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Hello! My name is Nick. I'm a fortysomething happily married guy. I married my soul mate and love of my life, Kim in 1997. We have two beautiful children, now teenagers, five dogs, and three lizards. Basically, your average (or not so average?) American family.
For my day job, I am a Certified Information Systems Security professional, protecting networks, computers, systems, applications, intellectual property, and people from the myriad of cybersecurity threats that exist in today's world.
On weekends and some weeknights, I also work with Kim in the business of wellness. I'm involved in spiritual well-being and healing as a certified Reiki practitioner with the ability to read the energy signatures that people emit often referred to as auras.
By night I'm an avid reader of all types of fiction and fantasy. From sagas to short stories and novellas to comic books and graphic novels. My love of science fiction, horror and all forms of fantasy extends into movies, TV shows, video, and board games. All fantasy realms are in my domain of interest.
This fascination of fantasy realms and the lore and stories behind the games, movies and written words has been a form of inspiration for me to make my own stories and realms in my mind. I didn't have a good way to express them. I tried to draw my stories, making sketches and comic strips. As it turns out, I am terrible at art! It never occurred to me to write my stories down on paper or to type them into a word processor.
One day a friend I met online emailed me a story he wrote about one of his characters in an online game we had played. I read his story and that's when it clicked! I could do that! I could write my stories down and that would show people all the fantastic things I saw in my mind's eye. Just write it all down! So, I started to do just that.
It took a while for me to start writing seriously. At first, it was just some stuff I would write and then share with my friends over an email. It started to become a habit. My friends had begun to ask for more stories or more chapters of an existing story. Things started to come together!
About a year after doing this, I bought a Kindle. That is when I fully realized what I could do and how I could get other people to enjoy what I do beyond just a few friends that I shared my writing with. The ease of which one can make and publish an eBook fascinated me.
The Kindle and the immense offering and ease of access to thousands of eBooks opened my mind up to a whole new venue for fantasy worlds, strange realms, and new genres. There are so many eBooks covering all sorts of genres. Topics and subjects, I never thought writing about before or combining into my existing stories.
The material I discovered spanned realms involving high fantasy, science fiction, lore, romance, historical romance, dystopian, urban fantasy, and young adult fiction. Everything from zombies to orcs and elves to insane robots and spaceships. If I could find enjoyment in these stories and genres so would other people. The possibilities are endless!
So that basically is a little about me and my journey so far. I can't wait for the next chapter in my story to see where this all leads to!
Thank you for taking the time to read a little bit about me. If you have any questions for me, please feel free to email me using the contact link (here) or you can find me on twitter at @NickSNicholas


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Nothing makes us happier than to hear from a satisfied customer. We take a lot of pride in the housecleaners we provide. Below are a few of the great things our customers have said about our services.
Do you have feedback you would like to provide?
My wife and I enthusiastically recommend Made 4 You to our friends. We built our "forever home" in Corona del Mar. We're picky customers, and researched several services before making our choice. Besides customer recommendations, here are two reasons we chose Made 4 You...
Outstanding customer care. Fantastic move out cleaning. Final cost came in under bid! Would highly recommend. Ask for. Brian. Totally professional and worked around my constant changing schedule. Will use them again!!
Thank you maid4you! Brian is the owner operator and he's very easy to talk to. I used them several times before writing a review and my experience has always been great. I'm sure all his staff is exceptional, but Jose really does the best job I've ever seen! He returned my brothers discusting shower and bath tub back to beautiful and sparkling again! Not to mention the stove top and every detail in the kitchen...
Great team of gals, went above and beyond what was expected. Showed up on time and the whole process was very easy. I'd recommend them to everybody!
The girls that came out did a great job. They were thorough, no dust in site. I recommend this cleaning service. Brian is awesome at customer service.
Did a great job for me. The two that came followed instructions well, cant complain. Brian was great on the phone. Thank you.
My first experience was not that great since i waited two hours and a half for the maids to come but Brian (the owner) reacted in a very professional way and tried to call me many times to make it up and then he offered an apology and a very good deal. I highly recommend the maids as they clean very well and they dont waste time at all.
Thank you brian and for sure i will contact you again in the near future.
Fast, efficient and my house looks amazing! Affordable pricing and flexible scheduling is what brought me to them and the service didn't disappoint! Great job!
I hired this company to clean the apartment I'd moved out of. Liz and Michael did such an amazing job, I practically wanted to move back in! Absolutely gorgeously, sparkling clean. I got every penny of my security deposit back thanks to them! And they worked super fast, too! I just hired them to do some semi-annual deep cleaning and will continue to go back. Brian, the owner, is super awesome and helpful too!
Great customer service over the phone. Brian extremely helpful in answering my questions and helping me get the right persons for my Mom's house cleaning. She was very happy with the work done. Lisa K
Really great people. Brian really stays on top of his business. I've always been happy with the way my place turns out, I never have any issues with scheduling and I just get a real feeling I can trust everyone who enters my place. I know they've been around forever, and that counts for a lot. Highly recommended!
There is nothing like returning from a weekend getaway and walking into a perfectly clean home without lifting a finger.
When it comes to leaving keys with a stranger trust is the utmost concern and after years of service I trust Maid 4 You 100%. The owner Brian is very reachable and can always accommodate my last minute request. They continuously do an outstanding job cleaning my home and at a very reasonable price.
Highly recommended.
I've been using Maid For You for seven or eight years - they are always on time, do a great job, and it's really nice having a central office to help with scheduling, particularly if my regular cleaner is sick or can't come for some reason, there's always someone else to fill-in. Highly recommended.
The owner is very kind. They came quickly when I needed help and did a wonderful job cleaning!! Everything is clean, fresh, and my carpet is fluffy and soft again. Thank you!!
Got this service to surprise my wife. The staff was very professional. Maria, came out and arrived on time and was very detailed in her work. She was courteous and respectful with our things. Brian at the office was very clear and focused on how much time I would need. Brian also followed up to make sure things went well.
I will be using them again and HIGHLY recommend their service!
I read previous YELP reviews and decided to try them. I left a voice mail for Brian and he called be back promptly. He was professional and pleasant. I explained that my house was empty, I was going to lease it and I needed an entire 2,000 sq.ft. house cleaned. I was able to choose a day that was convenient for me. Liz and Michael arrived during the window of time given to me by Brian. They did a fantastic job. They worked like bees. My house was dirty. Brian said it should take between 3-4 hours. The cleaning was competed in just under 4. I don't feel I paid for any time that someone was "lollygagging". No "surprises" with this company. I was completely satisfied with the entire experience.
Great experience! She was on time, did an awesome job cleaning for both my Mom's house and then mine! I highly recommend this company!
I contacted Maid 4 You and was able to schedule a cleaning the very next day. They were very flexible with the timing, even after I had to change it a few times, and arrived promptly. The cleaning was very thorough and the house looks great.
Great customer service in setting the appointment, the owner was very reachable and personable. The cleaning crew that came out arrived early, was very polite and most importantly did a great job cleaning my apartment. They went above and beyond cleaning my apartment and it looks great because of it. I would highly recommend this company and I plan to use their service again.
Great job! Every area was cleaned perfectly; superb hourly cleaning service. I recommend!
Brian was very professional and contacted me as soon as I sent in a request... Juliana that showed up did a amazing job and was super friendly, I definitely recommend!!
Brian did a great job of setting me up with a bi-weekly cleaner. I highly recommend Brian and Maid 4 You.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ukraine fulfilling agreements on electric power supplies to Crimea
Ukraine is fulfilling all the agreements with the Russian Federation on supplies of electric power to Crimea, the Minister of Fuels and Energy of the Russia's constituent Republic of Crimea, Sergei Yegorov, told TASS.
"All the agreements are being fulfilled," he said. "We're paying them and they are supplying electricity. Now restrictions, no delays."
On December 30, 2014, Russia and Ukraine signed two contracts for the transmission of electricity. One of them was between the Russian importer, Inter RAO, and Ukinterenergo company for the exports of electricity from Russia's United Power Grids to the Ukrainian power grids.
The annual contact envisions deliveries of up to 1,500 MW of electricity per day.
Simultaneously, a filial company of Inter RAO, the Clearing Center (Tsor in Russian) signed a second agreement with Ukrinterenergo to ensure reliability of supplies.
Ukraine slashed supplies of electricity to the Republic of Crimea without a warning on several occasions at the end of 2014. To make up for the shortage of electricity, the local power plants and generating units climbed to the peak of their output capacity and enacted gas-turbine generating power stations.
Yegorov also said authorities in Crimea have definitively renounced the idea of a nuclear power plant in the peninsular republic.
"We rule out a possibility of building a nuclear power plant in Crimea," he told TASS. "In the first place, this is very expensive. Secondly, there're other solutions /to the peninsula's electric power supply problems - TASS/ and we're already implementing them."
The project of the Shchelkinsky nuclear plant that was launched many years ago has grown obsolete, Yegorov said.
"The site where construction works were launched and where one power-generating unit was almost 80% complete is impossible to rehabilitate now," he said. "These projects have outlived themselves today and they're off the agenda. We're not even discussing them."
At present, Crimea gets the bulk of electricity it consumes from Ukraine on the basis of an agreement signed at the end of last year. The republic's own power generation stands at around 180 to 190 megawatts a day.
Commissioning of a new 470 MW power plant and reconstruction of the existing thermo-electric plants will bring the output of electric power in Crimea to 950 MW per day.
In addition to it, an energy bridge between Krasnodar territory and Crimea will make it possible to supply about 800 MW of electric power per day, Yegorov said.


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About Us
Touch Print Ltd was established in 1992 and gained an enviable reputation in customer care and providing cutting edge products from sign and label printers to interactive boards for meetings, conferencing, and education.
Following the retirement of Mr Bev Davies, Managing Director of Touch Print Limited, on the 30th September 2011, all of the Brady Corporation element of his business has been transferred to ourselves, OMSER (Scotland) Limited now incorporating TOUCH PRINT.
OMSER are a family run business now in its 35th year of trading, we are a long established Brady Premier Distributor providing sales and support on the full range of Brady products throughout the UK. We are confident that we can continue to provide you with the same high quality of service as provided by Bev and his team.
All current prices and agreements in place with TOUCH PRINT will be honoured by OMSER. As a welcome aboard gesture we are offering all TOUCH PRINT customers a 10% DISCOUNT on your first order with OMSER, off your existing agreed price.
Any questions regarding the changeover to OMSER, or information on Brady products / services that we provide, please contact, Allison Burkhill, Sales Director on the existing TOUCH PRINT phone, fax numbers and E-mail (above) which have transferred over, or via our existing OMSER contacts methods:-
OMSER TEL No: 01389 830408
OMSER FAX No: 01389 830349
E-MAIL: email@example.com or email@example.com
We are delighted to have retained the services of STEVE BEGNETT, Territory Manager, known to many of you and soon too many more, as he will be responsible for all existing TOUCH PRINT customers. He is available on his existing mobile number 07779 002404 and looks forward to meeting with you.
From the initial contact with a prospective customer we endeavour to supply the most suitable product for your needs. We take into account the environment in which the labels or signs will be used. For instance, if they will be used indoor or outdoor, the range of temperature, humidity and chemical contact, and not forgetting the all important budget. Our preference is to personally deliver our larger labelling machines directly to the customer. We can then set up the printer on-site and train all relevant personnel.
Once again, OMSER hope to continue being of service to your organisation by providing quality BRADY products at competitive prices in an efficient and friendly manner. We are proud to be able to state that we are always here to lend a helping hand. Your needs as a customer are our main concern.


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About CDA
Creative Dialogue Association (CDA) is a non-profit independent association based in Barcelona, the fourth most creative city in the world.*
*According to a survey of one hundred top professionals carried out by the Barcelona Design Centre.
CDA devotes itself to devising and implementing programs focused on creative human capital development in the area of creative economy. CDA also offers consultancy services within these areas of expertise.
CDA was founded in 2009 with the mission to act as an engine for the transformation of social, economic and human relationships by empowering the creative scene.
This mission is achieved through an international platform of knowledge transfer, bringing together creative professionals, experts, institutions, producers and representatives of the creative industries with the aim of establishing a common space for creativity and innovation, and promoting dialogue between creative disciplines in different countries.
CDA designs programs based on the local needs. With the support of local partners and through research, CDA devises and develops programs and strategies to foster creative and technical capacities for local creative community.
Issues to be addressed by CDA may include:
- Lack of information and research programs in creative fields.
- Lack of continuous training programs in the creative and technical fields addressed to local creatives.
- Difficulty for young professionals to access a national and international network for promoting their product or to establish interdisciplinary collaboration among professionals from different fields.


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Afro-Colombian protesters in Cauca denounce racist intimidation by police and smear campaign in the national media
On Friday April 5 (2019), protesters lifted a 27-day peaceful blockade of the Pan American Highway in Colombia.
On Friday April 5 (2019), protesters lifted a 27-day peaceful blockade of the Pan American Highway in Colombia.
Report back from the 4th United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA-4)
On the day that the UK Supreme Court rules on whether 1,800 Zambian villagers can continue their claim against mining giant Vedanta, Forest Peoples Programme joins more than 20 organisations to launch call for legal reform to make UK multinationals accountable for human rights abuses and environmental damage linke
FPP and IDL call upon the Peruvian Government to Address Drivers of Criminalisation and Violence Against Indigenous Land Rights Defenders
In recent weeks, there has been significant press coverage of human rights abuses connected with the work of international conservation charities, including WWF.
As a human rights organisation, gender justice is a fundamental principle of our work, and we have long been conscious of, and sought to address, the barriers to effective participation in decision-making by women. This blog summarises some of the experiences and learnings from our fieldwork in the Congo Basin over the past 5 years, on how to improve women's effective participation at the community level.
Inputs to the Public Consultation on 'Deforestation and Forest Degradation – Stepping up EU Action'
In a controversial press statement, the Indonesian Government has misrepresented an IUCN report to justify its own agenda to plant more palm oil and cast doubt as to the validity of claims of the palm oil c
After five years of equivocation the European Commission has proposed a 'Roadmap' for stepping-up EU action to address its contribution to global deforestation. Despite the escalating impact of EU trade in forest-risk commodities, regardless of repeated calls from the European Parliament for regulatory meas
- South Rupununi Council chairman says Marudi a 'hell hole' as small miners return
An emotive candle light commemoration for all the indigenous leaders and community members killed in the two years since the adoption of the Colombian peace agreement was held in the town square of Riosucio, in Caldas, Colombia on 7 December 2018.
Una emotiva conmemoración a la luz de velas para todos los y las líderes indígenas e integrantes de la comunidad que han sido asesinados desde la firma del acuerdo de paz en Colombia hace dos años tuvo lugar en la plaza del pueblo de Riosucio, en Caldas, Colombia, el 7 de diciembre de 2018.
For the Wampis Nation in the Peruvian Amazon, protecting their territory and living well go hand in hand with reclaiming and strengthening their own ancestral knowledge, wisdom, practices and customs.
Para la Nación Wampís de la Amazonía peruana, defender el territorio y vivir bien van de la mano con recuperar y fortalecer el conocimiento, sabiduría, prácticas y costumbres ancestrales.
Clear improvements can be seen in the final text, but much still remains to be done before future FLEGT licenced timber can guarantee that indigenous peoples' rights are fully protected.
After the Human Rights Defender World Summit where 150 human rights defenders gathered to celebrate 20 years since the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders and 50 years since the Universal Declaration on Human Rights, Hannah Storey reflects on the need to adapt human rights defender protection schemes for wh
In November the world reacted with outrage after Christian missionary John Allan Chau was killed by members of the indigenous inhabitants of North Sentinel island. Perhaps surprisingly however most of the anger was not directed at the Sentinelese, but at John himself.
Resguardo Indígena Colonial Cañamomo Lomaprieta.


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Girl Crush
March 9, 2012
I am sure 1000 blog posts about fashion designer Emerson Made (now Emerson Fry) have had this very same title, but it pretty much sums it up…
Listen, I never said I was here to reinvent the wheel. 😉
She embodies everything I strive for when it comes to personal style: a little classic, a little minimalist, a little cool, and a lot of messy, yet perfect hair.
As we head into the weekend, hope you enjoy this dose of simple, chic, oh-so-lovely style from one of my favorite girl crushes.
Happy weekend!
*Photos via 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7*
2 Comments leave one →
March 15, 2012 10:15 am
Yes, Emerson is a great girl crush and one I fully support.


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The 4Cs of the Apocalypse
Wake up America! Be not naive. There is an agenda afoot in this country. It is driven by the rich and powerful. I call it "the 4Cs of the Apocalypse": The Corporate Capitalist Conservative Conspiracy. The goal is to turn back the clock, to rewrite history. The wealthy top two percenters have agreed to rescind FDR's New Deal and LBJ's War on Poverty. That includes dismantling Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, unions, collective bargaining, child labor laws, welfare, school lunches, all that is good for the poor and the middle class.
The 1980s is known as the "Decade of Greed." Naturally the 1980s began with Ronald Reagan. This marked the beginning of the end of the American middle class. On Wall Street Reagan declared: "Let loose the bulls," meaning deregulate. Give the corporate capitalists a free hand to raid the economy. Reagan and his Republican successors set out to destroy the middle class by divide and conquer. That is why they are attacking the unions.
The unions have been demonized. With the propaganda of jealousy, the corporate capitalists are trying to set non-union workers against the unionized. Remember that management came first, then the unions. In fact, unions are a reaction to bad management. The unions made the great American middle class, and the middle class made America great. It was the unions that enabled immigrant workers to send their sons and daughters to college, which created the American professional class. The unions were responsible for the creation of America's suburbia. The unions provided the middle class with the purchasing power that made the corporate capitalists rich. Why would these plutocrats attempt to kill the goose that laid their golden eggs? The answer is simply "GREED."
The corporate capitalist class is pathologically, suicidally lustful for more and more. They hope to suck up what wealth is still shared within the shriveling middle class. Consequently, the middle class will trickle down into the legions of the poor. The corporate capitalists commenced the onslaught by sending American jobs to undeveloped, non-union locations abroad for greater profits. They intend to create a Social Darwinistic, dog-eat-dog environment in which workers gnaw at each other for fewer low paying jobs, like hyenas on a rotting carcass. They hope to see workers stand barefoot, hat-in-hand, begging like peons at the boss man's door. The America the corporate conservative capitalists envision is one of haves and have nots; patricians and plebeians; lords and serfs; masters and slaves.
Wake up America! Don't be "tea-partied" into doing the capitalists' dirty work. Support your union, all unions. Support liberal, progressive candidates. Read. Learn about socialism and the benefits and blessings enjoyed by citizens in socialistic societies. Know thy enemy.


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Title: Blue Exorcist
Total Episodes: 25
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural
Sub: English
This world consists of two dimensions joined as one, like a mirror. The first is the world in which the humans live, Assiah. The other is the world of demons, Gehenna. Ordinarily, travel between the two, and indeed any kind of contact between the two, is impossible. However the demons can pass over into this world by possessing anything that exist within it. Satan the god of demons, but there's one thing that he doesn't have, and that's a substance in the human world that is powerful enough to contain him!! For that purpose he created Rin, his son from a human woman, but will his son agree to his plans? Or will he become something else…? An exorcist?
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Ao no Exorcist: Kuro no Iede
Title: Blue Exorcist: Runaway Kuro
Total Episodes: 01
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural
Sub: English
Feeling slighted by Rin, Kuro goes on the hunt for a new master, but can he find anyone who can truly replace Rin?
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Ao no Exorcist Specials
Title: Blue Exorcist Specials
Total Episodes: 10
Genres: Action, Fantasy, Shounen, Supernatural
Sub: English
Ura Eku, extra short anime included in Blu-ray and the DVD releases of Ao no Exorcist.
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2nd trimester is in the books...less than 3 months to go for Field baby #2! The time is flying by and creeping along at the same time. Staying motivated to stay active has been a challenge, so I welcome the peer accountability!
Now having gained a quick 24 pounds and carrying a 28 pound-20 month old...I've moved from the phase of "strength management" to "pain management". My lower back is a brick and my sciatic nerves are inflamed, so I've put all my energy towards movements that help alleviate these ailments. Back issues are the most common in all adults, pregnant or not, so hopefully this super quick daily workout will be just the medicine you've been looking for!
Also, if you are earlier in your pregnancy or are simply looking for an additional workout option, check out The Daily Pregnancy Workout: 18-22 weeks.
Just 7 exercises! In 12-15 minutes you'll be finished and on your merry way with your day:
And don't forget...finish up with 10 *kegels & 10 **stomach vacuums!
A staple in every workout. Start out warming up the largest muscle group, your quads, to get the rest of your body ready for work!
One of the best exercises for sculpting and lengthening. Back leg is being strengthened in an extended position, so the quad stays long and lean. As your back leg straightens, the muscles are packed at the top of your glute for a "perking" effect.
It's around this time in pregnancy that my core focus gradually moves to the obliques. Because guess what? There's a baby in the middle. This is 2 for 1 move because of the added balance component as well.
Time to give some attention to stabilizing the core. I love what this exercise has done for my lower back, but it's important that it's done properly to be effective!
Another cornerstone in your daily workout. Performing push ups is one of the easiest ways to keep tabs on the progression or regression of your overall physical strength.
Like the table top reach, this exercise is awesome for the lower back and strengthening the lower abdominals. I find myself doing a few of these throughout the day to refresh tired muscles.
This workout ends with an upper body challenge! These are not easy, but I like any exercise that's done on your side because you can continue doing them through the end of pregnancy.
Finishing up...
*Kegels: Your doctor, a friend, or a random internet site has probably already brought these to your attention. Pretend like you have to go to the bathroom (or chances are you actually do), and squeeze the interior muscles to hold it in.
**Stomach vacuums: Stand with your back and heels against a flat wall. Inhale. As you exhale, pull your belly button towards your spine (not sucking in!...contracting). Hold for a few seconds and release. Take my word for it...this exercise is a MUST for the heath of your abdominal wall!
Tip for success: Pair this workout with 2-3 inspiring songs to help round out the mood. When your body, mind, and soul, get connected--big things happen!


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Advances in Consumer Research Volume 22, 1995 Pages 58-61
Priya Raghubir, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology
Kim P. Corfman, New York University
In this paper it is hypothesized and demonstrated that offering a price promotion on a service can unfavorably affect brand evaluations. This is particularly true when price promotions are uncommon in the industry and consumers perceive that the quality of firms in the industry varies. Further, it is demonstrated that the effect of promotions on brand evaluations is mediated by the attribution made for the promotion. Results from a laboratory experiment are reported.
It is universally acknowledged that sales promotions account for a large and increasing percentage of the marketing budget, and that they increase brand sales (e.g., Chevalier 1975, Neslin and Shoemaker 1989). It is less universally acknowledged that offering a price promotion can lead to unfavorable brand evaluations. On one hand, advertising gurus warn about the dangers of using sales promotions at the expense of advertising as part of a complete marketing strategy (Ogilvy 1963). On the other hand, marketing academics have searched, almost in vain, for a negative effect of sales promotions on brand evaluations (e.g., Davis, Inman and McAlister 1992).
In this paper we revisit the issue of whether offering a promotion affects brand evaluations and look at the conditions under which it might do so. We explore whether the effect of a promotion is moderated by industry factorsCspecifically, perceptions of how common it is to deal in a particular industry and the perceived range of quality among firms in the industry. We also examine whether the effect of promotions on brand evaluations is mediated by whether the promotion is attributed to brand-related vs. non-brand-related reasons.
The literature on the effect of promotions on brand evaluations is surprisingly sparse and equivocal. The vast majority of prior literature that has assessed the effects of sales promotions on brand evaluations has studied the effect after product trial (Scott and Yalch 1980, Scott and Tybout 1979, Tybout and Scott 1983). Scott and her colleagues examined the effect of promotions on evaluations after subjects had tried the promoted brand. They found that promotions can positively or negatively affect brand evaluations, depending on a) whether subjects had examined the brand previously (Scott and Yalch 1980), b) when they thought about their behavior (Scott and Tybout 1979), and c) whether they had previous knowledge about the brand (Tybout and Scott 1983).
In the one study that examined the effect of exposure to promotions on pre-purchase brand evaluations, rather than the effect of promotions after product trial, Davis, Inman and McAlister (1992) found no evidence that sales promotions affect brand evaluations. Davis et al. (1992) initially measured brand evaluations for selected brands in eight categories of frequently purchased products. Three brands in each of four product categories (canned pasta, pain relievers, toothpaste, and toothbrushes) were promoted in rotation for three months. None of the brands in the other four product categories (microwaveable popcorn, saline solution, cereal, and mouthwash) was promoted during this period and served as a control. After three months, one brand each from the promoted and control product categories was evaluated by another group of subjects who had observed the brands over the experimental period. Mean evaluations of promoted brands in the post-promotional period were not found to be lower than those in the pre-promotional period. Davis et al. (1992) conclude that their results provide "... evidence that promotion does not have a negative effect on brand evaluations" (p. 147).
One possible explanation for Davis et al.'s finding is that it was due to the kinds of products they studied. They looked at the effect of promotions on frequently purchased products. In the next section, we hypothesize that the effects of promotions on brand evaluations will depend on a) how common promoting is in the industry and b) the variability of brand quality in the industry. Frequently purchased packaged goods are, as a group, commonly promoted and do not have a high variation in quality among brands in each industry, which may explain why promotions in such categories do not lead to unfavorable brand evaluations. This paper examines variations in the perceived commonness of promotions and perceived variability of quality as they affect a promotion's influence on brand evaluations.
It is theorized that the process of pre-trial attitude formation in response to a promotion is mediated by causal attributions (i.e., consumers assigning a cause) for the promotion. Attributions may be to the brand offering the promotion or to factors external to the brand, such as competition. The principles of attribution theory help predict the conditions under which the brand is implicated as the cause for a promotion. The attribution of a cause to "internal" (here, brand-specific factors) has been theorized to be a function of whether behavior conforms to what others do, traditionally termed the distinctiveness of the behavior (Einhorn and Hogarth 1986, Kelly 1967, 1972, Hilton and Slugoski 1986). In the promotions context, distinctiveness is determined by beliefs about the amount of promoting in the product category. The less common promoting is perceived to be in an industry, the more distinctive a promotion, and therefore, the greater the likelihood that a promotion offered by a specific brand in the industry will be ascribed to brand-related causes. Accordingly, we hypothesize that the locus of causality of a promotion is a function of the perceived amount of dealing within an industry:
H1: Causes of promotions are attributed to brand-related (vs. non-brand-related) factors more often when dealing is perceived to be uncommon in an industry than when it is perceived to be common.
H1: Causes of promotions are attributed to brand-related (vs. non-brand-related) factors more often when dealing is perceived to be uncommon in an industry than when it is perceived to be common.
H1: Causes of promotions are attributed to brand-related (vs. non-brand-related) factors more often when dealing is perceived to be uncommon in an industry than when it is perceived to be common.
An important question is whether a promotion is a positive or negative signal, across consumers, industries, brands, and types of promotions. There is far from unanimous agreement regarding the valence of a promotion. However, studies have either found negative or null effects of promotions on brand evaluations, rather than positive effects. The basis for theorizing that price promotions are negatively valenced derives from the price-quality literature. (For a review see Rao and Monroe 1989.) The monetary cost of a promoted brand is lower than it would be if the promotion had not been offered, because promotions reduce price or increase quantity for a given price. The price-quality literature has found that, on average, a lower price is a signal of inferior quality (Olson 1977, Monroe and Petroshius 1981, Rao and Monroe 1989). Since price promotions reduce price and lower prices are associated with lower quality, there is reason to believe that price promotions also lead to inferences of lower quality. Lichtenstein, Burton and O'Hara (1989) found that brand-specific attributions for a promotion were negatively valenced, whereas reasons unrelated to the brand were positively or neutrally valenced.
Because dealing is a negative signal, when a brand is distinctive for promoting in an industry in which promoting is uncommon, the brand-related attributions (hypothesized in H1 as resulting from distinctiveness) are negative and result in brand evaluations more negative than if promoting were common and non-brand-related attributions had been made instead. Thus, causal attributionsCwhether the cause of the promotion is attributed to brand-related factors or non-brand-related factorsCmediate the effect that the promotion has on brand evaluations.
H2a: Brands that promote less often than other brands in their industry are evaluated more favorably than the brands that promote more often than others. H2b: The attributions for a promotion mediate the effect of promoting on brand evaluations.
H2a: Brands that promote less often than other brands in their industry are evaluated more favorably than the brands that promote more often than others. H2b: The attributions for a promotion mediate the effect of promoting on brand evaluations.
H2a: Brands that promote less often than other brands in their industry are evaluated more favorably than the brands that promote more often than others.
H2b: The attributions for a promotion mediate the effect of promoting on brand evaluations.
There are situations in which the effect of promotions on brand evaluations is likely to be small or insignificant. If there is little perceived variation in quality among brands in an industry (e.g., airlines and many consumer packaged goods), consumers will have little need to use promotions as signals of quality. As discussed earlier, this may explain the null findings for effects of promotions in research that has studied frequently purchased consumer products, among which there may not be large perceived differences in quality.
H3: The lower the perceived variation in quality among firms in an industry, the smaller the effect of promoting on brand evaluations will be.
H3: The lower the perceived variation in quality among firms in an industry, the smaller the effect of promoting on brand evaluations will be.
H3: The lower the perceived variation in quality among firms in an industry, the smaller the effect of promoting on brand evaluations will be.
Nine service industries were chosen to represent a wide range of service types. The industries chosen ranged from long distance calling to hair salons (see Table 1) and were expected to differ in terms of perceived commonness of dealing. For each industry, subjects read about a price promotion and answered the questions described below. The order in which the nine industries were presented was randomized for each subject.
Locus of Causality: Subjects were asked to rate what they thought was the single most important reason the promotion was being offered, on a 5-point scale anchored at 1 = "Due to competition," and 5 = "Due to the company."
Brand Evaluation: Subjects responded to two questions asking "If a company offers a deal MORE (LESS) OFTEN than other companies, the quality of the service is ..." The responses were provided on a 5-point scale, anchored by 1 = "Definitely better," and 5 = "Definitely Worse."
Subjects also rated how personally interested they were in each industry and how important the quality of the service was to them on 5-point scales. All but one industry was rated above the midpoint on both interest and importance of quality. The exception was hair stylists whose mean interest rating is 2.82.
After they provided the above ratings by industry, subjects were asked to estimate the overall percentage of companies in each industry that offer promotions and the percentage that are of good quality.
Subjects were 29 undergraduates at a large northeastern university, who completed the task during one of their regularly scheduled classes.
Hypothesis 1. It was expected that promotions were more likely to be ascribed to external (vs. internal/brand-related) reasons, the more common subjects believed promoting was in the relevant industry. At the industry level this is the pattern observed. (See Table 1.) In all industries in which the mean locus of causality is less than 3, i.e., the promotion is rated as more likely to be due to competition than brand-specific factors (7 out of 9 cases), the overall estimated probability of dealing is greater than 40%. In the two industries in which the overall estimate of dealing is under 40% (dental services and music shows), the mean locus of causality of the promotion is greater than 3 (3.50 and 3.66, respectively).
To check whether there is a statistically significant relationship between estimated probability of dealing and locus of causality, we combined observations across industries and subjects and regressed the locus of causality (dependent variable) on the estimated dealing percent (independent variable). The results of this univariate regression are significant (R2=0.12, p<.001). The sign of the beta coefficient is negative, as hypothesized in H1, implying that the greater the estimated probability of dealing in the industry, the greater the attribution of the promotion to competitive factors.
Hypothesis 2a. H2a predicts that promoting more than others in an industry leads to less favorable evaluations. A MANOVA using ratings of the brand if it promoted more than (vs. less than) others in the industry was conducted for each of the service industries. We expected differences in ratings such that a brand would be rated worse if it promoted more often and better if it promoted less often than others in its industry. As can be seen from Table 1, the mean quality ratings of brands that promoted more often than others in their industry are consistently worse (lower numbers represent higher quality) and the differences are at least marginally significant in seven of the nine industries. Further, the absolute numbers indicate that the mean quality ratings for brands that promoted "more often" than others in their industries are above the mid-point (3) of the scale in all but one industry (health clubs). This means that on average subjects rated a brand as worse than others in its industry if it promoted more often than the other brands in the industry and rated it as better than the others if it promoted less often. This supports H2a.
Hypothesis 2b. H2b predicts that attributions mediate the effect of promoting on brand evaluations. To test this hypothesis, we treat each industry rating made by a subject as a separate observation and look only at the brand when it promoted more often than others in the industry. We ran a regression in which the dependent variable was the evaluation of the brand. The first independent variable is the promotion's locus of causality. The other is the estimated percent of firms in the industry that promote. Since we look only at brands that promote more than the others in the industry, this captures the distinctiveness of the promotionCthe higher the percent of firms promoting, the lower the distinctiveness. Because attributions were hypothesized to mediate the effect of promoting on evaluations, we expected that the coefficient of the attribution variable (locus of causality) would be significant and the coefficient of the estimated percent of firms which deal would be lower than in a regression in which it was the only independent variable. This is the pattern of results. The regression is significant (R2=.12, p<.001) and the effect of locus of causality is positive and significant (b=.24, p<.002), implying that when promotions were attributed to the competition, brand evaluations were more favorable. The coefficient for the estimated percent of firms that deal, is negative and significant (b=-.20, p<.01), indicating that the more distinctive the promotion, the more negative the evaluation. However, the estimate is lower than in the regression that had percent of firms that deal as the only independent variable (b=-.286, difference=.08, z=1.76, p<.05). As hypothesized, it appears that the attributions for the promotion mediate the effect of the promotion on brand evaluations.
Hypothesis 3. H3 predicts that the lower the perceived variation in quality among firms in an industry, the smaller the effect of promoting on brand evaluations will be. Among the industries we examine there are none in which subjects felt quality is uniformly low. Thus, in our test of H3, the only kind of lack of variation in quality we examine is when quality is uniformly high. Our operational hypothesis is: brands that promote more often than other brands in their industry are evaluated better the larger the percentage of brands in the industry that are perceived as being of high quality. In other words, if quality in an industry is uniformly high, a brand that promotes more than others in the industry should be rated better than it would be were quality in the industry more variable. To test H3, we ran a univariate regression using only ratings of brands that promoted more often than others in their industries. The dependent variable is the brand evaluation and the independent variable is the estimated percentage of brands in the industry that are of good quality. The regression is significant (R2=.03, p<.05) and the parameter estimate is negative (lower numbers represent better quality). Consistent with H3, this indicates that the more good quality brands there are perceived to be in the industry, the better the brand that promotes more than others is rated.
In this study we examined the effects of promotions on brand-related attribution and on brand evaluations in nine service industries. We found evidence that a) the higher the perceived amount of dealing in an industry, the more likely it is that attributions for the promotion will be to the brand, and b) a brand that promotes more often than others in its industry is perceived to be of poorer quality than others in the industry, while a brand that promotes less often is perceived to be of better quality. This was true across a variety of industries. Further, the effect of promotions on brand evaluations is mediated by attributions made for the promotion. We also found that the effect of promoting on brand evaluations is diminished when a high percentage of brands in the industry are viewed as being of high quality. This may explain the results of prior studies in which promotions were not found to have an effect on brand evaluations.
One of the limitations of this study is that whether the experimental brands promoted more or less often than other brands was more obvious than it normally would be to consumers. Therefore, we cannot rule out a demand effect explanation for the result that promotions have a negative effect on brand evaluations. However, it is less plausible that subjects guessed the other hypotheses. Future research manipulating the information value of a promotional signal under various situations would give us a better understanding of when and how price promotions affect brand evaluations, and contribute further to the reconciliation of conventional wisdom with the results of academic research.
Blattberg, Robert C., and Scott A. Neslin (1990), Sales Promotion: Concepts, Methods, and Strategies, Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice Hall.
Chevalier, Michel (1975), "Increase in Sales Due to In-Store Display," Journal of Marketing Research, 12 (November), 426-31.
Davis, Scott, J., Jeffrey Inman and Leigh McAlister (1992), "Promotion Has a Negative Effect on Brand EvaluationsCOr Does It? Additional Disconfirming Evidence," Journal of Marketing Research, 29 (February), 143-8.
Dodson, Joe A., Alice M. Tybout and Brian Sternthal (1978), "Impact of Deals and Deal Retraction on Brand Switching," Journal of Marketing Research, 15 (February), 72-81.
Einhorn, Hillel J. and Robin M. Hogarth (1986), "Judging Probable Cause," Psychological Bulletin, 99 (1), 3-19.
Fiske, Susan T. (1980), "Attention and Weight in Person Perception: The Impact of Negative and Extreme Behavior", Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 38, 889-906.
Gidron, David, Derek J. Koehler, and Amos Tversky (1993), "Implicit Quantification of Personality Traits," Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin, 19 (October), 594-604.
Hamilton, D.L. and M.P. Zanna (1972), "Differential Weighing of Favorable and Unfavorable Attributes in Impressions of Personality," Journal of Experimental Research in Personality, 6, 204-212.
Hilton, Denis J. and Ben R. Slugoski (1986), "Knowledge Based Causal Attribution: The Abnormal Conditions Focus Model," Psychological Review, 93 (1), 75-88.
Kelly, Harold H. (1967), "Attribution Theory in Social Psychology," in Nebraska Symposium on Motivation, Vol 15, ed. D. Levine, Lincoln, NE: University of Nebraska Press.
Kelly, Harold H. (1972), "Attribution in Social Interaction," in Attribution: Perceiving the Causes of Behavior, eds. E.E. Jones, D.E. Kanouse, H.H. Kelly, R.E. Nisbett, S. Valins, and B. Weiner, Morristown, NJ: General Learning Press.
Lichtenstein, Donald R., Scot Burton, and Bradley S. O'Hara (1989), "Marketplace Attributions and Consumer Evaluations of Discount Claims," Psychology and Marketing, 6, 163-180.
Monroe, Kent B., and Susan M. Petroshius (1981), "Buyer's Perception of Price: An Update of the Evidence," in Perspectives in Consumer Behavior, eds. Harold H. Kassarjian and Thomas S. Robertson, Glenview, IL: Scott, Foresman and Company, 43-55.
Neslin, Scott A. and Robert W. Shoemaker (1989), "An Alternative Explanation for Lower Repeat Rates After Promotional Purchases," Journal of Marketing Research, 26 (May), 205-13.
Ogilvy, David (1963), Confessions of an Advertising Man, New York: Atheneum.
Olson, Jerry C. (1977), "Price as an Informational Cue: Effects on Product Evaluations," in Consumer and Industrial Buying Behavior, eds. Arch G. Woodside, Jagdish N. Sheth, and Peter D. Bennett, New York: North Holland, 267-286.
Rao, Akshay R. and Kent B. Monroe (1989), "The Effect of Price, Brand Name, and Store Name on Buyer's Perceptions of Product Quality: An Integrative Review," Journal of Consumer Research, 26, 351-7.
Scott, Carol A. and Alice M. Tybout (1979), "Extending the Self-perception Explanation: The Effect of Cue Salience on Behavior," in Advances in Consumer Research, Vol. 6, ed. William L. Wilkie, Ann Arbor, MI: Association for Consumer Research, 50-54.
Scott, Carol A., and Richard F. Yalch (1980), "Consumer Response to Initial Product Trial: A Bayesian Analysis," Journal of Consumer Research, 7 (June), 32-41.
Taylor, Shelley (1991), "Asymmetrical Effects of Positive and Negative Events: The Mobilization-Minimization Hypothesis," Psychological Bulletin, 10 (July), 67-85.
Tybout, Alice M. and Carol A. Scott (1983), "Availability of Well-Defined Internal Knowledge and the Attitude Formation Process: Information Aggregation Versus Self-Perception," Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 44 (3), 474-479.


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U.S.Home Security, INC provides solutions to all your home security needs. We offer packages that fix every home owners needs. Most companies offer certain packages that only include certain items, and charge for any additional items not in package. Since every home owner has different needs, we make your packages to fit your wants and needs, not a take it or leave it package and charge you for other items not in those packages.
We also offer the best warranty program in the home security industry.
All of our packages include a SecurityCare Plus warranty which provides a lifetime repair service and equipment replacement due to breakage at no cost to you. which other companies make you pay a copay on service calls, usually $50 each trip. Warranty also includes a free system move after a year.
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text: I also tried eggbeaters. The performance was very disappointing. Take a look at the Gulf Alpha EZ Sat antenna. Paul Delaney - K6HR http://k6hr.dyndns.org:8080 -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Ted Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 3:25 PM To: 'Alan Beck' Cc: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Re: Getting started on the easy sats, mircsats Alan, I don't know much, but the Moxon turnstile will be much better in performance than the 'egg beaters' " how to' File attached. 73, Ted K7TRK -----Original Message----- From: amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org [mailto:amsat-bb-bounces at amsat.org] On Behalf Of Alan Beck Sent: Monday, May 07, 2012 4:44 AM To: amsat-bb at amsat.org Subject: [amsat-bb] Getting started on the easy sats, mircsats Thank you all for the offers to help. My goals are as follows. Track and monitor the satellites, I already do this with a manual radio on VHF. I can digipeat on the ISS, but not right now due to antenna restrictions. (No bread man) I want to build a couple of eggbeaters and have question on them because I want the UHF on the top of my tower but well built so that any water ingress will not trash the things. I am getting a High Sierra 432M7 block down converter that I intend to use with my TS-50 up/down buttons. I have Instanttrack now and I looking to interface Instanttune with it. I am about to build the circuitry for the AA2TX interface with the ON6WG upgrade but I think someone may have one and could be willing to part with. I am an electronics tech by trade and able to build the circuit to isolate the keypresses, but, if I find someone with an interface already built and willing to sell it, less work. It is getting harder and harder to find parts. Thankfully Mouser is now active in Canada. Now I am asking for a Spirit2 controller for my birthday. Is there another way can do this? sound card perhaps? OK, so, I want to use the analog satelittes and the pacsats. I have been fascinated about chasing satellites and now that I know I can do a fair bit with eggbeater antennas, then so be it. I am looking forward Elmering. Best 73, Alan _______________________________________________ Sent via AMSAT-BB at amsat.org. Opinions expressed are those of the author. Not an AMSAT-NA member? Join now to support the amateur satellite program! Subscription settings: http://amsat.org/mailman/listinfo/amsat-bb


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About four-in-ten working women (42%) in the United States say they have faced discrimination on the job because of their gender. They report a broad array of personal experiences, ranging from earning less than male counterparts for doing the same job to being passed over for important assignments, according to a new analysis of Pew Research Center survey data.
The survey – conducted in the summer before a recent wave of sexual misconduct allegations against prominent men in politics, the media and other industries – found that, among employed adults, women are about twice as likely as men (42% versus 22%) to say they have experienced at least one of eight specific forms of gender discrimination at work.
One of the biggest gender gaps is in the area of income: One-in-four working women (25%) say they have earned less than a man who was doing the same job; one-in-twenty working men (5%) say they have earned less than a female peer.
Women are roughly four times as likely as men to say they have been treated as if they were not competent because of their gender (23% of employed women versus 6% of men), and they are about three times as likely as men to say they have experienced repeated small slights at work because of their gender (16% versus 5%).
Chosen excerpts by Job Market Monitor. Read the whole story at 42% of US working women have faced gender discrimination on the job | Pew Research Center


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The Learning Center is a uniquely developed program that provides a holistic approach for individuals that are D/deaf or hard of hearing to enhance skills for success. The program focuses on three content areas and objectives are developed to meet consumer's individual needs. The Learning Center focuses on:
Job Seeking Skills Training
- Resume Writing
- Interview Skills
- Job Search
- Job Application
- Job Development
- Job Coaching
- Career Exploration
- Job Retention
- Work Adjustment
Language & Literacy Skills
- Improve Communication Skills
- Improve Reading & Writing Skills
- Classes are tailored to independent living skills and/or employment
Independent Living Skills
- Money Management
- Travel Training
- Driver's Education Training (Written Prep ONLY)
- Activities of Daily Living
- Personal Adjustment
The Learning Center offers training, resources, and support to Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals in Northeast Ohio. Focusing on three areas, literacy, independent living skill, and job preparedness, the Learning Center assists clients to improve skills necessary for their future success. Classes are offered in various subjects to meet the needs of clients. These classes include English, Driver's Education, Self-Advocacy, and Money Management. The Community Center for the Deaf & Hard of Hearing is continually adding classes to match the community needs alongside hosting workshops and presentation in high interest subjects.
Instruction will be provided in small groups to allow for positive and successful delivery of services and social learning opportunities. Clients also have the option of receiving one-on-one instruction and community resource services. Our programs provide the D/deaf and Hard of Hearing community with supports to increase, develop and gain confidence with their skills to succeed in the future.
Our Learning Center receives referrals via other agencies, self-referral, and from CCDHH's Support Services & Advocacy, when client objectives coincide with the services offered through the Learning Center in the areas of job readiness, literacy, and independent living skills. The Learning Center is designed to provide community based learning and training to our Adult clients (age 18 and over). The objective of each client differs, but focuses on at least one of the following areas; independent living skills, job readiness, and literacy.
The literacy component is designed to meet the needs of each client. English literacy classes are provided to promote social interaction, and allow students to flourish in a group learning environment. Additionally, we will help clients learn basic literacy needs to ensure they have a strong foundation to succeed in the hearing world. If students do not feel the group learning environment is tailored to their needs, Learning Center Staff will make appropriate arrangements for one-on-one classes, on as needed basis.
The Learning Center also offers Vocational Rehabilitation programming for clients seeking employment. Partnerships have been established with the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities to offer employment services uniquely tailored to D/deaf and hard of hearing. For more information on the Vocational Rehabilitation program please contact Dawn Croasmun at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Clients are accepted on a first come first served basis, referral, and via recruitment. The Learning Center Staff will conduct an interview to determine that client meets the following criteria:
- A consumer that identifies as D/deaf & hard of hard of hearing
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If you are interested in receiving more information about the Learning Center please fill out the form below, or contact:
Casey Ring, Learning Center Manager
Community Center for the Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing
Cleveland Hearing and Speech Center
11635 Euclid Ave
Cleveland, OH 44106
Text: 216-312-1861
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Chief Judge Peter Blanc, Shelley Garcia and Bob Bertisch
9th Annual Barnes & Noble Bookfest Benefits Legal Aid's Pro Bono Event
The Palm Beach County Chapter of the Florida Association of Women Lawyers (FAWL), together with the F. Malcolm Cunningham, Sr. Bar Association, the Palm Beach County Hispanic Bar Association and the law firm of Gordon & Doner, P.A., hosted the 9th Annual Bookfest and Luncheon at the Barnes & Noble in City Place to benefit the Legal Aid Society of Palm Beach County. Over 120 members of the organizations and their guests donated over 100 books and gifts for Legal Aid's silent auction to be held on Saturday evening May 19, 2011 at the Palm Beach Convention Center as part of the 24th Annual Pro Bono Recognition Evening. The event honors those attorneys and other professionals in our community who performed outstanding volunteer work in 2011.


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Wednesday, May 4, 2016
Thank A Vet 5k Run/Walk
Commemorating the 75th Anniversary of World War II
Hosted by Fort GreeneVille Daughters of the American Revolution
Date: May 21, 2016 Opening ceremony starts at 8:30am. The 5k run/walk starts at 9:00 am.
Place: Veterans Building, Darke County Fairgrounds
Sign up for the run can be accessed through www.goodtimesraces.com Mail in forms and donations can be made there, too
Sponsors: VFW Post 7262, Post 7262 Men's Auxiliary, Post 7262 Auxiliary, Post 7262 Boosters and
DAV Chapter 57
Schedule of the event:
7:30- 8:30 same day registration and packet pickup
8:30 opening ceremony – State Rep Jim Buchy is the Master of Ceremony. The guest speaker will be a local WWII veteran-TBA
At the opening ceremony the local WWII Veterans in attendance will get special recognition and thanks.
Our goal this year is to raise enough money to sponsor a Service dog for a Veteran through Angel Paws. Angel Paws is an organization that trains rescue dogs to help change the lives of veterans who are suffering from PTSD and Physical Disabilities. We need your generosity so that we can fulfill our goal of providing highly trained dogs to veterans who suffer from the effects of military conflict. Angel PAWS, Service and Companion Dogs, make a significant difference in the lives of veterans who have given so much to us. Our dogs are all rescue dogs given a second chance. Our Angel Paws are waiting to be matched up with special veterans in need.
DAR is a non-profit, non-political volunteer women's service organization dedicated to promoting patriotism, preserving American history, and securing America's future through better education for the youth. Fort GreenveVille Chapter DAR members also volunteer to support active duty military personnel, assist veterans with donations to the local veteran's office and veteran hospitals. The Fort Greene Ville Chapter has always been highly motivated and involved in the community.
Fort GreeneVille Chapter DAR is a proud Commemorative Partner of the Vietnam War Commemoration
Objectives: Historical Preservation, Patriotism and Education
Motto: God, Home and Country
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I've got a few NEC VFD displays from a retail project I was working on, and I wanted to join that together with an Arduino base. So, I made up a nice PCB for it. Another nineteen dorrar down the drain.
Schematic ..
Just a regular 328P processor layout, with a 26-pin connector for the VFD; a filter with a gain of about 23 for the PTC element in the solder pencil, a pot to set the desired temperature and a driver for a logic triac. The whole thing runs off a 12-0-12 2A transformer, and I have included a switching PSU for the +5v, and a linear regulator for the -5v. Actually there is a -15v supply hiding near the triac driver, since the triac gate is driven by current flow, and the current flow needs to be between MT1 and the gate so the 'ground' for the driver needs to float about 15v below the voltage on the MT1 gate.
And now I am testing out the result .. so far, so good but the triac driver is causing some concerns. I mean it works, but it's messy. I have a real opto triac driver coming from China soon. I can't bring myself to paying UK prices, when they are for one off, twice the price of five coming from China. AND I have to add postage to the UK one.


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WILMINGTON, N.C. -- After introducing the TERRIN™ polyols brand to the market in 2013, INVISTA recently manufactured the first commercial batch of TERRIN™ 170 polyol at its facility in Wilmington, N.C., completing TSCA registration for the entire TERRIN™ polyol family and placing it on the U.S. Chemical Inventory. INVISTA continues its commitment to sustainability and the polyurethane industry by developing products with recycled and renewable content.
The TERRIN™ product portfolio contains 100 percent aliphatic polyester polyols that contain a minimum of 50 percent recycled content - with some containing renewable content, as well. They can be used in lieu of or in combination with conventional polyether or polyester polyols to formulate a variety of polyurethane products. TERRIN™ polyols are versatile materials that can be used in applications ranging from viscoelastic foam to spray coatings and adhesives to elastomeric resins.
"It's an exciting time as we continue to develop the TERRIN™ polyols line," said Richard Beatty, technical fellow at INVISTA. "The TERRIN™ polyols series is a unique, cost-competitive offering—and we're learning more about how it can play in different types of product markets. As we work with customers, we continue to uncover new applications that benefit from using TERRIN™ polyols," Beatty said.
The TERRIN™ polyols team, as well as INVISTA's Terate® polyols and TERATHANE® PTMEG teams, will be exhibiting at the Urethanes Technology North America exhibition (booth 529) June 4-5 at the Charlotte Convention Center in North Carolina.
With leading brands including LYCRA®, COOLMAX®, CORDURA®, STAINMASTER® and ANTRON®, INVISTA is one of the world's largest integrated producers of chemical intermediates, polymers and fibers. The company's advantaged technologies for nylon, spandex and polyester are used to produce clothing, carpet, car parts and countless other everyday products. Headquartered in the United States, INVISTA operates in more than 20 countries and has about 10,000 employees.
Source: INVISTA


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Building and Energy Management one simple touch away
The information made available to the tenant improves interaction with facilities management.
The Optergy App acts as a companion dashboard to the Optergy Enterprise / Proton software. It provide a graphical user interface that can be used across multiple sites to bring key stake holders useful information about buildings, facilities and enterprise
The App will allow connection to all your Optergy Enterprise / Proton sites.
Access to the site is via a graphical user interface that can be used to add point data, reports, ambient conditions.


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With the release of Jackie coming up (and the hopes that I am going to post my story about a First Lady to Wattpad soon), this history nerd is rating her favorite First Ladies of all time. I've been actively reading everything that I can get my hands on about the First Ladies since I was about nine years old. I think it's fascinating, these women who have so much quiet power while standing behind their husbands. I like to look at what they accomplished, how they lived their lives. A lot of them really were extraordinary women.
- Jackie Kennedy Onassis – I stumbled on a VERY OLD book about her when I was nine years old. It didn't even talk about her life after JFK's assassination, but that book started a lifelong fascination with Jackie Kennedy. She put up with so much, and she did so with grace and elegance and humor. I've always looked up to her.
- Abigail Adams – Abigail Adams "remember[ed] the ladies" when many people weren't inclined to do so. She spoke up about her feelings, she supported her husband, even during his trials, and she was the first First Lady in the White House.
- Eleanor Roosevelt – I'm still learning about her, but her power and courage and tenacity is something that I admire. She forged a path for herself unlike any woman before her. And she enjoyed it.
- Michelle Obama – Michelle Obama honestly seems like the nicest, most charismatic person. She's intelligent, she loves her family, and she seems to have a good sense of humor. I'll miss her when she's gone.
- Dolley Madison – Again, I don't know much about this First Lady. But she seemed to keep her head when under pressure. When the British were attacking DC, she had the piece of mind to bring important paperwork with her. In many ways, she saved the day!
Of course, I respect so many of the First Ladies, and I think all of their stories are really interesting. Who is your favorite historical figure?


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Welcome To World Team Fitness! (WTF) For Short!
About Us
Coaching Is Fun!
How It Works
Please complete this application to be considered for a spot on WTF.
By completing this application you are being considered for an exclusive spot on my team and a member of my coach apprenticeship program. I will contact you within 24 hours to answer all of your questions and let you know if you will be a good fit for our organization.


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ID code: TGP
Tommy Girl Perfume by Tommy Hilfiger. In 1996, master perfumer Calice Becker was just starting her career and Tommy Girl was her first solo fragrance. This perfume evokes sipping tea on a fine summer day when the garden is in full bloom. It is a contemporary fragrance for women of all ages. Notes include black tea, camellia, apple blossom, jasmine, rose, violet, honeysuckle, cedar and sandalwood. All products are original, authentic name brands. We do not sell knockoffs or imitations.
Herbal Soaps - Glycerin Soap - Art Bars - Essential Oils - Fragrance Oils - Dead Sea Bath Salts - Shampoo - Conditioner - Hair Pomade - Sullivan Manor - Jessy's Roll-on Perfumes
May's Beauty Products 253-318-8772
MaysBeautyProducts.comCopyright 2013-2014 All Rights Reserved.


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My Tent Or Yours is being targeted for a run at Punchestown later this month, after an impressive fourth place in the Aintree Hurdle on soft ground last week.
The veteran missed the Cheltenham Festival and would come into Punchestown fresh, having run just twice this season.
"I think My Tent Or Yours' is a definite for Punchestown," said trainer Nicky Henderson when asked about a tilt at this year's Champion Hurdle.
"I thought that he ran really well at Aintree on Thursday and he didn't go to Cheltenham, so we'll have another go at the Champion Hurdle. We might also bring Charli Parcs over for the same race.
"We've got one or two others on the shortlist for Punchestown and I think the ground could be the best of any of the Festivals. It's a terrific week and we've had some wonderful days there over the years."
The Guinness Handicap Steeplechase (Grade A)
Trainer Colin Tizzard and jockey Robbie Power after winning
©INPHO/James Crombie
While Colin Tizzard has confirmed that Kilbricken Storm and winner at Aintree last week Finian's Oscar to the meeting.
"We are taking Kilbricken Storm to Punchestown for the novice race, the Irish Daily Mirror Novice Hurdle."
"We've always had a little trouble with his feet. We had a run-in with them going into Cheltenham, then he came right, then he had trouble straight afterwards. But that was only for a week and he's been in full work since then so he'll be fine for Punchestown.
"I think he had the run of the race at Cheltenham because a couple in front went too fast and the second and the third were sat too far back. Harry (Cobden) was sat right in the pocket and we had a hell of an advantage. But having said that, Kilbricken Storm is a really good horse and we'll find out how just good he is in Punchestown."
"We'll just keep an eye on how Finian's Oscar comes out of Aintree but he should be fine to go to Punchestown.
"He's a good horse and it's only 18 months ago that all he'd done was to have won one point-to-point, so he's done a hell of a lot in a short space of time.
"Robbie Power looked after him on the first circuit at Aintree, he made two bad mistakes when he started picking the pace up but he's going to be a three-miler."


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Designer Rugs & Carpeting San Diego
Find the Perfect Designer Rugs and Karastan Carpet for Your Home
At Classic Flooring and Design, we strive to offer an extensive selection of extremely high quality carpets and rugs from some of industry's leading brands like Karastan Rugs, Couristan, Dupont and many more. We are proud to carry designer rugs and carpeting that both cutting edge and fashion forward. Each designer carpet is made with only the highest quality materials and feature long lasting warranties in order to ensure the product's quality and durability. Between our two showrooms, there is a large selection of products for our clients to choose from. From exquisite options like Karastan carpet to affordable products options, Classic Flooring is able to meet the needs of a wide variety of customers with our huge assortment of brand name carpeting. We provide carpeting and installation throughout San Diego County and beyond.
Furthermore, Classic Flooring and Design is extremely proud to be recognized as only one of six Karastan dealers in San Diego, California. We greatly value the quality and integrity of such a reputable brand like Karastan carpet and are excited to be able to share such a wonderful product with our customers.
Karastan Rugs – Our Featured Brand
Karastan rugs have been in the forefront of design and innovation in the area rugs industry since 1928. Karastan carpet has been able to move flooring to new directions by creating bold ideas and products. Classic Flooring is one of a handful of Karastan Providers in San Diego. Karastan is the company that invented LusterWash and Tea-Wash techniques that are so admired worldwide for having that genuine, antique look. Karastan has built an incredible reputation for themselves during their long history in this country. The company has a long history dating back to the 1920's. We have been providing Karastan Rugs throughout San Diego for many years. From the get go, Karastan has been an innovative company. Their first major innovation occurred in 1948 when they introduced the Kara-Loc method of weaving. While initially limited to the product of plain velvet and twist styles, Kara-Loc eventually produced an explosion of fashion innovations, including multi-colored designs, along with cut-and-loop effects at least 15 years ahead of the rest of the industry. The innovative method made possible the production of high-styled, quality carpets at prices affordable to average consumers. They continue to move ahead, as always, with new ideas, fibers, colors and techniques to make homes more elegant, beautiful and personalized. If you are looking for the top Karastan Company in San Diego, you have come to the right place.
Karastan's Smartstrand Fiber
The company's innovative nature has never left them. That is why we are a top provider of Karastan Rugs and Carpets of the highest quality in San Diego. They continue to move ahead, as always, with new ideas, fibers, colors and techniques to make homes more elegant, beautiful and personalized. Karastan's most noteworthy innovation in recent years has been the development of the Smartstrand Fiber. Unlike any Nylon or polyester product, this innovative fiber has Permanent, built-in stain protection that cleans with water and mild detergents, is durable and environmentally sound. Karastan rugs believe we all have a part in making the right choices for our environment. That's why they created a carpet made in part from crops.


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At Road Star Rent A Car we have dedicated our time to your driving wants and needs. Whatever the occasion, be assured that there is a range of carefully tailored services for you to choose from.


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Avant Art Festival is a permanent event for more ambitious audience. The need to look in a different way on modern art, especially music, created the idea of the festival that isn't limited to one kind. The festival wants to present different ways that are chosen by artists and are something more than official or university art. Avant Art Festival's aim is to present different often eclectic types of art that is focused on covering up the boundries among different kinds to create new quality which is based on unusual forms of expression.
At the turn of September and October (24-26.09 and 1-4.10) Wroclaw will be the centre of music and theatre experiments. One of the artists will be Maja Ratkje – the first lady of avant-garde, Norwegian scene and the famous trumpeter Arve Henriksen. The unique event will be the concert of James Plotkin and Mick Harris. During two autumn's weekends we will also see very interesting performances, for example the one given by a multidisciplinary band "Verdensteatret" from Norway that uses advanced technology and animation or the MaisonDahlBonnema & Needcompany. At the festival one can see the performance of [Minus 20] collective that is a surprising effect of Polish, Norwegian and French cooperation.Avant Art Festival is a true celebration of avant in art. idea and programme it exceeds the standards of the festival and sets new horizons of perception. "We create this event to present the art on high level. The priority is eclecticism: the full aesthetic and type marriage not only of music but also of avant art and experimental art" said Kostas Georgakopulos, the director of the festival.
The third edition of AVANT ART FESTIVAL is a must-see event for all discriminating aficionados of unconventional music and art. This year particular emphasis will be laid on presentation of new Norwegian art, showing not only the newest achievements of local experimental music scene but also performances by researching and avant-garde theaters. It will be unique opportunity to see some artists for the first time in Poland – for example MAJA RATKJE or JAMES PLOTKIN who will perform on stage together with MICK HARRIS – he will be playing drums for the first time in years! Line-up of the festival will host such stars as ARVE HENRIKSEN & JAN BANG, OFFONOFF (comprising members of ZU, THE EX and THE THING), maestro of contemporary electronics ALVA NOTO and THE THING in collaboration with OTOMO YOSHIHIDE among many other unusual artists. We will also host the concert of two ladies of artistic electronica – MIRA CALIX and ANDREA PARKER with their joint project called FREAKY BITCHES.


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Tobias Westermann grew up in Germany's Black Forest, close to the borders with Switzerland and France.
In 1994 he began his studies in architecture at the University of Technology in Berlin, and he received his master's degree in 2002. For the next three years he worked as construction manager and freelance architectural designer for two architecture firms in Berlin. In 2005 he and his wife moved to Buffalo, NY, where she had become a professor at the University at Buffalo.
Through his employment at prominent Buffalo architecture firms, Tobias worked on such projects as the interior restoration of the Darwin D. Martin House and the New West Entrance Building for the Westminster Presbyterian Church. Since 2012 he works independently as a licensed architect.


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Name: Peter Lewis
Firm: Blake Morgan
Position: Trainee solicitor
Degree: History and International Relations
University: Lancaster
Hobbies: Hockey, Music, DIY on my new flat
Current department: Employment, Pensions and Benefits, and Immigration (EBPI)
Number of TC applications made and interviews attended: 10/3
Why did you decide to train as a solicitor?
I liked the idea of working in a commercial environment that is fast paced and intellectually stimulating.
What were the biggest challenges you faced when trying to secure a training contract?
The biggest challenge for me was getting that first piece of legal work experience under my belt. I remember taking a day off from my full time job to travel around the various law firms in my local area, asking about opportunities and handing out my CV. Someone in a small City practice eventually took pity on me!
What was the toughest training contract interview question you were asked (at any firm) and how did you answer?
I don't think I have any particular horror stories. Any question asking you to identify your weaknesses is tricky. My advice would be to identify the weakness and then go on to explain what you have done to tackle it.
Tell us a bit about the type of work handled by the department you're in at the moment…
EPBI is a rather broad seat that covers both contentious and non-contentious work. Examples of our work includes assisting international corporations in transferring employees to the UK, acting for employees/employers in employment disputes, and providing pension scheme restructuring advice.
What are the most enjoyable aspects of your job?
Being a trainee with Blake Morgan means I get plenty of client exposure from the start which I really enjoy and particularly receiving that email or handshake from a satisfied client.
What about your job didn't you expect before you started?
Just how much I'd enjoy the social aspects to a career in law. From playing football against clients to a charity relay run from London to Cardiff. There's so much more to a career in law than the office.
Who's the most recent email in your inbox from, and what's it about?
An all office email reminding us that it is 'Wear it Pink' day tomorrow in support of a cancer charity.
Where's the best place to go to get your office's gossip?
Gossip seems to flourish whilst brewing tea.
Describe your training partner in three words.
Talented, Approachable, Focused. (Let's hope he read this!)
Tell us two truths and one lie about yourself (in any order).
- I was in the skydiving club at university.
- I was offered my training contract on my wedding day.
- I once sang a solo on Children in Need.
If you had not decided to become a lawyer, what career would you have chosen?
I'd have probably followed my dad into the Army.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to pursue a career in law?
Be open-minded. The area of law you weren't sure about at university may be the one you love in practice.


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Last month I saw the Broadway musical "Motown," for the second time, and was reminded that the music of the Baby Boomers will never die. We were lucky to grow up at a time when great music filled the airways and our favorite stations played the Beatles, the Supremes and Led Zeppelin in the same rotation. In 1972 Carly Simon wrote and recorded one of the classics for us, her hit "You're So Vain" which included the lyrics, "you probably think this song is about you" was a huge hit. That phrase became familiar to everyone of our generation and resonated with us at a deep level.
We are all "so vain," we think everything is about us; we think the world is about us.
For most of my life I have heard the Biblical story of the woman at the well. For those of you who might not be familiar with it – Jesus met a woman at a well and had a conversation with her. He told her everything about her past life with multiple husbands. She was impressed and told everyone in her town about Him and they believed in Him. Ok, maybe that's a little simplistic, but it will suffice for the point I want to make.
An even cursory reading of the text will tell us that it is really not about the woman at all, but rather about Jesus. Yet this encounter is always referred to as "the woman at the well." My question: What is so egocentric about man that we must make everything about us?
The woman does nothing spectacular. She doesn't ask penetrating questions, she doesn't give Jesus extraordinary praise, and she doesn't give a great evangelistic message to her fellow townsfolk. We're not even told her name. She is in fact, just a bit player in a grand story. Yet while the main character – Jesus – is doing an amazing thing (telling her, her life story) we in our human-centric view of all of life make it about the woman.
What else do we make about us that shouldn't be?
A friend recently blew off a dinner engagement with me. My first thought was "that guy is a jerk. How could he ditch me?" I was thinking about "me" and how it affected me, but as I reflected I thought, "he must be really overwhelmed to forget about our dinner. Maybe it's not about me at all."
How do we learn to look at life from a perspective that is not our own; to see the world from another's point of view?
How do we turn what is our natural disposition of looking at ourselves into a more productive disposition that is looking at life from the other person's perspective? In my practice I often work with teams and help them see each other's "Core Motivators." I help them see the world through the lens of the other Core Motivators in the room. As the various team members see the situation through the lens of the other Core Motivators on the team, they get a different perspective on the situation. When they see the different perspectives they are able to communicate better and come to better decisions.
For the last few years we have held an Easter Egg hunt at our house for our friends with little kids. It is a wonderful day of watching the kids run around our yard hunting for hidden chocolate – and I find eggs in our yard the rest of the summer. The most difficult part is getting the parents to stay on our deck and not help their kids; because they want to make it about themselves. Easter is not about the eggs, the bunny, the kids or the parents. Easter is about Jesus, and for some reason that's hard for us to handle, because anything that's not about us is hard to handle.
We're all so vain, we probably think this life is about us.


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The pilot of the new intranet started about a week ago. The pilot group has been very active in giving feedback through the Discussion Forum in the intranet. The first impressions have been mainly positive, even though there is still a lot to do before the intranet is ready to be published!
A group of approximately 300 people are piloting the new intranet: students and staff of the Degree Programme in Media, TAOKK staff, numerous other staff members, student counsellors, study secretaries, and many active Tamko members! Furthermore, a group of Media and TAOKK students tests the usability of the intranet as a part of their studies.
Most of the pilot group members have had a positive first impression of the new intranet. They have also found a plenty of things to fix. And we are happy about that, because finding the errors is the main reason for having the pilot so that we can fix them before the new intranet is published.
More feedback is still welcome!
Text: Teija Pekkarinen


text: DigitalSemantic Search Is In — But Is SEO Out?Semantic search might provide personalized results, but on the text-based web, SEO still impacts which sites show up at the top.By Kimberlee Morrison|August 13, 2014ShareBy Kimberlee Morrison|August 13, 2014ShareSearch engine optimization may be going the way of the printing press. Sure, it serves a function, but there are much better ways of doing business these days. According to Forbes contributor Daniel Newman, semantic search is how the Web will operate going forward. That said, there are still opinions that SEO is necessary, and even a worthwhile investment.Several years ago, SEO was essentially the only way to push your website to the top. This created a number of problems, including keyword spam, and other efforts to game the search engine system. As a result, search became hit and miss, according to Newman."The outcomes of your searches had to do with the sites that were best developed to be found when you entered certain, often-incoherent search phrases," he wrote.Your search didn't serve up the best content, but presented the site best-prepared to receive that search instead. With the glut of user data that now exists, searches can adjust for location, gender, previous shopping habits, location check-ins and any number of other factors. Blunt force SEO stands much less of a chance when results are so tailored to user inputs, conscious or otherwise.Semantic search looks at the meaning behind the search terms used. This means users can use questions to search, instead of keywords. Semantic search "will strive to better understand what I'm really asking and not just analyze the words," Newman writes in a subsequent article. By relying on context for search, and then biasing the search with social connected results, semantic search can surface relevant, useful and personalized content.In the face of that, SEO doesn't seem to stand a chance. Steve Olenski, a senior creative content strategist at Oracle Responsys, outlines 7 reasons that isn't true. SEO still delivers higher search engine rankings, it provides a good ROI, and since "your competitors are doing it," Olenski suggests that it would be foolish to disregard SEO.Semantic search delivers more personal results, but because the Web remains text-based, good old-fashioned SEO remains a reasonable investment. Eventually, semantic search could easily crowd out SEO as it delivers better results for consumers and marketers alike."The Web is smarter, but mostly because we incessantly use tools that allow data to extract meaning. For consumers that leads to some better content to be driven our way, but for marketers this is a goldmine for understanding current behavior and how that may lead to a purchase in the near future," Newman writes. Sharehttp://adweek.it/2kEMOQX copy Adweek Adweek


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"I think the KBBR is now being taken as a marketing tool but I think that is where it begins and it is a good sign," Mwai said.
The KBRR was introduced by policymakers at 9.13 per cent to act as the new base rate of all commercial banks' lending rates that was later revised this year to 8.54 per cent. The KBRR tracks the CBR as well as the weighted 2-month moving average of the 91-day Treasury Bill and will be reviewed twice a year.
However, since its introduction only two banks have complied lowering their interest loans by a slight margin. Standard Chartered became the first lender to reduce its interest loans to 10.9 per cent from 12.9 per cent last year for a limited period of 45 days.
Barclays Kenya which has a heavy presence in corporate and retail lending is the latest institution to lower its rates by a marginal 0.6 per cent to 11.9 per cent which is 3.36 per cent higher than the new set KBBR.
"It is encouraging that some of the banks have adopted it even if it is more of a marketing approach as opposed to a wholesale policy approach," Mwai said.
The KBRR was introduced June last year to enhance transparency in the pricing of credit as well as improve the transmission of monetary policy signals.
"I think partly the banks are still testing the market with KBRR so they do not want to give a blanket offer because you will see that when they do KBRR plus a margin, you find that most of them will retain the option of adjusting that margin which really should not be the case because that should have been fixed for the period of the loan," Mwai explained.
Meanwhile, international ratings agency Moody's has warned that Kenya's low interest rate will have an impact on the profitability of Kenyan banks.
"The lower rate will have an immediate effect on the portion of floating-rate bank loans that charge the KBRR," Moody's noted in a statement.
"These loans will be re-priced, reducing banks' interest rate spreads, since banks' cost of funding, which is not linked to the KBRR, will likely remain broadly stable. We also expect to see declining rates affect most of the remainder of Kenyan banks' lending portfolios."
Nevertheless, the agency expects that Kenyan banks' profitability will remain resilient despite declining margins.
"In addition, a gradual reduction in lending rates, in addition to a lower cost of living given declining oil prices, will support borrowers' loan repayment capacity, easing loan-loss provisioning needs," the agency said.


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This wedding was such an enjoyable wedding for me. These two have joined together to create a blended family, which I think will make one big happy family. They just mesh so well with each other. There are five children between the two of them and I fell in love with all five of them. We had such a good time together! After their honeymoon, Amy and her children will move to Canada to live with Randy and his children. I'll be sad to see them go because I just met them! Amy and Randy, enjoy the sneaks of your wonderful day. I have tons of shots I love! Oh and may I add the ladies at Amber House are wonderful if you have catering or wedding needs!
Amy and her sisters made her wedding dress by hand!


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I remember as a child, a promise I made to my parents that I would stay innocent forever. We can all agree that's a joke.
I now realise all the empty promises that were made in my youth were not to make one side happy but instead to keep the relationship between indivduals intact. It was the vows we made to each other that strengthened our connection, whether it was to my first real boyfriend in high school or the friends I had in kindergarten.
It was easier back then, when a relationship was not based on social media presence; calling the person from a landline and setting up a meeting without a guarantee of them being there other than the word they gave. Compared to today, we had more trust in the word because a simple text could mean that plans would be changed.
I guess where I'm going with this piece is to ask: do promises still hold a purpose in this modern world?
"Depends on the person; their moral compass, their core values. If they are sincere, then so are their promises; but it's rare. Especially in the younger generations, but even then; the whole argument about nature vs nurture comes in."
"Promises always have a purpose. It just depends on the intention of the person making the promise. The person being promised (in most cases) assumes the promise is valid, and the promised intends to keep it. A lot of times promises are in the form of an apology, or a stall tactic, instead of a commitment. Texting and its implications is just a method of communication. It's the same comparison of letters and telegrams, technology just facilitates. But it never had to do with the method. It's how serious you are about doing something and whether or not you mean your words."
With those answers in mind… is it even worth making promises anymore? Too many people today take for granted the trust they are given and bail at the first chance when they don't think it's necessary to stay. I guess it's a matter of how each individual defines a promise.
The dictionary defines the word in thirteen different situations with the purpose of assurance and a ground of expectation included. But with today's culture being linked around technology, a promise could be on the same grounds of being polite.
Before you ask what is the correlation of promises and being polite – the simplest example I can give is the mere text of "I'll talk to you later" followed by the excuse of forgetting accompanied by an apology; or on a less personal note receiving an event invite on Facebook. Our immediate reaction is to click the maybe button or not responding altogether.
I think the problem with promises in this modern era is the practicality of breaking them; add in the impending fear of commitment that is killing the necessity to be sincere, it's easier to apologise than it is to tell the truth.
This being said, I am not suprised though it concerns me if the next wedding video or announcement I see on my news feed includes "I shall love you whenever it's convenient for me" – because why not be honest from the beginning instead of vowing things you can't guarantee like 'til death do us part'?
It's a shame that pinky promises aren't covenant in the modern day. Maybe if it were, promises we make daily will remain unbroken.