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FOREST, Va. – The Old Dominion Athletic Conference announced its all-conference men's soccer team on Thursday and Washington and Lee claimed five honorees, including the league's Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
Senior midfielder Jamie Paldino (Kensington, Conn./Kingswood-Oxford) highlighted the Generals' awardees by receiving the Scholar-Athlete of the Year award for the second straight year. Junior defender Basti Richter (Gauting, Germany/Darlington School) was named first team all-conference, while senior goalkeeper Ben Petitto (Gainesville, Fla./St. Francis Catholic), junior defender Conor Starr (Summit, N.J./The Pingry School) and sophomore midfielder Parker Wolfinger (Greer, S.C./Riverside) were all selected to the second team.
A math and economics double-major, Paldino played in 13 games with 10 starts. He tallied two goals and two assists, and helped the Generals produce a miniscule 0.78 goals-against average. For this career, the two-time scholar-athlete winner totaled 20 points on seven goals and six assists.
Richter received his first career postseason honors after playing in and starting 15 games in the defensive third. He scored one goal and was a major factor in the Generals posting a 0.78 goals-against average with nine shutouts.
Petitto was also a first time conference award winner after posting second team laurels in the goal. He played in and started all 16 games, posting 45 saves and allowing just eight goals in nearly 1400 minutes (1392:39) of action. His 0.52 goals-against average and .849 save percentage both led the conference, while his eight shutouts tied for the league lead.
Starr earned his first all-conference accolade following a season in which he played 15 games with 14 starts. He finished third on the team with three goals scored and he helped the Generals' defense allow just 14 goals all season, the lowest total in the ODAC.
Wolfinger was named to the second team as well, his first career postseason honor. He saw action in all 17 contests, starting 12 of them, en route to finishing with eight points. His four goals tied for the team lead, with two of them serving as game-winners.
Randolph sophomore forward Corey Sindle was chosen as the ODAC Player of the Year and WildCat Head Coach Bryan Waggoner was selected as the league's Coach of the Year. Lynchburg College first-year forward Luke Moore was tabbed as the conference Rookie of the Year.
Washington and Lee completed the 2011 season with an 8-5-4 overall record and a 5-2-3 mark in conference play. The Generals earned the No. 3 seed for the ODAC Tournament, falling to Lynchburg by a score of 1-0 in the quarterfinals.


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By Shelby Fielding (Lubbock, Texas, US)
Allied: Robert Zemeckis is Back with a Great Spy Thriller
Allied is directed by Robert Zemeckis and stars Brad Pitt as well as Marion Cotillard, and this film tells the story of a British spy who travels to Casablanca to complete a tough mission with a fellow foreign spy. After a great combination of events and timing between the two character they fall in love and travel back to England to get married, and after a couple of years Brad Pitt's character is brought in by his commanding officers who warns him that they have suspicions that his wife is a German spy. This launches the audiences on this dramatic spy thriller that encompasses themes of unconditional love as well as the drastic decision of choosing between what truly is the right thing to do and what is the wrong thing to do. They carry out these themes by using very skillful direction and editing from Robert Zemeckis, and great on-screen chemistry between Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard.
I was looking forward to this film due to the fact that I love Robert Zemeckis as a director. He has directed some of my favorite films such as Forrest Gump, Back to the Future, The Polar Express, and Cast Away. Now he as a director does have a lot of hit and misses with his filmmaking in my opinion. When he hits that mark with his filmmaking he hits it very well and creates some amazing pieces of cinema. But, when he misses he misses really hard. So with him as a director a lot of the time it is all or nothing with his filmography. Allied defies that because it's a bit of both. He hits the mark as well as misses the mark. Let me explain first by saying this film should be nominated for production design as well as costume design. Because the design of the locations, the setting, the costumes, and the landscape is unbelievable. I truly felt myself losing touch with the fact that this movie was made in the 1940's.
As far as filmmaking goes, this film was really well-directed. The action sequences were awesome to watch thanks to fabulous editing and brilliant direction of these sequences. However, the direction was mostly centralized around the interactions between characters. You could tell that Zemeckis was really trying to let these characters make the story enthralling by creating a bunch of scenes that are completely driven by dialogue. Which is where this film fell a little flat for me. Because I felt that Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard's performances were a little lackluster in my opinion. Let me clarify by saying I do not think these performances were bad, I just thought they were not as great as they could have been. Especially because these are two very talented actors. Yet, there on-screen chemistry was very good it was the scenes where their characters had to stand on their own that I lost interest as a viewer.
The other flaw I found revolved around the filmmaking itself. I felt this film lacked urgency. Because this is a very emotional story that truly is trying to make you as audience relate with the characters. But, the film spends a little too much time getting started. It really lingers on the beginning to where I felt myself asking "OK, when does the thriller start?" So, that lack of urgency creates the sense of lost tension with these powerful scenes. When the film's main narrative begins to unfold though it is really awesome and enthralling. I found it super intriguing in how we follow Brad Pitt's character and the torture that he not only goes through from the situation, but as well as the torture he puts himself through. But, if that tension was there in the beginning I feel like those scenes would have been so much more emotionally powerful.
Overall this film tells an intriguing narrative that is held back by the lack of urgency in its direction and loss of tension due to disappointing standalone performances from Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard. I did enjoy this film as a whole though in part to very well-directed action sequences, well-directed character interactions, great on-screen chemistry between Brad Pitt and Marion Cotillard, and incredible production design.
I enjoyed Allied and I hope Robert Zemeckis can come back with a better film and show that he can still make those jaw-dropping classics. I'm going to give Allied a B-. What did you guys think? Is Allied one Zemeckis's best? Or, is it his worst? Let me know down in the comments down below and as always have a blessed day.
Rating: 3/5BEST QUOTES

subset: commoncrawl


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दो कदम तुम भी चलो
दो कदम हम भी चलें ।।.....
Today was the D day, I was joining the dance institute of Ishmeet to learn Salsa & the tutor was my friend for whom I had developed intimacy in a short span of time...It was not love at first sight but crush built up in two three meetings, I was bowled by his approach & care. Only one thing took toll on me that was the age difference between us. Me been elder to him by five years but I consoled myself citing the example of the Cricket master Sachin whose wife is seven years elder to him, Film actor Sunil Dutt- Nargis who had successful relationship & age never stood as a factor and I too desired to keep the relationship spark ignoring the difference.
The song of Jagjit Singh too was in my favor,
I said to myself, "Ishi...this song was written for you."
"ना उम्र की सीमा हो
ना जन्म का हो बंधन
जब प्यार करे कोई
तो देखे केवल मन।।"
I hummed this & it boosted my confidence to proceed...n I was proceeding with full enthusiasm & vigor.
After office, I started for the dance institute which was a running of 20 minutes from my office by Metro. As I was going to step inside the Metro, I spotted Ishmeet.
"Hey, You here?" I asked
"Yeah, I shouldn't be here." He replied.
He had a habit of questioning rather than answering, a strange habit but I liked it.
"No, I had to meet you at your Institute naa."
"Lady, that's why I'm here to escort you, today is your first day so I thought that I better
catch you at the Metro station...even I had sent you an Sms...I believe you haven't
checked .." He replied with all the explanations. He knew the art of flattery which I lacked.
I was sailing on cloud nine...I was getting the attention from my friend who was dear to me & with time, I was getting closer to him & hopes were pinned on him...feeling lucky to have got a chance to indulge in my hobby which seemed distant in this life but Ishmeet was a blessing in disguise. I felt very happy & blessed.
We reached his Institute by 6:15 pm....He showed me his Institute. It appeared high profile Institute well equipped with modern accessories & the ambience stole my heart...but except for the guard none was found within the Institute. I was told that the official time of the Institute was from 8:30 am to 5:30 pm & was been given special attention because of my interest on account of been working woman.
My heart quipped, All could I say, "Thanks a lot, Ishmeet...it's my honor to be your privileged
student ...I will try to prove worthy of it!"
Soon we were in Dance room ...only we two...my heart missed a beat but I had faith in him. I was
given outfit to change for the classes...I felt a bit awkward in facing him in my new outfit...T-Shirt &
typical leggings....loose around the waist and tight near the ankles...even I wasn't in a practice to
wear such outfit but to learn something new. I had to...there was no way out...both were in same type
outfit...only the colors were different. He judged my reluctance & tried his best to comfort me.
He first showed me the steps...his movements were awesome...I was bowled over by his movements...delicate & flexible. Classy touch...asked me to take over but it wasn't easy for me b'coz I had never practiced...just danced to the tunes mostly in solitude ...just I had a passion for it.
He was very professional within the premises & coaxed me up to the maximum to give in my best...pestering me to practice each steps for a minimum of ten to twenty times to make my body flexible to each movements...been in finances...my body too had become rough & tough...now it needed to act delicate to each small movements with grace...I was sure that I would learn though I may take a bit longer than his other students which I declared myself so that he doesn't lose his patience.
"Hey...don't feel low...I may take more time of yours to learn than your other students...I'm a quick learner but my body may take longer to get used to the movements..." I told him.
"Okay Okay...Did I say something...Take your time...I'm here to teach you...Let me try Ishi...just
respond the way I ask you to. Let me take up the challenge..just bring in the grace in your movements." He replied with a wide smile on his
face...his smiling face added glow to my life.
I didn't utter a word just tried to respond to his movements & during practice there were several
moments when we were very close to each other & could feel the warmth of our breath. I checked
myself...I wasn't sure how he felt...at times I felt weak...for him it might be like normal classes...but
for me each moment was special...I never been so close to anyone in these years.
How one hour passed...I couldn't make out...Ishmeet declared, "Classes are over for now...I'm
amazed by your efforts...you will outperform soon...I insist you to practice more in your free hours to
master the art...It is an art & all depends on the effort...hope you will not let me down."
I just watched him, my eyes on him...I didn't say anything but my naughty self-caught hold of his
nose & pulled it leaving him bewildered.
"Hey, are you crazy" He said.
"Yes, I'm ..." ran to washroom to change & he stood still.
To be continued.....
© By Ila Varma
Photo Courtesy : Google


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- Home
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- Preparing for Leadership
Preparing for Leadership
What It Takes to Take the Lead
Authors: Donna J. Dennis, Ph.D., Debbie Meola
Pub Date: July 2009
Print Edition: $17.95
Print ISBN: 9780814414521
Page Count: 160
Format: Paper or Softback
e-Book ISBN: 9780814414538
Buy the book:
Congratulations! You have been entrusted with the development of others—you are a leader. The satisfaction that comes from inspiring others to succeed is the reward awaiting a successful leader. Leaders do not spring into the world fully formed. In fact, it often takes successful leaders years to reach their stride. Leadership requires lifelong learning, flexibility to shift styles, and high levels of self-awareness and reflection. A sense of humor doesn't hurt either. The impact of strong leaders on an organization goes right to the bottom line; they can transform an organization to be resilient, growth oriented, and innovative. Poor leadership can be downright destructive, causing conflicts, turnover, and confusion in the workplace—even health issues in employees. In fact, bad leadership can cause more harm than no leadership at all, often destroying a piece of the company in the process. Leadership requires action to achieve results while balancing competing needs—a tough challenge, to be certain.
This book is a guide on leadership. It includes practical assessments, tips, and evaluations you can use. It will help you think about current challenges you face and possible solutions for dealing with those obstacles.
The Institute for Corporate Productivity (i4cp) conducts an annual survey of North American companies in which executives are asked to rank 120 different issues facing businesses. Leadership is consistently ranked the highest. In fact, leadership has landed in the number one spot every year since 1997.1 Why is it the top business issue year after year? Why is it so difficult to lead other people? Why do companies spend millions annually to develop leaders? What about leadership is so elusive? What can you do as a leader to keep your impact high, and what new skills will you need to stay on top as a leader?
There are different ways to analyze leaders' performance to learn from their actions; it's possible to break out their behaviors and actually figure out what the actions of a good leader look like. Another option is to look at what is gained from good leadership: group satisfaction, productivity, goal attainment, and financial performance are a few of the things that come from strong leadership. Whichever measurement you prefer, the results are the same. Good leaders make a difference to the overall bottom line. Stated another way, it is worth your time to develop as a leader.
Whether you are a new leader or a seasoned professional, this book will help you face the issues of the current business climate. Here's a practical guide to align your leadership skills for today and tomorrow. The first step toward improving your own leadership skills is to assess your current situation. Ask yourself: What are the biggest obstacles to your role as a leader? Is it the fast pace of change in your workplace or increased globalization? Leaders often list challenges as obstacles to good leadership, such as balancing managerial control with a need to spark innovation, managing remote or virtual employees, and talent retention. These would be characterized as forces within the organization. When you look at the fast pace of change, mergers and acquisitions, and increased globalization, typically these are outside business forces that challenge leaders. Make a list of the current obstacles you face in your organization from inside or outside the company.
With these in mind, it is now possible to look at ways to increase your leadership effectiveness that will help you with these and any future trials you face.
Excerpted from PREPARING FOR LEADERSHIP by Donna J. Dennis with Deborah Dennis Meola. Copyright © 2009 by American Management Association. Published by AMACOM Books, a division of American Management Association, New York, NY. Used with permission.
All rights reserved. http://www.amacombooks.org.
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Eddie Gray thinks the Whites will not be able to keep Taylor at the club this summer despite rejecting his transfer request.
Leeds United legend and former assistant manager Eddie Gray has told LUTV that Garry Monk should be preparing for life without star man Charlie Taylor despite the club having turned down the left-sided star's transfer request.
The future of Taylor has been a burning topic at Elland Road throughout the transfer window, and reached a new intensity this week when the Whites rejected an official transfer request lodged by the 22-year-old and his representatives.
That demand was made amidst widespread speculation of interest from several Premier League clubs for the left-back, who can also play on the left side of midfield.
Taylor is certainly a bright star; the York-born player was named as the club's Player of the Year at the end of last term by Leeds supporters in recognition of a season in which he became integral to the club's cause, making 43 appearances in all competitions.
However, former Whites hero Gray, who served as assistant manager under Monk's predecessor Steve Evans, believes that the new boss should already have preparations underway for life without Taylor, despite the club's defiant stance on the player's future.
He told LUTV: "The one thing about football is that it's very difficult for clubs to hold on to their players. You can't hold on to them if they have made up their mind that they are unhappy.
"That's something Garry Monk could be looking at, can he get a left-back in or if they have a left-back at the club, who he can play there. If Charlie Taylor did move on tomorrow, are they expecting [Gaetano] Berardi to play at left-back? He can do it, as he has done it before.
"You hope Charlie stays, but once players hand in transfer requests, you realise they are not happy at the club. It's always difficult to keep them."
Though Monk has done encouraging business in the transfer window thus far, bringing in seven first-team players in a variety of positions, supporters have already suffered the disappointment of losing rising midfield star Lewis Cook to Premier League outfit Bournemouth.
To lose Taylor now would be to undo a lot of the good work done on the squad by Monk, and would be a dagger to the heart of many Whites fans who are so desperate to hold on to the new-found optimism of the early days former Swansea manager's reign.


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Cook to stay with bad cop Broad
Persist with Bell and Cook
Despite a lethargic start at the MCG, compounded by their opposite numbers David Warner and Aaron Finch putting on 163 for the first Australian wicket, Alastair Cook and Ian Bell bucked up. Their next three partnerships were 57, 50 and 87 before 23 on an arduous Adelaide pitch.
It's worth noting that in batting first for the first four ODIs, England's openers were exposed to the toughest conditions for batting in each of them. Collectively, they were at their best at Perth; closing shop till the threat of swing had passed, four overs in, with the score at 15 for 0, before scoring at nine an over for the next eight overs. Both ended the series with a decent strike rate of just over 82 but they will know this will need to be closer to the 90s if they are to consistently register scores of 300.
They will also be frustrated they didn't capitalise on the starts they made, as only once did one of them - Bell in Brisbane - make it past the 25-over mark. Cook finished without even a fifty to his name, but the increase in the variety of strokes he played spoke promisingly of an established player, feted for his frugal shot selection, learning and executing new tricks.
One boundary in particular, off James Faulkner in the 3rd ODI at the SCG, was audacious. To a ball outside off stump, Cook stepped across and whipped it sweetly through midwicket. His follow-through, the "bus wheel" - a flamboyant quirk, fetishised in Australia, where a southpaw's hands cross over entirely, as perfected by Marcus North - was very un-Cook but pretty damn cool.
Stuart Broad will make a good vice-captain
Throughout the ODI series, the pot shots at Stuart Broad continued. A rest from the first two ODIs led to photos in the Australian papers of the England seamer paddle-boarding and the second "Man takes to beach during time-off" story in less than a month.
While he was rusty on his recall at the SCG, he was back up to scratch at Perth before opening up the 5th ODI with one of the quickest spells of the series. But what was most impressive about Broad was his demeanour on the field. It might have been easy for him to grow weary because of a number of reasons, from the length of this tour to the inane barracking of the local crowds. But he has managed to continue till now with great vigour, fitness and a sense of responsibility that hasn't wavered. He took time to talk to bowlers before important spells as well as having what looked to be some candid discussions with Cook.
When speculation was abound about Cook's future as captain, thanks to his own emotional words at the SCG, Broad came up as a potential replacement, but with forewarning of hot-headedness and a list of cons of having a bowler lead the side. If Cook is to continue, then Broad might be the perfect "bad cop" to rejuvenate England in the field.
How best to use Chris Jordan
Ashley Giles recognised Chris Jordan as one of the successes of this series. He bowled at a sprightly pace and was able to maintain that speed throughout. An economy rate of 5.38 is commendable given he bowled the majority of his overs in the first and second Powerplays.
It was only in Adelaide that Jordan was entrusted with a spell at the death, as James Tredwell, Tim Bresnan, Broad and Stokes shared the load from 30 overs on, meaning Jordan had two overs left for the death.
With four out on the leg side boundary - the shorter side - he varied his approach to Faulkner with great results. Initially he followed him, digging one in at his toes. The following over, he caught him out with a bouncer before Faulkner could only find Eoin Morgan in the deep (in truth, it was the only ball he got wrong).
Of course, this was in the first innings; it's worth noting that when Faulkner completed his smash and grab in the 2nd ODI, Cook had chosen not to bowl out Jordan, whose nine overs had returned 0 for 53. Defending a total brings an altogether different pressure, but the indication from those close to Jordan is that he is perfectly equipped for the challenge.
His ability to bowl in different situations of a 50-over game allows England to be more flexible with their bowling plans.
Does English cricket have a "Big Show"?
It's hard to know what to make of Glenn Maxwell. Behind the WWE moniker and David Brent beard stands an exceptional cricketer whose career path projects a best case scenario as a scorer of great runs rather than a great runscorer. His only score of note in the series came at the Gabba with a 54 that featured four reverse sweeps - three of them in a row - to set up a phenomenal chase.
His bowling was useful and his fielding is top notch. His work in the ring through the series has been second to none, with every pick up on the floor and every throw, whether balanced or not, clean as a whistle. His direct-hit run out of Bresnan in Adelaide, as England lost their nerve, was a formality by his standards.
While Darren Lehmann has warned him about shirking his responsibility with the bat, it's hard not to plump for a maverick.
England's approach to eccentrics is exampled no better than the current state of limbo Kevin Pietersen finds himself in. But it does make you wonder about English cricket's rogues and what chance they might have of making a late dash for the 2015 World Cup.
A brilliant 2013, with eye-catching performance in four-day and limited-overs cricket, sees Samit Patel as the most worthy of the outliers. His ability to manipulate the field and find gaps in front of him would add something to England's middle order. His spin bowling has also come on leaps and bounds, particularly his accuracy.
Moving onto the uncapped muscle, Peter Trego and Steven Crook are unhindered heavy-hitting, seam bowling allrounders that are more than worthy of mentions. Crook would be a smart acquisition for an IPL franchise and good performances in high quality competition will turn heads.
Trego's worth is clear for all to see and he underlined his quality with excellence in last year's Yorkshire Bank 40, which he finished as the competition's leading runscorer. But Trego himself admits that the international bridges he burned as a hotter-headed youngster may be beyond repair.
Perhaps more likely for selection are the younger livewires, such as Leicestershire's Josh Cobb and, if he enjoys a record-breaking 2014 for Surrey, the enigmatic Jason Roy. It's all hypothetical whimsy, but as Ben Stokes showed during the Test series, sometimes the punts come good.


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Rainforests of long-limbed succulents house leaping lemurs, while stout baobabs sport trunks branded with trippy red-and-yellow swirls. Elsewhere, powder-white sands collide with cyan waters, hiding barrier reefs. This kaleidoscope of nature forms the fabric of Madagascar.
With 250 islands, 450km of barrier reef, and around 5000km of coastline, the tropical island's shores prove hard to resist. Divers are spoiled for choice of sites – from underwater cathedrals to rusted shipwrecks – and share the deep waters with rays, whale sharks, and reef sharks. Snorkel among curious fish, colourful coral, and graceful turtles. Those keen to keep their heads above water can watch the humpback whales breach, join a local fisher on a pirogue trip, or simply recline in their hammock.
Isalo National Park covers 81,500ha of Jurassic sandstone massif and is home to ringtail, brown, and sifaka lemurs, as well as sacred Bara burial sites. Delve into the island's history, from the pirate cemetery strewn with palms, to the 12 sacred hills of Antananarivo. Madagascar is a cultural melting pot of intricate beliefs and rituals in reverence of ancestors, and full of ethnic spices and exotic cuisines
- The island's shores prove hard to resist with 250 islands, 450km of barrier reef, and around 5000km of coastline
- Dive with whale sharks in the underwater cathedrals, or snorkel among curious fish
- Watch the humpback whales breach, join a local fisher on a pirogue trip, or simply recline in your hammock
- Delve into the island's history, from the pirate cemetery to the 12 sacred hills of Antananarivo
- Isalo National Park covers 81,500ha of Jurassic sandstone massif and is home to ringtail, brown, and sifaka lemurs
Facts and Information
The Republic of Madagascar encompasses the island of the same name, some 400km off the east coast of Africa. It separated from the mainland about 160 million years ago, and is the world's fourth largest island, offering a unique and inspiring wildlife experience.
While Madagascar is home to some pretty incredible beaches ringed by coral reefs, swaying palms and silky white sands, it offers so much more than a seaside holiday. The island is famous for its diversity of fauna and flora, with over 200,000 species that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Among these are over 100 species of lemur, countless chameleons, insect-eating pitcher plants, octopus trees and bottle-shaped baobabs!
It is inhabited by the Malagasy people who come from Polynesia originally and bear greater resemblance in their culture and customs to Asia than Africa. There are many taboos and sacred rituals such as 'turning over the dead' in which people's remains are removed from their tombs, rewrapped and returned there after festivities in their honor to celebrate communion between the living and dead.
Madagascar can be visited all year round and it can be divided into two distinct seasons. The dry season runs during the winter (May to October) and there is tropical rainfall from December to April. The weather does vary according to each region. The coastal areas are warm and enjoy average temperatures from 21°-26°C while the inland plateau is cooler (average temperature 13°-20°C) and generally dryer. The eastern and northwestern coasts receive more rain during the winter from the southeasterly trade winds but the inland areas and western coast endure monsoon rainfall during the summer. The southern region is dry and barren with little rainfall, amounting to semidesert in some places.
Language: French, Malagasy. English is not widely spoken.
Currency: Ariary; see www.xe.com for exchange rates.
Visas: All visitors require visas - they cost USD84 and are valid for 3 months and multiple entries.
Vaccinations: Madagascar is a malaria area and you should consult your doctor or travel clinic for advice on the right medication. No vaccinations are required, and the country is pretty safe to visit.
Travelling to Madagascar
Madagascar is a pretty remote island, some 400km off the east coast of Africa. Tourism is starting to boom on the island and there are now regular flights from Europe, North America, Asia as well as South and East Africa.
There are four direct flights each week from Paris to the capital Antananarivo with Air Madagascar. Air France also flies this route on a regular basis. There are direct flights from Milan and some international charters fly direct to Nosy Be, on the north coast.
Madagascar is easily combined with other destinations in Africa, the perfect add-on to a Big Five Safari. There are two flights a week from Nairobi with Air Madagascar and 6 flights per week from Johannesburg. Air Mauritius flies daily to Antananarivo and Air Austral jets in from Reunion.
Travellers from Asia can now fly here directly from Bangkok or it is pretty easy to arrive via Mauritius and catch a connecting flight. Ivato Airport receives the international flights and is situated 12km north of Antananarivo, just a short drive from the capital city.
Once you have arrived in Madagascar, transport really depends on your destination. Most travellers opt for an internal flight from Antananarivo to Nosy Be or one of the coastal resorts. Air Madagascar operates many routes and provides good value for money.
Since less than 15% of the country's roads are paved, travelling long distances by car is not recommended. A highlight of any visit is a Dhow Safari - island hopping for a few days on a traditional Arab sailing boat, the ultimate way to experience Madagasar!
NB: We can organise everything from your international flights to your domestic charters or road transfers. Don't stress out about planning your journey - leave it to the Rhino Africa experts. Get free, no-obligation advice


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Spend Matters - Free Research Download
This landscape definition and overview report focuses on the capability and value of various types of solutions within the supply risk management market from a procurement perspective, new for 2018.
Supply Risk Management and Compliance Landscape Definition and Overview
Spend Matters - Free Research Download
This landscape definition and overview report focuses on the capability and value of various types of solutions within the supply risk management market from a procurement perspective.
A Case Study in Global Supply Chain Risk Management: How AGCO Implemented an SCRM Solution to Save Millions
This is a case study of how AGCO worked with riskmethods on their supply chain risk management solution. Supply chain risk management is still in its infancy. If we're honest, the solutions on the marketplace today are only scratching the surface of what is possible. Any company that has grown beyond a trivial size realistically has to be proactive about risk, not reactively fighting the fires when emergencies strike. AGCO's foray into the space was forward-looking and extremely successful. Read on to discover how SCRM can help your organization!
Proactive Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM) in an Uncertain World
The target audience for this paper is not only internal (brand management, C-level, finance, legal, line of business owners, procurement) but also sales, where SCRM visibility provides an advantage with risk-averse prospects and clients. As for takeaways, we'll explore SCRM's potential ROI, including the main drivers to consider when building a business case. This doesn't just include supply base assurance and brand management - but also immediate hard savings through process efficiency, avoidance and reduction of crisis costs, and insurance premium reductions. What's not to like about that?
Supply Risk Management: Lessons from Leaders
When it comes to supply risk, you may have heard the term "think globally and implement locally" as a way to align risk and reward. You also know that it's critical to create the right set of metrics and benchmarks in this area, but in our experience, we haven't spoken to many people who have a good idea of where to even start. In this paper, Chief Research Officer Pierre Mitchell will walk you through some good starting points based on lessons learned from industry leaders.
A Radical Rethink of Commodity Management and Advanced Sourcing Strategies – Advanced Tactics That are Possible Today
Spend Matters - Free Research Download
This is a collaborative research paper where we took an approach we haven't taken before – it takes our internal knowledge (and that of Trade Extensions) and attempts to come up with pragmatic scenarios for the application of advanced sourcing/optimization capability to commodity management scenarios. In co-investing with a handful of manufacturing organizations, our goal is to produce working models that can be put into production. We feature three use cases in this paper of guinea pigs who have agreed to test out our new method of bridging the gap between sourcing, supply chain, and commodity management.
Economic and Procurement Forecast: July 2013
Spend Matters PRO Only - Premium Research Download
A recent Spend Matters presentation covering economic and procurement outlook of the global economy and impacts on commodity markets, currencies, and supply and demand.
Intersection of Analytics and Supply Chain Risk Management
Analytics & Spend Visibility Compass - Free Research Download
Simply having access to supply risk information does little to avoid supply chain catastrophes. This research shows you how you can leverage supplier intelligence and analytics to drive early intervention in potentially high-risk situations. Includes vendor coverage.
Redefining Sustainability: Saving Money, Reducing Risk and Going Green
Spend Matters Perspective - Free Research Download
Learn more about the direct intersection of sustainability and sourcing as well as case examples of situations where organizations have benefited from expanding their definition of sustainability to include cost savings and other benefits. We share our learnings on what business leaders are doing differently.
Using Sourcing Intelligence to Combat Commodity Volatility – The Price Index Advantage
Spend Matters Perspective - Free Research Download Using Sourcing Intelligence to Combat Commodity Volatility – The Price Index Advantage Jason Busch, Executive Editor, Spend Matters If […]
Beyond Sourcing and Supply Chain: Commodity Management Solution Fundamentals
Spend Matters - Free Research Download
Now is the time for organizations to make the right set of investments in Commodity Management solutions -- not to mention people, process and market intelligence. Learn how to get started -- and where to focus.
Approaches to Minimizing Commodity Volatility
Next Level Sourcing and Commodity Management - Reseach Download Minimizing Commodity Volatility Through Advanced Commodity Management and Hedging Approaches By Jason Busch and Lisa Reisman […]


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EFMP Events and Workshops
Workshops & Support Groups
Please register at least 1 day prior to event, unless otherwise stated, by emailing firstname.lastname@example.com or by calling 703-693-5353.
The EFMP wishes to make our events accessible to persons of all abilities. If you need reasonable accommodations in order to fully participate in an event, please contact us. Unless otherwise noted, all programs consist of a workshop plus allotted time for family networking and support group. These events are a great opportunity to support one another by sharing experiences, resources, and lessons learned. EFMP staff will be on hand to address questions and concerns.
Marine & Family Programs Pentagon Outreach
Wednesday, October 10 • 10:00 am – 1:30 pm
Pentagon 2nd Floor, Apex 1/2.
Please contact us at 703-693-5353/696-0783 or email@example.com.
Let's Chat with Humana
Friday, October 19 • 11:00 am – 1:00 pm
Pentagon Library & Conference Center, Rm. B8.
Register by Friday, October 19. Please contact us at 703-693-5353 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
EFMP Halloween Family Social
Saturday, October 27 • 1:00–2:00 pm.
USO Warrior and Family Center, 5940 9th Street, Fort Belvoir, VA.
Come in costume, play games, meet other EFMP-enrolled families, and enjoy our trick-or-treat parade.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Henderson Hall EFMP Family Case Workers at 703-693-4172/6510 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Special Needs, Special Support
November 9 (Rm. B9), December 4 (Rm. B9).
Come share your experiences, challenges, and support with other EFMP parents. No registration required. All branches of service welcome. For any questions, please contact us at 703-693-5353/696-0783.
Workshop & Support Group Descriptions:
Accessing Community Resources
Community resources are the businesses, public service institutions, and charitable organizations that provide assistance and services to local residents. Some organizations may support large groups while others target a smaller more specific group. Come and learn about accessing a wealth of resources available in the National Capital Region and how to find new resources when you PCS to a new location.
Advocacy Skills
What does it mean to be an advocate? How can you be a better advocate for your family member with special needs and/or yourself? Learn advocating basics such as goal setting and documentation and listening skills. Share what you have learned with others.
Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA) Therapy and How to Navigate Through Tricare
Applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapy uses behavior modification principles, such as positive reinforcement, to increase or decrease targeted behaviors. ABA can also help develop skills, such as speech, self-help, and play, and help to decrease behaviors like aggression or self-injury. Learn more about ABA therapy and how to work with Tricare to get this service for your family member.
Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) Brief
What are the common signs and behaviors of Autism? Has your child been newly diagnosed? Need to learn more about the different therapies that are out there? Learn how to assist your family understand ASD and how to support your family member with ASD.
Building Networks of Support
Informal networks of support are people who are part of a family's social network like family members, friends, neighbors, co-workers or members of a faith-based community. Formal networks of support are typically individuals from organizations or agencies that provide help or a service to the family. Learn how to find resources and how to build a support system by sharing and networking with others who are dealing with the same challenging circumstances.
Early Intervention Overview
From birth to 5 years, a child should reach milestones in how he/she plays, learns, speaks and acts. A delay in any of these areas could be a sign of a developmental problem. The good news is, the earlier it's recognized the more a child can be helped to reach his/her full potential. Learn how to spot developmental delays and what to do if you have a concern about your child.
EFMP Couples Support Group for Marines & Spouses
This support group, facilitated by Henderson Hall's Chaplain, is for couples who would like to meet with other couples to share experiences and resources, as well as the challenges, successes, and joys that go along with having a family member with special needs.
Emergency Preparedness
Be informed and prepared in the event of an emergency. Learn what to do in the event of a natural disaster, tips for creating a family emergency plan, and how to build an emergency kit. If you have a special needs family member, come and learn about the resources available and what you can do to prepare.
Exceptional Siblings Brief
Being a parent of a child with special needs is challenging and rewarding, and so is being their sibling. What, as a parent, can we do to be sensitive to the challenges faced by the "typical" sibling, and help them negotiate these challenges while accentuating the positives? This workshop will explore issues related to siblings of children with disabilities, as well as some practical suggestions for addressing these issues.
Family Social (EFMP Support Group)
EFMP Family Social is a time for the entire family to connect with others and relax. Children will be able to participate in monthly themed crafts and engage in other activities. While children are occupied with fun crafts and other activities, parents are given the opportunity to connect with each other and their family case worker in order to share resources and to discuss relevant issues.
Incapacitated Adult Dependency Determination
Learn what the basic qualifying criterion is for establishing an incapacitation status for a child within the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System (DEERS). Learn what a dependency determination is and what documentation is needed. Learn what the ID card processing procedures are for incapacitated children over age 21.
Introduction to EFMP
What is the USMC Exceptional Family Member Program? Who is eligible and what are the benefits and requirements? How do you enroll in the program? This workshop will discuss why the EFMP exists, and how it can help you to support and advocate for your exceptional family member.
Introduction to Virginia Medicaid Waivers
This session will provide you with an overview of Virginia Medicaid Waivers. We will also explore the qualification requirements, application process, and benefits of the Elderly & Disabled Consumer Directed (EDCD) waiver.
Presented by Moms In Motion.
Moms in Motion provides case management services for Medicaid Waiver enrollees. This session will discuss:
- An overview of Virginia Medicaid Waivers
- Explore the qualification requirements and application process
- The benefits of the Elderly and Disabled Consumer Directed (EDCD) waiver
- The importance of getting on a waiting list for either the ID (Intellectually Disabled) or DD (Developmentally Delayed) waivers
Managing Deployments
Join us for a brief about how to prepare for deployment. Learn about the resources and supports available for your family through your EFMP office.
Meet & Greet
Meet your Family Case Worker. Drop off paperwork. Meet other EFMP families. Learn more about EFMP and the resources available to you.
- Meet your Family Case Worker
- Drop off paperwork
- Meet other EFMP families
- Learn more about EFMP and the resources available to you
- Children are welcome
Permanent Change Station (PCS) Transition Support
Planning is the key to making a smooth transition for your family during a PCS move, especially if you have a family member with special needs. This workshop will step you through the process of creating a timeline checklist, and provide information on useful resources, tips, and organizational tools that will help lessen the stress and anxiety of moving with a family member with special needs.
Respite Care Reimbursement Program
The Respite Care Reimbursement Program is available to eligible EFMP families. This workshop covers the Respite Care Reimbursement Program guidelines, eligibility, and the application process. This is an essential briefing if you will be utilizing this USMC EFMP respite care subsidy program.
Special Education Overview
Are you new to the special education arena or just in need of a refresher on the basics of special education? Join us for a workshop on the need-to-know information on the special education process in order for you to be the best advocate for your child.
Special Needs Forum
A forum to address the issues and concerns of our families enrolled in the USMC Exceptional Family Member Program dealing with your installation. We hope to foster ideas, promote creativity, and solve problems with the outcome of greater coordination and collaboration in accessing quality support services for our families.
Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI)
Understand the Myriad of Rules Governing SSI/SSDI, Medicaid, Medicare & Related Work Incentives for People with Disabilities/Initial eligibility/Application
- Understand benefits programs under SSI & SSDI
- Understand how earned income (wages) and unearned income affect cash and medical benefits
- Know which Work Incentives belong to which benefits program, know when to use them & which ones to use
- Understand Medicaid & Medicare rules when individuals earn income
- Access information from the SSA website & other important web resources such as WorkWorld and MedicaidWORKS
Transitions in Special Education Brief
This brief will help prepare parents of children receiving special education services for the next phase in their child's education. Graduating from elementary school, middle school, and high school are major milestones in a child's life, and it can be a confusing time when parents want to give their child the best start on that new chapter. Gain knowledge on how to help your child make that transition.
Virginia Assistive Technology Systems (VATS)
The mission of the Virginia Assistive Technology System (VATS) is to ensure that Virginians of all ages and abilities can acquire the appropriate, affordable assistive and information technologies and services they need to participate in society as active citizens.
Come and learn what is available for your family member!
See also:


text: I know all of you are going to be like this isn't really a tip etc. but in actuality it does help and has made me pretty successful threw out my internet marketing career so here it is... Clean Your Work Space.... Like I said it doesn't sound like a tip but when your working in a clean environment your thoughts seem more organized and you can actually work freely without running your mouse / hands into clutter. Right now I am in a bit of a down streak with money and I looked at my work space and guess what I see... Coke bottles, blunt wrappers, cups, candy wrappers, and more so even though its 3:56am here I am going to clean my work space and hopefully when I wake up earn more money than I earned today. Hope this helps everyone.


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SAT & ACT Classes
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"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."- Nelson Mandela
Courtney is a full time high school special education teacher who loves
to help students continually learn. She has over 10 years of tutoring
experience, including teaching literacy skills to children during her graduate program at Mount Saint Mary College. She has tutored students ranging from second grade to college. When working with students, Courtney builds her students' confidence by creating individualized plans for success with her students. She specializes in organizational skills, study skills, and improving content vocabulary. Courtney's content specialties are: organization, study skills, Global studies, United States History, Algebra I, Geometry, Earth Science, Living Environment, English, reading, writing, High School Economics, High
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The former Massachusetts governor had a huge lead over Republican rivals in New Hampshire, and a comfortable one in Iowa – the two states holding next year's first presidential nominating contests.
The survey was conducted by MSNBC television and the Marist College Institute for Public Opinion.
Of some 876 Republican likely voters polled in Iowa, 26 per cent said they favoured Romney to head the party's 2012 presidential ticket, with second place going to Herman Cain, who got 20 per cent.
Cain, the former chief executive of Godfather's Pizza, has scored upset victories in a succession of straw polls, and in many surveys has supplanted Texas Governor Rick Perry in the number two spot.
Perry, a former presidential front-runner whose popularity has plummeted following weak debate showings, polled 11 per cent, just barely ahead of undecided, which had 10 per cent.
Perry's declining polls also are linked to his policy of providing in-state college tuition in Texas to the children of illegal immigrants and a controversy over a racial slur painted near the entrance of his family's rented hunting retreat.
Among the other Republican contenders, Texas lawmaker Ron Paul got 12 per cent support; Minnesota congresswoman Michele Bachmann 11 per cent; former House speaker Newt Gingrich five per cent; and former Utah governor Jon Huntsman one per cent.
Meanwhile, the pollsters found that among 965 Republican voters in New Hampshire, a resounding 44 per cent chose Romney, while Paul and Cain each polled 13 per cent.
Perry got six per cent; Huntsman five per cent; and Gingrich four per cent. Eleven per cent of voters said they were still undecided.
Romney's strong showing in northeastern New Hampshire is due in part to the fact that the state borders Massachusetts, where he was the popular governor for four years, from 2003 to 2007.
Tuesday's debate, hosted by Dartmouth College and broadcast by Bloomberg Television, will be the first to focus solely on the economy as US unemployment remains at a stubbornly high 9.1 per cent with 14 million Americans looking for work.


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That's when something inside of Jonathon went off. He decided to immediately do something.
His post on social media details the interaction he had and the resulting action he took. He ended up doing much more for the woman than just getting her the hot cup of water she had desired.
Check out what happened and share this man's act of kindness with friends and family.
Here's what Jonathon wrote:
"Well, my night took an unexpected turn! So I finished my night out, ended up in the dreaded McDonald's queue. I couldn't help but notice the lady in front me, all she asked for was a cup of hot water.
The member of staff told her no. I don't know what was going through their mind but a lady, clearly homeless was asking for a basic human right; and for a multi billion pound company, for them to say no is disgusting!
My heart was shattered! So I spoke to her and told her to order what she wanted, expecting her to order everything. I was so shocked. She asked for a single cheese burger and that was it. We bought as much as we could carry so I knew she wasn't going to be hungry.
I couldn't just leave this lady go, she was so warming and so lovely. So I sat with her, on the cold hard floor, in the middle of winter and you know what I did? I cried my eyes out.
You know if people of Cardiff walked passed them and didn't do anything because, financially, they weren't in the position, I would understand. But people walked passed and laughed at them. I don't care who you are, If this was you; and you're reading this I hate you!
When I got to speak to them I was genuinely shocked at their story and how educated they were! So full of life and enthusiasm and they literally have nothing!
I invited Polly and her mate back to my house and we all cooked enough food to feed them and their friends for the next few nights. We boxed them up and packed them in their bags.
Polly and her mate have had showers, brushed their teeth and they both said they have ever felt so appreciated in their life.
I'm no saint, but this small act of kindness cost me about £20. I know 90% of people reading this will earn about 10 times that a day.
It costs nothing to be kind, and I genuinely hope people share this to raise awareness of homelessness throughout the UK!
Me and Polly have chatted on the phone and I've promised her that she will never go hungry or cold again! I've given her blankets, pillows and a back pack full of food.
If you see someone on the streets, don't look down on them like they're nothing. You don't know what they've been though! spare a little thought!
I don't care if I look like shit cause I'm crying!
Polly, you've changed me!"


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This page uses content from Wikipedia and is licensed under CC BY-SA.
A Sheltam locomotive similar to that which was involved in the crash.
|4 January 2018
|09:15 local time (07:15 UTC)
|Near Kroonstad, South Africa
|Rail line
|Port Elizabeth - Johannesburg
|Shosholoza Meyl
|Type of incident
|Level crossing collision
|Under investigation
On 4 January 2018, a passenger train operated by Shosholoza Meyl collided with a truck on a level crossing at Geneva Station between Hennenman and Kroonstad, Free State, South Africa. The train was derailed and seven of the twelve carriages caught fire. Twenty-one people were killed and 254 people were injured.
At about 09:15 local time (07:15 UTC) on 4 January 2018,[1] a passenger train, operated by Shosholoza Meyl, carrying 429 passengers, was travelling from Port Elizabeth to Johannesburg when it collided with a truck on the Geneva Station level crossing, around 200 kilometres (120 mi) south-west of Johannesburg.[2][3][4][3][5][6]
Witnesses stated that the truck failed to stop at the level crossing,[7][8] despite the train driver giving warning by blowing the horn. The truck, along with its two trailers, was dragged for around 400 metres (1,300 ft),[1] and a car being transported on the train[9] was also crushed by the derailed train.
The locomotive hauling the train was Class C30EMP diesel-electric locomotive № 3018, owned by Sheltam.[10] The locomotive and 12 carriages of the train were derailed;[2] seven carriages caught fire.[11] Overhead electrical wires had snapped during the collision, causing the fire.[12]:9 The first responders were local farmers and their workers who rushed to the collision site with fire-fighting equipment and began pulling people out of the burning carriages.[12]:9 Eyewitness and farmer Willie du Preez, said that the fire began 10 minutes after the collision, with the first flames behind the locomotive which spread towards the derailed carriages and trapped passengers.[13]:2 Twenty-one people were killed[14][15] and 254 were injured.[2] At around 20:50 local time, the search and rescue was called off.[16]
The truck driver survived the collision and tried to flee the scene but was arrested[8] and taken to a hospital.[3] Police have opened a manslaughter case against the driver.[17] The driver of the truck tested negative for alcohol at a police station.[18]:1
Police spokesperson Brigadier Sam Makhele said he believed all human remains had been recovered from the carriages by the afternoon of 5 January, and that forensic workers believed they had recovered the remains of nineteen people.[19]:3 Heavy recovery equipment was brought in by PRASA Rail, two days after the collision, to remove the debris from the crash site so that the railway line could be repaired and reopened.[19]:3 On 7 January, the train line was reopened to traffic.[20]
Farmer Willie du Preez said that the road to the level crossing follows the railway line before making a 90 degree turn to the crossing.[19]:3 He claimed that there is a blind spot which prevents one, for a moment, from seeing on-coming trains as well as potholes in the road that slow vehicles speeds at the crossing.[19]:3 He stated his belief that the truck's cab and first trailer had crossed and the train struck the second trailer.[19]:3
As of 6 January 2018, PRASA had not responded to a question from the Volksblad as to whether the train was speeding, as one passenger claimed he had joined the train when it was two hours late, but that the train had regained an hour at the time of the collision.[19]:3
South Africa's Minister of Transport Joe Maswanganyi announced that an investigation would be launched. Maswanganyi also said that "Police are investigating. The truck driver was taking chances... that cost lots of lives."[1][3] The Railway Safety Regulator (RSR) is responsible for investigating railway accidents in South Africa.[21] The owner of the articulated tipper truck, Cordene Trading, expressed the firm's condolences to the victims and their families through the company's lawyer.[12]:9
The driver described, when seeing the truck on the crossing, how he tooted the trains horn and applied the brakes with a realisation he and his assistant could do nothing as they were trapped in the cabin.[18]:1 The driver and his female assistant were both badly bruised and suffered neck and head injuries.[18]:1
In a preliminary finding, the RSR's investigation of the train's speed indicates that it was travelling at 78 km/h when it struck the truck on a 90 km/h track.[18]:1 Only four of the passengers killed in the collision are recognisable but still remain unidentified.[22]:2 Two of the victim's gender cannot be identified at this time while the other victims are four girls, eight men and five women.[20]:2 The other fifteen will be identified by means of DNA testing, with the results to be made known by 19 February.[22]:2
On 26 January 2018, PRASA announced that the DNA testing of the remains were completed and the results would be made known to the relatives of the victims at a gathering at the Virginia Council Chambers, Free State.[23]:8 PRASA would also be providing government assistance for burials.[23]:8


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3 Things eBooks Need to Really Catch On
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eBooks are really starting to catch on. The price of eReaders are dropping. The technology is becoming more user friendly. Software and cross comparability between devices are readily available and user friendly. Gone are the days when I won a hot new book in ebook format and I looked at it like a punishment rather than a blessing because I couldn't sit in front of a desktop to read it rather than take it with me.
Still, despite all of these good things that are happening there is still a lot that is lacking. Here are 3 suggestions that I think would make eBooks move to the next stage of development. We can call it eBooks 2.0.
Authors Note
Please note that this particular gripe/suggestion does not apply to all eBooks. Usually the high cost is for new releases and very popular books. I have managed to amass a very respectable classics library for little to no cost. My suggestions and gripes are not a reason not to get an eReader but rather are suggestions that could make the market better.
1) Pricing
I was looking around the Amazon Kindle store at some books I wanted to add to my Kindle and I saw something that fascinated me. I could get a lot of the physical copy books for cheaper than the eBooks. What is more, why would I want to spend another $10 per book for the Dresden Files series (A great series. I recommend it.) if I have already invested in the first 5 or 6 books for the physical versions. I know there are arguments for the portability of an eBook reader, but I am a starving student and soon I will be a starving teacher. Why would I drop more money on books I already have or even on books that I could get for cheaper?
The deal here is the publishers. They are use to raking in a lot of money with books. I don't blame them for wanting to make good money either. They are a for profit business. The issue is that eBooks cost nothing to publish. The only thing that they cost is the royalties that stores like Barnes & Noble, Amazon, Sony, Kobo, Apple or Google charges. Still, if the cost of printing and shipping the physical books is cut out, that is quite a chunk of change saved. How about passing some of that savings on to the customer? Give me an incentive to move almost exclusively to eBooks. This, more than anything I think, will drive the move towards eBooks.
2) Digital Copies
Music and Movie companies get this idea. Now with some DVDs and CDs you get a digital copy with your physical copy. I am as sad as the next guy to see bookstores disappearing, How about those bookstore fighting back? What if physical paper books came with a free or heavily discounted eBook? I like to see a full bookshelf with well read books as much as the next guy, but when I have to choose between portability and space it is a hard call. Why not incentivize the purchasing of both types of media? Then I can have the best of both worlds. A paper book I don't need power to read while I am at home and looks great on my shelves, AND a portable eBook that I can carry with me when I am out and about.
3) Updates
Books change. Probably not as much as Star Wars and E.T. does when George Lucas gets his hands on them, but they do. Spelling errors are found. Revisions are made. Chapters are added even. Well, it is hard to update a printed book when this happens. A new edition is printed and either the old books becomes a collectors item, or as more commonly happens, the book is junk. Now this isn't as a big a deal in novels and the like, but in Encyclopedias, dictionaries, thesauruses, reference books and textbooks this is a crime. The cost of these is just going up and the internet is in some ways rending them obsolete. As a student, I especially get frustrated by the once a semester wallet rape (sorry, it is crude but accurate) that takes place when I need to shell out for books that may just become obsolete next semester depending on the whim of the publisher, the school or the professor.
The beauty of eBooks however is that they are easily updated. As mentioned above the cost of making eBooks is less than printing as well, so the publishers can still make lots of money while offering textbooks and other referenced and educational material without breaking peoples hearts and wallets. Additionally, this gives the students, schools and libraries that bought them book that are valid for years to come.
Imagine if...
...kids were to go to school and get a basic tablet or eReader instead of a huge bag of books that will cause serious harm to their backs. Imagine if schools could just buy books once per student at a lower cost than what they pay now. Imagine quality education that stays with kids into adulthood delivered through technology.
Impacts and Implications
I argue these changes from several prospective. First and foremost from the prospective of the techie in me. Second from the prospective of the entrepreneur and capitalist in me. Third from the concerned citizen and conservationist.
I love seeing technology advancing and moving forward. I love seeing economies succeeding and providing a valued product to a market that demands it. I love to see money saved for students. I love seeing trees saved and paper and ink not being dumped into landfills for not reason.
As such, I publish this article in hopes that someone will read it and apply it or read it and pass it on to someone who can apply it. I would love get make money from these ideas. I am rather poor after all. But the fact is that I would rather see these ideas implemented and the world changed for the better than them not being used at all. So share this article. Perhaps if we the consumers demand the change the market will evolve to fulfill it. Stranger things have happened. Here is hoping eBooks 2.0 happens.
These are excellent suggestions. The updates would be great for digital textbooks. My son was disappointed that it was not till after his graduation that his college offered some textbooks for rent digitally.
The part I like about ebooks is, as you mentioned, that they are constantly updated.
Well.. as for technology, it keeps getting better each day.
"Poor" is a state of mind. If one has their health, some would consider them rich. Your comments are valid. Change is constant. Today's technology will not work tomorrow.
Perhaps our phones and TVs will be integrate seamlessly whereby we communicate utilizing all mediums... learning and entertainment.
Flag up!
You make some very valid points and I hope they become the norm one day.
Voted up, useful and interesting.


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Dinner times are now often spent "together" without any kind of personal communication, because everyone is on their own technological devices. Tim Lott, British author, said that "The web has made the world too interesting. Real family members are dull and problematic in comparison." (Lott, 2013) Instead of facing and trying to fix our problems and differences with our friends and family members, we hide behind our devices and pretend that everything will fix itself.
We desperately look on Facebook sometimes searching to see if others are having the same problems we are having. And when we see others succeed it often impacts our self-esteem and can cause depression. We compare our lives and sometimes failures to other's successes and happiness.
"Using Facebook is associated with jealousy, social tension, isolation, and depression." (Get a Life!- Facebook is Bad for You, 2013)
"Researchers recruited 82 Facebook users for their study. These volunteers agreed to have their Facebook activity observed for two weeks and to report five times a day on their state of mind and their direct social contacts. After analyzing the results, researchers found that the more the volunteers used Facebook in the period between two questionnaires, the worse they reported feeling the next time they filled in a questionnaire. In contrast, there was a positive association between the amount of direct social contact a volunteer had and how positive he felt." (Get a Life!- Facebook is Bad for You, 2013)
Layne Hartsell, a professor at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, Korea said, "Since people are spending more and more time on the computer or using their other electronic devices for any number of functions, I think many people are putting less value on human relations. Because time is not infinite, there will be trade-offs." (Margolis)
Lott, T. (2013, January 18). Technology is Taking Over My Family.
theguardian.com. Retrieved February 3, 2014.
(2013, August 17). Get a Life! Economist.com, Retrieved February 3, 2014.
Margolis, D. (N/A). The Social Impact of 'Everywhere' Technology.
Certmag.com. Retrieved February 3, 2014.


text: Duke Basketball BDN chats up Seth Curry October 14, 2012 Mark Watson Seth Curry took time to speak with BDN Video during media day, which kicks off the basketball season. Curry has been hobbled and unable to practice, and he speaks about the injury and more - Be Sociable, Share! Tweet