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RF-/STAGES | Entering Construction Stages
Product Feature
After creating the entire structure in RFEM/RSTAB, the individual structural components as well as load cases and combinations are assigned to the corresponding construction stages. For each construction stage, you can modify for example release definitions of members and supports.
Thus, it is possible to model structural modifications, as they occur by successive grouting of bridge girders or by settling of columns. The RFEM/RSTAB load cases and combinations are assigned to "Permanent Loads" and "Temporary Loads".
The defined temporary loads are superimposed by permanent loads. In this way, it is possible to determine the maximum internal forces of different crane positions or to consider temporary mounting loads available only in one construction stage.
Associated Products
Add-on Module
Consideration of construction stages during a building phase


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Sony's new PlayStation 4 launched in the UK on Friday, November 29th in record setting fashion by selling 250,000 consoles in the first 48 hours.
Many were interested how well it would fare in the UK after its US release garnered over 1 million units in 24 hours. Eventhough the PS4 did come out a week after the Xbox One in the UK, it was still able to come out on top by more than 100,000 units according to MCV.
It has been a very busy month for gamers as more than 2.5 million people across the world have next generation consoles in the homes. Everybody wins.

subset: commoncrawl


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One of my recent hobbies has been creating music playlists from YouTube videos. (It makes it easier to play a bunch of interesting songs in a row when I'm doing the dishes.) Here they are, linked in reverse chronological order of creation.
The Very Thought of Losing Out Now Is Making Me Tremble.
A collection of songs that meant something to me in 2013. (Some NSFW.)
On ne sait rien de jeunesse ces jours-ci.
I volunteered to manage France for Freaky Trigger's 2014 Pop World Cup, where managers send out songs instead of players. Only problem was, I hadn't listened to French pop since my semester in Grenoble in 1998. So this is my haphazard, messy, unfinished tutorial on recent French pop. Feel free to suggest additions.
A Guide to K-pop Female Groups.
A playlist I made to accompany the Toast piece, January 2014.
Juana Giamio's recommended pop.
Juana, a music writer/fellow Singles Jukebox contributor, put together a list of pop and dance music she'd been listening to recently (in December 2013), but didn't feel like making it a playlist; so I made it for her.
Singles Jukebox Amnesty picks 2013.
Every year The Singles Jukebox asks each writer to nominate one song that didn't get covered over the usual course of the year, and should have. I hadn't heard of many of the nominees, so in order to figure out which I wanted to review, I put together a playlist for all of them (a few were not on YouTube, unfortunately). No rhyme or reason to the order.


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You'd Like To Be Samuel Sasiharan – A Night Out in Shoreditch
Freelance photographer Samuel Sasiharan whose work can be seen in VOGUE finds conundrum in being and nothingness. Sasiharan talks sound arts, sex and catwalk with me in Vice magazine's protégé OLD BLUE LAST.
"The Current unnamed project in collaboration with sound engineers explores the human role [in nature]." says Sasiharan. Before I had the opportunity to express my doubts, the band "The Soft" drummed the hell out of the 2 floor venue with, not a drum but an iPad which I'd assume has replaced every need for talent and hardwork. This, however, is not the case with photographers.
"Sometimes I burst into tears looking at my subjects," he says.
In awe with his dedication to his own work and the penetrating eyes that inspires truthfulness in beauty and glamour, my vision was distracted by the pom-pom above his head which took me to the innocent time where my hat that my mother knitted also bore a pom-pom. It was -30 degrees in the winter where I grew up.
"I divide my workstation [iMac screen] into 3 parts, the first slice is my social media section, and then I'd play any random clips in the middle [jokingly] like Sailor Moon [now not so sure if he was joking] then my actual editing station like Photoshop or Premiere."
I for one am also a practitioner of this method of working which incorporates reasonable distractions as I am writing this blog playing parliamentary debates on BBC right at this moment. Okay, that was a lie, it's actually Kylie Minogue's new Lyric video to Into the Blue, her new single to be released on March 9th.
Human after all
Believe it or not, Sasiharan is human. I'm only saying this after a careless exhibit of emotions let out of Sasiharan when asked about his plan for the next 6 years. "wherever I go, I will be a student for another 6 years." why? Is it because of a special someone that bounds him in a geographic confine. Either way, Sasiharan "always did what I wanted anyway". A bit of a maverick within a caring and calculated and clear-boundared human. He insisted on being called the chocolate prince, reassuring the common connotation of a dark-skinned man should be especially endorsed by himself.
But unlike other young people who support their passions with the minimal income from bars and cafe works. Sasiharan is one who drags himself on catwalks to bare all of himself to judgements and scrutiny from the floor and cameras to pay the bills.
"I have to make money as well … they have to come from somewhere", signs Sasiharan about working part-time as a fashion model. Resonated by most, a life of being a creative often means a lengthy devotion to precariousness in hopes of moments of ecstacy, but the question is, isn't he who you would want to be?
You can follow Sasiharan on http://www.samuelsasiharan.tumblr.com


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Richmond Townhouse - Amazing Accom
Brand new 2 bedroom townhouse located in a quiet neighbourhood of Christchurch. Enjoy this peaceful and warm home, designed and decorated for a comfortable stay. An ideal retreat for those seeking a calm place to rest, recuperate and indulge.
- Per night
- $250 - $320
Contact Us
1 / 7
Combining the charm of a heritage-type property with an ultimate comfort of a modern family home, particular attention to decor makes this place so cozy and welcoming. Tastefully decorated with traditional furniture pieces throughout.
It consists of 2 super king size bedrooms, 2 superb bathrooms, open-plan kitchen, dining area and lounge with fireplace. Comes complete with garage parking and 2 off-street parking spaces for your convenience.
Equipped with all kinds of modern appliances and great proximity to the city centre with its shops and restaurants, this townhouse is an ideal base for your stay in Christchurch.
Physical address
Richmond Townhouse - Amazing Accom, Forth Street, Richmond, Christchurch, Christchurch - Canterbury, New Zealand.
Opening times
- Business hours:
- 24/7
- Months of operation:
- All months of the year
Facilities and Features
- Children Welcome
- Sky - communal
- Proximity to town:
- Minutes from city centre
- Number of rooms:
- 2
Pricing and Conditions
|Per night
|$250.00 - $320.00


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Summit Travel Health Clinic
Travel Vaccines & Destination advice
book online Or Call (647) 479-8808 For an appointment
See the World, Safely.
Summit Travel Health provides you with personalized preventative care, combining world-class travel medical professionals with advanced medical technology.
10 Convenient Locations in Quebec and Ontario
Summit Travel Health is a leading Travel Medicine and Vaccination provider in Canada. Summit provides you with personalized preventative care, combining world-class medical professionals with advanced medical technology.
Our team of Nurse Practitioners and medical professionals is specialized in Travel Medicine and vaccination services. We are a full-service travel clinic specializing in travel advice on all international destinations. We help all travellers see the world, safely. We carry all vaccines in-stock and offer online booking and same day appointments.
Summit Travel Health Services
Travel Medicine
"Do I need to get vaccines for my trip to Nicaragua?"
Travel medicine is a critical specialty that focuses on pre-travel preventive care. A comprehensive assessment is performed by our Nurse Practitioners to accurately evaluate the traveler, the itinerary, and the destination-specific risks. Vaccinations may be required and will be tailored to the individual traveler's immunization history, travel itinerary, and the amount of time available before departure. We will help you see the world, safely.
Many individuals have not received important vaccinations that would protect them from potentially deadly or debilitating diseases such as meningitis, whooping cough and shingles. Summit's travel clinics' goal is to ensure that everyone, not just travellers, are vaccinated against these dangerous diseases.
ONline Consultations
Summit Travel Health is using technology to make the travel consultation and itinerary review more convenient for our patients. We allow our patients to schedule video-based online travel consultations and itinerary reviews with our Nurse Practitioners to discuss a destination or specific vaccine need. If vaccines are recommended, we will schedule an in-person follow up for vaccine administration with our Nurse Practitioners at one of our ten locations.
Travel is in our DNA at Summit: we aim to promote exploration and cultural discovery in all corners of the world. As a company, we live at the intersection of medicine and travel, where we believe we can accomplish our mission of helping people see the world, safely.
Speak with one of our healthcare professionals to determine which vaccines or medications are right for your trip. Recommendations will be based upon your destination, itinerary, and current health status.
The Travel Clinic For Travellers
Summit Travel Health is a travel medicine and vaccinations company that will help you prepare for your trip to any overseas destination and assist you with your vaccination needs. Our travel experts and medical professionals are experienced in destination health and vaccine preventable illness. Our customers will receive advice about required and recommended vaccinations and medications, as well as other tips on how to stay healthy.
What travel vaccines do you need for your trip? Let us help you understand your destination and vaccine needs so you can travel safely and come back healthy.
Our vaccination experts are ready to help you get the vaccine you need, when you need it. We carry all vaccines in-stock and offer same day appointments.
About Summit Travel Health
Summit Travel Health is a ten-location travel medicine and vaccination services company focused on creating unparalleled customer experiences and delivering best-in-class medical solutions. Our vision is to create the most customer-centric medical company in the world, with an initial focus on travel health and vaccinations.
We are building a company for the next phase of global health - as the world becomes more connected, vaccinations will play a more important role in people's lives, both locally and internationally. Whether it's travelling to an exotic location in Asia, getting vaccinated for a common flu, or immunizing your child against infectious diseases, Summit is your partner in health.
Summit's positive impact is tangible in the people's lives we touch, and that drives us to keep pushing forward.
Our Partners
Welcome to Summit
We are committed to providing leading medical solutions and creating the best customer experiences.


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Purpose of the job
Carry out specified parts of orthodontic treatment under prescription from a dentist and perform such other tasks as reasonably requested by the principal.
Responsible to
The principal, practice manager and the dentist s/he is working with
Employment duties
§Provide high quality orthodontic treatment under a dentist's prescription in accordance with the GDC's 'Scope of Practice'. The performance of these duties is in the context of practice protocols and under the reasonable direction of the principal
§Follow the practice policies and procedures
§Ensure that the required professional indemnity and insurance are in place and that all necessary CPD is undertaken
§Establish, promote and maintain productive working relationships with all members of the dental team
§Liaise with the practice manager on all matters concerning administration, pay and service conditions
§Assist with reception duties and perform other clerical duties if required
§Take reasonable care for your own health and safety and that of others who may be affected by your work
Full Time
37 hours per week
£25 – £30 per hour depending on experience
Must have a minimum of 2 years post qualification
Please apply today by contacting Dental Elite to discuss your application in confidence.
Referral Scheme
Is this not for you? But you know someone who would be interested? Simply refer this person to us and if we end up placing them into the role then we will reward you with an £300 of Amazon vouchers to spend on anything you wish. Terms apply.
Follow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/dentaleliterugby
Tweet us on Twitter – @dentalelitejobs
Check out all adverts and content on our website – www.dentalelite.co.uk


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The Sweet Shop Easter Truffle Flight Box
Celebrate Easter in style with this Easter Truffle Flight of decadent Fudge Love® Truffles from The Sweet Shop. These uniquely designed and hand decorated truffles are made up of milk chocolate with a whipped cream center which is immersed in dark chocolate, then in milk or white chocolate once again. These adorable gourmet delights will satisfy any chocolate craving.
Five Piece Hand Decorated Chocolate Easter Truffles in a beautiful gift box tied with a ribbon.


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The leading
CSPA And Retroactivity
by Cyrus D. Mehta
A new Memorandum from Donald Neufeld, Acting Associate Director, Domestic Operations, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Revised Guidance for the Child Status Protection Act (CSPA), HQ DOMO 70/6.1, AFM Update AD07-04 ("Neufeld Memo"), sheds new light on whether the CSPA is retroactive. The CSPA allows, under certain circumstances, children who have turned 21 to continue to enjoy a more advantageous position as if they were still under 21. Previous interpretations have suggested that an adjustment of status application must have been pending on August 6, 2002, the date of CSPA's enactment, or that an immigrant visa application should have been filed and pending at the US consulate on the date of the enactment in order for the CSPA to apply to a child who turned 21 before its enactment.1
On the other hand, the Board of Immigration Appeals in Rodolfo Avila-Perez, 24 I&N Dec. 78 (BIA 2007) held that the CSPA applied to beneficiaries of immediate relative visa petitions that were approved before August 6, 2002, seeming to suggest that the CSPA had unlimited retroactive application.
While Avila-Perez was an important breakthrough, it was unclear whether the decision extended to all CSPA beneficiaries (See BIA RULES THAT CHILD STATUS PROTECTION ACT RETROACTIVELY APPLIES TO CHILDREN OF US CITIZENS). Avila-Perez involved the beneficiary of an approved I-130 petition filed by a US citizen under the immediate relative category.2 Section 201(f)(1) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) freezes the age of a child upon the filing of a petition (Form I-130) by the US citizen parent. Therefore, even if the child turns over 21 after the filing of the I-130 petition, the child at any time thereafter can still qualify as an immediate relative of a US citizen.
On the other hand, INA Section 203(h) extends "age out" protection to the children of legal permanent residents. This provision covers children who have directly been sponsored by their parents under the Family 2A preference or who are accompanying or following to join family-sponsored, employment-based and diversity immigrants. The age of the non-citizen child is determined on the date on which an immigrant visa becomes available, reduced by the number of days the petition was "pending." But, unlike the treatment of immediate relative children under Section 201(f)(1), this provision will only trigger if the child has sought to acquire permanent residency within one year of such availability.
It is therefore uncertain whether Avila-Perez, holding that the CSPA applied retroactively, also applied to CSPA beneficiaries under Section 203(h) because the provision only triggers if the child has sought to acquire permanent residence within one year of availability.
The Neufeld Memo now indicates that the CSPA beneficiaries under Section 203(h) are also covered retroactively, but under limited circumstances. The Neufeld Memo covers two groups of non-citizen children who may have become eligible prior to August 6, 2002. With respect to the first group, the Neufeld Memo clarifies that a non-citizen child who did not have an application for permanent residence pending on August 6, 2002, and who subsequently filed an application for permanent residence that was denied solely because he or she aged out, may file a motion to reopen or reconsider without a filing fee if : (a) the child would have been considered under the age of 21 under applicable CSPA rules; (b) the child applied for permanent residence within one year of visa availability; and (c) the child received a denial solely because he or she aged out.
Regarding the second group, the Neufeld Memo indicates that some children can get CSPA coverage even if they did not have an application for permanent residence on August 2002 and did not file subsequently for permanent residence. Such a child who had a visa number available on or after August 7, 2001 and would have qualified for CSPA coverage, but did not apply for permanent residence because of prior policy guidance concerning the CSPA effective date, may apply for permanent residence presently.
Although the Neufeld Memo upholds the retroactive application for CSPA, it only goes back to August 7, 2001. This is because as of August 6, 2002, the CSPA required children claiming protection under Section 203(h) to have sought to acquire LPR status within one year of visa availability.3 How does the Neufeld Memo square with the BIA's holding in Avila-Perez?
It can be argued that the unlimited retroactively concept in Avila-Perez still applies to immediate relatives covered under Section 201(f)(1) as there is no requirement, unlike Section 203(h) that the child should have sought permanent residency within one year of visa availability. The relevant portion of the Neufeld Memo that supports this view is extracted below:
(i) Adjustment as an Immediate Relative (IR). The CSPA amended section 201(f) of the Act to fix the age of an alien beneficiary on the occurrence of a specific event (e.g. filing a petition). If the alien beneficiary is under the age of 21 on the date of that event, the alien will not age out and continue to be eligible for permanent residence as an IR. It does not matter whether the alien reaches the age of 21 before or after the enactment date of the CSPA, when the petition was filed, or how long the alien took after petition approval to apply for permanent residence provided the alien did not have a final decision prior to August 6, 2002 on an application for permanent residence based on the immigrant visa petition upon which the alien claims to be a child. (emphasis added).4
The Neufeld Memo does not offer any more breakthroughs in demystifying the CSPA. Many are eagerly waiting to hear how the USCIS and the State Department will interpret the "Retention of Priority Date" provision, which is codified in Section 203(h)(3) of the INA. This provision allows for an aged-out child who cannot get protection under the CSPA to allow for the automatic conversion of the petition to the appropriate category and allow the retention of the original priority date. The Neufeld Memo remains silent on this provision notwithstanding the BIA's holding in Matter of Garcia, which correctly interpreted Section 203(h)(3). For further details, See BIA RULES FAVORABLY ON AUTOMATIC CONVERSION PROVISION IN CSPA
Finally, the Neufeld Memo adds some insight with respect to limited coverage for certain K-4 and K-2 aliens. Although the CSPA does not generally cover K-4 visas or extensions, a K-4 nonimmigrant who is child of a spouse of a US citizen "may utilize the CSPA upon seeking adjustment of status because a K-4 alien seeks to adjust as an IR on the basis of an approved Form I-130." Thus, the K-4 nonimmigrant is considered an immediate relative and the age is fixed on the date that the I-130 petition was filed by the US citizen parent. On the other hand, a K-2 nonimmigrant is inherently never covered by the CSPA status unless the US citizen parent files a Form I-130 visa petition on his or her behalf. Note that an I-130 petition can only be filed on behalf of a K-2 child (who is a step-child of the US citizen parent) if the marriage took place before the child turned 18 years.
End Notes
1 See Memorandum of Johnny Williams, Executive Associate Commissioner, Office of Field Operations, February 14, 2003, HQADN 70/6.1.1, reprinted in 80 Interpreter Releases, No. 11, Mar. 17, 2003; DOS cable dated January 3, 2003 (03 State - 015049).
2 The US District Court for the Central District of California arrived at a similar conclusion in the context of an I-130 petition that was filed on June 8, 1999 but was not approved until October 23, 2001 when the child was over 21. See Rodriguez v. Gonzales, No. CV 04-8671 (C.D. Cal. May 31, 2006).
3 The Neufeld Memo reminds adjudicators that an I-824 can be concurrently filed with the Form I-485 applicant as evidence of having "sought to acquire" LPR status within one year of visa availability especially when the parent is adjusting in the US and the child is overseas. A previously filed I-824 that was denied, the Neufeld Memo goes on to add, because the principal alien's adjustment of status application had not yet been approved can serve as evidence of having "sought to acquire" LPR status.
4 To the extent that there is a conflict between the Neufeld Memo and Avila-Perez, the BIA decision is controlling under INA Section 103(a)(1), which states that "determination and ruling by the Attorney General with respect to all questions of law shall be controlling."This article originally appeared on http://www.cyrusmehta.com on May 23, 2008.
About The Author


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Dr. Bahn Interviewed on Color-Doppler Ultrasound and Cyrotherapy
Dr. Bahn was interviewed for the Ask Dr. Myers blog on the topic of Color-Doppler ultrasound of the prostate. The interview can be found here.
A reader shared the following comment about Dr. Bahn in response to that interview.
Dr. Bahn was also separately interviewed on the topic of Cryotheraphy for Dr. Myers' newsletter. That interview can be found here.


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Fore Front Fashion
In search of fashion at Cabela's
This is the true story of a rainy Saturday, where one fashion blogger was forced to shop for sausage casing at Cabela's. What happens next is a series of true events. Read on
Fore Front Fashion
Your Swap Maine sneak peek!
Swap Maine is right around the corner. We've got an exclusive sneak peek at 15 items that will be at the swap on Saturday, October 12! Come take a look! Read on
Fore Front Fashion
Clothes find a second life at New Beginnings Consignment Shop
New Beginnings Consignment Shop is a hidden gem among the major chains in Freeport. If you're looking for a deal on J.Crew, Banana Republic and other chic name-brand finds, you might not even need to set foot in the outlets. Read on
Fore Front Fashion
The best place to find fall flannels–found!
There is no store that goes unturned in this state in order for me to find you all a sweet, sweet deal! If you need a few fall flannels to add to your autumn rotation, I've found the ultimate mecca. And naturally, it's in a very unexpected place. Read on
Fore Front Fashion
I'll see you tonight at the East End School for Swap Maine drop-offs!
Even this rain can't get me down because I am way to excited to get my swap on this weekend. Come see me tonight at the East End School and drop off your bag(s) of clothes so you can get into the swap tomorrow for free! Read on
Fore Front Fashion
Haven't been to a clothing swap before? Here's why you don't want to miss it
Free clothes. A charitable donation. A new summer wardrobe. And free coffee. Now if you need even more reasons why you should be coming to our fifth ever Swap Maine event on June 29, click on through. Read on
Fore Front Fashion
Need a new beach bag? Try a recycled flour sack
I was picking up a wedding gift at the L.L.Bean Home Store and stumbled across these amazing bags! Typical that I'm browsing mugs and instead find myself fawning over recycled flour sack bags. Check them out. Read on
Fore Front Fashion
Nordstrom Rack opens tomorrow at Maine Crossing
Until very recently, I'd never heard of Nordstrom Rack. For those of you who aren't familiar, it's an off-price division of Nordstrom with a collection of clearance items from Nordstrom stores. I got to swing by last night before the big grand opening tomorrow. Here's a sneak peek! Read on
Fore Front Fashion
An unbelievably cute outfit found at an unbelievable place
Wait until you see this outfit that Tania, who works at El Rayo, pulled together from Goodwill. This entire look probably cost $10 or less and girl looks like a million bucks. Read on
Fore Front Fashion
A Flea-For-All favorite opens up shop in Westbrook
This weekend you might want to venture a bit out of Portland, on a quick ride down Forest Avenue, to a new vintage storefront on Bridgton Road. The ladies of Lucille's, arguably my favorite former booth at the Flea-for-All, has opened up shop. I checked it out over the weekend and trust me -- you're gonna want to put this vintage haven on your weekend agenda. Check it out! Read on


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PerfectLearn's beta phase is coming to an end. It has been thoroughly tested (resulting in a substantial amount of bug fixes and several user-facing improvements) and I have a clear understanding of the path ahead of me in terms of the application's future development. As planned, in April I will make PerfectLearn available to anyone who wants to use it.
Product development
Arriving at this stage of PerfectLearn's development also means that I really need to start thinking about where I want to go from here.
Product development principles
- Don't build technology for the sake of technology
- Solve for patterns, not for instances
- Always ask, "what is the goal?" and "what are you optimizing for?"
- Look for leverage, but always invest in your core
- Know your core
The above principles should be dear to any developer's heart. Always, at least, try to keep them in the back of your mind when embarking on a new software-related project. With regards to PerfectLearn, although it is based on the topic maps paradigm1 —one of my favorite meta data models— I definitely did not build it just for the sake of using topic maps. A topic maps-based approach lends itself very well to providing structure, what is for all intents and purposes, unstructured data. In PerfectLearn's case, the unstructured information is the personal knowledge of an individual.
In addition, topic maps is an enabling technology allowing for the relatively straightforward development of many downstream products. Besides, using topic maps as the core of your software allows you to solve a wide variety of (data-modeling) problems in a standardized way. The side-effect of having to develop a topic map engine for PerfectLearn is that once the engine has been built it becomes possible to solve for data-modeling patterns and not just specific instances of those patterns.
Finally, with regards to the above principles, from the point of view as a software architect and developer, my "core" is semantic technologies in general and the topic maps paradigm, in particular (with the risk of becoming a one-trick pony).
So, what is this all leading up to? Well, as I mentioned above, topic maps is an enabling technology. Topic maps really can be used as the foundation of many software solutions. In that respect, I have been exploring different areas where a topic map-based approach could contribute substantially to a product's value proposition2 and I think I have identified several interesting options3. So, this is the point where I need to step back and truly consider how I want to proceed.
Opportunity cost
A fundamental and very powerful concept in microeconomics is opportunity cost. Opportunity cost basically equates to the value of the best alternative that you did not pursue when faced with several mutually exclusive alternatives given limited resources. In my case, the limited resource is time. That is, I can only focus (properly) on one thing at a time. And by doing so, I forgo the other options and will have to pay the accompanying opportunity cost. This means that I need to have some kind of method to determine which alternative really is the best one. So, the method I have devised to provide me with an initial approximation of business model attractiveness revolves around two main variables: potential payoff (a logarithmic scale from 1 to 5, from lowest potential payoff to highest potential payoff, respectively) and probability of success (between 0 and 1, impossibility and certainty, respectively).
Evaluation of business models
When applying the above-mentioned method to some of the (business model) opportunities I have identified for both PerfectLearn (the web application) and the set of technologies I have developed as part of the PerfectLearn offering, we get the following:
- The PerfectLearn web application with a freemium-based SaaS business model: taking into account the feedback from the individual beta users in combination with several companies expressing a desire to explore using PerfectLearn in different scenarios leads me to believe that PerfectLearn can be productized. The real challenge is the execution of an effective SaaS-oriented business model and the accompanying issue of customer churn. In that respect, I score this business model as follows: 0.30/3 probability of success and potential payoff, respectively. Like other SaaS offerings, this specific business model follows the High Consumer Intent for Commercial Transaction/Low Traffic pattern.
- The PerfectLearn online academy/digital content monetization business model: After having researched course design in combination with my own experiments with online teaching, I believe that PerfectLearn's versatility makes it a viable tool for course instructors to use for planning, building, organizing, and presenting (online) courses in conjunction with the monetization of the course's digital content in the form of curated topic maps, screen casts, and eBooks. The business model for the monetization of high-quality educational-related digital content is one that I believe that I understand well enough to have a real chance of success. In that respect, I score this business model as follows: 0.60/2 probability of success and potential payoff, respectively. This business model follows the same High Consumer Intent for Commercial Transaction/Low Traffic pattern as the SaaS model outlined above. Finally, an additional advantage of pursuing this business model is that it also provides me with a viable user on-boarding process for the PerfectLearn SaaS offering. That is, some of the pupils would convert to PerfectLearn users because of their exposure to PerfectLearn as a central part of the course offerings which implies that I should probably include the PerfectLearn SaaS offering as part of this business model as a value-added service.
- The PerfectLearn on-device topic map engine business model: As part of building PerfectLearn, I have also developed a native on-device topic map engine for Android (the iOS port is in a very early stage of development). Having an on-device topic map engine opens up numerous possibilities with regards to building compelling and feature-rich mobile apps that can function equally well in both online and offline modes without sacrificing any advanced capabilities4. In many developing countries, intermittent internet access allows people to download your app but not to actually interact with the app's content and functionality in a consistent manner, resulting in a degraded user experience. Furthermore, when (open) WiFi access is not available, expensive mobile data plans make off-line content delivery platforms attractive. Taking the above into account, I have done extensive research of the mobile space and have concluded that there are several app categories that are perfect targets for topic map-based solutions. In comparison to the other alternatives that I've outlined above, this is the outlier business model. A freak. Also, let's be honest. Any business model targeting the mobile space has to provide a very compelling value proposition in combination with an innovative bring-to-market approach. And, even so … the chance of success if small, to say the least. In that respect, I score this business model as follows: 0.15/5 probability of success and potential payoff, respectively. The reason why I have scored this business model with a relatively high probability of success (0.15) is that I believe that I have genuinely identified an app category that is ripe for (dare I say it, the most over-used word in startup marketing) disruption. Obviously, the potential payoff in the mobile app space is huge if you get it right. That's why this business model, in comparison to the other two models, has been given the highest potential payoff score. Finally, this business model follows the High Consumer Intent for Commercial Transaction/High Traffic pattern.
Final words
It's possible to develop a myriad of different business models for each of your software products and the above method is only one of many frameworks that you could use when evaluating the different (software) business models.
Software business models allow you to think about your software on a different level. But ultimately, bringing software to the market in a successful manner depends on numerous factors. You need to ensure that you consider all of these aspects in a structured way and then choose the business model that best addresses the challenges that you will face when developing and marketing your software.
Stay tuned for updates. Subscribe to the PerfectLearn newsletter.
- My other favorite meta data model is The Universal Design Pattern.
- Using topic maps as the underlying data model for a product should be an implementation detail and completely transparent to the user. From a user's point of view, the superior contextual experience that topic maps make possible should just work as if it were magic.
- No, I don't think that this is an example of "a solution trying to find a problem". A topic map-based architecture can substantially improve the experience of many software products.
- Revenue forecasts for Augmented Reality (AR) could hit $120 billion by 2020 (VR forecasts at $30 billion). Imagine a hybrid cloud/on-device topic map engine as the Point-of-Interest (POI) database for AR mobile apps. I would be willing to bet the house on this one.


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Are you a pioneering, forward-thinking business owner who wants to dazzle and delight at social media marketing?
Do you look at your Instagram following and wonder what's going wrong? Maybe you have lots of followers and good engagement, but your followers aren't buying? Perhaps you haven't yet built an audience and don't really know where to start?Are you more interested in the number of conversions your Instagram gets your rather than the size of your community?
If the answer is YES to any of these then you will love Sam's workshop. After the rave reviews it had at its first outing, she's decided to take it on a tour of the UK.
In this three-hour workshop, you will learn how to:
- Build Know, Like, Trust. As well as what this is and why it is essential to your business.
- Set yourself up for success and why it's important to get off on the right foot
- Make your Instagram visually brilliant to draw your audience in and get them buying
- Speak directly to your customer instead of SCREAMING into the Instagram abyss
- Actively grow your community and connect with your customer
You will get
- A workbook to complete during the workshop as well as takeaway and continue to learn from and action key points
- New business buddies! I've yet to run a workshop where people don't swap Instagram handles and go on to support each other
- INSPIRED! Everyone who leaves my workshop is buzzing with new ideas and can't wait to get started. I pride myself on demystifying the world of social media and I promise you will learn something that you couldn't have found for free on the internet!
*Just a heads up; this isn't a OGB Expertise Session*


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Small groups are the heart of our Church here in Chandler's Ford.
They are the place where we can build friendships and share our lives with others, be encouraged in our growth as disciples of Christ and reach out to serve and bless others.
- We are all different, and our groups seek to reflect that.
- You'll find groups that meet weekly, fortnightly and even monthly.
- There are groups that have a focus for specific things, or people.
- There are groups that are gender specific, and those that are for anyone.
Whatever your style, the vision for all of our small groups is that they would provide a place for
- A real meeting with God
- A real meeting with each other to impact the world around us
You are welcome to join any of our groups. Take your time to decide which might be right for you.
For more information about our groups and how to join one please contact Rev. Garry Roberts
Weekly Groups
Each group focuses on friendship, bible study and prayer
Stuart & Ruth
Wednesdays @ 7:45pm
Jon & Mel Westmacott
Wednesdays @ 8pm
Ali Roberts
Wednesdays @ 8pm
'Novo' For all women
Jane Duxbury & Debbie Pearce
Fridays @ 10 am
Craig & Georgia Jenkin
Thursdays @ 7:30pm
Dean Thomas
Wednesdays @ 7:45pm
Fortnightly Groups
Each group focuses on friendship, bible study and prayer
'Open Door'
Pam and Ken Beecroft
Tuesdays @ 7:30pm
Jackie Hill
Wednesdays @ 10:30am
Heather Callum
Day and time varies
Monthly Groups
Each group focuses on friendship, bible study and prayer
Sarah Hargreaves
Wednesday @ 7:45pm
A group for all men
1st Saturday of each month 8am
Focus Groups
These groups have a specific focus or membership
A book club style group that meets to discuss and share reflections on books that impact our faith
Meets monthly, day and time vary
Women's Breakfast
A group for all women to grow in their faith, and enjoy breakfast together!
In 2017 there will be a meeting on the 2nd Saturday of alternate months. The next breakfast is 12th August 2017 in St Martin's church centre.
Mothers Union
A National organisation with a branch that meets in the parish.
Afternoon group: Last Wednesday of the month St Boniface 2pm
Evening group: 3rd Monday of the month 8:45pm.
Venue varies


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In this episode, New York Times bestselling author, Mary Pilon, reveals the hundred-year-old intrigue behind the invention of the game Monopoly: its original intent was not a celebration of capitalism but a lesson in its abuses. And we speak with Brian van Slyke, a young game designer who resurrects original intent with 21st Century flair and international reception with his game: Coopoly.
Original Broadcast: November 5, 2016


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MELBOURNE - New Zealand seamer Tim Southee believes the Black Caps have the experience and the firepower to topple Australia in Sunday's World Cup final in Melbourne. Southee said the Black Caps were relishing the opportunity of playing in their maiden World Cup final -- a match that will also mark New Zealand's first appearance at the vast Melbourne Cricket Ground in six years.
New Zealand are the form side of the tournament having won all eight of their matches at this World Cup, a sequence that includes two dramatic clashes in Auckland -- a one-wicket win over Australia in the pool phase and Tuesday's semi-final defeat of South Africa sealed by Grant Elliott's six off the second-last ball.
Australia captain Michael Clarke reckons his side's knowledge of playing at the MCG will be a major factor in the final as the home team chase a fifth World Cup title following their emphatic 95-run semi-final victory over defending champions India in Sydney on Thursday. But that doesn't wash with Southee, who has claimed 15 wickets at 27.13 in the tournament and formed a potent new-ball combination with left-armer Trent Boult, the tournament's leading bowler with 21 wickets at 15.76.
Former Australia opener Matthew Hayden suggested the sheer side of the MCG for a New Zealand team who'd played all their previous matches at this World Cup on their own, much smaller grounds -- sparking a tide of derisive comments on social media from Black Caps fans. But Southee told reporters at the MCG on Friday: "We are not too worried about the size of the ground. "It's a dream come true for all the guys. This is as good as it gets, taking on Australia in Australia on one of the best cricket grounds in the world."
Veteran left-arm spinner Daniel Vettori has more experience of the MCG than his New Zealand team-mates, having played there seven times since 1997, while skipper Brendon McCullum and Ross Taylor have played there twice with Martin Guptill, Grant Elliott, Southee and Kyle Mills all having had one MCG appearance each. All seven played in New Zealand's last visit to the ground, when they beat Australia by six wickets in 2009.
"We haven't played here for a long time. We have good memories from that (2009) game as well," Southee said. "A lot of the guys have played in front of pretty big crowds in India. There will be close to 100,000 people screaming (on Sunday). "It will be interesting to see what it's like here."
Southee added: "The rivalry between Australia and New Zealand does pretty much cover every sport and it is massive. We're probably seen as the 'little brothers from across the ditch' and we do quite well in other sports (such as both rugby codes) to compete. Australia have had the wood on us over the last couple of years in cricket. As a kid growing up it was always Australia that you wanted to play against...You're always wanting to have one-up over the 'big brothers'."
Boult was the destroyer with five for 27 when the Black Caps beat Australia in Auckland during the pool stages on February 28, while Southee grabbed a career-best seven for 33 in the celebrated win over England in Wellington. "To do what he's done over the last couple of months has been amazing," Southee said of Boult. "We do have a great partnership. A bit of swing would be nice. It hasn't swung for us in every game but we've found ways to take wickets. If it does swing we do become a big more dangerous."
The MCG is also etched deep in New Zealand's sporting psyche as it was where the infamous 'underarm' delivery took place in 1981. To prevent New Zealand from having any chance of scoring the six they needed to tie, Australia captain Greg Chappell instructed younger brother Trevor to bowl the last ball underarm along the ground to Brian McKechnie, who hurled his bat away in disgust at Australia's lack of sportsmanship.


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Parental Choice helps employers differentiate their corporate benefits packages for working parents from their competitors, thereby helping companies attract key talent and ensure they retain their most valuable resource. Boosting family-friendly policies and benefit packages promotes loyalty and commitment from both parties.
Parental Choice provides employers and parents with a unique packaged service to add value to flexible or elective benefit packages.
Parental Choice's work is making a real difference to working mothers and families. Major companies are engaging with them to find a way to get the best out of their employees with families and at the same time finding more flexible ways for parents to work and bring up children. I would highly recommend Sarah-Jane and her company to HR professionals
Nicola Horlick, Money & Co
Can your organisation afford to lose your employees who are working parents?
Resourcing of childcare is one of the biggest concerns for working parents and Government forecasts have revealed that childcare fees will grow by nearly 30% over the next four years. As an employer, you do not want your valued employees to reach the conclusion that it is not worth going back to work full-time. This would result in losing key members of staff with all of the experience, client relationships and training that has potentially been built up over a number of years.
|Benefits of supporting working parents & boosting family friendly policies
Parental Choice wants to help businesses support their employees so that they can successfully combine work and family. By guiding employees through the childcare options at their disposal to fit their agreed working patterns, absenteeism and resignations can be significantly reduced, thereby saving money for both parents and employers. By helping parents get back to work safe in the knowledge that they have the right childcare, we are also helping businesses retain staff and improve loyalty and commitment which will consequently be reflected in their performance.
Please see our Services for Employer section for further information regarding the bespoke and tailored packages that we offer to employers. We understand that no company has the same profile of employees – our goal is to work together to find the right childcare solution for employer, employee and their families.


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A bit of an open debate - I am curious for your opinions. I am considering commencing a PhD in GIS which may concern the application of surveys within the natural environments. Eventually, I wish to continue my career in professional consultancy and not to pursue academia beyond these studies.
I wonder whether anybody has any experience or can just share their thoughts about how useful is to have a GIS PhD in a professional industry. My concern is that people have told me that for some professions (e.g. Law), having a PhD qualification can in fact reduce your employability.
How is it seen by industry employers to have a PhD in GIS? Also, are there any specific sites or tips anyone can suggest?


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Crossing the Threshold: Rites of Passage, Art Therapy, and the Process of Change
by Gail Joy
This thesis examines change in the treatment of addictions using an art therapy process, relating it metaphorically to the process of epistemological and ontological change in rites of passage. Areas of comparison include sacred objects, ritual practitioners, stages, cultural context, and assumptions about change. The potential for change is particularly apparent in the liminal stage during rites of passage and the therapeutic space of art therapy. The theoretical comparison is illustrated in a single case study of a man who attended art therapy for treatment of his alcohol habit. The case study uses a retrospective review of pictures in which the art is displayed as in a gallery. The comparison yields enough substantial and significant similarities for rites of passage to serve as a metaphor for the change in art therapy treatment.


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Karen H.Austin, TX
2/16/2015 5/5 Stars
Jay is the best! After a terrible experience with ADT in my previous house, I wanted to hire a smaller, preferably local alarm company that provided decent customer service and didn't lock me into a multi-year contract. After reading the Central Security reviews on Yelp about 2 years ago, I retained Central Security … and I'm so glad I did! Unlike other alarm companies, Jay did not try to sell me anything I didn't need, or lock me into a long term contract. I've been pleased with the service ever since. And every time I've had an issue–like when my system was acting up after a power outage–Jay has always responded promptly, courteously, and resolved my problem quickly.
More recently, Jay really went over and above. After losing my job last month, I was looking to cut costs, so I called Jay to cancel my alarm service. He was extremely empathic and generous, and offered me a few months of free service until I got back on my feet. I am so grateful Jay, thank you!!!
I could recommend not recommend Central Security any more highly. If you're looking for a good alarm company, look no further, call Central Security now.


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Saturday, January 30, 2010
A bit of Baja - still have a few days of the goodness!
Posted by chrisscottistan at 8:09 PM 0 comments
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Baja has sweet trail, amazing water, and superb scenery - good times!
Posted by chrisscottistan at 4:06 PM 0 comments
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Bicycle Adventure on Virginia's section of the Great Eastern Trail
The Highland Retreat is a great HQ to base your Carr Mountain Trail Build day from
Always amazing in the Criders/Bergton area - Shenandoah Mountain is off in the distance
It does get quite narrow when the road turns into Fr. 232
A church is always a great navagational tool - almost always an icon on the map
This store on the corner is home to a wealth of local history and knowledge
Snake Hollow brings you up the backside towards Whitegrass Knob
This is actually the area where Chipper created his "Whitegrass" dream
Left turn is Fr. 232 - right side is a dead end
It is private property all around, but is the road?
Is this really the deal - help me out here?
Is this where the hostility comes from?
The Turners is on the right, please stay left on Fr. 232
Nice idea
This little bear likes it too!
Nice of the locals to make this warming fire for me
I am so excited that we have 150 miles of this amazing trail in Virginia's George Washington National Forest that is prime bicycle trail. Only a tiny section that is not currently open to bikes (7 miles) in the Ramsey's Draft Wilderness Area. Carr Mountain Trail is still yet to be finished. That is why I went out for this great ride on Carr Mountain's parallel route Fr. 232. It's a great ride up onto Shenandoah Mountain. We just have to sort the access issue. Yes, it may not be a United States Forest Service (USFS) access through-road for motorized users. But it is a access through-road for non-motorized users. Huge props to the Turners for keeping their nice section of road clean, and putting in the trash barrel. Looks like Mr. Bear
is checking it often. I am guessing it is some of the other neighbors that are putting up the threatening posts about access. Bummer! Time to get this straight because it could be a few years until the Carr Mountain trail takes us high and dry above these folks and their "private" road.
Posted by chrisscottistan at 12:04 PM 0 comments
Friday, January 15, 2010
Shenandoah Valley Evening Bicycle Ride
Was able to multi-task while on the bike
Time is short these days
Sooo many things to do
Sooo little time!
Posted by chrisscottistan at 6:26 PM 0 comments
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Bicycling the Shenandoah Valley
Carp had some business to finish
Snows melting in the bright sunlight
Great wispy clouds in the clear sky
The gravel is firm and rolling well
Sun is dipping with a nice flow
Massanutten is getting all lit up in the distance
Cool sundog directly over Mole Hill
The Bike Lane (paved shoulder) is really nice to have on Rt. 42
Missed this shot of the bike lane, it woulda been cool!
Posted by chrisscottistan at 7:58 PM 0 comments
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Too old for a game of pass the parcel, but too young to be left to their own devices, tweens are in a tricky category when you're planning to host a party.
They still want to play and have fun like the 'little kids', but their eyes are firmly set on being one of the 'big kids'. The key to planning a party for this age group is hitting just the right balance.
Choose the perfect location
Tweens may wish to invite the entire class from school, or only three or four of their best friends. Either way, choose a primary party location in your home that won't feel too big or too small for the group. It's important for tweens to feel independent, so when you get the location right and fill it with fun activities, you can supervise from afar and the rest will take care of itself.
For example, for a small group of girls, decorate the kitchen, dining or lounge room, and plan arts and crafts activities, movies, food and games in that area. This way, you can leave them alone for the most part, so they'll feel like teenagers with the house to themselves, but with plenty to do.
For a large group of 20 or so, chances are your house will take a battering if the kids are given free rein. Set up tables, chairs, activities and themes in the backyard or the garage, so there's heaps of space to run around and less reason for them to wander indoors (where you'll be with a nice cup of tea!)
Make catering easy and fun
Tweens love to feel like they're making their own decisions, so rather than rounding everyone up for a sit-down meal, opt for fun event catering in Sydney. A hot dog stand is a perfect option – your tween guests will get to feel like grown-ups as they order their own hotdogs and choose their own toppings from a mess-free dispenser.
To make life easy, include drinks with the catering service. Or, stock the fridge or eskies with soft drink cans and juice bottles, so you don't have to worry about running out of paper cups or washing up.
For an outdoor party with a large group, keep dessert simple with bowls of lollies or chocolates, lollipop stands or individual jelly cups. If you're indoors, make dessert part of the fun, by allowing each guest to ice and decorate their own cupcakes.
Set the scene for fun
Given a few props to help start the fun, tweens will usually run with it and occupy themselves. For example, if you have a large backyard and a big guest list, gather tents from all the parents for a camping party. On arrival, everyone gets to set up their own tent and bedding, ready for a fun night in the great outdoors.
Tweens absolutely love to watch their favourite movies, especially if they're funny or scary. Create a movie theatre in your lounge room, or set up a projector in the backyard and hire or borrow beanbags for an outdoor movie night.
No matter what theme you choose, tweens aren't too old for games, and truth or dare is always a big hit. Collaborate with your tween for fun questions and silly dares.
When you give tweens enough freedom to assert their independence, while surrounding them with things to do, the party will be a hit they'll remember forever!


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Diabetic Low Vision Protocols
Specific Functional Needs of the Diabetic
Visually impaired diabetics have specific functional needs that must be addressed in the low vision examination. Many of these are crucial to their health and safety. Diabetics must see to fill insulin syringes and take oral medications. They need to see to test their blood sugar and to read labels on food containers to monitor their intake of carbohydrates. Diabetics may have neuropathies affecting their feet. If patients are unable to see to examine their feet and toes, care by their physician, podiatrist or family may be needed to monitor the health of their feet.
The Diabetic Low Vision Protocols
We utilize a set of Diabetic Low Vision Protocols developed at the Low Vision Clinic at John Hopkins to evaluate the functional vision of each diabetic patient.
Vision or Adaptive Steps Addressed During the Low Vision Exam:
Seeing to fill insulin syringes
Reading labels on medication bottles
Seeing to test blood sugar
Reading food nutritional labels
Seeing to perform foot care
Decreasing Glare (Especially Post Laser)
Testing for adequate visual field for night driving (Post Laser)
Educating on vision changes due to blood sugar fluctuations
Increasing awareness of decreased contrast sensitivity
Glare and Loss of Contrast Sensitivity
Glare and loss of contrast sensitivity may become problems in patients with diabetic retinopathy, especially after pan-retinal photocoagulation. Laser is crucial to saving the vision of diabetic, but patients often complain of a "fuzzy glare" after laser, which responds well to light amber filters. Because many diabetics experience color vision loss along the yellow-blue axis, they are able to benefit from the contrast enhancement of amber filters with less awareness of the yellow-amber color than those with normal color vision. Safety in night driving must also be addressed due to reduced side vision after PRP laser.
Low Vision Aids and Adaptive Devices
From simple magnifiers to closed circuit television systems, a wide range of low vision aids are available to aid the visually impaired diabetic. In addition to low vision aids, a number of adaptive devices may aid the visually impaired diabetic. These include talking glucometers, needle funnel guides to aid in inserting the needle in the insulin bottle and automatic insulin loaders.


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Wannabe rap artist Honey G has hit back after critics accused her of attacking black culture with her re-workings of classic rap and hip hop songs.
X Factor contestant Honey G has hit back at critics accusing her of being racist as "ridiculous".
The self-styled rapper from North Weezy has hit the headlines for a number of reasons in recent weeks, with some 'X Factor' fans speculating over whether she's the real thing, while others have accused her of cultural insensitivity and racism.
The 35-year-old singer, known for her re-workings of classic rap and hip hop tunes on the competition stage, insisted that promoting black music does not mean she is attacking black culture.
She told The Mirror that, out of all the criticism she has faced from disapproving viewers: "This was probably one of the most ridiculous things I have seen so far.
"Any allegations of me being racist are completely false. All that stuff to do with me attacking black culture is utterly ridiculous.
"I've never said anything racist or behaved in that way, just because I'm pushing music from a black origin doesn't mean I'm attacking black culture.
"I think people are discriminating against me, they are using the race card against me."
She made it through last week's "diva" round with a rendition of Vanilla Ice's Ice, Ice Baby and will perform rapper Will Smith's Men In Black for the programme's special Halloween episode tonight.
Earlier this week Honey G revealed her plans to quit her day job as a recruitment manager to pursue a full time career as a global rap star.
But she was soon blasted by singer Sinitta, who branded her as a "fake".
She told the Huffington Post:"Her mother has a middle class, English accent, she's very pretty. She's not at all ghetto, she doesn't say 'yo' and 'what's up' and everything.
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"So I don't know how Honey G has developed all these traits.
"I think she's faking it, but I think she believes. I think she has reinvented herself as a black American ghetto rapper."
However, Sinitta was quick to dismiss the critics who have called Honey G racist. She said: "That's like saying Ali G is racist… Maybe Honey G is the musical version of him."


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The function of dorsal root ganglia is to transmit sensory information from the body's periphery to the spinal cord, explains the Department of Cell Biology at Yale University. A dorsal root ganglion consists of cell bodies of sensory neurons.
A ganglion is a clump of nerve tissue outside of the central nervous system, according to Dictionary.com. The body's periphery is the area of the body that consists of nerve endings. An axon is a branch extending from a neuron that transmits information away from the cell body.
A long axon extends from the neurons within the dorsal root ganglion to the periphery, and another long axon extends from the neurons within the dorsal root ganglion to the spinal cord's grey matter, notes the Department of Cell Biology at Yale University. Fibers reaching the periphery exit the ganglion through the spinal nerve, and fibers reaching the spinal cord exit through the dorsal root.
It takes a dorsal root ganglion on each side of the body, right and left, at one segmental level to supply information for both sides of the body, explains the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. The spinal nerve's dorsal root ganglion influences low-back pain and radicular symptoms, according to the American Journal of Neuroradiology.


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Blogger really doesn't like me tonight. I was trying to post a pic of my finished Bear Tracks block but I keep on getting an error message :( Keep an eye on this post as I'll update it with a pic as soon as blogger lets me!
** Edit ***
Well Blogger has decided to play nice again. It has taken me around 2 hours of some not so nice words at Blogger to get it to let me upload my photo. If anyone decides to stitch along with me please leave a comment + link so I can see your block :)


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First Justice Pals Podcast of the new year, and why not kick it off with a LARPer video on the blog?
Or a nominally amusing video wth Chris Chelios and Sam Jackson?
I'll tell you what you don't get-- a ten minute exploratin of the career of Vince Vaughn, since we mercifully edited that out of the finished podcast.
There it is. Up there. CLICK ON IT!!!
168. Allow for a Buffer
5 years ago


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Dear Member of Parliament,
With just 6 weeks to the Chancellor's Autumn Statement, it is a privilege as lead campaigner for FairFuelUK with its founder Howard Cox, to put before you reasons why we'd like your support for a 3p cut in Fuel Duty.
In our '2015 Manifesto for Growth' we set out the evidence, business and public sentiment of the campaign since its launch in January 2011. We know that you are bombarded for reasons to cut different taxes but please take a moment to empathise that the 60%+ taken every time 32m licensed road users fill up with an essential need, is one of biggest influencers on the country's economic growth prospects, their mobility and residual income.
It is no coincidence following our active lobbying and campaigning, that the decisions made by the Coalition Treasury in cutting this punitive levy by 1p in March 2011 and freezing it for the lifetime of this Parliament has inspired the UK Economy coming out of recession. The previously planned duty rises would have meant that prices at the pumps would have been in excess of £1.60 per litre and we would not be looking at a blossoming economy, where unemployment is falling, GDP growing and inflation dropping. So the evidence is there for you to be reassured that a small cut of 3p will definitely pay the Exchequer back by its consequential impact on other "growth" generated levies, such and more Corporation Tax, VAT, Income Tax, NI and even further escalation in GDP.
The price we pay at the pumps impacts on every aspect of the supply chain, prices in the shops and community cohesion. Its bearing on businesses is immense and for the haulage industry in particular, logistics is the lifeblood of the economy delivering the goods and services needed by individuals and businesses across the UK and beyond. Fuel represents the biggest single cost for most logistics businesses and as they concentrate efforts on securing the recovery, controlling costs is an absolute must. By cutting fuel duty, Government would give businesses the ability and confidence needed to invest for the future bringing benefits to industry, consumers and the wider economy.
We have had fabulous support from ALL Parties, notably from MPs Robert Halfon, Jason McCartney, Martin Vickers, Steve Baker, Tessa Munt, Rob Flello amongst many others too numerous to list here. We are most grateful for this Cross-Party support. However the Government continues to take over 60% in tax when we fill up at the pumps, we have the highest fuel duty levels in the EU and the cost of fuel directly impacts adversely on the cost of living, investment, jobs and running businesses. The Government's welcome freeze in duty has now to be turned into a cut.
- £42bn+ per year in tax is taken from 32m UK Road Users. Only 18.6% of this Road User Tax goes back into Roads Infrastructure. This represents approx. £30,000 per mile on roads. And here is food for thought, HS2 will cost up to £320m per mile to get to Birmingham just 20 minutes quicker. Imagine how £50-80bn of this predicted capital investment could benefit instead, better public transport and roads for the whole country.
- 26.8% of the £42bn in Road User Tax goes into spending on public transport and the railways (This kills the myth that the motorist and haulier do not support or care about public transport. This hard working group of motorists and commercial drivers has been misguided as to where their tax is actually spent.
- Also in the latest independent ComRes research it is clear that by supporting FairFuelUK's continuing call for a 3p fuel duty cut (7 out of 10 saying it will benefit the economy with 52% of the carless households agreeing with this statement too), all politicians from all Parties will considerably improve their chances of gaining more votes at the General Election. This is an Election issue that will not go away.
Please support our call for cutting Fuel Duty for Growth. You can guarantee this will work.
Quentin Willson and Howard Cox
Link to the FairFuelUK 2015 Manifesto for Growth: www.fairfueluk.com/manifesto/FairFuelUK_manifesto.html


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Girl thrown from train
A five-year-old girl was thrown out of a moving train in Mumbai during an argument between her family and another passenger over sharing a seat, police said yesterday. The girl suffered head injuries when she landed on the tracks after the train had left the main Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus. "A scuffle broke out over seating and the little girl was thrown out of the door. It happened in just a few seconds," Mumbai railway police chief Tukaram Chavan said. "She's receiving treatment and recovering. She was very lucky not to have been hit by another train." A 19-year-old man had been arrested in connection with the incident. Newspapers said other passengers in the crowded train had beaten him up after the incident. "Had I known that the man was a maniac, I would have given him the seat instead of putting my daughter's life in danger," the girl's father told the Hindustan Times.
Cheetah delays flight
Passengers on a Qantas flight were delayed yesterday when the pilot reported difficulties in getting one passenger on board — a cheetah. "We're sorry for the delay, but we're having some problems loading the cheetah," the pilot reportedly told passengers as the plane sat on the tarmac at Melbourne airport. Qantas said the Adelaide-bound flight was delayed for 36 minutes after ground staff had problems loading the pallet carrying the big cat, which was bound for a South Australian zoo.
Rat's head found in curry
Police are investigating the chef at a canteen of a leading university in Dhaka after a student found a rat's head in a bowl of chicken curry, sparking protests. The student made the gruesome discovery while eating lunch on Monday and fell sick immediately, said Chowdhury Muhammad Zakaria, the head of security at Rajshahi University. The incident led to protests by students at the school, the country's second-largest with more than 25,000 students, who were already demonstrating about a recent hike in the price of canteen meals.
Oprah cuddles koala
US talkshow queen Oprah Winfrey cuddled a koala as her "Ultimate Australian Adventure" swung into action. Winfrey touched down in Great Barrier Reef holiday spot Hamilton Island in her private jet before driving a golf buggy to a wildlife sanctuary, where she was mobbed by hundreds of cheering Australians on the first stop of her eight-day tour. "It's beautiful. It's a long trip but it's worth it," Winfrey said of her first impressions of Australia.
Scientists must probe aging
President Nursultan Nazarbayev, 70, has instructed scientists at a newly opened research center to develop ways to reverse the aging process. Speaking to students on Tuesday at the recently inaugurated Nazarbayev University, he said the Center for Life Sciences' priorities should include finding ways to artificially produce human tissue and rejuvenate the body. Earlier this year, Nazarbayev was effectively made leader for life, giving him the right to determine policies after he retires.
Box of animals doesn't fly
A Saudi who flew in from Jakarta with snakes, parrots and a squirrel in his hand luggage has been arrested at Abu Dhabi airport, Emirati dailies reported on Tuesday. "The man was just about to board a plane at the capital's airport when a member of staff noticed that something was moving inside a box he was carrying," said an English-language paper, 7Days. "Inside were four snakes, two parrots and a squirrel, all alive and separated in different compartments inside the box."


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The professional solution for a modern, structured file archive in SAP
If you have connected your SAP system to an archive, you probably know the problem that a so-called business object (such as vendor, purchase, order or equipment) dropped files can sometimes only be found later with difficulty.
The reason for this are the minimum recognition features, which are saved with SAP in the standard of each file as meta information, namely only the document type, and creation date.
This is where the SAP add on eFA of S&N AG comes in. It forwards this meta information to, for example, a document name of each file and an assignment within a folder structure. Of course, while maintaining audit compliance (e.g. compliance with legislation such as the minimum retention period of documents).
The enhanced File Archive thereby increases efficiency and employee satisfaction.
eFA can be used for all business objects in which SAP offers services for the object. This is the case in almost all transactions for managing data.
Examples: Customer (FD02), HR staff (PA20), FI document (FB02)
- Seamless integration with standard SAP ERP business objects
- Structured document storage
- Definition of the standard folder structure in SAP Customizing
- Individual, object-specific folder
- Comments fucntion for documents including changing documents
- Templates (DOC or XLS) with placeholders are filled in at runtime with information from SAP
- Attributes (for example: Transmitter, receiver, transmission date of e-mails) are stored and can be searched later
- Individual specification of user-definable attributes provided (e.g. "value of the contract")
- Export single folder or the whole folder structure onto the PC
- Deleting documents - if the document type permits stored according to a retention period
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I have been exploring dividend investing for about six months now. I have read about it on websites and blogs that are dedicated to it as well as read articles published here on Seeking Alpha over the last several months. I have felt inspired by this literature and the enthusiasm of those who have successfully lived by it and are reaping the benefits of their diligence. I wanted to explore more fully how dividends may benefit me and how they play a larger role in a portfolio that is either focused solely on them or includes them to any extent. I desired to explore the academic literature on this subject however I found that I could not access most of the articles I desired. Therefore I resolved to explore the literature from the financial sector, primarily asset management groups. These groups have dedicated managers to developing dividend-specific funds and have done some research to support and justify the existence of these funds and dividends in particular.
There are a number of benefits to investing in dividend-paying stocks whether your portfolio is income generating or dividend focused. Dividends provide a yield that makes an important contribution to the generation of income for anyone's portfolio. Dividends can be used to help protect and increase wealth. Dividends alone will not make you rich. However, investing in the next Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), Google (NASDAQ:GOOG), Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) back in the day, and other investments like those that reached incredible highs at the right time is difficult and for some not likely to occur without having suffered losses in the process. Furthermore, there appears to be no end to the number of issues that concern the market. There is continued difficulty in Europe, evidence regarding a slowing global and domestic economic recovery, decreasing consumer sentiment, political posturing in the U.S. and other events that continue to put pressure on the market and companies. Dividends then are the one source that can continue to provide income and yield in a time where it is difficult to find or income through capital appreciation is threatened.
From my review of the literature, there are five key themes that kept recurring. These themes are presented below.
A signal of financial health
The ability for a company to pay dividends over the long term provides some evidence of the financial stability of the company. Particularly in the U.S., companies that tend to provide a dividend have ingrained this policy more completely into the company's structure and identity. These companies tend to ensure that the dividend can be maintained for the long term, tend to provide stable payouts and resist the notion to eliminate or cut the dividend. Most companies are capable of maintaining and even increasing their dividends during difficult times such as the Great Recession. Examples of companies whose financial health deteriorated due to economic conditions or changes in their market segment include General Electric (NYSE:GE) and Pitney Bowes (NYSE:PBI). Examples of companies that have continued to grow their dividends even during difficult economic conditions include McDonald's (NYSE:MCD), Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) and Exxon Mobile (NYSE:XOM). These latter companies showed the strength of their balance sheets by continuing to increase their cash dividend.
Companies that are capable of increasing and sustaining their dividends tend to be the companies that have products and services that consumers consume regularly or renew. These companies may further have a strong brand or a "moat," which contributes to customer loyalty and repeat business. These factors often translate into increased and higher profit margins that become strong cash flows and earnings growth. With these factors in play, these companies can in turn continue to pay out a cash dividend.
Some have believed that dividends serve as a proxy to earnings growth. The idea behind this was that dividend growers (companies that raised their dividends consistently) represented the highest-quality growth companies around the world. Dividends are a signal of how the company manages its cash flow by balancing payouts to its shareholders while also reinvesting into the well-being of the business.
The old adage appeared many times: Dividends are paid out in "hard" cash from actual real earnings and they cannot be manipulated. If a company has the ability to pay a dividend over a long period of time [e.g. think Proctor & Gamble (NYSE:PG), Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO), the Colgate Palmolive Co. (NYSE:CL), which each have increased their annual dividends over the last 50 years] then the dividend can serve as a signal of financial health. What have these particular companies done? They have proven themselves as stable companies. Stable companies like these tend to grow payouts. Growing payouts are generally a sign that the company has a competitive advantage, strong balance sheet and a management team showing its confidence in the company's abilities to generate earnings and maintain strong cash flows that will continue to support future dividend payments and company growth. These companies are disciplined with regards to their financial health.
A source of total return
Dividends are a source of income. While dividends are being collected you may also be growing your capital appreciation, which is your second source of income. Given that today's global environment threatens to impact world economies and has created more volatility in the markets, dividends provide a steady income stream when capital appreciation may not be accelerating. When looking at the S&P 500, the dividend contribution to total return for the last 80 years equated to 44%. When nearly half of the total return is achieved from dividends, it suggests that dividends may have an appropriate place in a balanced portfolio.
Most people are probably familiar with the following graph produced by Ned Davis Research, which shows the S&P 500 dividend reinvested total return (yellow line) compared with the price return alone (dark blue line) from 1930 to 2010. The graph clearly shows the contribution that reinvested dividends make to total return. In fact, the contribution of reinvested dividends equates to an annualized total return of 9.4% compared with 5.2% if reinvested dividends were removed.
The graph below was published by Indexology and compares the Price Return (DJI) vs. the Total Return (DJITR) for the Dow Jones Industrial Average from September 30, 1987, to March 30, 2012. The conclusion is the same as was seen for the S&P 500 in that reinvested dividends make a considerable contribution to total return.
Here is another example of the effect of dividends on total return. The graph below courtesy of Simplestockinvesting.com shows what happened to 1$ invested in 1950 in the S&P 500 Total Return Index when all dividends were reinvested versus the S&P 500 price only. When dividends were received and then subsequently reinvested, the difference resulted in a return that was eight times higher than price only.
One of the important things to note is the long-term time frame in which these returns occur. In today's market environment a stock is generally held for less than a year. If an investor held on to a dividend stock for that time period, he or she may very well be disappointed in the total return. Dividend investing over the long term allows the growth seen in the graph above to occur. Day trading and short-term trading will not allow the benefits of dividends to take root. This is why dividend investing has the "buy-and-hold" mentality. From Guinness Atkinson Funds, we can read the following:
For an average holding period of 1 year, dividends accounted for 27% of total returns for the S&P 500 since 1940. If we increase the holding period to 3 years, dividends account for 38%, 5 years it increases to 42%, over a 10 year period it rises to 48%, and with a 20 year holding period dividends account for some 60% of total returns
Dividends do make a considerable contribution to total return, if one is patient enough to allow the dividends to work for them to generate these returns. That being said, several of these literature pieces emphasized that the contributions made by dividends were greater during lower or slower growth periods. During the 1990s, dividends made less of a contribution to total return than price appreciation, however during the 1940s and 1970s, dividends made up well over half of the contributions in total returns in those decades where bear markets were dominant.
Relatively lower volatility
Beta is a measure of stock volatility in relation to the market. The market is considered the S&P 500 and is assigned a value of 1. If a stock moves less than the market it has a beta less than 1 and vice versa. High beta stocks are considered "riskier" or have higher price fluctuations and volatility but may also provide higher returns leading to some investments that could "beat the market."
Dividend stocks have varying betas. Using Finviz.com stock screener, I extracted all stocks being traded in the U.S. and removed the ETFs and other fund type investments. I then separated the dividend paying versus non-dividend paying stocks and averaged the beta for each group. There were several stocks in each group that did not have a published beta and had a negative beta. Those with negative betas were classed under those with no betas as this would skew the data. As a result, this led to an average beta of 1.103 for dividend-paying stock and 1.404 for non-dividend paying stocks.
According to David Fish's Champions, Contenders, and Challengers spreadsheets, the dividend champions (over 25 years of dividend increases) have an average beta of 0.84, the contenders (10-24 years of dividend increases) have an average beta of 0.79, and the challengers (5-9 years of dividend increases) have an average beta of 0.91. All three combined average 0.79. Some well-known companies and dividend-paying stocks with low betas include General Mills (NYSE:GIS) at 0.17, Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE:KMB) at 0.32, Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (NYSE:WMT) at 0.34, and Verizon Communications (NYSE:VZ) at 0.46.
According to a study by Ned Davis Research, investors who invested in dividend-paying companies could have achieved equal if not superior returns over the long term with lower volatility. Based on the S&P 500, companies that are considered dividend growers (companies that growth their dividend consistently) returned 10.3% over 30 years, which ended December 31, 2011. The volatility experienced over that time was 15.9%. The companies that are considered non-dividend payers returned 1.6% over the 30-year period with a volatility of 24.4%.
The figure below contains data from Robert J. Shiller's book "Irrational Exuberance" and was compiled into a graph by Guinness Atkinson Asset Management. This figure shows an interesting point regarding dividend volatility compared to earnings volatility. The figure represents the S&P 500 dividends per share and earnings per share growth on a year-by-year basis. This graph shows that dividends are less volatile than earnings, which provide a level of comfort for investors during recessionary periods. For long-term investors, this apparent weakness allows them to take advantage of low stock prices.
Higher returns despite changes to interest rates and inflation
Many comments have emerged recently in articles on Seeking Alpha and elsewhere regarding how dividend investing will be impacted once interest rates begin to increase. It could even be said that dividend investing has increasingly become popular once again due to the low interest rate environment. Some suggest that an increase in interest rates will affect equity performance.
The graph below from Ned Davis Research (additional information about the graph is found in point 1 at the end of this article) shows the returns for dividend-growing companies (blue line), dividend-paying companies (orange line) and non-paying dividend companies (tan line) following a Federal Reserve interest rate increase. These companies are listed on the S&P 500. The time frame is from January 1, 1972, to December 31, 2012. Despite what may be said regarding the perceived impact interest rates will have on dividends, the graph shows that dividend growing and paying companies continue to provide greater returns over the long term compared to non-dividend paying companies even when interest rates rise.
The following graph obtained from RidgeWorth Investments (additional information about the graph is found in point 2 at the end of this article) and produced by Ned Davis Research shows the gains made between dividend-paying companies vs. non-dividend-paying companies from the S&P 500 in changing interest rate environments from January 31, 1972 to January 28, 2011. RidgeWorth's conclusions are that:
…regardless of how the Federal Reserve alters monetary policy, dividend-paying stocks have historically outpaced their non-paying counterparts. For instance, when the Fed tightened monetary policy dividend-paying stocks gained 2.2% vs. 1.8% for non-paying stocks. During periods when monetary policy was neutral or easing, the gain for dividend-paying stocks was even more significant, yielding 12.3% vs. 6.2% in neutral environments and 10.0% vs. -2.5% in easing monetary environments, respectively.
Inflation obviously has the effect of reducing buying power. The value of 1$ in 1950 is worth much less in today's monetary value due to the effect of inflation. As money sits in a bank account, if the interest rate is less than the inflation rate then you are in fact losing money or purchasing power. How does inflation affect dividend returns and price returns? According to the following graph from Simplestockinvesting.com, it does influence the dividend and price returns. During the 1970s and early 1980s when inflation reached over double digits or high single digits, we can see that both dividend and price returns decreased. When inflation is lower, both dividend and price returns were high. However, over time, reinvested dividend returns have been higher than price returns alone.
Furthermore, Seeking Alpha Contributor and Dividend Growth Investor David Van Knapp showed in his article "Has dividend growth kept up with inflation?" that dividend growth had exceeded inflation 31 times out of 51 from 1960 to 2011. Furthermore, the average annual dividend growth was 5.4% compared to the average annual inflation growth of 4.1%.
Here is another example regarding how dividend-paying stocks can protect against inflation. Once again, the figure below contains data from Robert J. Shiller's book "Irrational Exuberance" and was compiled into a graph by Guinness Atkinson Asset Management. It represents the rolling 10-year average growth in S&P 500 dividends per share versus the growth of inflation. According to Guinness Atkinson Asset Management and American Funds Capital Guardian, the average growth of the S&P 500 dividends per share was 5.6% since 1947. Starting at the same time, the consumer price index, which is used to measure inflation averaged a 3.7%. The figure shows that over the long term, dividend-paying companies may provide a hedge against inflation in that the growth of the dividend per share equals or outpaces the growth of inflation.
Downside protection during various market cycles
Stocks that pay dividends provide a return regardless of stock market conditions and price fluctuations. In our current environment, this may explain why the demand for dividend-paying stocks has increased. Dividend payers tend to have stronger balance sheets and higher profitability than non-payers, which may act as a hedge through a period of market volatility. Furthermore, when the market drops, profit margins decline and sales and earnings slow, dividend-paying companies can rely on their balance sheets and cash reserves to maintain and grow dividends as well as maintain a positive cash flow. The following graph sums up several of the subtopics discussed in this article fairly well. The graph provided by RidgeWorth Investments, shows the growth of a $1,000 investment in S&P 500 stocks by their dividend policy.
Overall, this graph clearly shows the impact that reinvested dividends have on growing an investment. In particular, it should be noted that not just any dividend-paying company will provide solid returns, but companies that are paying a growing dividend as well as companies that were initiating dividends. Dividend growers and initiators have grown the initial investment by 4585% since March 31, 1972. This further shows the importance and influence of reinvested dividends over time. When compared to non-dividend paying stocks, the difference as of March 31, 2013, between dividend growers and initiators and non-dividend paying stocks is 3887%. This graph also shows that companies that are unable to maintain their dividend and subsequently cut or eliminate it are punished by investors and have returned -7% over this time. This highlights the importance of carefully analyzing the fundamentals for each company that investors include in their portfolios to ensure that the dividend can be grown and sustained over the long term as it will make a very big difference. Even though dividend growing and initiated stocks declined during times such as the Great Recession, overall they did not decline as much as non-dividend paying stocks and have continued to grow once a recovery has taken place. As can been seen in the graph above, the dividend payers (dark red line), dividend cutters or eliminators (light blue line), non-dividend paying stocks (light red line) and the S&P 500 Equal Weighted Total Return Index (gray line) are all still below their 2007 levels which Dividend growers and initiators (dark blue line) have surpassed their 2007 highs and all dividend paying stocks (yellow line) have recovered their losses.
This article has explored the contributions made by dividends to the market. It is evident that dividends can make a difference whether they are found within mutual funds/ETFs, dividend-oriented portfolios or other trading and investing strategies. From this review, it was found that dividends make a considerable contribution to total return in the market and individual portfolios. Dividends can act as a measure of the financial health of a company, could reduce volatility in a portfolio, act as a hedge against inflation, continue to contribute in varying inflationary environments, and can provide some downside protection. Whatever your trading strategy, it can be said that dividends have and will provide income for you in your portfolio. I welcome your thoughts, opinions and comments on the matter.
1. The date of the initial fed funds rate hike is the end of any month during which the Federal Reserve first raised the target fed funds rate following a period of stable or declining interest rates; returns are the average performance for the next 36 months for time periods beginning 01/31/1972, 09/30/1977, 09/30/1980, 09/30/1987, 02/28/1994, 07/31/1999, and 07/31/2004.
2. Until 1989, the Fed used the discount rate as its key benchmark rate, and thus increases or decreases in the discount rate reflected the Fed's monetary policy. The discount rate is the interest rate charged to commercial banks that borrow money directly from the Fed. Since 1989, the Fed has targeted the federal funds rate, which is the rate at which banks borrow short-term funds from each other. While the fed funds rate is a market rate and thus not set explicitly by the Federal Reserve, the Fed maintains a desired target rate for fed funds and through its open market operations (buying and selling government debt) it influences the fed funds rate to keep it close to its target rate. The chart's bottom clip thus also plots the Fed's target fed funds rate from the beginning of 1989 forward.
Lord Abbett. (March 25, 2013). Market View: Dividend-growers could thrive in a rising-rate environment.
Simple Stock Investing. (2009). S&P 500: Total and inflation-adjusted historical returns.
Krein, D. (2012). With or without: The impact of dividends on index performance.
RidgeWorth Investments. (2011). Dividend dynamics: Assessing the benefits of dividend-paying stocks.
RidgeWorth Investments. (2012). Dividends make a difference.
Mortimer, I. & Page, M. (2013). Why dividends matter. Guinness Atkinson Asset Management.
American Funds Capital Guardian. (2012). The 80 year old fad: Dividend investing comes back into vogue.
Sarofim, F. (2013). Reasons to consider dividend-paying stocks. BNY Mellon Dreyfus Asset Management.
Franklin Templeton Investments. (2012). The case for dividend-paying equities in today's market.
Gelhaus, S., & Beyer, K. (2012). Why equity yield and dividend growth merit a closer look. GE Asset Management.
Hoesgen, E, & Hoeshen, D. (2012). The case for dividend paying stocks. Resource World Magazine.
Shearer, R., Anderson, K., & Cassese, D. (2013). "New world" wisdom: Winning more by losing less. BlackRock.
Price, Q., Hayes, R., Leavy, C., & Watt, E.C. (2012). Means, ends and dividends: Dividend investing in a new world of lower yields and longer lives. BlackRock Investment Institute.
Disclosure: I am long MCD, JNJ, PG. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.


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Plan B/
Besides Gay Running Club and some time in Alamo Square Park, the whole of my weekend was spent at the Squat and Gobble on Fillmore and in my bed and on the couch and in the beige armchair in the living room reading Plan B, the first novel from Jonathan Tropper, one of my favorite authors and someone whose work I've referenced on the web log a time or two before. I don't really know what to say about Plan B except that it was enjoyable and shockingly applicable to my life right now and, as is Tropper's way, endlessly quotable. Below are three of my favorites.
We just stood there looking at each other, and the planet spun around a little bit more. It was as if we'd entered a daydream and forced it into focus. I felt the force of what I'd just said mingle with the power of the mountains around us, giving the air an electrical charge. "This is one of those moments in life," I told her. "When you know you're having one of those moments in life."
We sat there quietly for a while watching the lake, growing ever so slightly older together.
Nothing doesn't happen all at once. It starts slow, so slow that you don't even notice it. And then, when you do, you banish it to the back of your mind in a hail of rationalizations and resolutions. You get busy, you bury yourself in your meaningless work, and for a while you keep the consciousness of Nothing at bay. But then something happens and you're forced to face the fact that Nothing is happening to you right now, and has been for some time.
I've since begun reading Jennifer Niven's All the Bright Places to buffer my next Tropper read (One Last Thing Before I Go). Also, let's be friends on Goodreads.


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Secaucus Patch reported earlier this week that local police arrested a man wanted for animal abuse that was hiding out at the Royal Motel.
Jerome Adler was wanted on 22 counts of animal abuse for keeping up to 10 dead dogs in his home at Stony Point, New York. Patch paints are horrific picture of Adler's home:
Husky dogs covered in urine and feces and living in squalid conditions; two dogs were reportedly trapped under debris in the home's backyard and had to be rescued. Incredibly, the carcasses of up to 10 more dead dogs were being kept in trash bags in the home.
The 76-year-old Adler was arrested in Stony Point on November 8 but told police he had been hiding out at the motel in Secaucus.
Upon further investigation, police found two more Huskies that were in good condition.
Secaucus Patch has the full disturbing story of the history of Adler and his case.


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Microsoft decides to give itself a new look and redoes its 25-year-old logo. Microsoft has used the logo for the past two-and-a-half decade in its 35-years of reign. It drops away its old, staunch and bold-faced logo for a new, subtle and clean bordered representation. but retains its originality from the 1975-1979 logo by connecting the F and the T.
Microsoft's new, much more colorful logo on the opening of its 23rd store in Boston. Today, it will appear at the Seattle and Bellevue Microsoft stores, as well as on the microsoft.com home page. The new logo would also be seen on the Windows 8, Microsoft Office, the next Xbox and Windows Phone 8
|(The New Logo)
The display of the new logo is perfectly timed by Microsoft, at a time when it decides to do a complete makeover of itself with new products and significanlty important updates to its original produce ranging from Windows to Windows Phone to Office.