text:
Max Levchin, a Silicon Valley entrepreneur, wakes up at 6 a.m. on a foggy Saturday in October. He does some squats (40) to jump-start his heart rate and logs the effort on his phone. He then checks his weight (163 pounds) and body-fat percentage (4%). He has a bite to eat—a bite that Levchin has determined through extensive trial and error should be one ounce of Greek yogurt, with a 3-to-1 ratio of protein to sugar, to shift his body's metabolism into fat-burning mode. Then he goes downstairs in his San Francisco townhouse and gears up for the activity he's been looking forward to all week: a bike ride across the Golden Gate Bridge, past the hills of the Marin Headlands and up a road that winds alongside the sparkling bay.
Long before he became one of tech's most high-profile investors, Levchin was a computer-science prodigy blessed with a calculator-quick mind and a knack for solving complex problems. He co-founded PayPal in 1999, became the first backer of Yelp in 2004, and sits on the board of directors for Yahoo. In 2010 he sold Slide—his app-making company for social networks—to Google for more than $200 million. Levchin's success can be attributed in part to his almost pathological urge to numerically measure, analyze, and optimize everything he attempts. "Max isn't simply the wunderkind who hits on a great idea," writes Sarah Lacy in her book Once You're Lucky, Twice You're Good: The Rebirth of Silicon Valley and the Rise of Web 2.0. "He's the guy who figures out what the great idea is through painstaking trial and error."
Even by the Valley's wonky standards, Levchin is renowned for being metrics obsessed. Somewhat less known, however, is that he applies the same statistical scrutiny to himself: Levchin relentlessly collects personal data with a goal of achieving his Apollonian ideal of perfection.
Apple Reveals "HealthKit" Hub>>>
He wants to be stronger, fitter, faster. He strives to eat and sleep more efficiently; to feel as physically and mentally vigorous as possible. His approach is that of a hacker: Collect data, crunch it, and take action to manipulate the biological machine that is his body. The behavioral changes he adopts—like tweaking his morning portion of yogurt— are typically small. But Levchin says that mining the "super granular data" of his life yields insights that would be overlooked if he operated by intuition alone. "If you improve by 1% every day, you will grow amazingly," he says.
After he leaves the townhouse with his bike, Levchin arrives at the Rapha Cycle Club in the trendy Cow Hollow neighborhood, at a little before 7 a.m., where he's agreed to meet me for a pre- ride espresso. Standing amid the racks of neon cycling attire, he looks more like a competitive racer than a titan of tech. Levchin has close-cropped dark hair, angular features, and a sinewy build clad in retina-frying yellow Lycra. He is a young-looking 39 years old and wears the faintly mischievous expression of a boy used to outsmarting his teachers.
Sitting down with his drink (four ounces), Levchin explains that he sometimes runs and swims, but his passion is road biking. He logs more than 600 minutes per week in the saddle. He gestures toward his bike, a limited-production Cervélo Rca, which hangs from a wall- mounted rack near our table. Matte black, it has all of the sleek charm of a stealth bomber. The bike is loaded with sensors, he explains; its handlebar-mounted computer displays nine performance variables, including his GPS coordinates, power output, pedaling cadence, and speed. "The Tour de France is pretty much out of the question," Levchin jokes, but that isn't stopping him from trying to be the best cyclist he can possibly be.
"Obsessive quests" (as he calls them) to optimize cycling performance and countless other life metrics aren't for everybody. They're time-intensive and occasionally strange. (In one digestive speed experiment, Levchin would eat something distinctive, like beets, and measure how long it took before he produced reddish-tinted stool.) He foresees a future, though, in which personal data-geeking will become far more automated and easy. With his latest project, a start-up incubator called HVF, he is among the technological leaders trying to bring that vision to life. "We're looking for questions that, if answered with data," he says, "will profoundly change people's lives."
Of course, the personal data revolution is well underway. Wearable health and motion sensors are getting smaller and cheaper, and data analytics software is growing in sophistication by the minute. Companies like Fitbit and Jawbone have flooded the market with fashionable wristbands and pendants that count the number of steps you take, the intensity of your movement, and the hours you sleep.
As of 2013, seven in 10 American adults admitted to tracking at least one health indicator about themselves or a loved one, according to a survey by the Pew Internet & American Life Project. Market research firm Canalys predicts that an estimated 17 million trackers will ship in 2014, and 23 million in 2015. This spring, Amazon launched an online store specifically devoted to the selling of activity and fitness widgets. Though many of the products have received mixed results—Nike pulled the plug on its FuelBand tracker this year, which has been roundly criticized for its inaccuracies—it's safe to assume that the best and most cutting-edge items have yet to arrive. The biggest names in tech are just now entering the marketplace.
In 2013, according to the consulting firm Mercom Capital Group, $564 million of venture capital was invested in the burgeoning "mobile- health" industry, which includes not only wearable fitness trackers but also technology that is intended to put patients in closer contact with the larger healthcare system (in other words: devices that will deliver data to hospitals and physicians in real time). The wireless company Qualcomm launched a division specifically targeted at "mHealth." In January, Google announced that it was developing, among other potential innovations, a contact lens for diabetics outfitted with sensors that will monitor the wearer's glucose levels. According to Silicon Valley insiders—and reports by The New York Times—Apple is aggressively working on its own activity tracker. This year, the company launched its basic Healthbook body-monitoring app.
10 Best Mobile Apps to Track Your Sleep>>>
"We are only at the beginning of what we will do with tracking," says Kevin Kelly, the futurist and founding editor of Wired magazine. In 2007, Kelly founded the Quantified Self Labs with fellow Wired alum Gary Wolf as a forum for self trackers. The company, made official in 2010, now hosts more than 100 "meet-up" groups comprising devoted "Self Quantifiers" in dozens of countries throughout the world. Alan Greene, M.D., a close friend of Kelly's and an early collaborator on Quantified Self Labs, now serves as the chief medical officer of a startup called Scanadu, which is developing consumer medical devices that will provide you with the analytics to meticulously monitor your health at home." We're trying to make Quantified Self–type behaviors into more everyday ones," he says.
But, for now, if you're looking for a preview of where the future might be headed for all of us, take a look at the way that people like Levchin live today. As he and I finish our espressos, he glances over my shoulder at another rider who was pulling his gear together. "Hey," he says. "You getting ready to head out?"
levchin wasn't always a fitness fanatic. Growing up in Kiev, Ukraine, he suffered from chronic bronchitis and asthma and was so sickly that doctors told his mother that he wouldn't live past the age of 7. Even when his health improved, he says that his "parents always saw me as the one who should be getting excused from PE class."Hismainsportwaschess."Iwasoneofthese guys who are neither embarrassed by nor looking forward to taking off his shirt in public," he says.
The fitness obsession that would transform him began after his family immigrated to Chicago, in 1991. Levchin took up martial arts, then cycling. At the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, he majored in computer science and flourished. His love of programming—and data—expanded to encompass his workouts. He sought to improve himself and has never stopped.
The Top 10 Fitness Apps for 2014 >>>
Today, if you can name it, Levchin has quantified it. Food? He has spent weeks using his iPhone to photograph all of his meals and snacks and later gauge their nutritional values. Sleep? As an overtaxed entrepreneur—and the parent of two children under the age of 5—Levchin determined his minimum rest threshold by shaving five minutes off of each successive night. Interpersonal relations and time management? Levchin says he once spent a month grading his every business and personal meeting "on a scale of 1 to 10 on several metrics, like usefulness, intellectual stimulation, and social stimulation." (Low-scoring people were less likely to make his calendar in the future.) Sex? When he was younger, he reportedly even graphed women's breast sizes to quantify his preferences.
Levchin mocks himself for being "over-metricized." Knowing his own tendency to over-obsess, he tries to limit most of his data-collecting "experiments" to a month or so in duration. That's long enough to teach him something about himself, he says, but not so long to take over his life. And when it comes to his routines at work, Levchin avoids becoming too rigid—he doesn't want the discipline of data collection to throttle creativity. "If you do things exactly the same way all the time you miss opportunities."
When it comes to fitness, though, Levchin is quantified self to the core. Like most quantifiers, Levchin understands that data is a tremendous motivator. If you intend to improve, you need to know the foundation upon which to improve. But the tracking tools also play helpful tricks on the mind. According to James Levine, M.D., Ph.D., of the Mayo Clinic, the data is like high-tech sugar pills—placebo interventions that work simply because users believe they will. "It is a self-fulfilling prophecy, but there is nothing wrong with that," says Levine. Scanadu's Alan Greene, meanwhile, believes that quantifiers demonstrate a phenomenon in social psychology known as the Hawthorne effect, in which the subjects of an experiment improve their behavior simply because they know they're being studied. "When you are aware of the choices you're making, you make better choices," Greene says.
Three and a half hours after rolling off from the café on his bike, Levchin returns. He has pedaled past the grassy Presidio and across the Golden Gate Bridge, its rust-colored towers shooting upward until they vanished into the swirling fog. On the other side of the bridge, he made two circuits around the Paradise Loop in Tiburon. "The problem with Paradise Loop is that it is really, really beautiful," he says. "You start looking at the scenery, but then you're not riding fast enough."
Sitting outdoors at the café with another espresso, Levchin looks at the data recorded in his bike computer. He has ridden 60 miles, averaging 20 miles per hour—a solid pace, considering it included stops at traffic lights. His pedaling cadence was 91 revolutions per minute, and he has climbed 2,500 feet. For his combined efforts, his body has burned an estimated 2,500 kilojoules.
"There's something beautiful and interesting in data itself," he says, momentarily lost in reverie. Then he begins to probe the raw stats for actionable messages. He explains that he got busy over the summer and wasn't able to ride as much as he wanted to. "So my goal for the last month and a half has been to return to fitness," he says. Paradise Loop is ideal for assessing his progress because he has ridden the identical route—and collected the data—more than 100 times before.
With the help of an app called Strava, Levchin learns that the percentage of time he had spent churning out around 250 watts—which represented moderate effort—was no less than it had been on previous rides when he was in peak shape. But the app reveals that he had spent a smaller percentage of his time cranking out 350 watts and above, and this leads to a helpful training takeaway: In future rides, he needs to jack up the intensity of his sprints.
Strava compares Levchin's past pedaling performances with more than 10,000 Paradise Loop rides recorded by other cyclists—riders who are roughly the same age and weight as he is, including professionals. He can see how they did on the whole loop or precisely by segments.
So how does Levchin stack up? "There are a lot of really good cyclists, professional cyclists even, who ride Paradise Loop," he says as we finish up at the café. "But I think that some of my times are in the top 10%."
Six Best Money-Saving Apps and Sites>>>
A few days after his bike ride, Levchin, wearing jeans, a black shirt, and a baseball cap marked with the word Code, shares his vision of the quantified future with me. There's a reason that more people don't quantify themselves today, he says. "It's just not easy enough. The cost of measurement—the cognitive load, the physical load, and the practical financial cost—needs to be very close to zero." In other words, if you wish to quantify yourself like Levchin does right now, you need multiple expensive sensors that accumulate data and communicate with your expensive smartphone. And many of the current, first-generation mainstream devices that have flooded the marketplace, he says, amount to little more than glorified digital pedometers. In the future, he sees a system that is smarter, faster, cheaper, and more refined in the data it collects. Ultimately, it will require little or no work on the user's part.
The first attempt by HVF, Levchin's startup incubator, to make this process easier is an app called Glow, which launched in 2013 and aims to help women who are having trouble getting pregnant. Glow users submit conception-relevant personal data like the timings of their menstrual cycles and daily temperatures. The app uses this and other personal health information to make recommendations about when when fertility will be highest. His grander plan is for subsequent versions of Glow to leverage the intimacy of personal tracking with the power of big data. All of the information submitted by tens of thousands of Glow users is being pooled. The data is being analyzed to detect patterns and make pregnancy predictions that will be shared with users in subsequent versions of the app. "Showing people just their own data is only the first step," Levchin says.
Glow depends upon active sensors, meaning ones that don't detect anything unless the user directs them to or manually inputs information. In the future, Levchin hopes that passive sensors, which do their jobs autonomously, will predominate. In the bathroom, for instance, the toilet could have built-in sensors to perform a daily urinalysis; a "magic mirror" could employ a camera linked to visual analysis software to help determine if, say, your eyes are jaundiced. Elsewhere in the house, rugs could have sensors to warn you if they had picked up too much allergy- or asthma-aggravating dust and needed cleaning. And outdoors, athletes like him could wear apparel with so-called "smart fiber" sensing technologies to map muscular activity. "People tout this idea of checking yourself all of the time," says the Mayo Clinic's Levine. "The future may hold a world in which you're actually not checking anything, but that stuff is checking you."
The first generation of largely automatic tracking devices, in fact, has already arrived—like the BinCam. A camera mounted to the underside of your trash can lid, BinCam takes a picture every time you put something into the garbage and uploads it to the Web so that friends and strangers can judge whether you're throwing out things that you should be recycling. The HAPIfork automatically counts how many bites you are putting into your mouth and vibrates if you're eating too quickly. And the Narrative Clip, released in November 2013, is a matchbook-size camera, designed to be worn on the front of a shirt, that takes a picture every 30 seconds—for as long as you and the device both shall live.
The prospect of a world in which all data is monitored, everywhere, alarms some people. In the Dave Eggers novel The Circle, recording and sharing personal data is mandatory; the societal mottos are "Secrets are lies. Sharing is Caring. Privacy is theft." Levchin acknowledges that personal data tracking introduces significant peril—that the data you collect for your own use may be used by corporations or the government against your wishes. "People who say that data privacy is not a big deal are kidding themselves," he says.
In fact, the Federal Trade Commission has publicly voiced its concern about wearable-tracker manufacturers selling fitness-and-health data to companies, and using it to relentlessly market more products and services to users. "Many of these companies may not maintain reasonable safeguards to protect the data," says Jessica Rich, director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection at the FTC, in a speech in January. This spring, Forbes reported that Fitbit—through its lucrative corporate wellness partnerships with major corporations—is selling employees' personal data to employers so that they can monitor their personnel. Jawbone, its chief rival, is considering a similar program.
Regardless, Levchin believes that the risks are worthwhile and can be appropriately managed. Data is a beautiful thing, after all—the key to unlocking mysteries of the world and to maximizing human potential. He would no sooner abandon quantification than he would burn down a library full of books. "I ultimately don't think the blind fear of data collection is justified," he says. "The niceties of the 21st century—living longer and healthier and happier—are ultimately going to be worth it."
For access to exclusive gear videos, celebrity interviews, and more, subscribe on YouTube!


text:
Charrisse Jackson Jordan
Charrisse Jackson Jordan is a dedicated wife, mother, and socialite whose reputation precedes her in the elite Potomac social circle. Maintaining an extensive network both inside and outside of Potomac, Charrisse prides herself on being a dependable friend and confidant. When her packed schedule allows, she loves to shop, socialize, and travel. Well known to throw extravagant parties and events, Charrisse is the ultimate social butterfly who connects the Who's Who of the DC area. Her passion is giving back and during her tenure as President of Behind the Bench, the National Basketball Wives Association, combined with her efforts on behalf of various organizations including Knock Out Abuse Against Women, Men Against Breast Cancer, N Street Village, and many national nonprofits, Charrisse has proudly raised millions for charity based organizations.
A dedicated mother of two teenagers–Jackson, 17, and Skylar, 15–Charrisse has been married to NBA player-turned-coach Eddie Jordan for more than 18 years. The secret to their marriage is distance: for the last three years of their marriage, they have lived apart. Eddie currently resides in New Jersey while Charrisse and the children live in Potomac. The couple has faced its share of relationship challenges, but Charrisse tackles any obstacle that comes her way with dignity and grace. Her number one priority has always been and will always be her children, as she is determined to be there for them 150% . . . no nannies, period.

subset: commoncrawl


text: OnviSource Rolls Out ia.Enterprise Oct 24, 2017 OnviSource, a provider of solutions for workforce optimization (WFO), customer experience management (CXM), and business process automation (BPA), has released ia.Enterprise, an integrated CXM and BPA solution driven by advanced intelligent automation (IA) capabilities.ia.Enterprise solutions automate the entire customer journey, including the following:Customer service routing to the right service engagement point;Customer service interaction and engagement with live agents, intelligent virtual agents (IVA), or a combination;Customer service processing that includes business and robotic process automation (RPA);Customer service feedback; andCustomer sentiment analysis through multichannel analytics, trend analysis, social media mentions, and surveys."We are experiencing an emerging customer environment that is connected, mobile, and demanding; challenging enterprises to better understand their customers' demands, behavior, and sentiment in order to positively manage their customers' experience," said Ray Naeini, CEO and chairman of OnviSource, in a statement. "Conventional workforce optimization solutions are no longer adequate, and enterprises need more advanced solutions that are driven by analytics, AI, IVA, RPA, IoT, and mobility to intelligently automate the management of their customer experience and business processes." ia.Enterprise solutions use five generic steps to automatically do the following:Capture the data and media from all entities involved in customer journey and business processes;Organize and unify the captured big data;Analyze using multichannel analytics and sentiment analysis to create actionable knowledge;Make best decisions and learn over time; andLaunch user-defined actions.


text:
Two new polls released yesterday on the Kentucky Senate race by CNN/Time and Rasmussen Reports help illustrate two intriguing patterns we are watching this year: Bigger than usual differences between polls sampling only registered voters rather than likely voters and consistent gaps between polls that use live interviewers versus automated methods.
The new CNN/Time polls released for Kentucky, Florida and California yesterday reported results for all self-described registered voters, while other recent polls have started to narrow their samples to those most likely to vote in this year's midterm elections. The split represents a divergence in philosophy among pollsters: Some have less faith in the ability of polls to identify the likely electorate before October, while others apply simple likely voter "screens" a year or more before the election.
This year, national results reported by the Pew Research Center and Gallup have shown bigger than usual gaps between Republicans and Democrats on enthusiasm and, especially, interest paid to the campaign (many pollsters use the latter measure as part of an index used to select likely voters). Moreover, two new national polls this week by ABC News/Washington Post and the NBC/Wall Street Journal showed Republicans running much better among likely voters on the generic U.S. House ballot.
The "likely voters" identified by pollsters are typically a few points more Republican, as turnout is typically higher among Republican-leaning demographic groups -- those who are older, better educated and white. But, again, this year's gap -- at least in early national surveys -- appears to bigger than usual.
We are also seeing another pattern emerge that is mostly unique to 2010: In several states, pollsters using automated methods, particularly Rasmussen Reports, SurveyUSA and Public Policy Polling (PPP), are reporting results consistently more favorable to Republican candidates than those using live interviewers.
Until recently, the two differences were confounding and hard to disentangle, as the automated polls were usually the only ones that also screened for likely voters. But as more pollsters are now shifting to likely voter screens, we are beginning to see the differences that are more clearly about the survey "mode."
The Kentucky Senate race is a prime example. Yesterday's CNN/Time live interviewer survey of registered voters shows a dead-heat tie (46% to 46%) between Republican Rand Paul and Democrat Jack Conway. Yet surveys of likely voters conducted in August by Rasmussen and SurveyUSA have shown Paul leading by larger margins (roughly 10 points on average), with the surveys of likely voters conducted with live interviewers by CN2 Politics/Braun Research and Reuters/IPSOS fall somewhere in between (Paul leading by 5 point on average).
We do not see these patterns everywhere. For example, CNN and Time also released new surveys yesterday on the races for Senate and Governor in California and Florida which were generally more consistent with other recent surveys that used automated methods or likely voter screens.
But we are seeing the Kentucky pattern elsewhere and will certainly have more to say about it over the next nine weeks. Today, however, we offer this advice: Remember New Jersey.
Another highlight from yesterday's polls:
Although CNN/Time survey on the Florida Senate race shows Democrat Kendrick Meek running a distant third, his 24% of the vote is the most he has received since Charlie Crist announced his intention to run as an independent.
Yes, the registered voter screen used for the survey may produce a slightly more Democratic sample, but the results among Democrats explain much of the difference: Meek leads Crist in that subgroup on the CNN/Time poll (54% to 36%). When I averaged Meeks's standing among Democrats in polls conducted before the August primary, Crist actually ran slightly ahead among Democrats (43% to 37%).
Coming up tomorrow morning: A look at the races for governor.


text:
Swap Market and Currency Problem
1. At present, LIBOR3 is 7.93% and LIBOR6 is 8.11%. What is the forward rate for a LIBOR3 deposit to be placed in three months?
2. Company A, a low-rated firm, desires a fixed-rate, long-term loan. A currently has access to floating interest rate funds at a margin of 1.5% over LIBOR. Its direct borrowing cost is 13% in the fixed-rate bond market. In contrast, company B, which prefers a floating-rate loan, has access to fixed-rate funds in the Eurodollar bond market at 11% and floating-rate funds at LIBOR + ½ %.
a. How can A and B use a swap to advantage?
b. Suppose they split the cost savings. How much would A pay for its fixed-rate funds? How much would B pay for its floating-rate funds?
3. Nestle rolls over a $25 million loan priced at LIBOR3 on a three-month basis. The company feels that interest rates are rising and that rates will be higher at the next roll-over date in three months. Suppose the current LIBROR3 is 5.4375%.
a. Explain how Nestle can use an FRA at 6% from Credit Suisse to reduce its interest rate risk on this loan.
b. In three months, interest rates have risen to 6.25%. how much will Nestle receive/pay on its FRA? What will be Nestle's hedged interest expense for the upcoming three-month period?
4. Suppose that IBM would like to borrow fixed-rate yen, whereas Korea Development Bank (KDB) would like to borrow floating-rate dollars. IBM can borrow fixed-rate yet at 4.5% or floating rate dollars at LIBOR +0.25%. KDB can borrow fixed-rate yen at 4.9% or floating -rate dollars at LIBOR +0.8%.
a. What is the range of possible cost savings that IBM can realize through an interest rate/currency swap with KDB?
b. Assuming a notional principal equivalent to $125 million, and a current exchange rate of 105 yen/dollar, what do these possible cost savings translate into in yen terms?
c. Redo parts a and b assuming that the parties use Bank of America, which charges a fee of 8 basis points to arrange the swap.
5. Explain how Cisco Systems can use arbitrage to create a forward to fix the interest rate on a three month $10 million loan to be taken out in nine months. The loan will be priced off LIBOR.


text:
The EU economic explosions have just begun and Victor Davis Hanson, in an article in today's National Review Online, concisely outlines the aftershocks of the Greek bailout reverberating across the socialistic landscape of the European Union.
The Free Feast Frenzy that has swept Europe since the end of World War II has hit a bit of a snag. Apparently, the good citizens of Europe were unaware that a bill would be presented to them at some point during their gluttonous entitlement meal. A bill??? Oh, the shock! Oh, the horror! Our sophisticated compatriots in Greece may no longer believe in the never ending glory of an All Mighty God but they sure do believe in the never ending bounty of an All Giving Government. The pampered progressive naivete is mind boggling.
Hanson sums up EUphoria Madness quite succinctly.
We were often lectured by "progressives" that almost everything Europe did was better: subsidized mass transit, free college tuition, extended maternity leave, early retirement, and "soft-power" diplomacy….Few wanted to listen when it was pointed out, well before the Greek meltdown, that on key questions of demography and immigration, the future of the European Union was bleak. The very idea that, in historical terms, socialism, agnosticism, pacifism, and hedonism were not only interrelated and synergistic, but also suicidal for civilization, was considered crackpot.
Declaring that the EU dream of a continental democratic socialism is now dead, Hanson goes on to delineate the death knell of Diaper Democracy in Europe: the end of EU expansion; the end of European commonality; the re-powering of NATO; and the reappearance of old European wounds.
And Europe now comes full circle, kicking and screaming the whole way.


text:
Add a depth of flavor to spinach with rich cream and spicy nutmeg in this substantial side dish that pairs well with roasted meats. Leftovers are wonderful topped with grated cheese and broiled.
3 tbsp unsalted butter, divided
2 pounds fresh spinach, rinsed
1 tbsp all-purpose flour
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper
Freshly grated nutmeg
Granulated sugar
1/2 cup cream
Melt 1 tablespoon of butter over high heat in a sauté pan, and add the spinach a handful at a time. Sauté for a few minutes to wilt. Stir in the flour and a pinch each of salt, pepper, nutmeg and sugar. Sauté for 2 to 3 more minutes, and stir in the cream. Bring the mixture to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Just before serving, stir in the remaining butter. Serves 4 to 6.
More Nutmeg Recipes:
In the Winter Kitchen: Nutmeg
Butternut Squash Gratin Recipe
2 Easy Homemade Spice Blends
Photo by Tim Nauman Photography


text:
The Suspense is Killing Me
Summer is half over, and although I should be sad that the days of sunshine, beach visits and summertime barbecues are nearing an end, I absolutely cannot wait to embark on my next journey! As stated in my previous blog, I recently accepted a teaching position with Chicago Public Schools as the dance teacher at Ravenswood Elementary School: A Fine and Performing Arts Magnet Cluster School, and I couldn't be happier about it!
I have been diving into curriculum planning this summer, and am excited to build a new dance program for Ravenswood. So far I have been working with the new National Core Arts Standards, the Common Core State Standards, the Illinois State Standards for the Arts, and the Chicago Public School's Dance Scope and Sequence to build a framework for the beginnings of a comprehensive elementary dance education program. The program will be filled with units encompassing the creative process, the elements of dance, various dance techniques, creative movement, and the history and cultural influences of dance, as well as connections to the core content areas of language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.
I have also met with the rest of the arts team at Ravenswood—including the principal, the visual art teacher, the drama teacher, visiting teaching artists, parent members, classroom teachers and local community artists—to work on a plan for arts and academic integration, teacher professional development, and a PSA for our school's arts programming and arts integration efforts.
Aside from planning my dance curriculum and school-wide initiatives, I have been busy gathering materials for the program as well. Starting a dance program from the ground-up is a lot of work. Things to consider: studio space, storage, flooring, mirrors, music, costumes, shoes, and so much more. Recently, I visited the school and found out which room will serve as my dance studio and have been in talks with the school regarding dance floor purchases, budget and the need for other various resources. The planning of space, logistics and resources makes the idea of having my own dance program really seem like a reality, and it is making me extremely excited!
Lastly, I have been getting to know the community in which I will be teaching, as understanding students' community, culture, backgrounds and experiences is of utmost importance when working with children, no matter what discipline you are teaching. Within the Ravenswood neighborhood, which is very close to my own, there are multiple small businesses, arts organizations and community programs I often frequent. Currently, I have many campers at my summer-camp that go to Ravenswood, which is great that I get to meet and get to know them before I teach them. I have been in contact with local arts organizations, met parents and students within the school, and am planning events before school begins like an open house and ice cream social to get to know students, introduce myself to the school community, and introduce the program to the students, parents and teachers.
I have a lot of work ahead of me and know this school-year will be challenging. As a first-year teacher, and one starting a brand new program, I will have a lot of hard work ahead of me—initial program planning, unit and lesson planning, re-vamping curriculum, collaborating with new teachers, getting to know new students, long hours, and so many more challenges. But, I am ready for it! The suspense is killing me and I cannot wait to start this new journey!


text: It started as just small eruptions near fault lines. Small cubes 2.5 cm cubes, after a few years of this they started being paired with larger cubes. Up to 10 cm, but before long the cubes started reaching up to a meter. A few years later a monolithic structure erupted near the mountains. We started calling them temples. It just seemed like a strange natural occurrence akin to basalt formations, but then they started to power up. I saw on the news the other day that after one had been powered up for a month, some of the cubes slid upwards in what appeared to be a door. As curious as I am, I don't know if I would want to be the first to enter one. It's been about 10 years now, and still no one has been able to enter one of the structures. Every attempt has failed to move them, break them, or enter. Most people have paid little attention to these eruptions, they don't even make the news anymore. It seems like everyone has forgotten them. I wonder what they mean?


text: Looking to make a switch from iPhone to Android? Or are you just curious? Lifehacker has a great article with everything you need to know. The article covers everything from the basics (finding your way around the Android OS) to finding alternative to the programs you have grown to love on the iPhone.


text:
Programme: VII FP
Project Leader: Przemyslaw Kazienko @ Wroclaw University of Technology
Ricardo Colomo Palacios (@uc3m)
Website: http://engine.pwr.wroc.pl/
Start Date: 01/06/2013
End Date: 01/06/2015
Project Code: Grant agreement no 316097
The main goal of the project is to enhance the research potential of the ENGINE Centre, an integral part of the Wroc?aw University of Technology, by know-how exchange, upgrading the laboratories, initializing new perspectives for advanced and innovative research on network intelligence and its deployment in industry, with particliar emphasis on SMEs. The idea of ENGINE becoming a driving force for cooperation between academic researchers and other various institutions, including industrial and governmental ones and first of all SMEs.
The ENGINE project objectives:
Training and development of the staff through specialized trainings and through bilateral exchange with leading European research centres.
Recruitment of experienced researchers.
Updating and improving the research equipment and organization in the ENGINE Centre.
Becoming an innovative institution of prior interest for Polish end-users, flily integrated with the European Research Area.
Improvement of the competence in the development of new, innovative technologies related to network intelligence.
Organizing courses, training days, seminars, workshops and conferences. Becoming a considerable centre for professional traineeship and life-long learning for ICT companies, researchers, governmental officials and politicians.
Developing Polish and European procedures for patenting and IPR management in computer science.
Reinforcing links, cooperation and innovation transfer to the industry, in particliar to SMEs.
Increasing participation in the EU collaborative research projects resliting in the joint grant proposals for national and international research projects, especially FP7 and in future Horizon 2020.
Increasing contribution to the economic and social sustainable development of the Dolny Slask (Lower Silesia) region and The European Union.
Copyright 2021 - Ricardo Colomo-Palacios | Østfold University College All Rights ReservedBack to the top


text:
★ ★ ★ Package Highlights ★ ★ ★
[2 People for $251!]
★ Complimentary Airport Pick-up & Drop-off
★ One Nights at Beach Side Hotel + Three nights at Villa with Swimming Pool!
★ Special Arrangement: Two Hour Authentic Balinese Oil Spa
★ Romantic Beach BBQ
★ Two Hour Indonesian Cultural Tour
Bali Tour Package
A world's famous holiday destination, Bali's white sand beaches and waves made for surfing has made it one of the most popular tropical island in the world. It was also named one of the Top 10 best islands in the world by Travel + Leisure magazine.
With all the beautiful beaches and the unforgettable turquoise blue sea, it is easy to spend all your time on the beach while you're in Bali; but that probably wouldn't be the true "full Bali experience", because Bali has a lot to offer. The island is about 3.2 km east of Java, separated by the Bali Strait. Other than the white sandy beaches, Bali is also known for its mountains, ranging from the island's center to the eastern side; its highest mountain, Mount Agung is know as the "mother mountain", an active volcano rated as one of the world's most likely sites for a massive eruption within the next 100 years. The volcani nature and tall mountain ranges support the highly productive agriculture industry, the Subak irrigation system, Bali's paddy fields can be found south of the mountains.
Other than the breathtaking views, Bali's also rich in culture and history. The island is the only Hindu region in Indonesia, with temples everywhere in the island, Bali is also often called "The island of a thousand temples". The Ubud area is often considered the cultural and spiritual capital of the island, also a popular tourist destination with many top-notch mountain villas, ancient temples and colorful rituals.
Itinerary OverviewYou will travel to almost all of the famous attractions in Bali, most attractions are full of mystery spots and temples. We will meet with you at the appointed place. The first day to the fifth day is about ten hours of travel packages.
Include : Private AC-Transport+English Speaking Driver+Guide+Hotels
First Day: Northern Bali at a local restaurant for lunch
Pick up area: Hotel - "7:00 in the morning to pick up the hotel (breakfast)
- "Ulun Danu Beratan temple
- "Lunch at a local restaurant
- "Gitgit Waterfall
- "Singaraja
- "Lovina beach
- "Banjar Hot Springs
- "Go back to hotel
- "Dinner (Chinese food)
*village cottage with swimming pools
Second Day: Ubud Village
Pick up area: Hotel
- "7:00 in the morning to pick up the hotel (breakfast)
- "Barong Dance performance
- "Celuk village (gold / silver smith)
- "Lunch (local Indonesian traditional food)
- "Kawi Mountain
- "Elephant Cave Temple
- "Tegalalang
- "Monkey Forest Park
- "Ubud Royal Palace
- "Ubud Art Market
- "Dinner (jimbaran seafood bbq)
*village cottage with swimming pools
Third Day : Tanah Lot Temple
Pick up area: Hotel
- "Breakfast
- "Jatiluwih Rice Terrace
- "Lunch (all you can eat Indonesian)
- "Alas Kedaton Temple
- "Tanah Lot temple
- "Dinner (special Balinese food)
*village cottage with swimming pools
Fourth Day: Uluwatu temple Jimbaran seafood dinner
Pick up area: Hotel - "Breakfast
- "Garuda Wisnu Kencana
-" Lunch (Indonesian food buffet)
- "Padang-padang beach
- "Uluwatu temple
- "Kecak & Fire Dance
- "Jimbaran seafood dinner
- "Dinner (Chinese food)
*village cottage with swimming pools
Fifth day: Besakih Mother Temple
Pick up area: Hotel - "Breakfast
- "Bukit Jambul
- "Besakih temple
- "Kintamani
- "Lunch (local Indonesian traditional food)
- "Tirta Empul temple - sacred springs
- "Batuan village - Arts & Temples
- "Wood carving
- "Dinner (jimbaran seafood bbq)
*The above itinerary and schedule may be changed according to weather and road conditions.
*The package pricing includes all transportation within the tour, hotel stays (if applicable) and a tour guide, package does not include any dining/meal and relevant fees or entry fees to any tourist destination. If dining arrangement is mentioned in itinerary, please keep in mind that the expenses are excluded in package prices.
Package Add-On
|Lunch per serve
|Insurance (per person)
|Total Cost :
|Taxes and Service Fee (10%) :
|Total Price :
Meeting PlaceDay 1: Your hotel
Day 2: Your hotel
Day 3: Your hotel
Day 4: Your hotel
Day 5: Your hotel
| Rp3,150,685
| $230.00
| ¥1,449
| Rp143,757
| $10.49
| ¥66
| Rp93,757
| $6.84
| ¥43
*Child discount pertains to children 12 years of age and younger
*Prices in US Dollar and Reminbi are subject to change without notice as the exchange rates fluctuate.
*The package includes all transportation within the tour, hotel stays (if applicable) and a tour guide, package does not include any dining/meal and relevant fees or entry fees to any tourist destination.
*By booking a tour package with us, you acknowledge that you have read and agree to our terms and conditions
* Pricing in US dollar and the RMB are subject to currency exchange rate fluctuation
Please contact us for private tour pricing.
|Number of Pax
|Per Pax
| $536.50
| $392.68
| $336.95
| $309.08
| $293.92
| $289.01
|Total Group Cost
| $1,073.00
| $1,570.72
| $2,021.67
| $2,472.62
| $2,939.16
| $3,468.06
If you had a preferred hotel, please let us know by emailing us at email@example.com, if not, we will select a 4-5 star hotel for you from the following list:
Pullman Legian Nirwana / Danoya Vila / Bali Palms Resort / JW Marriott / Best Western / Holiday Inn Express / Pan Pacific / The Jayakarta Bali / Harper Kuta / Grand Inna / Ibis / More Similar
Standard hotel room regulation is for 2 people, additional 1 person will be charged for an extra bed
Tourist Spots & AttractionsKute seaside, Tanah Lot Temple, Mandala Wisata Wenara Wana, Ubud Temple, Elephant Cave, Kawi Mountain Temple, Jatiluwih Village, Sanur Beach, Pura Luhur Uluwatu Sea Temple, Garuda Wisnu Kencana Cultural Park, Bali Plaza
Friendly Reminders
- The itinerary and travel schedule stated in this page is for reference only, appropriate and reasonable adjustment may be made based on the actual traveling and/or weather condition.
- Please be mindful of local laws and regulations, as well as your personal safety.
- The pricing may vary based on the total number of people in the tour. You may request minor changes in destinations.
- In accordance with the provisions of the existing tourism operations, the Company reserves the right to adjust the size of the tour and may adjust the number of people in each tour on a case by case basis.
- Please be mindful of your valuables, avoid placing or leaving your valuables in your luggage or hotel room. The Company and the traveling agency are not responsible for any personal belongings of the guest.
- Please get familiar with the emergency exist locations upon checking in a hotel, should any incident occur, please keep calm and use the emergency exits. Please use the lock buckle in your room for your safety, smoking is prohibited in the hotels.
- Please only use the hotel pool during the opening hour, the hotel and the traveling agency are not responsible for any incidents occur outside of opening hours.
- Please wear a life jacket when engaging in any water activities or on board of a ship, boat, canoe. Please ensure your personal health and conditions allow you to engage in water activities. People with pregnancy, heart disease, high blood pressure, along with seniors and small children; are not to engage in any water activities as well as other extreme sports activities. The traveling agency is not responsible for any incident during the activities involving personal health conditions.
- Please refrain yourself from all prohibited activities outside the tour such as taking photos of the wildlife, playing with wild animals. Please follow the trainer's instructions carefully to avoid incidents. In the unfortunate event of diarrhea, please inform the tour guide or group leader immediately and do not attempt to obtain any medication on your own.
- Local regulation, "Travel Law" stipulates the traveler cannot leave the tour. All unauthorized removal from the tour will face legal consequence.
- Please confirm your preference of bed size and number of people at the time of booking.
- The default class of all hotel rooms in the tour is the standard room. You may be refunded in the case of war, strikes, earthquakes and manpower shortage, etc. No refund will be issued for any breach in the agreement, airfare, cancellation of the tour due to personal reasons or visa problems. Hotel fees, car rentals and other expenses for the tour are non-refundable.
- The package includes all transportation within the tour, hotel accommodation, and tour guide. All dining and relevant fees, and entry fees to any tourist destination are excluded and have to be paid at the time of entry and/or dining.
(1) In accordance with the regulation, in case of changes in ticket prices for entries of destinations, the differences should be paid by the traveler.
Please read our complete terms and conditions here.
Bali Island Package Tour Guide
2 thoughts on "Bali Island Tour Package 5 days"
Is it possible to customize the tour?
Yes, it is


text:
Now, more than ever, digitization has become an essential part of business, particularly in Wealth and Asset Management. While firms recognize the need to change, and are already doing so, we believe that there are opportunities to move faster. The winners will re-invent themselves by creating differentiated, personalized, and efficient onboarding and client servicing experiences.
Please join us to listen to hear experts discuss current industry trends and how no-code Wealth and Asset Management solutions can help firms to become nimble by streamlining and digitizing processes to address the needs of the market.
Head of Wealth and Asset Management, Unqork
Sumit leads the Wealth and Asset Management business at Unqork. He has over 25+ years of experience in helping Wealth and Asset Managers ("WAM") transform global businesses into customer-centric, digital, and efficient organizations.
At Unqork he works with executives of leading global WAM clients to deliver digital solutions that create "Market Defining" opportunities to drive new revenues, "Reimagine the client lifecycle" to enhance customer experience, and "Digitize Operations & Servicing'' that results in significant cost savings.
He brings an understanding of business strategy and experience leading successful implementations through a blend of hands-on experience running global operations functions, coupled with extensive management consulting experience.
Prior to joining Unqork he was a partner at Deloitte, IBM & KPMG and has also held executive positions at MasterCard & Bridgewater.
Managing Principal, Capco
Phil has over 20 years of multi-disciplined international consulting experience, directing projects at the senior executive level for top tier Wealth Management, Investment Management, and Insurance clients.
At Capco, Phil works with select industry leading firms delivering innovative solutions for HNW/UHNW Advisory, Trust, RIA, Institutional Asset Management, and Life Insurance clients. Phil has a specific focus on client and advisor experience, digital channels, operating platforms, and onboarding and servicing capabilities.
Prior to joining Capco in 2010, Phil led the professional services team for NorthStar Systems, managing the delivery of NorthStar's Wealth Management advisor workstation solution.
Prior to NorthStar, Phil spent 11 years in management consulting providing technology strategy, architecture, design, and implementation services for leading Financial Services clients.


text:
Mr. Selfish and I are not really party animals. Truth be told, we're pretty much old farts when it comes to partying and clubbing in a big city. However, we do enjoy nice cocktail bars with fancy drinks. We hadn't been to a swanky cocktail bar in a while, so we decided to go to Tate while in Kuala Lumpur.
The Tate's website states the following as the introduction to the bar:
"Some days, Batman just wants to be Bruce. Not Bruce Wayne, just Bruce.
He wants to lounge about with his other hero friends, all of them in stealth mode. They stand at the bar and recount their adventures; play pool and puff on cigars. They are at ease, undisturbed by fainting damsels in distress . . . ."
It was an interesting introduction, and I was intrigued.
The Tate is located in the Intermark and is behind an unmarked door next to a hanging top hat. The bar is themed like a speakeasy during the Prohibition Era. All of the televisions were playing old Superman episodes, which me and Mr. Selfish found surprisingly hypnotizing.
Mr. Selfish and I ordered three cocktails, and although expensive, they were well-made and delicious. I adore cocktails with egg white, and they had at least 2 to 3 with it, which is a pretty solid selection.
That was as much "night life" as we could take in Kuala Lumpur. Otherwise, we went to the Times Square Mall, which had many activities through which you could spend a night. Time Squares boasts of the largest indoor theme park in the world, and it did seem quite epic (although we didn't go in). The mall also had a huge bowling alley that was full of teenagers having a good time.
The activity for which Mr. Selfish and I opted in Times Square Mall was archery. I had never shot an arrow in my life, but after reading the entire Hunger Games series, I figured I could be up for it. We were both pretty bad but it was fun.
This concludes our posts on Kuala Lumpur. Next up, Mr. Selfish will recount our brief one-day stay in Singapore.


text:
Economic Security and Competitiveness
Using special economic zones to drive job creation in MENA
The purpose of this paper is to provide practical, useful guidance to individuals and entities involved in the design, development and implementation of Special Economic Zones (SEZ's), broadly defined, in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region.
This is a practitioner's guide to SEZ development which can help increase the chances of creating competitive SEZ's that house and promote growing companies and industries that in turn create sustainable jobs. It is intended to inform policy makers, developers, regulators and others involved in zone planning and implementation on leading practices for effective zone development.
This paper forms a step-by-step guide to the important decision points and the elements that practitioners should address. In doing so, it draws on a broad set of research and experiences, including a detailed review of the literature, interviews with practitioners and developers and the authors' practical experience advising governments on industrial development and city building. Monitor has collaborated with Head of Programme, Alexander Böehmer and Policy Analyst anders Jonsson of the MENA-OECD Investment Programme on a series of research efforts, workshops, trainings and reports on special economic zones over the course of 2012. This paper benefited greatly from their input through this collaboration.


text:
Gun safes are excellent tools for maintaining your guns, valuables, and house secure and safe from incidents and criminals. In the event that you own a number of firearms, it is necessary for you to maintain them locked up and aside so that they don't pose an accidental hazard to your kids and family members. Firearms are also popular products by thieves as a stolen firearm is also an unregistered firearm and can be utilized for violence without very much worry of repercussion.
You have to take into consideration the best gun safe. As as you purchase a gun soon, whether it's a handgun, shotgun, or rifle, you should after go out and purchase yourself a decent gun safe soon. There are different types of gun safes out there to select from and the best gun safe brands that are great and a few that aren't worth your while.
This article provides basic information on what forms of gun safes can be found and how they change from one another: by size, how they work, and how well they work.
Why Bother?
With the decision to own a firearm of any type also needs to be the decision to possess a gun safe and sound Firearms whether designed for sport or self-defense should be kept securely from the likelihood of theft or the possibility that someone apart from the owner can happen over the weapon and intentionally or unintentionally utilize it to hurt someone. Criminals that use firearms typically usually do not walk into a shoe retailer and have which guns are better to use for lender robberies or stay-ups, the guns they make use of are from the roads, stolen guns which were once purchased for legal reasons abiding citizens. Kids of any age shouldn't under any circumstance possess unsupervised access to a firearm. The utilization of gun safes climate at home or function is among the best steps a gun owner may take to avoid these tragedies
Large or Small:
- There are usually speaking two types of gun safes predicated on the entire size and level of firearms they'll be used for. Huge gun safes used for long-barreled firearms such as for example rifles or shotguns are usually made to stand vertically and also have racks inside to carry the guns hand and hand without leaning onto each other some have interior shelves to support ammunition or smaller sized handguns.
- Smaller sized safes used for hands guns; revolvers or semi-automatics are designed to hold only one or possibly two guns usually. These must be able to be secured to the wall somehow, a strongly protected shelf or the ground, this is to be able to prevent a will be thief from attempting to abscond with it and its' contents. No matter the size all gun safes need to provide protection from theft or unauthorized fires and use.
Mechanical or Electronic:
Another differentiating characteristic among all gun safes is usually the way the locking mechanism works. There are two basic categories electronic and mechanical, with two subclasses under each. Mechanical locking devices include both classic locks with keys and the traditional mixture dials. These are usually the most affordable gun safes and provide standard functionality.
You will probably have to consider gun safe on a budget before delving into the massive selection of gun safes out there because a few of them can get a little expensive but also, for the most part, you'll be spending around eight hundred dollars in case you have a big gun collection and perhaps one hundred to 2 hundred if you have a little collection. Gun safes aren't cheap; however, they are worth it for the peace of security and mind they offer.
Electronic locking devices use either an important fingerprint or pad scanner. These will cost considerably more but provide the most convenient approach to access no fumbling with keys or mixtures simply enter a multiple digit code comparable to an ATM or press your fingertip over an illuminated scanner.
How do they Rate?
Regardless of what type or size of fastening all guns safes are measured by two standards; how well do they resist theft referred to as the burglary rating and how well perform they withstand fire, the fireproof ranking. Burglary ranking is measured in moments and identifies how lengthy it would take a skilled locksmith with blacksmithing equipment to gain usage of the contents of the safe; it would consider most common thieves a lot longer.
The fireproof rating is based on time, and indicates how very long the machine could be subjected to the extreme heat of the fire but still maintain and internal temperature secure enough to prevent harm to its' contents. In case you have guns you have to keep them safe and sound. What forms of guns and just how many you possess, will determine precisely what size safe you need? You have to consider how you would like to gain access to the firearms in the secure and what degree of security you either need or desire.


text:
Adi Shakti is the Power of Almighty God which is a single and integrated power. Although She exists as a complete and all-pervading power, She manifests through three separate powers. It is not possible however to completely separate the three powers of Adi Shakti from each other, because these powers belong to one personality, and are expressions of Her three moods (Gunas).
Additionally, it is a very difficult task to explain the manifestation of Her power which is far above human comprehension. Human beings have very limited weapons of perception (Ayudha) to understand Her. This can be explained by the analogy of a flute where the air passing through the instrument is a single current only, yet is capable of forming seven notes. In the same way, the one power of Adi Shakti is manifested in three forms while Her fourth integrated form is the source of the three powers. The power of Adi Shakti, the integrated complete form, is Pranava (Ruh, Anahalk, Rukh, Omkara or Holy Ghost). From this one can understand how OM (Pranava) is comprised of three separate forms 'Aa', 'Oo' and 'Ma'.
These powers are:
1) The material power
2) The existence power
3) The sustenance power


text:
The more we learn about the formation and evolution of our solar system, the more we realise it was far from a sedate, gentle process. Everywhere we look we find evidence the final stages of planetary formation were punctuated by giant collisions - planet-sized bodies ploughing into one another with predictably catastrophic consequences.
The planet Mercury, unusually over-dense and under-sized; the Martian "hemispherical dichotomy" (the marked difference between Mars' northern lowlands and southern highlands); and Uranus' extreme axial tilt are just three examples of odd features in our solar system best explained by such catastrophic collisions.
Planetary satellites in the solar system are thought to have formed in one of two ways. The "regular" satellites (those that orbit their host on circular paths, in the plane of their equators) are thought to have formed orbiting their planets, much as the planets are thought to have formed orbiting the sun - from a disk of material around their youthful host.
This does a very good job of explaining their low masses (relative to their host) and the way their orbits are aligned with their host's equators.
The "irregular" satellites - a large population of typically tiny satellites, orbiting at vast distances from their hosts, on highly eccentric and tilted orbits - by contrast, are thought to have been captured during the latter stages of their host planets' formation.
Neither of these models works for our moon. Instead, the current leading theory for the moon's origin is that it formed in a "big smash" – a collision between the proto-Earth and a Mars-sized body, a few tens of millions of years after the start of planetary formation.
The most widely accepted version of this theory holds that a Mars-sized object formed in the inner solar system, on an orbit very similar to that of the Earth. Eventually, the two bodies collided at a relatively low velocity (in astronomical terms).
The collision greatly disrupted the proto-Earth, but fell short of destroying it completely. Instead, vast quantities of material, primarily from the mantle and crust, were sloughed off into space around Earth, with a significant fraction of that material going on to form the moon.
The beauty of this theory is that it explains some of the otherwise challenging things we know about the Earth-moon system. The moon is chemically and isotopically very similar to the Earth - but it is depleted in heavy elements such as iron.
That's really hard to explain if you think the moon formed alone, then was captured in our orbit (since it would then have accreted similar amounts of iron to Earth). But if you accept the moon is made primarily from material from the mantle and crust of the Earth, then its composition makes perfect sense - after all, the Earth is differentiated, so most of the heavy stuff has sunk to the core.
This theory also explains the unusually high mass of the moon relative to the Earth (and the associated high angular momentum of the system), the moon's unusual orbit, and many other features.
A number of slightly different versions of this story have been proposed in recent years - suggesting the collision could have been a bit faster, and even that the moon itself was involved in a second collision later on.
But the core of the theory is now widely accepted: the moon was (most likely) formed in a big smash.
This is the second part of our series on the moon. To read the other instalments, follow the links below:
Part One: I see the moon: introducing our nearest neighbour
Part Three: Out on the pull: why the moon always shows its face
Part Four: With or without you: the role of the moon on life
Part Five: Satellite of love: our on-off relationship with the moon


text:
Malin BurnhamSailor, Real Estate, Philanthropist
Malin Burnham has been Chairman of John Burnham & Company Insurance and Burnham Real Estate and has remained involved since 1949. In 2008, Burnham Real Estate was acquired by Cushman & Wakefield. Mr. Burnham is a native San Diegan who graduated from Stanford University in 1949 with a B.S. in Industrial Engineering. In addition to his involvement with the Burnham Companies, he has been active as a board member of several major corporations and 16 firms, in total. His present involvements include: Board Member of Sanford-Burnham Medical Research Institute, UCSD Foundation, Rady School of Management, and the USS Midway Museum, and is Chairman of the Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine. Mr. Burnham served as Trustee of Stanford University from 1985 to 1995. He co-endowed the BurnhamMoores Center for Real Estate at University of San Diego.
Mr. Burnham has been awarded numerous honors, some of which include: Junior Achievement/San Diego Business Hall of Fame, 2002; Philanthropist of the Year, National Society of Fund Raising Executives, 2000; Civic Entrepreneur of the Year, Economic Development Corporation, 1999; Mr. San Diego, Rotary Club of San Diego, 1998, Gold Spike Award, Stanford University, 1996, and inducted into the Stanford Real Estate Hall of Fame, 2012.
Mr. Burnham has chaired nine major non-profits and has co-founded 14 organizations in his career, most providing direct benefit to San Diego, California and the nation. In the sports world, he has been a world-recognized sailor for five decades and has helped San Diego achieve prominence in both local and professional sports. At age 17, he became the youngest skipper to win a World Championship in the International Star Class. In 1987, he played a leading role in bringing the America's Cup to San Diego. He is a former partner/owner of the San Diego Padres and the San Diego Sockers.
"DIG A LITTLE DEEPER": TO READ MAILIN'S AUTOBIOGRAPHY AND LEARN HIS VIEWS ON COMMUNITY SERVICE, VOLUNTEERING, AND LIFE, PLEASE CLICK THE LINK TO HIS BOOK ON AMAZON, Community Before Self: https://www.amazon.com/Community-Before-Self-Seventy-Making/dp/1599327368


text:
MIAMI, FL – May 18, 2015 – (HISPANICIZE WIRE) – ALPFA, the Association of Latino Professionals For America, the longest-standing membership-based organization serving Latino professionals and students, opens registration for its 43rd Annual Convention to be held in New York City, Aug. 6 -10, at the Hilton Midtown. The annual convention is a premier event for Latino business owners, students and professionals coming together from across the United States to learn, network, mentor and develop as leaders.
"This convention provides an important platform for talented and motivated Latino women and men to connect with one another and with leaders in their industry"
The ALPFA Convention attracts more than 3,000 attendees and draws Latino influencers and thought leaders from a variety of industries including media, marketing, public relations, finance and advertising. This year's convention will focus on the impact Latino leaders are making in the global market.
"This convention provides an important platform for talented and motivated Latino women and men to connect with one another and with leaders in their industry," said Gerald Hassell, Chairman and CEO of BNY Mellon and ALPFA Host Committee member. "It empowers Latinos with the leadership skills, networking opportunities and educational sessions to be game-changing leaders who make a global impact while paving the way for future generations."
In addition to professional development seminars and trainings, ALPFA will bring signature events such as the Women of ALPFA Luncheon, ALPFA Veteran's Panel, and its popular Case Study Competition. This year will also feature special marquee events involving well-known A-listers from the movie, political, and news industries.
"This promises to be a World Economic Forum-style event with dynamic speakers, innovative sessions and unique networking, leadership development and mentoring opportunities for our members and attendees," said ALPFA's CEO, Charles P. Garcia, who took the helm of the 23,000-member organization this past year. "We are confident our members and 200 corporate partners across industry sectors will benefit from the content, talent and branding opportunities available."
ALPFA, which empowers and develops Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, will also be spotlighting the achievements of Latino men and women throughout the conference for their professional achievements, scholarship, and contributions to the Latino community.
To register for the 43rd Annual ALPFA Convention, visit: http://convention.alpfa.org.
For partnership opportunities and sponsorship information, please email: [email protected]
About ALPFA
ALPFA is the Association of Latino Professionals For America founded in 1972. ALPFA represents all professions and serves 23,000 Latino students and professionals through its 43 professional and more than 140 student chapters across the country. As the leading organization dedicated to empower and develop Latino men and women as leaders of character for the nation, ALPFA provides employment opportunities in every sector of the global economy, and manages programs that mentor and develop leaders. ALPFA also empowers Latino entrepreneurs with talent needs and procurement opportunities. For more information about ALFPA, please visit http://new.alpfa.org.
BNY Mellon careers
For over 230 years, the people of BNY Mellon have been at the forefront of finance, expanding the financial markets while supporting investors throughout the investment lifecycle. BNY Mellon can act as a single point of contact for clients looking to create, trade, hold, manage, service, distribute or restructure investments and safeguards nearly one-fifth of the world's financial assets. BNY Mellon remains one of the safest, most trusted and admired companies. Everyday our employees make their mark by helping clients better manage and service their financial assets around the world. Whether providing financial services for institutions, corporations or individual investors, clients count on the people of BNY Mellon across time zones and in 35 countries and more than 100 markets. It's the collective ambition, innovative thinking and exceptionally focused client service paired with a commitment to doing what is right that continues to set us apart. Make your mark: www.bnymellon.com/careers.


text:
ITBusiness Elsewhere is a collection of links to other technology news stories around the world
Enter the technosexual
It had to happen: after ""metrosexual""
became one of the most irritating new words of 2003, a man named Ricky Montalvo has created a Web site called Technosexual.org to help a certain kind of man. The official definition? ""A dandyish narcissist in love with not only himself, but also his urban lifestyle and gadgets; a straight man who is in touch with his feminine side but has fondness for electronics such as cell phones, PDAs, computers, software, and the Web.
Tech and titillation
USA Today
If you're looking for early adopters, look to the adult entertainment industry, writes Jon Swartz, who takes an in-depth look at how pornographers are flirting with wireless devices, geo-location services and digital rights management tools.
Wanted for Murder: The I&IT sector<brZDNet Australia
Words like ""empower,"" ""enable,"" ""maximize"" and ""sustainable"" are deadening the English language, according to Iain Ferguson, leading him to wonder what would happen if IT vendors spoke to their customers more plainly, he wonders? It would ""probably scare the living daylights out of him or her and annihilate any prospect of new business for some time to come,"" he writes.
Bypassing China's Net firewall
BBC News
China imposes strict censorship around Internet use, but volunteers in Canada, the U.S. and elsewhere are working together with a company called Dynamic Internet Technology to let users roam free through a proxy server.
Is password-lending a cybercrime?
In a little-observed civil lawsuit involving tracking of magazine subscriptions, a federal court in Manhattan issued a ruling last week that could theoretically result in prosecutors going after people who use another person's password and userid with their permission, but without the permission of the issuer.
Sound it out
A 64-pixel ""sound camera,"" where every pixel is a microphone, can turn digital signals into images which could potentially help drivers figure out what's wrong with their car — instead of slamming their fists on the dashboard.
Comment: email@example.com


text:
Fanobet is an online betting site licensed in Curacao. Emerging in 2015 as one of the promising eSports betting destinations, it proved its worth by providing quality services to enthusiasts in all countries. From Fanobet LOL bet choices all the way to world-renowned video games. The site is available in multiple languages, including English, Russian, German, Spanish, and Chinese.
If you're looking for a Bitcoin LOL bet review that covers Fanobet and all the important details that make it a promising platform, we have just that for you.
The site is home to a range of eSports events along with a decent selection of casino games. While the Fanobet LOL bet section remains to be one of the most popular options for its customers, there's League of Legends events, Starcraft, Overwatch, and DotA 2 available for you to bet on.
On top of the current titles, you can also bet on regular sports, indulge in live betting, and play casino games and live casino games if that suits your preferences better.
Fanobet rewards new customers $25 free wagering credits. All you have to do is sign-up and meet the conditions of the promotion. This is a great opportunity to try out the different eSports events and casino games for free. More than that, you can start piling up your winnings using the bonus. Fanobet keeps you on your toes by introducing bigger and better rewards.
When it comes to payments, Fanobet supports both Bitcoin and fiat currencies. Whether you're looking to bet bitcoins or any traditional currency of your choice, Fanobet has your back. Currently, the site caters to Bitcoin payments and deposits via VISA, MC, and AMEX. Other payment options include Skrill, Qiwi Neteller, and Bank Transfer.
The implemented minimum for all bets is 0.01 mBTC, which is a good starting point for those who want to start small. This is also an opportunity for casual Fanobet LOL bet enthusiasts to enjoy what eSports and sports betting is all about without putting a dent in their bank accounts.
If you need any help, you can send your queries and other concerns through the Fanobet Live Chat feature. The team behind Fanobet's Live Chat are pleasant and knowledgeable, which is a huge plus.This option is available all throughout the day and the representatives are more than happy to help you out with your questions.
All in all, you can consider Fanobet as an option if you're into Bitcoin LOL betting, other eSports, and sports betting. While the casino section can still do with a few improvements, it's always good to know that you can take a break from all the sports betting from time to time. The catchy bonuses together with the multiple payment options mean that it is easily accessible to both Bitcoin and fiat users.
Starts In
Jackpots & weekly free bets
Beyond Gaming1.58
Starts In
Get a 100% first deposit bonus up to €100
mCon Esports Rotterdam3.11
Krc Genk
Starts In
Use code 22_195 122% 1st deposit BONUS
Starts In


text:
Thursday, August 9, 2018
August as a Hot Jumble of Emotions
I've felt like I've been in a sauna dressed in full sweatsuit this August. That's because I've been on the go pretty much constantly during this season of peak heat and humidity.
There was the morning I got up at 5 to take my son Bobby to the hospital for a very serious neck and back surgery. It lasted 3 hours, an hour longer than expected, because the surgeon had to deal with more herniated discs than he had anticipated. Thank God, the surgery appears to have been a success. An hour after exiting the recovery room, my son devoured a hospital lunch, then gladly accepted a second lunch. That night he walked to the cafeteria to get himself a gyro.
Back home, he seems to have settled down and gotten some sleep that was elusive in the hospital. His children -- Brooks, Grayson, and Hannah -- have been sweet helping take care of their great dad.
I have been on grocery, take-out, and meds shopping and delivery. Then the unexpected happened. Our family cat -- the "Memphis cat" I call her, since she was originally adopted by my Tennessee daughter -- suddenly quit eating or having any interest in eating. That was a complete reversal for her because she is ahead of the dogs in chow line and in demanding chow formation.
"Miss Whimsy" started doing weird contortions with her mouth and tongue and drooling heavily. I managed to get a vet appointment for her and the diagnosis is some really bad teeth, a few of which somehow may have gotten misaligned so as to cause her pain. So early tomorrow morning, Miss W is going in for dental surgery. Hopefully they can restore her quality of life.
Managed to do lots of other things amid this hot jumble that this August is. Completed today the second of my core fitness classes of the week -- and I needed it for emotional relief as much as physical exertion. And before class, I even managed a morning dawgwalk of Ellie with heat index rising into the 90s.
My walking did bring one entirely unexpected encounter though. While I was on a grocery run to Krogers, an attractive young woman exclaimed that she saw me regularly walking my dog. She asked my name and spoke hers, and then said "I walk too but you probably don't recognize me because I don't wear what I'm wearing now." (She was wearing a nice long dress -- no I don't suppose one would wear such garb to walk in 100-degree temps.) She gave me her name a second time so "you will remember it," and departed. Five minutes later, I couldn't for the life of me remember her name.
Now, let me emphasize, I am not looking for a walking companion. But I wonder, was all this a mirage from having been in the summer sun too long? Or was she an angel sent to encourage me to continue walking no matter what? What would an angel wear on a summer's walk? I would guess her age to be about that our dear first-born, Katrina, would have been today had not she died from leukemia a few months after her first birthday. Okay, who knows? -- a lot of things happen in life that are beyond our understanding,
Meanwhile, celebrate all of our many blessings.
© Robert Gray Holland (2018)
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)
On the Table Once More
Next week, I will assume the patient's position on an operating table. Again . For the 8th time since reaching these "golden" ...
Various reports tell us that more than one half of folks over age 65 suffer falls annually serious enough to be documented, while by age 80 ...
Next week, I will assume the patient's position on an operating table. Again . For the 8th time since reaching these "golden" ...
As 2021 began, I looked over my cluttered desk and found several medical testing instruments that were not there as 2020 began. And I wonder...


text:
MONTGRAS Quatro Red 2017
Quatro is a work of art; every year the composition of the blend and the label change. For this Limited Edition, in celebration of Quatro´s 20th anniversary, we chose Chinese designer Mr. He Peng Fei and his work titled "Overlook the mountains".
VARIETALS: 55% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Syrah, 15% Carmenere and 15% Malbec.
APPELLATION: Colchagua Valley
AGING: 100% of the wine was aged in French barrels for 5 months.
Quatro is a blend that achieves a perfect balance between the varieties it is made of. Clean, it is a shiny, bright red colour with aromas of ripe red fruits in their maximum glory. It has a juicy and round mouth, and the tannins provide it with a very good structure. There are upfront blackcurrant notes, with subtle spicy notes in the background that add elegance. This is a tremendous and unique wine.
Enjoy this wine with barbecued marbled red meats, duck breast, and pasta dishes with creamy sauces.
MONTGRAS Quatro Red 2017
Region: Chile
Brothers Hernán and Eduardo Gras, along with partner Christian Hartwig, set up the winery in 1993, combining state-of-the-art technology with the talent and passion of a very special group of people.
Hernán brought the substantial winemaking experience he had gained in Canada, while his brother, Eduardo and their friend Cristian Hartwig, contributed with their entrepreneurial vision and pragmatic business acumen. Their combination of skills and experience has enabled MontGras to become one of Chile's foremost wine groups.
Today, we are one of the largest family-owned Chilean wineries, exporting to more than 30 countries worldwide. With more than 25 years of existence in both the national and international markets, MontGras has been consistently ranked among the TOP 15 Wineries from Chile in the exports of bottled and packaged wine


text:
Who's Presenting
Related: As TV Tiptoes, Sellers (Mostly) Back a New Front
As a new wave of contenders emerges looking for a piece of the projected $7.8 billion in digital video ad spending this year (up 30% from 2014, according to eMarketer), here is a closer look at some of the companies that will be giving presentations at this week's NewFronts.
MARKET POSITION: As the oldest-school New- Fronts player (the company turns 30 years old next month), AOL is trying to leverage core ad-serving strength with beefed-up original programming.
LEADERSHIP: Tim Armstrong, CEO; Allie Kline, CMO of AOL Advertising.
KEY PROGRAMMING:Connected, AOL's first long-form series for AOL Original, racked up one million views in its first week. AOL said 15% of the series' first episodes were seen on over-the- top devices. Connected is a docu-drama based on an Israeli series that looks at American life through the eyes of extraordinary New Yorkers. Last year, AOL streamed Park Bench, a series in which Steve Buscemi chats with Boardwalk Empire costars and others in the arts. It received an Emmy nomination for short-form non-fiction programming.
AD PROFILE: Earlier this month introduced One by AOL, an ad platform that will used data sources to show marketers how consumers are reacting to their ads and allow them to compare return on investment across media, including television and mobile. AOL has purchased several ad tech companies, including Adap.tv, bought in 2013 for $405 million. AOL and GroupM Entertainment this month announced a partnership to create original Web series for global audiences. Series will be commissioned in the U.K., but distributed globally by AOL On.
MARKET POSITION: Founded in 2011, the multichannel network has more than 900 YouTube channels and delivers more than a billion views per month. German broadcaster ProSiebenSat.1's Red Arrow Entertainment bought a 20% stake in Collective Digital Studio in 2014. The network has made its mark on long-form digital entertainment with Video Game High School.
LEADERSHIP: Michael Green, cofounder and chairman; Reza Izad, CEO; Dan Weinstein, president.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Channels including Epic Meal Time, The Annoying Orange and FRED, as well as creators Rhett & Link, and Freddie Wong, top the CDS slate. Wong's Video Game High School entered its third and final season last October. Each episode was released weekly, but viewers could pay to watch the full season at once. All three seasons have landed on Netflix.
AD PROFILE: In 2014, Collective Digital Studio worked with Purina to create content for its YouTube channel Petcentric. It has helped produce content for several companies on their YouTube channels, including Bobbi Brown's I Love Makeup.
MARKET POSITION: As with fellow NewFronters Time Inc., The New York Times and The Wall Street Journal, CNE is a legacy print company aiming to leverage decades of brand loyalty in the video space. It has ramped up quickly, with 2.5 billion-plus views since launch in 2011.
LEADERSHIP: Dawn Ostroff, president; Sahar Elhabashi, chief operating officer; Lisa Valentino, chief revenue officer; Michael Klein, executive VP of programming and content strategy, digital channels.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Programs fill 18 in-house channels branded for company properties such as The New Yorker, Glamour, GQ, Vogue and Vanity Fair. Partner content is added to the mix on The Scene, a hub for higherend fare from the likes of AOL, BuzzFeed, The Verge and others. The Scene is available online, on mobile and via OTT platforms including Apple TV, Roku and Xbox.
AD PROFILE: A range of blue-chippers from AT&T to Gillette have been integrated into series. Targeted shows like Epicuriosity, produced for CNE site Epicurious, boosted awareness and purchase intent for coffee brand Gevalia.
MARKET POSITION: Alloy Digital and Break Media merged in 2013 to create Defy Media. Defy Media keys in on the ages 13-34 demographic. Its programming generates 500 million video views per month across platforms, 80 million social media followers, 50 million YouTube subscribers and 22 million app downloads. Viacom invested a minority stake in Defy Media in 2014. Defy's properties have thrived in the comedy, entertainment, gaming and lifestyle verticals on and off YouTube.
LEADERSHIP: Matthew Diamond, CEO; Keith Richman, president; Barry Blumberg, head of content; Andy Tu, executive VP, marketing; Mark Gall, chief revenue officer.
KEY PROGRAMMING: YouTube channel Screen Junkies and its Honest Trailers series (which will celebrate its 100th episode during New- Fronts); Break's Prank It FWD; and Made Man's Gentleman Up highlight Defy's programming. Its largest programming presence comes from Break and SMOSH. SMOSH: The Movie will premiere July 23.
AD PROFILE: Defy's recent campaigns include a partnership between Break's Prank It FWD and Barefoot Wines. They partnered for two seasons on the "pranks for good" initiative that has garnered more than 70 million views.
MARKET POSITION: The digital division of Discovery Communications is looking to get out the message that it has a history of creating new formats for online video content with heavy advertiser engagement.
LEADERSHIP: Joe Abruzzese, president of ad sales, Discovery Communications; Sean Atkins, general manager and executive VP, digital media and strategy; Harold Morgenstern, senior VP, national advertising sales.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Discovery Digital has more than a dozen new shows from its Seeker and Super Panic Frenzy sub-brands; TLCme is billed as a new online destination for "busy women."
AD PROFILE: Discovery Digital Media offers advertisers a range of "Smart Native" solutions that integrate brand authentically into premium Web-native content. For example, Michelob was an early sponsor of Seeker, an online network featuring adventure programming.
MARKET POSITION: The digital arm of the newly combined Endemol Shine, which launched in late 2013, recently gained access to Ryan Seacrest Productions' unscripted fare in a major deal. Across its overall holdings, and given the global structure of parent Endemol Shine, it looks to mine opportunities for comedy, reality and lifestyle with broad consumer hooks.
LEADERSHIP: Vivi Ziegler, president of digital, brand and audience development, Endemol Shine North America; Endemol Beyond: Will Keenan, president; Jenn Mancini, VP of sales.
KEY PROGRAMMING:Fear Factor, an NBC mainstay in the 2000s, will return as a YouTube series from Endemol Beyond. Pitbull, star of the company's New Year's Eve telecast on Fox, also has a deal to develop more digital titles.
AD PROFILE: Given that the U.S. digital unit launched in November 2013 and has had some reorganization since, the news on the ad front will come during the NewFront and beyond.
MARKET POSITION: As a YouTube network founded in January 2011, Fullscreen touts itself as "the first media company for the connected generation." Last summer during VidCon, CEO and founder George Strompolos announced they were investing $10 million into finding original programming. A few months later, Otter Media (the online video joint venture between The Chernin Group and AT&T), purchased a majority stake in the MCN.
LEADERSHIP: George Strompolos, CEO and founder; Ezra Cooperstein, president and COO; Ashley Kaplan, head of content.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Fullscreen has more than 50,000 content creators that engage with about 450 million subscribers that collectively generate 4 billion monthly views. Among its roster of content creators is social media star Grace Helbig, who just launched a primetime series on the E! network.
AD PROFILE: Fullscreen has partnered with YouTube star Devin Graham (who goes by the name Devin SuperTramp) to create a series of branded adventure sports-centric videos for companies like SpeedStickGear, Mountain Dew, Ford, Intel and Ubisoft.
Google YouTube
MARKET POSITION: The Web video giant, which just turned 10, has been working to make big brands more comfortable with its Google Preferred package. The offering includes the most popular YouTube channels and includes guarantees and measurement that's familiar to television advertisers.
LEADERSHIP: Susan Wojcicki, CEO; Tara Walpert Levy, managing director, agency sales.
KEY PROGRAMMING: While YouTube remains a wide-open forum for all manner of video, from user-generated toss-offs uploaded in bulk to high-budget fi lm and TV fare, it has gotten traction lately by stressing the clout of its homegrown A-list. Grace Helbig, Hannah Hart and Dude Perfect, for example (subjects of a current round of promos and TV commercials), have nearly 9 million subscribers combined.
AD PROFILE: Google says that when Google Preferred viewers are in the market for certain products they are 46% more likely to search a brand on YouTube than other YouTube viewers. They are also more likely to be in the market for a movie, streaming music, a PC or tablet vs. the entire online population.
MARKET POSITION: Hulu was formed in 2007 by NBCUniversal and Fox (with Disney buying in two years later) to take advantage of the nascent market for streaming video. It has navigated the fast-changing landscape by emphasizing both the traditional content strength of its owners and the ways it has disrupted the viewing experience to positive effect. Hulu Plus, the subscription arm created in 2010, has scaled quickly, passing 6 million subscribers in 2014.
LEADERSHIP: Mike Hopkins, CEO; Craig Erwich, senior VP, head of content; Peter Naylor, senior VP, ad sales; Jenny Wall, senior VP, head of marketing.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Hulu has day-after-air rights to shows during their current season, including SNL, Empire, The Blacklist and The Daily Show. Hulu also recently announced groundbreaking deals with top networks including FX, Discovery and ABC for licensing rights to all episodes of current and upcoming series. It closed a syndication deal for CSI. Upcoming originals include 11/22/63 from J.J. Abrams and Stephen King, The Way from Jason Katims, Casual from Jason Reitman, and Difficult People from Amy Poehler and Billy Eichner.
AD PROFILE: Viewers are given a chance to choose the commercial that they want to see, which the company says leads to viewers seeing more relevant ads. Hulu partnered with Media Science and found that its ad units, including Ad Selector and Branded Entertainment Selector, increase unaided brand recall and purchase intent. That means 15- and 30-second commercials are more effective on Hulu, where viewers get a choice, than on linear TV. Ads and integrations for Toyota in the Hulu original East Los High, led to big increases in brand favorability among millennials for its RAV4 model.
MARKET POSITION: In 2014, LIN Digital's parent company, LIN Media, merged with major station group Media General, extending its reach across traditional broadcast and online media. In recent years, the company has also acquired Federated Media Publishing and Dedicated Media. LIN has a top 15 comScore video network and its Premium Video Network garners 725 million monthly video streams.
LEADERSHIP: John McCarus, chief strategy officer.
KEY PROGRAMMING: LIN Digital isn't in the high-end originals game, but it offers distribution channels unique to its clients for each campaign and engages audiences across devices, optimized for desktop, mobile and social media. LIN's video publisher network covers news, lifestyle, native and branded entertainment, and its search engine marketing taps into Google, Yahoo! and Bing. Metrics are reported through its Video Insights Platform, giving the GRPs, CPP and reach and frequency of ads.
AD PROFILE: LIN Digital partnered with an automotive agency to develop a mobile website and banners in promotion of a luxury vehicle. LIN geo-targeted appropriate viewers who lived near a local dealership and targeted auto, news and business sites for the 25-54-year-old male demo. Over a month, the campaign created 2.8 million impressions and a response rate of 0.34% (well above the industry average of 0.21%).
MARKET POSITION: Machinima, a YouTube-oriented digital media company, targets videogamers and fandom culture. Late in 2014 the MCN rebranded itself under a new "Heroes Rise" tagline. The rebrand included a new "leveling" system for content creators, which was broken into three tiers depending on the size of their audience. Machinima closed a $24 million round of financing led by Warner Bros. Entertainment in February, the second such investment over the past year-plus.
LEADERSHIP: Chad Gutstein, CEO; Marc Verville, CFO (joined April 2 from Warner Bros.); Daniel Tibbets, chief content officer; James Glasscock, senior VP, strategy and business development.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Machinima partnered with Warner Bros. on multiple digital video projects, including a second season of the Mortal Kombat: Legacy series and animated limited series Justice League: Gods and Monsters Chronicles.
AD PROFILE: In support of Acura's release of its 2016 ILX model, AFK Season 4 hit the streets of Boston in March, pitting Machinma's Realm and ETC hosts against each other in three team competitions. Through ice climbing, go-kart racing and a scavenger hunt, Machinima and Acura showed what happens when you take gamers away from their keyboards.
MARKET POSITION: Created in 2009, Maker was acquired by Disney in 2014 for what could be as much as $950 million. It creates short-form videos that reach millennials and has the largest content network on YouTube. Maker pulls in more than 10 billion views per month and has 650 million subscribers across its channels. The digital network has 55,000 independent creator partners in over 100 countries. Maker can also be found on OTT services like Sling TV.
LEADERSHIP: Ynon Kreiz, president; Erin McPherson, chief content officer; Courtney Holt, chief strategy officer; Ryan Lissack, chief technology officer.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Maker consistently partners with top digital talent, like violinist Lindsey Stirling, but also has made waves with TV talent such as The Walking Dead's Robert Kirkman and his Skybound Entertainment. In their partnership through Maker_LAB, Skybound created six-episode series Nerd Court and SuperFight. Disney's acquisition of Maker also gives it access to Lucasfilm and Marvel properties.
AD PROFILE: BareMinerals partnered with Maker and beauty guru Andrea's Choice to create a 12-episode series, Beauty Uncovered. The series saw Andrea, who has over 3 million You- Tube subscribers, select six audience members from across the country to receive a makeover.
MARKET POSITION: Formerly known as Glam Media, Mode remains a draw for the style conscious, but also has scale. It is the seventhlargest media company by reach, according to ComScore, with 400 million global monthly visitors. It has newer channels surrounding its Glam flagship, including Foodie, Brash, Tend and Bliss. The company will announce major new distribution capacity at the NewFronts.
LEADERSHIP: Samir Arora, CEO, founder and chairman; Dan Lagani, president and CRO.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Nine original series are produced for the Glam channel. Between 5% and 20% of the overall offering is consumer- facing, with the rest being branded content. The engine is a network of 2,000 vetted creators who curate and contribute material to the network. A relationship with CAA also doesn't hurt.
AD PROFILE: The company has woven Smartwater into a series of My Life, My Inspiration shorts. Glam's series Get the Look showcased Sears.
MARKET POSITION: Founded in the 1990s as a scenester print magazine in Montreal, Vice has positioned itself as a leader among the digital news outlets, at the same time when established news networks are experiencing viewer erosion amid a consumer shift to digital. The company has poured $50 million into its news division, which now has 34 bureaus worldwide and has been praised for in-depth coverage of international news.
LEADERSHIP: Shane Smith, CEO; Andrew Creighton, president, cofounder; Eddy Moretti, chief creative officer.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Boasting nine digital channels to go along with its flagship website, Vice's breakout coincided with its debut on linear television, via its eponymous half-hour news show on HBO. Vice recently signed a new four-year programming pact that will further increase its presence on the pay cabler, including a daily, Vice-branded 30-minute newscast. Its digital channels, which include Vice News, run the gamut from music and technology to food and sports.
AD PROFILE: Vice counts Google, Levi's and Intel among its list of clients, all of which have created branded content with Vice. The Creator's Project, launched in partnership with Intel, promoting the works of artists across multiple disciplines who use technology, is now in its sixth year.
MARKET POSITION: Launched in January 2014, Whistle counts the NFL, PGA, MLB, Major League Lacrosse and NASCAR among its investors and content partners. The network currently has 14 million subscribers and nearly three billion views across its library of content. In January, Whistle raised $28 million in Series B financing from entities including Liberty Global and Sky Broadcasting.
LEADERSHIP: John West, founder and CEO; Jeff Urban, cofounder and president; Julie Kikla, head of content partnerships.
KEY PROGRAMMING: Whistle aggregates content from across YouTube in a way similar to entertainment companies such as Maker and Fullscreen. Last year, the MCN signed Los Angeles Lakers guard Jeremy Lin to its roster, the first among the big four pro sports leagues. The Whistle Sports library has more than 35,000 videos.
AD PROFILE: Whistle has partnered with major leagues, including the NFL, MLB and MLS, as well as a pair of lacrosse pro outfits. It has partnered with trick shot masters Dude Perfect and ultimate Frisbee player Brodie Smith to create videos centered around NASCAR and the World Cup.
MARKET POSITION: An ancient Web portal, Yahoo has tried a variety of strategies to remain relevant, including a recent push into Web video.
LEADERSHIP: Marissa Mayer, CEO; Scott Burke, senior VP, advertising technology; Lisa Utzschneider, senior VP, Americas sales; Prashant Fuloria, senior VP, advertising products.
KEY PROGRAMMING: New offerings include Sin City Saints, about a Vegas pro basketball team. All episodes premiered March 23. Other Space, an eight-episode series about misfit space adventurers who discover an alternate universe, was executive produced by Paul Feig (Freaks and Geeks, Bridesmaids). It launched April 14.
AD PROFILE: Last year, Yahoo bought BrightRoll, a big player in programmatic video advertising, for $640 million. The deal was expected to boost Yahoo's position in the online video ad business. Honda is the presenting sponsor of Community, the onetime NBC sitcom that premiered on Yahoo Screen in March. The sponsorship includes integrations in episodes, pre-roll ads alongside new episodes and highlights and premium display and audience ads across Yahoo's extended network.
—Tim Baysinger, Dade Hayes, Jon Lafayette and Luke McCord
The smarter way to stay on top of broadcasting and cable industry. Sign up below.
Thank you for signing up to Broadcasting & Cable. You will receive a verification email shortly.
There was a problem. Please refresh the page and try again.