text:
Motion 21-Motion to Vacate Judgment in Car Accident Case
James P. Newman, Shari S. Shelmadine, Newman & Pelafas, 118 South Clinton - Suite 300, Chicago, Illinois 60661, 312.756.5600, Atty No. 35702.
Judge Ellis Reid.
Room 2502
NOW COMES the Plaintiff, AMERICAN SERVICE INSURANCE COMPANY ("ASI"), by and through its attorneys, NEWMAN & PELAFAS, and for its Post-Trial Motion for a vacation of the judgment on September 18, 2000, for judgment in favor of ASI and against the Defendant, LESLAW OLSZEWSKI ("Olszewski"), or, in the alternative, for a new trial, states and alleges as follows:
This declaratory judgment action, filed by ASI, derived from an automobile accident in which Olszewski was involved with Eva Kruth on December 31, 1997. On or before June 8, 1997, ASI issued its automobile insurance Policy Number IL PP 261498-00-01 to Olszewski as the named insured, subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions as set forth fully therein (the "Policy"). The Policy had effective dates of June 8, 1997 through December 8, 1997. It is ASI's position that Olszewski failed and neglected to pay the requisite renewal premium to ASI to renew his insurance policy when it expired on December 8, 1997. Accordingly, on December 31, 1997, when the automobile accident occurred between Olszewski and Eva Kruth, the ASI Policy was not in effect. The ASI Policy was thereafter renewed, with effective dates of January 6, 1998 to July 6, 1998.
In opposition to ASI's position, Olszewski asserted that on December 6, 1997, he requested a renewal of the Policy and paid the sum of $169.00 as a down payment pursuant to an installment plan, which he apparently arranged with and through Midwest Competent & Insurance Agency, and that he eventually paid the total requested premium. Olszewski further asserted that he received a copy of a Fax Copy Letter requesting such renewal, and that he thereafter received an Insurance Identification Card indicating an effective date of January 6, 1998.
On September 18, 2000, following several continuances, each of which was on the Court's own motion, this matter proceeded to a bench trial before Judge Ellis Reid. Following the evidence, the Court entered judgment in favor of Olszewski and against ASI. This Post-Trial Motion follows. Attached hereto as Exhibit "A" in support of ASI's Motion is a copy of the transcript of the trial before this Court.
As the following discussion will aptly demonstrate, this Court committed several reversible errors, which errors warrant a vacation of the judgment in favor of Olszewski and the entry of judgment in favor of ASI, or, in the alternative, a new trial on all issues. First, this Court erred in denying ASI's oral motion to bar Olszewski from calling witnesses to testify at trial who were not disclosed to ASI prior to trial, or at any time in the history of this litigation. Second, this Court erred in entering judgment in favor of Olszewski, when Olszewski put forth no evidence, and solicited no testimony at all, during the trial on the issue of "agency." Third, this Court erred in interjecting itself into the trial during ASI's closing argument. Finally, this Court erred in its interpretation of Illinois law on the issue of "agency."
Prior to trial, the parties, through their respective counsel, were asked, and indeed required, to tender to the Court, and to each other, "Trial Memoranda," outlining the triable issues, disclosing their respective testifying witnesses, and setting forth what they believed to be the proper outcome. Attached hereto as Exhibit "B" is a true and accurate copy of Olszewski's Trial Memorandum tendered to counsel for ASI. Under subparagraph "F," where Olszewski identified his witnesses, Olszewski named only himself. In his Answers to Supreme Court Rule 213 (f) & (g) Interrogatories, filed April 24, 2000, Olszewski answered that he had no testifying witnesses and no opinion witnesses. A copy of Olszewski's Answers to Supreme Court Rule 213 (f) & (g) Interrogatories is attached hereto as Exhibit "C." Upon trial, however, Olszewski produced "Robert Mikolajczyk" as a testifying witness.
Counsel for ASI objected to Olszewski's calling Mikolajczyk to the witness stand to testify as Mikolajczyk had at no time been named or identified or disclosed to ASI at any phase of this litigation as a testifying trial witness. (Transcript, Pp. 3-7). While before the bench, counsel for ASI showed the Court her copy of Olszewski's Trial Memorandum, whichnowhere referred to a Robert Mikolajczyk. (Transcript, P. 6). Conversely, on the Court's copy of Olszewski's Trial Memorandum, the name "Robert Mikolajczyk" had been written in at some later point in time. (Transcript, P. 6).
This Court denied ASI's Motion to Bar, and allowed Mikolajczyk to testify. This was error. The reason for the Court denying ASI's Motion is tenuous at best. The Court stated, "Well, I assumed I was going to hear from the broker/agent in this type of case, but now it's on my trial memorandum and I'm not going to bar a- he's not going to be an expert." (Transcript, P. 5). From this it is clear that this Court found it sufficient that its copy contained this name, even though the copy tendered to trial counsel did not.
Supreme Court Rule 213 (f) requires that, upon written interrogatory, a party must furnish the identity and location of witnesses who will testify at trial, together with the subject of their testimony. Supreme Court Rule 213 (f) . Supreme Court Rule 213 (i), which imposes upon litigants and their attorneys the duty to supplement, provides that, "A party has a duty to seasonably supplement or amend any prior answer or response whenever new or additional information subsequently becomes known to that party." Supreme Court Rule 213 (i) . In order that Rule 213 has any effect at all, it must be strictly construed and applied. Indeed, the Supreme Court rules on discovery are mandatory rules of procedure that courts and counsel must follow. Department of Transportation v. Crull, 294 Ill. App. 3d 531, 690 N.E.2d 143 (4th Dist. 1998) (emphasis added). These rules represent the court's best effort to manage the complex and important process of discovery. Id., 294 Ill. App. 3d at 537. Unless these rules are strictly construed and enforced, their abuse by parties and their attorneys is a certain result.
In failing to name and identify Mikolajczyk, Olszewski also failed to disclose and identify the subject matter of Mikolajczyk's testimony in violation of, and as contemplated by, Supreme Court Rule 213 (f). This Court, however, seemed unphased by this, stating to counsel for ASI that, "You know who the gentleman is....He's not a surprise, ..." (Transcript, P. 6). Whether a surprise or not, whether anticipated or not, a party is required, under Supreme Court Rule 213 (f), to name and identify his/her trial witnesses and "the subject of each individual's testimony." This is not discretionary; it is mandatory. What the Court did here was to encourage, and indeed sanction, wholly improper disclosures if, in the Court's opinion, the attorney challenging the witness and objecting to the witness being called to the stand, is not somehow "surprised" by the disclosure of the witness on the day of trial. This is a dangerous and very slippery slope, which simply should not be condoned.
In addition to allowing Olszewski to cut this very important corner, this Court was not at all phased by the fact that, having been kept in the dark about Mikolajczyk up until the time ASI appeared before the Court for trial, ASI did not make arrangements for a rebuttal witness. These are the very reasons for, and the very purpose to be served by, the timely, thorough disclosure of trial witnesses - to eliminate surprise, and to ready the litigants for trial by having all necessary witnesses lined up. See Crull, supra. How one can be expected to line up a rebuttal witness for a testifying witness whose identity has been kept from trial counsel until the day of trial is hard to imagine. By shifting the burden to ASI to "prove" how it was "surprised" or "prejudiced" by Olszewski's failure to identify his trial witnesses, and by allowing an undisclosed witness to take the stand and testify during the trial, this Court committed reversible error.
During the trial of this matter, Olszewski solicited no testimony, and introduced no evidence whatsoever, as to the critical issue of "agency." Although he pleaded an "Affirmative Defense," this being that Midwest Competent, his broker, faxed a renewal request to Pritikin, he offered nothing during the trial to support or substantiate his allegations of an "agency" relationship between ASI and Pritikin. Indeed, nowhere in Olszewski's counsel's questioning, or in Olszewski's case in chief, did Olszewski solicit any testimony or evidence whatsoever concerning the relationship between ASI and M.E. Pritikin, or between ASI and Midwest Competent. Under Illinois law, however, Olszewski wasrequired to do so. Indeed, the party asserting the agency relationship has the burden of proving the agency's existence by a preponderance of the evidence. Allied American Insurance Company v. Ayala, 247 Ill. App. 3d 538, 616 N.E.2d 1349 (2nd Dist. 1993) (emphasis added).
To illustrate, Olszewski asked nothing about the relationship between ASI and M.E. Pritikin; nothing about the nature or course of dealings between the two entities; nothing about the exclusivity, if any, between these two entities; nothing about a "fixed" or "permanent" relationship between these two entities, etc. Over ASI's objection, and, respectfully, in error, Olszewski called Robert Mikolajczyk, a representative of Midwest Competent, to the stand. Mikolajczyk testified that to his knowledge, M.E. Pritikin was a "general agent." (Transcript, P. 41, Lines 2-4). At another point in his testimony, Mikolajczyk referred to M.E. Pritikin as a "general broker." (Transcript, P. 45, Lines 20-21). Moreover, in the entirety of Olszewski's "cross examination" of Erika Cwan, ASI's witness, Olszewski asked nothing about the relationship between ASI and M.E. Pritikin. (Transcript, Pp. 27-31). Indeed, despite the fact that the burden of proof was his, Olszewski rested without proffering any testimony or evidence on the issue of "agency." (Transcript, P. 85).
Given this, the Court erred in entering judgment in favor of Olszewski at the close of the evidence presented. Indeed, the only evidence presented during the trial, by either the plaintiff or the defendant, was that Pritikin was a producer for ASI (transcript, P. 16); that Pritikin is an "independent producer soliciting business for" ASI (transcript, P. 17); that Pritikin was a "general agent" (transcript, P. 41); and that Pritikin was a "general broker" (transcript, P. 45). With only this evidence of record, Olszewski rested, Olszewski's counsel stating affirmatively, "No further evidence, Judge." (Transcript, P. 85). That was the only evidence presented during the trial bearing on the issue of "agency."
In light of the above, it was plain error for this Court to enter judgment in favor of Olszewski and against ASI. In order for the purported "faxed" notice to be deemed "received" by ASI, it was absolutely necessary that Olszewski prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that it was "received" by an agent of ASI. This was not done. This Court's entry of judgment in favor of Olszewski on this record was blatant error.
During ASI's closing arguments, this Court injected itself into the trial by asking counsel, and her witness, questions during counsel's closing remarks. Under the circumstances in this case, this constitutes reversible error.
It is black-letter law that closing arguments follow the close of evidence, and that counsel's remarks during closing arguments are not evidence. At the time ASI's counsel stood before the bench to make her closing remarks, the evidence was closed. (Transcript, P. 94). Both sides had rested. Counsel was merely attempting to wrap up the evidence as presented by counsel of record and make her concluding points in an effort to demonstrate to this Court why her position was the correct one, and why the Court should enter a declaratory judgment for ASI. Instead of allowing trial counsel to simply make her closing comments, this Court effectively "reopened" the proofs, asking counsel - and her witness - questions that had not been previously asked, and which had not previously been made part of the record by Olszewski's counsel. In doing so, this Court not only improperly interfered with the proofs, it alsoassumed the task and burden of Olszewski's burden of proof on a pivotal issue in the case. This was plainly erroneous.
Olszewski asserted an affirmative defense that necessarily called into question the nature of the relationship, if any, between ASI and the brokers, namely M.E. Pritikin and Midwest Competent. During the trial, however, Olszewski solicited no evidence or testimony whatsoever from either ASI's witness or his own witness bearing on this issue. Instead, this Court, for all intents and purposes, assumed the role of advocate for Olszewski, during ASI's closing argument. In fact, the only testimony whatsoever solicited during the trial on the issue of "agency" was done by this Court, after the parties had rested and after the evidence and proofs had been closed. This much is clear from even a cursory examination of the trial transcript. This constitutes reversible error.
Moreover, and just as if not more significantly, this Court, sitting in equity, simply had no authority to "inject" itself into and participate in this proceeding. The Supreme Court, by statute, has authorized, and indeed empowered, trial courts presiding over "small claims" cases to participate in the trial, solicit evidence, and call witnesses. Supreme Court Rule 285(b). Indeed, it is only in the small claims court that a judge may participate and take an active role in the trial by questioning witnesses and soliciting evidence. In every other court, this is strictly the job of counsel, or, in some instances, of pro se litigants. Had our Supreme Court intended judges sitting in equity to take an active role in the proffering and gathering of evidence during trial, our Court surely would have made this clear, just as they did in the arena of small claims. Its silence on this topic is objective, empirical proof that this type of interference by equity judges is simply not allowed. The Court erred in participating in this trial.
As an alternative argument, and without waiving or in any way compromising its position that this Court erred in becoming an advocate for Olszewski during the closing remarks of counsel, this Court erred in its interpretation of Illinois law on the issue of "agency." Initially, this Court erred in its comment during ASI's closing arguments that, "There's no such thing [as an independent agent]." (Transcript, P. 97). In Shafer-Pearson Agency, Inc. v. Chubb Corporation, 237 Ill. App. 3d 1031, 606 N.E.2d 17 (1st Dist. 1992), the Court stated, "Good Weather, throughindependent agents and brokers, offered drought insurance..." Id., 237 Ill. App. 3d at 1034 (emphasis added). Clearly, contrary to this Court's assertion, there most certainly is such a thing as an "independent agent" in the law.
Second, as was set forth clearly in ASI's Trial Memorandum filed with this Court and tendered to Olszewski well in advance of trial, there is a distinction under Illinois law between an "insurance broker" and an "insurance agent." An "insurance broker" is one who procures insurance and acts as a middleman between the insured and the insurer, and solicits insurance business from the public under no employment from any special company, but having secured an order, places the insurance with the company selected by the insured, or, in the absence of any selection by him, with the company selected by the broker. An "insurance agent" is one who has a fixed and permanent relation to the companies he represents and who has certain duties and allegiances to such companies. Allied American Insurance Company v. Ayala, 247 Ill. App. 3d 538, 616 N.E.2d 1349 (2nd Dist. 1993). Moreover, and as stated above, the partyasserting the agency relationship has the burden of proving the agency's existence by a preponderance of the evidence. Id., 247 Ill. App. 3d at 552 (emphasis added).
Here, not only did Olszewski - the party asserting the agency relationship - fail completely in his burden of proof, the "proof" or "evidence" solicited not by counsel but instead by this Court was simply insufficient to support a finding, as a matter of law, that Pritikin was ASI's "agent" at any point in time. There was no evidence whatsoever that Pritikin had a "fixed and permanent" relationship to ASI, or that it had any "duties" or "allegiances" to ASI. As stated above, the only evidence presented during the trial, by either the plaintiff or the defendant, was that Pritikin was a "direct producer" for ASI (transcript, P. 16); that Pritikin is an "independent producer soliciting business for" ASI (transcript, P. 17); that Pritikin was a "general agent" (transcript, P. 41); and that Pritikin was a "general broker" (transcript, P. 45). That was the totality of the "evidence" on the subject of agency. For this Court to have concluded from this scant evidence that Pritikin was ASI's "agent" at the times relevant herein, and to then jump from this unsubstantiated conclusion to the equally unsubstantiated conclusion that Pritikin's actions must be imputed to ASI, constitutes reversible error.
There was clear error during the trial of the cause which warrants the relief sought by ASI. Indeed, this Court erred in not barring an undisclosed witness in light of the strict requirements imposed by Supreme Court Rule 213 ; in entering judgment in favor of Olszewski when he presented no evidence whatsoever of an "agency" relationship between ASI and Pritikin; for interfering in the proofs after the evidence was closed and the parties had rested; and in its interpretation of Illinois law. For all of the reasons set forth herein, ASI respectfully urges this Court to grant its relief for a vacation of the judgment entered on September 18, 2000, and for judgment in favor of ASI and against Olszewski, or, in the alternative, for a new trial on all issues.
Respectfully Submitted,Look at our car accidents practice page for more information


text:
Premium Databases
Criminal Records
Do a comprehensive background search of over 500 million court, inmate, corrections, offender, and fugitive records.
If you find a broken link below, please use the Report a Broken Link form to let us know.
|Abington Property
Town of Abington Assessor online database, including a property lookup, property sales search, and property data listed by street name.
|Abington | Code
Town of Abington code of ordinances.
Acton town government website.
|Adams Property Assessor Records
View Adams, Massachusetts property assessor records. Provides owner name, parcel ID, address and values in MS Excel format.
|Adams | Code
Town of Adams code of ordinances.
|Adams | Property Assessor
Town of Adams Board of Assessors property records.
|Agawam Property
Use this Geographic Information System (GIS) from Agawam, Massachusetts to search for property information and view interactive maps.
|Agawam Property Assessment Records
Search for Agawam, Massachusetts assessed property records by owner name, street, or parcel number.
|Agawam | Code
Town of Agawam code of ordinances.
|Alford | Property Assessor
Board of Assessors property records and sales information for the Town of Alford.
Amesbury official home page.
|Amesbury Property Tax
Search for and pay your Amesbury, Massachusetts property tax bill.
|Amesbury | Code
City of Amesbury code of ordinances.
|Amesbury | Property Assessor
City of Amesbury property assessment records, comparable sales search, and street listing of parcel data.
|Amherst Property
Use this Geographic Information System from Amherst, Massachusetts to locate parcel information by address or parcel id and view interactive maps.
|Amherst | Arrests & Calls
Amherst Police Department logs of recent arrests and previous week service calls.
|Andover Property | GIS
Andover, MA GIS property database. Search for parcel information by map, address, or map lot.
|Andover | Code
Town of Andover code of ordinances.
|Andover | Property Assessor
Town of Andover Assessor property assessment and sales records.
|Andover | Spring Grove Cemetery Records
Search for Andover cemetery records in Spring Grove Cemetery by last name.
|Arlington Property
Search for Arlington, Massachusetts Assessor property records.
|Arlington Property Tax
Use this service from the Arlington, Massachusetts Treasurer to look up and pay vehicle excise tax, parking tickets, property tax or water bills. Search by account number, bill number, street address, or vehicle registration number.
|Ashburnham Property
Click on - Assessed Values by Location - for a list of Ashburnham assessments and property ownership.
|Ashby Property - Assessor
Search the Ashby, Massachusetts Board of Assessors property records by year, address, owner or map/block/lot/unit.
|Ashby | Property
Town of Ashby Board of Assessors parcel records.
|Ashland | Code
Town of Ashland code of ordinances.
|Ashland | Property Assessor
Town of Ashland Board of Assessors parcel searches.
City of Attleboro, Massachusetts home page, city departments, city phone directory, bids, registry records, agendas & minutes, hearings & meetings, census information, online ticket payments, and more.
|Attleboro Property
City of Attleboro property database and revaluation information.
|Avon Property
Town of Avon Assessor records, property sales, and street and address lists of town parcels.
|Ayer | Property
Town of Ayer Board of Assessors property search.
|Barnstable Burials
Search burials Town of Barnstable, including the Old West Barnstable, Lothrop Hill, Cummaquid, Crocker Park, and Cobb Hill cemeteries.
|Barnstable Property
Search the Assessor database for property information in Barnstable, Massachusetts by map parcel number, owner name, or property address.
|Barnstable | Code
Town of Barnstable code of ordinances.
Town of Barre, MA official home page.
|Barre | Code
Town of Barre code of ordinances.
|Becket | Property
Board of Assessors property database for the Town of Becket.
|Bedford | Property Assessor
Town of Bedford Board of Assessors property search.
|Belchertown Property
Search Town of Belchertown, Massachusetts property records.
|Belchertown | Code
Town of Belchertown code of ordinances.
|Belchertown | Property GIS
Town of Belchertown, Massachusetts GIS property database searchable by map, owner name, parcel number, or address.
Bellingham, Massachusetts official home page.
|Bellingham Property
Search Town of Bellingham property and property sales records.
|Bellingham | Code
Town of Bellingham code of ordinances.
|Belmont Property
Search for Belmont, Massachusetts property information and view interactive GIS maps.
|Belmont | Code
Town of Belmont, Massachusetts code of ordinances.
|Berkley | Property
Parcel and sales record search from the Town of Berkley Board of Assessors.
|Bernardston | Property
Property records and property sales information from the Town of Bernardston Board of Assessors.
City of Beverly official website.
|Beverly GIS Property
Beverly Geographic Information System interactive map property search.
|Beverly Property Assessor Records
Search this Beverly, Massachusetts property assessor database by address or parcel number.
|Beverly | Code
City of Beverly code of ordinances.
|Billerica Arrests
Use this Billerica, Massachusetts Police Department service to browse their arrest logs by date.
|Billerica Property
Search for Billerica, Massachusetts property records from the assessor by owner name, address, or parcel number. Property sales records are also available.
|Billerica Tax Records
Town of Billerica records for real estate, motor vehicle, personal property taxes, and utility bills.
Please use the Report Broken Link form if any of the above resources do not connect

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Don't ask what led to this, but basically I went from discussing the possibility of a future where robots were integrated into society to how they might replace spouses. There are already people married to dolls and even pillows in Japan. The obvious question was would we eventually start sleeping with machines…ermm we kind of already do (vibrators and all that stuff). But I'm not trying to write a post about sex toys, instead I'm trying to ask why is it that the use of sex toys is socially accepted for women but not so much for men?
Women talk to each other about their latest purchases and there is no real awkwardness in discovering a sex toy in a female's room. For men on the other hand, your hand is as much a helper as you are allowed. Just imagine walking into a guy's room to discover this:
Given that men are generally assumed to be the hornier of the gender you would think the shop floors of sex shops would be littered with toys intended for male sexual gratification but this is far from the case. I have two theories to support the phenomenon but I am curios to what everyone else thinks. Firstly, I propose that maybe because it is too easy for men to 'arrive' there is really no need for us to invest in extras. While this explains why very little research and development has gone into producing male sex toys, it doesn't explain why it is hasn't been normalized in society for men to use sex toys for self-pleasure (I am cringing writing a lot of these phrases, such a prude). Regarding the social stigmatization of men using toys for masturbation I am guessing it arises of the egocentric thought process of men in regards to sex. Because we praise our ability to be promiscuous we regard using such toys as a sign that the guy is 'not getting enough' because his game is weak. Women on the other hand are free from this conception, at least to a degree enough to make it acceptable for them to substitute with mechanical assistants. Any thoughts?


text:
How to brief your copywriter
Every now and then we get a particular type of enquiry from a prospective client. It goes something like this …
WMS: "Hello, Write My Site, how can we help you?"
Caller: "Hello! I urgently need you to write some copy for me. I hired another copywriter and they completely messed up!"
WMS: "Sorry to hear that. What went wrong exactly?"
Caller: "They just didn't GET us – the copy they wrote sounded nothing like our company."
WMS: "OK – can you send us the brief you sent the other copywriter, and we'll take a look."
Caller: "Ah … well, there isn't really a 'brief' as such …"
And therein lies the problem. Without a brief, how can a copywriter possibly hope to capture the spirit of their client's business?
The briefing process: Client or copywriter?
It's worth mentioning at this point that the onus to create a brief shouldn't rest entirely on the client. Any professional copywriter worth their salt will refuse to begin work until they are clear about the requirements, and they will ask questions to fill in any gaps.
Most small business clients do not possess reams of corporate-style branding guidelines, copybooks and style guidelines, and therefore the copywriter and the client need to work together to set the parameters for the work.
The perfect copywriting brief
These are the areas a copywriting brief should cover:
Full breakdown of work
Yes, you want 'copy for your new website' but how many pages, and roughly how much content on each page? Copywriting agreements can quickly turn sour if you ask your copywriter to quote for 5 pages, and you later reveal that each of those pages has a further 5 sub-pages, each requiring 500 words of text!
Tip: Produce a simple 'wireframe' detailing the layout of your site, then go through it page-by-page with your copywriter, making sure to note which pages need content, and how much.
Key messages
Explaining what you do is easy: you're an accountant, a lawyer, an IT services company. The trouble is, so are thousands of other companies, many of whom will offer the exact same set of services as you. Your key messages are absolutely crucial because they help your copywriter differentiate you from the competition.
Tip: 'Unparalleled levels of customer service' won't cut it. Every company makes this claim. If you really do offer amazing service, give your copywriter something specific to work with.
Tone of voice
This is probably the most challenging part of the brief, both for the client who has to explain the tone of voice they are looking for, and for the copywriter who has to capture it and bring it to life.
Tip: Getting tone of voice right often involves a bit of trial and error. Before you give the green light to produce the first draft, consider asking your copywriter to draft a few samples, where they re-write a couple of paragraphs in different tones of voice. This can often help pinpoint the required tone of voice.
No-go areas
There may well be certain topics, terminology, formats or styles that you simply do not want. That's absolutely your prerogative but don't expect your copywriter just to 'know' that you don't want any of these things, even if they seem obvious. You need to communicate what is not required just as clearly as what is required.
Tip: A simple bullet-point list of 'Things to Avoid' should do the trick!
Competitive landscape
Chances are, you have thousands of competitors, but try to cherry-pick a few of them to show your copywriter. It's always helpful for them to be able to put your business into its competitive context. Even better, if there are particular things you like or dislike about your competitors' websites, this can be really helpful for your copywriter.
Tip: 'I want something just like this' is not a brief; it's a cop-out.
Supporting materials
A copywriter should be utterly unfamiliar with the concept of 'too much information'. The more supporting material you can supply alongside the brief, the better. Even if you think it's not very well written, your existing marketing material gives your copywriter valuable insight into the way you present your business to the world, so don't be shy about sharing it with them.
Tip: Don't forget your offline literature. Fill a folder with your brochures, flyers, newsletters, press releases, and print ads, and hand it to your copywriter when you meet with them.
Happy copywriter; happy client
Ultimately, a successful copywriting project is about good communication. A professional copywriter should, by definition, be pretty good at communicating – at least in writing! – but clear verbal communication between both parties is needed at the briefing stage.
Almost without exception, copywriting projects that go wrong do so because the wires between copywriter and client have been crossed from the outset. Both sides need to sit down and thrash out the details of the project. It may take an hour or two, but that's preferable to the days or even weeks that can be lost when a copywriting project goes wrong.


text:
Readers love interacting with their favorite authors. Here are five ways to connect with your readers.
1. POD CASTS - Podcasts are short audios you can host on your site or other sites. You can read an excerpt about your book. Feature an interview with you or a writer friend. You can even host a workshop.
2. VIDEO CHATS - Don't have time to visit a book club? Host a web cam book club meeting. All you need are two laptops with web cameras. This is a fun way to visit different book clubs without leaving your home. They are also perfect to host monthly chats with your fans.
3. TELEPHONE CHATS - Telephone chats give you a chance to hear your readers voices. You can host monthly chats and discuss your books. You can do moderated chats or open chats with your readers or book clubs.
4. ONLINE RADIO - Need a place to meet new readers? Online radio is the perfect place. Set up interviews with a few online radio shows. Most are live with call in sessions, so you're able to talk with the listeners.
5. MEET & EAT - Are you doing a book tour or visiting a different city? Set up a dinner or lunch get together with the local fans. This is a nice way to have an intimate time with your fans. Send out an announcement to your mailing list inviting 5-20 readers to meet you at a local restaurant. You can discuss your book or just eat and chat.
These are a few ideas to help you interact with your readers. Don't forget to have prizes, fans love winning prizes.
This is the last week for Reader's Appreciation Month. Have you thanked a reader?
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Interacting With Your Readers
No comments:
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
About Me
- LaShaunda
- I believe in promoting authors and their books. Let me introduce you and your books to online readers.
I'm also a happily married mother of three who's trying to break into the Christian writing field. The writing road can be rocky.
I'm available for:
Online promotion coaching
Contact me at:firstname.lastname@example.com


text:
There's a new series of posts I am planning, but first I need to catch up on my bloody misfortunes. It's been a year since my last post on a bleed, caused by portal hypertension, in turn itself caused by damage to the liver, in turn caused by my autoimmune illness, primary biliary cirrhosis. But I have had two since then, and am now up to 17 transfusions.
First, let me say something about these transfusions. I wouldn't be here tonight if it weren't for people who give blood. Sometimes when I'm wandering around, I ask myself: was it her? Or him? Whose blood is in my body? I cannot know, but I thank anyone who has ever given — or even just tried to give — blood. These are rare and strong and generous people.
Back to these bleeds. Number 9 hit in September, when I was in Miami, trying to help my 84-year-old mother, and was a 2-transfusion bleed, as was bleed 10, that waited until February, less than a month after I moved my mother out of Miami. This one occurred a year to the day after my beloved collie died of hemangiosarcoma, a canine cancer that causes sarcoma to develop. Mine was on my dog's spleen. It ruptured, and he bled out.
The doctor who performed the endoscopy here couldn't find the source of the bleed.
But a month later when I went to see my hepatologist at University of Alabama's Kirklin Clinic, he found an actively bleeding varix at the fundus, where the stomach and esophagus meet. The site of multiple bleeds of mine has been at that little crook to the left of where the arrow is pointing.
In fact, this is the same site as my first — and still worst — bleed, the one that that the GI who saw me in the ER thought to be a bleeding ulcer and that for a while my hepatologist thought might be a Dieulafoy's Lesion or a Cameron's Erosion.
But after reviewing my records, now the theory is that the same area keeps bleeding because it was weakened by the three clips (like tiny clothes pins) put in as an emergency approach to shutting down the 4-transfusion bleed I wrote about back in August 2010.
Banding, essentially using the equivalents of rubber bands, to cut off the supply of blood to a bleeding varix or one that looks like it could become a bleeder, is the preferred approach.
The clips are a last resort.
The reason I keep having these bleeds may then be because the delicate walls of the esophagus have been compromised by the clips.
One thing others with primary biliary cirrhosis should know is that having these bleeds is extraordinarily unusual. I asked my hepatologist if other PBC'ers have similar problems with repeated bleeds, and he said, no, he has never seen or read of a comparable case.
I think then that it is best we end with the inspiration for the title of this post: David Bowie's "Always Crashing in the Same Car."


text:
It is usually very simple to keep track of some bills associated with certain payments, such as electricity and water bills in your living expenses. For instance, it means that you owe your electric energy provider $50 when you receive an electricity bill for $50. Unfortunately, this is not the case with medical bill, especially when it comes to the task of disputing claims, keeping track of bills and requesting approval for certain costly medical procedures or drugs. This can be attributed to the fact that it can take you countless hours or even days before you get your insurance summaries.
As much as it can be hard to keep track of all the bills and other papers that begin flowing into your home after diagnosis of a chronic illness like cancer, keeping careful records of your medical bills not only helps you manage your finances better, but also lower your stress levels by making your insurance claims somewhat easier. This means that you've to track your medical expenses carefully by keeping your records in a well-organized manner in order to avoid paying more than you should because of billing errors. Here are some useful tips for how to manage your medical bills.
Tip #1: Be organized
This is perhaps one of the best tricks for how to overcome the confusion brought about by copious medical bills. It involves taking simple steps to keep paper or electronic versions of your bills and statements in order. For instance, you should learn to keep a calendar of your medical appointments and based on the respective health care service received during each appointment.
Also, if you have medical bill for more than one member of your family, try to ensure that you keep a separate file for each. Basically, a very rudimentary filing system is all you need. For medical bills with insurance statement, pair them together and include any payment receipts and updated statements about those bills. Typically, you'll be amazed at the financial difference a little organization makes.
Tip #2: Create and update a list of your medical bills
This is pretty simple since it involves the creation of a list of your medical bills as soon as soon as they begin to trickle in. Nowadays, you can accomplish this task electronically using spreadsheets with headings like date, type of service, billed amount, allowable amount, amount the insurance provider pays, your payment, amount owed and any other relevant notes. However, it is imperative to ensure that each bill is up to date with each payment you make.
Tip #3: Review your medical bills
It is paramount to mention that there are some aspects about your medical bills that you should read carefully. For example, you should ensure that certain aspects like the date, name of the insurance provider as well as the type of care are correct on both documents. Also, check the amount your insurer says you owe in order to understand how much of the bill you need to pay.
Actually, this way you'll be able to identify issues that you barely understand concerning your medical bills and address them in the earliest time possible. If you still cannot decipher some of the charges on your health care bill, ask the medical-records department for a copy of your doctors' orders and the nursing notes or you can even contact your insurance provider.
Tip #4: Find and fix errors
Mistakes can happen during billing of the services offered by your health care provider, and hence before you pay anything, consider going through your billing paperwork more carefully. Inconsistencies such as wrong insurer's group number or name, duplicate orders, unbundled fees, in-accurate operating room times, up selling and up coding can end up costing you more than you would expect. However, if can't understand some billing details, you can review your medical bill with the hospital's billing office via the phone.
These tips will surely help you manage your medical bills more efficiently, considering the fact that it can take a long time before you will get your insurance summaries. This will allow you to pay your medical bills on time such that your credit rating isn't compromised. Nevertheless, if you can't pay your bill in full, ask to arrange a payment plan with your health care provider, as long as you agree to make small regular payments.
Author bio:
Brenda Panin is a blogger from Australia, very passionate when it comes to personal finance and marketing. Recently, Brenda has been interested in insurance so she spent some time researching iSelect. She enjoys seeing her readers getting useful information from her articles.
Carnival of Retirement at Mom and Dad Money
Carn of MoneyPros at Midlife Finance
Yakezie Carnival at Figuring Money Out
Carn of MoneyPros at Midlife Finance
Yakezie Carnival at Figuring Money Out


text:
Cup board. *C-U-P-B-O-A-R-D* I will never look at the wall of a kitchen without hearing my father's voice reciting "cup — board — cup — board". It was tradition in our home to practice spelling words at the dinner table. As a homeschooling family, once the official word list was exhausted, my dad would select whatever term he felt had the best chance of stumping us. Cupboard was one of his more successful offerings.
Cycle 3
ZAP! Review Game
My ZAP! board has been lurking in my classroom closet most of our CC year and this week it makes its grand debut in my Masters/Journeymen class of 3rd-5th graders. This game holds the edge-of-your-seat suspense of not knowing whether you'll be rewarded or punished each turn. You may inflict the agony of losing points on the opposing team, or (GASP!) lose your points instead! Who knows? The uncertainty is thrilling!
Causing a Riot With Rhythm
Every single occasion I listen to this piece, I feel myself steadily descending into madness. One errant note at a time, I'm swirling into a crazed world of instruments playing out of range, rhythms that don't make any logical sense, and seemingly no control whatsoever. Stravinsky has been called a genius. He is the father of modern music, and this piece is hugely important in breaking long-held "rules" of rhythm and instrumentality, but it also is a little nuts. So crazy in fact, it caused an actual riot when it was first performed in Paris on May 29, 1913. Gird your loins people. This piece is a wild ride.
Rockets Review Game
My son played this review game with his tutor during our CC community day last year and loved it. It seems to have disappeared from CC Connected, so I attempted to recreate one for our own use. You can utilize it too…if you promise not to laugh at the slightly fuzzy around the edges version I created. My son thinks it's great – that's good enough for me. Continue reading
Squirrels, Biomes, Clauses and Consumers
One of the most common questions I get regarding Classical Conversations is "You are just filling their head with rote memorization. They don't understand half of it. What good is that? All that stuff doesn't even mean anything to them.". While it is quite true that many of the facts we memorize mean virtually nothing to my children (what 5-year-old cares about Newton's Laws of Motion?), there is a purpose and a path in our style of schooling that begins at the beginning. With young children who, like sponges, absorb every ounce of data around them. We all learn from infancy by rote memorization. How to speak by repeating the basic words our parents babble to us. The alphabet, the Pledge of Allegiance, The Lord's Prayer. Kids can sing every song in their favorite movie. Recite entire books that are frequent bedtime stories. All these things are retained and recalled because of rote memorization. I'd like to share a little from Leigh Bortins book "The Core", and then a story of my own to demonstrate these principles in action. Continue reading
SNAKE Math Game
Last week, I had the opportunity to observe an Essentials class at my CC Community. Even if the next level of classical education is a few years away for your family, I'd highly encourage anyone with a Foundations child to take a looksie at an Essentials class. It broadened my view of this whole classical journey, and renewed my excitement for the process. Seeing English and Math memory work come to life in real application was a great motivator to keep plugging along with all those songs about gerunds and verb conjugations. Bonus, I saw math games in action that I immediately stole, and have been using at home ever since. Including this fun game, called SNAKE.
You can play this as a multiplication or addition game. We learn skip counting in our Classical Conversations memory work, so my 6-year-old can rattle off multiplication as fast (maybe even faster) than his addition facts. We play both multiplication and addition to reinforce both as a good math foundation. Continue reading
Music to Make You Moody
As a part of Classical Conversations, we study great composers and orchestral music for 6 weeks. As a classical music junkie, this is one of my favorite parts of the program. I think an appreciation of great scores and understanding the intricacies of classical music is sadly lacking in our society. There is such a wide range of styles in classical music – thousands upon thousands of fantastic melodies, harmonies and rhythms – if you give it a chance, I'm positive you'll find something you love.


text:
Macromedia Flash MX is used to build this game.
Keep the football in the air as long as possible by kicking it without allowing it to touch the ground. You score one point for each time you kick the ball.
Simply move your mouse to move the boot around the screen. Allowing the ball to drop on top the boot with make it bounce, but using a left click will kick the ball slightly harder. The ball will bounce off the walls and will disappear off the top of the screen if it is kicked hard enough hopefully to reappear as it falls down.
Further Uses and Ideas
Comments For This Page
WHATS AND WHERE IS THE (CL/k) KEY?
By ) on 10th September 2011
I'm sorry to tell you that the game is not working at all, it tells me to left click to start, but when I click, the football boot twitches and nothing else happens.
By Rich on 28th March 2011
Tim, thanks for that. It should be working now
By Daft Logic on 18th November 2010
Seems to be an error here somewhere. All the high-scores show as "undefined"
By Tim. on 16th November 2010
yo i think i beat high score but i cant be shure cause i cant find the high scores!!!!
By olivethebrave on 20th May 2009
Where are the high scores?
By kato2k on 9th August 2007
Add your own comment below and let others know what you think:


text:
You familiar with this product? Beside telling a woman 'she is', it supposedly tells when your ovulating and possibly fertile. I will send this Express mail if you want.
The above email was sent to me by my Dad. How sweet is that? Made me cry....
He knows of our struggle with infertility, well the best he can anyway. (he is the only family member that reads my blog) He doesn't quite get all the details, and why should he anyway right, too darn complicated.
Wouldn't it be great if I could just use an ovulation test and bam pregnant I am? Those days are long gone unfortunately...
So thanks Dad for offering, but we need more than a test at this point....I'll explain the details later, if you want. Love ya!
* Do you have a Perfect Moment this Monday? Go visit Weebles Wobblog to post yours.


text:
Home / Baguette Shaped Rings [61]
Baguette shaped rings are not an only diamond solitaire ring and a necklace or never take the stage in the center of other different shapes. This sideways and fill out the simple sparkle to maintain quietly look for a diamond center stone by providing support accents and grandeur; it was like a loyal servant.
Baguette shape is usually used for too small weights. The nature of the stone used depends on the one hand, this is measured by weight, dimensional size; they tend to their own settings. Step cut stones such as baguette, just got even less than the number of direction about 14 basis used for an emerald cut. Shape and cut more can reveal its flaws and means that this high quality is important.
These stones are cheaper than other segments. Baguette will often not possible due to the shape or quality of a product is formed into shapes other high-quality rough diamonds. But still it can be turned into baguettes and crafted into jewelry.
Baguette shaped rings are not as accent stones of a central vehicle. Baguette shape down Latin meaning a stick, named after the French word baguette due to the long rectangular shape. This time segments such as design and architecture of the Bauhaus movement, functionality and geometric form as a preferred response fashion, 1920s and 1930s appeared in the year. as well as the stone used primarily, as a step cut baguette cut shaped emerald cut shape, a rectangular step-cut diamond is similar to other frames.
Baguette cut shape in the early 20th century came to the fore during the Art Deco and Art Nouveau movements. Initially used primarily to shape the culture of costume jewelry simple rectangular square is dominated western society currently works with art movements. Smooth, clean lines and ideal for use as an accent stone with baguette shaped rings as simple geometric shape, you want to use the baguette cut stones to use to create jewelry pieces.
Carats of baguette shaped rings are normally a little less weight, it comes. Due to a smaller extent, its dimensional size, rather tend to be measured by carat weight. This emphasis on width ratio of long baguette stone shape is usually 1 to 1.5 is ideal as a cutting step with the direction of just 14 less than the number of the basis used for the emerald cut stone. Emerald cut, however, cut the baguette cut diamond shape and can reveal more of its flaws; it must be of high quality.
They serve as diamond baguette cut diamonds to conceal the shoulders and center zone is generally used for other cut side stones for diamonds. This stone is uniform and easily matched size makes it an ideal stone to use other channels and pave settings. Unlike round diamonds, baguette shape allows you to set side by side without gaps. The effect of a channel set diamonds on the screen that you can create stunningly beautiful light display unbroken accent. Baguette shaped rings in the form of good brightness and clarity, as well as fire silent screen; with an emphasis on stone for a greater focus is what allows you to see a very good function.
Baguette is definitely not the center stone, nor even though an ardent spectacular piece will conquer your heart, as stress during his important should role stones not be ignored. There is another diamond would draw attention away from established centers for show times, but baguette regal yet humble and soft spoken around that will add beauty. This design can be used in any setting.
Baguette Shaped Rings
- Yellow Gold Diamond Baguette Shaped Large Engagement Ring
- White Gold Retro Diamond Baguette Shaped Ring
- White Gold Baguette Shaped Amethyst Orange Sapphire Ring
- White Baquette Shaped Oval Pink Argyle Diamond Ring
- Vintage Sterling Silver Rectangle Baguette Shaped Ring
- Valentina Baguette Shaped Diamond Ballerina Style Halo Ring
- Unique Unusual Baguette Shaped Engagement Ring
- Tourmaline Baguette Shaped Diamond Ring
- Three Stone Tapered Baguette Shaped Ring
- Tacori Diamond Baguette Shaped Engagement Ring
- Tapered Baguette Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
- Square and Baguette Shaped Synthetic Ruby Ring
- Spectacular Tourmaline Diamond and Onyx Baguette Shaped Ring
- Silver Baguette Shaped Simulated Emerald Eternity Band Ring
- Round and Parallel Baguette Shaped Diamond Ring
- Round and Baguette Shaped Diamond Ring
- Rose Gold Swarovski Crystals Baquette Shaped Ring
- Rose Gold Chocolate Brown Baguette Shaped Engagement Ring
- Rexford Onyx & Crystal Baquette Shaped Ring
- Retro Sapphire and Diamond Baguette Shaped Bow Ring
- Retro 1940s Amethyst Baguette Shaped Ring
- Nostalgic Blue Sapphire Baquette Shaped Antique Design Ring
- Natural Round and Baguette Shaped Diamond Ring
- Natural Aquamarine Diamond Platinum Cluster Baguette Shaped Ring
- Monique Lhuillier Baguette Shaped Halo Diamond Engagement Ring
- Moissanite & Baquette Shaped Blue Stone Ring
- Marquise and Baguette Shaped Diamond Spray Ring
- Luxe Baguette Shaped Eternity Ring
- Jona Emerald Baguette Shaped Diamond Gold Band Ring
- Leah Alexandra Baguette Shaped Stone Ring
- Halo Vintage Baguette Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
- Gold Citrine Baguette Shaped Stack Ring
- Estate Baguette Shaped Emerald and Diamond Ring
- Cushion Baguette Shaped Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
- Crystal Baguette Shaped Ring
- Colored Green Topaz Baguette Shaped Ring
- Champagne Baguette Shaped Engagement Ring
- Canary Yellow Rhinestone Baquette Shaped Silver Ring
- Black Diamond Amethyst Baguette Shaped Cluster Ring
- Baquette Shaped Sapphire Ring
- Baquette Shaped Ring with Pearls
- Baquette Shaped Micro Pave Eternity Ring
- Baquette Shaped Diamond Ring
- Baguette Shaped Sapphire Ring
- Bagutte Shaped Faux Garnet Ring in Sterling Silver
- Baguette Shaped Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
- Baguette Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring
- Baguette Shaped Ring with Oval Diamond
- Baguette Shaped Moissanite Double Prong Ring
- Baguette Shaped Emerald & Diamond Ring
- Baguette Shaped Diamond Sterling Silver Cluster Engagement Ring
- Baguette Shaped Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
- Baguette Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
- Baguette Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring.
- Baguette Shaped Diamond and Emerald Ring
- Baguette Shaped Diamond Alexandrite Ring
- Art Deco Emerald Diamond Onyx Baguette Shaped Ring
- Art Deco Aquamarine Baguette Shaped Ruby Diamond Ring
- Aquamarine Baquette Shaped Ring
- Aquamarine and Diamond Baguette Shaped Ring
- baguette-shaped-ring


text: ISIL has been accused of executing scores of people in a town it briefly held in central Syria before it was seized by Syrian government forces, according to a monitoring group and local activists. Al-Qaryatayn town, which was captured by the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS) group in early October, was retaken by troops loyal to Syrian President Bashar al-Assad on Saturday. According to the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, at least 128 people were killed by ISIL fighters in the three weeks before their withdrawal from the town in Homs province on Friday. The civilians were killed on accusations of collaborating with the Syrian government, activists said. Mohammed al-Homsi, a member of the Palmyra Coordination Committee, told Al Jazeera that a list containing the names of at least 90 people who were confirmed dead would be released soon. "It is taking us a while because we want to double check the names of the people who were killed," al-Homsi said. "Most of the casualties were men, but there are some children among them." {articleGUID} Al Jazeera's Hashem Ahelbarra, reporting from the Turkish city of Gaziantep on the border with Syria, said that thousands of civilians concerned about their safety wanted to flee Qaryatayn during its siege, but were blocked by ISIL. "Some of those people determined to leave were executed by ISIL fighters," he added. Ahelbarra said that opposition activists and civilians whose relatives were killed in Qaryatayn said, "this was an act of revenge by ISIL fighters". "But at the same time, they said that the government had also committed atrocities against civilians in Qaryatayn in the past, accusing them of collaborating with ISIL." Ahelbarra said that the town had changed hands many times in recent years. "Each time it was taken by ISIL, the group's fighters would execute people they would accuse of collaborating with the government," he said. "When the government would take the town back again, it would execute people it accused of collaborating with ISIL." Qaryatayn, which remained largely neutral during the first years of the Syrian conflict, was overrun by ISIL in August 2015, following the armed group's capture of Palmyra. "At that time, families left and eventually settled either in the Rukban refugee camp on the border with Jordan or in areas in the north of the country," al-Homsi said. WATCH: Syrian children's deadly hunger crisis worsens as aid groups blocked (02:01) In April 2016, the town was taken by Syrian government forces, which, according to al-Homsi, prevented its residents from returning on the basis that they were either heavily involved or supporting the fight against Assad. Eventually, the government agreed that 20,000 civilians could return. Al-Homsi said ISIL's recapture of the town this month had shocked its residents and raised huge question marks. "How did ISIL enter and then manage to leave Qaryatayn when the army has all of the surrounding areas under its control?" he asked, alleging that pro-government troops also killed some of the town's residents. "ISIL began the attack and killed people because of their alleged support to the government, and when the Syrian forces entered they carried on killing the people there based on their supposed affiliation to ISIL," he said. The government has not yet commented on the number of civilians killed. However, the Syrian Central Military Media on Saturday said that "the Syrian army and its allies have restored security and stability to Qaryatayn". SOURCE: Al Jazeera News Syria's Civil War ISIS Middle East


text:
For a long time I was always hot to own the latest plant. These days I'm much less interested in new for newness sake. If it performs better, is more disease resistant or is hardier, then I'll take a look. But there is something to be said for old favorites, plants that have been with you from the start.
I ordered this Iris from Heritage Gardens in the summer of 1990 and have been growing it ever since. It's a dwarf — Iris pumilla 'Cherry Garden" — that gets from 12 to 15 inches (30-38 cm) tall. Even though it only blooms once, it is so deeply saturated with color that it's worth its short moment of glory. The leaves look good and can be cut back to push regrowth if they get ratty or floppy. The last few years, I've been dividing it and spreading it throughout the Sacred Grove. The best $3.19 (1.91 BPS) I ever spent!


text:
For more on Traverse City, CLICK HERE.
4:33PM: First Period: Sabres 0 Rangers 0
5:21PM: Second Period: Sabres 3 Rangers 1
6:13PM: Third Period: Sabres 5 Rangers 5
6:28PM: OT: Buffalo 6 Rangers 5
Rangers goals scored by:
- Oscar Lindberg (3)
- Danny Kristo
- Ryan Graves
Updates from the game will be below:
First Period:
16:16: Shots 2-1 Rangers. Conor Allen and Oscar Lindberg with the shots
11:40: From the Rangers on twitter "#NYR Paxton Leroux drops the gloves again after Duclair got hit hard on the boards to draw a penalty. #NYRTC 11:40 to play in the 1st."
Shots are 4-2 Sabres
10:15: Shots are 4-4 after Josh Nicholls and JT Barnett
9:42: Rangers to the PP after a cross checking penalty. Jeff Malcolm is in net for the Rangers and, according to twitter, made a big save on a shorthanded chance.
5:01: Michael Kantor is called for cross checking.
Shots are 6-5 for the Rangers.
2:43: Conor Allen is called for Interference. The Rangers have taken three penalties in the first period.
0:48: Shots are 8-7 Sabres. From the Rangers twitter, "Jeff Malcolm with back to back huge saves as #NYR kills off another penalty."
First Intermission: Shots are 9-8 Sabres and both teams have 11 PIM
Second Period: The team, on twitter, says that Oscar Lindberg and Conor Allen are wearing "A"s on their jersey today.
18:24: Shots are 2-1 Sabres in the second period and 11-9 overall.
15:55: Rangers to PP after a cross checking call. Klarc Wilson with a shot for the Rangers second of the period.
14:59: Oscar Lindberg scores on the power play for the Rangers! 1-0 Rangers.
13:49: shots are 4-3 Sabres in the second. From the team, about the goal, "#NYR cashed in on a power play opportunity this time on a goal from Lindberg assisted by Fast."
11:16: Buffalo scores. From the team "Buffalo scores a controversial goal after Malcolm appeared to make a stop on a breakaway. Not being reviewed... 1-1"
10:23: Paxton Leroux is called for slashing. Shots are 17-12 Buffalo
9:10: Buffalo scores (PP) and it's 2-1 Sabres
3:52: Buffalo is up 3-1. Shots are 23-14 Buffalo
Second Intermission: shots are 27-15 for the Sabres
From the team on twitter, "Despite trailing in the game the #SweDanny line is very fun to watch (Fast-Lindberg-Kristo). Creating a ton of opportunities"
Third Period:
19:13: Danny Kristo to the penalty box for tripping.
15:04: Shots are 2-1 for the Sabres in the third.
14:01: Lindberg with his second of the game and third of the tournament. Assist to Danny Kristo. From the team, "Kristo with the gorgeous pass to Oscar Lindberg who scores his 2nd of the game."
Buffalo up 5-2
6:03PM: Kristo, Lindberg and Ryan Graves score to make it 5-5
2:37: Shots are 37-31 Sabres
0:23: Buffalo wins it in OT


text:
About the Studio
The Art Students' Exchange is built on the belief that a combination of strong traditional technique and truly imaginative ideas make great art. Students are encouraged to think for themselves, and to create unique and individual projects. We believe that the skills used to build a successful drawing or painting can be adapted for use in other creative and academic disciplines as well. These skills include developing a central idea, exploring this idea, and finally putting it into a form that is thoughtful, exciting, and uniquely creative.
The studio is relaxed, friendly, and open to all who enjoy drawing and painting. "Talent" is not a prerequisite — only the desire to enjoy personal creativity through visual art.
College Applications
Students applying to art school are asked to do extra work in order to maximize their chances of being accepted by the more competitive colleges. To date, all students who have applied to art, architecture, and fashion schools have been accepted by either their first or second choice.
Students who want to add an Art Supplement to their liberal arts application might choose projects combining both academic research and visual art. Such projects might include interpreting historic events or literary works with painting, sculpture, collage or other materials; storyboarding an original short play or film; or writing a graphic novel. Engineering students might want to make drawings of possible or impossible machines or architecture. The objective is to make a final project that is distinctive enough to make college and university admissions boards take notice.
Connie Lane, Director
Connie Lane is a graduate of Barnard College, Columbia University, and has been working as a practicing artist since 1980. She opened The Art Students' Exchange in Lexington, MA, in 1985.
Schedule and Fees
We are open for class seven days a week. Class times vary, but students can come to class on any day that is convenient, not necessarily the same day each week. Prices range from $95 – $150 per month, depending on frequency. Private lessons are available on a limited basis.
For further information, please call Connie Lane at 781-266-6564 (cell), or send an email to email@example.com.
Alum Words 2014
Laura K
Laura Kishimoto, age 23, furniture designer and maker. Currently working as a freelance contractor for Codor Design in Seattle and Flitch Studios in Denver as well as creating personal work for an upcoming gallery show in Philly this December. Also an assistant teacher in the woodworking department at Red Rocks Community College. Current portfolio can be found at kishimotodesign.com.
I attended Art Students' Exchange from age 9 to 18 and Connie has undoubtedly been a critical influence on my creative and personal development. At her studio I learned the value of self-discipline, constructive criticism, and personal drive, all of which have been invaluable to discovering and applying myself to my greatest passions. Just a year after graduating college I am able to earn a living from doing what I love everyday and I know that Connie and the Art Students' Exchange has played a huge part in that.
Nathan Silver
Nathan Silver graduated from New York University's Tisch School of the Arts in 2005. Since then, he has written and directed five feature films: THE BLIND (2009), EXIT ELENA (2012), SOFT IN THE HEAD (2013), UNCERTAIN TERMS (2014), and STINKING HEAVEN (2015). His films have screened at festivals around the world and been released theatrically in the United States. Recently, Silver was profiled in the New York Times, and Filmmaker Magazine named him "one of the most interesting emerging directors in U.S. indie film."
"For me, ASE was essential to my growth not only as a wannabe artist but also as a wannabe adult. I associate the place so heavily with my artistic formation that I can't picture a life without it. I recommend that everyone go there until it's so crowded that more places like it pop up."
Jackie Kong
Jackie Kong, 18, student at New York University majoring in Studio Art
"Connie really changed my perspective on what art is and can be, and without her my work wouldn't be where it's at today. Her wisdom, humor, and creativity push every student to do their personal best."
Rebecca Taft
I have been doing art with Connie since I was in elementary school at LMS (the Lexington Montessori School). Connie is not only a fantastic artist and teacher, but also really knows how to connect with kids. I remember one class when "Walkin' on the Sun" by Smash Mouth came on the radio, and we all got up on our stools and had a dance party! After elementary school, I started coming to classes at the Art Students Exchange (ASE) regularly, and really grew as an artist. In high school, I continued to explore new subject matter and media, and my art portfolio became an important piece of my college application.
The ASE was also an essential social outlet for me. Many of my high school friends came to the Friday class, and we'd usually go out to dinner at Bertucci's or Via Lago in Lexington center after class. Looking back, I can't think of a better way for a bunch of high school students to spend a Friday night!
After graduating from high school and the ASE, I studied physics at Yale. I thought about double-majoring in art, but the art classes were way harder than the physics classes! After college I worked for four years – first as an IT Consultant in Boston and New York, and later as a programmer at Bloomberg in New York. On a whim I applied to graduate school, and now I'm back in the Boston area studying Computer Science at MIT. I recently moved back in with my parents in Lexington, so now I am just a 10 minute drive from the ASE! I've started painting again, and I'm excited to be getting back to my roots.
Olivia Becker
I'm 21 and currently in my senior year at George Washington U, in DC studying international affairs and journalism.
I don't know if anything I could say in an email could accurately sum up my experiences at the studio or convey just how important it was to my life for such a long time. Going to art classes every week for upwards of 10 years (?!) was probably the most consistent, comforting and wonderful experiences I had growing up. I always treated art as something deeply personal and private and felt immense joy in being able to explore that part of me at ASE with absolutely zero inhibitions. Although I never pursued it beyond the high school level, art has always played a substantial role in my life and that is without a doubt in large part thanks to you and ASE. It's also worth noting that the years I was at ASE were also the toughest ones at home for me and my family–my parents divorce and sister's illness–and going to art classes was a huge source of comfort during that period of time.
Deb Linton
ASE helps students channel creativity into constructive activities and replicable problem solving methods that will serve them throughout their lifetime. Early lessons learned at ASE continue to help me work through complex design challenges (both visual and technical), successfully identify people I want to work with, and find beauty in the world around me. Many art classes will teach you what to see and communicate – ASE will teach you how to see and communicate.
Connie Lane has an unbelievable gift for connecting with a wide range of creative personalities, figuring out what motivates them, and then inspiring them work harder than they ever. thought. possible. During my time there she also established a community that could only be described as a social refuge.
Beyond the swirl of high school social dynamics, family drama, relentless coaches, and bizarrely cruel teachers, lay this precious community of art students that treated each other with respect. There, peers challenged each other and connected across vast social divides. Together, they learned about pieces of their personalities that were so often silenced in that outside world. I have no idea how Connie Lane accomplished this but I am forever grateful for the consistently safe place she created for us week after week.
ASE was a great addition to my college applications and prepared me for advanced anatomy and art history classes alike. It also introduced me to the type discipline it takes to pursue independent projects – a skill they simply don't teach in the traditional classroom setting.
I recently graduated from U.C. Berkeley's School of Information with a Masters in Information Management and Systems. There I studied data-science, business, law, and human computer interaction. I now live in San Francisco and have a job in the health tech field as an UX / UI Designer.
Intack Song
Well, uh… where should I start. Times I spent at ASE is unforgettable – Connie has been a great adviser for me ever since I entered the studio for the first time. Although we cannot meet face to face, I still rely on Connie's word and always look forward to see her again.
After leaving ASE in 2007, I flew back to Korea and went to a design school. And there I met two other guys who I started a small design studio together. We officially started working together in 2013 and we specialize in branding and product design. So far we have worked with small start-ups..Is and packaging for their products. We are yet to make huge incomes but we have been blessed to work with wonderful people and we believe in our path.
Brett Sroka
Over twenty years ago I attended classes at the The Art Students'Exchange with some of my good friends and have seen all of us grow so much with the guidance and encouragement we received there. Today I live in New York and travel the world as an artist, those early sparks of inspiration led to a creative and interesting life.
Amelia Massucco
ASE is great! I spent a large part of my childhood there. and my teenagehood. It was an environment that every kid needs a little of. Connie is still my art teacher, so either she's doing something right or I'm a terrible student. or maybe a little of both.
Naina Chipalkatti
The Art Students' Exchange was one of the best parts about growing up in Lexington. Connie is an incredible art teacher who truly goes out of her way for her students. I have never met a more inspiring and encouraging educator. In particular, she really challenged me to create a college supplement that represented not only my artistic talent, but also my personal views and critical thinking. Now, I am currently a pre-medical student at the University of Southern California, majoring in neuroscience, and of course, minoring in the fine arts.
Gabrielle Zandi
Occupation: Program Manager at SapientNitro
I was a private student at the ASE for 11 years (age 7-18). During those years, I took weekly private lessons from the intelligent, talented and unique Connie Lane.
In terms of instruction, Connie taught me all of the basics, and showed me how to work with a wide variety of mediums: pencil, charcoal, watercolor, oil, acrylic and clay. Connie's instruction is very different than that of an academic course. She allowed me to work on whatever I was interested in and along the way, would support me in learning any techniques needed to get there.
My weekly class with Connie was extremely therapeutic and a much needed break from my daily life. It was the only time I could completely switch gears and escape into my painting. Throughout the years, I not only came to appreciate this time artistically, but also looked up to Connie as mentor, who I'd often ask for personal advice.
If you're considering the ASE, I cannot give Connie enough accolades. She not only developed my drawing and painting skills, but also evolved my critical eye and helped me tap into my creativity. If you'd like to hear more about Connie and the studio, please don't hesitate to email me (firstname.lastname@example.com).
Lydia Conklin
Lydia Conklin has received a Pushcart Prize, work-study scholarships from Bread Loaf, and fellowships from the MacDowell Colony, the Corporation of Yaddo, the James Merrill House, the Vermont Studio Center, Millay, Jentel, Brush Creek, the Santa Fe Art Institute, Caldera, the Sitka Center, and Harvard University, among others, and grants and awards from the Astraea Foundation, the Puffin Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Alliance of Artists Communities, and the Council for Wisconsin Writers. Her fiction has appeared in The Southern Review, Narrative Magazine, New Letters, The New Orleans Review, and elsewhere. She has drawn graphic fiction for Gulf Coast, Salt Hill,and the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. She holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
Lydia Conklin has received a Pushcart Prize, work-study scholarships from Bread Loaf, and fellowships from the MacDowell Colony, the Corporation of Yaddo, the James Merrill House, the Vermont Studio Center, Millay, Jentel, Brush Creek, the Santa Fe Art Institute, Caldera, the Sitka Center, and Harvard University, among others, and grants and awards from the Astraea Foundation, the Puffin Foundation, the Massachusetts Cultural Council, the Alliance of Artists Communities, and the Council for Wisconsin Writers. Her fiction has appeared in The Southern Review, Narrative Magazine, New Letters, The New Orleans Review, and elsewhere. She has drawn graphic fiction for Gulf Coast, Salt Hill, and the Steppenwolf Theater in Chicago. She holds an MFA from the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
"I loved the studio, partly because Connie let me play Nirvana Unplugged week after week!"


text:
Learning Management Software
How to Find the Best Learning Management Software
The number of companies who are dissatisfied with their learning management software or system (LMS) is shockingly high. As many as two-thirds of businesses are unhappy enough that they're considering switching to a different LMS. Given that businesses have literally hundreds of options to choose from, it's clear that many need to engage in more thoughtful detailed review of options to choose the LMS that's right for their company. Making the wrong choice not only ends up being a waste of time and money, it puts your company's entire learning program in jeopardy, which creates a further negative impact on the bottom line. This is one choice your company needs to get right, whether it's your first time or the result of realizing your most recent choice isn't working out. Either way, your company's future success depends on making the best choice possible.
Your first order of business is to decide if you want an LMS or an LCMS. What's the difference? A regular LMS or learning management software is what helps your company organize, deliver, and track the learning and training you need to deliver to your employees. An LCMS is a learning content management system, which adds in capabilities, functionalities and tools to help your company create and organize the learning and training content to be delivered and managed through the LMS. These don't have to be completely separate systems from different vendors. There are options that contain both aspects, although many hold the opinion that when vendors try to both, one of the two aspects will inevitably be inferior to the other. Keep that in mind as you evaluate vendor options, and especially if you consider vendors who combine both functions in one package.
It's also useful to keep in mind the following six items that tend to be the sources of dissatisfaction with an Learning Management Software:
- Subpar data analysis and reporting. An LMS can generate an enormous amount of data about learning throughout your company. This "Big Data" can help you understand if your company's learning efforts are effective, as well as identify areas for improvement. But your ability to use all that data rests on how well the LMS can present powerful metrics in visual formats that make the data easy to understand and act on.
- Lacking device diversity. If an LMS can't be used on any device anytime and anywhere, cross it off the list. Users need to be able to access the same robust learning experience on desktops, laptops, tablets, smartphones and maybe even smart wearable technologies.
- Inferior search capabilities. When users can't easily find what they're looking for, the will quickly become frustrated and dissatisfied. Robust search and find capabilities are a must in any LMS.
- Poor integration with other systems. In an ideal world, your LMS would seamlessly integrate with other systems and apps your company uses, whether that's your human resources information system, a talent management app, project management software, and so on. The ability to Integrate your LMS with as many other systems at your company as possible should be high on your criteria checklist.
- Failure to deliver promised capabilities. When you take the time to read quality user reviews of different LMS vendors, pay attention to how often people mention that the salesperson "oversold" the LMS, saying it has various features and capabilities that aren't actually present, which you only find out once you've bought into the system and have started using it. Free trials and robust demonstrations are a way to protect against this unfortunately common experience.
- Incompetent service.Anytime your company is adopting a new software system, you know there are going to be glitches and problems. Once again, this is another good time to pay close attention to user reviews of the quality of service and technical support provided by the vendor.
Whether you're choosing your first LMS or switching to a new LMS, this is one decision your company needs to take seriously by putting a significant amount of time and energy into the evaluation and selection process. See how the eLeaP LMS can meet your needs by signing up to try it out now for free on a 30-day trial. Contact eLeaP to find out more by calling us at 1-877-624-7226 or emailing us at email@example.com.
Need additional information? Check out these resources:


text:
Veterinary Low Level (cold) Laser & Veterinary Orthopedic Manipulation with Horses
Miraculous Cures Using VOM and LLLT
She has worked with horses using VOM and LLLT technology. Her results with horses have been just as amazing and outstanding as with small animals.
Brandy, a 25 year old Thoroughbred was dragging his back legs when he walked and dribbling urine. Dr. Elliot treated Brandy with VOM and LLLT technologies. After one treatment he stopped dragging his rear legs except when he made a sharp turn and stopped dribbling urine. When she saw him one month later he was still doing well. He was treated one more time to keep up the positive results.
Romeo, a 6 month old colt was about to begin training for racing one day. He was treated with one VOM and one LLLT treatment although the horse had no problems whatsoever. However after the treatments the owner remarked "He's not tripping as much as he used to."
Mabelene, a 7 year old female quarter horse which was pregnant and due to deliver her foal in about six months at the time she got her first treatment. She seemed ok to owner but moving slowly. After first VOM treatment both the owner of the horse and stable owner commented that Mabelene seemed more comfortable, moved around the barn and pasture more easily and was generally easier to handle. One more VOM treatment was given a month later. Reports are that she continues to seem more comfortable in general and easier to handle than before any VOM treatments.
Duke, a 12 year old male horse, was led out to our class of students when we were learning to use the LLLT technology. Duke was a small horse (maybe 14 hands high) bay (brown) colored. He walked slowly towards us and kept his head down the whole time. The owner of the stable told us he had slowed down a lot and might have had a neck injury. The way he was walking certainly seemed to corroborate this hypothesis. We attempted to do VOM on him. He was very nervous and didn't seem to like the clicking noise the activator made. We opted to do only LLLT on him. After we finished the treatment of 4 "runs" each run set with 4 different setting to address what appeared to be neck pain and a general setting for anti-inflammatory effect, Duke was led into the coral next to where we were treating other horses. As soon as Duke was unclipped from the lead rope he started to whinny, snort in a playful manner, and run back and forth along the fence. He seemed happy and free of pain and continued to whinny to the other horses as they were brought up to us to work on He also continued to run back and forth in a playful manner for the entire three hours we were there. He obviously felt better and let us and everyone else know it.
Please Call
For ALL Appointments
If you would like to ask a question, email:
9am-7pm Tuesdays
9am-4pm one Saturday a month
West Village Veterinary Hospital
75 Eighth Avenue
(between 13th and 14th Streets)
New York, NY 10014
Contributing writer for


text:
The last time I saw Cassia, they were sat behind a merch table with a long line of adoring fans waiting to meet them. This was back in May at Gorilla in Manchester, after they'd played a show-stopping set supporting Leeds based four-piece Clay. But it seems that in those three months, a lot has happened in the land of Cassia.
All of it was written across their faces the moment that they stepped into The Exchange in Stoke: tired eyes but beaming smiles, bold enough to light up any room. And although it was a disappointing turn out for the band (in terms of crowd size), Cassia were on cloud nine.
The Lounge Act and Stu Whiston opened up the night, two contrasting bands with contrasting levels of experience. The Lounge Act were extremely tight, their version of The 1975's 'Sex' was proof of that. As was the colourful spectrum of originals that were included in their set, that offered those that stood watching a diverse bunch of feelings and emotions. As tight and as entertaining as they were however, I couldn't help but notice the lack of interaction with the audience that remained throughout. Maybe it's part of the image they're aspiring to have, but it's important to remember that it's not just the quality of live performance that leaves an audience talking.
Stu Whiston on the other hand was very vocal, his driving indie rock sound powering through the venue. Original tracks such as 'Silver', 'There Was A Time' and the anthemic finale that was 'Rock 'n' Roll Show' that rose and then fell so effortlessly, were all huge talking points of the band's set. Whiston had the crowd moving, even if his crowd were smaller than he really should have deserved, but such is the attitude towards "not local enough" headliners i.e. Cassia. Just as The Lounge Act did, Whiston and his band made it work and neither bands seemed particularly fazed by their dwindling crowd.
It was disappointing to see a band of Cassia's size perform to a half empty venue, something I feel can only be blamed by the amount of local music supporters, who're often too afraid to take a chance on a band they've never heard before. But with a busy weekend of performances at both Reading and Leeds festival ahead of them, Cassia were far from sharing my disappointment.
They played, just as they had done at Gorilla to a room packed full of excitable teenagers, to an exceptional standard and it was quite clear to everyone present that this band are the next big thing. Their signature tropi-pop sound made it virtually impossible to stand still, with tracks such as 'Moana', 'Get Up Tight' and 'Weekender' gaining them new fans with every strum. Rob Ellis, Jacob Leff and Lou Cotterill were comfortable on stage, something that has naturally grown from their love of performing together. Leff in particular appeared to be in his own world and the band couldn't help but bob up and down to the music they were making.
But that night was significant for the band in more ways than one. Not only was this the first time the Macclesfield based three-piece had performed in Stoke, it was also the release day of their brand new single 'Sink'. Scroll through their Twitter account (@wearecassia) and you'll find an overwhelming feeling of love and support for this new track and quite literally all of their exciting musical endeavours. 'Sink' is taken from their brand new EP 'Movers & Shapers' that will follow their 2016 self-titled three-track release. 'Sink' is a natural progression for the band and one that is evident in their live performances.
Cassia concluded the evening with '100 Times Over', their most popular track to date. Ellis's clean guitar, Cotterill's smooth bass line and Leff's caribbean inspired drum beat, the three most important aspects of every song they make, slithered cooly out of the speakers and wrapped themselves around the room. For a moment the world seemed to stop and '100 Times Over' seemed like it could last forever. So much so that when it came to an end, you were left wishing you could replay their entire set all over again.
Cassia have a gigantic few months ahead of them, with a potentially life changing few years in touching distance. But this is a band who are making music for the love of it, a band who befriend everyone they speak to and one that deserve every ounce of the attention they're receiving.


text:
This is a bit hidden in the Windows Phone Store - Nokia Car App
It's a stripped-down start page that gives you the time and date, current and next weather, and battery charge and three big customizable buttons - all easy to see and jab with a finger while you're driving. You can customize the three buttons with nearly any app - the ones you use while driving such as navigation, music or phone come to mind. You can program the phone with up to five Quick Call numbers.
Obviously it doesn't have to be used just while driving. You can use it in any specialized setting such as at home or work, anywhere you use the same few apps.
Start it with NFC automatically in your car, at your desk, or on your couch.
BTW it's free and probably only works on Lumia devices.
This is a bit hidden in the Windows Phone Store - Nokia Car App


text:
RICHMOND – Antiques, street rods, muscle cars and new-age custom cars are among the automobiles that will be on display at the 17th Annual Car Show from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., on Saturday, April 24, 2009. This year's show will be held on the Johnson Hall parking lot.
Proceeds from the show are designated for the automotive scholarship fund. Last year, seven scholarships were awarded as the result of sponsorships from the Car Show.
More than 200 cars are expected to be on display, competing for various awards. Trophies will be awarded in 24 categories, including best of show, club participation, five awards for under 25, and others.
Car owners can register at Johnson Hall parking at Ivy Tech Community College campus, 2357 Chester Boulevard beginning at 8:30 a.m. There is a $15.00 entry fee for automobiles. Admission to the Show is free to the public.
The Ivy Tech Student Government Association will be sponsoring a NASCAR simulator, kids' carnival games, and food. A lawn mower train ride for the children and DJ music will also be available. From 11:00 – 1:00 p.m. the Richmond Police Department will perform bike safety checks.
Ivy Tech Community College Richmond is one of the fastest growing institutions of higher education in east central Indiana with student enrollment that has more than doubled since 2006. Ivy Tech Richmond now serves over 4,000 students annually in Franklin, Union, Fayette, Rush, Wayne and surrounding counties.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech is the State's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest singly-accredited statewide community college system with more than 150,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the State's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association.


text:
Christian Toon, Head of Information Risk, Global Security Services, Iron Mountain
With 93 per cent of large and 76 per cent of small organizations admitting to falling foul of a security breach in the past two years, you would be forgiven for thinking that some form of data loss within business is inevitable. Indeed Iron Mountain research found that more than half (53.3 per cent) of European businesses expect to lose data. As a result, they are unprepared when it comes to protecting company information.
This complacency is cause for concern. Many businesses are choosing to insure their business against the financial impact of data loss, rather than doing something to protect against the loss in the first place. Surely it would be more cost effective and better for the long-term prosperity of the business to invest money in closing the gaps in its data-protection programme and keep information from getting into the wrong hands?
Losing control of your data – the business impact
The European Commission's draft revision to data protection legislation includes fines of up to one million Euros or two per cent of annual revenue for a data breach. The threat of the potentially huge financial impact of data loss on a business seems to do little to promote good governance when it comes to protecting information and has so far done little to encourage businesses to take greater information responsibility.
However, it's not just the financial hit that businesses will need to take. A data breach could, potentially, be far more damaging to your business' brand reputation and customer loyalty. With the use of social media in both a business and personal context on the rise, bad news now travels faster and further, meaning that even the smallest data breach can have serious consequences.
Managing data protection expectations
Before a business can put measures in place to protect its information, it firstly needs to assume responsibility and accountability for that data – wherever the information is stored. By law, companies are liable for the loss of their own data, even if the loss occurs while the information stored with a third party. It is therefore up to businesses to scrutinise, mitigate and manage their own information risk supply chain, as part of their Corporate Information Responsibility (CIR) programme.
The proposed new EU data protection legislation will mean a big change for businesses. According to the draft legislation, timeframes surrounding notification of a breach will only afford businesses 24 hours to notify regulators. This will require processes for the identification and reporting of an incident will need to be slick and efficient. Monitoring data integrity is also a key area for businesses to address. This has become all the more complex thanks to the prevalence of social media and mobile devices. Knowing exactly what information you hold in both physical and digital formats could prove a real headache.
The proposed new EU data protection legislation will force businesses to take action and not be complacent about data loss. It will bring significant positive changes to the way organisations monitor and handle information risk issues, but it won't happen overnight. Examples of good practice are there to be followed. In Germany, for example, organisations are already obliged to make a member of staff responsible for data protection and ensuring compliance with the law. The challenge will be to get all EU countries to pull in the same direction.
Data breaches must not be seen as inevitable. The proposed changes to EU legislation present a chance for companies to assess whether they have the right policies in place to prevent against data loss; a chance to sure up defences, reduce exposure to information risk and showcase the business as a responsible custodian of sensitive information ─ a business that will take the necessary steps to protect the personal data that it holds on behalf of European citizens. When it comes to exposure to information leaks, businesses would do well to stop mopping the floor and think about turning off the tap instead.


text:
Collaboration › Details
SomaLogicAgilent: oligo microarrays, 201904 supply na multi-year custom oligo arrays for SOMAscan assay
|AgilentSomaLogic: proteomic microarray technology, 201308 collab na co-marketing SOMAscan assay incl Agilent arrays to select customer labs
|Partner, 1st
|SomaLogic Inc.
|SOMAscan® assay
Agilent Technologies Inc.. (4/30/19). "Press Release: Agilent and SomaLogic Sign Agreement for Supply of Custom Microarrays". Santa Clara, CA & Boulder, CO.
Use of Agilent's custom microarrays in the SOMAscan® assay will help drive biomarker discovery efforts as well as novel diagnostics and accelerated pharmaceutical development
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) and SomaLogic, Inc. (a privately held biotechnology company) today announced a multi-year supply agreement whereby Agilent will supply customized high-fidelity oligo microarrays for use in the nucleic acid detection step within SomaLogic's novel SOMAscan assay, a protein measurement platform with applications across basic and clinical research, diagnostics, and pharmaceutical discovery and development.
SomaLogic's SOMAscan assay solves a protein measurement challenge using a DNA measurement solution, enabling the accurate measurement of an individual's protein makeup with unequalled sensitivity and dynamic range. The customized Agilent microarray, which is based on SomaLogic's specifications, is incorporated into the SOMAscan assay which is used to detect and measure 5,000 proteins accurately and reproducibly from a small volume of biological sample.
"Agilent and SomaLogic have developed a mutually rewarding partnership over the years, and we are pleased that they will continue to leverage our microarray platform as they scale up their business," said Sam Raha, president of Agilent's Diagnostics and Genomics Group. "Agilent's microarray platform has demonstrated superiority for measurement of DNA and RNA at scale and it is exciting to see how SomaLogic is creatively applying this capability to measure thousands of proteins in a single assay."
"To date we have analyzed over 300,000 human samples as we have built the SOMAscan platform," said Roy Smythe, CEO of SomaLogic. "Agilent custom microarrays have been a critical part of our success to date, and as we now move into health, wellness and disease-monitoring applications for our technology they continue to be an extremely high quality and scalable solution."
Specific details of the agreement were not disclosed.
About SomaLogic
SomaLogic seeks to deliver meaningful and actionable health-management insights that empower individuals worldwide to continuously optimize their personal health and wellness throughout their lives. These essential insights, to be provided through a global network of partners and users, are derived from the precise, proprietary, and personalized measurement of critical changes in an individual's proteins over time. For more information, visit www.somalogic.com and follow @somalogic on Twitter.
About Agilent Technologies
Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in life sciences, diagnostics, and applied chemical markets. With more than 50 years of insight and innovation, Agilent instruments, software, services, solutions, and people provide trusted answers to customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenues of $4.91 billion in fiscal 2018 and employs 15,300 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to our Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Facebook.
Naomi Goumillout
Agilent Technologies
Laura S. Mizoue, Ph.D.
SomaLogic, Inc.
Record changed: 2019-05-04
More documents for SomaLogic Inc.
- [1] Agilent Technologies Inc.. (4/30/19). "Press Release: Agilent and SomaLogic Sign Agreement for Supply of Custom Microarrays". Santa Clara, CA & Boulder, CO....
- [2] Agilent Technologies Inc.. (8/12/13). "Press Release: Agilent Technologies and SomaLogic Enter Agreement to Expand Access to Cutting-edge Proteomic Technology". Santa Clara, CA & Boulder, CO....
To subscribe to our free, monthly mass spectrometry newsletter, please send an e-mail to email@example.com and simply fill the subject line with the word »MSC Newsletter«
To get even more information, please take a look at our [gs] professional services offering and read the gene-sensor Product Flyer [PDF file]
Please visit also our web portals for the Eurpean life sciences and the life sciences in German-speaking Europe (DE, AT & CH) at Life-Sciences-Germany.com and Life-Sciences-Europe.com
» top


text:
Who is buying BA now?
I recently got 0.96 for 50K
anyone knows who buys chase ur for 1.55?
Now that u can get 1.5 from chase the "black market" got to be significantly higher no?
1.5 is only on travel, not everybody needs that much travel value and would rather cash.
Is the numbers in the wiki still accurate for AA?
How much is aa points going for
what are the current value of UR?