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Fed By Threads Extends Socially-Conscious Clothing Brand to New Downtown Location
March 3, 2014
by James J. Jefferies
Doing something positive to impact your world is something that crosses everyone's mind. For most of us, it gets relegated to a relatively small contribution. Perhaps you throw a few bucks at a favorite charity every year, or maybe you actually pay attention to the items you toss into the recycling bin. By and large, we generally fall pretty short of our ideals for getting involved.
Some time ago, the driving force behind Fed By Threads, Alok Appadurai, pondered what he knew about the mass-market clothing industry. "I knew about sweatshop labor, and the harsh industrial processes that are terrible for the environment, but for a long time, I just figured if I bought one less shirt here and there, I'd be helping out," said Appadurai.
As time went on, Appadurai, who operates FBT along with his partner and co-founder, Jade Beall, began to connect more dots relating to the clothing he was purchasing for himself before, and the larger picture of economic dysfunction here in the United States. "Your choices really do directly impact the jobs base in America and the environmental quality here," said Appadurai. "Fast-fashion means low-prices and exploitation."
Fed By Threads was originally conceived as a means of making and marketing an environmentally sustainable line of American-made clothing completely free of animal products or suffering generated by their creation. The effort also functions as a means of raising funds for (and communicating awareness of) hunger.
What began as a small project inside the vault at their existing yoga and dance studio on Ninth Street slowly began to occupy more and more of the storefront, and has now manifested in the current plan to move into a brand-new space beneath The Cadence student housing at 4th Avenue and Congress.
There's been a rapid rise in awareness of FBT right here in Tucson, as 80% of their sales are still directly from their location in town to foot-based traffic. Starting small has allowed them to challenge even the most basic details of their operation, now using hangers that are made of repurposed cardboard, and even adopting recycled shipping labels.
Along the way, though, the challenges have been numerous, primarily stemming from the mindset of people they discussed the venture with. "Most people I talked to were really skeptical of what I wanted to do," said Appadurai. "Over and over, people would say, 'Oh, you're not gonna find that. Those elements have died within the US economy.'"
While it was a lengthy search, Appadurai did eventually find collaborative partners willing to make products with sustainable materials in California, Pennsylvania, Alabama, and North Carolina. The even more exciting news is that FBT will soon be creating apparel in small batches right here in Tucson.
As for fighting hunger, thus far, proceeds from garments sold from Fed By Threads have generated enough revenue to pay for 116,924 meals, through their alliances with Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, and Feeding America. It's been a rewarding ride, but even with the new location, the focus remains the same.
"We're not going to do a fancy build-out," said Appadurai. "We're trying to create the kind of clothing shopping experience I've never been to…as much of an educational opportunity as a shopping trip." Given the emergence of a socially-conscious new breed of Downtown Tucson entrepreneurs, who blend the passion for their trades with sincere commitments to the community, it looks as if Fed By Threads is among friends in the neighborhood.
Fed By Threads will celebrate their grand opening on Saturday, May 17th from 12-6pm at their new location, 350 E. Congress St. FBT can be found on the web here.


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Archipiélago de los Chonos
Chonos, Archipiélago de los
an archipelago off southern Chile, between 44° S lat and the Taitao Peninsula. The islands include Melchor and James. The archipelago is separated from the mainland by the Moraleda Channel. The maximum elevation is 1,680 m. Mixed evergreen forests grow on the islands. There is fishing in the area.

subset: commoncrawl


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3 Wash. cities make the top 10 best cities for coffee
It's Seattle, right? Well not quite.
According to apartmentguide.com's ranking, Seattle squeaks into the top five, but there's a few too many residents per coffee shops to put it first on the list.
RELATED: Seattle's coziest bars and coffee shops
How did they come up with the ranking? First they took cities with populations of more than 100,000 based on data from the U.S. Census Bureau. Then they added all coffee-related businesses in the city and divided the populations by those numbers. This ratio determined the ranking.
So rejoice Seattleites, you may not have been the top city -- or even the top Washington city -- but you do have 1 shop per 2,308 residents.
Click the through the slideshow above to see which other six Washington cities made the top 50.


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SEO link building often appears to be a complex and time consuming process. But it's not always as hard as it seems. In case you missed it, we are republishing this great piece featuring 10 simple SEO link building tactics that you can implement in a day.
A healthy backlink profile is key to your website's overall search performance. Google and other search engines consider both the quantity and quality of your site's backlinks in assessing its importance, credibility and authority. This, in turn, influences your site's search ranking. So building and then using SEO backlinks effectively is crucial for SEO success.
Most SEO link building strategies for building up your site's backlink profile tend to be either highly resource-intensive or complicated, if not both. With that in mind, we'll outline 10 simple SEO link building ideas to build your backlink profile and thereby boost your site's search performance and SEO management efforts.
As they are simple, you may find that you are able to implement all of them in a day!
First, A Note
With any of the tactics in this post, you'll want to create a process for evaluating the sites you are thinking of obtaining SEO backlinks from. You also want to take care with the anchor text that you are requesting or using in your SEO link building – too much exact match anchor text can look spammy.
Check out this post or this post on link audits to get a better picture of how to assess your backlink profile. Additionally, we created a comprehensive guide to white hat backlink building.
Remember, it's important that you build links naturally and with integrity, or you could face penalties from Google (like those from the Penguin algorithm).
1. Leverage Your Existing Network
OK, let's move on. There are a few ways you can leverage your existing network of online related businesses for links:
- For those businesses with which you already have a strong relationship, consider simply asking them for a link.
- For any businesses you've worked with, offer to write a testimonial in return for a link back to your site within the testimonial.
- For firms that you do a lot of business with, either as a partner or supplier, ask to be listed on their preferred partners or suppliers page (assuming they have one).
2. Use Your Twitter Profile
First, make sure your Twitter profile is optimized for SEO link building. Go to: settings > profile and check to see that you have a link to your website in the website and/or bio fields.
Next, set up an account with the following sites to receive free, high-quality SEO backlinks:
- Klout (be sure to look into "Klout for Business")
- Twitter Grader
- Twellow
- Twitaholic
- TweetLevel (UK based)
- Favstar
- Retweet Rank
3. Build a Company LinkedIn Profile
LinkedIn business pages offer companies the opportunity to:
- Tell your company's story
- Highlight your products and services
- Engage with followers
- Share career opportunities
- Drive word-of-mouth at scale
- And, get a backlink to your site
4. Build a Google+ Local Listing
With a Google My Business, all links are dofollow, meaning they specify to the search engines to follow the link.
- Google+ local listings have high visibility in the search engine results pages (SERPs).
- Businesses with physical office locations or stores should create a local page for each office/store they have.
Tip: Optimize your headline and descriptions with keywords as you would your website. Also, be sure to include a link to your site in the description, using the anchor text of your choice.
5. Make Use of Images for SEO link building
If you use a lot of your own copyrighted images on your website, chances are that other sites may have used them without your consent. This may be more or less of a concern to you, depending on your vertical. So one idea is:
- Instead of sending notices of intent to prosecute the offending parties, why not ask for attribution in the way of a backlink instead?
To ascertain whether any of your images are being used on another website, go to Google Images and do a site search (for example, Site:yoursiteURL.com):
- Click each image, then click, "search by image." This will show if your image has been used on another site.
If you find images that have been co-opted by another site, here are some steps to take:
- Review the sites that have used your images without your consent, and contact those which appear to be reputable (it's a waste of time to contact spammy, scraper sites that you would not want a link from anyway).
- Find the contact information for the site's webmaster by reviewing social media accounts, website contact form or WHOIS information. (Tip: If you can't locate an email address or an alternative means to make contact from the above, then it's probably not worth pursuing.)
- Provided you are successful in finding the email address of the site's webmaster, send him or her a note and politely ask for an attribution link in exchange for them continuing to use your image.
If you don't have many unique images for your site, it's a good practice to take some high-quality shots that are relevant to your vertical, of course. (Note: the ideal screen image resolution, meaning the detail an image has, is 72 pixels per inch, or ppi. Images less than 72 ppi will render unfocused, or "fuzzy," also referred to as "pixelated.")
6. Award a Scholarship
Consider offering a scholarship to students enrolled in a program related to your business:
- Designate a page on your site explaining the scholarship offer, as well as terms and conditions.
- Notify the relevant accredited, reputable universities and colleges about your scholarship offer, and ask them to link back to your page for more information.
The .edu links typically carry high authority, but you'll have to do your own analysis of each website, as not every .edu is authoritative. Case in point: in our latest research on the impact of Panda 4.1, some .edu sites did well, while others did not.
7. Create a Case Study
Another solid SEO link building tactic is asking clients to feature a solid case study on one (or more) of the products and/or services your business offers: which have been most successful and made a genuine impact on their bottom line? Besides using real results and real numbers, structure your case study with these three steps:
- Present the challenges
- Discuss the solution
- Show the results
Have the client feature the case study on their website and use a branded link back to your site and the Web page of your choosing.
8. Flaunt Your Logo
Most businesses have a logo that has been professionally designed. Why not showcase yours? People are interested in logos, whether they be prospective business owners, designers or just pure logo geeks. This means there are a lot of popular websites showcasing different logos with high domain authority.
Here is a list of logo gallery sites to investigate featuring your logo on:
- The Logo Mix
- Logo From Dreams
- Logo Design
- LogoMoose
- Logo Faves
- Logo Critiques
You can find more logo sites for your specific needs by searching for terms such as "submit my logo," "logo showcase" and "logo designs." An important point to remember is to check the sites are of good quality before you submit your own logo to them (one way to do a spot check is to look at PageRank and Alexa scores).
9. Upload Your Presentations to SlideShare
As the largest network on the Web for sharing presentations, SlideShare offers a number of online marketing benefits. For SEO link building purposes, there are just a few easy steps:
- When creating your presentation, be sure to add a hyperlink URL to it (for example, http://www.yoursite.com)
- Save your presentation as a PDF, then upload it to SlideShare
- Test if your link is working by running this query in search: site:example.com inurl:/slideshare/
Note: The presence of this link may be worth less than the actual traffic and branding potential that SlideShare could offer as part of a wider strategy.
10. Find Associations You're A Member Of
If you're a member of a business organization or professional industry association, it is likely its website carries authority and credibility. If there is a list of members, check yours to see that it has a link back to your site. Also, if it has a feature such as an "in the spotlight" listing, consider asking to have your business showcased. This would serve to increase the value of your backlink, as well as your brand visibility.
Good to note
Efficient SEO Management. Learn how to easily manage all your SEO efforts with a unique 4-step methodology used by Facebook, Twitter, Microsoft, Home Depot, and more.
Internal linking. Backlink building is important, but don't forget about internal links. Internal linking boosts your SEO results and also helps users discover more content on your site. Backlink Management. As your backlink profile grows bigger it is increasingly hard to keep track of all the SEO backlinks.
This is where backlink management systems could be of great help. We hope these 10 simple SEO link building tips create a fast way for you to build some solid links to your site. Do you have other ideas? Let us know in the comments below!


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This B-29 bomber from the 505th Us Air Group was damaged by its own propeller during a raid on Yokohama (Japan).
With three working engines, he flew to Iwo Jima, where during landing lost control and rammed the tail of another B-29 bomber. The result was a collision damaged the nose and destroyed turret of a machine gunner.
Shooting place: the island of Iwo Jima
Time taken: May 1945


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What if you had to grow 20 pounds of bone on your forehead each year just to find a mate? In a bloody, itchy process, males of the deer family grow a new set of antlers every year, use them to fend off the competition, and lose their impressive crowns when breeding season ends.
From Deep Look, learn about Northern California's Tule elk and the life cycle of their bone and velvet weapons: How Do Reindeer and Elk Get Their Astounding Antlers?Follow this with Arctic Cowboys: Hitch a Ride with Reindeer Herders in Finland and what's the difference between horns and antlers?


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How to Build a Roof
This step-by-step video shows how to build a full metric roofing system including installing underlay and battens and finishing the roof with tiles, verge units and ridge system
In this video, Mat Woodyatt, Training Manager at Redland Roofing, demonstrates how to put together a full metric roofing system. The step-by-step also covers the anatomy of a roof.
The video is split into the following chapters:
- Installing ventilation
- Installing the underlay support tray
- Installing the underlay
- Measuring the roof for tiles and battens
- Installing the battens
- Laying the tiles
- Installing the verge units
- Installing the roof ridge
Follow on screen instructions to skip to selected chapters.


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It is an enjoyable month leaves sure to finish all punctually. You should appreciate each moment of one's own life. Life is filled with doubts and also makes sure never to allow enough full time to play you. You're able to start to see the Calendar January 2019 Printable Template and formats.
Calendar January 2019 Printable
We have given you with a number of the very best set of Calendar January 2019 Word Printable that can be in HD quality. You can easily select the backup and everything you want to execute just one click on this picture.
In case, you're in demand of a sterile calendar for the twelve months 2018 in duration structure you will detect these January 2019 Calendar Printable. Merely select the thirty day period you'd like to put in from the checklist below then click the definition of icon near the 30 days.


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How to Grow Vegetables for Two People
Growing vegetables is one of those things that seems suited for large amounts of people. This is simply not correct; using the proper use of space, the right combination of vegetables, and knowing what people will eat, you can manage to grow enough vegetables for two people without much spoilage. Once you get the basics down for your two-person garden, growing vegetables can quickly become an enjoyable yearly project.
Make a list of the vegetables both of you will eat. This will ensure that all of the vegetables grown will be used. Research the yield of the desired crops so you can determine the proper amounts to grow for the selected vegetables.
Plan the space requirements for the vegetable garden. Space requirements for vine vegetables, such as cucumber or potatoes, are greater than those of root vegetables, such as radish or carrots. Vegetables like pole beans or vine tomatoes can be grown upright on trellises. Root vegetables can be grown around bush vegetables, such as bush beans or lettuce, since they grow in opposite directions. Use graph paper to place the location of each type of vegetable by using circles or squares to represent each type. Write the name of the vegetable in the circle or square. Adjust the planting guide accordingly before planting to ensure an effective and efficient garden.
Prepare the soil. Use a loamy soil that is well drained and high in organic matter, as recommended by the North Carolina State University Extension. If you have a heavy clay soil, the extension service recommends adding organic material to even out the original soil. Incorporate a multiple inch layer of compost, manure or peat moss in the spring before planting and after harvest in autumn.
Plant the vegetables. Different vegetables have different variations of supply and spacing when you grow vegetables for only two people. Sow snap beans one-inch deep two inches apart in an eight-foot row. Lettuce should be planted in a four-foot square to yield between four and 10 pounds. Corn can be grown in 4-by-4 foot squares using 16 plants to grow two dozen ears. Cucumber can yield 10 pounds over a season using a three-foot-wide mound and three cucumber bushes. Radish planted in a 10-foot row can produce up to five pounds during a season. Use a 10-foot row to grow peppers (both hot and sweet) to yield between five and 18 pounds. Three tomato plants can create enough variety for two people, especially when using three different varieties.
Water the garden. The North Carolina State University Extension recommends providing at least an inch of water to your garden each week. Sandy soil needs more frequent watering as compared to clay soil. Check the soil before watering by putting your finger into the soil up to an inch; if you feel moisture on your finger, the soil can wait up to two more days. Water the soil for longer periods of time to encourage deep root development.
Plant vegetables that will yield multiple harvests such as tomatoes, broccoli and peas.
Make use of sauces and soups to use up any extra produce.
Learn how to use the seeds from various vegetables to create a customized number of seeds for your garden.
Related Articles
- Plant vegetables that will yield multiple harvests such as tomatoes, broccoli and peas.
- Make use of sauces and soups to use up any extra produce.
- Learn how to use the seeds from various vegetables to create a customized number of seeds for your garden.
Things Needed
- Pencil
- Writing paper
- Graph paper
- Vegetable seeds
- Organic compost
- Garden hose


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Nashville, Tenn. - Tennessee State University president, Dr. Melvin N. Johnson, and athletics director Teresa Phillips, officially named Rod Reed head football coach. The announcement was made during a press conference (12/18) in the lobby of Kean Hall in front of family, friends, faculty, staff, alumni and former players.
Reed, who served as associate head football coach in 2009, replaces James Webster who resigned on November 19, 2009. He will be the twenty-first head coach of the Tennessee State Tigers program, dating back to 1912.
Reed, 43, was a four-year letter winner at TSU (1984-88) and helped lead the Tigers to the second round of the NCAA Division I-AA playoffs in 1986. Reed, who played linebacker, capped off his career as a Sheridan All-American football player his senior season. Rod is the son of the late Robert Reed, who was the first All-American for the TSU legendary football head coach "Big John" Merritt.
This will be Reed's first assignment as head coach in which he brings 17 years of experience in the coaching ranks. In addition to his time at Tennessee State, he has held positions at East Texas Baptist College, Prairie View A&M, Bethune-Cookman University (formerly Bethune-Cookman College) and Seabreeze High School in Daytona Beach, Fla.
"We are pleased to name Rod Reed as the new coach of our football program." says TSU Athletic Director Teresa Phillips. "Rod comes with a strong sense of Tiger pride and gives us continuity with our current players." Phillips concluded saying, "We have confidence he will lead our program successfully into the future."
As a recruiter, Reed is responsible for bringing several notable players into the TSU program. Reed is noted for recruiting Javarris Williams (2009 seventh round draft pick, Kansas City Chiefs), Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (2008 first round pick, Arizona Cardinals), Shaun Richardson, Lamar Divens (Baltimore Ravens) and Cornelius Lewis.
Reed began coaching at Tennessee State in 2003 as the defensive coordinator and linebackers coach. At the conclusion of that season, the Tigers led the Ohio Valley Conference in total defense for the first time in school history. His defensive unit accomplished the same feat in 2008.


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Aspirations of flight picked me to do the one lovely blog hop!
The rules for One Lovely Blog Hop are as follows: list 7 interesting facts about myself and nominate 10 other blogs I find awesome to join the blog hop.
7 supposedly interesting facts about my life: (Let me just preface this with a…"I don't find these interesting at all," comment. Because I don't.)
- My birthstone is garnet. Classy. Yet still so bold. According to Google, it is considered a great gift to symbolize trust and friendship….Ha.
2. I had a twin in the womb. It did not exactly make it out of the womb. There is something deep inside of me that wants to shrug my shoulders and be all like…Survival of the fittest man.But I feel like there's a bunch of con-choice lookin' at me all like WTF?! Can you imagine two of me though? Epic, but let's get real.
There can only be one.
- I have had blonde hair, red hair, black hair, brown hair, straight hair, curly hair…well, you get the picture. Every time I go through a break-up, I dye my hair and then pretend I'm Sydney Bristow from Alias for 7 minutes and 30 seconds. It's a thing.
4.Every childhood picture of me I am wearing the craziest outfit you can imagine. Think leopard pajama pants, striped tee and bunny ears. Not all that different from my fashion sense now, but I always look towards my mom bitterly like…Could you not have done something with that situation?
5.Every time I hear sirens or see an emergency vehicle I panic. Oh God! What do I do? Pull to the right of the road? The left? Follow my heart?Which side of my chest is my heart on? After a scenic google search, apparently the heart is relatively close to the center of your chest, which doesn't really seem like the best place to stop my car when I hear sirens. But hey, it's not life and death ya know?
6.I have always wanted a song written about me. I know that it's not that groundbreaking, but it's true. I always tell my musician friends to which they respond, "Everyone wants a song written about them!" to which I respond, "Wow you just categorized me with everyone…no wonder you can't write a song about me!" Ugh. Musicians.
7.Wow we are already on the last one of these nifty facts. I haven't even had nearly enough time to talk about myself yet! It's like you think you've come this far (*insert hand gesture*), when you've really come this far (*insert hand gesture*) but to everyone else, you just seem like a crazy person typing 7 facts about yourself on your work desktop ya know? So #7. Not my favorite number exactly. I would tell you my favorite number, but we only have 7 facts and why would I waste one of them on my favorite…16. My favorite number is 16.
There you have it. Seven not so interesting facts about me. Now. Check out these 10 blog – aroonies.
5. From Diapers and Tutus to Meetings and Boardrooms
7. Binary This
8. I Prefer Deep Blues and Sea Foam Greens
9. Mom Goes On


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THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government today requested the Centre to immediately declare the Puttingal Devi temple tragedy that claimed 113 lives and left several injured as a national calamity.
"The Centre should take necessary steps to declare the tragedy as a national calamity without delay," Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after a cabinet meeting which reviewed steps taken so far in the aftermath of the April 10 tragedy.
The Chief Minister said the all-party meeting called tomorrow would try to arrive at a consensus on formulating a policy on bringing about restriction on fireworks.Chandy said a section in society was not in favour of stopping traditional practices and rituals based on faith.
However, another group felt 'this kind' of calamity should not happen in future, he said, adding government has to find a solution, taking into consideration the views of both. The Chief Minister said DNA tests to identify bodies still in hospitals has begun and would be completed soon.
A total of 13 bodies are still to be identified. Chandy said police had received complaints that 21 persons were missing after the tragedy in the area and quoted experts as having stated that there was a possibility that the entire body of a person would have been charred, making even
DNA testing difficult.
Government's priority now was to provide the best possible treatment to the injured being treated in hospitals, he said. Chandy said a cabinet sub-committee of Ministers, comprising Adoor Prakesh, V S Sivakumar and Shibu Baby John, would visit the accident site tomorrow and take stock of the losses suffered in the area.
"A rehabilitation and compensation package would be decided, based on the committee's report," he said. Flaying CPI(M) State Secretary Kodiyeri Balakrishnan for demanding resignation of Home Minister Ramesh Chennithala in the wake of the tragedy, he said "some are trying to
politicise the mishap. It is very unfortunate and not correct".
He recalled the stampede at Sabarimala and Thekkady boat tragedy during the previous LDF rule and said UDF, then in the opposition, had not sought resignation of Balakrishnan, who was Home Minister.
"At a time like this, we all have to work unitedly to help the victims. Balakrishnan's statement was very unfortunate," Chandy said. Asked about the delay in fixing responsibility for the mishap, he said a case has been registered and probe is on. "It is not fair on my part to make a comment as the probe is on."
However, Chandy made it clear that any person found guilty for the mishap would be brought before justice. The CM declined to comment on Kollam District Collector's report that District police had failed to prevent the fireworks display, despite a ban issued by the authorities.
Check the latest facts on Covid-19 here. Times Fact 'India Outbreak Report' by TIMES NETWORK and Protiviti is a comprehensive analysis that highlights the impact of the pandemic in India and projects the possible number of active cases in the weeks ahead.


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Are you taking advantage of all of LinkedIn's content marketing features? Do you know what types of content work best on LinkedIn? With a few tweaks to what you post on LinkedIn, you can build brand awareness, generate leads, and drive more revenue. In this article you'll discover how to maximize your LinkedIn content exposure. […]
This post How to Maximize Your Content Exposure on LinkedIn first appeared on .
– Your Guide to the Social Media Jungle
Click Here For Original Source Of The Article


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Archive for the 'Industry' Category
03.20.2012 DorobekINSIDER: The changing government market; dealing with tech junk; opening up government legal documents
Listen on SoundCloud
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Happy Tuesday.
Up front today… two interesting items that sure show how times are changing.
One… would would guess we would ever say Bon Jovi, the Department of Veterans Affairs, and the Department of Urban Development together in one phrase? Well, welcome 2012. VA and HUD have unveiled a new federal app challenge designed to help homeless veterans quickly find shelter and other kinds of assistance. TechPresident reports that the mobile app will, essentially, act as a travel portal for homeless veterans. And Bon Jovi said that the idea for the project came to him after a volunteer at the JBJ Soul Kitchen in New Jersey asked for help finding a bed for the night.
The other story that shows how times have changes — or are changing and will change… Imagine if the CIA could spy using your washing machine… or dryer. Wired says that those intelligent household devices may be able to be tapped. And CIA Director David Petraeus has said that the Internet of PCs is leading to the Internet of things — devices of all types. And that could be tapped. And it is a legally gray area.
Ah, times have changed…
On today's program…
- The changing face of federal IT and its acquisition process.
- What happens to hardware in your office when it's no longer fit for service? Hit the dumpster? You'll learn what GSA wants you to do.
- The challenges of making legal documents available online. We'll talk to a professor who has studied the issue.
All that ahead…
But after the break, we start off, as we do each day, with the stories that impact your life for Tuesday the 20th of March, 2012… your government world in 120-seconds…
DorobekINSIDER: All this shutdown talk — what's the cost of that?
Federal workers and contractors seemly have dodged yet another shutdown — I've actually lost count about how many there have been this year. (Federal Computer Week says there have been five.)
Last night, I was invited to the annual holiday party hosted by ASI Government, formerly Acquisition Solutions. Not surprising, the buzz of the night was about… the change of leadership at ASI Government — former Agriculture Department CIO Anne Reed stepping into the role of chairwoman after seven years, and Kimberly "Kymm" McCabe has taken over the role as ASI Government's President and Chief Executive Officer…
McCabe specifically mentioned the end of the war in Iraq…
But most of the focus was on… the then potential of a government shutdown. Last night, as the festivities were going on, there seemed to be progress toward a resolution, but it was only late last night that the sides announced they had found common ground. But there was still interesting discussion around the topic. One person — now in industry after a distinguished government career — said that the shutdown threat had almost become SOP. It has become standard operating procedure. Yet several govies showed up late specifically because they were working on shutdown contingency plans.
But 1105 President Anne Armstrong asked about the costs of all this.
The short answer is… there is no easy answer.
The Congressional Research Service actually looked at the shutdown issue back in September 1995.
The estimated costs of shutting down the federal government during a lapse in appropriations are incomplete and sketchy at best. That is especially true in the brief shutdown periods that occurred prior to 1995. In those federal shutdown experiences, the General Accounting Office (GAO) attempted to evaluate such government-wide costs, but incomplete and lack of response by various agencies hampered this undertaking. Certain limited costs have been identified over the years, however. GAO found costs of about $1 million resulting from having to issue split or late paychecks in October 1979 and approximately $1.1 million from having to prepare agency shutdown plans in 1980.
In 1991, GAO found that the estimated partial costs for the federal government shutdown over the Columbus Day Holiday week-end in 1990 was $1.7 million.
There have been two other CRS reports — one on September 27, 2010: Shutdown of the Federal Government: Causes, Processes, and Effects. The other is more of a round-up of information about shutdowns from April 8, 2011: Past Government Shutdowns: Key Resources.
Regardless, there was almost uniform agreement among government insiders that the shutdown threats, ongoing continuing resolutions and general budget upheaval have an enormous impact on the government's ability to accomplish agency missions. (Going out on a limb there, aren't we?)
To be honest, the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget has seemed to put forward 12 fairly reasonable principles for the discussion — regardless of political viewpoint.
The 12 principles are:
- Make Deficit Reduction a Top Priority.
- Propose Specific Fiscal Targets.
- Recommend Specific Policies to Achieve the Targets.
- Do No Harm.
- Use Honest Numbers and Avoid Budget Gimmicks.
- Do Not Perpetuate Budget Myths.
- Do Not Attack Someone Else's Plan Without Putting Forward an Alternative.
- Refrain From Pledges That Take Policies Off the Table.
- Propose Specific Solutions for Social Security, Health Care, and the Tax Code.
- Offer Solutions for Temporary and Expiring Policies.
- Encourage Congress to Come Up With a Budget Reform Plan as Quickly as Possible.
- Remain Open to Bipartisan Compromise.
Find the September 1997 CRS report after the break…
DorobekINSIDER: Microsoft Federal's Carlson to join Amazon
In one of the biggest moves in government IT in years, Teresa Carlson, who has led Microsoft Federal for the past several years, is leaving the software giant to lead Amazon.com's burgeoning cloud computing business.
Amazon officials were not available to confirm, but Carlson has told told friends that she will start on Dec. 13. Microsoft officials said that no replacement has been named.
Carlson is one of the preeminent leaders in the business of government community. She has been at Microsoft since 2002, and for the past several years, she has served as the vice president of Microsoft Federal.
The move is a tectonic shift for the cloud computing environment — and for Amazon.com. Amazon has already been a significant player in government — Recovery.gov runs on the Amazon cloud platform. But Amazon has largely lacked a "face" to the market.
But it also is a significant development for the cloud computing environment, scoring one of the most respected government IT executives for the relatively new computing platform.
And… the move leaves Microsoft Federal with a big shoes to fill.
Carlson's biography as posted on the Microsoft Web site:
Teresa Carlson
Vice President US Federal Government
Microsoft Corporation
Teresa Carlson is the Vice President at Microsoft Corporation responsible for US Federal Government. In this role, she defines the strategy and oversees the execution of sales, contracting, pre-sales technical support, product marketing, customer satisfaction, and performance of the US Federal Government business worldwide.
Teresa joined Microsoft in 2002 as part of the US Federal Group to start up and manage the new Business Productivity unit. In this role, she led a team focused on delivering customer business value through a portfolio of business scenarios. Promoted from there to lead the US Federal Solutions Unit, she created a comprehensive solutions framework that was introduced into the US Federal marketplace. Teresa was also responsible for the US Federal partner channel that consists of more than 2500 Microsoft partners. In July 2005 she became the US Director of Strategy and Operations for Microsoft Federal where she developed new concepts, methods, and strategies for working in the US Federal market. And in 2006 she became the General Manager of the US Federal Civilian Agencies and International Global Organizations (IGO's) business unit, managing a $600M+ business unit.
Prior to joining Microsoft Teresa was the World Wide Vice President of Marketing and Business Development for Lexign Incorporated, formerly Keyfile Corporation, a software company focused on secure, end-to-end business transactions using XML and other technologies. Upon acquisition of three separate companies by Lexign, Teresa was responsible for the overall strategy of the integration and world-wide launch of the newly merged company.
Before moving into the information technology arena, Teresa spent 15 years in the health care field, as a practitioner and consultant initially, then as a business manager and area vice-president, responsible for national accounts, marketing, and business development. During this time, she led customers through numerous transformations, including Joint Commission certifications and significant payment system changes.
Teresa is a native of Kentucky, and currently loves living in Maryland with her husband, a graduate of the US Military Academy at West Point and her youngest son. Her oldest son is now also at West Point. The three men in her life help make it exciting and keep her priorities straight. She has an undergraduate and Masters of Science degree in Communications and Speech and Language Pathology from Western Kentucky University. She holds a variety of certificates and is an advocate for children.
Teresa has received many awards for her industry and civic contributions to the Washington D.C. Community. These include the Federal Computer Week's Fed 100 Award, and The Bisnow on Business' Federal IT Power 50 for 2009. Her deep commitment to bettering her community and her passion for her Federal customers has led her to numerous leadership engagements including service on the Boards of: AFCEA Bethesda Chapter, AFFIRM, American Red Cross Capital Chapter, TIE-DC and NPower.
DorobekINSIDER: Deltek buys market research firm INPUT for $60 million
But the sale, which the DorobekINSIDER told you about earlier this year, is now official — Deltek, which had been in the rumor mill for days, is buying market research firm INPUT for $60 million in an all cash transaction.
Deltek provides government contracting solutions and owns govWin. Washington Technology says that "Deltek focused on the back-office accounting."
UPDATE: Deltek President and CEO Kevin Parker will join us this afternoon on Federal News Radio 1500 AM's DorobekINSIDER to talk about the INPUT deal.
The price tag is higher than anybody expected. Some bidders balked at the original $50 million asking price, so this represents a big bet by Deltek that they can create a real market leader offering a suite of services that Washington Management Group's FedSources cannot. It is going to be interesting to watch.
We hear that Bloomberg was a bidder at one point. Bloomberg is making a big push into the government market with Bloomberg Government, or BGov. They are hiring hundreds of reporters, including the recent hire of Nextgov's Allan Holmes to lead their technology coverage. They could also be a competitor for these dollars.
Most of the other INPUT bidders were private equity firms, we hear.
1105 Media, which owns Federal Computer Week and Government Computer News, was not allowed to bid, we hear. 1105's Neil Vitale has said previously that he was interested in a market research firm, but — my speculation without having spoken to him or anybody from 1105 — I don't imagine he would have been willing to pay $60 million.
Here is the release from Deltek:
Deltek to Acquire INPUT to Power the Complete Government Contracting Value Chain
Together, Deltek and INPUT offer the only solution that manages and streamlines the entire government contracting value chain – from opportunity identification and capture management, to successful project initiation and execution; combination also creates the industry's largest government contracting network
HERNDON, VA – September 30, 2010 – Deltek, Inc. (Nasdaq: PROJ), the leading provider of enterprise applications software and solutions for project-focused businesses, today announced that it will acquire INPUT, Inc. for $60 million in an all cash transaction. The transaction is expected to close on October 1st, 2010.
The addition of INPUT's industry-leading opportunity intelligence and business development capabilities to Deltek's comprehensive portfolio of government contracting solutions and its govWin network expands Deltek's product offerings to manage all facets of the government contracting value chain from opportunity identification to project delivery.
Based in Reston, VA, INPUT has nearly 200 employees and had revenues of $26.2 million for 2009 –an increase of 13% from 2008. With more than 2,100 customers, INPUT enables companies to successfully identify and develop new business opportunities with federal, state and local government and other public sector organizations. Many of the largest government contractors and agencies rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive opportunity database and market research information. INPUT powers an active network of over 30,000 members that collaborate on federal, state and local government opportunities, develop teaming relationships and win new business.
Deltek and INPUT Offer Unmatched Solutions for Government Contractors
With over 60 years of combined experience, Deltek and INPUT will provide the broadest and most comprehensive range of technology solutions, specialized content and services all focused on meeting the unique needs of government contractors including:
· Delivering comprehensive enterprise software solutions that power the entire government contracting value chain – Deltek is the gold standard solution to manage and streamline the project execution and critical financial management processes of its customers. By leveraging valuable, time sensitive content from INPUT, Deltek now will offer game-changing business development solutions such as opportunity information and identification, pipeline development, and capture and proposal management that complement Deltek's project initiation, project execution and delivery, and financial management capabilities to power the complete government contracting value chain.
· Creating the largest online business development network in the world exclusively for government contractors, containing more than $500 billion in active government contracting opportunities – By combining the marquee lists of government contractors that are members of INPUT and Deltek's govWin networks, Deltek creates the world's largest online government contractor network exclusively dedicated to winning more government business. The combined networks represent more than 45,000 participating individuals and over $500 billion in active government contracting opportunities. The massive network delivers all of the tools that participants need to win business – including cutting-edge task order management capabilities – and will empower network members to identify, pursue, and win federal, state and local government contracts.
· Providing the industry's broadest and deepest actionable intelligence on the government marketplace – With more than 60 years of combined experience and thousands of customers across the government contracting landscape, both Deltek and INPUT have unparalleled knowledge and expertise about what is happening across this ever-changing industry. Combining Deltek's landmark GovCon Clarity reports that analyze financial management, project management and best practices, with INPUT's comprehensive government market analysis and insight reports, Deltek will offer deep, actionable intelligence that helps government contractors navigate their dynamic industry and develop strategies for continued growth and future success.
"Deltek has a well-earned reputation for consistently delivering innovative, industry-focused solutions to government contractors and professional services firms worldwide," said Mike Fauscette, Group Vice President of Software Business Solutions for IDC. "While Deltek has long offered extremely broad and deep enterprise software solutions that have helped contractors streamline the back-office and drive compliance, its strategic move to acquire INPUT to deliver differentiated business development solutions and time sensitive intelligence and content as well sets Deltek apart in the marketplace today. INPUT's capabilities are a great complement to Deltek's existing enterprise applications, and the combination of INPUT and govWin is yet another compelling reason for government contractors to leverage Deltek's network to grow their businesses."
"Our entire INPUT team is extremely proud of the great company that we have collectively built over the years," said Peter Cunningham, Chairman of INPUT. "Our services provide a unique combination of content and context (software). This is the direction for the information services industry in the 21st century, and we are ahead of the game. The combination of INPUT with Deltek makes for a perfect match to accelerate our growth and commitment to our members. Deltek's enterprise software capability, industry expertise, and customer list are completely synergistic with INPUT's capabilities and customer base, creating a combined organization that no competitor can match. Our association with Deltek will provide a wonderful opportunity for our 2,100 member organizations to get increased value from our services and for our staff to have an almost unlimited career growth opportunity. I cannot imagine us finding a finer and more appropriate partner to carry out our mission."
"Acquiring a market leader like INPUT is a landmark move for Deltek," said Kevin Parker, President and CEO of Deltek. "We are fully committed to investing in INPUT to expand its offerings, deliver new capabilities, and ensure that its customers continue to receive tremendous value from its products and services. We also look forward to combining INPUT's world-class business development and market research capabilities with our existing solutions. Together, we are now powering the entire government contracting value chain, while providing our customers with the timely, data-driven market research they need to navigate their way to success. This move solidifies Deltek's standing as the premier government contracting solutions provider and thought leader in the market today."
About INPUT
INPUT is the authority on government business. Established in 1974, INPUT helps companies develop federal, state, and local government business and helps public sector organizations achieve their objectives. More than 2,100 member organizations, including small specialized companies, new entrants to the public sector, and the largest government contractors and agencies, rely on INPUT for the latest and most comprehensive procurement and market information, consulting, a 30,000 strong teaming network, powerful sales management tools, and educational and networking events. For more information about INPUT, visit www.input.com or call 703-707-3500.
About Deltek
Deltek (Nasdaq: PROJ) is the leading global provider of enterprise applications software and solutions designed specifically for project-focused businesses and professional services firms globally. For nearly three decades, we have enabled government contractors and professional services firms to automate mission-critical business processes around the engagement, execution and delivery of projects. Over 13,000 customers use our solutions to measure business results, optimize performance, streamline operations and win new business. For more information, visit www.deltek.com.Deltek also offers govWin, an online community dedicated to solving common business problems for government contractors. The govWin network delivers unique and specialized content, offers innovative matching capabilities to establish and manage teaming opportunities, and provides applications to identify, pursue, and win government contracts. Over 15,000 registered members, prime contractors, and small businesses are part of the govWin community. For more information, visit www.govwin.com.
Follow the conversation at http://govwin.com/deltek-input
Participate in the conversation on Twitter #DeltekInput
DorobekINSIDER: OFPP recertifies NIH governmentwide contract
The DorobekINSIDER has confirmed that the Office of Federal Procurement Policy has recertified the National Institute of Health Information Technology Acquisition & Assessment Center'sChief Information Officer – Solutions and Partners 3 (CIO-SP3), one of three governmentwide acquisition contracts.
There was widespread speculation that OFPP might not recertify the NIH contract — and Federal News Radio's Jason Miller has been reporting that there has been a real focus whether there was a proliferation of multiple-award contracts. (See Federal News Radio 1500 AM's special report — Contract Overload, which focused on the multiples of multiple-award contracts out there.)
Here is the OFPP decision:
On July 20, 2010, the OMB Director designated NIH as an executive agent for the Chief Information Officer Solutions and Partners 3 (CIOSP3) GWAC and the CIOSP3-Small Business GWAC. Each GWAC will offer a wide range of IT services, with a particular focus on health-related IT services.
In deciding whether to grant the designation, OMB carefully evaluated a business case NIH developed to justify the need and value of its proposed GWACs. To supplement this information, OMB conducted a significant amount of outreach with different stakeholders in the acquisition community, including agency users of NIH's existing GWACs, agency managers of GWACs and other interagency contract vehicles, Chief Acquisition Officers and Senior Procurement Executives, trade associations, and Congressional staffers.
OMB approved the request based on several factors that promise enhanced value for the Government and our taxpayers. NIH's proposed GWACs will fill an important need by agencies with health-related responsibilities, including those in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The programmatic expertise of its in-house scientists and medical experts will provide strong support for the award and management of its contracts. The new GWAC vehicles will also provide increased opportunities for small businesses in Federal contracting, allowing agencies to tap into the talents of this community as they work to achieve best value for their missions and our citizens.
DorobekINSIDER: Throwing elbows over cyber-security legislation
It appears that the effort to pass a cyber-security bill is going to get a bit more tough then expected.
Late last month, officials from Cisco, IBM and Oracle sent a letter to the main sponsors of the Protecting Cyberspace as a National Asset Act, S. 3480 — Senators Joe Lieberman (DI-Conn.) Susan Collins (R-Maine) and Tom Carper (D-Del.). The letter raised concerns about some provisions of the bill:
While well intentioned, it ultimately puts U.S. critical infrastructure at increased risk by threatening the intellectual property of American companies that create the IT that operates the vast majority of U.S. government and private-sector critical networks and systems. The unintended result may be a weakening of the domestic software and hardware industry to an extent that could, ironically, leave the U.S. more dependent upon foreign suppliers for their critical IT systems.
The letter goes on to raise specific concerns about detailed provisions of the bill. You can read the full copy of the letter here.
The Senators issued a forceful response — a letter addressed specifically to the heads of those companies — and it was posted right on the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Web site. In the response, they refer to the concerns as "mischaracterizations" of the bill:
This legislation is informed by years of oversight by this Committee and is the result of more than a year of drafting. Our staff spent considerable time working with industry representatives – including representatives from your companies – and the bill, as reported, addresses many of the concerns your companies raised during that time…
Your input on this important legislation is important to our Committee, and both our staff and yours have invested considerable time in this process. While we find the mischaracterizations of our bill in your letter inaccurate and disappointing, we welcome further discussion and hope that we can engage in a constructive dialogue going forward.
Again, you can read the full response here.
Meanwhile, Politico's Morning Tech is reporting that the House version of the bill is having some trouble.
Staff representing the Senate's top players in the cybersecurity debate – Rockefeller, Snowe, Collins, Lieberman, Carper – will begin huddling this week over ways to merge the chamber's top two proposals. But the path forward in the House is still unclear.
The lower chamber's version of the Lieberman-Collins-Carper plan, spearheaded by Reps. Jane Harman and Pete King, is still pending consideration by a slew of committees that all share jurisdiction. And the committee closest to the action – the House Homeland Security panel – plans to introduce its own bill soon, pitched by Chairman Thompson. Meanwhile, a Senate Dem aide tells Morning Tech that it is unclear whether Rep. Jim Langevin, another cybersecurity leader, is writing his own comprehensive legislation. Stay tuned.
IT WILL BE THE HOUSE SCI/TECH COMMITTEE that will take the first stab at cybersecurity once both chambers return from recess next week. The Technology and Innovation Subcommittee announced late Tuesday it had invited industry leaders from EPIC, the Institute for Defense Analyses, the Council on Foreign Relations and Ponte Technologies to its scheduled July 15 hearing – and it promises additional witness announcements to come soon.
Read Politico's Morning Tech here.
DorobekINSIDER: Green government – and telework
I had the pleasure of moderating a panel last week… ostensibly on green IT, but it ended up being about the larger issue of green government.
The program was sponsored by the Java Team of the American Council on Technology and Industry Advisory Council's Partners program, which is a marvelous development program designed to help government and industry understand each other better.
And we had a great line-up:
Jeff Eagan, Energy Department, who is on assignment at the White House reviewing the agency sustainability plans. I should note he is a 2010 Fed 100 winner.
Emile Monette, director of GSA's Federal Technology Service's sustainability division
Kimberly T. Nelson, Microsoft and former EPA CIO
Marian Van Pelt, a principal at ICF and a carbon inventory expert.
And we discussed Executive Order 13514: Federal Leadership in Environmental, Energy, and Economic Performance [PDF] — read more from the White House about EO 13514 here… and a WhiteHouse.gov blog post on the green initiative here.
The executive order essentially calls on agencies to cut energy use by 28 percent… and they were required to submit "sustainability plans" to the Office of Management and Budget by the begging of this month. (I understand all are in now.)
There were several issues that came out of our discussion.
One was that this just seems overwhelming. One CIO for one of the big agency departments asked, essentially, help me know what are the best things to do out there. Agencies — and agency CIOs — have scores of mandates on them… and most of them generally want to be as green as possible. That being said, the greening discussion became so broad that it became almost overwhelming.
The general response was…
1. Work with your sustainability officer… Each agency is required to appoint a chief sustainability officers. I can't seem to find a list of those names, unfortunately, but the first recommendation was to find out who that person is and work with them.
2. Measure… The second was to come up with a plan for measuring what your organization's energy footprint is… so you can then determine if you are having an impact.
3. Just do it… Start doing something… turning off computers at night… turn off lights in buildings… reduce your data centers… GSA Administrator Martha Johnson has actually taken this issue quite seriously. At recent conferences, GSA executives were prohibited from renting their own cars. Instead, GSA organized a bus to shuttle people where they needed to go. And, it was pointed out to me, GSA actually sought public input on its sustainability plan.
4. See helpful links below for other ideas.
The other big issue that was discussed was — ready for it — telework. I should note that this is now the third green focused panel that I have moderated — and it is the third time the panel has been dominated by telework issues. And again, people asked why the government seems to be so reluctant to institute telework — and why there isn't more of a push for telework.
Last week on Federal News Radio 1500 AM's Dorobek Insider, we spoke about telework — and a new FedScoop survey on the government's attitudes towards telework [PDF]. The survey shows the government is still behind, but that attitudes are changing.
Anyway, during the discussion, there were a number of helpful sites mentioned… I promised I would round them up.
* The Federal Electronics Challenge: http://www.federalelectronicschallenge.net
The Federal Electronics Challenge (FEC) is a partnership program that encourages federal facilities and agencies to:
Purchase greener electronic products.
Reduce impacts of electronic products during use.
Manage obsolete electronics in an environmentally safe way.
* EPEAT: http://www.epeat.net
EPEAT is a system that helps purchasers evaluate, compare and select electronic products based on their environmental attributes. The system currently covers desktop and laptop computers, thin clients, workstations and computer monitors.
* Energy Department's Federal Energy Management Program
The Energy Department's Federal Energy Management Program's (FEMP) mission is to facilitate the Federal Government's implementation of sound, cost-effective energy management and investment practices to enhance the nation's energy security and environmental stewardship.
Other resources from Federal News Radio 1500 AM:
* For Earth Day, we spoke to Michelle Moore, Federal Environmental Executive in the Executive Office of the President. She is the person who is leading the oversight of the agency sustainability plans. Hear that conversation here.
* Somebody who just did it: Want to have hope in what you can do… and in young people… Last week, I got to talk to a 29-year-old woman who is making a difference. Saskia van Gendt is a resource conservation specialist at the EPA… and she is working in the field of "climaterials" — essentially the greening of all the materials to make buildings. And she launched a contest — the Lifecycle Building Challenge, a yearly online competition that recognizes cutting-edge building design and challenges students, architects and builders to reduce the environmental impact of buildings. This 'just do it' attitude scored her a place as a finalist for the Service to America Medals — the SAMMIES. Hear Ms. van Gendt talk about what she did here.
* Beneath the Green Dome: My colleague Amy Morris did a series looking at the greening of the Capitol. Find that series here.
Tomorrow… is there a better way to do sustainability plans?


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This weekend's premiere of the "Chernobyl Diaries" may be welcome news to fans of the horror genre, but for one advocacy group, the film is scary for a variety of different reasons.
Friends of Chernobyl Centers U.S., which works to strengthen recovery efforts in the Ukraine for those who have been severely affected by the Chernobyl nuclear accident, is slamming the film as detrimental to their cause. In "Diaries," six young tourists decide to visit the Chernobyl accident zone — only to be "hunted by people mutated by the nuclear blast."
A rep for Friends of Chernobyl told TMZ that the group was disappointed to see such a tragic event sensationalized in a Hollywood horror film.
"If you feel compelled to go see this movie, take the adrenalin you get from the horror to go do something good and make a difference in the lives of those still living with Chernobyl every day," he added.
According to the group, more than 63,000 square miles of land was impacted by the blast. Through five outreach centers in the Ukraine, volunteers work with local governments to foster sustainable community development, development of a civic society, and psychosocial rehabilitation of those affected.
Also on MNN: Whether you like the genre or not, it's certainly a popular movie topic. The other nightmarish nuclear fallout films


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|"It's a sign from StarClan. StarClan is telling us that even when Clans are close together, they are separate, far enough apart for a tree to fall without touching them. Borders may be invisible and thin as a whisker, but they are strong as oak, and they cannot be crossed. Not for friendship, not for prey, not for anything."
|— Stonestar on the strength of Clan borders in Code of the Clans, page 22-23
Stonestar is a big gray tom.[1]
In the Field Guides
Code of the Clans
- As WindClan's deputy under the leadership of Duststar, Stonetail is the head of the attack on RiverClan, attempting to prove that WindClan are strong enough to catch their own prey, and do not want or need RiverClan's fish in order to survive. The battle turns sour once RiverClan brings reinforcements, and they refuse to let WindClan flee when Stonetail gives the call to stand down. In response to this, the WindClan deputy tells the RiverClan cats that he and his warriors will fight as long as they have to. This battle over prey brings the death of one of Stonetail's Clanmates, Ryewhisker.
- Later, Stonetail becomes leader of WindClan, and has a new name, Stonestar. He is at a Gathering when ShadowClan complains about their lack of prey, and he comments that no Clan has prey to spare during leaf-bare. During the debate, a tree branch falls during the Gathering, directly landing on the quarreling ThunderClan and ShadowClan cats. He calls out to his deputy, Mudpuddle, to know if WindClan is all right, and they are. When it is told that no cat from any Clan has been injured, miraculously, he is the one to claim it is a sign from StarClan, that the Clans should not cross each others borders for any reason. He convinces Brindlestar to make her cats hunt in their own territory, which she agrees to. All the leaders agree that a new rule should be added to the code, saying that cats from other Clans should not hunt or trespass on the territory of the other Clans.
Character pixels
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Leader info
|Leader info
- Code of the Clans (First appearance)
- "We'll continue to fight if we have to. Is that what you want?"
- —Stonetail to a RiverClan cat Code of the Clans, page 14
- "ShadowClan should keep to its own prey. No Clan has prey to spare, especially not during leaf-bare."
- —Stonestar to ShadowClan Code of the Clans, page 20
- "Find food in your territory. Use the skills that only you and your Clanmates have-cunning, stealth, the ability to walk through the darkest nights. The prey is there, and you're the only one that can find it."
- —Stonestar to Brindlestar Code of the Clans, page 23
Notes and references
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 Revealed in Code of the Clans, page 13
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 Revealed in Code of the Clans, page 19
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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Official podcasts of Mash Those Buttons. Listeners should be aware that these podcasts can be explicit. The only thing that gets bleeped are spoilers.
2020 is right around the corner, so as this decade wraps up we decided to take a look back over the past 10 years and list our favorite games! 201X will take a year by year look at games and rank the the top 10. There are bound to be a few surprises with our lock-in system that allows a host one game per year that definitely makes the top 10. Join Jaa, Christina, and Mikey as they break down their picks for the top games of each year.
Double Tap is Mash Those Button's weekly podcast dedicated to fighting games and the fighting game community. In each episode we discuss news, recent and upcoming events, and on-goings in the FGC.
Dropping Spicy aims to look deeper into the development process and life cycle of Apex Legends, compared to other titles in the Battle Royale genre, with special emphasis on dissecting business decisions, patch and balance changes, and our own take on the development roadmap based on our experience with the gaming industry that you won't find in other Apex podcasts. Pepper that with bits of low level strategy, and a focus on community feedback and content, and you've got an Apex Legends podcast unlike any other currently on the web.
Push the Point is an Overwatch League podcast focused on discussing the events surrounding the league, its players, storylines, and marquee matchups. We aim to provide an engaging and conversational dialogue about the league and its topics, with the desire to encourage a positive outlook of the league and the game itself within the Overwatch and Overwatch League community.
SITREP Radio is Mash Those Button's weekly podcast dedicated to The Division 2 and it's community. Each week we discuss the current state of the game, upcoming events and patches, community issues, and more.
The Mash Those Buttons Show aims to deliver entertaining and informative discussion on the latest in games, community, and culture. We talk the latest news, give our impressions of recent and upcoming game releases, as well as deep dive into relevant topics in today's games.
The Tauren & the Goblin is Mash Those Button's podcast that focuses on the story and lore of the World of Warcraft. Each episode, hosts Nick and Katie discuss topics ranging from recent in-game events to Azeroth's titanic history, usually with the added perspective of playing Tauren and Goblin characters, respectively. New episodes are released every other Tuesday.
A light-hearted Final Fantasy XIV podcast focused on community. Come join us for all your FFXIV quality of life needs and listen to us pronounce every city and NPC name horribly wrong!
WoW! Talk! is Mash Those Button's bi-weekly podcast about World of Warcraft. Expect to hear news, rumors, and just the general on goings in the WoW world.
Retired Shows
These shows are no longer in production, but you can find an archive of their episodes here.
Mashcast: Legacy
194 Episodes
2011 - 2016
The Mashcast was Mash Those Buttons first podcast. It covered general gaming news which includes industry news, changes and shake-ups in various communities, events, and game releases. We got some interviews in there as well. Special editions were recorded for topics that warranted their own hour or so to discuss.
In Orbit
91 Episodes
2015 - 2017
In Orbit was Mash Those Button's weekly podcast dedicated to Destiny and its community. In each episode, we discussed recent news, upcoming events, community issues, and talk about our personal Destiny experiences.
Versus Series
7 Episodes
2011 - 2012
The goal of the Versus Series was to take two similar games (or two like gaming items) and compare them and determine which was better. The series had a short run of seven episodes.
That Gaming Life
3 Episodes
That Gaming Life aimed to be a topic based podcast to fill the gap between the Mashcast (mainly news) and WoW! Talk (focused on WoW). The show only lasted 3 episodes because we decided the podcast provided the same function as special edition Mashcasts. We didn't even have time to get a logo made up for it.
Game Club
1 Episodes
Game Club was created after we dropped the "What have you been playing" portion of the Mashcast in an attempt to get the show under an hour. Game Club had just one episodes because we decided to add the segment back into the Mashcast, but only on the last episode of each month.


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Wednesday, October 31, 2007
It's Halloween! Freaks and Creatures Are Amidst!
My DD dresses up every Halloween. Each year she carefully puts together her attention getting costume. She and her gal-pals roam the campus in their weird but wonderful costumes. Here is DD before the makeup, goin' be late for work photos. Halloween dress up may be considered kids' play; but the Office of the Vice Chancellor -Research Services loves to partake in the festivities.
The two ladies at the reception area decided to be the Associate Director, Patti and Patti.
The Associate Director is some kind of witch.
It does not stop there; we have another witch, a priest, who will pray for you if you give him $5.00. A potted plant that will not grow. A rapper without his bling, bling. Erika, the pimp and his/her one and only lady of the night.Pinky, the Cleopatra Jones wannabe (lady from the Credit Union). Pinky trying to push up on the priest.
This year I took a pass. If I dare, next year may be I'll dress as Storm, X-Men - The Final Stand.
4 comments:
hahahaha! looks like ya'll had fun! Storm will be a great costume!ReplyDelete
Looks like so much fun at work! Gosh, I almost forgot it was Halloween. Probably would have if my kids didn't remind me, and I just put up my Fall decorations yesterday. Went right to Thanksgiving since the Halloween ones never got up :( .ReplyDelete
- AnonymousNovember 1, 2007 at 3:27 PM
These pictures are great Cennetta! I had such a blast on yesterday!ReplyDelete
We try to make the best of it. October 31st falls within one of our proposal submission deadline. The festivities helps reduce the stress and frustration.ReplyDelete
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Yesterday I noticed B and her Dad lying on the floor, face to face.
She had been laughing at her own jokes for a few minutes, so Dad tried to capture it on his phone.
I tried to capture the scene on my camera.
It made me think about how far fathering has evolved since I was a baby. I wonder, did my dad every get down on the floor with me, or change my diapers? I'm sure my mom never left any of us in his care without a note from the Doctor. No away time for mothers of her generation.
Dad did take a lot of pictures of me because he was in his photography phase when I was about 3. There's a picture of me up to my cheeks in a bubbles. I think the story is I had the mumps. Isn't that a father for you? His sick daughter relaxing in a tub and he thinks it's the perfect photo op. Come to think of it, I was pretty cute. Maybe I didn't have the mumps, just chubby cheeks.
I noticed when B's mom came home yesterday how much she needed B to be as excited as she was. Now I'm not saying B wasn't pleased to know things were finally going to get back to normal. But I'm not sure she was ready for the slow-motion-run-down-the-beach-(or hallway in this case)-into-each-others-arms reunion. All her needs had been met. She was clean. I'm sure it didn't take long for her to realize mom was back in charge.
We give our children mixed messages, don't we? We want them to miss us as much as we miss them. But we don't want them to have separation anxiety. I saw a picture somewhere, FB maybe, of a mom gorilla with her baby on her back. Do animal babies get separation anxiety? Do moms that have to leave them to find food, or take a 10 minute rest without someone hanging on them, miss them in the way human moms miss their babies? How do momma birds know when it's time to push their fledglings out of the nest? Do they worry? Do they cry? Do they beg papa bird to let them stay one more day? Or do they just give them a push and lay back in the empty nest that suddenly doesn't feel as cramped. Does she wait for the kids to come home for a juicy worm dinner?
I thought about all the times in the coming years B's mom is going to have to "let go." Preschool. Kindergarten. First grade. Middle school. College. Ballet lessons. Girl Scout Camp. Spelling Bees. Soccer games. Sleep overs. Prom. Each release is difficult. Tears fall down a mom's cheeks, as the child runs happily to the bus without looking back.
I remember as if it were yesterday, the day Weneki dropped me at the airport after her husband had died. We'd spent two weeks together, both of us still kind of shell-shocked. That beginning grief time when nature takes over and fills your with mind/body numbing agents so you can at least function at
.2% capacity.
I seriously did not want to go. How could I go and leave her behind? Even leaving her in LA where an Islamic march celebrating the Ayatollah Khomeini was taking place just a couple blocks from her college apartment hadn't prepared me for letting her go and giving her the space to face what would come next. No crying, mom, she told me. How could I not cry? I cry thinking about it now.
But I look back and see how important it was for both of us for me to let her go. To face her fears, her grief, her loneliness on her own. Only she wasn't alone. She was surrounded by people who loved her almost as much as I did. And that's what I said in a note to K last night. God made moms' heartstrings out of elastic. They stretch as far as they have to so that even when mom can't be there in person, the child (even if she's an adult) is never without the love that flows between them.
It's a hard truth. Our children survive without us. Better, probably, that we do without them. And they do that, I believe, because of love. Love that knows no bounds.
Merry ME


text: Richard A. Muller has never been comfortable with conventional scientific wisdom. In the 1980s, when his mentor Luis Alvarez came up with the then outrageous idea that a giant comet or asteroid impact wiped out the dinosaurs, the University of California, Berkeley, physicist went him one better, suggesting that the meteorite had been hurled our way by a dim companion star to the sun, which Muller dubbed Nemesis. In the 1990s he posited that ice ages are triggered by space debris encountered because of cyclical changes in the location of Earth's orbit.


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We are using native keychain wrapper class to store and retrieve values from the keychain. But in some case the value is empty.
We have the below items enabled in our app,
1. Location service ON - Always state initially and user can change that in device settings (CLVisit and Significant location tracking was used).
2. Background Fetch - ON - We are not using any specific method for this in code. (i.e performfetchwithcompletionhandler method not used/added in code )
Whether the above scenario may have impact on keychain items or is there any other scenario which can cause keychain items to be deleted?
In general keychain items do not just mysteriously disappear. There are, however, various circumstances where keychain items can go away or become inaccessible. Some of these are well documented, some less so. For example:
restoring from non-encrypted backup
API-level access control (
kSecAttrAccessible and
the ongoing -34018 bug
Based on the limited info you've posted, it's hard to say what might be affecting your app. To start, I recommend that you modify your app to capture and log keychain error codes. That will give you some clue as to where to start your investigation.
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Quinn "The Eskimo!"
Apple Developer Relations, Developer Technical Support, Core OS/Hardware
let myEmail = "eskimo" + "1" + "@apple.com"


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Staff Directory
Hannah Coburn known as Hannah
Contact Details
- Faculty of Business and Society
- Lecturer in Law
- email@example.com
- (01443) 4 83389
- Treforest
LLB Law
PGCE – Studying in Higher Education
ILEX – Level 6 – Fellowship attained.
I came to teaching from a professional background where I specialised in conveyancing and the law of property. I am now Year One Tutor with a passion for excellent pastoral care and the development of outstanding legal skills and professionalism.
I am involved in the delivery of the criminal law module and specialise in sexual offences. This interest is also carried into my personal life as I am a keen volunteer at a local rape crisis centre.
I worked within the legal profession as a fellow of the institute of legal executives for eight years following completion of my law degree.
Areas of Expertise
Pastoral care
Legal skills
If you are a journalist on deadline and you need to speak with a member of university staff with particular expertise, please contact the Press Office.


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Republic of the Congo
The Republic of the Congo is one of Africa's mature oil producers, with production first coming online in 1970s. But it is one of few countries on the continent bucking a trend of declining production. In fact, the country's oil production is expected to rise by 25 percent.
Despite its consistent production record, and its nearly 2 billion barrels of proven oil reserves, the Republic of the Congo is largely unexplored. The country's government led by President Denis Nguesso is committing to expanding the sector even further. New developments by Total will expand the country's output from 280,000 barrels of oil per day to 350,000 in 2018 — which will secure it a spot as Sub-Saharan Africa's third largest crude producer.
The Republic of the Congo is also one of few countries in Central Africa with a developed downstream sector — a refinery in Pointe-Noire processes about 65 percent of the country's domestic needs and talks of building another refinery are in the works. The energy sector is ripe for investment, especially in the development of an electricity distribution system.
New investment is revitalizing the sector, and The Republic of the Congo won't be left behind as Africa presses forward with oil and gas development. President Denis Nguesso is also determined for the country to lead on the global stage, announcing an application to join the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries in January and completing a regulatory overall of the sector in 2016. The new country's new hydrocarbons law came into effect in October 2016, just before a national bidding round was launched in January 2017.
Africa Energy Series – The Republic of the Congo will delve into the country's new developments, bringing together the top government officials and executives from throughout the value chain in the most comprehensive report on the country's new developments.