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by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
Often friends and family of online writers don't understand their lifestyle or career. It's not something they do on purpose. They just really don't understand. Here are some of the top things family and friends of online writers need to remember.
Just because we are at home does not mean we are available. Online writers work at home. Yes, this means we are at home more than some others might be. But it does not mean we can always answer the door or the phone. All of a writer's home hours are not hours that the writer is available. We have hours that we work, just like everyone else. It just so happens that our work is done at home. Just like you would not want someone calling your job to interrupt your work, we feel the same.
If the phone is off, we are most likely working and probably not dead. The phone being turned off is not an invitation to bug a writer on messenger or Facebook. It's also not an invitation to keep leaving messages or show up at our door. It simply means we are working and will get back to you when the work day is over. Writing is no different than any other job. If we don't do the work, we don't get paid. So if the phone is off, please don't take that as an invitation to interrupt our work with other means of contact.
Call before coming over. Online writers might be working at various times of the day or night. Our schedule is flexible. However, because writing requires a specific thought process, when we are in the middle of it, interruptions can actually ruin our work. So, even though our work day is flexible, we need to be able to be the ones to choose the hours. If you'd like to visit an online writer, call first. If the phone is off, the writer is probably busy.
Facebook and other networking is not playing. Online writers get paid by page views on many of their pieces of writing. Just because your online writer friend or family member is on Facebook, it does not mean that person is playing. We need to stay social to keep connected with each other, as well as our readers. Both conversations and posting article links helps us with this aspect. Just because we are posting on Facebook, it does not mean we are not working. It also does not mean we are available. Facebook, twitter, and more can be an important part of an online writer's day.
Online writing is a career, not a hobby. When you ask your friend or family member how their 'little hobby' is going, expect them to be offended. Why? Online writing might be a hobby for some, but to many, it is actually their career. Does your friend or family member get paid for their writing? If you can answer yes, then it is not a hobby. Online writers are business owners, which makes writing their career. Just like everyone else, we have to file taxes, we have to put in the hours, and we get paid. Please do not call an online writer's career their hobby.
*This content was originally published by Lyn Lomasi on ListMyFive.com.
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
Most who know me will know that I spend a considerable amount of time utilizing social media. I still will. It's essential to the work I do and is a significant method for keeping in touch with those I care about. However, starting tonight, I've decided to go about it in a different way. I'm minimizing my mobile notifications for Facebook and Twitter – specifically, the SMS (text) ones… and yes, I can feel the shock coursing through the veins of anyone who knows me personally, as they read that statement.
SMS is Outdated and Unnecessary
Why the heck am I getting both text alerts and push notifications for the same exact things on Facebook? I receive several types of push notifications. Two of those include email and Facebook – and I get Facebook alerts in my email too. This means I am getting three notifications for the same updates (email, Facebook app, and SMS). Why? This is a bit excessive. At first, it was a precaution to be sure I don't miss anything important. However, there hasn't yet been a time when any of those methods has failed. Besides, with push notifications coming directly from the Facebook app, SMS is actually quite outdated, not to mention unnecessary. Why would I choose text alerts when the push notifications get me directly to the update in the Facebook app? The text notification leads to the mobile web version of Facebook, which is not how I prefer to access Facebook. I prefer the app because the features are better and it loads faster.
Text Alerts Are Annoying
My poor loved ones have to hear the constant annoyance that is my text alert going off literally every second sometimes. This is ridiculous and I'm putting an end to it. In fact, it's even starting to annoy me and I'm the one who set it up that way. Yes, some of the notifications are important – some. But as I mentioned above, I'm already getting them via my mobile device in other ways. So the SMS is really just an unnecessary annoyance and distraction. Text messages that happen all the time are not cool and neither are those that wake people up in the middle of the night, unless they are an emergency. I don't need to receive a text message every time a friend or business updates their status on Facebook or tweets on Twitter. I check those that matter via apps or my laptop anyhow. Seeing them more than once is annoying and takes time away from more important things.
My Family Deserves More Attention
I am a mother first before anything and these notifications can be a distraction. I'm not the type to ignore my kids. But glancing at my phone less is something they'll likely appreciate. The same could be said for my lover, friends, and other family. I'm sure everyone in my life wouldbe very happy if there were fewer reasons for me to glance at my phone during fun activities. I still get things done and if you ask any of them, they'll tell you I'm very loving and attentive. However, it's just the principle of the matter.
I'm Hoping for More Productivity
I added so many notifications to increase productivity. Those who know me will also know that I am extremely productive. They'll probably also be shocked if I can increase that and wonder how I can do that with fewer notifications. If you remember what I said above, you'll remember that I am getting the same notifications more than once. Therefore, this should actually save me some time. If I'm being honest, I actually don't look at every notification. However, I do sometimes look at the same ones in more than one place. So taking these away will end that possibility.
My Cell Phone Battery Dies Too Quickly
More notifications equal less battery juice. The whole point of a cell phone is having it available for use at any time. That becomes less possible if I am on the go and for some reason am unable to charge my phone for a lengthy time period. My cell phone battery often dies quickly because I have so many notifications coming in every direction. Cutting off most of the SMS alerts will help remedy a great deal of that issue. Twitter and Facebook notifications come to my phone so often that if I stop receiving text alerts for even five minutes, I know that my phone is having issues and I need to restart it. It's cool to have that indicator, but at the same time, that's just too much. In addition to reasons stated above, I need my cell phone to keep its juice.
Certain SMS and Mobile Alerts Are Staying
Because some people do rely on me for emergency situations, certain alerts will still come to me via SMS. However, most will not. For instance, Twitter DMs will stay for people I follow back because those people rarely DM me unless it's important and about work. I need those SMS notifications, as I do not receive push notifications for anything Twitter-related. But Twitter notifications for specific people and companies will likely go away. I really don't need to know every time every entity I follow posts to Twitter. But I do need to know when someone needs assistance.
In short, I'm cutting off many of my mobile notifications for family, life, and business purposes. Therefore, if you notice me slowing down on responding to less important things, that could be part of it. I love all of my friends on both sites. But there's a point where too much is just…well, too much.
**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
Because of my career choices (and because it became quite fun), I found myself spending tons of time on Facebook daily. Although I have the application on my phone AND receive text and email notifications, I would always have at least one tab open in FireFox with something from Facebook. But lately that has changed and here's why.
I'm busier with other aspects of my career. I offer a good portion of support surrounding my work via Facebook. There is also much more to it than Facebook support. Once I answer what is necessary there, I simply have to go away to get other things done, such as answering emails, writing articles, writing reports, publishing, editing, and so much more. Sometimes that means I can't answer my friends right away. But I will always answer eventually.
I'm spending more time with family. Summer break is over and my younger kids are back in school (the older ones are in homeschool). That means that when I pick them up from school in the afternoon, once I'm finished with my work, they want my attention. They haven't seen me all day. Therefore, they want and deserve my attention. I love my family and friends on Facebook too and I do my best to keep up with everyone. But as any parent knows, the kids must come first. I'm a single mommy as well, which adds to their need for me to be there.
I'm doing more things that keep me away from Facebook. Blogging is one of the things I like to do that keeps me away from Facebook. You may get an indicator that I'm online and think I'm available to talk. But really, I'm probably in another tab on FireFox posting to my blogs. Or maybe I locked the computer screen instead of turning it off and I'm actually gone walking the dogs on the trail. I'm a busy person, both in work and play. While I do have Facebook installed on my phone, it isn't always appropriate to check it, depending on what I'm doing. For instance, if I'm cuddling up to someone I love while watching a scary or suspenseful movie, I'm sorry, but I'm not checking Facebook. My phone is probably on silent in the other room with the screen locked and I probably won't see it for a while.
I've organized my notifications to prioritize work and family. Another thing I've done on Facebook is create lists, as well as organize my notifications in various ways. This means, I look at things related to work and family first. Then, I answer other things, based on time, as well as urgency. Sometimes I even miss things because I get thousands of notifications daily. Also, if you message me and I'm not your friend on Facebook, your messages are likely not going to show up in my regular inbox. They'll probably be in my "Other' inbox, which I don't check as often because honestly, sometimes I forget about it. I have strict filtering activated on Facebook, due to spam issues.
I just don't have the time. I know that many of my Facebook friends are used to me responding as soon as they send messages, tag me, or leave a post on my wall. But the thing is, it has gotten to a point where there are just so many that I can no longer do that every time and still have time for everything else going on in my life. There was a point where I couldn't stand to leave anything unanswered longer than a couple minutes. Now, it can sometimes take a couple days or more for me to reply to a message. There are just so many of them and so many other things going on in my life that I just don't have the time anymore to spend so much time on Facebook.
Nowadays, aside from career-related support and tasks and conversing with my closest family and friends, I haven't been doing much on Facebook. Although, I usually do come in at random times and meme-bomb my wall. I'll look in my favorite lists I've created from various pages rather than the regular newsfeed and I'll post a bunch of memes in a row and then leave. Hey, I can't help it! They're funny! Facebook is supposed to be fun!
**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this elsewhere (no longer published there)
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
I've been using Facebook for several years now. I don't know if people are getting ruder or I just never noticed or experienced it before. But lately, it seems that people are getting extremely pushy about everything under the sun. Don't get me wrong, I spout my causes there too. But sometimes it isn't what you do, but how you do it. Or maybe I'm just being picky again. You tell me.
Have you ever had a friend complain about something you posted on your Facebook wall? I'm not talking about posts which would be against the law – and in some cases, the posts are not even controversial, as far as I know. I'm merely talking about the everyday things in which you're interested. By complaining, I don't mean disagreeing, which is normal and fine. I've actually had people demanding in private messages, emails, and even directly on posts that I don't post certain things, like animals needing to be rescued or reputable scientific information. And I'm not even posting anything graphic. This is happening with normal pictures of sheltered animals and other normal, everyday things.
From shelter animals to scientific information and everything in between, people are actually attempting to dictate what I post on my own Facebook wall. I can surely understand people disagreeing with me – and I don't expect everyone to agree with what I post. In fact, I love a good discussion because it's how we all learn things. I post what I do because it's me, not because I want it to be you or I want you to believe what I do. I also post it because maybe someone else out there relates to me and it helps them feel they are not so alone in this world.
To me, my Facebook wall is like my home. In my home, I feel comfortable to freely be me and this is what I do on my Facebook wall as well. If you don't like what I do in my home, then why stay? We can hang out elsewhere or not at all. I am not forcing anyone to come into my home – or in this case, to look at my Facebook posts. No one should feel unwelcome in their own home and lately, it seems that certain people would like to make me feel this way on my own Facebook wall. Sorry to tell you, but that game doesn't work on me. Feel free to hide my feed or unfriend me if I'm really all that annoying. But please don't tell me what I can and cannot post, especially since the same is respected for you from my end.
I've already moved on from the effects of those who have done this and continue to post what interests me. However, I hope that if anyone else is getting the same, this post will help them not feel so alone – and possibly motivate them to speak up about it too. Bullying or attempting to control others in any form is not okay.
Has anyone ever asked you not to post certain things on your own Facebook wall?
Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
Try doing a Yahoo search on anything related to freelance writing jobs and you'll pull up a multitude of opportunities, many of them scams. The simplest way to tell if one's a scam is that it usually starts with "make easy money" just like any other scam. While it's true that some aspects of a freelance writing career will become easy to an experienced writer over time, freelance writing as a whole is NOT an easy full time career path. But it's worth it.
As a full time freelance writer, I used to spend countless sleepless nights thinking, researching, and typing out the results endlessly. Wait, "used to"? If I'm no longer a full time freelance writer, what do I know? The thing is, I spent years as a full time freelance writer and I slowed down, not because of the lack of money or interest, but because I wanted to help other freelance writers. That's right. Now my full time job is helping others do what I did. But I still write almost full time as well. Therefore, I assure you, you can trust my experience.
Some people think "Oh, I can write. My poems from high school are great. I should be a writer." And if that's you, writing might be a good career choice for you. But just keep in mind that writing for the web and writing a poem here and there are two entirely different things. Freelance writing as a full time career path will involve writing for a considerable amount of time most days. Decide which you REALLY want to do and do that.
Writing for the web as a full time freelance writer is hard work. Yes, work. Forget all those scammers out there telling you it's easy. Yes, it's easy for them at first because they're copying and pasting the text that I (or another talented writer) put real time and heart into in order to create it. But it no longer becomes easy for them when we decide to pursue it legally.
Ah yes, there's another thing about freelance writing. You're not JUST a writer. You're a writer, researcher, marketer, CEO, manager, self-appointed attorney, and many other things.
The first part – the actual writing – may come easy to you sometimes and maybe even most of the time. But there will be days when you may not be able to form a complete sentence no matter how many deadlines you're facing or how much money is on the line. Even for writers who seem to just sprout creative words in an instant, writing all day every day can become difficult. And you WILL need to write very often (among other things) in order to make the most money at web writing.
I know what you're thinking because it's me as well. I definitely said it too. You're saying "but I love writing. I already write all day long, nonstop. I can do this." If so, then you probably can, just like me. However, keep in mind that even you will likely have days where you just can't. Also keep in mind that everything you write, though it may come from your heart, is for someone else. And, while you are in charge of yourself, you do still have to actually work. Otherwise, what are you getting paid for?
Up until this point, I may have turned some people off already because it sounds like a big complaint. But heck no! I love what I do and wouldn't trade it for the world. The thing is, if you're going to be in the business, someone needs to tell you the real facts. Yes, I can spend more time with my kids (human and fur variety). Yes, I make a fairly decent income when I'm consistent with it. But it does take real work and effort and if you can't commit to that, this is NOT the career for you because if you stop working, the money stops coming.
For me, the benefits of staying home with my kids, the satisfaction of knowing my words may help people, being able to finally start saving some money, and some of the other things directly related to being a freelance writer are worth the hard work. It's not easy, but it's worth it.
Still want to be a freelance writer? If you said yes, I commend you. Feel free to reach out to me on my Facebook page for help getting started: facebook.com/LynLomasi
(No, I'm not going to charge you anything for advice, unlike those scammers out there looking for a quick buck. NEVER pay for work. You're the one working. YOU should be the one getting paid.)
**Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this here on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
If you browsed my Facebook wall (or other social media sites I am a member of) and hadn't before (or were not made aware of what I do), you might quickly become confused. Why? I often share work written by my friends as well as what I create myself. This means some topics might conflict with my personal viewpoints and other things posted -- and that's okay. However, it is confusing to some people and I receive questions about it often.
Here's the deal. Freelance writers often get paid based on page views. Therefore, I frequently share to help them out once I have read a piece. Sometimes I agree with the points made in my friends' articles and sometimes I don't. I don't always share based on topic because I can disagree with a topic and still feel the article has value. Even if someone doesn't agree with me, they have a right to speak their mind as well. Unless it's harmful to others, opinion doesn't affect my choice to share the link to someone's work on various social networks.
My strategy for reading when my friends do the same is to click what I'm interested in and ignore the rest. It's silly to send a message to someone asking them not to post certain things. Yes, I have had that happen: (http://www.articlewriterforhire.com/1/post/2013/10/please-dont-tell-me-what-to-post-on-facebook.html). I realize I do share lots of stuff on social sites. Please ignore what you aren't interested in and only share what you are. After all, sharing should be organic, not forced.
What's your sharing strategy? Do you use opinion as one of the deciding factors in sharing content on social media?
Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
The other day while I was enjoying time with a friend, my phone apps were notifying me with alerts so much that I put the phone on silent and plugged it in another room and just checked it now and then. I'm not sure why I never noticed until that moment just how ridiculous my notifications had become.
In order to enjoy my time with my friend without hearing and checking on that nonsense, I had to take action by doing what I did with the phone. But why did I have to in the first place? Why did I let it get that bad to begin with?
Here's the thing. I'm a workaholic. I'm also a mom – a single mom whose boyfriend lives in another country. That combination used to mean that I didn't really get out that much unless it involved my kids, my pets, work, or errands. Therefore, it has been ideal for me to get notifications and alerts related to work and other interests because well, it's not like anyone would notice except me and it helps me keep up with certain things.
But guess what I discovered the other day (as well as on a few other occasions where I ignored the notifications as well)? Everyone survived when I only answered the important notifications. No one died. No one threw a fit. Hell, I don't think anyone even noticed, honestly.
Hmm… yup I did some thinking.
Do I really need to get notified every time one of my friends checks in somewhere I'm probably not going and really don't need to know they went (unless I'm a stalker, which I'm not)? If my friends want me to come somewhere, they'll invite me, not just check into an app expecting me to come.
Do I really need to know every single time my local news station tweets an update? Really? Every time? I don't even watch the news or most other television, for that matter. So why am I having news and other similar notifications from the twitter application coming to me in text form all day every day?
Do I really need to know about every event, sale, or promotion at every store or mall I shop at? I have plenty of children who are willing to spend that money so I probably have none left for those things anyway. Plus, I loathe shopping. So why the heck am I getting sale notifications?
Those are just a few of the many things I decided no longer need to come to my phone.
Today, I uninstalled several apps from my phone and the only thing I noticed was that it was much quieter and my battery lasted much longer. From now on, only the most important notifications (such as work-related items) will be coming to my phone.
Are your app notifications taking over the life you could be living instead?
Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
(Photo is free to use for both commercial and non-commercial purposes with credit to Lyn Lomasi as the photographer and a link back to this page as the source)
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
"Please subscribe to my work. I promise I will read yours too." Those are words many web writers hear on a daily basis. But should those words be put to rest? In mentoring fellow writers, I often get asked about promotion. Many times people ask me what to do. Now I'm going to tell you what not to do. Here are 5 of the many marketing no-nos for web writers.
Don't blast the same links on twitter all day long.
Not only is this annoying, it is considered spamming and can get you banned from twitter. It makes me cringe when I see fellow writers sharing the exact same article link every hour all day long. If you want to reshare an article, wait for another day or share it elsewhere, not continuously in the same space. The same goes for when you're sharing on other social networks or anywhere else you promote your links. Oversharing could be a TOS violation. When you violate one thing, readers and clients may question your ethics.
Don't use social networks purely for link posting.
If you join a social site, then be social. Posting only links is not considered being social. Even if you click on links others post, you still aren't being social. Have conversations. Participate in the community. If you aren't going to do anything but post links, then you are probably promoting to dead air space because that's considered spamming.
Don't demand reciprocation.
If you follow another writer's work, don't expect them to follow yours. Sure, they might want to return the favor or they might like your work. But just because you read their work does not mean they are required to read yours. Think about it from their perspective. How do you feel when people expect you to do something? It's not a fair way to treat people. Instead of asking for or demanding reciprocation, leave people to make their own decisions about your writing.
Don't expect family and friends to read everything you write.
This is something many web writers will deal with. It's definitely a good feeling when family members and friends want to read your work. But don't make them feel as if they have to. Not everyone is going to understand your passion for writing. That doesn't mean they don;t support you. They may just have other interests. It's one thing to drop a quick link on facebook where everyone you know can see it. It's quite another to repeatedly email the same links to family members and friends.
Don't use shady promotional tactics.
If you want readers and clients to take you seriously, avoid certain marketing tactics. Selling traffic traffic clicks, using pyramid schemes, and other such promotional tactics may sound tempting at first. But these type of marketing campaigns are often frowned upon and are even against the TOS of many content sites and publications. Keep the trust of your clients and readers by only using trusted promotional techniques. Your clients will trust your work ethics when your traffic is verifiable and your readers will trust what you say if you are ethical in all your actions.
**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
**I originally published this content on Yahoo! Voices on July 5, 2011
Why Your Facebook Recommends Don't Show On Your Timeline and How to Change That
by Lyn Lomasi, Staff Writer
You get all excited to share your latest piece from Bubblews or other sites and you hit that recommend button. But while some people can see it in your activity, unless you do it a certain way it will never hit the newsfeed of many of your friends, nor will it post to your wall. Why?
If you've hit that recommend button only to see the recommend is not posting to your wall, you're doing it wrong if you wanted it there. The solution is actually a simple one. You might even smack yourself for not thinking of it after I tell you.
The recommend button is meant for telling people how you feel about a particular topic. When you hit that button, a box pops up for sharing to your Facebook account. If you just hit the button to post to your wall without leaving a comment, the recommendation goes into your activity. But it will not post to your wall.
That's right. In order to get it to post to your wall (thus be seen by more of your friends), you need to leave a comment with it. As long as there is text placed in that box before hitting the button to post it, the recommend will then post to your wall and be seen in more newsfeeds.
Yup, that's truly all there was to it. That's the huge secret. Test it out. You're welcome.
What are some of your Facebook sharing secrets? Let us know in the comment section.
Photo Credit/Copyright: Lyn Lomasi
I originally published this on BUBBLEWS (no longer published there)
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
You're making the usual Facebook rounds and noticed you've been tagged in several posts. Excitedly, you click on each notification one by one only to find out that none of the posts have anything to do with you and a few are what you'd consider spam. This is a common problem as more people are using Facebook. It doesn't mean your friends are out to get you. Most likely, they are just having fun and may not realize they could be annoying you with their posts. Maybe you're the one annoying people and you don't even realize it.
Don't tag people every time you write an article. Yes, your friends may enjoy your work. If so, they are probably subscribed to you. If they haven't read it (or have but are not subscribed), it's not good form to tag them in your article posts, unless they ask you to. Asking is not the same thing as not getting a negative response when you tag them. They may simply be attempting politeness by not asking you to stop. Tolerating something is not the same thing as being in agreement with it.
Don't tag people in all your status updates. Yes, I know there are people you want to inform about your breakfast and plans for the day. However, doing this every day can become repetitive and annoying to some people. Status tagging should only be done when your update is actually relevant to the person you are tagging. For instance, if I tag Jane every time I update my status, Jane might be upset with me and will maybe remove me as a friend. But if I tag Jane to let her know I'm on my way to the restaurant we are meeting at for lunch, she'll be thrilled to hear that.
Don't tag people in pictures they are not involved in. This is one of my biggest peeves on Facebook. If someone is not in a photo or otherwise involved with it, why would they want to be tagged? Friends can see what's posted in your news feed and on your wall (unless you have blocked access). So there really is no need to tag everyone on your list each time you upload a picture. Even if you're gorgeous, this is still bad form. Tagging someone in a photo they are in or photographed is fine, as is tagging a company and/or its employees in a photo that involves that company. However, tagging all of those people in a photo of you with your latest outfit is not.
Don't tag people in advertisements. Now, this one is a very huge pet peeve of mine. People often tag me in ads for their books or other products. It's fine if I have given someone permission -- as part of a social media package (those cost money and involve more than that) or out of friendship. But if someone hasn't given you permission to advertise on their wall, it's bad netiquette to tag them in your ads. Even if you don't consider something an ad, if you're mentioning your product, you shouldn't tag people who haven't given the okay.
Don't tag people who remove your tags. If someone is removing tags every time you post them, there's a good chance they don't want to be tagged. Sometimes people remove them to keep certain pictures or posts out of their feed or photo features and may not actually be offended by the tag. But in most instances, if you keep seeing tags for a certain person disappear, don't tag that person again unless you have permission and something is directly related to them.
It takes time to see what posts you've been tagged in. It also takes time to remove unwanted tags. Be courteous of your friends and keep the tagging relevant.
**Photo Credit: Lyn Lomasi
**I originally published a version of this on Write W.A.V.E. Media
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
What do you want out of your writing? Are you writing for the money? The audience? Do you write to help others? Is it simply because you like it? Whatever you write, always know what it is you want to get from it.
Knowing what you want will help you get to your goal faster. It will also help you make important decisions along the way. Never write a word without knowing its intended purpose as well as where you want to be with writing, in general.
What you want should be apparent in your actions, as well as your words.
Do you know what you want?
by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Readers and fellow writers often ask me why I enjoy helping so many people? Am I worried about creating competition for myself? Why do I just freely give advice and inform others of what I do to succeed in writing? Am I creating competition by helping others succeed?
If I were creating competition, I am not afraid to play the game and I'd play it fair. However, I don't believe I am. Why? There is a vast sea of opportunities, gigs, jobs, and contracts in the writing world. It's not humanly possible for me to have every writing task to myself, nor would I desire to.
Aside from that, I am wise enough to know that every assignment is not for me. I don't know everything there is to know. Also, each writer has their own style. Why take on a project I know I can't do when there could be someone else better suited to it and who may need it more than I do? Instead, I could refer a good writer and move on to something better suited to me.
I have always believed in helping others, no matter the situation. Whether in my career or in every day life, if I see someone who needs help, I'm going to provide it if I have the means. If you knew a secret that could change the whole world for the better, would you keep it to yourself? Of course not - at least, I hope not.
No, writing advice is probably not going to change the world. However, if I can offer some guidance that can help change someone's perspective or career for the better, you can bet I'm going to tell them. One small piece of advice or word of encouragement could be all that is standing in the way of someone living their dream. How do I know this? People have given me that kind of hope and assistance. Were it not for fellow writers pushing me and offering me advice, who knows where I'd be today?
So, am I creating competition by helping others succeed? Does it really matter?
Staff Authors
Lyn Lomasi & Richard Rowell are life & business partners. Owners of Brand Shamans & the Write W.A.V.E. Media network, we are your brand healing, soul healing, & content superheroes to the rescue!
Running our network of websites, tackling deadlines single-handedly, and coaching fellow writers, brands, & entrepreneurs to be thought leaders is our top priority.
While rescuing civilians from boring content and brands, we conquer the world, living the RV life and managing our Intent-sive Nature with our awesomely crazy family while recounting The Nova Skye Story, along with Kymani's Travels.
We also strive to one day cuddle with lions and giraffes. Until then, we'll settle for furry rescue kitties and doggies.
We support many causes via our business ventures, such as homelessness, support for trans youth, equality, helping starving artists, and more! A portion of all proceeds from Intent-sive Nature goes toward helping homeless pets in local shelters.
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China allowed foreign video game console trade
China has finally allowed foreign video game console makers to come and start trade in the market. According to Shanghai government, video game trade will be started in region just to explore reform. State council of China has temporarily lifted the ban on the trade of foreign game consoles. In this way, China is allowing companies such as Microsoft, Nintendo, and Microsoft for entering into the biggest market. Actually, China banned on foreign consoles for arcades and home entertainment systems almost 13 year ago. This ban was started on metal health ground.
Government has decided to fully inspect multimedia goods. According to government, video game consoles will be made in Shanghai's free trade zone and then will be sold in China.
Official statement confirmed this decision by saying this act as an experiment for temporarily adjustment of relevant regulation just to"explore the experience of reform and opening".
China move has given video game consoles makers such as Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo a chance to come into the biggest China market where videos games are quite worthy.This year China enjoyed high sale of video games worth 83bn yuan ($13bn) annually, according to China's annual games industry conference.
Exact timeframe for this experiment isn't mentioned in the announcement. Even there is no more explanation for sudden policy change. However, one thing that is mentioned in statement is that it is for economic reforms and china linearization in recent years.
During this ban, illegal trade in video game market was on its peak. Although government restricted the trade but trade was continued in major areas of country. Main intention of the ban is just to dominate PC gaming market almost two thirds of complete gaming market in China. Now through lifting ban on video game console trade,China will be able to control the illegal console trade.
China government show their intention for relaxing trade restrictions last year but current statement is a big part of this process, you can call it more than a formality.
"This just means one step of the process has been taken," said Yasuhiro Minagawa, Japanese firm Nintendo's public relations manager.
Foreign companies have to provide reference for specific areas of trade. They need to provide all such documents and details just after Chinese government official ended complex ban and restriction on video game consoles.
Video games are quite important in China. This year, China enjoyed high sale and growth in video game market. This ban lifting will surely bring a positive change in China both economically and culturally.

subset: commoncrawl


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Separate names with a comma.
Discussion in 'GBAtemp & Scene News' started by T-hug, Jan 10, 2008.
Huh? Is that a copy of FREE online game?
Google 'Crimson Room' and you'll see.
So let me know if this is different from that game. My DS possibly bricked. PM me if you think you can help me. I'm so desperate.
Hopefully it's been remade and includes the other 'room' games also.
I'm actually really excited about this and wish I'd brought my DS to work with me today! Might even try it on *GASP* an emu..
For anyone who hasn't heard of this and is thinking 'wtf', like wilddenim said, google it and try out the free flash game. It's very well made and really clever, will most likely drive you mad!
The author has since made some other room games, just as good, some better, and at the time it started a trend of 'copycat room' games popping up all over the place.
Oh yeah afaik the flash game had no Japanese text in it at all, so basically you should be able to get through this with ease, should be great with stylus!. The flash game has a leaderboard of best times, and some are under a minute so this MUST have more than just The Crimson Room lol!
*GASP* i loved this game, Crimson room, Viridian room e.t.c *downloads*
what is it about? is the game text heavy?
If I remember correctly there's hardly any text in the game, just a lot of clicking around randomly since finding some items is really lame where you have to click on certain areas of the screen.
It'll be weird if there's only the one room in this entire game seeing as how it's not very long and able to be finished first time in about 30 minutes.
OMG.... Crimson ROOM?!?!?!?! this game drove me crazy!!!! so did viridian room!!!! WOWW.... wonder what's next? Tim Tang Test Quiz for DS?
BTW, anyone played a Flash Based game where THeres this guy who trips on a bike then Flies up and down. and theres these girls that punch him with supers that go farther?
Checking it out now. Crimson Room, Viridian Room, Blue Chamber and White Chamber are included, as well as a fifth option that's in Japanese.
Edit: There is a lot of text (mainly item/environment descriptions), and it's all Japanese. It should still be playable, but it will require more random trial and error.
Edit #2: Rom size is 64 megabits BTW.
Awesome, nice package, can't wait to try it later on today.
Are the rooms remade in anyway graphically?
It's been a long time since I played the Flash version, but the graphics seem the same (except lower resolution). Mostly just untextured polygons.
I've only checked out Crimson Room so far, so the other rooms might be different, but I'm guessing it's as straight a port as possible. Crimson Room may be cool, but this release is still basically shovelware.
Well, it does belong to the "2500" line, which, AFAIK, is pretty much like the Simple series: cheap soft. Worth a try, nevertheless. I LOVED the Blue Room some years ago. Best atmosphere on a Flash game EVA.
It's called Nanaca Crash...
Nanaca Crash is fun.
I played Crimson Room years ago and thought it was awsome. Is this in English?
This will never get released in English
I really wish that this would get released in english i loved the flash games soo much
Finished it now. Great games
IMHO, I like the DS versions more, because they are in full 3D and animated
I played the DS versions too. I also liked the look and playability better, but they're still essentially the same (tiny) games. Also, while Crimson Room and Viridian Room are both cool, Blue Chamber and White Chamber are simply LAME.
Definitely not worth the 2500 yen purchase price.


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A Lamborghini for the Third Millennium
Unlike other supercar makers who are content to use current electric storage technology for their technology leading designs, the folks at Lamborghini are investigating new avenues for energy storage. Working with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Dinca Research Lab and Mechanosynthesis Group, they are hoping to develop radical innovations in both energy storage and material science.
The "Terzo Millennio" or "Third Millennium" project is investigating the use of supercapacitors in place of batteries, and the use of the carbon fiber structure as a storage system. It's hoped that the supercapacitors can be adapted to release and harvest electric power with an energy density level approaching today's crop of batteries, while keeping the long life, high power and symmetrical storage and release behavior for which they are known.


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Find a Local Hotel
Welcome to Accommodation in Canterbury!
Looking for accommodation in Canterbury? We offer a complete hotel guide which provides all the information you require about Canterbury and its Hotels. This guide includes : Hotels near local attractions such as Canterbury Cathedral or if you are looking for a Canterbury Accommodation in the centre. Either way we will help to make the most of your stay in your chosen Canterbury Hotel, Bed and Breakfast or Guest House.
This beautiful city with cobbled lanes and streets, is the seat of the Anglican Communion and Kent's premier tourist destination. Canterbury is dominated by the impressive Norman Cathedral, where in 1170 Thomas Beckett was murdered - turning Canterbury into a place of pilgrimage. The never-ending stream of visitors inspired Geoffrey Chaucer to write the Canterbury Tales, which are known world wide. Canterbury also boasts a range of fortifications, including traces of the original Roman defences. Its primarily medieval walls, the impressive fourteenth century West Gate and the Norman Castle, newly open to visitors.
The picturesque streets of Canterbury, present one of the most cosmopolitan collections of restaurants and bars in England. The shopping facilities are excellent, ranging from markets and small specialist shops to large department stores. Experience medieval life at the attraction 'The Canterbury Tales', or relax by the river. Canterbury offers many attractions, such as the Roman Museum, the Heritage Museum, and the Royal Museum and art Gallery with Buffs Regimental Museum. For garden lovers there are Goodnestone Park Gardens, Higham Park and Gardens, also Howletts Wild Animal Park.
Special Offer
Browse Accommodation in Canterbury with current special offers available also check out Accommodation in Canterbury with late availability.
Luxury Hotels
Indulge in the pure luxury of one of Canterbury's many fine Luxury Hotels. Click below to view all the 4 and 5 Star Hotels in Canterbury.
Budget Hotels
Looking for a Budget hotel in Canterbury. Click below for to view all the Accommodation in Canterbury with prices from £20 - £40 per night.


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The basic requirements for a residence permit are stated in Art. 55 of the Act on Foreigners no. 80/2016 and in Regulation no. 540/2017. All the basic requirements for a residence permit must be met, irrespective of where the application is made unless there is a special stipulation that a certain requirement does not have to be met.
Note that when renewing a residence permit it is not necessary to submit documents regarding all the basic requirements.
In order to obtain a residence permit in Iceland you must
- Submit all the necessary documents in the required format,
- be able to prove your identity with a valid passport or other authentic ID, which is also a valid document for traveling,
- meet the requirements for support,
- have a health insurance in Iceland,
- have a place of residence in Iceland,
- submit a criminal record certificate unless this is not stated as a requirement, and
- meet the special requirements for the kind of residence permit applied for.
You may not
- Leave out submitting the requiring documents,
- have accepted payments in the form of social aid,
- have a criminal record or an open case in the judicial system that could result in more than three (3) months imprisonment and
- state incorrect information about the purpose of stay.
Amount of support
Period of support
Who must prove support
How to demonstrate secure, satisfactory support
Employment contract or income from independent work
Payslips for the last three (3) months
Secure, regular payments for support
Sufficient own money for support
Study grant or study loan
The following is not considered as satisfactory support
Authorization to deviate from the requirement on satisfactory support upon renewal of a residence permit
Health insurance
Criminal record certificate
Medical examination
Notification on place of residence
Applicants must meet the requirements for a residence permit, as well as other provisions of law
The requirements on secure support are stated in Art. 56 of the Act on Foreigners.
Amount of support
The Directorate of Immigration basis minimum support on the published minimum-support criterion of the Welfare Division of Reykjavík City as approved by the Welfare Council on 18 December 2015. The amounts are based on income before taxation.
- Individual, ISK 180,550 per month.
- Couple, ISK 270,825 per month. Note that the duty of mutual support only applies between married couples, however, in the instance of cohabitation the support criterion for individuals applies.
- Additional support for family members 18 years of age or older, ISK 90,275 per month.
Special support is not calculated for children; hence the aforementioned criterion remains unchanged even though there is a child/children in the family.
Period of support
A foreigner's support must be secure during the residence permit's period of validity. This means that if a residence permit is issued for one (1) year, secure support for one (1) year must be demonstrated.
Who must prove support?
All applicants for a residence permit must prove independent means of support except in the following exceptional instances:
- A child under the age of 18 who is provided for by a parent or a custodian residing in Iceland.
- An individual older than 18 who has held a continued residence permit in Iceland as a child, is studying or working in Iceland and lives with his/her parent. Furthermore, there is a requirement that the applicant is neither married nor in cohabitation. Note that the support criterion here is 50% of the minimum support for an individual, i.e. ISK 90,275 per month in addition to own support which a parent or a custodian must have for other family members and him-/herself.
- The spouse of an Icelander or a foreign citizen. Due to the mutual support duty between married couples, according to Act no. 31/1993 in Respect of Marriage, it is sufficient for one party to a marriage demonstrating satisfactory support for them both. Note that cohabitation does not equal marriage in this respect and there is not a duty of mutual support between cohabiting partners; hence a cohabiting applicant must prove independent support.
- A parent 67 years of age or older who is provided for by his/her child or children in Iceland. Note that the support criterion here is 50% of the minimum support for an individual, i.e. ISK 90,275 per month in addition to the support of other adult individuals in the home.
- A host family must prove support for their au pair. The additional support is based on 50% of the minimum support for an individual, i.e. ISK 90,275 per month plus the wage costs for the au pair, ISK 60,000 for every four weeks in au pair service.
The requirement is an independent support of an applicant. According to Icelandic law, parents are obligated to provide for their underage children, as well as married persons being obligated to provide for each other. In other respects, there is no legal obligation on support. Therefore the support of an applicant, who is not a married spouse or a child, cannot be secure unless the applicant is able to demonstrate his/her own independent support.
How to demonstrate secure, satisfactory support
Support can be based on more than one factor, for example, wages and own money in a bank account.
Employment contract or income from independent work
If an applicant is employed in Iceland he/she may demonstrate support by submitting an employment contract in original format. If a residence permit is based on employment the application for a work permit must be submitted together with the employment contract. If the applicant is being provided for by another individual the employment contract of that person must be submitted. Note that the authorization for a foreign national providing for another person on grounds of independent activities in Iceland is limited. According to Act no. 97/2002 on Foreign Nationals' Right to Work, only a foreigner who is exempt from the work-permit requirement may engage in independent activities in Iceland, as well as the spouse of an Icelandic citizen.
Payslips for the last three (3) months and income-tax payment overview
An applicant demonstrates his/her wage income by submitting an overview of tax payments or issued invoices, stamped by the tax authorities, as well as his/her pay slips for the last three (3) months. Pay slips, printed out from an online bank account are satisfactory; otherwise a confirmation by the employer is required. If the applicant is provided for by another individual that person must submit payslips for the last three (3) months, satisfying the same requirements as listed herein and a tax-payment overview of the providing individual.
Secure, regular payments for support
Such payments can be payments by the Social Insurance Administration regarding disability, unemployment payments, lease income and grants which an applicant receives, for example, regarding research work. This is not a complete list of the payments this paragraph refers to.
Sufficient own money for support
A bank-account balance in Iceland or abroad of an applicant or a provider, in a currency that is registered by the Central Bank of Iceland, which may be drawn against for support during time of stay. A balance overview of the account must be confirmed by the bank and be in original format. Information on the registration of currencies is available with the Central Bank of Iceland. A printout version of an account overview with an online bank is not sufficient confirmation.
Study grant or study loans
If an applicant has received a grant to study or a study loan, such payments are considered as satisfactory support if they reach the minimum required amount for support. A study loan or grant must be in a currency that is acknowledged by the Central Bank of Iceland. A confirmation must be submitted on the payment of such a loan by the relevant lending institution and confirmation of a grant must be from the grantor as applicable.
The following is not considered as satisfactory support
Payments in the form of social assistance by the state or a municipality (other than house leasing compensation) are not considered as secure support. If an applicant has received such compensation and is unable to demonstrate satisfactory other kind of support, a residence permit will be denied. Support by a third party, in other instances than stated herein, is not considered secure support. Assets other than bank-account balances are not considered secure support (for example real estate) and dividend from companies, interest or other payments that cannot be reliably expected to be available for payment are not considered as secure support. Cash is not considered as satisfactory confirmation of support.
Authorization to deviate from the requirement on satisfactory support upon renewal of a residence permit
If support has not been secure over a short period of time, deviating from this requirement upon renewal of a residence permit is permissible. This means, for example, if an applicant has received social assistance for a few months, has received maternity pay or had an accident. The Directorate of Immigration determines whether an exemption regarding support will be granted. An applicant requesting an exemption from the support requirement must submit a statement with his/her application, as well as documents supporting the request, for example, a medical certificate.
Note that this exemption is only granted upon renewal of a residence permit – not when applying for a first residence permit.
Health insurance
A confirmation must be presented from an insurance company that is licensed to operate in Iceland stating that the applicant has taken out (purchased) health insurance, valid for six months and amounting to ISK 2,000,000 as a minimum. The period of validity of the insurance must be at least six (6) months from the date of the registration of a domicile and must have taken effect (entered into force) at the time a residence permit is granted. After this time, the applicant has earned the right to health insurance in Iceland under the general social security system in Iceland. The Icelandic insurance companies send a health insurance policy directly to the Directorate of Immigration when such insurance has been accepted and paid, however, the applicant must present a confirmation if health insurance has been purchased with a foreign insurance company that is licensed to operate in Iceland. The Financial Supervisory Authority, Iceland, maintains a register of foreign insurance companies. Note, that the Directorate of Immigration has no say about which insurance companies are licensed to operate in Iceland.
Children and adolescents under the age of 18 are covered by the health insurance of their parents or custodians who have been registered as domiciled in Iceland for at least six (6) months. The same applies to adoptive children, stepchildren and foster children. Individuals who are not covered by health insurance pay higher charges for medical services. Information about health insurance and other factors is contained on the website of the Social Insurance Administration and on the website of the Iceland Health Insurance.
Criminal Record Certificate
When applying for a residence permit no matters may exist that could cause the applicant being denied entry into Iceland. Such matters are listed in Articles 98 and 106 of the Act on Foreigners and are the same that could cause expulsion and denial of entry into Iceland.
In order to demonstrate that this requirement is met, an applicant must present a foreign criminal record certificate. The Directorate of Immigration may request further documentation about a criminal record if an applicant is suspected of not having provided correct information in his/her application.
An applicant must submit a criminal record certificate applying to the last five (5) years before the application is made. A criminal record certificate may not be older than six (6) months when presented to the Directorate of Immigration.
Note that different rules may apply for issuing of criminal records depending on the country.
Medical examination
Applicants from certain countries must consent to undergo medical examination within two (2) weeks from the date of their arrival in Iceland as provided for by law and the instructions of the health authorities; see the rules of procedure by the Directorate of Health. A residence permit will not be issued to an applicant who does not undergo medical examination when this is required by the Directorate of Health, and the applicant's access to the social security system, etc., will not become active. Furthermore, staying in Iceland becomes unlawful and the applicant may therefore expect denial of entry or expulsion.
The purpose of the medical examination is to screen for certain diseases. Even though an applicant may be diagnosed with certain diseases, this does not mean a denial of a residence permit; instead the medical examination is intended to fulfill the requirements of the health authorities in order to enable them take the necessary measures and provide necessary medical treatment.
Notification on place of residence
An applicant's domicile must be registered with Registers Iceland before a residence permit is issued. In order for a residence permit and a residence-permit card being issued, the applicant must state his/her place of residence using a special form for this purpose.
The applicant must come to the Directorate of Immigration or a district-commissioner's office outside of the Reykjavík metropolitan area within one (1) week from arrival in Iceland to be photographed. The applicant must bring his/her passport to prove identity. Photographing is necessary in order to facilitate the issuance of a residence-permit card and to finalize the granting of a residence permit. There is no need to make an appointment for photographing; instead the applicant must come to the reception area of the Directorate of Immigration or an office of a district commissioner if outside of the Reykjavík metropolitan area. A residence permit will not be issued if the applicant does not come in to have his/her picture taken and the applicant's access to the social insurance system etc., will not become active. Additionally, the stay in Iceland becomes unlawful and the applicant may expect denial of entry into the country or expulsion.
Applicants must meet the requirements for a residence permit, as well as other provisions of law
An applicant must fulfill the special requirements of the residence permit for which he/she applies; see here the categories of residence permits.
There are other requirements for a residence permit than these basic requirements as listed here. An example of this is how an applicant for a residence permit on grounds of study must prove enrollment in a school and an applicant for a residence permit on grounds of marriage must submit a confirmation of the marriage.


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A professional and dedicated team of hairstylists treat male and female customers at this salon located at Chichester in West Sussex. The salon forms part of the well-known Lisa Edwards group of salons that offer services of a high standard for customers at all the salons. Products from the best hair and skincare brands are used while treating customers at the salon. Services provided include haircuts for men, women and children, hair colouring, blow drying including keratin blow drying, special occasion and wedding hairdos and high quality skin improvement procedures.
Private Patients Welcome


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It's just another Thursday for Lady Gaga who appeared butt naked in a Kickstarter video promoting the Marina Abramovic Method aaaand that's enough WTF news for the
day year.
The 2.19 minute video is roughly 2.19 minutes too long and sees Lady Gaga blindfolded and naked in the middle of the woods with her body contorted in various positions. She also lies in the nude on the floor clutching a huge crystal against her body. Other disturbing images which you won't be able to un-see include her wearing some sort of yellow spiked glasses standing in a river dressed in a jumpsuit. Tamer aspects of the video show her covered in crystals. Oh and all of this takes place against a background chant of ?EHHHHHH?? as you do.


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Consider the tech giant Yahoo. After acquiring 30 companies in 2013, for example, Yahoo, one of the biggest acqui-hire companies out there, saw its acquisitions drop off by nearly 40 percent to about 17 in 2014, according to CB Insights. And 2015 looks to have been a quiet acquisition year for the struggling search company, which purchased only two companies this year.
What is Acqui-hire?
Buy out (a company) primarily for the skills and expertise of its staff, rather than for its products or services.


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Residential Programs
In addition to PACE financing, SCEIP partners with several other organizations to offer residential programs that help save energy and money.
Windsor Efficiency PAYS® provides water and energy saving upgrades for Windsor residential properties that provide immediate utility bill savings, new water/energy saving appliances, and drought-resistant landscaping — with no upfront cost or debt.
Windsor homeowners and renters can "pay as you save®" by installing:
- Low-flow showerheads and aerators
- High efficiency measures — toilets, CFLs, clothes washers/dryers, refrigerators, and hot water recirculation pumps
- Drought-resistant landscaping — This is the single most important action you can take to improve the water supply
PAYS® upgrade measures are available to eligible Windsor residents based on current water and energy usage. Our Certified Contractor will help determine if a customer meets eligibility. Upon installation of selected efficiency appliances or landscape, you pay a surcharge on your water bill with the assurance that estimated savings on your combined utility bill (energy/water) will exceed the bi-monthly surcharge.
Additional customer assurances include:
- Certified contractors who have been pre-qualified to install upgrade measures, comply fully with installation standards/codes, and are fully insured and bonded
- Ability to end payment obligation if the customer leaves the home or apartment in which they have installed PAYS® measures that will remain installed at the residence
- Ability to end payment obligation if any installed measure fails at any time and cannot be repaired.
Windsor Efficiency PAYS® is a program of the Town of Windsor in partnership with Sonoma County Energy Independence Program, Sonoma County Regional Climate Protection Authority, Sonoma County Water Agency, and Climate Protection Campaign.
Are you interested?
- Email: firstname.lastname@example.com and be sure to include your name and phone number OR
- Call (707) 565-6472
Our Windsor Efficiency PAYS® experts are ready to help!
- Learn more at www.WindsorEfficiencyPAYS.org
- Windsor Efficiency PAYS® Frequently Asked Questions
- Windsor Efficiency PAYS® Brochure
- News article: Press Democrat, July 27, 2012
Healdsburg Electric Department
The City of Healdsburg and the Sonoma County Energy Independence Program (SCEIP) are excited to announce their new partnership in energy efficiency!
Healdsburg Electric Department, as a Publicly Owned Utility, provides energy efficiency programs and other incentives to Healdsburg Electric customers.
Today, the program consists of low-income subsidies for electric customers, energy efficiency programs for residential and commercial customers, incentives for new solar systems, and some development of renewable energy projects. Funding for these programs comes from the Public Benefits surcharge of each monthly electric bill.
To provide the best possible energy efficiency program, the City has entered into a partnership with SCEIP to provide competent and experienced professionals to support Healdsburg's energy efficiency program goals.
SCEIP will provide oversight to the City's activities and efforts with regard to the administration, development, management, evaluation, and promotion of energy efficiency programs. In addition, SCEIP will continue to seek grant opportunities consistent with the City's customer composition as well as custom energy efficiency programs with a broad, city-wide appeal. For more information, please click HERE.
Energy Upgrade California – Home Upgrade
Sonoma County residents address their home's energy waste by taking a "whole house" approach drawing upon building science, pre- and post-project testing, and energy performance analysis to provide maximum energy efficiency results through five steps:
1. Contact us for information or assistance at (707) 565-6470 or http://bayareaenergyupgrade.org
2. Learn about your house as a system with an energy analysis
3. Consult with your Participating Contractor to determine your best upgrade plan
4. Secure your financing, maximize Incentives/rebates, and prepare applications
5. Complete your project and reap your rewards: energy savings, lower utility bills, and a comfortable home


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|The Royal Palace was built in 1900 and was situated at "the very northern end of Pacific Avenue and the Boardwalk." The hotel had spacious porches and restaurants, in addition to more uncommon attractions like an indoor swimming pool and bowling alley. The Royal Palace's heyday came in the 1920s, when amidst the atmosphere of Prohibition it became a notable speakeasy. The Atlantic City Press referred to the Royal Palace as a forerunner of the modern nightclub, and noted that its bar and grill were "almost a quarter block long." The entrepreneur owner of the Steel Pier, Frank Gravatt, bought the hotel in this era with plans to expand it. The good times didn't last, however, and the hotel was converted into apartments in the late 1920s. Ironically in the same year that Prohibition ended, 1933, the Royal Palace was torn down under the guidelines of the Peterson decree, a citywide initiative to clean up or demolish buildings which posed safety hazards.
For more information, see these resources in the Atlantic City Free Public Library, Atlantic City Heritage Collections:
Local History Subject Files – Hotels
| Illustration of the Royal Palace Hotel and Casino, no date.
From the Atlantic City Heritage Collections, H084.RoyalPalace001.
made with love from Appartamenti vacanza a Corralejo - Fuerteventura


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Reconstructive Surgery / Medically NecessaryHome » Services » Reconstructive Surgery / Medically Necessary
Learn more about:
Treatments performed by plastic surgeons may be divided into three major categories: procedures that are clearly needed from a medical perspective to maintain someone's health such as (treatment of skin cancers, severe lacerations/cuts, repair of broken facial bones, etc.), procedures that are clearly not medically necessary (surgery performed for the sole purpose of producing a more youthful look, treatment of unwanted wrinkles and lines, removal of tattoos or other unwanted spots) and treatment of conditions that, in the strictest of terms, do not impair one's ability to function but which are still needed to give someone a more normal appearance and thus help them live more comfortably. Examples of conditions falling into this category include correction or removal of dark-colored birthmarks treatment of unsightly scars, scars, etc.
Insurance and Reconstructive Surgery
Traditionally, treatments performed for reasons of medical necessity have been covered by insurance, while those performed for cosmetic reasons are paid for by the patients. The third group of conditions has been a "gray" area with insurance sometimes covering the costs of treatment and other times the responsibility falling on the patient. Today, with increasing tightening of purse strings by insurance companies, the responsibility for payment of even those procedures performed out of medical necessity or to correct birth marks or scarring caused by injury or surgery may fall upon the patient.
Overview of Medically Necessary and Reconstructive Services Offered
Blepharospasms and Hemifacial Spasms
Blepharospasms and hemifacial spasms are neurologic disorders in which the eyelid and facial muscles contract and squeeze involuntarily. This can not only result in social embarrassment, but also the spasms can be so severe that affected individuals are unable to open their eyes and are rendered functionally blind.
Learn more
Drooping or sagging eyelids in infants or adults
Ptosis (pronounced "toe-sis") is the medical term for drooping of the upper eyelid(s). This lowering of the upper eyelid margin may cause a reduction in the field of vision when the eyelid either partially or completely obstructs the pupil. Patients with ptosis often have difficulty keeping their eyelids open. To compensate, they will often arch their eyebrows in an effort to raise the drooping eyelids. In severe cases, people with ptosis may need to lift their eyelids with their fingers in order to see. Children with ptosis may develop amblyopia ("lazy eye") or developmental delay from limitation of their vision.
Learn More
Entropion/Ectropion (eyelid rolling in or out)
Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid is rolled inward toward the eye, causing irritation, pain, and even infection or scarring.. It can occur as a result of advancing age and weakening of certain eyelid muscles. Entropion may also occur as a result of trauma, scarring or previous surgeries. Entropion can affect adults or children.
Learn More
Excessive Tearing in Infants and Adults
Tearing may occur as a reaction to dry or irritated eyes or as a result of problems with the tear drainage system. A number of structures must be in perfect working order for tears to drain normally: the eyelids must be in the proper position to channel the tears to the opening of the tear duct drain, the drain opening must be large enough to accommodate the flow of tears and the drainage ducts themselves must be open. A simple analogy that will help the layperson understand this better is the way water goes down a kitchen sink drain. If the water sits on the countertop and does not flow into the drain, it will simply pool and eventually drain over the edge; if the opening to the drain is too small, the water will eventually overflow; and, finally, if the drainpipe under the sink is blocked, the water will not drain successfully. Problems with tear drainage may occur with laxity or malposition of the eyelids, narrowing of the opening to the tear duct drainage system and blockage of the tear duct themselves.
Learn More
Functional Blepharoplasty of the Upper Eyelids
Due to the effects of time, heredity and environmental influences, the upper eyelids can become heavy. When the lids become too heavy, they can limit our side or peripheral vision, thus affecting our ability to drive and do other activities of daily living comfortably. In these cases, surgical treatment can lead to improved peripheral vision and a better quality of life.
Learn More
Orbital Fractures
The eyes sit in bony cavities known as the orbit. Each orbit has a roof, a floor and two side walls (one near the nose and the other near the ear). The bone around the front of the orbit and the outside wall is relatively thick and strong, while that making up the floor and wall nearest the nose is extremely thin (like eggshell). It is not uncommon for one or more of the bony walls of the orbit to break following blunt trauma as may be caused by falls, accidents or trauma.
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Orbital Tumors
The eyes sit in a bony space referred to as the eye socket or, in medical terms, the orbit. In addition to the eye, the orbit contains the nerves, muscles, blood vessels, fat and other tissues that help the eye function properly and protect it from injury. In rare circumstances, tumors may arise from those structures normally found in the orbit or may spread to the orbit from a distant location.
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Skin Cancer of the Eyelids and Face
Skin cancers commonly affect the eyelids. Most of these tumors are treated with surgical removal, a procedure that creates a defect once the tumor has been removed . Repair of eyelid defects is always performed with the goal of producing the best functional and cosmetic outcome. Small defects may be repaired quite easily with a minimum amount of work while reconstruction of larger eyelid defects can require more extensive surgery. Recovery times after eyelid reconstruction are typically related to the amount of surgery performed.
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Thyroid Eye Disease
Graves' thyroid disease causes inflammation and swelling of the fat and muscles surrounding (including behind) the eyes. There are many ways in which the eyes may be affected by Graves' disease: red, swollen, painful eyes, protrusion of the eyes, very wide opening (retraction) of the eyelids that may result in a "staring" appearance, excessive tearing, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, an inability to close the eyes completely, crossing of the eyes and even loss of vision. Patients who smoke cigarettes are known to be at greater risk for serious complications of thyroid eye disease. Smokers who develop Graves' disease must stop smoking.
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Treatment of Blind Painful Eye
The discomfort associated with some blind eyes can be so great as to impair one's ability to work, sleep and function.
- Medical treatment for blind, painful eyes is usually unsuccessful.
- Surgical treatment of blind, painful eyes is extremely successful in relieving pain and typically produces highly favorable cosmetic outcomes.
- Enucleation refers to the removal of the entire eye.
- Evisceration refers to the removal of the eye's contents, while the white, outer wall of the eye and the muscles controlling eye movement are left intact.
- An artificial eye is typically fashioned six weeks following enucleation or evisceration surgery.
- Due to injury, disease, or surgery eyes can sometimes become blind and painful. The pain can be severe enough that affected individuals are unable to work, sleep, or function normally. When this occurs, special treatment is required.
Learn more about:
- Blepharospasms and Hemifacial Spasms
- Drooping or Sagging Eyelids in Infants or Adults
- Entropion (eyelid rolling in)
- Excessive Tearing in Infants and Adults
- Functional Blepharoplasty of the Upper Eyelids
- Orbital Fractures
- Orbital Tumors
- Skin Cancer of the Eyelids and Face
- Thyroid Eye Disease


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Dayton T. Brown, Inc. welcomes your visit to our facility.
The safety and security of our employees, customers and their programs necessitates that all personnel visiting our facility, whether customer or supplier, notify us of their visit in advance by completing and submitting the DTB Visitor Information form.
Please select the form that best describes you and your visit. After selecting the appropriate form, fill in the information requested and submit the form online or fax a hard copy of the form to
If your visit is related to a classified program, you must contact the DTB Security Manager for classified visit instructions.
Please remember to bring valid, government issued identification with you. Please do not bring photographic equipment with you unless advance arrangements have been made and authorization has been granted by the DTB Security Manager. Cell Phones are permitted in the facility, but use of the camera feature is prohibited.
© 2018 Dayton T. Brown Inc. - Engineering & Test Division - 1175 Church Street - Bohemia, NY 11716
Email: email@example.com - Phone: 800.837.8456 - Fax: 631.589.3648
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Hotel Diplomat
Situated on the beautiful waterfront in the center of Stockholm, the five star boutique, Art Deco Hotel Diplomat offers guests the perfect blend in Scandinavian comfort and elegance.
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The turn of the century Hotel Diplomat offers breathtaking views over Stockholm's waters in the middle of lush Djurgarden, the epicenter of the capital's thriving cultural scene. Behind the grand wooden door you will find the epitome of style and comfort in the individually-decorated rooms and generous amenities.
This boutique hotel boasts 130 unique guest rooms across six floors. These are all furnished with Dux edition beds with crispy, white linen. The design is to the highest quality with a bright, welcoming Scandinavian interior and lilting colours. Rooms are divided into singles, doubles, Grand Lit rooms, double room Diplomats, double rooms with views and suites. Many of the rooms come with wrought iron balconies from which you can enjoy the scintillating waterfront vistas.
The rooms all contain LCD TVs, Wi-Fi, mini bars, safes, trouser presses, designer toileteries and hand held shower heads in ajoining bathrooms.
This family run hotel has a long association with Stockholm's vibrant art's scene. As you walk down the corridors you can delight in the work of some of the country's most prominent artists. Every six weeks there is a new contemporary art exhibition and you can soak up live music from local DJs and the celebrated Bossanova Quartet in the brasserie.
The well equipped Spa adds the finishing touches to your relaxing stay. Every guest can enjoy a complimentary hour each day recuperating in the sauna after exercising or simply unwinding in a deckchair with a book in this laid back, picturesque city.
- 130 rooms
- 6 floors
- Parking
- High Speed Internet
- Bar
- Gym
- Swimming Pool
- Restaurant
- Elevator
- Business Center
- Jacuzzi
- Room Service
- Safe Deposit Box
- Steam Bath
- Air Conditioned
- Concierge Desk
- Laundry and Valet Services
- 24 Hour Front Desk
- Solarium
Hotel Diplomat houses one of Stockholm's oldest central meeting places. This Scandinavian brasserie serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and is famous for its sumptuous afternoon teas. It's open 24/7 for fresh, local produce.
The Cocktail Bar is one of the odest bars in Stockholm and is so much more than simply a place to have a drink. Its classic surroundings are the ideal setting to chat and sip sparkling cocktails as you prepare to discover all that this exciting city has to offer.
Out and About Gay Travel Guides are available at each and every World Rainbow Hotel. They are prepared by the concierge and staff at the hotel and aim to provide you with up to date information about the local gay and lesbian scene.
Find out more about Out and About Gay Travel Guides here.
Download this hotel's Out and About Gay Travel Guide here.
You can add your comments and suggestions about the local gay scene at this hotel.
Read about: Stockholm, Hotel Diplomat
About the Location
Hotel Diplomat is located in Stockholm's main street in central Stockholm in the Ostermalm neighbourhood, close to the financial district. The waterfront location provides stunning panoramic views and you are just a stroll away from elegant boutiques, theater, entertainment and the buzzing cultural scene for which the area is famous.
Points of interest
- National Museum (Nationalmuseum) – 1 km
- Berzelii Park – 1 km
- Royal Dramatic Theater (Kungliga Dramatiska Teatern)
- Royal Swedish Opera (Kungliga Operan) – 100 meters
- Nordiska Kompaniet
- Gustav Adolf Square (Gustav Adolfs torg)
- Museum of Modern Art (Moderna museet)
- Old Town – 400 meters
Street Address
Why Book With Us?
- Exceptional & carefully chosen hotels
- Popular gay & lesbian destinations
- Authentic gay & lesbian welcoming
- Free "Out & About" gay travel guides


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The first public release of the Kernel Quantum Probability is now available for C++, Java and Python.
The first public release of the Kernel Quantum Probability is now available for C++, Java and Python.
Follow this link to download the handout of the slides of the tutorial.
Our paper (with M.R. Amini and M. Lalmas) has just been accepted for publication in JASIS. It is the second time that the quantum formalism allows to re-interpret fully an existing model1, but it is the first that it is useful to spot theoretical shortcomings (about LSA-based extractive summarisation) and gives hints on how to propose a new and more performant criterium for summarisation. Experiments on DUC datasets show that the QIA framework outperforms LSA (and other state-of-the-art algorithms). Please ask if you want a pre-print.
author = {Piwowarski, B. and Amini, M.R. and Lalmas, M.},
date-added = {2012-06-25 10:21:46 +0000},
date-modified = {2012-06-25 10:40:38 +0000},
doi = {10.1002/asi.21713},
issn = {1532-2890},
journal = {Journal of the American Society for Information Science and Technology},
month = {May},
number = {5},
pages = {865-888},
title = {On using a quantum physics formalism for multidocument summarization},
volume = {63},
year = {2012}
It will be hopefully be followed by a paper about the quantum information framework (QIA) in all its generality (along with the code for computing "kernel quantum probabilities").
Site last updated August 20, 2018 @ 01:00


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Specialized Outpatient Program
Industrial RehabilitationDavies Campus
Castro & Duboce Streets
San Francisco, CA
Job analysis
California Pacific Medical Center's Industrial Rehabilitation Program at the Davies Campus focuses on treatment and prevention of work-related injuries.
The job analysis serves as the foundation for all subsequent rehabilitation goals. Before any industrial rehabilitation program can be initiated, a comprehensive job analysis is performed. This analysis consists of a detailed breakdown of each essential task that the employee is required to perform throughout their workday.
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Pre-employment screening
Based on the employee's job analysis, a pre-employment screening provides an accurate and economical means to ascertain if an employee possesses the physical capacities required to perform their essential job tasks. The screening process also evaluates an employee's basic knowledge of body mechanics and safety skills as they relate to their job. Ensuring an employee's knowledge significantly reduces the chance of an additional work-related injury.
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Functional capacity evaluation
The functional capacity evaluation consists of objective tests designed to measure a person's current "at work" physical abilities. We assess an individual's dynamic strength, position tolerance, mobility, coordination, hand dexterity, balance and endurance to determine the ability of performing physical tasks and returning to a specific job.
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Work conditioning
Designed to maximize an individual's ability to return to work, this program is a highly structured, goal oriented, individualized treatment program. Utilizing simulated work tasks combined with conditioning activities in an interdisciplinary environment, our work hardening program addresses issues of productivity, safety, physical tolerance and work behaviors.
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Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State has expressed the willingness of the state government to support the Federal Government to actualise its proposed electricity project in Ariaria market.
Ikpeazu made this known on Tuesday when officials of Rural Electrification Agency of Nigeria paid him a visit in Abia Government Lodge in Aba.
The governor said that the decision of the Federal Government project aimed at providing steady power supply in Ariaria market was commendable.
According to him, steady power supply is an important resource required to drive economic growth in the state and the nation.
He said that the state government would support the Federal Government's efforts to ensure that the project was a huge success.
Ikpeazu said that the entire Ariaria market community would be happy with the project if it was eventually realised.
Earlier, Mrs. Damilola Ogunbiyi, the Managing Director of the Agency, said that the agency was in Aba to provide energy solution to the power challenge of Ariaria market. Ogunbiyi said that the agency had identified the energy needs of Ariaria market, and disclosed that the power supply project would be run with sustainable natural gas solution, She said that a few thousands of shops in Ariaria market would be used for a test run of the steady electric power supply project.
Source: The Nation
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text: UK Kink Bikes rider, Lloyd Wright is currently living it up in California at the Kink House. He will soon be followed by his team mate Matt Priest. Check out this short of Lloyd below, and be sure to keep up to date with what's happening at the Kink House.


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The Burj Al Arab hotel is to beam images taken as part of an online photographic project across Dubai onto its sail-like main structure.
A picture taken as part of #MyDubai will be on show on the last Thursday of every month.
Initiated by HH Sheikh Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai, #MyDubai project invites residents and visitors to join in and create "the world's first autobiography of a city".
By submitting images and videos and using the hashtag #MyDubai, the participants contribute to demonstrating the identity and culture of the city.
Heinrich Morio, Burj Al Arab's general manager, said: "We are pleased to join the #MyDubai initiative and increase the awareness of this community engagement platform by exhibiting a selection of the images contributed so far on Burj Al Arab's sail."
#MyDubai was launched on 5 January 2014 at Burj Al Arab. On @MyDubai, there have been almost 250,000 posts while the number of Twitter mentions reached nearly 50,000.