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The only thing consistent about digital marketing is that it's inconsistent. I heard this quote from someone, somewhere and it stuck with me because it compelled me to reflect on whether it was true.
Overarching digital marketing campaign strategies are generally similar and are typically derived from classic direct mail marketing. However, there are a million tools, paths, tactics, tweaks, hacks and ways to achieve our goals. This means in order to be the best at our profession as digital marketers, part of our responsibility is to commit to learning.
Learning at your agency cannot be an afterthought or a burden. Learning needs to live at the core of your culture.
Once mastered, your agency's culture of learning will dictate,
- How your account managers handle, inform and guide clients
- How every member on your team will master the digital marketing craft
- How you develop winning strategies for clients that generate measurable revenue growth, and
- How to earn authority and attract better prospects
As the saying goes, "if you're not growing, you're dying," and this couldn't be truer for digital marketing, one of the fastest, ever-evolving industries. This article will give you simple steps to help you integrate learning into your agency, and build a better culture and company as a result.
1. To develop a culture of learning, start with on-boarding.
Upon recruiting your next great digital marketing star, or even an established marketing professional, you need to embed learning deeply into the on-boarding process to align new team members with how you approach strategy, and to build good learning habits.
At Social Lite, we ruthlessly adhere to the Customer Value Journey (CVJ) marketing methodology. The CVJ is so deeply rooted in our agency that it not only frames how we approach every digital marketing campaign, it also guides our language, project management tools, proposals, events & workshops, sales and on-boarding processes, and practically every other foundational function.
Here I am sharing our passion for the Customer Value Journey
methodology at Social School.
If a new team member isn't able to learn the CVJ methodology during on-boarding, this person will not succeed at our agency. Knowing this, it's essential we start training on day one and keep the spirit of learning burning every day thereafter. When a new hire starts, an hour per day of learning is scheduled into his/her calendar for the first month. Additionally, this person is also required to participate in our team learning rituals every week.
2. Enforce, yet embrace, learning rituals.
Rituals guide every aspect of our culture. Each week, we have director meetings on Monday mornings, account status meetings on Tuesday mornings, and owner meetings on Friday mornings. To promote a fun workplace and to nurture colleague relationships, we participate in team yoga at our office once per month, we compete in a lawn bowling tournament every July, and we celebrate every staff member's birthday with a little office dessert party.
Learning needs its own rituals. Agency-wide, on Wednesday mornings, we all shut out any and all distractions including phones, computers and especially client emails. At our choosing, we each spend one hour learning from various digital marketing education centres online. Some of our favourites include Digital Marketer Lab Elite, HubSpot Academy, Google Academy, and Shopify Partner Academy (note that we are certified partners with all four platforms, and we're proud to be in good company!).
Be sure to schedule your learning rituals in everyone's calendars!
Class is in session for "Social Lite U" every Wednesday morning.
Our individual teams also have their own learning rituals. Our content team, for example, spends the first 20 minutes every morning learning one new fact, strategy, or tool that will make their job better, and they share it amongst their team. One way to vet whether an item is worthwhile sharing is to ask: is this something we would publish on our agency's LinkedIn account? If the answer is yes, we found a winner!
Our favourite place to learn is Digital Marketer. Simon and Scott have visited a few times, and were thrilled to give a presentation at their headquarters in Austin, Texas for Partner Training Day in January 2019.
3. Assign a "Minister of Education" to lead, inspire and enforce your team to learn.
Someone at your agency needs to be your leader in learning to keep the integrity high and to hold others accountable. This is an essential step to ensuring people are adopting your learning rituals. The person you assign to this role needs to be an inherent advocate for education, someone who naturally pursues digital marketing learning and has notably grown his/her own skills.
Our Minister of Education, Ian Cooney, teaching eCommerce strategies to a live audience at one of Social Lite's quarterly Shopify Meetups.
At our agency, our Minister of Education is Ian Cooney, who is also our Editorial Director. An employee of Social Lite for 5+ years (and Social Lite's first hire!), Ian has dabbled with nearly every strategy and tactic we have deployed, often leading the adoption. Today he directs our content and advertising teams, and as a true master of the trade, he will be the first to emphasize the importance of learning in his rise to digital stardom.
Ian wears the Minister of Education hat well. He is quite serious about learning, and most importantly, he is an enforcer. We jokingly threaten that Ian will bring out his whip if somebody isn't prioritizing learning. Find and assign someone like Ian as your Minister of Education.
4. Enforce, yet embrace, teaching rituals to articulate what you've learned.
The only way to become a master of what you learn is to articulate it to someone else. Write a blog post, share a thought on social media, or present to a crowd. Better yet, as an agency, form a ritual not only for learning, but for teaching as well.
At Social Lite, we have a Friday team ritual that fosters teaching and further drives collaborative learning. Our entire team meets from 3pm-4:30pm, where we go in a circle and everyone shares three items with the group: 1) a win from the week, 2) a big up to someone else on the team, and of course, 3) we share a takeaway, which is something we learned that week.
Remember when I mentioned earlier that our content team spends 20 minutes each morning learning something new? Well here's their chance to teach it to our team, and by articulating it, they begin to master it. Prior to our Friday teaching ritual, everyone uploads their weekly Takeaway to Monday.com, our project management tool.
Prior to the meeting, everyone uploads their takeaway to a project pulse in our project management tool, Monday.com. Because everyone records their takeaway through this systematic approach, it makes it easy to reshare and reuse this great content on social media. Once we complete the full circle and everyone has shared their win, big up and takeaway, we finish with the last individual, who stands at the front of the room and gives a formal, 20-minute presentation in the form of a blog post featuring a strategy, case study, tool or other topic. This is the climax of the learning experience, when one becomes a teacher.
Pro tip: invite others in your network to participate in your teaching rituals to share knowledge from outside of your agency, like when Ed Bisquera from Inbound 808 presented to our team from his office in Hawaii, as featured in this photo.
We pre-create the presentation schedule through a random draw, then once we cycle through everyone's presentations, we re-draw names to create the next schedule. And every Monday, we display the upcoming Friday presenter on a light box sign near the front of our office, which helps build anticipation while serving as a reminder to the presenter to prepare.
This light box sign in our office displays the name of the upcoming weekly presenter for Friday's education ritual meeting.
5. Publish your educational content as part of your agency's marketing campaign to boost your industry authority.
When you create teaching rituals, where everyone on your team is sharing knowledge, you are also creating opportunities for quality content production. It's a fairly simple yet brilliant routine. Learn stuff, share it with others, then turn it into content for your online campaigns.
Turn takeaways into social posts.
As mentioned earlier, in our weekly Friday meetings each member shares a takeaway from something he/she learned that week. And these takeaways can certainly become social media posts for our team members, and further, for our agency.
Examples of how to turn weekly takeaways into social media content for your agency.
Turn weekly presentations into blog posts.
Also mentioned earlier, one person each week gives a 20-minute presentation in the form of a blog post, which we publish on our agency's website. And when every team member contributes high-level blog content every week, we create a robust content campaign that improves our SEO, drives engagement and website traffic through social media, and ultimately boosts our industry authority as professors of the trade.
Example of how we turn our weekly presentations into blog content. Click here to read the blog post featured in this GIF.
6. Encourage and support your staff to build their personal brands and be industry leaders in the subjects and tools they are knowledgeable and passionate about.
The content you teach to others becomes your personal curriculum.
Articulating what you learn into a blog post is a big step to better-understanding topics and developing your subject matter expertise. But this knowledge base you establish has a snowball effect. When you learn core principles, you grow your understanding further when you articulate what you learn into content. Then you have the opportunity to grow your subject matter expertise further by developing presentations, video, and curriculum around those topics.
Video is a powerful way to teach and reach wide audiences. Here's a video our Director of Strategy (and co-owner) Simon Trafford made for an educational digital marketing quiz. Click here to take the quiz.
The sequence goes a little like this. You learn a neat trick about Instagram advertising, for example, and you write a blog post about it. Then you start paying attention to other concepts related to Instagram advertising, and you adopt the new knowledge as part of your cohesive understanding about this topic. So you write more blog posts about Instagram advertising, and suddenly your colleagues and industry peers recognize you as an authority in this space. Then you are invited to develop and give comprehensive presentations to live audiences about Instagram advertising, and your authority soars further from there.
Understand this. If you knew nothing about Instagram advertising, it would be difficult to picture yourself as an industry-famous leader on this topic, and it could be intimidating to pursue this goal. So instead start with the basic learning principles outlined in this post. Make learning a habit and a ritual, start with baby steps, and you will gradually grow your understanding and leadership on certain topics = snowball effect.
Teach your curriculum through blog posts, videos, and presentations.
At our agency, we encourage and support our staff to build their personal brands and be leaders in the subjects and tools they are passionate about. This is an ultimate goal, because we unconditionally promote learning and education, and we encourage our people to take it as far as they can. As you can see through our events and workshop page, our staff run their own group workshops on topics like influencer marketing and ecommerce marketing, and more to come.
Every member of our team is encouraged to teach at events, not just a select few. Our people present at conferences, meetups, panels, and workshops.
We collectively had a snowball effect experience with Shopify. After many attempts, we finally earned our Shopify Expert designation a few years ago. At that time, we started paying keen attention to the latest tools and strategies that worked for Shopify to grow our expertise further. We then wrote social and blog posts about what we learned, and the next thing you know, last year we started hosting sold-out, immensely popular local Shopify Meetups, which we now host every three months. Shopify sends out invites, we send out invites, the room fills, and our entire team takes turns presenting high-level ecommerce case studies and strategies at these events. One of the areas we are now recognized as leaders in is … you guessed it … Shopify.
Growing an ecommerce community at Social Lite's Shopify Meetup, October, 2018.
7. Retain clients and staff by leading through education.
At our agency, we have a motto, and it's to lead through education. Instead of pursuing emotionally driven arguments with clients or colleagues, we instead guide conversations based on data and what we can demonstrate. And when we can tactfully demonstrate digital marketing strategies and results to others, we in turn become professors of the trade with heightened industry authority.
Learn, teach, content, repeat.
Gone are the days of making campaign decisions based on rash, unjustified comments or input from colleagues or clients. When you are a professor of the trade, you can't be a lever puller — you are the expert who needs to lead the strategy and campaign. And when you steer the campaign in a successful direction, client retention at your agency improves. And when your team's campaigns win, staff retention at your agency improves. When clients and staff are committed to your agency, only then is sustainable growth possible.
And with all your heightened authority as an industry leader and professor, you will attract better business through your inbound marketing campaigns, and from the events you are speaking at. I know because we have followed the exact cycle laid out in this article, and the impact education has had on our agency is transcendent.
On the flip side, you want to repel staff and clients who aren't believers in your strategies, methodologies, and philosophies like the plague. They will only prevent your growth and hurt your culture.
8. Circle of education and content
Learning guides our content; articulating content builds our expertise; and our expertise is fed back into our work. Then our work is featured in a case study, which guides the next presentation, which grows our authority. Our authority attracts better business, where we learn more, teach more, develop more case studies, and the cycle continues perpetually.
You, too, can transform your agency into a culture of learning by following these 8 steps.
Transforming your agency to a culture of learning is synonymous with transforming your agency to a better, sustainable business where you will develop your industry authority, attract better prospects, retain clients and staff, and increase revenue and profits as a result.
If you are in the Edmonton area on May 22nd, 2019, and you have an invested interest in growing your business, I invite you to attend our Accelerated Growth Summit, the latest manifestation of our commitment to education. Click here for more info and to get your ticket.


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Hydrology9 Vaporizer
In the recent past, vaporizers have become akin to mousetraps: Everyone is trying to build a better one. Most of the available models are hard to distinguish from one another, as each company tries to leave its mark. Mostly, these products differ only in by tiny nuances like a new grip, an app accessory, or the ability to vape both flower and concentrate with a single device.
The Hydrology9 is not most products. A hefty handful of sleek technology, this vaporizer from Cloudious9 is not meant to travel in your pocket. It can be a centerpiece for your coffee table, the go-to when hosting guests, or a bedside companion likely to unseat most competitors as your new favorite. It all comes down to two simple things the Hydrology9 does better than the rest: aesthetics and filtration.
To the first point: This vape looks gorgeous. From the LED lights that cycle through five temperature settings — and, in doing so, give the appearance of handheld lava lamp — to the spacecraft-grade aluminum alloy body, this baby is a sight to behold. One problem that's often plagued the more high-end options in the vaporizer market is concerns of durability, but no such worries here.
When first disassembling your Hydrology9, one may feel overwhelmed at the sheer number of parts, but be not afraid! The design here is actually quite simple, with a bottom piece that unscrews to enable access to the chamber for loading flower (this vape is for solid material only). That the bottom has a hook built into it for packing or digging out the chamber is just one of the many reasons this unit is a marvel of innovation.
The other reason is the onus for the vaporizer's name: the Hydrology9 incorporates a water filtration component. Anyone who's hit a bong or a bubbler will know what adding water to the mix will do. It cools down the smoke — or, in this case, vapor — and makes for a smoother inhalation. Part of the appeal of vaping in the first place was that vaporized cannabis is far less harsh on the lungs than smoke, but with water, it's now buttery soft. While this reviewer can't confirm Cloudious9's assertion that the Hydrology9's "Tunnel Tube" also provides for lower carcinogen intake, it does stand to reason that running vapor through water is likely to filter out at least some toxins.
Practically speaking, the Hydrology9 is lovely. After several uses, I found the middle of the five temperature operations to produce the ideal hit, but it's always nice to have options depending on how much vapor you like to draw. After filling the water chamber, there was no evidence of any leaks, even when the unit was turned upside down, left sideways, or casually jostled about. It does take a few moments to reach one's desired temperature, but a clever system of LED lights make it easy to track when the vape is ready to go. The chamber is also fairly small, but experience tells us that the ideal session requires fresh flower, so having to reload is hardly a major inconvenience.
While it's hard to imagine toting the Hydrology9 around, the device does come with an optional leather carrying case that is both unassuming and elegant. Cloudious9 also offers a number of specific replacement elements, from the borosilicate glass cylinder tube to the rotating stir cover, meaning if any piece does fracture or wear out, you are not on the hook to replace the entire unit.
Coming in at a cost of $249.99, this vaporizer is one of the more expensive options on the market. The fact that it appears to be worth every penny is really all you need to know. The Hydrology9 won't be for everyone, but if you are someone who likes quality over convenience and cannabis accessories that lean closer to iPhones than blunt wraps, look no further.
Hydrology9 by Cloudious9. $249.99; cloudious9.com

subset: commoncrawl


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Associate Professor of Film and Media Studies
Department Chair
David Ellsworth is a documentary and experimental filmmaker whose work has screened at a variety of festivals nationally (Black Maria, Full Frame, Margaret Mead) and abroad (Amsterdam, Havana, Paris, Seoul, Tokyo, Edinburgh). Dave received his B.A. in English from the University of Virginia before moving to New York, where he worked as a video editor at Broadway Video, Inc. He left New York to earn an M.A. in Educational Media Production at Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina and later received his M.F.A. in Film and Video Production at the University of Iowa. He has taught at Hampden-Sydney College in Virginia and Grand Valley State University in Michigan. His teaching and research interests include film/video production, screenwriting, and non-fiction film history/theory. Dave recently completed "Front Street Yard," a short documentary shot at the Padnos Iron and Metal Company in Grand Rapids, MI. He is currently editing an experimental documentary on life in Farmville, VA, and is also continuing production on a documentary about vernacular architecture in Louisa County, VA.
at ,


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How does the AL West look after 50 games? Here's how we grade each team.
Houston Astros
I mean, how much higher can you get? The Astros were supposed to be this year's best team and haven't done much to prove otherwise. They currently sit 7.5 games up on the A's and are tied for the most wins in baseball with 37. And nothing much has changed. George Springer (17 HR, 43 RBIs, 1.032 OPS) and Alex Bregman (17 HR, 38 RBIs) are playing out of their minds and could battle for the MVP, while Justin Verlander (2.38, 8-2) is leading the staff by putting up Cy Young numbers yet again. As a team, they lead the league in average (.277), OBP (.351), hits, strikeouts, WHIP, and opponent batting average. This is the best team in baseball.
Los Angeles Angels
I despise the Mike Trout contract. Not because I don't think he deserves it (he does), but because it means 12 more years of him wasting away on the Angels. Once again, Trout is putting up MVP numbers, and once again the Angels are going nowhere fast. They enter May 29th at 25-29, 11 games back in the west. The offense, headed by Trout, has seen some success. Second baseman Tommy La Stella is putting up career numbers, hitting .302 with 12 home runs and 33 RBIs. Third baseman David Fletcher has a .318 average, which is good for 9th in the league. And as always, Trout has been insane. He's got a 1.014 OPS, 3.4 WAR, and just recently hit his 250th home run. But, as usual, the pitching has been bad. They rank 24th in the league with a 4.99 ERA and no one has cracked 5 wins yet. So, I beg the Angels: Please, for the love of the baseball gods, do something.
Oakland Athletics
The A's got off to a rough start, considering last season's success. But, they've won 10 of their last 11, and look to be in as good form as ever. Matt Chapman has turned into one of baseball's best dual-threats, hitting .271 with 14 homers and 32 RBIs. Frankie Montas will be an All Star, and has become the ace Oakland desperately needed last season, posting a 6-2 record with a 2.81 ERA. But, the one thing looming over this side of the bay is the ever dominant Astros. A slow first month gave the Astros a head start, and the A's will not recover. Once again, they'll have to try and make their presence known from the Wild Card Spot.
Seattle Mariners
Positives for the Mariners 2019? 1) Ichiro got to retire in Japan during a spectacular ceremony. 2) They have the 6th most runs in baseball. 3) They homered in each of their first 17 games, an MLB record. 4) They started 13-2. So, how are they 5th in the AL West at 24-34? For one, in their first 15, they were playing out of their heads. The glimmer of hope that they might end the longest playoff drought in sports was a mirage. But, to be more technical about it, their pitching has been atrocious. They are 28th in ERA, and the lack of defense has become apparent. King Felix's best days are officially behind him, as the former Cy Young winner is 1-4 with a ERA over 6. He will have to re-invent himself to find any success. The Mariners blew it up in the offseason, and the results show it.
Texas Rangers
The Rangers have shown some promise. Joey Gallo, Arlington's 2019 MVP, is playing incredibly well. Once again, he's putting up great long ball statistics (15 HR, 35 RBIs), but he is also hitting well, with a .278 average and a 1.057 OPS. He could become a perennial all-star. Hunter Pence has been a great addition, hitting over .300. And another veteran, Elvis Andrus, has been putting up great numbers. So how are they just over .500? Pitching. They are 27th in the league in ERA, and their bullpen proved to be a problem. If this offense can miraculously continue to carry them into a position to contend on July 31st, they'll need some pitching to do anything in the playoffs. But considering the expectations going in, it's been a solid year.


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BOX ELDER COUNTY, Utah - The lightning-caused fire in Box Elder County, the "Stream Fire," has grown to 8,100 acres and is 80 percent contained.
It started Tuesday morning in Snowville, near the Utah-Idaho border.
Box Elder County officials said the fire is south and west of Snowville and has burned to Locomotive Rd.; no roads are closed.
No structures are threatened at this time.
According to fire officials, lightning sparked the burn Tuesday, consuming mostly grasses and brush.
Box Elder County said 45 firefighters are battling the blaze with two single-engine tankers and an air attack plane monitoring the situation.
41.965475 -112.709701


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Auto Network Signal Refresher (PREMIUM) 1.11 Apk for Android
The description of Auto Network Signal Refresher
Use this app to optimize your mobile network and internet speed. The app will refresh your signal many times until it finds the best connecting network that will improve your network and internet speed. This way Auto Network Signal Refresher app will help your solve your network connection issue.
Main Features of the app:
-- A single button to refresh your mobile network, internet speed and WiFi connection..
-- Solve your Network Connectivity problems.
-- Solve your Internet (WiFi) Speed issue.
-- Connect to the fastest network within a minute.
-- Get complete information of Phone Information like: camera details, screen resolution, CPU, etc,
-- Also get information the free space on your phone.
-- Check your current network provider details with network signal strength.
-- Connect to the best Wi-Fi signal available.


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Day: September 14, 2018
Good Morning World!
"Always in life an idea starts small, it is only a sapling idea, but the vines will come and they will try to choke your idea so it cannot grow and it will die and you will never know you had a big idea, an idea so big it could have grown thirty meters through the dark canopy of leaves and touched the face of the sky.' He looked at me and continued. 'The vines are people who are afraid of originality, of new thinking. Most people you encounter will be vines; when you are a young plant they are very dangerous.' His piercing blue eyes looked into mine.' Always listen to yourself, Peekay. It is better to be wrong than simply to follow convention. If you are wrong, no matter, you have learned something and you grow stronger. If you are right, you have taken another step toward a fulfilling life." – Bryce Courtenay, The Power of One Continue reading "Good Morning World!"


text: A novel, economical way to tune the color of LEDs by altering the semiconductor nanocrystals used to make them could be applicable for industrial-scale production. The color of some LEDs can be tuned by modifying the size of the semiconductor crystals that compose the light-emitting layer. In crystals that are only a few nanometers in size, quantum mechanical effects can affect the LED. Quantum-confined metal halide perovskites offer narrowband, color-pure emitters. Researchers at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, in collaboration with researchers at the University of Linz, have developed a method for producing semiconducting nanocrystals, using perovskite, whose size and shape they can control. The crystals are extremely stable, creating LEDs that exhibit high color fidelity. Researchers used nanoporous silicon and alumina thin films as templates for the growth of the perovskite nanocrystals. The growth of the perovskite crystals was confined directly within the device-relevant architectures, yielding perovskite nanocrystals a few nanometers in size. By reducing the pore size, researchers found significantly blue-shifted photoluminescence emission in the nanocrystals. They surmised that confining perovskite nanocrystals within porous oxide thin films drastically increased photoluminescence stability because the templates served to encapsulate the perovskite. Researchers quantified the template-induced size of the perovskite crystals in nanoporous silicon using microfocus high-energy x-ray depth profiling in transmission geometry, and verified the growth of perovskite nanocrystals throughout the entire thickness of the nanoporous films. "Optimal measurements of the size of the crystals were obtained using a fine beam of high-energy X-radiation at the Deutsche Elektronen-Synchrotron (DESY) in Hamburg," said researcher Bert Nickel. A thin wafer, only a few nanometers thick and patterned like a waffle, was used as a template. The depressions in the wafer served as tiny reaction vessels, whose shape and volume ultimately determined the final size of the nanocrystals. The wafers were produced by means of an economical electrochemical process and, according to the researchers, could be fashioned directly into LEDs. "Our nanostructure oxide layers also prevent contact between the semiconductor crystals and deleterious environmental factors such as free oxygen and water, which would otherwise limit the working lifetime of the LEDs," said researcher Martin Kaltenbrunner. "In the next step, we want to enhance the efficiency of these diodes further, and explore their potential for use in other applications, such as flexible displays." The research was published in Science Advances (doi: 10.1126/sciadv.1700738).


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Nine stages completed – all pretty entertaining – and we're faced with the possibility of another three week period of Chris Froome in a Grand Tour leader's jersey. At the 2013 Vuelta the jersey exchanged shoulders eight times with five swaps the following year and eight in Fabio Aru's 2015 success. Not one of those
Tag: Aru
It hasn't been easy but on the eve of Stage 18 of the 2017 Tour de France we can conclude the organisers have got what they wanted. They didn't want Chris Froome to stomp his familiar brand of victory all over this year's edition and they wanted each mountain stage to be ridden in earnest.
The second week of the Tour was always likely to be a bit weird. There were two stages ripe for Marcel Kittel, before a dash into the Pyrenees and some lumpy ones in the Massif Central. Overall the week receives a thumbs-up. Team Sky and Chris Froome are simultaneously in total control and spinning into
The Pro Cycling season is drawing to a close and I've been looking back at the performances of (pretty much) every rider over the last ten months. I've been looking for winners and losers, those whose status in the cycling world has changed for better or worse this past season. Excluded are riders such as


text: Prof. (Dr.) Brajesh Kumar has a FPM degree from Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad, a Masters degree from Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur and an undergraduate degree from College of Agricultural Engineering, Pusa. While completing his M.Tech, he got prestigious DAAD Scholarship award and he did his M.Tech thesis from TU Dresden, Germany. He was also awarded Institute Silver Medal at IIT Kharagpur. During his FPM from IIM Ahmedabad, he worked on various issues related to commodity derivatives markets. He has published in many international journals including International Review of Financial Analysis, Journal of International Economic Studies, Journal of Emerging Market Finance and also made conference publications at national and international levels. He has received many scholarship/grants including NSE Research Scholarship. His current research interest includes derivatives markets, time-series and econometric modeling, asset pricing, micro economics and high frequency data.


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2017 Maruti Suzuki Dzire Review
Hello friends today we have the third gen maruti suzuki dzire. Yes they have removed the swift and now it's just the dzire. It is the compact sub 4 metre sedan with an complete makeover both at the front and the rear.
At front are the new styled head lamps with projector lamps integrated in them. Sadly these projectors are only available at the top of the range zdi plus.The front hexagonal grille is new and looks fresh. 4 strips run horizontally holding the large suzuki logo in them. The fog lamps are neatly integrated and don't look out of place. Overall the front end looks wide and new and it will attract the crowd surely.
The side profile remains the same. The first gen dezire had an bulky rear end which just looked out of place. The second gen had an compact boot but still it looked like an 3 yr old had removed one part of one car and sticked it on another.This one though looks neat and blends in to the rest of the car. Yes it's not as good as the TATA's tigor but credit where its deu, maruti has listened to its customers. The tail lights are good and an chrome strip runs through between them. There is an attempt of making a spoiler like rear which looks appealing and reminds of the ciaz's rear end.
Getting on inside the first thing we are reminded is the touch screen which is the same as we have seen on baleno, which means that it is easy and hassle free to operate.
It gets the dual tone black and beige interior with wood like plastic running between them. It is fresh and of good quality. Central console houses touch screen then ac controls featuring automatic climate control. At the bottom it houses a 12V socket and an USB AUX outlet.
The chunky steering wheel houses buttons for operating music system, taking calls and hands free command. The dials are big and clear. Between them is an small info display which shows avg fuel consumption, distance to empty, trip meter, temp,fuel gauge, etc. Overall it is an nice place to sit and definitely miles better than previously model.
Getting in to the back first things to notice is the rear ac vents and the armrest. It's the new addition to tackle with the competition. Seats are comfortable and supportive and decent space is available at the rear. I'm 5-10 and it was okish. I had good headroom and legroom but taller people will struggle. 3 lean people will fit easily but big guys will be a squeeze.
Boot is of 378 litres which will house your daily shopping and travel needs. But it is smaller as compared to 407 liters of Hyundai Xcent and 417 liters of Tata Tigor.
Taking about the engine. It has the same 1.2L petrol and fiat derived 1.3L diesel.
Petrol develops 82 bhp and 113 Nm of torques where diesel develops 74bhp and 190 Nm of torque. It's the same with the petrol being the under powered and diesel being the torqui one. Enthusiasts will love the diesel but the petrol is the silent one.
NVh levels have decreased as compared to before. The top of the model zdi plus only houses 2 airbags with abs and ebd. It's sad because ford offers 2 airbags at the lowest variant and 6 airbags at the top of the model. It is now euro 4 complaint and the company claimed fuel efficiency is 28 for diesel and 22 for petrol
It runs on the 14 inch 165/80 section Bridgestones. It houses an attractive alloys which are only available at the top of the range model.
My verdict is that it is an good looking car, drives well, has all the gadgets and after all it is maruti so customers will get benefits of dealer networks. It is packed with everything and an waiting list of 3 months, again maruti has shown who is the king of the Indian market!


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Regional Conference in Omaha, Nebraska, June 24-25, 2015
We are very excited to announce this year's Nebraska conference, particularly because this will be the final stage in rolling out our Individual Budgeting/Provider Billing Integration. I have had a couple of walk throughs of it now and it is quite simply awesome!
We will be doing a ton of training for state and provider staff. starting in early May, so be sure to keep an eye out for that.
In the meantime, be sure to sign up.
Full details and sign up are available at: https://www.therapservices.net/regional-conference-in-omaha-nebraska/
The hotel for this year is:
Sheraton Omaha Hotel
655 N 108th Avenue
Omaha, NE, 68154
:: Justin ::


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Secret Methods to Get the Most Out of Apple's Newest iPhone Replace
Apple rolled out its big new iPhone update recently. It's called iOS 13 and includes a bunch of new things you can do. Some of them are hidden, so it's just a matter of knowing where to look.
There's a keyboard that lets you swipe to enter text, for example, and a new dark mode that you can set to automatically turn on at night. There are fun new Memojis you can design to make look like yourself. And you can connect two pairs of AirPods to the same iPhone.
Here's a bunch of secret little tricks in Apple's big new iPhone update.
Connect two pairs of AirPods to the same iPhone
Now you can connect two pairs of AirPods (or Powerbeats Pro headphones) to the same iPhone. This is useful if you're traveling with someone and you want to share your music or watch the same movie. To set it up, just do this:
- Open the charging case lid and hold the pairing button on the back of your AirPods until the light starts to flash white.
- Bring it close to your iPhone.
- Tap the pop-up menu confirming you want to pair the AirPods to your iPhone.
- Now repeat those steps to connect a second pair.
- Start playing music.
- You'll hear tunes through one pair of AirPods.
- Now tap the AirPlay button.
- Choose the second pair of AirPods you connected.
- Music should be playing in both sets of AirPods at the same time.
Turn on Dark Mode
Dark Mode is a new option that lets you set the theme of the phone, and apps that are built to support it, to show darker backgrounds and colors. It's easier on my eyes at night, since there are fewer bright white colors, but it also just looks cool. There are two ways to turn on Dark Mode. The easiest way is to do this:
- Swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone's display (or up on an iPhone that has a home button.) This opens the Control Center menu.
- Tap and hold the screen brightness toggle.
- Tap the "Dark Mode" toggle on the bottom left.
You can schedule Dark Mode to turn on at specific times by doing this:
- Open Settings.
- Choose Display & Brightness.
- Under Appearance, select Light or Dark mode.
- Toggle "Automatic" to on.
- Choose a custom schedule or set Dark Mode to turn on automatically at sunset and off at sunrise.
Share your phone's hot spot with the family
You can use your iPhone as a Wi-Fi hot spot (if you have phone hot spot data included with your wireless plan) and automatically share it with your family members. This is good if you're somewhere without Wi-Fi, say an airport, and your kids want to connect their tablets to the internet. Here's how to turn it on:
- Open Settings.
- Tap "Personal Hotspot."
- Choose "Family Sharing."
- Select the family member you'd like to share with.
- Now choose "automatic" or "ask for approval."
- If that family member sees your phone as a hot spot, they can connect either automatically or once you approve them.
Swipe on the keyboard
I still like to tap on my keyboard to type, but some people prefer swipe keyboards. IOS has supported third-party versions of this, which let you swipe from letter to letter to create a word, but iOS 13 now builds it into the keyboard automatically. Just open the keyboard anywhere, like in Messages, and swipe your finger across the keyboard to form a word. It takes some getting used to, and some people can type faster this way once they adjust.
Hide your location from apps
The update will automatically remind you if apps are using your location or Bluetooth connection. Sometimes you might not want an app to always track your location in the background, so now you can choose to set it to "only while using" when Apple reminds you.
It looks like this:
This has quickly become one of my favorite iOS 13 features. There's no reason that an app I haven't launched in months needs to be checking my location several times a day. pic.twitter.com/nrF2Vnt2md
— Nick Arnott (@noir) September 26, 2019
You can always adjust this manually doing this:
- Open Settings.
- Choose Privacy.
- Select Location Services.
- Tap an app.
- Choose "while using," "always" or "never" track your location.
Use a PS4 or Xbox controller with games
The software now supports Bluetooth PS4 and Xbox One controllers. This is one of my new favorite features, since it lets me use my PS4 controller on the road while streaming games from my PS4 at home. But the controllers also work with some games in the iTunes App Store. To set it up, do this:
- Put your Xbox controller into pairing mode by turning it on and then holding the pairing button on the back until the front light begins flashing quickly.
- Or put your PS4 remote into pairing mode by holding the Playstation button and the share button for about three seconds.
- Open Settings on your iPhone
- Choose Bluetooth and turn it on.
- Select your controller from the list of Bluetooth devices ready for pairing.
- Wait until it says the controller is connected.
- Launch a game with controller support. Many are listed here, and some new ones are in Apple Arcade.
Long press in Control Center to connect to a specific Wi-Fi network
Here's another hidden trick: You can long press inside Control Center for even more options. My favorite is using this for connecting to a specific Wi-Fi network without having to open settings. It also works for Bluetooth devices. Just do this:
- Swipe down from the top-right of your iPhone's screen to open control center. (Or swipe up on models with a home button.)
- Tap and hold the Wi-Fi icon (or any other icon).
- Tap and hold Wi-Fi again.
- Select the network you want to connect to.
Share your ETA in Apple Maps
IOS 13.1, a small update that rolled out this past week, now lets you share your ETA with friends or family from Apple Maps. So, if you're driving somewhere, they can follow along with you on the map and know that you're safe and when you'll arrive. To use it, do this:
- Open Apple Maps.
- Set a destination and get directions to it.
- Tap "Go."
- Tap the bottom of the maps screen.
- Choose "Share ETA."
- Pick your contact.
- They'll get a text message with your ETA and, if on an iPhone, a detailed view.
Make your Memoji look like you
You can now make your Memoji look more like you. These are the fun animated videos and still photos you can send to people and are basically just emojis that are made to represent your personality. To edit your Memoji, do this:
- Open the keyboard in Messages.
- Tap the monkey icon on the top menu bar.
- Tap Edit.
- Change your hairstyle and skin color, add accessories like AirPods or add headwear.
Check out the new Apple Photos 'Day' view
I use Apple Photos and Google Photos to back up my pictures. But I really love the new "Day" view in Apple Photos, which shows the best pictures and video clips I took on a certain day. Apple will show some pictures it thinks are important, like portraits of people. And video clips are played, too, making the gallery feel alive. Here's how to see it:
- Open Photos on your iPhone.
- Tap the "Days" tab on the bottom.
- Scroll through some recent days.
- Watch some of your memories come to life.
Take a new 'high-key light mono' Portrait picture
Portrait mode was launched a couple of years ago to let you take professional-looking pictures. Apple blurs the background using a "bokeh" effect. There are a few different portrait mode options that change the lighting in your pictures, but a new one in iOS 13 is called "high-key light mono." It takes a black-and-white picture and makes the background completely white. It can make even a sloppy blogger look cool, as the photo above shows.
Here's how to take your own high-key light mono portrait:
- Open the camera app.
- Choose portrait mode from the menu.
- Slide your finger through the options to "high-key light mono."
- Now snap a picture of someone.
Apple has a new "optimized battery charging" option in iOS 13 that will keep your battery healthy so that it doesn't age as quickly. This doesn't mean more battery life right now, but it means your battery might not need to be replaced as quickly. It will stay in tip-top performance longer. Apple explains it like this: "To reduce battery aging, iPhone learns from your daily charging routine so it can wait to finish charging past 80% until you need to use it."
To turn it on, do this:
- Open Settings.
- Choose Battery.
- Tap Battery Health.
- Toggle "Optimized Battery Charging." to the on position.
There's more to find. IOS 13 includes improvements to battery life, new accessibility options, support for faster Face ID and other changes. It's a big update and worth switching to if you haven't moved from iOS 12 yet.
Copyright CNBC
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November 13, 2015 by maidfirst
No doubt that the household waste is not as toxic as the industrial waste, but then also we cannot ignore it. The germs in this waste give invitation to flies and mosquitoes which breed there with the time. As a result, the population around that area has the risk of getting affected by the diarrhoeal diseases and other viral diseases like dengue, bubonic plague, yellow fever and some other. Thus, cleaning your house is not enough; always make sure that the waste is disposed and is not affecting your health or of the people living around you.
There are number of ways by which you can get your household waste disposed. In many areas there are communities for bringing out the waste disposal of the household material but if there is not any, then there are some efforts that you can do. These efforts will not only protect you from the poisonous chemicals but will also bring a big overhaul in the favour of environment when every person would do something at his own home.
What you can do?
- The vegetable waste, such as the peelings and leftovers can be used as animals' feed or as fertilizers for the crops. If nothing works, then put them in the biogas digester.
- Try to reuse the bottles, bags, containers or whatever you can reuse by washing them. If you need to through these materials then bury them in a pit and cover it.
- The waste paper material can be used for lightening purposes and if you don't need it, throw them in the pit along with the plastic material.
- There are many other waste materials like used batteries, medicines, waste kerosene and other fuel elements which you cannot dump in any water body. These materials should also be dumped into the pit.
The pit where you will dispose your household waste should be at least 20 meters away from the residential area and the water resources. In the case, you are unable to dig a pit, just arrange different trash systems to through the different types of waste separately. Then contact the nearest organisation providing services for waste disposal and get it disposed at regular intervals.
Benefits of rubbish disposal in house cleaning
If you are cleaning your house and throwing all the waste at a site near the residential area then it is more harmful. On the contrary, there are many benefits of household waste disposal:
- It will protect you from many vital diseases like dengue.
- The toxic chemicals affect the human health and the atmosphere adversely. Proper waste disposal will reduce the environmental pollution which is beneficial for both humans and the environment.
- Disposing your household waste will help you save the money that you would need to spend on the treatment in the case of getting infected by it.
In the case you don't have the proper knowledge and required time to manage the household waste then you can hire the services of professional company as they will not only ensure the waste disposal but also the proper cleaning of your house.


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To celebrate the fantastic start of the spring I had in Prague last weekend, I created a travel diary for you all with all awesome things to do in Prague.
Outfit: Travel in Style!
I'm wearing a Black blazer-style dress from Shein. Styling it with a pink beret, a pearl choker and a pair of black boots with the white in-line faux fur. To add some color to the outfit, I'm wearing a graffiti style sling bag with a horseshoe buckle (like that of Gucci)!
The dress is my favorite recent purchase with rich material and absolutely stunning fit. And you know what makes it 10x better? It has functional pockets!?
SHOP IT HERE: http://bit.ly/2nQ29jB
Prague is the capital city of Czechoslovakia. Famous for its antiques and central European charms, it is also one of the major stops of the historical Grand tours. The city looks like the perfect mix of medieval and modern today with pastel-colored buildings and all the amenities you'd need!
The official currency of the country is Czech Crown. Even though Euro is accepted at most places here, I recommend traveling with the local currency to be able to make most out of local experiences.
The city is accessible by bus, trains, and of course, flights. It also has a great network of public transports. Just making literally all the things to do in Prague more accessible.
It is a relatively small city with everything at a short distance. I recommend booking your stay near the center and taking a 2/3 days pass to hop on buses or trams at your convenience.
Prague is beautiful all year round. However, with respect to weather, crowds, and accessibility, the best time to visit between March to May and September to November.
To Do:
The city has its share of touristy and not so touristy things to do. One perk of being small is that everything is at a walkable distance and you can literally see everything in a day! If you do have more time though, I recommend taking idle long walks in the beautiful streets of Prague.
All the things to do in Prague –
- Old Town Square
Start with arriving at the old town square where you'll see several coffee (kava) stalls and street pizza stalls. I recommend that for breakfast before you get set to move along.
- Astronomical Clock
Regarded as the best preserved mechanical clock in the world, the astronomical clock is situated on the south face of the old town hall, right in the old town Square.
- Charles Bridge
Stroll across this majestic bridge with beautiful views of the city on both sides. A simple walk across the 14th Century bridge is enough to become one of the most memorable experiences of visiting Prague.
- Prague Castle
Who would've known that the official office of the Czech President is literally a 9th-century castle complex! It is also one of the largest complexes in the world, is made up of historical palaces, offices, church and fortification buildings, gardens and picturesque spots.
- St Vitus Cathedral
Visible from all around the city, St. Vitus Cathedral is located inside the Prague Castle. Despite the grandeur of centuries-old architecture, it was built in 1922. It is known for its 'hidden treasures' and more!
- Lennon Wall
Yeah, I didn't miss-spell Lenin. There is, in fact, a Beatles tribute graffiti wall in Prague to pay homage to the band. If you're a fan, you must be here!
- Kafka Museum
For the literature enthusiasts out there, Kafka museum is definitely an ode to his nostalgia. Ranging from metaphorical hollow statues to fantasy representations of his work, it has everything you'd expect!
- Prague Museum
Founded 1818 in Prague by Kašpar Maria Šternberg, it is a historic and scientific representation of the world. If you have time to spare, it does have some great exhibits to see.
- Old Jewish Ghettos
For the history enthusiast in you, this place is an epitome of the hardships and survival of the Jewish community. The Jewish quarter, also known as Josefov, is located between the Old Town and the Vltava River. Despite the destruction and seclusions, many significant historical buildings remain including six synagogues are well worth a visit today.
- River Cruise
So, I don't personally recommend a river cruise in Prague. This is because unlike in Paris and London, not every landmark of the city is on the riverside. However, if you really want to, it is doable, cheap, and can also be done on more personal boats.
- Nightlife
Prague's nightlife is known all over the world for its live jazz and classical music. Take a stroll down the riverside and arrive at JazzDock which draws some of the best local jazz musicians
For club crawlers, the Cross Club is an industrial nightclub in every sense of the word. Located in an industrial setting, the interior is a must-see jumble of gadgets, shafts, and cranks, many of which move to the music.
Another of the things to do in Prague is a beer-tour and be a part of the amazing Czech beer culture. You can even take part in the official Beer Tours of the city!
So, that's all from my Prague travel Diary. If there's anything you think I missed from the things to do in Prague, feel free to mention in comments below. After all, a traveler's life is all about discovery!
Don't forget to shop my travel in style look and check out more amazing ones from Shein!
For more of my Travel in Style Adventures, keep following Ertsy! Till then, stay curious and keep exploring !! x


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The Los Angeles Clippers conducted a lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered-themed night Wednesday while hosting the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center.
The event was the first of its kind in NBA history. Chicago won, 106-88.
Equality Night was hosted in conjunction with Equality California, a LGBT civil rights group, and Outsports.com, which calls itself a premiere sports media outlet for gay sports fans and athletes.
"The LGBT community has been generally ignored by sports teams as they do community outreach and this shows that gays are passionate fans and can help teams sell tickets," Outsports.com cofounder Jim Buzinski said. "It has been awesome for the Clippers to be so proactive and welcoming. Maybe some of us will make the Kiss Cam!"
Fans and supporters who purchased tickets for Wednesday's game received a Clippers Equality Night T-shirt, and a portion of all ticket sales will go to Equality California. Tickets purchased through Clippers.com/equality are offered at a discounted price and will admit fans to a pregame cocktail reception (6 p.m. at Staples Center). Buzinski said 300 such tickets have already been sold.
According to Outsports.com, the NOH8 campaign joined the Clippers for this special event. The first 50 people to arrive at the pregame cocktail reception could have NOH8 photos taken for the campaign.
Esera Tuaolom, a former NFL defensive tackle who came out after his playing career ended in 1999, was scheduled to sing the national anthem.
Get today's sports news out of Los Angeles. Here's the latest on the Dodgers, Lakers, Angels, Kings, Galaxy, LAFC, USC, UCLA and more LA teams.
"The fight for equality in California is an important one, and we are thrilled that the Clippers recognize the LGBT community as an equal and important part of their fan base," Mike Holtz of Equality California told the Clippers.
While this is the first event of its kind in the NBA, LGBT events have been part of Major League Baseball for the last decade. Outsports.com's Cyd Zeigler helped organize a similar event with the New York Mets in 2004.
Los Angeles is experiencing some firsts of its own on the court. The Clippers have won nine straight games at home, the most in their 27 years in Los Angeles. The overall franchise record for consecutive home wins belongs to the San Diego Clippers, who won 11 straight on their home hardwood in 1979.
For the third straight time, resplendent rookie Blake Griffin has won the NBA's Western Conference Rookie of the Month award for January (he's won every month this season). Griffin's January highlight came against the Indiana Pacers, when he scored an NBA season-high 47 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in a win.
Clippers leading scorer Eric Gordon, who was previously slated to be out three to four weeks with a wrist injury, has been upgraded to day-to-day and will join the team for it's upcoming 11-game road trip, which will kick off Friday in Atlanta.
In their last meeting with the Bulls, the Clippers escaped with a 100-99 win in Chicago.


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By Dr. Sonu Varghese via our partners at Iris.xyz
With President Trump's administration taking office, financial market participants are eyeing what policies he'll prioritize and implement.
Perhaps the most anticipated of all is comprehensive tax reform, a big piece of which involves lowering the corporate tax rate to 20%, as specified in Congressional Republicans' policy initiative 'A Better Way'.
While the blueprint includes significant overhauls across the tax code in addition to lowering the corporate tax rate, a 'border adjustment' tax has stood out recently amongst its various provisions. The provision aims to promote exports while taxing imports, which would align with President Trump's stated priority of revitalizing the U.S. manufacturing sector.
Click here to read the full story on Iris.xyz.


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Ryan Ballengee introduces you to Uther Supply, an up-and-coming maker of golf towels and gloves with a flair. The high-quality towels come with a variety of printed designs and sizes to meet the needs of any golfer, their playing style and personality.
Uther's new golf gloves are a hybrid of high-quality Cabretta leather and a breathable material on the back of the hand to keep moisture away from your fingers as you grip the club.
Learn more about Uther Supply, their towels and gloves at their website.


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As colder temperatures arrive and snow starts to fall, we end up spending more time keeping warm next to the fireplace at home. So why not add to the feeling of warmth and whip up a batch of banana chocolate chip muffins! With a few ingredients and a little time you'll have the perfect muffins to enjoy with friends and family on a cold winters day. Keep reading for the recipe:
- 2-4 Ripe Bananas, Mashed
- 1 3/4 Cup Of Flour
- 1/2 Cup Of Sugar
- 1/2 Teaspoon Of Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Of Cinnamon
- 1 Tablespoon Of Baking Powder
- 3/4 Cup Of Chocolate Chips
- 1 Egg, Beaten
- 1 Teaspoon Of Vanilla
- 1/2 Cup Of Milk
- 1/4 Cup Of Oil
- Begin by preheating your oven to 400 degrees and prepare the muffin tins by greasing the cups or using paper liners.
- Mix together flour, sugar, salt, cinnamon, baking powder in a medium bowl, mix together until combined. Add in the chocolate chips and stir. Once mixed, create a well in the middle of the mix and set the bowl aside.
- In a separate bowl, mix together all remaining ingredients until just combined. Add in the wet ingredients to the well and mix until batter is just moistened, do not over mix. The batter should appear lumpy.
- Use an ice cream scoop to fill each cup and bake for 20-25 minutes. Let cool before serving.
These banana chocolate chip muffins are best enjoyed in front of the flickering flame of your Valor Fireplace. For more information please visit us here.


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June 25, 2009 — -- Circuits on all Metro train tracks throughout the Washington, D.C., system will now be inspected after investigators found an "anomaly" in one of the circuits close to the site of a crash that killed nine riders.
"We do not know if the circuits had anything to do with this accident, but we won't just sit back and wait for someone to tell us," John Catoe, general manager, said today at a meeting with board members, according to a statement from Washington Metro Area Transit Authority. "We're going to be proactive and get out there to test all of them."
About 3,000 circuits will be get a closer look during the next few weeks, Catoe said.
On Thursday, investigators were also interviewing the operator of the train that was violently struck by another train Monday evening. The train operator was released from the hospital Wednesday and will be questioned by teams trying to learn more about the accident.
Nine people died and another 76 were sent to area hospitals when the collision occurred earlier this week near the Fort Totten station on the city's red line.
Investigators on the train track Wednesday found that a key circuit monitoring 740 feet of the track near Monday's derailment may not have been operating as it should have. The find raised the possibility that the Metro train that crashed into a stopped train may not have gotten the indication to slow down.
Investigators tested six circuits between the two stations where the crash occurred. Five of those performed as expected, according to National Transportation Safety Board investigator Deborah Hersman. But one circuit showed what Hersman described as an "anomaly."
The NTSB has now put a stand-in train on the track to conduct additional tests.
Circuits along Metro tracks are a critical part of the automatic train control system. They let trains know how fast to go and provide them with information about whether there's another train up ahead. The computerized system is designed to keep trains from coming within 1,200 feet of each other.
Investigators have determined that the train was indeed running on automatic mode when it crashed and are investigating why built-in safety features of that system did not prevent the accident.
Since the crash, Metro operators have been running trains manually.
"What causes us concern the most is the fact that this was not supposed to happen," Jackie Jeter, president of Amalgamated Transit Union Local 689 said Tuesday. "There are safety mechanisms that are on place on the trains to prevent this type of accident. And, for me, as president of the union and as a train operator, I have to wonder why didn't those safety mechanisms kick in and prevent it."
Train recorders will provide insight into what happened as the information is evaluated over the next few days, former National Transportation Safety Board investigator Barry Sweedler said. The train that was hit had several recorders on it, but the one that collided into it didn't have any.
NTSB Had Warned Metro Trains Could Be Dangerous
Hersman of the NTSB said Wednesday it appeared the train operator braked 300 to 400 feet prior to the crash site. NTSB investigators at the scene found "bluing" on the track, indicating emergency braking. They don't yet know how fast the train was going when it collided with the other, but said they will, at some point, be able to ascertain that information.
Also Wednesday, the NTSB said found no indications in train records of overdue maintenance despite earlier reports that the brakes on the train may have been behind schedule for a check-up. The train was last examined in late May.
Meantime, Washington, D.C., Mayor Adrian Fenty said Wednesday that the blame for the crash should fall "squarely" on local officials.
"We do have an independent train system ... [but] let's not try and disperse the blame. Let's put it on the decision makers and the leaders," Fenty said on "Good Morning America."
Fenty said that while replacing or retrofitting the cars "to make them more crash resistant" would have been expensive, "lives are more important than finances."
The National Transportation Safety Board had twice warned that older trains like the ones involved in the Monday wreck do not protect people as well as they should.
Despite the two NTSB warnings, transit officials had refused an upgrade because it would be expensive and complicated.
"We have planned for the replacement of these railcars and are in pursuit of the funding to make that happen," Catoe said Thursday.
In 1996, a Metro train of the same series failed to stop and crashed into an unoccupied train in what the NTSB called "catastrophic failure." After the crash the NTSB recommended a comprehensive evaluation of the cars. In 2002, D.C. Metro declined to make any changes. A similar crash took place in 2004, and the NTSB reiterated its warnings.
"In 2006 [the NTSB] asked them to look at old cars," Hersman told "GMA." "They did not retrofit the cars to the standard the safety board was looking for."
Hersman emphasized that the NTSB's role was to make recommendations, and that it was up to local and federal authorities to decide whether to act based on those recommendations.
Train operator Jeanice McMillan, 42, was among those killed in Monday's crash. She was running the train that struck the one in front it stopped on the tracks.
Other victims of the accident ran the gamut from a young mother of two to a military officer.
The military officer killed in the crash was Major General David F. Wherley Jr., who died alongside his wife, Ann. Both were 62. Wherley, a career military man had recently retired as the head of the D.C. National Guard. It was his order that scrambled jets over Washington, D.C., Sept. 11, 2001.
"He was as fine a public servant, as dedicated to the United States of America as anyone I have ever met," Fenty said.
Also on the train was 40-year-old Ana Fernandez, killed while on her way to a nighttime cleaning job. She left behind six children.
Passenger Dennis Hawkins, a 64-year-old retired teacher, died while on his way to teach a Bible class.
And Lavonda King, just 23 years old, was killed as she took the train to pick up her two sons from daycare. Her mother said King had dreamed of a better life for her boys and had recently signed the paperwork to open up a beauty salon.
McMillan, who had been on the job for four months, was also a mother. The son she raised by herself had started college in the fall. Her family said she took pride in her work on the train and ironed her uniform nightly.
"She loved the train. She would talk about what she did at work, or how this works," said her brother, Vernand McMillan.
ABC News' Lee Ferran, Sarah Netter and Jay Shaylor contributed to this report.


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Dark Corners And Rage: Part 2 The Eulogy
I think that I'll start this with an apology that Part 1 is and will remain private.
I am a philosophical nihilist, monist, materialist, anti-theist, atomist and so on. There are those that think such people have no moral compass or reason to live and so on. I stand here in sharp contrast to those people's ideas.
The truth of the matter is that there is no intrinsic meaning or purpose to life and further that even those who think there is make up their own meaning to their lives. They just pretend it is about something else that none of us can see or test.
Despite the confusion over what these labels mean and what a person of these labels may or may not be or feel, I have deeply held beliefs. One of those deeply held beliefs is that the only thing we have is our experiences, our memories. These are all that we carry with us no matter where we go and no matter our situation in life. These things are intrinsically part of who we are. They _are_ important. As such, I am not averse to experiencing everything I can … even if it is painful or hurtful or harmful. To truly know what life is and what it means to be alive I believe that you have to experience it. I don't think that selectively choosing what to experience is being in control of yourself. No, facing those experiences with the gusto of Hercules is being in control. You can't say that you know what a hurricane is like till you've weathered one out. Life gives us hurricanes here and there. I try to face them, revel in it, languor in the experience of it.
Another firmly held belief I hold is that it is not possible to truly hold an understanding of what it means to be alive unless you have shared moments of compassion with another life. To accept and show compassion to another life, big or small, is to understand the reality of possibilities in connecting with another being. We live, trapped in our minds, visited only by vague impulses that render for us some representation of what it is like outside our minds. To connect with those senses to another mind at some level of compassion is a vital experience. One that we should not miss out on.
Very recently I was given just such a hurricane experience. It appeared suddenly and I had no time to prepare. From content and safe to swallowed by the storm. I told myself that I would stand and watch it, weather it out, experience it. When it fell upon me in full force I ran for cover. I found a dark corner and I hunkered down and hid, hoping it would lessen, that the storm would fizzle out some how. It was not to be so. There I huddled against the cold comfort of my former bravery, in the dark and lashing out at anything that came near me.
As I prepared for the rage of the storm I became angry. Why do I have to experience this? Why can anyone or anything take away from me a friend that I have shared moments of compassion with? What gives them a right? What did I do to the universe that I must experience this pain and grief? Why is it necessary that my friend must die? Why? I became angry. I filled with rage and wanted to go berserk. I wanted to be the storm, I wanted to be more powerful than the storm. And so I raged… I felt it fully. I wanted to kill. I wanted to rampage and leave carnage and death in retaliation for the storm.
Do not go gentle into that good night,
Old age should burn and rage at close of day;
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Though wise men at their end know dark is right,
Because their words had forked no lightning they
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Good men, the last wave by, crying how bright
Their frail deeds might have danced in a green bay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
Wild men who caught and sang the sun in flight,
And learn, too late, they grieved it on its way,
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Grave men, near death, who see with blinding sight
Blind eyes could blaze like meteors and be gay,
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
And you, my father, there on the sad height,
Curse, bless me now with your fierce tears, I pray.
Do not go gentle into that good night.
Rage, rage against the dying of the light.
— Dylan Thomas
I was not stronger than the storm. I could not rage enough. I could not make it go away.
Part 2: The Eulogy
Today I lost my friend. A dear friend of 16 years. He never let me down, always spoke in ways to cheer me and sooth the angers of living in the game of life. He was one of my reasons to live at one time, he helped me through many tough times. Speaking just enough to let me know how much he cares. He supported me with all that he was, always ready to show his pleasure at being near me. He was, is, my friend.
I held his weakened body in my arms, spoke in soothing sounds to calm him.
As the first plunger sent him to sleep, no longer able to make soothing sounds, my chest began to heave.
As the second plunger slowed his heart my arms began to shake, my tears unnoticed by his stilled eyes.
I was born alone, I walk alone, and I will die alone. I know that in the grand scheme of the universe my life is no more important than that of my friend. I feel pain and grief and ANGER that such can pass with so very few people even giving a damn. My life will pass as well. It will end and I will be no more important to the world than my friend was as I held him today.
I have experienced this anger today for the second time in my life. It opened a dark place that I must now climb out of, to find respite from the game of life. I will miss my friend. He was never in the game with me, always waiting outside for my arrival. I will miss him like I would miss a finger. It is fair and right and normal that his life must come to an end. Even normal that I should experience the pain and grief. That didn't make it fun. He was my friend. I am partly who I am because of him. He is part of my experience, part of my memory. He is important. Even if not one other person feels the same anger, pain, and grief, I will. I cannot be me without the memories and experiences of my friend.
I'm sorry if anyone felt the anger of my grief. I am not sorry that I grieve. I must grieve for a part of who I am no longer is. A part of me stopped existing today. Frozen in the vault of memories in my mind. I am better for both the memories and compassion and for the experience of knowing him and losing him. I am alive. His last breath was spent telling me that I am.
I will miss him.


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Making Tax Digital for VAT: Challenge or Opportunity?
While the challenge posed by Making Tax Digital (MTD) is widely recognised, the opportunity is less so.
When the House of Lords Economic Affairs Committee published its report into MTD at the end of 2018, little attention, if any, was given to one of its main recommendations: that businesses should, "choose digitalisation for productivity, efficiency and modernisation reasons rather than just tax compliance". MTD for VAT is a stage post on the journey to tax automation - not the end goal.
MTD is continuing the trend towards automation, fuelled by the governments agenda for transforming the UK into a digitally advanced tax administration. It is seeing resources stretched and CFOs demanding more value, but embracing automation will deliver tax information efficiently and accurately. Additionally, it will deliver data analytics, providing businesses with the visibility required to measure performance, drive innovation and aid decision-making.
Automation is bringing tax in-house and redefining the client/adviser relationship, shifting the emphasis from compliance to tax planning and other value added activities. MTD for VAT is helping to drive automation, however, organisations need to avoid the temptation to select an MTD solution with only 2019 compliance in mind in order to harness these benefits.
It's critical that your solution provides value beyond VAT as a part of a broader automation strategy. The House of Lords report found that many businesses would, "prefer to move to a system that would be compliant for all taxes" such as, corporation tax or income tax (due to be digitalised from April 2020), and that they wanted to make "the best long-term choice".
It's for these reasons that MTD should be seen as a stepping stone to automation rather than the end game, It presents an opportunity to transform the tax function, equipping the tax professional with the tools to focus on governance, data analysis and tax planning to create real value for the business,


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The Mova Cup, Embroidery Day, Hotline Green Phone – Belarus Civil Society Digest
Mova Cup took promoted the use of the Belarusian language trying oneself in various sports. The Embroidery Day will celebrate the Belarusian national dress.
All-Belarusian Congress for Independence scheduled for December. The European Humanities University welcomes new students.
A special hotline Green Phone received over 120 complains from Belarusian citizens regarding the urban environment.
Interaction between the state and civil society
Belarus temporarily restricts ways of crossing the border with Lithuania to cars only, citing lack of capacity. This means no more pedestrian crossing. This decision sums up government-and citizens relations: government does not adapt to citizens demand, it makes citizens adapt to its capacity.
Parliament responds the e-appeals of the citizens. In 2015 Belarus will develop the law 'On the treatment of animals'; criminal responsibility for cruelty to animals may be introduced already in the next session of Parliament. Such a response is received by the activists of a public campaign 'NO cruelty to animals' on their electronic appeals to the Parliament on the issue of improving the legislation.
Radio Racyja journalist denied accreditation seven times. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs for the seventh time denied accreditation to Viktar Parfionenka, journalist of the Radio Racyja. For the last semester, several journalists have been held accountable for contributing to Belsat and Radio Racyja; penalties include warnings and pretty huge fines.
Cultural events
Mova Cup. On 28 September Minsk hosted the National Sports Festival Mova Cup/Language Cup. Everyone was invited to try oneself at various sports, wherein communicate in Belarusian. Front persons of the Festival were stars of Belarusian sports, including the famous swimmer Alexandra Herasimenya.
Embroidery Day. On 5 October for the first time the Embroidery Day will be held in Minsk. The festival is intended to show that the Belarusian national dress is stylish and noticeable. At the event, visitors will be able to buy clothes and other items with some features of traditional Belarusian culture, play Belarusian games, listen to the music bands, etc.
The second European Intercultural Festival sums up the results. This year the 2nd European Intercultural Festival in September was held under a slogan 'Getting to know each other better'. During 10 days of exhibitions, movie and photo shows, discussions and lectures, master-classes and presentations in Minsk, Grodno, Mogilev and Brest hundreds of participants united by the Festival had a chance to learn more about the culture of Belarus, Germany, Georgia, France, Denmark, Sweden, Norway and other countries.
Green events
Hotline Green Phone received more than 120 complaints on the urban environment. On 16-20 September a special hotline Green Phone worked as part of the international campaign Mobility Week. According to the results, the Belarusian city residents call the following top 3 most actual urban environmental problems: parking in green areas and playgrounds (about 90% of all calls), the lack of green areas in the courtyards and the absence of a barrier-free environment.
Green Forum was held in Grodno on 27 September. CSOs, representatives of government agencies and environmental activists were invited. The agenda included discussions on the most pressing environmental issues and presentations of environmental events and campaigns implemented in the Grodno region. The Forum was planned to result in making a map of regional environmental issues as well as meeting organisations and activists for their further cooperation. The organiser was Green Alliance network.
The annual United Students of Belarus (USB) Rally will take place in Lithuania on 1-5 October 2014. Organised by the Eastern Europe Studies Centre, the USB Rally is an opportunity to meet Belarusian youth studying around the world, as well as to join the informal international network of Belarusians. The 8th USB Rally is devoted to the development of multicultural dialogue in attempt to establish a reciprocal conversation with other cultures, develop an open and active society through development of Belarusian identity.
School of trainer skills. In October-November 2014, training Centre of the portal Kariera.by together with partner organisations in Minsk (Business Club IMAGURU), Brest (Brest Regional Development Fund) and Grodno (VIT NGO) opens groups on basic education in 'School of trainer skills'. The aim of the course is to prepare participants for independent work as trainers using the principles, content and methods of non-formal education.
Pilot Art Leader School will start in October in Minsk. A unique international educational project of the Centre for Visual and Performing ArtsART CORPORATION aims to attract young leaders to shaping the cultural space of the country, as well as develop their skills for the implementation of art projects at a high international level. Representatives of all art professions under the age of 35 years with their own project ideas in the field of theatre or cinema are invited to participate.
EHU welcomes nearly 400 new students. Three hundred ninety-two new students will begin their studies at European Humanities University (EHU) this fall. On Tuesday, 30 September an official ceremony opening Academic Year 2014-15 will be held on campus in Vilnius. More than 95% of the new students are from Belarus, with the rest hailing from countries that include Russia, Ukraine, Lithuania, and Kazakhstan.
Journalistic competition 'Choose Life'. Belarusian Association of Journalists, Belarusian Helsinki Committee and Penal Reform International announce a call for journalistic materials on the subject of the death penalty. Materials are accepted until 30 September.
Contest 'People's journalist – 2014'. Project People's journalist announces a new competition of materials from the citizens of Belarus. The aim of the competition is to include people in the joint activities, so they can see that together can achieve results and solve specific problems. Among the criteria for the best materials are topics that will not be released in the official media, Belarusian language as the main, etc. Materials are accepted until 15 October.
All-Belarusian Congress for Independence to be held in December. Academician Radzim Garetsky, Professor Mikola Savitsky, writer Uladzimir Arlou, director Uladzimir Kolas and prof. Mikhail Pastukhou joined the organising committee headed by Alena Anisim, deputy chairperson of the Belarusian Language Society. According to the organisers, the ground for the congress is related to an agreement on the Eurasian Economic Union that carries a direct threat to the independence of Belarus.
Alternative CSO report at OSCE HDIM side event. On 26 September representatives of the Assembly of Pro-Democratic NGOs together with the Legal Transformation Centre held a side event in the frames of the OSCE Human Dimension Implementation Meeting 2014 in Warsaw. The side event focused on the presentation of the alternative report on the freedom of association and legal status of CSOs in Belarus, which was prepared by Belarusian CSOs in the frames of the second UN Universal Periodic Review cycle.
Belarus Digest prepared this overview on the basis of materials provided by Pact. This digest attempts to give a richer picture of the recent political and civil society events in Belarus. It often goes beyond the hot stories already available in English-language media.
The Belarusian Opposition: Recovering from 2010, Preparing for 2015
Everyone knows that the Belarusian opposition has had little chance of being elected since the late 1990s. Repression against the opposition continues to turn up more frequently in the news than their own actions, particularly given the Western public's palate for news from the "last dictatorship of Europe". So what, then, is the opposition actually doing?
At present, Belarusian civil society is still recovering after the wave of repression it faced following the 2010 presidential elections, all while preparing for the 2015 presidential elections. There are some signs of life, however. The Belarusian intelligentsia recently announced its intention to hold a congress for Independence before the end of the year. The opposition may hold its own convention shortly thereafter.
Across the country, the 'People's Referendum' coalition is holding public hearings and meetings with the members of parliament, and their representatives handed to the Belarusian Parliament 50 thousand signatures they collected. Representatives from 'Talaka', another opposition alliance, are opening centres to involve common people in the political process.
What Is the Opposition Up To?
The 'People's referendum' coalition is an amalgamation of several civil society and political organisations has remain fairly active. The coalition mainly focuses on speaking to voters about bread-and-butter issues, collects signatures for various initiatives and holds public meetings to discuss pressing issues. In August-September, the political bloc held public meetings on how to improve Belarusian education and healthcare in eight cities.
On 2 October, the coalition's politicians handed over to Belarusian parliament a petition with 50 thousand signatures in support of their proposed reforms. Moreover, their political leaders now and again secure meetings with members of the House of Representatives.
The 'Talaka' coalition has a different breed of politics. It emphasises political problems over social issues and regularly opens coordinating centres that seek to involve common people in the political process. Recently the alliance opened three of these centres with the support of several prominent figures, including an appearance by the former head of the National Bank Stanislaŭ Bahdankievič, a book presentations by Pavel Seviaryniec and Anatoĺ Liabiedźka. The word 'centre', however, should be taken with a grain of salt as they are being run in the opposition parties' offices that existed prior to their opening.
Other political players are already preparing for the 2015 presidential elections. Valiery Fraloŭ, a retired General and a deputy chairman of the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada), will run for the presidency independently. On 28 August, a number of NGOs supported his candidacy to participate in the presidential elections, though on the very same day his own party's congress refused to acknowledge their nomination, perhaps a symptom of the internal politics of the Belarusian opposition's greater malaise.
In terms of media presence, the Belarusian opposition continues to primarily be active on independent outlets. By far the most popular Belarusian web-site, TUT.by, often writes about pro-democratic forces and many political figures and activists have blogs on Naviny.by, another famous Belarusian web-site. However, journalists privately say that articles from the opposition attract few readers, as they typically just criticise Lukashenka's regime, while not offering any positive proposals of their own.
The Belarusian opposition's low level of activity and visibility has made them less interesting for international partners or the media. Typically, following the elections, pro-democratic forces will see surge in international visitors or making their own trips abroad. The opposition, of course, has had a high profile in the past. Aliaksandr Milinkievich even received the Sakharov Prize back in 2006. Yet nowadays few Western politicians remain interested in Belarus. Moreover, decision-makers, who understand the region, are concentrating on Ukraine right now.
Congress Timing
In early December, the Belarusian intelligentsia intends to hold a congress for independence. They believe that the accession of Belarus to the Eurasian Economic Union threatens the independence of the country.
Several prominent intellectuals are among the organisers and Elena Anisim, deputy head of the Belarusian Language Society, is the congress' coordinator. According to some rumours floating about, she may even receive the congress' nomination to participate in the presidential election. Anisim has already gave several interviews in which she declared her readiness to run.
The traditional (i.e. political) opposition is preparing to its own congress as well. The Belarusian Popular Front, Belarusian Christian Democrats, the United Civil Party, the Belarusian United Left Party Fair World, the Movement for Freedom, the Tell the Truth campaign and the Belarusian Social Democratic Party (Hramada) are organising a convention together. At the moment it looks like it will place at the beginning of next year.
Currently, the opposition is in the process of nominating its delegates to the congress — this procedure actually will determine the results of the congress. Currently the parties are discussing several options: nominations from the regional conventions, primaries or via a collection of signatures. Organisers will also guarantee several places for VIPs to be chosen from among leading intellectuals.
Not everyone is in agreement on the congress. Parties from the 'Talaka' coalition remain in the minority, but can still block the process and foil their plans. Privately politicians say that 'People's referendum' can hold a congress on its own if 'Talaka' continue to procrastinate with its nominations.
What are the Chances for Success?
The 'People's referendum' coalition remains the most active segment of the opposition. Although they work directly with people, collecting a mere 50,000 signatures in the span of a year is not all that impressive. After events in Ukraine, Belarusians have shown a distaste for revolution and politicians should pay more attention to public gatherings and meetings with representatives of the regime as it shows that the opposition wants dialogue, not revolution.
The nomination of a single opposition candidate remains problematic. The ideological differences in the Belarusian opposition have little intrinsic value and is rather a war of personalities, not politics. Therefore, the congress may result not in a union, but in the opposition becoming even further divided.
The congress of intellectuals, although a significant event, remains minor in terms of its potential impact. The organisers have always been close to the opposition, as well as participated in the previous congresses of Belarus's democratic forces.
For a future campaign, honing the skills of party activists remains vital, as local politicians are still not very professional. There is no point in blaming pro-democracy activists though, as it is difficult to become a politician in a country which has no real politics. The real problem is that the opposition is full of old faces. Even various Western-funded seminars attract basically the same crowd.
Therefore, this latest awakening of the Belarusian opposition would appear to be minor and belated, but the good news is that the opposition still exists.


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We are closing in on the highly anticipated Final Fantasy X HD release date in March 2014. To celebrate, Square-Enix has given a great reminder of what the new game will look like, by releasing a series of teaser videos that are sure to get everyone very excited for the remaster.
It has been a while since we last heard about the game, but we're pleased to see that Square-Enix has more than made up for that now. Below is some new gameplay teases of Final Fantasy X HD that the developer has just released, showing various aspects of the game that most of you love and remember from the PS2 original.
The videos we have included show off popular character Auron, as well as some of the Aeons or summons that are included in the game. It's a great trip down memory lane, especially seeing summons such as the Magus Sisters and Yojimbo who we remember were hard to capture on the original.
Check out the two videos below and let us know what you think. You can also see the full collection over at Square-Enix's page here.
*Identifying Monetised Links - outgoing links that we monetise are marked with an '*' symbol.


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Ross SysCon Control Panels with Type X Purge System
Ross SysCon has broadened its offering of control panels designed for use in Class 1 Div 1 hazardous environments. These panels can now be supplied with a fully automatic Type X Purge System which forces clean air through the enclosure until all hazardous gases are removed. The system then maintains a slight positive pressure within the panel.
Pictured are NEMA 4X Operator Stations featuring a 15" color touchscreen with Ethernet communications and an Emergency Stop button with hermetically sealed contact block. The Type X Purge System includes a 24-volt power supply. These UL-listed Operator Stations are designed for use with a remote PLC System to ensure full operational functionality of the equipment they control.
Ross SysCon is a full service machine and controls fabrication facility. It employs a diverse group of veteran process control engineers, designers and programmers with decades of experience building custom control panels, HMI, PLC controls, recipe systems and SCADA packages for the pharmaceutical, adhesives, coatings, oil & gas, pulp & paper, chemicals, plastics and other industries.


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[ Direct download link (PC) ]
Name: StarCraft II Heart of the Swarm |
Works on: PC | Windows (7, 8, 8.1, 10) |
Release Date: March, 2013 |
Game Type: Real-time strategy |
Crack: RELOADED |
Size: 13.17 GB|
Game Modes: Singleplayer / Multiplayer |
Language: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian |
As Queen of Blades, Sarah Kerrigan, you were once the most feared entity in the galaxy. Now, you wait in a cell in the depths of a high-security research laboratory.
Before the murderous forces of the Terran Dominion close in, you must plot your escape to the dark reaches of space — and reclaim your living empire at the Heart of the Swarm.
StarCraft II: Heart of the Swarm is the second major release in the epic StarCraft II trilogy saga. Designed to be the ultimate competitive real-time strategy game, StarCraft II features the return of the Protoss, Terran, and Zerg races, overhauled and re-imagined with Blizzard's signature approach to game balance. Each chapter of Starcraft II focuses on a specific faction of the Starcraft war. StarCraft II also features a custom 3D-graphics engine with realistic physics and the ability to render several large, highly detailed units and massive armies on-screen simultaneously.
OS: Windows 7, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (64bit versions required)
Processor: Intel Core i3 560 @ 3.3 GHz or AMD Phenom II X4 945 @ 3.0 GHz
Memory: 6 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 460 or AMD Radeon HD 5870 (DirectX-11 compliant with 1GB of VRAM)
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 30 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX® 9.0c compatible sound card with latest drivers
OS: Windows 7 SP1, Windows 8.1, Windows 10 (64bit versions required)
Processor: Intel Core i5-2500K @ 3.3 GHz or better or AMD FX-8120 @ 3.1 Ghz or better
Memory: 8 GB RAM
Graphics: NVIDIA GeForce GTX 670 (or GTX 760 / GTX 960) or AMD Radeon HD 7970 (or R9 280x [2GB VRAM] / R9 380 / Fury X)
Network: Broadband Internet connection
Storage: 47 GB available space
Sound Card: DirectX® 9.0c compatible sound card 5.1 with latest drivers
– Extract
– Burn or mount the .iso
– Run setup.exe and install
– Copy crack from directory
– Play
[ Direct download link (PC) ]


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Idaho Power Company is proposing a plan to sell the renewable energy credits (RECs) it earns for its renewable power to other power providers and share the proceeds with customers. However, the plan also gives Idaho Power long-term contractual rights to the credits, sometimes called "green tags," if a federal renewable energy standard is imposed on utilities. Last year the commission directed Idaho Power to sell its 2007 and 2008 RECs and use the $1.6 million to $1.9 million in proceeds to benefit ratepayers. It also directed the company to file a business plan on how it intends to treat RECs sold in 2009 and beyond. The commission is taking comments on that plan through May 14.
A Renewable Energy Credit is issued to each utility for every megawatt-hour of electricity generated by an eligible renewable energy resource. The RECs represent a currency that can be traded on an active market to entities wishing to support renewable energy. RECs are becoming more valuable as a growing number of states require their regulated utilities to buy or generate a certain amount of power from renewable sources. Idaho Power's 101-megawatt Elkhorn Wind project in Oregon and its 13MW Raft River geothermal project in south-central Idaho generated more than 320,000 MWh of RECs for Idaho Power in 2007 and 2008.
In January 2009, the commission granted an Idaho Power request to retire, rather than sell, its RECs in anticipation of federal or state renewable mandates. By retiring the RECs, Idaho Power said it could represent to renewable energy certification programs and to customers that it is meeting customer expectations for increased use of renewable energy. However, the Industrial Customers of Idaho Power petitioned the commission for reconsideration, arguing the value associated with the RECs belongs to the ratepayers and should be sold to benefit them. The Idaho Conservation League and the Renewable Northwest Project argued that the commission affirm its original decision to let the utility retire the RECs.
The commission reversed its earlier order and directed the company to sell the RECs. But the order also required the company to submit a business plan on how it intends to treat REC sales in 2009 and beyond. In the plan, Idaho Power states there is a "reasonable likelihood" that a federal renewable standard will be passed by Congress that will require the company to obtain and retire RECs for compliance. Idaho Power believes it is also prudent to continue acquiring ownership of RECs to minimize the impact if a federal standard is implemented. "However, because of current economic conditions and recent increases in costs and customer rates, the basic philosophy of Idaho Power's REC Management Plan is to sell its RECs in the near-term," and apply it against the annual Power Cost Adjustment surcharge that customers pay. While selling the RECs in the short term, the company proposes to acquire long-term contractual rights to own RECs for meeting future federal requirements.
A copy of Idaho Power's plan can be accessed on the commission Web site at www.puc.idaho.gov. Click on the electric icon, then on "Open Electric Cases," and scroll down to Case No. IPC-E-08-24 and click on REC Management Plan. A direct link to the plan is: http://www.puc2.idaho.gov/intranet/cases/elec/IPC/IPCE0824/company/20100104REC%20MANAGEMENT%20PLAN.PDF
Comments are accepted through May 14 via e-mail by accessing the commission's homepage at www.puc.idaho.gov and clicking on "Comments & Questions." Fill in the case number (IPC-E-08-24) and enter your comments. Comments can also be mailed to P.O. Box 83720, Boise, ID 83720-0074 or faxed to (208) 334-3762.


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Freer, Joanna (2012) LSD, Leary and the political role of fantasy in Thomas Pynchon's The Crying of Lot 49 and Against the Day. In: Thomas Pynchon and the (de)vices of global (post)modernity. Studies in literature and culture (8). John Paul II Catholic University Press, Lublin, Poland. ISBN 9788377026106Full text not available from this repository.
|Item Type:
|Book Section
|Schools and Departments:
|School of History, Art History and Philosophy > American Studies
|P Language and Literature > PS American literature > PS0360 Prose
|Related URLs:
|Depositing User:
|Joanna Freer
|Date Deposited:
|22 Nov 2013 08:13
|Last Modified:
|22 Nov 2013 08:13


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In true Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs tradition, both team's AHL affiliates play tonight to open the Bulldogs' preseason schedule in Cobourg, Ontario.
The game starts a 7PM EST and you can listen to it here.
Former Toronto Marlie and Maple Leaf Darrel Boyce was inked to a professional try out contract with the Hamilton Bulldogs yesterday, and he should faceoff against his former team tonight.
The Marlies were one of the best teams in the AHL last season, losing in the finals to the powerhouse Norfolk Admirals (the Tampa Bay Lightning's farm team), who were managed by the highly coveted Julien Brisebois, the former GM of the Bulldogs.
The game will be called by friend of the blog and Bulldogs stalwart, Derek Wills on AM 820 in Hamilton. Derek will be interviewing Louis Leblanc in the 1st intermission, so be sure to tune in.
Today is the next step for Bulldogs hopefuls like Bobby Farnham to prove they belong, and it is also the first AHL action for Brendan Gallagher, Michael Bournival, Patrick Holland, Jarred Tinordi, and Nathan Beaulieu. Morgan Ellis is likely still out with an upper body injury.