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A place to call home: An entrepreneur's journey to bring community to Pakistan's poor
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) first started to share the words of the Quran and spread Islam, he was forced to flee his home of Mecca due to persecution. He, along with the Emigrants who had left their homes behind for the sake of their faith, found refuge with the newly converted Muslims in Medinah. These Muslims — known as Ansar, or "The Helpers," — embraced Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and the Emigrants as their own, providing them with food, shelter and security.
It is this spirit of generosity and brotherhood that led Jawad Aslam to create Ansaar Management Company (AMC), an Acumen investee that provides affordable housing to the low-income communities living amidst Pakistan's rapidly growing urban sprawl. A Muslim himself, Jawad was dedicated to providing everyone in Pakistan, regardless of income, with a place to call home.
"The Ansar truly embodied the concept of brotherhood, showing how an ideal society of complete strangers could live and thrive," Jawad said. "They would divide everything they had — their home, their land, their livestock — in half to share with the Emigrants. That spirit of giving and sharing is what we're trying to achieve with AMC. We help people migrating to the urban areas of Pakistan start a new life."
A Pakistani American, Jawad was born and raised in Baltimore. Though he visited Pakistan as a child, he only really came to know his family's homeland in his 20s. His parents moved back in 1994 and, in 1999, at the age of 25, he came to study at a madrassa to learn Arabic and understand the Quran in its purest form. It wasn't until 2005 that he and his wife decided to leave the United States and try living in Pakistan. They didn't have a plan, but knew they wanted to lead a more meaningful life. Jawad, who had been working in property development in Maryland, had become disenchanted with the cost of the American dream.
"We were building these homes that were half a million dollars, and I couldn't help but wonder if these people really appreciated all they had, especially when that life cost so much to maintain," he said. "It didn't feel like it was a living, breathing community and it left me with this sense of emptiness. I didn't see myself following that path.
My wife and I were looking for something different. We were living this life of privilege and felt a responsibility to society as individuals. Given what we had been given, how do you hold yourself accountable to that person across the table who doesn't have one per cent of what you have? I knew I was going to face God one day, and felt I had a big responsibility and wanted to figure out how I was going to own up to that."
Jawad and his wife packed up their life and arrived in Pakistan, one month before the 2005 earthquake shook Kashmir, killing 86,000 people and leaving more than four million families homeless. Despite his real estate experience, Jawad had made a point to steer clear of the country's housing sector since, in Pakistan, it's especially crooked. But a few months passed and he needed to make ends meet, so he started working for Saiban, Acumen's first housing investment in Pakistan.
Its founder Tasneem Siddiqui had a unique vision for housing, providing the country's poor with not only shelter but also a real sense of community. All of Saiban's developments are built around a green common space to encourage camaraderie and include a school, mosque and small businesses run by the residents. The brick homes are well maintained, public utilities like electricity and running water are provided, and the residents play an active role in the betterment of the community.
It was an approach Jawad had never seen, let alone imagined possible in Pakistan.
"As soon as I saw the model, I knew this is what I wanted to do," he said. "Tasneem Saheb wasn't only building homes — he was building communities."
In a matter of weeks, Jawad and his wife moved into one of the housing developments to fully understand the lay of the land and, shortly thereafter, he became Saiban's project manager.
Jawad spent months at a time living within the developments to foster community among the residents. The model was tested when he was thrown into a fray about one of the development's non-sectarian mosques. Each group insisted that their interpretation of Islam was the one and only version, so Jawad worked with the community leaders over the course of a year to break down barriers and help them find a solution together.
"It was really powerful for me to see Saiban's model in action," he said. "I had come to Pakistan with my own preconceived ideas and wasn't sure overcoming sectarian issues would even be possible. It was jaw-dropping to hear these men say to one another 'You and your sect are just as much a part of this community as I am.' A light bulb went off for me."
Jawad knew what he needed to do. He began to apply his property background from the US and build upon Saiban's model. Tasneem had designed Saiban with the intent of replicating it across the country to help the poor and, at the time, Pakistan was facing a housing shortage of seven million units. Jawad wanted to transform Saiban's nonprofit into a for-profit social enterprise. Having become an Acumen Global Fellow in 2007, Jawad saw the potential of social enterprise to tackle Pakistan's housing crisis and felt he had learned what it would take to create a sustainable solution in one of the most complex, challenging and misunderstood places in the world.
By 2008, AMC was born. Jawad received Tasneem's blessing and built a team of three to help him fulfill his vision of creating "housing for all." His plan: to develop affordable housing and thriving communities at cost for the country's poor while selling adjacent plots for a profit at market value to continue serving AMC's social mission. It wouldn't be easy, but it was the first time in Pakistan that someone was actually paying attention to the poor when it came to housing.
Most families, who had come to Pakistan's cities looking for work, were forced to live in slums and squatter settlements without electricity, clean water and sanitation. For these low-income families, owning a home had only been a pipe dream. The government had failed them, aid couldn't keep up with the demand, and the private sector was only thinking about its pockets.
"When I first met Jawad, I really felt we had this chance to do something different," said Amjad Aslam, AMC's first employee and today its Director of Development. "In Pakistan, buying a house is an achievement in itself. The majority of the population had never had that choice. We were giving them a product within their reach. I'm a little romantic as a person, but I didn't see it as just giving them a house — we were giving them opportunity."
In the matter of a year, AMC had broken ground on its first project, a 90-acre development that would provide dignified housing for 3,000 mixed income families. Acumen and Bamboo Finance came on as investors, seeing the social enterprise's potential to take on one of Pakistan's biggest challenges and scale in a nation where government and aid had failed. AMC also brought on Acumen Fellows to help shoulder the load, as well as Muslim Urban Professionals from the US who needed work and had ties to Pakistan. The plan was to build the homes in blocks to capture the fellowship of the Ansar and the mohalla, where the meaning of "neighbour" extended beyond just next door to establish a real sense of community.
"I wanted to recreate the feeling of the old city, where everyone knew and looked out for one another, Jawad said. The idea was to create a kind of homeowner's association for the common man, so people could feel a sense of ownership and identity."
Everything was in place. The demand was there. But then the deal began to fall apart. The road leading to AMC's project was shared with a developer who had run into trouble with a local politician. The road was dismantled, leaving AMC and its customers with no way to get to the development. The only way to regain access would be to pay a bribe, but Jawad and his team refused to get caught up in Pakistan's tangled web of corruption and greed.
"When we started AMC, we made the decision to challenge the status quo, said Jamshed Riaz Cheema, the company's Projects Manager and also one of its first employees. "There were shortcuts available, but we refused to make any compromises. We are here to change the system, to change society. And that requires you to take the long road."
It would be a long, hard road for AMC. Over the years, Jawad and his team struggled with one obstacle after the next — endemic corruption, bureaucratic barriers, a perpetually broken system, and finding funders who see the possibilities rather than the risks of investing in Pakistan. That first project outside Lahore remains a deserted development, a dispiriting reminder of hopes dashed and dreams unrealised. They started other developments and provided housing in collaboration with non-profits, but have yet to see their model come together from start to finish. Still Jawad and his team remained resilient. They stayed true to their vision and committed to serving the poor, even when the fate of the company seemed uncertain.
"We're always afraid of failure, but we don't know what's in store for us tomorrow," Jawad said. "When you look deeper into the future, you realise that there must be something else. It's having faith that there's something better in the horizon for you. You put your best foot forward, and that's all you can do. The result is not your responsibility; the effort is your responsibility."
They believed in what they were doing — and knew they had an innovative, financially viable solution to a problem that was only worsening throughout Pakistan. One of the fastest growing countries in the world, Pakistan is home to roughly 191 million people today and is now facing an unprecedented housing shortage of 9 million units. Jawad and his team soldiered on and stood their ground. Their patience and perseverance, however, were about to pay off. Finally, there was a break in the road.
Early in 2015, AMC attracted the attention of Homeless International, an investor in affordable housing globally, and Places for People, a property management company from the United Kingdom. They were looking for investments in Pakistan and saw potential in AMC as a model that could be replicated not just in Pakistan but globally. Early next year, Acumen will successfully exit the company, and the two entities will step in as investors and provide further capital to help AMC grow.
"This is in incredible opportunity for us, but it's also a great opportunity to prove that social enterprises can work in Pakistan," said Nadir Ahmed, AMC's Chief Financial Officer. "There have always been a lot of problems in Pakistan, but there is also the chance to create major social impact. Overcoming barriers is always going to be difficult but those barriers can be overcome, and there are a lot of talented, enthusiastic people here who are trying to come up with new solutions."
While securing the support of Homeless International and Places for People has helped validate AMC's vision, Jawad and his team feel a deep responsibility to deliver on their promise, not only to their investors but also the millions of Pakistanis whose lives they hope to impact.
"When you talk about social enterprise, I feel success has yet to be defined in this sector quite honestly," Jawad said. "That's because the nature of the beast is so starkly different from anything else. Success is that we've managed to stay alive until today. In my mind, we haven't even started working yet. I think all of us on the team are very clear that the journey has only just begun."
This post originally appeared here.
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access right
An access right is the basic right users must have over any part of the system before they can do anything with it. Other rights, such as viewing and modifying entity configurations, are granted through privileges.
In the context of a Synergis™ system, an access right is the right granted to a cardholder to pass through an access point at a given date and time.
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subset: commoncrawl


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PACIFIC 2019: Naval Group Signs MoU with MacTaggart Scott Australia
Naval Group and MacTaggart Scott Australia (MTSA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding during PACIFIC 2019 in the frame of Naval Group Pacific countermeasures projects in Australia.
MacTaggart Scott, a first-class industry player in Australia, has been pre-selected by Naval Group Pacific to maximize Australian Industry Capability and to enlarge the Naval Group's Defence Technological and Industrial Base (DTIB) in the country.
The cooperation between Naval Group Pacific and MacTaggart Scott is aimed at entrusting MTSA with the fabrication of equipment composing countermeasures and/or its associated launching system. It is one of nine MoU related to countermeasures signed by Naval Group Pacific in Australia.
Naval Group Pacific is proposing a breakthrough in anti-torpedo countermeasures for Australian submarine and surface ship programs (SEA 1000 Australian Future Submarine, SEA 5000 Hunter-Class Frigates and SEA 4000, upgrade of Hobart-class Air Warfare Destroyer) with CANTO, the latest countermeasure generation based on Dilution/Confusion multi-effects.
This anti-torpedo system, fitted with its associated reaction module, CONTRALTO is already in service in the French Navy and in several blue-water navies.


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One of the lovely things about living in Bowness on Windermere is our proximity to all things handy (shops, restaurants, newsagents, post office and other amenities) as well as THE GREAT OUTDOORS. Yesterday, despite a lowering sky, we decided to … Read More
Cosy coves and fabulous views!
If you know where to look, or if you were to simply follow your nose and indulge your curiosity, Bowness-on-Windermere really does have some wonderful surprises for the adventurous, (even if only slightly). This evening, Hubby and I decided to … Read More
So pretty in May!
I hadn't meant to take any photos today, but the views from my windows at Blenheim Lodge beckoned me. It is such a lovely fresh Spring day today: dewy green leaves upon the trees, shrubs and flowering plants; a playful … Read More
5 best reasons for visiting the Lakes
Hubby and I have been living in the Lakes now for close on 14 years. Our guest house is in Bowness-on-Windermere, a pretty Lakeland village and one of the main entry points into the Lakes as it is only 20 minutes' … Read More
Spring outing – where were we?
This is my third post with images of Spring. To tell you the truth, the title of this post is more than rhetorical. Quite literally, we weren't absolutely certain where we were going. Our heading was towards Elterwater in the … Read More
Springtime in the Lakes revisited (ii)
Yesterday, I began a short series of posts showing images of the Lake District National Park in Spring. We have had another gorgeous day today in the Lakes and, because it is early May, it has reminded me of an … Read More
Images of Spring (i)
I thought I would write a series of posts with images of Spring in the Lake District National Park. Personally, one of the best things I like about Spring is the new growth on trees and bushes. I love the … Read More
Bowness weather these two days
If one wants to experience all seasons and all varieties of seasons in one day, the Lake District National Park must surely be on the MUST EXPERIENCE list. Yesterday was possibly the oddest day of the year so far weather-wise: warm bright sunshine; drizzle … Read More
May Bank Holiday weekend: last minute breaks
We have some last minute breaks available for May Bank Holiday long weekend. If you are looking for en-suite B&B accommodation with Lake and fell views, do contact us for late availability offers. Prices range from just £52 per person … Read More
Early May Bank Holiday: a lazy weekend in the Lakes
Enjoy a happy lazy kind of weekend relaxing in the Lake District National Park this May Bank Holiday long weekend coming up. I wrote a post recently about this on another Blog that I have: https://bownessbedandbreakfast.wordpress.com/2016/04/23/early-may-bank-holiday-a-lazy-weekend-in-the-lakes/ Enjoying a special long … Read More
Gummers How
We have been having some amazing weather of late and I thought that a walk at Gummers How would be just the ticket. With no wind, bright evening sunshine, and clear skies, Hubby, Zack and I made our way to … Read More
Another glorious day in Bowness
It's another fabulous day in Bowness-on-Windermere, where we have our home and guest house in the Lakes. Check out the views we took from our guest rooms this morning. . . . And imagine walking up to them yourselves! Take … Read More


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93Eighteen Silver Metallic Shoes
Men's Champion Life
The past meets the future with our street style metallic 93Eighteen Shoes.
- Leather metallic foil upper.
- Two-color molded C logo on the side and heel. American flag accent on heel.
- C logo locker patch on padded tongue and heel pull.
- Repeating Champion logo jersey fabric liner.
- On-trend chunky rubber outsole.
- Dyed-to-match laces.
- Country of Origin: Imported
- Fabric: 100% Leather
- Units per pack: 1


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In the border city of Cúcuta, Venezuelan refugees stream into Colombia, searching for food to feed their families. Years of high inflation, projected to top 1 million percent, has turned bolivares into scrap paper. More than 3 million Venezuelans have fled since 2014, and 5,500 exit for good each day. According to the United Nations, the exodus is "on the scale of Syria" and is now one of the world's worst refugee crises. As Venezuelans escape, they leave with close to nothing, desperate and vulnerable.
Because they live under authoritarianism, Venezuelans have no way to reform the policies that have destroyed their economy. They can't hold their rulers accountable through free and fair elections or campaign for change without fear of reprisal. As they stand in hours-long lines for rationed groceries and medicine and watch their life savings disappear, it can seem like there are no options.
But innovation happens at the edge. Today, Venezuelans are adopting and experimenting with Bitcoin to evade hyperinflation and strict financial controls. Speculation, fraud, and greed in the cryptocurrency and blockchain industry have overshadowed the real, liberating potential of Satoshi Nakamoto's invention. For people living under authoritarian governments, Bitcoin can be a valuable financial tool as a censorship-resistant medium of exchange.
Take, for example, remittances. After ravaging the domestic economy, the Venezuelan regime is now taking a cut of money coming in from abroad. New laws force Venezuelans to go through local banks for foreign transactions, and require banks to disclose information on how individuals get and use their money. According to Alejandro Machado, a cryptocurrency researcher at the Open Money Initiative, a wire transfer from the United States can now encounter a fee as high as 56% as it passes from dollars to bolivares in a process that can last several weeks. Most recently, Venezuelan banks have, under pressure from the government, even prevented clients using foreign IP addresses from accessing their online accounts.
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To circumvent this bureaucracy, some Venezuelans have started to receive Bitcoin from their relatives abroad. It's now possible to send a text message to your family asking for Bitcoin, and receive it minutes later for a tiny fee. Government censorship isn't possible, as Bitcoin isn't routed through a bank or third party and instead arrives into your phone wallet in a peer-to-peer way. Then you can, moments later, sell your new Bitcoin into fiat through a local Craigslist-style exchange, or load it onto a flash drive (or even memorize a recovery phrase) and escape Venezuela with complete control over your savings. A popular alternative – have your family wire money to a bank in Colombia, walk across the border to withdraw, then walk back to Venezuela with cash in hand – can take far longer, cost more, and be far more dangerous than the Bitcoin option.
Venezuela isn't the only place where people can use Bitcoin as an escape valve. In Zimbabwe, Robert Mugabe printed endless amounts of cash and inflated the savings of his citizens into nothing, but his successors can't print more Bitcoin. In China, Xi Jinping can track all of your transactions on Alipay and WePay, but he cannot orchestrate mass surveillance on all Bitcoin payments. In Russia, Vladimir Putin can target an NGO and freeze its bank account, but he can't freeze its Bitcoin wallet. In a refugee camp, you might not be able to access a bank, but as long as you can find an Internet connection, you can receive Bitcoin, without asking permission and without having to prove your identity.
Naturally, we must pay attention to the dark side of emerging technology. Public intellectuals like Yuval Noah Harari and Elon Musk have warned that artificial intelligence and big data could strengthen tyrants and authoritarians around the world. Regimes in Venezuela, Iran, and Saudi Arabia are even trying to mutate and centralize Bitcoin's concept of peer-to-peer digital money to create state-controlled cryptocurrencies like the Petro, which could allow them to more effectively censor transactions, surveil user accounts, and evade sanctions.


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AuthorSin, Lai Yi Mandy
Issue Date2011
AdvisorWong, Pak Kin
MetadataShow full item record
PublisherThe University of Arizona.
RightsCopyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author.
EmbargoEmbargo: Release after 07/20/2012
AbstractElectrokinetics based microfluidic systems are potentially promising for lab-on-a-chip applications due to their effectiveness in manipulating nanoscale and biological objects, label-free operation, simple fabrication processes, small voltage requirements, and most importantly simple system integration strategy. Among various electrokinetics techniques, AC electrothermal flow (ACEF) is the most promising technique in microfluidic manipulation toward biomedical applications due to its effectiveness in high conductivity biological and physiological fluids. As relatively little is known about the ACEF induced fluid motion at highly conductive samples, the characteristics of electrothermal manipulation of fluid samples with different conductivities were investigated systematically. For low conductivity sample (below 1 S/m), the characteristics of the electrothermal fluid motion was in quantitative agreement with the theory. For high conductivity samples (greater than 1 S/m), the fluid motion appeared to deviate from the model as a result of electrochemical reactions and the temperature effect. Here, a universal electrode approach which directly implements ACEF-induced sample preparation on a SAM based electrochemical sensor for point-of-care diagnostics of urinary tract infections has also been demonstrated. Using uropathogenic E. coli clinical isolates as model systems, we demonstrate that "on-chip" ACEF-induced sample preparation can improve the sensor performance without complicated system integration strategy and presents a pathway for implementing truly lab on a chip, instead of chip in a lab. Finally an integrated chip approach has been proposed for transforming electrochemical sensing system from laboratory research into point-of-care diagnostics with multiple microelectrodes.
Electronic Dissertation
Degree NamePh.D.
Degree Leveldoctoral
Degree ProgramGraduate College
Mechanical Engineering


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Botanical & English name :
Moringa oleifera
Benefits and Healing Effects
- It builds strong bones – will greatly helps to strengthen bones as it is said to be a great source of Calcium.
- It purifies blood – As kidney lever function enhances, it will help intestine to boost the quality of gastric juice. It will help in Digestion problem.
- It lowers blood sugar levels – In 1982 few experiments were carried out in Tamil Nadu on 36 diabetics.
- It eases respiratory problems – Drumstick are used to treat many problems such as the wheezing of asthma, bronchitis, and tuberculosis.
- It is good for pregnant women – Pregnant women should often eat drumsticks as it helps to ease any kind of pre and post-delivery complication.
- It protects against infections – are highly beneficial in preventing infections such as throat, chest and skin.
- It helps in digestion – It is a rich source of highly digestive proteins, calcium, iron, Vitamin C, and carotenoids.
- It enhances sexual health – of this excellent veggie is utilized to prevent impotency, semen thinness, as well as early ejaculation etc. Additionally, it also turns out to be extremely helpful for treating the problem of sexual debility and enables in the better operating of the male along with Female Sterility.


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G.D.P. Posts 1.9% Rate as Trade Fight and Global Weakness Hit Economy
Grady Cope, founder and president of Reata Engineering, a design, tooling and production firm in Englewood, Colo., offered a guarded outlook.
"As business owners, we're all a little bit scared of tariffs," said Mr. Cope, whose company has a long list of multinational customers. "China is a huge part of the global economy and the only place where some parts can be made."
Still, he said, "business has been good."
"We see some customers slowing down," he said, "but not as many as we were expecting based on stuff we were hearing last year."
Political uncertainty clouds the outlook.
During the first three months of 2019, the economy confounded downbeat prognosticators and grew at an annual rate of 3.1 percent.
As the temporary lift from tax cuts faded and hopes for a trade deal with China fell apart in the spring, growth slacked off in April, May and June. The annual rate shrank to 2 percent. Trade tensions and a slowing worldwide growth hit the manufacturing sector particularly hard. Exports fell and business investment slumped.
Worries about a recession thickened over the summer. Mr. Trump escalated his attacks on China and unleashed another round of retaliatory tariffs. Wall Street was particularly unsettled by quirky movements in the bond market that have usually been associated with recessions. Industrial activity around the globe stalled.
The manufacturing outlook has improved since then, and housing sales in the United States have picked up.
"The biggest risks to the economy today are uncertainty and complacency," Cris deRitis, deputy chief economist at Moody's Analytics, said in an analysis. "With political risks and uncertainty casting a shadow across economic regions" around the world, he added, "the potential for policy errors and significant global shocks may overwhelm solid economic fundamentals."
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5335 Irving Street, Burnaby
Beds 10
Baths 2017
Built 4208
Living Area SqFt 7,176
Lot SqFt 8,805.66
Beds 10
Baths 2017
Built 4208
Living Area SqFt 7,176
Lot SqFt 8,805.66
10 mins walk to Metrotown Skytrain. 4208 sqft 3 level custom-built house with 2-5-10 year warranty. Every bedroom has an ensuite. Gourmet kitchen/Wok kitchen, Hardwood & Tile flooring, granite countertops, 10 zone radiant heat, HRV, AirCon, Built in Vacuum, Security cameras & alarm system;Upstairs has 4 Ensuite bedrooms (2 Steam showers) and Laundry room. Main floor has huge walkout deck perfect for your summer BBQ. 10ft ceilings on the main floor. Huge recreation room in the basement. 9' ceilings 2 bedroom legal basement suite with private entrance/own living room/kitchen/washer/dryer. High end appliances. Double insulation for best energy efficiency and to minimize sound interference. Used I-beam frame throughout the house for most stable structure.
Mnt. fees: $0.00
Air Conditioning ClthWsh Dryr Frdg Stve DW Fireplace Insert Garage Door Opener Microwave Oven - Built In Pantry Security System Smoke Alarm Vacuum - Built In
Kamran Tafakori


text: During these past six hours, I have found a peace within myself – through this man's voice and heart. I of course have always known of him, but today I was struck with an entirely different respect for his talent – both as a performer – but as a writer. Please understand all that he speaks of here – and be Blessed this day – and Pray that there is still time. ~ Ed.


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Product Owner - Data Visualization
Product | Salt Lake City, UT | Full Time
About Taulia:
Taulia delivers working capital solutions that make it easy for businesses to free up cash, accelerate payments and improve supply chain health.
Since founding in 2009, we've envisioned a world where every business thrives by liberating cash. Today, our team of financial gamechangers have built a network connecting 2 million businesses and processes more than $500 billion every year.
Through a unique combination of its technology platform, people and process, Taulia helps companies access the value tied up in their supply chain by transitioning from inefficient and often manual working capital management practices into technology-led, working capital optimization strategies.
Using our state-of-the-art platform, businesses now have the option to choose when and how to pay and get paid. It sounds simple. But our painless process provides both buyers and suppliers the chance to skyrocket their cash - cash to fuel economic growth all over the world. It's win-win for everybody.
About the Job:
Taulia is looking for a Product Owner to help us create world class solutions that help every business thrive by liberating cash locked in the financial supply chain.
Tauila delivers innovative financial and document solutions that enable our customers to achieve their working capital and cash management goals. In this role, you will help define and execute on the product vision to create data analytics and visualizations that drive internal and external users to successful outcomes and increase Taulia revenue.
You will have a significant impact on the growth of the company. Your success will be measured by delivering on commitments, exceeding client expectations, and doing both with integrity and respect for internal and external stakeholders.
As a Product Owner, you will:
- Understand how Taulia data analytics and data science deliver value to customers and ensure development of both incremental and net new value.
- Collaborate with Data leadership to develop a clear product vision, strategy and roadmap for data analytics and data science at Taulia together with business and engineering counterparts.
- Partner with business leads to become a domain expert, deeply understanding the market and competitive landscape to solve real problems with technology.
- Design clear, detailed data visualization plans combined with the recommended actions from those visualizations.
- Execute on the creation of final data products in Taulia's data visualization platform or other designated medium.
- Articulate user stories, create mockups, and identify metrics for those new features.
- Develop meaningful business objectives and metrics to measure your team's progress.
- Be a strong voice for the Data team, communicating feature releases and managing expectations with stakeholders across the company.
- Be the SME with customer facing teams at Taulia and with customers and prospects to demonstrate, train, and gather feedback on data outputs.
- Review the competitive landscape and stay atop customer input while also remaining keyed into evolving needs and market trends.
- Build scalable products with valuable general application.
Skills and qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience working with complex data presentations.
- Ability to both conceptualize and execute on polished data presentations in leading visualization platforms. Deep building experience in Looker is a significant advantage.
- Experience designing BI data for visualization performance, accuracy, and stability.
- Experience with financial data product development; The more detailed and sophisticated the better.
- Excellent product sense; You intuitively know what is right for the user or business solution but you test, validate and iterate based on market feedback.
- Intellectually curious, ask questions and connect things meaningfully.
- Self-starter, problem solver, strategist, and critical thinker.
- Organized and very detail-driven, but master the big picture.
- Superb verbal, written, and presentation skills.


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Community Celebrates Earth Day by Expanding Local Food Production
Partridge Creek Farms is celebrating Earth Day on Saturday, April 22 by building 50 raised beds across downtown Ishpeming. But they aren't doing it alone. More than 70 volunteers are coming from across the Upper Peninsula to help as everything at Partridge Creek Farms is a community effort.


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Searching for just a few words should be enough to get started. If you need to make more complex queries, use the tips below to guide you.
Article type: Research Article
Authors: Radavičius, Marijus1; * | Rekašius, Tomas2 | Židanavičiūtė, Jurgita2
Affiliations: [1] Institute of Data Science and Digital Technologies, Vilnius University, Akademijos st. 4, LT-04812 Vilnius, Lithuania | [2] Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Saulėtekio al. 11, LT-10223 Vilnius, Lithuania. E-mails: [email protected], [email protected], [email protected]
Correspondence: [*] Corresponding author.
Abstract: The simplest hypothesis of DNA strand symmetry states that proportions of nucleotides of the same base pair are approximately equal within single DNA strands. Results of extensive empirical studies using asymmetry measures and various visualization tools show that for long DNA sequences (approximate) strand symmetry generally holds with rather rare exceptions. In the paper, a formal definition of DNA strand local symmetry is presented, characterized in terms of generalized logits and tested for the longest non-coding sequences of bacterial genomes. Validity of a special regression-type probabilistic structure of the data is supposed. This structure is compatible with probability distribution of random nucleotide sequences at a steady state of a context-dependent reversible Markov evolutionary process. The null hypothesis of strand local symmetry is rejected in majority of bacterial genomes suggesting that even neutral mutations are skewed with respect to leading and lagging strands.
Keywords: generalized logit, DNA strand symmetry, Markov random field, characterization, hypothesis testing
Journal: Informatica, vol. 30, no. 3, pp. 553-571, 2019
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SPRINGFIELD, Mo- KOLR10 Chief Meteorologist Jamie Warriner took to Facebook the Wednesday before Thanksgiving to give his Winter Outlook.
His post says, he thinks we're looking at the coldest and snowiest winter since 2014/2015.
What is the cause of this?
Jamie says, "The oceans are one of the big drivers for global weather patterns and I used this as one of the big factors for my forecast. Looking at the oceans there are a couple of features that stand out. The first is a big blob of unusually warm water over the North Pacific. This has been a driver for cold winters across the eastern half of the nation in past winters and I think it will again this winter."
"I also looked at water temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific. We're currently looking at a neutral state of ENSO, meaning waters in that area are generally not considered to be in an El Nino state or a La Nina state. The warmer water is focused more to the west though and this does play a role in trough position in the U.S., tending to focus the trough over the middle of the country. This will open the door to cold outbreaks over the Upper Midwest that will gradually settle south and east."
Another factor is the Arctic Oscillation, a pressure pattern over the pole that either focuses cold near the pole or sends it south into the lower latitudes when the value goes negative. This happens when the polar vortex near the pole is replaced with high pressure allowing the vortex to break down into eddies that deliver cold further south. It looks like this will be a winter where the negative phase (cold) of the Arctic Oscillation is favored. This could lead to more frequent outbreaks of bitter cold across the East.
The Facebook post also says, "One other note is that the overall setup is very similar to last winter. Now, I know last winter wasn't all that cold or wintry. But, we were just south of where it was. Cold and snowy conditions hammered areas along and north of I-70. I think the focus for this will be further south this winter."
"I looked at previous years taking the above into account and looked for analog years. Several popped out, 1992, 1993, 1996, 2018 and 2013. I threw out 2013 from the average because it was more of an extreme on the cold and snowy end of the possibilities for this winter. The average left us with a colder winter on average. But, the front end of the winter (December) tended to produce near to above normal temperatures locally. The cold was weighted more toward January into February. So, I'm expecting a lull after the cold of this November (the cold November pattern also showed up in my analogs). We'll then descend into a colder than normal pattern heading into January, likely continuing into February," says Jamie.
In regard to winter weather, Jamie says snow totals will be average to a bit above average (13 to 18″), which is far more than we've seen the past several winters. He says he found an interesting correlation with early season snows like we've seen this fall. When we've had snow in late October, the following winter went on to produce near average to above-average snowfall.
Some of those winters were banner winters too.
"I also think there will be at least one ice event that will tend to be focused over Southern Missouri into Northern Arkansas," says Jamie.
Also, if the cold does come hard this season, we'll likely see a cold start to the spring season which could delay to some extent the onset of the spring severe weather season.
The post ends with a peaceful message, "Ok, there you have it, the dice have been rolled. Let's see how this winter pans out."


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Results that include this icon indicate members of Gwinnett Medical Center Group.
Tik Pau, MD, is a compassionate primary care physician with Bostock Family Medicine. Shecompleted her residency training in Family Medicine at Gwinnett Medical Center in Lawrenceville, Georgia, in 2017.
Dr. Pau was born and raised in southern China. She attended medical school and graduated from Sun-Yat Sen University in Guangzhou, China. Dr. Pau and her family relocated to Georgia 6 years ago. She is fluent in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese.
Dr. Pau has a passion of caring for patients from newborn to geriatrics – the complete spectrum of family medicine. She has special interests in general medicine, preventative medicine, women's health, and mental health.
Dr. Pau is a member of American Academy of Family Physicians and Georgia Academy of Family Physicians.
In her spare time, Dr. Pau enjoys spending time with her husband Haoran, her son and their little cat. She also enjoys movies, traveling and outdoor activities.


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Update: MDE CFO Letter to Legislature published at bottom of post.
The political and education worlds in Mississippi exploded yesterday after it was discovered that the legislature did not appropriate enough money to fund teacher pay raises this year thanks to an error made by the Mississippi Department of Education. MDE kicked off the ruckus with this press release yesterday:
The Mississippi Department of Education has received numerous calls from superintendents reporting that some teaching positions were not included in their allocation for the teacher and teacher assistant pay raise. The MDE calculated the number of positions based on the code in the Mississippi Student Information System (MSIS) that referenced MAEP-only funded teachers and teacher assistants. Upon further review, it was determined there were additional teachers who were eligible for the raise who were not coded in MSIS as MAEP-funded positions.Thus teachers not funded by MAEP such as vo-tech and special needs teachers won't receive the $1,500 annual pay raise the legislature passed this year. The legislature approved spending $58 million for the pay raises. However, the MDE error means another $14 million must be spent for the teachers who are not MAEP-funded. Governor Bryant urged MDE to find the extra money someway, somehow. His spokesman, Knox Graham, said the legislature could fund a deficit appropriation in January. He issued a statement:
The MDE appreciates districts bringing this issue to our attention and we will work swiftly with each district to verify the number of MAEP-funded teachers and teacher assistants. We will provide this information to lawmakers and work with them to obtain the additional funding for the pay raise.
The MDE is committed to ensuring that all teachers and teacher assistants receive their pay raises in the 2019-20 school year.
"It has been Gov. Bryant's position from the beginning of the 2019 Legislative Session that every teacher, across the board, should receive another pay raise. He was happy to sign that into law last week. It is my understanding the funding figure that was inserted into the legislation dealing with the raises was calculated by the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) and sent directly to the Legislature. I would have to refer you to MDE for further clarification or comment on their methodology for coming to the figure that was used."
Secretary of State and Lieutenant Governor candidate Ribbit Hosemann issued the following statement:
"I have been in the classroom with our unbelievably dedicated, knowledgeable, and caring special education teachers. To leave them out of the pay raise bill, along with our CTE and gifted teachers, is unconscionable. The first order of business in the Senate next year will be to address this issue, with interest, in addition to our annual teacher pay raise bill. I hope MDE will do whatever necessary to ease any burden on districts in the interim and ensure teachers receive the funds they deserve."while his opponent, Jay Hughes, said on Facebook:
REALLY??? Capitol Math NEWS FLASH: Gov. Bryant blames others and suggests that schools that are underfunded by $2.+ Billion and can't even afford toilet paper, need to "find the money" to cover the pay raises that the legislature forgot to send.Kingfish note: The teachers are going to get their pay raise. The legislature will make a deficit appropriation in January. The real question that should be asked is how MDE dropped the ball. This was no small affair.


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Mr. William "Bill" Campbell, Jr. : ObituaryObituaries September 10, 2016
Mr. William "Bill" Campbell, Jr. age 56 of Chatsworth, passed away Saturday September 10, 2016.
Mr. Campbell was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Dalton. He enjoyed working in his yard, his pets and being outdoors. Bill also liked doing community service work with his church.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Dorothy Campbell.
Survivors include, wife, Gloria Campbell of Chatsworth; father, William R. Campbell, Sr. of Pittsburg, PA; sisters and brother-in-law, Kim Jaboinski, and Patti and Mike Stapleton all of Pittsburg, PA; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Barbara and John Nicholson of Chatsworth; nieces, Amanda Williams, Sonya Martin, Katrina Williams, Lauren Jaboinski; nephew, Shan Jaboinski; great niece, Ada Shoemaker.
Funeral services to celebrate the life of Mr. Campbell will be held Tuesday September 13, 2016 at 5:00 p.m. from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Dalton with Bishop Christian Griggs officiating. Interment will follow in the West Hill Cemetery with Military Honors by the American Legion Post 167 of Chatsworth.
The family will receive friends Monday from 6:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. at the funeral home and Tuesday from 4:30 p.m. until 5:00 p.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.
Peeples Funeral Home & Crematory of Chatsworth is in charge of the arrangements.


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by: Dean Goh for ProButterfly.comTM
All examples and stocks quoted here in this article and on ProButterflyTM and REITScreenerTM site are for learning purposes; it does NOT constitute financial advice or a Buy/Sell recommendation. Contents are reflective of personal views and readers are responsible for their own investments and are advised to perform their own independent due diligence and take into account their own financial situation. If in any doubt about the investment action you should take, you should consult a professional certified financial adviser.
Mega real estate developers like Mapletree Investments and CapitaLand Limited own a gamut of properties worldwide. As a result, there are many SGX-listed REITs whose stock names contain the Mapletree or CapitaLand brand names.
This could be confusing for investors, who find it tough distinguishing such REITs. This is even more so when 2 different REITs with the same developers operate in the same industry (e.g.


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This brings a whole new meaning to the word catnap! Ali Safa from Canberra, Australia, had a day off and was planning on spending it doing absolutely nothing. Maybe play some games, probably eat some food, but first and most importantly, he was going to take a nap. And where better to nap than in the beautiful Australian sunshine in his garden.
When he awoke, however, he was shocked at what had happened. "I was taking a nap on the balcony of our house, and, like two hours later, I woke up and I found her just napping on my stomach," Safa explained, "At first, I thought she was a rat."
The two-week-old kitten had made itself comfortable on Safa's stomach, and he had inspired it to join in with his nap.
"I never really had a pet and I am a bit of a loner so I don't have many friends, too," Safa said, "While she was sleeping I kept hearing that 'purr' sound cats make and it was the cutest [sound] I have ever heard."
His first thought was to get a selfie, but then his mind turned to adoption.
He generously fed the kitten some of his mom's chicken wings and gave it a bath, which was when he realised that it had little grey markings on its white fur, which he had previously assumed were dirt.
"There really aren't any house rules against pets in my family and she looked like she can use some family," he said. His heart had obviously warmed to her, but he wasn't getting his hopes up until he'd taken her to the vet.
Safa was in luck, the kitten was healthy and not microchipped, meaning that she had no owner and was likely the child of a local stray. This was perfect, as he'd already named her in his head, and now the name was permanent, and Angel was his kitten.
He got some cat food and toys on his way home, and the pair have lived happily together since their joint nap. Safa says that Angel demands constant petting and attention, including when he is trying to work on his laptop, but that only strengthens their love for each other.
What would you do if you woke up with a kitten on your stomach? Let us know in the comments!


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|Sat 6 May 2017, 7:30pm–9:30pm
|Sun 7 May 2017, 2:00pm–4:00pm
Additional fees may apply
"Be captivated by the expressive sounds of the baroque flute!"
Stunning baroque flautist Melissa Farrow returns to New Zealand to captivate audiences with the expressive sounds of her historical wooden flute. Melissa will perform a charming concerto by Carl Friederich Abel, a chamber version of Haydn's Surprise Symphony, and a magical work by W F Bach for two flutes and strings.
Melissa is a leading specialist of historical flutes in Australia and has been principal flute of the Australian Brandenburg Orchestra since 2003. As well as holding this position she performs and records frequently with Pinchgut Opera, The Australian Haydn Ensemble, Orchestra seventeen88, Ironwood, The Marais Project, Salut, The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Ludovico's Band, and Latitude 37. Originally from New Zealand, Melissa is looking forward to returning to perform with NZ Barok.
NZ Barok would like to thank Auckland Council, Stout Trust, Foundation North, Athena Trust, The Wallace Foundation, Dragon Community Trust, Pub Charity, Athena Trust, Jim Piper and Dame Jenny Gibbs for their support.
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At Health Advantage CU we are proud to be a part of your lives and honored by the trust you place in us. We are not only thinking about your financial security, but your health as well. We have a plan to ensure we are utilizing the best health practices during this pandemic and staying up to date on the latest protocols and recommendations from public health authorities. As we continue to monitor reports of the potential impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure you that we are open and here to assist you in any way we can!
FRAUDS & SCAMS Branch Guideline FAQ's
June 15, 2020 9:00am
Our Lobbies are Reopening!
We're happy to announce that Health Advantage Credit Union will begin the first phase of reopening our lobbies on Monday, June 15, 2020. Our lobbies will be open for limited hours and services; Monday through Friday 11am – 4pm. Members may come into the lobby for teller transactions, coin, or shredding services. Drive-thru remains open normal business hours.
While we look forward to serving you in-person, we want to make you aware of some measures we have implemented to help protect the health and well-being of our staff and members.
Measures Are in Place to Keep You Safe
- We kindly request our members wear a face mask. This is a simple precaution we can all take to help protect one another.
- Members will be asked to self-assess themselves related to COVID-19 symptoms prior to entering our lobbies and will be asked to refrain from entering the Credit Union if they are experiencing symptoms or have been exposed to someone with confirmed COVID-19.
- There will be 6-foot spacing decals on the floors, please adhere to proper social distancing by following floor decals. You may be asked to wait outside or in your vehicle until we can safely allow you to enter a branch lobby, as we do not have a waiting area at this time.
- Plexiglass barriers have been installed on our teller stations and member service desks. Due to social distancing there will only be two tellers working the lobby at this time. Please be prepared for potentially longer wait times than usual.
- There will be hand sanitizer and individual use pens available in the lobbies.
While we are happy to be reopening our branch lobbies, we do recommend members continue to conduct Health Advantage banking and communication needs through the use of branch drive thru lanes and ATMs, Online and Mobile Banking, and telephone.
We appreciate your patience and understanding as we've been working hard to ensure our members are taken care of during these trying times.
Appointments Required:
- Appointments are required for Opening a New Account, Applying for a Loan, Applying for a Home Equity and making Changes on an Existing Account. We are not taking walk-in appointments at this time, schedule your appointment today.
May 30, 2020 11:00am
We are open for appointments - We've missed you!
These past few months have been challenging for everyone, and we hope that you are all safe and healthy amid these unprecedented times. We are pleased to share we will be reopening by appointment beginning Monday, June 1st.
You will have the ability to schedule an appointment with a Financial Service Representative, at either of our branch locations. You can schedule an appointment to Open a New Account, Apply for a Loan, Apply for a Home Equity and make Changes on an Existing Account. Appointments can be scheduled at healthadvantagecu.com and are available Monday – Friday.
Extra Safety Precautions.
While we look forward to serving you in-person, we want to make you aware of some measures we have implemented to help protect the health and well-being of our staff and members. All HACU staff will be wearing facemasks while interacting with you. We kindly ask our members to do the same. Don't have a mask? No problem! Let us know ahead of time and we'll provide you one at the time of your appointment. Plexiglass barriers have been installed in our office areas to provide an additional level of protection. Additionally, our lobbies remain closed for transaction and we encourage you to continue to utilize our drive thru, ATM's and robust suite of remote tools to access and manage your account safely and securely.
We are thankful for your membership and appreciate your continued cooperation and support. We are glad to be able to take this step to help reopen Michigan and look forward to seeing you – from a safe social distance.
March 30, 2020 11:30am
Due to Governor Whitmer's announcement of a "Stay Home, Stay Safe" executive directing all Michigan businesses and operations to temporarily suspend in-person operations that are not necessary to sustain or protect life for at least the next several weeks, our Call Center and Drive Thru services will remain available to assist you during the following hours:
Drive Thru
• 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday through Thursday
• 8:00am - 6:00pm, Friday
• 9:00am - 12:30pm Saturday
Call Center
• 8:30am - 5:00pm, Monday through Thursday
• 8:00am - 6:00pm, Friday
• 9:00am - 12:30pm Saturday
Additionally, all of our remote services and ATMs are available 24X7 to access your accounts. Hours are subject to change.
March 24, 2020 7:50 am
As things continue to evolve daily with COVID-19, we at Health Advantage Credit Union want you to know that for the past fifty years, our mission has been serving our members. Although times have changed, our commitment to helping support our members has not. If you are concerned about or are experiencing financial hardship as a result of COVID-19, we are here and ready to help in any way we can.
Find out How we can Help!
Contact us Monday thru Friday 8:30am – 6:00pm
CALL 989-791-7070 x3501 or TEXT 989-399-9661
Just know that we are all in this together. As needs arise, we will evaluate additional options to help support our members.
March 20, 2020 12:36pm
As the COVID-19 pandemic situation keeps evolving and with the "Stay-At-Home" executive order just issued by Governor Whitmer, we want to assure you that Health Advantage Credit Union will be open and here to take care of our member's needs.
Your Money is Safe with Us! Your funds with HACU are federally insured for $250,000 or more and are backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government. Your Federally Insured Funds
Our lobby services have been suspended as of Tuesday, March 17th as a safety measure for our members and our staff. Branch transactions are being offered through the drive-thru or appointment only.
As of today, March 20, 2020, we are EXPANDING our drive-thru and call center hours.
Expanded Drive-Thru Hours:
- Monday – Thursday from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Friday from 7:00 am - 6:00 pm
- Saturday from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Expanded Call Center Hours:
- Monday – Friday from 8:30 am – 6:00 pm
- Saturday from 9:00 am - 12:30 pm
Our staff is here to serve you and assist you with any of your remote access needs. If you have any questions about getting started, please feel free to call us at 989-791-7070 x3503 or text 989-399-9662. Hours are subject to change.
March 16, 2020 2:44pm
During this evolving public health situation, our main priority is the health and safety of our team and our members. We greatly care about our members and want to do our part to keep you healthy, our employees healthy and help minimize the spread of the virus. In saying that, we are taking aggressive steps to assist in the containment of the Coronavirus, including closing our lobbies until further notice beginning Tuesday, March 17.
Making certain our members maintain access to their accounts and funds is important. Ensuring the well-being of our members and employees is imperative. Remain closely connected to your funds and follow social distancing recommendations suggested by health experts, by employing the following practices:
- Bank from your home with our Mobile Banking App. This remains the quickest and most convenient ways to manage your HACU accounts. You can view account balances and histories, transfer between your accounts, make loan and credit card payments, apply for a loan and free mobile bill pay!
- HACU's remote mobile deposit feature allows you to deposit checks swiftly and securely with your smart phone or tablet.
- Pay all of your bills without having to write checks or visit the post office through our Online Banking with Free Bill Pay.
- Get 24x7 Telephone Banking assistance and check account balances, transfer funds, and more.
- New Account Applications can be done online.
- Loan and Mortgage applications can also be handled online or over the phone.
- Live Chat online with us to ask any account related questions you have during normal business hours.
- Visit us through drive-thru and complete your transaction without having to step foot outside of your vehicle!
- Night Deposit available at all locations: Deposit checks and cash. Deposits are credited to accounts each morning upon opening.
- HACU is also a member of the CO-OP Network, offering 30,000 surcharge-free ATMs -- many offering deposit-taking functionality -- across the United States.
March 12, 2020 at 2:04 pm
As we continue to monitor reports of the potential impact of the Coronavirus (COVID-19), we want to assure you that Health Advantage Credit Union is here to serve your financial needs. During this evolving public health situation, our main priority is the health and safety of our team and our members. We are asking everyone to take extra precautions and do their part to prevent the spread. We're following guidance from federal, state and local agencies, including the CDC and other health organizations.
Here are the steps we're taking to protect our members and team:
In Our Branches
- Hand Sanitizer is available throughout our buildings, as well as sanitizing wipes and spray.
- Cleaning commonly used areas more frequently, including our teller stations.
- Following best practices for safe money handling, as always.
For Our Team
- Encouraging our staff to closely monitor their health and well-being.
- Providing hand sanitizer in all accessible staff locations.
- Encouraging our tellers to wear gloves when handling money.
- Asking our staff to stay home if they, or someone in their household, are sick.
For Our Members
- As a reminder, you can take advantage of our numerous alternatives to face-to-face interactions, including remote deposit, online and mobile banking, chat, phone services and utilizing our drive thru banking option.
- You might consider wearing gloves or using a pen when accessing the ATM machine or debit/credit card machines.
- Lastly, you can follow the CDC's suggested hygiene practices to reduce the spread of the virus.
For additional information about COVID-19, view the latest report from the Centers for Disease Control click here.
Protecting you from fraud is our top priority and we are committed to ensuring the safety and security of your information! The overwhelming amount of news coverage surrounding the coronavirus has created a new danger – scams in all forms. We live in a world where the bad guys prey on every opportunity that is available. This is a reminder to please be careful and hesitant of all emails, phone calls and items pertaining to the Coronavirus. The safest place to find out information about the Coronavirus is directly from the CDC. https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html.
Best Practices to Avoid Scams
The best practice in avoiding scams and hackers is to not click on any links in emails you were not expecting or you did not request, just delete the emails. As a reminder, if you are Health Advantage Credit Union Debit/ATM Card holder and suspect fraudulent activity on your account you should contact us immediately.
Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:
- Hang up on robocalls. Don't press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
- Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn't been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
- Know who you're buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don't.
- Don't respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
- Don't click on links from sources you don't know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
- Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Ignore online offers for vaccinations. There currently are no vaccines, pills, potions, lotions, lozenges or other prescription or over-the-counter products available to treat or cure Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores.
- Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don't let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don't do it.
May 12, 2020 Exploiting the Coronavirus: From Unemployed to Money Mule
Due to the Coronavirus crisis, unemployment numbers have skyrocketed. As usual, the bad guys are quick to take advantage of these hard times and are sending out phony work-from-home opportunities. Typically, these phishing emails contain grammar mistakes and offer minimal details about the hiring company and the job requirements. But the scammers still manage to grab your attention because the job opportunity includes a great paycheck.
Remember these tips and share them with your friends and family who may be looking for work:
May 8, 2020 Making false claims to access account and ATM information
Scammers are reaching out to people by phone or SMS messaging to claim their account cards are blocked. The scammers then request personal information as a way to "authenticate'' the caller. This personal information can lead to fraudulent activity, often at ATMs.
These scams have been on the increase in recent weeks. Here are ways you can stay safe:
Knowledge is power and healthy skepticism may be your most powerful tool these days to stay healthy physically, mentally, and financially.
April 3, 2020 Beware of Scammers Trying to Steal Your Payment
Scammers may:
March 26, 2020
Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued an urgent consumer alert urging Michiganders to be on high alert for bad actors aiming to coerce them out of their personal information in a new federal stimulus payment scam. Scammers are using the news that the federal government will send one-time payments to millions of people across the country as part of the federal economic relief response to COVID-19 to steal personal information.
The Michigan Department of Attorney General has already received reports that residents are getting emails from websites appearing to be official demanding that they provide PayPal, bank account or other financial information to receive the $1,200 federal stimulus payment immediately. The Attorney General's office is reminding anyone who receives a text, email or phone call from someone claiming to be from the government with a check for them — DO NOT FALL FOR IT. These fake phishing scams will likely ask for a person's bank account information and insist $1,000 or more will be deposited directly into his or her bank account.
Personal information should not be given to anyone unless the provider of that information is absolutely certain of the identity of the person requesting it.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding the federal stimulus payment and specific disbursement details, only visit the IRS website.
Week of March 23rd
Beware of work-at-home scams through job search websites and digital ads claiming you'll earn big money. These scam will offer you something while looking for something in return. For example they may offer to send you a large check to purchase a computer to get your home office set up but then request that you send a $500 gift card back to them These scams are coming through phone calls, emails and online. REMEMBER if they want something in return (account number, gift card, license number, any personal identifying information, etc) that should be a red flag to you that it is a scam! See best practices below for other ways to avoid fraud and scams.
Week of March 16th
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Signature Half N Half Pen Kalamkari
Rs. 26,995.00
Signature Half n Half pen Kalamkari
Attached Blouse - Included
Fabric Type - Georgette
Dry Wash Only
Disclaimer: Product color may slightly vary due to photographic lighting sources or your monitor settings.
Please follow specific wash care instructions tagged with each garment


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Middle East Crisis
Violence in the Middle East must be stopped for the good of humankind. Fighting in recent days has been hazardous and fatal. There are many things that can be done to prevent this violence. A permanent cease-fire must be in effect, the international community should get involved and land claims must be worked out. These three things are necessary in order to resolve this situation.
A permanent cease-fire would be very important. If a permanent cease-fire was in effect, the death tolls will be dramatically lowered. The first step in the cease-fire process would be to unite both the Israelis and the Palestinians in an international peace conference. This conference would make both countries realize that the violence that is occurring is serious and horrible. The Palestinians must cease their protests. These protests in the recent days have been turned into bloody battles because of the "rock throwers". The rock throwers cause the Israelis to return fire. In the worst case, this violence could turn into a mass murder. The violence might become so violent, that there would be many unnecessary deaths and a potential genocide, which has happened in other countries such as Yugoslavia with this similar situation. This is not the only thing that has to take place in order for the peace process to proceed.
The international community should be involved in the peace process. The United Nations condemns this violence and should intervene before it becomes out of hand. The UN should send an International force to the Middle East to prevent the violence which is occurring. The United Nations would show hard force towards both sides. They would enforce peace as opposed to violence and make it safer for the local population, which has been affected by the clashes. The main reason that the peace process has been halted is because of the anarchy and violence. If this was halted, there could be a chance that the peace process could take...
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Cordyceps is a type of fungus known for many centuries in traditional Chinese medicine for its refreshing and adaptive properties. Traditionally, it has been used to treat many conditions such as infections, fatigue, decreased male libido as well as to stimulate the immune system. In recent years Cordyceps seems to stand out for its benefits in athletes of aerobic and endurance sports.
What is Cordyceps?
It is a kind of fungus that parasites and grows on insects and arthropods. There are various species (Cordyceps sinensis, Cordyceps militaris, Cordyceps ophioglossoides, Cordyceps capita, etc.), which are collected from high altitude areas and cultivated in the laboratory.
Which athletes can benefit from cordyceps?
People who participate in aerobic and endurance sports seem to benefit more, in comparison with those who participate in anaerobic activities (weightlifting, sprinting, etc.). Climbers and hikers, as well as those who take part in endurance sports, such as running, swimming and cycling, seem to have the greatest benefits, regarding stamina and athletic performance.
Cordyceps and athletic performance
According to scientific studies, taking Cordyceps before exercise can provide many benefits to athletes. The effects of Cordyceps are due to its high content in polysaccharides, adenosine, cordycepin and cordycepic acid.
Antioxidant protection
Athletes are characterized by increased oxidative stress, therefore they need antioxidant protection. The Cordyceps extract has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. According to research, it neutralizes the harmful effects of free radicals, protecting cells from their harmful effects, while shielding the immune system.
The fungal extract has an adaptive action. It contributes to the oxygenation of the body by adapting the respiratory system to the requirements of exercise.
Energy and endurance
Cordyceps significantly improves energy levels and reduces fatigue, especially in aerobic endurance sports. In particular, according to studies, taking cordyceps helps to increase ATP production in the liver, the main energy currency of the cells, as well as to improve glucose metabolism. The result is to stimulate the body, increase strength and delay muscle exhaustion. In addition, it helps in faster recovery of muscles post-workout.
Cordyceps supplements and dose
It is given pre-workout at doses of 1-1.5g. daily, along with a meal. In dietary supplements, it is available in tablet or powder form, as a mono-ingredient or in combination with other nutrients, such as Rhodiola, Ginseng, Reishi mushroom, wheatgrass, ginger, Maca and probiotics.
Contraindications of Cordyceps
People with autoimmune diseases or people who take anticoagulants should not take supplements with cordyceps.


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The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services, or USCIS, has announced that it is now accepting applications from Liberian nationals wishing to apply for permanent residency in the U.S. under the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2020.
Section 7611 of the act, recently signed into law by President Donald Trump, is known as the Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness and allows Liberian nationals, their spouses, and unmarried children under 21 years of age or older living in the U.S. to apply to become lawful permanent residents.
The Liberian Refugee Immigration Fairness Act was championed by Democratic Senator Jack Reed of Rhode Island and his colleagues in both the House and Senate. The new provision embedded within the Defense Act requires applicants to "have been continuously physically present in the United States from Nov. 20, 2014 to the date they properly file an application for adjustment of status,†the USCIS said in the announcement.
The agency noted that Dec. 20, 2020 is the last date it would accept any "properly filed†application.
Individuals exempted from benefiting from the provision include aliens convicted of an aggravated felony or those who participated in the persecution of any person because of race, religion, nationality, or membership in a particular social group or political opinion.
Triggered by civil wars in Liberia beginning in 1990, many of the affected Liberians fled their homes for safety to the United States, a country with which Liberia has long historical and cultural lies. Many were granted 'protected' status by the U.S. government upon arrival in the U.S., allowing them to work, attend schools, and benefit from other programs of assistance. Following the recent outbreak of the deadly Ebola epidemic between 2014 and 2015, which ravaged three West African countries including Liberia, these populations increased as new waves of Liberians fled the outbreak. Some 4,800 persons died in Liberian alone from the epidemic.
Featured photo by Flickr's Bart


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It's not the best of times, nor the worst. But the latest data is a tale of two of U.S. economies.
From a record-high level in September 2018 of 61.3%, manufacturing activity has plunged. In July, manufacturing activity slipped further, to 51.2%, according to the newly released monthly survey data of purchasing managers from the Institute of Supply Management.
This data series is designed to signal a recession when it falls to less than 50%. At 51.2%, the manufacturing economy inched closer to indicating a recession could be on the horizon.
Meanwhile, the survey of purchasing managers at non-manufacturing companies, those in the service economy, declined to 53.7% in July. It too has plunged from its record level of 61.6% in September, but it's still well within its normal range.
The "Service Economy" is not gangbusters, like the tax-reform fueled peak in September 2018, but it's doing okay.
The service economy represents about 88% of U.S. growth. It's indicating growth is ahead, though less robust than a year ago.
Continued growth is confirmed by the survey of 60 economists conducted in early August by The Wall Street Journal.
The consensus forecast of 60 economic professionals for the next five quarters is for an average quarterly growth rate of 1.8%. That may seem paltry compared to the 3.1% in the first quarter of 2019, but it aligns with the expected long-term growth rate of the non-partisan government forecast published by the Congressional Budget Office.
The Standard & Poor's 500 stock index of large public companies closed the week at 2,918.65, about 3% less than its all-time high.
This article was written by a veteran financial journalist based on data compiled and analyzed by independent economist, Fritz Meyer. While these are sources we believe to be reliable, the information is not intended to be used as financial or tax advice without consulting a professional about your personal situation. Tax laws are subject to change. Indices are unmanaged and not available for direct investment. Investments with higher return potential carry greater risk for loss. No one can predict the future of the stock market or any investment, and past performance is never a guarantee of your future results.
This article was written by a professional financial journalist for Zephyr Investment Management, Inc. and is not intended as legal or investment advice.
© 2020 Advisor Products Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Our goal is to create an inspiring financial strategy for you—one that gets you excited about your future. To accomplish this, our personalized Values-Based Financial Planning® services take a holistic wealth advisory approach. These services are based on the premise.
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At Zephyr Investment Management, we believe that a focus on managing downside risks is essential to your long-term financial security. We believe the upside will take care of itself and the real value of investment management is generated by limiting the downside.
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We see financial planning and investment planning as the key components to a secure retirement. Building on our work in these areas, we work with you to define a solid vision of what your retirement looks like to you. While this vision may evolve over time.
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The Archives and Special Collections Department is closed to visitors until further notice. For remote assistance, please contact us at: firstname.lastname@example.com.
White plastic cup with "Natural Highs" listed on each side.
Artifact/Collection Number: AC 00263
Location: Shelf 27 (housed with AC 00254 and AC 00264)
Subject: Cup
Format: Miscellaneous
A metal cup with the inscription "John Dickinson Society 1988" on it. It was given to Philip Capice (Class of 1952).
Artifact/Collection Number: AC 2016.4_16
Location: Shelf 40 (Box 4)
Subject: Cup
Format: Glassware/Ceramics
A red-orange plastic cup printed with "Phi Kappa Psi" twice and greek letters in green.
Artifact/Collection Number: AC 00683
Location: Shelf 21 (housed with AC 00001, AC 00045, AC 00265-6, AC 00600)
Subject: Cup, Greek Life
Format: Miscellaneous


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"Everett soars as the fallen Oscar Wilde."~ Chris Nashawaty, ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY
"A heartfelt salute to Wilde from an actor and filmmaker who was born to play him." ~Peter Travers, ROLLING STONE
Writer/Director Rupert Everett Stars in
Also Starring Colin Firth, Colin Morgan, Edwin Thomas,
Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson
Debuting on Blu-ray™, DVD & Digital February 12
Bonus Features Include Screen Actors Guild Q & A with Rupert Everett,
"Making Of" Featurette and Deleted Scenes
Official selection of the Sundance and Los Angeles Film Festivals, THE HAPPY PRINCE, arrives on Blu-ray™, DVD and Digital on February 12 from Sony Pictures Home Entertainment. The film—written and directed by and starring Golden Globe® and BAFTA nominee Rupert Everett (My Best Friend's Wedding)—chronicles the heartbreaking final days of celebrated writer and legendary wit Oscar Wilde. THE HAPPY PRINCE features an acclaimed supporting cast including Academy Award® and Golden Globe® winner Colin Firth (The King's Speech), Colin Morgan (Legend), Edwin Thomas (TV's Inspector Lewis), Golden Globe® and Academy Award® nominee Emily Watson (Breaking The Waves) and Academy Award® nominee and Emmy winner Tom Wilkinson (In the Bedroom, TV's John Adams).
Special features on THE HAPPY PRINCE include a fascinating Screen Actors Guild Q & A with Rupert Everett, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film with Colin Firth and deleted scenes.
In a cheap Parisian hotel, Oscar Wilde lies on his deathbed and recalls his past with wit and irony. Was he once the most famous man in London? He reviews the failed attempt to reconcile with his long-suffering wife, the ensuing reprisal of his love affair with Lord Alfred Douglas and the devotion of Robbie Ross, who tried and failed to save him from himself. From Dieppe to Naples to Paris, Oscar is a penniless vagabond, shunned by his old acquaintances, but still revered by a strange group of outlaws to whom he tells the old stories – his incomparable talent still sharp.
THE HAPPY PRINCE is written and directed by Rupert Everett. Produced by Sébastien Delloye, Philipp Kreuzer, and Jörg Schulze. The film stars Rupert Everett, Colin Firth, Colin Morgan, Edwin Thomas, Emily Watson and Tom Wilkinson.
Special Features:
- Screen Actors Guild Q & A with Rupert Everett
- "Making Of" Featurette
- Deleted Scenes
THE HAPPY PRINCE has a running time of 104 minutes. It is rated R for sexual content, graphic nudity, language and brief drug use. The film is in English with some French and Italian.


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Caleb's review published on Letterboxd:
"We've got no food, we've got no jobs... our pets' heads are falling off!"
Irrefutably stupid but goddamn hilarious. A perfect match of writers and actors making it all work, and of course this just had to have Jim Carrey in 1994 who was undoubtedly next level then. Let's not forget Jeff Daniels, who makes it all work as well. This film ruled my childhood, but it's always a delight to return to this when I can. Quotable as hell and just a fun ride(s).
"Pull over!"
"No it's a cardigan, but thanks for noticing!"


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The Details:
This handkerchief style is a collaboration with Carey Knives. If you would like more info on Peter Carey, visit his website here.
On the front of this style, you will find a peppered grey cotton fabric with the Carey Knives artwork in the bottom right corner (blue). The decorative border stitch is matching blue, which continues the edges of this blue and grey Carey Knives x Fox Hanx Collab!
- Approximately 11.5" by 11.5"
- Cotton front and back
- Custom Embroidered Tag
- Decorative Border Stitch
- Decorative Tack Stitch
Please Note: Each handkerchief is individually handmade, so small variances in the stitching/fabric is normal and expected. It makes your Fox Hanx all the more unique! Pictured above is a visual representation of the small batch that has been made of this specific Fox Hanx style. Also, keep in mind that the photos represent the color of the handkerchief as accurate as possible, but, naturally, the very best representation is in person.


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hard skills
Skills to List on Resume for Customer Service
Customer service is one of the most important departments in any business. Customer service personnel are responsible for providing one-to-one support, guidance, and assistance to customers to ensure they have an easy and enjoyable experience with a company. Today, the role extends far beyond traditional telephone support to include email, webchat, text message, and social
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Computer Skills to Put on Your Resume
In the digital economy, technology is constantly changing how we live, work and consume, and there's barely a job in existence that doesn't require a basic understanding of computers, and many involve intermediate to advanced computer skills. For some positions, the required skills may be as basic as sending emails or posting tweets. For others,
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How Many Skills to List on Your Resume?
Maybe you've just graduated. Maybe it's time for a career change. Maybe a position at an exciting and forward-thinking company has just been posted on LinkedIn. Maybe you're looking for a higher salary. Either way, it's time to dig out your resume and get ready to start crafting your application. And so here comes the
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- Shipping Weight: 9.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
The Youth QuickLite 230 Shoulder Pads offer some of the same great features as the larger model, but are tailored to be a better fit for the smaller player. The construction of the youth version is designed to eliminate the bulk and weight that can be tough for younger players to lug around. PE...