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The PSA Security Network, a security and systems integrator cooperative with headquarters in Westminster, Colo., is accepting presentations through Aug. 4, 2017 for its TEC 2018 annual conference. Proposals can be submitted at www.psatec.com/cfp.
TEC 2018, which will be held at the Sheraton Downtown Denver in Denver, Colo., March 12-16, 2018, is a premier education and networking event for all professional systems integrators in the security and audio-visual markets. TEC features education and certification programs, networking, and dedicated exhibit hours designed to advance the skills and expertise of industry professionals nationwide. This training venue is open to all industry professionals and is designed to meet the educational needs of all employees within an integrator's organization.
PSA Security Network's president and CEO Bill Bozeman told Security Systems News that the move from Westminster—where the conference had been held for several years—to downtown Denver fro 2018 was needed to accommodate the growth of the show.
"The hotel [Downtown Denver Sheraton] is bigger, so we look forward to having everyone under one roof," Bozeman told SSN. "In addition, I think some of our younger members and supporters are going to enjoy being in downtown Denver, where there is so much to do."
The education program will deliver sessions tailored to physical security and audio-visual integrators focused on emerging technologies, critical issues in the industry, and tool development to augment attendees' knowledge needed to continue to drive these industries forward. Sessions will be selected that serve a variety of disciplines including business management, sales and marketing, HR and recruiting, project management and operations, and installation and service.
Proposals are welcome for both certification programs and general education sessions for the security and audio-visual markets. All sessions must be unbiased and minimize commercial references and overt branding. Submissions are evaluated based on topic relevance, speaker expertise, and originality of the content. Additional guidelines are available within the call for presentations submission tool.
Accepted and approved presenters will receive complimentary registration to TEC 2018 and will have the opportunity to solidify their reputation as an industry resource and subject matter expert while expanding their own professional network and gaining access to strategic partnerships. PSA does not pay honoraria or expenses for accepted proposals.
Central Security Group on July 6 announced that it received an incremental first lien term loan of $40 million, as well as a 12-month maturity extension to its credit facilities.
The new funding "is part of a broader $350 million financing the company started in 2014. This was an add on to that financing," Richard Ginsburg, president and CEO of Central Security Group, told Security Systems News in an email interview. CSG finances through Credit Suisse, Ginsburg noted.
Asked about growth initiatives, Ginsburg said, "We continue to grow our business through our long-standing Authorized Dealer Program, supplemented by our organic efforts."
In the recent announcement, Ginsburg mentioned that the funding will help the company with geographic expansion, acquisitions and growing its account base. The announcement also emphasized the company's Alert 360 offering, which provides interactive security.
Concerning acquisitions, Ginsburg told SSN, "We are always looking but are very selective."
Ginsburg discussed what CSG looks for in an ideal acquisition. "We would consider quality companies with customers put on through more traditional marketing," he told SSN. "We also look for companies with good employees and managers who are hitting glass ceilings because of the company's size and who would benefit from a company like ours, with more resources, financing, and a positive culture."
The new Sandy Springs, Ga. alarm ordinance, which is set to be voted on July 18, is alarming many in the security industry as it looks to force alarm dealers to pay their subscriber's false alarm fees and fines.
"This makes as much sense as a car rental company being responsible for paying your speeding tickets if you get caught speeding in their car," Dan Gordon, president of the Georgia Electronic Life Safety and Security Association (GELSSA), and owner of Ga.-based Gordon Security, told Security System News.
Gordon, as well as many security companies working in Georgia, including LOUD Security and Ackerman Security, are rallying others in the industry to pay attention to what is going on in Sandy Springs.
"If Sandy Springs passes this, which city goes next?" John Loud, president of LOUD Security Systems, told SSN, noting that he does not think this ordinance will help Sandy Springs reduce false dispatches.
"They outsource the collections to a firm called CryWolf (Public Safety Corporation)," Loud explained. "Their service includes collecting the assessed fines. The cost to Sandy Springs is the same, whether the bill goes to the end users of the alarm system or the alarm company. But the alarm company's costs will increase. They will now have to bill their customers and establish a collection process, increasing the workload for their personnel."
Loud and others in opposition to the ordinance believe this will actually cause an increase in the amount of false dispatches.
"Citizens will usually respond to citations from their local police or city municipality," he explained. "If a vendor or service provider sends an assessment, they could very easily change monitoring companies and get additional false alarms through new providers. They can choose to never pay and continually change companies."
He noted that this would result in more false dispatches as the end user would never be forced to change their behavior.
Loud also pointed out that the court systems of Sandy Springs will have a lot more cases. "Either the alarm companies will be filing suit to collect monies from customers refusing to pay or the city will be pursuing alarm companies for nonpayment of fines they do not have the money to pay."
He continued, "You will likely see many alarm companies choosing to not do business with residents/businesses that must comply with this ordinance. In Sandy Springs, most alarm companies charge only $25 per month. While false alarm fees can cost hundreds of dollars, the accounts receivable process will likely make it financially impossible for fire/alarm companies to take on such risk."
He said that Sandy Springs could achieve greater reduction in the false dispatches if they would enforce all of their current ordinance provisions, such as:
- Follow the Enhanced Call Verification Georgia State law that went into effect in 2013. "The 911 operator could very easily ask for the two phone numbers the alarm company called prior to dispatch request," said Loud.
- Do not allow dispatch on the subscribers that have not paid for previous fines—put them on a do not dispatch list.
- Do not allow dispatch for subscribers that have had 10 false alarms in a permit year.
- Activate the false alarm school the ordinance allows for, which will provide the training and prevention of future false alarms.
"Another step Sandy Springs could pursue is a higher fee structure for excessive false alarms," said Loud. "This would force subscribers to either fix their system, teach others to use it properly or they could choose to stop arming their system. All three of the options result in reduced dispatches."
He continued, "While I certainly see there are many ways to help unite with the City of Sandy Springs and help them achieve their ultimate goal of reducing false dispatches and wasting government recourses, I do not believe requiring the alarm companies to pay the fees is the answer."
The GELSSA, along with strong industry voices like Loud's, are urging those in the industry to reach out to the mayor of Sandy Springs to voice their concerns, and for security dealers in the Sandy Springs area to attend the planned vote on July 18.
The Alarm Industry Communications Committee recently opened its sixth annual communications survey, which asks about monitored accounts using POTS, VoIP digital dialers, as well as other technologies used for transmitting alarm data.
AICC started conducting the survey in 2012 because there was a lack of data on communication paths, according to AICC chair Lou Fiore. "The idea is to figure out what communications is in use, from the premises to a central station," Fiore told Security Systems News.
"When we go to congress and the FCC and we want to ask that they retain something, or ask for new services, we have data to back it up," Fiore said.
"This year, I introduced a question regarding AES, as opposed to cellular. But, in previous years, we've lumped AES … or private one-way radio with cellular, [calling] it all 'wireless,'" Fiore said.
Part of the survey covers wireless technologies. "In 2016, 58 percent of new installations were using some form of wireless. Back when I started that part of the survey in 2013 it was about 45 percent. So, it's steadily ticking up, and I'm sure this year it will [increase] even more," Fiore said.
In 2012, 83.5 percent of monitored accounts used POTS digital dialers, either as a sole method of transmission or along with another method, Fiore said. "Now, it's down to 58 percent," he said, adding that he expects it to be lower this year.
The survey also asked what percentage of accounts use another technology—such as radio, IP, or cellular—as the sole method of transmission. "In 2012, it was 14.5 percent. 2016, it went up to 40 percent," said Fiore.
In 2013, when the survey began asking about accounts that use IP exclusively, 15.6 percent used IP exclusively. That figure decreased to 9 percent in 2016, Fiore said. "IP exclusively, the use of Internet … is not as popular as everyone's thought. It's actually decreasing; it's been steadily decreasing through the years."
The survey can be found here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/R9SH7JC. Participation is not limited to TMA or AICC members. Fiore will share results after the survey closes on Aug. 11.
The world market for professional video surveillance equipment grew by 3.9 percent in 2016, despite a drop in camera prices, according to recently published estimates from IHS Markit through its Video Surveillance Intelligence Service.
"This is a higher rate of growth than in 2015 (1.9 percent) but still low by historical standards," Jon Cropley, principal analyst, video surveillance, IHS Markit, said in the announcement.
IHS forecasts a slightly higher growth in the global market for 2017—at 5.5 percent—and as a result, the world market will be worth $16.2 billion in 2017.
Accounting for more than 40 percent of global revenues measured in U.S. dollars, the Chinese market grew by 7.2 percent in 2016, according to IHS, which noted that exchange rate changes did play a role in suppressing a higher calculated growth in that currency (as the average annual exchange rate of the Chinese Yuan Renminbi to the U.S. dollar fell by 6.6 percent in 2016). In the report, Hikvision took the top spot in several categories.
"The world market excluding China grew by just 1.6 percent in 2016," Cropley pointed out. "Demand for security cameras grew rapidly but prices fell considerably, affecting revenues. In fact, revenues declined in a number of countries."
IHS also found that the supply base for professional video surveillance equipment is gradually becoming more concentrated, although it remains highly fragmented compared with supply to many other markets.
"The top fifteen vendors accounted for 58 percent of revenues in 2016," noted Cropley. "In 2016, a number of Chinese vendors continued to gain market share rapidly in regions outside China. They tend to offer products with low prices and this has been a major factor in average price erosion in those regions."
The report also found that 59 percent of all security cameras shipped in 2016 were network cameras, and shipments of HD CCTV cameras more than doubled. Less than 1 percent of network cameras shipped were 4K-compliant, according to IHS.
Note: Check back for more on this report, including additional comments from IHS' Jon Cropley.
U.S. households with professional security monitoring will generate nearly $14.7 billion in 2021, reaching a five-year CAGR of 4.7 percent from 2017-2021, according to Parks Associates' Home Security NUMBERS research.
"Our last number from the fourth quarter of 2016 shows that 21.5 percent of broadband households, which is about 80 percent of overall households, have professionally monitored security," Tom Kerber, Parks' director of IoT strategy, told Security Systems News. "So when you look at that number on an overall household basis, the number ends up being around 18.8 percent that have professionally monitored security."
That is approximately 22 million households, and by 2021 Parks estimates that number will rise to 26.6 million, or 21.6 percent of households overall, having professionally monitored security, representing an approximately 3 percent growth rate.
"Over the last decade it has never been close to that 21.6 percent number," noted Kerber. "In 2010, the number was 13 percent, so that is strong growth. Although from a conventional wisdom perspective it doesn't sound like much, it is substantial. We had significant recovery from the recession from 2013-15, and now the growth is more modest, but it is still growing."
When asked about the impact of the telecoms into the space, Kerber noted that Comcast is making waves.
"Comcast when they went public with their subscriber count at 957,000 as part of their annual reporting, that was substantial, representing a 40 percent growth over the prior year," he said. "Whether it is bundling with their core services, or subscribing people when they move, or more aggressive sales tactics mixed with their call center operations, they obviously have figured out how to move the needle in a substantial way. At a million subscribers, they are equivalent to Moni, or Vivint to some extent. So you can't discount that type of success."
He continued, "Telecoms, led by Comcast, are growing at a faster rate than the market is growing, so they are gaining market shares. And when we look at some of the smaller players, they are not growing at the same rate as others in the market, and we are trying to understand why this is happening through some current research that we are doing."
Dina Abdelrazik, research analyst, Parks Associates, told SSN that some of the smaller local dealers "are a little more hesitant to provide smart home controls. I don't know if it is more of an infrastructure basis—they don't have the employees to do so or the technological savvy to do so—but they are falling behind in terms of providing these controllers in the home that consumers are actively asking for. So, of course, if consumers can't find it through their local dealer, they are going to look to those who can provide it for them."
The Monitoring Association today announced that Ivan Spector, president of Montreal-based Sentinel Alarm Co., was voted to be the next president of TMA at its general membership meeting, held on June 13 during ESX in Nashville Tenn.
"I am very honored and humbled to serve in the position of President," Spector said in TMA's announcement. "I look forward to continuing our successes and I thank all of our members for their support and participation."
Spector is a Superior Court of Canada-acknowledged and accepted expert witness. Spector is a graduate of McGill University and he and his wife Jodi live in Montreal with their four children. Sentinel Alarm Co. is a full-service ULC-listed and Five Diamond designated monitoring station.
"In addition to his ownership of Sentinel Alarm, Spector is a leader in advancing alarm management in both Canada and the United States," TMA said in today's announcement. For CANASA, Spector has served on the Board of Directors, was national president, and chair of the Response Committee. He was also a founding member and longtime board member of the Security Industry Alarm Coalition and he currently serves on the Executive Committee of TMA.
In addition to the election of Spector, officer positions for the next two years were proposed and accepted by vote of the membership: Don Young, ADT's chief information officer; Morgan Hertel, VP of technology and innovation for Rapid Response; and CPI's chief technology officer Steve Butkovich, will become vice presidents of the association and Alan Gillmore IV, Gillmore Security, will become TMA's treasurer.
"Congratulations to Ivan and our other new officers," TMA's current president Pamela J. Petrow, said in a prepared statement. "I have had the pleasure of working with all of them during my presidency, and know that the Association will be in very good hands under their leadership."
These leadership changes become official at the conclusion of the TMA Annual Meeting in Scottsdale October 7-11.
In the past couple of weeks, Vivint has made two announcements. The first announcement, which came out on June 13, was about the company's new facility. Then, on June 20, Vivint announced its new solution for property developers and managers—Vivint Smart Properties.
According to Vivint's announcement, the new facility will be a 43,000-square-foot building, capable of housing up to 400 employees and includes a demo home equipped with a Vivint smart home system, a full-size basketball court, fitness center and six training rooms, including a technical training room and a hands-on product training room.
"We look forward to tapping into the strong business and engineering talent of the Utah State University community and contributing to Utah's growth as a tech hub," Alex Dunn, president at Vivint Smart Home, said in a prepared statement.
"We are very pleased to provide space for Vivint Smart Home on the USU Innovation Campus," Noelle Cockett, Utah State University president, said in the announcement. "The center will afford employment opportunities for people in Cache Valley, including USU students. Also, we anticipate USU research and outreach faculty engaging with Vivint R&D personnel in areas of common interest," Cockett continued.
Vivint Smart Properties will bring smart home devices to single- or multi-family rental properties, marketed specifically toward property managers. Harrison Jenkins, senior director of product integrations, told Security Systems News that this program is essentially "taking what we've been offering to single-family residential homeowners for years and making it accessible to renters. So, [that includes] lights, locks, thermostats, doorbell cameras, security."
The customer, property managers, looks a little different from the company's typical customer, Jenkins noted. "It's just a different model for us, but I think we have a good understanding of how it needs to happen and we're ready to deploy it."
Tom Few, Vivint Smart Home's vice president of business development, described how the new offering benefits both renters and property managers.
"We believe that it'll help drive occupancy, it'll help drive net operating income with increased rents," Few told SSN. "I believe that it allows the renter to have control of their apartment, whether it be through video, door access, thermostats, lighting. These are all things that people are becoming accustomed to having and I think it's going to be an amenity that's going to attract more renters to that property."
Vivint has dedicated that is focused on property managers, developers and owners, according to Few. "We are presenting the opportunity to them, we are getting to the decision makers, and … everybody that we have spoken to has been happy to talk to us and interested in the offering," he said. "Now, it's just about creating that demand and actually deploying it."
The Security Industry Association (SIA) announced this week the establishment of a political action committee (PAC) called the SecurityPAC, which was formed to bolster its advocacy efforts to fully engage within the U.S. political process on matters affecting the security industry.
The timing of this announcement couldn't be better as it comes a week before the SIA GovSummit, a leading public policy forum for the security industry set for June 28-29 on Capitol Hill and at The Liaison Capitol Hill.
"SecurityPAC was established to strengthen the voice of the security industry on Capitol Hill, by enabling SIA members to support candidates for federal office who will champion issues that are important to the industry," Joseph Hoellerer, SIA Government Relations manager told Security Systems News. "There are hundreds of trade associations in Washington with robust advocacy efforts and SecurityPAC provides SIA with an additional and important tool to advance the policy priorities of its members."
The newly formed SecurityPAC will raise funds solely from SIA members to support candidates for federal office who champion important industry issues, and will support matters pertaining but not limited to issues such as homeland security, cybersecurity, federal procurement and critical infrastructure protection.
"The establishment of the SecurityPAC follows the core mission of SIA, which is 'to be a catalyst for success within the global security industry through information, insight and influence,'" SIA CEO Don Erickson said in the announcement. "The Security Industry Association's political action committee will enable the association to do just that by adding a vital voice to the national dialogue during federal elections. With SecurityPAC, we will support crucial causes for the improved security posture of the entire country."
Contributions to SecurityPAC are strictly voluntary and in compliance with statutorily defined regulations of the Federal Election Commission. SIA members with user credentials can access the SecurityPAC website at www.siasecuritypac.org. Employees of SIA member companies interested in gaining access to the site should contact Joe Hoellerer at 301-804-4714 or [email protected].
I've arrived safely in Nashville, Tenn., for the 10th ESX show. Looking at the educational sessions, I am seeing a lot of engaging topics. Over the next few days, quite a few of the sessions I'm planning on attending will be in the "Maximize Your Monitoring Center" track. I'm particularly interested in the monitoring-focused, three-part leadership boot camp on Friday, presented by Justin Robbins, content director for HDI & ICMI. Be sure to check this blog daily, as I'll be updating it with some key points from the educational sessions as well as some highlights from my trips to the show floor.
Day 1
To start the first day, I attended the OpenXchange Breakfast, featuring a presentation on "The Changing Competitive Landscape." This session brought up a variety of points and perspectives from each of the panelists. The moderator, ESX chairman George De Marco, addressed an interesting topic: whether consumers are more drawn to the connected home or security.
Justin Wong, VP of business development for IFTTT, said there needs to be a defined difference between the two. For example, a consumer may purchase a home camera, not connected to a security system, and believe they have security. The product they have is more for awareness than security, and a security dealer can focus on that messaging.
Andrew Thomas, SkyBell's co-founder and chief revenue officer, said, "The thing that keeps you safe also needs to keep you connected." Dealers can use connected home as a bridge into offering security.
At another point De Marco asked about the DIY space. Robert C. Martens, futurist and VP of strategy and partnerships for Allegion, said that the space has done well, which attracts new entrants viewing the market as an opportunity.
When De Marco asked about potential use cases for IoT, Scott Harkins, Honeywell's VP of Honeywell Connected Home, had an interesting take on IoT as an opportunity. He wondered about the potential for more mixing between DIY and professional security, such as through partnerships or professional systems being as easy to install as DIY systems.
Following the breakfast, I went to "Raising the Talent Bar: Your Guide to Finding Qualified Employees," featuring panelists Don Childers, Security Central's COO; Cathy Rempel president of American Security Integrators; and Dee Ann Harn, CEO, RFI Enterprises. Rebecca Bayne, president and consultant for Bayne Consulting and Search Inc., served as the moderator.
I found this topic to be particularly interesting as SSN both heard from a variety of professionals about the challenge of hiring and in our April News Poll readers weighed in on the topic, saying that finding the right people can be a challenge.
The panel addressed some points that I've heard before, such as culture being the key to attracting good applicants. Childers in particular had a point that companies need to offer incentives that are different, which might not be more monetary compensation, but could be more time off.
Harn said that a referral system that rewards employees for recruiting new employees has been successful for RFI. "In every different market, it's a different kind of a challenge," she said, but highlighted that companies need to know who their employees are.
Rempel said that her company often looks to hire from within. She noted that in order for that system to work, employees need to know what is expected of them to advance, such as certain skill sets.
I found Bayne had a memorable way of looking at what applicants need to know about a company; they want to know about the CLAMPS: culture, lifestyle, advancement, money, people and stability.
In the opening keynote luncheon, Carey Lohrenz, author and the first female U.S. Navy F-14 tomcat pilot, translated her experiences with adversities into ways that businesses can approach changes. In the Navy, Lohrenz faced a variety of challenges including aspiring to be a pilot when law prohibited females as well as the physical challenges of flying at Mach 2—twice the speed of sound.
One piece of advice she gave was to simultaneously focus on long term goals and do the difficult, short-term work to achieve those.
Lohrenz discussed how certain training techniques were designed to break people down, mentally and physically; she also said that these were instrumental in getting people to overcome a fear of failure and operate at the best possible levels.
She stressed the importance of being fearless in moving ahead. While taking the safe route, someone else can move ahead, she said. "Sometimes not taking a risk can be the biggest risk you can take," Lohrenz said.
On the show floor, I got to catch up with a variety of people. I was pleased to meet Randy Hall, Security Partners' new president, face-to-face.
Also on the show floor, De Marco announced the winners for this year's TechVision Challenge. The TechVision Challenge was started ahead of ESX 2015. The contestants were chosen from this year's Innovation Award recipients. DMP's Secura, Dealer Services, Marketing Support won, with Essence's [email protected] Active being named the runner-up.
Day 2
For me, the second day of ESX 2017 began with "Advanced database Management for the Monitoring Center—Unlocking the Power of this Major Asset." This session had quite a line-up of speakers: Dave Bhattacharjee, vice president of IOT for Stanley Security; Jens Kolind, president and CEO of Innovative Business Software; Sandra Maples, director of IoT product management for Verisk Insurance Solutions; and Mark E. McCall, Security Central's general manager. The moderator was Mary Jo Lakhal, senior program manager for West Safety Services.
Bhattacharjee opened with a point about different aspects to data coming in, such as the categories of structured and unstructured data. He continued by defining data with three other points: the variety of the data, the volume of it, and the velocity of how fast it can be processed.
Kolind concurred, adding a separate way to look at data: by its size, the type of data, and what it is the company wants to do with it. Kolind also said that visualization and analysis of data has become more important.
Maples also touched on the concept of visualization. She advised audience members to consider third party tools and look at good colors and contrasts for laying out data. Data that will be interpreted and used in a monitoring center needs to be well laid out, she said, because it can mean the difference between correctly using it and making a mistake.
Wholesale monitoring centers have a couple of key uses for data, which McCall touched upon; using it internally as well as sharing it with the company's customers.
Next, I went to the session "Monitoring Industry Update: Part 1: ASAP to PSAP: Your Electronic Link to Profitability and Part 2: Checklist Working Session for UL 827 and UL 1981," with TMA's executive director and CEO Jay Hauhn and UL's engineering manager Steve Schmit.
As it turned out, the session was reversed, with Schmit presenting first. He examined various aspects to UL standards that affect monitoring centers—UL 827 and UL 1981—how they will change in their next editions and areas where UL sees the most non-compliance issues.
UL 1981, focused on central station automation systems, will now be more focused on software in its new third edition, Schmit said.
Among potential non-compliance issues for UL 872, he listed needing multiple ISPs and MFVNs if possible or where available and needing a trained staff member or contracted service to fix the secondary power solution.
Most requirements for UL 827 new eight edition are effective on Jan. 31, 2018, with redundant site requirements effective May 29, 2020.
Recognizing a wide range of attendees in the session, Hauhn discussed a variety of aspects relevant to The Monitoring Association's ASAP to PSAP program, such as how it works and its benefits.
The program seeks to improve accuracy and speed of communications between central stations and PSAPs by transmitting alarm information digitally. Among other benefits, Hauhn noted on the time saved per call, about one-and-a-half minutes per call. From the approximately 190k dispatches using ASAP in the last 15 months, the time saved adds up to about 4,748 saved hours, he said.
Giving an update on the program's progress, Hauhn mentioned getting parts of New York online with the program with help from Doyle Security Systems.
The general session, "Innovate or Else" presented by Dr. Robert Kriegel, best selling author and owner of Kriegel 2 Inc., talked about approaches to business—particularly the difference in a winning attitude and trying not to lose.
Kriegel pointed out that industries are changing. "The digital revolution has changed everything, dramatically changed everything," he said.
He invited the audience to play a game with a person next to them, asking them first to play to win. Attendees had a different strategy when asked to play not to lose, becoming more cautious and taking fewer risks.
Everybody is playing-not-to-lose in one area of their life, Kriegel said, and that is an opportunity for growth. "What's one thing that you could be doing right now that's a play to win strategy?"
Among other advice, Kriegel spoke against the "110 percent" mentality, saying that a passionate and more easy-going 90 percent is better than a stressed 110 percent.
Among the afternoon sessions I was drawn to "Residential Security: Innovation, Competition, and Channel Growth," with panelists Derrick Dicoi, executive director for Xfinity Home Product Management, Comcast, Tom Few, senior vice president of business development for Vivint, Timothy McKinney, Vice President of ADT Custom Home Services, and moderator Dina Abdelrazik, research analyst for Parks Associates.
Abdelrazik opened with some perspective from Parks Associates' research, including that the penetration rate for the industry has been steady over the past several years and key triggers to buying a security system are the move to a new house or a break-in experienced in the neighborhood.
The format for this session was largely around attendee questions, which covered a range of topics including whether lower cost options could canablize a company's higher RMR base as well as Vivint's new FlexPay options and its partnership with Best Buy.
Day 3
I spent the morning of ESX 2017's third day attending the three-part leadership boot camp, presented by Justin Robbins, content director for HDI and ICMI. "Boot camp is not always comfortable, it's not always fun, but it gives you information that you absolutely need to move forward," Robbins said in the first session.
The first part was entitled, "Leadership Fundamentals in the Monitoring Center." He examined the variety of aspects related to a monitoring center, defining it as a "coordinated system of people, processes, technologies and strategies that provides access to information resources and expertise, through appropriate channels of communication, enabling interactions that create value for the customer and organization." From there, Robbins defined leadership in a monitoring center as having everything to "handle an accurately forecasted workload, at service level and with quality."
Among a variety of factors that impact monitoring centers, Robbins took a close look at three driving forces: workload arrival patterns, visible or invisible queues and customer tolerance factors.
In "Resource Planning in the Monitoring Center," the second part of the leadership boot camp, Robbins focused on the concept of "having the right people, in the right place at the right time."
Here, he outlined steps of the planning and management process, such as choosing service level and response time objectives, collecting data, forecasting workload and calculating base staff.
Robbins stressed the importance of getting this right, adding that there are consequences of having too many or too few staff on at a time. Companies should be looking at workload in short time periods throughout a day, such as half-hour intervals as opposed to the workload over an entire day. Companies can then accommodate by bringing on or taking off employees as workload fluctuates throughout a day.
Another concept Robbins examined in his second session was "shrinkage," the average amount of time an employ would not be able to work as a result of training, time off or other factors.
In the last portion, "Inspiring Operator Performance in the Monitoring Center," Robbins looked at various groups of employees, including those that are tuned out, on hold, engaged, overwhelmed or burnt out.
He touched on engagement and satisfaction. These topics are not necessarily linked, he said; A person can be satisfied with all of the compensation and benefits, but they are not engaged, or a person could be engaged, but dissatisfied with their benefits or pay.
Robbins said that people leave bosses more than they leave jobs. He added to this point by illustrating the differences in why a person joins a company and the reasons they might leave.
People generally join a company first for its compensation, second for the job itself, and lastly for who their supervisor would be, he said. However, when they chose to leave, the biggest reason is often the employee's supervisors, followed by the job's responsibilities, and lastly for the compensation.
Robbins underlined the impact of seemingly simple gestures, like a hand written thank you note when someone does something above and beyond.
ESX 2017 was capped off by the "Public Safety Luncheon: Video Surveillance – Focusing on the Evidence," where Miles Brissette, principal in the Law Offices of Gill & Brissette, spoke on factors of how video surveillance is used in the courtroom.
I was interested to hear Brissette talk about how the face is generally not focused on, and other factors are used to identify criminals captured on video. He showed a video where a person was recognized on video because of characteristics in their bag that tied them to a crime, not their face.
In another video example, Brissette showed a clip and highlighted that the person committing a crime was identified due to the appearance of their jeans.
Among other pieces of insight, Brissette highlighted the importance of having something colorful in the field of view of a camera, which can be used for color calibration.
It was great to be in Nashville, Tenn. for ESX 2017 and I hope to see another great line up of educational sessions and keynote speakers at ESX 2018, to be held in Nashville, June 19-22, 2018.
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Plan and share activities for IYC 2011
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In this section, your ideas for IYC2011 can start to become reality. Here, you can submit activities for consideration and, after a short review, they will be listed below and any related events will populate the IYC calendar. Activities listed here have a clearly defined theme and describe how, when, and where they will take place.
If you are not quite ready to submit a plan, keep working at it and come back soon. And remember, you can always browse and search this forum to find out what others are planning and even add your own comments to the discussion.
Currently viewing all activities tagged with philately - See all activities
Marie Curie on Stamps Exhibition Richard Gratton | added on Apr 26, 2011 | United States I will be presenting an 80 pages philatelic exhibit (in French) at the Royale, National philatelic exhibition in Québec, Canada in May and also at Saint-Pierre et Miquelon. This 80 pages philatelic exhibit will also be available in hard copy color. If you want a copy please contact me by email at : firstname.lastname@example.com
IYC Postage Stamp Central Daniel Rabinovich | added on Jan 14, 2011 | United States A collection of IYC-related stamps issued during 2011.


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ISLAMABAD: A major oil reserve has been discovered near Jhelum in Punjab, opening up a new area for exploitation of hydrocarbon potential.
With an estimated production of 5,500 barrels per day, the Ghauri X-1 oil well is expected to be the country's largest oil-producing well and is likely to start contributing its output to the system by the end of this month.
With the Petroleum Ministry's consent, the Mari Petroleum Company Limited (MPCL) which operates the Ghauri Joint Venture (GJV), formally announced that it had made "a significant oil discovery" in the Ghauri X-1 oil well, located in the Dhemak village of district Jhelum.
"We have made a major oil discovery in the Sakessar Formation, in the eastern Potohar region in Ghauri X-1 Well," said the company in a public announcement.
"The 3,800 metre-deep Ghauri Well is a landmark achievement, being the first hydrocarbon discovery in the eastern part of Potohar Plateau," said the announcement.
This will go a long way in exploiting the so-far untapped potential in the area for other exploration and production companies, the statement said.
The oil from the Ghauri X-1 well has an API gravity of 22º and flows from the Sakessar Formation at a rate of 5,500 barrels per day. The well's pressure (post-acid) is 1100psi and the well's gauge or choke size is 32/64, the statement said, adding that oil reserves at the well are estimated at 22 million barrels.
Crude oil with an API gravity of 22º is known as heavy crude.
According to the company, additional reserves may also be present in the Kussak Formation, where oil flows at the rate of 136 barrels per day with a nitrogen kick-off, owing to the tight nature of the reservoir.
Sources said the company would be widening the road from the oilfield to the Rawalpindi-Lahore Grand Trunk Road, but would start transporting oil to the Attock Refinery near Rawalpindi by end of this month.
The company has also taken up the laying of a 14-kilometre pipeline from the Dhemak oil field to a filling point near Sohawa on the G.T. Road so that oil could be transported through tankers to the Attock Refinery.
The company is also considering setting up a refinery near Sohawa to refine crude oil as production from other fields is also expected to increase, an official said.


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Home > News & Events > Wayland Press Release Archives > 2007 News Releases > August 2007 > WBU alums, former classmates mark milestones at two largest Baptist churches in Plainview
WBU alums, former classmates mark milestones at two largest Baptist churches in Plainview
PLAINVIEW – Don Robertson has known since his youth he was meant to be a preacher. Robertson received Jesus as his savior at age eight, joined the church at age nine and was called to preach as a sophomore in high school.
Years later, with some education under his belt, he began the preaching circuit, making several moves before finally settling into the church he's called home. Robertson marked 20 years at College Heights Baptist Church in Plainview in April 2007, a milestone few pastors see at one congregation.
Long before he came as its shepherd, Robertson had been part of the College Heights family. A native of Tucumcari, N.M., he came to Wayland Baptist University as a student in 1964, primarily through contacts with then-president Dr. Roy C. McClung, whom he met at the New Mexico state convention held in his home church.
"He was very eloquent and a role model for me… and he always has been," Robertson noted, adding that two WBU students who led a revival at the church also made an impact. "They really role-modeled for me what my call was about."
While a student at Wayland, Robertson studied under the tutelage of religion division greats such as Dr. J. Ivyloy Bishop and Dr. Fred Howard, both of whom helped mold his ministry and his vision. He joined Bethel Baptist Church, following sweetheart Barbara Miller, who was their pianist. After the couple married in 1966, they joined College Heights.
Upon graduation from Wayland in 1968, the Robertsons left for Fort Worth, where he received a degree from Southwestern Seminary, mentored by Dr. D.L. Lowrie, longtime Lubbock pastor and WBU trustee who was then pastor at North Fort Worth church. The couple then moved to Grady, N.M. for the pastorate there, then to First Baptist in Edmonson in 1978. He had been pastor of Blodgett Street church in Carlsbad, N.M., for six years when the call came from College Heights.
"When the committee came to see me, I remember thinking, 'I can't pastor there because Fred Howard is a member,'" Robertson laughed. "But I learned to think of my Wayland Bible professors as comrades and mentors, fathers of the faith."
Robertson said the decision to return to the church he'd previously attended while a student was not immediate, since he wanted to make sure the move was right. His wife's family lived in Plainview, so that was a plus, and he was familiar with the community and the church. Still, Robertson said he weighed the pros and cons on paper before saying, "I realized it's going to have to be a faith decision anyway."
Since coming in April 1987, he said they've never had an itch to leave or put in a resume elsewhere, and the church has been supportive of the entire family for two decades. Looking back over those years, Robertson said he has no regrets, though not all his personal goals have been met.
"Every ministerial student comes to fine tune their self-laid plans about how they're going to save the world," he laughs. "Bishop used to tell me that pastors are people who have to be satisfied with slow progress. My dreams were probably more grandiose. I would have liked to see the church grow as much as it did our first six years here."
Even so, Robertson said the work at College Heights has been fulfilling and a bit humbling, as he's now traded places with Wayland students sitting in the pews. He's enjoyed the chance to minister to students, cherishing that special relationship he enjoyed while an undergrad at WBU. He sees the work as an investment in those lives, as students come through the church year after year and go on to their own mission field afterward.
Being back in Plainview has given Robertson a new viewpoint on his Wayland experience and he said he now realizes how vital his education was and the role of his pastor during those years. It's made him take a more deliberate interest in the college students who now attend CHBC.
"If I could be a pastor to a student where they could remember me making a contribution to their life and ministry, I would count that a great honor," Robertson said, noting he's kept in touch with many students and has been encouraged about his role in their lives.
When he returned to College Heights as pastor, Wayland was in the midst of tough times financially and administratively. He served on the Board of Trustees for nine years, having a front-row seat as the school changed dramatically in every situation and especially in the outlook for the future.
"We've seen Wayland now become the force that it is, and I think churches can claim some of that as a realized dream," he said. "Schools are really a child of the churches since they provide money, goodwill and student referrals."
As for the future of his pastorate at College Heights, Robertson is ready to see the growth of the church happen as it did years ago, and he's praying for the church to be open to various outreach methods that could make that happen. Still he knows the congregation is in bigger hands than his.
"I want to see College Heights prosper," he said. "It may take me leaving for it to happen, but it'll happen. It's not the pastor's vision; it's the Lord's. If the Lord's not in it, it's not going to happen."
The Robertson children are Stan, Steve, a 1991 WBU graduate, Matt and Alesha.


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Spirit Empowered Life Bestselling Titles Up To 30% Off
It's one of the most dividing words in the church. Some pastors use it to tell their congregations that God will make them all rich, rich, rich Others spurn the word and insist that true Christlikeness is found in forsaking all worldly riches and possessions.
- Poverty is a mind-set that holds us back from true wealth
- You determine your wealth based on how much, and how well you love yourself When you learn to cultivate a mind-set of abundance, no matter your circumstances, you will begin to experience the wealth of heaven in every area of your life.
Throughout his ministry, Pastor Jason Noble has witnessed miracles. And he was there when John Smith--a young boy who had fallen through ice and been declared dead--walked out of the hospital two weeks after being surrounded by prayer. Why, he asks, don't believers see more wonders like this one?In this powerful companion to the major motion picture Breakthrough, Noble
- reveals the heart of miracles
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- provides principles and tools to help readers welcome the miraculous God longs to work wonders in your life, too. Let this book help you believe with boldness
What is God saying through your dreams?
Your dreams are a unique opportunity to hear from Heaven. While you sleep, daily distractions are absent, creating a space for God to speak.
In the night, God intertwines Heavenly messages and details from your life into a meaningful, storied tapestry. These divinely woven dreams may offer wisdom, bestow comfort, or inspire courage.
The Beginner's Guide to Dream Interpretation will show you how to:
- Interpret your dreams using Scripture and the Holy Spirit's guidance, even when dreams are embarrassing or frightening.
- Capture your dreams in a dream journal.
- Expand your creative ability by learning to 'catch' Heavenly treasure from dreams.
- Understand the meanings behind nightmares.
- Learn what to do when you experience D j Vu.
- Discover your own personal code language with God.
Influence and power are not just for men.
The fight was never intended to be man vs. woman. Both men and women are strong and mighty in the Lord. Chayil is a Hebrew word that is connected to strength, wealth, power, influence, wisdom, and military might, and it happens to be the word translated "virtuous" in Proverbs 31. Since the beginning of time chayil, or "virtuous," women have been created to fight for and defend their homes, families, and other kingdom entities against evil influences. Chayil women have been empowered to organize and activate those under their authority so that everything to which they are assigned runs smoothly and with excellence.
A chayil woman is strong, mighty, and efficient; valiant, virtuous, and victorious. We were created to war together, man and woman, side by side, tearing down demonic strongholds of wickedness and advancing the territory of the kingdom of God.
If you want to be empowered to accomplish your kingdom destiny and purpose in Christ, this book is for you Using numerous examples from Scripture, this book shows women how to tap into the essence of the chayil anointing so they will be
- endued with power to defend and take back what is theirs;
- strengthened and motivated to tap into their God-given abilities and power to build and influence the areas they occupy;
- activated with supernatural wisdom and power to get wealth and to overtake the thief that comes to steal, kill, and destroy;
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- encouraged to have an edge against the forces that try to destroy their vision and success in business or ministry.
Is Heaven on Earth Really Possible?
When we struggle with defeat and discouragement, the Holy Spirit is the key to victory and peace. Best-selling author Dr. Myles Munroe shows how to bring order to the chaos in your life, receive God's power to heal and deliver, fulfill your true purpose with joy, be a leader in your sphere of influence, and be part of God's government on earth. We have access to the unseen world of the Spirit and can bring heavenly influence to earth. When you receive God's Spirit into your life, you will find that His gifts are your birthright. Receive the fullness of God's Spirit and start living in the spiritual power that God has promised you. "It is to your advantage that I go away; for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you; but if I depart, I will send Him to you" (John 16:7 NKJV).
Miracles wait at the communion table
For centuries, the church has observed the Lord's Supper as part of corporate worship, instituted by Jesus Himself. But for many Christians today, this tradition can be a confusing ritual. Are we missing something in this ancient sacrament?
Beni and Bill Johnson--renowned authors and senior leaders of Bethel Church in Redding, CA--had a miraculous revelation while celebrating communion. In The Power of Communion, they reveal how this sacred practice is an often-overlooked opportunity to release God's power in your life
Don't settle for a lifeless routine. God is supernaturally present in the sacrament of Communion Learn to embrace this prophetic act of remembrance, worship, warfare, and healing as it was always meant to be
Discover practical keys for...
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James has so much to say about living a successful Christian life. The book addresses a variety of topics important to growing your faith, and teaches that you not only need to read the Word of God and know what it says, but you also need to act on it. In this comprehensive study tool, Joyce Meyer takes a deep dive into the principles of James, identifying key truths and incorporating room for personal reflection. Part of the Deeper Life series, Joyce's commentary on James will stir your faith in God, and inspire you to live righteously in practical ways because of your love for Him and desire to glorify Him in your life.
Internationally renowned Bible teacher Joyce Meyer provides in-depth commentary on James, and offers valuable lessons in Christian behavior and putting your faith into practice on a daily basis.
Internationally renowned Bible teacher Joyce Meyer provides a close study and commentary on Ephesians, emphasizing the importance of living in Christ and putting your relationship with God first.Paul's letter to the Ephesians is a well-loved book of the Bible that teaches some of the most important lessons of faith: who you are in Christ, how you are to live as His follower, and how to gain victory in the spiritual battles you face. In this study tool, Joyce Meyer takes a deep dive into those beloved verses, identifying key truths and incorporating room for personal reflection. Joyce's Deeper Life series provides key Biblical commentary that will help you develop a stronger relationship with God. If you take the time to study His word, you'll see how much He loves you and who you are in His image. Change will come, and your life will bear the good fruit that God intends


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Subscribe to our e-newsletter mailing list to keep up with NCCCO news and industry headlines.
On May 21, 2018, OSHA published its Proposed Rule, which removes the requirement for crane operators to be certified according to the capacity of the crane; OSHA also lays out plans to address the other major issues on which industry had raised concerns. NCCCO has reviewed OSHA's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) and has presented its responses, comments, and recommendations in a 13-page letter.
On November 9, 2017, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) announced an extension of the compliance date for its crane operator certification requirement to November 10, 2018, in order to revisit the record on operator certification. The additional year will, OSHA says, provide time to address industry concerns over the "certifying by capacity" requirement and whether certification is equivalent to qualification.
Following are resources relating to this issue:
NCCCO has compiled numerous resources below to help employers, operators, riggers, signalpersons, and others from industry better understand the personnel qualification requirements under new federal OSHA's rule. These include an NCCCO Guide to the new rule, which contains the full regulatory text, answers to numerous frequently asked questions (FAQs), a flow chart to help determine when certified crane operators are required, applicable letters of interpretation from OSHA, and NCCCO's analysis of the qualification requirements for crane operators, signalpersons, and riggers. As NCCCO receives and answers more questions about the rule, the FAQ list will continue to grow. Links to OSHA documents created to help understand the rule are also listed below.
NCCCO Resources
OSHA Resources (for additional information visit www.osha.gov)
Have a question about the OSHA Rule? Email us.
OSHA Gives Employers 90 Days to Have Signalperson, Riggers Qualified
October 2010—While OSHA allows for a four-year implementation period for crane operators to be certified under its new rule published in August, the requirements for signalpersons and riggers to be qualified take effect on November 8, 2010, just 90 days after the new rule (29 CFR 1926, Subpart CC) was made final.
NCCCO Publishes Definitive Guide to New OSHA Rule
July 28, 2010—The National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO) has published what it calls "the definitive guide to the personnel qualification requirements" of the new OSHA rule, 29 CFR 1926, Subpart CC.
Crane Operators to be Certified Under New OSHA Rule
July 28, 2010—Extensive new requirements for the qualifications of crane operators and signalpersons were published today by Federal OSHA in the most wide-ranging revision of the rules governing the use of cranes in a generation.
Ten Year Anniversary of OSHA Agreement
May 2009—Ten years ago this past February, a group of industry leaders gathered in Washington, DC to witness the signing of an historic agreement between the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO).
OSHA Proposed Rule: Make Your Voice Heard!
January 2009—The most significant revision to OSHA's rules governing cranes and derricks is currently out for public comment. The Proposed Rule, 29 CFR Part 1926, Cranes and Derricks in Construction, will significantly change the way cranes are used on construction sites in this country for years to come.
OSHA Proposed Rule Published October 2008
NCCCO Urges White House to Move on Crane Rule
September 2008—Operator certification was top of the list of items under discussion last month at a meeting between officials of the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and industry representatives.
OSHA Chief Commits to Publishing Crane Standard Revision
December 2006—"I am committed to getting the cranes and derrick standard through before the end of this administration." So stated Ed Foulke, OSHA chief, at a meeting October 11, of the Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health (ACCSH) in Washington, DC.
OSHA, Industry Address FCOC Meeting
March 2006—The tangible return to employers by investing in the training and certification of their crane operators was attested to by representatives of industry and government at the Florida Crane Owners Council (FCOC)'s first-quarter 2006 meeting in January.
OSHA Ponders Small Business Impact of Draft Crane Rule
September 2005—OSHA is currently conducting an economic analysis of its draft rule on cranes and derricks to determine if further study of the potential impact on small business is needed before publication of a proposed rule.
This information is provided as a public service by the National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators (NCCCO). Although every effort has been made to ensure accuracy in this response, no responsibility can be assumed by NCCCO for errors. OSHA remains the sole authority for interpretations of federal labor standards and should be consulted accordingly.
Copyright 1995-2019. All rights reserved.


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Today: A report suggests Apple faces issues with iPhone 6 screen production, but the company still hits its fifth consecutive record closing price. Also: Salesforce stock soars as sales surge sustained.
The Lead: Another Apple record despite reported production issues
Apple investors weren't fazed by reports that the iPhone 6 could be affected by a supply chain issue, sending the Cupertino company's stock to its fifth consecutive all-time high closing price Friday to complete a record-breaking week on Wall Street.
The world's most valuable company reached a record intraday high of $101.47 and closed with a 0.7 percent advance at $101.32. Shares originally broke through Apple's closing record Monday and previous intraday high Tuesday amid hopes for the iPhone 6 and possible other new products, cracking levels unseen for nearly two years.
Apple's Wall Street momentum seemed to be threatened Friday morning by an exclusive report from Reuters that claimed suppliers had stumbled in producing enough screens to meet demand on the new iPhone, which Apple will reportedly show off next month. The story detailed an inability to produce screens with enough backlight to satisfy the iPhone's needs, though it also said that it will not necessarily delay the launch nor limit supply of the smartphone when it hits stores.
"Currently, there's a small shortage in supply of a specialized component for our communication devices," a spokesman for Asian iPhone assembler Pegatron told Reuters. "This kind of problem regularly occurs and the impact on production is negligible."
If the story sounds familiar, it is likely because similar reports cropped up ahead of the launch of the iPhone 5S last September, though that launch eventually went off with a relatively orderly supply flow. Concerns date back to problems Apple had with the iPhone 5 screen, which caused shortages of the device when it was launched in 2012, the beginning of Apple's Wall Street retreat from its previous record-setting run.
This time around, the iPhone isn't the only Apple device to be subjected to rumors of production concerns: With expectations that Apple wants to introduce a wearable device at the same event as the iPhone, KGI Securities analyst Ming-Chi Kuo has been reporting that the so-called iWatch could be pushed back to 2015 due to manufacturing difficulties.
"We reiterate our view that iWatch, as compared to existing products, and as Apple's first attempt at a wearable device, represents a much higher level of difficulty for the company as regards component and system design, manufacturing and integration between hardware and software," the analyst wrote earlier this week.
Apple's return to record prices has been fueled by hopes for the iPhone 6 and iWatch. RBC Capital Markets analyst Amit Daryanani predicted Monday that Apple could sell 70 million to 80 million new iPhones by the end of the year, and Morgan Stanley analyst Katy Huberty following that note with a prediction that Apple could sell 60 million iWatches, at $300 apiece, in the first year of availability.
"We see iWatch as an important barometer of the company's innovation capabilities under the leadership of Tim Cook," Huberty wrote.
SV150 market report: Salesforce surges after earnings report
Silicon Valley tech stocks continued to perform well overall Friday, even as broader indexes declined, with Salesforce surging after showing off continued revenue growth.
The San Francisco cloud-software pioneer had the largest percentage gain in the SV150 on Friday, jumping 7.3 percent to $59.80 after showing off a 38 percent sales gain in the just-completed quarter. Salesforce's big-money acquisitions of enterprise-software firms ExactTarget and RelateIQ seemed to pay off in the quarter, and with forecasts that exceeded analysts' expectations. "An enhanced product portfolio, stronger sales organization, and a more focused vertical strategy continued to pay dividends," FBR Capital Markets analyst Samad Samana concluded. San Jose networking company Brocade also gained after its Thursday earnings report, adding 3.5 percent to $9.74, while Intuit retreated after showing off a loss and predicting revenue declines next year due to a cloud transition, losing 2.6 percent to $83.57.
Twitter increased 1.9 percent to $45.98 after a report suggested payments are coming to the company's platform soon thanks to a completed deal with Stripe, and the San Francisco firm topped a Glassdoor list for culture and values. Google added 12 cents to 592.54 while picking up a Los Gatos startup, and Hewlett-Packard dropped 0.4 percent to $36.84 after a report shot down rumored HP interest in a Rackspace acquisition. Oracle gained 0.1 percent to $41.63 while facing a lawsuit from the state of Oregon in the same health care website flap that already led to the Redwood City software company suing Oregon, and Tesla Motors advanced 1 percent to $256.78 while fans waited for confirmation of reported new iPhone integration.
Up: Salesforce, LinkedIn, Twitter, Gilead, Yelp, Netflix, SolarCity, EA, Yahoo, Tesla
Down: Intuit, Cisco, eBay, Intel, HP, Symantec, VMware
The SV150 index of Silicon Valley's largest tech companies: Up 5.78, or 0.36 percent, to 1,615.15
The tech-heavy Nasdaq composite index: Up 6.45, or 0.14 percent, to 4,538.55
The blue chip Dow Jones industrial average: Down 38.27, or 0.22 percent, to 17,001.22
And the widely watched Standard & Poor's 500 index: Down 3.97, or 0.2 percent, to 1,988.4
Sign up for the 60-Second Business Break newsletter at www.siliconvalley.com. Contact Jeremy C. Owens at 408-920-5876; follow him at Twitter.com/jowens510.


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OverviewThe beauty of Vista lies in its shimmering organic color and tactile surface. This kiln formed glass tile has a soft rippling pattern that harmonizes with its iridescent patina creating visual dimension.
Disclaimer: Variations in color, shade and size are inherent in all fired glass products. All tiles should be inspected before installation, as no adjustment will be made after installation.
- Brand:
- Diamond Tech Tiles
- Collection:
- DT Glass Tile Vista Collection
- Category:
- Tile
- Sub Category:
- Mosaic Tiles
- Application Type:
- Color:
- Purple
- Base Material:
- Glass
- Mosaic Chip Size:
- Oval
- Tile Finish:
- Iridescent
- SQFT of Tile:
- 0.92
- California residents:
- see Proposition 65 information


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When WhitePages acquired its third-party business search company, they were faced with a problem. How were they supposed to manage all of this new data without building a data warehouse? They also faced security issues from constant hackers trying to steal their data.
WhitePages sought out Splunk for its application and security monitoring system. With this new system, it had constant visibility into the company's day-to-day operations and security. Read this brief case study to find out how WhitePages overcame their business problem and:
- Protected site content and brand value by monitoring for abusive site traffic
- Accelerated time-to-market by streamlining development effort
- Provided operational intelligence without investing in a data warehouse


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SAN FRANCISCO (MarketWatch) — Shares of Twitter and Yelp rallied Thursday, giving the technology sector a lift, as the two companies got upbeat reviews from Morgan Stanley.
But the tech sector was weighed down by Facebook Inc. FB, +0.76% which surrendered early gains to close in the red.
Twitter TWTR, +1.60% was up 4.2% to close at $31.96 after Morgan Stanley upgraded the microblogging site's stock to equal weight from underweight.
Morgan Stanley analyst Jordan Monahan told clients in a note that while "concerns regarding user growth and mainstream adoption remain, we see Twitter as likely to meet investor financial expectations over the next few quarters.
"Near-term headwinds include insider share sales which may continue for another 3+ weeks, and valuation multiples higher than other large-cap peers," Monahan added.
The rally allowed Twitter to regain some lost ground this week after the stock took a hit as a huge wave of unlocked shares hit the market. The San Francisco-based social network's weaker-than-expected user growth has also disappointed investors. Twitter was still last down more than 15% this week.
Yelp YELP, +1.10% was up 1% to close at $53.29 also on an upbeat review from Morgan Stanley, which upgraded the stock to overweight from equal weight.
"We view positively Yelp's competitive positioning, consistent execution, and predictable subscription-based revenue stream which offers investors a high degree of visibility," Monahan told clients in a note.
The tech sector also got a boost from other Internet and social media stocks. Groupon GRPN, -0.29% added 6.1% to close at $5.66, while LinkedIn US:LNKD gained 1.2% to close at $145.07. But Facebook turned negative, falling 1.1% to close at $56.76.
The Nasdaq Composite Index COMP, -0.32% fell 0.4% to close at 4,052. The Morgan Stanley High Tech 35 Index US:MSH and the Philadelphia Semiconductor Index SOX, +0.11% each gained a fraction.
Other stories from MarketWatch:
Lew to travel to China for economic talks
Is Tesla Motors worth $50 or $500?
Goldman remains bearish on Tesla


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Sydney Secondary College, Blackwattle Bay Campus
The concept for my artwork was inspired by photographer Hedi Slimane's idea of 'the teenage takeover' – that is, a focus on the up-and-coming generation and their perspective and effect on society. As a teenager, I feel that Generation Y is often repressed or dismissed as being irresponsible and wasteful. I have investigated the antithesis of this belief by portraying teenagers aged 16 to 19 who, I believe, reflect the diversity and individuality that is Generation Y, the inevitable leaders of the future.


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Industries Pre-Filing
October 19, 2006 - Commission finalizes rule on scheduling of all federal authorizations and consolidated federal record for judicial review of gas infrastructure proposals News Release | Order No. 687
May 18, 2006 - Commission acts to implement Energy Policy Act mandate for consolidated record in natural gas proceedings News Release | NOPR
October 7, 2005 - Final rule mandating pre-filing process on all LNG terminal proposals meets new energy law deadline (Docket No. RM05-31-000) News Release | Order No. 665
July 13, 2005 - Army Corps of Engineers and FERC agree to streamline natural gas project reviews News Release | Memorandum of Understanding


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Mike Mahoney
A former football and lacrosse captain at St.Lawrence, Mike Mahoney took over the head coaching duties for men's lacrosse in the fall of 1997. Entering the 2010 season, Mahoney has posted a 132-52 (.717) record in the past 12 seasons, including 4 consecutive trips to the NCAA tournament.
Mahoney graduated from St. Lawrence in 1993, with a B.A. in Government and a minor in Sport and Leisure Studies. He then moved on to the University of Albany, where he served as a football assistant while earning his master's degree in Liberal Studies with concentration in Education. He also worked as a physical education teacher in the Waterford Central School District.
"The Sport Studies and Exercise Science minor provides a terrific foundation for those students who are interested in pursuing the field of athletics as a profession, or merely trying to take a more in depth look at the subject matter which they are introduced to. In either case, it allows them to gain some new perspectives which can be very beneficial for them now and for future use."


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At the Laguna Beach Friendship Shelter, those without homes are offered a chance to get back up on their feet again.
On June 16, the nonprofit will hold its second annual "Stories of Home" fundraiser at [seven-degrees] to support its programs, which help the homeless become independent once more.
The production will include actors such as Richard Burgi, formerly of "Desperate Housewives," and Tony-nominated actress Jonelle Allen. Besides professional talent, the individual vignettes will also be performed by locals, such as Laguna Beach High School students and kids from the Musical Theatre University at No Square Theatre.
"Everyone that comes into our program, regardless of their circumstances, wants someplace to call home again," said Mark Miller, associate executive director of the Friendship Shelter. "I think this eclectic mix of stories explores the issue of what home really means and it oftentimes is more than a simple structure. It has to do with an individual fulfillment of feeling safe and welcome, and that's what we want to create for our clients: home."
Allen, who played Grace on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," jumped at the chance to be part of the show.
"Having lived in Laguna Beach for a long time, I'm totally aware of the Friendship Shelter and the wonderful things that they do," she said.
She is friends with a former resident of the shelter, Terrell Washington Anansi.
Anansi is part of the Artists Collective, a group of professional artists who either lived or are living at the shelter. His art and others from the collective will be on display during the show.
Allen is also part of the faculty at the Musical Theatre University and hopes to get some of its students to be part of the fundraiser.
"I told Mark that I would really love if the kids could be involved in this because there are kids that are homeless and there are children that live in shelters," she said.
Allen's vignettes bookend the show, beginning and end, and are interpretations of Anansi's stories or African folklore. The performance tells the importance of storytelling.
"Everyone is important. You are your story," she said. "That should never be negated."
She felt it hit close to home for the shelter, because many who walk through their doors struggle with the path they've taken.
"Until you walk in someone else's moccasins, you don't know how someone feels inside," she said. "More than anything, it's not so much about what I hope people get from it. It's about giving it to them. Hopefully people watching it will get the urge to give."
Other actors include "Raising Hope" star and Laguna resident Linda Gehringer, and Melissa Denton, the program director for The Unusual Suspects Theatre Co. in Los Angeles.
Jason Farris, of the Laguna Beach Police Department, will be making a cameo appearance in the show, along with other local personalities such as the Rev. B.J. Beu of Neighborhood Congregational Church, Lisa Mansour of No Square, and LBHS drama teacher Mark Dressler, who is directing the high school students in their performance.
If You Go
What: Second annual "Stories of Home" fundraiser
Where: [seven-degrees], 891 Laguna Canyon Road.
When: 7:30 p.m. June 16
Cost: $65 per person
Tickets: Call (949) 494-6928 or visit http://www.friendshipshelter.org.


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First time liquid cooling user anyone recommends Feser limited edition Monsta Lite radiators?? ultimatepccooling.com found a 5% coupon
First time liquid cooling user anyone recommends Feser limited edition Monsta Lite radiators?? ultimatepccooling.com found a 5% coupon
Yes, Feser (TFC) make high quality products, I have been distributing their products for a couple years now. I would recommend using their Triebwerk fans or Noiseblocker fans as well. You can learn more about Feser products from the .com sites below.Originally Posted by hellpatrol
It's all going to depend on what type of cooling solution you are after. How many pieces are you trying to cool? Is it just a CPU or are you piping your whole rig through the system?Originally Posted by hellpatrol
The Monsta rads are great, but they are really expensive for the extra 1-3 degrees of extra cooling you get. The best bang for the buck rads are going to be the Black Ice SR1 or GT Stealth low profiles. These rads are a lot cheaper and don't require the extra static pressure that is needed to push air through a thicker rad. On top of that, since the rad is a lower profile and less powerful fans are needed, you also cut down on the ambient noise that will be generated.
Check out the links below to the rad and fans that I would recommend.
Black Ice GT Stealth
Black Ice SR1
Scythe Gentle Typhoon 1850 RPM
Remember, it's not always just the CFM that gets the cooling done. Static pressure, when it comes to water cooling is just as important. These fans generate a lot of it and are extremely quiet.
Let me know if you have any more questions.
Water cooling is a method of heat removal from components and industrial equipment. As opposed to air cooling, water is used as the heat conductor. Water cooling is commonly used for cooling automobile internal combustion engines and large industrial facilities such as steam electric power plants, hydroelectric generators, petroleum refineries and chemical plants.
don't waste moneys on expensive radiators, some used car radiator do the job perfectly.
Save moneys for waterblock and pump.
Clearly it's a good quality product, but I'm a bit suspicious about anyone who considers logo's stamped into the metal as a "feature"...


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Follow RFF News on your cell phone. Text follow rff to 40404 you will receive txt messages with RFF News
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Phil: This is Rumania, part of Transylvania. This castle, one time residence of Vlad the Impaler, the dread ruler on whom the legend of Dracula was based. Mel/Mike, CLUE, 10:49 pm. Fly to Siberia! Phil: Through Moscow to Krasnoyarsk, to the structure on the back of the 10 Ruble Note. They taxi toward the airport.
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Currently, the Lady Crusader basketball team is in 1st place and 8-2-1 overall. The team quickly came together, and on average has limited its opponents to 28 points per game.
"The hard work that we have put in in practice is paying off on the court," said point guard Taylor Aybar from Corpus Christi Parish. "Teamwork is also a big part of our success."
"We have been through tough times with injuries, but we have come together as a team to work hard and it has shown on the court," added center Ashley Martin from St. Mary Gate of Heaven Parish.
Shooting guard Gina Hopkins from the Immaculate Conception Parish and Forward Kayla Walker from St. Joan of Arc Parish both agree that the friendships the girls have with each other off the court have been key to their accomplishments on the court.
"It is a great honor to be part of history," said power forward Kenia Garcia, who played at St. stan's Parish. "I'm sure all of us will never forget what we did representing our school."
Besides basketball, volleyball and soccer, the Lady Crusader athletic program offers indoor/outdoor track and field, cross country, cheerleading, and softball. The school will be offering a swim team beginning in the 2013-2014 school year.


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In 2009, Shangri-La Hotel, Beihai partnered with Fucheng No.2 Middle School, a rural school attended by students from families from neighbouring farms.
Shangri-La Hotel, Beihai made contributions to upgrade the school's facilities and provide an educational allowance for 56 students from low-income families. Our colleagues established "One to One" buddy relationships with the students to assist the students with studies. Internship projects have been set up to help students learn job skills during summer vacation.
Infrastructural Development
In 2011, the hotel invited 35 students to visit Beihai Underwater World to learn about marine life, and proceeded to watch the famous animated film, WALL.E. This outing was aimed to enhance their environmental awareness.
In 2012, the school's 200 students were treated to a new and improved playground and other school facilities. To further enrich the school, the hotel donated books, computers and teaching materials.
Safety First
On 2 March 2013, hotel colleagues visited the school to present the educational allowances followed by a fire-control training workshop for students by the hotel's Fire and Life Safety Manager. Students learnt and practiced extinguishing fires and safe evacuation procedures.
To contribute or for more information on this Fucheng No.2 Middle School, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Beihai.
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Find Your Perfect Home.
Cass City Real Estate
Cass City is located in Michigan. Cass City, Michigan has a population of 2,357. Cass City is more family-centric than the surrounding county with 33.28% of the households containing married families with children. The county average for households married with children is 28.75%.
The median household income in Cass City, Michigan is $45,567. The median household income for the surrounding county is $44,017 compared to the national median of $53,482. The median age of people living in Cass City is 40.5 years.
Cass City Weather
The average high temperature in July is 81.7 degrees, with an average low temperature in January of 12.8 degrees. The average rainfall is approximately 32.7 inches per year, with inches of snow per year.
View Homes for Sale in Cass City
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world's friendliest countries - is this a joke?
Discuss and talk about any general topic.
Moderators: fschmidt, jamesbond
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10 posts • Page 1 of 1
world's friendliest countries - is this a joke?
what about latin countries...philippines, french and spanish africa ..ahaha who write these stupid articles ?
correct them please guys
Check out our Dating Sites and International Romance Tours!
Re: world friendliest countries ? is this ajoke ?
You mean this?
http://www.forbes.com/2009/12/07/worlds ... ahootravel
I guess they interviewed CEOs with families who were on a generous living allowance or something.
There are not many jobs in Latin countries and the French and Spanish Africa where they send a CEO with a generous living allowance and an international school allowance for his kids.
A brain is a terrible thing to wash!
It is on that list because CEOs on 500K a year salary + an expat allowance live in a different reality. The way the world looks when you are rich is different from the way it looks when you are poor. And average folks like us also have a certain picture. Everyone is friendly to the rich and they go for places where they can get the best services for their virtually unlimited bucks, And yes, HK people love those with money and are friendly to them. Most countries are as mean as junkyard dogs to the poor and treat them like dirt. Average Westerners like us need to have our own list, too.
Also, if you are rich and powerful in some foreign land and do not speak the language and only use English and live in the English speaking environment you will never know what the natives say about you. And your faithful translators may not always translate those nasty words for you.
In the US, too, if you are rich, you will find that Americans are super friendly. No matter what color you are.
Filipinos are super nice to Americans and let them in without a visa. Girls in the city die to date a rich Joe. The Philippines looks different if you are a Bangladheshi, though. You won't be even given the visa to get in.
Last edited by ladislav on May 6th, 2011, 11:29 pm, edited 1 time in total.
A brain is a terrible thing to wash!
There should be travel guides for people of different ethnicities, income levels, religions, sexual orientation, etc.. really the idea that there is an all encompassing "friendliest" place in the world is laughable. It's all about leveraging your qualities in a society that's at least tolerant or ideally accepting of you.
Most of those countries in that list are in fact terribly intolerant to most people who don't fit the "ideal" expat.
This is a much better way of ranking:
If I understand correctly, it measures "life" happiness as opposed to "money or wealth" happiness, which is fake and superficial.
You will notice that the top countries, are typically warm, but poor.
Philippines is number 14, USA is 150!
I think most members on this forum will agree with and understand the above link.
Post Reply
10 posts • Page 1 of 1


text: On Tue, Jan 25, 2005 at 10:16:33AM -0600, Donald Kinghorn wrote: > WD 120 and 200GB SATA in the field <1 year, [~400 drives] one failure so far. > > I'm moving to a 3 drive raid5 setup on each node (drives are cheap, down time > is not) and considering changing to Seagate SATA drives anyone care to offer > opinions or more anecdotes? :-) Hi Don, For 250 GB SATA drives, I would recommend either Hitachi or Seagate. Hitachi drives may exhibit nominally better performance numbers. For 400GB SATA drives, I don't have enough experience to recommend anything, but I have used 400 GB Hitachi SATA drives recently and all is going well at this time. It's too early to draw conclusions. Thanks, Karen -- Karen Shaeffer Neuralscape, Palo Alto, Ca. 94306 shaeffer at neuralscape.com http://www.neuralscape.com


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U.S. Equal Employment
Opportunity Commission
Expert Attorneys Will Speak on Cutting-Edge Issues
WASHINGTON -- The EEOC Training Institute and Washington Field Office of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are pleased to announce their 7th annual Advanced EEO Workshops, to be held on Wednesday, July 17, 2013, at ASAE & the Center for Association Leadership Conference Center, 1575 I Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
Two in-depth and stimulating half-day workshops, led by attorneys who are experts in equal employment opportunity (EEO) law, will provide the latest insights and perspectives on this fast-evolving subject to experienced practitioners involved in making critical EEO decisions. The morning workshop on ADA/FMLA/workers' compensation, presented by panelists from EEOC's Office of Legal Counsel and the Department of Labor, will offer valuable guidance on leave and accommodation issues under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), the Family and Medical Leave Act of 1993 (FMLA), and state workers' compensation laws.
Panelists in the afternoon workshop, entitled "Skeletons in the Closet? -- The Impact of Employment Screening Procedures on Recruitment and Hiring," will explore the cutting-edge topics of consumer credit reports, criminal records, social media searches and other new background checks that can pose major challenges for individuals in obtaining and maintaining employment.
The fee of $175 for each workshop includes breakfast, snacks and detailed course notes. Lunch will also be served to registrants who attend both the morning and afternoon workshops.
Registration for these training events is now open at the EEOC's Training Institute website at www.eeotraining.eeoc.gov. For registration questions, contact 703-291-0880 or 866-446-0940 (800.828.1120 TTY) or firstname.lastname@example.com. Please contact the Workshop Coordinator above to obtain further details.


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Elephants can tell men's voices from women's
Herds huddle closer when they hear speech they may recognize as dangerous
Courtesy of G. Shannon
Elephants may pick up on differences between the voices of men and women, and even between the speech sounds of two African ethnic groups.
In tests in Amboseli National Park in Kenya, recordings of men's voices, or of Maasai voices versus those of another ethnic group, were especially likely to prompt a bit of defensive behavior among family groups of elephants. Animals tended to edge closer together and change their travel direction, report Karen McComb of the University of Sussex in Brighton, England, and her colleagues.
Playing recorded human voices to elephants "was a way of getting at whether they could pick up very subtle vocal cues to pick out which were the most dangerous situations, when faced with a really versatile predator," she says.
That versatile threat, which comes in many forms, is of course humans. "Apart from lions, they're the main predator elephants have to worry about,


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Sioux Falls Man Accused of Driving Drunk with Child in Car
A Sioux Falls man is charged after police say he drove drunk with a two-year-old child in his car.
Police were called around 7:30 PM Tuesday to a day care on South Carolyn Avenue, where the man's girlfriend works.
Officer Sam Clemens says the man was supposed to be at home with the couple's child when he showed up at the day care and walked in by himself. He says the man's girlfriend was pretty sure he was intoxicated, and she tried to get him to leave the building.
He did so, but when workers locked the door behind him he went over to his car and punched the window, cutting his hand.
Clemens says the man let the child get out of the car and go into the day care.
Police were called and 21-year-old Jacob Lee Hauglin was arrested for DWI-second offense and abuse or cruelty to a minor under the age of 7.
Clemens says Hauglin's blood alcohol content was measured at .215, more than two-and-a-half times the legal limit.


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Despicable Me 2
When I originally wrote about the mediocre "Despicable Me" back in 2010, I ended my review on somewhat of a snarky note, saying that it was "like a fat kid running down the street" and that "it probably won't get far, but at least it's trying." Three years later, my foot has been firmly planted in my mouth and the film has found enough success to warrant a sequel. Yet some things never change. What worked before works here and what didn't is still ever prevalent. This isn't a case of a sequel trying to improve on the original. It's a case of a studio looking at their product, seeing how closely it resembled its predecessor and saying, "Good enough." Fans of the original will likely enjoy this as well and bring it plenty of success, so I guess I should update my snarkiness to fit a more believable outcome. "Despicable Me 2" is like that surprisingly athletic fat kid running down the street. It shouldn't get very far, but it somehow does.
Gru (Steve Carell) has given up his evil ways. Those three kids he fell in love with in the first movie, Margo (Miranda Cosgrove), Agnes (Elsie Fisher) and Edith (Dana Gaier), are now his entire life and he wants to support them through legitimate means, namely by producing the most awful tasting jelly imaginable. However, he's soon recruited by Agent Lucy Wilde (Kristen Wiig) and the Anti-Villain League, an organization dedicated to stopping crime on a global scale. Their current investigation has to do with the disappearance of a top secret research facility in the Arctic Circle that contained a dangerous transmutation serum. Given that Gru was once the most brilliant villain on the planet, they need his help, so despite his initial reluctance, he sets out to find the serum and stop the mastermind behind its disappearance.
Like the previous installment, "Despicable Me 2" does not lack an imagination. The sight gags, particularly that come from the mall Gru and Lucy spent most of their time in, are clever and well placed and the minions, those adorably clueless little yellow guys, are just as loony as ever. Their expanded roles in this movie that, without spoiling anything, are central to the overall plot, make way for some great moments that are easily the most memorable and enjoyable of the entire thing. The problem is that much of their humor and, indeed, the entire film's humor derives from slapstick comedy, the laziest, cheapest, most lowbrow from of humor there is.
Within the first 10 minutes alone, someone falls off a roof, gets hit with a medieval type mace and car, sprayed with a hose and tasered. The movie clearly has a young demographic in mind, an understandable focus, but it caters to them not by offering witty and well written stories like the majority of Pixar or DreamWorks animated films, but rather by appealing to their most basic senses, not unlike when a baby laughs at their parent getting hit in the face with something. What little story it does have is rudimentary and predictable: another love story. The kids, as much as they love Gru, want a mother, so they pressure him into dating, which leads to an overarching theme that is no more effective than the underexplored blossoming of young Margo.
What "Despicable Me 2" is sorely missing, and what "Despicable Me" had in abundance, is a strong antagonist. Vector, voiced so wonderfully by Jason Segel, was a strong character whose eccentric personality and ideals conflicted with Gru's, leading to a battle of wits that added an ever-so-subtle layer to the original film. This movie lacks that. Because the bad guy is a mystery for the majority of its runtime, no real threat or character is every really established, just the veiled persona the villain hides behind.
Still, "Despicable Me 2" does offer up the same charm of the first movie, even if it is less significant in what amounts to little more than a rehash. It's inoffensive, goofy and bound to put smiles on the faces of the children and parents in the audience. But with a plethora of other, more meaningful animated films with wonderful messages about growing up and coping with the harshness of life (including the recent "Monsters University"), this just feels like a time waster. It's by no means terrible, but "Despicable Me 2" needs to do a whole lot more than throw its characters around like abused ragdolls to make it worth the price of admission.
Despicable Me 2 receives 2/5


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- Artist
- Gilad Ophir born 1957
- Medium
- Photograph, gelatin silver print on paper
- Dimensions
- Support: 980 x 1480 mm
- Collection
- Tate
- Acquisition
- Presented by Joseph Hackmey 2000
- Reference
This text discusses three photographs from 1992, all titled Rishon Le Zion (P11744, P11745, P11746).
These three photographs are wide views, taken from three different distances of Rishon Le Zion, a city south-east of Tel Aviv. They depict the point where the edge of the city and the edge of the desert meet.
There are two themes which recur in the work of Ophir. One is the opposition of nature to culture and the other is the impact of militarisation on the landscape. In both he seeks an engagement with urgent social and political issues in Israel. Rishon Le Zion literally means 'first in Zion' and it was the first permanent settlement established in Israel by Zionist immigrants in the late nineteenth century. These three photographs of Rishon le Zion, from a larger series, show the border between desert and urban agglomeration from different vantage points. Much of Israel seems to be in a permanent state of construction and Ophir captures this aspect of the culture in three impassive photographs.
The issue of urban spread is an important one in a country which is so small, because if urbanisation continues at its present rate there will be little desert left. Israel has undergone a huge growth in population as it absorbs increasing number of immigrants (all Israelis are so to speak immigrants) who have to be accommodated in housing. The issue of what constitutes a house, and even a family, is also under discussion in a country where house and family are sacred institutions.
One of the most extraordinary sights in Israel is the way in which urban mass appears to stop abruptly at the edge of the desert as though the desert resists any attempt at colonisation. However, since the time that Ophir took these photographs, the dunes in the foreground have been built over so the photographs also act as documents of a moment in time and of rapid change.
Further reading:
90 70 90, exhibition catalogue, Tel Aviv Museum of Art, Tel Aviv 1994
Jeremy Lewison and Giorgia Bottinelli
February 2002
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