text:
Something curious happened recently when 27 advertising agencies were vying for the business of a prestigious car company. The Chrysler Group invited the agencies, most of them small shops, to compete for its "multicultural account." It was a big deal. The winner would mastermind the advertising campaign of Chrysler, Jeep, and Dodge cars and trucks to the "urban" marketplace. The company's request for proposal laid out the many requirements of the account. What if a small agency couldn't meet the RFP terms? Chrysler had three words of advice: Form an alliance.
"Seven alliances came back to us in two weeks," says Jeff Bell, Chrysler Group's vice-president of Jeep marketing. Last spring, when Chrysler announced the five semifinalists, all five were alliances. With names like "PASS Urban Powertrain," the alliances each consisted of two to four agencies. "We're not asking them to stop being individual agencies," Bell says. "But if you come together in an alliance, you don't need to open an office in Miami. It's already there."
The Chrysler competition illustrates why independent-business alliances are hot. What's striking is how adamantly Bell opposed hiring a large ad agency. He valued the creativity of the independent entrepreneurs. But he also wanted scale. Hey, customers want what they want.
Clearly, the changing face of customer needs (or make that demands) is driving more entrepreneurs to team up in groups of 5, 50, or 100 companies. It's a great hook when you can present your alliance as a single-source solution, especially in a tough economy.
Just ask soloist David Kowal. After toiling on his own for years as a public-relations professional, he recently gathered together 11 of his soloist friends. "We said if we could only harness all that talent into a single group, that would be great," he recalls. So he and another sole practitioner started a new company, called 3D-PR, an alliance of 12 soloists. Dan Cote, marketing director for nSight, a print and interactive communications company with some $10 million in sales, liked what he saw in 3D. "We were looking for veteran PR people we could afford, and they fit the bill perfectly," he says. With the alliance, Cote says, he's getting more bang for the buck. It looks as if Cote has something in common with Chrysler's Jeff Bell.
An alliance's mission is often simple: increase sales and profits. But many alliances also appeal to an entrepreneur's deep-rooted sense of identity. The people who start and join alliances believe unceasingly in the advantages of remaining independent and are willing to defend that unalienable "right." (See " Declaration of Independents," September 2001.)
But the best of the alliances are pushing the boundaries of what independent means in some very inventive ways. And by joining forces they're finding even more freedom -- truly the best of both worlds.
Wheeling and Dealing
The Alliance: YaYa Bike (www.yayabike.com)
Founded: May 2001
Members: 67 independent bike dealers
Driver: A consolidation of suppliers is creating a power imbalance in the industry
If you wander into @ The Hub Bicycles, in Athens, Ga., you'll have no trouble finding name bikes like Cannondale and Gary Fisher. But against the back wall you'll also find niche brands you've never heard of. It's that variety, says owner Chris Dupuis, that attracts both weekend riders and more serious cyclists who spend $1,500 and up on high-end road bikes.
If the top bike manufacturers had their way, however, @ The Hub wouldn't be nearly so eclectic -- or so profitable, says Dupuis, whose store had sales of $785,000 in 2001, its first year. And customers would have far fewer brands to choose from. The four "really powerful" suppliers to bike shops don't like store owners who pick and choose from their product lines, he adds. "They've got it down to a science: 'If you want our bikes, you need to take our clothes, helmets, and pumps.' Retailers jump through hoops to have the most desirable brand. But every decision has financial repercussions. I don't want any supplier to be 100% [of my business]."
As Dupuis, a 15-year veteran of the bike business, watched the big suppliers consolidating their power, he came to the conclusion that he needed to have more clout in the industry. So this year he did something radical -- he joined a new co-op alliance of independent bike dealers known as YaYa Bike. Four other Georgia bike dealers have also joined.
The expression ya-ya is baseball slang for home run. YaYa Bike has yet to hit a home run, but industry insiders say it has the potential to. "This could be really big," says Larry Carder, national sales and marketing manager for the Hawley Co., a distributor of bicycle parts and accessories in Lexington, S.C. In April, Hawley agreed to be a YaYa "preferred distributor." That means it will give YaYa members a rebate on its 12,000 products -- on top of whatever individual deals the store owners have with the distributor. What's in it for Hawley? New customers. "We've already seen an effect -- a dozen new stores in the Midwest and West," says Carder.
In one year, YaYa has recruited 67 independent bike dealers (IBDs) with 100 store locations in 23 states and aggregate sales of $75 million. It also has signed 18 preferred suppliers, who are cutting YaYa a special deal because of its 100 locations. Such progress makes Dupuis happy.
But YaYa has its detractors, too. "I'm not sure I see the usefulness of it. I already have really strong relationships with my suppliers," says Chris Zane, owner of Zane's Cycles, in Branford, Conn. But Zane is exceptional among IBDs. With revenues approaching $6 million, Zane is the exclusive dealer in his area for brands like Trek. If he joined an alliance, he says, "I know my suppliers would give me a hard time."
YaYa president Bob Friedman, who is based in San Diego, admits that in his first six months of recruiting, he struck out repeatedly. Despite hard times that saw at least 800 stores shutter their doors in 2001, many IBDs were skeptical of the new group. "They'd say, What suppliers do you have? I'd say, I don't have any yet. And the reply was, Call me back when you have big players like Giant," Friedman says. In fact, YaYa is still seeking a deal with a top-tier bike manufacturer. It may take a while.
Friedman says from the start the word among suppliers was "Don't work with YaYa and they'll go away." There was reason to fear the fledgling alliance. In Europe three bike-dealer cooperatives wield considerable power because they move so many bikes. In the United States some suppliers fear "they're going to help us get healthy, and then we're going to turn around and bite them," says Friedman. "That's happened to some extent in Europe."
But then a few suppliers broke rank, and more followed. What's more, grizzled retail veterans like Ron Kozy, owner of Kozy's Cyclery, in Chicago, decided to join, encouraging other IBDs to do the same.
Some store owners were initially skittish because they recalled a motley group of retailers that had tried to organize an alliance a few years earlier and failed miserably. But YaYa took a different tack from the start. It was organized as an official business cooperative under the direction of co-op expert David Leppert. In a cooperative every member is also a shareholder. The YaYa chairman is a bike dealer.
Now YaYa wants 1,000 members, or about 20% of the IBDs, by 2006. That's a tall order. "I'm asking a store owner to write a check for $2,000. It's not an easy check to write, especially when the payoff is downstream," Friedman says. He expects that the first rebate checks will go out to members in 2003.
Also downstream: a line of private-label bike products under the YaYa brand (or another name of members' choosing) made by the alliance's preferred suppliers and available only to members. Friedman sees a Wal-Mart-busting line of simple products like shorts and wheel tubes. "These guys sell tons of tubes, so why not their own?" he asks.
Ultimately, Friedman envisions YaYa members launching comarketing campaigns under the alliance's banner. And why not put the YaYa logo on store marquees? As Friedman talks, the alliance's mission starts to sound suspiciously like that of another co-op that started out so many years ago as a renegade group of independent stores. Those stores are now known by one name: Ace Hardware.
Agents for Change
The Alliance: Strategic Independent Agents Alliance (www.siaa.net)
Founded: November 1996
Members: 1,000 insurance agencies nationwide
Driver: The consolidation of insurance carriers is leading to increased demands on insurance agents
"In our state alone, there are probably half as many independent agents as there were 10 years ago, and that number will probably continue to be reduced annually," says Tim Hyland, president of Hyland, Block, & Hyland, in Louisville. Local insurance agents, long a fixture in small towns across the country, are struggling for survival, according to Hyland, as insurance carriers grow larger and raise the minimum premium volume they require of agents who do business with them. "The companies that we represent want more volume from fewer agents," he explains. Since 1997, Hyland has found refuge from the turbulent insurance market as a member of the Strategic Independent Agents Alliance, a national network of small and midsize independent agents.
SIAA can trace its roots back nearly 20 years. In 1983, SIAA chairman Jim Masiello, founder of the SAN Group, was running a small agency in Keene, N.H., and thinking about growth. "I didn't want to invest in branch offices," he says. Instead, Masiello joined forces with two other New Hampshire agents to aggregate their premium volume and gain clout with regional carriers. Over the years, with consolidation increasing, the lopsided relationship between independent agents and powerful insurance companies got only worse. In 1996, in response to that trend, Masiello took his partner concept and expanded it to start SIAA, which now has nearly 1,000 members in 48 states. Together, the members generate enough business to meet the premium volume minimums set by giant national insurance carriers as a prerequisite of representing them. "In the 1970s and '80s it was easy for somebody to start from scratch, find appointments, and write enough business to get a contract with a big insurance carrier," says Madelyn Flannagan of the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America Inc., a trade association in Alexandria, Va. "That's virtually impossible today."
The alliance comprises 60 regional "master agencies," midsize independents like Hyland, Block, & Hyland, which aggregate the premiums of dozens of smaller agencies in their area. (In total, SIAA wrote $2.1 billion in premiums for 2001.) The master agencies also provide technical assistance, helping their smaller partners adjust to the on-line quoting and claim-processing systems now required by most carriers. In return, they receive a percentage of the smaller agents' commissions and an initial membership fee that varies depending on the region.
In addition to providing access to insurance companies, the alliance offers members other benefits, according to Mark Berset, president of Comegys Insurance Corner, a master agency in St. Petersburg, Fla. "If you're the top dog in your organization, you really have nobody to talk to," he says. "A little guy will often call me with thoughts on automation or how to handle contracts if he's hiring somebody. My issues may be bigger ones, like how to benchmark against others in the industry, and that's when I call SIAA." But it's also a lot of work for the master agencies. Hyland says the demands of serving the small agents have overwhelmed the five staff members he assigned to the task. Still, it's worth it, he says. "With the alliance, people don't feel so isolated; they don't feel so alone. What we have created is a support mechanism for all of us."
The Soloist's Solution
The Alliance: Women in Consulting (www.womeninconsulting.com)
Founded: January 1998
Members: 128 solo business consultants in Silicon Valley and the San Francisco Bay area
Driver: Successful soloists can juggle only so many clients alone
The alliance called Women in Consulting started as a high-powered group of Silicon Valley elite determined to work on their own terms. The 12 founding members had left management positions at Apple, Adobe, Silicon Graphics, and NeXT. No wallflowers, these women. They departed the corporate world to seek their fortune as solo business consultants but on a schedule that also let them watch their kids play soccer. "We're not seen as contract workers," says member Lisa Goldman, a former employee of Apple and NeXT. "Nor are we a bridge to getting back into the workforce when the kids are young. We're serious about growing our businesses." As soloists, that is.
But it didn't take the women long to see that to get good work they couldn't go it alone. They needed one another. "Many of us are in marketing, so in theory we're competitors," says Kate Purmal, president of WIC, which was officially organized as a dues-collecting nonprofit in December 2001. But more often WIC members, who now number about 128, collaborate on some level.
The most exciting development Purmal has witnessed is WIC members' pitching customers together, creating some formidable alliances in the field of integrated-marketing services. One such alliance is called Rain Maker. Another handful of WIC members took their alliance to the next level and created a company of soloists known as Indigo Partners. (See " The New Face of Self-Employment," November 2001.)
Purmal, who left a management job at Palm in 1998, exemplifies what's possible when soloists put their heads together. She recently started her own alliance, called the Driver Group, with three other WIC members who were intent on capturing more business. "My clients ask themselves, 'Can she handle the demands of a larger project?' There's value to the client in my being more than an individual -- the ability to scale and greater depth." One of her partners is a "brilliant" marketing strategist. Another is a copywriter. The third specializes in business partnerships. The partners meet once a week, and all carry Driver Group business cards. (Purmal set up the group as a limited-liability corporation to avoid having to buy additional liability insurance.)
In the past, Purmal had to turn customers away when she got too busy. Then she made a New Year's resolution: "I never want to turn down business unless I want to." The Driver Group lets the consultant take on three clients at a time, and her revenues have already increased 50% because of that. "I'm working at the highest level possible without working full-time all the time," she says. And she's making more money than she ever did at Palm. Purmal predicts that more alliances will spin out of WIC.
As it is, at least half the members use the alliance as an extension of their product line. When they see additional business opportunities with a client, they solicit fellow members from the monthly dinner-and-speaker meetings that attract upwards of 80 women. The WIC E-mail list draws replies from 500 area consultants. "The downside is you may get 40 responses," says Purmal. WIC now has a searchable database to help companies seeking consultants -- and to help consultants seeking other consultants. Hewlett-Packard reportedly uses many WIC members.
Will WIC ever recruit men? Not likely. In consulting, women are more willing to collaborate without expecting an instant payback, Purmal says. She adds: "Men expect much more reciprocity. There is a gender difference."
Battle of the Networks
The Alliance: Relo (www.relo.com)
Founded: May 1998, upon the merger of real estate brokers from three networks
Members: 700 independent brokers, both large and small
Driver: A resurgence of franchisors has the independents pulling together to win this "land grab"
Relo is an alliance that Warren Buffett would love. For one thing, the industry is salt of the earth: real estate brokerage. And Relo members have strong local brands. The famed investor is, in fact, an indirect supporter. Some 13 alliance members are also part of the Buffett empire. His real estate brokers keep their names and run their shops independently.
Independence is the driving force behind Relo's recent rise. Four years ago, after merging with brokers from two other networks, Relo became the largest alliance of independent (defined as "nonnational franchise") real estate agencies, big and small. It now represents 700 agencies with collective 2001 sales of $252 billion.
Brokers say they united out of a fierce desire to fight a looming enemy: a much larger network known as Cendant, built by some of the biggest names in franchising. At stake are not just home sales but millions and millions of dollars in corporate-relocation business. "Brokers said, 'We're concerned that if we're not part of a Cendant-like network, we'll be out of luck," says Mike Pappas, president of Keyes Co., in Miami, a Relo member with 35 offices in South Florida and home sales totaling $1.6 billion last year. "What Relo gives you is a national network for the local broker -- you can compete effectively with the franchisors."
Relo had long been a network for brokers to refer leads to when homeowners wanted to move across the state or the country. But its scope was limited. "Big brokers were in one group. Small brokers were in one of four other networks," says Jon Coile, executive vice president of Champion Realty, in Severna Park, Md., with home sales of $745 million. "Nobody had critical mass and complete coverage of the United States."
Today Relo has that coverage. It's a riveting example of how dramatically an alliance can change with the times. NRT, the large acquirer behind the Cendant network, has been snapping up independents and converting them to such franchise brands as Coldwell Banker, Century 21, and ERA. "There's so much resistance against NRT's model," says Relo president Pam O'Connor. "It's Wall Street versus Main Street, and our guys don't want to be taken over by Wall Street."
At the same time, Relo has "gone through some draconian changes," as one member puts it. Upon consolidation four years ago, the bigger and bolder Relo decided to get bad. The alliance set minimum standards for performance and dropped some 100 members. It changed its status to for-profit. Some 50 member companies became shareholders. And the newly cash-flush alliance bought a relocation company, now known as Relo Direct, which works with local Relo brokers on corporate accounts.
Relo member Abigail Jennings, president of Lake Norman Realty Inc., outside Charlotte, N.C., says Relo Direct brings her corporate clients and vice versa. And she says the Relo network "definitely" helped her two-office brokerage snag a large relocation contract. A division of a big car company moving its headquarters to nearby Huntersville needed a broker that could handle all its needs, such as helping employees to relocate from Germany and far-flung regions of the United States. "So," she says, "I used Relo members in all those places." While other Relo brokers sold the employees' old homes, Lake Norman found them new houses or rentals. Jennings also brought in Relo Direct on one aspect of the project. "It's seamless to the client," she says. She's particularly proud that her little agency with home sales of $107 million secured the contract. It's no wonder, then, that when you call her office, you hear on-hold messages plugging Relo. Jennings takes advantage of such other Relo benefits as training on relocation topics and offering clients home-warranty insurance.
Like auto dealers that no longer sell only new cars, real estate brokers need to be one-stop shops to be profitable. "Relo is really a group that helps us make money," says Pappas of Keyes Co. Relo members, who pay an annual membership fee of $1,000 to $15,000, derive about 5% to 25% of their sales from being part of the alliance.
And yet, Relo remains vulnerable. In the past year, five high-profile members have sold out to NRT. Relo's challenge is figuring out how to help its members increase cash flow -- and fast. President O'Connor says that she's seeking capital partners to take an equity stake in high-growth brokers. Warren, are you listening?
The Global Village
The Alliance: GlobalFluency, an international network of high-tech public-relations agencies (www.globalfluency.com)
Founded: August 2001
Members: More than 40 agencies in 26 countries
Driver: High-tech customers that are expanding overseas are seeking global PR firms.
John Metzger, CEO of a $3.5-million public-relations firm in Boulder, Colo., knows how to win over customers. Up to a point. "We have companies -- our own neighbors here in Colorado -- that won't hire us because we don't have offices in 65 countries," he says. Last year that stumbling block caused Metzger to join GlobalFluency, an international alliance of small to midsize technology-focused public-relations agencies.
The need for an international presence is what led GlobalFluency founder Donovan Neale-May to organize the alliance. The president of $10-million Neale-May & Partners, in Palo Alto, Calif., says that after one of his agency's European partners was gobbled up by a larger firm, Neale-May needed new overseas contacts for customers who were expanding into international markets. So, early in 2001, he started developing GlobalFluency.
Neale-May scouted out owner-run independent technology PR companies in 26 countries from Japan to Mexico and signed them up under the GlobalFluency brand. Each company pays an annual membership fee ranging from $500 to $1,500 depending on its size and region. Members have access to a GlobalFluency intranet, where they can manage collaborative projects with other members and find templates for GlobalFluency letterhead, business cards, and presentations. Start-up costs for the alliance ran about $100,000. Any agency can contact other members for any part of a project on an à la carte basis. "It gives us the flexibility to keep our boutique image," says Ben Merritt, president of $4.5-million Merritt Group, in Vienna, Va. "But if we have to go against a big boy, we can pull GlobalFluency in." If is the operative word. Because of the sagging economy and marketing cutbacks, GlobalFluency has not been fully road tested. But early results are promising. Members have been called on to pitch to midsize and large companies for both regional product launches and international campaigns.
Shawn Wolfe, director of marketing communications at McAfee.com, a $62-million software company in Sunnyvale, Calif., has spent the past year working with Neale-May's Manhattan office and GlobalFluency agencies in Germany and the U.K., two new markets for McAfee. "We do a phone call every Tuesday at 8 a.m. It's 11 a.m. New York time, 4 p.m. in London, and 5 in Munich. It's no extra work for me, and the results are far beyond what I'd get from a different style agency," he says. "Besides, I don't have the overhead of a big agency." And lower overhead allows alliance agencies to price their services as much as 20% to 30% below large competitors', says the alliance's founder.
Susan Greco is a senior writer at Inc. Kate O'Sullivan is a reporter. Associate editor Thea Singer contributed to this report.
To learn how to collaborate on a project or in an alliance with competitors, go to www.inc.com/keyword/alliance.
Act Locally
The Alliance: Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (www.livingeconomies.org)
Founded: October 2001
Members: 18 local networks comprising companies, individuals, and nonprofits
Driver: Local economies are increasingly dealing with globalization issues
For Judy Wicks, the socially responsible business movement didn't die when Unilever -- with hundreds of brands -- bought Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., in April 2000. But the movement certainly had the breath knocked out of it. The Vermont company that had served as a model of fairness to workers and an advocate for the environment had been absorbed into the sort of entity that Wicks and her ilk had been fighting: multinational behemoths that in their view transfer wealth out of local communities. It was time, says Wicks, to reevaluate where the progressive-business movement was headed. "We needed a new vision and a new model," says the president of $5-million White Dog Enterprises Inc., a restaurant and gift-shop business in Philadelphia. "And new values, really," she adds.
To explore new alternatives, Wicks joined forces with Laury Hammel, president of the $10-million Longfellow Clubs, in Wayland, Mass.; community organizer Michael Shuman in Washington, D.C.; and development consultant David Korten in Bainbridge Island, Wash.
"The solution to globalization is not to throw rocks at big businesses like Wal-Mart but to build the alternative," says Shuman, author of Going Local: Creating Self-Reliant Communities in a Global Age, the book that essentially begat the Business Alliance for Local Living Economies (BALLE). The "alternative" that Shuman is talking about includes not just businesses that are planted on Main Street but entire economies that are locally based. "The more times a dollar circulates in my community, the more jobs, income, and wealth there is in my community," says Shuman. And if that well-worn dollar must go elsewhere, let it go to another locally owned business, not to a global corporation.
BALLE is basically an alliance of alliances, a collection of organizations across the country that are dedicated to supporting locally owned businesses. Some of the alliance's 18 members, like Maine Businesses for Social Responsibility and Colorado P3 (People, Planet, Profit), have been around for a while. Others, like Responsible Business Minnesota and BALLE Northwest in Seattle, are new.
As part of BALLE's organizing effort, each member group is constructing a sourcing database of sustainable local businesses to be linked on the BALLE Web site. Say, for example, that Laury Hammel wants to offer organic peanuts in the café of his fitness club and there are no peanut farmers in the area. He enters organic peanuts in the appropriate box on the BALLE site, and a list of suppliers will pop up. "The most important function of BALLE is to create the technology for being able to do business with each other," says Wicks. "Small people finding small people -- you need some structure for it."
BALLE is so new that members aren't yet sure they'll meet their ambitious goals. But some have already experienced benefits. Doug Hammond, chairman of the Pioneer Valley Social Venture Network, in Northampton, Mass., says BALLE helped pull off a community event that attracted attendees and cosponsors who had wildly divergent ideologies. "We had the suits and the farmers," says Hammond, "the pro-development and the pro-environment. People didn't have to get over the hurdle that just one vantage point would be represented, because BALLE represents a broad coalition of businesses and organizations. Local economies is a very simple unifying theme. It's big enough to cover all of us." --Thea Singer
Please E-mail your comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
About Custom Hanukkah Labels — Elements Burlap
Elements Burlap Hanukkah Labels are made of your choice of coated paper or waterproof vinyl. They are very easy to apply. In the case of the vinyl labels option, they are also very easy to remove. The square vinyl shapes, when applied to glass, metal or plastic, are even reusable. When you peel them off just start at a corner and pull back slowly, you can put them back on their carrier sheet and save them for another use. Evermine Hanukkah labels are available in tiny, medium, and large sizes, and come in circles, squares, hearts, ovals, and other more intricate shapes. They can be used for many purposes, including for wine bottles and beer bottles, envelope seals, labeling party favors, and decorating a festive Hanukkah table. Select your shape and color above to start customizing your Elements Burlap Hanukkah Labels today!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- This event has passed.
Carrick on Suir Knitting Group
August 2, 2018 @ 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm
|Recurring Event (See all)
Every Thursday at 2.30pm
Event Navigation
The Carrick on Suir Knitters meet every Thursday between 2.30pm and 4.30pm. Why not come along and knit and natter and enjoy a cuppa tea. All ages, all levels welcome.


text:
Crosses + concrete {unplugged series}
Yesterday I put a huge (already black painted) cabinet in the kitchen and painted the inside black as well with chalk paint. And today I finished the job and sorted out my kitchenware. I'll try to make some pictures of it this week.
I also put up this metal sign on the wall of my living and moved the Ay Illuminate lamp from the kitchen to the lounge. I spotted this cross at the Woonbeurs in September and directly fell in love with it! After some mails I found out it came from Quip&Co. The good news is they also wanted to be a sponsor in the End of the year 2.0 concept .... and you can expect a giveaway from them real soon!
Talking of crosses: Lebeslustiger is a new sponsor as well and I thought their knitted necklaces and bracelets - with little crosses- are really cute!
Happy week to all of you!
5 comments:
- Lau de CASALIL said...
J'aime beaucoup cette croix metallique et ce luminaire... j'espère que l'hiver qui arrive n'est pas trop dur et que j'aurais bientot une guestroom!! Bon lundi chère Dees. Hugs
- November 12, 2012 at 7:37 AM
- Suzanne de Jong said...
Super het Quip en Co teken daar!! Erg mooi!
- November 12, 2012 at 8:21 AM
- Martine vianen said...
Heel mooi dat kruis op je muur. Vind dat zo apart, je hebt een vlak geschilderd met speciaal soort verf of behandeling? Jouw posts zijn zo'n inspiratie! Groet martine
- November 12, 2012 at 9:24 AM
- Jacqueline @ HOME said...
That looks fantastic Desiree ......... I love crosses and I love concrete so both of them together is great !
Hope you are well ..... sorry that I have been absent for a while .....we have been to Rome and I'm still getting used to my new computer !!!! XXXX
- November 12, 2012 at 2:12 PM
- Regards et Maisons by Nathalie said...
Cette croix est très belle et puis ce mur béton me plait beaucoup depuis longtemps . Est ce du vrai béton?
- November 12, 2012 at 11:03 PM


text:
When Fast Company names you one of the "100 Most Creative People in Business" (2012), people tend to listen when you talk. So is the case of Ron J. Williams, a Manhattan-based entrepreneur who spoke Thursday afternoon at the Terry Theater as part of One Spark's Speaker Series.
As CEO and co-founder of Knodes, a tool for finding people in your network who care about a shared cause, and of SnapGoods, a site that helps people to rent and borrow hardware and equipment, Williams brought real world expertise to his speech titled, "How could crowdfunding be any easier?"
"Crowdfunding is the future, but not without you," Williams addressed the three-dozen-or-so audience members. "The truth of the matter is that we're all super connected. Did you know that $319 million went through Kickstarter last year?"
According to Forbes, crowdfunding is, "the practice of funding a project or venture by raising many small amounts of money from a large number of people, typically via the Internet." Crowdfunding is the reason creators from all over the world have descended upon Jacksonville to showcase their ideas and projects.
It's also the reason Williams is totally pumped to be on stage. "It [crowdfunding] is about way more than the money," he said. "It's not just the transaction of dollars, but the transaction of ideas."
In order to create and execute a successful crowdfunding venture, Williams said you should first find your inner circle and share your idea or ideas with them. This could be family members or close friends – anyone you trust. Next, find your audience. Williams called this "your tribe." These are the individuals you can rely on for emotional and/or financial support.
"These people support you not just because they know you, but because they're interested in your content," he explained.
Once you've communicated effectively with your inner circle and tribe, it's time to take your message to the community. While addressing the community, always remember to be accountable and transparent. Let people know exactly what it is that they're agreeing to support.
Williams' speech lasted just 20 minutes. The content was clear and succinct. Crowdfunding is about getting people together who want to create. This can be done on any number of levels. For the Jacksonville community, this is being done through One Spark.


text:
Ukraine Hotels
Number of hotels in this location - 0
Map Key:
Formerly part of the Russian Empire, the Ukraine is situated in Eastern Europe and is rich in culture and history. The capital Kiev for its abundance of museums, art galleries, theatres and year-round events. Traces of the ancient Scythian culture can still be found in Kiev's Caves Monastery.
Choose Hotels by Availability
Hotels in Ukraine
The ancient capital of the Slavonic World offers an array of museums, art galleries, theatres, parks, botanical gardens and a pulsating nightlife! Kiev's skyline is dominated by the striking gold-domed Churches and the 950 year old St. Sophia Cathedral. Must sees include the October Palace and St. Michael's Golden-Domed Cathedral.
Please note that information contained in these location guides was correct at the time of research, but may be liable to change. Any mentioned attractions/points of interest can change or close. Maps are a guide only. If you do find any inaccuracies or know of something you feel deserves inclusion in our guides, please email your comments to firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
JC's Christian Books & Gifts
Community Info
Online Shopping
Featured Shopping
- Just Released
- Sale Bestsellers
- Gifts for Him
- Gifts for Her
- New & Bestselling Fiction
- Back To School
- Bargains
- Christian Book Award Winners
- Bible Study Resources
- Wedding & Marriage
- VeggieTales
- Dove Awards Winners
- Keep Kids Safe Online
- Bulk Discounts on Books & Bibles
Spiritual Helps
Inside Scoop
Product Description
The Holy Bible, Gift and Award is an extremely low-priced, complete Bible for gift giving, travel, or evangelism and ministry use. This is a light blue, softcover bible in the New Living Translation.
More Product Information
- Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers
- Release Date: March 1, 2006
- Pages: 810
- Language: English
- Version: New Living
- Bible Type: Award
- Color: Blue
- Location of References: N/A
- Binding: Paperback
- Print Size: 0
- Red Letter: N
- Page Edge Color: Not Applicable
- Bible Organization: Not Applicable
- Concordance: Y
- Height: 1.10 inches
- Width: 5.30 inches
- Length: 8.00 inches
- Weight: 1.00 pounds
About the Author
NLT - New Living TranslationReader Level: Grade 6-7
Sample Verse: John 3:16-17 16 "For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. 17 God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him."
Translation Summary: Building on the legacy of the original Living Bible, prioritizing accessibility for a broad audience.
About Translation: Created by a team of Bible scholars and English stylists seeking – wherever possible – to preserve the language of the original Living Bible. The NLT provides a simple yet scholarly modern equivalent of the original documents executed in natural, contemporary English. Published in 1996, updated in 2004.


text:
Nyc.is is a site that aggregates information and news about New York City. You can send news and vote for other articles. Nyc.is shows you all the information about New York. You can share, discover, rate and write stories from New York City.
Venture Slogan: You choose what's news in New York City.
Nyc.is's own description: "…We are a new kind of front page. One where you choose what each day's headlines are…"


text:
Corporate and Investment Banking in the USA
We are your partner for corporate and investment banking in the USA. Benefit from our long-standing experience and personal service.
In 1967, the first Commerzbank representative office was opened in New York, being transformed to the first branch of a German bank in the USA in 1971. Decades of experience have allowed Commerzbank to gain a true insight into the North-American market, with all its particularities and rules. This in-depth knowledge, combined with our financial expertise, allows us to provide extensive services to both international corporations with presence in the USA, Canada or Mexico and US-based companies with activities in Europe.
- We are experts in crossborder business, especially in Corporate Finance as well as FX-management.
- A dedicated Client Service Team consisting of a Relationship Manager and product specialists will take care of your banking needs in accordance with your specific requirements.
Our services in the USA
We are experts in crossborder business and offer solutions throughout the complete range of corporate finance, Transaction Services, risk management of currencies, interest rates and commodities as well as Trade Services.
Corporate Finance
- One of the highly ranked EUR & USD DCM platforms (loans, bonds,USPP) with proven track record of leading large and well-known deals
- Subsidiary financing for international corporations
Transaction Services
Globally integrated cash management solutions including local market demands
Trade Services
Long-standing expertise in Standby and Commercial Letters of Credit
Risk Management
Providing solutions to reduce volatility of cashflows (currencies, interest rates and commodities)
Contact us
Service-Hotline for technical questions of Corporate Clients
+49 69 136 80527 or +1 800 584-2363 (toll free) *
24/7 Service and Emergency Hotlines for Private Clients of Commerzbank Germany
+49 69 98 66 09 66 (Products and Services) or +49 69 98 66 00 33 (Online Banking)
Commerzbank Transaction Services U.S.A. (for current clients of Commerzbank New York only)
+1 212 266 7666 or +1 888 590 6977 (toll free) ***
* Mo - Fri from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (CET)
*** Mon - Fri from 8:00 am to 6:00 pm (EST)


text:
It seems to me that there is a need for a network designed to put gardening and grow room setup experts in contact with patients who are willing to grow themselves, but who need help in doing so.
I have done this a couple of times now, offered to do it a few more, and just recently had another request from a cancer patient who can't afford what the oil would cost them, but who would be able to grow in her basement if someone could help her set up and get going.
Does anyone know if there is an active network like this out there in the cancer support or medical cannabis world, and if it is in operation in non-legal states?
Please help.
I didn't find the right solution from the Internet.
Online Promotional Advertising Examples


text:
Find an accountant -- 3
Presupuesto $250-750 USD
I need some help with finding an accountant.
10 freelancers están ofertando el promedio de $354 para este trabajo
Hello, my name is Kristina and I am an experienced and professional virtual assistant and bookkeeper. You can expect consistency, efficiency and accuracy from me. Please contact me if you would like to work together, I Más
Bid Summary you need accountant Project Requirements i am an accountant since 2013 Relevant Skills and Experience Accounting / bookkeeping / Excel Proposed Milestones $277 USD - we can negotiate the price I can`t h Más
Bid Summary Accounting Project Requirements Accounting Work Relevant Skills and Experience Accounting standards and practices, Budgeting, Cost accounting, Managerial accounting Strong command over English Reliable Más


text:
Reviews that don't fit in the makeup categories. Note - This is a moderated forum. All threads will be reviewed by staff to ensure they follow guidelines before going "live".
August 19th, 2013, 04:49 PM
August 4th, 2016, 07:03 PM
October 23rd, 2013, 05:12 PM
December 10th, 2011, 12:22 PM
Bath&Body Works: Moisturizing...
March 13th, 2013, 07:03 PM


text:
This site uses cookies. Some may have been set already.
You can read our privacy policy here
Please click the button to accept our cookies. If you continue to use the site, we'll assume you're happy to accept the cookies anyway.
Away Travel
Photo Galleries
Supporters Association
Club Archive
FA Cup History
Summer of 2004
Roll of Honour
Honours and Records
FA Trophy History
Club Info
Tickets & Admission
New Bucks Head Stadium
Club Directory
Directions and Transport
Car Parking
Charity Collections
Ground Regulations
Vanarama Insurance
Match Package
Executive Box Hire
Mascot Experience
Match Day Sponsorship
Match Ball Sponsorship
Player Sponsorship
Ground Board Advertising
Sponsors and Offical Partners
Community Coaching
Safeguarding Policy
Contact Us
Goalzone is Shropshire's premium small sided football centre at AFC Telford United's New Bucks Head Stadium. GoalZone comprises four floodlit "tiger turf" artificial all weather playing surfaces constructed to Football Association specification. The compact nature of each pitch makes it ideal for improving ball control and short passing and if you're competing in one of our popular small sided football leagues you can be sure of a fast paced game with plenty of touches for everyone.
Goalzone Contact Information:
Phone: 01952 567544 or email email@example.com
Competitive 5-a-side league football:
AFC Telford United Goalzone hosts a 5-a-side football league in partnership with Football Evolution.
Matches are played on a Monday evening with qualified referees attending.
Come play on our: outdoor, floodlit, rubber crumb 3G surface with your friends, competitively or with your work colleagues for some fun!
League rules will be explained in full to you but there will be no head height restriction and no player under the age of 16 years will be allowed to play.
You can find out more information by:
Calling Paul: 07717 790502
Emailing: firstname.lastname@example.com
Bubble Football
In partnership with Telford Bubble Footie we can provide the amazing activity of Bubble Football here at AFC Telford United
Ideal for an hour of fun with friends, stag/hen parties, corporate days or charity fundraisers.
Prices start from £12 per player (including pitch hire) for a maximum of 15 players and an hours' worth of games including football, bulldog, gauntlet and protect the president, all delivered by Telford Bubble Football
If you're a football fan, this should definitely be on your bucket list - Get it ticked off with us!
To book or find out more:
Call Shaun on 07854 886 919
Email: email@example.com
Goalzone Hourly Pricing:
5pm – 6pm:
Adult & Junior teams:
From 6pm – 9pm per hour:
Junior pricing:
team per week - £20
2 teams per week - £18
3 teams per week or more - £16
Adult pricing:
£30 Adults
£28 Adults Block Booking
£26 Adults Corporate
Pricing is for new customers only.
Birthday Parties:
A great way to celebrate your child's birthday or special occasion, our party packs are available for groups of children starting from £130 for a party of ten children.
Our AFC Telford party package includes – (£15 per child):
45 minutes of coaching from a qualified coach
Hot or cold party food option
30 minutes on our astro turf pitches for a game
Stadium tour
Signed birthday card by the AFC Telford squad
Meet the team before the AFC Telford game
Tickets for all children involved to the AFC Telford game + 2 adults. (Subject to availability)
Birthday parties and pitches can be booked weeks in advance or at short notice by contacting the following:
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Phone: 01952 567 544 or 07891 030 371
AFC Telford United Ltd - Registered in England and Wales No. 05138735
New Bucks Head Stadium - Watling Street - Wellington - Telford - TF1 2TU
Tel: 01952 640064
Fax: 01952 640021
Email: email@example.com
© Copyright AFC Telford United Limited
Privacy Notice


text:
I first ran across Charles Brooks in the ancestry.com online version of Katherine Kerr Kendall's abstracts, "Will Books of Caswell Co., NC, 1777-1814 & 1814-1843." According to the Will Book Abstracts, Charles Brooks wrote his will in Caswell Co., NC 7 Oct 1815 and mentioned his wife, Sally Brooks and "brother-in-law" Nathan Williams and son George Brooks to execute his estate. Charles Brooks' will was proved in Caswell Co., NC in January court 1816.
Charles' wife, Sally Brooks, was the daughter of Colonel Henry Williams. In his will written 1785, Henry Williams listed his daughter "Sally Brooks" as an heir (and son Nathan Williams). Sally Williams Brooks was the sister of Susannah Williams Brooks, wife of Christopher Brooks.
The following is a brief summary of who Charles Brooks was, however there is no indication about who his parents were. I hope to add more about that later. Kay Haden's Rootsweb Family Tree File listed Charles Brooks as one of the sons of Thomas Brookes and Mary Blacknall. She also has Christopher Brookes (md. Susannah Williams) and George Brookes as brothers of Charles Brookes. They were both mentioned in the Kingston Parish Registry of Gloucester / Mathews Co., VA as sons of Thomas and Mary: "_______her Brookes", baptized February 1755, son of Thomas and Mary; and "George Brookes," born May 8 and baptized 12 Jun 1757, son of Thomas and Mary (p. 14).
Charles Brooks
Charles Brooks was born between 1756-1765 (1800 & 1810 Census reports) and died in Caswell Co., NC between 15 October 1815 when he wrote his will, and Jan 1816, when his will was proved. He married Sally or Sarah Williams, daughter of Henry Williams before 1785 (mentioned in father's will of 1785 as Sally Brooks). Sarah or Sally was born between 1766 and 1770, according to the 1800, 1810, 1820, 1830, & 1840 Census reports and died about January 1841 in Caswell Co., NC. (Sarah's son George posted bond for administration of his mother's estate on 4 Jan 1841).
There is no marriage recorded in Caswell Co., NC between Charles Brooks and Sarah/Sally Williams (Caswell Co marriage bonds, online, USGenWeb). If they married before 1777, the marriage bond could have been filed in Orange Co., NC (Caswell was formed from Orange Co., NC in 1777), or other neighboring counties (Orange was split to form Guilford, Chatham and Wake Counties in 1771; Caswell County in 1779); A search of the online archives for these counties did not bring up a marriage record. Based on the ages reported by the census reports for Sally and Charles Brooks, they were probably married between 1776-1785. They did not have any children older than 15 years listed on the 1800 census report, so that puts the birth of first child (still living) at about 1785, so probably their marriage date was more likely around 1785.
Charles was not listed on the 1777 Tax List, so he was probably not yet 21 or still living at home. He was listed on the 1784 tax list, however, he was not taxed for any land; Although he was listed on the 1784 tax list and the 1800 census report, he was not listed on the 1790 census report for any counties in NC.
Charles Brooks did not file for any land grants in Caswell Co. NC. (The grantor / grantee indexes on microfilm were not clear enough to see if there were any entries for Charles) To Do: I need to search the Deed book abstracts by Kendall to see if he bought or sold any land in NC – update 8/1/07: There were several entries in the deed book abstracts for Charles Brooks: 15, 53, 55, 57, 67, 87, 116, 136, 153, 166, 182, 188, 196, 252, 262, 292, 321, 339, 348, 356, 362. This blog entry will be updated as copies are obtained of these entries.
Charles and Sally Williams Brooks had 15 known children who were born between 1785 (1800 Caswell Co., NC census) and 1816 (when Sally Brooks deeded all of her property to her 15 children listed by name. Caswell Co., NC Deed book R, p. 273-4):
1. Blacknell Brooks
2. Patsy Brooks
3. George Brooks
4. Ursley Brooks
5. Polly Brooks
6. Elizabeth Brooks
7. Henry Brooks
8. Susannah Brooks
9. Jane Brooks
10. Sally Brooks
>11. Frances Brooks
12. Rebekah Brooks
13. Dolly Brooks
14. Henrietta Brooks
15. Melinda Brooks
According to the 1800 census report, there were 3 male children and 6 female children under the age of 15 living in the home.
Timeline of Events for Charles and Sally/Sarah Brooks:
8/1/07: Updated from Katherine Kerr Kendall's Caswell County, North Carolina Deed Books, 1777-1817, Abstracts:
Deed Book A, p. 254, State of NC, No. 30, to Thomas Brooks, 570 acres on both sides of Moon's Creek and McCorkles Creek of Moon's. 3 Mar 1779. chain carriers were Wm. Holderness and Chas. Brooks. (Caswell Co., NC Deed Books, 1777-1817, Abstracts, Katherine Kerr Kendall, p. 15)
1784 Tax List, St. David's District, Charles Brooks, 0 ac, 1wp, 0 bp (Will Book Abstracts, p. 139)
Henry Williams mentions daughter Sally Brooks in his will written 12 April 1785, Caswell Co., NC
Caswell Co., deed book C, p. 105, 10 July 1785, William Holderness of Caswell Co., to William Page of same, for 161 pounds, 266 acres on Moon's creek adjacent Robert Embry, Thos. Brooks, Henry Cobb, William Adkins. Witnesses: Tho. Brooks Sen., Charles Brooks. (Caswell Co., NC Deed Books, 1777-1817, Abstracts, Katherine Kerr Kendall, p. 67)
Caswell Co. deed book H, p. 396-7: Thomas Brooks of Caswell Co., NC to Charles B. Brooks of same, for 100 pounds, 200 acres on Moon's Creek adjacent Page, Swift. 18 Feb 1794. Witnesses were William Holderness, Jonathan Brooks, and Ann Brooks. (Caswell Co., NC Deed Books, 1777-1817, Abstracts, Katherine Kerr Kendall, p. 153)
"Charles B. Brooks" bought items from the estate of Thomas Brooks Jun., 18 Feb 1794. Other buyers included Jane Brooks, Edmund Williamson, Will Page, Sen., Armstead Flippin, Jonathan Brooks, and Azariah Graves. The sales report was given by Jane Brooks, and Armistead Flippin, administrators. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall p. 48 – Will Book C, p. 116, April Court 1795).
Charles Brooks also bought items from the estate of Henry Williams, 22 Sept 1795. Other buyers included William Rice, Elizabeth Williams, Malon Stacy, Samuel Dickie, Humphrey Roberts, Richard Oldham, Thomas Slade, Eli Stacy, Joseph Williams, Nathan Williams, William H Rice, David Gooch, James Yancey, and George Poe. Report given by William Rice, executor. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall p. 50 – Book C, p. 140, October court 1795).
* I am not sure if this is Henry Williams, Charles Brooks' father-in-law, or a son of Henry Williams. Henry Williams died in 1786 and this estate sale was in 1795, which is 10 years after his death. I will check the estate records to see if this was included in Henry Williams' estate
Charles Brooks bought items from the estate of Mary Simpson. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, abstracts by Kendall, p. 65 – Will Book C, p. 388, April Court 1799).
"Chas Brooks" was enumerated on the 1800 Caswell Co., NC Census report (Hillsboro), p. 148: In the household, there were 1 male under 10 years of age, 2 males between 10-15 years, 1 male between 26-44 years (Charles), 4 females under the age of 10, 2 females between 10-15 years, and 1 female between 26 – 44 years of age (wife); Both Charles and his wife were born bet. 1756-1774.
Charles Brooks purchased items from the estate of Macksfield Henslee. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 78 – Will Book D, p. 79, October Court 1801).
Charles Brooks purchased items from the estate of John Brown dec'd, 22 Nov 1798. Report given by John H. Brown. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 85 – Will Book D, p. 162, April Court 1803)
Charles Brooks purchased items from the estate of Joseph Bush. Other buyers included Maryann Bush, Zenas Bush, Thomas Harrelson, Betsy Flemming, John Simmons, Archibald Rice, Stephen Ingram, … Thomas Holderness, Hosea McNeill, etc (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 118- Will Book F, p. 109, April Court 1810)
Charles Brooks was enumerated on the 1810 Caswell Co., NC Census Report, p. 48: In the household, there was 1 male between the ages of 10-15, 1 male between the ages of 16-25, 1 male over 45 years of age, 5 females under the age of 10, 2 females between 10-15 years, 3 females between 16-25 years and 1 female between 26- 44 years of age. Charles was born before 1765; His wife was born between 1766-1784.
"Charles H. Brooks" wrote a will 7 Oct 1815 and mentioned wife Sally Brooks to raise all children and brother-in-law Nathan Williams and son George Brooks to execute the estate.
Charles Brooks died in Caswell Co., NC between 7 Oct 1815 and Jan 1816.
Is there a copy of his will filed in Caswell County Will folders at the NC State Archives?
Charles' will was proved Jan court 1816: "Charles H. Brooks," will written 7 Oct 1815, wife Sally Brooks to raise children and dispose of estate at her discretion. Exec: Brother in law Nathan Williams, son George Brooks. Wits: Henrietta Rice, Jesse Payne. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 9 – Will Book G, p. 134, Jan court 1816).
To do: Copy, scan and transcribe the will of Charles Brooks, 1816, Caswell Co., NC from the NC State Archives.
George Brooks purchased 1 sorrel mare and 1 bay horse from the estate of Charles H. Brooks, 29 Jan 1816. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 10 – Will Book G, p. 159, April Court 1816).
Nathan Williams and George Brooks, executors of the estate of Charles Brooks, submitted a statement of property of Charles Brooks, deceased. There was a note against Edmund Rice that was due 1815. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 11 – Will Book G, April Court 1816)
Sally Brooks, George Brooks, William H. Rice, Samuel Fielder, Nathaniel Rice & others purchased items from the estate of Elizabeth Williams, 29 Jan 1816.
(Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 11 – Book G, p. 180, April Court 1816).
Sally Brooks of Caswell Co., to beloved children Blacknell Brooks, Patsy Bush, George Brooks, Ursley Brooks, Polly Brooks, Elizabeth Brooks, Henry brooks, Susannah Brooks, Jane Brooks, Sally Brooks, Frances Brooks, Rebekah Brooks, Dolly Brooks, Henrietta Brooks, Melinda Brooks, for love and affection, all her property after her decease or intermarriage. If 3 youngest are under 12, brother Nathan Williams and son George Brooks should be execs; each to have 15/17 part exept a colt known as Medley. 21 Mar 1816. Wits: Gregory Hightowner, John Walterfield. (Caswell Co., NC Deed Book R (1777-1817), p. 1816, 273-4)
1820 Caswell Co., NC Census Report:
Sarah Brooks household: 1 male 16 to 26; 1 female under 10, 3 females 10 to 16, 2 females 16 to 26, 1 female 26 to 45, 1 female over 45 years; 6 slaves. Sarah Brooks was born before 1775.
Salley Brookes was a "debtor" to the estate of Dr. Edward Foulkes, per ledgers A, B, and C, accounts dating back to 1818. This list is 6 pages long. Also included as debtors were people from other counties. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 79 – Will Book L, p. 52, April Court 1826).
1830 Caswell Co., NC Census Report:
Sarah Brooks, 1m 30-40; 1f 15-20, 1f 20-30, 1f 60-70; + 9 slaves
Sarah was born bet. 1760-1770.
1840 Caswell Co., NC Census Report:
Sarah Brooks, 1f 5-10 (probably a granddaughter), 1f 20-30, 1f 70-80
Sarah Brooks was born between 1760-1770.
In the January court 1842, George Brooks reported on the Inventory of negroes of Sarah Brooks, deceased, which were sold to Richard Jones, Saml. Moore, Henry W. Brooks, & Henry Cobb. (Caswell Co., NC Will Books, Abstracts by Kendall, p. 155 – Will Book O, p. 317, Jan court 1842).
Filed under: Brooks, Caswell Co., NC, Williams | Tagged: Brooks, CaswellCoNC, CharlesBrooks, ChristopherBrooks, George Brooks, GloucesterCoVA, Goals, Henry Williams, KingstonParish, Mary Blacknall, MatthewsCoVA, Nathan Williams, North Carolina, OrangeCoNC, Rice, Sally Brooks, Sally Williams, Susannah Williams, Thomas Brooks, Williams |


text:
Cold or flu
Design: Bottle of cognac and a glass
Greeting: This is what they mean when they say, "Take Vitamin C for a cold"!
5" x 7" folded greeting card on quality, white, greeting card stock, envelope included. Printed by me personally. Sometimes I enhance the cards with colored pencil or ink.
See options from drop-down box if you want me to: (1) Put a US Forever stamp on the envelope (2) Put a Canadian Permanent stamp on the envelope (3) Put a US Forever stamp plus sign, address and mail to your recipient (4) Put a US International stamp for Canada or other countries on the envelope plus address and mail the card to your recipient (5) remove the greeting so you have a blank card (no extra charge (6) remove my greeting and add the greeting you prefer (send me an email and no extra charge).
I will select fun, non-political, non-religious USPS Forever stamps (or Canadian Permanent stamps if you are Canadian).


text:
Madagascar is classified as a least developed country and is also a low-income, food-deficit nation. More than 70 percent of the population lives below the poverty line and over 50 percent of children under three years of age suffer retarded growth due to a chronically inadequate diet. Chronic food insecurity affects about 8 percent of the population, while another 50 percent experience transitional food insecurity, particularly during the lean season.
Subsistence farming is especially risky in disaster-prone Madagascar. Over the past 35 years, at least 50 natural disasters, including cyclones, drought, epidemics, floods, famines and locust infestations, have been reported, affecting more than 11 million people.
The worst recent disaster – cyclone Ivan – affected 330,000 people when it struck north-eastern Madagascar in February 2008. However, the country is hit by serious storms almost every year, including a few in early 2009. The eastern coastal and southern regions are the most exposed to seasonal food insecurity.
Insufficient and irregular rainfall in three regions in southern Madagascar in late 2008 and early 2009 had a devastating impact on last year's main harvest, leaving many vulnerable families in need of assistance.
Meanwhile, purchasing power has decreased in many parts of Madagascar, especially in rural areas where farm incomes cannot keep pace with increasing prices for basic necessities. In addition, political instability is exacerbating the already precarious situation for many vulnerable households.
WFP Activities
WFP's food aid distributions target the most vulnerable, including the elderly, orphans and other vulnerable children, pregnant and nursing mothers, underweight children under the age of five, and people living with HIV/AIDS and their households. In total, WFP assisted around 1.3 million beneficiaries in 2009.


text:
The East Valley Tribune (Mesa, AZ) has covered the campaign of Green Party presidential candidate Richard Grayson in Arizona's February 28 Green Party presidential preference primary:
Three East Valley residents on presidential preference ballot
Posted: Sunday, January 22, 2012 12:41 pm | Updated: 9:18 am, Mon Jan 23, 2012.
By Garin Groff, Tribune
If Arizona voters aren't convinced Mitt Romney, Newt Gingrich or other nationally-known figures are presidential material, there's no shortage of Arizona-grown candidates to consider.
Nearly two dozen obscure candidates will appear on Arizona's Feb. 28 presidential preference ballot, including three East Valley residents.
About half the lesser-known candidates are from out of state, with the rest from across Arizona.
One thing all candidates have in common: They got on the ballot with ease.
All they had to do was fill out a two-page form with the Arizona Secretary of State, swear they met Constitutional requirements for the office and have the paperwork notarized. There was no fee to get on the ballot.
The 23 Republican candidates include Cesar Cisneros of Mesa and Wayne Arnett of Tempe, who join national figures Romney, Gingrich, Ron Paul and Rick Santorum. Richard Grayson of Apache Junction is one of six Green Party candidates on Arizona's ballot.
Cisneros spoke earnestly about his bid for commander-in-chief. The trucking company owner and big rig driver said he's talked to thousands of people in numerous states since he began campaigning in 2010.
Cisneros, 62, is a Mormon with a wife and seven adult children who has never run for office. He is disappointed none of the other candidates have called for religion to play a greater role in public life.
"In order for us to prosper as a nation and to really be protected, we need the teachings of almighty God," Cisneros said.
Many of his views are standard for a Republican. He's for a strong national defense, low taxes and the Keystone gas pipeline. However, he wants to grant citizenship to illegal immigrants without felony records. After that, he'd seal the border.
Cisneros has never spoken to a big crowd and has only been able to get to other states because of his trucking job, he said. He's raised a few thousand dollars.
Americans of ordinary means are perhaps more qualified for the White House than wealthy candidates, he said.
"If they have these millions and billions of dollars, believe me, they're out of touch with the American people," he said. "How can they be in touch?"
He isn't included in the CNN Republican debate at the Mesa Arts Center on Feb. 22, but asked that voters call CNN to urge his inclusion. Cisneros said his desire to run comes from the heart but he acknowledges his odds of winning are slim.
"My slogan is: Miracles happen," he said.
Arnett didn't return a phone call left at his Chandler law firm.
Grayson did speak, though he said that "any publicity will probably just lose me votes."
The 60-year-old writer figures this is his fourth time on a ballot in Florida and Arizona since 1982. He first ran for a town council seat in a small Florida community.
"The people were starting to outnumber the horses, and I was mad about that," Grayson said. "My proposal was to give horses the right to vote, and I got 25 percent of the vote."
He ran for the 6th Congressional District in 2010, which is represented by Republican Jeff Flake. The Green Party sued to kick him off the ballot, but he prevailed. Just before election day, Grayson blogged that he didn't care if voters chose him. He added that most voters in the district "are ignorant morons."
Grayson said he doesn't tell people he's running, doesn't campaign and doesn't care if he gets any votes. He figures he'll get a handful of votes.
"Green Party primaries are pretty rare and Arizona, to its credit, has the easiest ballot requirements for presidential primaries," Grayson said. "For someone like me, it was irresistible. I mean, how can you just let it go by?"
Given the potential voice a presidential candidate could use, does Grayson at least have a message?
"No," he said. "I think more people should run. Or maybe Arizona should change its law or change its requirements so you have to be an actual, serious candidate."
Contact writer: (480) 898-6548 or email@example.com


text: Whether you are creating a new child support agreement or need help enforcing an existing order, you should have the assistance of a knowledgeable child support attorney. Your lawyer will help ensure your initial support order is equitable and adequately covers your child or children's financial needs, including housing, food, school, clothing, medical expenses and other related costs. Once a child support order has been established, you may periodically have to return to court. Child support law firms can help address issues and challenges that arise, such as delinquent child support payments or modification requests.


text: CHATHAM, Mich. (AP) — A Michigan family found a black widow spider inside a bag of grapes bought at a Wal-Mart store. Gloria Johnson says the spider crawled out of the bag after her mother washed the grapes in the sink. The 11-year-old from the Upper Peninsula community of Chatham [tells WLUC-TV](http://bit.ly/1jFo1DC) she saw the red hourglass shape on the bottom of the spider, then put it in a jar of alcohol and killed it. Gloria says her 3-year-old sister already had eaten some of the black seedless grapes before they noticed the spider. She wasn't hurt. In a statement, Bentonville, Ark.-based Wal-Mart Stores Inc. apologizes to the Johnson family and says its "Marquette branch has looked through the other merchandise in the store and did not find any other spiders."


text:
Red Wings blank Blackhawks, take 3-1 series lead
Detroit, MI – Jimmy Howard posted 28 saves for his second career playoff shutout and Detroit took a commanding lead in their Western Conference semifinal series against Chicago with a 2-0 win in Game 4.
Jakub Kindl scored the game-winner, while Daniel Cleary added an empty-netter as the Red Wings now hold a 3-1 lead in this best-of-seven set.
Detroit will have its first shot at advancing to the conference finals for the first time since 2009 on Saturday as Game 5 will take place in Chicago.
"He was real solid for us and gave us a great opportunity to win," said Detroit head coach Mike Babcock about Howard. "We weren't very good in the first period and I don't know why, but he was there for us and from that point on I think we played much better."
Corey Crawford gave up just one goal on 26 shots for the Blackhawks, who have dropped three straight games for the first time this season since taking a 4-1 victory in Game 1.
"I think everyone is a little angry," said Crawford. "I thought we played really well tonight, but we're not getting any bounces. We had a bunch off the post and that pretty much just sums it up for us the last couple of games. We're doing a lot of good things and we just can't give up."
Chicago had to go on the penalty kill when Jonathan Toews was sent to the box for a second time at 8:04 of the second, but that hadn't been a problem for them in the playoffs as the team had killed off all 30 shorthanded situations it had faced.
This time, though, was different as Carlo Colaiacovo sent the puck from the right point to the top of the left circle where Kindl blasted a shot past Crawford with just one second remaining on the Toews penalty to give Detroit a 1-0 lead.
Howard did his part at the other end with eight minutes left in the second as he stopped Michael Frolik on a rush play, while Crawford kept it a one-goal game as he stopped a Pavel Datsyuk bank-shot attempt from the left side before turning away Justin Abdelkader's follow-up on the rebound inside of five minutes to play in the second.
Howard only had to post six saves in the third period to finish off the shutout, but he made his best stop when he turned away a Dave Bolland redirect down low with 11 minutes left.
Michal Handzus hit the post a short time later, but Chicago had trouble generating opportunities over the next several minutes.
Brandon Saad was sprung on a short break and hooked by Kindl, leading to a power play with 4:45 to play. The Detroit penalty kill unit, though, did its job as it held Chicago to zero shots during the advantage.
The Blackhawks pulled Crawford from the net with under 90 seconds to play, but was unable to get any chances and Cleary sealed the win with his third of the playoffs.
"Guys have done a great job all series letting me get out and establish myself and try to make saves for the guys," said Howard.
It was a spirited first period with a total of 24 shots, but none got through as Crawford made 10 stops to Howard's 14.
Howard made a nice stop on a Patrick Kane shot off a 2-on-1 break three minutes in, while Crawford made saves on a Niklas Kronwall left point shot and a Cleary wrister in the slot later in the frame.
Just two minutes into the second Detroit caught a break as Nick Leddy's shot from the left circle beat Howard, but it rang off the post and stayed out.
Game Notes
Kindl's goal was his first-ever in the postseason ... Howard's other playoff shutout came in Game 4 against the Phoenix Coyotes during a quarterfinal matchup in 2010 ... Chicago went 0-for-3 on the power play ... This is the 16th meeting in the postseason between these Original Six teams. Chicago has taken eight of the previous matchups.


text:
Edna M. "Mavis†Miller, 87, Devoted Wife And Mother
Edna M. "Mavis†(nee Johnson) Miller, 87, of Louisville, passed away peacefully at her home with her loving son by her side, on Oct. 15, 2012. She was a native of Hart County, Ky., and a homemaker. For many years Edna had attended Buechel United Methodist Church, and had been a longtime volunteer at Bashford Manor East for decades. She was a devoted wife and mother, and had participated in a senior citizen exercise program and loved to go to Churchill Downs. Earlier in life she had been a caregiver for several people including close friends. Later she provided that same loving care to her immediate family. She enjoyed family get-togethers, her friends and just interacting with people in general. Edna was a lover of animals, especially her dog, Lady.
Having been predeceased by her husband of 43 years, Walter L. Miller, she was also preceded by several brothers and sisters.
Left cherishing her memory is her son, Mark L. Miller; nephew, Robert (Susan) Rowe; brothers-in-law, Paul and Kenny Miller; great niece and nephew, Caitlin and Devin Rowe, and Lady, her faithful companion.
A Life Celebration service was held on Friday, Oct. 19, 2012, at noon, at the Arch L. Heady at Resthaven Chapel, 4400 Bardstown Road, with interment in Resthaven Memorial Park. A gathering of family and friends was on Friday from 9 a.m. until service time.
Expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of donations to the Kentucky Humane Society.
Joseph Hunt Beliles, 43, Former Employee Of Outback Steakhouse
Joseph Hunt Beliles, 43, of Louisville, passed away Monday, Oct. 16, 2012.
He was a former employee of Outback Steakhouse on Shelbyville Road and a member of St. Paul United Methodist Church.
A cancer survivor twice, Joe had a tremendous love of history, travel and music and was an avid UofL fan.
He was followed in death by his mother, Beatrice Burchell.
Joe is survived by his father, Richard V. Beliles; brother, Mark Beliles (Nancy); sister, Sherry Beliles; stepmother, Diane Beliles; his beloved cat and many friends.
His funeral service was at 10 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road with burial in Resthaven Memorial Park. Visitation was from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Highlands.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Fourth Ave. United Methodist Church.
James Kevin Buckley, 50, Entrepreneur
James Kevin Buckley, 50, passed away peacefully in his Portland home on Oct. 15, 2012.
Jim grew up in the Portland neighborhood and graduated from Ahrens High School in 1980. He received his B.S. in Electrical Engineering from the University of Kentucky in 1985 and was a huge fan of UK basketball. He was a world traveler, an avid sailor and he loved all kinds of music. Jim had countless friends at home and around the world. He was known for always helping those around him and always having a smile on his face. He was a homebrewer and a member of both the Louisville L.A.G.E.R.S. Club and the F.O.S.S.I.L.S. Club of Indiana. He was an entrepreneur and a teacher to those around him. Jim loved life and lived every moment to the fullest.
Among those that preceded him in death include his father, Harry F. Buckley, Jr.; and his brother, Phillip Gerard Buckley.
To cherish his memory, he leaves his mother, Helen Margaret Buckley; his brothers, Charles Patrick Buckley (Mary), Robert Joseph Buckley (Billie) and Mark Allen Buckley (Connie); his sisters, Karen Lee Waller (Darrell) and Mary Helen McMillen; and his dear companion, Betsy Wall.
A Memorial Mass was held Saturday, Oct. 20, 2012, at 11 a.m. at Good Shepherd Catholic Church, 3525 Rudd Avenue, Louisville, Ky., 40212, followed by a bereavement lunch at the church.
Expressions of sympathy can be contributed to Living Waters of the World or locally to the Louisville Free Public Library, as Jim helped many people obtain their GED.
Carol "Lee†Schuhmann Bowling, 55, Physical Therapist
Carol "Lee†Schuhmann Bowling, 55, of Louisville, went to sing with the angels on Oct. 17, 2012, after a long battle with cancer.
The seventh of nine children born to George and Helen Schuhmann, Lee had a musical talent and a natural athleticism. She graduated from Presentation Academy before going to the University of Kentucky, graduating from Physical Therapy School in 1981.
After graduating, she started working at Frazier Rehab. Later, she moved on to Baptist Hospital East. She was a passionate caregiver. Lee spent the end of her career providing in-home care to patients, which allowed her a flexible schedule to support her family and to spend one day a week with her mother.
Lee met her husband, John Bowling, at the Chuck Wagon and they married Oct. 21, 1989. They have two sons who are now in college and in whom Lee and John successfully imparted their humor, loyalty and search for fun. She was a vocal supporter at all her sons' events and could often be heard encouraging them from the sidelines.
Of her many gifts, Lee will always be remembered for her humor. She was masterful with a pun and would be laughing at herself while you were still trying to catch up. She would laugh even harder when the pun was so outrageous she could get you to groan. She was great fun to be around and was enjoyed by everyone. She could shop for jewelry and Celtic crosses with the girls or drink beer and watch sports with the boys. She could even manage to support both UK and UofL, so it is appropriate for her to have a son at each school. She was frank in stating her opinions but never held ill will toward anyone who disagreed.
Always up for adventure and a new challenge, Lee learned to ski in her 30s. She drove a van down small twisty lanes on the left side of the road during a trip to Ireland. She chaperoned a St. X trip to Germany, where she tried out her language skills (and the beer). At different times in her life she sang, as well as played the piano, banjo and dulcimer. She did it all to the wonderful sound of her laughter.
Lee is survived by her husband John; sons, Johnny and Nick; mother, Helen Flood Schuhmann; seven sisters and one brother; countless in-laws, nieces and nephews and life-long friends. She is preceded in death by her father, George N. Schuhmann. Her tenor will be missed in the symphony of her sisters' giggling.
The family appreciates and thanks all the caregivers, neighbors and friends who helped during Lee's final weeks in Hosparus care at home, and especially her sister, Pat.
Lee's funeral Mass was held 10 a.m. Monday at Holy Trinity Catholic Church, 501 Cherrywood Road, with burial in St. Michael Cemetery. Visitation was from 2 to 8 p.m. Sunday at Highlands Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Hosparus of Louisville or the American Cancer Society.
Gertrude R. "Trudy†Hubbuch, 89, Former Owner Of The Card Corner Gift Shop
Gertrude R. "Trudy†Hubbuch, 89, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Oct. 20, 2012.
Loving mother of Sherry Adams (Stuart L.) of Louisville, Doug Hubbuch (Lee) of Cincinnati, Ohio, and the late Bruce Hubbuch. Beloved grandmother to Stuart C. Adams, Stacy Helms (Travis), Shelly Adams, Robyn Hubbuch, Rachel Hubbuch, and Ross Hubbuch, and great-grandmother to Stella Helms.
Trudy was a proud elder of Faith Presbyterian Church in Valley Station, a longtime member of TOPS Club, and a devoted volunteer at Audubon Hospital. Former owner of the Card Corner Gift Shop in Shively, Trudy loved to travel, and visited virtually every corner of the world during her retirement years. She was a resident of Emeritus at Stonecreek Lodge, which she loved dearly. Trudy loved life and her family, and had a smile for everyone she met.
Visitation was at Owen Funeral Home, 5317 Dixie Hwy., on Tuesday from 1 to 8 p.m., and Wednesday after 10 a.m., followed by Funeral services at noon and interment at Resthaven Memorial Park.
Memorials can be made to Faith Presbyterian Church or the American Cancer Society.
Dr. Victor L. Priebe, Minister And Retired Owner Of Priebe Management, Inc.
Dr. Victor L. Priebe, surrounded by his loving family, died on Oct. 18, 2012, of complications from ALS. He is survived by his beloved wife, Jeannette, who was the joy of his life; cherished children, including sons, Stephen Priebe (Kelly) and Phil Priebe (Heidi); stepdaughter, Angie Schulte (Steve); and stepson, Michael Shearon (Debby); seven grandchildren, Kathleen Schulte (and fiancé Kevin Gilman), Rebecca Schulte, Mark, Ally, Elizabeth, Anne Wesley and Coy Priebe; and sister, Cecelia Priebe Swanke.
Vic was born and raised on a farm near Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. He was the son of Augusta and Ludwig Priebe, who immigrated to Canada from Poland in the early 1900s. Vic attended a one room school through the eighth grade and then was out of school for two years in order to help his parents on the farm.
Determined to continue his education and fulfill his call to ministry, he graduated from high school and then moved to the US where he earned BA in divinity, from Augustana College, a Th.M. in counseling and clinical training from Southern Baptist Seminary, a master's degree in history from the University of Louisville, and a Ph.D. in religion from Drew University. For 15 years he served as pastor in German and Southern Baptist Churches in several locations including Louisville.
The next 20 years he had the privilege of working as executive director of Action Now, Inc., an organization created by business executives concerned with the problems of jobs and housing for the disadvantage of our community. During those years over 7,800 people were placed in local jobs. On behalf of this Board, he researched and directed the building of the Forum at Brookside, a state of the art retirement community. During this time he served on numerous committees and was an active member of Kiwanis and was selected as the first Protestant to teach at Bellarmine College.
In 1980, he formed Priebe Management, Inc. a management and consulting company providing property management and human resources consulting. Retiring in 1988, he and his wife Jeannette were living on a farm raising llamas when he felt the call to return to his first love, the ministry. During the last 20 years he joyfully served eight churches as an Interim Minister, retiring at age 81.
Visitation was Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012, from 1 to 5 p.m. at Pearson's Funeral Home, 149 Breckenridge Lane. A memorial service was held on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012, at 10 a.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 3701 Old Brownsboro Road. A burial graveside service was 2 p.m. Monday at Pisgah Cemetery 710 Pisgah Road, Versailles, Ky.
In honor of Dr. Priebe's concerns for the needs of so many in our community, he requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Salvation Army Louisville Area Command, PO Box 1149, Louisville, Ky., 40201 or to a local charity of the giver's choice.
Mary Jane "MJ†Sims, 82, Speech Language Pathologist And Teacher
Mary Jane "MJ†Sims, 82, of Louisville, passed away Thursday, Oct. 18, 2012.
She was the former Mary Jane Markel and a graduate of Sacred Heart Academy, Ursuline College, Bellarmine College and the University of Louisville. MJ was a speech language pathologist for 30 years at the Kentucky School for the Blind and a member of the Jefferson County Retired Teachers Association and Kentucky Speech and Hearing Association. She was a life long member of Holy Spirit Catholic Church and an avid supporter and follower of Mass of the Air. Her life was dedicated to her family, her 12 grandchildren and helping others.
Mary Jane was preceded in death by her husband, James T. Sims, Sr.; and son-in-law, William T. Gipe, Sr.
She is survived by her sons, J.T. Sims, Jr., Dr. Fred Markel Sims (Jean) and Dr. Michael Joseph Sims; daughter, Mary Teresa "Terry†Gipe; and grandchildren, Trey Sims, Logan Sims, Parker Sims, Stephanie Sims, Ryan Sims, Christopher Sims, Jacob Sims, Kevin Sims, Grady Sims, Scarlett Sims, Will Gipe and Emily Gipe.
Her memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 26, 2012, at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 3345 Lexington Road, with burial in Calvary Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9-11 a.m. Friday at Highlands Family-Owned Funeral Home, 3331 Taylorsville Road.
Expressions of sympathy may be made to Mass of the Air, 508 Breckenridge Lane, 40207.
The family wishes to express their sincere thanks to the wonderful team of compassionate caregivers at Episcopal Church Home and especially to Mary Jane's companion caregivers, Jessica, Brittney and Tamara.


text:
+420 775 494 547
22. 08 2017
Let us take you to Kutná Hora – once Europe´s richest city
There is a city made of stone with not only one but two gothic cathedrals that once used to be the richest in Europe.... celá novinka
22. 08 2017
Spoil yourself in a charming spa town of Karlovy Vary
Dreaming of a charming European vacation filled with pampering and relaxation? Can you see yourself surrounded by... celá novinka
14. 09 2017
Let us take you to a fairy-tale town of Český Krumlov
Medieval towns, rolling hills, hundreds of lakes or lavish chateaux. That is south Bohemia. One of the Czech... celá novinka
27. 09 2017
Visit Pilsen, the beer capital of the world!
Visiting the Czech Republic and not drinking local beer is like skipping wine in Burgundy. Great pubs and even better... celá novinka
16. 10 2017
Prague Airport Transportation will take you anywhere
What are the advantages Prague Airport Transportation brings you? The list is so long. Not only Prague Airport... celá novinka
28. 10 2017
Prague Airport Shuttle - We drive, you enjoy!
Visiting Prague is always a good idea! There are only a few places in the world that possess such beauty as the... celá novinka
06. 12 2017
Whizz the slopes of Špindlerův Mlýn with us!
The winter is here and Czech mountains are finally all covered with snow. The Czech Republic boasts many popular... celá novinka
14. 12 2017
Enjoy the young atmosphere of Brno
The Czech Republic´s second largest city is not only full of beautiful sights to visit but also the seat of several... celá novinka
17. 01 2018
Let´s go to Brno!
Everyone has heard of Prague, the Czech Republic´s fascinating capital. But do you know which city comes second? It... celá novinka
28. 01 2018
Prague Airport Shuttle knows no borders
Europe has so much to offer that it can be hardly seen in one´s lifetime. We suggest you don't waste your time... celá novinka
14. 02 2018
Discover your personal winter wonderland with us!
Despite the fact that the Czech Republic can´t boast of rugged summits of impressive mountains or miles-long slopes,... celá novinka
24. 02 2018
Time for some winter fun with Prague Airport Shuttle!
It is not every year when Czech mountains offer perfect skiing conditions with an abundance of snow and beautiful... celá novinka
17. 04 2018
No GPS needed! Prague Airport Shuttle is here for you!
Landing in Prague is just the beginning! After a few days of discovering the City of a Hundred Spires we will be... celá novinka
24. 04 2018
Let us be a part of your European dream!
Prague might be one of Europe´s most visited cities but when it comes to the transportation from its airport to the... celá novinka
10. 05 2018
Escape the heat with Prague Airport Shuttle!
The Czech Republic is experiencing one of the hottest springs in history. So hot it is difficult to even call it... celá novinka
20. 05 2018
Prague Airport Shuttle is here to make your stay unforgettable
Prague has been a major tourist destination for years. With millions of visitors from all over the world the... celá novinka
15. 06 2018
Enjoy a cold one in Pilsen!
It´s been so hot in the Czech Republic recently! The sun is shining and the outside temperatures are hitting new... celá novinka
25. 06 2018
Enjoy the beach in south Bohemia!
Summer time in the Czech Republic can be so much fun. Not only you can enjoy countless beautiful cities, castles,... celá novinka
18. 07 2018
Travel stress-free! Travel with Prague Airport Shuttle.
You might think there must be countless possibilities to get from Prague´s Václav Havel Airport to the city´s... celá novinka
22. 07 2018
Planning a conference in Prague? Contact us!
Prague has become one of Europe´s most popular tourist destinations. That is why it also sees a significant increase... celá novinka


text:
To join a mailing list discussing this JSR, go to: http://altair.cs.oswego.edu/mailman/listinfo/concurrency-interest .
Disclaimer - This prototype is experimental code developed as part of JCP JSR166 and made available to the developer community for use as-is. It is not a supported product. Use it at your own risk. The specification, language and implementation are subject to change as a result of your feedback. Because these features have not yet been approved for addition to the Java language, there is no schedule for their inclusion in a product.
Package java.util.concurrent contains utility classes commonly useful in concurrent programming. Like package java.util, it includes a few small standardized extensible frameworks, as well as some classes that provide useful functionality and are otherwise tedious or difficult to implement. JSR166 also includes a few changes and additions in packages outside of java.util.concurrent: java.lang, to address uncaught exceptions, and java.util to better integrate with collections. Since the target release is JDK1.5, many APIs use generics to parameterize on types. Here are brief descriptions of the main components.
{@link java.util.concurrent.ExecutorService} provides a more complete framework for executing Runnables. An ExecutorService manages queueing and scheduling of tasks, and allows controlled shutdown. The two primary implementations of ExecutorService are {@link java.util.concurrent.ThreadPoolExecutor}, a highly tunable and flexible thread pool and {@link java.util.concurrent.ScheduledExecutor}, which adds support for delayed and periodic task execution. These, and other Executors can be used in conjunction with a {@link java.util.concurrent.FutureTask} to asynchronously start a potentially long-running computation and query the FutureTask to determine if its execution has completed, or cancel it.
The {@link java.util.concurrent.Executors} class provides factory methods for the most common kinds and styles of Executors, as well as a few utilities methods for using them.
Five implementations in java.util.concurrent support the extended {@link java.util.concurrent.BlockingQueue} interface, that defines blocking versions of put and take: {@link java.util.concurrent.LinkedBlockingQueue}, {@link java.util.concurrent.ArrayBlockingQueue}, {@link java.util.concurrent.SynchronousQueue}, {@link java.util.concurrent.PriorityBlockingQueue}, and {@link java.util.concurrent.DelayQueue}.
The {@link java.util.concurrent.Locks} class additionally supports some common trylock-designs using builtin locks.
The {@link java.util.concurrent.ReadWriteLock} interface similarly defines locks that may be shared among readers but are exclusive to writers. Only a single implementation, {@link java.util.concurrent.ReentrantReadWriteLock}, is provided, since it covers all standard usage contexts. But programmers may create their own implementations to cover nonstandard requirements.
Most concurrent Collection implementations (including most Queues) differ from the usual java.util conventions in that their Iterators provide weakly consistent rather than fast-fail traversal. A weakly consistent iterator is thread-safe, but does not necessarily freeze the collection while iterating, so it may (or may not) reflect any updates since the iterator was created.
Additionally, java.lang.ThreadLocal now supports a means to remove a ThreadLocal, which is needed in some thread-pool and worker-thread designs.


text:
Views: 534
Replies to This Discussion
Hey Mac,
I live in downtown Walnut Creek and not working this week. Let me know if you're interested in playing. I haven't played in months so I'm looking forward to hit a few balls. Cheers.
I can play weekdays, late morning to early afternoon, also sat and Sun afternoon.
Live in orinda, can go to WC.
510 502 5320 cell
Mac, I am new to the Walnut creek area and I am looking for tennis partners. I have not even scouted out where the local courts are. I am available most evenings. Let me know if your are still looking.
Hey Mac,
I live in Antioch, but work in Concord, I know there are nice courts out that way, and some courts out this way as well. My working seems to be a bit limited as well, since I only work 3 days a week right now. I'd love to hit.
Hey guys, sorry for the hiatus but my wife had our baby a month early and I haven't had a chance to do much since! ha ha Any ways, I am still looking to hit.. maybe even play a few sets, singles or doubles, whatever. I have 2 recently re-surfaced private tennis courts in my community and they are never used so if any one is still looking to hit, let me know! The courts are here:
Mac, these courts are just a couple of miles from my house. Looking for a partner to get back into playing form since my move out here. I am available Tuesday or Wed nite around 6pm. I can be reached at email@example.com
Hi Rich, I sent you an email to the address you had listed "email@example.com" but got an error returned email. Feel free to email me at firstname.lastname@example.com if you want to play soon!
Hey Mac. Kmojo here. I live down the street from these courts. Let me know if you want to play today. Or if anyone else wants to play. Just let me know. here is my email. firstname.lastname@example.com
I am available this Sat (10-22) morning for a ralley. Heather Farms works for me, but I am open to where ever we can get a open court. If your interested, I can reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
I saw your profile on the East Bay Tennis. I just moved to Dublin and used to play alot of tennis and worked at tennis clubs. I am looking to get back into it. I am looking to get out and hit and rally for awhile. I am willing to drive. Let me know if you are interested. Or, if you know of any players
Hi Mac: I usually play at Larkey Park in WC but can play at your place. I'm available most afternoons or evenings.
© 2019 Created by Mark / The Mayor. Powered by


text:
Welcome to the William H. and Joyce Attebury Honors Program at West Texas A&M University, a place where exceptional undergraduate students participate in an enriched learning community. The odyssey shared by honors students is highlighted by innovative discussion-based teaching, research, study abroad, mentoring, internships, leadership and a host of wider opportunities. Honors faculty exemplify the highest level of teaching excellence.
If you are new to honors, I invite you to consider joining the faculty, students and alumni that share in the honors experience founded on the tenets of excellence, scholarship and leadership.
Contact our office with questions at 806-651-2734 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
Image by Gray's Studio


text:
Social Media Insights is a new daily newsletter from Business Insider that collects and delivers the top social media news first thing every morning. You can sign up to receive Social Media Insights here or at the bottom of this post.
Facebook To Buy Microsoft's Ad-Serving Business (AdAge)
Microsoft's attempt to find a new home for its Atlas ad-serving business may finally be coming to an end. The company is expected to announce a deal to sell it to Facebook as early as next week, according to multiple people familiar with the plans. The acquisition price is not known, but is expected to be less than $100 million, based on prior bids for Atlas, which have been in the $30 to $50 million range. The acquisition would be the surest sign yet that Facebook has designs on becoming an even bigger player in advertising than it currently is now. Facebook is methodically laying the groundwork for an off-Facebook ad network powered by social data to prove the worth of the data it sits on as well as the effectiveness of its ads. Read >>
Facebook's Cost-Per-Click Dropping (TBG Digital via Inside Facebook)
Average cost-per-click for Facebook ads reached record lows in the U.S. and decreased across other regions in the fourth quarter of 2012, according to data from third-party ad company TBG Digital.
Photo: TBG Digital
TBG attributes this to the rise of News Feed ads on desktop and mobile, that have lower CPCs than sidebar ads. In the U.S., where advertisers are adopting this format more quickly, CPCs decreased by 37 per cent in the fourth quarter, and that's on top of a 40 per cent decrease in the third quarter. CPCs in the U.S. are now lower than those in Canada, France, Germany and the U.K. Read >>
What Are The Best Days To Share Content On Facebook? (Digital Sherpa)
Here are some other interesting facts to help with your company's social media optimization strategy:
- Content published on Facebook between 8pm and 7am is 14 per cent more likely to attract attention than posts published between 8am and 7pm.
- Companies that make one or two Facebook posts per day have 19 per cent more customer interaction through social media.
- Posting too often on Facebook can actually have a negative effect.
- Only 14 per cent of Facebook posts are published during the weekend, and these posts are 14.5 per cent more likely to generate customer interaction than weekday posts.
Photo: Pamorama
It's probably no surprise that there are peak days of the week for publishing content, whether you are sharing a press release or are posting about a new product offering on your company's Facebook page. Read >>
Is Pinterest Worth $2.5 Billion Dollars? (The Huffington Post)
Pinterest has the opportunity to become a centre for social commerce. The news that Ben Silbermann, the founder and CEO, is raising another round of funding at a $2.5 billion dollar valuation came as a surprise, as some are not convinced that Pinterest can innovate fast enough: the website and mobile applications have not changed and they have been slow to give access to their API. In May 2012, the company raised $100 million dollars at a $1.5 billion dollar valuation. Now, nine months later, Pinterest wants to raise more money at a $2.5 billion dollar valuation? So what exactly did they do with the $100 million they just raised? Read >>
Twitter's Latest Investment Is About TV-Related Tweets (BI Intelligence)
Twitter has confirmed that it purchased social TV data analytics startup Bluefin Labs. BI Intelligence interviewed Tom Thai, vice president of marketing and business development at Bluefin, about the breakneck pace of growth in social TV activity and how smartphones and tablets were helping this behaviour go mainstream. The interview was for our new report on how the "second screen" industry will ultimately succeed in drawing significant audiences. We also analyse how they will begin to see some advertising dollars, look at who second screen audiences are, explore the second screen opportunity from the broadcaster angle, and detail the opportunity represented by audience analytics and second screen commerce. Read >>
What Every Executive Needs To Know About Social Media (Dave Kerpen via LinkedIn)
Social media is still in its infancy, and many business executives still don't understand how to leverage it for their organisations, large or small. They're too focused on the talking, and not focused enough on the listening. Whatever your organisation does, you can find your customers and prospects on Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and everywhere on the social Web, by listening for the right words. The one thing every business executive must understand about social media: The secret to social media success isn't in talking – it's in listening. Read >>
Making Your Blog More Marketable (Hubspot via Social Media Examiner)
Blogs are a form of social media. Through social sharing, comments and guest posts, blogs provide the basis for building a targeted community. In fact, HubSpot's research showed that blogs top other forms of social media for effectiveness.
Photo: Hubspot
Whether you're a small business or a Fortune 100 company, blogs should be at the heart of your content marketing because blogs fuel social media, search optimization and the sales process. Read >>
What Type Of Social Networker Are You? (MyLife via Mashable)
You can probably group friends into categories based on their online behaviour. According to a social behaviour study by MyLife, which was conducted among 890 adults ages 18 and older, there's a good chance you fit into one of these personas. Read >>
Photo: MyLife
Business Insider Emails & Alerts
Site highlights each day to your inbox.
Follow Business Insider Australia on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Instagram.


text:
ROCKFORD - Maria's, a beloved Rockford eatery at 828 Cunningham St., closed its doors on Tuesday. The restaurant had served the Rockford community for more than 90 years.
Maria's started in the back of the Cason family grocery store across the street from the existing restaurant space. The building still has the Cason name on it.
The siblings' grandmother, Maria Dal Cason, started making sandwiches for her sons at the store, an effort that grew into the restaurant.
Maria Dal Cason's sons, Tony and John "Jake" Cason, ran Maria's for six decades. Jake's wife, Carmella, continued on as a co-owner when he died in 1993. She passed away in September 2012 at the age of 88 and still worked at the restaurant shortly before she died.