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Hello to all! Have you surprised after reading the title? In essence, you are right – Lover's Day is supposed to be on February, 14, and everybody knows that. But the point is that today is a special day for loved ones and sweethearts, not so much-advertised (and commercialized as well), but no less romantic. Are you fond of reading Shakespeare's romantic stories? Lover's Day is a pretty good reason to take them afresh – just remember "Twelfth Night" or "The Taming of the Shrew" (well, you can remember first of all world-famous "Romeo and Juliet", it's a masterpiece of romantic tragedy, but the first ones have more optimistic end, haven't they?). Shakespeare should more be mentioned today – it's considered to be an anniversary date of his birthday and death as well.
So, today, on April 23, we celebrate Lover's Day. Actually, it goes back to the literary custom in Spain, associated with the name of another great writer Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, a world known Spanish novelist. But in fact this custom has been practiced since 1436, named "The Day of the Rose". April, 23, was believed a kind of Valentine's Day, when all the lovers exchanged the gifts and the tiny mementos. According to the local traditions, a man gave a lady one red rose as a sign of appreciation her beauty. Later, since 1714, Spaniards had been revered the memory of Cervantes, whose novel, Don Quixote, considered to be the first modern classical European novel. April, 23 is thought to be the death day of Miguel de Cervantes. Sweethearts continued to express their love or make their weddings on April, 23 – it has been considered as a good sign. But the tradition has been changed – ladies continued to receive red roses, but they gave men books instead of. A symbol of eternal beauty changed into a symbol of eternal wisdom.
Now Lover's Day is celebrated worldwide. It's a perfect chance to remember today the great Shakespeare's plays, to express your feelings to that someone special who appreciate it. It's a good opportunity to give an interesting book to commemorate the birth and death anniversaries of Cervantes or Shakespeare, or to give a red, red rose to your charming Russian lady – for no reason, without any reason, eventually. Because when you are loved and in love, Lover's Day is just everyday!


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Arizona One of the Fastest-Growing States, Census Says
Article originally posted on Phoenix Business Journal on December 27, 2018
Arizona is among the top five fastest-growing states in the U.S., according to new Census data.
About 122,770 people moved to the Grand Canyon State between July 1, 2017, and July 1, 2018, according to Census Bureau data released this week. That places Arizona at No. 4 on the list of fastest-growing states based on numeric growth. Arizona's population now stands at 7.1 million.
Arizona was behind only California (157,696), Florida (322,513) and No. 1 Texas (379,128) as far as sheer numeric population growth.
Percentage-wise, Arizona also ranked No. 4, with a growth rate of 1.7 percent from 2017-2018, according to Census data. Nevada and Idaho topped the percentage list with growth rates of 2.1 percent each, followed by Utah, which grew by 1.9 percent for the year.
On both lists, Arizona climbed year over year. At the end of 2017, Arizona ranked sixth for percentage growth and seventh in the number of new residents.
The higher rankings this year match up with the state's strong and growing economy, which finally got to stretch its legs this past year. Dozens of companies were hiring or announced major hiring pushes. The ongoing apartment and housing booms in Phoenix also was helped by the population growth.
Arizona Gov. Doug Ducey lauded the numbers.
"In the game of states, people vote with their feet, and Arizona is winning," he said in a statement about the Census results. "With our high quality of life, growing economy and abundance of new jobs, and some of the best schools in the nation, Arizona continues to prove itself as an unbeatable place to live, raise a family and retire."

subset: commoncrawl


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Let us get real: everyone needs to get insurance. The risk is simply too large to assume for your most prized possessions - your vehicle, your house, and your family. The good news is, by going with State Farm® for any of your insurance wants, you will get the protection you need to have at a good rate. Talk to us about our banking products! For all of your financial needs, go to State Farm®.
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When you think of your financial future, you should be thinking of State Farm®. We're the unparalleled providers of life insurance 63385 to millions of clients. Call to get a free quote today.


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It is believed that laziness is a biological trait. A survival tool. In itself laziness is not necessarily a bad thing. People often see/hear the word 'lazy' as being a stigma and get defensive.
Imagine that you're a primitive human living in a valley 10000 years ago... The valley has all that you need. It is safe. It is free of hostile predators or rival tribes.
There would be no sense in going elsewhere. This is laziness. A desire to maintain the status quo. Not to change.


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Dillon, COHome Menu
The Town Clerk's office is responsible for the administration of Town elections, the Dillon Cemetery, and business, liquor and marijuana licenses. The Town Clerk is the custodian of the Town seal, maintains Town records, updates the Municipal Code, processes open records requests, and administers oaths of office.
The Town Clerk may be reached by calling 970-262-3407 or emailing email@example.com.


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Welcome to Hematology and Medical Oncology
The Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology is focused on clinical and basic research, education, and delivering outstanding hematology and oncology clinical services to patients.
Upcoming Symposium
The annual Debates and Didactics in Hematology and Oncology Conference features a comprehensive review into mechanisms of disease and treatments for patients with cancer or blood disorders.
Online registration is open.


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- Introduction
It's thought that when Cervantes embarked on Don Quixote, he intended to write a short novel. Henry James' short stories had a way of growing into novellas and novels, a fate he fondly cursed. With Chekhov, it was the other way round: life was too short for the novel. (Though perhaps just long enough for a play.) Lydia Davis, who has written one novel and many very short stories, has said that she wrote her only novel because the material needed the extra space: "the subject was there first, and it required a novel."
Perhaps like water finding its level, form eventually finds its own form, and there is very little a writer can do about it? We like the idea that form cannot be imposed, but is fluid and natural, improvised and up for grabs; that hiding inside each genre is the ghost of another form—the essay always about to become a fiction, the novella dreaming of being even briefer than it already is, the short story espying its larger cousin on the horizon. And in a time when prose writing is enjoying an exciting moment of liberation—when fiction and fact, convention and experiment, rules and disobedience, are productively commingling—we are delighted to have been asked to guest-edit this forty-fifth anniversary issue of Ploughshares.
Deliberately, we have followed no particular formal criteria—we've just indulged our own agnostic enthusiasm, always excited and always unsure about what exactly fiction is and claims to be. You'll find here, side by side, stories of only one sentence and long stories that are in the process of becoming novels; works of traditional realist fiction alongside fabulists, aphorists, and experimentalists. There is continuous stream of consciousness, and its apparent opposite, the mere fragment; realism and its supposed enemy, allegory. No matter its form, we sought to include fiction that is vivid, vital, and urgent.
If there is an emphasis, it is to bring to Ploughshares an internationalism of voice and material, to suit a reality that is at once local and increasingly global and complex. [End Page ix]
So we have chosen eminent writers from Algeria (Kamel Daoud), Bulgaria (Georgi Gospodinov), and Switzerland (Peter Bichsel); rising talents from Norway (Gunnhild Øyehaug), Australia (Cate Kennedy), and the UK (Carys Davies). We include fictions by the exhilarating contemporary American writers Viet Thanh Nguyen (whose first novel, The Sympathizer, won the Pulitzer Prize earlier this year), and Amity Gaige. The endlessly innovative English poet and dramatist Glyn Maxwell has contributed two fantastical literary imaginings, in which John Keats and John Clare live again, seen reading their work to contemporary audiences. And we are publishing four new stories—delicate as clouds, brief as a change of weather—by our living master of the very short form, Lydia Davis, along with Davis' translations of two pieces by the brilliantly intriguing Swiss writer Peter Bichsel, who is not yet sufficiently recognized in the English-speaking world.
An issue like this is a gibbous moon, which presents only an illuminated portion of its available wealth. We're sad that so much superb fiction has had to be passed over—left, as it were, for now, in the editorial shadow. But we're deeply excited about the striking collection of writers and fictions that we've assembled here, and hope you'll enjoy each singular and memorable contribution. [End Page x]


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Special Order FAQ
In order to provide you with the largest possible selection, our catalogue includes many non-stock books that need to backordered ordered from the publisher or supplier. Below are the answers to some frequently asked questions relating to special orders.
What is a special order?
A special order is an order for any book where our supplier does not have stock at the time that you place the order. The lack of stock could be due to a number of reasons, but is normally one of the following:
Why can't I include special orders with other products on the same order?
It's hard or impossible to predict how long a special order might take to complete. It could take anything from a few days to a few months, or the product might not be supplied at all. As a result, we can't offer consolidated deliveries for special order items, and they need to be ordered individually.
Shouldn't one just wait until it becomes available again?
If the book is relatively popular, you could wait until it becomes available and then order it. However, there are millions of books that are not kept in stock by any supplier and the only way to get them is by special order. Also, even for relatively popular books it often helps to be proactive.
If you decide that you would rather wait than create a special order for a book, you can just add it to your wishlist and we will automatically send you an email if the book becomes available.
How long will it take?
There's no fixed rule, but most books can be sourced within 4-8 weeks. If the book your're interested in is very popular, the stock shortage is probably just temporary and it is likely that it will take less time. On the other hand, availability may be dependent on a publisher's print run, and it is possible that you may have to wait a few months.
If we haven't received the special order after about three months, we automatically cancel it and refund any money that you may have paid.
In a nutshell, its best to make sure that you really want the book before placing a special order.
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Can I cancel a special order before it is complete?
If a particular item is taking too long you can cancel that item, provided that it has not already been dispatched to us by our supplier. We will credit you for the full value of the item.


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Q&A: Student DJ, musician Clay Finch
Michael Quiring
October 24, 2014
The Orion caught up with Clay Finch, senior music industry major and guitarist of folk-rock band Dakota Cree, about his band, inspirations and musical philosophy before his KCSC Radio local music show "Chico Homegrown" 7 p.m. Wednesday.The Orion: Where are you from?Finch: Glendale, specifically. It's just north of Echo Park, in North Los A...
New production company spotlights student events
Veronica Hodur
April 26, 2014
Get Foxy Productions, a video production company that started two months ago, already has more than 122,000 views on its videos and that number keeps climbing. The nonprofit company began by filming the disc jockey duo The Medix at local parties. Since then it has branched out by filming other student-run events."We haven'...
KCSC Radio Metal DJ Q-and-A
Michael Quiring
April 17, 2014
Koray Saglam, a senior international economics major, is one of many radio disc jockeys that work for the student-run KCSC radio station. He, along with Sarah West, hosts a metal radio show every Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Orion got the opportunity to sit down with Saglam, whose radio name...


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Kawasaki Z750 on an '06 plate. Well used and showing signs of this cosmetically. However, mechanically very sound as it has been regularly serviced.
Ring to arrange viewing / further details 07877 895339
Honda VFR 750
Hardly used last few years due to medical condition of owner. Very reluctant sale. Top box removed and original grab rails fitted
Further details to follow
Priced to sell at £1395


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How you can be successful at the Brand Manager level
The new Brand Manager mistakenly thinks this role is about managing others because they finally get a chance to manage a direct report. However, the bigger part of this role is the transition from doer to owner. Yes, you will get your first chance to manage someone, but many times that effort can be a distraction from your chance to continue to learn and grow. Many first-time Brand Managers are disheartened to find out they are a disaster with their first direct report. I tell them they should try to improve with each new direct report and then they will feel more comfortable around the fifth direct report.
I have hired so many potentially great marketers–who were eager for success, brilliant, hard-working and dedicated. But in reality, about 50% of Assistant Brand Managers get promoted to Brand Manager and less than 20% of Brand Managers make it to the Director level. I have given it a lot of thought over the years and here is my view on what makes a great brand manager.
There are two factors that make a great brand manager:
1. They know the right thing to do (strategy)
2. They work the system to make it happen (execution).
Simply put, great marketers do both. The rest either fail on either #1 or #2. They might be great on strategy who can't get it done. Or great on execution, but they don't know why they do what they do. It sounds easy, but the ability to move from strategy to execution is rarer than you might assume. It takes a unique person to be able to change brain speeds and apply a different type of thinking. Most of us are comfortable in one or the other.
The five success factors for the Brand Manager role
1. Take ownership of your brand
Many Brand Managers struggle are with the transition from being the helper to now being the owner. As you move into the job, you have to get away the idea that someone will hand you a project list. Not only will you make the project list, but you should also come up with the strategies that set up the need for the projects.
Make a shift in how you speak with your boss. Speak with a telling voice, rather than an asking voice. It is ok to ask questions as feelers, but a great boss will want you to tell them what you want to do, and let the debate begin from there. They do not want to do your job.
People on your team will look to you for the decisions. While they want to be heard and have their expertise recognized, but they want you to make the decisions.
2. Provide strategic direction
A great Brand Manager create a vision for the brand that can serve as a rallying cry for your team. Let everyone know where you want to go. Make sure the strategic choices and your brand's execution matches up with your vision.
As the brand owner, you become the steward of the strategy. Reject everything that does not line up to your vision. Think with three strategic pillars, so you can steer a consistent delivery of the brand through the various functions and agencies who support your brand.
3. Work the system
Know what you want, and then make it happen.
See how your organization works and appreciate the motivations of various key stakeholders. Understand the layers of your organization, with varying goals and motivations. Use that knowledge to begin to work the system.
Inspire, challenge and push your key subject matter experts to deliver their best on your brand. Understand their motivations and tap into those motivations as a way to ask people for their best. And yes, you should ask.
4. Handle the pressure
The unknown of ambiguity and the time pressure of deadlines can work against each other. Figure out how to work them to our advantage, as they evoke the right balance of patience with ambiguity and persistence in getting things done. Be organized, disciplined and work the system, so it does not get in your way.
Another significant pressure for Marketers is when the results do not come in. It can be frustrating but is a reality we face. Force yourself to course correct, re-examine the underlying issues, and regroup with your team to look at other options, rather than continuing to repeat and repeat and repeat.
There is pressure in relationships that many Marketers feel, but are unable to fix. Be pro-active in making the first move to build a relationship. Try to figure out the motivations and frustration points in those you work with before they become a problem. Common ground is usually not that far away.
5. Get the most out of your direct report
Most Brand Managers struggle with their first five direct reports. The key is to keep self-evaluating and looking for ways to improve with each direct report.
It can be a struggle to shift from "do-er" to coach, as it is tempting to think you can do something faster, so you may as well do it. The problem is you just become the "super ABM."
Many Brand Managers fail to share the spotlight, so it becomes hard for you to showcase your Assistant Brand Manager. You must believe the work of your Assistant Brand Manager will reflect positively on how good of a manager you are.
Provide your direct report with positive and negative feedback, delivered in a timely fashion. Too many new managers are afraid to "go negative" so their ABM is left in the dark or left believing they are doing a good job. Take the time to teach up front, give them room to try it out and then provide hands-on feedback in real time.
The 10 reasons brand managers fail
- Struggle to make decisions.
- Not analytical enough.
- Can't get along with others.
- Not good with ambiguity.
- Bad people manager.
- Poor communicators with management or partners.
- Never follow your instincts.
- Can't think or write strategically
- You don't run the brand; you let the brand run you.
- Sloppy with budgets and timelines.
Brand training
Our marketing training programs to help brand leaders reach their full potential
You can click on the arrow above to view a quick video outlining our marketing training programs
Our playbooks will show you new ways for how to think, define, plan, execute and analyze your brand
- You will find new strategic thinking models and examples for each of the four strategic thinking methods, looking at core strength, competitive, consumer, and situational strategies.
- To define the brand, I provide a tool for writing a brand positioning statement as well as a consumer profile and a consumer benefits ladder. I have created lists of potential functional and emotional benefits to kickstart your thinking on brand positioning. We show a step-by-step process to come up with your brand idea and bring it all together with a tool for writing the ideal brand concept.
- For brand plans, I provide formats for a long-range brand strategy roadmap and the annual brand plan with definitions for each planning element. From there, I show how to build a brand execution plan that includes the marketing communications plan, innovation process, and sales plan.
- To grow your brand, I show how to make smart decisions on marketing execution with chapters on how to write a creative brief, how to make decisions on creative advertising and how to lead the media choices.
- When it comes time for analyzing the performance of your brand, I provide all the analytical tools you need to lead a deep-dive business review, looking at the marketplace, consumer, channels, competitors and the brand.
You will learn everything you need to know so you can run your brand and be successful in your marketing career.
You can find Beloved Brands and B2B Brands on Amazon, Rakuten Kobo or Apple Books
Click on any of the icons above to go directly to the page where you can buy our books.


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Size Guide:
To get an accurate body measurement, do not measure over clothing.
Chest: With your child's arms out, measure around the fullest part of the chest.
Waist: Measure around the natural waistline.
Hip: Measure around the fullest part of the hips and seat.
Height: Measure from the top of the head to the ground, without shoes.
|53 cm
|52 cm
|53 cm
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|56 cm
|97 cm
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Shop now. Pay Later. Interest free.
Own it Now. Pay Later.
Last Sizes left, no re-stock. Hurry!
Beautiful quality, very happy.
Beautiful products
Great quality and beautiful colour, My daughter loves them
Great service and so far a great product! My daughter loves these Wellies. They look super cute & well made. Great that they are longer too.
Fabulous pair of wellies. My eight year has kept dry and warm when out and about in Sydney's crazy wet weather recently. Fast shipping meant we weren't left waiting either. Thanks Wellies online!
look gorgeous. They are a gift for my granddaughter but I am yet to give them to her. I am sure she will love them
My daughter loves them!
Super easy ordering process online with detailed description of sizing so that there was no issues of correct fit when the wells arrived. Super fast and reasonably prices postage. Extremely happy with the whole shopping experience.
I liked the willies a lot. My daughter loves them, especially the comfort. The size guide is generally good because after doing the measurements we made an allowance of 3cm, and that was a perfect decision because we got the exact size; not too big, nor too small! But if we'd taken the exact foot length,(in this case 20cm) the shoe size was going to be too tight and uncomfortable.
Excellent product. My daughter loves them and has been wearing them a lot. Very fast delivery and was packaged well. We'll definitely buy again.
Using Afterpay you can pay for your order over 4 equal fortnightly instalments. There's no interest or added fees*. Payment will be automatically taken from your debit or credit card in four equal payments each fortnight, and you will receive your order immediately. When using a promo code this must be applied to the order before continuing to the next step.
The funds for the first payment will need to be available on the card at the time of checkout. If you are a new Afterpay customer payment will be made at the time of purchase, with payments over the next 6 weeks. Once you have been an Afterpay customer for at least 6 weeks payment will be made in 14 days, with payments over 8 weeks. The full payment schedule will be provided to you at time of purchase.
If you wish to return your goods you can choose to receive an exchange, or the Afterpay payment plan can be cancelled.
*If you fail to make payment, you will be charged a late payment fee of $10 with a further $7 fee added 7 days later if the payment is still unpaid.
There is no waiting and we'll ship out your order immediately as normal.
For full terms and conditions please visit Afterpay.
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(the end of next month) and we'll waive the fee. See full Ts & Cs


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Moving to Australia
We're here to help
If your travel plans have been affected due to COVID-19 and you're unable to travel to Australia, please contact us at email@example.com
Get started with a bank account today
Why choose a bank account with us?
Apple Pay
Apple Pay offers a fast and secure way to pay in-store and online, using your favourite Apple device
Set up your account now in less than 3 minutes
Open your account up to 3 months before you arrive or once you arrive
Pay no monthly service fee for the first 12 months
And if you're a student you won't pay any monthly service fee while you're a full time student or under 21 in Australia
You'll be with Australia's first bank
We have 200 years' experience helping customers create a new life in Australia
ATM network at home and overseas
Pay no withdrawal fee at any major bank ATM in Australia (including Westpac, Commonwealth Bank, ANZ, NAB, St.George, Bank of Melbourne and BankSA) and at over 50,000 ATMs globally via the Global ATM Alliance and partner ATMs (other fees may apply)3
Transferring money
- Once your account is open, you can deposit money into your account by using international payments1
- Register for online banking and easily transfer money back to friends and family
- You can withdraw funds once you've completed an identity check when you arrive in Australia2
Things you should know
Deposit Accounts for Personal & SMSF customers Terms and Conditions (PDF 1MB)
Westpac Debit Mastercard® Terms and Conditions (PDF 298KB)
Westpac Emergency Cash and Westpac Get Cash Terms and Conditions (PDF 91KB)
Online Banking Terms and Conditions (PDF 1MB)
Find out what information you need to provide to become a customer (PDF 768KB)
Before making a decision about any of our products or services, please read all the terms and conditions and consider whether the product or service is right for you. Fees and charges apply and may change.
Debit Mastercard: You need to be at least 14 years of age, and have an Australian residential address to be eligible for the card. If you're not eligible for a Debit Mastercard, apply for a Handycard to access your account.
1. Conditions, fees, charges and foreign currency exchange rates apply. You will need to check with your bank, financial institution or exchange dealer before your transfer.
2. Visit a Westpac branch when you arrive to complete your ID verification. Withdrawals cannot be made until ID verification is completed.
3. Global ATM: A 3% Westpac Foreign Transaction Fee applies to overseas debit or credit card withdrawals. A 2% cash advance fee applies to credit card withdrawals where the "Credit" option is selected. A list of Global Alliance members is available. Excludes American Express® cards. It is important to know that the functionality to withdraw money from a linked Westpac account via Credit Card is not available when using overseas ATMs, including Global Alliance ATMs. To ensure access to Savings and or Cheque account funds when overseas please speak to us about obtaining a Debit Mastercard®
# $50 Offer: Fees and charges apply. Read the terms and conditions available at westpac.com.au before making a decision and consider whether the product is right for you. To be eligible for the $50 offer you must: open a new Westpac Choice account online between 01/07/2020 and 06/10/2020, or in branch if you're under 30 years old; and deposit $500 and make 5 eligible card purchases within 30 days of account opening. Eligible card purchases are purchases made using your Westpac debit card linked to your Choice account and excludes ATM transactions and EFTPOS cash out only transactions. If eligible you will receive $50 into your Choice account within 45 days of opening. All account holders on the new Choice account must not hold or have held a Westpac transaction account, or received this offer at any time to be eligible. Offer is limited to one eligible account and is not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Read the Apple Pay Terms and Conditions (PDF 1MB) before making a decision and consider if it is right for you. To use Apple Pay you will need an eligible card and a compatible device with a supported operating system. See our Apple Pay FAQs for more information. Apple, the Apple logo, Apple Pay, Apple Watch and iPhone are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc.
World Mastercard®, Mastercard® and the Mastercard Brand Mark are registered trademarks of, and PayPassTM is a trademark of, Mastercard International Incorporated.
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The Bionics Institute went "purple" in support of awareness for epilepsy.
Epilepsy is a common neurological disorder that affects approximately two percent of the population in Australia, this equates to nearly half a million people.
Patients with undiagnosed seizures or difficulties with drug therapy face ongoing stress, risks and uncertainty when carrying out their normal daily activities. To address this clinical need, the Bionics Institute has pioneered a small bionic device, implanted under the scalp, to monitor the brain's electrical activity over extended periods of time.
Learn more about our Epilepsy research


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Carne Colorada – Achiote marinated meat (Ecuador)
"Carne colorada is an annatto or achiote marinated meat dish from Ecuador, this traditional recipe is made with beef or pork cooked in a bright red achiote sauce."
Yield: For 4-6 people
2 lbs of beef (top sirloin) or pork tenderloin, cut into medium sized cubes or strips
For the achiote marinade:
6 garlic cloves
1 red onion, chopped in large chunks
2-3 tbs ground achiote or annatto
1 tbs ground cumin
½ tbs oregano
2 tsp salt
2 tbs lemon juice
½ cup of beer (can also use chicha or water)
3 tablespoons of oil, butter or lard
1 tablespoon of achiote seeds
Salt to taste
Blend the garlic cloves, red onion, achiote powder, ground cumin, oregano, 2 teaspoons of salt, lemon juice, and beer until you have a smooth puree.
Place the meat pieces in a bowl and combine with the marinade. Cover and let rest in the fridge for at least two hours (overnight is ideal).
Heat the oil (or butter/lard) in a large sauté pan over low to medium heat; add the achiote seeds and simmer for about 10-15 minutes or until the color from the seeds has transferred to the oil. Use a slotted spoon to remove the seeds from the oil and discard the seeds.
Heat the achiote oil over medium high heat, add the beef and cook until the sauce is reduced completely, about 20-30 minutes. Stir frequently to keep the meat/sauce from burning.
Taste and adjust salt if needed. Serve with your choice of side dishes.
Notes: You can also make a variation of this dish using chicken.
Link to My Post on Ecuador: https://theworldfrommykitchen.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/ecuador/
Cuisine: Ecuadoran
Main Ingredient: Beef/Chicken
Llapingachos – Ecuadorian Potato Pancakes (Ecuador)
"Llapingachos (yah-peen-GAH-chos) are a traditional Ecuadorian dish. They are potato pancakes made from mashed potatoes seasoned with onions and stuffed with cheese. Llapingachos are typically with a creamy peanut sauce called salsa de maní, and they are often served alongside a fried egg, chorizo sausage, avocado, a simple salad, for a complete meal."
1 onion, chopped fine
1/4 cup vegetable oil or olive oil, divided
1 package Sazon Goya with achiote (or substitute 1 teaspoon cumin and 1/2 teaspoon achiote powder)
1 small onion
1 cup shredded white cheese (queso fresco, mozzarella, Monterey jack)
1/4-1/2 cup all-purpose flour
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
Peel the potatoes in a steamer basket over a large pot filled 2/3 of the way to the top with water. Heat the water over medium heat until it is boiling, cover the potatoes with a lid, and steam the potatoes until they are tender when pierced with a fork. (Check occasionally and refill water level in pot as needed). Remove from heat, cut each potato in half, and let them cool until they can be handled.
Place the oil in a medium skillet. Peel and finely chop the onion add it to the skillet. Cook onion over medium heat until onions are soft, about 3-4 minutes. Add the Goya seasoning and cook, stirring for several minutes more. Remove from heat and set aside.
Peel the potatoes. Press them through a ricer or mash them until smooth. Add the seasoned onion to the potatoes and mix well. Add the cheese and mix well. Season potato mixture with salt and pepper to taste. The potato mixture should be firm enough to shape pieces of it into balls, like dough. If the potato mixture is too wet and sticky, mix in some flour until it has the right consistency.
Shape the potato mixture into round patties, about 3 inches in diameter and about 1/2 inch thick.
Heat the remaining oil in a heavy skillet. Cook the potato pancakes in batches over medium low heat, about 3 minutes per side, until they are golden brown. Keep pancakes warm in a 200- degree oven until ready to serve. Serve with salsa de maní (peanut sauce)
Notes: I use russet potatoes to make these pancakes, and I steam the potatoes with their skins on to retain flavor and to prevent water from soaking the potatoes as they cook. The pancakes are easier to cook if the dough is not overly wet. I always find it necessary to add some flour to the dough to achieve the correct texture, a step is that is not mentioned in traditional Ecuadorian recipes. Maybe it has to do with the potato variety they use to make this dish in Ecuador.
Link to My Post on Ecuador: https://theworldfrommykitchen.wordpress.com/2015/01/12/ecuador/
Cuisine: Ecuadoran
Main Ingredient: Potato


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Please join us for our first event of the semester when we welcome Stephanie Luce, associate professor of labor studies at CUNY's Murphy Institute for Worker Education and Labor Studies, on Thursday, September 12th, 5 p.m., in 5409 of the CUNY
An Update From the New Coordinators
As the new co-coordinators of the CUNY Adjunct Project, we'd like to offer a few remarks on our appointments and the state of the AP. First, we'd like to express how honored we are to serve an organization that has
Alternative Community Meeting! Fri 3/8 @ 3pm!!!
UPDATE: audio & questions list from Feb 25 Pres Kelly Community Mtg, March 8 next steps
CUNY Graduate Center President Kelly held a Community Meeting on Monday, February 25, 2013. A group of students, faculty, and staff raised critical questions about the Fall 2013 GC Restructuring Plan, CUNY Pathways, the Kroll Report, insurance coverage, and other
AP Strategizing: Friday Feb 22nd @ 3pm, 8th Floor Cafeteria!
Hi All, Thanks to everyone who came to the Adjunct Project meeting on Friday, February 15th. The meeting was really inspiring, highly effective, and there are some exciting things in the works. We look forward to seeing everyone at the next
Organizing in Crisis – Organization After Crisis: Experiences from New Orleans to Keratea, Greece
TONIGHT AT THE GRADUATE CENTER! Join a conversation–co-sponsored by the CUNY Adjunct Project–with Jordan Flaherty and Themis Pellas on their experiences organizing in times of crisis and the organizational forms that emerge in those spaces as well as the challenges to
Come discuss CUNY issues with the Adjunct Project on Friday February 15th @ 3pm!!!
Friday 12/7 @ 4 PM: planning meeting for spring 2013 student debt crisis and resistance conference!
Hi all! This is happening on Friday 12/7, at 4pm at the GC Room 5414. Come if you can!!! The International Committee of the PSC/CUNY, would like to invite you to join us this Friday, December 7th at 4 PM
NYSHIP Navigation Workshop
Hey guys. So I know we've been super occupied (haha, pun intended) with other things recently, but there's going to be this workshop on how to successfully navigate NYSHIP (your health insurance if you're a doctoral student at the GC)


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Twenty years ago, as a freshly minted machine tool salesman, I witnessed my first magazine bar feeder in action while on a sales call at a Chicago job shop. It was a 12-foot German model on a Japanese fixed headstock lathe. The shop's European owner was clearly ahead of his time, for this was the era of the Gatling gun, hydrodynamic tube feeder. Many U.S. manufacturers were still loading one bar at a time, regardless of production quantities, as the storm clouds of competition from emerging economies were on the horizon. Clearly a ripe opportunity awaited the bar-feeding industry.
The past 15 years have seen a steady stream of innovation from the bar-feeding manufacturers that have addressed the varied needs of the production machining industry.
Twelve-foot magazine bar feeders became the norm in one of the fastest growing segments in the machine tool industry—Swiss CNC lathes. The Swiss lathe's advantages in producing long parts complete in one setup with fast cycle times necessitated magazine feeders. Double pusher designs shaved 4 feet from the overall footprint of early 12-foot magazine models and features like hydrodynamic support, remnant retraction, bundle capabilities and fast change-over times made bar feeders an integral part of achieving unmanned production and maximum productivity.
Fixed headstock lathe producers have increasingly developed models specifically designed for production bar work. Here too, the bar feeding industry has met the challenge by providing magazine feeders that supported high speed machining of larger-diameter bars up to 80 mm and the accompanying material handling challenges. Space saving, short bar feeders have become an ideal match for lower production quantities, fast change-overs and some high rpm applications, while 12-foot magazines met the needs of more production-oriented work.
The recent success of 6-foot magazine bar feeders is an example of bar feeder innovation that has met a very specific challenge in production bar work. CNC lathe design has seen headstock lengths shrink from an average of 48 inches down to 36 inches or less. Because the maximum length of the raw material cannot exceed the length of the headstock when using short loaders, manufactures sought a magazine feeder that could feed a 6-foot bar regardless of the lathe headstock length (thus generating only two remnants), maintain a small footprint, and perform other functions such as retracting large-diameter remnants so they don't damage tooling or the chip conveyor. Six-foot magazine bar feeders have been a success. They are an established, bona fide new product segment because they achieved all of these objectives.
All of the bar-feeding products I have mentioned have one thing in common: They are all affordable and easily deployed tools of automation that effectively increase productivity and unbridle skilled labor for higher value- added tasks. For this reason alone, the future of magazine bar feeding in the United States should be bright.
"Only the paranoid survive (now more than ever)" is the well-known mantra of Andy Grove, former chairman and CEO of Intel. Having seen a good portion of the U.S. metalworking industry be hollowed out by low-cost producers abroad, the precision machined products producers should already be operating their businesses with a heavy dose of paranoia. I believe the paranoid will have an advantage because they never feel comfortable with the status quo, and they rely less on the value of existing precedence. As the pace of change accelerates, this mindset will become even more critical.
For manufacturers, this might mean going the extra mile to seek out new, productive ways of processing parts. Too many manufactures remain underexposed to products that can help them compete. Whether it is a new concept in tooling, a machine tool accessory or an effective enterprise resource planning (ERP) system to automate supply-chain management and back office functions, companies must challenge their own accepted ways and get out of their comfort zones. We all agree that the Internet is an efficient tool to research machine tool products, but nothing can replace the power of actively visiting machine tool shows to stimulate ideas on how to be more productive. Ironically, the attendance at trade shows has been low during a period when companies should be seeking out every possible advantage.
Speaking of change and shaking up the status quo, Hydromat's successful 20-year relationship with an Italian bar-feeder OEM came to a close at the end of 2005. On January 1, 2006, we launched a new company called Edge Technologies with a mission to be a new kind of bar feeder and productivity solutions provider. Our new business model will allow us the flexibility to offer a suite of products strategically chosen from leading bar feeder and machine tool OEMs to address specific needs in the marketplace. I guess you could say we are leaving our comfort zone. And you know what? It feels good.


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If you think television and social media aren't enough to keep up with the Kardashians, the sisters have now got you covered. Earlier this month, Kim, Khlo©, Kendall and Kylie each launched their own apps that will reportedly allow the reality stars to share personal diary entries, live stream videos, provide beauty tutorials and offer workout tips. Fans will also be treated to giveaways and passes to events, but subscription will cost $2.99 per month. Courtney Kardashian is also slated to release her own app next month, according to reports. While Kim Kardashian already has a successful mobile game on Google Play and the Apple App Store, Khlo© had also previously dabbled with a purported messenger app called Regroupd, but nothing quite came off it.
As for the newly launched apps, the sisters saw combined downloads of around 3 million within the first seven days of them being available for download, with the youngest sister, Kylie, getting 1.75 million of those downloads all by herself, thereby reaching the number 1 position on the list of popular apps on Apple's App Store. The apps have since been downloaded 3,695,923 times on Google Play and the App Store combined, according to mobile app analytics firm Apptopia. Kylie's app alone saw more downloads within the first two hours of its listing than British boy band One Direction, with its legions of young female fan following. With saturation coverage from the mainstream entertainment media, the Kardashian/Jenner apps had at least one thing going for them even before they were listed for download. Hype. According to reports, once subscription services went live on September 22nd after a seven-day trial period, revenues for the first day seemed encouraging. While Kylie Jenner's app grossed a total of $105,170, Khlo©, Kim and Kendall's apps managed to earn revenues of $29,844, $22,338 and $9,462 respectively, leading Business Insider to project combined revenues of $32 million for the apps in the first year itself.
However, TechCruch is now reporting that interest in the sisters' lifestyle apps has since dwindled, and downloads as well as conversion rates from free to paid subscribers has slowed down significantly over the past week. While Kylie's app – by far the most downloaded one amongst all four – managed to hold onto the top 50 for a few days, Kim and Khlo©'s apps started seeing reduced interest from the second day itself. Kylie's app saw as many as 35,573 downloads on Google Play on the first day, but by the end of the week, the numbers had come down to 24,532. She and her sister Khlo©' however, kept up the lead over their other sisters on both Google Play as well as the App Store. Theirs' were the only two apps to have earned revenues of over $10,000 on Google Play, while earning $540,019 and $218,346 on the App Store overall. Kim and Kendall's apps meanwhile, managed to gross $164,246 and $87,742 respectively from subscribers on iOS.
While 3.7 million overall downloads and combined revenues of over a million dollars within just a week sounds like the makings of a really popular app, it remains to be seen whether the initial interest shown by fans can be sustained for a long enough period for the apps to be profitable in the long run. With new and innovative content being the name of the game, the sisters might find the going getting increasingly tough as the media buzz fades away, and the apps beginning to get judged strictly on merit rather than on media hype.


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Today, chocolate is a foundational treat in the Western diet. The way in which we consume cacao, the critical fruit in any chocolate creation, has drastically changed overtime. What began as the key ingredient in divine medicinal energizer drinks in Mesoamerica has drastically changed to a sugar-infused, unhealthful dessert in modern society. In turn, treats such as chocolate are seen as villains in modern day obesity problems.
In this project, I seeked to understand the modern chocolate palette and contrast that with more traditional chocolate recipes. Thus, I compared subjects' reactions to common, modern brands such as Hershey's with that of a pure 100% cacao bar as well as several recipes between these extremes. I interviewed these subjects to better understand their taste palette. In doing so, I hoped to gain a more concrete understanding of why this shift occurred. To do this, I need to outline the greater history of chocolate and compare that to my own study.
In doing so, I more clearly saw the ties chocolate has to class as certain chocolates are associated with nobility and others are seen as the chocolate of the common man. This class structure has deep historical roots that continue to affect the way we see chocolate today
Chocolate in Mesoamerica
In Mayan, Aztec, and other native american cultures, cacao was a holy fruit. Originating around the equator in the American continent, cacao grows on a tree of the same name. Classical prints suggest that the most common form of chocolate consumption was as a beverage. The oldest known depiction of chocolate consumption is on the Princeton Vase, a work from around 750 A.D (See image above). On the right hand side of this image, we see a women pouring a chocolaty beverage from one container to the other. We believe this to have been a method for raising the foam, which was considered the most popular part of the beverage (Coe 48).
It should be noted, however, that it would be quite simple minded to believe that these people consumed chocolate in a singular way. As modern chefs have the skill to craft a plethora of dishes from a few simple ingredients, mesoamerican chocolatiers too had the ability to prepare numerous chocolate treats including beverages, porridges, and powders (Coe 48).
These cultures mixed in several savory flavors with their chocolate such as chilli, maize, and ceiba (Coe 86). This is very different, however, from the sweet, sugary treats we often associate with chocolate today. During our tasting session, we served some chocolate options with little to no added sugar. When we served a pure 100% cacao bar, there was instant disgust. The subjects compared the taste to that of a branch or chalk. One subject went so far as to claim that, if served in another context, she would never associate the flavor with that of chocolate. That is, counterintuitively, she doesn't recognize cacao, pure chocolate, as chocolate at all.
Additionally, we served a Taza chocolate that was 87% cacao. Taza tends to market themselves as traditional mesoamerican chocolate. Similarly, there was some disgust amongst the subjects. They were disappointed by the lack of intensity of flavor and the limited sweetness. One subject commented that she feels like she doesn't like the chocolate because she is uncultured. This mindset reflects the common notion that artisanal chocolate are for high-class "chocolate snobs." To a certain degree, this idea matches the structure of mesoamerican chocolate culture. In Aztec culture, for example, chocolate was typically saved for warriors and the nobility. It was difficult and expensive for lay people to consume the treat (Coe 75). In other words, chocolate was only for the elite members of society.
Introduction in Europe – Sugar
When the conquistadors arrived in Mesoamerica in the 16th century, europeans were introduced to cacao for the first time and witnessed the local chocolate customs. Soon after, the product was introduced to Europe itself and was immediately sought after due to the exotic nature of the product. This was during the Baroque period in Europe and it was in the iconically extravagant baroque mansions where the product was first enjoyed in Europe. As was the case in Mesoamerica, only the elite could afford chocolate. Thus, chocolate was immediately associated with the gilded and marble halls that defined the period. Undoubtedly, this created a strong connection between chocolate consumption and nobility.
At first, it was consumed in very similar ways as in Mesoamerica, as a warm beverage with some mix of spices to enliven the flavors. One of those spices was sugar. Sugar was first introduced to Europe around the 12th century. For the first few centuries, it was thought of as a spice (Mintz 79). Sugar was inaccessible to most and even the wealthiest needed to carefully ration the expensive product. Humans, however, have a powerful natural liking for sugar. Thus, it was used to sweeten other bitter food groups. Included in this list of foods that europeans mixed with sugar was chocolate. The introduction of foreign products such as tea, chocolate, and coffee increased the demand for sugar in Europe.
The opportunists across the Atlantic in the New World hoped to take advantage of this demand. Sugar production, however, was very labor intensive. Tragically, the chosen solution for this dilemma was one of human existence's greatest crimes: slavery. The inception of the triangle slave trade brought African slaves to the new world to do hard physical labor (See the map to the left for details). This free labor allowed europeans to produce sugar and other goods more affordably and to a greater quantity.
With greater sugar supply, the price of sugar plummeted to an accessible price in Europe. By the turn of the 17th century, sugar could be consumed by all people and in greater quantities (Mintz 86). In turn, when europeans used sugar as a sweetener for other foods such as chocolate, they would use it in much greater quantity. For example, in a Spanish chocolate recipe from 1644, for 100 cacao beans, ½ a pound of sugar was added (Coe 133). Thus, sugar was clearly not a sprinkled on spice anymore, but an essential element in a chocolate recipe.
In addition, the increased production of cacao and sugar changed the image of class associated with chocolate. Once the prices dropped so that it was more accessible, it was no longer a luxury reserved for the few.
During our chocolate tasting, we had bars such Cote d'Or that we conjectured are similar to the flavors enjoyed in Europe during 17-19th centuries. Relative to the bars with more cacao content, this bar was quite popular. The students appreciated the sweetness and the mix of flavors. One subject even said that, relative to the Taza bar, he felt this type of chocolate was "more accessible."
Rise of Big Chocolate
The chocolate industry transformed during the industrial revolution when mavericks like Forrest Mars and M.S. Hershey created their brands. With distinctly sweet recipes and crisp business models, they created the chocolate giants we know today.
Hershey and his partners experimented with various chocolate recipes. They soon came to their perfect solution when they added a ton of milk and sugar. It created a smooth, creamy chocolate that melted in one's mouth. It had a bite similar to that of "al dente" pasta (D'Antonio 107). This iconic chocolate bar exploded into a sensation. In the process, however, they ran into the issue of collecting all the ingredients and relying on others for some of the processing. To alleviate this dilemma, Hershey sought to vertically integrate the industry. That is, he attempted to control as many of the processes himself as possible. For example, when he had issues getting a consistent source of milk, he founded his own dairy farm so that he could control that supply chain. He did this by founding a town dedicated to his brand — Hershey, PA (D'Antonio 115).
The natural appeal of chocolate gave the industry an inherent public relations advantage and the idea of a perfect little town dedicated to chocolate resonated with many progressives. Hershey easily sold this idea to the public and they ate it up. He was going to make the ultimate chocolate dream come true (D'Antonio 116). Everything about Hershey screamed a people's brand — it was chocolate for everyone. Their product was sweet, creamy, and affordable and still to this day, people can't get enough.
This popularity was matched in our study. Upon blindly trying a piece, one subject simply exclaimed, "This is dat good s**t." The cheapest bar in our collection was also perhaps the most well-liked. Some subjects suggested that it reminded them of their childhood. Thus, big chocolate brands benefit from an exponential path to success. That is, as many people have eaten a Hershey bar before, they are more likely to enjoy it again in the future as it will remind them of positive memories. Thus, a sweeping step in the market of young children creates a set of loyal lifetime customers.
Along these lines, it's interesting to compare the methods of marketing of a big chocolate brand like Hershey's against earlier chocolate cultures and modern, high-class chocolatiers. Both of the latter chocolates were targeted to the upper class and aimed to sell a degree of nobility. Hershey on the other hand has a simple branding that is designed for everyone. We see that in one of the original design for their brand that can be seen below. The notions of class that preceded Hershey both in mesoamerica and Europe have evaporated with their affordable, delicious chocolate.
Health Concerns
With brands like Hershey drastically increasing the amount of sugar in a typical chocolate bar, the health concerns around chocolate changed as well. Today, the health concerns around big chocolate are well-advertised, but that fact wasn't always so clear. In fact, in 17th century Europe, sugar was used as a medicine. Upon sugar's arrival in Europe, some scholars alluded to classical Islamic texts which raved about the medicinal purposes of sugar (Mintz 96). The stimulant became a standard sight at apothecaries across Europe and some even believed it was a type of panacea (Mintz 101).
For years, researches struggled to undoubtedly prove the negative effects of sugar. For years, big sugar was able to swerve criticisms and even would go as far as claim that sugar helped people lose weight (Taubes 2). Because there was not a consensus about the negative effects of sugar, big sugar companies did not need to cover anything up. Instead, they simply needed to maintain this level of uncertainty (3). With large PR schemes, these companies wanted to maintain the notion that sugar was safe for consumption (6).
Eventually, however, as we know today, the truth did come out: sugar can cause conditions such as diabetes, obesity, and heart disease. Regardless, americans and other people around the world continue to eat the sweetener in great quantity (See figure on the left). Because of this, obesity has risen concurrently. In our little study, we saw that people typically enjoy a good deal of sugar in their chocolate. When I asked the subjects to rank our six chocolates, there was a strong correlation between enjoyability and sugar content.
The way in which chocolate has been prepared and consumed has drastically changed overtime. Notably, today, we use a lot more sugar to prepare chocolate. Thus, people today recognize chocolate for the creamy and sweet flavors of milk and sugar.
On a positive note, these changes broke down the class structure associated with chocolate. No longer is chocolate reserved for the wealthiest and most noble. People of all ages, classes, and genders love and enjoy the treat.
On a darker note, the increased sugar content in chocolatey treats have contributed to the health defects caused by too much sugar consumption. In the 20th century, we saw a steep increase in obesity and that effect has a direct link link to sugar consumption.
Regardless of how you interpret this trend, you cannot refute the claim that we consume and see chocolate in a drastically different way than how it was when it was first introduced to europeans. These drastic changes walked foot by foot with the increase in sugar's role in both chocolate consumption and our daily diets as a whole.
Works Cited
Coe, Sophie D. and Coe, Michael D. The True History of Chocolate. Thames & Hudson, 1996.
D'Antonio, Michael. Hershey. Simon & Schuster 2006.
Mintz, Sidney. Sweetness and Power.. Penguin Books, 1985.
Taubus, Gary and Kearns Couzens, Kristin. "Big Sugar's Sweet Lies." Mother Jones. November/December 2012.


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Public Adjusters for Hail Damage
You need to have an experienced Globe Midwest public adjuster inspect your property for all apparent and hidden damages when a major hailstorm strikes.
With hail damage, it's not just rooftops and vehicles. For instance, hail can ruin siding, windows, sheds, landscaping, and outdoor equipment and furniture. If you're not aware of this, how can you know for sure if your insurance company will be thorough enough to identify all possible hail damage? Small dents today can lead to bigger problems tomorrow, such as a leaking roof that could compromise your home. Also, people may stream in from every direction, all pushing to sell you something—roofers, building estimators, siding contractors, landscapers—the push goes on.
Globe Midwest public adjusters push to actually get you something: every dollar you're entitled to under the terms of your homeowners insurance policy.
As homeowners throughout Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Illinois, and Minnesota have come to discover, the advantage of working with our public adjusters is that we are aligned with your interests from the beginning. We pour over the details of your homeowner insurance policy, detect and document all and any hidden damages, and negotiate your claim for the maximum amount to help you repair and recover sooner.
The Globe Midwest Offices
What To Focus On After Hail Damage
How much do I really need to know?
How much of my time will this take?
How can I minimize the emotional toll on my family?
How can I minimize the effect on my work/career?
How large of an advance should I expect?
Is there anyone on my side?
How much time over the next several months will you need to put aside to handle your claim properly? How will all those hours affect your family? Your job?
What is the emotional investment that you will need to commit to the process?
Can you get paid for your time?
Are you entitled to an advance from the insurance company? What is reasonable?
What is your broker or agent's role? Will his/her role be active or passive? When faced with supporting your position or the insurance company's, where will he/she stand?
Are you familiar with the forms/practices below and what their request/issuance is telescoping? Request for a Proof of Loss. Reservation of Rights letter. Request for an Examination Under Oath.
Property Damage Losses Homeowners Claims Recovery Process
How Our Team Helps You
- Evaluate Evaluating your insurance policy to establish the best possible strategy for presenting your claim to the insurer.
- Strategy Valuing, documenting, and substantiating every detail.
- Communication Keeping you informed every step of the way.
- Negotiation Negotiating on your behalf with your insurance company.
- Settlement Ultimately settling the claim for the maximum amount and with less hassle for you.
Homeowners Globe Midwest Public Adjusters Have Helped
Client References & Testimonials
Client References
- 1st Missionary Baptist Church - Inkster, MI
- A. J. Maggio Company - Beloit, IL
- Ab and Tom's Autocare - Warsaw, IN
- The Abode Furniture Store - Farmington Hills, MI
- Abtrex Industries, Inc. - South Bend, IN
- Ace-Tex Corporation - Detroit, MI
- Adat Shalom Synagogue - Farmington Hills, MI
- Adrian Skatery II - Adrian, MI
- Advanced Environmental - Allentown, PA
- Affordable Housing Inc. - Berkley, MI
- Aft-Mar Industries, Inc. - Schwartz Creek, MI
- Agri Star Meat & Poultry LLC - Postville, IA
- Al Wissam, Inc. - Detroit, MI
- Albert Moore III - Dearborn Heights, MI
- Alice Fish - Grand Rapids, MI
- All American Container - Warren, MI
- Alliant Commercial Realty - Woodland Hills, CA
- Altman Development - Miami, FL
- American Integrated Technologies - Madison Heights, MI
- The American Legion Department of Illinois Post #1080 - Joliet, IL
- American Steel Corp. - Detroit, MI
- Amerihost Inn - Marshall, MI
- AMG Realty Group LLC. - Skokie, IL
- Amtec Precision Products - Elgin, IL
Months after the storm passed, the County was still faced with tremendous burdens related to the insurance coverage issues and FEMA and MEMA eligibility issues. Jackson County hired Adjusters International to provide professional services for disaster assistance, remediation, restoration and recovery efforts....Their expertise with governmental regulations, the complex FEMA process and insurance adjustments resulted in our successful claim for over $2 million in additional FEMA Public Assistance funding specifically; in our successful negotiations with our insurance carrier; and in numerous other increases in the values FEMA and MEMA initially designated for County projects. Jackson County will always be mindful of the help we received from Adjusters International when we needed it most.Alan K. SudduthCounty Administrator - Board of Supervisors, Jackson County, Mississippi
When I experienced a fire in my home, I immediately contacted your insurance company. You both worked and fought very hard to insure that I had received all the monies due to me under my insurance policy and also made sure that my house got put back together, right... I would highly recommend your services... Your service, professionalism and dedication to my claim were more than I could ask for.Alice FishHomeowner, Grand Rapids, MI
Case Studies
For decades, L'Auberge Chez François has been one of the leading restaurants in the metro Washington, D.C., area. Known for its exceptional French cuisine and impressive service, the restaurant is a longtime favorite of Washingtonians celebrating anniversaries, birthdays or other special occasions.
A magnitude 6.8 earthquake, called Nisqually in seismic circles, rocked Seattle, Washington, in 2001 and severely damaged the Starbucks corporate headquarters building.
Super Typhoon Paka, as the storm came to be called, was a 12-hour session of destruction for the island of Guam. Stirring up winds in excess of 200 miles per hour, the tropical cyclone tossed buildings, planes and ships across the island like discarded toys. Among these was the headquarters of Continental Micronesia, a subsidiary of Continental Airlines. The main offices, the marketing buildings and the planes were damaged by the powerful typhoon.


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Welcome to
Janda Industries Inc.
Janda Industries Inc. is a privately owned Canadian development company with sophisticated international background. Founded in 1990 we have been providing our services for 25 years and we are ready to take up new challenges throughout the industry.
Over the years, Janda Industries Inc. has specialized in highly complex residential building sites which demand innovative approaches in order to be successful. Pioneering systems such as the Janda-Busse Treatment System help us to develop land in environmentally sensitive areas. Access to intelligent techologies such as European engineered Home Automation Systems make the difference when working with Janda.
With its affiliated companies around the globe, Janda's management team has a 40 year history of successful development with projects ranging from $5 million to $150 million. Offering services including development, asset- and property management and the sale to institutional investors or/and users, Janda Industries Inc. and its affiliates cover all services the real estate life-cycle demands.


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|Product Details:
|Joby 3 Way Camera Strap
By testing every strap on the market and talking with photographers, we discovered that most camera straps for DSLRs and CSCs were only designed to be worn in one position. But, photography is a bit more complicated than that. Our solution—a strap that embraced the need to change it up throughout a shoot, providing you with the flexibility you need to get the perfect shot.
Reliable Wrist Strap
Keeps your camera safe from harm, but still accessible so you never miss a shot
Hands-Free Neck Strap
In one fluid movement, the strap extends to become a full-length neck strap leaving your hands free for other tasks, like changing a lens
Versatile Shoulder Strap
Perfect when you need your hands for other things, like checking your phone or eating a burrito
The 3-Way Camera Strap adjusts instantly with a simple pull.
To extend the strap, unlock the lock mechanism at the strap base and pull your camera and the strap in opposite directions. Then lock the strap back in place to secure in neck or shoulder mode.
To return to wrist mode, unlock the lock mechanism and the strap will automatically retract.
Use the thumbscrew to screw the strap into your camera. Screw it in partially, align the retractor housing with your camera body or lens, then tighten the screw completely. Make sure the rubber grip pad is tight against your camera body.
The plastic housing should not easily rotate when the screw is tightened completely. We reccommend that you periodically check the tightness of your screw to keep your camera safe.
There is nothing worse than a strap that makes your camera feel like a lead brick or a bulky strap that takes up as much space in your bag as another lens. We feel you, and designed the 3-Way Camera Strap to be compact, lightweight and ergonomically optimized for comfort.
Protecting your camera is a top priority, especially when you're shooting out in the field. There's no quicker way to ruin a day than by spilling a soda on your camera. We designed the 3-Way Camera Strap keep your camera out of harm's way, so you can relax and enjoy your shoot.


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U.S. Women Start Club Season with World Title in Tow
COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (Oct. 28, 2014) – With its first-ever FIVB World Championship title secured two weeks ago, the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team is on hiatus for the winter as the players have moved on to their club obligations in all parts of the world.
This weekly update will provide details on where many of the National Team players are competing, how they are doing and ways to get to know them better through social media. For a listing of Twitter and Instagram accounts for the U.S. Women's National Volleyball Team members, click here.
Video Highlights of World Championship Title Match * Recap of World Championship
U.S. WOMEN TRAVELING WORLD FOR CLUB SEASON: USA Volleyball has processed 245 international transfer certificates, including 162 females, allowing United States citizens to compete in foreign professional volleyball leagues for the 2014-2015 season, as of Oct. 21. Additional transfers are expected to be processed over the course of the winter club season. On the women's side, 34 transfers have been processed for athletes to play in France, while Germany has been involved in 27 transfers and Switzerland 17 transfers. USA Volleyball has also processed 12 transfers for players competing in Sweden. As of Oct. 21, USA Volley has processed transfers for female athletes to 25 different countries. The International Transfer Certificate (ITC) is a mandatory requirement of the FIVB for athletes to transfer from one National Federation (country) to another National Federation (country) to play in professional leagues. All National Federations are required to follow this established procedure. For details, refer to the FIVB Sports Regulations (2013) Section 45.3. For the listing of athletes and which clubs they are competing for this winter, click here.
LARSON-BURBACH WITH ECZACIBASI: Jordan Larson-Burbach (Hooper, Neb., Twitter, Instagram), a 2012 U.S. Olympian and starting outside hitters, is playing for Eczacibasi Vitra of the Turkish League this winter. In the regular season opener, Larson-Burbach produced a team-high 23 points in leading Eczacibasi to a 24-26, 25-21, 25-27, 25-23, 15-9 victory over Nilufer on Nov. 25. Larson-Burbach recorded 21 kills on 67 attacks to go with two aces. She added 19 service receptions with a 63 positive percent. Eczacibasi has an early second round test as it goes up against VakifBank on Nov. 1. Eczacibasi opens CEV Champions League on Nov. 12 against Russia's Omichka Omsk in Pool D action.
HILDEBRAND WITH FENERBAHCE: Kristin Hildebrand (Orem, Utah, Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Fenerbahce of the Turkish League this winter. In the team's regular season opener, Fenerbahce defeated Sariyer 25-11, 25-15, 25-18 on Oct. 25. Hildebrand notched six points with four kills and two aces while adding a 66 positive reception percent on 29 of the team's 43 total chances. Fenerbahce seeks to go 2-0 on the early season with a Nov. 1 test against Galatasaray. Fenerbahce will start CEV Champions League action on Nov. 13 against Romania's Stiinta Bacau as part of Pool B's first round.
NEWCOMBE WITH IDMAN OCAGI: Sonja Newcombe (Lake Arrowhead, Calif.) is playing for Trabzon Idman Ocagi of the Turkish League this winter. Idman Ocagi begins its 2014-15 campaign on Oct. 29 against Ilbank, followed by a Nov. 1 contest against Yesilyurt.
HOOD WITH ILBANK: Regan Hood (Dallas, Texas, Instagram) is playing for Ilbank of the Turkish League in 2014-15. Ilbank opens its season Oct. 29 against Idman Ocagi, while its second round match versus Bursa B.Sehir is not until Nov. 19.
FAUCETTE WITH RC CANNES: U.S. Women's National Team opposite Juliann Faucette (San Diego, Calif., Twitter, Instagram) is playing with RC Cannes in France this winter, along with four-time U.S. Olympian Logan Tom and Carly Wopat. In the regular season opener of the French LAF, Faucette scored a team-high 17 points with 16 kills on 26 attacks and an ace to power RC Cannes to a 25-21, 25-23, 22-25, 25-20 victory over SF Paris St-Cloud on Oct. 25. Tom added 13 points with eight kills, four aces and a block. Wopat notched six points with five kills on seven errorless attacks to go with a block. RC Cannes starts CEV Champions League action on Nov. 12 versus Italy's Nordmeccanica Piacenza in Pool E play.
DAVIS, LICTHMAN WITH Le CANNET: Two-time U.S. Olympic libero Nicole Davis (Stockton, Calif., Twitter, Instagram) and outside hitter Cassidy Lichtman (Poway, Calif., Twitter) are competing for Le Cannet in the French LAF this winter. In the league's regular season opener on Oct. 25, Le Cannet defeated Hainaut 25-21, 25-22, 25-23. Davis provided a 76 positive reception percent on 17 of her team's 55 service reception chances. Lichtman started the first two sets and scored two kills and two blocks while holding a 94 positive reception on 16 chances. Le Cannet will also be participating in the CEV Cup later this year.
KREKLOW, JACKSON WITH DRESDNER: Molly Kreklow (Delano, Minn., Twitter, Instagram), who was in her first year with the U.S. National Team this past summer, and Cursty Jackson (Los Angeles, TWitter, Instagram) are playing for Dresdner SC of the German Bundesliga. In the league opener, Dresdner topped Allilanz MTV Stuttgart 25-13, 25-21, 23-25, 25-19 on Oct. 22. Kreklow was the starting setter and helped Dresdner to a 42 kill percent for the match while adding three individual kills on five attempts and two aces for five points. Fellow American Michelle Bartsch totaled 14 points in the victory. Jackson tallied an ace and block as a sub in the fourth set. In its second match of the week, Dresdner edged SC Potsdam 25-21, 25-14, 22-25, 24-26, 16-14 on Oct. 25. Jackson scored seven kills on 15 attacks, two blocks and an ace for 10 points in a starting role. Kreklow started the match, but only played in the first set. Dresdner is part of CEV Champions League Pool C and opens the first round against Russia's Dinamo Moscow on Nov. 12.
AKINRADEWO, DIXON WITH RABITA BAKU: Foluke Akinradewo (Plantation, Fla., Twitter, Instagram), a 2012 U.S. Olympic Games starter at middle blocker, and Tori Dixon (Burnsville, Minn., Twitter, Instagram) are competing for Rabita Baku in the Azerbaijan Super League and the CEV Champions League this club season. In a friendly on Oct. 24, Akinradewo scored eight points and Dixon added six points as Rabita defeated Azerbaijan rival Lokomotiv Baku 25-16, 25-20, 25-22, 19-25 (fourth set was extra). Rabita will play Azerreyl on Nov. 1. In CEV Champions League action, Rabita Baku takes on Poland's Chemik Police on Nov. 12 to start Pool A.
LLOYD WITH LOKOMOTIV BAKU: Carli Lloyd (Bonsall, Calif.) is setting for Lokomotiv Baku this winter in the Azerbaijan Super League. She scored one point in a league friendly on Oct. 24 against Rabita Baku, which won 25-16, 25-20, 25-22. Lokomotiv won an extra set 25-19. Lokomotiv plays Azeryol on Nov. 2. Away from the Azerbaijan League, Lokomotiv Baku is taking part in the CEV Cup and will face Germany's Rote Raben Vilsbiburg in the 16th Final Round home-and-home series starting Nov. 12.
THOMPSON, NATALIE HAGGLUND WITH VOLERO ZURICH: Courtney Thompson (Kent, Wash., TWitter, Instagram) and Natalie Hagglund (Encinitas, Calif., Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Volero Zurich of the Swiss League this winter. Volero is 3-0 to start the season, which includes two victories this past weekend. Volero defeated VBC Cheseaux I 25-12, 25-20, 25-19 on Oct. 25, followed by a 25-22, 25-15, 25-15 victory over Volley Toggenburg on Oct. 26. Volero will open the CEV Champions League against Poland's Impel Wroclaw on Nov. 13 in Pool D.
HILL, KLINEMAN WITH NOVARA: Kim Hill (Portland, Ore., Twitter, Instagram), the most valuable player of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014, and Alix Klineman (Manhattan Beach, Calif., Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Igor Gorgonzola Novara of the Italian Serie A1 this winter. The league opens play this coming weekend as Novara faces Pomi Casalmaggiore on Nov. 2 to start the season. Novara starts CEV Cup competition with a 16th Final Round home-and-home series against Russia's Dinamo Krasnodar on Nov. 12.
GLASS, ADAMS WITH CONEGLIANO: Alisha Glass (Leland, Mich., Twitter, Instagram), the best setter of the FIVB Volleyball Women's World Championship Italy 2014, and Rachael Adams (Cincinnati, Ohio, Twitter, Instagram) are playing for Imoco Volley Conegliano of the Italian Serie A1 this winter. Conegliano opens its season on Nov. 2 against Il Bisonte Firenze. Conegliano will compete in the CEV Cup, starting with a home-and-home 16th Final Round series with Khimik Yuzhny on Nov. 11.
GIBBEMEYER with CASALMAGGIORE: Lauren Gibbemeyer (St. Paul, Minn., Twitter, Instagram) is playing for Pomi Casalmaggiore of the Italian Serie A1 in 2014-15. Casalmaggiore starts the regular season on Nov. 2 against Igor Gorgonzola Novara.
MURPHY WITH AGEO MEDICS: Kelly Murphy (Wilmington, Ill., Twitter, Instagram) is competing in Japan this winter for Ageo Medics in the V-League's top division. Ageo Medics begin the regular season on Nov. 16 against Toyota Auto Body.
PAOLINI WITH HITACHI: Lauren Paolini (Ann Arbor, Mich., Instagram) is playing for Hitachi in the Japan V-League this winter. Hitachi opens its top-division schedule on Nov. 16 against NEC.
ROBINSON WITH BAIC MOTORS BEIJING: Kelsey Robinson (Bartlett, Ill., Twitter, Instagram) is competing for BAIC Motors Beijing in the Chinese League. Her team is currently in Japan training and scrimmaging against Ageo Medics prior to the regular season starting the second week of November.


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Whether you're at the earlier stage of entrepreneurship or your business has grown beyond these first teetering steps, the company cannot survive without its employees. They're the backbone of the business – what makes it go! Without the right people with the necessary skillset and training, it's like an anchor to the business, making it harder to run operationally and slowing its growth.
Here are a few ways that companies can be more proactive in developing their employees.
Create an Inclusive Mindset
The smaller the business, the more appropriate it is to place a greater focus on retaining the staff and building them up. In society, we tend to do a poor job of this – mostly people are intent on knocking other people down to get ahead. For companies that wish to move forward, they must turn this tendency on its head.
Assess what the business already has in terms of human talent, human potential, and opportunities for growth within the existing workforce. Whilst it's always possible to bring in people from the outside – and sometimes that's a good thing – it sends a message that there are fewer opportunities within the company for staff to grow and move up within the company. This is the wrong message to be sending, as it seriously impacts office morale.
Encourage Employees to Apply for New Positions
Not every employee believes in themselves enough to seek a more advanced position. Their careers can stall out and they may stay exactly where they are for a decade. No promotion is forthcoming, and they don't apply for new jobs either. This isn't just a mistake for the individual; in most cases, there's something that the company could have done to help them advance up the ranks.
Encouraging the appropriate staff to look for opportunities for training and future advancement is where managerial prowess and effective support come into play. Every direct line manager needs to develop a plan for the individuals in their team that outlines where they are now, where they could be in the next few years, and how they can get there.
The larger the business, the more future positions are likely to open up that employees could apply for. Smaller companies may need to create suitable roles and adjust things around to create positions to avoid losing key members of staff who are frustrated with a lack of promotional opportunities within the company.
Seek Out and Eliminate Negativity
Negativity is an anchor on the business. It spreads like a virus through individual teams and then to other departments. Before you know it, the whole company seems to be down in the dumps, negative about the future prospects of the business and their role in it.
From a performance standpoint, it's extremely difficult to get the best out of the entire team across all departments when stuck in a rut.
Managers have to take it upon themselves to root out negativity. Seek instead to discuss what the issues are with the person who is the most disgruntled and find appropriate remedies for them. Sometimes they're upset about something within the company that can be addressed and resolved. Other times, they're just not in the right job for them and will be happier working at another company or in a different industry.
Even pulling in fresh blood from outside doesn't help. Quickly they get dragged down into the muck along with everyone else. Unless the main causes of negativity are identified and handled, it's very difficult for the company to move forward productively and take advantage of new opportunities.
Fix Cultural Issues in the Company
When it comes to cultural issues, sometimes a culture has developed that isn't healthy. If this is the case, then it's important to tackle this early and make the changes within the company to improve or fix a core problem with culture.
It's useful for all businesses to have a set of values that it abides by internally and to check actions against these values. This doesn't mean a bland cookie-cutter mission statement either. Many companies put these up in a frame, but never change how they actually do business or treat their staff. Culture runs deeper and speaks to how people are treated in the course of doing their jobs.
Is it a healthy work environment or a toxic one? This is something that an astute manager will know in an instant. Then get busy applying necessary changes to overhaul any toxic elements and issues where actions or behaviors within the company don't meet the expected standard.
Training the Managers to Lead the Teams
Whilst many managers hold a degree and received some managerial training within their degree course, that's not always the case. Often, their degree covers a different, unrelated subject and they lack sufficient managerial training to be effective in their role.
To support the managers, and in turn to encourage their team towards a positive outlook with advancement prospects for the top performers, they may well require in-house management training.
With in-house management training courses that companies like The BCF Group provide, you can choose to have their trainers come into your place of work to deliver the course. They have a range of options available which range from the First Line Manager course to the ILM Level 3 Award in Leadership and Management – they can even create a bespoke course for your company if necessary.
Take a look at some of the different courses that are available to you and your employees and choose the one that you believe your company can benefit from the most. If you're unsure on which to go for, just give the training provider a call and ask for their expert advice.
When taking the approach of fixing any internal issues first, it's possible for a company to grow. However, when failing to do so by launching new initiatives or a training push without resolving teething problems within the business, this provides a serious impediment to progress. It's up to individual managers to take any departmental issues seriously and get to the root of the real problems by addressing them properly. Once the hard work has been done, a more positive, optimistic culture emerges. At that point, both junior and senior staff are ready to embrace what's to come. Skip these important steps and a business is likely to end up stuck in the tall grass.
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Since the beginning of time (that is computer time) there have been a series of different languages that we have applied to different tasks. Some more flexible and some more performant than others. People have learned languages such as C, C++, COBOL, Python, Java, PHP and made these languages popular as the Internet grew into the monster it is now.
But what made such languages be more favored than others? The answer is simple, they were simple to learn (some more than others) and they could be used in almost any existing platform. You could create a little program in Java and run it on a Linux box, Mac or Windows without needing to change it at all! That was amazing! And they were open source! Anyone could download the main core and modify it as he or she saw fit!
But, wait a second, what about C# and the .Net suite? What happened to them? The reality is that .Net was not being adopted at the same rate that other languages were. Even worse, if you see statistics about its adoption rate, you will see that most projects where it is implemented are old projects or just Windows application projects. And there are fewer projects starting from scratch today.
Is C# that old? Is it that bad as a language? Is it not performant? Is it not flexible? The answer to all those questions is no. C# is one of the few languages where you read your code and you have the pleasure of saying that it is beautiful (that is if you really care about having good maintainable code), it is performant, and can be used in a considerable number of different projects. But, and yes, there is a but, you can't run it outside Windows. And for the fanatics, no, it is not open source.
Miguel De Icaza created Project Mono to bring C# to the multi-platform world. It started as a small project, based mostly on Microsoft architecture specifications and documentation. As the years went by and more and more people started to use it, Ximian was born as a company mainly dedicated to bringing .Net specifications to the open source world and to all Linux distributions. Finally, .Net could reach all non-Microsoft platforms.
But the project was even more ambitious, it grew enough and had so much support that they decided to create Xamarin: a truly cross-platform framework for developing applications for all devices. Xamarin could run on Windows and Linux computers and servers, just as it could run on hand held devices running IOS, Android and even Windows OS's.
After Microsoft announced that Satya Nadella would be their new CEO, the company started a new path. It began recognizing open source not as an antagonizing paradigm, but as an evolutionary path. It realized that the previous closed tools mentality of Microsoft needed to change, and that they should embrace open source as their own path.
Proof of that is Microsoft recognizing the value of Xamarin and acquiring the company, as well as incorporating Ubuntu into Windows 10 as part of the Windows subsystem for Linux. The company's most recent move (as of June 2018) was acquiring Github, a platform well known for its open source mentality, and repository for code from companies like Google, Amazon and Apple.
.Net Core is Microsoft´s attempt to do things the right way and enter all platforms. It is a cross platform, open source re-writing of the .Net framework. It is actively maintained by Microsoft and a huge community of developers over on GitHub. Yes, you read it right, it is on GitHub and you can download its source code and branch it and modify it as you want. It is truly open source.
Yes, it is truly multiplatform. It can run on Windows, MacOS and Linux distributions. It is a dream come true for .Net enthusiasts, and it is not just a nice to have, as it runs in all major operating systems.
It is Microsoft´s latest attempt to bring its great developer tools and languages to all ecosystems.
But what can really be accomplished with .Net Core? As of now, you can write console applications to process unattended data or run machine learning algorithms. Or you can use ASP.Net Core to create restful APIs or web servers. In other words, you don't need to run ASP.Net in a Windows server running IIS. This alone is a significant improvement over classic .Net applications.
Yes, you can, but (and there always is a but), you can't just have all the goodies without any changes. You must modify some parts of the code, since ASP.Net Core has a more modern and better development cycle and it works differently from classic ASP.Net – adding middleware to process requests and plugging in new features to make development easier and follow new trends and benefits that other frameworks have.
.Net Core depends a big deal on moving old NuGet packages into the framework. Most popular packages are already translated to the framework, others are a work in progress, but more and more are being written with .Net Core, so it is just a matter of time until all the packages in the NuGet ecosystem are available.
Microsoft is fully backing up its bet on .Net Core, and version 3.0 will include Windows Form and WPF applications (only to run on Windows environments). Most sources think that it is the future of the .Net Framework. Others think that the classic .Net Framework will be replaced by .Net Core.
It is an exciting time for .Net and its adoption rate will grow as Microsoft tries to get more and more functionalities to the framework.
July 08 / 2020
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As we gradually get used to our new COVID-19 reality, daily life from just a few weeks ago now feels like a lifetime away. For businesses this has created,...Read post


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Yanukovych to hold meeting with heads of Foreign Ministries of Poland, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Denmark
10:29, 25 April 2013Politics
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President of Ukraine Victor Yanukovych will hold a meeting with Foreign Minister of Poland Radosław Sikorski, Foreign Minister of Lithuania Linas Linkevičius, Foreign Minister of the Netherlands Frans Timmermans and Minister for European Affairs of Denmark Nicolai Wammen at 11.00 am today.
The press service of the head of the state disclosed to UNIAN that the meeting will take place in Administration of President (Bankova Street, 11).
An accreditation for mass media representatives is carried out till 9.45 am by tel.: +380 (44) 255-63-18.
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