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State AGs Join Justice Department in Assessing Sprint/T-Mobile Impact On MVNOs
The Attorney General's office from New York is investigating if and how T-Mobile's proposed merger with Sprint might impact the MVNO and prepaid markets. Sprint and T-Mobile separately serve the prepaid space via their own Boost Mobile and MetroPCS brands, respectively, as well as MVNOs, such as Google-run Project Fi. With reduced competition, the New York attorney general is concerned that the tie-up between the two companies could lead to higher prices for prepaid consumers. Dozens of other states are participating in the probe, says the Wall Street Journal. This investigation mirrors a separate one underway with the U.S. Department of Justice, which has similar concerns. The $26 billion deal was proposed earlier this year and would see the nation's third- and fourth-largest carriers become one. Antitrust investigations are normal for such deals. Sprint and T-Mobile defended the deal in front on Congress on Wednesday. The companies insist the deal will create jobs and ensure the combined entity can compete with AT&T and Verizon.
AT&T Increases Admin Fee In Move that Scores It $800 Million
AT&T has quietly increased the administration feed charged to its wireless customers from $0.76 to $1.99. Multiplied monthly by its 64.5 million postpaid wireless customers and the increase boosts AT&T's revenue by some $800 million per year. AT&T says the fee has not been raised in several years. "This is a standard administrative fee across the wireless industry, which helps cover costs we incur for items like cell site maintenance and interconnection between carriers," claimed the company in a statement. The increase was first noticed by BTIG Research analyst Walter Piecyk. All carriers tack vague fees onto monthly bills. The move comes just a week after AT&T closed its acquisition of Time Warner. "Presumably the administrative fee is another way to help AT&T fund its network build and Time Warner acquisition going forward," said Piecyk.
Justice Dept. Probing Sprint/T-Mobile Merger Effect on MVNOs
The U.S. Department of Justice is exploring what impact the proposed merger of Sprint and T-Mobile will have on smaller carriers and MVNOs. Sprint and T-Mobile separately serve the prepaid space via their own Boost Mobile and MetroPCS brands, respectively, as well as MVNO's, such as Google-run Project Fi. With reduced competition, the Justice Department is concerned that the tie-up between the two companies could lead to higher prices for prepaid consumers. Reuters says the Justice Department "has been speaking with small wireless operators that buy access to the major wireless networks at wholesale rates, and is seeking their opinions about the merger." David Glickman, CEO of MVNOs Ultra Mobile and Mint Mobile confirmed that he'd been asked similar questions about the merger by the Justice Department. The $26 billion deal was proposed earlier this year and would see the nation's third- and fourth-largest carriers become one. Antitrust investigations are normal for such deals. No one from the Justice Department or T-Mobile commented on the investigation.
Boost Founder Wants to See Boost/MetroPCS Divested If Sprint/T-Mobile Merger Goes Through
At least one person thinks Sprint and T-Mobile should be required to divest their respective prepaid businesses if they are allowed to merge. Peter Adderton, founder and former CEO of Boost Mobile, firmly believes the market will become less competitive — particularly in the prepaid space — if Sprint and T-Mobile are allowed to merge without any divestitures. "If this merger is approved without the divesture of Boost Mobile and/or MetroPCS, the new combined entity will hold a 40% market share in the prepaid segment — which I would argue has the effect of being a monopoly or extreme dominance in the category," said Adderton in a press release. "This level of market domination virtually always leads to rising prices, more onerous terms and conditions and lower service quality, and young and credit-challenged prepaid subscribers simply can't afford that." Sprint owns and operates Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA, while T-Mobile owns and operates MetroPCS. Sprint and T-Mobile "will have significant incentive to restrict network access to competing MVNOs. If that happens, MVNOs, who already run on extremely tight margins, have little or no opportunity to make a profit, and we can expect many of them to close their doors," argued Adderton. Boost, Virgin, and MetroPCS do not own or operate their own networks, so it's unclear how Adderton believes such a divestiture could work. Each would have to be given spectrum and other assets to launch functioning service around the U.S. Though Adderton said "I would love to take control of it, that's not the driver here." Instead, he insists his goal is to ensure the wireless market remains competitive. Adderton plans to take his case to Congress as well as the public. Sprint and T-Mobile believe their proposed merger will pass regulatory scrutiny, but the government has yet to make its case.
Cricket Wireless Selling the LG Fortune 2 for $100
Cricket Wireless today kicked off sales of the LG Fortune 2, an affordable Android phone. The Fortune 2 is a rebadged variant of the K8 (2018) and Tribute Defiant (sold by Boost Mobile). The Fortune 2 includes a 5-inch HD screen, quad-core MediaTek processor, 2 GB of RAM, and 16 GB of storage. The Fortune 2 has an 8-megapixel main camera with LED flash, a 5-megapixel front camera, and a removable 2,500mAh battery. Other features include LTE 4G with HD Voice, WiFi with mobile hotspot and WiFi Calling, Bluetooth 4.2, and GPS. It runs Android 7.1 Nougat. Cricket Wireless is selling the LG Fortune 2 for $100.
T-Mobile and Nokia Hit 1.3Gbps Downloads Using LAA
T-Moble says it has attained download speeds of 1.3 Gbps using LTE-LAA technology from Nokia. The result was reached in a lab using Nokia's commercial Nokia AirScale Micro RRH platform. The companies paired licensed and unlicensed bands using five-channel carrier aggregation, 256 QAM, 4x4 MIMO, and LAA on 14 antenna layers. LTE-LAA is a stepping stone between today's 4G and future 5G networks. T-Mobile says it plans to deploy LTE-LAA in small cell configurations in high-traffic urban locations to help densify its network, boost speeds, and improve capacity. T-Mobile didn't say what markets might gain access to this network technology, nor what devices might support it.
LG Tribute Dynasty Lands at Boost Mobile Stores
Boost Mobile recently added the LG Tribute Dynasty to its lineup of affordable Android smartphones. This device includes a 5-inch HD display and is powered by a 1.5 GHz octa-core MediaTek processor with 2 GB of memory and 16 GB of storage. The Tribute Dynasty has an 8-megapixel main camera with LED flash and a 5-megapixel selfie camera. Other features include a 2,500mAh battery; Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and LTE; and microUSB and headphone jack. It runs Android 7.1 Nougat. The LG Tribute Dynasty costs $100, but is on sale at the moment for $60. The phone is already available at Boost Mobile stores. Sprint said it will carry the phone starting Jan. 12.
Unlocked Blu S1 Compatible with Most U.S. Carriers
Blu Products recently announced the S1, an inexpensive Android smartphone that's available unlocked from Amazon.com and BestBuy.com. One of the chief benefits of the S1 is its wide compatibility with U.S. LTE networks. It supports AT&T and T-Mobile, and, unusually, Sprint, as well as their prepaid services including Cricket Wireless, Boost Mobile, and MetroPCS. Blu says it also offers SIM kits for the S1 from Tracfone, Net10, and H2O. The S1 features a curved glass front with metallic paint on the smooth rear panel. The 5.2-inch display offers 720p HD resolution in a 16:9 aspect ratio, and the phone is powered by an octa-core 1.5 GHz MediaTek 6750 processor with 2 GB of RAM. The main camera has a 13-megapixel sensor with an aperture of f/2.0 and an LED flash, while the front camera has a 5-megapixel sensor. Other features include Bluetooth, FM radio, GPS, and WiFi; 16 GB of storage and support for microSD memory cards; front-mounted fingerprint sensor; and a 2,800mAh battery. The Blu S1 runs Android 7 Nougat and is available online for $130 from Amazon and $180 from Best Buy.
Qualcomm's Snapdragon 636 Targets Sub-Flagships
Qualcomm has added to its roster of mobile processors with the Snapdragon 636 Mobile Platform, a high-performance chip that is meant for phones with less-than-flagship price points. The platform is built on a 14nm FinFet process and relies on the Kryo 260 CPU, which Qualcomm says is 40% faster than the Snapdragon 630 it replaces. The 636 was designed with 18:9, full HD+ displays in mind, and puts Qualcomm's TruPalette and EcoPix tools to work along with the Adreno visual processing subsystem to create dynamic screen experiences. The Adreno 509 GPU boosts gaming performance by about 10% and also improves 3D rendering. Qualcomm says the 636 processor is paired with the Snapdragon X12 LTE modem, with peak download speeds of 600 Mbps. On the imaging front, the 636 includes the 14-bit Qualcomm Spectra 160 ISP, which supports capture of up to 24 megapixels. Last, the Qualcomm Aqstic audio codec supports HiFi audio, with up to 192kHz/24bit support and the ability to playback lossless audio files. Qualcomm says the Snapdragon 636 is already in production and will reach commercially available devices bt November.
ZTE Blade Force for Boost Mobile Boasts HPUE
ZTE today announced the Blade Force smartphone for Boost Mobile. This Android handset includes support for Sprint's High Performance User Equipment technology and two-channel carrier aggregation for better performance near the cell edge. The Blade Force has a 5.5-inch 720p HD display and it is powered by a 1.4 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 427 processor with 2 GB of memory and 16 GB of storage. The phone supports external storage cards up to 128 GB. The rear camera has an 8-megapixel sensor while the front camera has a 5-megapixel camera. Other features include a 3,000mAh battery, Bluetooth, WiFi, GPS, and FM radio. The phone runs Android 7.1 Nougat and is available online starting today for $130.
ZTE Intros the $80 Tempo X for Boost Mobile
ZTE today announced the Tempo X, an entry-level Android smartphone for Boost Mobile. This affordable handset features a 5-inch screen with 854 by 480 resolution and a 1.1 GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor with 1 GB of memory and 8 GB of storage. The phone supports memory cards up to 32 GB. ZTE gave the device a 5-megapixel main camera and a 2-megapixel front camera. Other hardware features include a 2,200mAh battery, Bluetooth, GPS, FM radio, and of course LTE 4G. The device ships with Android 7.1 Nougat and costs $80. It is available from Boost Mobile online starting today.
Boost Mobile Bundles Taxes and Fees Into Service Plan Cost
Sprint-owned Boost Mobile today said taxes and fees are now included in the cost of its monthly service plans for new and existing customers. Boost's current customers will not need to do anything to reap the benefits of this change, which will be automatically adopted on all bills after September 8. Moreover, Boost Mobile is rolling out a promotion to entice consumers to switch. The company is offering those who port to Boost Mobile four lines for $100 with unlimited talk, text, and data on all four lines. International services will cost extra. Sprint says streaming for all Boost customers is mobile optimized with video up to 480p and music up to 500 Kbps. Games are limited to streams of 2 Mbps. Sprint will slow down speeds when the network is congested. Boost Mobile's plans start at $25 per month.
Boost Mobile Matches MetroPCS Unlimited Offer
Boost Mobile today rolled out a new "back to school" service offer that gives families less-costly unlimited service. The new Unlimited Gigs plan costs $50 for one line, which includes unlimited talk and text; 8 GB of mobile hotspot; optimized video, gaming, and music streams; and unlimited 4G LTE data for most everything else. Additional lines on the Unlimited Gigs family plan cost $25 each, up to a total of five lines. The pricing matches that exactly of a recent promotion kicked off by competitor MetroPCS. The new Unlimited Gigs offer will be available starting August 22. Boost Mobile continues to offer its 3 GB plan for $35 per month. Additional lines on the 3 GB plan cost $25 each. Boost Mobile is owned and operated by Sprint.
Motorola Debuts New Round of Moto Mods to Accompany the Moto Z2 Play
Motorola today provided details about a handful of new modular attachments for the Moto Z2 Play and other Moto Mod-compatible handsets. The Moto GamePad snaps onto the back of Moto's phones and provides dual control sticks, a d-pad, and four action buttons. The GamePad includes its own built-in 1,035mAh battery and costs $80. The JBL SoundBoost 2 is a new attachable speaker that provides 10 hours of playtime. The SoundBoost 2 is water-repellant, comes in red, black, or blue, includes a kickstand, and has an improved shape for better hand fit. It costs $80. The TurboPower Pack is a snap-on battery mod for quickly recharging Moto handsets on the go. Motorola says it can add an extra day of battery life when kept in place one time, or can provide a rapid recharge at 15W when users need to power up in a hurry. It costs $80. Last, the Moto Style Shell with Wireless Charging combines a shell case and battery in one Mod. It costs $40. Motorola said all the new Moto Mods will be available when the Moto Z2 Play launches later this summer. The new Mods will be backward compatible with all Moto Mod handsets, including the Moto Z, Z Force Droid, Z Play, and Z Play Droid.
Boost Mobile Offering 4 Lines with Unlimited Data for $100
Boost Mobile today unveiled a new marketing campaign to drum up interest in the carrier and also debuted several new promotions. The Project Switch campaign, which includes television commercials, highlights how simple it is for consumers to switch from their carrier to Boost Mobile. The company revealed a new store design in the TV spot and said it expects to open more than 1,000 of these next-generation retail locations before the end of the year. Boost says the stores make it easier for customers to interact with retail staff. In order to entice customers to make the switch, Boost Mobile announced a new multi-line offer that includes unlimited high-speed data for up to four lines for $100. The first line costs $100 per month and lines 2-4 are free. A fifth line can be added for $30. The promotion requires port-ins from competing carriers. Boost Mobile says multimedia streamed over the network will be optimized for mobile (480p video, 500Kbps music, 2Mbps games). Speeds may be reduced if the network is contested. Last, Boost Mobile is offering free phones to people who port in from another carrier and activate a new line. Customers can snag up to four free phones (select models) along with the $100 monthly plan. The promotional plan and handset offer are available beginning today.
Inexpensive ZTE Prestige 2 Hits Boost and Virgin Mobile
Sprint's prepaid brands Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile today launched the ZTE Prestige 2, an entry-level Android handset. The Prestige 2 has a 5-inch FWVGA display and it is powered by a 1.1 GHz quad-core processor with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. The phone has two 5-megapixel cameras, one on the front and one on the back. The main camera has a flash. Other specs include a 2,035mAh battery, memory card support, HD voice, roaming in Mexico, mobile hotspot, and LTE 4G. The phone costs $80, but Boost Mobile is selling it online for $52. Virgin Mobile is offering the ZTE Prestige 2 for $50. It runs Android 6 Marshmallow.
ZTE Max XL Packs 6-Inch Full HD Screen for $130
ZTE today announced the Max XL, a big-screened Android smartphone headed to Boost Mobile. The Max XL's defining features are the 6-inch full HD display and massive 3,990mAh battery. The screen is protected by Gorilla Glass. ZTE says the Max XL is also the first for Boost Mobile to include support for HPUE for better LTE speeds at the network edge. HPUE is a technology Boost Mobile parent company Sprint is working to deploy this year. The Max XL's main camera has a 13-megapixel sensor, while the front camera has a 5-megapixel sensor. The device runs Android 7.1.1 Nougat and includes a rear-mounted fingerprint reader. Other specs include an octa-core 1.4 GHz Qualcomm Snapdragon processor with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage, support for memory cards, WiFi, Bluetooth, GPS, and FM radio. The ZTE MAX XL smartphone is available online today at Boost Mobile for $129.99.
ZTE US Mobile Phone Exec Promoted to Global Role
ZTE today said it appointed Cheng Lixin, the executive behind the company's North American mobile phone business, to run its global mobile phone business. The move comes after ZTE settled with the U.S. government over allegations that it violated international trade sanctions against Iran. ZTE paid a $900 million fine to make the allegations go away. Lixin has led ZTE's mobile efforts in the U.S. since 2010. The company has grown its marketshare in the U.S. during that time thanks to low-cost handsets, which it sells through pre-paid carriers such as Boost Mobile, Cricket Wireless, and MetroPCS. Lixin's predecessor has taken a seat on the company's corporate board. The change is effective immediately. ZTE has not yet named a new executive for the U.S. market.
Boost and Virgin Mobile Selling LG Stylo 3 for $180
Sprint-owned Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA today both kicked off sales of the LG Stylo 3. The device, first announced late last year, features a 5.7-inch 720p display. It is powered by a 1.4 GHz octa-core processor from MediaTek with 3 GB RAM, 16 GB of storage, and support for memory cards up to 2 TB. The main camera has a 13-megapixel sensor and the front camera has an 8-megapixel sensor. Other features include a removable 3,200mAh battery, FM radio, and fingerprint sensor. The Stylo 3 includes a new stylus. LG said it improved screen feedback for a more natural feel. The revised pen-based software includes PenPop 2.0 (memos are never out of sight), Pen Keeper (warning system to prevent stylus loss), and Screen-Off Memo (note-taking even when the screen is off). Both prepaid carriers are asking $180 for the phone, which is available online and in stores.
Sprint Planning to Use Virgin Mobile As Market 'Disrupter'
Sprint intends to relaunch its Virgin Mobile brand later this year and will use the prepaid service to shake things up. "We've put most of our attention in the postpaid handset business, which is where 80% of the profit in this industry comes from," said CEO Marcelo Claure. "Now that that business is stable, we're putting a lot of energy into Boost and Virgin." Claure has spent the last 18 months trimming costs at Sprint and getting its network strategy under control. With these tasks largely on track, the company is now focusing on its prepaid brands, which it has de-emphasized for a while. "I envision Virgin as being our disruptive brand," said Claure. "You're going to see us test different models. One model we're testing that we like is, rather than subsidizing handsets, actually providing free airtime with no subsidy on the handset. So you're going to see Virgin be our disrupter brand. And you're going to see Boost be a very strong brand that can give good competition to both Cricket and Metro." Claure didn't say when it might actually unveil the new, "disruptive" Virgin Mobile.
ZTE Tempo Lands At Boost for $70
ZTE and Boost Mobile today announced the ZTE Tempo, an Android phone that sells for just $69.99. The Tempo supports more LTE bands than many Boost phones — plus WCDMA and GSM — in bands suitable for Boost's Mexico roaming offering. The specs are otherwise what one might expect from an entry-level Android phone today, including a 4.5-inch display (not HD), 5-megapixel main camera, 2-megapixel front camera, 8 GB of storage, memory card slot, 1 GB of RAM, 2,200 mAh battery, and a Snapdragon 210 processor. It does support HD Voice and has an FM radio. It's available immediately.
Verizon Adds a 'V' to the LG Stylo 2
Verizon Wireless today said it will kick off sales of the LG Stylo 2 V on Oct. 20. The phone will cost $240, or $10 per month for 24 months. The Stylo 2 V, like the variants already sold by Boost and Cricket, has a 5.7-inch screen with stylus, a 13-megapixel main camera, 5-megapixel selfie camera, memory card slot, and 3,000mAh battery. The phone is powered by an octa-core 1.8 GHz Snapdragon processor, which is a change from the other versions, with 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. The Stylo 2 V runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow.
LG Tribute HD Hits Boost and Virgin Mobile
Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile today both made the LG Tribute HD smartphone available via their web sites. The phone is a small step up from the low-cost Tribute 5. The Tribute HD boasts a 5-inch 720p HD screen, which is improved over the Tribute 5's FWVGA display. The Tribute HD is powered by a 1.3 GHz quad-core Qualcomm Snapdragon 212 processor with 1.5 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. The main camera has an 8-megapixel sensor and the front camera has a 5-megapixel sensor with an automatic selfie mode. The phone relies on a 2,100mAh battery and supports LTE 4G as well as roaming in Mexico. The Tribute HD runs Android 6 Marshmallow. Boost Mobile is selling the Tribute HD for $80, and Virgin Mobile is selling the Tribute HD for $99. Service plans start at $30.
Sprint to Sell MediaTek-Equipped Variant of LG X Power
Sprint and Boost Mobile today revealed plans to sell the LG X power smartphone. The X power, announced by LG earlier this year, features a 4,100mAh battery that delivers up to two days of battery life. The version sold by Sprint and Boost Mobile differs from other versions of the phone in that it relies on a 1.8 GHz octa-core Helio P10 MediaTek processor, rather than a Snapdragon chip from Qualcomm. The 64-bit MediaTek processor is accompanied by 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. The X power also includes a 5.3-inch 720p screen and runs Android 6 Marshmallow. Other specs include an 8-megapixel main camera with flash and 5-megapixel front camera with selfie light. The phone accepts memory cards up to 128 GB. The phone reaches Boost Mobile stores today for $130 and will hit Sprint stores September 23 for $150.
Boost, Virgin to Sell iPhone 7 Starting September 23
Sprint's prepaid brands, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA, will sell the Apple iPhone 7 beginning September 23. Boost and Virgin will not be selling the iPhone 7 Plus. The company didn't provide specific release details, but customers should expect to pay full retail price for the handset. The 32 GB iPhone 7 costs $649.
Corning Gorilla Glass SR+ Targets Wearables
Corning this week announced Gorilla Glass SR+, a scratch resistant glass intended for smartwatches and other wearables. Corning says Gorilla Glass SR+ is strong and provides the same optical clarity and touch sensitivity of its normal glass while also boosting resistance to impact damage by 70%. Gorilla Glass SR+ is also easier to read in bright light. Corning says wearables with the new glass are on deck for later this year.
Boost Mobile Scores the ZTE Warp 7
Boost Mobile today announced the ZTE Warp 7, a low-cost, big-screened Android smartphone. The Warp 7 features a 5.5-inch 720p HD display, 1.2 GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor, 2 GB of RAM and 16 GB of storage. The phone boasts a 13-megapixel main camera with flash and a 5-megapixel selfie camera. It packs a 3,080mAh battery and supports expandable memory cards up to 64 GB. The ZTE Warp 7 can roam on GSM networks in Mexico and has an FM radio. The device runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and costs $99. It will reach Boost Mobile stores September 5.
Verizon Debuts LTE Advanced with 50% Faster Speeds
Verizon Wireless today said it has launched LTE Advanced service in 461 markets around the country, covering some 288 million POPs or 90% of Americans. Verizon's LTE Advanced relies on two- and three-channel carrier aggregation to boost speed and capacity. Verizon says LTE Advanced delivers a 50% improvement in download and upload speeds compared to its traditional LTE network. Close to 40 devices sold by Verizon are compatible with LTE Advanced. Many of the newest phones (Galaxy Note7, Moto Z Droid) will support LTE Advanced out of the box, though some devices will require system updates. Verizon customers can take advantage of LTE Advanced's faster speeds at no additional cost.
Sprint Debuts Unlimited Plan of Its Own
Sprint today announced Unlimited Freedom, a service plan that provides unlimited talk, text, and data for two lines at $100 per month. Sprint says the Unlimited Freedom plan offers "optimized streaming" for "video, gaming, and music" and "unlimited LTE data for most everything else." Specifically, video resolution is capped at 480p resolution when streamed over the network, while games are capped at 2Mbps, and music is capped at 500Kbps. The first line costs $60 per month, the second line costs $40, and lines three through eight cost $30 each. A family of four costs $160 per month before device payments, taxes, and fees. Further, Sprint's Boost Mobile prepaid brand has a simpler, unlimited offer called Unlimited Unhook'd. For $50 per month, Boost customers get unlimited talk, text, optimized videos/music, and unlimited data for everything else. Additional lines cost $30 per month for lines two through five. Boost is offering a starter line, too, that costs $30 per month and includes unlimited talk, text, and 1 GB of LTE. Both Sprint's and Boost's new unlimited plans will be available starting August 19.
Facebook Adds Instant Articles to Messenger for Android
Facebook today brought Instant Articles to Messenger for the Android platform. Instant Articles load faster on mobile devices, up to 10x quicker than traditional mobile links. Facebook believes adding Instant Articles to Messenger will boost the number of interactions with web content shared through Messenger. Instant Articles are signified by a lightning bolt in the corner. Facebook expects to bring Instant Articles to Messenger for iOS in a few weeks.
Boost and Virgin Mobile Selling the Alcatel Dawn for $70
Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile U.S. today announced the immediate availability of the Alcatel Dawn, a low-cost Android handset. The Dawn features a 4.5-inch screen with 854 by 480 resolution, 1.1 GHz quad-core processor, and 1 GB of RAM. The phone includes a 5-megapixel main camera, VGA front camera, 8 GB of storage, 1,780mAh battery, support for LTE, and a memory card slot for microSD cards up to 32 GB. The Dawn runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and costs $69.99. Service plans from Boost and Virgin start at $35. The Alcatel Dawn can be purchased online.
Boost and Virgin to Sell LG K3 for $80
Sprint's prepaid brands Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile today announced plans to sell the LG K3 handset. The phone is available from both carriers' web sites today and will reach Boost Mobile stores next week. The phone runs Android 6.0 Marshmallow and features a 4.5-inch screen, quad-core Snapdragon 210 processor clocked at 1.1 GHz, 1 GB of RAM, 8 GB of storage, and a 1,940mAh battery. The main camera has a 5-megapixel sensor with flash, while the front camera has a VGA sensor and a selfie light. Both cameras include LG's shooting tools, such as Cheese Shutter and Gesture Shot. The LG K3 costs $79.99.
Project Fi Earns More Coverage Thanks to U.S. Cellular
Google today said it has supplemented Project Fi's cellular coverage with the addition of U.S. Cellular. Project Fi already relies on Sprint and T-Mobile for cellular connectivity, and automatically connects to the strongest signal. U.S. Cellular provides LTE service in 23 states, mostly in the Midwest, which will boost Project Fi's overall footprint. Google claims its dynamic network-switching technique provides customers with a cellular connection 99% of the time they are using their phones. Project Fi subscribers will begin to roam onto U.S. Cellular's network where coverage exists over the coming weeks.
Sprint Customers Can Stream Soccer Tourney for Free
Sprint today said its customers will be able to stream all the 2016 Copa América Centenario soccer matches on their phones of free. The tournament, which is being held in June, will be streamed via the fuboTV app. Sprint is giving its postpaid and Boost/Virgin prepaid customers free access to the fuboTV app for 60 days. After the trial ends (60 days for Sprint, 30 days for Boost/Virgin), customers can continue the subscription for $9.99 per month, or drop the app. In addition to free access to the live matches, Sprint will not count streamed games against customers' data buckets. Sprint is sponsoring the tournament, which is taking place in the U.S. for the first time, and will have an on-site presence at all the games. The sponsorship includes several giveaways and awards that customers can access through the fuboTV app.
Boost and Virgin Mobile Score Kyocera Hydro Reach
Sprint's prepaid brands, Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile, plan to sell three low-cost smartphones in the weeks ahead, including the Kyocera Hydro Reach. The Reach (pictured) is an update to the Hydro Edge. It is water and dust proof, and the 5-inch qHD display supports wet finger tracking. The Hydro Reach is powered by a 1.1 GHz quad-core Snapdragon processor and comes with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. The main camera has a 5-megapixel sensor and the user-facing camera has a 2-megapixel sensor. The device has a 2,160mAh battery and runs Android 5.1 Lollipop. The Hydro Reach will go on sale April 15 from Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile USA. It will cost $99. Boost and Virgin also plan to add the LG Stylo 2 and Samsung Galaxy J7, both announced earlier this year, to their rosters. The Stylo 2 will reach Boost stores April 15 and Virgin stores May 9. It will cost $179.99. The Galaxy J7 hits Boost stores on April 15 for $229.99, and Virgin on April 19.
Microsoft Brings the Power of Cortana and Bots to Skype
Microsoft is giving Skype a boost of intelligence thanks to Cortana and Skype Bots. With Cortana integration, Skype users will be able to do things such as manage their calendar and contacts without leaving the Skype app. Cortana will also be able to interact with bots, which Microsoft said will allow people to perform tasks such as book hotels and order pizza by conversing with the app itself. Bots are available in preview form within the messaging part of Skype, but will eventually be added to audio and video calling, too. A new version of Skype for Android, iOS, and Windows enables the bots. Companies will be able to create their own bots for Skype via Microsoft's developer program. People will be able to add the bots they want to their contact list. Microsoft revealed the bots are part of its larger vision for voice-activated computing.
Boost and Virgin Mobile Outline Galaxy S7 Launch
Boost Mobile and Virgin Mobile today both confirmed plans to offer the Samsung Galaxy S7 to their prepaid customers. Boost will kick off sales of the flagship handset on March 11, with Virgin to follow March 18. Both companies are asking for the full retail price, which is $649.99 for the 32 GB model. They are selling only the black variant. Boost has a promotion for families right now that offers 10 GB per line, while Virgin offers free music streaming via LTE. Boost and Virgin, which operate on Sprint's network, do not require contracts and offer low-cost service plans.
Boost Mobile Rolls Out Offer for AT&T, T-Mo, Verizon Customers
Boost Mobile today announced its own promotion aimed at converting customers from competing carriers to Boost. Boost says AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Wireless customers who port their numbers to a Boost Mobile family plan can see monthly savings up to 50%. Boost is offering 10 GB of high-speed data per line starting at $60 for two lines, $85 for three lines, and $110 for four lines. Further, Boost says it will provide a free phone (or $50 discount) for every line ported to Boost Mobile from AT&T, T-Mobile, or Verizon. Customers can get up to four free phones when activated with a new family plan. Boost Mobile said this offers will be available for a limited time, but didn't set a specific end date. Boost Mobile's parent company, Sprint, has offered a similar promotion for several months.
Sprint Planning Virgin Mobile Revamp
Sprint says it has a new strategy in mind for its prepaid brand Virgin Mobile. During a call with analysts today, Sprint execs said the company is de-emphasizing Virgin at the moment in favor of Boost Mobile, and has gone so far as to pull Virgin advertising ahead of a the new strategy's debut. Sprint did not say what it plans to do with Virgin, though it did admit it is not pursuing the pre-paid space as aggressively as rivals Cricket and MetroPCS. "You've got to figure out where do you want to fight and where do you want to grow," said CEO Marcelo Claure. "We are keeping the customers that matter." Claure also took the opportunity to reassure investors and customers that its network improvement plan will not be disruptive. "This is not a rip-and-replace strategy," said Claure, calling the implementation a "progressive build" that will make changes for the better. The company is expected to relocate some cell towers and make greater use of small/macro cells to densify its network. It may also shift some backhaul operations to microwave in order to cut down the fiber carriage fees it pays to AT&T and Verizon. Claure still believes Sprint can become the No. 1 or No. 2 network in terms of absolute performance in 80% of the country's markets within two years.
Boost Mobile Adjusts Family Plans, Offers Ad Deal
Boost Mobile today unfurled new multi-line plans for families. There are now two basic tiers for families. The first includes unlimited talk/text and 1.5 GB of high-speed data per line, while the second includes unlimited talk/text and improves data to 5 GB per line. The first tier costs $70 per month for two lines, $90 for three lines, and $100 for four lines. The second tier costs $70 for two lines, $95 for three lines, and $120 for four lines. Boost Mobile throttles users who exceed their monthly data cap, but doesn't charge overages. In addition to the new plan rates, Boost revealed several other promotions. For example, it debuted Boost Dealz, a way for customers to earn credit each month by watching ads. The free app is available to Android phones and shows ads and special offers when users unlock their handset. Boost will reward customers with $5 for every month the app is active on their phone. For a limited time, new customers can get up to two free smartphones when activating a family plan. Customers can gain unlimited talk/text to and from Mexico with 8 GB of data for $5 more per month. Boost says customers can pay their bills up to 14 days late before seeing their service disrupted, and can receive incoming calls/messages even when accounts are 60 days past due. Customers who enroll in Auto Re-Boost will receive $5 off their current plan. Moreover, customers who make on-time payments will receive 500 MB more high-speed data for every three timely reimbursements. Last, Boost Mobile offers free mobile hotspot on all plans, and offers unlimited music streaming with Pandora, Slacker Radio, iHeartRadio, Samsung Milk Music, and 8tracks.


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Fly To Jos, Nigeria
Jos is the capital of Plateau State, a city with more than 900,000 populations according to the 2006 census. The city was an important tin mining centre during the British colonial era and popularly referred to as 'J-Town'. The cold weather of Jos makes it one of the best places in Africa where tourists from around the world make their location. Jos has become a busy tourist attraction center in Nigeria with hotels that are designed for luxury and some of the most amazing locations for tourists to visit.
Travel to Jos and experience tourism and urbanization merge to give you an experience you would always remember. From education, tourism, fashion, education, commerce and entertainment, the city got it all spread out for you to explore. With Travelstart you can enjoy cheap flights packages to Jos. The only population of West African klipspringer as well as several endemic mammals and birds such as the Jos Plateau indigo bird, Nigerian mole rat, the rock fire finch and Fox's shaggy rat have Jos as their home.
Yakubu Gowon Airport JOS
The Yakubu Gowon Airport JOS is popularly called the Jos Airport. It serves the local and visitors who are coming to the city. Arik Air scheduled flights to to Yakubu Gowon Airports from any airport in Nigeria. Book cheap flights to Jos with Travelstart.
Major Attractions
The Jos Museum was designed to house a lot of archeological artifacts and historical relics, close to a wooden stream and built under a foot of a tree granite hill. It is an important attraction center in Nigeria with its remarkable significance when it comes to the Nok culture preservation.
Jos Zoo has a lot of wildlife creatures from the wild birds to the Lions, it is located close to the Museum of Traditional Nigerian Architecture and Jos Museum, and at the center of the town which makes it easy to locate. During the festive periods, the Zoo is always a tourist favourite place.
The Jos Wildlife Park has picnic sites, lions, elephants, Plateau fauna and a lot of other animals and birds. There is the Pandam Wildlife Park that has a scientific significance and offers passengers a pretty view of nature with its fishes and wildlife.
The Kurra Falls is surrounded with artificial lakes produced from tin mining activities over the years before it was stopped; it is a center that the Nigerian Electricity Supply Company (NESCO) uses in the generation of electricity.
Hotels and Accommodation
The five star hotels have internet wireless facilities for visitors who may want to surf the internet, designed and fused with prestige and luxury. Budget hotels and guest houses are also available in the city. Find Jos hotels.
Car Rental
There are different types of car rental services at the airport; you can hire a taxi or a car to take you round the city. Hire a car with Travelstart.
Best Time to Visit Jos
You can visit Jos year round. The peak time to visit Jos is during the festive season, between November and December.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Other strategic plans and policy documents
In its role as an advisory body on research policy issues, a central task of the Research Council is to initiate and prepare strategic plans and policy documents for individual disciplines, subject areas and research topics. Such documents may be drawn up to stipulate specific research-policy priorities, or may be formulated in response to an evaluation of the relevant research community.
The links below will take you directly to a webpage or to the Research Councils publications database where you may download the document associated with the link.
Research for Sustainable Societal and Industrial Development
The Research Council's strategy for sustainability highlights the role that research and innovation will play in achieving the SDGs. The strategy presents the ways in which the Research Council incorporates sustainability perspectives into its activities as well as what this implies in various areas.
Download by clicking at the pdf-icon at our publication base.
Strategy for the Research Council of Norway for an innovative business sector
If more Norwegian companies are to compete more successfully internationally, they must make greater use of research-based knowledge, invest more in R&D and actively apply research-based innovation to fully realise the potential for value creation to be found in addressing societal challenges, in Norwegian natural
resources and in new technology.
Download (in Norwegian with English summary): Strategy for an innovative business sector
Roadmaps for bilateral research
The Research Council of Norway has drawn up roadmaps for cooperation with eight priority countries outside of the EU/EEU: Brazil, Canada, China, India, Japan, Russia, South Africa and the US. The roadmaps are intended to help to strengthen Norwegian cooperation with the eight priority countries and direct the focus of these efforts.
See Roadmaps for bilateral research cooperation with priority partner countries
The Research Council's policy for basic research
The Research Council promotes basic research that expands research frontiers and contributes to scientific renewal, but considers it crucial to include basic research in contexts involving issues of benefit to society as well. For this reason, it is important that the Research Council promotes basic research both via thematically oriented initiatives and via initiatives with an independent, non-thematic basis.
Download (in Norwegian with English summary): The Research Council's policy for basic research 2015-2020
The Research Council's strategy for the research institute sector 2014–2018
The overall objective of the strategy is that the Research Council will, through indirect management, help to strengthen and further develop the role of the research institutes as suppliers of highquality research of relevance for application within trade and industry, the public administration, and society at large. The strategy is targeted primarily towards research institutes that
receive basic funding from the Research Council, but it is relevant for other research institutes as well.
Download (in Norwegian with English summary): The Research Council's strategy for the research institute sector
The Research Council's policy for R&D at university colleges 2014–2018
The purpose of this policy is to help the university colleges to optimise their R&D activity in relation to current objectives and framework conditions, as well as to promote and highlight the potential of the university colleges to contribute across the full breadth of the Research Council's programmes and instruments.
Download (in Norwegian with English summary): The Research Council's policy for R&D at university colleges
Regional policy 2014–2018
The Research Council has been involved in regional research activity since the 1990s. This regional policy represents a milestone in these efforts.
The objective of the regional policy is to link regional knowledge building, knowledge dissemination and innovation to the Research Council's other activities in order to enhance research quality and promote internationalisation, among other things.
Download (in Norwegian with English summary): Regional policy (2014-2018)
Norwegian polar research, Research Policy 2014–2023
Norway's interests in the Arctic and Antarctic and its national as well as international commitments carry with them an added responsibility to develop the knowledge needed to ensure sound management and responsible economic activity in the polar regions. Such knowledge is also crucial for Norway's ability to play a leading role in international negotiations involving issues related to climate, natural resources and the environment.
Download: Norwegian polar research
National strategy for research infrastructure
With state of the art research infrastructure at its disposal, the Norwegian research community can ensure adequate recruitment of new researchers, as well as promote Norway as an attractive partner for international research cooperation and a desirable choice when domestic and international companies are considering where to conduct their research activities.
The Research Council's principles for open access to scientific publications
Ensuring open access to published research results has become an increasingly important research policy objective. The Research Council's principles for open access to scientific publications (revised 2014) provide overall guidelines for efforts to meet this objective.
- Published:
- 07.12.2007
- Last updated:
- 23.05.2018


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Harvard University
HF research on invasive plants demonstrates critical evidence that a noxious alien weed causes ecological damage in the Northeast
Ecosystem-scale approaches to management in the eastern United States depend on the attitudes and behaviors of thousands of non-industrial private families and individuals whose ownership dominates landscapes. In Massachusetts, for example, it is estimated that the average ownership is 23 acres. Most ecosystem processes greatly exceed this very small average management unit. While there has been prior work on individual owner attitudes, there is little documented research exploring attitudes of owners towards cooperation at scales broader than their own properties.
The Charles Bullard fellowship program is to support advanced research and study by individuals who show promise of making an important contribution, either as scholars or administrators, to forestry and forest-related subjects from biology to earth sciences, economics, politics, administration or law. See the complete listing of Bullard Scholars from 1962 - the present.
Harvard Forest324 North Main StreetPetersham, MA 01366Tel: (978) 724-3302Fax: (978) 724-3595
Copyright 2011 The President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved.Faculty of Arts and Sciences of Harvard University


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Free weekly email packed with travel tips for major world cities, great competitions and exciting features.
Whether it's a honeymoon in the Carribean or a day out with the kids in Cornwall, we bring you ten wonderfully exotic escapes.
For glitz, glamour and to see and be seen, Barbados is hard to beat. There's not much modesty here – this island is all about the cash, baby. There's no shortage of accommodation – much of it catering to moneyed lawyers, bankers, movie moguls and honeymooners who enjoy the discreet service the island's renowned for. The uber-luxe Sandpiper is on the beach and its classy rooms and suites are nestled among lush tropical gardens. When you're not watching the armies of gardeners tending to the lawns, you can occupy yourself playing polo or golf, sailing, or taking a refreshing dip in the sea/pool. There's also the Barbados Wildlife Reserve (www.barbados.org/reserve.htm) where you can meet the local green monkeys.
Stay at Sandpiper (+246 422 2251, www.sandpiperbarbados.com).
The northern part of Borneo, an island with exceptional biodiversity, is Malaysian; its southern two-fifths are Indonesian. With pristine jungle, stunning scenery, eye-catching orchids, white-sand beaches and exotic ocean life, Borneo tops the bill for the ultimate adventure-filled tropical holiday. Enticements include staying in a local homestay, spending a night or two in the jungle, chilling on the beach and, of course, watching the wild and endangered orang-utans on the north of the island.
Book with Intrepid Travel (020 3147 7777, www.intrepidtravel.com).
The exotic Caribbean Cayman Islands are famed for their pristine beaches, romantic sunsets and plush hotels. This tropical paradise is perfect for a relaxing beach holiday, but it's equally suited to family holidays thanks to the calm seas, and nature-watching breaks; keen birders can spot parrots, doves, tricoloured herons, coots, blue-winged teals, rare West Indian whistling ducks and many more. There's a wide accommodation choice but self-catering gives the greatest flexibility; the eight elegant apartments that comprise the beachside Turtle Nest Inn, ten miles from Grand Cayman capital George Town (and the airport), have Spanish-inspired architecture, terraces, whitewashed walls and terracotta tiles. While you're there you can go snorkelling in the crystal-clear sea, take a dip in the freshwater swimming pool, or simply relax on the beach.
Stay at Turtle Nest Inn (www.turtlenestinn.com).
These gorgeous Australian islands in the Indian Ocean, nestled between Sri Lanka and Australia, almost 2,800 kilometres north-west of Perth, are blissfully free of big resorts and chain hotels. Charles Darwin, who was on The Beagle when it sailed around the atoll, collected specimens to take back to Kent. Snorkellers, scuba divers and passengers on the glass-bottomed boat can spot colourful fish (around 500 different species), reef sharks and turtles. The islands are also home to many seabirds, including white terns, frigate birds, waders and herons. The tropical climate means sunny days, though there is slightly higher rainfall between March and July. Swim, cycle, fish, walk or simply laze in a hammock.
Stay at Cocos Cottages (+08 9244 3801, www.cocos-cottages.cc).
Who says you need to take a plane to a tropical paradise? Cornwall's greatest tourist attraction started life as a chalk mine. Now its two biomes provide a habitat for two climates. In the tropical rainforest biome – the world's largest conservatory – plants, including mangroves, Fijian ferns, Australian umbrella trees and the endangered bottle palm from Mauritius, thrive in the humid 30-degrees-centigrade-plus temperatures; the cooler Mediterranean biome hosts olive and citrus trees and an array of flora from the world's non-tropical zones, such as cacti common to the Californian desert. There's a big emphasis on sustainability, but in a gently informative way – learn about the Eden Project's involvement in Thailand's Forest Restoration Research Unit or why it's important to source your soy responsibly. Plan to spend at least four hours here to make the most of your visit. The food's also top notch – especially the own-made Cornish pasties.
The Eden Project (01726 811911, www.edenproject.com).
Brazil is famous for its beaches, and Jericoacoara, 300 kilometres north of Fortaleza, doesn't disappoint. Some 20 years ago, it was a modest fishing village that had no telephone connection and a rudimentary road system – electricity was only installed in 1998. And although it's grown in size and wealth thanks to international tourism, it's remained relatively undeveloped. But that's to its advantage: the 6,850-hectare National Park of Jericoacoara comprises dunes, lakes, sandy beaches and tranquil seas. But it's not all about nature – recent years have seen Jericoacoara become popular with wind- and kitesurfers, though it's also good for surfing and sandboarding, and you can organise horseriding on the beach.
Stay at Pousada Carioca (+ 55 88 12 75 61, www.pousadacarioca.com).
Pousada Carioca is a small, quiet B&B with a pretty garden (look out for the hummingbirds) and hammocks to relax in after a day of kitesurfing. Breakfasts are healthy, with lots of fruit and home-made coconut bread.
The Maldives, a string of atolls in the Indian Ocean, south-west of Sri Lanka, top many a list for a dreamy romantic getaway. The 130 villas at exclusive chain One & Only are sumptuous; each has access to a private beach and a pool, a flatscreen TV for when it's too dark to gaze out on to the calm blue sea, espresso- and tea-making machines, a sun terrace, and spacious bathrooms with baths perfect for early evening, pre-dinner wallowing with a glass of champagne. Tropical-themed bedrooms have cosy beds made up with Egyptian bedlinen and there's even a pillow menu to ensure you get a good night's rest after a hard day on the beach.
Stay at One & Only (01753 899900, www.oneandonlyresorts.com).
Think coconut groves, gently lapping waves, stunning sunsets and pretty fish to spot while snorkelling and you've got the Seychelles, a beautiful archipelago of 115 islands in the Indian Ocean. The islands, whichever you select, are ideal if you're feeling overworked and stressed; the pristine beaches, clear blue seas and general laid-back vibe will soothe even the most frazzled office worker. Mahé is the largest and most developed island and a good choice for first-time visitors.
Book with Abercrombie & Kent (0845 618 2200, www.abercrombiekent.co.uk).
Sri Lanka is a popular beach holiday destination for good reason – it's got beaches, archaeology, nature and incredibly warm hospitality. Serene Pavilions is a new boutique hotel set in a seven-acre coconut grove on Sri Lanka's west coast. Each of the 12 highly stylish luxurious pavilionshas its own private plunge pool, sitting room, furnished kitchenette, private bar and jacuzzi. The beachside hideaway is only 45 minutes from the capital, Colombo, but feels remote. When not enjoying the swimming pool or gazing dreamily out to sea, you can dine on delicious cuisine such as shrimp and mango salad.
Stay at Serene Pavilions (+94 38 229 4447, www.serenepavilions.com).
The Solomon Islands archipelago consists of mountainous, forested volcanic islands to the south-east of Papua New Guinea, and are an adventurous travel destination for anyone looking for a tropical holiday with added oomph. In common with other tropical destinations, the islands can get very humid; most tourists visit during the dry season, which runs from the end of May to the start of December. It's a water-lover's paradise, with gorgeous coral reefs to explore with a snorkel, World War II shipwrecks for intrepid scuba divers, underwater volcanoes, surfing, kayaking and wildlife-watching on Lake Te'Nggano, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Uepi Island consists of a rainforest-covered barrier reef with a stunning sandy beach.
Stay at Uepi Island Resort (+61 3 9787 7904, www.uepi.com).
The Uepi Island Resort has four recently renovated spacious beachfront bungalows with a deck and an all-important hammock.
Plan your perfect trip with this inspirational compendium of failsafe holiday suggestions. It's packed with fresh ideas for traditional breaks, from beach idylls to winter sun and family camping, along with great suggestions for trying something different – all around the world. Whether you're looking for a weekend break or the trip of a lifetime, Time Out's worldwide team of travel specialists can take you there.
Buy '1000 Great Holiday Ideas' from the Time Out shop for the discounted price of £7.99.
© 2018 Time Out Group Ltd and Time Out Digital Ltd. All rights reserved. All material on this site is © Time Out.


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Two Uses Tuesday is LIVE until Friday at 11pm EST (3am Saturday UTC).
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This Week's Featured Posts!!
Most Loved Link
Do ants have you in a tizzy? Check out a few ways to get rid of ants, some of them are natural ways!
Sarah's Favorite
Looking for a healthy cookie/treat? These remarkable rainforest cookies use natural sweeteners and healthy fats in place of tradition butter laden ones.
Stella's Favorite
Celebrate all the patriotic holidays with a little slice of Americana this year with an upcycled childhod sled turned flag.
Pili's Favorite
Need another wine cork project? Slice them up, decorate and add some essential oils and you have yourself a new air freshener!
Donna's Favorite
Do you have a command station in your home? Does it need to tell the troops what's for dinner? Glean some inspiration from this DIY magnetic menu planning board.
And Last, But Certainly Not Least...
Better Late Than Never
Thrift store bath caddy find gets a new life as an industrial pencil holder.
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From passive receivers to active learners
Watch the video and meet Edword, our new learning platform. Here you will get inspired on how to engage students with your feedback on written work.
Nova Southeastern University, Florida
Bunker-Hill Community College, Boston
Studieskolen, Copenhagen
IA Sprog, Copenhagen
NSU University School, Florida
Feedback solutions
EasyCorrect for
EasyCorrect for
Say Hello To
Most teachers find giving feedback a great hassle
Reality is that teachers teach 3-5 classes with 25 students in each class. This makes giving feedback on written assignments one of the most resource-intensive tasks.
Evolution of feedback
For centuries, feedback has been provided with a quill, a red marker, and later manually made comment balloons in Word or Google Docs. EasyCorrect aims to improve the teacher's feedback toolbox by not just thinking better but differently.
Feedback is not just a task
– it is also an investment
In a market like Germany, more than 2.5 million students attend high school. They all write assignments and need feedback. Based on teacher salary alone, German high schools spend app. €4.5B on providing feedback on written work. However, they know little about the effect of this work.
EasyCorrect helps schools measure the effect of investment in student feedback and at the same time improving the learning outcome.
Changing students from passive receivers to active learners
It is kind of a paradox that teachers spent hundreds of hours on providing feedback when students do not spend time on studying the feedback. Taking advantage of technology, EasyCorrect aims to motivate and engage students in the feedback resulting in improved learning outcomes and reduced dropout.
What we do:
Help teachers become more efficient and free up time for giving quality feedback
Reduce document handling and make the workflow module transparent
Help students become more engaged and motivated when studying feedback
Demonstrate the value of feedback
Do you prefer to give
feedback in MS Word?
The EasyCorrect plugin for Word on PC and Mac takes repetitive tasks out of providing feedback. Insert library text comments with one click, record audio comments and much more. Create your own and share with colleagues.
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The EasyCorrect Chrome extension allows for rapid use of library text comments as well as audio comments without sacrificing the synchronicity of Google Docs. Download directly from the Chrome App Store.
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The complete written work solution for both teachers and students. Create, build and share assignments, comment sets and rubrics. All organised in a grand library. Handle the entire workflow and let students document their work with your feedback in the platform. Seamless integration with LMS.


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or call 1800 284 789
Our practice provides continuity of care for its patients.
► A. Our staff can describe how patients can request their preferred GP when making an appointment or attending our practice.
► B. Our practice team can describe how we encourage continuity of comprehensive care.
There are several types of continuity:
A systematic review by van Walraven et al1 provides evidence that increased provider continuity is associated with improved patient outcomes and satisfaction. Research undertaken in the US2 found that discontinuity of primary care physician visits is associated with patients seeing more different specialists, which in turn is associated with higher costs, more procedures and more medications.
By the RACGP's definition, general practices provide patient centred, continuing, comprehensive, coordinated primary care to individuals, families and communities and it is important that patients have the opportunity to develop an ongoing relationship with the practice, GPs and staff members. One way to demonstrate continuity of care is through patient health records that show patients attending the practice over time.
Continuity is the degree to which a series of discrete healthcare events is experienced by the patient as coherent and connected and consistent with the patient's medical needs and personal context. Continuity of care is distinguished from other attributes of care by two core elements: care over time and the focus on individual patients. This criterion focuses on those two elements: the attendance of individual patients, over time, at the general practice.
Relational continuity is a sustained relationship between a single practitioner and a patient (or sometimes more than one practitioner and a patient) that extends beyond individual consultations or episodes of illness. This can be described as a sense of affiliation between a patient and their doctor ('my doctor' or 'my patient'). It is often viewed as the basis for continuity of care. Many general practices now work with other health professionals such as practice nurses, mental health nurses, allied health professionals and Aboriginal health workers as part of the practice team. The principles in this criterion relating to the patient's right to see their preferred GP also apply to appointments with other members of the clinical team.
It is acknowledged that some practices do not have formal, written appointment schedules by which patients are booked to see their preferred GP or another member of the clinical team. However, such practices need to be able to demonstrate that they have a system or a rationale for determining how patients may see the GP of their choice. It is noted that within Aboriginal medical services, continuity of comprehensive care may involve a wider set of relationships, extending from the patient to the GP, Aboriginal health workers and practice nurses.
When a GP ceases to be a member of the practice team, it is courteous to notify the GP's regular patients. Depending on the circumstances, it may be appropriate to advise patients how they can access their own health information if required.
The therapeutic relationship between the patient and the GP who usually provides their continuing comprehensive healthcare needs to be preserved. Indicator A is not applicable to services which provide care outside normal opening hours.
Continuity of care refers to the situation where patients experience an episode of care as complete, or consistent, or seamless even if it is provided in a number of different consultations by different providers. Such continuity is associated with improved patient health outcomes and satisfaction. There are three types of continuity in healthcare, each dealing with a different level at which health services provide ongoing care to patients:
You could address all three types of continuity in your response to this criterion. Aspects of Criterion 1.4.1 Consistent evidence-based practice are also relevant here.
Table 1.9 explains each of the indicators for this criterion. Refer to Criterion 1.5.1 Continuity of comprehensive care and the therapeutic relationship of the Standards for general practices for explanations of some of the concepts referred to in this criterion.
Below is a description of the ways in which an Aboriginal community controlled health service can ensure appropriate continuity of care for its patients and community. Not all of these good practices are required by the Standards, but they illustrate the many practical and creative things that ACCHSs can do to ensure they deliver services of high safety and quality to their community.
The service recognises that an essential element for its patients is the relationship they have with their GP and other health service providers. It also acknowledges that trusting relationships take time to be established and need to be respected. The service therefore does whatever it can to make sure all patients get to see the GP or health providers that they have this good relationship with.
Reception staff understand the importance of relationships in maintaining continuity of care. They also behave in a friendly, respectful way to every patient, and try to establish relationships of trust that reinforce those developed by patients with their health providers. Sometimes reception staff offer to make appointments for patients with the external health providers to whom they have been referred, because they know some patients find doing this themselves to be difficult.
GPs and other health staff members have individual appointment books and there is a rotating roster for GPs on walk-in appointment mornings; this is to facilitate patient requests for appointments with a preferred GP. An audit of patient health records will show that most active patients generally see the same GP, clinical staff member or health worker.
The service's staff actively use the recall and reminder system in the patient management and clinical software, and pop-up reminders alert health staff about scheduled events for individual patients.
An audit of patient health records will show that patients with complex or chronic health needs have active management plans in place. These are managed by a care coordinator, who is employed by the service.
Notices are put in the waiting room listing when visiting doctors or allied health staff are due to visit.
Below are some of the ways in which an Aboriginal community controlled health service might choose to demonstrate how it meets the requirements of this criterion for accreditation against the Standards. Please use the following as examples only, because your service may choose other, better-suited, forms of evidence to show how it meets the criterion.
Standards for general practices - amended May 2013 (PDF 2MB)
Amendments to Standards May 2013 (PDF 536KB)
Interpretive guide - amended May 2013 (PDF 3MB)
Amendments to Interpretive guide May 2013 (PDF 909KB)


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Assessment Prescription Method (APM)
What is 2 Sigma Improvement?
Mastery Learning
The 2 Sigma Problem: In 1984, Benjamin Bloom discovered a method for drastically improving educational efficiency, that improved results by a factor of two standard deviations (two sigma). This is known as Bloom's 2 Sigma Problem.
Bloom's method means that the "average" student within a given class could now perform better than 49 out of every 50 students within a traditional classroom setting.
What was his secret sauce?
It is the combination of two education approaches: mastery learning and personalized instruction.
Our Assessment-Prescription Method (APM) solves Bloom's 2 sigma problem by being the most effective application/retention system.
Assessment Prescription Method
Hillview Prep's Assessment Prescription Method exposes each student to innovative strategies and methods that suit his or her learning style.
Your proficiency level is discovered by your prescription which pinpoints your:
Discover Innovative strategies that compliment your learning style and needs. Our progress-based curriculum adapts to your performance, ensuring that you are implementing the most optimal methods at all times!
The Smart Scoring System: The Heart of the APM
The Ultimate Learning Tool
The Smart Scoring System:
The heart of the Assessment-Prescription Method is our unique Smart Scoring System, a 5-point learning tool.
It can identify your academic strengths and weaknesses and understand your learning style. It is the ultimate guide for discovering the most effective methods and strategies that make you learn faster and succeed in less time.
The Smart Scoring System is also a learning tool. Its User Interface emphasizes tactile inputs, helping you to increase your concentration and retention. It measures your time management and cognitive efficiency.


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Griffin Dunne has experienced almost everything that`s seen in his new movie, ``After Hours,`` but just not in the same night.
In the critically acclaimed comedy, Dunne plays a pleasant, mild-mannered word processor who accepts a date with a strange girl who lives in Manhattan`s SoHo neighborhood. Before the movie is over, he finds himself penniless, locked out of his room, mistaken for a burglar and almost pummeled by a vigilante group. He`s also made the acquaintance of some very weird people.


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Richard Misrach Visits Library Reading Room
We had the honor of hosting Richard Misrach and his wife, Myriam, in the reading room yesterday. Along with making sure that the library's collection of about twenty books by and about the artist were signed, we cajoled him into taking a peek into the library's clipping file that we've been building since early in his career. It's not often that we witness a living artist thumbing through the past as recorded in the flotsam and jetsam contained in these files in the form of gallery invitations, reproductions, exhibition checklists, and the like, but it was exciting to offer this, as I quipped, "trip down amnesia lane." Mr. Misrach seemed delighted to revisit some of this material, and his response underscores the importance of these collections as encapsulated records of an artist's life.
Accounting for American Art
Beyond an art object's aesthetic qualities are the story of its creator and history. The museum is fortunate to have an archives where these pieces of information can be found. A fine example is the Roman Bronze Works Archive, which contains the entire foundry records of the premier art bronze foundry in the United States in the first half of the 20th century. This foundry cast many of the sculptures being done by artists of the period, including most of those in the museum's collections. The image below is taken from the foundry's accounting ledger for the works they cast for Frederic Remington.
The archive is open to researchers seeking information about their sculptures, and we are delighted to field queries. Send your questions to email@example.com.
World-Class University, Meet World-Class Museum
Research Library Saturday Hours Resume September 7
The Research Library resumes its Saturday hours beginning September 7. Please stop by this stunning and contemplative space to learn more about the museum's art collection or to research any topic related to American art, photography, and history. The librarian on duty will be happy to guide your research from 11 am-4 pm.
Welcome Home
The Amon Carter staff were very excited to welcome a new acquisition of a major, full-length painting by John Singer Sargent (1856–1925). The work, titled Edwin Booth from 1890, is a portrait of the great 19th-century Shakespearean actor, Edwin Booth (1833–1893).
Come visit the museum and see this important piece of American art for yourself. Admission is always free.
Happy Birthday Thomas Eakins
Thomas Eakins was born on this day in 1844. Swimming is considered an American masterpiece and the pinnacle of his work as a realist painter and teacher. The painting was originally purchased from the artist's widow by the Friends of Art in Fort Worth, who gave it to the city's Art Association as a worthy addition to its public art gallery.
Thomas Eakins (18414-1916)
Swimming, 1885
oil on canvas
Amon Carter Museum of American Art, Fort Worth, Texas, Purchased by the Friends of Art, Fort Worth Art Association, 1925; acquired by the Amon Carter Museum of American Art, 1990, from the Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth through grants and donations from the Amon G. Carter Foundation, the Sid W. Richardson Foundation, the Anne Burnett and Charles Tandy Foundation, Capital Cities/ABC Foundation, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, The R. D. and Joan Dale Hubbard Foundation and the people of Fort Worth.
Agricultural Riches in the Research Library
It might surprise some of our readers to learn that the research library has a large collection of yearbooks from the United States Department of Agriculture. We were recently taking a closer look at this set to determine how it compared to other library holdings in the area. While we discovered that the the Cowgirl Museum and TCU have good coverage of this title, we are the only collection that offers the earliest report of the newly-christened department covering the year 1862. In this report Congress lays out its charge:
Be it enacted by the Senate and the House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That there is hereby established at the seat of government of the United States a Department of Agriculture, the general designs and duties of which shall be to acquire and to diffuse among the people of the United States useful information on subjects connected with agriculture in the most general and comprehensive sense of that word, and to procure, propagate, and distribute among the people new and valuable seeds and plants.
The department's first commissioner, Isaac Newton, waxes about agriculture's importance to the moral fiber of the nation and its countrymen, invoking some of the tenets of the Jeffersonian yeoman farmer ideal:
I hardly deem it necessary to attempt to convince our intelligent countryman of the vast importance of such a department, inasmuch as whatever improves the condition and the character of the farmer feeds the life-springs of national character, wealth, and power ... Agricultural pursuits tend to moderate and tranquilize the false ambition of nations, to heal sectional animosities, and afford a noble arena for honorable rivalry. The acquisition of comparatively slow, but sure, wealth, drawn from and reinvested in the soil, develops health of body, independence and simplicity of life, and love of country; while the rapid accumulation of wealth, not by production, but by trade and speculation, is unnatural and unhealthful. It attracts men to cities and tempts to wild investments. It too often unsettles moral principles, and substitutes selfishness for patriotism.
Newton further quotes a supporter of the Homestead Act of 1862 regarding the necessity of attracting immigrants to till the soil, filling the void of so many Americans lost in the ongoing Civil War:
Every acre of our fertile soil is a mine which only waits the contact of labor to yield its treasures, and every acre is opened to that fruitful contact by the homestead act. When the opportunity ... shall be understood by the working millions of Europe, it cannot be doubted that great numbers will seek American homes in order to avail themselves of the great advantages ... Every working man who comes betters the condition of the country as well as his own.
The 1862 yearbook also features a preamble of plates highlighting the agricultural riches of the nation:
In fact our copy of the report for 1864 features its own real plant life: we discovered five specimens sandwiched within its pages. Working with the Amanda Neill, Director of the Herbarium at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas, we learned that all five specimens are examples of nasturtium. Since we do not know when or where the specimens were gathered, they have very little scientific value.
Library Items Relate to "We the People: Picturing American Identity"
We cannot always squeeze everything we want into the galleries, and some objects are not easily displayed on the walls. The research library is exhibiting several items that could not be fit into the We the People: Picturing American Identity exhibition, yet enhance the show in interesting ways.
One exhibition looks at the American ideals of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness as depicted in mass media print sources of the 19th and early 20th centuries. Another showcases the work of contemporary photographer Doug Rickard, who takes photographs of images of depressed parts of the nation from Google Street View as they appear on his computer monitor. A New American Picture comments on race and class, privacy and surveillance, and the tradition of street photography while asking the larger question of how this kind of digital image making relates to American identity.
The Emancipation of the Negroes, January 1863, the Past and the Future
Wood engraving
In: Harper's Weekly (Jan. 24, 1863)
The research library, with the help of volunteer assistance, recently finished barcoding all the books in the main part of the stacks. Close to 50,000 items had to be examined, and items without a barcode got one attached. This process not only facilitates electronic checkout to staff, but it also helped us inventory the collection. Kudos to Mary Jane Harbison, Library Technical Services Coordinator, for shepherding this monumental project.
The photo below of volunteer Phyllis Evans, chief barcoder, shows relief or perhaps shock that she has crossed the finish line!
Behind the Scenes: Installing Hidden in Plain Site
Currently on view in the museum atrium is Hidden in Plain Site, a monumental art work that includes four canvases. Artist Sedrick Huckaby wanted to celebrate the artistic merit of his grandmother's quilts and explore the idea of quilts containing hidden messages. The process used by the artist to create this and other works was directly inspired by the collages of Romare Bearden, some of which are featured in the special exhibition Romare Bearden: A Black Odyssey now on view through August 11, 2013.
Hanging a large-scale piece takes many hours of planning and collaboration. The project began four months before the works even came into the museum. Jim Belknap, Installation Manager, visited Huckaby's studio to look at the paintings and get an idea of what it would take to hang 300 pounds of wood, canvas, and paint on the walls of the museum. Not only was the safety of the art at stake, but the integrity of the delicate shell stone walls in the museums' atrium were an important issue during the installation.
A framework system was constructed on which the paintings were hung. (The design and build process took two months.) Framework and paintings would then hang on a pulley-and-cable system that was attached to a bronze channel already installed in the wall. The original channel proved to be too deep and new metal channel inserts had to be created to hold the bolts for the pulley/cable system.
Installation started on a Monday at 8 a.m. and was completed by 6 p.m. The work had to be completed before the museum reopened on Tuesday morning. This project required four professional art handlers, two registrars, two contractors, three lifts, and a step ladder from the Teaching Resource Center. The artist was on hand during the last hours of the installation and he didn't seem at all worried about his creation. The result is a wonderful marriage of art, careful planning, and precision engineering.
Hidden in Plain Site will be on view until October 31, 2013. Don't miss it!


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Kate and Ben have all the answers to your questions about who we are and what we do.
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Backpacking Europe Summer 2012
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Anne Hathaway hit her first red carpet since becoming a mom in Los Angeles on Thursday (12May16).
In her first public appearance since welcoming her son Jonathan in March (24Mar16), the Les Miserables star stepped out to help promote her new movie, Alice Through the Looking Glass.
The new mom, 33, wore a black and white floral lace dress by Disaya for her return to the spotlight, as she beamed and posed for the cameras beside her husband Adam Shulman.
Anne reprises her role as Mirana of Marmoreal, the White Queen, in the sequel to 2010's Alice in Wonderland, which also features the return of her co-stars Johnny Depp, Helena Bonham Carter, and Mia Wasikowska, who portrays the titular Alice in the Lewis Carroll adaptation.
Both films were directed by Tim Burton.


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Superstars and their sock stories
Posted 7th August 2015 by SockShop
Socks aren't just for keeping your feet warm – they can be lucky charms, fashion accessories or a way to make an entrance.
|Superstitious Serena
Sports stars are famous for their superstitions, from pre-game routines to lucky charms. For example, basketball player Jason Eugene Terry would wear 5 pairs of socks per game – at the same time.
But it's probably the best women's tennis player of all time that has the strangest sock superstition. Many tennis players will change rackets, put on new grips and swap tops during a game, as being fresh is important in the marathon matches.
But Serena Williams has been known to wear the same pair of socks throughout a tournament. Hopefully, she washes them between matches.
Find your lucky pair from our range of ladies' sport socks.
Cruising along
It's one of the most famous scenes in movie history, introducing the wider world to one of the leading movie stars.
Tom Cruise slides into shot wearing nothing but some pants, a shirt, and a pair of socks. The moment from Risky Business has become iconic. But if it wasn't for a pair of socks, it might well have been different.
Cruise initially played it barefoot, but said he kept on falling over. He couldn't get the trademark slide without a pair of socks. On came the white socks and Cruise glided into frame and movie history.
Pharrell's socks make him happy
In a perfect world, we'd all be like Pharrell Williams - super Happy and rich enough to have our favourite socks handmade for us.
And these aren't just any socks. You're probably thinking they're high-end cashmere wool socks. What actually makes him happy are his Spongebob Squarepants socks. He says he's such a fan of the socks that he had a pair custom made for him.
And yes, they're made from cashmere.
George Clooney is happy to spread the sock wealth
|'Wear them once' Clooney
While Pharrell loves his socks so much he gets them handmade specially, Ocean's 11 star George Clooney has a different view. The Oscar-winning actor only ever wears his socks once – and then gets rid of them.
Don't worry, they're not going into landfill and he hasn't taken to making sock puppets. Instead, he donates them all to a homeless shelter – once they've been washed of course.
Jack Grealish taking his sock inspiration from George Best
|Pull your socks up, son
And finally, we come to football. The sport of the long socks that have been pulled up to the knee for generations.
Well no more, says young Aston Villa starlet Jack Grealish. Playing in the FA Cup final against Liverpool, Grealish wore his claret and blue socks round his ankles.
He was inspired by Man U legend George Best, who also wore his socks slung low. Grealish even wore child-sized shin pads so they didn't poke over the tops of the socks.
Posted in All things sock & A little bit random.
Get involved and tell us what you think. Comments may be subject to moderation.


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To your left you will find a short summary of the main services we provide.
Click to read each synopsis or follow the main menu at the top of the page to navigate to your area of interest.
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Originally posted by Ben81
Many baby boomer have a strange round vaccine scar on their upper arm
always wondered what could that be
normaly vaccine dont make scars
you would offer me 100 trillions of dollars to take a vaccine
i would say to you GTFO
Originally posted by timetothink
reply to post by snowspirit
I think the sugar cube one was polio...going to look it up.
Originally posted by snowspirit
Originally posted by Ben81
Many baby boomer have a strange round vaccine scar on their upper arm
always wondered what could that be
normaly vaccine dont make scars
I've seen that on many people my age. I don't have that scar, but I also don't remember any sort of skin scraping. My small pox vaccination was an orally given sugar cube.
I also have always wondered what that scar was from.
I remember my vaccination from before I was school age - they painted a bunny on my arm, and then they stabbed it!!! I was horrified
What were they thinking?
These mysterious microorganisms can play a major role in a wide range of diseases including rheumatoid arthritis, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia syndromes, multiple sclerosis, Gulf War illness, Crohn's disease and other inflammatory bowel diseases, diabetes and even aggressive cancers. Without proper diagnosis and treatment of mycoplasma infections, curing these conditions can be difficult or impossible.
Originally posted by timetothink
And a new thing are these cystlike lumps under the skin.edit on 10-9-2012 by timetothink because: (no reason given)


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