the 'protected class' approach that shields competing drug companies from offering competitive pricing to be included on formularies.
"Unfortunately, 'protected classes' are used in Medicare and increase costs by $4.2 billion, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). There is no evidence that 'protected classes' improve quality or access and they should not be imposed on plans in the Exchanges.
"Plans can negotiate greater price concessions from competing drug makers – and reduce overall prescription drug benefit costs – when they have more flexibility to design clinically-based formularies."
PCMA represents the nation's pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), which improve affordability and quality of care through the use of electronic prescribing (e-prescribing), generic alternatives, mail-service pharmacies, and other innovative tools for 210-plus million Americans.
SOURCE Pharmaceutical Care Management Association


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Viewsonic Launches Viewpad 10i Bay Trail-Powered Tablet Running Windows 8 and Android 4.2
Subject: Mobile | February 19, 2014 - 02:25 PM | Tim Verry
Tagged: windows 8, viewsonic, viewpad 10i, tablet, celeron n2910, Bay Trail, android 4.2
ViewSonic is launching a new 10-inch tablet called the Viewpad 10i. The tablet is powered by an Intel bay Trail processor and it offers a dual boot configuration of Windows 8 and Android 4.2 operating systems. The slate tablet weighs 650 grams. It is available online for around $500 USD.
The Viewpad 10i has a 10.1" IPS capacitive multi-touch display with a resolution of 1280x800. ViewSonic has also included two 2MP cameras (front and rear), a built-in speaker, and a dedicated Windows button below the display. External connectivity includes micro USB and micro SD ports in addition to 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth wireless radios.
Internal specifications on the Viewpad 10i include an Intel Celeron N2910 "Bay Trail" processor, 2GB of RAM, and a 64GB SSD. The Bay Trail processor is a 7.5W TDP (4.5W SDP) part with 1.6 GHz quad core CPU, Intel HD Graphics GPU clocked at 756 MHz, and 2 MB of cache. A 7,000 mAh battery offers up to six hours of battery life.
You can find more photos of Viewsonic's new tablet here.
The ability to dual boot Windows and Android is neat, but it does come at a premium versus competing 10-inch Bay Trail tablets that run a single OS out of the box. Is the approximately $500 price tag worth it?
Read more about Intel's Bay Trail architecture at PC Perspective.


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Jumbo Rototag - Female & Male Numbered 401-425 - Light Blue
Jumbo Rototag - Female & Male Numbered 401-425 - Light Blue
Product Number: C25541(S)
No longer avaliable
This item has been discontinued
Sorry, this product is no longer available. No snagging
No festering
One operation
Self piercing
Swing freely
Nylon ear tags for cattle, hogs, and sheep. Ideal for fish and wildlife. Tag is printed with black ink. 1-3/4 L x 3/4 W.
Tags may be special ordered with printing on female parts (up to 10 spaces, same imprint on all tags) or male parts numbered over 500 consecutively. Tags cannot be lettered and numbered on the same side. Tags are sold in packages of 25 only. Tags must be ordered in multiples of 25. Four-digit tags are available, please allow extra delivery time.
Please call 1-800-558-9595 for special orders. Personalized tags cannot be returned for credit.
NOTE: Because numbered jumbo tags are stocked with both the female and male parts prenumbered up to 500, even orders with numbering under 500 will require charges for both the numbers and special stamping. Color shades may vary.
Your guide to an exceptional shopping experience.


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Members of the klezmer band Gypsophilia immersed themselves in a Montreal studio for a full week to record their latest album, Constellation, which bassist Adam Fine said is nothing like anything they've previously done.
The album has more reggae influences than the band had incorporated before, Fine said, and his favourite song, the fun party tune Montreal, was chosen as the first single because it's the kind of song people can dance to.
He added that it was much more fun to make the new album, because of how the band had grown together.
"We're great friends, and we wouldn't have come this far if we weren't," Fine said. "We challenge each other and we make musical jokes."
Gypsophilia will be touring across Canada in the next few months, including a performance with Symphony Nova Scotia in Halifax in March – the show Fine said he's most excited about – and performances in Prince Edward Island, Toronto and other parts of Nova Scotia. He hopes that in the future, they'll get a chance to perform outside Canada.
The best audiences, Fine said, are the ones that dance or sing along, adding that the new album is especially danceable.
He said Gypsophilia has grown as much in its performance ability as in its sound.
"Our band has grown up a little, and our stage show is getting better," he said. "When you get to perform for a great audience that participates, you can see that they're really enjoying it, and you can learn from your peers while you're performing."
Gypsophilia formed in 2005 and was inspired by Parisian gypsy jazz guitarist Jean "Django" Reinhardt. Fine said his influence can still be heard in the band's music, but its current sound is more a mix of klezmer, salsa and classical.
The band now mostly performs songs they've written themselves.
"We tend to write songs individually," Fine said. "I'll start with a kernel of an idea and play something on my bass. Sometimes I sit on ideas I really like for quite a while."
Choosing the album's title, Constellation, was an arduous process, and they debated a few options. He added that any decision is difficult in a band with seven members, but as always, they eventually came to an agreement.
"The title came from thinking of images of space and space travel," Fine said. "Music itself is a kind of journey."
Constellation offers 11 new tracks, including Bercy, a jazzy song written by Fine that sounds like it would fit perfectly on a mystery movie soundtrack. Other songs include the lively, upbeat Vino Griego and Opa (War Gone Man), a softer tune with a slower pace.
Fine said the variation in songs has been something the band has been working toward since they got together in 2005 for what was supposed to be a one-time performance.
"I think everyone will react differently to the songs, which really speaks to the diversity of the album," Fine said. "I think we've really developed a sound and people will really enjoy it."
The East Coast Music Association gave Gypsophilia a best jazz album award in 2009 for their last effort, Sha-Ba-Da-OW!. This latest album was a collaboration with producer and former Arcade Fire band member Howard Bilerman.
Fine is also involved with several solo projects, but he said they don't compare to working in such a large group.
"It's all about being playful. You feed off each other, and it makes the experience more enjoyable than if you were solo."
For more information, visit www.gypsophilia.org or www.littlezaide.com.


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As this week it was Remembrance Day, commemorating the official end of the First World War, I thought I would share a short extract from the diary of Lily Harris, sister of my great-grandmother Emily Harris.
Lily was a trained nurse who in 1915 joined the Queen Alexandra's Imperial Military Nursing Service Reserve (Q.A.I.M.N.S.R.) and spent much of the war serving in Egypt.
Lily does not seem to have always had time to keep her diary regularly but this extract, dated 25th November 1918, describes how the news of the end of the war was celebrated where she was:
Nov 25th
This has been a very exciting day, hear definitely we are to take no more convoys & evacuate on alternate days, all cleared out by the 3rd of December. My ward has been emptied. Hand over equipment tomorrow.
Several sisters go to Jerusalem tomorrow, 2 days leave, so now we are all wondering where will be our next stop & how soon we shall be home.
On the 11th Germany signed the Armistice. We had a few little parties, two social evenings & a whist drive here in the mess & one evening "At Home" at the Club, they were all very enjoyable.
Last Sunday we "The Nursing Staff" thought we must make our patients realise the war was ended, so gave them a supper, "Fresh Mutton & Vegetables". They did enjoy it.
Unfortunately, it was many months before Lily got to go home again. Her service record (held at The National Archives, Kew - Reference: WO399/3582) includes a letter she wrote from Suez in June 1919 requesting that she might be released from her contract and allowed to return to the United Kingdom as she had been serving abroad since May 1915. Although not absolutely clear, it appears she did not return to the UK until September or October 1919, after a medical board judged her to be suffering from Anaemia.
This photograph dates from Lily's time in Egypt and shows a group of QAIMNS nurses in their distinct uniforms. One of them may be Lily herself.
There is a modern colour photograph of one of the capes worn by a QAIMNSR nurse on the Auckland Museum website.


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USA Baseball NTIS Northwest Camps Frequently Asked Questions:
What is USA Baseball
Since 1978, USA Baseball has been the national governing body for the sport of baseball. It represents the sport in the United States as a member of the U.S. Olympic Committee (USOC) and internationally as a member federation of the International Baseball Federation (IBAF).
Nearly every major national amateur baseball organization in America is united as a USA Baseball National Member Organization. As a result, USA Baseball governs more than 12 million amateur players in ballparks and playgrounds across the country. As the commissioner's office for amateur baseball, USA Baseball is a resource center for its various membership groups, fans, and players. USA Baseball is also responsible for promoting and developing the game of baseball on the grassroots level, both nationally and internationally.
What is the current international age determination date
The current international age determination date rule states your birthday must fall on January 1 or later of a specified year to be eligible for particular age groups. The age a player reaches during the calendar year of the international competition will serve as his competition age.
(For example, if your son/daughter wants to play on the 16U National team in 2018, he/she must be 16 years old or younger during the entire calendar year. If your son/daughter would turn 17 on December 1 of 2018, he/she would not be eligible to participate with the 16U National Team because his/her competition age would be 17, regardless of his/her age during the time of the tournament.)
• 2017 17U NTIS: born on or after Jan. 1, 2000, for the 2018 18U National Team
What are the rules for bat specifications at NTIS events
For a complete listing of the bat specifications on all USA Baseball events including the NTIS Regional Selection Process please click here.
Official Cancellation Policy for all USA Baseball NTIS events
Cancellations up to 8 days prior to the start of the event will receive a 50% refund of the registration fee. No exceptions will be made. The participating player or team will receive their refund within 30 days of the time of cancellation.
Cancellations within 7 days of the start of the event will forfeit the entire registration fee. No exceptions will be made.


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Outsourcing the job to his wife isn't going to solve Mitt Romney's problem with women voters.
Outsourcing the job to his wife isn't going to solve Mitt Romney's problem with women voters.
Although that does seem to be the candidate's first instinct. As when Romney, asked last week about the gender gap, twice said he wished his wife could take the question.
"My wife has the occasion, as you know, to campaign on her own and also with me," Romney told newspaper editors, "and she reports to me regularly that the issue women care about most is the economy."
Note to candidate: Women aren't a foreign country. You don't need an interpreter to talk to them. Even if you're not fluent in their language, they might appreciate it if you gave it a try.
As if to emphasize their candidate's unfamiliarity with the territory of gender, the Romney campaign then released a fuzzy-wuzzy video titled "Family" and starring, of course, Ann Romney, reminiscing over grainy film and vintage snapshots.
"I hate to say it, but often I had more than five sons," Ann recalls. "I had six sons, and he would be as mischievous and as naughty as the other boys. He'd come home and" — here Romney makes the sound of a building blowing up — "everything would just explode again."
Somehow I doubt that Ann Romney, circa 1982, having finally managed to get her five boys under control, was all that happy about their father coming home only to "get them all riled up again."
Somehow I doubt that beleaguered moms, circa 2012, listen to her story and think, "Oh, Mitt is so much more fun than I thought." Rather, I suspect, they wonder whether he should have been doing more to lend a hand.
Indeed, the video offers an unintentional glimpse of Ann's own frustrations. "It was hard to maneuver," Ann notes. "I could do okay when I had the two. Three, not so bad. Four, it got to be a little much." On the campaign trail with her husband, Ann often talks about the old days when she would be at home dealing with her rambunctious brood and Mitt would call from the road. "His consoling words were always the same: Ann, your job is more important than mine."
This story is supposed to buttress Mitt's bona fides as supportive husband, and Ann is, no doubt, a more tolerant spouse than I am. But every time I hear that patronizing line, I imagine responding, "Great. If my job is more important, then you come home and do it and I'll check into the nice room at the Four Seasons."
Romney's biggest problem with women voters is among those with college educations and among those younger than 45. A new Washington Post poll, for example, showed President Obama leading Romney by 57 percent to 38 percent among registered women voters, while Obama lagged with men, 44 percent to Romney's 52 percent.
However, the gender gap was markedly bigger among college-educated women, 65 percent of whom supported Obama, compared to 52 percent of those without a college education. Same with age, with 63 percent of female voters 18 to 44 backing Obama, compared to 54 percent of those 45 and older.
How many of these younger and/or better-educated women are going to identify with Ann Romney's father-knows-best description of life chez Romney? I understand that the candidate badly needs humanizing but, especially for general election purposes, it would be more powerful to combine the family story with examples, assuming they exist, about Workplace Mitt promoting women or adopting family-friendly policies.
Even as Mitt was playing a bit role in his wife's video, Obama was hosting a "White House Forum on Women and the Economy." In an unstated yet unavoidable contrast with stay-at-home mother Ann Romney, Obama described his wife as "the woman who once advised me at the law firm in Chicago where we met" and related how Michelle Obama, after their daughters were born, "gave it her all to balance raising a family and pursuing a career."
Obama and Romney come from different backgrounds and generations, and their experience of gender roles is inevitably different as well; if Obama connects better with younger, working women, that's no surprise. And Romney is not alone in performing poorly with women voters. The GOP has suffered from a gender gap in every presidential election since 1980.
So Romney can lose the women's vote and still win, but not if the gap remains this big. Narrowing it will be, in this case, a man's job.
Ruth Marcus' e-mail address is email@example.com.


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Track outbound links
You can use Analytics Events to track clicks on links that take users to a website other than your own.In this article:
Using Google Tag Manager
If you use Google Tag Manager to manage your Analytics tracking, follow the instructions in Analytics Events to implement events.
Adding tracking directly to your site
If you have added the Analytics tracking code directly to your site, you can copy and paste the script below into your own pages to set up Event tracking for outbound links. You should add this script in your page header, but not within the basic Analytics tracking code snippet.
If you copy and paste this script exactly as it appears here, your outbound clicks will appear in your Analytics Events reports with a Category of "outbound" and an Action of "click". (In the snippet, these are shown in bold.) You can use these values, or change them and define your own values. Learn more about Event components.
This example assumes that you are using the analytics.js tracking code. See if you are using Classic Analytics (ga.js) or Universal Analytics (analytics.js).
* Function that tracks a click on an outbound link in Analytics.
* This function takes a valid URL string as an argument, and uses that URL string
* as the event label. Setting the transport method to 'beacon' lets the hit be sent
* using 'navigator.sendBeacon' in browser that support it.
var trackOutboundLink = function(url) {
ga('send', 'event', 'outbound', 'click', url, {
'transport': 'beacon',
'hitCallback': function(){document.location = url;}
You'll also need to add (or modify) the
onclick attribute to your links. Use this example as a model for your own links:
Check out example.com
Related resources


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Mayor's Office
The Lincoln Earth Day Coalition is offering a variety of ways for the public to participate in the City's Earth Day Celebration Sunday, April 22. The day includes morning fun runs at Wilderness Park, an afternoon celebration in Antelope Park, an evening of native seed planting at Pioneers Park Nature Center and Earth Night at the Rococo Theatre. Businesses, governmental agencies, nonprofit groups and individuals are urged to get involved in making the day a success.
For more information and to register to get involved, visit lincolnearthday.org. The deadline for these opportunities is Monday, April 9:
Other opportunities to participate include the following:
Lincoln Earth Day is being organized by Mayor Beutler's Cleaner Greener Lincoln initiative, WasteCap Nebraska and a team of volunteers.