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Deliver On Customer Service
When it comes to dealing with customers, Charles Williamson has a simple philosophy: Do whatever it takes to fix the problem.
It's something that he learned in the restaurant industry before joining the five-location, Texas-based Paceline Collision Centers as the vice president of customer services nine years ago.
"It's no different than in restaurants: Our goal is to look after the customer and make sure their experience is as good as it can be," he says. "We have to cut out the little things that affect that."
Having that "whatever-it-takes" mentality, Williamson says, isn't just about reacting to situations, though. Processes, procedures and systems are the keys to managing customer-staff interactions and ensuring your business's ability to give consistent and quality customer service.
And there's no segment of the repair process more dependent on how your staff interacts with customers than vehicle delivery. Creating a delivery procedure that will leave customers satisfied and employees empowered is critical to improving CSI scores and building a loyal customer base and sound reputation.
The Process
Every opportunity to interact with a customer is important, says Steve Trapp, collision services development manager for Axalta Coating Systems. The delivery process is just a portion of that, albeit a very crucial portion.
—Steve Trapp, Axalta Performance coatings
"It's the last time you interact with a customer face-to-face in the repair process," he says. "And it's the last time you get the chance to really 'wow' that customer."
For Williamson, he's seen Paceline grow from a one-shop business to a five-facility chain. For any shop, growth makes it more and more difficult to ensure the quality of customer service given by each employee. The only way to do it, Trapp and Williamson agree, is to hire well, and implement thorough standard operating procedures.
Although very specific, the SOP Trapp recommends for all his clients is a simple, six-step process, one that's helped Williamson and Paceline average above 9.7 points in nearly every customer service-related category of the company's 10-point CSI survey.
Pre-Closing Preparation
The delivery process does not start when the customer arrives to pick up the vehicle, Trapp says.
"The key to the whole thing, as we see it, is in pre-closing," he says. "You need to be absolutely ready for that customer to come in."
You need to know every aspect of the repair—what the issues were and what your staff did to remedy them—and have all the necessary paperwork broken down into a single, organized and clean file.
"You should know exactly what signatures you still need from them, what money you're owed—whether that's from the insurer or from them directly," Trapp says.
Williamson has his staff put the pages still in need of signatures at the top of the pile. Trapp says you can also use sticky notes or other markers where needed.
And make one last note of a "wow factor" from your repair to share with the customer at delivery.
Schedule the Appointment
Part of being prepared for delivery means knowing when the customer will be there to receive the vehicle. Scheduling an appointment is a must, Williamson says, and wait until the paperwork is ready first, in case the customer wants the vehicle immediately.
When setting up the delivery time, inform the customer of what the delivery process will entail, what is required of them (rental car return policies, payments due, warranty information, etc.), and what, if anything, they need to bring with them.
"Having a scheduled time allows you to recognize the customer when they come in," Trapp says. "It puts your employees at ease knowing who's coming, and allows them to be fully prepared for the rest of the process."
Professional Greeting
Interacting with customers is always a balancing act between being as professional as possible and making the interaction comfortable for the person coming into the shop.
Williamson has his staff greet the customer by last name (e.g. "Hello, Mrs. Jones"), and introduces them to all members of the staff that will be assisting with the rest of the process.
"It's about making sure they understand that you're there for them," he says.
Trapp says to also try to relate back to any past conversation to put the customer at ease and show you remember them.
"If you knew they were heading to a soccer match for their kid, ask them how the match went—things like that," he says.
Vehicle Walk-through
After going through the meet-and-greet, take the customer to their vehicle to review the repair. There's an important reason to inspect the repair before payment: "It shows the customer that you're more concerned with the quality of the repair and experience than you are with the payment," Trapp says.
Williamson wants his staff to go over every aspect of the repair, reminding the customer exactly what was wrong with the vehicle and informing them of exactly what his team did to fix it.
Then, bring up your "wow factor."
"It needs to be something that wasn't required in the repair—buffing out a ding on the opposite side of the vehicle, the seam sealer you used, or that you painted the bolts, whatever it was," Trapp says. "Everyone expects the car to be repaired correctly; they aren't expecting you to go out of your way to help them out. This is your chance to show them that you did."
Finish the inspection by giving the customer an opportunity to ask questions, or raise concerns about the repair. Then, if necessary, transport all their items from the rental car to their vehicle for them.
Paperwork, Payment and Surveys
This is the portion that most customers dread, so get the paperwork and payment done quickly. And if Step 1 was completed correctly, that shouldn't be a problem, Williamson says.
Get the documents signed, the payments made and inform the customer of any warranty or care requirements needed for the vehicle. Then, inform them of your CSI survey process. Paceline uses a 10-point satisfaction system issued by a third-party. Williamson's staff explains to the customers what the survey will ask and how long it will take.
"They also ask if the customer has any issues with the questions being asked," Williamson says. "That way, if there is a problem, we can talk them through it before they simply give a poor score. It gives us a chance to explain anything that's lingering."
24-Hour Follow-up
Just as the delivery process begins before the customer arrives, it also ends after they leave—24 hours after.
Williamson has his staff call and check on each customer 24 hours after delivery to ensure they are pleased with their vehicle.
"Everything is still fresh in their minds, so it's a good time to check back in," he says.
It can be as brief or extensive as the situation dictates, but like any customer interaction, Williamson says to make sure it counts.
"It could be the last time you have a chance to make sure that customer will be a future customer," he says. "Every customer interaction is so important. You can't waste any of them. Your staff needs to be prepared, and you have to deliver."


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Increase sales.
E-commerce product demo videos have the incredible ability to increase conversions by far. People want to know exactly how your products work, why they need it, and what it will do to make their life better.
Most of it comes down to convenience. That's why, here at Studio T, we've worked tirelessly to work out the perfect recipe for videos to solve an issue to which consumers can easily relate. Our mission is to produce stunning product videos that have beauty and brains. In other words, they work.
Studio T Creative creates product videos that are short and sweet, tell an engaging story, and most importantly, they give your viewers a reason to relate to your business and what it offers. They enhance the online shopping experience.
Whether you're selling through your website, on Amazon, eBay or any major retailor like Walmart, Target, Bed Bath and Beyond, etc, our product videos integrate with your e-commerce pages, help build brand loyalty and drive online sales. They do so by improving SEO of your site and educating customers so they're confident about making the purchase.
We also provide visual commerce solutions for social promotion on Facebook and Instagram. Every platform has it's own storytelling technique and look, and our producers will strategize and create perfect videos that would fit every platform you target. We are masters at creating micro-content like gifs and memes.
We provide videos in different formats, and for different platforms:
Images/Memes/GIFs for Instagram, Imgur and others.
Square video exports for Facebook.
Video exports for E-commerce pages and Youtube.
When it comes to E-Commerce Product videos, our process is simple. Just mail us the product, and let us know how you'd like us to shoot it. We'll do the rest! We'll write the script, find locations, cast actors as well as finish it with top-notch editing, music and motion graphics. You'll receive a video that's ready to upload online.
We work closely with you throughout each stage of the process and provide turnkey solutions. We are collaborators, and we understand every client and every project is different, so we'll create a process that will fit your need and your personality.
10- in - 1 Smart Fruit Set Product Video
10- in - 1 Smart Fruit Set Product Video
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Roll Up Drying Rack Product Video By Studio T Creative
We offer various options depending on your needs. Our product video packages start at $1,500. However, please reach out and get a quote for your project.
Overall, it comes down to –
1: Complexity of the project.
2: Location requirements.
3: Turnaround time.
4: Number of products.

subset: commoncrawl


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Perspective on Tutoring
Tutoring is not a substitute for attending class; however, tutoring can strengthen a student's understanding of the course material. The purpose of tutoring is to help students become independent learners by improving learning strategies. Students are encouraged to use University sponsored academic support services in addition to the ones provided by the Academic Resource Center.
Academic Department Support Services
Tutoring Services exist in a variety of capacities at Georgetown University. The departments of Mathematics and Economics offer drop-in tutoring services during the fall and spring semesters. Tutors are undergraduate/graduate students who are selected to serve as tutors because of their proficiency in the subject area. Students who are taking calculus, statistics, macroeconomics, or microeconomics are strongly encouraged to use these services on an ongoing basis to strengthen their comprehension of course material.
The Writing Center serves both undergraduate and graduate students, offering hours during the fall, spring and summer sessions. Whether it is an essay for an English or history course, students can consult with a trained tutor to get guidance and feedback on drafts of their papers. According to the Writing Center's mission, a writing consultant "will assist you at any stage of your writing process, from initial brainstorming to final revisions. Tutors will help you improve your own critical thinking, revision, and editing skills. We won't proofread your paper for you." In short, the Writing Center provides students the tools and strategies to become confident in their writing skills.
Academic Support Services Offered by Professors
Some professors who teach introductory courses provide academic assistance outside the classroom. The tutors are typically undergraduate students who have already taken the professor's class and have excelled in learning the course material. Professors want their students to take full advantage of these tutoring services, so enrolled students should be using such services as directed by their professor. Moreover, professors provide office hours to meet with their students. They are the first source of guidance and assistance; students should be proactive in consulting with their professors. If a student believes that additional support is needed to learn the material, then it is the student's responsibility to discuss their concerns with the professor. Specifically, if the student wants a private tutor (a service for which the student would be financially responsible), then this matter should be raised with the professor who might be able to provide guidance.
Private Tutors
Students always have the option of hiring a private tutor. The Academic Resource Center does not promote the services offered by any independent private tutors. If a student finds that the University academic support services do not meet their needs, then they should explore private tutors. Again, students are encouraged to consult with their professors if they decide to hire a private tutor to ensure that such assistance does not violate academic integrity of the course.


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by Ann Ricker
The decline of Mary Lincoln's mental condition is a major theme of her life during the period from 1866 until her commitment for insanity in 1875. The elusive question of the exact nature of her illness includes a topic that is perhaps easier to grasp—the amount of social isolation that she experienced, or conversely, of her associations and friendships. In these years, Mary often visited Chicago. In her letters from 1874 that are owned by the Illinois State Historical Library, which will be described more fully later, she mentions her friendship with prominent Chicago minister David Swing, my great-great-grandfather.
Read The Full Newsletter Below
[embeddoc url="https://abrahamlincolnassociation.org/Newsletters/2-1.pdf" download="all"]


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Google Business Profile Management & Optimization Service: Increase Ranking in Google Search / Google Maps & Generate More Leads. Learn more about our GMB Service
Contact Us
89 Headquarters Plaza North# 1465Morristown, NJ 07960(201) 845-8700
Hudson Integrated June 19, 2018
If you pay attention to marketing trends, you know that video marketing is on the rise. From Instagram's launch of live video to Facebook allowing users and brands to have a cover video rather than a static image, videos are now everywhere. If you aren't using them for your marketing objectives, you are probably missing out. Read on for 4 reasons you should invest in video marketing; the numbers may surprise you.
According to a study by Cisco, 82% of all consumer internet traffic will be video-related by 2021. This represents a steady increase occurring now across websites and social media. If you are not taking advantage of video now, you should make plans to take advantage of it soon. Otherwise, plan to be left behind on the lost pages of the internet along with other sites who chose to stick with static web content.
If millennials are part of your market, you should definitely be investing in video marketing. According to SmallBizTrends, 74% of millennials prefer to do their comparison shopping by watching videos. Although this trend is highest among millennials, comparison shopping through videos is becoming more mainstream across all demographics as customers shop online. Interactive videos offer the closest experience to trying the product yourself.
Think videos are only popular with the interns? Think again. According to Digital Information World, 59% of senior executives would choose to watch a video over reading written content. As this shift continues to become more mainstream, users of all ages and professions will be searching for video alternatives to written content.
Live videos are some of the easiest to produce if you can get over the fear of recording off the cuff. But ease of implementation isn't the only reason to go live. According to Social Media Today, live videos capture viewers' attention for 3x as long as non-live videos. Ready to put that statistic to work for your business, but not sure where to start? We've got tips to help you execute a live video.
Need some help adding video to your current marketing mix? Learn more about our unique USER-first process which allows us to meet your digital marketing needs. Better yet, get in touch today so we can help make your project a success.
Hudson Integrated
Hudson is a full-service, integrated digital agency helping small, mid-sized and Fortune 500 companies become successful using innovative web design, ecommerce, branding and digital marketing strategies.


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What is it?
The government has enacted a law, in force since July 1, 2014, which requires employers with five (5) or more employees to establish a group pension plan or VRSP. A VRSP is designed especially for small and medium-sized businesses that do not yet have a workplace savings plan in place.
Who must setup a VRSP?
An Employer is obligated to offer a VRSP if:
- You have a "Physical location" or establishment in Quebec
(even if your Head Office may be in another province)
- Employ five or more employees aged 18 or over who have a minimum of one year of uninterrupted
service, as defined by the Act Respecting Labour Standards.
- The employer is currently not offering a registered retirement savings plan (RRSP) or tax-free savings
account (TFSA) for which source deductions could be made, or a registered pension plan.
When do we need to comply?
The deadline to establish a VRSP depends on the number of eligible employees:
- Employers with 20 employees or more: December 31, 2016,
- Employers with 10 to 19 employees: December 31, 2017,
- Employers with 5 to 9 employees: not before January 1, 2018.
Click here to read more about VRSPs.
Why is it called "Voluntary" Registered Savings Plan if it's obligatory for specific employers?
The voluntary nature of the plan refers to the employee not the employer. An employee has the right to opt out of the plan.
Why was this law passed?
The government's objective is to help citizens save for their retirement. In Quebec, nearly two million workers do not have access to an employer sponsored pension plan, and 30% of Quebecers have no personal savings for their retirement.
What are the associated costs of a VRSP for the Employer? For the Employee?
Employer: There is no specific cost to setup a VRSP. The employer is required however to administer the plan. This means:
• Inform their employees of the plan,
• Automatically sign them up,
• Deduct the employee contributions and remit them to the VRSP administrator.
• The employer is not obligated to contribute to the employee's savings plan.
Employee: There are no costs to the employee. The employee simply decides to stay enrolled (or opt out). If they stay enrolled, a specified amount is automatically deducted from their pay and directed into their savings plan.
Contact us for more information or help setting up your VRSP.


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I start with a piece of pure white silk and use colour layering with wax resist to build up the patterns for my silk painting. I love playing with colour combinations and enjoy the fun of painting with large brushes for the wax effect. What fascinates me about painting on silk is the way that the ink can almost have a life of its own, which results in every piece being totally unique, even when painting pieces using the same colours!
Once completed, the wax is removed, and the silk is steamed, individually wrapped for 4 hours, to fix the spirit-based ink. Excess colour and wax is then washed out and the scarves are ready to wear. They are colour-fast and washable by hand – enjoy!
I am very happy to paint a scarf in a design and colours chosen by you!
Contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
01458 899963


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Where it all began: RGJ's first mentions of Tesla, Burning Man, Dennis Hof and more
Is there a clue to the future of Northern Nevada somewhere in the latest edition of the RGJ? Judging by these clips from the last 14 decades, today's articles may contain hints to how we'll work, play and learn in the century to come.
We explored the archives of the Reno Gazette Journal and its predecessors, the Reno Evening Gazette and the Nevada State Journal, to find some of the earliest references to significant people, places and events that helped shape our region.
University of Nevada
July 21, 1885: Notice to contractors and builders — Nevada State University. Sealed proposals are invited for the construction of a brick building, two (2) stories, basement and (Mansard) roof; to be erected in Reno, Nevada, according to the plans and specifications now on file in the office of M.D. Noteware, secretary of the Board of Regents, at Carson City, Nevada.
Nevada's first state university was founded in Elko in 1874, but suffered from poor attendance due to its distance from the state's population centers. The Legislature voted to move the institution to Reno in March 1885; construction began on its first building, Morrill Hall, that September.
The bill and initial request-for-proposal called for a two-story building for no more than $20,000 (about $500,000 in today's dollars). When the three-story Morrill Hall was completed in 1886, it came in under budget at $13,500 (about $350,000 today). At the time, it housed the entire university — classrooms, offices, library and all. It's still standing, serving as the home of UNR's development and alumni relations department.
MORE:UNR breaks ground on $91 million engineering building; arts building
Legalized gambling
Jan. 18, 1931:Cheerfully declaring he has no bills to present and no statements for the public, Phil M. Tobin, youthful Republican assemblyman from Humboldt County, arrived in Reno last night for his first session in the state Legislature.
Less than a month after his "no comment" to a Nevada State Journal reporter, Tobin introduced a bill to relegalize gambling, which had been illegal since 1909. On March 20, 1931, the Journal announced that Tobin's measure had been signed into law, and that "(h)ammers, saws and cement mixers were industriously at work last night as a night shift of workmen continued its rush toward completion of enlarging and renovating the Bank Club, downtown gambling resort."
Local news:Support local journalism starting at just 99 cents a month! Click for details
Tobin, who didn't gamble and never made a dime off gaming, said in his later years that he re-legalized gambling to prevent the state from going broke.
"There were (illegal) casinos everywhere," he told reporters in 1971. "Nevada would be a place today where people only passed through if the bill had not passed.''
Tobin died in 1976.
March 19, 1932:Nevada relegalizes gambling
Brian Sandoval
Jan. 18, 1994: Republicans already are touting this young (30) Reno attorney as a future star. He plans to seek the Assembly seat being vacated by Jim Gibbons, who is running for governor. Gibbons' district is overwhelmingly Republican and the Democrats are unlikely to put up much of a fight against Sandoval.
The unnamed Republicans mentioned in Jon Ralson's RGJ column were right. Brian Sandoval proved to be a rising star, holding down positions in all three branches of government (and even being named as a possible nominee for the U.S. Supreme Court). Sandoval successfully won Gibbons' Assembly seat in 1994 with 80 percent of the vote in District 25, then served as Nevada's attorney general and a federal judge. He resigned his seat to run against Gibbons in the 2010 Republican gubernatorial primary and went on to serve two terms as one of the state's most popular governors.
Sandoval:No regrets or hints as to what is next for outgoing Nevada governor
Interstate 80
July 22, 1961: There have been plenty of routes proposed for the Interstate 80 freeway through the Truckee Meadows. Each of the routes listed here has advocates and bitter opponents, forecasting additional debate when the choice of route is put up to local governing bodies, the Reno City Council and the Washoe County Commission.
The federal government had determined that Interstate 80 would pass through the area on its route from San Francisco to northern New Jersey, but left it up to locals to determine the exact route through the Truckee Meadows. The community coalesced around three route options — two through town and one that would bypass the metro area to the north.
Spaghetti Bowl:NDOT video shows ramps, freeway changes under preferred plan
Rep. Walter Baring, a Reno native and Nevada's sole member in the U.S. House of Representatives, backed the bypass route, telling the Reno Evening Gazette that the citizens of Reno must "stand steadfast behind their determination to prevent the selection of any through-town alignment that would destroy the City of Reno."
But the through-town advocates won out. Construction of I-80 through the Truckee Meadows was completed in 1974.
Burning Man
Sept. 8, 1992: It was eccentric, to say the least. More than 200 campers — most hailing from the San Francisco Bay Area — spent Labor Day weekend on the flat, hot playa of the Black Rock Desert north of Gerlach to raise a 40-foot-tall, 1,500-pound wood figure. They called him the Burning Man. They burned him to the ground.
Burning Man was in its third year in Nevada after moving from San Francisco's Baker Beach. Although attendance estimates vary, 1992's Burning Man crowd would have fit comfortably inside a junior high gymnasium, and the event details were passed by word of mouth.
OG Burners:Burning Man's original Burners wax about the early days
"It's a 'tractor pull' for those who make more than $50,000 a year," one attendee said. Burning Man founder Larry Harvey more charitably described it as part performance art, part commune, but mostly an exercise in self-identity, and seemed satisfied in the move to the Black Rock Desert.
"Where else can you do this but Nevada?" he said.
Ticket sales:Burning Man CEO announces changes to 2019 ticket sales
Dennis Hof
Jan. 15, 1993: Last Thursday, the Lyon County Board of Commissioners approved a new brothel, business and liquor licenses for the Moonlight Bunny Ranch in Mound House ... Hof spoke and said he'd never been in the brothel business before, that his background is in resort businesses and as a real estate developer. But he said he felt it could operate this business better than it had been done. "I see it as a business opportunity only."
Dennis Hof, who built his fortune on gas stations and timeshares, already was a regular customer at the BunnyRanch when it was put up for sale in the early 1990s, according to his 2015 autobiography, "The Art of the Pimp."
Photos:Dennis Hof over the years
He received Lyon County's approval to operate the BunnyRanch in early 2013, and immediately poured six figures into its renovation. The "business opportunity" eventually turned into a seven-brothel empire, plus a television series and a run for the state Legislature. He died in October 2018 and was posthumously elected to the Nevada Assembly the following month.
Beyond the Bunny Ranch:Who was Dennis Hof?
Housing crunch
Dec. 16, 2010: The monthly numbers show a return to more normal sales patterns marked by decreasing sales activity during the winter months, said Ken Amundson, (Reno/Sparks Association of Realtors) president ... "The sales numbers are actually reassuring because it shows a significant appetite for homebuying even without incentives."
With Northern Nevada currently experiencing a housing crunch, it can be difficult to remember what it was like at the other end of the cycle. Looking at average home prices and available inventory, the local market arguably bottomed out and began to recover in late 2010 and early 2011.
The first-time homebuyer credit skewed market dynamics, but real estate execs were optimistic that the local market prices were stabilizing. (For the record, the median price for an existing single-family home in Nov. 2010 in Washoe County was $169,000.)
Housing:Rent or buy in Reno's hot housing market — or any market for that matter?
Tesla Gigafactory
Feb. 24, 2014: Tesla Motors CEO Elon Musk says he will detail his plans this week to build a huge plant to make electric car batteries — so big that he calls it the "gigafactory" ...
As to where the plant and its jobs would land, Musk assured the analysts the gigafactory will be "heavily powerd by renewables, wind and solar," which would seem to point to a desert location in the West.
Video:Here's our tour inside Tesla's Gigafactory, from battery cells to drive trains
Tesla had publicly hinted at producing its own batteries in late 2013, and five states — Arizona, California, New Mexico, Texas and Nevada — joined in a controversial bidding war of incentive packages.
A combination of location, pro-business policies, rail accessibility and tax incentives (and possibly even the presence of wild horses) lured Tesla to build at the Tahoe Reno Industrial Center. On Sept. 4, Sandoval and Musk officially announced the deal.
Brett McGinness is the engagement editor for the Reno Gazette Journal. He's also the writer of The Reno Memo — a free newsletter about news in the Biggest Little City. Subscribe to the newsletter right here. Consider supporting the Reno Gazette Journal, too.


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====== Function GET-INTERNAL-REAL-TIME ====== ====Syntax==== * **get-internal-real-time** → //internal-time// ====Arguments and Values==== * //internal-time// - a non-negative //[[CL:Glossary:integer]]//. ====Description==== **get-internal-real-time** returns as an //[[CL:Glossary:integer]]// the current time in //[[CL:Glossary:internal time unit|internal time units]]//, relative to an arbitrary time base. The difference between the values of two calls to this function is the amount of elapsed real time (i.e. clock time) between the two calls. ====Examples==== None. ====Side Effects==== None. ====Affected By==== Time of day (i.e. the passage of time). The time base affects the result magnitude. ====Exceptional Situations==== None. ====See Also==== **[[CL:Constant Variables:internal-time-units-per-second|Constant Variable INTERNAL-TIME-UNITS-PER-SECOND]]** ====Notes==== None.
Do not use this sidebar - nothing is linked here yet.


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I posted my 100,000th tweet on May 18th, and then left Twitter alone for the next 12 days. Part of it was so that I could leave that weird milestone (and not one that anyone need feel proud about) up there a while, and partly because I thought, "I wonder what I would learn if I shut up for a while." And so I did.
But I didn't really. I started a secret account, where I wanted to follow other people from a non-me perspective, to see what it's like to talk to "big names" who look and see a guy with only 45 followers. I wanted to see a lot of different angles, so that I could tell you more than, "I took a break for 13 days." And so that's why I'm writing you this post.
What I Was Using Twitter For
More than anything else, I feel in my heart of hearts that I used Twitter as a kind of "I'm still alive" pulse. I tweeted a lot of inane things, or "in the moment" things that really were basically the same intention: "I'm here. See me?" So, I found that learning to be interesting. I also found that it's amazing just how many times a day I observe some thought that I want to share with everyone on Twitter, some of them useful and some of them that pulse I just mentioned. I spent one day tallying the amount of times I wanted to tweet but didn't: 47.
Now, I obviously used Twitter for more than that. 209,000 people wouldn't follow me if that's all I posted. My most common tweets were @replies to other people. I found that I spent a lot of time responding to other people and interacting with them. What's interesting is that when I went incognito (not really) and started my tester account, I noticed that many of the "big guys" I was following (in the music space, not social media) aren't especially @reply types. In fact, I plan to write a report or blog post or something about what I learned about them in the process (and how it can help you).
How I Intend to Use Twitter Going Forward
As of today, I'm back on the clock. I intend to use Twitter in the following six ways, which align with my business goals and personal interests:
- Sharing about causes. This continues to be important to me. Take a moment and visit Skip1.org. I'm wearing their shirt today.
- Promotion. I will still use the service to promote my own business, offerings, and other activities.
- Media. Most people want to learn something from following someone. I will do my best to educate and help.
- Community. This is still a very powerful experience for me. What I get from the community I can reach on Twitter is a very wonderful two-way street.
- Prospecting. I am in business, and Twitter helps me reach the people I need for my business.
- Learning. There are so many educators freely sharing their knowledge on the platform. Not sure where to start? Try putting a few topics or keywords into Listorious and see what you find.
You can use it however you choose. That's just what I've discovered I intend to do.
As for what media I intend to share, My goal is to help you build your network and help companies develop their digital channel. I'll post accordingly.
Try a Twitter Fast
What would happen if you quit Twitter for 7 days? What would change? What would you learn about yourself? I know that, for me, I learned a lot. It also gave me a much needed chance to really consider what I intend to share going forward.
What do you think?


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Here are a few details I wasn't able to include in my last post, but were still worthy of another post of their own. This brave, intrepid little bumblebee was so cold, she was moving in slow motion. I had to admire her perseverance, collecting pollen as long as she was physically able.
Surrounded by a carpet of yellow, orange and rust-colored leaves, I was captivated by this mossy, lichen-encrusted rock outcropping accented with feathery plumes of Lady fern (Athyrium felix-femina). I would love this to be in my shade garden, but it was in the middle of the forest.A late-turning maple is a flame lighting up the forest. The ridge in the background looks to me like an horse's back right about where the saddle goes.
'Turkey Tail' fungi (Trametes versicolor) was growing out of a split in the trunk of a beech tree. Velvety to the touch, they are quite common. A tea made from these mushrooms is said to boost immunity and it is being studied in particular to help cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Below is a close-up of a delicate and lacy Hay-scented fern frond (Dennstaedtia punctiloba). In autumn they turn progressively paler becoming a ghostly white. I love to come upon large colonies of them carpeting the forest, they are so beautiful.
I must include a canopy shot or two of sugar maples nearly empty of leaves. How I love these trees! When I think of autumn color, I think of maples. As children, my sister and I used to rake and jump into big piles of the crisp, sweetly-scented leaves. When we tired, we'd bury ourselves underneath, resting and peeking out between the gaps to the tree and autumn sky above. Must be where this love was formed!Marking the end of the day like a sundial, this sunlit birch tree and post in a patch of lawn glow against the shadowed barn in the background.All of the above photos were taken at Bullitt Reservation, a property of The Trustees of Reservations, whose mission is to "preserve, for public use and enjoyment, properties of exceptional scenic, historic, and ecological value in Massachusetts."


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GIFT VOUCHERS & SAVINGS (This page is currently only accessible via a computer and not a mobile device)
Semi permanent make up including Microblading, Powder Brow & Combination Eyebrows, Eyeliner, Eyeshadow, Lipliner, Lip blush & Beauty Spot.
Scalp Micro Pigmentation for all stages of hairloss for men and women
Chemical peels for Acne, Sun damage, signs of ageing & Acne scarring
Wrinkle relaxing treatments forehead, frown lines, bunny lines & crows feet
Dermal fillers and Lip Fillers to add volume and reduce lines and wrinkles to lower, Mid and Upper face and to add volume to lips.
Non Surgical Facelift an affordable, Needle Free approach to Face lifting and Tightening for all areas. Including the newest Injectable treatment Sunekos. The safest natural biostimulation treatment to improve volume and facial contours.
Derma roller and microneedling/ derma pen for Hair loss, Scars, Acne scarring, cellulite and stretchmarks.
Collagen Lift Radiofrequency for Face & Body
Microdermabrasion to rejeuvenate dull, tired skin, fade hyperpigmentation, improve acne, enlarged pores and general signs of ageing.
Acne & Rosacea Treatment Specialist Accredited by The Acne & Rosacea Association UK. FREE Consultations available, treatments available from age 13 upwards with parental consent.
Vitamin B12 Injections
Coming Soon.....Thread vein treatment for face and body, skin tag removal.
About Belle Derma Aesthetics and Semi Permanent Make up - Based in Neath Town Centre
Welcome to Belle Derma Semi Permanent Make Up and Beauty, a small but friendly Clinic run by Laura a Registered Nurse of 12 years with 7 years experience in Aesthetics and Permanent Make Up. Laura is an Independent Nurse Prescriber who is trained to an advanced level in Aesthetic treatments. Registered with the British Association of Aesthetic Nurses.
Belle Derma Aesthetics is also an Acne and Rosacea Association (ARAUK) Accredited Clinic.
Laura is fully trained in Semi Permanent Make Up, Scalp Micropigmentation, Tattoo Removal, Microblading and Specialist Beauty treatments; Including wrinkle relaxing treatments, Advanced injection techniques in dermal fillers, non surgical facelifting, lip fillers, chemical peels, Radiofrequency, microdermabrasion and microneedling for collagen induction therapy.
Laura also offers treatment for hair loss including scalp micropigmentation and microneedling and training in microblading, permenent make up and beauty treatments.
Why Choose Belle Derma Aesthetics and permanent make up?
Belle Derma Aesthetics is accredited and is fully licensed and registered with the local authorities. Laura offers a comprehensive consultation within her Aesthetics practice to take a full medical history and will use a professional and confidential approach. You will be informed of all risks associated with any treatments to ensure you are able to make a fully informed decision prior to commencing treatment. Alternative, less invasive options may be offered. You will also receive ongoing aftercare following your treatment which is imperative for consumer safety. Confidentiality is strictly maintained and Laura prides herself on her impeccable professional standards.
For Enquiries Call: 01639 639548 Text: 07734438941 or Message Directly through Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp.
Covid 19 Notification/ Update
At belle Derma Aesthetics we strive to adhere to the highest possible hygiene standards at all times. Throughout the pandemic Laura has taken additional training in Covid 19 prevention and training in the use of appropriate PPE and a seperate Coronavirus Health Care Specialist training.


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If You're Worried About That Epidural Needle, Here's What An OB-GYN Wants You To Know
Many women, whether it was already planned, or it happens in an emergency, end up having an epidural during their labor. To be honest, it looks pretty intense from what is portrayed in movies and television. And as someone who is hoping to have one during her birthing process, I have a few questions. How bad is the epidural needle pain, what does it feel like going in, and lastly, for those women who have apparently been searching this on Google, does the epidural needle stay in your back during labor? I'm pretty sure having a needle in your spine the entire time would be awful and even more uncomfortable than labor. But I guess you never know what will happen with 100 percent certainty until you're in the midst of it?
Thankfully, even though epidurals sound pretty scary, they aren't quite as scary as having a needle in your back the entire time you're in labor like an IV in the arm. Dr. G. Thomas Ruiz, an OB–GYN at MemorialCare Orange Coast Medical Center in Fountain Valley, California, tells Romper, the epidural needle, once inserted, "is replaced with a soft plastic tube so the medication can be delivered continuously via a pump. Once the delivery is done the epidural catheter is removed. The catheter is soft and has a narrow diameter, so it does not pose a problem during labor."
As far as what it feels like when the needle goes in, many women on a Baby Center forum described it as feeling like a typical injection or like getting a tattoo. However, many noted that the pain level depended on how long it took the anesthesiologist to get the needle in the right place and how many pokes it took. Fingers crossed you get a seasoned epidural veteran.
So how does an epidural work, exactly, and how long until I'm not in severe pain from contractions anymore? Once that needle is in and out, and the catheter is in its place, an epidural works by taking away the pain of your uterine contractions without affecting your muscles, according to Ruiz. "You will lose sensation in your legs, making it difficult to walk. So you will have numbness down to your toes. The epidural usually takes 15 minutes to work," he explains.
Additionally, "labor epidurals are used during the active phase of labor to blunt or relieve the pain of uterine contractions. The epidural is typically placed by the anesthesiologist once a woman enters the active phase of labor," Ruiz says. "When a woman gets to the pushing phase, the epidural is often turned off or turned down to allow the woman to feel the pressure of the fetal head against the perineum, creating a sense to push." However the timing is pretty delicate and important when it comes to controlling the epidural. "Turn down the epidural too soon, the pain of contractions can inhibit pushing in some women," Ruiz explains. "One technique used to maximize the pain relief provided by an epidural is to wait until the woman is crowning before lowering the epidural." He adds that once the perineum is stretched, the women can feel that and then will get the urge to push. "A uterine contraction monitor can also let mom know when it's time to push without her feeling the pain of the contractions. Women who have had previous children can often push under the full effect of an epidural as they have previously been through the birth process."
So thankfully, you won't have a needle sticking in your spine the entirety of your labor if you choose (or have) to get an epidural. While the initial process of having it administered may not be the most pleasant sensation in the world, it's not so bad, as long as the anesthesiologist gets it in on the first try. And if you've gotten a tattoo before, you definitely got this.
Check out Romper's new video series, Romper's Doula Diaries:
Watch full episodes of Romper's Doula Diaries on Facebook Watch.


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Accountant - Quickbooks
Andrysco & Associates, Inc.
Independence, Ohio
Looking for part-time accountant / bookkeeper who is proficient in QuickBooks, experienced in accounting / bookkeeping; and familiar with payroll and payroll taxes, fixed assets, and general income tax concepts.
We are a small local firm in Independence with a very comfortable, flexible work environment. We are looking for someone with a high sense of ethics to join us.
Responsibilities include:
• Working on multiple client QuickBooks
• Bank reconciliations
• Producing monthly financial statements
• Updating fixed asset records and calculating depreciation
• On-line tax filings and payments
• Client contact
Click Apply Now to apply.
About Andrysco & Associates
Andrysco & Associates, Inc. offers its employees an extremely rich and varied work experience. We maintain a service-oriented approach to all client engagements, whereby the ultimate goal is to provide the absolute best level of service to our clientele at all times, while maintaining strict adherence to ethical standards. Firm professionals can expect to participate extensively in all areas of public practice, including accounting, bookkeeping, tax compliance, and consulting. The three qualities that we expect of all our employees are technical proficiency, a solid work ethic, and a strong sense of moral responsibility. Individuals possessing these qualities can expect a boundless opportunity for success with our firm.


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I have a case of 'Maine on the brain'
Maine was always – to my point of reference – that state at the top right side of the United States. Sort of sticking out like the thumb on a left-hand mitten pointing to Canada.
I knew it had pine trees (the pine tree is on the state flag), lobsters, rocky shorelines, and moose. That was about it.
That is until we visited Maine the other week.
With a friend, who lives in Rockland, Maine, as our guide, we saw plenty of pine trees, ate our share of lobster, gazed at rocky coastal vistas, but did not encounter any moose.
We discovered that Maine is a very clean state: little or no highway litter and few, if any, roadside billboards.
We found much more, too.
More:This is the fifth York Symphony Orchestra season for Lawrence Golan
Roadside blueberry stands dotted the landscape.
There are numerous state parks.
There are plenty of lighthouses. Lots of lighthouses. "Visit Maine" boasts 68 "historic" lighthouses.
The place we stayed on Penobscot Bay is home to one of the most well-known, the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse. The almost mile-long breakwater – created by huge blocks of granite – has a lighthouse at the end which helps define Rockland Harbor. It is not an easy stroll along the top of the breakwater to the lighthouse. The chunks of granite are – for the most part – flat on top. But there are gaps between many of them which means you have to keep your eyes on where you are walking, not the lighthouse perched at the end. The walk is even more challenging at high tide (how were we to know?) when waves may wash over the top of the breakwater soaking sneaker-clad feet. However, the walk is worth it. There is a spectacular view of Penobscot Bay – and the Atlantic Ocean – from the walkway around the structure.
That lighthouse is a link to another fact about Maine: it has a thriving art scene.
One of the stops we made was at the sprawling Farnsworth Museum in Rockland. It has a wonderful collection of works by three generations of the Wyeth family: N.C., Andrew, and Jamie.
Andrew Wyeth's 1961 watercolor captures the stark beauty of the Rockland Breakwater Lighthouse.
Not too far away from Rockland is the picturesque "Forrest Gump" lighthouse at Marshall Point, near Port Clyde. It is so nicknamed because it was the backdrop for a scene in the "Forrest Gump" film.
Did I mention lots of places to eat? Restaurants on piers; restaurants on main streets; restaurants tucked here and there. Most, but not all, feature lobster or lobster rolls on the menu. (If you are not up to wrestling with a full lobster, lobster rolls are a good way to go.)
One lobster shack, with outdoor-only seating, was back a few rural roads and next to a wharf where the lobster boats unload their cargo. The lobster could have "walked" from the boat to the lobster shack.
In one waterside village we stopped at an honest-to-goodness General Store for a bottle of water. The inside looked as if it had stepped out of the 1920s, except for the full array of liquor bottles behind the front counter.
Through the visit, the most impressive memory was of the people. Friendly and open, yes. Laid back, definitely.
Even as we departed from the Portland International Jetport (a great name for an airport), the TSA experience was fast, efficient and friendly.
Taken all together, I still have Maine on the brain.
After one visit, am I becoming a Maine-iac?
Gordon Freireich is a former editor of the York Sunday News. E-mail: email@example.com.


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Who was James Dent Walker?
James Dent Walker was the founder and a president of the Afro-American Historical and Genealogical Society (National), He was also the founder, in 1977, and a president of the District of Columbia Genealogical Society.
Jimmy, as he was known, was employed for thirty years at the National Archives and Records Administration. During that time he served as a genealogist, research consultant, Supervisor of Military Records, Director of Local History and Genealogical Programs, and Assistant Director of the Institute of Genealogical Research at American University. He was particularly noted for his knowledge of military and pension records covering the period of the Revolutionary War through the Civil War. He exhibited an outstanding ability to uncover sources important to persons of African American descent engaged in researching their family lineage.
In 1999, Jimmy was elected to the National Genealogical Hall of Fame. You can read more about him and the award here.
Patricia Hallman, faithful member of the James Dent Walker District of Columbia Chapter of AAHGS since 2000, joined our ANCESTORS on November 5, 2015. Patricia Hallman co-founded the AAHGS Montgomery County MD Chapter in 2013 and served as the Chapter President. A native of Washington, DC with maternal roots in Anacostia, DC and Charles County, MD; and paternal roots in Montgomery County, MD. In 2012, she wrote a historical book about the "Capital View Section of Washington, D.C."
E. Patricia Hallman. MOCO MD Chapter President; Nathania Branch-Miles, Nat'l Chapter Committee Chair;
Tamela Tenpenny-Lewis, Nat'l President; & Gene Stephenson, Nat'l VP-History/Nat'l Chapter Committee
The Montgomery County Maryland Chapter (MOCO) published the "MOCO MD AAHGS Newsletter." Pat always included a Message from the President.
Check out the MOCO MD website to read the chapter newsletters. http://moctymd.aahgs.org
AAHGS remembers E. Patricia Hallman
The services celebrating Pat's life were held at the Church of the Nativity, 6001 13th Street NW in the District of Columbia on Wednesday, November 18, 2015. Several AAHGS members from the Washington, DC Metro area attended her home going services: Alice Harris, Jane Taylor Thomas, Sybil Templeman Williams, Carolyn Rowe, Nathania Branch Miles, Charles Howard, Jacqueline Tillman-Lewis, Frank Jenkins, Chiquita Sorrels, Linda White, Beverly Gray, Stephanie Trice, and Patsy Fletcher.
Alice Harris, President Central MD delivered the Letter of Resolution from National AAHGS and Chiquita Sorrels, VP Montgomery County MD delivered the Letter of Resolution from the MOCO MD chapter. Both ladies presented copies to the family of E. Patricia Hallman.
The AAHGS James Dent Walker DC Chapter lost a valuable member, however, she will be remembered fondly for all time.
IN MEMORIAM - Gone but not Forgotten


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Students teach students in the Peer Scholars Program
Sometimes experts are facing you at the front of the lecture hall. And sometimes they are sitting right next to you.
This fall, the NCSU Libraries launches the Peer Scholars Program, which gives graduate students or postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to teach specific research skills to their peers. With offerings coming online later in the fall, the program will feature workshops, seminars and other programming focused on intro-, intermediate-, and advanced-level research and technical skillsets. These will range from advanced skills in statistical software and computer programming to more effective science communication and how to create a great research poster or presentation.
"NC State's current strategic plan describes a 'pathway to the future,'" says Jennifer Garrett, Research Librarian for Management, Education and Social Sciences at the Libraries and co-lead on the program. "The Peer Scholars Program advances this vision by creating relevant, innovative, and collaborative programming and partnerships that will have impact across the full lifecycle of research and scholarship."
By sharing their expertise with the NC State community, early career researchers can gain valuable teaching experience, improve their communication skills, and use classroom technology in an informal teaching setting. This partnership between the Libraries, graduate students and postdoctoral researchers also helps meet a growing campus need for instruction in research skills crucial to the success of early-career researchers.
"Peer mentoring represents an important strategy to improve academic and career outcomes for graduate and postdoctoral trainees," says Jason Cramer, Professional Development Program Manager at the Graduate School. "In my experience, students and postdocs who experience strong peer mentor relationships are more productive, find their academic experience to be more fulfilling, and are more likely to obtain jobs in a highly competitive job market. The Graduate School is thrilled to work with the NCSU Libraries to support the development of graduate students and postdocs."
Visit the Peer Scholars page to see current offerings and to register. Peer Scholars offerings are free and open to the NC State campus community. Advance registration is required.
Many offerings are currently under development, but some possible workshops include:
- Using Illustrator: creating images and figures for publications with Adobe Illustrator
- LaTeX for beginners: how to get set up and prepare simple documents, bibliographies, and slides using an open-source IDE
- Version control for small/medium projects: using svn, git, and/or wikis to ease headaches in collaborative projects
- Research pop-talks for a lay audience: how to compose a short pitch of your research to deliver to audiences outside your field.
If you are interested in teaching a Peer Scholars workshop or giving a talk, please fill out the online application form to propose an idea. If your idea is selected, a Libraries representative will partner with you to develop and release the idea. You can suggest an independent topic or develop one in one of the following themes:
- Authorship, Scholarly Identity, and Impact
- Programming & Software Development
- Data Analysis & Visualization
- Data Mining, Wrangling, and Cleaning
- Project Management/Workflow Approaches
- Data Management & Reproducibility
- Scholarly Publishing & Communication
- Citizen Science
- Diversity & Inclusion
Mohan Ramaswamy (Project Lead), 919.513.3157, email@example.com
Jennifer Garrett (Co-Project Lead), 919.513.0536, email@example.com
Hannah Rainey (Project Manager), 919. 513.0086, email@example.com
Chris Erdmann (Advisor/Content Development), 919.515.5634, email@example.com


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ResellerClub - Bulk Domain Renewal
The Bulk Domain Renewal tool can be used to simultaneously renew multiple domain names.
How to Renew Domains in Bulk
- Login to your Reseller Control Panel.
- Here, you have two options:
- Select Orders from a list:
- In the Menu, point to Products and then click List All Orders. This would list all orders under your Reseller account.
- Select the orders you wish to renew and then click the button.
- Enter a list of Orders:
- In the Menu, point to Products -> Bulk Tools and then click Bulk Renew.
- Enter a list of Domain Names or Order IDs. You can mention up to 1000 domain names or Order IDs on separate lines.
- Click the button.
- Select Orders from a list:
- You will be presented with a Bulk Renewal Summary view, along with the total number of orders in the Bulk Renewal Action and the total cost of renewal.
- You will need to choose one of the options below:
- Keep Customers' Invoice(s) pending: Through this option, you can choose to renew the orders while keeping the customers' invoice(s) pending. This helps remind your customer(s) to settle these invoice(s).
- Don't Create Customers' Invoice(s): Select this option if you wish to renew the orders and do not want the system to generate customers' invoice(s). Use this option if you have already received payment for renewing these orders.
- Click the Renew Orders button to initiate your Bulk Renewal Action.


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Jack Daniel's has launched a $2.3 million campaign for Sinatra Select, a special release of the Tennessee whiskey honoring Frank Sinatra.
The legendary singer was a huge Jack Daniel's fan -- sipping it on stage, as well as in private. One story has it that his family buried a bottle of the whiskey with Sinatra.
Jack Daniel's parent Brown-Forman is putting the distribution and marketing in place this year in time to capitalize fully in 2015, which would have marked Sinatra's 100th birthday (he died in 1998).
Sinatra Select is 90-proof, versus JD's current 80-proof standard, has more "oak and spice notes," and comes in a commemorative box with a booklet explaining Sinatra's history with JD. It goes for $150 and up, making it the highest-priced version of JD released to date.
Jack Daniel's often does special releases for the duty free/travel retail channel, and this one also began that way. But the Sinatra version is now being rolled out, starting with Sinatra haunts including Las Vegas, New York, Chicago, San Francisco and Miami, with national retail availability as of June.
The campaign, of course, leverages Sinatra's huge popularity (his recordings' global sales are more than 150 million, surpassing Streisand and Springsteen, although not the Beatles or Elvis Presley, according to MarketWatch) and his "Rat Pack" cool.
The creative, from Arnold Worldwide, includes a 30-second "Frank the Man" TV spot that combines real footage of Sinatra with animation to spotlight his love of the brand, as well as digital ads.
The Tv spot, which drew more than 7,400 views on YouTube in the first day it was posted on Feb. 25, is being aired on ABC's "Jimmy Kimmel Live," NBC's "The Tonight Show" and cable outlets including ESPN, FX, Discovery, and Comedy Central.


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For the 20th anniversary of Sex and the City—which premiered on HBO on June 6, 1998 and went on to become iconic prestige television—Jezebel is doing a week of posts dedicated to our favorite band of sexual women friends.
As folklore has it, Sex and the City was originally set to take place in Jersey City. NOT Manhattan. The pilot episode follows Jersey City sex columnist Carrie Bradshaw as she writes about the difficulty of finding love in the city of Jersey City. Carrie meets Mr. Wig (a 40-something man who wears a toupee to cover his bald spots). Miranda is a hotshot paralegal working for Cellino & Barnes. Charlotte hates the smell of New Jersey. And Samantha absolutely loves it.
Jezebel got a hold of the following scene from the pilot episode of SATJC. Suffice to say, it wasn't good enough and it's fortunate that Sex and the City wound up taking place in the best city in the world, New York City. Crazy to think how it could have been. All we can do is wonder.


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"The rising tide lifts all boats" is an expression that definitely applies to authors. You can view other writers as your competition, or you can
Tag: article
How to Do Guest Posts Like a Pro Part 4: Getting the Most out of Interviews
In my last post, I gave you 10 Awesome Ideas for Post Topics, but I also wanted to call special attention to interviews. These are
How to do Guest Posts Like a Pro Part 3: 10 Awesome Ideas for Post Topics
I trust that I've done a good job already of convincing you why you should write guest posts, and hopefully you checked my tips for
How to do Guest Posts Like a Pro Part 2: Where to Find Opportunities
It's surprisingly easy to find websites looking for content. With so much competition for readers and so little time, there are plenty of sites that
How to do Guest Posts Like a Pro Part 1: 6 Reasons to be a Guest Writer
There's a lot of writing that authors must do that isn't fiction. We have to construct marketing copy like blurbs to help sell our stories,
Want to Learn More About the Benefits of Writing Guest Posts?
My latest article for Our Write Side has tons of info for both people who want to be guest writers and those who may want


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Condemning Prime Minster Narendra Modi's 'Ache Din' promise, Congress leader Renuka Chowdhury on Thursday said the price rise is really "an alarming situation", adding that it should be "a state of emergency".
Chowdhury said there was acute distress across the nation as the price rise would have a big impact on the society as well as the poor, who would not be able to eat anything nutritious that would lead to increase in malnutrition in the country.
"This is a situation that is really alarming as in my own kitchen, my budget has gone haywire. It has an impact on society, and it even impacts the malnutrition of the country. It impacts the poor people because they can't afford to eat anything nutrition worth. So, I don't know what the 'Ache Din' was about," Chowdhury told ANI.
"It's frightening, I can't afford to pay Rs 200 on a kilo of 'dal' (pulse) that is where you need to get your nutrition from. It's not possible to eat plain 'chawal' (rice) and 'gehu' (wheat)," Chowdhury added.
"It should be a state of emergency, where the government should apply its mind and not keep commenting on Raghuram Rajan or somebody else," Chowdhury stated.
Responding to a poser on the Una incident, in which the CBI probe stated that a cow was killed by a lion and not by Dalits, Chowdhury said it is a very sad thing done to our citizens. "These poor Dalit children were bitten mercilessly on the allegation without substantiating anything.,"
The Congress leader sought to know what the Centre and the state governments were going to do about it.
"After talking about the Gujarat model, what is the Prime Minster going to do about this? Is this the Gujarat model for the Dalits for the rest of the country? That is the question which Dalits are asking," Chowdhury concluded.
Meanwhile, expressing concern over incursion by Chinese troops in Uttarakhand, Chowdhury said, "This government talks big, and does nothing."
"Chinese have done this earlier with us in Arunachal Pradesh, and now they are doing this in Uttarakhand. They are just being aggressive about it," she said.
Stating that she does not recommend aggression in the answer, the Congress leader said, "The government should use their diplomatic tracks so that the citizen of India rests assured that this government is actually in control. Otherwise, it is unravelling somewhere, which is actually worrisome."


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So, naturally, I watched the original Halloween again — the one directed by John Carpenter in 1978, not the abysmal re-imagining by Rob Zombie in 2007.
Anyhow, I've seen the film a number of times and have written about it at length here and elsewhere (I broke it down for my film studies class — one of the best papers I've written in terms of pure enjoyment). However, I still find angles to explore that fascinate me. And here, on this Halloween day, I want to touch on why Michael Myers has endured all these years later.
He's pure evil. Seems simple enough? Let me explain, though.
The film starts out with Michael Myers as a six-year-old kid in a clean, white, middle-class suburb with two parents and a sister. We don't exactly know much about his childhood, maybe his parents were abusive fucks or maybe they weren't, but we do know that he already had the upper-hand at the very minimum of being situated within that white and middle-class suburb.
And yet, at six — six! — he takes a knife to his sister. While she's naked, no less. While he's doing it, he watches the knife plunge into her breasts. Both of these are reoccurring themes throughout the film — him admiring/watching his kills and the psycho-sexual component.
But I think this is what makes Myers endure — is that he wasn't given some elaborate background. He's just fucking evil. He didn't have a shitty childhood, as Zombie exposed as to in his remake. He's just evil and he's persistent — eternal.
And for the record, I don't hold much store (to use a British phrase) by the later sequels where they introduce that Laurie Strode was Myers' sister and that was his motivation for going after her. In the original, that's not a storyline and Myers goes after them because they're in his hometown of Haddonfield and he wants to kill them.
I find that far more fascinating because we can project our own fears and worries onto him and into him rather than have it spelled out to us, which of course brings us to the other obvious reason Myers has sustained for so long: the mask itself, which is blank, which allows for that projection.
The other cool thing, somewhat unrelated to my overall point here is that Myers understands the inevitability of death — death of which he is the purveyor. Because he plays with his kills. He stalks them. He sets up elaborate presentations for them. He startles and freaks them out. All before killing them. He walks slow to catch up to them. Because he knows their death will come at his hand eventually. He is death incarnate. That's an insight I hadn't really thought of before in all my writing about this film, but it makes sense to me.
Myers endures because his character is imaginative and eternal; his contours were not spelled out for us. He's evil and sometimes, evil doesn't need to make sense — in point of fact, it just doesn't make sense no matter how much digging one does.


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Friday Book Club
What are you reading this weekend? I grabbed BITTER SPIRITS by Jenn Bennett: Bitter Spirits (Roaring Twenties) (amazon link). I've already discovered her fantastic Arcadia Bell paranormal series, so this book had me at "1920s" and "witty, strong couple with baggage". My favorite kind. :)...Read More
Posted on January 10, 2014


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Tue, 7 July 2015
On this week's bonus episode, the Gentlemen talk with actor, comedian, and host of the "The Beige Phillips Show" Dante Nero. Dante is a former stripper and pimp who then became an actor and comedian and he talks about his past, advice on women, mistakes men make, and his podcast. All of this plus much more.
Direct download: Dante_nero.mp3
Category:Comedy -- posted at: 9:08pm EST


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Monitor Your Sleep With Mio Fuse
After installing the new update via the Mio Go app, sleeping tracking is ready and waiting.
Press and hold both the left and right touch points and your watch will ask "sleep?", tap to confirm and hit the mattress. Fuse will even display a good night message.
Fast forward an optimistic 8 hours and when you wake, press and hold the left and right touch points once more until Fuse asks "wake?", confirm to collect your morning greeting and return to all-day mode.
The app will then display the level of your sleep (awake/light/deep), its duration, and sleep efficiency. This is a great tool for athletes who rely on a good night's sleep for proper recovery.


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That amazing flop shot by Tiger Woods on the 16th hole at the Memorial was holed with a 60-degree Nike VR Pro wedge.
Golf observers don't talk about it much, but the players who are able to hit high, soft, miraculous lob shots in critical situations are often the ones with very high swing speeds (Woods, Phil Mickelson and Bubba Watson, for example).
Although wedge swings around the green tend to have a lazy or rhythmic look, fast swing speed is often a key ingredient in hitting a high shot without much roll.
Woods had his Nike Method 001 putter tweaked, making some minor top line and face angle adjustments to better fit his eye.
Otherwise, his all-Nike club lineup remained unchanged: VR Tour (8.5 degree, with a Graphite Design DI-6X shaft), VR Pro Limited Edition 3-wood (15 degree), SQ II 5-wood (19 degree), VR Pro Blades (3-PW), VR Pro wedges (56 and 60 degree). He played a Nike One Tour D ball.
• • •
Lewis relies mainly on Mizuno
With her victory at the ShopRite LPGA Classic, her second in three starts, Stacy Lewis laid claim to top American golfer among the world's best women. The former Arkansas standout, who still cherishes her collegiate allegiance, relies mostly on Mizuno gear. Her bag: Mizuno JPX-800 driver (9 degree), MP-650 3-wood (15 degree), MP-650 hybrid (17 degree), JPX-800 Pro irons (4-PW) and MP T-11 wedges (52, 56 and 60 degree). She uses a TaylorMade Ghost TM-110 Tour putter.
• • •
Callaway Razr Fit wins twice
The Callaway Razr Fit driver was used by winners Thongchai Jaidee on the PGA European Tour (9.5 degree) and James Hahn on the Nationwide Tour (8.5 degree).
Jaidee also used a new set of Razr X Muscle Back irons (4-PW).
• • •
Putter switches lead to top finishes
Matt Every, who has become one of the PGA Tour's most frequent putter switchers, played the Memorial with a new Odyssey ProType Series No. 7. He tied for sixth.
Meanwhile, J.B. Holmes changed to an Odyssey Metal-X No. 7 putter and tied for 13th.
• • •
Short shots: Titleist Pro V1 models landed five victories last week. The Titleist Pro V1x was used by the LPGA's Stacy Lewis, the Nationwide Tour's James Hahn, Korean PGA's Jin Ho Choi and South African Tour's Jake Roos. Jay Haas won on the Champions Tour with the Pro V1. . . . TaylorMade staffer Dustin Johnson returned from injury. At Memorial, he used a new R11S driver (10.5 degree, with a Fujikura Motore 2.0 X shaft). . . . Meanwhile, Robert Garrigus used a new TaylorMade RBZ driver (8.5 degree) after extensive testing early in the week. . . . Mike Weir, still battling back after a career-threatening elbow injury, went to prototype UST graphite shafts in his irons. . . . On the footwear front, Woods continued to wear his TW '13 shoes, which are inspired by Nike's popular Free running shoes and hit retail on June 8. Lewis wore Women's FootJoy Sport MyJoys with BOA lacing, and Haas (Sport) and Hahn (Icon) also wore FootJoy shoes.


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The Baskerville
Lower Shiplake, Henley-on-Thames
History of the Baskervilles
The Baskerville's name hails from the 18th century and involves a mysterious estate named Crowsley Park which is situated three miles from our pub. The former owners of the park were the Baskerville family, one of whose members, Henry Baskerville, was High Sheriff of Oxfordshire in 1847. Stories about the family and its association with fierce dogs were among the inspirations for Conan Doyle's The Hound of the Baskervilles in which 'Sir Henry Baskerville' is a leading character.
Crowsley Park
The connection with the Baskervilles is preserved in statues of 'hell hounds' with spears through their mouths which sit on the stone gateposts at the entrance to the park and atop the front of Crowsley Park House. You can find the very same depiction of a hound with a spear through its mouth crowning our coat of arms hanging at the Baskerville.


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AHA Foundation Founder Ayaan Hirsi Ali was featured on Tucker Carlson reacting to a Detroit surgeon who is being charged with performing genital mutilation of a young girl in the ER.
Ali, who was subjected to the grisly practice in Somalia, said Dr. Jumana Nagarwala must be punished for her alleged actions.
Young girls are taken either overseas or to states without a ban on the practice to have their private parts surgically mutilated. Watch the clip here:
It is both appalling and offensive how 'culture' and 'religion' are so often used as justifications for such acts of inhumanity. That anyone could find ANY level of justification acceptable for the multilation of children is not only ethically reprehensible but moreover thoroughly repellent; ignorance at its most dangerous.
And as we busy ourselves drawing battlelines and defending our respective positions, we lose sight of the real issue at hand. My deepest, most heartfelt thanks to you for your consistent focus on enlightened reason and humanism in the face of zealotry.
You are an inspiration to all who hear your story and learn the important lessons you have to teach . I had no idea that FGM and child marriage were serious issues in American Society until listening to your talks and checking out this website. I'd love to help end these heinous practices however I can.
Hello Ayaan,
I have been an admirer of you and your work for several years now. I am always gratified when I hear that you are still in the fray, it gives credibility to your portfolio of achievements and positions.
Although, some of your opinions have at times seemed strident and provocative, ( in the manner of the late Christopher Hitchens), like him your scholarship is impeccable.
It does, however, seem inelegant and lacking in comparison, to Make declarations of punishment. I judge you not. You are a victim where I as a white American born male have not been physically nor psychologically..
I mention this because I hope that your cause remains strong and irreproachable.
Have you had any public conversations with Hassan Minaj? As an exponant for exposing intolerance in the face of our current political theater he gives agency to Islam in modern America.
I read all your books – very truthful. We have to fight real hard for FEMALE'S RIGHTS. Know that the older generation of females are under the – STOCKHOLM SYNDROME – complex. I came to that conclusion when you wrote in your book that your father was against FGM, but your grandmother already made a commitment with a FGM-"CUTTER" to do it to you. Maybe you should address this problem. Most males who are into the '"VIRGIN"-REWARD SCENARIO, encouraging suicide bombers etc. etc. for lots and lots of Virgin-rewards have their 'PRIVATE PARTS" IMBEDDED IN THEIR BRAINS, LIKE A TUMOR. I CONSIDER THEM PSYCHO SICKIES.
i am so grateful and so proud with you. keep fighting the good fight against FGM
Ayaan, you are an inspiration to girls and women everywhere. Thank you for what you do!
Hi ayaan, I am extremely interested in volunteering for your organization to protect women. I am a college educated baby boomer with a great deal of free time and dedication. Please contact me, as I am sure I can be of help. Thank you , Angela Marsé 516 353 3067. I live on the UES
Thank you, Ayaan for exposing this horrendous practice to us in the U.S. I have informed my family, friends, and my State and federal legislators to the evils of FGM…and demanded investigations related to it. Kudos to you and your foundation for your hard work in exposing this culturally abhorrent practice.
As progressive as the world presents itself, it is appalling that this barbaric custom, perpetrated in the name of any religion, should not be allowed in a civil society. I first became aware of this practice while working in an Islamic country in1978. You are doing a great service to the women and young girls you are able to reach. Keep up your struggle.
Thank you for your good work, Ms Ali and for speaking out on Fox. Have you been on EWTN and TBN also?
why is the UN not doing anything to address this atrocity??
Keep up the good work!
Thank-you Ayaan and your foundation for this very important work you are doing. I am from Canada and would be very interested in volunteering for your foundation here? This practice makes me sick to my to my stomach and is hard to believe we are looking the other way and letting it happen. I would love to help make a difference.
You went on Fox, now go on with Rachel Maddow and talk at length about women's issues. To reach the most people you will have to walk down both sides of the aisles with the most influential, most listened to commentators. If there are people who are blocking bills in the states, please publish their names so we can write letters or make phone calls.
Thank you for all the work you do. I was able to see you talk in Beverly Hills in February and you were fantastic. I brought books thinking you were going to do a signing but maybe next time. I also wanted to give you a link to an article written by a friend about her journey to America and leaving Islam. Its called Walking by Moonlight: My Journey Out of Islam. I hope you and others will read it. Thank you again for all the work and please keep it up
you doing great ayaan, what i wanna to say is keep going on not only in the united states but all over the world
i am self an atheist who born and grow up in somalia it was not so easy for me to get out of the closet, i pay it high prize
because being a somali in these days is not easy.
but you have to know ayaan that there is lot of people who come from somali who need a help both mentaly and phisicaly
med venlig hilsen
If anyone deserved a donation it's you, next month. Thank you for all you do
Hello Ayan,
Remember we met on a tv program by ARTE in London.Must have been 1997…
I am the French lawyer who started prosecution of parents and perpetrators in France since 1982! Many of whom were sent behind solid bars for years. Over here we have no special law prohibiting fgm but I use the general law forbidding to maim someone , furthermore children.
So I am pleased to read that at last some people in the US act as should.
Why do people still beat around the bush about matters like "forced marriage": it's nothing less than the rape of a child or a teeager organised by their own parents.
Best wishes Ayan!
Female genatil mutilation is sadomaschism.
Thank you for your good work AHA Foundation.


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Surfside Tennis Club
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1. Our Turkey Tussle Tournament is scheduled for Saturday November 19th at Los Osos Middle School. Just show up at 8:30am for a 9am start.
2. The usual Saturday format is used. Partners will be assigned as they show up and partners will change with every new set for a total of 4sets. Each team will have one odd numbered person and one even numbered person. The Tournament Chairperson will make the decision as to who is an odd numbered person and to who is an even numbered player.
3. It is a tournament, so if you show up please be prepared to play 4 sets as to leave early would deprive someone the chance to win. Obviously, if an injury occurs then of course a player may drop out.
4. This is an informal tournament compared to The Wretched Tournament we had this month so there will be no food or drink supplied. So if you need a fluid boost PLEASE bring it with you. Also, a snack might be appropriate for some too, so bring that if you want to. I do recommend hydrating your self during play.
5. Gift certificates will be awarded to the two odd numbered players with the highest game totals won for 4 sets and the same for the two top numbered even numbered players for 4 sets.
6. No deadline on entering so you can even show up that morning BUT it would greatly help me if you let me know if you will play or not. Remember, the total number of players must be a number evenly divided by 4. So the earlier you arrive on November 19 the better chance you have of playing. By letting me know if you will play does NOT automatically mean you will play. The entrants are entered in the tournament AS YOU SHOW UP. So if you e-mail you will play, you still must show up fairly early to insure you will play. It helps me to plan if I have some idea of how many MAY show up.
7. I welcome any questions you may have about this tournament.
Jerry Davis
Don't forget we play every Saturday at LOMS at 9am so use these few Saturdays before the tournament to tune up your game! We have lots of fun every Saturday.
Jerry Davis
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James L. Oschman, Ph.D.
This book allows things to be thinkable that were not thinkable before.
~George Quasha
By Amazon Customer on October 15, 2015
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
This book is yet another phenomenal resource from Dr. Oschman. The concrete advancements that this book provides to the entire realm of alternative medicine cannot be understated. James has been a great proponent of and contributor to this field and this book should stand within the forefront of all academic libraries relating to healthcare. You won't regret purchasing this work.
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Christophe Poly Half Moon Reflection Necklace
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Sweeping oxidized silver element with complementary black glass cabochon circle and small arched gold disc accent. The pendant hangs on a silver tube with double strand. Uniquely sophisticated handmade artisan jewelry designed and created in Montreal by Christophe Poly of Crono designs.
- Materials: Architectural Aluminum, Glass
- Size: Chain: 16 1/2" L. adjustable 2 1/2", Pendant: 2 1/8" Across X 1/2" L.
- Artisan Handmade in Montreal
- Comes in Designer Gift Box
We want you to be completely satisfied with your purchase. If you are not completely satisfied for any reason with your purchase or gift, you are welcome to return it for an exchange or refund within 60 days of the shipping date.
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To order from a country not listed above, please send us an email and tell us what you want or call us at 603-969-0585.
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Late R&B songstress Aaliyah who tragically perished in a plane crash at the age of twenty-two back in 2001 is experiencing a soaring popularity that will no doubt help feed a new crop of fans most of whom were too young to appreciate the artist that is fondly remembered as "Baby Girl".
Drake is admittedly a die-hard fan and keeps proving his loyalty through his continuous experiment with some of the beats that made Aaliyah a household name. So it's only natural that an ambitious biopic would follow, and by the looks of things even the late singer's family can't stop this impending project from happening.
Just weeks after Zendaya Coleman dropped out after being cast as the lead, it was announced that 23-year-old Alexandra Shipp, best known for her role as KT Rush on the Nickelodeon teenage soap opera House of Anubis will take her place and portray the late "Princess of R&B".
It is no secret that casting a role that carries a level of notoriety can be an exhaustingly complicated process, but then you add logistical interference from family members, and things get graphically awkward. Aaliyah's loved ones have made it vocally clear through the years that they are not supportive of any outlets that attempt to exploit the name of the deceased singer. Executive producers Debra Martin Chase and talk show maven, Wendy Williams have an agenda – and that is to bring Aaliyah back to life in a way that will hopefully honor her and quench the streaming noise from naysayers.
The film is scheduled to make its debut on Lifetime this fall. It's difficult to predict how successful this latest venture will be, but for those of us who remember the magical time when Aaliyah declared that "Age Ain't Nothing But a Number", it will most likely be an exercise in patience and acceptance to behold a prototype posing as the real thing. Why? She is simply irreplaceable. And even if Shipp manages to nail the swift moves, effortlessly sensual aura, and killer abs, it may only serve as a painful reminder of what we've lost and what might have been.
Missy Elliott Will Receive The First Ever 'Innovator' Award at Billboard's Women in Music 2015
Trendy Report: Beyonce's VMA Victory Coincides with Aaliyah's Legacy
Trendy Notes: Remembering Aaliyah 11 Years Later


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Property Managers, Not Private Residents, Allegedly Largest Airbnb Beneficiaries
Andrea Bellemare, CBC News:
A small number of commercial property managers generate a majority of Airbnb's overall revenue, eating up available housing stock and driving up rent in Canada's three biggest cities, a new study from Montreal's McGill University concludes.
"Just 10 per cent of hosts account for a majority of the revenue and the nights booked on Airbnb consistently in Toronto, Vancouver and Montreal," said the study's lead author, David Wachsmuth, a McGill professor of urban planning, in an interview on CBC Montreal's Daybreak.
Airbnb is already a mixed bag. I know of a couple of units in the building where I live that are more-or-less permanently available on Airbnb. That suggests that the signed tenants probably don't live in those units, and are subletting them for a hotel-esque nightly fee. It's not allowed, but it happens — and the Airbnb units are preventing me from upgrading my apartment.
But property managers doing the same is even worse. The incentives are aligned to do so: they might make as much money every nine or ten days from Airbnb as they would every month from a tenant. That makes it harder for people to find places to live in the city, and — according to Wachsmuth's findings — likely makes it more expensive for them once they do.
The market for Airbnb and similar services — in fact, all "gig economy" services — is there. The question is whether they're a true positive, especially from an ethical perspective.


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Find out about recent activities and the up-coming events where Power for All is profiling decentralized renewables—and get involved!
June: Campaign Activities
LONDON, June 7-9: Ashden Conference & Awards
Our Director of National Programs, Charlie Miller, joined expert speakers from organisations including Power Africa, Bloomberg and Acumen at the 2016 Ashden Conference speaking about the clean energy ladder and national electrification policies. June 9 sees the Ashden Awards, with Greenlight Planet, SunFunder and many more incredible organisations amongst the award winners.
HARARE, June 9: Power for All Workshop Series
Following its launch last month, the Power for All campaign in Zimbabwe begins a series of workshops, starting with a session for policy-makers on distributed renewables. As well as presentations from local sector experts, insights on market growth are being shared by guest speakers from the Kenyan Embassy.
MUNICH, June 22-24: Intersolar Off-Grid Power Forum
Alongside campaign partners the Alliance for Rural Electrification, Power for All Deputy Director of Global Advocacy Aaron Leopold will be attending the Off-Grid Power Forum and highlighting the campaign's recent report Decentralized Renewables: The Fast Track to Energy Access. Please get in touch to arrange meetings.
LONDON, June 22-24: Africa Energy Forum
Campaign Director, Kristina Skierka, will be participating in the Africa Energy Forum which will see key note speeches by Energy Ministers and leaders from across Africa, as well as the UK's Minister for International Development, Nick Hurd.
WEBINAR, July 6: Off-Grid Renewables - Energy Access and Market Opportunity
This webinar, hosted by the Clean Energy Solutions Centre will provide an overview of REN21's newly released Renewables 2016 Global Status Report, the explosive growth of the off-grid sector and the market opportunities presented by decentralized renewables. Christine Lins, Executive Secretary of REN21, and Kristina Skierka Power for All Campaign Director will present.
May Highlight: The Sierra Leone Energy Revolution
On May 10, the Sierra Leone government announced a massive initiative to provide electricity to all 7 million of its people as part of its post-Ebola recovery plans; currently only 13% of the population has access to energy, less than 1% in rural areas. Sierra Leone committed to:
- extend basic power supply to all of its people within 9 years ("Power for All" by 2025)
- deliver "modern power" to 1 million people by 2020
- eliminate import duties and VAT on qualified, internationally certified solar products
- launch of a series of renewable energy initiatives to eradicate energy poverty
The measures were announced at a renewable "Energy Revolution" event with President Ernest Bai Koroma and more than 500 people attending, including UK Department for International Development Minister Nick Hurd and 149 Paramount Chiefs. The goals are part of on official compact between the Sierra Leone government and UKAID's Energy Africa campaign—which focuses on solar for households. It was the first compact Energy Africa has concluded, and several others are expected to follow later in the year. Sierra Leone Power for All Campaign Director, Ami Dumbuya, is leading work to bring public and private organizations together in support of the initiative.
Let us know if you want to know more about this incredible opportunity.


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