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Luxury Communities
View Luxury Communities & Top Neighborhoods
Named a "Best Place to Live" by Money magazine, Arcadia is one of the most sought-after neighborhoods in Phoenix with its large lots, diverse architecture and tree-lined streets.
Centered on the historic, star-studded Arizona Biltmore Hotel and Golf Club, homes in the surrounding neighborhood reflect an elegant, luxurious lifestyle, from condos to estates.
Breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains, desert and city combine with luxury amenities to create a quiet, reserved, elegant retreat in exclusive Clearwater Hills.
DC Ranch is a suburban desert oasis with a strong focus on community. A variety of villages and neighborhoods feature unique architecture, resort-style amenities and championship golf.
Built in the shadow of Pinnacle Peak, Desert Highlands is a private, residential Jack Nicklaus golf community with some of the most exclusive desert dream homes in north Scottsdale.
As one of the top 10 private golf and recreational luxury communities in the nation, Desert Mountain features Jack Nicklaus golf, tennis, community activities and spectacular custom homes.
Often referred to as an "oasis in the desert," the mature trees, lush landscaping and sparkling lakes of Gainey Ranch are a unique departure from typical desert surroundings of the area.
As one of the most prestigious zip codes in the country, Paradise Valley is known for exclusive and impressive custom estates with breathtaking mountain, city and desert views.
Phoenix, the 5th largest city in the country is ripe with luxury homes diverse in age, style and location, ranging from penthouse-style modern condos to sprawling Mediterranean hillside estates.
Scottsdale, "The West's Most Western Town" is a unique blend of premier golf, entertainment, dining, shopping and serenity. Luxury homes include luxury condos, desert estates and custom golf homes.
An exclusive village within DC Ranch, Silverleaf is nestled along the foothills of the McDowell Mountains and homes reflect the natural Sonoran desert surroundings with elegant Mediterranean flare.
Spread out over 1,800 acres in the northern foothills of Pinnacle Peak, Troon has world-class golf courses, luxury homes and breathtaking scenery make the community a standout in north Scottsdale.


text: Are you looking to take your author platform to the next level and ramp up your social media content and engagement? Learn more about how to use Twitter and Instagram in this special iWriterly collab with Brittany Wang. This video is part of a two-part collab. In the first video, Meg LaTorre of iWriterly will … Continue reading iWriterly Video: How to Use Instagram for Writers | Collab with Brittany Wang

subset: commoncrawl


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Town hall meeting will address water well testing near Grayling Army Airfield
Dan Sanderson | Staff Writer
A meeting will be held next week to address results of testing for contamination gathered from residential water wells on property located near the Grayling Army Airfield.
A town hall meeting will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, July 19, at the Camp Grayling Armory, located in Building 3 on Howe Road near the entrance to Camp Grayling.
Jeannine Taylor, the public information officer for District Health Department #10, said health officials have made personal contact with residents in the area which may be impacted by the contamination. Additional information was planned to be mailed to the residents this week.
The investigation to determine if chemicals have leached into the water table includes testing private residential water wells in between the airfield and the AuSable River in Grayling Charter Township, specifically in the Sherwood Forest subdivision and along Evergreen Drive.
"They are still in the process of validating the data, but hopefully the results from the water well testing will be released to the residents prior to the meeting," Taylor said.
In 2016, the National Guard Bureau issued a directive to identify water sources at every training facility, camp, fort, and armory. The order also included every installation which had an airfield where fire crash training occurred or where fires occurred with the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
The foam contains Perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which "have been classified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as an emerging contaminate on the national landscape," according to the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ).
"PFCs are a class of man-made chemicals that were introduced in the 1950s to make products that resist heat, stains, grease and water," according to the DEQ. "For example, PFCs may be used to keep food from sticking to cookware, to make sofa cushions and carpets that are resistant to stains, to make clothes and mattresses that repel water, and in food packaging like pizza boxes, fast food wrappers and airtight bags."
According to the DEQ, "one of the most prolific uses of the chemicals is a powerful fire-suppression foam that efficiently douses the most combustible and most dangerous threats to life and property," including flammable liquid and fuel fires. "Virtually every airport, public, private, military and civilian, and every fire-fighting squad in the world is familiar with the use of the foam."
In the fall of 2016, water samples were taken from monitoring wells at the Grayling Army Airfield.
Due to low detection levels and an issue with the sampling verification, more tests were conducted on wells on the southern boundary of the Grayling Army Airfield.
After receiving those test results, the Michigan Department of Military & Veterans Affairs (DMVA), the DEQ, and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) partnered to address the issue. A cluster of 20 monitoring wells was installed along the Grayling Army Airfield's fence line and 60 groundwater samples were collected.
Of those samples, which came back in mid-April of this year, 20 tested positive for PFCs and five exceeded the U.S. EPA's health advisory of 70 parts per trillion.
The DMVA held a town hall meeting at the Grayling Middle School on May 18 to inform residents regarding potential tainted water.
Prior to the town hall meeting next week, representatives from District Health Department #10 and DEQ will be on hand at the armory to meet with residents individually to discuss results from the water well testing from 4:30 p.m. to 6 p.m.
"There will be experts from all major health organizations there," Taylor said.
The town hall meeting will address the water testing results, residents who have not had their wells tested, and plans to address the issue in the future.
"We will talk about the plan moving forward with the PFCs and how we're going to handle this," said Sgt. 1st Class Jeremie A. Mead, the community relations specialist for the Camp Grayling Joint Maneuver Training Center.
In 2016, thousands of people who live in the Ohio River Valley were tested for PFCs exposure as a result of a class action lawsuit. Six health outcomes of those people studied included increased cholesterol, Ulcerative colitis, Preeclampsia, higher thyroid function, testicular cancer, and kidney cancer. In addition, children exposed to PFCs had lower immunity after receiving some vaccinations, which required some booster vaccinations.
In Grayling, water tree has been established on a hydrant near the Grayling City Hall. This will allow Grayling Charter Township residents in the area where wells will be tested to have a safe source for water between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
The DEQ has assumed the operation of environmental assistance center for issues regarding the Grayling Army Airfield. For assistance, e-mail email@example.com or call 800-662-9278.
Complete coverage of the July 19 town hall meeting will be available on The Avalanche's website, www.CrawfordCountyAvalanche.com, following the meeting, as well as in the July 27 edition of The Avalanche.


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SAN FRANCISCO San Francisco filed a lawsuit on Tuesday challenging President Donald Trump's executive order directing the U.S. government to withhold money from cities that have adopted sanctuary policies toward undocumented immigrants.
The lawsuit, filed by San Francisco City Attorney Dennis Herrera, marks the first court challenge over the sanctuary order filed by one of the targeted cities.
The lawsuit alleges that the executive order violates the 10th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that powers not granted to the federal government should fall to the states.
"In blatant disregard of the law, President of the United States seeks to coerce local authorities into abandoning what are known as 'Sanctuary City' laws and policies," said the lawsuit, filed in San Francisco federal court.
(Reporting by Dan Levine; Editing by Tom Brown)


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$1,842—$2,792 1—3 bed 21022 Los Alisos Blvd, Rancho Santa Margarita CA, 92688
from $1,842 1—3 bed
21022 Los Alisos Blvd, SAMLARC, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688
Commute to Downtown Rancho Santa Margarita
The rent at Skyview Apartments ranges from $1,842 for a one bedroom to a $2,792 three bedroom. Apartments in this building are about 4% less expensive than the SAMLARC average. This is a pet-friendly apartment.
This apartment is in the SAMLARC neighborhood in Rancho Santa Margarita. Nearby parks include Flamenco Park, O'Neil Park and Melinda Park.
Skyview Apartments has a Walk Score of 43 out of 100. This location is a Car-Dependent neighborhood so most errands require a car.
At Skyview Apartments in Rancho Santa Margarita, CA , enjoy stunning views of the Saddleback Mountains. Our convenient location means easy access to shopping, entertainment, dining and freeways 241, 261 and 133. Our newly renovated homes feature stainless steel appliances, sleek white kitchen and bathroom cabinetry, walk-in closets, private, detached garage and large patio and/or balcony space with full-size washer/dryer. Enjoy our pool, spa and fitness center plus the activities that come with your access to the Rancho Santa Margarita Beach Club and lake, as well as nearby recreational facilities, including tennis courts, hiking trails and swimming pools.
Pets allowed:
Owner/manager tools | Report bad listing | From EquityApartments.com
SAMLARC, Rancho Santa Margarita, 92688
Most errands require a car.
Minimal bike infrastructure.
Explore how far you can travel by car, bus, bike and foot from Skyview Apartments.
View all SAMLARC apartments on a map.
Popular apartment searches include pool, fitness and fireplace.
Search for homes in Rancho Santa Margarita or find a Rancho Santa Margarita real estate agent who knows walkable neighborhoods. Links will open on our partner site Redfin.com.
Skyview Apartments is in the SAMLARC neighborhood. SAMLARC is the 3rd most walkable neighborhood in Rancho Santa Margarita with a neighborhood Walk Score of 37.


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When Dawn Breaks
Book #2 of the Night Before Dawn Series
Publish Date: November 17th, 2017 Series: Night Before Dawn Genre: Contemporary Romance Add this book on
Life is hard. There's no secret in that statement. Life. Is. Hard. Simple enough. But my life hasn't just been hard... I've gotten used to it over the years- come to expect it really. So when fate hands me yet another big f*ck you, I'm not even a little bit surprised. Why should I be? I mean, after everything I've been through, why not throw my best friend's ex-boyfriend into the mix and see how royally I can screw this up too. It doesn't matter that he loved her first. It doesn't matter that he's wrong for me in every way possible. It doesn't matter that being with him could ruin everything. One touch and I already know it's too late... When Dawn Breaks is a standalone Contemporary Romance. It can be read following Tess and Sebastian's story (Where the Night Ends) or completely on its own.
Available at:
Also available in this series:


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Richmond Police are trying to get there info back from local RVA Blog (via The Wingnut)
Local RVA Blog http://wingnutrva.org/ got a hand delivered letter sent to their door asking for their training info back that was legally obtained through public records by Wingnut Blog. We here at Planet804 Blog commend Wingnut in there endeavors to expose truths of Richmond police Dept. Below is the The protective order RPD sent to Wingnut + links to training info.
"Emergency Motion for Protective Order and to Compel the Return of Tactical Information and to Prevent the Disclosure of Said Information on behalf of Plaintiffs Chief of Police Bryan Norwood and The City of Richmond"
via The Wingnut


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The much-loved hit series Sherlock is returning for Season 4 in 2017, and actor Benedict Cumberbatch and co-creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss were recently at Comic-Con to give hints about what fans can expect from the three upcoming episodes. Never ones to reveal secrets, the three were cagey in their responses, but their passion for the material and characters was definitely clear.
During the roundtable interviews, they talked about the evolution of Sherlock Holmes, why Moriarty still weighs on him, that Season 4 is so dark that it's "end of the universe darkness," how Toby Jones' villain is different from previous ones on the series, what Sherlock might think, if he ever encountered Doctor Strange, and why they would love to continue on with the series, but never at the cost of quality.
Question: Steven and Mark, when you're dealing with the evolution of the character, over the seasons, what are the things that Sherlock Holmes can never change?
STEVEN MOFFAT: His coat and his underwear. What is immutable about Sherlock Holmes? He favors reason over emotion, but actually underneath that, there is a lot of emotion going on. You can't suddenly make him ordinary because he would hate that. He's not suddenly going to be somebody else. I don't know that he precisely softens. He becomes more human and more adept at fitting in with a lot of people, but he remains separate from the human race because he finds that a better place to observe that from. He stays on the mountain top because there, he can see clearly.
MARK GATISS: That's what makes characters interesting. If Sherlock had started out being a straightforward man, we wouldn't be talking about him now. If he became one, that would be interesting. But you have to give him somewhere to go, as Doyle did. The rather rarified, strange young man that Dr. Watson meets, right at the beginning, is not the same man who counts John Watson as his only friend. He can do things much better now, but he can never become one of us. Otherwise, he's not Sherlock Holmes.
MOFFAT: He can be wise and funny. He wasn't, at the beginning. But later on, he's got a bantering relationship with loads of people. He's got a wisdom that he didn't have in the early stage. But he stays on the mountain top, and he will die up there. He's not going to change that.
Benedict, what's it been like to have a character you get to do a dance with, every few years, and have it feel familiar, but also new and different, each time?
BENEDICT CUMBERBATCH: It's lovely. It's familiar, and yet we wouldn't do it, if it was just the same steps. That's what brilliant about the writing. The keep challenging us and it keeps evolving. You can go quite far with a character that started off as morally, sociopathically, and obsessively work-based. You can perfect genius because genius is not perfection. On his level and his practice and his methodology, it's almost inhuman. So, that's been a fantastic arc to play, and boy does it go somewhere in this series. To be able to come back to that and to reunite the band, and have it be familiar but different, is great.
How different is Sherlock now, from the Sherlock that we first met?
CUMBERBATCH: He has moved from being someone who was sociopathic, work-obsessed and slightly amoral, into being someone who has a certain degree of a private life, which is very, very private, with The Woman, or Irene Adler. With his interactions with people, he's better at what he does. He has to understand the world. That's very much John's influence on him. But like a lot of the friendships and relationships in that world, it's born out of necessity. It makes him better. There's a pragmatism to it. It's not whimsical or sentimental. It's born out of necessity.
Why is Moriarty someone who's still weighing on Sherlock, even though he's no longer there?
CUMBERBATCH: I think it's the first time he really meets his match, and it's scarred him. It's a nemesis, and nemeses play large in your psychology. They're not just physical entities who are actually present. It's about the fear of them. And I think that's why Moriarty really succeeds. He's terrorized Sherlock's mind. It's fear that lives on.
Does he have a strange respect for Moriarty?
CUMBERBATCH: Absolutely! Yeah, absolutely! They're different sides of the same coin, and he recognizes that. Sherlock is on the side of the angels, but don't think he's one of them. He uses similar means, but it seems to be for a better purpose, one would hope.
Are you touching on any specific Sherlock Holmes stories, in Season 4?
MOFFAT: All three stories are based, as usual, to a greater or lesser extent, on Doyle's originals, but you have to work out which bits.
Benedict, what's it like to work with writers like Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, who are so passionate about what they're doing with Sherlock?
CUMBERBATCH: It's great because there is a very strong reference point for any detail and keeping yourself in check with the canon. I go back to the books for specific references and for evolutions, which are there in the literature. It just comes across in every aspect of the writing, from how dark it gets to how funny it is to how rich the characterizations and relationships are. Their joy of it is the audience's joy, and therefore, our joy in playing it. It gives you a good day at the office.
Season 4 has been described as the darkest season yet.
CUMBERBATCH: Without a doubt.
How dark does it get?
CUMBERBATCH: Myopically dark. You're talking about the end of the universe darkness. You can't see in front of you and would walk into everything dark.
MOFFAT: We turned the lights off to save money, so you can't really see it. It's the same show. Hopefully, there are lots of laughs and lots of great personal stuff, but it is explicitly a darker season. You'll have to wait and see.
How different would you say Toby Jones' villain is from the villains and adversaries we've seen previously?
MOFFAT: He's completely different. It's a completely different character. He's the darkest villain we've had. There was always something charming and engaging about Moriarty. There was something fascinating and actually amoral, rather than immoral, about Charles Augustus Magnussen. This guy is the purest evil. Sherlock is actually appalled by him. He's the most evil villain we've had. I don't think that when you see it, you will disagree. He's horrific.
GATISS: It's an interesting thing to chart. We made our Moriarty very different to Doyle's. He's Irish, and he brings all his charm, his twinkle and his humor to it while he's also terrifying. Magnussen was a very blank, chilling business man. He doesn't see what he's doing as evil. Toby is doing something very interesting. She's an avuncular, funny seeming man with terrible teeth. We've given him terrible teeth, which are symbolic of the rot inside him. It's a great complex, shaded character. You're not quite sure what the relationship is with him.
Mark, what drives Mycroft to continue to spy on Sherlock?
GATISS: It's love and affection, and it's a big family bond. They're a strange family. Rather than what you expect, we explicitly wanted the parents to be lovely people who have discovered that they have these two very odd children who are a bit like Niles and Frasier Crane. They've come from a very warm family environment. So, even though he doesn't express it very well, and he uses the machinery of the state to monitor him, it comes from a place of love. What he wants to do is gather him into the embrace of the establishment. Because Sherlock is a loose canon, it drives him nuts.
If Sherlock met Doctor Strange, what would he say about him?
CUMBERBATCH: That's a really good question. Rather like the Ancient One, I think Sherlock would see quite a few of the missing links in Strange's life. I think he'd be able to expose his motivations and flaws very quickly, as he can with anybody he meets. Whether he'd be that interested in Doctor Strange, as we meet him at the beginning of his origin story, I don't know. As far as defending the world, as we know it, from other dimensional threats, I don't think Sherlock would really know about that. That's where that interaction would stop.
You've all gotten busier and busier, since you started on Sherlock. Can this keep going?
CUMBERBATCH: We'll see. We'll see how this series lands. It's been great fun to come back and do it. How it will continue in the future, who knows? It's not just about what any of us want. It's about what's actually right for the show, to be honest, and that has to be judged very carefully. Think about the very limited but classic British output of certain shows, and there aren't that many of them. It's a painful thing to say, but maybe Series 4 is it. Who knows? I don't know. I don't want to say this is it because we have too much fun doing it. But generally, we have to see how this lands. And the actors aren't the only ones who are busy. Mark and Steven are pretty tied up. Mark is an actor, as well as a producer and writer. It's all of us being stretched in different directions. Also, this has run longer than most American series. You don't want to compromise it by continually doing it, just because we could carry it on. There's lots of stuff to weigh. It's not just about what we want to do. It's about what's right. We'll see. Really, we will have to see. No one has decided on it, so there's no yes or no to an end or a beginning.
MOFFAT: We have to take it one season at a time. We don't know what the future will be, and it's not entirely down to us. Hopefully, we'll do more. I find it hard to imagine that we won't. But in terms of a specific plan, there are ideas that we haven't gotten to yet.
GATISS: We've been percolating a few things. We've got some ideas.
So, it doesn't feel like you're done then?
MOFFAT: I don't know that it ever does. If you get to the point on a show that you feel like you're done, you've probably gone past the point that you should have stopped. You should stop full speed, as it were, and leap off the train while it's still going, rather than letting it grind to a halt. We won't do that. We would never do a series of this without it passing our inspection first. We have to be so excited about it, before we start talking to the others. But there are ideas, so who knows? We'll see.


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Sri Lanka Army Commander speaks to senior US military officers & meets senior state officials Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka during his recent visit to the US met a galaxy of US statesmen and military chiefs, including Ambassador Steven Mann, acting Assistant Secretary of State for South & Central Asian Affairs and Ambassador Nicholas Burns, Under Secretary for Political Affairs, US Department of State.
On an invitation extended by US Chief of Army Staff General George W. Casey and the Government of USA, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka made history by talking to a large gathering of middle rung officers of the US Army on "Counter Terrorist Operations". Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka was the first Commander of the Sri Lanka Army to have addressed such a symposium attended by the cream of the US Army while attending the USA Command and General Staff College (USACGSC).
During Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka's stay, he also received the rare privilege of sharing views with Mr. James Clad, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defence for South Asia, Major General Philip M. Breedlove (USAF), Vice Director Strategic Plans and Policy and Lieutenant General William B. Caldwell, IV Commandant of the USACGSC. Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka visited the Department of State, the Pentagon and the USA Command and General Staff College (USACGSC), Fort Leavenworth and several other military establishments.
Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka delivering his near one-hour lecture and presentation to the senior US military officers on "Counter Terrorist Operations" touched on a wide variety of subjects such as Forms of Terrorism, Nature of Terrorism, Counter Terrorism, Challenges, etc.
Differentiating terrorism from insurgency, Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka told the gathering that Magnitude of Terrorists' military campaign, Level of Threat against Law and Order, Level of Military Counter attack, Political Motives and Involvement of Public Support are factors to be reckoned with before any counter-operations are planned against terrorism, keeping the civilian factor well in mind.
"Those with different political goals which cannot be achieved by democratic means can resort to terror by taking to arms, etc and resort to attacks, killings, destructions, intimidation, etc. Once they are organized strongly and heavily armed, they can even confront the Armed Forces/ Police, etc and indulged themselves in violence. Such terrorists can even take control over certain areas with less or no presence of government Armed Forces and terrorize the Government administrative machinery to ensure the government authority is non-existing or ineffective. Even internal terrorism need to extend its activities into International arena for the purpose of worldwide support."


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Save $3 when you order 4 or more.
Warm, exotic spices unfold with each tender bite. Features free-range chicken simmered in a homemade curry blend. Comes with brown rice.
Portions are for 1 person – click the Quantity button to order more.
Ingredients: Free-range chicken, homemade curry powder, tomato sauce, garlic and ginger.
Cooker offers gourmet food delivery around Atlanta.


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Things to do in the Lake District
Here are some recommended places to visit and things to do during your stay at Applegarth Villa.
Local Visitor Attractions:
- Brantwood - The home of John Ruskin
- Grizedale Forest Visitor Centre - Forest walks, mountain bike trails and GoApe
- Honister Slate Mine - slate products and via Ferrata
- Levens Hall - Historic house and topiary gardens
- Low Sizergh Barn - Award winning farm shop, tea room and craft gallery
- Muncaster Castle - Historic house, gardens and World Owl Centre
- Rheged Centre - shops, cafe, cinema and exhibitions
- Rydal Mount - Historic home of William Wordsworth
- The World of Beatrix Potter Attraction located in Bowness on Windermere
- Ullswater Steamers - Leisure cruises on Lake Ullswater
- Windermere Lake Cruises - cruises on Lake Windermere
Local Activity Providers:
- Lakeland Walks & Talks - Learn about the Lake District on a guided walk.
- Adventure 21 Ltd are a Lake District Adventure activities and Paintball provider.
- Joint Adventures - Activities for families, couples and groups
- Kankku - 4x4 off road adventure
- Mickledore offer a range of Walking Holidays UK including the Coast to Coast path and Hadrians Wall.
- Mountain Goat Tours - driving tours of the Lake District
- River Deep Mountain High - Outdoor activities in the Lake District
- West Lakes Adventure - Lake District activities for groups, families and individuals
Local Shows and Events:
- Rydal Sheepdog Trials and Hound Show - Held in August
- Wasdale Head Show and Shepherds Meet - Held in October


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February is the month of love, so it's more than fitting that Fortune Cookie author, Heather J. Wood, and her poet husband Kurt Zubatiuk (Ektasis, LyricalMyrical) will be reading together for the first time at James Dewar's Hot-Sauced Words series. Don't miss Heather and Kurt's "Glow Show" at the Black Swan Tavern on February 18th!
Where: Black Swan Tavern
154 Danforth Ave. (2nd floor), east of Broadview
When: Thursday, February 18, 8:00 pm
Sign-up for open mic portion @7:45 pm


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Tesfay Atchbekha Negga
Born 1970, Ethiopian.
1997 – graduated from I.E. Repin's Institute for Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, studio of easel painting.
Since 1995 – group expositions in Saint Petersburg Exposition Hall of Union of Artists of Russia.
Since 1995 – participates in expositions in European private galleries.
Since 1997 – annual expositions in private Switzerland gallery.


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Pitch Black ANC Technology
The "Pitch Black" Active-Noise Cancelling Technology used in ADVANCED 747 utilizes the built-in microphones and the proprietary electronic algorithm to reduce the low frequency ambient noise up to 25 decibel while simultaneously providing additional amplification for the audio output, which results in full-range music reproduction in complete silence.
Luscious, Powerful Bass Response
Additional amplification from the Pitch Black Technology completely transforms the sound that ADVANCED 747 produces into luscious and sibilant-free ensemble with its powerful bass response. ADVANCED 747 achieves the highest sound quality among all available Active Noise-Cancelling earphones in the market.
10-Hour Battery Life
The Active Noise-Cancelling function can last up to 10 hours on a single charge. The audio still works passively without the ANC function after the battery is drained. The battery can be fully recharged in about 1 hour, ready for another go.
In-line Remote / Mic
The in-line remote provides convenient controls for music playback and answering/ending phone calls with the built-in microphone. The remote and microphone function is compatible with iPhone, iPod, iPad and most smartphones and tablets with 3.5mm jack.
- 3 pairs of black foam tips (s/m/l)
- 3 pairs of black dual-flange tips (s/m/l)
- 3 pairs of black silicone tips (s/m/l)
- 1 airplane adapter
- 1 premium carrying pouch
- 1 microUSB charging cable
|Driver unit
|Pitch Black 13mm single dynamic driver
|16 Ohm+/-15%
|90dB+/-3dB at 1kHz
|Frequency response
|20Hz – 20kHz
|Noise cancellation
|NC frequency range
|40Hz – 1kHz
|Working time
|Up to 10 hours
|Charging time
|1 hour
|Rated power
|Input port
|MicroUSB port
|Cord length
|3.5mm gold plated


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Jaeger LeCoultre & Aston Martin have a relation reaching back over decades but began their contemporary collection in 2005. Watch & car collaborations had been the rage at the time, an idea that seems to have stuck with more recent ventures between the likes of Bugatti & Parmigiani. In most case, like the Breitling & Bentley creations, existing complications were simply modified or elaborated upon to take advantage of the drawing power of two major marques.
Jaeger LeCoultre are no ordinary watch makers & Aston Martin are certainly not making run of the mill cars. Their first timepiece reinvented the chronograph by removing pushers on the side of the case & creating a vertical trigger system deployed by pushing the glass at twelve to start the chronograph & at six to reset it. An elegant refinement of the normal system but one that paid clear attention to a drivers needs. This perspective clearly outlined the ethos of the Amvox collection.
The piece we will discuss however is a personal favourite of ours & one of the best looking high end sports watches on the market today. None other than the Amvox 3 Tourbillon GMT in black ceramic & rose gold.
JLC's award winning Tourbillon (using revolutionary 988C calibre first delivered in the exceptional Master compressor Extreme Lab using a world first platinum/iridium & carbon fibre oscillating weight) is offered here in their first ever round ceramic case. The marriage of form & function is clearly evident with an AM/PM indicator to aid your GMT facility, offered via a third hand that can be easily hidden behind the hour hand should you choose not to use it. The openwork Tourbillon carriage is visible via an ornate rose gold bridge that despite its size does not deter from the legibility of the dial. The date, however is where JLC earns its stripes.
The focus on aesthetics while not taking away from their signature complicated watches is what sets Jaeger LeCoultre apart & this is very evident here. The date, set around the outside of the dial skips over the Tourbillon carriage so at no point do you have the date hand obscuring your view of this quite incredible complication. A detail often overlooked but precisely why Jaeger LeCoultre is such a go to Brand for us.
Offered in a limited series of 300 pieces worldwide in a 44mm black ceramic case with rose gold crown on a sports perforated strap with triple blade rose gold clasp. Holding a power reserve of 48 hours – the only outward indication of Aston Martin is their badge discreetly positioned at 6 o'clock.
UK RRP is £63,500.00 under model number Q193C450
New Cavendish Jewellers is an official & authorised agent for Jaeger LeCoultre watches – please feel free to inquire with us for all your watch & jewellery requirements.


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Fat camp - day 43
Goodbye fat camp, I will miss you. (Photo by The Stakhanovite Twins)
I weighed myself yesterday and was glad to see that my weight had climbed to 61.5 kilos. 63 would have been pretty good, but I think I might have to settle for this, unless I manage to gain some more muscle by hitting the gym.
You'd think gaining weight was easier than anything, but when you're eating healthily, it's not that simple. I've had the occasional pasta during these past few weeks, but I'm not too keen on going on a high-carbohydrate diet. Instead, I've tried to get my extra calories from chocolate, fruit smoothies made with heavy cream, and the one ingredient that seems to be included in all my diets - beer.
In any case, I'm going to take a break from fat camp for now.


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Posted 25/01/2016
A recent Spend Matters blog was entitled The Winds of Change: Procurement Gets Its Seat at the Top Table .
It's certainly a challenge many in procurement face – how to raise the credibility of procurement within organisations so that we've got a seat at the table, are involved in strategic decisions and can truly deliver the value procurement has the potential to deliver through transformation.
If only others within the organisation would listen!
We've all said it many times, and in many many different ways - the answer lies in: identifying the stakeholder's motivations and problems, helping them solve their problems, selling the benefits, measuring the benefits delivered, influencing and communication and so on.
Yesterday I realised the crux of any good coaching session is helping the client realise they can't change anybody else only themselves. That is the solution lies in changing their beliefs and their actions.
Which leads me to ask - what is procurement doing, believing or saying that's contributing
to the reaction we're getting from others in the organisation?
I realise that Kraljic may just have the answer with his 4 segments of:1. Routine – Processes and effective working
From the majority of procurement's daily actions I'd suggest it's likely either routine, bottleneck or leverage.
No surprise then that the organisation treats us as such, and forgets to see us as partners and keeps us away from the top table.
For leaders to listen we need to start taking procurement seriously, and by word
and action demonstrate that procurement category deserves the strategic label? Once
we start doing that then the top table, and other business stakeholders, may start
taking us seriously. Until then don't be surprised when they keep telling you how
they want efficient ordering processes and more price reductions!
What's your experience? Let us know in the comments below or via @FPurchasing.
Tagged by topic: Category Management , Procurement Transformation
by Alison Smith


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The letters below are from customers who have been pleased with our work. If you would like to add a testimonial to our page, we would love to hear from you! Simply click complete the "Tell Us What You Think" form, and send us your thoughts. You can even include photos if you wish. We'll add your comments and pictures to this page for all to see.
Hilton Head Island, SC (7/12/15)
Dr. Conrad H. Easley of Hilton Head Island, SC, wrote a glowing testimonial about service received by Byron Hill of Piper Plumbing.
* Dr. Easley letter page 1 (PDF)
* Dr. Easley letter page 2 (PDF)
Contact Us
Office: 843.686.5972
Email: email@example.com
Hilton Head Island, SC (10/28/14)
We had a leak that appeared to be coming from the slab. After two weeks of trying to get estimates from various plumbers, Piper Plumbing came out and reviewed our situation. The leak was not from the slab as others had predicted, but a relief valve from a hot water heater in the attic. Piper Plumbing saved us thousands of dollars and the headache of dealing with a slab leak.
Thank you! We have found ourselves a new plumber.
— Ted W
Hilton Head Island, SC (8/22/14)
I had an issue with the install of my dishwasher that I purchased recently. Piper Plumbing came out and fixed the problem immediately! Thank you very much for the follow-up and professional service. I will call you again when I need another install!
— Heather M
Hilton Head Island, SC (7/18/2014)
Once again Piper Plumbing saved the day for me! Michael responded to my call on a Sunday afternoon to a house with a major plumbing problem. We will use Piper Plumbing again and again due to their professionalism and immediate response to our calls. Thanks again, Michael!!
— Linda S
Why Choose Us?
Competitive Pricing
24 Hour Plumbing / 7 Days a Week
Quality Service that is GUARANTEED
Payment Types Accepted:
Checks, cash, American Express, MasterCard, Visa, and Discover cards.
**All checks are to be made out to Piper Plumbing Home & Commercial Services, LLC.
We are a pet friendly Company.
Bluffton, SC (7/2/2014)
We had a sewage backup at Plantation Point in one building caused by someone pouring grease down a drain. Fourteen condos had water backing up in their tubs and toilets! We called a plumber who could not get the drain unclogged.
We then called Piper Plumbing, and Marion and Michael were here in no time. They used a heavy equipment machine that unclogged the drain and saved the day for this Community Association Manager. They were very experienced and very friendly and professional. The next time we need a plumber, Piper Plumbing will be the first company we call! Thanks Piper Plumbing!!!
— Vicki Bruno
Hilton Head Island, SC (6/6/2014)
Kudos to Waylon!! I called him on a Sunday night for help with a property that had a sewage backup outside the house. He responded immediately and saved the day for me as well as the guests! We will certainly use your company again in the future, including the follow up work suggested by Waylon.
— Linda S
Hilton Head Island, SC (11/20/2013)
I must say the experience and service rendered by Piper Plumbing and their service man Waylon Webb were above excellent. I felt my concerns about plumbing mess etc. were not visible after the service and that knowledge and expertise were recognizable from the onset. GREAT SERVICE!
Pleasant Valley, NY (4/1/2013)
I would like to thank Piper Plumbing as I am a new owner in Hilton Head. I noticed a leak under the bathroom sink, and called Piper Plumbing. A technician was sent out to fix the problem in a timely manner. I commend Jorge Aparicio on his excellent work!! He not only did a great job, he also was friendly and explained what he had done. He was a pleasure to deal with and I would definitely use Piper Plumbing again for any plumbing issues that I may have.
— Diane / Allen Denardo
Hilton Head Island, SC (2/5/13)
The Children's Center is a non-profit daycare serving Hilton Head and Bluffton. We had a plumbing emergency, called Piper Plumbing, and they were there within an hour. Mark Piper Plumbing came himself and worked on our problem for 5 days (over a holiday weekend). Mark fixed our problem and when asked for an invoice, he stated "NO CHARGE!"
What a wonderful gesture. Piper Plumbing is looking out for our community, helping make our daycare more affordable to parents. A big "Thank You" goes out to you folks at Piper Plumbing.
— Rick Christian
Lawrenceburg, IN (1/21/13)
We are new to Hilton Head home ownership. I knew that someday I would explore the possibility of removing our two hot water heaters from the attic to another place. Well, we walked into the home and water was running out as fast as it was coming in! Thank God, the drip pan worked and the water was going out the overflow! Bad hot water heaters: I called Piper Plumbing.
Once Waylon came for the initial consult for options, he was extremely helpful and took the approach of advising what "he" would do. Well we took the old tanks out of the attic and put our new one in the corner of the garage. He offered advice and was very good at instilling a feeling of 'comfort' and confidence to us, the owners, that we were in good hands.
Work was done with great care. We are extremely satisfied with the work, and most importantly with the attitude of Waylon, as well as Tony Piper Plumbing, his assistant for the time worked here!
— Julius Bellegia
Hilton Head Island, SC (6/13/12)
We just finished up what I thought would be a nasty plumbing problem, but Piper Plumbing made the experience a pleasant one. I have liked all the plumbers they have sent, and I thought Piper Plumbing very reasonable in pricing; however, I must say Marion really was above my expectations. I will continue to call Piper Plumbing.
— Kerry Griffin
Hilton Head Island, SC (2/10/12)
I had the worst kind of leak – my water bill doubled, but there was no evidence of water anywhere. Piper Plumbing's leak detection crew was very patient and persistent, finally finding the damaged pipe about three feet down (very deep for HHI), under the concrete slab of the entrance hallway. Needless to say, it was a dirty process, so I was amazed and very appreciative of the clean-up, which included more than a yard of dirt in the hallway.
Persistent and professional – what more could you ask for!
— Michael Costa
Hilton Head Island, SC (1/19/12)
Let me start by saying if you need a plumber for your commercial plumbing, the search STOPS HERE!
During my recent work on Hilton Head Island at a major Retail Store, Marion Dobson and Gary Epperley managed to complete the scope of work required in an impeccable short amount of time.
From a professional point of view, having Piper Plumbing on your jobsite will reduce the chance of any problems. I take my hat off to Marion and Gary and would be honored to have them on my jobsite anytime anywhere.
— A.J. Siegler Rick Shipman Construction Inc. (Dexter, Mo)
Hilton Head Island, SC (11/16/11)
Like many homes on Hilton Head, ours has two hot water tanks, both 80 gallons. Piper Plumbing replaced the main one a year ago, after it failed and we had a warm shower coming from the ceiling.
I was having a cup of coffee in the kitchen recently when I heard the drip, drip again. I turned off the water and called Piper Plumbing.
The technician who came out talked with me about the two tanks. He said we should be fine with only one. So instead of having to buy another tank and paying the electric company every month, we just had him rework the hot water lines. It saved us hundreds of dollars. And when we figure in the power, it will save us thousands!
Thanks Piper Plumbing!
— Paul Myer
Marietta, GA (11/10/11)
I recently had Piper Plumbing replace a water heater. The service was completed without my being present. The agent I spoke to – Brandy Hunter – was very pleasant and answered my questions. The installation was completed in a timely manner and was below the estimated cost. I highly recommend them.
— Paul Charette
Hilton Head Island, SC (8/4/11)
I've been the President of The Preserve at Indigo Run ever since it was converted 8 years ago. When I took over, I was relatively new to the Island and initially explored all available vendors on the Island. I soon came to realize the importance of being able to depend on crucial vendors to do their jobs, not just at 2 PM on a Wednesday afternoon but also at 3 AM on a Saturday morning. I believe The Preserve is now dealing with vendors that do what we expect, when we expect, and with professionalism.
I would not hesitate to recommend Piper Plumbing for ANYTHING that involves plumbing matters. Not just the normal stopped up drains, but also the serious problems that are inevitable. After 8 years of working with plumbers on a large scale, I believe that Piper Plumbing is the ONLY plumber a plantation or an individual property owner should use. They know what they're doing and they do it with competitive pricing.
— Ross Pascall, President Board of Directors, The Preserve at Indigo Run Owner's Association.
Bluffton, SC (8/4/11)
I appreciate you replacing my hot water heater the same day I called — and for less than Lowe's! Marion was professional and experienced. A shower's going to feel good!
Thank you!
— Julie Edwards
Hilton Head Island, SC (7/26/11)
Marion Dobson just completed another plumbing job for us. We also asked that he install an outdoor "foot shower" for everyone to use after being at the beach. Marion was at his usual best — fast, friendly and concerned for service and value. Thanks to Marion and to Piper Plumbing.
— Bob Landell, Lawton Villas
Hilton Head Island, SC (7/18/11)
Mark Piper Plumbing and his team have done a great job of restoring the functionality of the plumbing systems at two of our commercial facilities. They were able to work around the Island Tire & Automotive Services' schedules to avoid any disruptions to our team's work. They also have come up with some cost effective means to correct several long-term existing problems. Great team to work with! While no one wants a plumbing problem, if we have one we know who we are calling first: Piper Plumbing. Great job guys.
— Berry Edwards
Hilton Head Island, SC 6/24/11
When one has a plumbing problem, all that is wanted is a prompt response and peace of mind that the plumbers know their trade. As an individual owners and regime president, I have had that peace of mind for over two decades of using the services of Piper Plumbing. From the moment of calling Vivian, to the assignment of a technician, we have the peace of mind in knowing that the problem will be solved and repaired in a very timely manner.
Piper Plumbing is an established firm with excellent technicians that is responsive, be it a weekday, weekend or holiday. You will always have the peace of mind that you are being provided with efficiency in the delivery of repair services that contribute to cost-efficient repairs. Lawton Villas is one of the older regimes in Sea Pines and Piper Plumbing staff members Marion, Mark, and Jorge have made it a point to know the plumbing scheme for the villas. This has earned Piper Plumbing the praise and confidence of the villa owners who make them "first call."
We highly recommend Piper Plumbing for their service, knowledgeable staff and response, which translates to peace of mind for the villa owners.
— Joseph P. Fletcher Jr., President – Lawton Villas Horizontal Regime
Hilton Head Island, SC 6/24/11
We arrived at our home at 9pm to find an awful plumbing disaster. A call went out at 9:15pm to Piper Plumbing. We prayed the problem would be fixed quickly. Waylon arrived in a short amount of time and did an AMAZING job with a smile. We are ever so thankful for the service. Thank you so much for the late-night rescue!
— Eileen & Bill Moore
Hilton Head Island, SC (6/15/11)
I have been involved with Mark Piper Plumbing in one capacity or another for well over a decade now. His pride in performance and his business are second to none. Mark's business continues to become bigger and better on account of the excellent service and reputation.
Businesses as well as personal residents can trust the workmanship and reliability that all involved with Piper Plumbing provide. For all of your plumbing needs from service to installation, one call will take care of it all.
— John Hollman
Hilton Head Island, SC (6/9/11)
As usual, Piper Plumbing responded promptly and replaced a defunct disposal in 30 minutes. Jorge (George) is always friendly and knowledgeable and he performed the task with little disruption and, in addition, left the cabinet under the sink clean and dry. I have used Mark's service for over 10 years and have never been dissatisfied with the results. I highly recommend the company and the entire crew for any plumbing job big or small.
— Jack Hurst
Hilton Head Island, SC (6/2/11)
Piper Plumbing has serviced my villa in Sea Pines on Hilton Head Island since 1984. Often, I would call from my home in New Jersey for additional work to be done before my arrival. Piper Plumbing techs are very competent and fearless. I would recommend Piper Plumbing for great service and their courtesy.
— Joan E. White
Hilton Head, SC (5/27/11)
I have been working with Piper Plumbing for two years. I would recommend them to anyone. They are prompt, dependable, but most of all very caring and willing to take care of you.
— Mrs. Gordon
Hilton Head, SC (5/26/11)
I've used Piper Plumbing for well over a decade and I am always happy with their knowledge, service and pricing. It's always great to deal with a family operated local business that takes care me and my family business.
Thank you, Mark, and all the others behind the scenes that make it all work.
— David S. Myers, Kigre Inc.
Bluffton, SC 5/24/11
My wife and I are residents of Pennsylvania and recently purchased a second home in Bluffton. After closing, we needed some repairs done to the hot water tanks, as detected in the inspection report. We contacted Piper Plumbing and had a representative there the next day for an estimate. During the estimate appointment, I mentioned several plumbing-related matters to the representative, who was very happy to investigate the issues while they were there to do the hot water tank repairs. Since we had to return to Pennsylvania, I left a key with the Piper Plumbing representative for access to the house during the repairs.
The original repairs were finished very timely, in a professional manner. While investigating the "other" matters, it was discovered that the main sewer line was plugged with roots from a nearby tree. The Piper Plumbing crew stayed at the job site until all the repairs were completed and kept me very well informed throughout the process. Other than having a plugged main sewer line, there were no surprises throughout the repairs. I had pictures of the problem, a daily update of the progress and the security of knowing that true professionals were on the job.
The plumbing in the house is now in perfect working condition, thanks to the professionals of Piper Plumbing. I highly recommend them to anyone needing anything related plumbing.
— Greg Chambers
Hilton Head Island, SC 5/24/11
Piper Plumbing is a pleasure to work with. They deliver an extremely fast, professional and competitive service that is unrivalled, and I have no hesitation in recommending them.
— Colleen Renew Broker-in-Charge, Rental Homes and Villas Sales, LLC


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We take great pride in our methodology for implementing an information system software solution. Our methodology has proven to be second to none.
Planning, Implementation, and Training
By blending our knowledge of manufacturing distribution and job cost information systems with our CPA skills we can provide the highest possible consulting services.
Ongoing Support
We are dedicated to the long-term success of our clients.


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plein aire
Riddle Pole
08/27/11 01:46 Filed in: Daily Painting
I painted this while Sam was at archery today (which is off Riddle Road in South Austin). I had forgot to put white paint in my bag so I had to wait until we got home to finish the sky. Very contrasty, kind of like it.


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Storage Area Networks (SANs) continue to attract IT managers as they seek to increase storage space and enhance performance. These products create independent control (called the fabric) of mass storage devices, alleviating the processing overhead on the server and offloading backup and recovery traffic. The fabric, typically using fibre channel technology, also increases the speed of storage access by creating multiple, simultaneous sessions between users and networked SANs.
All new technologies, however, go through an evolution of standards. Brocade Communications Systems, Inc. (San Jose, CA) with its Silkworm intelligent fabric enjoys a leadership position in this burgeoning market that Gartner Dataquest projects to grow to $17 billion by 2005. Brocade, founded in 1995, actively participates in multiple organizations attempting to establish a working standard for SANs. The initial standards, created and approved by the InterNational Committee for Information Technology Standards (INCITS) T11 Technical Committee, specify device level interfaces for Intelligent Peripheral Interfaces (IPI), High-Performance Parallel Interfaces (HIPPI) and Fibre Channel (FC). Although these provide a sense that products conforming to the standard will operate on a network, it does not guarantee an integrated approach. Specifications that allow fabric switches to identify other network elements, support end-to-end management of network devices, and ensure full interoperability remain under consideration.
Proof of Concept
Therefore, Brocade and other SAN vendors face a challenge. The companies must demonstrate that their products can improve performance and operate in an integrated environment. They also need to convince IT managers that they can implement SAN technology today without forcing the managers to reconfigure the existing networks. IT managers implementing a SAN want a product that will support existing network equipment and has built-in expansion capabilities. Brocade seeks to fill this void with its programs that allows independent vendors to verify that their software and hardware operates with the company's Silkworm fabric. Three programs exist:
* Fabric Aware-allows independent software and hardware vendors to develop products for the Silkworm switch and to test these products in Brocade's SAN Integration and Applications (SIA) test lab.https://o1.qnsr.com/log/p.gif?;n=203;c=204660765;s=10655;x=7936;f=201812281308090;u=j;z=TIMESTAMP;a=20400368;e=i
* Fabric Access-opens the API to applications developers to encourage the development of components that work with Brocade technology and other third-party products.
* SOLUTIONware-provides a series of technology reports that demonstrate how Brocade technologies combined with independent products can provide a solution for specific applications.
Fabric Aware and Fabric Access partners are given access to the Fabric Access Software Developer's Kit (SDK) which includes the Fabric Access API, and sample code in order to develop an integrated SAN application. IT managers also can use this API and SDK to develop or customize other applications.
Putting It to the Test
Brodcade, however, provides more than technical assistance. Independent vendors test their products and application in Brocade's SIA lab, which supports a variety of platforms and storage equipment. Brocade claims that their lab provides one of the largest and most diverse SAN fabrics available and that the testing follows models developed by the Storage Network Industry Association (SNIA). Vendors and Brocade technicians work together to identify and fix problems, and the vendor pays for the time and product resources used in the SIA lab.
The SIA lab consists of several server platforms, including:
* Windows NT
* Windows 2000
* Windows XP
* Solaris
In addition, the SIA lab incorporates such disk configurations as RAID arrays, fibre channel disks, JBOD, tape drives, and tape libraries. The test configurations include single resilient and dual redundant fabrics with 28, 1G- and 2G-byte switches.
Once a product passes the tests in the SIA lab, the vendor is verified as a Brocade Fabric Aware partner. The vendor also agrees to cooperate with Brocade in resolving any problems that users may report.
As products emerge from the Brocade testing, the vendor can publish specific technical guidelines for implementing that SAN application. This resource, called SOLUTIONware, allows IT managers to better understand and envision how a SAN would operate within their existing environment. This can provide comfort as IT managers seek to understand how a new technology will change their network, and it helps IT managers gain a clearer estimate of the overall cost of implementing a SAN.
Brocade boasts more than 40 partners (see table) that have verified their products through the Fabric Aware and Fabric Access programs. While this impressive array of vendors includes such companies as Adaptec, Agilent, EMC, Emulex, Hewlett Packard, IBM, StorageTek, and Sun Microsystems, their inclusion in the list does not imply that each vendor's products work with all vendors' offerings. IT managers will need to consult with the SOLUTIONware listing to determine the mix of products that each vendor tested.
Seeking Neutrality
What started as a marketing challenge-convincing IT managers that SANs technology can operate on existing networks and incorporate products from multiple vendors-has grown to be a cornerstone of the network storage market. SNIA now supports a test lab that seems to follow the Brocade approach. SNIA members use this lab to test products in a heterogeneous environment. For example, Brocade, Compaq, Emulex, IBM, JNI, and QLogicProducts demonstrated a network designed for optimized backup operations and high availability of disk storage. The companies agreed to cooperatively support the resulting configuration, and the configuration gained the approval of SNIA's Supported Solutions Forum (SSF).
Using results from the various testing platforms, IT managers can configure network storage solutions with more confidence. The adoption of open standards for storage systems helps ensure that the equipment selected by IT managers will continue to work as the network expands.
In spite of the testing and claims of interoperability, the vendors do not guarantee results. One reason for this reluctance is the legal exposure guarantees impose on the vendor, but an equally important reason is that vendors and IT managers know that no two networks operate the same. Therefore, there is no substitute for careful planning. This is especially true for evolving technologies like SANs.
Next month we'll look at EMC's testing and qualification program.
Brocade Fabric Aware Partners


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More busy days with strange goings on and infuriating meetings abundantly fruitless.
Tuesday evening was the second meeting of the Beijing books and movies club which had another decent turn-out. A couple of students from the Chinese Academy of Film came along which was a great chance to find out some interesting directors to hunt down.
I was also given a superb book called 'Who got Einstein's office?'. Einstein was the first resident professor in the Institute for Advanced Studies in Princeton. The IAS was set up in the 30s from a hefty donation as a centre where the greatest minds in the world could get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life with no pressure to teach, to produce papers, to be bombarded with administration but to concentrate on the most abstract problems of mathematics and physics that anyone has ever pondered. It's been home to 12 Nobel Prize winners and many Fields medal winners (the mathematics equivalent of the Nobel Prize).
The institute is set in a leafy background away from any big city with its distractions, noise and traffic and consequently some incredible discoveries have come out of this idyll. Currently the ruler of the roost is Ed Witten, probably the most brilliant mind in the scientific world today. He's slightly unusual as a theoretical physicist as he has also made huge contributions in areas of abstract mathematics and won the Fields medal in '93.
The book is a great look at the history of the department and the amazing, bizarre minds who have changed the world of the abstract and the concrete there over the years. Though he didn't make the discovery at the institute, Kurt Godel who worked there at the same time as Einstein, changed the way mathematics is viewed as a consistent enclosed system of logic by proving that there were problems that you could pose but which are unprovable. Not just very hard but logical impossible to prove. This may sound trivial but it rocked the established viewpoint of mathematical reasoning as a subject that with enough work could prove anything.
Anyway, for anyone interested in some of the greatest minds of the last hundred years, this is a wonderful book.
(While I'm on the subject of great minds, I came across Joe Polchinski's page on Wikipedia. Anyone from Tasi 2005 will know why this is particularly amusing, apologies to those who weren't.)
Since the gathering on Tuesday, people who were not there seem to have got the wrong end of the stick and think that we've formed some sort of political discussion group and are currently threatening to report us to the authorities. Though a bit of a shock at first we're not worried because having spoken to people who know about these things, we know that we're not in the wrong. An interesting insight into the paranoia of group gatherings however and something that we're going to keep a good eye on. I shall attempt not to get arrested in my time out here, though with Mr B coming out in a few days, that may be easier said than done.
I had planned to learn another 20 Chinese characters yesterday but instead was forced to sit through a three hour meeting in Chinese. This was the yearly report by all postdocs on progress and future plans and perhaps the biggest waste of time I've ever witnessed. First year postdocs got five minutes to explain their proposals to a group of thirty or so scientists from a diverse range of fields from biophysics and crystallography to quantum groups and cosmology. Second year postdocs had ten minutes to sum up the last year's work. Completely infuriating and I'm going to do my best to get out of such future things as much as possible without insulting the high and mighty.
I bit of a disappointment for this weekend as I was hoping to travel the 3000km round trip by train to Harbin to go and see the ice festival which is held there annually. Unfortunately because it's coming up to the Spring festival train tickets are in short supply and the two hour queue in -5 didn't appeal. I'll sort myself out for next year. However, to brighten up this post, here are some photos of what I would have seen!
As far as I know it's the largest ice and snow festival in the world with lifesize replicas of many of the great buildings and sculptures of the world. Garish in the extreme but it ought to be an amazing sight. Next year, next year.
Thursday, January 19, 2006
More busy days with strange goings on and infuriating meetings abundantly fruitless.
2 comments:
- Luca said...
When last year I was at the Institute attending PiTP, we're told that the institute actually was originally planned as a school for teachers. As far as I know, it became what it is only later, because of Einstein and all the others founding fathers of modern physics.
Speaking of the isolation, either one studies there or one studies. It's one of the most isolated, self-contained physics institute I've ever been. Probably Ecole Polythechnique (pardon the spelling) is either more isolated but at least it's not only physics.
- 3:25 pm
- Unknown said...
The first plans were for a medical research centre. The story of how it turned into what it is, is a long but interesting one and I really advise reading the book. Einstein was the first professor enlisted by the institute so I think that since then it has always maintained a strict policy of research with little teaching.
When you were there did you enjoy the isolation or was it too much? Did you find it conducive to producing good work?
- 1:16 pm


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Adekunle Gold drops another music video, 'Surrenda' off his recently released 'About 30' album that's still getting positive remarks from music critics Nationwide.
Adekunle Gold's 'Surrenda' is a song that expresses how her dream woman makes her believe more in love.
Watch and download Adekunle Gold – Surrenda video below: –


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La Solana holiday cottage is in the beautiful area of Tejeda. The property is a fine example of traditional Canarian architecture. The renovation works, completed in 2002, have preserved the original structure of the cottage, a former farmhouse built in the early 20th century. Its fantastic location, overlooking an impressive gorge, inspires peace and tranquillity.
The cottage's spacious yet cosy living room is an ideal spot to relax, read a book or listen to music. The house has everything you need to enjoy your stay to the full. It has been carefully decorated and furnished using restored antiques and making the most of the natural light. The result is a harmonious warm atmosphere.
You can enjoy nature as you cook on the barbecue on the terrace outside, or chill out in the jacuzzi.
La Solana is a perfect choice for nature-lovers. There are wonderful landscapes to be explored on your doorstep: ravines, cultivation terraces and beautiful scenery in the foothills where you can unwind and forget about time. Ideal for rest and relaxation with plenty of opportunities for hiking along the traditional footpaths.


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Now you can travel back to ancient Cyprus, thanks to a VR app developed by researchers.
The Paphos Theatre in VR app, available on Google Play and iTunes, is the result of 20 years of excavation by University of Sydney archaeologists, and lets you explore the ancient Nea Paphos' Theatre during its heyday in 150 AD.
Nea Paphos was the capital of Cyprus, located off the coast of Turkey, during the Roman and Hellenistic periods (c. 300 BC-400 AD) until an earthquake destroyed everything in 365 AD.
University archaeologists, led by Dr. Craig Barker, and Melbourne digital technology firm Lithodomos created a 360-degree experience which lets you check out Nea Paphos' epic theatre. Able to host 8,500 people and 100 metres in diameter, the theatre boasted imported Mediterranean architecture, including a grand Roman façade, imperial statues and marble columns. Read more…


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Wed 31.05.2017 19:30 map
CNDB is making a performative three-year review (2014-2017)
CNDB is inviting everyone in the contemporary dance community, as well as all the institution's friends to a mandate review (2014-2017) replete with anecdotes and immortal stories, with pie charts and actual pies, with a summer spritzer at the end of spring, but also with a karaoke super-session – our team and our extended family's friend in need. At the same time, we're restarting the series of summer events inaugurated last year with Andreea David and her CNDB Domol.
"At the end of this mandate, we have few questions: How was it? Was it or wasn't it? And what was the use?", says Vava Ştefănescu, CNDB manager in the aforementioned interval.
We hope to develop these ideas together with you, along with everyone's questions. The most powerful, at the end of this stage, is: What's the road to Omnia hall, in the current social and political context? It's a question we aim at everyone in the dance community, regardless of how close or how far from CNDB they feel.
Speaking about Omnia hall and its development, we also propose a new series of guided tours in the future home of Romanian dance, also on May 31, before the review/party/karaoke hybrid at the Stere Popescu Hall.
►12.00, 14.00, 16.00, 18.00: Guided tours in the Omnia hall (Strada Cristian Popișteanu 1)
Book your place at [email protected] or via the phone number +4 0721 151 338
►19.30 – 20.30: Review, Q&A, selections from the activity report
►20.30 – until the last man standing: Wine and beer, cookies, karaoke; in one word, leisure!


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More than half of UK tradesmen think wolf whistling is chauvinistic
A recent survey in the UK has revealed that more than half of tradesmen think wolf whistling is sexist and chauvinistic.
The research found that 75 per cent of tradesmen now believe it is inappropriate to whistle at women who walk past building sites.
Of these, 56 per cent said they would not wolf whistle because it is "chauvinistic and sexist".
Almost one in five (19 per cent) however said they would avoid whistling only out of fear of being sued for sexual harassment.
Last year two builders in Hertfordshire were suspended after being accused of wolf whistling at a woman, setting a precedent for intolerance of harassment amongst construction industry employers.
The study, conducted by the Direct Line for Business, questioned British tradesmen – including roofers, plasters and construction workers – on their attitudes towards women.
Jazz Gakhal, head of Direct Line for Business, said: "The research reveals changing attitudes to acceptable behaviour in the workplace, with people labelling behaviour other generations might have tolerated as outdated and inappropriate.
"It appears the days of women being wolf whistled at as they pass building or construction sites are dying out. Attitudes regarding acceptable behaviour towards members of the opposite sex continue to evolve and it appears for many the wolf whistle represents a time long past."
Nevertheless, one quarter of the survey's respondents said they saw nothing wrong with wolf whistling, so the industry may still have some way to go in eliminating the practice.


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As pitchers and catchers get ready to dust off their gloves, grab some eye black and report to spring training, Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association are talking about making some bold changes to America's pastime.
Proposed changes range from some minor tweaks, such as shortening the time of breaks between innings, to much larger changes, like adding the designated hitter to the National League and implementing a three-batter minimum for relief pitchers.
Other discussion points deal with lowering the pitching mound again to help boost offence, starting extra innings with a runner on second base, divisional realignment, expanding the playoffs and adding more microphones on players and coaches to enhance the TV viewing experience.
It's all in an effort to make the game of baseball faster and more exciting.
Rick Zamperin: Roy Halladay won't enter Hall of Fame as a Blue Jay
In 2018, for the first time in baseball's 147-year history, there were more strikeouts than hits. The overall batting average also fell to its lowest level since 1972. It's no surprise that baseball's average attendance fell below 30,000 for the first time since 2003.
No offence to pitchers, but fans want to see more offence, and that's why the two biggest changes baseball can make are lowering the pitching mound and having a universal DH.
The mound was lowered from 15 inches to 10 after 1968 — known as the "Year of the Pitcher" — after teams combined to score 6.8 runs per game. MLB teams averaged 8.8 runs per game last year.
Fans still want to see good pitching and will grow tired of final scores like 11-8 and 13-6 every other game so I'd suggest the umpires have a consistent strike zone: from the armpits to the top of the knees.
Montreal native Jim McKean, longtime umpire and Grey Cup champion, dies at 73
The American League has employed the DH rule since 1973, and it has not only extended the careers of some sluggers who have defensive liabilities, it has also generated more offence compared to the National League, which still has pitchers step into the batter's box.
The two biggest tweaks baseball can make are right before our eyes. The trouble is, we won't see either change anytime soon.
© 2019 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.


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Monday, November 08, 2010
President Obama held off his enemies on election day
"There'll Be Other Obamas to Liberate America"
And yet, in a rapidly changing and globalising world people must change or remain behind, ossified. That is why the United States is today sliding down the global scale of wealth, influence, and respectability. The increasing rise and popularity of India, China and Brazil are pointers to the American hubris. The causes of America's slow death include petulant racism, conceited arrogance, the quest to be the lords of mankind, and the disconnect with the disconsolate world.
America is historically known for its bondage system of slavery that traumatised its black population. Was Obama convinced that as a black president, he would survive white America's pathetic racism and treachery?
But it was not just white intolerance that bothered some of us with regard to Obama's presidency. We also knew that the majority of the Black Americans -- the descendants of the slaves -- would not readily accept him. Despite their historical tragedy, the Black Americans also practise segregation against the more recent African migrants to the United States. To them, Obama is not pedigree enough because his father did not cross the Atlantic in a slave dungeon.
To most Black Americans, Obama's ideas have nothing to do with the Negro problem. James Baldwin tell us in Notes of a Native Son that however grand one's ideas, however cute and talented, "if the world looks at them with frightening indifference, then they are bound to melt away like the morning dew drops."
To most Black Americans, Obama will never be a Malcolm X, a Martin Luther King, a Jesse Jackson, a Colin Powell, or even a Condoleezza Rice. His Cabinet is solidly Caucasian while his education is ethically WASP (White, Anglo Saxon and Protestant).
Is Obama alone in the American wilderness? Not at all. Despite the reported mass exodus of the whites to the Republican party, Obama still has the support of a core crowd of whites and blacks who are not mesmerised by cheap hip-hop racism and folklorist history. This commitment to Obama is based on his liberative ideology that is modernist and futuristic.
Obama has proved to be a new kind of leader -- one who can bring people together and be honest about the challenges Americans face. After years of failed politics from Washington, Obama offers his country a chance to reclaim the American Dream. His ideas have not failed and he remains globally popular. It is the very conservative American crowd that has rejected his ideology. Other Obamas will arise, and the United States of America will be liberated from its obnoxious moorings.
Prof Ochieng' teaches history at Maseno University.


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On 6/27/08, the Presbyterian Church USA made several moves to sanction the ordination of homosexual clergy at their General Assembly. Now the measures go the 173 presbyteries for vote. It is expected that the will pass. See Albert Mohler's discussion of this historic and lamentable event.
June 2008
June 30, 2008
Presbyterian Church USA to officially ordain homosexual clergyPosted by Theosophical Ruminator under Apologetics, Homosexuality
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June 30, 2008
How Do You Know It's Jesus You Feel in Your Heart?Posted by Theosophical Ruminator under Apologetics, Epistemology
[3] Comments
When people ask Christians how we know Christianity is true, it is common for us to respond with something like, "Because I feel Jesus in my heart" or "Because I have experienced the risen Christ." While I think faith is rational even apart from rational evidences/arguments, this sort of justification for Christian belief seems inadequate. It can always be asked how we know it was Jesus we encountered, as opposed to some other deity. Did Jesus appear to us? No. We merely had an experience that seemed undeniably supernatural in nature. So why think it was an experience with Jesus, then?
I would venture to say that we claim to have encountered Jesus because of the context in which our supernatural encounter occurred. We encountered the supernatural after having heard and believed the message of Jesus' resurrection, and then interpret the encounter to be the result of such a belief, and confirmation that the belief is true. Hence, we say we felt Jesus in our heart, or experienced the risen Christ.
The problem is that a wide variety of religions, each with competing truth claims, profess to experience the divine. They also interpret their experience in light of the religious teaching they have been taught. They conclude that they have experienced God X, and that such an experience vindicates the truth of their religious tradition.
A religious pluralist might argue that no group experiences the deity they claim to have experienced (Jesus, Allah, Brahman, etc.). They might argue they had a genuine experience with the unknowable God, but mistakenly tried to identify Him with the God as described by their faith tradition. So when a Christian encounters God, he thinks he has encountered Jesus, and this is proof that Christianity is true. When a Muslim encounters God, he thinks he has encountered Allah, and this is proof that Islam is true. How do we respond to such an interpretation?
On one level, I agree with the religious pluralist. His explanation makes sense of the variegated inter-religious claims to have encountered with God. People actually do encounter God as he reaches out for them, but they misidentify Him because they interpret their experience of Him in light of their false religious tradition. Where I think the pluralist is mistaken is that he applies his interpretation to all religious traditions, not holding out the possibility that one faith tradition may have properly identified the God whom they have encountered.
If it is possible that one religious tradition properly identifies the God people experience, how would we know which religious tradition it was? What has been said already should highlight the problem of using religious experience as a proof for one religious tradition over another. Something more than an experience is needed to adjudicate competing religious traditions, otherwise we are left arguing in a circle. So how can we know that our interpretation of the divine is the correct one, as opposed to theirs? I would argue that we must test the various faith traditions using our rational faculties. Are they philosophically viable? Are they internally consistent? Are they confirmed/contradicted by scientific or historical data? And the list goes on. When various faith traditions are subjected to such tests, I think Christianity comes out on top as being the most viable, and that is good reason to believe the God we encountered in our experience is indeed the risen Christ.
June 27, 2008
What a Dumb Thing to SayPosted by Theosophical Ruminator under Thinking
[2] Comments
I take the train to work. Most days, there is a man playing the saxophone near the staircase at the depot. He always displays some sort of message to the passerbys, usually of a religious or philosophical bent, and not always profound. Today's message struck me as particularly dumb: For every question, personal experience is the final test of truth."
Really? I wanted to ask him if he had ever been to Naples. I would expect a negative answer, at which time I would respond, "So I assume you don't believe Naples exists, then, right?" If personal experience is the final test for truth, and we have not experienced it, then it cannot be true. In my own life, a whole host of things cannot be true: murder, wealth, and the like. Very dumb. And yet, empiricism is how many people go about determining truth.
June 20, 2008
Deism: The Deadbeat Dad Version of TheismPosted by Theosophical Ruminator under Religions, Theology
[3] Comments
Many Americans are Deists. Few would claim that title, but their view of God is deistic in either actual profession or actual behavior. They either believe in a creator God who is not involved with His creation, or they live their lives in such a way that assumes God is uninvolved with creation. So I thought I would formulate a brief definition of Deism that both defines it and criticizes it all at once. Here you go: "Deism is the deadbeat dad version of theism; the half-way house between theism and atheism for those who have enough sense to see the intellectual bankruptcy of atheism, but no tolerance for the presence of a personal God who might interfere in their personal lives." You can quote me on that!
June 18, 2008
Oldest Church? Doubtful.Posted by Theosophical Ruminator under Archaeology
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A week or so ago, it was reported that archaeologists uncovered what they believed to be the world's oldest surviving church, in Jordan. The archaeologists dated it to the 1st century, and due to a mosaic with the inscription "the 70 beloved by God and the divine" on the floor, they suggested the cave church was started by the 70 disciples of Christ who fled Jerusalem due to persecution.
I was extremely skeptical of the claim upon hearing of it. While I held out the possibility that this cave was a gathering of 1st century believers, I found it beyond belief that it was started by the 70 disciples of Christ. It appears my skepticism is warranted. National Geographic has an article detailing the counter-arguments of critics. They not only dispute the claim that this cave church was started by the 70 disciples of Christ, but that it was a first century church as well. This appears to be another instance of archaeological sensationalism.
June 15, 2008
Should We Sin Because Grace is Available?Posted by Theosophical Ruminator under Hamartiology, Soteriology, Theology
[4] Comments
Many holiness-minded individuals fear the doctrine of grace by faith because they think it leads to antinomianism. I have no doubt that some have used grace as a pretext for sin, but they do so without the support of Scripture. Scripture is clear that the grace that saves is the same grace that teaches us to deny ungodliness (Titus 2:12), and empowers us for holiness (Romans 6:14). To calm the minds of grace-fearers, and to correct the minds of grace-abusers, let me offer the following medical analogy.
Sin is like a cancer. It destroys the good cells in our body, and eventually leads to death. To treat this deadly disease one must undergo chemotherapy (grace). But would anyone in their right mind willingly inject their body with cancerous cells simply because a treatment for the ensuing cancer is available? Of course not! So why would anyone intentionally sin simply because grace is available to treat it? The purpose of the New Covenant was not to provide us with a license to sin, but to provide us with grace that would not only wipe away our past transgressions, but give us the power to avoid future transgressions.
June 15, 2008
Isn't it Ironic?Posted by Theosophical Ruminator under Apologetics, Evolution, Worldview
[6] Comments
Isn't it ironic that those who espouse to Darwinian evolution are also the least likely to have multiple children and most likely to support and/or obtain abortions. They are supposed to believe in survival of the fittest. Only those who reproduce stand a chance at survival, and those who reproduce the most stand the greatest chance for survival and subsequent evolution. Apparently Darwinian liberals are not fit to survive!
In all seriousness, I think this reveals the cognitive dissonance of liberals. They cannot consistently live out their worldview. In fact, given the maxim that people behave in accordance with their beliefs, I tend to think most adherents of Darwinism do not really believe it. They may give intellectual assent to it, but they don't live it. All that matters is that God is out of the picture.


text: Samsung has three new canister vacuums designed for fur and dander buildup. They are available in electric blue, champagne and black. They feature a 2.5 liter dust bin that can be easily be removed and emptied without spilling dust. They all have HEPA filters to trap small particles. The airflow design also allows reduction in noise.


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The families we support are far from home and worried about their children. By providing a place to stay and support through our additional programs, we help families get through difficult times. But we need your help. Our House hosts families 365 days out of the year.
Whether you're allocating foundation dollars or just have a few pennies to spare, everything helps. Just $10 provides a family with one night at the Reno Ronald McDonald House.
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Change dropped in McDonald's canisters in northern Nevada (and some California restaurants) comes directly to the Reno House.
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Whether it's helping in the office, staffing our Family Room, or cooking for the families, we are always in need of more volunteers. Learn more here.
Connect With Us
Like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter at @RMHCReno and sign up for our monthly e–newsletter. You'll see a wealth of stories from our guest families and hear plenty of ways you can get involved on a day-to-day business. You'll also see #WishListWednesday requests once a week, where we ask for small items the House needs.
Pantry Drives
Help the families in our House by bringing in items from our Wish List. We need the every day items that every home needs, but in larger quantities. Call the House to schedule an appointment to drop off items and tour the House.
Keep an eye on our events to find fun ways you and your friends can help us fundraise to keep families together.


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Paul Holmes 25 Mar 2003 // 12:00AM GMT
How do you engage community influencers and families (a target demographic), create an opportunity for franchisees to build one-on-one relationships in the community while strengthening the brand halo with a broadly relevant community relations initiative? You make the homework equation a little sweeter for students, parents and teachers. The Grade A Donuts Homework Achievement program targets a crucial but maligned educational area – homework – and has evolved into an effective and anticipated teaching tool, ordered—and celebrated—by thousands of teachers throughout the target region.
Situation Analysis
Dunkin' Donuts is the largest coffee and donut shop chain in the country, with more than 1,000 shops in the New York- and Philadelphia- areas. While many of the franchisees are active in their individual communities, Dunkin' Donuts received consistently low scores in consumers' perception of the brand's community involvement. In 1998, with the core family demographic in mind, Weber Shandwick began building an umbrella community relations initiative, Dunkin' Donuts' WEE CARE: Community Partnership for Children that would serve as a platform for targeted cohesive community programming.
One of the core programs, Grade A Donuts, was created to encourage homework excellence among elementary school students. It received glowing feedback during its pilot years. As the program entered its third year, Dunkin' Donuts was looking to increase the scale and reach of the effort and seeking new ways to engage the community.
In the early stages of developing this school-based program, Weber Shandwick consulted with educators and popular educational literature to identify an area that was not only broad and important enough to create a program around, but different enough to make an impact – both educationally and promotionally. The research led the team to homework – essential for student success, the bridge between home and school (a key to reaching parents), yet effectively ignored by corporate supporters. In considering the age group on which to focus, Weber Shandwick further uncovered the oft-reported importance of third grade as a pivotal year in predicting long-term student success.
· Reinforce Dunkin' Donuts image as a proud member and supporter of the communities it serves
· Heighten awareness of the Dunkin' Donuts brand
· Drive shop traffic
· Mobilize local influencers (e.g. teachers, legislators, local celebrities) to be ambassadors for the brand
· Align Dunkin' Donuts with a highly respected educational publisher
· Create a reason for kids and their families to visit Dunkin' Donuts again and again
· Showcase Dunkin' Donuts' – and individual franchisees'—support of the community
Weber Shandwick worked with the experts at Scholastic, Inc. to develop the year-three program, which was distributed to Scholastic's list of more than 12,000 third-grade teachers throughout the New York- and Philadelphia- areas. The branded educational packet teachers received included a "Reach for the Stars" poster for in-class display, tips for teachers and parents, goal sheets for students, homework excellence certificates and donut vouchers. In short, the packet was not only a helpful educational tool, but provided multiple opportunities for teachers, students and parents to connect with the brand.
Grade A "Wall of Fame"
To create another reason for families to visit Dunkin' Donuts, at the same time allowing individual franchisees to showcase their support for the community, Weber Shandwick enlisted several dozen shops to feature a "Wall of Fame." On these walls, Homework Star students were celebrated in personalized stars on display throughout the program period.
Poster Contest
In an effort to keep students' and teachers' enthusiasm level high throughout the program, while creating another reason to celebrate Grade A Donuts in the community and in the media, Weber Shandwick created the "Homework Is Important Because…" poster contest. Classes throughout the region competed for a chance to win a combined total of $10,000 in books. Mary GrandePre, the artist of the famed Harry Potter books, led a team of judges that included legislators, school board members and athletes. Four first-place winners and one grand-prize winner were selected in each participating state. Winning classes were honored by Dunkin' Donuts and appropriate local judges and dignitaries at ceremonies held at the New York Public Library, Free Library of Philadelphia, New Jersey State Museum and Delaware Museum of Natural History. The winning artwork stayed on display for all in the communities to see through the end of the school year.
Media Outreach
Weber Shandwick introduced the local media to Grade A Donuts by distributing press materials and program samples in personalized lunch boxes. Select newspapers tracked the program success by staying in touch with their local teachers, while other media outlets simply included the Grade A Donuts homework tips for parents. At the culmination of the program, Weber Shandwick also spread the good news of the grand prize-winning classes to their local media.
Awareness – More than 50 regional newspapers covered news of the Grade A Donuts program and local news stations heralded Dunkin' Donuts' participation in the community. Teachers and parents demonstrated their resounding support for the program, with calls flooding the information line requesting the program and coupons.
Community Alignment – The Grade A Donuts program aligned Dunkin' Donuts with trusted and influential members of the community who showcased their support for the program by participating in contest judging and award ceremonies and, of course, by using the program in the classroom.
Shop Traffic – The Grade A Donuts program had monthly traffic drivers built in with thousands of students and their parents visiting shops to redeem the Homework Star donut coupons. In addition, hundreds more kids and their parents sought out "Wall of Fame" shops to showcase their homework achievements.
Program Expansion – With the fourth year of the program already underway, participants are benefiting from several program enhancements. For example, Weber Shandwick assembled a teacher advisory board, which led to a program format that is easily personalized by teachers. In addition, in order to ensure that each and every program produced is put to use, Grade A Donuts is now order-only – and order expectations were easily exceeded. Finally, the program has already received media coverage this year, even as the recent tragedies have made editorial space far more scarce. Fourth-year coverage to-date includes News 12 Westchester, News 12 Connecticut, News 12 New Jersey, Staten Island Advance, the Trenton Times and more.


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Over the last few weeks, HELLFIRE has been an Amazon Best Seller in the US, UK, Australia and Canada. It reached the top 10 on the list in Canada and Australia for Political Thrillers.
Over the past several months HELLFIRE has been an English language Amazon Best Seller in the US, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, India, Spain, Mexico, Brasil, and Mars (just kidding, but Amazon's probably working on it). Thanks to all of my readers.
HELLFIRE is definitely worth a read.


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Switzerland's competition watchdog said on Monday it had opened an investigation into several Swiss, British and American banks over possible collusion to manipulate foreign exchange rates.
WEKO said it is investigating UBS, Credit Suisse, Zuercher Kantonal Bank, Julius Baer, JP Morgan, Citigroup, Barclays and Royal Bank of Scotland.
Credit Suisse said it was "astonished" to be drawn into the Swiss competition probe.
"Credit Suisse AG was not the subject of the preliminary investigation carried out by the competition commission into various banks," the Swiss bank said in a statement.
"The press release contains incorrect references to Credit Suisse AG and these allegations are both inappropriate and harmful to our reputation."
Follow us on Twitter: @CNBCWorld


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