text:
The Michael Waltrip Racing teams and drivers return to Daytona International Speedway Wednesday to resume practice in preparation for Sunday's 56th annual Daytona 500.
Thursday marks the first time the two 150-mile Duel races, races that determine the starting order for the Daytona 500, will be held at night.
Friday and Saturday include normal practice sessions before Sunday's "Great American Race."
All MWR drivers said they expect a repeat of the exciting racing in Saturday night's Sprint Unlimited that saw only eight of 18 cars finish.
CLINT BOWYER: No. 15 5-hour ENERGY TOYOTA: "I promise you the Duels are going to be exciting. I mean you're racing to get into the Daytona 500. Winning any race at Daytona is huge. And it'd sure be nice to see that ol' No. 15 5-hour ENERGY Toyota in victory lane to start the season."
BRIAN VICKERS: No. 55 Aaron's Dream Machine Toyota: "I'm really looking forward to getting out there especially after watching Saturday's Sprint Unlimited. It looked really exciting. From what I saw you're going to have to be a lot more careful about when and how you bump people. It seemed like you could really get people out of shape. And, then the closing rate is pretty quick. I saw a lot of flow throughout the field -- guys going front back front back. It was a lot easier to go backwards than it was forwards, which is somewhat always the case. I think you're going to see a lot of that in the 150's and the 500. I love the night racing. Race cars always look faster at night and I think our Aaron's Dream Machine will be fast."
MICHAEL WALTRIP: No. 66 Blue-Def/AAA Toyota: "We're just looking forward to getting out there and mixing it up. As a fan and a driver and a TV guy I loved what I saw in the Sprint Unlimited. Everybody had a lot of ability to move around, make some passes and mix it up. We'll practice some of that on Thursday and know that's what it's going to take to win the Daytona 500 on Sunday. Our car obviously isn't the fastest one here and when you don't have the fastest car you've got to really lean on the air to really figure out how to make up some ground and that's what we'll try to do on Thursday."
- Austin Dillon
- Greg Biffle
- Ryan Newman
- Dale Earnhardt Jr.
- Ricky Stenhouse
- Marcos Ambrose
- Aric Almirola
- Joey Logano
- Matt Kenseth
- Kasey Kahne
- Kyle Busch
- Kevin Harvick
- Danica Patrick
- AJ Allmendinger
- Reed Sorenson
- David Gilliland
- Parker Kligerman
- Tony Stewart
- Brian Vickers
- Cole Whitt
- Michael McDowell
- Josh Wise
- Joe Nemechek
- Alex Bowman
- Dave Blaney
- Martin Truex Jr.
- Carl Edwards
- Brad Keselowski
- Jeff Gordon
- Paul Menard
- Brian Scott
- Jimmie Johnson
- Casey Mears
- Michael Annett
- Clint Bowyer
- Denny Hamlin
- Kyle Larson
- Trevor Bayne
- Kurt Busch
- Justin Allgaier
- Landon Cassill
- Michael Waltrip
- Eric McClure
- Jamie McMurray
- David Ragan
- Terry Labonte
- Bobby Labonte
- Ryan Truex
- Morgan Shepherd
- Austin Dillon & Martin Truex Jr. will start the Daytona 500 first and second because they were the fastest in single-lap qualifying on Sunday.
- The highest 15 finishers in each Duel race Thursday – excluding Dillon and Truex - will earn a spot in the Daytona 500, and fill positions 3-32.
- Based on their finishing position in the first Duel race, the top 15 will line up on the inside row (odd-number starting positions).
- Based on their finishing position in the second Duel race, the top 15 will line up on the outside row (even-number starting positions).
- Positions 33-36 will go to the four fastest cars from Sunday's qualifying that have not already earned a spot.
- Position 37-42 will be provisional positions, and go to the highest six cars in 2013 owner points that have not already qualified via the Duel or qualifying.
- The 43rd starting position will be assigned to any car owner who has the most recent eligible past NASCAR Sprint Cup champion who did not make the field by any other method, providing the driver had competed in the 2013 NASCAR Sprint Cup season.
- If the 43rd position remains unused it will be assigned to the next highest car in 2013 owner points not already locked into the field
Wednesday — Feb. 19
Practice, 4 p.m., FS1
Practice, 6:30 p.m., FS1
Thursday — Feb. 20
Duels, 7 p.m., FS1
Friday — Feb. 21
Practice, 11:30 a.m., FS1
Practice, 2:30 p.m., FS1
Saturday — Feb. 22
Practice, 10:00 a.m., FS1
Sunday — Feb. 23
Race, 1 p.m., Fox
- The reigning Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year Luke Bryan will perform during the DAYTONA 500 Budweiser Pre-Race Show, the prelude to the start of the "The Great American Race"
- Actor Chris Evans, Star of Marvel's "Captain America: The Winter Soldier" is the Grand Marshal.
- Singer, songwriter Aloe Blacc will perform the National Anthem.
- Gary Sinise, actor, humanitarian and founder of the Gary Sinise Foundation, will wave the green flag as the Honorary Starter.
- Paralympic athlete Blake Leeper, known as the "American Blade Runner," will serve as Honorary Race Official.


text:
All quotes tagged Lets
(4310 quotes found)
"Nobody could hit like that. Plus, the league is not going to let you hit that way. You might get a few hits, but you're not really going to hit that way."
"If you are constantly looking in the rear view mirror, how will you ever see what is in front of you?"
"Give up the feeling of responsibility, let go your hold, resign the care of your destiny to higher powers, be genuinely indifferent as to what becomes of it all and you will find not only that you gain a perfect inward relief, but often also, in addition, the particular goods you sincerely thought you were renouncing."
"The only reason you wont let go of what is making you sad is because it was the only thing that made you happy"
"[The father] may of weighed 200, but it felt like 400. I kept telling him, 'I'm not going to let you go,' and I didn't let him go."
"It always hurts to realize the other person has got over you and moved on with their life while you are still where they left you, crying over them, and waiting for them to come back."
"Tonight he was really good. He can get wild and throw a lot of balls. We tried to let him do that, but he didn't."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
One really wants to do the project but the people aren't in place yet. The time isn't right. Is the time every really right?
More than one is just too busy to make a decision. Too busy. Stephen Covey would tell then to read his book.
Many business owners - me included - are busy running from task to task. That is a fast path to the day running you and not the other way around.
There are like a million articles on the web - about 20 of those are on BusinessInsider, Forbes or Entrepreneur mag - about how really cool people, really rich people or Steve Jobs work their day. You know what? It is all about Working Your Day (and not the other way around).
When I coached with Keith Rosen we worked on my time management. The four things I learned:
Quite a few things contribute to success. Here are a few:
That multi-tasking is like cutting down trees by whacking at each one once, then going back and whacking at it again. We see it on the road: people talking or reading their cell phones who are not paying attention to driving, There are numerous articles about this, but you cannot active listen and do other cognitive activities. And if you are only going to passively listen, why bother?
Look how many tabs you have open in your browser. Really? Bookmark that stuff. If it was important you will get to it, if not why is that tab open? I fall into this every day as I open link after link from FB or twitter or my RSS reader. Then 2 hours are up and hardly any of the stuff was pertinent. Sure more trivia in my head but nothing actionable.
Delegating is tough because you have to stop to say, "Let me let James do that" then tell James to do that and maybe explain it. So by then it could be done. Key is: COULD. Between virtual assistants, oDesk, fiverr and other platforms you can find someone to do some of your tasks for you. It frees up your time to do other stuff. It requires trusting some else to do it and you not micro-managing it, but those are issues you have to work on anyway, right? ;) One year, my VA's ganged up on me to tell me to learn to delegate. It's a work in progress.
Most of the projects in the air are either marketing or sales training. Putting them off means missed revenue opportunities. How many of those do you think you have lying around? You read about the consolidation and how the cablecos are going to crush the market, you can't delay opportunities that are there.
Realize that some of it isn't that you are too busy to decide; it's more about the fear or the risk or the other excuse.
Rarely does an investment in sales training go to waste. Sure the salesperson may leave but you demonstrated that you care about their development -- to your employees now and future. In many cases, one additional sale will pay for the training. Just one.
Marketing projects: Lead generation is the number one problem for service providers. Without some kind of marketing, how do you get lead gen?
I did my annual Goal Setting webinar yesterday. One of the draft decks is up on slideshare along with a slide deck from 2010. Wouldn't hurt to run through the goal setting exercise.]]>
GTT Communications just acquired UNSi for $40 million. GTT is an interesting company. Interesting in how they put makeup on. There are numerous descriptions of the company:
This from Reuters: "GTT Communications, Inc., formerly Global Telecom & Technology, Inc., is a global network integrator providing a portfolio of Wide-Area Network (WAN), dedicated Internet access and managed data services. The Company combines multiple networks and technologies, such as traditional OC-x, MPLS and Ethernet, to deliver solutions." (Probably the most accurate since GTT really is just a reseller of networks).
This from NASDAQ. (GTT is traded on NYSE.) "GTT Communications, Inc. is a Delaware corporation which was incorporated on January 3, 2005. GTT operates a global Tier 1 IP network with one of the most interconnected Ethernet service platforms around the world. We provide highly reliable, scalable and secure cloud networking services. Our clients trust us to deliver solutions with simplicity, speed, and agility. Our Customers As of December 31, 2013, our customer base was comprised of over 2,000 businesses." The operates a global network is correct.
So GTT buys another reseller in UNSi. This isn't GTT's first acquisition as Ramblings chronicles here.
UNSi is another interesting entity. UNSi bought Airband, a fixed wireless operator. It mainly deals in reselling MPLS and Ethernet. The interesting part is the Derby Agency deal in 2012. The Derby Agency is Sherman Henderson's move after Lightyear Networks. Derby had an equity play similar to the TNCI deal that involved UNSi, Star2Star, RapidScale and PGi. It looks like the UNSi deal will be profitable for a few people.
It looks like the whole CLEC playbook has changed. Resellers aren't doing well unless they have an underlying business - like LD minutes to rely on. CLECs are building or buying fiber assets -- anything to add assets to the balance sheet. With fiber, the margins are better than buying "wholesale" from ILECs or MSOs. Quite a few CLECs have changed to cloud providers or full service providers (ISP, HPBX, IT). This won't be the last merger we see in 2014.
"CarrierSales and Communication Management Services (CMS) announced on Wednesday that they are joining forces, bringing a significant portion of CMS' assets and operations into CarrierSales," as reported by Channel Partners online. Richard Murray, president and CEO of CarrierSales, will run the show. It looks like the Saxby move earlier this year may have anticipated this merger.
Because almost all master agencies are private, most of this M&A doesn't make the news. I thought we would see a lot of master agencies merging for a couple of reasons: (1) the industry is in a state of flux but the quotas continue to increase which is a recipe for disaster; and (2) many of the owners who have been in business since before 2001 are older and either thinking about retirement or planning an exit to the next venture.
Master agencies have been hiring carrier folks often in the last 18 months. Think about that (I'll wait). The entrepreneurial agent is hiring a Bell-head. However, when you want to scale and morph into a VAD, you need P&L familiarity, more structure (systems, processes), and other experience that a seasoned executive will learn in a telco business organization.]]>
One, master agencies are building up for scale. There are positions for carrier folks there now, because some of these agencies have gotten so big. Big means that you want people who have worked in big organizations who might know P&L and scale.This also lends itself to the reality that master agencies have to get bigger to remain profitable. Smaller and smaller deals of small ARPU (sub-$1000) means that very many sales transactions have to take place.
Plus these masters have so many vendors - some have more than 100 vendors. It takes a different org type to effective manage that many contracts, quotas, commissions, and relationships. This extends into my view that master agencies and VADs (value added distributors like Tech Data and Ingram, who both had booths at the partner expo) are starting to morph into similar looking creatures. This calls for some different skills for the masters as well if they have to compete with the likes of a Tech Data, a CDW, an Insight - who not only have a huge catalog of hardware but are shifting into delivery of cloud services either as an agent or more likely as a service provider.
It's all about the back office, swivel chair and efficiency when you look to scale. VADs like Tech Data already have systems in place.
The other point is that masters are getting further away from the sale. Unless they have direct sales teams (which quite a few do today), masters look like they are taking a step back from agents into more of a management layer (if you will).
The carrier folks went from the vendor channel to the agent channel. It got easier is what they tell me. Sure, instead of doing all the pushing from the vendor side, they now get wined and dined by folks that took their place. That's a nice change of pace until the quota comes due - then the real pressure is on!
I'd like to hear your perspective on the latest moves in the channel. Leave a comment or drop me an email.]]>
"The world craves growth. The developing world needs growth to pull people out of poverty. The developed world needs growth to tackle mounting unemployment and large government deficits."
"With a growing population seeking a better lifestyle to be delivered from a planet with finite resources, is business equipped to deliver? What customers, suppliers, employees, governments and society expect from business is changing."
"'Good' growth' is in everyone's interest and the new measure of success. But how do you work out what 'good' looks like?" PwC tries to demonstrate that in the project.
"But is the growth we're pursuing doing more harm than good? Rapid booms are followed by shattering busts. Pollution is escalating. Precious resources are being drained away....Looking at growth from a total impact perspective means decisions are made with more holistic information and 'good' growth becomes easier to spot."
We are already seeing discussions about bad corporations and sustainability - good growth. "Is growth good when it eats up resources and the community pays a bigger price (e.g. through adverse impacts on health) than the financial gain it generates?
"Good growth benefits everyone - consumers, communities, the economy and shareholders alike." That's the Ideal anyway. With runaway greed, this is unlikely to happen up but in pockets.
The impact of good growth has a few perks - one of which is talent retention. People want to work for something bigger than corporate greed. (What Jim Collins called the BHAG and Simon Sinek says is Why.)
PwC even takes a look at 5 Mega Trends, including demographic shifts, urbanization and climate change! In fact, the "changing demographic trends are creating one of the biggest challenges for CEOs today: finding and securing the workforce of tomorrow." Which brings us back to "Good Growth", BHAG, the Why - or corporate culture.
Millenials aren't job hopping. That makes talent acquisition a challenge for larger corporations. In a Forbes article, "Business in general has a branding problem. Most students still think of commerce as synonymous with Wall Street greed and Enron like fiascos. ... Millennials care about more than just taking home a paycheck. They care about working at an organization which makes an impact, and sees them as more than cogs in the greater machine."
Interesting stuff to think about as we near the 4Q 2014.]]>
As the industry looks at even more consolidation from these big 3 moves - Comcast-TWC, DirecTV-ATT and L3-twt. How many synergies will be let go with this M&A? Probably more than 20,000 layoffs.
Where have all the telecom jobs gone?
I thought cloud companies would be picking up some of these folks (just not at the same pay package), but the Snowden revelations has been hitting the US Cloud Providers hard. Look at Cisco's numbers:
"Emerging markets were definitely under siege, at least in part to the changing post-Snowden environment. As the largest US vendor with the most public face, Cisco has been taking the brunt of the buy-non-American movement overseas. China revenues were down 23%, but Brazil wasn't far behind down 13% with other emerging markets also lagging. Cisco doesn't expect those numbers to rebound anytime soon either." [telecom ramblings]
Where will all these people go?]]>
AT&T is adding cities in NC to its U-Verse with GigaPower. I wonder if this is a response to TWC buying DukeNet there.
Verizon Wireless looking to buy Dish Network's spectrum [Reuters]. It came out of the NY Post; the article is so vague that it doesn't even mention what spectrum. Chalk it up to #rumor by bankers.
21 charts about the US changes. I know these graphs are someone's representation / view / spin, but take it at face value that some observations are true, like we are a more diverse population and the population is getting older. To quote Tom Peters: start marketing to the diversity and the Boomers!
#14 - "The US economy has undergone a fundamental shift: it has moved from a more goods-focused economy to a service-based economy." I see that the Internet helps to spin our economy (or at least the market caps of a number of companies), so why is Congress, the courts and the two F agencies, letting any corporation muck with it?
#15 - "Speaking of productivity, the American worker just keeps getting better and better at boosting the economy, thanks largely to technology. American workers are creating more and more economic value, but they're not getting paid accordingly. Productivity has climbed steadily over the last decade, but compensation hasn't followed suit." I don't think anyone can argue that point, but I am certain someone will try.
#6 - We are more Politically Polarized than ever before. "A 2014 report from the Pew Research Center found that the two man political parties are drifting further from each other ideologically. Americans are far more likely to be consistently conservative or consistently liberal than they were 10 or 20 years ago." And we tend to only listen to people we agree with and ignore differing opinions, which means that this will only get worse.
"Largely because of our aging population, there's going to be a growing need for more healthcare workers in the US economy over the next 10 years....Home health aides and personal care aides, both of which are going to grow by around 50 percent, are also remarkably low-paid jobs, with median annual pay of around $20,000 each." In a consumer service based economy, when people can't buy stuff, the economic engine grinds to a halt. Henry Ford knew that.
#17 - "We're staying unemployed for an unusually, terribly long amount of time." The skills for jobs that pay well have changed - perhaps outpacing the unemployed. Plus many jobs have been automated out of the organization. (The new burger maker machine will even automate the low wage jobs at fast food. then what?)
This slide deck is about technology's influence on the workplace (which could be about BYOD and other stuff). What it said to me is that if you are selling cloud as a replacement for premise, you are wasting your time. Cloud is an improvement over premise. Get that straight right from the beginning, chum.]]>
Clear objectives for the quarter-rewarded by bonuses/or not-do tend to get individuals to focus on the quarter. But what's getting them to give attention to the longer term, the neglect of which has been the demise of all once robust, thriving and great firms?
Yesterday, Hugh MacLeod took a shot at high quota as a de-motivator. "when it comes to leading a team, you have to set achievable goals. Build your momentum. ... Lower quotas equal more success. More success equals better morale. Better morale equals more success."
To build great companies you need a vision, mission, culture designed around more than quarterly profit (unless you share it with everyone).
Otherwise you end with a Duopoly with 70% customer dissatisfaction and businesses all over NYC wondering why the FCC, PUC and state's Attorney General isn't making VZ keeps its promise of FiOS to all -- a promise made in 2008!!! (Read more at Fred Wilson's blog including the comments).]]>
This headline from ZDnet caught my eye: Urge to transform the business drives SaaS surge. Of course, moving to cloud should be about making the business efficient, flexible, mobile and more productive.
To do that, there will be some pain points as the employees get used to the new system. (Salespeople will need to manage those expectations during and after the sale.) But if you are going to sell a cloud solution, transform the business.
"Businesses in Australia and New Zealand, countries that are early adopters of SaaS, are flocking to SaaS in search of business transformation.... [to] create new, agile organisations."
"A drive for strategic transformation on 24 percent contribute to a picture where SaaS isn't just being deployed for its core functionality, or for costs savings, but for its ability to unite organisations, streamline processes, and deliver visibility and accountability to business activity." If you are talking about replacing services, you are doing a disservice to your customer. There are many benefits to moving to cloud - for SAAS or PAAS or UC - some that will transform the organization but not without a change in how the employees conduct daily business. (You can't move, be agile, with the same thing.)]]>
On the heels of yesterday's email about buying up master agency bases, Microcorp announced today that Brad Miehl, founder of MicroCorp, will ne replaced as President by Microcorp's current Executive Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Phil Keenan, a 28-year industry veteran.
Karin Fields will take over reigns as both COO and CEO.
Big shift to one of the largest and older master agencies who, according to the email yesterday, is looking to grow through acquisition of other agencies.
The Master Agencies seem to be at the transition stage if you look at the number of management changes that have taken place in the last couple of years. As the email headline states: What's Your Exit Strategy?
Much like the NCTA members, retirement planning is top of mind for agents and VARs as the marketplace changes and the owners age. It has been 18 years since the Telecom Acto f 1996 opened up the brave new world for CLECs. And many of those CLECs don't exist any more due to mergers, bankruptcies and vagrancies of the market. (I will hold back a rant about poorly executed strategy by the CLECs.)
As an agent and consultant, retirement planning is on the to-do list. (It just happens to be on the bottom right now.) What are your plans?
Congrats to the Brad, Karin and Phil!]]>
"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
That is a fantastic way to think of sales. That's why sales boils down to creating win-win situations. It's why really good managers tell their sales teams to make a friend first.
It also is a way to view implementation. Customers will remember that the turn-up left them frustrated and angry. That is a very challenging experience to overcome.
"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude."
With so many industries and sectors being turned upside down right now - especially telecom - change is inevitable. It's about attitude and planning.
Not all change is bad either, but people like the comfort of the familiar. Yet think about this: what is any fitness regime like diet or exercise? Change.
If you are happy with the ways things are going, continue on your path. If you want different results though, you will need to change something up. And the first thing that will have to change is your attitude or thinking.
The only one who asks for change is a baby with a wet diaper (quote from Chris K., emcee of IGNITE Tampa 2014).]]>
Garrett Smith left VoIP Supply to start his own company, Pitch + Pivot in Buffalo.
XO has named a new Channel head. Bill Hooper has been named Vice President of the XO Business Partner Channel after working at CenturyLink, MCI and WilTel. Hooper replaces Shane McNamara.
Tom Gorey, who used to head up channel at XO as well is now at Integra.
Michael Jerich left Level3 for Intelepeer. He was running the channel at Global Crossing before the merger and assumed the role at L3.
Kirk Horton is now running / starting up the partner business of IPR Secure, an IT company. Horton was previously at TELX, where the sales - both direct and indirect - had a shake up last year.
Joe Schiavone is just one of the few personnel changes that occurred last year at FreedomVoice. Schiavone is now running the channel program at Voxox. Tristan Barnum of Switchvox fame is VP of Marketing there.
Justin Chugg did the opposite of many people; he went from master agent (Telarus) to service provider (Vocal IP Networx). Quite a few went from SP to Master, where the pressure is different.
Many other people have changed jobs. Many companies - Broadvox, ANPI, Broadsoft to name a few - have changed out numerous personnel. To even say personnel sounds funny to me, since I think of employees as talent. It takes talent to build and grow a business.
Some of that talent has something important: domain knowledge. They know all the things that are the duct tape that keep business processes running - things that are rarely written down or recorded anywhere.
As all these personnel changes happen, I have to think about sports. Were the Tampa Bay Lightning better off after the Marty St. Louis trade? No. They traded A Team scoring talent for B Team. Is that what you are doing? Sure, you have VP's, Directors, Managers and worker bees, but is it an A Team?
Does this team foster winning results or do they just go through the motions?
Hey, remember to keep your contact info in LinkedIn current!]]>
Scale means a couple of things, like finding talent to hire that doesn't destroy the culture (or chase away other talent). Maintaining the corporate culture is part of scale, too. Scale also involves processes in the business. Can the softswitch handle 5000 concurrent calls? Can it handle 7500 or 10,000? Can we grow sales with the current quoting and ordering systems (or will they slow us down)? Can we add a channel (wholesale or indirect partners) with the current systems in place?
Some times all the blame of the business goes to sales and marketing, but it could also be that other departments (IT, HR, Provisioning, PM) can be just as much of a hindrance to growth (especially with the sales departments don't have faith in the systems behind them).
Just some food for thought on this beautiful Monday.
Provisioning, deploying, configuring, hardware, network monitor, sales, billing, invoicing, quoting, user portal, CRM and so many more pieces go into an efficiently run service provider operation. Sure you'd like more sales, but could the organization handle more sales? Can they turn up and service more sales every month?]]>
LinkedIn has pivoted from just a rolodex to networking to a recruiters paradise (and a noisy platform of useless activity). I think LI pivoted a lot to chase revenue and the IPO. It's focus isn't users (but then what platform is focused on USERS?). It's customer is the recruiter or advertisers or power user. The users are just wheat to make bread.
LUMOS is pivoting to chase its best revenue stream: Fiber to the tower. Smart. Let's hope they execute well.
Some Hosted VoIP providers do a mini-pivot by adding a wholesale or white-label offering. There are reasons for it - like the under-utilized technology** and the unused licenses (that they are still paying for). There are reasons against it - misdirection of focus from the main revenue stream and the fact that white-label takes more time and energy to get results than direct sales.
** Leveraging under-utilized technology is how Amazon started AWS and S3.
Cable companies pivoted when they went after fiber to the tower also. And when they decided to chase bigger businesses by offering fiber in place of coax. That pivot worked for a number of reasons not the least of which is that they created separate divisions to just focus on these sectors siloed from the residential division.
I think Sprint's pivot to be a cellular company was smart but the execution was horrible. Spinning off Embarq, then trashing the Nextel brand was capped off with laying revenue waste to a fiber network that built the brand originally. Lots of missed opportunity at Sprint. (Can't understand why Dan Hesse is still CEO. -shaking my head- ).
Cellular South Inc. renamed as C Spire Wireless with HQ in Ridgeland, Mississippi, is the 8th largest cellco in the US. They pivoted to FTTH in Mississippi (following Google Fiber's strategy almost to a T) and acquired Callis for Hosted VoIP service.
When you look at the rural ILECs - Windstream, CinBell, CenturyLink and TDS - there have been a similar look to each of their strategies. Windstream was created through the spinoff of Alltel's landline business and merger with VALOR Communications Group. Landline focus like the other 3 but all 4 have CLEC operations and then went after acquiring data centers (and cloud services providers).
Some VoIP providers, some VARs, some Agents are going to need to re-think their strategy and RE-IMAGINE how they will make a living in the next couple of years. (That pivot may be an exit, a merger or a shift in strategy.) Need help (like a mental kick)? Here is Tom Peters' RE-IMAGINE video on YouTube.]]>
Is it that your sales team isn't closing enough deals? Or is it your sales team is confused about your product catalog?
Is it that they suck at sales? Or that the organization can't process the sales fast enough? Is the provisioning process so manual that there is a backlog?
Is you post-ink churn high? Why? Is the provisioning process broken or is it a lack of project managers to handle the complex deals?
Could it be that there is just a little too much human interaction required from quote to turn-up? (Human cogs can hamper progress.)
How much swivel chair is in your process? (That's a Scott Wharton quote.)
How many systems have to interact from sales to payment in order to get paid? How much of that process -- from quote to ink to invoice to payment - is automatic versus manual?
How much is scale finding all of the bottlenecks in yoru org?
How much of the sales dilemma is an unclear story or message? How much of that story is about you and your tech or your secret sauce (and not enough about the prospect and his pain points)?
How much of your sales challenge is you have a whale hunter chasing the wrong prospects?
There are so many factors in the sales fail bucket. Are you certain you have identified the correct one to fix?]]>
M5 was selling to big organizations like Ziff-Davis and Amnesty. These organizations had IT staff. The IT staff probably managed the LAN, which means that inside the org, the Hosted VoIP service probably worked fine. The IT Staff likely managed the WAN and Internet bandwidth too. That would eliminate much of the technical support noise that Hosted VoIP providers have to handle.
Add to which that the IT staff likely handled many other issues related to the gadget (laptop, tablet, smartphone) issue that didn't filter up to M5. Think about that.
The customers had IT staff to handle more than 70% of the help desk issues. Plus the IT department likely managed the Broadsoft portal to make the minor MAC/D changes.
To make things work for ShoreTel, they renamed M5 ShoreTel Sky and then attacked the market (like pretty much every other VoIP provider on the planet). This means that EVERYONE is a prospect. BOOM!
Model broken.
You went from a targeted approach to prospecting to scatter shot. Not only does this mean that the ARPU would lower, it means that the story would change. The story you pitch to a company with an IT staff is much different than the story you tell to a company without an IT staff. Also, the buyer profile changes.
You know what else changes? How many tech support calls you take!
AMDOCS says that at the least a tech support call costs $10 but typically runs about $30-$40 per call. On a $1000 account, a single support call at $30 isn't going to kill you. But at $500 per month, it will. At less than $500 per month, it's a disaster.
Broadband ISPs know that they end up taking calls about the PC or laptop often. Many ISPs have added a $10 per month tech support fee to the bill to defer the costs of extended support. (It is likely a profit center now.) VoIP Providers know that they end up trouble-shooting the network and the broadband connection. These calls eat up time, personnel, phone lines and margin. They also contribute to brand deterioration (unless your support team can fix every problem).
At 2000 customers, M5 was profitable and not too big. At 20,000 customers, it will be something else entirely. Growing pains will show through. Seth Godin writes, "As an organization succeeds, it gets bigger. As it gets bigger, the average amount of passion and initiative of the organization goes down (more people gets you closer to average, which is another word for mediocre)."
There are ways to handle scale / growth. Automation, policies, procedures and more automation are ways that most tech companies handle growth. Take out the human factor because it is expensive. Less human touch, more policies, cookie cutter, less innovation, less enthusiasm, less everything - except more customers -- not necessarily more profit either. Scale didn't help Windstream or Fairpoint.
Also, what got M5 from zero to 2000 is going to be very different from what gets 2000 to ten thousand. The management skills needed will be different.
With scale, maintaining culture (or vision/mission) is a challenge, if indeed it is even on the CEO's agenda, since being public means that you went from satisfying employees and customers to serving Wall Street.
Final thought: this happened on a small scale. Think about what happens in bigger mergers. Culture, human resources, even customers aren't even in the conversation.]]>


text:
Reviewing the relevance and effectiveness of the WHO Global Code of Practice: Call for papers
The Human Resources for Health journal in collaboration with the World Health Organization, and the Global Health Workforce Alliance , is inviting research to gather new evidence on the relevance and effectiveness of the Code since its adoption in 2010, and to inform the five-year review of the Code, scheduled for the World Health Assembly (WHA) in May 2015.
Call for papers on HRH investment
Human Resources for Health, in collaboration with the Global Health Workforce Alliance and the World Health Organization is pleased to invite you to submit a manuscript to a new thematic series entitled "Investment in human resources for health: impact on health outcomes and beyond", which will seek to expand the evidence base on the health and broader socio-economic impact of health workforce investments. The findings of the thematic series will contribute to ongoing efforts to develop a Global Strategy on Human Resources for Health, to be considered by the World Health Assembly in May 2016. The deadline for submissions is 28 February 2015.
Health Partners Unite to Build Stronger Systems for Health in Ebola-Affected Countries
12 December 2014 ¦ GENEVA On December 10 and 11, Ministers of Health and Finance of Ebola-affected countries, international organizations and development partners assembled for a high-level meeting on how to strengthen systems of health in Ebola-affected countries and agreed on what needs to be done to rebuild and strengthen essential health services in these countries.
Strengthening international partnerships on health workforce development
15 September 2014 -- In 2010, as part of the effort to address the global shortage of health workers and to find ethical solutions to health worker migration, governments agreed to the principles of the WHO Code of Practice on the International Recruitment of Health Personnel. This feature story describes how Ireland has successfully put into practice the provisions of the Code with a new training programme which supports universal health coverage.
Recent publications
HRH Milestones
Health Workforce team and HRH Regional Advisors
Contact us
Human Resources for Health
World Health Organization (WHO)
Avenue Appia 20
1211 Geneva 27
Tel: +41 22 791 2542
Fax: +41 22 791 4747


text:
My Profile
Member since Oct 2012
Flag This ProfileFlag as Inappropriate
Reviewed Christmas Cutout Sugar Cookies
Oct 30, 2012 in Food Network Community Toolbox on FoodNetwork.com
"Not even worth the star I gave it wish I read the reviews had to throw the "dough" away because it just crumbled. Absolutely disappointing.""


text:
"The best of the trilogy"
I am somewhat surprised to find myself feeling that this third book is the best of the Australia trilogy. The book might be considered to have a structural flaw; it begins as a continuation of the Solomon story featuring main characters from the first two books, focusing on the same essential conflicts and again set in Australia and Tasmania. Then the focus shifts to a new character - Ben Tikelman - as the protagonist, and World War I Turkey and Europe as the setting.
But Courtenay has a story telling gift and he is a master of making one truly care about the fate of his characters. I was deeply touched by the bonds that developed between the soldiers and by their fates. Ben rivals Hawk as an embodiment of the best of humankind (standing out among so many flawed ones) and as eminently likable. Less earnest in his goodness compared to Hawk, more realistically earthy. I don't mind the Superman qualities - his exploits are truly stirring. One pictures Ben played by a young Mel Gibson (an image perhaps influenced by the Gallipolli movie).
The narrator Humphrey Bower is extraordinary and adds much to the power of the story. His voices are distinct and consistent and provide a cinematic dimension to these books.
It was tough seeing this trilogy come to a close and I also hope there will be more of the Solomon story - Courtenay has hardly concluded the tale by the end of Solomon's Song.
"A Mystery of Many Layers Right to the End"
This is the most outstanding entry yet in the fine series featuring Peter Diamond, a beautifully told, highly engaging story with shocks, twists and turns and stories within the story. I just wish Audible carried more of the series, and that I encountered this narrator Steve Hodson more often. He delivers a range of distinctive voices and accents, which bring characters fully to life. The author Lovesey created a rich and compelling character in Diamond, distinctive for his very human flaws. Nothing pat about the characters or the story, unlike the formulaic approach of lesser mystery/crime fiction writers. But while some of the Diamond novels have been thinner (such as Bloodhounds) this is substantial and satisfying.
"Classic espionage hero takes on today's terrorists"
Hayden Stone is a likeable cool cat, part old school government agent, part James Bond maverick. He ably takes on some very bad guys in this engaging yarn that brings us inside today's complicated fight to contain global terrorism. Some of the appeal of the tale lies in following Hayden's mixed success with the opposite sex.
One of Kerns' best constructs is the lead terrorist, a complex and very deadly bad guy. One of his weaker characters is a man whose corruption is too obvious/predictable. This detracts from the suspense the author is building.
Overall, Kerns has created a protagonist we want to follow on subsequent missions.The narrator does a fine job of bringing these characters to life. I look forward to the next installment.
"I expected much more from Michael Connelly"
I have read or listened to all of Connelly's Bosch books as well as the Michael Haller tales, and I cannot recall a weaker effort. Connelly sets a pretty high standard so I don't think this is a bad book. But the best things about it are recycled from earlier works, largely Bosch's prickly, driven nature, his trouble with relationships at work and in his personal life, and some of the atmosphere of L.A. and the world of cops.
The story tumbles out in fits and starts and the intrigue is minimal. Tension begins to build in the last third only to wane amid a clunky, tired plot line and cliched 'action' scenes at the end.
The narrator McConnohie is not an asset. His voice seems better suited for commercials than drama - too smooth, with a cadence that projects an insincere earnestness. His narration lacks the grit and depth that might have brought Bosch more to life.
"Grubby Villans, Sluggish Story"
Sandford is a pro and does not compose a bad tale. But this for me is the most disappointing of all of his titles that I have read or listened to. Sanderson often features bad guys who are bumbling, amoral and cretinous; this particular lot are off-putting with no redeeming quirks or original touches.
And within Sandford's oeuvre, the gap is widening between the delightful Virgil Flowers stories, and those starring his original lead character, Lucas Davenport. A healthy dose of credit goes to the Flowers' narrator Eric Conger, who gives Flowers a winning charm and warmth, along with a vocal inflection that embodies Minnesota country. The Flowers novels are truly funny and compelling; there is just a shadow of that delight in the Davenport books.
"Original, Risky, Ultimately Captivating"
This unusual and affecting book at times presents worlds so bleak, so terribly sad, that the passive act of listening further is called into question. But listening on is richly rewarded. We hear the parallel stories of two males, one middle-aged and almost immobilized by the physical infirmities of his great bulk; the other young and physically gifted. Both are trapped into narrow lives with what seems few possibilities for escape or true fulfillment.
It is at first hard to absorb the sad tale of enormous Arthur Ott, a very bright man who in severe depression has eaten his way into ten years of shuffling no further than within a few rooms of his Brooklyn townhouse. Salvation of a sorts arrives once he is moved by a letter to invite hired help into his house.
Kel Keller's is a coming of age story of sorts - a high school phenom baseball player burdened with crippling secrets. Kel's story seems so far from Arthur's - the only tie is the letter writer to Arthur. I came to love both men's stories, though more seemed at stake with Kel's. I applaud the imaginative power of the author to create such convincing worlds.
My only quibble, the only reason I do not give five stars, is in the way the author decided to conclude this novel. Yes, 'literary fiction' does not tend to wrap stories up in a bow, or necessarily lead us through travails to a happy ending. But the entire story built to a convergence of two worlds, of two lives. The author chose to leave threads dangling to a degree that, instead of letting me enjoy fashioning my own ending, left me feeling short-changed. Very good stories often leave us wanting more, even as we are left with much to savor and be content with. In this case, it felt incomplete to an unsatisfactory degree.
"Engaging depth behind the send-up"
At the outset this seemed a glib send-up of big time advertising (a rather easy target for satire and ridicule). It centered on one particular flack, a funny but shallow man drifting through life, hiding behind one-liners. Initially it was hard to care about the protagonist and my attention wavered. Then a moving, dramatic back story slowly but steadily came to life and made the listen well worthwhile and quite engaging. The quality of the audiobook is greatly boosted by the excellent, versatile narration of Robert Petkoff. One mild complaint is the at times lengthy and somewhat tedious spells of introspection by the main character Finbar, mulling over the same doubts and fears and mental roadblocks. All in all a fine tale and excellent audiobook.
"Best Virgil Flowers yet"
Virgil Flowers is one of the best characters of contemporary crime/mystery fiction, and arguably the most appealing of all in audiobook format. Kudos to the author John Sandford, who made his fame with his character Lucas Davenport. Davenport and the Prey novels are fine, but I find the Flowers stories to be clearly superior. And much credit goes to the narrator Eric Conger. For my money, he expands upon the author's creation with what he brings to the reading: the warmth and uniqueness of the voice, the inflections, attitude, personality. No hammy "Minnesota" accent, but a delivery that feels authentic. Beyond his portrayal of Virgil, he handles a range of characters with aplomb. Simply exceptional.
Early reviews to the contrary, I found the plot and substance of Shock Wave to be superior to the preceding Flowers novels. I expected the 'PyeMart' thread to be heavy handed; it is not. There is a unique cast of characters and no obvious solution to the mystery. The balance of humor and seriousness is satisfying,and for the first time, Virgil's personal life is a bit more complex and realistic (for all his charm, a new conquest isn't so easy).
So many contemporary crime stories are diminished by either wooden characters or depressingly grim circumstances. The Flowers' novels thankfully have neither, But they also do not veer towards Carl Hiassen-like parody and lampooning (as good as Hiassen is for what he does). We need more crime novels of the serious yet thoughtful and also most cleverly entertaining mode that Sandford delivers with Virgil Flowers. Too rare!
"Lots of Angst, Not Much Story"
Frankly I was disappointed in the quality of this story. I found the central character unlikable and unreliable and the mystery quite thin - it was pretty obvious fairly early on 'who done it'. And I was bothered at how the main character over and over castigated his family, telling us what horrible people they were, of course he would be shut of them. Not only is the portrait that emerges far more nuanced but, excepting the father and the oldest brother, they prove sympathetic, and the three other siblings very decent. The disconnect does not seem intentional to advance the story in an interesting way, just poor story telling.
The writer provides some nice description and atmosphere and the narrator is strong.
"Virgil Flowers rocks"
I found John Sandford's 'Prey' series to be okay, pretty good, and Lucas Davenport a better than average lead character for a mystery/crime series.
But with Virgil Flowers the author has struck gold. Virgil is immensely likable, and a far more unique creation. And Eric Conger is a superb narrator, he makes these stories immensely enjoyable to listen to. The plots vary a little in quality (and frankly none are great literary achievements) but they are plenty good enough because the character and the narrator are so winning.
"Better by the end but a trying journey"
I really wanted to like this book because I admire John Grisham as a person and I want to resist the image he carries in some 'literary snob' corners as being a bit of a hack. This book will not help change that image. The story was for the most part predictable, had an oddly slow pace unrelieved by interesting characters, and the author showed no knack for thrill, suspense or mystery. The narrator was pretty mediocre, which didn't help. Yes, Travis Boyette is creepy, but the combination of the slimy voice of his character played off the do-goody/whiny voice of the 'pastor' Schroeder made for an unpleasant listen.
Donte Drumm is done wrong by the system and it is almost torture to slog through his slow descent. There just are no unique twists or turns here, no surprises, no richness, no depth.
Somehow there was some sense of satisfaction at having stayed with it to the end, (I did like some small touches, such as how the football team resolves its issues) but overall it is pretty thin gruel. Too bad, because the heart of the story is in the right place.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


text: Durban Beauty Hairdresser Hair Removal Nail Nail Technician Nail Art Manicure Pedicure Foot Treatment Tanning Facial Stylist Dental Care Weight Loss Cosmetic Injection Wellness Healthcare Leisure Travel Tickets Restaurant Services Online Shopping Rate the page Rating: 4 of 5 (Number of votes 114) Groupon on your mobile iPhone | AndroidDetails Groupon Travel view Groupon Shop view Amazing deal on a nail salon in Durban!What girl doesn't need well-kept nails? Normally it is too costly to have them done professionally, but things change! With the introduction of vouchers for nail salon services in Durban you can take care of your nails the right way. This deal from Groupon enables you to enhance your looks by having stunning nails. We have included the nail salon in Durban, so you won't be disappointed by the quality of the procedure. Don't forget about the discount. Our deals give savings up to 50 percent off the original price! With that, getting, your nails done in Durban at a nail salon, with our vouchers, is a no brainier. Vouchers for nail care are the right way of caring for your beauty. Don't procrastinate, get our vouchers, and enjoy your nails!Vouchers for nail salon in Durban!We at Groupon have plenty of beneficial offers for you. With us, not only you will have access to beauty related deals, but you can also improve your health, pick an offer for your leisure time or benefit from a handy man's services. When you need something, or you have a problem - we have the solution. As for today, you should decide whether you want to have your nails done at a nail salon in Durban. Nail salon in Durban has beauticians that know exactly how to take care of your nails. Grab our vouchers now, before this offer expires. Selection of our partners Enjoy the advantages of your city with Groupon! Choose your city Cape Town Johannesburg Pretoria Durban Stellenbosch East London Subscribe! Share Groupon with your friends! Coupons in South Africa Johannesburg - Leisure Johannesburg - Healthcare Cape Town - Leisure Cape Town - Healthcare Johannesburg - Leisure Johannesburg - Healthcare Johannesburg - Leisure Johannesburg - Healthcare Johannesburg - Leisure Johannesburg - Healthcare Coupons in: Johannesburg Cape Town Pretoria Stellenbosch East London Follow us on Twitter Follow us on RSS-Feed Follow us on Facebook


text:
It's no news to us that reporters have to put up with a lot of kak when it comes to broadcasting live television. This hot reporter in particular was quick off her feet when it came to putting a ten seconds to fame individual in her place!
We don't know many people that actually enjoy doing household chores. Many people actually hate them so much that they just pay someone else to do them. Click through for an opinionated ranking of household chores.
Working straight from Basic Instinct, a Serbian prank-TV show managed to get their Prime minister, Ivica Dačić, to be interviewed by a model wearing no underwear. You can all see where this is going.
Sam is a cat, and Sam has awesome eyebrows. As a result, in the space of just over a month, Sam and his eyebrows have attracted a few thousand followers on Instagram.
This is possibly one of the best photobombs you'll have seen, besides Bill Clinton's photobomb at Barrack Obama's inauguration earlier this year.
The Lonely Island is a musical comedy group, famous for producing cutting-edge pop music containing the most bizarre lyrics (anyone remember "Dick In A Box" and "I Just Had Sex|"?).
Today's 2oceansVibe Boss Hall of Fame addition does not sit around and wait for others to take action when disaster strikes.
We're big fans of Bill Clinton here at the Vibe. And we know most of you are too. So we were very pleased when we saw our man got in on the action yesterday at President Obama's inauguration and photobombed Kelly Clarkson.
We are inducting two individuals into our 2oceansVibe Boss Hall of Fame today, both practicing the near-forgotten art of lighting cigarettes.
The blood has barely dried on the floor, and already Nandos is ripping the Lance Armstrong/Oprah Winfrey interview a new one
What are you doing for the rest of the afternoon? Don't pretend like you are actually working, because we know you are not. It's way passed the hour of the Cape Town Friday Rule, and it's time to get your Gizoogle on my nizzle.
Ah yes, the Internet smiles upon us this day. Here is the Patrick Lambie underwear endorsement moment that we all knew could happen, and finally has. What are our favourite parts of this video? I'm glad you asked. We love: That he gives us just a little bit of skin. To tease. The way he [...]
Today's recipient of a 2oceansVibe Boss Hall of Fame badge has perhaps watched the movie "Taxi Driver" one too many times.
Rahat is a magician with his own YouTube channel, called Magic of Rahat. And although he has uploaded some quality laughs in the past, his latest stunt is by far his funniest.
I think it's important for us to have at least one 50 Shades Of Grey joke in our arsenal, given the extent to which this book has exploded – and it doesn't seem to be stopping. Click for the joke:
Our newest 2oceansVibe Boss Hall of Fame discovery hails from Khulna, Bangladesh.
For as long as the internet has been around, memes have also existed. But it is becoming increasingly difficult to create a meme truly worthy of the world "viral".
For today's 2oceansVibe Boss Hall of Fame addition, we've dug into the archives and found this classic gem from back in 1999. During an episode of the US version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?" our hero, John Carpenter, reaches the final question without having used any of his lifelines.
Julia Gillard is a pretty awesome prime minister. The Aussie PM has been chased by a violent mob and delivered an epic rant against the opposition leader calling him a misogynist. That was all this year, and now the PM has confirmed the Mayans are right and the world is coming to an end.
You will be a richer person for watching this. Internet parody portal, CollegeHumor.com recently brought us this piece of quality humour, lampooning widespread ignorance of Facebook and the law. They've followed it right up with a parody rendition of Nickelback's ballad, "Photograph". Enjoy that. Just enjoy that. [Source : Biz Insider] [Thanks, Lize!]
Today's addition to the 2oceansVibe Boss Hall of Fame is clearly a man on the move. He has no time to waste, not even for eating. That is why he has invented this ingenious way to eat a mielie in only 10 seconds.
In what is possibly the funniest story of the year, it has been alleged that the man known as the Blade Runner, has threatened to break the legs of former soccer player and Supersport presenter, Marc Batchelor. Mah boet.
Radi-Aid is a parody Christmas song, inspired by real initiatives such as Band Aid's Do They Know Its Christmas? The music video, produced by a fictional organisation called Africa for Norway, shows Africans coming together in an effort to supply radiators to the people of Norway. It also features several African "celebrities" singing together.
Anne Hathaway hosted Saturday Night Live for the third time over the weekend. One of the highlights saw her bring back her spot-on impression of actress Katie Holmes. In the latest sketch, "Holmes" appears on the Ellen Degeneres show – talking about the media and threatening to violently kill anyone that comes close to Suri.
With the US presidential elections kicking off tomorrow, campaigning has never been fiercer. Even comedians Chris Rock and Will Ferrell released super funny videos recently – both urging people to vote for Barack Obama, or Barry, as we come to learn the US president is also known as.
Here at 2oceansVibe we have conceived the Boss Hall of Fame so that we can pay tribute to people who excel at taking part in everyday tasks and happenings.
Movember is now only a few days away and everyone is preparing their upper lip for majestic growth. True to form, local parody kings, Derick Watts & The Sunday Blues, have weighed in on the issue with a brilliant new single.
I'm sure by now we've all seen someone open a bottle of beer with their teeth, or worse, some other bodily orifice. Not satisfied with the current state of affairs, however, this guy decided to take it to the next level.
It's almost that time of year again when every man with even a tickle of fluff on his upper lip wears his whiskers proudly. Movember is upon us, and in the spirit of good competition we found this inspirational instuctional video from the Godfather of contemporary sitcom moustaches, Nick Offerman, to help you along.
We're big fans of Justin Timberlake's song 'Dick in a box' for it's sheer visual hilarity, as well as the clever rhyming. The same is true for this new track 'Yoga Boner' by MC Jelly Donut (Featuring Daveed Diggs). "I'm confused" at 1:50 did it for me. Click to watch the video.


text:
BG Medicine, Inc. Announces Publication Of Two Studies Supporting Repeat Galectin-3 Testing In Heart Failure Patients
WALTHAM, Mass., Feb. 27, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- BG Medicine, Inc. (Nasdaq:BGMD), a diagnostics company focused on the development and commercialization of novel cardiovascular tests, announced today the publication of two studies demonstrating the clinical utility of repeated galectin-3 testing as a tool in the assessment of patients with heart failure. The studies, which together involved more than 3,300 subjects, demonstrate that periodic evaluation of galectin-3 levels can help clinicians identify those at greater risk of unplanned hospital admission and cardiovascular morbidity and mortality.
The first study, published online ahead of print in the current issue of Circulation Heart Failure [1], demonstrated that patients who experienced increases in their galectin-3 levels in excess of 15% over a period of three to six months had nearly double the risk of subsequent unplanned hospital admissions and mortality relative to patients who did not experience changes in their galectin-3 levels over the same time period. This increased risk was found to be independent of other important risk factors in heart failure, including cardiac function, renal function, age, and levels of NT-proBNP.
The second study, published online ahead of print in the European Journal of Heart Failure [2], demonstrated that patients who experienced increases in galectin-3 levels over a period of four months were at significantly increased risk of subsequent unplanned hospital admissions for heart failure, first morbid event, and mortality. The increased risk associated with elevations in galectin-3 was found to be independent of all other baseline heart failure risk factors considered. Importantly, this increased risk associated with galectin-3 elevation was also demonstrated to be independent of, and additive to, concomitant changes in other important heart failure risk factors, including cardiac structure, renal function, blood pressure, heart rate, NT-proBNP levels, and other clinical patient parameters."We are very encouraged by these published results, which add to the growing body of evidence supporting the repeated use of galectin-3 testing as an ongoing monitoring tool in the management of patients with heart failure," said Eric Bouvier, President and CEO of BG Medicine. "We believe these findings validate our commercial focus on the use of galectin-3 testing to combat unplanned hospital readmissions, and will help us drive further clinical adoption of galectin-3 testing as a routine part of heart failure management."
Select the service that is right for you!COMPARE ALL SERVICES
Action Alerts PLUSTry it NOW
Jim Cramer and Stephanie Link actively manage a real portfolio and reveal their money management tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
- Weekly roundups
TheStreet Quant RatingsTry it NOW
Only $49.95/yr
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
Product Features:
- Buy, hold, or sell recommendations for over 4,300 stocks
- Unlimited research reports on your favorite stocks
- A custom stock screener
- Upgrade/downgrade alerts
Stocks Under $10Try it NOW
David Peltier, uncovers low dollar stocks with extraordinary upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
- Weekly roundups
Dividend Stock AdvisorTry it NOW
Jim Cramer's protege, David Peltier, identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Alerts when market news affect the portfolio
- Bi-weekly updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Real Money ProTry it NOW
All of Real Money, plus 15 more of Wall Street's sharpest minds delivering actionable trading ideas, a comprehensive look at the market, and fundamental and technical analysis.
Product Features:
- Real Money + Doug Kass Plus 15 more Wall Street Pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Ultra-actionable trading ideas
Options ProfitsTry it NOW
Our options trading pros provide daily market commentary and over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- 100+ monthly options trading ideas
- Actionable options commentary & news
- Real-time trading community
- Options TV


text:
Slash, Matt, and Duff of Guns N' Roses backstage jamming with Skid Row
I don't have many details but this is from 1991. I know this because they all laugh about "Pee Wee Herman" being arrested after being caught masturbating in a Sarasota,FL XXX theater. This is a Cool t
By: Interstellerspace | Comments: 1 | Views: 480 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: United States | Leaked: Oct-29-2014 in Music
Pee Wee Herman guest hosting on the Joan Rivers Show 1980's
Pee Wee Herman guest hosting on the Joan Rivers Show 1980's
By: Unbeeliveable | Comments: 28 | Views: 457 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 0
Location: United States | Leaked: Sep-1-2014 in Other
Pee Wee Herman; 15 years clean and sober
Pee Wee on the Guys Choice Awards. put on a few pounds now that he's off the crackpipe. still a funny mofo tho
By: Doctor Pain | Comments: 13 | Views: 10828 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Feb-13-2008 in Other Entertainment
Pee-Wee's Big Horror Adventure!
Eccentric man-child Pee-wee Herman embarks on the big adventure of his life across the US mainland, as he sets out to find his beloved bike, and collect bodies along the way. :) Video Credit to: h
By: trainwreck | Comments: 23 | Views: 661 | Votes: 8 | Shared: 16
Leaked: Mar-19-2014 in Other Entertainment
Alex Jones Debates Pee-wee Herman
Alex goes at it with Pee Wee
By: Bob_Lablaw | Comments: 14 | Views: 1687 | Votes: 5 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Jan-19-2013 in WTF, Other Entertainment, Conspiracy
Pee Wee Herman Talks About Crack
This is a very serious subject for Pee Wee. Stay nerdy my friends....
By: ghastlyghost | Comments: 16 | Views: 2436 | Votes: 2 | Shared: 15
Leaked: Sep-27-2011 in WTF
Pee Wee Herman's Anti Drug Commercial
after his arrest and subsequent crucifiction by the media, pee wee was forced to make an anti drug public service announcement as part of his community service
By: LostSomewhereInTime | Comments: 13 | Views: 6664 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Mar-10-2010 in Arts and Entertainment
Pee-Wee's Big Adventure - 1985
this is the trailer for Pee Wee's Big Adventure, this is probobly one of the most awesome movies to come out of the 80s, also i think this is Tim Burtons best movie
By: LostSomewhereInSpace | Comments: 26 | Views: 974 | Votes: 4 | Shared: 0
Leaked: Aug-28-2013 in Other Entertainment
Best Pee-Wee Herman Scene!
. It doesn't ever stop being funny.
By: stirgy | Comments: 23 | Views: 2915 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 9
Location: Arizona, United States | Leaked: Aug-30-2012 in WTF, Liveleak Challenges
Rick "Pee Wee Herman " Santorum Doesn't Like Minorities
There you have it Blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Muslims, West Indies, you will not get any food stamps from this man if he is President.
By: Doyle1 | Comments: 77 | Views: 1374 | Votes: 0 | Shared: 0
Location: United States | Leaked: Feb-26-2012 in Politics
Jim Carey as Pee Wee Herman
old clip from In Living Color
By: LostSomewhereInSpace | Comments: 22 | Views: 5699 | Votes: 3 | Shared: 5
Location: Beverly Hills, California, United States | Leaked: Aug-21-2011 in Other Entertainment
Pee Wee Herman
Singing Hobo haha
By: k57 | Comments: 34 | Views: 6834 | Votes: 1 | Shared: 5
Leaked: Mar-18-2011 in Arts and Entertainment, Other Entertainment
Search results for Pee Wee HermanSort by:
Item Menu


text:
You are everything to Someone!!!
Right now at this very minute~~~~~~
someone is very proud of you
someone is thinking of you
someone cares about you
someone misses you
someone wants to talk to you
someone wants to be with you
someone hopes you aren't in trouble
someone is thankful for the support you have provided
some one wants to hold your hand
someone hopes everything turns out all right
someone wants you to be happy
someone wants you to find them
someone is celebrating your successes
someone wants to give you a gift
someone thinks you ARE a gift
someone hopes you are not too cold, or too hot
someone wants to hug you
someone loves you
someone wants to lavish you with small gifts
someone admires your strength
someone is thinking of you and smiling
someone wants to be your shoulder to cry on
someone wants to go out with you and have a lot of fun
someone thinks the world of you
someone wants to protect you
someone would do anything for you
someone wants to be forgiven
someone is grateful for your forgiveness
someone wants to laugh with you about old times
someone remembers you and wishes you were there
someone is praising God for you
someone needs to know that your love is unconditional
someone values your advice
someone wants to tell you how much they care
someone wants to stay up watching old movies with you
someone wants to share their dreams with you
someone wants to hold you in their arms
someone wants YOU to hold them in your arms
someone treasures your spirit
someone wishes they could STOP time because of you
someone praises God for your friendship and love
someone can't wait to see you
someone wishes that things didn't have to change
someone loves you for who you are
someone loves the way you make them feel
someone wants to be with you
someone is hoping they can grow old with you
someone hears a song that reminds them of you
someone wants you to know they are there for you
someone is glad that you're their friend
someone wants to be your friend
someone stayed up all night thinking about you
someone is alive because of you
someone is remorseful after losing your friendship
someone is wishing that you would notice them
someone wants to get to know you better
someone believes that you are their soul mate
someone wants to be near you
someone misses your guidance and advice
someone values your guidance and advice
someone has faith in you
someone trusts you
someone needs your support
someone needs you to have faith in them
someone needs you to let them be your friend
***someone will cry when they read this...... ***
didn't sleep well...... & it didn't help that sis stole my black leather mini skirt & was looking HOT in it (that's the only dream i remember having)...... (dd is hugging me in her sleep---i love her sooooooooo much!!!!!!)
have a great day, everyone!!!!!!
Enjoy chocolate, as long as it�s dark
says i'm a dork
(1-20-09) & i've come to realize, she's sooooo right!


text:
Jodi Arias convicted of first-degree murder
|In this image made from pool video provided by APTN, Jodi Arias reacts during the reading of the verdict in at Maricopa County Superior Court in Phoenix, Wednesday, May 8, 2013. Arias was convicted of first-degree murder in the gruesome killing of her one-time boyfriend in Arizona after a four-month trial that captured headlines with lurid tales of sex, lies, religion and a salacious relationship that ended in a blood bath. (AP Photo/APTN, Pool)
Associated Press
PHOENIX — Jodi Arias was convicted of first-degree murder Wednesday in the gruesome killing of her one-time boyfriend in Arizona after a four-month trial that captured headlines with lurid tales of sex, lies, religion and a salacious relationship that ended in a blood bath.
Read more of this story and more!
7-Day Subscribers have FREE access to everything on rep-am.com and our E-Edition.
CLICK HERE to register and activate your access,.
Not a subscriber?
You can purchase a single-day subscription for only $0.75 to read this and access all of our content and our E-Edition.
CLICK HERE purchase a single day subscription.
Become an electronic subscriber to the Republican-American for only $8 a month. CLICK HERE.
Follow Us
Post a reader commentWe encourage your feedback and dialog.
Please be civil and respectful.
If you're witty, to the point and quotable, your reader comments may also be included on the Around the Towns page of The Sunday Republican.
Readers must be registered and logged in to post comments on the site. Registration is free. Click Here to register.
A Subscription is not required to post comments only a Registration.
Log In
|Register / Forgotten Password?
More stories from National
- Obama's drone war is more inclusive
- CIA collaborated with Pakistan spy agency in drone war
- Factories that ran on Korean cooperation go silent
- Iraqis bitterly remember fall of Baghdad
- North Korea capital shows calm in crisis
- Man fatally shoots 13; some while they slept
- Egypt's pope scolds Islamist president
- Syrian militants unite with al-Qaida
- In death, Thatcher still draws scorn
- For 1st time, phone texting implicated in fatal air crash Helicopter pilot was texting, not checking his fuel


text:
Machine Shop Supports Medical Device CompaniesFebruary 4, 2011 6:44 am | Criterion Instrument | Product Releases | Comments
Criterion Instrument is a female-owned, ISO 9001:2008 certified, FDA and ITAR registered, ISO 13485 and DFARS compliant precision machine shop that supports medical device companies and the biotech/biomed industries...LISTED UNDER: Medical Device Testing | Component Testing
Low Energy Wireless Solutions Use BluetoothOctober 21, 2010 7:45 am | Product Releases | Comments
Texas Instruments Inc. offers two ultra-low power, short-range wireless connectivity solutions for consumer medical, mobile accessories, and sports and wellness applications.LISTED UNDER: Medical Device Testing | Component Testing | Hand Held Instruments
Contact System Has Integrated Isolation SealsSeptember 23, 2010 6:22 am | Bal Seal Engineering, Inc. | Product Releases | Comments
Bal Seal Engineering Inc., a global provider of custom-engineered sealing, connecting, and conducting solutions, has announced plans to launch the world's first integrated seal and electrical contact system for active implantable devices.LISTED UNDER: Seals and Gaskets | Component Testing | Silicone
Instrument System Enables Precise Air Flow and Temperature TestingJuly 16, 2010 6:35 am | Product Releases | Comments
Advanced Thermal Solutions Inc. (ATS) has introduced the iTHERM-100 Test Station, a turnkey system of laboratory instruments and sensors for studies that require precise air flow velocity and temperature measurement.LISTED UNDER: Component Testing
Components Allow Micro-Pump Manufacturer Enhanced Performance RangeJuly 14, 2010 11:46 am | Product Releases | Comments
Quadrant's Techtron PPS enables BioChem Fluidics, a leading micro-pump manufacturer, to provide the broadest possible performance range for their line of micro-pumps.LISTED UNDER: Miniature Valve | Microbiology/Chemical Testing | Component Testing
Rotary Positioning Stage Increases Load CapacityJune 24, 2010 7:07 am | Product Releases | Comments
Nutec Components, Inc., a leading manufacturer of advanced precision motion systems, offers a newly upgraded version of its T-MAX 5 low profile direct drive rotary servo positioning stage, enabling the device to deliver higher load capacity and improved trajectory control.LISTED UNDER: Positioning Stages and Tables | Laboratory Testing | Component Testing
Servo-Controlled Ultrasonic Welding Line Expanded for Medical MarketJune 2, 2010 5:51 am | Dukane Corporation | Product Releases | Comments
Dukane Corp.'s Ultrasonics Division has expanded its novel line of iQ servo-controlled ultrasonic welding systems for medical applications and other high-value components.LISTED UNDER: Laser Welding | Proportional | Control
UltraSafe Passive Needle Guard Utilizes High-productivity Medical Grade of Polycarbonate ResinMarch 23, 2010 9:59 am | Product Releases | Comments
To manufacture its UltraSafe Passive Needle Guards, Safety Syringes Inc. needed to find a material that was not only robust and transparent, but also offered improved flow, lubricity, and easy release characteristics.LISTED UNDER: Resin | Injection Molding | Biocompatibility Testing
Building Efficient and Effective Graphical User Interfaces for Medical DevicesMarch 23, 2010 9:58 am | Product Releases | Comments
Proper design of the physical medical device itself is obviously important to its success. The design of the user interface for that device, however, can be equally critical.LISTED UNDER: Software Integration | Prototyping | Medical Device Testing
Micro Power Offers Battery Packs for Surgical Instruments; Compatible with Gamma SterilizationFebruary 5, 2010 10:55 am | Product Releases | Comments
Micro Power Electronics Inc. (MD&M West Booth 2252) offers advanced, custom lithium battery packs that can be sterilized and withstand gamma sterilization without performance degradation.LISTED UNDER: Batteries | Medical Device Testing | Component Testing
Medical Plastic Testing Experts in DeformulationFebruary 2, 2010 4:23 am | CHEMIR | Product Releases | Comments
Whether you need to understand a medical plastic's composition, identify contaminants, perform a failure analysis, or resolve a patent issue, Chemir's independent laboratory (MD&M Booth 1173) has the solution.LISTED UNDER: Material Testing | Medical Device Testing | Component Testing
Revolutionary Test Capability for Dynamic Biomedical TestingOctober 30, 2009 7:05 am | Product Releases | Comments
Instron, a leading provider of testing equipment solutions designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components, offers the ElectroPuls E10000 and E10000 Linear-Torsion.LISTED UNDER: Product-Safety/Performance Testing | Power Supplies | Medical Device Testing
Miniature Medical Test Connectors Available With Metric Thread OptionsMay 8, 2009 12:19 pm | Product Releases | Comments
Now offering metric thread options, the ME001 Series of miniature test connectors for medical device leak testing applications delivers mounting and media connection flexibility, securely sealing ultra-thin hypodermic and catheter tubing. Capable of sealing outside diameters (OD) down to 0.LISTED UNDER: Leak Testing | Leak Testing | Medical Device Testing
Website Offers Solutions to Testing QuestionsMay 8, 2009 12:19 pm | Product Releases | Comments
Instron, a leading provider of testing equipment solutions designed to evaluate mechanical properties of materials and components, offers a new online technical resource.LISTED UNDER: Other Testing Services | Component Testing | Material Testing
Silicone Adhesives Eliminate Part RackingJanuary 6, 2009 6:28 am | Product Releases | Comments
This line of single-component light and moisture curing silicone adhesives is designed for use on medical devices that incorporate silicone materials or require highly flexible bond joints or coatings.LISTED UNDER: UV-or Light-Cure | Medical Device Testing | Component Testing


text:
Staple drops a Pigeon Keychain with the following copy: "…it is, what it is. We gots, so you can gets." Exactly. If you know, you know.
Get Updates Daily.
Follow our Twitter feed
We'll update you as we publish on our site. You'll get an update instantly!Follow @highsnobiety
Get Updates on Facebook
We'll bring our best stories and photos direct into your newsfeed.
Follow us on Instagram


text:
Why Apple Will Stream Worldwide Developer Conference This Year
NEW YORK (TheStreet) -- Apple (AAPL) announced it will stream its Worldwide Developer Conference keynote next month as it shows off the latest updates of its mobile operating system, OS X, and even unveils a few special surprises such as some updated hardware.
The keynote address will stream on June 2 at 1 PM ET, something it generally reserves for special events, including new product announcements. "Watch streaming video from this special event and learn more about our exciting announcements," the company said on its website.
Apple noted users can stream the video if they have Safari 4 or later on Mac OS X v10.6 or later; Safari on iOS 4.2 or later; or QuickTime 7 on Windows. Streaming via Apple TV requires second- or third-generation Apple TV with software 5.0.2 or later.The announcement comes ahead of rumors that Apple will announce plans for its smart home initiative, as it seeks to compete with Google GOOG, Samsung and others for the connected home. Shares of Apple were rising sharply in Monday trading, tacking on 1.6% to trade at $624.32. Also See: How Apple Will Use the iPhone to Crush Google, Samsung Also See: Where Twitter's Users Are Going to Come From Also See: Why You Should Buy Apple Now --Written by Chris Ciaccia in New York >Contact by Email. Follow @Chris_Ciaccia
Select the service that is right for you!COMPARE ALL SERVICES
Action Alerts PLUSTry it NOW
Jim Cramer and Stephanie Link actively manage a real portfolio and reveal their money management tactics while giving advanced notice before every trade.
Product Features:
- $2.5+ million portfolio
- Large-cap and dividend focus
- Intraday trade alerts from Cramer
- Weekly roundups
TheStreet Quant RatingsTry it NOW
Only $49.95/yr
Access the tool that DOMINATES the Russell 2000 and the S&P 500.
Product Features:
- Buy, hold, or sell recommendations for over 4,300 stocks
- Unlimited research reports on your favorite stocks
- A custom stock screener
- Upgrade/downgrade alerts
Stocks Under $10Try it NOW
David Peltier, uncovers low dollar stocks with extraordinary upside potential that are flying under Wall Street's radar.
Product Features:
- Model portfolio
- Stocks trading below $10
- Intraday trade alerts
- Weekly roundups
Dividend Stock AdvisorTry it NOW
Jim Cramer's protege, David Peltier, identifies the best of breed dividend stocks that will pay a reliable AND significant income stream.
Product Features:
- Diversified model portfolio of dividend stocks
- Alerts when market news affect the portfolio
- Bi-weekly updates with exact steps to take - BUY, HOLD, SELL
Real Money ProTry it NOW
All of Real Money, plus 15 more of Wall Street's sharpest minds delivering actionable trading ideas, a comprehensive look at the market, and fundamental and technical analysis.
Product Features:
- Real Money + Doug Kass Plus 15 more Wall Street Pros
- Intraday commentary & news
- Ultra-actionable trading ideas
Options ProfitsTry it NOW
Our options trading pros provide daily market commentary and over 100 monthly option trading ideas and strategies to help you become a well-seasoned trader.
Product Features:
- 100+ monthly options trading ideas
- Actionable options commentary & news
- Real-time trading community
- Options TV


text:
Property Location
With a stay at Econo Lodge Inn & Suites Wetmore in Wetmore, you'll be close to Wagner Falls and Pictured Rocks Golf Club. This motel is within the vicinity of Tannery Falls and Munising Falls.
Make yourself at home in one of the 56 air-conditioned guestrooms. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Don't miss out on the many recreational opportunities, including an indoor pool, a spa tub, and a sauna. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless Internet access and a picnic area.
Quench your thirst with your favorite drink at a bar/lounge. A complimentary continental breakfast is included.
Business, Other Amenities
Free self parking is available onsite.


text:
A Window keyboard comprises a keyboard body having a single-chip microprocessor or ASIC therein and three function key blocks thereon. The three function key blocks include a File & Clipboard block, an Office block and an Application-setting block. Those blocks are electrically connected to the single-chip microprocessor and each has a plurality function key, wherein each function key generates a composite-key code for user to execute specific functions.
1. A Window keyboard comprising
a keyboard body having a control circuit therein, the control circuit being one of a single-chip microprocessor or an application specific integrated circuit, the keyboard body having three function key blocks thereon, the three function key blocks including a File & Clipboard block, an Office block and an Application-setting block, each of the function blocks being electrically connected to the control circuit and each having a plurality of function keys respectively corresponding to specific actions in a predetermined software environment; the control circuit generating a pseudo composite-key code responsive to each function key being operated, the pseudo composite-key code being formed by the group of codes consisting of codes representing simultaneous key switch operation, codes representing sequential key switch operation, and combinations thereof to execute the specific actions, wherein said Office block is a standard keyboard function block including standard function keys F1 through F12, Office related functions of said Office block being actuated through actuation of a key switch associated with said key switch operation.
2. The Window keyboard as in
3. The Window keyboard as in
4. The Window keyboard as in
5. The Window keyboard as in
6. The Window keyboard as in
7. The Window keyboard as in
8. The Window keyboard as in
9. The Window keyboard as in
10. The Window keyboard as in
11. The Window keyboard as in
12. The Window keyboard as in
13. The Window keyboard as in
14. The Window keyboard as in
15. The Window keyboard as in
16. The Window keyboard as in
17. The Window keyboard as in
18. The Window keyboard as in
19. The Window keyboard as in
20. The Window keyboard as in
21. The Window keyboard as in
22. The Window keyboard as in
23. The Window keyboard as in
24. The Window keyboard as in
25. The Window keyboard as in
26. The Window keyboard as in
27. The Window keyboard as in
28. The Window keyboard as in
29. The Window keyboard as in
30. The Window keyboard as in
31. The Window keyboard as in
32. The Window keyboard as in
The present invention relates to a Window keyboard, especially to a Window keyboard used in Window system for facilitate document-editing task without using composite keys and mouse.
The computer hardware and software have rapid progress as the processing speed of computer is growing faster. However, the document-editing tool has insufficient development as compared with the progress of computer hardware and software.
In general, the document-editing task by computer is achieved by typing with keyboard and with the help of mouse. The typing and editing of document require frequent operation of the keyboard and mouse. It is easy for the typewriter to have industrial disease.
The ergonomic keyboards have been developed to overcome these problems. However, the prior art ergonomic keyboards still require the use of mouse. Moreover, some keyboard manufactures have developed multimedia keyboard, wherein a plurality hot keys are incorporated on the standard keyboard and specific driver is also developed for operating this keyboard in Windows environments. When user presses a specific hot key, a specific function is executed. However, the multimedia keyboard requires the help of mouse at most time and still has following problems:
1. The number of hot keys is limited by keyboard area and twenty hot keys are nearly a maximum.
2. A driver program is required, which occupies system resource and reduce operation speed. The installation of software and compatibility of software are also problems.
For example, the popular Microsoft Office software has provided tools including word, excel, power point etc. Those programs enable user to finish document like personal and commercial letters, spread sheet and presentation data. However, in editing above documents, the user needs to operate keyboard, mouse and frequently composite keys on keyboard to perform certain editing operation. It is still inconvenient for user.
It is an object of the present invention to provide a Window keyboard, which integrates a plurality of functional blocks thereon. More particularly, an office block, a file & clipboard block and an application setting block are arranged on a keyboard, and those blocks are connected to the I/O lines of a single-chip microprocessor. Therefore, the user can directly access those functional blocks without requiring specific driving program and the user does not need to remember composite keys or the help of mouse.
In one aspect of the invention, a plurality of functional blocks is integrated on a keyboard, whereby the user needs only one stroke to perform specific functions rather than pressing a plurality of composite keys or using mouse. The effort of keying operation can be minimized.
In another aspect of the invention, a plurality of functional blocks is provided with specific code table, which does not require any support of driver program. Therefore, the auxiliary device for editing document has not the problem of software compatibility. This is different to conventional hot key, which requires support of driver program.
In still another aspect of the invention, the present invention provides a code-conversion application software, which generate a pseudo composite-key code by a specific code table. Therefore, the driver program for keyboard does not need to update or revise.
The driver program for conventional hot key executes following operations. The keyboard generates E0 XX or usage code when the hot key is pressed. An associated program is invoked by using the WinExec 0 function provided by Window API and the path and filename of the program are also used as argument of the function. However, the detailed commands of the program cannot be exploited and the approach wastes considerable system resource.
The present invention provides a code-conversion application software hooking arbitrary usage code generated by the keyboard and setting an internal flag of Window OS. The code-conversion application software generates a key code according to the usage code generated by the keyboard and key code is sent to the Window OS for operating or invoking specific programs. The Window compatible programs, such as Window per se, Office, Works, Corel draw, Photo Impact etc., can be operated or invoked in this way. Therefore, the waste of system resource can be reduced.
The code-conversion application software of the present invention should be independent of keyboards for various countries. For example, the redo and undo operation can be executed by typing CTRL+Z and CTRL+Y, respectively. However, the alphabet arrangements on keyboard are different for different countries. In Germany keyboard, the positions of �Z� and �Y� are opposite to those of English keyboard. As shown in
The various objects and advantages of the present invention will be more readily understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the appended drawing, in which:
As shown in
The keyboard body 1 contains a single-chip microprocessor 11 or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) therein. The File & Clipboard block 2 can be arranged at a position near the shift key, below the space bar or other margin place on the keyboard body 1 and electrically connected to the single-chip microprocessor 11. The File & Clipboard block 2 has function keys such as cut, paste, copy and mark. The mark key is used to mark a document segment to be edited. The cut key is used to cut the marked document segment. Then up arrow, down arrow, left arrow and right arrow on the keyboard are used to move cursor to a specific region on the screen. Afterward, the user can use the paste key or the copy key to paste or copy the selected document segment to the position of cursor. Moreover, the user can also use the mark key to mark a file for copying and moving the file.
When user presses any function key in the File & Clipboard block 2, the single-chip microprocessor 11 detects the keystroke of the key of the File & Clipboard block 2 and generates a pseudo composite-key code.
Moreover, a screen-scrolling bar 21 is placed at the center of the up arrow, down arrow, left arrow and right arrow on the keyboard. The screen-scrolling bar 21 is used to scroll the screen in vertical or horizontal direction. When the screen-scrolling bar 21 is rolled, a key code is sent by the Window keyboard and the key code is interpreted by the single-chip microprocessor 11 to generate a corresponding pseudo composite-key code with the help of a code-conversion application software. This approach is different to the conventional keyboard wherein a scroll bar on the keyboard is operated to send code of mouse.
The different computer may have different processing speeds; therefore, the microprocessor 11 may generate the pseudo composite-key code with speed different to the generating speed of ordinary key (because the function key mimic the operation of releasing keys and then pressing key in conventional composite-key). In the preferred embodiment of the present invention, the separation between the issuing of pseudo composite-key code corresponding to the function keys in the File & Clipboard block 2 is at larger than 3 ms. Otherwise, few computer may have malfunction.
The Office block 3 is arranged on the special function keys F1-F12 or stand keys 10 on keyboard and is switched by a switch key 31. The switch key 31 is used to switch the function of the function keys F1-F12 between ordinary function and augmentation function of the Office block 3. The augmentation function including redo, undo, open, new, bold, save, take pane, forward, reply, send, bullets and number, replace, print, spell check etc. In other word, the microprocessor 11 has two different key code tables to switch the function of the function keys F1-F12 between ordinary function and augmentation function. The function of the function keys F1-F12 can be expanded while no new keys are necessary.
When the switch key 31 is pressed, the function keys F1-F12 have augmentation function as shown in FIG. 7. As can be seen from the table, the composite-key code for redo is ALT+E, R, ALT+ENTER or ALT+SHIFT+BACKSPACE; the composite-key code for undo is ALT+E, U or ALT+BACKSPACE; the composite-key code for open is ALT+F, O, CTRL+O, CTRL+F12, or ALT+CTRL+F2; the composite-key code for new is CTRL+N or ALT+E, N; the composite-key code for change to bold form or normal form is CTRL+B or CTRL+SHIFT+B; the composite-key code for save is CTRL+S, ALT+F, S, SHIFT+F12, or ALT+SHIFT+F2; the composite-key code for take pane is ALT+E, K; the composite-key code for forward is CTRL+F; the composite-key code for send is ALT+S or CTRL+ENTER; the composite-key code for reply is CTRL+R; the composite-key code for bullets and number is ALT+O, N; the composite-key code for replace is ALT+E, E; the composite-key code for print is ALT+F, P or CTRL+P. If the switch key 31 is pressed again, the function keys F1-F12 are switched back to ordinary functions. The state of the switch key 31 can be manifested by a light-emitting element, as shown in FIG. 8.
Alternatively, a key on the keyboard can be used as the switch key and the key code of the key is sent to the code-conversion application software to enable or disable the augmentation function of the function keys F1-F12.
The Office block 3 uses standard key code of Window system; no software compatibility problem is occurred.
The Application-setting block 4 is arranged at right side of the keyboard body 1 or at arbitrary location on the keyboard body 1. The Application-setting block 4 is electrically connected to the single-chip microprocessor 11 and comprises function key such as shortcut key 41 and application key 42. The default setting of the shortcut key 41 is Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, calculator and the shortcut key 41 is used to provided shortcut function in Window system for user. As shown in
When user presses the shortcut key 41, he can execute any programs without support of any driver program. For example, the user can open the content of a program on the desktop. In the short-cut section, the user presses the shortcut key 41 and select confirm to associate the program with the shortcut key 41. Afterward, the user can directly press the shortcut key 41 to launch the program. The shortcut key 41 can also be provided at the number pad of the keyboard body 1 and is switched by the Num or Scroll Lock key.
The Application-setting block 4 uses standard key code of Window system; no software compatibility problem is occurred.
The application key 42 comprises an application switch key, a close application key, and a log off key. The application switch key is used to toggle the opened application program to the active window of the screen. The user can press the close application key to close the application program on the active window of the screen. The close application key is used to log off current user. The composite-key code for application switch key is ALT+SHIFT+TAB or ALT+TAB; the composite-key code for close application key is ALT+F4 or CTRL+W; the composite-key code for log off key is WIN, L.
After step 60 of powering on computer, the microprocessor 11 is first in reset state (step 61) and then begins security test (step 62). Afterward, if a command is sent to the microprocessor 11 in step 63, the microprocessor 11 executes the command in step 631 and in step 632 the microprocessor 11 judges whether the scan counter time is ended. If the scan counter time is not ended, the microprocessor 11 judges whether the flag time is ended in step 64. If the flag time is ended, the key code is sent in step 65, else the procedure is back to step 63.
If the scan counter time is ended, the microprocessor 11 scans each key in step 66 and judges whether a function key is pressed in step 67.
If no function key is pressed, the procedure is back to step 63, else the microprocessor 11 judges whether any function in the function blocks of the invention is pressed in step 68.
If no function key is pressed, the flag corresponding to this state is stored in buffer in step 682 and then the procedure is back to step 63. If certain function key is pressed, the flag corresponding to this state is set and stored in buffer in step 682.
To sum up, the Window keyboard of the present invention has following advantages:
(1) The user can directly use the modular key set to edit document without invoking conventional composite key or mouse.
(2) The modular key set can be operated stand-alone and does need the support of keyboard driver. Therefore, the modular key set does not have the problem of software compatibility.
(3) The user can use short-cut key to start any function associated with the short-cut key. It is very convenient.
(4) The area of the keyboard does not require enlargement. In the preferred embodiment of the invention, 36 function keys are augmented on the keyboard while the area of the keyboard is not increased.
(5) The function keys provided by the invention are more practical than the conventional hot keys.
Although the present invention has been described with reference to the preferred embodiment thereof, it will be understood that the invention is not limited to the details thereof. Various substitutions and modifications have suggested in the foregoing description, and other will occur to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, as shown in
Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


text:
Concealed Weapons Permit
To print out a Carry Concealed Weapons Permit application, click here. Please complete the form prior to making an appointment. Click here for fees and requirements pertaining to CCW's. Granting of a CCW is the sole discretion of the Sheriff. For a copy of the Merced Sheriff's Office C.C.W. Policy please click here.
CCW Instruction Courses
CCW Instruction Courses
Frequently Asked Questions
• Do you have to be a resident of Merced County to apply for a CCW permit with Merced County Sheriff's Office? Yes
• Do you have to take a CCW safety class and qualification course prior to submitting your application? No, this a requirement after Sheriff Cavallero's approval
• Is a CCW permit issued in Merced County valid in other states? No
• If I have been live scanned previously for another purpose; do I need to be live scanned again for CCW? Yes


text:
Available Colors/Styles
Detail Pics
You've traveled from one side of this galaxy to the other and you've never seen anything all-powerful. But you have seen the slim KR3W Flagskull T-Shirt, which successfully embodies the darkness, coldness, loneliness, and morbidness of space.
Share your thoughts
What do you think of the
KR3W Flagskull Slim T-Shirt - Short-Sleeve - Men's
? Share a...
Is this t-shirt tall?
Is this t-shirt tall?
KR3W's tees are a longer fit. I've had plenty of KR3W tees and they have an extra 1-2 inches on them.