text:
"these values aren't particularly unremarkable"? I'm not sure this double negative is what you really meant. Editors?
Spot on. Great analysis. Companies and Apple didn't get where they are at today, by letting someone else doing the thinking for them. I truly believe apple has a company value of "think different" embedded in their culture, and I must believe the values you have outlined are pretty close to their corporate values. Thank you for your insight.
I can agree 100% with this blog and all the opinions expressed. Apple, Inc. Changes the world with each introduction of a "new" product. When I bought my first Mac in 1986, I was so surprised that such thought could be put into a product. Rather than endless templates to be placed atop a keyboard. With extra thought being placed in the interface as to compliment the way the human mind prefers to interact with a device and the way one had multiple means in the OS to problem solve. How could it go wrong? It has taken a while for other manufacturers to realize that one doesn't prefer taking endless classes to interact with an appliance.
While others think that the human being is an afterthought and must adapt to the technology; Apple has made the technology a slave to human desires. The best illustration I can think of is Motorola's design to allow playing iTunes on a cellular device bot was severely limited in functionallity. Now that the iPhone is such a success, now they introduce the Droid. They could have done it right the first time!
The reason Apple, Inc is experiencing success is VISION.
I still can't shake the feeling that Apple's products are "toys not tools." They're just too "precious" for true mass-market appeal. Come back and write a story about how they move a tool — telephone or computer — to the mainstream.
Apple has another overwhelming virtue / value! I have 2 Apple products (iMac and iPhone) and they are of very high quality!! Apple has not participated in the race to the bottom to make cheap products of dubious reliability and while they may be somewhat more expensive their quality is great! Dell won the race to the bottom (I know people who spent time in Dell hell!) and IBM's Aptiva was in the running!! Dell had to retreat and find a better level of quality and IBM sold it PC division.
I am fascinated with Apple's product line-up simplicity and their concept of applying "generations" to each update. This provides for an impression of well-defined, distinct products with purposed functionality, which implies robustness. HP creates printing devices. Look at how many 100s of models there are. Is that necessary? Apple makes music devices. Count the models on one hand. Another area that fascinates me is the minimalistic, intuitive nature of their documentataion (which goes hand-in-hand with their products). There are no labels indicating "Open Here". With Apple, the obvious always goes unsaid; every word is (so as to not patronize the customer –ironic switching of terms here, but I mean patronize in a condescending way). Notice there is no fanfare on any Apple packaging. There is no build-up of expectation on the outside. In summary, 2 values: Simplify The Product Line-Up, Don't State The Obvious.
Loved your article.
It put into words many of the feelings that drive our brand loyalty. Outstanding products somehow convey the passion of their creators through otherwise inanimate objects. Apple, BMW and Mephisto are three brands which I feel achieve the same connection.
I remember picking up a Porsche Design TechFlex pen one day and not wanting to ever put it back down. The gut connection was immediate and it just blew me away. The look, the feel and the heft were just perfect and I decided to buy it on the spot, before even knowing if it was of any use as a writing instrument. I somehow suspected that it would be quite good at its intended purpose. Funny, I wasn't even shopping for a pen that day.
"Soccerfanyes wrote:
I still can't shake the feeling that Apple's products are "toys not tools."
Spoken like the true, "don't confuse me with the facts" AAPL hater who HAS NEVER USED THE "TOYS."
Use ANY AAPL product for 1-2 years, it will take you 6 months to un-drop your jaw, and then come back & tell us about all the short comings of the "toys."
Very perceptive article. I have been saying this for years and few analysts or writers seem to understand this.
1- You write:
"And when it works rather than aggravates, it's because hundreds of people were sweating the details."
2- One little error :
"Aim to surprise. Aim to satisfy." should be:
"Aim to surprise. Aim to reduce cost."
You write:
"most companies… They are bound by the shackles of a management model that is utilitarian, antiseptic and hyper-rational. And that's why they won't soon mimic Apple's success."
You hit the nail on the head.
The truly amazing thing is that Apple under Jobs is not "indulging" in this way of thinking now that it "can afford to" with its huge success. If you think back to when Jobs rejoined the company. Then they were sliding into oblivion, and it was the perfect time for the financial committee to rule. Yet even then, in the hardest of time, they committed themselves to the pursuit of excellence and beauty. For years they continued on this path with only moderate success. Their small and beleaguered following understood all that you have said and valued it, but the steam-roller MS world rolled on.
Finally, the iPod appeared and the general public saw and loved it. Slowly they people began to appreciate all that you have written, and the rest – as they say – is history — which now is still in the making.
It used to be that America had a great deal of pride of workmanship. Apple returns to that tradition.
Ayuh — You can obviously buy the products you want to buy. Maybe you have six months to be without a "tool" to run applications (except in Windows mode) while you learn to use Apple's "precious" products. I don't. And as for all of the supposed quality problems with PC's, I guess I'm just lucky, but even the supposed notorious Vista has not caused a peep of trouble in two years. Macs and IPhones remain fringe machines for the cult fans who think they are making some kind of statement.
I would clarify Apple's Design strategy is more of a: User-centered design is a common term within many Industrial and web design professionals. They're entire expression of their business is filtered through a user-centered universe. This is an opposing value to feature-centric values shared by too many engineering companies. Design, at Apple, is used to make the product better, not prettier. One of the most mis-understood truths about them as a company and the definition of design.
@ Soccerfanyes – you wrote:
"I still can't shake the feeling that Apple's products are "toys not tools." They're just too "precious" for true mass-market appeal. Come back and write a story about how they move a tool — telephone or computer — to the mainstream"
I am afraid that the limitation is in you – not in Apple's product. Their products are indeed tools. People would not use them if they were not. You seem to be caught in some kind of concept that "real tools" must be ugly. In fact, many many "switchers" report that they get much more work done on Macs because they spend less time "fighting" the computer, and more time being productive. What about the doctors who are using iPhones in their practices?
I recommend that you take a trip down to your favorite mechanic and ask there about SnapOn tools. Ask why they like them. Not only are they the best quality, but they are beautiful. They have a simple, elegant form that is both pleasing and utilitarian. Quality in form and function. Sound familiar?
Think like an engineer, Think like an engineer,
Don't you mean "Think like the end user or consumer, Think like an engineer"
It's funny how someone can say that Apple product are just toys, does anyone remember what smart phones were like before the iPhone? I remember it very well, I used to have a Palm Treo650.
You should drop "design" as a stand-alone value. Their products don't succeed because of design. Design adds to their success, but it's also a superficial and shallow assumption. That's the mistake their competitors make when they color computers "because Apple did". Or, make a cell phone with touch screen and icons but which works in the silly ways that old cell phones did.
I'm also not a fan of calling it "user centered". User centered programs too often become "asking users what to add to products". But, users can't envision the possibilities that exist. And products that are build based on asking consumers "what they want" suffer the same problems as design by committee.
You should instead note that Apple is extraordinarily brilliant at holding a pile of opportunity from technology in one hand and a wide range of "what things would make people's lives better" in the other hand – then sorting and matching them to create surprising new combinations. And this takes a serious disciplined approach – including a disciplined rejection of pre-conceptions. Finally, they wrap that in qualities that heighten the human interaction with the product.
So my recommended imperative: Absolute dedication to designing for delivering human value.
Being a prospective newbie to the world of Apple – the shift was not a result of my frustration with non-Apple products, but due to the lure of art and excellence that Apple exudes – I realized the splendor I was missing. In my humble opinion, two traits (an extension of those mentioned in the article) separating Apple from the rest are – a) feeling the pulse of customers and delivering masterfully designed, high utility products, and b) focusing heavily on innovations without inhibiting creativity at the expense of mitigating potential risks.
a) The attention to detail, sensitivity to customer-delight and, as alluded in the article, incorporating the 'wow' factor in each product clearly sets Apple apart.
b) Apple as an organization: runaway success is a product of embarking on journeys never traversed before, and channeling energy towards relentless innovations (rather than sapping it in neutralizing potential risks). While competitors were re-purposing resources for damage-control (Windows Vista), Apple was conjuring up it's most 'beautiful' product – iPad – yet.
People see the similarities of anti-apple posters to republicans posting misinformation?
Ayuh and jmmx — Thanks for the thoughts!
@ Doug G
But your point is well taken.
However, there is a confusion here between real design and superficial design. Perhaps we should call the former "deep design."
If you take this understanding of the author's use of the term then I think you will get his intent.
@ Soccerfanyes
You're welcome. I hope they help.
BTW – I love soccer too.
Apple also has a driving desire to serve its customers, while most companies compete on cost and engineering spec sheets. Apple sales people do not work on commission yet they outsell everyone who does. We go in and take free courses to help us use their products and we appreciate this honest focus on the customer.
OMG – what a brilliant brilliant article. You are spot on the money! I worked in the IT consulting world for over 10 years and started a business in that field which (with a number of business partners) we built up and eventually sold over a period of 5 years. The company was founded on similar values with grand noble ambitions but the problem was that once the dust settled and things got tough I found my partners didn't really have their 'left brain' developed as much as I had thought and we just became like everyone else and that is when the 'magic' disappeared. Sadly in the corporate world 95% of people just don't get it. Their still banging away at their windows machines accepting the burden of unfriendliness that comes with
it; typing into the tactile keyboard of their blackberries and they just don't understand what all the fuss is about.
As you say, what the true values of apple are on the inside are unknown, but from the outside they are exciting, truely innovative, creative and the sort of place that I would aspire to create and love to work in.
look up, the sky is blue, smell the air, it will be spring soon. Pick up a fruit becAuse it tastes good, do something to please someone. Pick up an apple thing (I mean a product) and make it your own , it can be like your favorite shirt , you put on because you like it not because you have to. If you know what I mean….
If you do not think Macs are real tools, then you might want to take a look at this:
9 out of 10 of this year's Oscar doc nominees used Apple's Final Cut Studio
Apple has good taste, a rare commodity.
Crazy coincidence – I just outlined my bullet points for Apple's success yesterday because it was a post that I wanted to feature on my upcoming .org site.
Bottom line amidst all their pros and cons is Apple just "gets it" – and there are a few key comprising elements that define this intuitive innovation that seem for some reason to never appear on the appetizer menu of other Fortune 500 companies.
Someone at Apple said let's open our own stores – BINGO! This eliminated middlemen and maximized margins, giving them numerous extra value add services and adding to their bloodline of excellence. Apple has created an element of exclusivity and desirability (even when it becomes the majority) and this will be hard to reproduce for any existing brand in a 1, 5, or 10 year span.
What feeling do I get from SJ and Apple : I sense that there is a Love and Commitment to what one is doing as one's Life's Work and the Shared Values and Desire to be with the ones one works with, and to never do, or release but the best. …Like any World Series Champs and Dynasty, it's the Team… : We know we only have one life to live, for sure, and there is nothing else one wants to do. …The challenges that the Great Recession brought upon many was also an excellent test of what many were made of as the world regrouped. And again another opportunity happened for some of the noblest to rise to the top. My investment and feeling paid off….On another note, Mister Jobs' surgery : I have watched from a distance as other leaders and Rhode Scholars (plural, not in ref to Clinton) encountered similar challenges to their existence and they reassessed everything to only walk away no longer willing to continue with the same courage and commitment. Adding further, but on another note, Market Analysts are very similar to Art Critics. The critic who criticizes and reviews is only a hack. Historically the best sought out talent and protected it for the greatest commendation was at the end of one's life it was vital to be known for recognizing Genius and protecting it and nurturing it from the tall poppies syndrome. And possibly this time around, idealistically, Apple will not be exploited and hacked down as in the past so that mediocrity reigns supreme. In other words, Apple is not like some corporations, groups, and individuals whose raison detre devolves to survive as ill willed and shadowing corporatized buzzards. In summary, Apple does not create in bad faith unto itself or for its consumers and investors.
Cheers — It's clear. If I have to understand your statement to understand Apple, I truly don't get it.
Academics and artists have been Apple's user base for decades because they love it's agility in adapting new technology and creating new possibilities for users. Take up continues to be slow in corporate world where familiarity and stasis has greater value. Friends have predicted the demise of Apple (too small, too quirky etc) and they've all been wrong. They don't get innovation as a way of life at the company and quick adaptation of novel features by their loyal base. (I don't usually read WSJ – just using free access on GoGo inflight)
@ Soccerfanyes 2:07 pm
LOL – I can see your point.
But please – do not let comment get in your way.
@Soccerfanyes. Are you also a hockey fan? Don't tell me. Close?
example: the iPad, what is the pad? i would say that ipad is a pain relief pill (really a placebo) some say that there are already many devices that do the same thing , the market is crowded. Yes, It causes a headache to try to choose one that fits you. So what do you do wan you feel queazy, you do not know what it is but you need relief ? you take a pain relief pill (not a pain killer).
Everything feels easier, simpler, you are energized, you look forward to things to do. That's the Ipad, as far as i understand
(by the way apples own tex edit autocorrects 'ipad' to 'pad' )
Yes, the ipad could do many many more things, (and i strongly believe it can but it is either not advertised or not yet enabled(see video on iphone 3g)) but it has to first plant the seed. Once the seed is planted, YOU can grow it and they will grow it and inspire others to grow it. You can shape it to be your tool, because it seems simple , not a purposed tool. Think how many things you can do wit a paperclip (besides making it talk…)
and it also happens to be a great business model, you keep buying the next 'gen' of their products. not necessarily because it broke, or outdated but because you want to be 'surprised again' or just need an other pill to feel better.
(long version to follow)
the best tools are the tools you make yourself, the best way to do something that you discover yourself, perfect yourself. there is no ultimate tool. it is interesting to me when people belittle the thousands of useless apps in the app store, there is many of them overlapping doing this and not that etc. this is the genius of the concept that it almost pushes you to make one 'better' yourself that suits YOUR IDEA of a better tool.
this is what Apple tapped into from the very beginning and perfecting to this day. If a tool seems like a toy, it means to me IT IS CHILDPLAY TO DO WITH THIS THING WHAT I WANT TO DO WITH THAT TOOL . it seems irrational to me that one would reach back for a tool. if anything, it says to me that perhaps it is not entirely perfect, too good for the moment.
that brings me to the recent debates about the pad, its feature sets, etc. technology is commodity, software is commodity. practically you cannot come up with any feature or user interface solution or hardware design solution that cannot be done, there are thousands or a least hundreds of professionals or companies that can do it. So, if it wasn't cheapened by all cleaver and half cleaver ceo-s, i would also say apples value is its VISION. Apple went way farther than 'identify a need, make a product that fulfills the need, it went a few levels deeper to the level i mentioned earlier, to the undefined, unarticulated ideas and desires that is brewing right under our conscious surface. Most of us does not ask how could i do it the way so i would not have to thin about how to do it (iphone), but asks mostly how does this thing can do it the way i want to do, and end up learning / doing the way the thing allows to do it (smartphone). they do not say click here to swipe a page just like you would with a book, you are compelled to swipe the page before you think about it.
. i would say that iPad is a pain relief pill (really a placebo)
some say that there are already many devices that do the same thing , the market is crowded. Yes, It causes a headache to try to choose one that fits you. So what do you do wan you feel queazy, you do not know what it is but you need relief ? you take a pain relief pill (not a pain killer).
Everything feels easier, simpler, you are energized, you look forward to things to do. That's the iPad. )the iPad could do many many more things, (and suspect it can but it is either not advertised or not yet enabled(see video on iphone 3g)) but it has to first plant the seed.
Once the seed is planted, YOU can shape it, grow it and they will grow it and inspire others to grow it. You can shape it to be your tool, because it seems simple, not a purposed tool. Think how many things you can do with a paperclip (besides making it talk…)
by the way apple's own TextEdit autocorrects 'ipad' to 'pad'
and it also happens to be a great business model, you keep buying the next 'gen' of their products. not necessarily because it broke, or outdated but because it is better, you want to be 'surprised again' or just need an other pill to feel better. Is that so bad.
I couldn't agree with you more. If only Apple designed more of the things that we need and use everyday. I'm waiting for the icar, the ihouse, the ijet, or maybe the irocket. And I wouldn't mind having an ihealthinsurance policy. For that matter, I have a pacemaker and I can't wait until they start designing those too.
I'm not a manager (yet) but from what I know of Apple, as a user, technician, devotee, and owner I believe you nailed it. I (we) are holding our hands over our ears about a Jobs departure. Is everything perfect? No, but the fact that Apple has been able to reduce costs while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing and incredibly functional product (based on the rock solid OS UNIX) is a testament to the creativity and efficiency of Apple. I'm not just being a fanboy-I got on the boat before it was cool.
@Soccerfanyes. I hate to tell you this but most of the main stream doesn't want to be the main stream, they want to rise above it. btw what do you get in life? 2 for 1 ? Good tools aren't sold with spares.
Years ago our management team was off-site grinding through our next year's budget, painfully deciding on goals, projects, staffing, and cuts. We were considered organized, efficient and users of the latest mgt tools. Halfway through, we'd had it and took a long break. The meeting room next to ours was raucous and noisy. I peeked in. They had arranged the tables in the shape of a boat. they were dressed as pirates. They were laughing, passionate, energized. They were a sail cloth producer putting their next year's plans together. I don't know if their plans were better than ours, but they were having much more fun. Apple seems like a fun place to be too.
Great article. Apple is not customer-centric in the usual meaning of the term. They design for themselves, esp. Steve. When they are right, they are creative geniuses. When wrong, they are blind arrogant (If you don't see this is great, there's something wrong with you. Ours is beautiful, yours is junk) Lately, they've been right more often than not.
Nice article.. I like to tell people about when I worked (produce worker) at Whole Foods in Palo Alto in 1990! Mind you, this is 1990! Steve Jobs comes in at 7am, before the store opens. (other workers say "hay, thats Steve Jobs) Steve who? He stands next to my blueberry, strawberry and citrus display for a long time, every morning for about three months. At the time, who was Steve Jobs? Apple was not yet a household name at that time. Now, it was not until 1998 that I realized he was contemplating something? Something like the imac in colors released just months before in 1997! So when you say the CEO is not the focus? ? ? well I would differ just a little. namaste" Tony Vignali
Other thing as stated by Steve Jobs: "We try to come up with the products that we want to use ourselves."
I am not sure same applies to the CEO of Walmart or McDonalds.
Isn't the whole Apple phenomenon just being in tune with people, not just technology? Little did I know when I started using my Apple plus in 1985 that I would pay more for less for a while, only to come out on top. It is like investing in a company stock, it isn't always roses, but there are good times and bad. Apple has been back at "roses" for me for the better part of the last ten years. Some stuff i disagree with, but on the whole I am a happy user. If you say you are 100% happy with whatever product, you can be sure that the next iteration comes with flaws… Hardware is half spare parts…
Funny, the entries seem to be iPod and iPhone based, but OSX is probably the root of everything that proves Apple just gets it. One small component that Apple has just gotten years before everyone. they started with the 5 1/4″ Floppy, jumped to the 3.5″, was the first major manufacturer to drop the floppy when it wouldn't even hold a picture or mp3, but others kept including it because it was cheap to do so, but apple said why? They always ask why?
example: we didn't have easy ways to backup our systems, and even though Apple makes great hardware, it's still hardware. so they built into OSX Time Machine the cleanest BU utility around, seamless, integrated. then they created the Time Capsule a Wireless switch so that you don't have to be tethered. They are so far down the line from the others that they can stop for two years and still be ahead.
There was a comment that should have been in this piece. Apple doesn't engineer products, they Design the perfect solution to a problem, then Tell the Engineers to make it work, where other companies Ask the Engineers 'what can we do?' Huge Difference.
Please do not try to associate Apple with a particular political persuasion. They may have Al Gore on the board, but they sell machines to all of us. I assure you we republicans can appreciate brilliant products just as we can appreciate large, prifitable corporations are not necessarily evil.
I think apple products appeal to the technically lazy people. Parents of teenagers buy an expensive mp3 player. Teenagers when growup buy iMac because they can port their itune on expensive jukebox. They run their iMac in PC virtual machine mode so they run their MS word to write report. The often uneducated graphics artist, who started using their Mac to run Adobe/Coraldraw have to keep upgrading to the more expensive Macs; since buying a cheaper more power option(PC) will mean learning something new! Apple products are designers version of cell phones and pc. The best thing they have going for is they have managed to convince a few people otherwise.
@JoeSmith — And they are so "precious!"
I think you missed the company property of "leverage". I believe no company has come close to the degree to which Apple's technologies cross-pollinate. The list is incredibly long.
Quicktime optimized for iPhone OS comes to Snow Leopard. LLVM which was used in OpenGL drivers on MacOSX gets used for compiling iPhone OS and probably the OS for iPad on what appears to be a different processor. Technologies such as CoreAudio and CoreVideo that cut their teeth in the pro apps seep down into iLife. Core Animation originally featured in macosx practically drives the beautiful iPhone UI. XServe/OSX cutting its teeth in high performance computing begets OpenCL and Grand Central Dispatch which rock consumer class machines since Snow Leopard. … and I'm sure I'm nowhere near said it all.
I am amazed that THE fundamental Marketing Maven concept continues to FAIL to penetrate the skulls of modern biznizz commentators and biznizz management. It is so incredibly simple:
If you want to understand the most fundamental reason why biznizzes FAIL, it is because they lost touch with the customer. Instead they put out product without any respect for the customer's actual needs or opinions. I call it the 'Marketing Moron' syndrome, and apparently today's biznizz dimwitz get this idiotic bastardization of their brains right out of today's irresponsible biznizz schoolz.
People wonder how the Bush Depression happened. People wonder why Apple THRIVES in spite of the Bush Depression. Wake up! It's all so simple. It's all so fundamental.
[I use the word 'biznizz' whenever I describe the corruption of critical business concepts in favor of short sighted greed and stooopidity. erek]
I'm getting an iPad. I know I'm going to love it!
From the beginning, Apple's products stir the imagination more than any competitor's products. Apple's products just work – one doesn't have to struggle with them like competing products. Apple's products bring more to one's life than any other competing product. It's magic!
Only people who cannot think outside the box, who have little imagination, negatively react to Apple.
Even Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft, lately has been effusive about Apple's accomplishments. Bill Gates was jealous, really jealous, but admired Apple.
"Think like an engineer, feel like an artist."
That was pretty perceptive. I wish I had come up with it.
… be calculating as an accountant
Superb analysis. I have been in healthcare marketing for 20 years, and I believe that Apple has the unique benefit of a left brain at the helm which permeates the culture of the organization on down, and probably means that Steve Jobs attention to detail and ability to overrule a bean counter is critical to maintaining the creativity of Apple. The corollary in pharma is that few companies have as the CEO and MD, and so there are compromises made that a true doctor would not allow. (Merck in its heyday was led by Dr. P. Roy Vagelos and was most admired for 5 consecutive years).
Soccerfanyes wrote:
I still can't shake the feeling that Apple's products are "toys not tools."
To live with the elementary school notion of hominids as toolmakers is so quaintly reductionistic.
What makes us humans is our ability to play AND regard implements as an extension of us in that realm of the imaginary that brings about the excitement of being precious–the subject, the other and that mystical means that connects these two.
If you say you don't understand, that's fine, too. Some do and that is enough.
"Has your bank ever done something magical (rather than diabolical) for you? I doubt it."
Yes, when USAA broke the model on depositing a check. First by letting me use a scanner at home, and then by letting me us my iPhone camera to deposit checks. Magic.
James Katt wrote:
"Only people who cannot think outside the box, who have little imagination, negatively react to Apple."
Not true. I can think outside the box and I have a great imagination, yet I react negatively to Apple.
You are forgetting the consumers' side of the equation:
Apple aims to keep its consumers not only locked in a tight grip but also ignorant of the marketting processes
that it uses. So, how you arrived at your conclusions with such certainty is just one of the many guessing games
that Apple worshippers have resulted to.
Here is how I summarize Apple: One-size-fits-all, dictated, chaperoned, rental computing and usage of its products.
You probably think that you own whatever Apple product you are holding in your hand right now. Cut the connections to the mothership such as iTune and you will be left with nothing but a polished chunk of metal in your hand with no more rental value. If I may say so, that is the real genius of Apple and its keepers.
Good article. Thanks. I cannot wait for the iPad also.
I don't think this analysis is accurate or well-founded. Steve Jobs has a great strength of following, not leading, technology trends. See "Inside Steve's Brain" for detail on how he takes ideas from and follows other companies, down to taking their products apart. Design is only one reason why Apple's R&D % is so low.
for innvovation
for history
for being mad at people
that don't get disorganized fremzy
for ledaing the company
in such disrrray
to disappointed dreams
to a company
that has been around
since the 1970s
for allowingthem to
bankrupcy !
anyhow. i had to do that . it so stupid. apple loses so much many. so many computer company choices out there.
I love the part about most companies having more accountants than artists. The "human" attributes of art are what make Apple special, I would like to see more companies, and individuals, follow that lead.
Dave Kaiser
This is quiet a nice article. I am a an aspiring enterprenuer and this article got me goosebumps. Everything fails eventually but its not about where or not it has failed. Its only about how long the company has sustained and has produced sucessful results. I see several products in india which are a mimic of apple products available at 10% the cost of Apple's. But they never bring any value. The detail in Apple is so finely taken care that even Microsoft couldn't take it with its Zune.
Interesting conversation..
Q1. What values, good and bad would you ascribe to Apple?
I was thinking about Apple more in terms of 'iMage of Apple' and was thinking which perspective in values would one like to talk about..moreover- good and bad are relative!
Q2. What imperative would you add to the list above if the goal were to ensure Apple's future is as rosy as its recent past?
A2. I was reading an interesting article- http://www.longconversation.com/?p=528 and was thinking how about using the new disruptive model to sustain itself, i.e. Apple switching gears faster to disrupt it's own product pipeline at some point. Dangerous proposition, but targeted goods might make users get what they want!
Brilliant. On the spot! I have never ceased to be amazed by Apple's extraordinary insight into what tickles the human mind.
Love this story, Apple's culture and approach is to be envied by so many businesses. As far as imperatives to add to your list 1) Don't fix what's not broken; 2) Protect the culture 3) Focus on the passion.
Pete Kovac
Increasing engagement sin't that diffiicult. You start by expaining to your work teams "the why". Then let them tell you "the how". There's much more you can do but that sure can be a good start.
Nice article.
A passing thought – Isnt a company's values driven by the CEO and the Board?
If that holds true, I feel, Apple owes its success to Steve Jobs. The company had its share of difficulties when he was ousted from the company in 1985 after a boradroom coup. Only after he was brought back in the late 90′s has the company forged ahead with renewed vigour.
I feel an analysis of GE's values under Jack Welch would also make an interesting read.
There's a critical communication message behind all of the very spot on insights into Apple. From the CEO down to receptionists, everyone in Apple (or any company) should be able to verbalize the passion, the leadership, the innovation etc. A communications platform that allows every member of the organization to be brand ambassador only enhances the DNA of the company. Very insightful article. Loraine Antrim Core Ideas Communication.
Funny how the magnetically attached power cord is the result of a class action lawsuit. At $75/ a pop for the prior design flawed cord, Apple failed to ever acknowledge or compensate the early adopters for the repeated mistakes rendering their machines boat anchors. Their modus operandi is to have hacks like you write glowing case studies.
SB, the author nor the those who commented insinuated or implied that everything Apple does, or has made is perfect. Imperfection is inherent in ever facet of life. But when you compare Apple to it's competitors and peers in the industry they operate in, they are undoubtedly the best of breed.
You need to grow up and out of your biased hatred of a company which has probably influenced, in a major way, every technology product you have ever used. How does a faulty power adapter render a laptop useless ? couldn't the consumer theoretically buy another power adapter ?
How about Microsoft failing to acknowledge or compensate it's customers for intentionally selling software with bugs and holes, which not only render machines useless but also irreversibly corrupt data ? Or the Anti-trust case from the last 90s, which forced Microsoft to comply with the law ? I assume that's "acceptable" to you cause of the branding on the product, right ? Hypocrite !
Gary Hamel is a management author and consultant. His books include "Leading the Revolution," "Competing for the Future," and "The Future of Management." He's a visiting professor at London Business School and director of the Management Lab.


text:
Jenna: Smiling at his words, she held his hand as he drived. She just loved how they could both be quiet, without finding it awkward at all. Eventhough she had only been his girlfriend for a day, she really did love him. Reaching the diner, she got out and walked in together with him, sitting down at a booth at the very back. Still holding on to his hand, she smiled sheepishly removing it. She noticed that there were alot of other teenagers at the diner too. '' Are they from college ? ''
Chris shook her head. "Food first then I will give you a kiss.."
You watch American Horror Story too? o:
"Yeah, My Chem was a real good band. It sucks that they broke up." Peyton agreed, nodding her head in agreement. She didn't really listen to Fall Out Boy however, she never really got into them all that much. Maybe one day she'l try them out again.
"I'm only teasing you, I don't care what you wear." She wouldn't regulate his clothing habits! That wasn't cool anyway.
"Come in, come in, I don't need you standing outside there, you're probably cold for all I know!" She didn't want to seem insensitive either.
Going to answer the door, Peyton opened the door up a slither before opening it up wide enough for her to see who it was. She couldn't help but chuckle to herself at Jefferson's attire.
"So, did My Chemical Romance get back together and you're in a state of happiness or did Fall Out Boy break up again?" She teased, noting all the black. Not minding that, she laughed before motioning for him to come on inside.
Chris smirked. "I still want your food.''
* I continued dancing then made my way to the kitchen to make myself tea.*
* I danced around in my room for a while looking like a complete idiot. I didn't mind though, because nobody was there to see me.*
* I walked over to the other side of my room and began to look through my records, eventually finding one that I liked. I set it up in my record player, and I began to dance around a little.*
* I began to read for a while, eventually getting slightly bored* Yeah, screw this...* I whispered under my breath*
* " Yep" I walked into my room and took off my shoes. I then picked up a small novel and laid on my bed, beginning to read*
Chris paused for a second to figure out where togo until he ran into get and they fall on the floor
Peyton was surprised that Jefferson actually remembered that. But then again, it was only last night since he's been here so it probably was still fresh in his mind.
See you soon :)
Getting up from the couch, she decided to clean out the kitchen, throwing away empty blood baggies into the cabinets to wash them out later. She hoped that none of the girls came home soon and if they did, that no one came with them. Especially anyone they considered to be a feeder, otherwise she really would have to think up a really good excuse for them sucking them dry of blood.
© 2014 Created by Hachette Book Group.
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
A local boxer is on the run. Police say he was captured on surveillance video, helping set fire to Prince and Princess Puppies and Boutique.
Police identified Kirk Bills as Gloria Lee's accomplice in the Jan. 27 fire. The office of the Clark County district attorney confirmed there is a warrant for his arrest.
The fire did significant damage, but all of the puppies were rescued.
Employees of the pet store said Bills had visited several times with Lee.
Three days prior to the fire, Bills fought in California, according to West Coast Boxing. He lost early on.
According to Lee's arrest report, Bills poured gasoline throughout the puppy store, including the kennels.
"We're pretty upset about it in our family because we are big-time dog lovers. We would die if something happened to our dogs. Just hearing that on the news appalled us," said Raul Villareal, who lived near Bills.
Villareal said Bills was married with children. According to a real estate agent, Bills and his family were evicted months ago. Villareal said police frequently came to Bills' home because of domestic disputes.
"There was just always violence over there. Violence carries on to somewhere else. People are desperate, times are hard, people are doing whatever to get money, you know," Villareal said.
According to Bills' Facebook page, the Chicago native is a fighter for Super Judah Productions, run by Zab Judah.
Employees of the pet store believe Lee met Bills through Judah.
"You did the crime, do the time. That's pretty much how it is," Villareal said.
FOX5 reached out to Judah and his promoter on Thursday, but our calls were not immediately returned.
Lee is due in court on Friday for a bail hearing. A judge earlier this week ordered her to house arrest.
Copyright 2014 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.


text:
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and found 23 items
299cc, 27bhp, mph, Insurance group
The J300 is an excellent entry into the competitive scooter market and shows the firm is really serious about the market. It's sits perfectly between lighter 125cc scooters and much larger and heavier maxi scoots, combining a good spread of power with good, easy handling.
296cc, 39bhp, 93mph, Insurance group
Kawasaki has hit the nail on the head with this bike. Finally the market has a practical, economical entry-level bike which is easy to ride and desirable. The firm says 40% of buyers will be under 24 years old, going on sales of the 250, and it's this kind of grassroots support motorcycling needs. Kawasaki also says 22% of 250 ...
471cc, 47bhp, 125mph, Insurance group
The CB500X is the last of Honda's new-for-2013, novice and A2-licence friendly 500-twin triumvirate – the others being the CB500F roadster and CBR500R sports bike – and for our money it's the best of the bunch. The X's subtly larger proportions make it more versatile, more man-sized machine, while losing virtually nothing in terms of manageability and agility. Its adventure ...
250cc, 23bhp, mph, Insurance group
If you want a lightweight dual sport trail bike that can handle a short commute in the week and then head into the countryside on green lanes at the weekend – this is it.
278cc, 22.8bhp, 70mph, Insurance group
The Yourban is not cheap, but it is aimed at those with either no desire or experience of two wheels as it can be ridden on a car licence, so the sure-footed, reassuring and unintimidating Yourban may well be worth the premium over conventional scooters.
250cc, 19bhp, 75mph, Insurance group
Rieju's new MRT200 LC is a road-legal enduro machine. Think of it as a modern-day version of the much-loved old Kawasaki KMX200. Powered by bored-out Yamaha YZR-R125 engine, the Spanish machine has lots of punch, is equipped with some top-notch parts and is genuinely good at tackling the dirt as well as the tarmac. It's the perfect choice for new ...
278cc, 22bhp, 85mph, Insurance group
The versatile Piaggio X7 300 Evo is a bit of a sneaky bargain – it's powered by the same brilliant 278cc motor as the Vespa GTS 300 (since the Piaggio Group owns Vespa) but it's £300 cheaper. Not everyone will be willing to sacrifice the Vespa style and logo, but if you're on a budget it's a cheaper way to ...
278cc, 22bhp, 85mph, Insurance group 7
Via Montenapoleone is no longer just a trendy shopping district in Milan (we all knew that, right?) – It's also a limited-edition trendy 278cc scooter from Vespa that offers performance, practicality and style. It's a beautiful machine that will undoubtedly prove popular with fashion-conscious commuters, especially since it has the go to match its show.
493cc, 39bhp, 90mph, Insurance group 9
There are motorcyclists out there who will cheerfully denounce the Fuoco as a car with a wheel missing. Ok so the Fuoco does have three wheels but in every other way it is a bike; it leans, stoppies has handlebars and so on. More to the point it is fun, practical and safe. No, seriously it is. MCN originally tested ...
399cc, 60bhp, 128mph, Insurance group 10
The Honda VFR400R, or NC30 as it's commonly known, is effectively a 400cc version of the iconic VFR750R (RC30) and as such is a cheaper alternative to the RVF400R which succeeded it in 1994. It has excellent handling, still looks good and a usable engine for road and track, although it's not as quick flat out as some of the ...
Save money by comparing quotes. It's quick and easy
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text:
A novel degradative route to pregnanes has been elucidated in the marine sponge Araphimedon compressa. 22-Dehydrosterols, common in the diet of sponges, are the precursors to pregnanes and apparently are degraded by a mechanism analogous to the dealkylation of phytosterols to cholesterol.
Cyclobutenbriarein A, the first diterpene with a tricyclo[188.8.131.52(3,6)]tetradec-4-ene ring system isolated from the Gorgonian Briareum asbestinum
Cyclobutenbriarein A (2), a novel class of C20-rearranged diterpene briarane possessing an unprecedented tricyclo[126.96.36.199(3,6)]tetradec-4-ene ring system was isolated, along with five new briarane diterpenoids (1 and 3-6), from the organic extracts of the Bahamian gorgonian Briareum asbestinum. The ...
Chemical studies on the non polar fraction of the methanolic extract of Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae Bayer collected from the Florida Keys has yielded 12-acetoxypseudopterolide (1), a new diterpene of the pseudopterane series. The structure was established through spectroscopic analysis. Compound (...
The pseudopterosins are a family of diterpene glycosides isolated from the gorgonian coral Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae. These metabolites exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activity, and this review describes our efforts to elucidate their biosynthetic origin. A radioactivity-guided isolation was us...
Biosynthetic-studies of marine lipids .15. conversion of parkeol (lanosta-9(11),24-dien-3-beta-ol) to 14-alpha-methylcholest-9(11)--en-3beta-ol in the sea-cucumber holothuria-arenicol
A chemoenzymatic synthesis of 9(11)-secosteroids using an enzyme extract of the marine gorgonian Pseudopterogorgia americana
Identification and characterization of the pseudopterosin diterpene cyclase, elisabethatriene synthase, from the marine gorgonian, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae
The pseudopterosins are diterpene glycosides isolated from the marine gorgonian, Pseudopterogorgia elisabethae, which exhibit anti-inflammatory and analgesic activity greater than the industry standard, indomethacin. Previously, we isolated the pseudopterosin diterpene cyclase product, elisabethatri...
Biosynthetic-studies of marine lipids .16. denovo sterol biosynthesis in sponges: incorporation and transformation of cycloartenol and lanosterol into unconventional sterols of marine and fresh-water sponges
Diversity of the bacterial communities associated with the azooxanthellate deep water octocorals Leptogorgia minimata, Iciligorgia schrammi, and Swiftia exertia
This study examined the microbiota associated with the marine azooxanthellate octocorals Leptogorgia minimata, Swiftia exertia, and Iciligorgia schrammi collected from moderate depths (45 m). Traditional aerobic plate culture, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), and molecular identification o...
Biosynthetic studies of the alkaloid, stevensine, in a cell culture of the marine sponge Teichaxinella morchella
Effects of continuous passive motion and immobilization on synovitis and cartilage degradation in antigen induced arthritis
OBJECTIVE. To determine the effects of continuous passive motion (CPM) and immobilization on synovitis and cartilage degradation in an experimental model of chronic inflammatory, antigen-induced arthritis. METHODS. After bilateral arthritis induction of knee joints in 22 NZW rabbits, one knee was im...
The triterpene precursor of saponins in sea cucumbers has been identified as parkeol [lanost-9(11)-en-3 beta-ol] [1]. Dissection of the sea cucumbers Holothuria floridea and Actinopyga agassize after incubations with radiolabeled parkeol demonstrated that saponin biosynthesis occurs exclusively in t...
Isolation and structure elucidation of epipolasterol and 22,23-dihydroepipolasterol from the marine sponge Epipolasis sp
Two new sterols, epipolasterol and 22(23)-dihydroepipolasterol, have been isolated from the marine sponge Epipolasis sp. These are unusual metabolites as they both contain a t-butyl group in the sterol side chain. In addition, the presence of two degrees of unsaturation in the side chain of epipolas...
A procedure for axenic isolation of the marine microalga Isochrysis galbana from heavily contaminated mass cultures
Isochrysis galbana, one of the most widely used marine microalgae in the rearing of finfish and shellfish larvae, is mass cultured frequently in outdoor tanks. Under prolonged and repeated culture, severe contamination occurs. Axenic isolation of I. galbana from such cultures was best achieved by us...
In vitro biosynthetic studies of the bryostatins, anti-cancer agents from the marine bryozoan Bugula neritina.
Gorgonian corals continue to provide a wealth of novel structures, many of which exhibit potentially useful biological activity. Notably, the families Briareidae, Gorgoniidae and Plexauridae have been demonstrated to contain a wide variety of natural products including steroids, acetogenins, sesquit...
A new dilophol diterpene, eunicidiol (1), has been isolated from the crude extract of Eunicea fusca, a gorgonian coral collected from Hillsboro Ledge, Florida. This compound was purified, along with fuscol (2) and eunicol (3), using a combination of normal- and reversed-phase chromatography methods....
Biosynthetic studies of marine lipids. 38. Mechanism and scope of sterol side chain dealkylation in sponges
A biosynthetic study has been performed to elucidate the precise mechanisms of sterol side chain dealkylation in marine sponges. This process resembles that of insects by involving the oxidation of common dietary sterols with unsaturation at C-24(28) (24-methylenecholesterol (8), fucosterol (3), and...
The potential use of bFGF immortalized cells as hosts for delivering foreign genes into nervous tissue led us to examine the effect of maintaining, E-18 hippocampal neurons for extended periods in bFGF culture prior to transfer into a standard, serum-containing, medium. We found: (1) many, if not mo...


text:
- Khawla al Suwaidi
- Kuwait City
- Kuwait
This conversation is closed.
Some people are talking about changing the world! why don't I change myself to reflect it on the world I want to live in?
1-To discover new cultures and learn from them,
We are different but we can share our minds then every one have the right to judge!
2-Why don't we focus on the positivity we have first, then we can solve our problems?
3-our smart minds come from our warm hearts
4-Understanding the formula of each conduct of the human can make it easier for us to discover
B-discover our weakness and strength points
C-understanding each other
D-knowing how to handle the different situations we face
E-Smart ideas breed smart ideas.
F-You can share your own ideas with me.
G-I have more brilliant IDEAS.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Mar 5 2012: The word "change" is like "sex" – every one wants it but no one accepts it openly. It has become a fashion to use the words 'Change"; "Innovation" "Social Media" etc., The people who talks about change are the very people who stand like a rock to obstruct the change. And there is a theory that "You can not change any one" – at the most, the other person acts as if he has changed, so you will be happy. On the other hand – we as individual – continue to follow the process of change. Change is inevitable. The change is in the nature. But expect that and assume that the other person is not changing. As a matter of fact he is also changing – in his own way – but not as you have expected or anticipated.
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.


text:
Jellypie Software Releases 3D Box Shot Pro
Apr 14, 2011
Jellypie Software have released 3D Box Shot Pro. Using hardware accelerated OpenGL Shaders for reflections, shadows and lighting 3D Box Shot Pro raises the bar significantly in virtual packaging design. With 3D models displaying an amazing level of detail, 3D Box Shot Pro can create stunning DVD cases and software boxes for print or the web.
Category: Applications •
Posted on 04/14 at 01:36 PM
Leave a comment
Next entry: Remo 3D™ v2.1: Improved Rendering Performance and Windows 7 Support
Previous entry: OpenGLBook.com Chapter 2 Released


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On The Situation Room yesterday, CNN financial analyst Ali Velshi broke down Bush's mortgage plan. "Despite the fact that the White House says it's going to help up to 1.2 million people," Velshi said, "the best numbers we can get is 240,000 people who are going to be helped by this." CNN noted that the rules attached to the plan cut out many homeowners who need help. "There's still a lot of people who stand to lose their homes. That means a lot of people are saying this plan is a little too little and a little too late," Velshi said. Watch it:
Bush's 'too little, too late' subprime solution.
[flv http://video.thinkprogress.org/2007/12/velshimort.320.240.flv]
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text: The Carl E. Smith Fine Art Gallery in Laguna Beach, CA is having an exhibition of contemporary collage artists from around the world that is opening tomorrow night. A few of my pieces will be on display along with a lot of great work from a lot of great artists. Not sure if any of you live near the area but if you do it will be well worth checking out and if not you can click on the link and see some of the work that will be on display.


text:
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Tomlyn Nutri-Cal is a high-calorie dietary supplement for puppies who don't eat well or are picky with their eating habits. It's available in the form of a great-tasting gel. This gel can provide your pet with that extra boost of energy. This gel can be fed directly to your pet or can be mixed in its meal.
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My 10months papillon wont eat so much of his food that's why I always keep feed vitamin supplements. I've been feeding him a chewing vitamins but this products were better for puppies who don't eat well and picky and it's easy to feed them. This gel type one stink actually for human to smell lol but my dog loves it. My other 12weeks old mini dachshund puppy doesn't really like this gel but he still eat it though.... :)
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text:
Social network wants more expressive and a wider range of emotions.
Facebook has hired a Pixar artist to re-imagine emoticons, although it won't form an official partnership between the animation studio and the social network giant.
Matt Jones is working independently on the project and is very excited about it. Facebook has hired him to create a new set of emoticons that are more expressive, as well as cover a considerably wider range of emotions than the current ones.
He was chosen for the job because he's studying facial expressions for his work on an upcoming Pixar movie. The movie is being directed by Pete Docter (director of "Up" and "Monsters, Inc."), which takes place in the mind of a young girl. The film is referred to as "The Untitled Pixar Movie That Takes You Inside the Mind" and is scheduled for a June 2015 launch.
Dacher Keltner, co-director of University of California, Berkeley's Greater Good Science Program, was given the task by Facebook to find an artist for the job. After asking Pixar for assistance, Jones was given simple emotions to recreate by Keltner, and he was impressed. Subsequently, he gave Jones emotions from Charles Darwin's "The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animal," as seen below.
A select number of emotions were simple, while a few had lengthy descriptions. Either way, Jones found a way of creating simple but expressive representations of emotions, which applies to emotions that haven't been scientifically studied including gratitude, relief, awe and guilt.
Jones has seen himself adjusting to how he could create the emoticons due to the scale related to displaying them in a chat/message box. He originally wished to implement shoulders for shrugging gestures and noses, but the scale would be too small. Consequently, he found that he could portray what he required with combinations pertaining to the tilt of the head, angle and curve of the eyebrow, as well as the angle and curve of the mouth.
Create a new thread in the Streaming Video & TVs forum about this subject
3mazty , February 14, 2013 10:04 AMThat actually sounds like quite a smart move by facebook...
Facebook is for fools and tools.
Well, someone has to say it.
-5alvine , February 14, 2013 10:54 AMoop:
0Memnarchon , February 14, 2013 10:54 AMSeriously. Do they need a pixar artist to re-imagine their emoticons? Methinks market bull.
6salgado18 , February 14, 2013 11:01 AMI just hope they don't lose small, cute emoticons and go for over-expressive, super-cartoonish detailed drawings. Emoticons should pass a simple feeling, not be a character in itself. At least, that's what I think.
4xero141 , February 14, 2013 12:19 PMhow long til we see an "apple suing facebook for emoticons" article?
1virtualban , February 14, 2013 12:36 PMAnd too many emoticons bring people to use (: instead of : )
Text glory, me gusta.
0virtualban , February 14, 2013 12:37 PMBTW, rage comic faces are a nice emoticon if in absolute need to go beyond text glory, but this is just my opinion.
0susyque747 , February 14, 2013 7:49 PMhardcore_gamerFacebook is for fools and tools.Well, someone has to say it.
Hey that my line.
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For example 2 people love horse-racing to all support Labour Party;The father of Fu space Sen once the shipbuilding worker of Gao Wan Dang in Scotland, and Mo the father of Si Cheap Retro Jordan 12 unexpectedly also at the same company be draftsman;The Jue Ye once kicked ball at one family possessions remaining ball team in Glasgow in childhood, Mo the Si was also a yonder graduate student, a still part-time father ball team coach;In 1995, Mo the Si kick ball Cheap Jordan 1 in the Pu thunder Si, his a person in teammate are Beckham Mu, and the Fu space Sen rents the small shell to there to toughen;Mo in 1998 the Si once had opportunity to serve as Manchester United teaching assistant, the unfortunately end Fu space Sen chose that Michael pulls Lun;In 2004, is exactly Mo the Si personally sell to Air Jordan 1 Retro For Sale Lu Ni Fu space Sen, etc..Seeing from Cheap Jordan Air Jordan For Sale Retro 8 Cheap Jordans Shoes For Sale Shoes these origins, probably and not the Si is really a Fu space"born successor(natural heir)" of the Sen.
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text:
There are lots of reasons to exercise, but perhaps the most compelling is featured in this video produced by the Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation, What Will Your Last Ten Years Look Like? The scary thing about getting old, … Continue reading
canadian heart and stroke foundation RSS
The Heart and Stroke Foundation endorses Harvey's burgers? Really?
Dr. Yoni Freedhoff had a Rick Mercer-type rant in his Weighty Matters blog. What sparked his anger? The Canadian Heart and Stroke Foundation's decision to place their Health Check logo on four Harvey's menu items. – veggie, chicken and … Continue reading


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For those of you who are at all regular readers of this blog, you may have noticed that something has been missing lately – me! While apologizing for my absence I want to thank my colleagues who contributed a variety of interesting entries to fill in the gaps.
The main cause of my silence has been the press of daily events. It appears to be a natural phenomenon of doing business in the 21st century that the volume of "stuff" continues to increase at all levels from the strategic to the tactical. In addition, I haven't been traveling much lately. Trips fuel a lot of my entries whereas life at headquarters divides mainly into two buckets – things that are too mundane to write about and things that are too confidential to write about. Not a lot fits in between those two ends of the spectrum.
One item definitely worth mentioning is the successful conclusion of Rhapsody of the Seas' Royal Advantage revitalization project in Singapore. The ship is on her way back to Australia with all aspects of her massive makeover in place and ready to go. We were already very excited about the guest reaction to Splendour of the Seas' revitalization during her season in Brazil that is just concluding. The aerial entertainment in the Centrum and the numerous new specialty dining venues are fantastic additions to our Vision-class ships. So are the extensive renovations to the staterooms. There is absolutely no rest for the weary – Grandeur of the Seas is only a few weeks away from her own revitalization. We will look for every opportunity to show off these ships to our travel agent partners during the remainder of the year.


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our latest posts
Contest: Enter To Win A iPod Touch
ENTER TO WIN A iPOD TOUCH FROM textPlus! Platform innovator, GOGII, announces it's new texting application, textPlus. The textPlus application allows users to easily create and manage group text conversations with as many or as few people as they choose, in addition to one-to-one communication. Click here to download the future of messaging! http://bit.ly/SP43e textPlus […]Posted on June 30, 2009 at 10:11 am
Personal Trainer on iTunes
iPump FitnessBuilder, containing 400 complete workouts and 4,000 exercise images and videos, is now available through iTunes. It's the largest library of exercise images and videos and can be used on an iPhone or iPod touch. There's a "next workout" function that allows a logical progression of workouts, contributing to a consistent plan. "FitnessBuilder creates […]Posted on March 30, 2009 at 1:40 pm
mophie Unveils Juice Pack for iPod Touch 2G
mophie earlier this week unveiled it's Juice Pack battery charger for the iPod Touch 2G. The battery pack easily slips around your iPod Touch 2G and includes a rechargeable lithium polymer battery adding more than 42 hours of audio playback and 7 hours of video playback.Posted on March 21, 2009 at 1:22 am
Tunewear Releases new iPod products
Tunewear recently announced the release of three new products for the iPhone and various iPods now available on the market. The new products are as follows:Posted on December 12, 2008 at 11:08 pm
Ten One Design Releases Stylus for iPhone
Ten One Design, LLC, a New York based design firm specializing in mobile accessories, recently announced that its Pogo Stylus is fully compatible with the newest iPod Touch and iPhone models from Apple. The Pogo stylus is the world's first stylus that is compatible with the iPhone and iPod Touch devices.Posted on September 19, 2008 at 5:03 pm


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Born in French Camp on Feb. 3, 1971, she lived in Tracy 20 years before moving to Stockton in 1994. She worked 20 years in a clerical role for the State Compensation Insurance Fund, and she was a parishioner of St. Bernard's and St. Luke's Catholic churches in Tracy and Stockton.
Survivors include three children, Robert Matta, Erika Duran and Nicholas Espinoza, all of Stockton; and three siblings, Michael Duran of Tracy, Stephen Ruiz of Lathrop and Alicia Gardner, and her husband, Scott, of Lodi.
Her parents, Lucy Villalovoz and Jesse Duran, preceded her in death.
After Thursday's Mass, burial was in Tracy Cemetery, 501 E. Schulte Road. Hotchkiss Mortuary, 5 W. Highland Ave., handled arrangements.
• The Tracy Press publishes obituaries as a free service to readers, formatted according to Press style. To qualify, the deceased must have lived or worked in Tracy or Mountain House. Contact the Tracy Press copy desk at 835-3030 or email@example.com. Questions concerning paid obituaries should be directed to the retail advertising department at 830-4260.


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JOHANNESBURG (miningweekly.com) – Commodities trader Glencore International said on Tuesday it had acquired a further 36.56% interest in Optimum Coal, following unconditional approval by the South African competition authorities.
The consortium now holds directly and indirectly, together with its black economic-empowerment partner Cyril Ramaphosa, 67.77% of the issued share capital of Optimum Coal.
As the consortium is now in a position to exercise at least 35% of the voting rights attached to the ordinary shares of Optimum Coal, it is required, in terms of the South African Companies Act to make a mandatory offer to acquire the shares of all shareholders of Optimum Coal not already owned or controlled by the consortium.
The consortium will offer the remaining Optimum Coal shareholders R38 a share in cash.
"Optimum will add to our coal presence in South Africa and will be complimentary to our Shanduka Coal joint venture and our investment in Umcebo," Glencore director of the coal/coke commodity department Tor Peterson said.
Optimum is South Africa's sixth-largest coal producer and fourth-largest exporter of the commodity. It owns two operating mining complexes, both located in the Mpumalanga province.
"South Africa is an important producer to supply the growing Chinese and Indian markets, so we are delighted to add to our business in the country, with Ramaphosa as our partner," Peterson added.
Glencore is also currently undertaking a $36-billion takeover of miner Xstrata, as well as Canada's largest grain handler Viterra in a cash deal valued at C$6.1-billion.
Meanwhile, Optimum appointed Ramaphosa as nonexecutive director and chairperson of the board, succeeding Bobby Godsell, who resigned on Monday.
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Analog Devices' Webcast Presents Five Things You Don't Know About D/A Converters
Analog Devices Collaborates With Altera To Streamline Wireless Infrastructure System Development
Analog Devices Honors Strategic Suppliers
for Overall Excellence in Meeting Company's Rigorous Manufacturing Standards.
Analog Devices Completes Strategic Manufacturing Upgrades.
14-Bit Converter Performs Direct Digital Synthesis
For RF Signals To 3.6 GHz.
Analog Devices' Digital Potentiometers Enable
New Level Of Precision Calibration In Industrial Systems
Analog Devices Debuts Integrated Precision DACs
for Industrial Automation Systems.
Precision DACs Product Selection Guide,
August 2007 (pdf, 383,404 bytes)
© 1995 - Analog Devices, Inc. All Rights Reserved


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Map It
Map City Services
Metro Newsroom
LouisvilleKY.gov Links
Monday August 1, 2011
An Air Quality Alert has been called for the Louisville metropolitan area for Tuesday, August 2, 2011. The Air Quality Index (AQI) is expected to be in the Unhealthy for Sensitive Groups range. The AQI is expected to reach 111 for ozone.
Sensitive groups include children, older adults, active adults and anyone with heart and/or lung ailments.
Help the air on Air Quality Alert days with these simple steps:


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We will finally have the Z out an about with its new set up. If you are down there, come find us and hang out!
Project X specializes in Automotive Performance, Repair, Maintenance, and Design. We service all makes and models, from dedicated show cars to all-out track vehicles.
As enthusiasts ourselves, we know how much your vehicle means to you. We treat every project that comes through our doors with the same enthusiasm, dedication, and regard as our own.


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Liquitex Professional Acrylic on 5"x5" stretched and primed canvas + 45 minutes + Liquitex Slow Dri Paint Extender + Music + Imagination
it's gorgous. I love the bold larger strokes too.Jul 13th, 2011 Reply
So wonderful!!Jun 4th, 2011 Reply
That looks beautiful, the colours are amazing!May 30th, 2011 Reply Subscriber


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Brown calls for three 'guarantees' for Scotland
Gordon Brown is calling for three "guarantees" for Scotland to be "locked in" before voting takes place in the referendum on Thursday.
In a speech in Edinburgh later he will call for:
1. A permanent role for Scotland in the evolution of the UK:
The former prime minister has already argued that the UK is on course for major constitutional change even in the event of a No vote. He wants a guarantee that any future constitutional change will be made with Scotland's involvement. Some will fear that without such a guarantee, calls for more powers for England could be debated without Scotland being consulted.
2. A guarantee of fairness:
Ian Paisley: the Dr No who became Dr Yes
Loved and loathed, admired and feared, the life of the man known simply as "Big Ian" is the story of Northern Ireland's transition from violence to peace.
Some will remember him for a single word - "Never!" - rarely spoken, usually bellowed.
Cameron and Miliband do battle against rising Yes tide
Today we looked at a man who knows that his tombstone may read "the prime minister who presided over the break-up of Britain".
We listened to a man whose voice began to break as he made a plea for Scotland to stay.
Scotland - Yes or No to protect the NHS?
The Unionist parties in Scotland will claim today that they can guarantee that spending on the NHS will not be cut by the next government in Westminster.
They will argue that the new powers they are promising to give the Scottish Parliament in the event of a No vote will allow Holyrood to protect the NHS from another five years of austerity imposed from London.
Scotland - Vote No and get something better?
On the morning after the poll before, "Vote No and get something better" summed up George Osborne's message. It's a tried and trusted message which worked in the independence referendum in Quebec when a last minute poll lead for Yes was transformed into a narrow No. It is, though, a message with a difficult history in Scotland.
Thirty five years ago it was precisely what Scots were told when they were voting in a referendum on a much more modest proposal - to create a Scottish Parliament with some devolved powers.
Nato summit: Could Putin cross more 'red lines'?
For all the displays of military hardware, the promises to stand by Eastern Europe, the pledges to deploy more Nato forces there, it is the use of economic power, which according to Barack Obama and David Cameron has forced Vladimir Putin to back a deal to stop the fighting in Ukraine.
They insist that sanctions, including newly agreed measures targeting state-owned energy and defence companies, will go ahead until talk of a ceasefire is proven on the ground and is followed through with a peace plan that does not include the annexation of parts of Ukraine.
Pressure grows on Cameron amid hostage threat
A British hostage will be next to die. That was the clear and chilling message at the end of the latest horrific video produced by the brutal killers of the so-called "Islamic State".
It will have shocked many but it came as no surprise to the prime minister and his advisers who have long known about and been preparing for this prospect and not to the British media who agreed not to report the matter and have now agreed not to name the British hostage involved.
Douglas Carswell defection: the Europe 'bomb' goes off
This is a body blow for David Cameron.
When he became Tory leader, he told his party that they needed to stop obsessing about Europe.
Fighting will continue after debate
Two heavyweight bruisers locked together - both desperate to land a knock-out blow.
That, I fear, may be what sticks in the memory after Monday night's debate between Alex Salmond and Alistair Darling.
What's the PM's next move on Iraq?
There have been all too many acts of barbarism in Iraq and Syria in recent years.
What makes this dreadful act stand out from the rest is the fact that the murderer is almost certainly a British citizen and the victim is not just a journalist who sought to highlight suffering in the Middle East but a citizen of Britain's closest ally - the United States.


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February 29, 2012
Boyd Intermodal this week unveiled a new intermodal innovation allowing double-stacking of flatbed freight on the rails.
The Boyd Intermodal Raildeck was developed in conjunction with Raildecks Intermodal and BNSF Railway. It converts flatbed industrial cargo from over-the-road to intermodal rail in a safe and secure process."This new product provides a means of transporting flatbed products over intermodal rail routes nationwide, which until now wasn't possible," said Richard Bailey, president of Boyd Bros. Transportation, Birmingham, Ala. "This is a game-changer for our industry."In the past, flatbed shippers were unable to take advantage of the efficiency offered by intermodal stack train service. Boyd Intermodal Raildecks are an open top flatbed unit that is transported over short distances via highway, on a chassis. Once inside an intermodal yard, the flatbed unit is lifted onto intermodal trains for transport to an intermodal hub where it is loaded onto a chassis and drayed to the final consignee."Before this product, most of the heaviest bulk loads of steel and other metals had to travel over the highways," explained said Chris Cooper, chief operations officer for Boyd Bros. "Now, flatbed trailer loads will be accepted on the rail system."
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Western Star Breaks the Mold with the 5700XE (Video)
Fiery Crash Video Paints Portrait of Brave and Caring Truckers
The True Causes of Rubber on the Road
Freightliner's S2G Propane-Autogas-Powered Truck Chassis
McLeod Loadmaster Software Integrates XRS Data
Weather Guard Packages Made for Ford Transit Van
New Delo Severe-Duty Oil Offers Protection for Changing Operations Plus Fuel Economy
Roadnet Updates Transportation Suite


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- Back To School
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Collection of seven works by the American master, including: Adagio for Strings, Op. 11, Chorale Prelude on "Silent Night" from Die Natali, Op. 37, Suite for Carillon, Wondrous Love, Op. 34, and three previously unpublished works. With historical notes on each piece.


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Home Office Staff
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We are currently offering unpaid internships on an as-needed basis. Please e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com for more information.
Summer Trip Leaders
The Application period for 2014 Summer Trip Leaders is currently closed. The 2015 Staff Application will be available October 1, 2014 for the 2015 season.


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The Weekend Agenda
Every Friday we'll get you hooked up with some solid weekend plans. These are the things we think you should watch, read or do over the next few days.
1 LOOK AT THIS: Walnut Wax Photography – Tumblr
2 READ THIS: Personal Timepieces of Every United States President Ever – Hodinkee
3 MAKE THIS: DIY Jar Lantern – Instructables
4 EAT THIS: Loaded Sriracha BBQ Sloppy Joe Fries – Lifes Ambrosia
5 SEE THIS: The Bag Man – Apple Trailers
6 DRINK THIS: The Horsecar – Saveur
7 WATCH THIS: Hannibal Buress Performs Standup – YouTube
8 LISTEN TO THIS: Kid Cudi's Satellite Flight: The Journey to Mother Moon – Kid Cudi
9 WEAR THIS: Shwood Canby Pendleton Shades - Shwood


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Practice Tracing the Letter I
Topics : Preschool, Kindergarten, Letters
Brrr! What's cold and helps your kid learn to write the letter I? It is ice! First, kids trace lines to practice the fine motor skills they need to form the letter I. Then, they trace the letter several times for practice. Finally, they trace the letter I three times in "It Is Ice."
Check out the rest of the alphabet here.
Updated on Nov 22, 2010
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ST. PAUL, Minn. (AP) -- Many connected to a Minnesota push to unionize some home-based day care and health care workers are paying close attention to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The high court was expected to rule Monday in an Illinois case that has similarities to a labor controversy in Minnesota. The case hinges on whether people who don't want to join a union still must pay dues if they're represented by one.
In Minnesota, two unions are in the process of collecting signatures as they attempt to organize operators of home-based day cares and personal care attendants. Some in those professions are fighting it. A lawsuit aiming to stop the union for child care facilities is pending before a federal appeals panel.


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The Meanderings of Sunshine. (Self portrait- by Aaron Crow. I love this guy!!!...)
Ashleigh. I have a craving for bad men and blue eyes. I enjoy the screeching in your ears when silence is all around as well as cold hands, love and the calling of the wilderness. feel free to lurk.
tell me lies
About Her
Her BOOK
Calisthenics Over The Years
Self portrait- by Aaron Crow.
I love this guy!!! Like seriously- Pure genius!
2 years ago
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Stretching through Angola and Namibia on the southwest coast of Africa, the Namib Desert gets less than a half inch of rain per year. It's a completely barren landscape, deathly hot and mostly devoid of life, save a little flora and fauna including a bizarre plant that can live for centuries in the arid Namib.
Known as the tweeblaarkanniedood (two-leaf-cannot-die) in Afrikaans, the easier-pronounced word for the plant is Welwitschia, named for the Austrian scientist who disovered it in the mid-19th century. Although it almost looks dead, piled in a heap on the desert sand, Welwitschia is a powerfully-evolved survivor. Able to intake moisture from fog over the Namib, it can live for hundreds of years, and some of the oldest known Welwitschia are 2000 years old.
Apparently related to the conifers, welwitschia grow as separate male and female plants.
Considered by many to be a living fossil, the strange plants are coveted, and as such are growing endangered. They are protected only by their position deep in the Namib desert, which is difficult to traverse.


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Significant and rapid changes in accounting rules are impacting the financial reporting and analysis that management uses to make business decisions. This course will explore contemporary accounting topics that accounting professionals will face in the workplace and how the accompanying requirements are changing the way that companies and their business partners use, report, analyze, and interpret financial data. Subjects covered will vary as conditions change but may include International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS), Fair Value Measurements, Post-Retirement Benefits, Revenue Recognition, or other current accounting topics.
Pre/Co-Requisites: Matriculated MBA Manning Professionals who have completed, 60.501,61.501,62.501,63.501,66.50, 66.511 and 60.601 or permission of MBA coordinator OR MSA students or permission of MSA coordinator.


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When a customer offered Autokonexion a 1992 Miata as payment for one of their Fastback hardtops, Mike Burlas didn't hesitate to accept. Mike isn't new to the Miata, he's owned several of them before. Like most Miata owners, once you've owned one, you really can't let it go. It's a whole different story when you actually own a Miata.
The Autokonexion Fastback hardtop, inspired by the infamous Mooncraft hardtop for the Honda S2000, was the first thing to go on the Miata. The sleek Fastback design helps reduce aero drag and possibly results in quicker lap times. This is a two-piece kit that works in conjunction with the OEM Miata hardtop. The only modification to the OEM hardtop was the removal of the rear glass. No cutting was necessary to the OEM unit.
Being the owner and designer for Autokonexion, Mike has designed countless custom widebody kits for the industry. And although he already had a wide body kit designed for a Miata, he decided this special Miata was going to receive a newer version. Taking influences from Japanese GT cars, he crafted a bumper with a simple yet aggressive look. The hood, sides and fenders were more of an influence through the likes of RE Amemiya and other Japanese favorites.
To fill the wide fenders, a set of massive 15x9" and 15x11" Work Equips were special ordered. Giving it a bit of an old drift style setup two different Equips were used, 01 rims in the back and 03 in the front. With offsets rarely seen in a 4x100 bolt pattern, the wheels give the Miata a stance like a bulldog. Making things a bit more interesting the fronts were customized, with every other spoke painted black. Just another modification to keep the would-be biters at bay.
I never really liked Miatas until a few years back when my best friend Kendall bought one. After going thru the build up with him, I realized how great of a platform they are to build on. Not very popular in the States with the macho guys, these cars are very popular in Japan, with a good range of aftermarket support. It's hard to think of another rear wheel drive car you can buy that is this small and light. A perfect weight balance and sports car-like suspension geometry makes Miatas extremely fun to drive, especially in the turns.
The only obstacle with building a Miata is power. Out of the box, these things are very underpowered. This is where Mike, as well as most of the Miata owners, bring a little help in the form of a custom turbo setup. The B-series engines found in Miatas were originally designed for a Mazda Familia, which came with an OEM turbo. With no turbo, Miata engines were still equipped with a low compression, closed deck, iron block great for forced induction. With a top mounted Advance Racing manifold, Mike fitted his little corner carver with a T3/T4 turbo. Much like a 5'2" girl with `upgrades' the Miata with a turbo is a handful of fun.
It's damn hard to come up with new styles for cars that have been built for over a decade, not mention a car with a feminine connotation. But with a custom Fastback hardtop, wide body kit, turbo kit, and wheels that make AE86 owners jealous, Mike Burlas and Autokonexion brings new life to a classic roadster.


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Swany X-Change Jr. Glove - Kids'View Larger Image
- Detail Images
Big tech in a kid-sized package.
The Swany Kids' X-Change Jr. Glove uses multi-layered, technical fabrics to protect your little speed-demon's hands from winter weather. These gloves are tough enough for adult-sized adventures, but they're scaled to fit growing hands.
- Tri-Plex insulation system holds in warmth
- Hipora breathable insert keeps out moisture
- Swany leash prevents accidental glove drops from the ski lift
Share your thoughts
Review Summary
What do you think of the
Swany X-Change Jr. Glove - Kids'
? Share a...
Oustanding glove for three years...
Member since
- Familiarity: I've put it through the wringer
I bought my son the Swany Exchange glove three years ago. We bought them a bit oversized so he has just grown out of them now. For three years of 30+ ski days on the mountain per year from 10-45F these gloves have performed flawlessly. The seam on the left thumb began to open up last year but, honestly, I think that has more to do with apres ski snowball fights and scraping the thumb against the snow repeatedly more than regular wear and tear. I just bought another pair for my daughter and will buy a pair for my son.


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Photo by Honeybee69So the always adorable Amy Adams has a new baby girl named Aviana! Aviana. Well, it's very pretty, but I've got to admit I've never met anyone with that name. In fact, it's been a bit of a challenge to find out its origin.
Aviana does not show up in the Social Security Administration's baby-name website. BabyNamesWorld has only 3 respondents with this name – two are male, one is female. Spelled with two Ns (Avianna), it's more often a girl's name, and the general concensus seems to be that it's a combination of "Ava" and "Ana," two very pretty, classic names. It also means "Bearer of Good News," though in what language, I can't quite determine.
However, go back to a Latin root – Avis – and Avianna becomes "bird," which is lovely, and soooo much nicer than "Sparrow Madden."
Aviana is also the name of a plus-sized bra company, a resort in Florida, and coolest/geekiest of all, a demigoddess in the World of Warcraft online game. Hmm, is Amy Adams a gamer like Felicia Day?
Though it's not ranked on CafeMom, there are 36 CafeMoms with daughters named Aviana.
What do you think of the name Aviana? Do you know anyone with this name?
I think its very pretty. Theres not alot of girl names I like, but this name is so different and rare. I would consider it if I had a girl.
i don't know anyone but i like it =-)
This is the first time I have ever seen this name any else than my own head! Yay! I so claim this name,however, one of our close friends named their daughter Ava, and thought that it would be a little too close to use for our own....but maybe a middle name?


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West Chester, OHUSA 45069
November 9, 2011
I love getting away and enjoying the scenery in nature.
Clifton Gorge area. Germantown and Twin Creek,
Red River Gorge
No answer yet
Love to be outdoors doing anything active!!!!
Thanks Sandy, You posted some nice photos too. Your camera doesn't like the cold. lol We walk so darn fast it's not easy getting nice photos,, well,, fast for me. :)
Sandy, Thanks for the photos. Usually I take lots, but I forgot yesterday. Not yet comfortable cc skiing and I couldn't keep up with everyone to take photos.
I could use any spare tents for my beginning backpacking trips! Save it for me!
Sandy, Very nice photos from Carriage Hill. Glad you came along.
Hello Sandy, Its been awhile girl! I'm not sure if the tours are filled up but if you email "[masked]" she should be able to give you an answer. Hope to see you hiking again soon!
Hey Sandy, for some reason I am not sure it would let me reply directly to your question, however, I have an Olympus TG-610 camera. It is a great camera and fairly easy to use (my nine year old showed me how, LOL!) Anyway, the do make a TG-810 for about $300 (mine was around $200) and it only takes a 180p video compared to my which does the lower quality. since I do not have a TV or device to watch the higher quality video on, I didnt drop the extra cash. I would rate the camera 5 stars!
I enjoyed hiking with you!
Sandy, You must have stayed up all night to put your pics on. Nice ones. I thought the shots I got of you were really nice. I wish I was as photogenic. How did your presentation go?
Hi Sandy, Welcome to the group and I hope to meet you out on the water sometime soon.
Hello Sandy, welcome to the Cincinnati Backpackers. Hope you are able to join us on a hike. Some trips are geared towards newer hikers and some towards the more experienced. Hopefully one will work for you.
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Starting next year, Americans face two options: Get health insurance, or pay a fee.
Many consumers are not currently aware of the consequences if they decide to opt out.
"I really think there's a lot of health education that still needs to take place around this particular piece of legislation, and I don't think people are aware of the penalties," says Dr. Paula Walker of Columbus State University. "If they don't enroll in some insurance plan by March 31st, 2014, they will be assessed a penalty."
According to www.healthcare.gov the fee in 2014 is one percent of your yearly income, or $95 per person for the year, whichever is greater.
The payment for uninsured kids will be $47.50 per child, and the most money a family would have to pay in 2014 is $285.
However, the fee is expected to increase each year.
In 2016, it will be 2.5 percent of your income, or $695 per person, which ever one is higher.
A person will have to pay when he or she files tax returns.
"That's when you will be assessed for a penalty if you have not enrolled in an insurance plan, so there's no way to escape," says Walker.
Remember, 2014 taxes are due April 2015.
Copyright 2013 WTVM. All rights reserved.
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"Nothing deepens a stream like a good rain...or makes it harder to cross." - Crossing Oceans by Gina Holmes
14 January 2011
First Words: Rain
36 comments :
I know - it looks so good! I love the cover! but i haven't started yet, either...ReplyDelete
That cover is gorgeous! And the first line has me hooked already. Can't wait to see what you think!ReplyDelete
This looks (and sounds) like such a beautiful book, Juju! :)ReplyDelete
The cover is lovely. I hope it turns out to be as good as it sounds.ReplyDelete
Happy Reading.
I love that line. Even more so now that I know the story, but I promise I won's say any more than that . . . :)ReplyDelete
Another lovely cover shot!ReplyDelete
I love that cover. Lovely.ReplyDelete
I like the quote and the tagline. :) I'm interested to see what you think of this one. Happy Reading!ReplyDelete
This looks really good. Enjoy!ReplyDelete
Brandi from Blkosiner's Book Blog
I love the tagline. It's a good book for the weekend. Enjoy.ReplyDelete
love the cover :)ReplyDelete
Love the tagline, and the quote. Looking forward to your review laterReplyDelete
ooh, what a great cover and a great tagline! thanks for sharing :)ReplyDelete
Oh woww, that cover is so lovely! And the tagline instantly drew me in, the hopeless romantic I am :PReplyDelete
Oh my word! This book sounds sooo familiar! I think it might be on my TBR list.ReplyDelete
The cover is very eye-catchy! Looking forward to seeing what you think of it :)ReplyDelete
What do you think so far...I think I cried through most of this...THE END..Oh my gosh BAWL city Juju....get your hanky...:(ReplyDelete
What a lovely quote, it sounds like it's going to be a beautiful book. I love the tagline and pretty floral skirt on the cover!ReplyDelete
That's definitely a wonderful quote! Hope you are enjoying it!ReplyDelete
Great tagline and cover photo!ReplyDelete
Juju! I just read Selena's review for this (my new blog partner). "Wow" is all I can say. Get ready for one emotional roller coaster.ReplyDelete
I love the contrast of the summer/spring clothes and the vacant beach. Will be curious to see what you think of it....ReplyDelete
sounds like full of life lessons :)ReplyDelete
I adore this cover-thanks for sharing.ReplyDelete
I've heard great things about this title I hope you like it!ReplyDelete
XOXO~ Renee
Hi Juju, Just wanted to say thanks for all your well wishes, I really appreciate it. Simone xxReplyDelete
A great beginning for a book. =)ReplyDelete
Love the cover for this one! I don't think that I would have picked this one up if I had just seen it on the shelf, but I may have to give it a try.ReplyDelete
Love the tagline!ReplyDelete
I love this cover!ReplyDelete
I really think I downloaded this at one point when it was free. Must find! Because this is looking to be amazing! Can't wait to see what you think of the whole story. Great intro, love this meme!ReplyDelete
I love the softness of the cover. Seems interesting.ReplyDelete
This sounds really good! And I love the cover.ReplyDelete
Sounds interesting! I'll have to add it to my TBR.ReplyDelete
BTW: I love your blog! The bokeh background, the title, your buttons! Very nice! :)
oooo, i do hope you love this book ~ keep tissues handy!ReplyDelete
The cover looks so beautiful, Juju! I've never heard of this one before so I just went to do some research. It sounds wonderful. I will definitely be adding it to my reading list. Can't wait to hear your thoughts on it. =)ReplyDelete