text:
Transparency in corporations is important to the customers and company alike, and recently, Western Area Power Administration, which sells and transmits electricity to 15 western states, including Arizona, shared the status of its operations in its 2016 State of Assets report to customers and interested parties.
As more solar users sell their excess energy back to utility companies, the push for reform in Arizona's net metering policies by Tucson Electric Power and Arizona Public Service is just the first wave of likely changes on the horizon as the power industry struggles to balance the costs and benefits of solar energy.
Western Area Power Administration, which markets and transmits wholesale electricity to 15 states, including Arizona, recently was awarded the 2016 Technology Transfer Award from the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) for a project aimed at ensuring the safety of workers near high-voltage lines.
Over the past 25-plus years, Arizona Corporation Commissioner Bob Burns has received many accolades for his dedication and public service to the people of Arizona. Some observers, however, now say Burns should refrain from any votes related to water or energy because of his wife's position on the board of directors for the Central Arizona Project (CAP).


text:
We have a peach tree in our backyard, which produced a bumper crop of fresh peaches this year! About 75% of the peaches we harvested are pictured below.
Brad also went to a local camp last week, where he was permitted to pick a tree covered in wild plums. About 25% of the plums he harvested are pictured below. Our kids love to eat fresh fruit, and Brad likes to freeze them for smoothies.
What fresh fruit have you harvested this year? What do you like to do with your fresh fruit?

subset: commoncrawl


text:
(Jump over to read a review of Ordinary Heroes)
(Jump down to read a review of Personal Injuries)
(Jump down to read a short review of The Laws of Our Fathers )
"Reversible Errors"
(Reviewed by Bill Robinson DEC 22, 2002)
Scott Turow's new novel, Reversible Errors, may be his best effort to date. And, that is saying a lot since his previous five legal thrillers have been translated into more than twenty languages and have sold more than 25 million copies worldwide. If this is not his best work, it is certainly his most intricate and complex.
Reversible Errors, like those earlier works, transcends its genre. Turow, being an accomplished and practicing trial lawyer, can effortlessly steer the reader through the most intricate judicial morass. With an equally sure hand, he can also illuminate the often-messy interpersonal embroilment of the steamiest extramarital affair. He is at home in the courtroom and, without being too invasive and overly sensational, in the bedroom. The novel contains significant action in both arenas.
Turow's characters, regardless of where they turn up, are alive. In creating them, he never resorts to stereotypes. Rather, he gives a believable existence to what become real people, thus providing the story with credence and depth. Whether it's a feisty prosecuting attorney or a semi-articulate small time crook, each character does his or her part to hold the reader's interest, attention, concern, and sympathy.
The novel's main story revolves around the death penalty and the possibility that Rommy "Squirrel" Gandolph, a minor league scammer of dubious repute, may have been erroneously convicted of a triple murder. Squirrel has spent ten years in prison following his conviction, and he is now, a decade later, on his deathbed when exculpating evidence surfaces from a fellow inmate.
With this scenario to set things in motion, enter a dynamic cast of characters. These include Arthur Raven, an overly sensitive, 30 something corporate attorney, who has been selected to work in Squirrel's defense; Muriel Wynn, the chief deputy prosecuting attorney, who is sure that Squirrel is as guilty now as he was a decade before; Larry Starczek, the hard nosed police detective on the case; and, Gillian Sullivan, the trial judge.
Imagine that Muriel, who is considering an upcoming run for chief prosecuting attorney, is reviving a hot and heavy, ten-year-old extramarital affair with Larry, as he is reinvestigating new developments in the case. Consider the implications of the deeply feeling Arthur falling in love with the quiet, but intense Gillian, who, ten years later, is working as a counter clerk at a local department store. She is a recovering drug addict, having been thrown off the bench for taking bribes. Mix in the various elements of case with all its complexities. What you have is the makings of, as they say and here with justification, a real page-turner. It is guaranteed to keep you reading well into the night.
Turow's major characters are of Greek tragedy caliber. He also has a real way with minor characters as well. He introduces Susan, the paranoid schizophrenic sister of Arthur, and provides a wide and illuminating window into the world of mental illness, with all its complications and sorrows. Or, with Erno Erdai, a sleazy deputy head of security for an airline whose tickets figure in the murder, Turow illustrates the corroded underside of corporate law enforcement.
Turow presents all the various characters and all the separate, yet intertwined story lines, in a way that does more than simply entertain. His presentation demands the reader's constant and total attention. As the narrator quickly shifts time frames, love stories, points of view, and intricate legal maneuvers, it is the role of the reader to keep all the parts together, to stay on top of things, and to make continuing sense of all that is happening. And, with a good story such as this, there is much to attend to.
Reading Reversible Errors demands work and involvement, however it is worth the effort. It surprises, it enlightens, it entertains, and, finally, it demonstrates again Turow's masterly skills as a storyteller.
Amazon readers rating: from 128 reviews
Read a chapter excerpt from Reversible Errors at the author's Web site(back to top)
"Personal Injuries "
(Reviewed by Judi Clark SEP 25, 1999)The events in this novel are narrated by Defense Attorney George Mason who tells us from the start that this is a "lawyer's story, the kind attorneys like to hear and tell. About a case. About a client." So we should already know that this isn't going to be the run-of-the-mill courtroom drama.
The case at first appears to be about tax evasion. The IRS Criminal Intelligence unit has found a non-interest bearing checking account that has millions in it and large sums of money withdrawn from it. No taxes have been paid on any of this money. The real case, though, is about where this money is going; US Attorney Stan Sennett wants to use this fraud to get at the whole corrupt judicial system existing within Kindle County since the days of Mayor Bolcarro.
The client is Robbie Feaver. Feaver & Dinnerstein are personal injury lawyers and have been best friends since childhood. Dinnnerstein's uncle happens to be Brendan Tuohey, Chief of the entire Kindle County Superior Court. It's suspected that they use this account to pay off judges to sway decisions in their favor. US Attorney Sennett has made it quite clear that it's jail or cooperation. Cooperation always means ratting out; either choice is tough on Robby. Jail means that he won't be able to be with his wife during her final year - she has A.L.S. (Lou Gehrig's disease). Ratting out, well, he's not a rat. Yet, he can't go to jail, he must take care of Lorraine. So he agrees to help with the sting as long as his partner, Dinnerstein, is protected. He claims that Dinnerstein knows nothing about what the money is really used for. Thus George Mason helps Robbie Feaver go undercover with the FBI.
Turow's strength is that he always tells a good lawyer story. The whole FBI undercover sting is incredible from a technical as well as a personal perspective. However, it his character handling that is the most impressive. Robby Feaver is one of those people that most would find offensive. Too good looking and knows it, wears tailored Italian suits with lots of gold jewelry and too much cologne. He speaks too loudly and talks too much. Everything is a play. Look at his profession, he's an ambulance chaser! His one redeeming virtue is that he knows this about himself. Turow manages to keep Robbie true right up through the end, without him feeling like a stereotype. We learn most about Feaver through his interactions with undercover FBI agent Evon. She is acting as a paralegal clerk to keep an eye on Robbie. Our empathy for Robbie is absolutely necessary to the story line. A lesser writer would not be able to pull off the extra meaning behind the title. Turow's skill can be compared to that of a method actor. Not once does the reader have to worry about motivation - we are with these people. And the book certainly has it share of suspense and twists.
- Amazon readers rating: from 241 reviews
(back to top)
"The Laws of Our Fathers"
(Reviewed by Judi Clark FEB 7, 1998)
The Laws of Our Fathers is different than Turow's previous novels. It is a story about our legal system, but it is more of an exploration of the sixties and events that sculpted a generation. The story moves back and forth between the past and present day murder trial, with usual twists that make us appreciate Turow's skill.
Sonia Klonsky, whom we met in The Burden of Proof, is a newcomer to the Superior Court bench. She is charged with deciding the outcome of a murder trial in which Nile Eddgar, a probation officer, is charged with arranging the drive-by shooting of his mother. The scene with the Black Saints Disciples is unforgettable. By weaving the tale of the lives of Sonia with the murder victim and a few in the courtroom, Turow offhandedly compares the experience of the two generations.
In some ways, I enjoyed this book better than his last two because it goes deeper than being just another legal drama, getting at societal issues as well.
- Amazon readers rating: from 125 reviews
Read a chapter excerpt from The Laws of Our Fathers at the author's website(back to top)
"Presumed Innocent"
(Reviewed by Judi Clark FEB 7, 1998)
I will be forever sitting in my old backyard on the Piscataqua River in Kittery, Maine when I think of this book. Because that is where I opened it and that is where I stayed until it was finished. This came out when I wasn't taking the time to read as much as I do now, but, fortunately, it was also a time when I belonged to the Book of the Month Club. For me (and my neighbors with whom I shared this book) this was our first close-up look at the legal system. We were mesmerized by it, to say the least. I have read every one of his books and I have never been disappointed.
If you are new to Turow, take the time to read this book. Trust me, you will be a fan.
- Amazon readers rating: from 167 reviews
Read a chapter excerpt from Presumed Innocent at the author's website
(back to top)
Bibliography: (with links to Amazon.com)
- Presumed Innocent (1987)
- The Burden of Proof (1990)
- Pleading Guilty (1993)
- The Laws of Our Fathers (1996)
- Personal Injuries (1999)
- Reversible Errors (2002)
- Ordinary Heroes (2005)
- Limitations (2006)
- Innocent (2010)
- Identical (October 2013)
- One L: The Turbolent True Story of a First Year at Harvard Law School (1977)
- Ultimate Punishment: A Lawyer's Reflections on Dealing with the Death Penalty (2003)
As Editor:
- The Best American Mystery Stories (2006) (with Otto Penzler)
Movies from books:
- Presumed Innocent (1990)
(back to top)
Book Marks:
- Official Scott Turow Web site
- MostlyFiction.com review of Ordinary Heroes
- MostlyFiction.com review of Innocent
(back to top)
About the Author:
Scott Turow was born in Chicago in 1949. In 1970 he graduated from Amherst College and received a fellowship to Stanford University Creative Writing Center. He stayed on to teach creative writing at Stanford until 1975, whereupon he entered Harvard Law School. From 1978 to 1986 he was Assistant U.S. Attorney in Chicago. Today he is a partner in a Chicago International law firm, Sonnenschein, Nath & Rosenthal, where his practice centers on white collar criminal litigation.
He is also a member of the Rock Bottom Remainders a rock band that consists of authors.
Turow has been active in a number of charitable causes, including Literacy Chicago. In 1997-98, he served as president of the Authors Guild, which is the national membership organization for professional writers, and continues to serve on its governing board. He is a Trustee of Amherst College. Turow has been married to Annette Turow, a painter, since 1971. They have three children and live outside Chicago.


text:
Neel Sidhi Splendour is a rare tribute to the lovers of luxurious living. Coming from Neel Sidhi Group, it is another feather in the cap of this decade-strong construction group that has shaped several landmarks in Mumbai & Navi Mumbai.
Unlimited space. Unmatched freedom. Unbeatable harmony. You will find them all waiting to welcome you at Neel Sidhi Splendour.
Load More Properties
Real Estate Mumbai newsletters are the most interesting as they give you the latest market reports and research and bring you updated with the current market trends, demands etc.
Since 1993, Real Estate Mumbai assists you in finding residential and commercial properties on Rent or Sale in Mumbai.
Real Estate Mumbai services include Property Search, short listing properties, drafting leave and license agreements and providing relocation services in Mumbai.
3 BHK 2500 Sq.ft. in 10th Road, Juhu
2½ BHK 1377 Sq.ft. in Jogeshwari Vikroli Link Road , Andheri East
4 BHK 4000 Sq.ft. in 9, Bomanji Petit Road., Warden Road


text:
Over the last several weeks, the CALA community put together a statement and delivered it to the Cambridge Public School administration and School Committee at the January 3rd SC meeting. The statement officially introduces CALA as an organization, outlines the needs of advanced learners in the Cambridge Public School District, and lays out specific goals on which CALA would like to collaborate with our district leaders over the coming year.
The complete statement is here, and includes CALA's 2012 Action Plan:
- Outreach to grow a diverse parent community, with special effort to include families disadvantaged by racial bias, English language ability, socio-economic status, or other factors; meet with school leaders; work with the district to coordinate a monthly meeting space for CALA, and distribute literature and announcements; find a volunteer parent contact from each school who can pass along email announcements, be a contact for new CALA parents, etc.
- Hold a monthly CALA meeting, open to the public, either for planning or a workshop on a specific topic
- Meet with school leaders – principals, assistant principals, family liaisons – at every school to learn about different schools' approach to advanced learners
- Continue to meet with our district leaders in the administration and School Committee to shape policy and programming that meets the needs of advanced learners across CPS
- To support Massachusetts state advocates working to create state legislation mandating policy and programs for advanced learners
- Assist the district in fundraising for programs for advanced learners, especially in light of the recent NCLB waiver, the Blueprint for Reform, and the Investing in Innovation Fund http://cambridgeadvanced.org/2011/12/19/nclb-waiver-leaves-room-for-improvements/
- Raise overall awareness in the district about the needs and challenges of advanced learners in the CPS by requesting that the district:
- Utilize an evidence-based method to accurately approximate the number of advanced learners in the district
- Include needs of advanced learners as a professional development topic for principals and teachers during the coming year, and how the issue can be addressed throughout the grades and classrooms, including classrooms which use ability grouping, cluster grouping, or differentiation.
- Enact policy that requires all Cambridge Public Schools to set goals that challenge all students, including advanced learners already performing beyond grade level.
- Directly address the needs of advanced learners in the CPS middle grades as the specifics of the Innovation Agenda are developed and implemented.
- Request a summary from each school's literacy and math coaches about what they currently do to serve the needs of advanced learners, and what additional resources they need in the way of materials or time with specialists.
- Commit to sending professional CPS representatives to the 18th annual New England Conference on Gifted and Talented Education that will take place in Rhode Island in October, 2012


text:
So the day has arrived. We've finished inventorying the kit, the countless billet machined pieces, custom cast pieces and the water cut stainless steel pieces. Everything's here so it's go time. We like to keep the shop as clean as humanly possible, but with understanding that our work can get dirty from time to time.
During G-Power installations, it requires our utmost in focus and cleanliness, so we're extra-OCD on keeping the install area for this clean. If you've watched our last install's time lapse video, you know we aren't kidding.
We're really going above and beyond this time on the coverage portion of things, adding an additional camera physically mounted to the hood of the car so we'll have yet another angle for our next time lapse video.
Before we started getting into the tear down, we rigged up the gear in the bay for the video production.
Tripod our fabricator made to hang from the ceiling; pretty slick
Computer set up which is hard wired to both GoPro cameras, so we know we don't run out of memory for footage.
So with all that out of the way, it's time to get to work, here is the car one last time in N/A form
Working around a car with a vinyl wrap is really a nerve-racking experience, the wrap is really quite delicate. We carefully removed the bumper and masked the fenders with microfiber cloth.
MS65 about to be put in it's static-free baggie and shipped to G-Power in Germany for tuning.
Ho-hum; fan out, intake manifold off, etc
Now for the fuel rails, injectors and valve covers to be removed.
VANOS gears
Draining oil for the header install which will be soon
Time to drain the coolant to remove the radiator, as to free up space for installation of the brackets, and ease of access to the new belt routing system, which adds an additional 5 idler pullies to the stock ones.
This is a really clever feature of the S85's radiator, a little tidy drain knob
Just when you thought that finally a coolant drain job was nice and easy and CLEAN. . .you absolutely MUST remove both block drains(which are tucked far away and not easy to access) to ensure all coolant is out, otherwise trust me, the rest will find it's way out through the front when the radiator hoses come off, and make a mess.
Tear down is complete, with the exception of the OEM headers which will be out soon.
That's all for now, much more coming soon. . .stay tuned!
Precision Sport Builds Another Monster Twin Supercharged S85 V10: G-Power SK-II M6 by PSI
This article was originally published in forum thread: Precision Sport Builds Another Monster Twin Supercharged V10: G-Power SK-II M6 by PSI started by Precision Sport View original post25 Comments
Precision Sport - 02-07-2011, 09:28 PM
Thanks, Sticky
DBFIU: it's actually just my point & shoot Canon that I use on builds.
Should be another update tonight later.
respect man
Precision Sport - 02-09-2011, 03:02 AM
A quick update here. . .a few other things going on at the shop have not let us get in the hours on the install that we've wanted. Between 3 E46 chassis reinforcements lined up, and the showroom being renovated, the M6 has been the night time project lately. No complaints from me on that, though. During the day, a lot of people usually stop by the shop to either say hello, or to see the M6, and we're always glad to show them what's going on. . .but at night it's down to business on the install.
The S85 is still letting coolant out from it's nooks & crannies, so we're getting the radiator out of the way, and hoping it stops leaving us little blue puddles on the ground under it.
Check out our little radiator holder we have. More on that item later down the road.
Expansion tank is out, the part that sticks out needs to be trimmed off for the carbon airbox on the driver's side.
The cover over the coils on the passenger side gets a trimming
Getting the vacuum lines ready for the eventual install of the bypass valves, as well as boost gauge later on
Not the greatest picture, but these really nice pieces G-Power mills to cap the oil drains from the intake manifolds to the oil pan.
We'll need to shorten the idle control lines a touch
Idle control holder trimmed, as well as the lines trimmed. . .just need some pex clamps for them now and they should be boost-ready
That's all for today, there will be an update tomorrow though!
DLV-Engineering - 02-26-2011, 12:22 AM
Good work guys! Clean and neat work enviroment. I like that very much!
Itsbrokeagain - 03-04-2011, 01:49 AM
Man o man I gotta clean out my shop..
TopDriveARG - 06-19-2014, 05:29 PM
This project its insane ! What happens ? Do you have any update?
I haven't seen anything from @Precision Sport in a long time. In all honesty, there are WAY more cost effective forced induction products out there for the S85.
Precision Sport - 06-19-2014, 06:40 PM
We are around, just busy busy, and as far as G-Power Kits go, we completed about (6) S85 V10 cars in total.
3 M5s and 3 M6s...
One of my non-local customers has about 50K miles on his SK II M5, and has had no major issues at all.
vBulletin Message


text:
Give back to the world with your time & expertise!
We are at the beginning of a new era of communication and design. We have more access to more information now more than ever in the history of humankind. We can instantly reach out around the world and talk to leading professionals in our field. In a way the things we are creating today are going to shape the way the human race operates for the foreseeable future. We are in a rare and unique position to be at the forefront of this, we are craftspeople of the future. Let's embark on an exploration of the possibilities of changing the world as we know it. It all starts here, with each of us.
The design community needs experienced professionals to help mentor the next generation of designers. There is a lack of experienced professionals mentoring and a growing number of new designers coming into the market. Our intent is to connect these individuals to form long lasting relationships through our mentorship program.
Project Work
There are many of good causes and projects that help further humanity which lack the design talent to help them succeed. Meanwhile, the next generation of designers are coming into the market without enough demonstrated ability in their portfolios. Our intent is to match new designers to great causes and projects for better of humanity.


text:
Find Your Niche Market Part 1
Photo Credit: Massimo Barbieri
For most people the biggest barrier to getting started with an online business is that they either don't have an idea or they have way too many ideas.
Contrary to popular belief, your online business idea doesn't need to be revolutionary. You just have to be able to deliver value that customers will pay for.
There are so many potential markets out there – how do you pick the right market to target?
First Step – Figure out what you are good at.
Start with what you know.
What markets do you belong to already?
Example: You are a student, you worked in real estate, etc.
What hobbies do you have?
Example: Fishing, karate, etc.
Here is a helpful exercise: (borrowed from Ramit Sethi's very useful Idea Generator Tool)
Write down your top 5 skills – This is resume type stuff. What could you teach people?
The skills don't have to be unique, they just have to be marketable.
Example: You know how to program in PHP.
Write down your top 5 strengths – what do other people tell you you're good at?
For more help on this check out the book: Now, Discover You Strengths.
Example: You are good at organizing.
Write down your top 5 interests – What do you read for fun? What do you do on a Saturday afternoon?
Example: You like to practice martial arts.
Second Step – Figure out what people will pay for.
Don't swim upstream.
Don't try to change peoples' behavior, it is very difficult. Trying to convince someone that they should be saving X$ extra each month by not drinking coffee is damn near impossible. Instead go to where your customers are.
Put yourself in the mind of your potential customer.
- What problems are they actively trying to find solutions for?
- What have they already tried to fix it?
- How can you solve their problems?
Keep in mind that you don't have to be an uber-expert to provide value and help people. You just have to know more than your customers. Your abilities and service will improve over time.
For any potential market it is critical to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do they have the ability to pay me?
- Do they have the willingness to pay me?
Bad market example: Designing websites for a non-profit organizations. They probably don't have the ability to pay you well.
Good market example: Designing websites for real estate agents looking to gain more clients. They are willing to pay you to increase their client base, and they are able to pay you well.
You are looking for the intersection of your interests/skills/strengths and market demand.
If the target market doesn't care about your product, you can be the best in the world and you still won't make any money.
Pick 3 marketable ideas that match up with your abilities and in Find Your Niche Market Part 2 you will narrow down your market to a profitable niche.


text:
The homeowners here make no apologies; they planted a home kitchen garden in their front yard, so live with it. I'm glad I live in a community where food plants don't offend people's tastes.
There has been a lot of fuss recently about turning front yards into home kitchen gardens and I've been making a lot of it:
During these months, I've enjoyed watching the progress of a new garden that appeared this spring in my neighborhood. Yep: it's in a front yard. We walk past it occasionally on family walks with the dog, and I've watched the plants grow from seedlings into young adults. It warms my heart and I hope the homeowners expand their planting bed in the coming years.
Perhaps six weeks after I shot the earlier photo, I captured my neighbor's home kitchen garden growing strong. Someone is going to have a lot of tomatoes to deal with, and that's way more awesome than having to deal with a useless lawn.


text:
Millennial Time
I reported yesterday that there is finally some credible evidence for differences in work values between Millennials, GenX, and Boomers. Contrary to reports in the popular press and blog sphere, the work values of millennials are not that much different from previous generations.
The biggest differences the new research uncovered were in a category called leisure rewards. Here are the two questions from that category that millennials felt the most strongly about. In parentheses are the percentage of respondents that thought the item was very important in 1976, 1991, and 2006 respectively.
1. A job where you have more than 2 weeks vacation (17.3, 25.3, 31.3)
2. A job that leaves a lot more time for other things in your life (38.3, 40.4, 44.6)
Younger workers value time away from work more than any other generation in the workforce today. We would be wise to respect that and work with them to find ways they can fulfill their responsibilities at work and have more of the free time they covet.
Younger workers are going to be even more exasperated by inefficient processes that waste their precious time. Challenge them to help you continuously improve crappy systems and then reward them with time when they succeed. Don't make the mistake of improving efficiency for them; give them the responsibility and authority to improve the systems that constrain the rewards they value.
Take a look at these other questions on the survey that were very important to all generations (again, 1976, 1991, and 2006 percentages in parentheses)
1. A job that is interesting to do (87.8, 85.4, 81.6)
2. A job that uses your skills and abilities – lets you do the things you can do best (70.9, 71.9, 68.2)
3. A job where you do not have to pretend to be a type of person that you are not (72.7, 72.3, 67.4)
4. I want to do my best in my job, even if this sometimes means working overtime (89.8, 89.1, 83.9)
Please don't miss the fact that the strongest drivers of work motivation and performance are the same today as they were 35 years ago. The research shows that millennials are more narcissistic, and they do have a sense of entitlement, but that does NOT mean that what we know about motivation and performance is no longer valid.
Instead of abandoning the evidence-backed basics, work harder to understand those motivational principles, why they work, and how you can find new and more creative ways to apply them in your workplace.
Related Posts:
Treating People As Adults At Work
Employee Engagement And Performance: Finally Some Credible Evidence
The Responsibility For Self-Engagement
About the Author: Bret L. Simmons
Comments (8)
Trackback URL | Comments RSS Feed
You're on to something. I'd say we don't want to work less, just differently. We're used to studying with friends and developing projects in school as a team. Working alone makes it feel like work. Working in a coffee shop surrounded by friends from other companies who are also working makes it feel fun. I think a ROWE-type environment accomplishes a lot for Millennials.
The day off reward isn't a bad idea either.
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
November 10th, 2010 at 6:52 pm
The study data was very interesting, David. It actually suggested GenY was values social rewards less, but that's all in how you phrase the question. Team work can be fun, but it is also time consuming. it's often faster to do things solo. Will be interesting to see how your generation behaves as leaders 10 years from now. Thanks! Bret
As a Millennial, I think the "time away" component in correlation to overall work satisfaction is key. Oftentimes, I'm afraid that society has misinterpreted this into the quintessential "lazy" characteristic that folks connect with Millennials today. We're a generation that strives for balance–wanting to make a vital contribution through our workplace, but also through other nonprofits/agencies/organizations that work for causes that we stand behind and support.
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
November 11th, 2010 at 11:06 am
Welcome, Andrew! You have a great point that wanting to spend your time differently does not equate to laziness. But the stereotype is out there, so people need to be aware of it and deal with it. I think that works as an advantage to those that address it rather than ignore it. Thanks! Bret
great video!
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
October 6th, 2011 at 6:47 am
Thanks! Bret
Hi Bret,
Not to age myself too much, but I am in that last year of Gen X, so I too identify with the findings in this study of Millenials. Not to mention that my 5 younger siblings and countless coworkers/staff fall in to this category.
In my career, I can attest that time off as a reward is incredibly valuable, more so than a monetary reward. An afternoon off is a huge deal!!!
Most importantly, however, I believe, and experience confirmed by my colleagues of similar age, is that my time wasted by managers displays a form of incompetence. Inefficiencies seen as time wasters can easily undermine a manager's credibility. Especially in technology. Managers who do not adapt to uses of common technology and by doing so, waste time, are obstacles in accomplishing work objectives and helping us leave the office on time.
Bret L. Simmons Reply:
October 9th, 2011 at 9:44 am
Welcome, Tracey! Great insights. I'm a boomer, and I too loathe people that waste my time. Thanks for sharing! Bret


text:
42" Black and Silver Football Bead
- Product Code: HS-5443BKS
- Availability: In Stock
Available Options
Product code: HS-5443BKS
42" strand of black and silver football beads with four larger matching footballs. Show support for your favorite team with this bead.
NOTE: We are UNABLE to ship bead products to California due to state restrictions.
|NOTE: We CANNOT ship bead products to California due to state restrictions
Tags: hs-5443, hs-5443bks, 42", handstrung, bead, black, silver, football, game, throws, parade, tailgating


text:
Church support for labor unions: at odds with Church practice?
April 07, 2011
Although the Catholic Church has a strong history of support for labor unions, Church officials have frequently been at loggerheads with unions in their own dioceses, notes Brian Fraga in Our Sunday Visitor.
Further information:
All comments are moderated. To lighten our editing burden, only current donors are allowed to Sound Off. If you are a donor, log in to see the comment form; otherwise please support our work, and Sound Off!
Posted by: Defender -
Apr. 08, 2011 3:48 AM ET USA
This especially applies to Catholic school teachers when administrators have intimidated teachers, though the average wage is some 80% of public schools, benefits aren't comparable,and they serve under annual At-Will contracts. This despite the fact that degrees are required in most diocesan schools, but don't go higher than a bachelor's degree because you are ripe to be shown the door in favor of a new teacher who will cost less.


text:
Should You Use a Home Equity Loan for College Expenses?
With college becoming more and more expensive every year, it's common for parents to want to help their children cover the costs of college tuition so they can avoid taking out student loans.
If you have a home with equity in it, you may be considering taking out a home equity loan for college expenses for yourself or your son or daughter. A home equity loan is secured by the equity you have built up in your home and can be set up either as a revolving line of credit or a second mortgage.
A home equity loan can be a reasonable alternative to a college savings fund if you don't have one, but it can be difficult to decide whether you should consider it over alternative methods to fund college expenses.
What You Need to Know First
With a home equity revolving line of credit (HELOC), your lender will determine a credit limit based on the amount of equity you have built up in your home. You'll be able to access as much money as you need up to the maximum amount allowed by either writing a check or using a credit card. The interest rate is usually variable but can be stable for a limited time.
If your home equity loan is set up as a second mortgage, you will borrow a fixed amount that is no more than 80 percent of the equity in your home. The fixed amount will be given to you in full and you will need to repay it over a fixed term.
Lower Interest Rates
The interest rates for home equity loans tend to be lower than the interest rates required for traditional loans. This could prevent you from having to take out private student loans with higher interest rates. The interest is tax-deductible, as well, and your lender will offer flexible repayment terms to choose from.
Your Home May be Used as Collateral
When you take out a home equity loan, your home will serve as collateral for the loan. This means, if you fail to abide by the terms and pay the loan back, the bank could foreclose on your house and take it away from you.
If your home equity loan is set up as a second mortgage, you will also have to pay the same expenses and fees that were required with your original mortgage. However, if you choose to go with a line of credit, you can avoid those fees.
So Should You Use a Home Equity Loan to Pay College Expenses?
If you don't have at least 20 percent equity in your home or if you can secure educational grants and scholarships for yourself or your child to attend college, a home equity loan may not be the best decision for you.
You should consider a home equity loan if you have few other options for paying for college expenses, you've built up equity in your home over time by making extra mortgage payments and investing in your property, and the interest rates are low at the time.
You should also consider how good your credit is, your income, and how much money you have to cover any application fees, broker fees, appraisal fees and so on. Being able to afford the monthly payment and pay back the loan in a timely manner is extremely important.
Home equity interest rates are remarkably low right now, so it could be a good time to take advantage of it. The best thing you can do is weigh your options to see what the most affordable option for you will be. You can shop around and compare interest rates on home equity loans by using our comparison tool.


text:
Suggested Ideas And Guidelines For Gifts For Mom
Nobody deserves recognition for her efforts much more than a mother. 1 method to recognize her is to get her a gift. At every stage of motherhood you will find various ideas for gifts for mom.
The appropriate gift has a lot to do with the age of the children. It is various if a child is giving a gift versus an adult. A mother doesn't need to receive exactly the same kind of gift from a six year old as they do from a forty year old.
When you are a young mother you start to obtain gifts made by your children. These are very special. It's amazing to see what their little hands and minds can create. These are some of the most special gifts you'll ever receive.


text:
Amos and the vampire : Duncan Culpepper Series, Book 26. / Gary Paulsen.
Electronic resources
View other formats and editions
Record details
- ISBN: 9780307803917 (electronic bk)
- Physical Description: 1 online resource.
- Publisher: New York : Yearling, 2011.
Content descriptions
|General Note:
| Title from eBook information screen..
|Summary, etc.:
| Amos's big sister Amy is always dating rejects. But this time, her boyfriend was rejected by the grave! He's got pale skin, dark hair, mesmerizing eyes, an annoying tendency to disappear, and he wants to have the Culpeppers over for a late night Halloween snack.... Can Amos and his best friend, Dunc, stop the vampire before he starts to bite? Or will Amy and her man do a little necking she will never forget?Join Gary Paulsen's cool sleuths in their creepiest caper yet!
|Target Audience Note:
| Text Difficulty 2 - Text Difficulty 3
MG/Middle grades (4th-8th)
570 Lexile.
3.6 ATOS Level
|System Details Note:
| Requires OverDrive Read (file size: N/A KB) or Adobe Digital Editions (file size: 1948 KB) or Amazon Kindle (file size: N/A KB).
Search for related items by subject
|Juvenile Fiction.
|Electronic books.


text:
Are you ready for the future of commuting? Well, brace yourself because the next big thing has finally arrived. In fact, the drone helicopter taxi has been unveiled in Las Vegas at the CES International event last January 2017 and in the United Arab Emirates during its World Government Summit.
Pilotless Drone Aerial Vehicle
The concept is simple, but if you look at it, you might have second thoughts as to whether you should embark on this piece of metal without anyone to send you off your destination. Basically, it is a pilotless vehicle with a top speed of 100mph good for one seating only. Sources say, it will be operational by July.
This product is from a Chinese manufacturer EHang 184. It allows the passenger to interact with a touch-screen monitor in order to choose a destination of up to 31 miles away. However, the trip will be supervised by a ground control team to ensure that the drone is performing as expected.
The said aerial vehicles will be operational in Dubai come July after the transport head of the city have confirmed experimentation with the vehicle to meet possible demands of its passengers. The small egg-shaped drone has a couple of small propellers on each leg as part of the design.
Personal Preference of the Designer
According to the designer, it was made out of personal preference. His idea came out when 2 of his friends were killed in a separate airplane crash incident. Thus, it resulted in designing a prototype that should be safe for aerial travel.
The Chinese company aims to make the controls, along with the overall experience as simple as possible. So, once the passenger sets up the flight plan with just a single click, he or she can now take off on any location, sit back, and enjoy the ride.
Possible Safety Issues
However, despite the simplicity and safety features of the design, there are safety concerns that still raised some questions. This includes questions related to the flight controller if ever it would fail in mid-air. In fact, there are no joysticks or steering wheels that users might have to use whenever necessary.
In response, the company states that there are several multiple fail-safe procedures in place that could take over if failure occurs. So, when an accident is imminent, the flight control center is going to intervene if needed.
Future of Transportation
According to Uber head of product, instead of drones or helicopter-style rotors, they are looking for ways to design a shuttle that would send commuters to and from their destination. In fact, they are trying to research about some vertical landing and takeoff technology to follow their design.
The said plan might also change how people travel from one point to another. Moreover, the plan of moving traffic from land to air should cut down traffic congestion, including the time in crossing cities.
On the other hand, EHang is looking forward to materialize the plan of Dubai to unleash the flying drone taxis by July, after successful test flights in 2017.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.


text:
All websites are built by Jeff Hollett in Vancouver, WA. Websites vary with design and features. Clients can be contacted for reference. My work is not specific to any industry or location. Websites are organized by category.
Construction/Repair, Auto/Truck, Industrial, Technology, Legal/Financial, Medical/Self Help, Senior/Child, Animal/Nature, Food/Hospitality, Misc.
Construction & Repair Vancouver, WA
Commercial Electricians in Battle Ground, WA
Kitchen, Bath, and Laundry Remodel in Vancouver, WA
Home Court Construction Services in Vancouver, WA
Commercial and Residential Masonry in Vancouver, WA
Stone Veneer Manufacturer in Vancouver, WA
Cleaning Services and Housekeeping in Vancouver, WA
Carpet Cleaning Services in Vancouver, WA
Roof Repair and Full Roof Replacement in Vancouver, WA
Locksmith and Door Supply in Battle Ground, WA
Interior and Exterior Painting in Vancouver, WA
DIY Sunroom Kits Wholesale with Worldwide Shipping
Sunrooms and Conservatories in Washington and Oregon
Green Energy Consulting for Homes in Washougal, WA
Home Inspection Services in Vancouver WA
Stump Grinding in Vancouver, WA and Clark County
Brush Clearing and Excavation in Vancouver, WA
Directional Boring and Excavation in Vancouver, WA
Excavation Contractor in Battle Ground, WA
Plumbing and HVAC Services in Battle Ground, WA
Plumbing Service and Repair in Vancouver, WA
Playground Slides and Components in Vancouver, WA
Brick and Stone Masonry in Vancouver, WA
Construction & Repair Portland, OR
Hardwood Flooring in Portland, OR
Design and Remodel Contractors in Portland, OR
Seismic Retrofit Contractors in Portland, OR
Asphalt Paving Services in Portland, OR
Paving and Seal Coating in Portland, OR
House Painting in Portland, OR
Green Cleaning Services in Portland, OR
Home Inspections in Portland, OR and Salem, OR
Apartment Inspections in Portland and Salem, OR
Bathroom and Kitchen Remodel in Portland, OR
Home Additions, Design, Remodeling, Landscaping
Fine Art Furniture and Art Dolls in Portland, OR
Home Sale Marketing Resources in Portland, OR
Appliance Repair Service in Portland, OR
Doors and Windows in Portland, OR
Garage Doors in Portland, OR
Furniture Upholstery Supplies in Portland, OR
Foam Cut-To-Size and Supplies in Portland, OR
Auto & Truck Services
Auto Appraisal and Valuation in Beaverton, OR
Driving School for Teens and Adults in Portland, OR
Auto Body and Collision Repair in Battle Ground, WA
RV Furniture and Interior Design in Woodland, WA
RV Repair and Service in Vancouver, WA
Auto Upholstery and Restoration in Vancouver, WA
Transmission Service and Repair in Vancouver, WA
Pontiac Parts For Sale in Vancouver, WA
Jeep Repair and Restoration in Washougal, WA
Trucking Company and Moving Service in Vancouver, WA
Heaters and AC Units for Trucks and Heavy Equipment
Industrial Services
Plastics Processing Machinery and Technology
Thermoformed and Fabricated Plastics in Vancouver, WA
Manufacturer Representative in La Center, WA
Manufacturer Representative Agency in Vancouver, WA
Design and Manufacturing in Vancouver, WA
Technology Services
Video Transfer and CD Duplication in Vancouver, WA
Computer and IT Services Vancouver, WA
Computer Repair and Support in Portland, OR
Legal & Financial Services
Criminal Defense Attorneys in Vancouver, WA
Business Attorney at Law in Vancouver, WA
Attorney at Law in Vancouver, WA
Attorney at Law in Vancouver, WA
Attorney Bookkeeping Services in Vancouver, WA
Certified Public Accountant in Battle Ground, WA
Certified Public Accountant in Vancouver, WA
Auto, Home, Life, Health Insurance in Battle Ground, WA
Auto, Home, Life, Health Insurance in Kalispell, MT
Private Investigation and Process Serving in Beaverton, OR
Criminal Defense Attorney at Law in Portland, OR
Criminal Defense Attorney at Law in Portland, OR
Patent and Intellectual Property Law in Beaverton, OR
Criminal and Family Law in St Helens, OR
Family and Divorce Lawyer in Portland, OR
Bankruptcy Attorney at Law in Portland, OR
Medical & Self Help Services
Power Yoga in Vancouver, WA
All Natural Products For Pets, Body Care, and Home
Natural Solutions for Home and Body Care
Functional and Integrative Medicine in Portland, OR
Flower Remedy Consulting in Portland, OR
ADHD Treatment in Portland, OR
ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) in Portland, OR
Order Pocket Crosses Online
Senior & Child Services
Aging in Place Resources for Home and Community
Stair Lifts, Wheelchair Lifts, and Elevators in Portland, OR
Memory Care and Senior Care in Vancouver, WA
Adult Family Home and Elder Care in Vancouver, WA
Preschool and Daycare in Vancouver, WA
Animal & Nature Services
Friends of East Fork Lewis River in Clark County
NW Wild Fish Rescue in Washington and Oregon
Restoring Fish and Watersheds in Washington and Oregon
Custom Guided Hunting Trips in Washington State
Guided Fishing Trips in Washington and Oregon
Tuna Fishing Tackle, Supplies, and Equipment
Sport Fishing Trips in Panama and Guatemala
Animal Hospital in Vancouver, WA
Wellness Center for Dogs in Vancouver, WA
Food & Hospitality Services
Southern-Inspired Catering Services in Vancouver, WA
Pizza and Pub Dining in Vancouver, WA
Authentic Mexican Restaurant in Portland, OR
All Natural Tuscan Marinade and Grille Sauce
Seasonal Food and Drink Gift Ideas
Misc. Services
Sod Farm in Woodland, WA
Screen Printing and Embroidery in Vancouver, WA
Stuffed Animal Sewing and Doll Patterns
Online Gift Cards and Certificates
Find Gift Ideas and Gift Cards
Precious Metals and Coin Dealer
Mini-Storage for Boat, RV, Furniture, and Appliances
Real Estate Referral Services in Vancouver, WA
Lewis River Inn Motel in Woodland, WA
Vancouver Peace and Justice Fair in Vancouver, WA
Muralist and Decorative Painter in Portland, OR
Author and Storyteller of Books and Publications
Author of Articles, Essays, Fiction, and Poetry
Media Planning and Media Buying in Portland, OR
Business Printing Services in Clackamas, OR
Real Estate Agent in California and Oregon
SEO Clients
Catering Services for Events in Vancouver, WA
Online Seafood Store in Washington
Super Duplex Alloys and Stainless Steel in Washington
Tissue and Towel Producer in Washington
Crawl Space Cleaning in Vancouver, WA
Interior and Exterior Painting in Vancouver, WA
Carpet Cleaning in Vancouver, WA
Toner and Office Supplies in Vancouver, WA
Camp Programs and Community in Washougal, WA
Dog Sitting and Boarding in Portland, OR
Blown Glass Art in Portland, OR
Family Photography in Oregon City and Portland, OR
Fine Art Photography in Portland, OR
Commercial Photography in Washington and Oregon
Book on Wolves, Wolf Dogs, Dogs, Hybrids, Foxes
Family Dentist and Cosmetic Dentistry in McMinnville, OR
Tennis Coach for Tennis Lessons in Pasadena, CA
Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine in Vancouver, WA
Samoyed and German Shepherd Puppies in Vancouver, WA
CPR and First Aid Classes in Vancouver, WA
Wildlife Control and Trapping in Portland, OR
Acne and Skin Treatment in Beaverton, OR
Construction and Survey Equipment in Vancouver, WA
Construction Tools and Equipment in Vancouver, WA
Cabinets for Kitchens and Bathrooms in Vancouver, WA
Small Cranes, Portable Crane, Mini Mobile Hoist
Lube Trucks, Diesel Generators, and Engines in Vancouver, WA
McKenzie River Lodging and Shuttle in Oregon
Columbia River Fishing Guides in Oregon and Washington
Arborist for Tree and Plant Care in Vancouver, WA
Pest Control in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR
Retirement and Investment Planning in Vancouver, WA
Custom T-Shirts and Printed T-Shirts in Portland, OR
Custom Picture Frames in Portland, OR
Telephoto Lens Cap for Canon and Nikon Camera Lenses
Stained and Leaded Glass in Portland, OR
Photo Retouching and Illustration in Portland, OR
Video, Photo, Illustration Studio in Portland, OR
Academic Life Coach in Portland, OR
Vision Eye and Laser in Vancouver, WA and Portland, OR
Edible Landscaping and Vegetable Garden Help in Portland, OR
Term Life Insurance Quotes Online
Portland TMJ Clinic and Dental Health in Portland OR
Women's Psychiatric Healthcare in West Linn, OR
Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts in Portland, OR
Skin Care and Facials in Portland, OR


text:
Businesses are slow to adopt new technologies. They need time and resources to test and deploy updates and upgrades to prevent adversely affecting the core tools of their organization.
Microsoft Exchange Server 2007 is one of these new technologies and is only just beginning to be deployed in corporate envionments. I've now seen two reports where a default installation of the server software does not support Microsoft Entourage 2004.
. . .
Continue Reading: Entourage requires Legacy Applications software for functionality with Exchange Server 2007


text:
Spinneys at Mercato spans 4,000 sq ft and is one of the mall's main anchor stores. It offers customers an exciting, yet practical shopping experience. The store has been designed with consideration to the shopping habits of Dubai's cosmopolitan population and offers a wide selection of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, meat, dairy products, hot and cold delicatessen, flowers, baby care items, pet foods, and household items. In addition, Spinneys has a variety of in-house facilities such as a Bookshop, Bank, Audio/Video, Photo Shop, Dry Cleaning, Cosmetics Counter, Nutrition Counter, Mobile Phone Shop and an Exchange Centre. Truly a one-stop shop for all customers' requirements, customers are guaranteed all trademark Spinneys attributes – quality products with an emphasis on freshness, high levels of service and excellent value-for-money while being modern, smart and efficient.
Location: First Floor
Tel: +971 4 349 6900


text:
Lebanese PM Calls for his Predecessor Hariri to Return to Power
Lebanon's outgoing Prime Minister Salim Hoss has called for his predecessor Rafiq Hariri, who beat him in recent legislative elections, to head of the country's next government, a Beirut newspaper said Tuesday.
"It is natural, even necessary that former prime minister Rafiq Hariri heads the new government," Hoss told the leading An-Nahar newspaper.
"I am not a candidate to the premiership and I do not want it," Hoss added.
Hariri has been widely expected to head Lebanon's next government, although publicly he has said the matter was still "premature."
The government headed by Hoss, who suffered a harsh defeat during parliamentary elections two weeks ago, has to stand down as soon as the new parliament convenes October 17.
The next prime minister must be chosen by the head of state following parliamentary consultations, whose results are binding.
Hariri, a billionaire construction tycoon, was prime minister for an unbroken six-year period ending in 1998, when he refused to continue after the election of President Emile Lahoud.
Lahoud and Hoss have repeatedly held the Hariri government, which launched the country's post-war multibillion-dollar rebuilding program, responsible for the economic crisis in Lebanon through money squandering and corruption.
But the Hoss government was not able to rein in the fast burgeoning public debt, which should reach 25 billion dollars by the end of the year - BEIRUT (AFP)
© 2000 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Top Headlines
- Resigned Lebanese PM Hariri to Return to Beirut Tuesday
- Lebanese PM Says Predecessor is 'Obsessed Power Seeker'
- Lebanese Parliament Speaker urges former PM to help with cabinet formation
- Lebanese former PM says Hezbollah must go
- Lebanese PM assures public recent clashes will not lead to war with Israel


text:
Buenos Aires (May. 3)
(Jewish Telegraphic Agency Mail Service)
The position of Jewish Agricultural Colonization in the Argentine was discussed at a conference of delegates from a number of Jewish colonies held this week at Dominguez.
There were sixteen delegates present from nine colonies, the members of the Excutive of the Agrarian Federation, for the approval of whose Statutes the Conference was primarily convoked, and a big body of the general public.
Mr. Isaac Caplan, who was elected President, said in his opening address that the colonization work in the Argentine was striking root. They had present at the Conference the sons and the grandsons of colonists. It was at the same time a fact that their colonies were being cut down instead of being extended. There were colonies which were suspended in the air. If they attached importance to the colonization in Palestine. Russia and other places, they had to care, too, for the colonization in the Argentine.
After the opening address, the Conference honored the memory of the late Leon Chasanowitsch, lauded as a devoted friend of the agricultural colonization movement and of the Jewish land workers.
The report of the Executive Committee stated that the work had in certain of the colonies been conducted under favorable circumstances. But it had not been recognized by the Jewish Colonization Association (Ica). A resolution was adopted protesting against the Ica for refusing to receive the Executive Committee.
After a debate on the position of the colonies, especially of the colony of Montefiore. it was decided that the Council of the Federation should consider the position with the Ica and try to find a way out of the present difficulties.
Resolutions on the deaths by fire of Dr. Aaron Ember, his wife and son were adopted at a meeting of the Baltimore Zionist District Board. Dr. Ember was professor of Egyptology at the Johns Hopkins University.
Their names are to be inscribed in the Golden Book of the Jewish National Fund. The resolution states that the Embers perished "that science and posterity might be served." and that they have "enhanced the heritage and glory that is Israel's."
The will of Meyer London. Socialist leader, who was killed in an automobile accident on June 6, was filed for probate, leaving an estate of $4,000 equally to his wife. Mrs. Anna London, and his daughter, Miss Isabel M. London.
The site of the estate caused some surprise in view of Mr. London's supposedly wide law practice, but it was explained by his brother, Horace London. who was associated with him for fifteen years.
"He had been accustomed to contributing a large part of his income to the Socialist Party, to charity and to various socialist enterprises," said Mr. London. "Although he had a large law practice, much of the work was done for nothing and his income was not as large as was generally supposed."
The house of Mrs. Comelius Vanderbilt at Fifth Avenue and Fifty-Seventh Street, New York, was purchased by Frederick Brown, real estate operator. The property is valued at $7,100,000.


text:
Why is YouTube's most subscribed creator, Ray William Johnson, planning to separate from the largest online-video studios (OVC definition)? In perhaps the most interesting online-video news of 2012, the YouTube personality announced this week that he would be splitting from Maker Studios. See news stories by Variety, The Wrap, LA Biz, and NewMediaRockstars.
Johnson started creating his "=3" show from his NYC apartment in May 2008, and has more YouTube subscribers than Justin Bieber and Katie Perry combined. The 31-year-old Oklahoma City native created and owns YouTube's most-subscribed channel with nearly 6 million subscribers and has videos seen more than 2 billion times (source). Maker is one of the largest independent OVCs — initially surpassed only by Machinima — until September ComScore data placed it as #3 after Vevo and Warner.
Here are some "factual highlights"of the separation, followed by my "informed speculation" about what caused the split.
- "In the near future =3 will no longer be part of the Maker Studios network, so I'm going to film here for a while," Johnson said in his most recent video.
- Maker's only response: "Ray is still a part of the Maker Network. With the recent decline in viewership on '=3' it made sense for him to go back to producing the show himself." Maker claims that it provided a full production staff of 12 people including a team of writers, and that was "no longer a viable option" for the show.
- YouTuber Michael Buckley called the "decline" statement, "a little bitchy" and I agree (why mention the decline?).
- See NewMediaRockstars' Tweets for more information as founder Benny Luo says he's soon interviewing Maker founder "Danny Diamond."
- In fairness to Maker, the decline is accurate. See NewMediaRockstars/Channel Meter's report on the slowing rate of views and subscribers of the #1 YouTuber. This drop is consistent with the overall decline of independent creators — as YouTube (and OVCs) have turned their attention to professional content.
- Writes Variety, Williams is "embroiled in a public dispute with the company where he is under contract… a source suggested that Johnson represented a dwindling portion of Maker's traffic, currently totaling no more than 2%.
- The break, writes Wrap, "is jarring because it presents itself as the most artist-friendly YouTube-driven production company, founded by popular YouTubers like Lisa Nova (Lisa Donovan) and KassemG (Gharaibeh). That being said, YouTubers like the Fine Bros. and Shane Dawson have also left the company in the past."
So What Caused The Split?
Here's where I'll speculate, since the terms of the agreement (and looming split) are obviously confidential. Ultimately the agreement served neither Johnson nor Maker, and that's likely why other top creators (who had a following prior to Maker) have pulled away from networks.
- Maker approached RWJ about two years ago, and the contract did not appear to require Johnson to give up a percentage of his YouTube revenue. To reinforce that point, consider RWJ's "tweet" to journalist Benny Luo of New Media Rockstars: said Johnson, "Maker suddenly insisted on owning part of =3 IP (his show's intellectual property). He continued, "When I told them no, they stopped production of the YFM album. He's referring to Your Favorite Martian channel, a channel that likely was jointly owned and monetized by RWJ and Maker. That channel will likely die or fatigue like Maker's "The Station."
- Years ago Maker was new, and needed the numbers and credibility of a top YouTuber to impress investors, advertisers, and creators. It's common that a YouTube star with a proven fan base to be courted by OVCs without imposing a revenue split on existing channels. But with new creators or jointly developed channels, the creator and OVC often split YouTube ad revenue 50/50%. This is one of few ways that an OVC stays financially solvent today. That will change as OVCs begin to create their own content, receive content-development investments from YouTube, or work "upstream" content distribution deals beyond YouTube.
- Even though we know that all independent creators have seen decline in views/audiences, this surely created tension by Maker and Johnson. Each party likely attributed the decline to the other, when in truth the decline is mostly due to YouTube's changes in emphasis… with pro content on board, YouTube is less reliant on the independent creators… and wants to become web television (as I've written before).
- Maker likely financed RWJ's show (the "12 staffers") to improve the show, increase views and keep Johnson happy. Johnson's channel earns him more than $1,000,000 dollars annually. He can afford to support a staff, but Maker wasn't getting a piece of that action. That's not very sustainable.
- Eventually Johnson, accustomed to sole control, probably felt like his show was over managed… did he really need Maker?
- Meanwhile Maker had a declining need for RWJ as it attracted dollars and grew to thousands of Partners. As stated above, RWJ became a smaller and smaller portion of Maker's total and ongoing views. So Maker probably fatigued of investing in the show, and sought to monetize RWJ in new ways. They'd perhaps co-create additional content (channels or show) that the two could jointly own. (When Next New Networks approached me years ago, that was the deal. I didn't have to give up a percent of my YouTube Adsense money, but I agreed that new opportunities (like sponsored videos) would be a 50/50% split. Of course Next New was acquired before that ever happened).
- Bottom line: the relationship lost its foundation. Maker didn't need RWJ so it probably reduced its coddling of the star. Meanwhile Ray realized that he wasn't necessarily thriving under Maker… did his show really need a fancy set and a collection of writers and famous guests? Did he need Maker to keep and grow his audience?
- The split, by the way, is not unique to this medium. There's a long history of the entertainment industry that involves financial disputes and friction based on ownership — both financial and creative.
So there we go. Thoughts? Speculation? Feelings? Bring 'em, folks.


text:
Hi All,
My name is Laurie and i hail from southeastern CT, along the shoreline. And I love trees! I'm looking forward to getting to know this forum. Actually I am hoping for an id for a few trees I've been observing as they leaf out. Not sure where to post that but I'll look around and try to figure it out.


text:
ICAEW response to Charity Commission report
22 February 2018
Voting online is quick & easy! This is your chance to choose who will represent your interests as a member in practice.Vote now
Join us on 27 March for the first in our series of career breaker workshops, to look at how you can start preparing for success.Book your place today
All Professional Level exams are now computer-based. Explore the ICAEW resources available for ACA students to help you prepare to pass, including our essential computer-based exam checklist.Find out more
The ICAEW Chartered Accountant qualification, the ACA, is one of the most advanced learning and professional development programmes available. It is valued around the world in business, practice and the public sector.More about the ACA
Find out how ICAEW can support you throughout your career with a wide range of services and benefits, including member networks and CPD requirements. You can also update your member profile and set your communication preferences.Membership info
22 February 2018
21 February 2018
09 February 2018
Find a chartered accountant is the official online directory of over 21,000 ICAEW firms. Search by location, specialisation and industry to find an ICAEW firm. Whether you need guidance on your personal finances, or detailed financial advice about your business, an ICAEW Chartered Accountant can help.
You can receive tailored communications on just the topics you're most interested in
Receive our free newsletter which includes updates from across the accountancy and finance profession, news from ICAEW and commentary from leading business news stories.
Be the first to hear about new and exciting conferences, webinars and networking events from ICAEW and our many partners.


text:
Funding Outcomes
As more states adopt the performance-based funding model, CBOs can help institutions determine the metrics by which completion is measured.
By Nancy Mann Jackson
For the past three academic years, colleges and universities in the state of Tennessee have received funding based more on how many students completed college or completed courses than on how many students enrolled. As the first state to shift 100 percent of its higher education funding to a formula based on performance, Tennessee is blazing a trail that many states have considered following.
According to a recent study by Complete College America, nearly one third of states have adopted at least some performance-based funding for higher education, and most of them are aiming to base at least 25 percent of funding on outcomes, in the near future.
Performance-based funding ties governmental funding to predefined performance measures, such as student retention, graduation rates, and employment levels. With tightened state budgets, public institutions have encountered increased scrutiny from state legislatures responding to concerns about the rising cost of higher education.
As states look to improve higher education outcomes by adopting performance management metrics, debate surrounds the effectiveness of the methodology of dictating funding based on performance measures. "Providing incentives for institutions to enroll, retain, and graduate students is important," says Joni Finney, director of the Institute for Research on Higher Education at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia. "There is really no one model for performance-based funding, and states are clearly in an experimental phase in adapting such approaches. Research that either declares victory or defeat for performance-based funding is neither helpful nor constructive at this point. Instead, clearly documenting and understanding the various models of performance funding is an important first step toward better research."
As increasing numbers of states move toward an outcome-based funding model (see figure), higher education leaders on both the financial and academic sides must understand the potential for change and begin to position their institutions to adapt to changing funding models and increased scrutiny of tuition policy and institution performance. Here's a look at how some states have made their decisions and how the results are affecting higher education institutions so far.
Pinpointing Metrics
In Tennessee, where a performance-based funding formula went into effect in 2011–12, higher education leaders worked together to build the model. "We gathered campus leaders and directly asked presidents about what should be included," says Russ Deaton, associate executive director for finance and administration for the Tennessee Higher Education Commission. "Campuses were involved every step of the way, and they seem to feel a significant level of ownership because they assisted in the development of the system."
The Tennessee system measures different outcomes in the two-year and four-year institutions. The university model measures the number of bachelor's and master's degrees awarded as well as the level of research expenditures. The community college model measures the number of degrees and certificates produced, as well as the number of workforce development hours completed and student remediation successes. "There is no graduation-rate measurement in the community college model," Deaton says. "We were sensitive to not creating a structure that would reduce access. The easiest way to improve graduation rates is to deny access on the front end, and we didn't want to do that."
The discussion of which outcomes to measure and how to do it in a fair and equitable way is not an easy one, especially with so many states still struggling with postrecession budget cuts. In 2013, the Washington state legislature asked public baccalaureate institutions to develop an approach to performance funding that the state could support, says Jane Sherman, vice provost for academic policy and evaluation at Washington State University (WSU).
The proposal was provided to the legislature at the beginning of the session, but no action has been taken. While there is "lots of interest" on the part of the legislature in a performance-based funding model for higher education, there is "no agreement on what, how, when, or even why," Sherman says. "It's not clear what, if anything, the legislature intends next."
While the funding formula for four-year institutions in Washington state has not yet changed, 1 percent of state funding for community and technical colleges is allocated based on performance, and has been since 2007. But the state legislature didn't make that decision. Instead, the nine-member, governor-appointed State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC) initiated the performance-based funding system, known as the Student Achievement Initiative.
"The goal was to shift funding from being based strictly on enrollments, to also being based on student performance," says David Prince, policy research director, at the Washington SBCTC. "The initiative grew from SBCTC-led research that identified the 'tipping point,' the level of education that means the difference between struggling in a minimum-wage job and having a job that leads to a better life. The initiative was designed to help advance students from one educational momentum point to the next, until the students reach and even exceed the tipping point."
The Student Achievement Initiative awards colleges points and funding when students reach key academic milestones that lead to certificates and degrees, such as completing a certain number of credits. To determine metrics, SBCTC used a systemwide planning group with chief instruction, student services, business officers, faculty, researchers, and representatives from every other key constituency within the system. This group provided technical advice and input to the task force and conveyed information back throughout the system to college peers.
Preparing for Change
Even before Tennessee switched to basing all higher education funding on performance metrics, about 5 percent of the state's funding for higher education was based on outcomes. "So it wasn't new to us," says David Collins, vice president for finance and administration, East Tennessee State University (ETSU), Johnson City. "But we wanted to make sure the new formula was fair in what it was measuring."
For instance, many ETSU students are first-generation college students or are working adults, who typically take longer than four years to graduate. There was some concern on campus that an across-the-board focus on graduating students within four years would penalize colleges that serve those populations. However, Collins says leaders on his campus have been pleased that the final funding formula includes "lots of progress outcomes, such as students getting to 24, 48, and 72 hours, not just graduation," he says. "It also lets each institution weight certain areas differently, such as research."
While different student populations seem to be considered in the Tennessee funding formula, Collins says a drawback is that all fields of study are rewarded equally. "You get rewarded the same for producing a Ph.D. in biochemistry as you do for producing a Ph.D. in English or history, and the formula doesn't take into account the varying costs," he says. "Health sciences fields are much more expensive to offer than liberal arts."
In the state of Washington, two-year colleges were united in supporting the research behind performance-based funding, Prince says, but "many colleges initially felt hesitant for the uncertainty that performance funding could create for them."
Among Washington's four-year universities, where performance-based funding has not yet been established, leaders are also hesitant about whether the specific metrics chosen will be the right ones. "Most states are asking their baccalaureate institutions for higher retention and graduation rates, fewer enrolled FTEs per degree produced, and more research funding," says WSU's Sherman. "Those aren't our problems; Washington is already near the top on those measures. Where we lag most is in the participation rate of our population in baccalaureate and graduate education, and we aren't confident that performance funding can be readily applied to that metric. We have a concern that policy makers might be inclined to solve someone else's problems by adopting a system similar to that of a state with different challenges."
In addition, recent budget cuts make campus leaders cringe to think about more potential losses from failing to meet performance standards. "Basically, our level of state funding dropped so precipitously during the recession that we have difficulty contemplating any performance-funding structure that might put more of it at risk," Sherman says. "And we are not confident that the legislature could or would find new money to support performance funding."
Seeing Results
As states build experience with performance-based funding, they are beginning to see results.
- Shifting focus. In Washington state's community and technical colleges, the past several years of tying some funds to performance have helped shift the focus from enrollment only to education outcomes, Prince says. "The initiative has also served the system well in accounting for what happens to students during the year," he continues. "There is a greater focus on completions in the new system through the funding distribution, which aligns with our state's commitment to the national Completion Agenda [an initiative sponsored by the College Board, with several collaborating partners]."
- Tracking progress. In addition, the point system that measures community and technical colleges' outcomes in Washington state has "become a common language for describing student progress within the community and technical college system," Prince says. "Colleges and outside funding sources are using the points to measure and track the results of their student success practices." The Student Achievement Initiative provides to the colleges quarterly data on progress and retention of their students. Colleges can track student progress toward these achievement points each quarter, providing immediate feedback and opportunities for intervention strategies. In 2013, the Washington legislature provided $5 million a year in new funding for the Student Achievement Initiative.
- Serving students. In Tennessee, colleges and universities are "getting very creative in determining new ways to serve students," Deaton says. "They were already trying, but it does make a difference when you bring in financial implications. We're seeing a lot of creative energy being unleashed by campuses, as they realize it's not just about getting students in the door anymore." For instance, institutions are rethinking advising and how to serve students who are showing signs that they need help, Deaton adds.
At ETSU, for instance, academic leaders are "beefing up" advising programs and implementing more tutoring opportunities, Collins says. The university is also using online programs like DegreeWorks to help students track their progress toward their degrees, with access to an up-to-date list of courses taken and courses needed to help them plan for upcoming semesters and complete their degrees on time.
Similar changes are beginning to take shape in Ohio. At the Ohio State University, Columbus, leaders are looking at their advising systems and at scheduling classes at appropriate times, such as offering late-afternoon and evening classes to accommodate working students, says Herbert Asher, senior vice president for government affairs.
In addition, every academic department at Ohio State has developed and publicized a "pathway" that would allow students to earn a degree in three years. "We're looking at how students are spending their senior years in high school and offering a Maymester and other opportunities for students to earn credits quickly," Asher says. "The funding formula creates incentives for universities to take steps that really aren't that expensive but are very consequential in helping students succeed."
Weighing the Risks
While some schools are making changes to boost student outcomes, Finney says it is too early to know how institutions will change in the long term in response to performance-based funding. "Strong state-level data systems are necessary to determine changes in performance and to make adjustments accordingly," she says. "States vary in terms of the sophistication of their student unit record systems. This must be carefully aligned with the outcomes they hope that institutions will strive for."
"Any financial policy involves a series of trade-offs," says Tennessee's Deaton. While he and other state education leaders believe the positives of performance-based funding "far outweigh the negatives," he also says "until the model is road tested, you don't know for sure how it will work out."
- Funding challenges. While progress has been reported among schools working harder to ensure student success, the Tennessee formula is still not fully funded, in the wake of state budget crunches. "The funding remains a challenge, and if you have increased outcomes and they are not rewarded appropriately, that's a problem," Collins says. "For example, if an employer has a salary incentive plan and then doesn't fund the incentives, it has difficulties continuing to get people to do what it wants them to do."
- Competing priorities. In addition to funding issues, states that pursue performance-based funding may risk creating an imbalance of priorities. For example, the ultimate goal for most states is to serve more students effectively and direct resources to institutions that place a high priority on serving those who need to be served and that do so successfully. But aside from these outcomes, "there are many other outcomes of higher education that states care about, such as economic development and research," Finney says.
"For research, in particular, there are already incentives in place, from states and the federal government, for strong performance, such as reduced teaching loads at research universities, direct grants to institutions' research, or strong economic development. The performance-based model should focus, in my view, on the areas of greatest need in higher education rather than further incentivizing the strengths."
- A partial solution. Finally, while performance-based funding may help states reach some of their goals for increasing educational attainment, it should not be viewed as a complete solution. "Performance funding only addresses how states allocate funds to institutions; it doesn't address the larger higher education finance picture that influences performance, such as policies for state financial aid and tuition," Finney says. "These policies are interconnected, and addressing one while ignoring the others is not likely to result in higher educational attainment."
States must provide the public with policies in finance, governance, and accountability that will together have an impact on performance. "Trying to achieve these goals primarily, or only, through performance funding is not likely to produce the number of educated citizens needed by our economy or society," Finney says.
NANCY MANN JACKSON, Huntsville, Alabama, covers higher education business issues for Business Officer.


text:
Planning and Managing Distance Education Systems: Software Systems
Dr. Farhad (Fred) Saba
Founder and Editor, Distance-Educator.com
Basic characteristics– These systems consist of the array of computer programs that are needed for teaching, learning, research and administrative affairs. Instructors have an increasing number of choices at their fingertips to connect with learners through audio, video and text communication. The variety of communication software for teaching and learning purposes ranges from email to more complex programs, such as, learning management systems, and social media, as well as a class of software applications, such as, Adobe Connect that provide real time multipoint communication by voice, video and text to users. In recent years, software has also included the vast repositories of journal articles and digital books or eBooks.
Key Personnel– In addition to faculty who have been responsible for either creating their instructional materials or selecting textbooks and other media materials, professionals who work at this system level include librarians, as well as writers, editors, videographers, software engineers, programmers, producers, directors, actors, graphic artists, and audio and video engineers.
As libraries are gradually becoming digital, librarians have not only kept their traditional role in guiding students and faculty to find the information they need, they also have become the key personnel in implementing the massive transformation of analog libraries to digital entities.
Since the development of software systems have become inexpensive and are readily available on the Internet, students have also joined the ranks of instructional media developers by developing a range of martials from wikis to blogs, to fully developed Websites. As such, the line between the producer and consumer has become increasingly blurred in software developed for educational purposes.
Impact on Other System Levels– Adaptive Learning Systems– Perhaps the most important software innovation in recent years, which will have an immense impact on how teaching and learning will be conducted in the future, is the advent of adaptive learning systems. These class of software acquire data (learn) as the learner interacts with the learning materials, and depending on his or her input provide differential responses to each individual learner. An example of this class of software is the intelligent tutoring systems that are currently in use by the military, as well as some K-12 schools, universities, and businesses.
Quantum Simulations' The Quantum Tutors provide unlimited one-on-one tutoring over the Internet when an instructor isn't available to help or answer questions. Just like working with a real-life tutor, students can ask questions, view next steps and request hints related to their own problems. Because of the "Enter Own Problem" feature, the software is compatible with any curriculum and requires no change to existing lesson plans, textbooks or homework assignments.
Policy makers and educators alike are poised to replace seat time to a result oriented system of funding for education. Self adaptive learning systems will facilitate this sea change at the Instructional, Educational and Societal Systems levels in this model.
The DreamBox adaptive online learning environment ensures that students work in their optimal learning zone. It recognizes more than just their 'yes' or 'no' answers—with every click of the mouse, it evaluates student strategies and immediately adjusts the lesson. Dreambox can adapt the level of difficulty, scaffolding, sequencing, and the number of hints, the pacing—all in real-time—allowing students of all levels to progress at a pace that suits them.
These are but two examples of adaptive learning systems that will enable learners to move at their own pace and eventually will result in a shift in how education is funded. Increasingly seat time as the most important indicator of "learning" is becoming under scrutiny. Policy makers and educators alike are poised to replace seat time to a result oriented system of funding for education. Self adaptive learning systems will facilitate this sea change at the Instructional, Educational and Societal Systems levels in this model.
Digital Information- The increasing availability of academic and research information in digital format has had a major impact on how libraries support students and faculty, and how major publishers provide textbooks. There is also an increasing variety of materials available to academic institutions on the Internet ranging from services, such as YouTube, SlideShare, and Ted Education that hold vast numbers of video clips to slide presentations, animations and other forms of educational information representation such as virtual laboratories or simulated environments.
On April 18-19, 2013, the Digital Public Library of America (DPLA) will celebrate the groundbreaking work of hundreds of librarians, innovators, and other dedicated volunteers in our collective effort to build the first national digital library.
Instructional information repositories, such as, Multimedia Educational Resource (MERLOT) for Learning and Online Teaching offer peer reviewed learning materials which along with other services, such as, Educational Resources Information Center (ERIC) have already redefined how courses are structured and how learners conduct their "library" search for completing their assignments. The revolution in software systems has created the potential for faculty to create their own instructional materials and not only write a textbook, but publish it too, thus by passing publishers. Students will be the direct beneficiary of this change, as for years they have been complaining about the cost of textbooks. Supplanting publishers have also extended to the area of scholarly journal publishing. Similar to textbooks, faculty can publish their articles directly on the World Wide Web. This has given rise to the number of open access journals. As of this writing, the Directory of Open Access Journal (http://www.doaj.org/) listed 8366 publications from 121 countries. Faculty are increasingly motivated to contribute to open source journals while traditional publishers receive faculty contributions to print-based journals free of charge, and sell them in the published format to university libraries often with very expensive annual subscription rates.
These developments have started a major process of change in the publishing industry as traditional book publishers are creating new business models and products to stay in business. In an article titled The Object Formerly Known as Textbook Jeffry Young wrote in the Chronicle of Higher Education:
Textbook publishers argue that their newest digital products shouldn't even be called "textbooks." They're really software programs built to deliver a mix of text, videos, and homework assignments. But delivering them is just the beginning. No old-school textbook was able to be customized for each student in the classroom. The books never graded the homework. And while they contain sample exam questions, they couldn't administer the test themselves.
Open Education– New software technologies have also been the impetus behind the open educational resource (OER) movement, which aspires to provide such information to everyone free of charge. A much talked about form of OER has been massive open online courses (MOOC). Spearheaded by major elite institutions, such as MIT, and Stanford University MOOCs are available free of charge for those who wish to take them. However, in most cases students do not receive credit for their attending or completing a course. Yet entrepreneurs are experimenting with testing students in proctored exams and offering them credit. Such innovations in software systems are bound to grow in the future, and reshape how learners access educational opportunities. It is certain that in the next few years, more novel approaches to offering instructional and learning materials will be introduced on the Internet, further challenging the current model of on-campus education.


text:
As the Bucks' on court play unfortunately seems as if it is continuing its drip down south for the offseason, the off the court drama is at an all-time high as the trade deadline nears. Who would have guessed that this team would be viewed as sellers at the deadline when the season first began?
Nonetheless, there is still a game being played tonight and we will provide you with a preview. The Bucks face off with the Jazz tonight in Salt Lake City, a place where Milwaukee has been a train wreck. Utah has won its last 13 straight home meetings against the Bucks and are determined to extend that streak. That's not just one, but two re-brandings of the franchise in that time frame. Yeah, it's been a while since the Bucks have won in Salt Lake City.
Every game is important for the Jazz at this point of the season. Their young core group of talent is continuing to develop and they are vying for the 8th seed in the West with a 23-25 record. They are battling Houston and Portland for the final spot in the Western Conference.
The Bucks will need to ignite their offense for any chance of ending the winless drought. However, that's easier said than done, especially looking at the correlation between Utah's home defense and win percentage. The Jazz are 16-0 when holding opponents under 90 points. They also play at the league's slowest tempo with just 93 possessions per 48 minutes, meaning the Bucks will want to move the ball up the court fast and with a vengeance.
Utah has stressed having teams go up against its half-court defense and it has worked nicely for them. In their current four game win-streak, they have held three teams to 90 or fewer points. They have been getting nice contributions on the offensive side of the ball as well, headlined by Gordon Hayward. The sixth-year man out of Butler is averaging 21.8 points in his last ten games.
Going over to the Bucks, they continue to surge near the top of the league in three-point percentage at 46.1 percent, but the problem is that they take the second lowest attempts at 15.7 threes a game. Even though Milwaukee is near the top of the league in points off turnovers and points in the paint, the short number of threes and their inefficiency on defense is killing them.
The Bucks got a bright spot to their dismal season yesterday when the NBA announced that Khris Middleton was selected to the three-point contest. It will be Milwaukee's first representative in the contest since Ray Allen.


text:
Chelsea are reportedly weighing up the options of a double swoop for Liverpool duo Yossi Benayoun and Javier Mascherano.
Both players have been linked with a move away from Anfield this summer and with Chelsea likely to lose Michael Ballack and Joe Cole, the Reds pair would act as perfect replacements.
With Liverpool down on their usual transfer budget, Rafael Benitez may be forced to sell one or two stars and with recent comments coming from Benayoun, it seems almost certain that something like that may happen.
"Ancelotti wants me for next season and now everything depends on Liverpool," he said. "Chelsea will have to pay some £6m but I believe that in the end I'll be moving there."


text:
- Press Center
- News
- Ask the Nebraska Agriculture Committee to Support Positive Changes to Breeder Laws
A bill is currently pending in the Nebraska Agriculture Committee that would amend the definition...
A bill is currently pending in the Nebraska Agriculture Committee that would amend the definition of "commercial breeder", which currently include those who own four intact dogs or cats.
While the new definition still may not define a truly commercial operation, Legislative Bill 288 is a good step, requested by the AKC, to ensure that small, responsible hobby breeders, sportsmen and others who may keep four intact cats or dogs and breed an occasional litter are not subject to regulations designed for commercial kennels.
This bill had a hearing in 2013, but the legislature adjourned prior to taking further action. Please contact the Nebraska Agriculture Committee and ask the members to SUPPORT Legislative Bill 288.
"Commercial dog breeder" is defined in current law as anyone "engaged in the business of breeding dogs" and who:
- Owns or harbors four or more intact dogs or cats,
- Sells/transfers at least 31 dogs and cats per year,
- Owns dogs/cats that produce four or more litters per year, OR
- Knowingly sells or leases dogs/cats for later retail sale or brokered trade.
This means that if someone owns four intact dogs or cats and bred or sold even one dog, current law could require them to be licensed and regulated as a commercial breeder. This is problematic because it puts many hobbyists, sportsmen, ranchers, and other owners of intact dogs (and/ or cats) in the situation of potentially having to comply with regulations designed for much larger commercial operations.
LB 288 would change the commercial breeder definition so that someone, in addition to owning four or more intact dogs, must also at minimum:
- Sell/transfer at least 31 dogs a year AND
- Produce four or more litters per year or
- Knowingly sell dogs for later retail sale before being subject commercial breeder laws.
While not perfect, we believe this is a good compromise step to help protect the rights of hobbyists and others who own intact dogs, but would not ordinarily be considered commercial operations.
Contact the members of the Nebraska Agriculture Committee. The contact information is as follows:
Sen. Ken Schilz, Chair
Phone: (402) 471-2616
Email: email@example.com
Sen. Dave Bloomfield
Phone: (402) 471-2716
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sen. Ernie Chambers
Phone: (402) 471-2612
Sen. Thomas Hansen
Phone: (402) 471-2729
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sen. Burke Harr
Phone: (402) 471-2722
Email: email@example.com
Sen. Jerry Johnson
Phone: (402) 471-2719
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sen. Steve Lathrop
Phone: (402) 471-2623
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Sen. Norman Wallman
Phone: (402) 471-2620
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
For questions or more information, contact the AKC Government Relations Department at (919) 816-3720 or email@example.com.


text:
Inaugural meeting for Sidite Henan Marketing Company had a smooth satrt
August 22, 2012, with support of the company headquarters and distributors in Henan province, Sidite Henan Sales Company was officially established. Thirty excellent distributors were invited to attend the inaugural meeting.
When the host announced the establishment of Henan Sales Company, the venue burst out prolonged applause. Then the Branch Manager Mr. Cao Yufang delivered his speech concerned with the operating principle: "integrity, pragmatic, innovation and enterprising". The business manager of the Henan Sales Company shared his marketing ideas and experience which immediately won recognition of the distributors. The headquarters would put more business teams in Henan to provide serve and guidance for market in Henan.
After the meeting, distributors actively exchanged their ideas and thought that it had long been the common dream to establish the Sales Company. To better serve distributors and customers, the Sales Company would respond positively to promote the business and corporate with the headquarters. Many hands make light work; we believe we will have a bigger and mature market in Henan province!