text:
International Treaties and Commitments
Personal Information Protection Law (Expert Suggestion Draft)
Editorial note:
This suggestion draft is one of the outcomes of the National Social Science Fund Major Project "Important Legislative Questions for Internet Security" (14ZDC021) at Renmin University of China Law School, of which Professor Zhang Xinbao is lead expert, its objective is to provide reference for legislation, its authors are Zhang Xinbao and Ge Xin. On deficiencies in the suggestion draft, the submission of valuable opinions and suggestions is welcomed, to be sent to email@example.com. After further revision and perfection, the suggestion draft and statement of grounds for legislation will be published in the near future by Renmin University of China Press, further attention is respectfully invited. Read the rest of this entry »
Joint Statement by the President of the People's Republic of China and the President of the Russian Federation concerning Coordinating the Promotion of Development in Information and Cyberspace
The heads of state of the People's Republic of China and the Russian Federation stated that, following the rapid progress of information infrastructure and information and telecommunications technology, information and cyberspace have deeply changed the production and lives of humanity, and powerfully promote social development. A secure, stable and flourishing information and cyberspace is of major importance to the peaceful development of both countries and the world. Both countries will jointly devote themselves to furthering development in information and cyberspace, to even better enrich the people of both countries and the people of the world.
We believe that information and cyberspace is facing security challenges that become graver every day, information technology abuse is grave, and various countries, including China and Russia, have important common interests and space for cooperation, they should therefore, on the basis of mutual respect and mutual trust, comprehensively engage in substantive dialogue and collaboration on the topic of guaranteeing information and cyberspace security and furthering the development of information and cyberspace. Read the rest of this entry »
Persisting in Respect for the Principle of Cyber Sovereignty, Promoting the Construction of a Community of Common Destiny in Cyberspace
The original text of this article was published in Seeking Truth, on 29 February 2016.
Lu Wei
Studying on Understanding and Reflecting on the Spirit of General Secretary Xi Jinping's Important Speech at the 2nd World Internet Conference
Key points
– The Internet is a new space and a new garden for humanity, it requires new rules and a new order. Persisting in the four principles of respect for cyber sovereignty, safeguarding peace and security, stimulating openness and collaboration, and building a good order, as well as the five standpoints of accelerating the construction of global network infrastructure, forging shared platforms for online cultural exchange, promoting innovation and development of the network economy, guaranteeing cybersecurity, and building an Internet governance system, have opened up the "Wuzhen Process" for global Internet development and governance.
– The thriving of malpractice in international cyberspace governance is rooted in the question of sovereignty. Cyber sovereignty is rooted in modern legal theory, and is the extension of national sovereignty in cyberspace. Respect for cyber sovereignty is a necessary requirement for opposing cyber hegemony, it is am important guarantee for safeguarding peace and security, it is a basic precondition for persisting in openness and collaboration, and is a firm basis for building a desirable order.
– Cyberspace is a common space of activity for humankind, all countries should strengthen communication, broaden consensus and deepen collaboration, to jointly build a community of common destiny in cyberspace. Respect for cyber sovereignty is dialectically one with building a community of common destiny in cyberspace, cyber sovereignty is the precondition for building a community of common destiny in cyberspace, and the community of common destiny in cyberspace is a guarantee for cyber sovereignty.
– China is a firm advocate and powerful defender of cyber sovereignty, it persists in correctly handling the relationships between freedom and order, security and development, openness and autonomy in cyberspace, it is exploring and marching an Internet governance path with Chinese characteristics. China will further move forward the reform of the global Internet governance system, promote the formulation of more balanced international norms for cyberspace that reflect the desires and interests of the absolute majority of countries, to jointly promote the healthy development of the Internet. Read the rest of this entry »
Wuzhen Initiative
The Internet is an important achievement in the progress of human civilization, it has become an important force that drives innovation, stimulates economic and social development, and enriches all of humanity. The Internet will transform the world into a "global village", so that international society increasingly is becoming an interdependent community of common destiny. At the same time, the rapid development of the Internet has also brought challenges to national sovereignty, security and sustainable development. Vigorously and steadily responding to these challenges is the common responsibility of international society. From the World Summit on the Information Society in 2003, the Geneva Declaration of Principles and the 2005 Tunis Agenda to the Montevideo Statement as well as the Report of the United Nations Group of Governmental Experts on Information Security, international society's consensus concerning Internet development and governance is broadening incessantly, and cooperation is deepening incessantly. We express congratulations for the results of the United Nations General Assembly WSIS +10 High-Level Meeting, and look forward to international society further deepening cooperation in the area of the Internet on the basis of the UN Charter as well as universally accepted international norms and principles. Read the rest of this entry »
Speech at the 2nd World Internet Conference Opening Ceremony
Xi Jinping
16 December 2015, Wuzhen
Welcome, everyone, to beautiful Wuzhen, to talk together about fundamental matters in Internet development. First and foremost, on the sincere behalf of the Chinese government and the Chinese people, as well as in my own name, I express a welcome to all honoured guests who attend the second World Internet Conference. And I express warm congratulations on the convention of the Conference.
I have spent many years in Zhejiang, and have come to Wuzhen often. Coming here again today, I feel very warm and acquainted, and also feel a completely new impression in my ears and eyes. Last year, the first World Internet Conference was organized here, which promoted the rapid development of online makers, online hospitals, smart tourism, etc., and let this white-walled, black-tiled, thousand-year-old town burst forth with a new glamour. The networking and smartification of Wuzhen is a vivid portrait of the converging development of the traditional and the modern, the humanities and science and technology, it is a microcosm of the creative development of China's Internet, and vividly reflects the idea of shared development of the global Internet. Read the rest of this entry »
A Network Shared Together, A Space Governed Together
Keynote Speech at the Opening Ceremony of the ICANN Meeting in London
Lu Wei
Respected Minister Ed Vaizey, respected chairman Steve Crocker and CEO Fadi Chehade, respected colleagues, ladies, gentlemen:
Good morning! Today, the 50th ICANN meeting is opened, and I represent the Chinese government in expressing enthusiastic congratulations! I also express heartfelt thanks for vigorous efforts and considerate arrangements that Minister Ed Vaizey and ICANN have made for this Meeting! There is a proverb in English: "He that walks with wise men should be wise". I have come to London for the second time in a year, I have come to the birthplace of the father of the World Wide Web, and so would like to "learn from everyone, through exchanging views, like polishing jade", and together, exchange experiences and wisdom concerning Internet development and governance. Read the rest of this entry »
Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China (Revision Draft, Submission Version)
National Copyright Administration
Revision Draft, Submission Version
Chapter I: General Principles
Chapter II: Copyright
Section I: Copyright holders and their rights
Section II: Copyright entitlement
Section III: The term of protection of copyright
Chapter III: Related rights
Section I: Publishers
Section II: Performers
Section III: Audio producers
Section IV: Radio stations and television stations
Chapter IV: The limitations of rights
Chapter V: The exercise of rights
Section I: Copyright and related right contracts
Section II: Collective copyright management
Chapter VI: Technological protection measures and rights management information
Chapter VII: The protection of rights
Chapter VIII: Supplementary provisions
Chapter I: General provisions Read the rest of this entry »
Report concerning the Work Situation in Deepening Cultural Structural Reform and Promoting the Grand Development and Grand Flourishing of Socialist Culture
Given on 24 October 2012 at the 29th Meeting of the 11th Standing Committee of the National People's Congress
Minister of Culture: Cai Wu
Standing Committee of the National People's Congress,
I have been entrusted by the State Council to report to the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress on the work situation in deepening cultural structural reform and promoting the grand development and grand flourishing of Socialist culture. Cultural structural reform and development work involve culture, radio, film and television, press and publications, and various other areas, and for this report, the opinions of the Central Propaganda Department as well as SARFT, the General Administration of Press and Publications, the Information Office and other departments were sought, in order to as much as possible, completely reflect the comprehensive situation of cultural structural reform and development work, please consider it. Read the rest of this entry »
Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China (Second Revision Draft)
Changes in the updated document in comparison with the earlier March draft are underlined.
National Copyright Administration, July 2012
Chapter I: General Principles
Chapter II: Copyright
Section I: Copyright holders and their rights
Section II: Copyright entitlement
Section III: The term of protection of copyright
Chapter III: Related rights
Section I: Publishers
Section II: Performers
Section III: Audio producers
Section IV: Radio stations and television stations
Chapter IV: The limitations of rights
Chapter V: The exercise of rights
Section I: Copyright and related right contracts
Section II: Collective copyright management
Chapter VI: Technological protection measures and rights management information
Chapter VII: The protection of rights
Chapter VIII: Supplementary provisions Read the rest of this entry »
A Brief Explanation concerning the Revision and Perfection of the "Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China" (Second Revision Draft)
(National Copyright Administration, July 2012)
I, The basic situation of the Opinion-seeking Draft
On 31 March 2012, the National Copyright Administration published the "Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China" (Revision Draft) through the official websites of the National Copyright Administration and the General Administration of Press and Publications, and openly solicited the opinions and suggestions from all walks of society. In early April, the National Copyright Administration legislative work leading small group chair, General Administration of Press and Publications Director and National Copyright Administration Director Liu Binje and legislative work leading small group vice-chair, GAPP vice-director and NCA vice-director Comrade Yan Xiaohong respectively sent letters to the responsible comrades of 35 relevant departments to solicit opinions in their personal name; the National Copyright Administration Secretariat sent letters to 40 relevant State Council ministries and commissions to solicit opinions. Read the rest of this entry »
A Brief Explanation concerning the "Copyright Law of the People's Republic of China" (Revision Draft)
At the end of March, the National Copyright Administration published a draft for the upcoming revision of the Copyright Law. It also issued an accompanying explanation as to which changes were made in the Copyright Law and why. Mainly, these changes are to be found in consolidating the copyright law regime, by including a number of provisions which were present only in administrative regulations; bringing the law in line with the WIPO treaties to which China acceded in 2007; instituting new requirements on copyright-related contract registration; and expanding the role of collective copyright management organizations. Also, the draft provides a safe haven for technological network service providers.
I, The basic situation of our country's copyright law
The basic framework of our country's copyright legal system is composed of laws, administrative regulations, local regulations, departmental rules, local government rules, normative documents, judicial interpretation, as well as corresponding international treaties, etc. After 20 years of efforts, our country has shaped a relatively complete copyright law system. Read the rest of this entry »
Gary Rawnsley at PCMLP
A little while ago, prof. Gary Rawnsley of the University of Leeds was at Oxford to talk about China's soft power initiative. Here's the video: Read the rest of this entry »
Chinese censorship back in the WTO spotlight
As the financial crisis is progressing, relations between China and the United States are becoming increasingly strained. As the US struggles to get its economy back on the rails, voices arguing that Chinese monetary and economic policies engender unfair consequences for US enterprises are growing in strength. On 20 October, the USTR filed a WTO case against China concerning anti-dumping measures on broiler products, as well as a GATS Article III:4 request for information concerning China's Internet censorship policies.
This is not the first time that the US addresses Chinese censorship in the WTO. Most notably, it won the DS363 China – Audiovisual case, in which it was found that a number of Chinese media control measures violated WTO rules. However, this request for information is different. Rather than attacking substantive aspects of Chinese censorship policy, it asks China to provide more clarity about censorship procedure. More specifically, as the Great Firewall allegedly sometimes blocks the websites of US services suppliers, the US requests information about the criteria for blockage, the relevant ministries and decisionmakers, potential routes for appeal or redress, and the way domestic and foreign services suppliers are treated.
This action may have significant consequences. China's censorship system is vague, opaque and complex, party because of domestic overlapping administrations, but also in order to ensure that websites aren't tempted to explore the boundaries of what is permissible and to maximize discretion to intervene. However, if China does not satisfactorily answer the US questions, it may find itself confronted with a new WTO case. It can reasonably be expected that China will invoke national security as a justification for its censorship regime, which means that it may be necessary to come up with a WTO definition for this term.
In any case, this is a very clever move by the United States. By concentrating on procedural aspects, it avoids opening up the Pandora's box that are substantive censorship rules. But more importantly, by concentrating on the commitments that China voluntarily made when joining on the WTO, China may be forced to show its hand on committing to the rules-based international trading system.
Declaration by the Heads of State of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Member States concerning International Information Security
The heads of state of the member states of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (hereafter named "this Organization" or "Organization", the Republic of Kazakhstan, the People's Republic of China, the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, the Russian Federation, the Republic of Tajikistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, have organized a conference in Shanghai on 15 June 2006, where they declared the following: Read the rest of this entry »
Opinions concerning Further Strengthening and Improving Cultural Product and Service Export Work
In recent years, following the progressive acceleration of the pace of the rise of our country's comprehensive national strength and the and reform and development in the cultural sphere, ever more cultural products and services marched towards international markets, disseminating Chinese culture, expanding international influence, and stimulating cultural industry development, and have obtained desirable social effects and economic effects. But it must also be regarded that our country's rich cultural resources and vast cultural market have not been scientifically exploited and used, cultural product and service export quantities are still relatively low, cultural market competitiveness is correspondingly weak, and the function of culture in foreign relations is to be urgently strengthened. In order to further strengthen and improve cultural product and service work, promote even more excellent cultural products and services to march towards international markets, the following Opinions are hereby put forward. Read the rest of this entry »


text:
Today only about 7,000 acres in South Dakota are planted to flax seed. This is a large change from the mid-1980s when South Dakota produced close to 100,000 acres of flax and was one of the largest producers in the U.S., said Ruth Beck, SDSU Extension agronomy field specialist.
The reduction in flax seed production in South Dakota is not because of less demand as a human food ingredient. Flax seed demand has increased in recent years because of consumer popularity for the seed or meal; flax seed has high dietary fiber and high omega-3 oil content.
Flax 101
Flax produced in South Dakota is typically used for diverse products of feed, food or oil.
There are varieties with yellow seed and others with brown seed. "Some markets discriminate on seed color while others don't," Beck said. "Flax works well in a crop rotation with small grains and corn."
South Dakota flax is also often a popular component of cover crop mixes because it attracts pollinators and has strong arbuscular mycorrhizal associations.
Research has shown that meal made from flax that has had the oil removed by solvent extraction or cold-pressing makes excellent livestock feed.
For optimum yield and disease control, flax should be in a three-year or more rotation. Beck said producers should select a variety that is adapted to their location. SDSU has flax variety performance results from 2012 and previous years available on iGrow.org.
Moisture requirements
Moisture requirements for flax are lower than many other crops including wheat, corn and sunflowers. The root system on flax is primarily located in the top 2 to 3 foot of the soil. Consequently, Beck said flax does better in medium and heavy textured soils that hold more water in the surface layers.
"Flax is highly mycorrhizal meaning it can extract maximum amounts of water from the zones where its roots grow if it is in a diverse no-till rotation favoring VAM (vesicular arbuscular mycorrhiza)," she said. "This ability to dry the surface soil sometimes presents more of a challenge in establishing a winter wheat stand in the fall as compared to where peas are grown. The excellent snow-catching ability of flax stubble provides a distinct advantage in recharging soil water prior to spring."
Planting recommendations
Flax should be seeded at ¾ inch to 1 ¼ inches deep.
"Be sure to plant only high quality seed with good germination. Certified seed is recommended to assure varietal purity, seed viability, and freedom from pathogens and weed seed," she said.
Seed treated with a fungicide can reduce seed decay and seedling blight and increase stand significantly. Some published fact sheets on flax production recommend that seeding rates be between 25 to 45 pounds per acre. In fact, Beck said, experienced flax producers in central South Dakota and the SDSU Oilseeds group usually seed flax at rates around 50 pounds per acre.
Vulnerable to frost
Flax is epigeal upon emergence meaning it places its growing point above the soil surface (or above crop residue). This makes it vulnerable to spring frosts, Beck explained.
"High residue conditions actually enhance this issue for crops like flax. Residue reduces frost issues with crops that keep their growing point below the residue/soil surface (peas, small grains, corn) until later in their growth cycle. This means flax is normally seeded later than peas and wheat and before corn," she said.
When seeding with disc drills into no-till it is important to measure the distance of the seed into the soil.
"Some producers tie up their closing wheels when residue levels are heavy, leaving the flax pressed into the bottom of a trench that is not fully closed. High residue farming systems minimize issues with surface crusting. The small seed size of flax means it is vulnerable to surface crusts," Beck said.
Flax is sensitive to seed-placed fertilizers. It is more sensitive to zinc deficiency than many crops. Like most oilseeds it requires sulfur.
To learn more about nutrient requirements of flax, visit iGrow.org and review the South Dakota's Fertilizer Recommendation Guide.
Herbicide recommendations
Herbicide options are included in the 2014 South Dakota Pest Management Guide for Alfalfa and Oilseeds. There are several herbicide options (bromoxynil, MCPA, and clopyralid and combinations) that provide opportunities to break resistance cycles that develop in wheat, corn, and soybean production.
Life cycle of flax seed
The life cycle of the flax plant consists of a 45- to 60-day vegetative period, a 15- to 25-day flowering period and a maturation period of 30 to 40 days. Flax maturity is usually judged by the color of the bolls. Beck said that typically flax is harvested when 75-90 percent of the bolls are brown.
During the ripening process, under certain conditions, stems may remain green and a second flush of flowers may even occur. Desiccants can be used to accelerate the drying after the crop is mature (70-80 percent of bolls are brown; seed moisture 30 percent or less) and may be beneficial especially in fields that contain a lot of weeds.
Grasshoppers can be an issue with flax especially during boll development and ripening stages. Sanitation practices on field borders can be very important in preventing problems.
Flax can be straight cut with a platform or stripped using a stripper header. Swathing is an option but is not common anymore. Desiccants can aid this process.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
5i Solutions provides tools and solutions for digitizing, processing and managing documents for multiple markets.
We understand that each market has its own requirements and needs. One thing remains constant throughout: the security and management of your company's documents.
Our solutions offer peace of mind security, access-controlled privileges, "from anywhere" access and workflow functionality based on your market needs.
"We find our documents in seconds and the version control feature is cutting edge." — D. GOMEZ
We had gone electronic with our documents a couple of years ago, using shared network folders and SkyDrive to distribute plans to our subs and vendors.
Our estimators and project managers were spending too much time searching for documents, and the duplication of folders had become rampant. Now, we find our documents in seconds and the version control feature is cutting edge. The integration with SkyDrive meant that our transition was seamless for our vendors and subs.
"After implementation, we feel confident that we are HIPAA compliant and data is secure.." — R. SEYMOUROur patients' data security is incredibly important to us. 5i Solutions' SOPs on how to manage this was impressive, and their attention to detail in this area made them an easy choice out of the firms we evaluated. After implementation, we feel confident that we are HIPAA compliant and data is secure.
"The user interface has helped increase our production." — A. BERNSTEINMany years ago, my firm had been sold on case-management software that just wasn't user friendly. Every time we would bring in paralegal staffing, we would have this big learning curve. 5i Solutions introduced us to case-management software with a social media theme. With their support, it cut our learning curve in half, and the user interface has helped increase our production turnaround.
"Their field personnel were professional and efficient, and helped us through the process." — H. LAURENCEOur firm handles intellectual property cases. We had never done electronic discovery before. 5i Solutions' ability to cover all the bases made sure we captured all the data on every machine and email account. Their field personnel were professional and efficient, and helped us through the process..


text:
Yes, I know I am out of order, and frankly, I think it is just a little rude for you to point that out! Just kidding. Seriously, I need someone to teach me how to strike through my words!
This is our son Josiah Solomon. He turned five in the beginning of February. As you already know, if he was a girl he was going to be called Ella Katherine. Obviously, he wasn't a girl.
Up until five days before Josiah was born, he was going to be name Theodore Solomon. It wasn't a very scientific process to choose that name. One day in the car headed north, Kevin and I started with the top 1000 names for boys from 2003. And we just went through the list crossing out the ones we didn't like. Theodore is a Greek name meaning 'Gift from God.' Just like Grace and we really liked it. Solomon was after King Solomon in the Bible. It is Hebrew for peace.
Five days before Josiah was born, I heard his name on the radio. I don't remember the context. But I liked it and I looked up it's meaning. The Lord Saves. Wow. Doesn't get much better than that. I looked it up in the Bible and read about the boy king, Josiah, who brought a lost Israel back to the ways of the Lord. See the story of King Josiah here.
When I mentioned it to Kevin, he told me that he had come across that name, too., liked it and we immediately felt this was God speaking and switched our plans for a boy name. At that point, we both really felt that we were having a boy.
Yeah, there is a lot to live up to in Josiah's name, but we really feel God has big plans to use this charismatic little guy for great things in His Kingdom.
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Names Part III
Yes, I know I am out of order, and frankly, I think it is just a little rude for you to point that out! Just kidding. Seriously, I need someone to teach me how to strike through my words!
3 comments:
- Dawn said...
Cool story, and I am loving the park photos!!
As far as striking through the words.... you need to go into the html tab on the post you are writing and add < s > (without any spaces)before and after the words you want to strike through. Easy peasy!
- March 12, 2009 at 8:21 PM
- Our 7 Blessings from God said...
Tonnie, I've really enjoyed the stories behind your kid's names. I love how God can whisper a name and completely change our plans:) My name was supposed to be "Stephanie," but at the last minute my mom changed it to Karen.
- March 13, 2009 at 2:28 PM
- erin richardson said...
Um, I don't want to be rude, but these are really out of order. You should learn how to count.
- March 13, 2009 at 4:42 PM


text:
Quality Assurance
Medical Records Requirements
As a participating care provider or other health care professional, you must provide us with copies of medical records for our members within a reasonable time period following our request for the records. We may request records for various reasons, including an audit of your practice. An audit may be performed at our discretion and for several different purposes as we deem appropriate for our business needs.
Standards for Medical Records
A comprehensive, detailed medical record is vital to promoting high-quality medical care and improving patient safety. Our recommended medical record standards are published each November for commercial benefit plans in the Network Bulletin at UHCprovider.com/news > Network Bulletin. Our requirements include, but are not limited to:
- Separate medical record for each member.
- The record verifies the PCP is coordinating and managing care.
- Medical record retention period of six years after date of service rendered and for a minor, three years after majority or six years after the date of the service, whichever is later.
- Prenatal care only: A centralized medical record for the provision of prenatal care and all other services.
Transferring Member Medical Records
If you receive a request from a member to transfer their medical records, do so within seven days to help ensure continuity of care. To safeguard the privacy of the member's records, mark them as "Confidential." Be sure no part of the record is visible during transmission.
Electronic Medical Records
An electronic medical record (EMR) is any type of electronic concurrent medical information management system. This process improves efficiency and quality inpatient care through integrated decision support which provides better information storage, retrieval and data sharing capabilities. EMR systems allow care providers, nurses and other health care staff to access and share information smoothly and quickly, enable them to work more efficiently, and make better-quality decisions.
UnitedHealthcare's Credentialing and Re-credentialing Notifications
We complete our credentialing process and give notification of the results (within 60 days for NY, 45-60 days for NJ) of receiving a completed application. The notification tells you whether you are credentialed, if more time is needed, or if UnitedHealthcare is not in need of additional care providers at this time. If more information is needed, we notify the applicant ASAP but no more than 90 days from the receipt of the application.
For more information on our credentialing program, refer to Chapter 14: Credentialing and Re-Credentialing.
Healthcare Provider Performance Evaluations UnitedHealthcare is required to provide health care professionals with any information and profiling data used to evaluate your performance. Periodically, and at your request, we provide the information, profiling data and analysis used to evaluate your performance. You are given the opportunity to discuss the unique nature of your patient population which may have bearing on your profile and we work with you to improve your performance as needed.


text:
vo'ruv'etlh, also known as the Sword of Justice, was an organization of Klingon vigilantes which arose during the chaos associated with the reign of Emperor Skolar.
Operations Edit
Members of the vo'ruv'etlh operated anonymously, wearing masks and identifying themselves as vo'ruv'etlh rather than by their individual names. When in danger of capture, members would use disruptors to vaporize themselves, thereby protecting their own identities and the secrets of their organization.
The vo'ruv'etlh challenged the decadence and corruption which characterized the nobility during this era. Over the course of a turn, these masked vigilantes assassinated members of the higher echelons of Klingon society who they considered to be dishonorable.
This campaign culminated in an attack on the Klingon High Council in the Great Hall, wherein the vo'ruv'etlh successfully assassinated Emperor Skolar and his heir along with every member of the High Council. When the Klingon Imperial Guard moved in to capture the vo'ruv'etlh, the assassins vaporized themselves en masse, thereby ending the vo'ruv'etlh for good. (ST reference: The Klingon Art of War)
Legacy Edit
Because the vo'ruv'etlh operated anonymously, little is known about its members and their motives.
In his commentary on the qeS'a', K'Ratak argues that while the vo'ruv'etlh were considered heroes by many of their contemporaries, the fact that they masked their faces made them guilty of the same dishonor that they were worn to oppose. Because they chose to operate anonymously, neither their names nor the names of their Houses were committed to history. (ST reference: The Klingon Art of War)
Etymology Edit
The name vo'ruv'etlh appears to contain the Klingonese nouns ruv ("justice") and 'etlh ("sword"). (ST reference: The Klingon Dictionary)


text:
The recent Association Leadership Meeting of 40+ SMACNA chapter contractor leaders, including all five of our Premier Partners, was more like a mini-focus group of construction industry leadership. I walked away with a pretty good idea of concerns and exciting opportunities facing SMACNA members nationwide. I'd like to share some of them with you.
Workforce shortages—we are no exception
Recruiting, training, and retaining employees continue to be the greatest challenge in all sectors of the industry, and ours is no exception. Attracting qualified apprentices and developing solid foremen in the face of aging field talent will require innovative applications of social media techniques and fast-track concentrated training.
Efficient project planning and execution—applying new technology tools and practices—is helping to offset labor shortages, and that trend will continue. Also, the continued acceptance of low-bid contract awards versus negotiated work and a collaborative approach delays innovation, results in wasteful re-work and impairs productivity.
Recruiting—time to get creative
To solve the recruiting problem, we learned that some non-traditional education and recruiting efforts by SMACNA members, chapters, and our labor partners are underway. Contractors and their labor partners are reaching out to middle and high schools, both students and counselors, to educate them about the benefits of working in a trade. Shop tours with lunch and candid question and answer sessions are popular. Working directly with Helmets to Hardhats, the organization helps place veterans into construction industry jobs, doesn't necessarily provide the youngest pool for apprentices, but the applicants are well-qualified and have those soft skills often lacking in other applicants.
Predictions of the future—energy and IoT
Some of SMACNA's Premier Partners shared their industry market research and predictions about how the industry of the future is going to look and what it will take for us to get there.
Titus noted its product offerings will look different in the future, particularly with integrating technology into almost all products such as lighting integrated into diffusers. This is making the product more interesting to younger workers. They believe a softer management style for millennials is needed. Titus is shifting its training to use virtual reality and 3D technology to "get inside" systems and products to make them appear more interesting and cutting edge.
Daikin stated that energy, energy efficiency, and climate change have been driving their worldwide business development. They believe standards cannot be met with equipment only but will require whole building design and operation. They believe the Internet of Things is going to be hugely impactful and that in the future control systems will be completely different. Daikin research says IoT for HVAC will be a $26-billion-dollar market by the year 2020 with 9 percent annual growth thereafter. The desire for improved indoor air quality will be an opportunity for contractors and equipment manufacturers.
They said that the power of social media should not be underestimated, if used strategically. It can make any business seem cool. Plus, earlier engagement of potential workforce was encouraged. For example, we must let kids see, feel and touch, and manipulate things—tools and equipment—as early as middle school, so that they see the businesses for these products in a better light.
Strategic Planning—yields a focused organization
SMACNA is working on updating its strategic plan. Once the national plan is complete, hopefully our chapters and fellow contractors can use some of the findings in their own plans. Chapters should consider integrating elements of the national plan locally for an industry-wide effort to achieve our important objectives.
It is a well-known fact that a focused organization is more meaningful to its members and a focused organization energizes the leadership on all levels.
Joseph Lansdell
SMACNA President
Sign up for SMACNA's Executive News Brief. Available to both members and non-members.
Sign Up Now
Sheet Metal and Air Conditioning Contractors' National Association
4201 Lafayette Center Drive Chantilly, Virginia 20151-1219 Tel (703) 803-2980 - Fax (703) 803-3732
© 1998-2014 SMACNA. All rights reserved
Association Web Design and Development by Matrix Group International, Inc. ®


text:
The Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris has released a report from findings on the invasion of the National Assembly on Tuesday, where DSS operatives barricaded the entrance of the complex barring lawmakers from entering.
Police report disclosed that Daura did it for top politicians.
In what has been described as a legislative coup by political analysts, the barricade was another failed ploy to change the National Assembly leadership. The Director of the DSS Lawal Daura was subsequently sacked later that day by acting President Yemi Osinbajo and an investigation was launched to uncover the motives and the actors behind the disgraceful attack on Democracy.
The IGP's report confirms the wide suspicion that the Former DSS Director was playing a role orchestrated by some desperate politicians.
The report said, "It is Crystal Clear that Lawal Daura may be acting the script of highly placed politicians to achieve selfish political goals hence his unilateral and unlawful decision to invade the National Assembly Complex..."


text:
Perfect for your next backyard BBQ or summer picnic, this Greek pasta salad is filled with crunchy vegetables, creamy feta and tangy kalamata olives.
Memorial Day is right around the corner and I've got the ultimate pasta salad recipe for you! Filled with big chunks of creamy feta, fresh dill, kalamata olives and lots of crunchy vegetables, your friends and family will love this Greek-inspired pasta salad recipe.
For added protein, fiber and nutrients I used whole wheat rotini pasta but feel free to use any short cut pasta you have on hand. Toss in chickpeas for even more protein if you wish.
Perfect for serving with grilled chicken, steak and fish, this Greek pasta salad is going to be your go-to for summer entertaining!
Your fork is waiting.
Greek Pasta Salad
- 1 pound whole wheat rotini prepared according to package instructions or pasta of choice
- 1 red bell pepper seeded and diced
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 lemons juiced about 1/2 cup
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/2 cup minced parsley
- 1/4 cup minced fresh dill
- 8 ounces crumbled feta
- 24 kalamata olives pitted and sliced
- salt and pepper to taste
- Place cooked pasta in a large bowl and add diced peppers and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with lemon juice and olive oil, toss well.
- Stir in parsley, dill, feta and olives then toss again. Check for seasoning and add salt and pepper to taste.
Looking for a few more new salad recipes? Join me over on Pinterest!


text:
AD/HD AWARENESS WEEK is this week, October 10-22. At the AD/HD Awareness Week site you can find resources concerning the condition. In the meantime, the American Academy of Pediatrics has just updated its guidelines on diagnosing and treating AD/HD in younger children and in adolescents. Emerging evidence, says AAP, makes it possible to diagnose and manage AD/HD in children from ages 4 to 18 (previous AAP guidelines covered ages 6 to 12). The new guidelines describe the special considerations involved in diagnosing and treating preschool children and adolescents. They also include interventions to help children with hyperactive/impulsive behaviors that do not meet the full diagnostic criteria for AD/HD. Find out more. To help parents understand the new guidance on AD/HD, the AAP has published a detailed and updated consumer resource book entitled "ADHD: What Every Parent Needs to Know." Parent information is also available at www.healthychildren.org/adhd.
MORE ON AD/HD. The New York Times has initiated a discussion on AD/HD, posing the questions, "Are Americans More Prone to AD/HD?" along with "Do the American and educational systems inflate the numbers?" So far the discussion has generated seven pages of posts. Read or contribute.
AUTISM DOCTOR DISCIPLINED. Parents of autistic children are often desperate to find treatments that will help their children. The Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation has filed a complaint against an Illinois doctor who used methods such a chelation, hormone modulation, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy, stating that "none... has been proven to influence the course of autism." Read more.
SCHOOL AVOIDANCE was the subject of an article on HealthDay recently -- and we're betting that many 2e kids have the desire to avoid school because they might not fit in one way or another. Find the article, along with a pointer to AAP information on the topic.
ASSISTIVE TECHNOLOGY FOR WRITING. Education Week covered a variety of assistive technologies for kids who have problems writing, including a list of free resources. Got a student or offspring with this problem? Find the article.
FOR IDEA WONKS. CEC has released a side-by-side comparison of updated IDEA regulations and those from 1999. If IDEA is a big part of your life, check it out.


text:
This is a Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall recipe from Everyday Veg. This simple recipe produces a rich, creamy, spicy dip with a complex flavour. This could well be making a permanent addition to my dip repertoire.
The mushrooms should be chopped to a medium-fine texture at first. Not duxelles fine, but not coarse either. They should still retain some texture after cooking.
250g mushrooms, chopped
1/2 birds eye chilli, chopped
1 large clove garlic, crushed
1/2 tbsp curry powder or paste
1 tbsp peanut butter
200ml coconut milk
1 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp lime juice
1 tbsp chopped coriander
Heat a little oil in a wok or large frying pan, add the mushrooms and fry until the liquid has reduced down to very little.
Add the garlic and chilli and fry for a minute.
Stir in the curry powder, peanut butter and then add the coconut milk.
Stir to mix thoroughly.
Lower the heat and simmer slowly for 15-20 minutes until it has reduced to a soft but not soupy consistency.
Add the soy sauce and lime juice.
Serve with the coriander sprinkled over.


text:
LAYEN i-DOCK Bluetooth 4.1 Audio Adaptor / Receiver + Multi-Pair (Pair Two Devices!) + aptX (Superior Sound!) Stream Music Wirelessly From Your Bluetooth Device; iPod, iPhone, iPad, Smartphone, Tablet, MP3 Player, PC, Laptop to Docking Station/Stereo (Not Suitable for Cars – See Below)
Get The Best Deal At Amazon
See Special Price
The LAYEN i-DOCK is our most premium 30 pin Bluetooth Music Receiver – now with Multi-Pair feature. Connect to two devices at once! Listen to your music wirelessly and control it from anywhere within a 10-12m radius (and even through walls!).
- Remembers up to 8 devices
– aptX Technology; the i-DOCK 4.1 delivers the full quality of a 'wired' connection
– Low audio coding delay – minimising latency (and occasional 'lip-sync' issues)
– Automatic re-pairing – no need to pair after each use
– 30 pin connection, no separate charging required
– Multi-Pair – connect to two devices!
– Stream music direct from your device or via iTunes, Spotify, YouTube etc!
Quality Wireless Music at Minimal Cost
This premium music receiver comes at a fraction of the price of a new Bluetooth dock. CRYSTAL clear sound. You will be amazed at how quickly (and with such ease) this brilliant little receiver will transform the way you listen to your music.
Stream Music from your Bluetooth Device to your Home Sound System
The i-DOCK is compatible with a large number of Docks and Speakers including (but not limited to) Bose; Roberts; Gear4; Sony; Cambridge Audio; Kitsound, Logic3 and JBL. Note: the LAYEN i-DOCK will not work if your dock only accepts a digital signal (most docks work fine). Not compatible with Bowers and Wilkins, Yamaha or Bang and Olufsen. For these brands please buy the LAYEN AudioStream, LAYEN Bluetooth Chilli Plug or contact us for another solution
Will not work in most cars. For 30pin connectors in vehicles your stereo must be able to select Auxiliary / AUX from the 30pin connection otherwise the receiver will not work – if not check out the LAYEN AudioStream for your car
Please see the LAYEN website for more info
LAYEN Looking After Your Every Need
- The latest verion of the BEST SELLER – the LAYEN i-DOCK… Now with Multi-Pair! Connect to two devices at once – e.g. your iPhone and your iPad – control the music from either! This is our premium 30 pin receiver. Stream your music wirelessly from any Bluetooth enabled device to your existing sound system, docking station or speakers through this small but brilliant receiver. Slim, sleek and portable design that looks great in any docking station. With premium scratch proof casing
- **** Multi-Pair / Dual-Pair **** – enables you to have 2 devices connected at once. E.g.: your Smartphone in the kitchen, and your iPad in the lounge. Whilst playing music from your Smartphone, you would pause it, then press play on the iPad, which will take over the music control (switch over takes approx. 3-5 seconds) … Transmission distance is 10m+ away and even through walls! Sound? – CD-like quality. Bluetooth 4.1 & better compatibility than most 30pin receivers on the market
- Simple, quick, painless pairing AND no need to repair each time, the i-DOCK will remember your device! Just re-insert and it will connect automatically (you will need to leave your Bluetooth on). Remembers up to 8 different devices!
- Compatible with all Bluetooth enabled devices: iPhones, Smartphones, Samsung, iPods, iPads, Bluetooth Laptops etc. Compatible with various brands of docks, stereos and speakers; Bose, Roberts; Sony; Gear4, JBL, Logic3, Kitsound. Not compatible with Bowers and Wilkins, Yamaha or Bang and Olufsen – For these docks please purchase the LAYEN AudioStream, LAYEN Chilli Bluetooth Plug or alternatively contact LAYEN for a solution
- Bluetooth 4.1 + EDR, Class 2 – A2DP & AVRCP – Audio/Video Remote Control Profile – aptX: the inclusion of aptX audio codec gives CD-Like quality stereo audio sent via Bluetooth. Multi-Pair: connect to two devices! Basically the i-DOCK 4.1 delivers the full quality of a 'wired' connection! Sound quality is simply the best available, would you want less? ****** Please note – in most cases will not work in cars ******


text:
Providing a partnership for young mothers in Summit
summit daily news
Nadia Sierra's living room is clean and cozy, yet evidence abounds of her four-year-old daughter – a little face beaming from picture frames, a bright pink child-size chair adorned with Disney princesses, and in Sierra's smile as she talks about her little girl.
Today, 20-year-old Sierra runs a tight household and converses confidently about simultaneously holding down a job and single-handedly raising a child. Her success springs from hard work and dedication. Only four years ago, Sierra was a high school dropout, pregnant and facing the challenging prospect of becoming a teen mother.
It was at this point that she became involved with the Nurse-Family Partnership.
"They said, 'This program will be great for you,' and it was," she said.
Nurse-Family Partnership is designed to help first-time, low-income mothers deal with their pregnancy and learn about becoming a parent. The program pairs each mother with a nurse, who visits her at home several times a month until the baby is 2 years old.
An organization that stretches nationwide, NFP provides a program and curriculum for the mother to follow. The program focuses on promoting healthy practices for both baby and mother, improving child development through age-appropriate activities and bettering economic self-sufficiency by assisting the mother with personal improvement goals.
Summit County's NFP program has been around since 2001 and includes five other counties – Gilpin, Clear Creek, Lake, Chaffee and Park's Alma and Fairplay area. According to Amy Wineland, director of public health, the requirements to become an NFP site include showing the ability to serve at least 100 low-income, first-time moms, so the counties came together to apply collaboratively.
Wineland has worked with the program, first as a home-visit nurse and later as supervisor. She has been incredibly pleased with the results.
"I feel it's an amazing program as we see these young women become mothers and have an investment in themselves and their child to make their lives better," Wineland said. "It works, the program works. We have shown really good success with the program, in terms of all sorts of things – breastfeeding rates, immunization rates, going back to school, finishing school, getting jobs, we see the moms learn and choose to become economically self-sufficient. … It's been an honor to be able to witness those changes in the women that we serve."
Sierra is quick to describe the way NFP helped her with her daughter Nitzy's development. She plunks down a large blue binder on the table and flips through its pages, pointing out the worksheets that tracked her daughter's progress and the educational songs and games that they still play together.
"It really did help me become a better mom," Sierra said, teaching her about proper nutrition and care, as well as developmental education.
Yet the program doesn't focus on just the baby; it also emphasizes the importance of the mother's goals, which might be anything from being healthy and managing the baby to finishing school or getting a job.
Sierra worked with her home-visit nurse, Lynne Mosbaugh, on creating goals and then taking the steps to meet them. For Sierra, this included finishing high school while holding down a job.
"She put it all together: high school, childcare, work, housing. She just figured it all out how to get it all done," Mosbaugh said proudly.
Time management was the most difficult aspect, Sierra said, but with Mosbaugh's help she was able to pull it off, attending Snowy Peaks High School while working.
"I'd be here from 7 in the morning, and then I would be in school from 8 to 2, and then I would go to work from 2-11, and then I would come home, and I would have to take care of Nitzy," Sierra said.
Her hard work paid off and she graduated with the first Snowy Peaks class last year. Though now her schedule has eased a bit, Sierra is looking forward to the next step. She loves living in Summit County, but she wants to buy a house, which is expensive. She plans to continue her education.
"I'm trying to get some college, so maybe Denver would be a better option right now in my life," she said. When asked what she wants to do, she replied, "I'm going to be an elementary principal some day."
"You will be," Mosbaugh said, grinning. "You will be."
In addition to helping with Nitzy's health and development, and Sierra's personal goals, NFP offered support with other aspects, from the technical process of filing for a birth certificate to emotional issues.
"It's a really big help, emotionally and physically," Sierra said. "She (Mosbaugh) really helped me when I had problems, like put some stuff in perspective."
They worked on ways to deal with stress, like being sure to set aside time for herself alone, without the baby, or taking a walk to clear her mind.
"It's stressful to be a new mom, it takes everything out of you," Sierra said with a laugh.
They also dealt with her emotions regarding body image and the changes she was experiencing.
"And they would help me because of course you gain weight. It was hard accepting yourself, and I think she did help me a lot," Sierra said. "Especially when you are a teen, and I used to weigh 100 pounds, so … it was like oh my god what is this? But they helped me understand, you know, this is how much the baby weighs and this is your weight. You understand the process, not just like, oh I'm getting fat."
This aspect of support in NFP is highly important, Wineland said.
"Certainly we focus on the health and development of the child, and really help teach positive parenting skills, but we really want to empower the clients that we serve, and it's really to help get them a jumpstart into self-sufficiency and empowerment."
"I can't even believe it sometimes," Sierra said, of how her life has changed since Nitzy and the program. "Whoa, you know. Some people complain, 'oh I can't do this, it's so hard,' I'm like, 'whatever! This is so not hard.'"
She enthusiastically recommends NFP to others.
"Most definitely I would recommend it to everyone who's a new mom, because you don't know what you're getting yourself into," Sierra said, laughing. "And they will definitely help you understand everything."
Thinking back on the journey of the past four years, Sierra nods and smiles.
"It was hard, but I got through it, and now I can get through anything."
Support Local Journalism
Support Local Journalism
As a Summit Daily News reader, you make our work possible.
Now more than ever, your financial support is critical to help us keep our communities informed about the evolving coronavirus pandemic and the impact it is having on our residents and businesses. Every contribution, no matter the size, will make a difference.
Your donation will be used exclusively to support quality, local journalism.
Start a dialogue, stay on topic and be civil.
If you don't follow the rules, your comment may be deleted.
User Legend: Moderator Trusted User


text:
There are some additional expenses that are difficult, if not impossible, to avoid during pregnancy. But today, just about everybody is looking to save money wherever they can. Here are a few suggestions for reducing these extra maternity costs:
If you know a friend or relative who was recently pregnant, find out if they have any maternity clothes they would like to pass on to you.
Mail order a multi month supply of your prenatal vitamins. This method of buying prescription medication is usually at a discount.
Buy empire-waist shirts that can be worn after pregnancy instead of maternity tops. Buy a pants-extending maternity accessory like the Bella Band in order to wear your pre-pregnancy pants longer. Shop consignment or thrift stores for maternity fashions. Purchase maternity items online. A lot of maternity items you find in stores can be found cheaper online. A great example is a nursing bra. You can try them on in the store to find the one you like best; then order it online, typically at a lower price.


text:
Winter meets the military with many difficulties that they must overcome. Severe frosts, blizzards and cold wind interfere with the performance of combat missions, so it's worth choosing the right equipment and clothing for the winter.
This winter balaclava from "BTK Group" is included in VKBO set. This balaclava has a simple design, excellent protection against cold winds, snow and warms at temperatures up to -30 degrees.
The high content of wool in the fabric makes it very warm and pleasant to wear.
1. Perfect for winter.
2. If necessary, you can open your face or wear it like a scarf.
3. Protects from wind, rain and snow.
4. Comfortable and nice to skin.
5. Used in Russian Army.
Fabric: Wool 70%, polyamide 30%.
Weight: 50 gram
BTK Group
The company "BTK Group" specializes in the development, production and subsequent sale of special clothing, shoes, uniforms, including the uniforms of law enforcement agencies, uniforms for security firms, health care facilities, personnel, labor and professional casual clothes and personal protective equipment (PPE) .
BTK main manufacturer of military equipment for the Russian army.
Warning! A lot of sellers of Russian Equipment, say that they sale BTK Group items, but sell China made production. Be careful when buying products BTK Group from private vendors. Our shop is purchased directly from BTК Group and we guarantee that these things are completely original.


text:
A Freeciv game with 2.5 native client. Starting in about one month.
This one is for playing with lots of people with 23h turns and with a very different ruleset. You can find more info about the ruleset here:
New players may need to confirm participation with email, forum posts or with discord. This is to avoid idlers and looks like similar method worked well for LT45.
A different kind of new multiplayer game
Planning and discussing Freeciv Longturn gaming
1 post • Page 1 of 1
1 post • Page 1 of 1


text:
Facebook = Fast, Fun and Frustrating!
Facebook has so many things about it that most of us users love. The pictures and comments are fun. You have instant messaging. You have the ability to check it on all your platforms. You have groups, business pages, apps, interests, family, friends and so much more. Then, when you look at Facebook though an app like FlipBoard, you realize how much it's really missing.
It generally offers you bunches of information from your friends and fans, but there are certain features that make it less than user friendly. More importantly… If you are using this as a way to communicate, these flaws make it a challenge for your messages and trying to get them to people you really want to communicate with. Generally, these three problems are the things that some find frustrating when trying to communicate with friends and people we actually have relationships with…
1) Real Search
Face it. Facebook search sucks. LinkedIn at least makes it easy to differentiate between people, companies and groups. Twitter has a better search and the added bonus of hashtags (#keywords). Finding a business or a person on Facebook is a challenge at best. There is no advanced search like in LinkedIn where you can filter by location or country or city, company and more. To find a company on Facebook, you not only have to know an exact spelling, but if they use special characters or something like Inc. in their name, good luck if you did not know that! The suggestions offered by Facebook and or Bing are mostly useless and frustraiting?
2) Consistent Messaging
When someone sends you a message, it pops up on your computer screen or your phone interface. On a desktop you cannot send back a picture without searching the person out and sending a message from there. On mobile platforms, instead of the ability to send an image you have these funky emoticons seen here (seriously regular emoticons are not enough that you have to create THESE?). Facebook changes the metaphor depending on whether you are using a desktop, tablet, or smart phone. Most people have a challenge using one of these, without making technologically challenged people learn two or three or more??? Please create some consistency across all platforms, if you want people to use Facebook across ALL platforms!
3) Filters
Wouldn't you like to see just what you want to see… instead of everything in your news feed? Let's say you are watching a sporting event and what to see what your friends are commenting on. There is no easy way to filter out just that content. You have to scroll through everything from ads, to general family or friends posts, or even commentary on every topic imaginary. I am not saying that all that other content is not useful or necessary, but if you want specific information you have to scroll through everything to find it. Yes you can create a group or interests, but that does not filter group or general friends posts.
P.S. – The three above emoticons above are from the Facebook app on IPhone.. and I want to use these to communicate business information WHY?
Final Thoughts…
Facebook. If you want businesses to take you seriously enough to pay for your service, you better make it easier for the people who are trying to reach us… PLEASE!!!
What are your thoughts? What other things could you add to this list? Comment away!


text:
Bonus Round
This story appears in the July 2003 issue of Entrepreneur. Subscribe »
Silicon Semiconductor Corp. knows how to make a good thing last. The Durham, North Carolina, company makes tiny, high-efficiency power management semiconductors for use in battery-powered electronics like laptops. Late last year, the company's ability to stretch the life of a battery attracted a $10 million venture investment from the granddaddy of silicon, Fairchild Semiconductor.
That might have been enough for some companies. But Silicon Semiconductor knows that, like a battery, venture capital dollars need to last as long as possible. The company had an aggressive rollout schedule for its new technology and needed to maximize its cash available to accomplish that goal.
With the Fairchild money in the bank, Silicon Semiconductor CEO Glenn Kline went looking for even more cash. What he found was an additional $3.2 million-part loan and part lease. The package came from the venture lending arm of RBC Centura bank, in Raleigh, North Carolina. "The trick is to find lenders who have a real venture equity perspective," says Kline, 40, "not just a traditional banker."
What Is It?
Venture debt is simply a loan that earns the lender a small pledge of stock warrants. Venture lenders are willing to work with risky, early-stage companies because that small "equity kicker" gives them a potentially large upside.
This is territory where mainstream banks fear to tread. Not only are banks scared off by the risk inherent in early-stage companies, but the law also restricts them from straying too far into equity transactions with their clients. Venture lenders, however, have the experience and manpower to evaluate and manage the risks associated with early-stage loans.
Venture debt typically follows close on the heels of a larger VC round. This helps lenders protect their downside risk: VCs have been known to help their portfolio companies make good on venture debt obligations. This kind of loan comes in two flavors: venture lending and venture leasing. If you need to grow head count, develop technology or pay rent, you're looking for operating capital from a venture lender. If, on the other hand, you need to purchase computers, real estate, heavy machinery or other assets, you may be able to get by with venture leasing.
Venture leasing typically carries a high interest rate, but the equipment you purchase becomes the loan collateral. Firms that specialize in this kind of leasing include GATX, GE Capital, Oxford Venture Finance, Pentech and Transamerica.
In contrast, venture lending typically has a very low interest rate, but you'll need to come up with your own collateral. Since young companies often have very few assets to pledge, venture lenders may take a blanket lien on receivables and intellectual property-tactics an average bank would scoff at. On the plus side, lenders may allow you to use the loan for nearly any kind of operating expense. Leading venture lenders include RBC Centura, Comerica and Silicon Valley Bank.
Cheaper in the Long Run
Companies typically turn to venture debt soon after scoring venture capital and well before they would qualify for a standard loan. Why not simply go for more VC money? Selling company stock to a VC turns out to be one of the most expensive ways to raise capital. "The cost of equity can approach or exceed 80 percent for a successful company," says Chris Julich, manager of venture lending at RBC Centura.
Because the interest rate of venture debt is measured in single digits, many entrepreneurs choose to mix some VC dollars and some venture debt. This gives them the total capital they need at an overall price they can afford.
But don't forget that equity kicker. Remember, venture lenders are willing to manage the extra risk because they also participate in the upside gain through warrants for company stock. A $1 million venture loan, for example, can earn the lender an additional 7 percent-or $70,000-in options for stock. According to Julich, taking both the interest rate and the value of the warrants into account, the cost of venture debt comes out somewhere between 8 percent and 15 percent.
Follow the Money
Venture debt may replace a future round of equity fundraising, or you may find that it simply helps top off an equity round that fell a little short. In either case, it is almost always a fast and economical way to stretch your VC cash a little further.
How much further? "For the early-stage venture-backed company, we'll lend about 30 cents on the VC dollar," says Chris Woolley, managing director of Comerica's Technology and Life Sciences division in San Diego. Other lenders say they can add 20 to 40 percent.
If you don't have a recent VC round of cash, you probably won't qualify for the extra boost, since lenders minimize risk by lending only to highly liquid clients. Julich says RBC Centura often looks for cash deposits equivalent to more than nine months of operating expenses. Cash like that constitutes a "long runway" in venture parlance. The hope, of course, is that the business is off and flying before the money runs out.
Back at Silicon Semiconductor, CEO Kline says that thanks to venture debt, his company is already airborne. In fact, Kline hopes to be able to repay the venture loans from operating revenues. "Thanks to the venture debt, we have already launched an exceptional product-customers are saying we're six years ahead of the competition," says Kline.
There are as many reasons to look for venture debt as there are businesses to fund, but the value of a good venture lender is clear. In a world of pencil-sharpening bankers and demanding VCs, venture lenders may be the best of both worlds.
In most cases, venture borrowers have truckloads of VC cash and a vault full of assets for collateral. There are, however, exceptions to the rule. "One in 20 of our accounts has reached the stage where the company qualifies on its own," says Dave Wanders, executive vice president of Technology Finance for Transamerica in Chicago.
Those fortunate few include eBags Inc., an online retailer of luggage, handbags and accessories. Although eBags has raised venture capital-about $30 million total-the last VC round was in October 1999, says co-founder Peter Cobb (pictured). These days, eBags is focusing on the bottom line: The company posted its first net profit earlier this year, despite declining air travel and weak luggage sales.
When eBags first took on venture debt in September 2002, it had two consecutive quarters of positive cash flow (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization). That, plus the company's uninterrupted growth and a laser-focused business model, was enough to convince Transamerica to roll out a $1 million revolving credit line. Says Cobb, 45, "The money was meant to help fuel our growth and to give us a backup plan."
David Worrell is a financial writer and business advisor in Charlotte, North Carolina.


text:
By now, you may have made some New Year's resolutions. It seems that resolutions change through the years.
- 2007: I will get my weight down below 160 pounds and get into my new red dress.
- 2008: I will count my calories until I get below 170 pounds and fit into my sweater.
- 2009: OK… I will follow my new diet until I get below 210 pounds and maybe I'll buy some new slippers.
- 2010: I will talk to a counselor about developing a realistic attitude about my weight and appearance.
- 2011: At my doctor's suggestion, I will work out five days a week at my gym.
- 2012: I will drive past the gym once a week … and if I have my gym bag in the car, I'll go in. And if I don't, I will take that as a sign that I should go to the Dairy Queen next door.
The most common New Year's Resolutions are, according to studies, "losing weight, exercising more, and quitting smoking," but other popular resolutions include "managing debt, saving money, getting a better job or education, reducing stress, taking a trip, or volunteering." (1)
Although some studies say making a resolution increases the likelihood of achieving a goal, making a resolution ~ in and of itself ~ isn't really enough.
I've found that New Year's resolutions don't work unless people work at making resolutions stick. Otherwise, by February 1st or sooner, the resolutions are a dim memory. The same old frustrations or longings linger.
Many resolutions are made after periods of indulgence. For example, we give ourselves "permission" to go crazy over the holidays, but then we feel guilty, or we don't like it that our clothes no longer fit.
Resolutions are our way of convincing ourselves we will eventually take control. At first, we feel pretty confident that we'll win out… but then those feelings of discomfort and stress return. If we haven't developed a new habit or acquired the character quality of self-discipline, we aren't likely to keep those resolutions. Or, when our "results" take longer than we expect, or we find that our new choices haven't made us any happier, we tend to give up.
But here are five ways to encourage success with "resolutions." Continue reading


text:
Hi Everyone
We have a new dance floor which personally I love. One of the reasons is that the 7th birthday of JY is coming up on the 16th June. Here is a video showing off the new dance floor. What do you think? Its your club. Please watch Full Screen
However :
Hi Staff! This is just to remind you that while we're experimenting with a new Junkyard Blues dance floor the old tiles will always be available if you prefer them. Simply derender the new floor and you will be back to the old one which is directly beneath it. The new floor will be an alternative for those among us who would like something that is a bit less ponderous and visually kinder to avatars. We'll be tweaking it a bit, but so far this seems to fit pretty well judging by feedback.


text:
Augustus. The life and times of the founder of the Roman Empire (B.C. 63-A.D. 14)
The source document of this text is not known.
Please see this document's talk page for details for verification. "Source" means a location at which other users can find a copy of this work. Ideally this will be a scanned copy of the original that can be uploaded to Wikimedia Commons and proofread. If not, it is preferably a URL; if one is not available, please explain on the talk page.
This work is incomplete. If you'd like to help expand it, see the help pages and the style guide, or leave a comment on this work's talk page.
- Preface
- Childhood and Youth, B.C. 63-44
- The Roman Empire at the Death of Iulius Cæsar
- The Inheritance
- The Consulship and Triumvirate
- Philippi
- Perusia and Sicily
- Actium
- The New Constitution, B.C. 30-23
- The First Principatus, B.C. 27-23
- The Imperial and Military Policy of Augustus
- Augustus and His Worshippers
- The Reformer and Legislator
- Later Life and Family Troubles
- The Last Days
- The Emperor Augustus, His Character and Aims, His Work and Friends
- Augustus's Account of His Reign
- (From the Inscription in the Temple of Rome and Augustus at Angara)
This work was published before January 1, 1925, and is in the public domain worldwide because the author died at least 100 years ago.


text:
I have been talking about the power of seeing data on a mapping tool, and this month I would like to highlight a powerful data visualization tool which can turn your thousand line spreadsheets into powerful data visualization tools.
The aWhere CPG tool has been developed with the Consumer Goods Company in mind, as the next level of reporting for Category Management projects. The Category Management capabilities built into the aWhere CPG mapping tool include the following:
- See store level sales information such as high performing or low performing stores instantly with multiple colors and store icons.
- See store data such as out-of-stocks (OOS), segment or SKU sales depicted with map graphs which are a pie chart/bubble chart combination and/or bar charts.
- Build custom consumer profiles from retailer store level POS data and the US census demographic data included in aWhere CPG.
- Cluster stores on the basis of demographics, indexes, sales thresholds or any combination of these to identify stores that are over or under performing their sales opportunity.
- Evaluate store coverage or in-store conditions reporting impact on POS sales by seeing where demo activity, store coverage, plan-o-gram type or in-store merchandising is driving sales (or not).
- Map together syndicated data such as IRI or Nielsen with retailer store level POS data to see a true picture of product sales and shares by market.
Seeing data from a 1,000 line spreadsheet mapped suddenly allows even the least analytical user to quickly see trends and gaps within the data. We called it making decisions at the speed of sight!
Recently, I was asked to work on a hardware project where I developed store level consumer profiles in order to build demographically based merchandise assortments. My client was having problems with out of stocks. It was clear that brass hardware sold better in certain markets/stores and brushed nickel sold better in other markets/stores. The trick was to predict where the best assortment of price tier, finish and styles would sell by store. This would be especially important for new store openings so that the new store had the best mix of price tier, finishes and styles in the highly stylistic bath hardware category.
Here is how we did it:
- We knew the store level POS sales for each SKU stocked, so we segmented the SKU's by price tier, finish, style and other characteristics.
- Each of these product characteristics were built into a matrix across all stores, and the sales for each characteristic were indexed to the chain average sales. The result was some stores indexed very high for each characteristic grouping and some stores indexed low.
- Each store was scored with a demographic profile using the aWhere CPG multi-layer mapping and layers intersect capabilities. Some stores were blue collar/low style stores and some stores scored as high income/high style stores and other stores scored in between across 4 key demographic profile consumer segments.
- The demographic profiles for each characteristic grouping were weighted for the high sales index stores and a profile for each characteristic was built.
- We then went to the map and clustered all stores that matched the profile for each product characteristic, and evaluated their sales index for the product characteristics.
- The final step was to build store cluster assortment recommendations for each of the store cluster groups.
The results were amazing and they highlighted the consumer driven nature of the bath hardware category. Our project resulted in a 20% reduction of out of stocks and 10% increase in sales by simply having the correct assortment on the shelf.
To learn more about CPG applications of Location Intelligence, please register for our free webinar that will show you how to leverage the power of mapping in your Category Management analyses. If you are in a data poor category, you need to see this.
Monday, November 16th 11am EST
Wednesday, November 18th 11am EST
For more information please contact Rick Pensa at email@example.com or call him at 770-425-4243.


text:
Injured Baby Hawk Makes Recovery After His Home Is Destroyed
At the Avian Reconditioning Center, baby season always brings orphaned and injured young birds of prey to our doors. Sometimes in the spring, people cut trees down and young hawks come tumbling out. This is what happened two years ago, when we got Archer.
These three young red shouldered hawks lost their home when their tree was felled without first checking for a nest. Two of the young hawks were fine, and we were able to release them once they were old enough. However, one of them (at right), had nerve damage from the fall, and couldn't raise his head on his own, and had to be propped up with a rolled blanket. His injuries became more apparent when we tried putting him outside with the other red-shoulders in our nursery, hoping the larger space would get him moving around. He was unable to use his legs properly, and could only get around by "swimming" with his wings.
It soon became obvious that he was not getting better on his own and we began daily physical therapy to try and get him to use his legs.
Though the therapy helped, it became clear that this bird wouldn't be releasable. Although he could stand on his own, his feet still had problems. Raptors need to be at the top of their game, with strong feet to catch prey. With damaged feet, he wouldn't be able to hunt well enough to survive in the wild.
It's a hard life for a young hawk - around 70% of young raptors don't survive their first year. Archer was one of those birds. And although he was not a releasable bird, he now lives at ARC and teaches people all over Florida about birds of prey, and how important it is to look before trimming trees. He captivates visitors to the center with his silly personality and siren-like call. And while his feet have problems, his wings work just fine, and he spends warm sunny days flying around ARC, chasing grasshoppers and crickets. He's come a long way for a little hawk.


text:
The percentage tax rate on Roth individual retirement account withdrawals is zero, as long as you follow the rules. Roth IRAs are alternatives to traditional IRAs, in which withdrawals create taxable income. Tax rates, or the income they imply, figure into Roth IRAs in a few ways.
Roth IRA contributions are made with after-tax dollars. Because you've already paid income tax on this money, Roth contributions are not tax-deductible. If you are in a higher tax bracket, your modified adjusted gross income may reduce or eliminate your ability to make a Roth contribution. The Internal Revenue Service reduces Roth contributions for singles with a MAGI range of $112,000 to $127,000. For married couples, the MAGI range is $178,000 to $188,000. If your annual MAGI exceeds the upper value of your range, you cannot contribute any money to your Roth IRA for the tax year. Use Worksheet 2-1 and Table 2-1 from IRS Publication 590 to calculate your maximum Roth IRA contribution.
Roth Withdrawal Rules
You can withdraw Roth IRA contributions at any time tax-free. Unlike with traditional IRA rules, the IRS never forces you to take required minimum distributions from a Roth. Your earnings qualify for tax-free withdrawals if you meet two requirements: You must be at least 59 1/2 years old, and your Roth IRA must have been open at least five years. The IRS grants exemptions from the age requirement if the withdrawal is because of disability, death or used to buy your first home.
Taxes on Nonqualified Withdrawals
Nonqualified withdrawals from your Roth IRA create ordinary taxable income at your marginal tax rate. This is the tax rate on the "last dollar" you earn during the year. You may also have to pay a 10 percent penalty on nonqualified withdrawals. According to IRS Publication 590, the exemptions to the penalty include reaching 59 1/2, having a permanent disability and being the beneficiary of a deceased IRA owner. Exemptions also include buying your first home, taking substantially equal periodic payments, having high medical costs, paying medical insurance premiums while unemployed, paying qualified higher educational expenses and being a qualified military reservist making the withdrawal.
You may own a traditional IRA, and it might contain nondeductible contributions, which form the accounts cost basis. If you roll your traditional IRA into a Roth, you create no taxable income on the basis amount when withdrawn from either IRA. Use IRS Form 8606 to calculate the part of your Roth IRA conversion that creates taxable income.
Photo Credits
- Comstock/Comstock/Getty Images


text:
Advantage Services
- 24 hour ATMs @ 2 locations
- Remote Deposit Capture automated in-house check processing service for businesses
- Free Online Bill Pay
- Money Orders
- Notary Service
- Wire Services
- VISA Check Card Debit/POS transactions
- Free "Advantage Bank OK" Mobile App with Remote Deposit Anywhere
- Cashier's Checks
- Night Depository
Safe Deposit Boxes
Boxes are 19 1/2 inches deep. Monthly Fees:
3×5 $15 3×10 $30
5×5 $20 5×10 $45
Call 405-419-1000
Vehicles & Property for Sale
Bank owned property owned property can offer affordable opportunity.
Learn More About Available Items for Sale
Lost or Stolen Debit Cards
To Report a Lost or
Stolen Visa Advantage Card, Please Call 800-472-3272. Learn More About Lost or Stolen Debit Cards
Order Checks Online
Order checks online in just a few steps. Advantage Bank uses Harland Clark. *Links to a site not managed by Advantage Bank. Order Checks Now
Fraud Education
Download Consumer Tips. Stay abreast of Fraud Alerts. Find out what you can do to avoid Identity Theft and what to do if you suspect fraudulent activity on your accounts. Learn More About Fraud
Online Banking
Learn about Online Billpay. See the Demo. Enroll online.
Manage Accounts Online:
Mobile Login ➤ Online Login ➤
Financial Calculators
Use these simple calculators to for loans and savings. Go Figure


text:
|Information Sharing & Analysis
|Prevention & Protection
|Preparedness & Response
|Commerce & Trade
|Travel Security & Procedures
Notice for Illinois Employers about E-Verify December 31, 2007
E-Verify (formerly the Basic Pilot/Employment Eligibility Verification Program) is an online system operated jointly by the Department of Homeland Security and the Social Security Administration (SSA). Participating employers can check the work status of new hires online by comparing information from an employee's I-9 form against SSA and Department of Homeland Security databases. More than 69,000 employers are enrolled in the program, with over 4 million queries run so far in fiscal year 2008.
E-Verify is free and voluntary, and is the best means available for determining employment eligibility of new hires and the validity of their Social Security numbers.
E-Verify is a voluntary program for all employers, with very limited exceptions. Companies can access E-Verify online and compare an employee's Form I-9 information with over 444 million records in the SSA database, and more than 60 million records in Department of Homeland Security immigration databases. E-Verify is an essential tool for employers committed to maintaining a legal workforce, and the number of registered employers is growing by over 1,000 per week.
As of June 9, 2008, President George W. Bush has amended Executive Order 12989. This now directs all federal departments and agencies to require contractors, as a condition of each future federal contract, to agree to use an electronic system to verify workers' employment eligibility. In response to this Executive Order, Secretary Michael Chertoff designated E-Verify as the system of choice.
On June 12, 2008, agencies responsible for federal acquisition regulations (FAR) sent a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to the Federal Register soliciting public comment on proposed changes to these regulations. Comments will be accepted for 60 days. For more information for federal contractors, please see USCIS.
This page was last reviewed/modified on September 15, 2008.


text:
Welcome to Comme des Coco!
A personal blog by Chantal van Brummelen, a Dutch singer + songwriter. My blog started in 2013 and is a mixture of fashion, personal style, beauty, music and a little bit of lifestyle.
WHO: Chantal van Brummelen. Fulltime singer/songwriter and vocal coach with a huge passion for fashion & style.
After studying fashion design at ARTEZ in Arnhem briefly, I decided to fully concentrate on music. I was a part of a girlband that was signed to EMI,we had a top-10 hit and played HMH Music Hall as a opening act for Pink, toured in Germany and we had our own soap on Nickelodeon, that was broadcast in the Netherlands and Germany. Currently working as a fulltime singer, songwriter. Vocal coach, performance workshops, songwriting for other artists (Universal Music) and freelance stylist.
WHAT: Personal style blogger. Singer/Songwriter. Vocal Coach and Songwriting Teacher. Stylist. Trendwatcher. Music, Fashion and Art freak. Shopaholic. Chick that loves kicks. Curvy Fashionista. Bachelor of Music with a Minor in Trendwatching.
WHERE: Born and raised in Arnhem, the Netherlands. Currently based in Tilburg.
WHEN: Founded in 2013.
WHY: "I love to be on stage and perform, love to dress up, love wearing wigs and incredibly high heels on stage. I love to experiment with make up and try new beauty products. Why shouldn't I dress up in my daily life? Why shouldn't I stand out in the crowd? Life's too short to wear boring clothes, and hair! It took me a long time to accept myself, my curvy body, but I've come to realize , that it's ok to be different!"
Comme des Coco is the place where share my style, inspire and explore fashion, beauty and music.
I'm always looking to collaborate and feature brands that I love.
For media kit, collaborations and business inquiries please email firstname.lastname@example.com
Check out my personal music website www.chantal-music.nl for more info on my music, vocal lessons, gigs and videos!


text:
Able, Gifted and Talented
Able, gifted and talented children are those who have one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group, (or with the potential to develop these abilities). In England the term 'gifted' refers to those pupils who are capable of excelling in academic subjects, 'talented' refers to those pupils who may excel in areas requiring visio-spatial skills or practical abilities such as games and PE, drama or art. Some gifted and talented pupils may be intellectually able and also appear on the SEN register for behavioural, literacy or physical difficulties.
The provision for A, G and T pupils as with all pupils is a question of equity; they have a right to an education which is suited to their practical needs and abilities. They need to be presented with work which challenges, stretches and excites them on a daily basis, in an environment that celebrates excellence and is supportive of those who may in years to come break the boundaries of what we know and understand.
External Links:
- BBC Child Development - Gifted and Talented
- Potential Plus UK
- National Association for Able Children in Education (NACE)
School Policy


text:
Adolescents receive various messages from their mothers. But a new study, led by Laura Wray-Lake of the School of Behavioral and Organization Sciences at Claremont Graduate University, suggests that messages of caution and compassion have a particularly significant influence on the socialization and behaviors of teens. Compassion messages are inferences that people should all be treated with respect and value, whereas caution messages teach children to be wary of the world and people around them. Wray-Lake and her colleagues looked at several factors that influenced the value messages of the mothers, specifically, socioeconomic status (SES), neighborhood cohesion, family construct, and age and gender of the teens.
SES is particularly relevant to value messages. Studies have shown that mothers from lower SES communicate more messages of caution to their teens. This is due in part to the perception of higher crime and availability of drugs. Mothers in these underprivileged neighborhoods believe their children are at greater risk of harm, violence, or drug use than mothers in more cohesive neighborhoods. Conversely, mothers from a higher SES tend to use value messages demonstrating compassion more often than caution messages.
Wray-Lake interviewed 1,933 students from 5th to 12th grade over a 3-year period. She found that the construct of the family and stability of family cohesion was directly related to compassion value messages. As she theorized, Wray-Lake also discovered that low SES led to more caution messages. Surprisingly, the study revealed no level of change in compassion messages when the mothers realized their children were being bullied. Rather than increasing their compassion messages to their children, the mothers decreased them, suggesting that mothers instinctively want to protect their children from attack rather than offering kindness to the aggressor. The study also demonstrated positive effects of religiosity on compassion. Wray-Lake added, "Further examining contextual influences on socialization messages may bring important insights into contextual and cultural variations in parenting and adolescent development."
Wray-Lake, L., Flanagan, C. A., Maggs, J. L. "Socialization in Context: Exploring Longitudinal Correlates of Mothers' Value Messages of Compassion and Caution." Developmental Psychology 48.1 (2012): 250-56. Print.
© Copyright 2012 GoodTherapy.org. All rights reserved.
The preceding article was solely written by the author named above. Any views and opinions expressed are not necessarily shared by GoodTherapy.org. Questions or concerns about the preceding article can be directed to the author or posted as a comment below.


text:
A day after agreeing to partake in a drinking game in honor of Kathie Lee's milestone birthday, Hoda was off to a wobbly start.
KLG turns 60 later this week, but to prevent Hoda from saying that figure repeatedly, she got her Fourth Hour co-anchor to take a shot every time she mentions the number.
"I'll do one every time I accidentally say that word," Hoda said on Tuesday, showing off a line of shot glasses filled with clear liquid.
It wasn't long before Hoda had her first slip. "And you are 60!" she squealed before realizing what she said.
As she raised a glass to her lips, she hesitated, prompting KLG to give her some instruction. "You know what a shot is? It's all the way down," said KLG. "Not that I've ever done one."
So down the hatch it went. Hoda had barely wiped her mouth when she exclaimed: "Sixty's good!" She covered her mouth in surprise before picking up another glass and taking another swig.
"Do you feel like you're back to Delta Kappa Kappa Gamma?" KLG asked afterward.
"I was in Tri Delt," Hoda corrected.
But minutes later, after a commercial break, KLG explained why Hoda had such an easy time downing the drinks.
"Hoda likes to tell a falsehood on occasion, but guess what else? We're now also discovering that she is a cheat," KLG said, revealing that some of the shot glasses were filled with vodka, while others had water.
That's when Hoda reminded KLG of their appearance earlier in the year on the Ellen DeGeneres show, when she supposedly downed a glass of red wine. "Do you remember when you chugged that grape juice?"
KLG acquiesced: "That makes me a liar and a cheat, too."


text:
Thanks to Laura VanArendonk Baugh for nominating my blog for "The Next Big Thing." I'm pleased people are interested in my blog and novel—though if you're reading this, you should check out Laura's own site at http://lauravanarendonkbaugh.com and her novella Kitsune-Tsuki, winner of the Luminis Award at this year's Midwest Writers Conference! With any luck (or justice) her new novel Shard & Shield will get picked up and published soon!
Laura has asked me to answer 10 questions about my novel and then nominate other authors with blogs for next week's "Next Big Thing." Let's get to it.
- What is the working title of your book? Fractured Myths, though a potential publisher pointed out that a more appropriate title might be Fractured Legends.
- 2. Where did the idea come from for the book? My brother Andy wanted to pitch a cartoon series and asked me if I had any ideas. My 1st thought was "a teenage girl and her father aid an elite team that investigates myths that enter the real world. Each episode would have a different myth/character/creature and a new adventure." That germ became my novel—the less kid-friendly origin story for the cartoon. And NO, this was never pitched as an animated series, so the novel is the only story that exists.
- 3. What genre does your book fall under? YA Urban Fantasy . . . though I like calling it a YA Arthurian Urban Fantasy since King Arthur is one of the main characters, but that's too much of a mouthful.
- 4. Which actors would you choose to play your characters in a movie rendition?
16-year-old Alanna O'Connor: No idea. If my book is published two years from now and is immediately optioned, it would still be at least four more years before the movie would come out. Therefore, the actress would be about 10-years-old right now.
King Arthur: Chris Hemsworth (Thor) or Hugh Jackman (Wolverine).
Dr. Zoe Bailey: Naomie Harris (Eve in Skyfall).
- 5. What is a one-sentence synopsis of your book? This is nearly impossible, so here is the shortest pitch I can come up with: "When sixteen-year-old fantasy enthusiast Alanna O'Connor sees Vikings, medieval knights, and mythological creatures appear in her hometown of Edinburgh, she thinks it's a miracle . . . until they try to kill her. Alanna teams up with the one person she knows she can trust: the newly arrived and completely baffled King Arthur. Together, they must stop the myth invasion before Scotland—if not all reality—is fractured beyond repair."
- 6. Will your book be self-published or represented by an agency? Anything is possible. I have the option to Revise and Resubmit at a small press. I plan to do that, but I'm still querying agents, so we'll see what happens.
- 7. How long did it take to write the first draft of your manuscript? The first draft took me about two years. Even though I know that draft had serious problems, I still count it as one of my life's major accomplishments.
- 8. What other books would you compare this story to within your genre? Libriomancer by Jim Hines. I actually have a review of that book on my blog. The stories share a similar tone, balance between humor and adventure, and involve fiction/myths finding a way into the real world.
- 9. Who or What inspired you to write this book? I partially answered this in Q # 2, but Andy asking me for an idea is only part of the reason why he should be considered the inspiration for my book. The truth is, once I had the idea, I tried giving it to Andy. He liked it, saw its potential, and encouraged me to write it as a novel so that I could maintain creative control over it. But these are only the immediate reasons why Andy is an inspiration. Years before my idea hit me, Andy quit his job in St. Louis and moved to New York to follow his dream of working as a story editor for Marvel Comics. He was there for six years and contributed to some fantastic storylines with all of our childhood heroes. Then he started his own business called www.comicsexperience.com where he teaches classes in writing, drawing, and everything else related to a career in the comic book industry. Then he moved to California and worked for IDW (another comic book company). Now he works in Hasbro's creative department. So the thing is, Andy takes risks. He pushes himself. And no matter where he is, Andy maintains his creativity and integrity. He might be my younger brother, but he is also my hero. I just hope he doesn't read this.
- 10. What else about your book might pique the reader's interest? I have a pet peeve about stories in which a mythical character appears in the real world (my premise) because so far, every story I know of with this premise fails my "test." The thing I always want to know is, "Which version of the character shows up and how is that decided?" What I mean is, if Achilles shows up in New York, I want to know if his skin is impenetrable or not (it is according to the legend of his body being dipped in the river Styx but he is mortal in Homer). The next question is, "How is that decision made and is there a consistent and logical reason for this within the story?" In other words, if it is the Achilles from The Iliad, why is it that Achilles and not the one with impenetrable skin? And whatever rationale there is needs to be clear and consistent with all other characters that appear. Sometimes the explanation/rationale is made clear, but often the characters are whatever version the author seems to like best. So my book passes my own test—the answers to the questions I pose are there and, I think, the answers will surprise you.
I now nominate the following blogs for next week's "The Next Big Thing." Hopefully, these authors will post their answers to the same 10 questions I just answered. Check their respective websites on December 5th!
Robbie MacNiven at http://robbiemacniven.wordpress.com/
Emilyann Girdner at http://www.anythingimagined.blogspot.com/
E.M. Castellan at http://emcastellan.com/