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as introduced - 88th Legislature (2013 - 2014) Posted on 06/21/2017 11:01am
Version List Authors and Status
|Posted on 01/13/2014
A bill for an act
relating to education finance; repealing nonpublic pupil aid programs including
nonpublic pupil transportation aid; nonpublic pupil aid for textbooks, counseling,
and health services; nonpublic pupil aid for telecommunications and Internet
access services; limiting nonpublic pupil participation in the postsecondary
enrollment options program; limiting special education services to nonpublic
pupils to the services and funding required by federal law; amending Minnesota
Statutes 2012, section 125A.18; repealing Minnesota Statutes 2012, sections
123B.48; 123B.84; 123B.85; 123B.86; 123B.87; 123B.92, subdivision 9;
124D.09, subdivisions 4, 17; 125B.26, subdivision 5.
Minnesota Statutes 2012, section 125A.18, is amended to read:
new text beginnew text end
new text beginnew text endno resident of a district who
is eligible for special instruction and services under this section may be denied instruction
and service on a shared time basis consistent with section 126C.19, subdivision 4, because
of attending a nonpublic school defined in section 123B.41, subdivision 9. If a resident
pupil with a disability attends a nonpublic school located within the district of residence,
the district must provide necessary transportation for that pupil within the district between
the nonpublic school and the educational facility where special instruction and services are
provided on a shared time basis. If a resident pupil with a disability attends a nonpublic
school located in another district and if no agreement exists under section 126C.19,
subdivision 1 or 2, for providing special instruction and services on a shared time basis to
that pupil by the district of attendance and where the special instruction and services are
provided within the district of residence, the district of residence must provide necessary
transportation for that pupil between the boundary of the district of residence and the
educational facility. The district of residence may provide necessary transportation for that
pupil between its boundary and the nonpublic school attended, but the nonpublic school
must pay the cost of transportation provided outside the district boundary. Parties serving
students on a shared time basis have access to the due process hearing system described
under United States Code, title 20, and the complaint system under Code of Federal
Regulations, title 34, section 300.660-662. deleted text beginIn the event it is determined under these
systems that the nonpublic school or staff impeded the public school district's provision of
a free appropriate education, the commissioner may withhold public funds available to the
nonpublic school proportionally applicable to that student under section 123B.42.
deleted text end
new text beginnew text end
new text beginnew text end new text beginnew text end
new text beginnew text end


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Keeping reggae alive
While there will never be another Bob Marley, we do have the
inspired music of his son, Ziggy.
Photo: Supplied
Triple M Rush Hour
Billy's Brush With Fashion
Tiff Hall teaches Billy style at the Fashion Festival.
See the pics
Triple M Music
Who's The Best Irish Band
St.Patrick's version of Battle Of The Binds. Pick your fave celtic rockers.
Vote for your fave
Triple M Sport
Bulldogs Finally Win
Check out the footy fan photos from the NAB Cup Grand Final..
See the photos
A new generation embraces the legacy of the legendary Bob Marley, writes Bruce Elder.
THERE was really only one glorious moment for reggae. During the mid-to-late '70s, when Bob Marley was at his peak, British record companies rushed to Jamaica and signed up a range of extraordinary acts including Bunny Wailer, Peter Tosh, Burning Spear, the Mighty Diamonds, U-Roy and Lee Perry. It was a golden age and the influence (all the way from Tosh signing to the Rolling Stones' label and punks like Johnny Rotten playing reggae incessantly) was profound.
Mention this to Ziggy Marley, the heir to his father's legacy and the most successful member of Bob Marley's huge, extended musical family, and he replies immediately: "Sure. Sure. I think so. I remember. I remember. That is my favourite time, musically, and even, like, being alive as a child. It was the character of the individuals that made the music great. It was the consciousness, the progressiveness, the struggles and being closer connected to the past. They were closer connected to my grandparents, who were closer connected to slavery.
"The generation of today is much further disconnected from the struggles of their people there aren't as many character-building elements as there used to be. It was a certain kind of character who would make music like that."
Talking from California, Marley, eldest son of Bob and his wife, Rita, seems to be in a permanent state of elation. He laughs. He speaks with passion and unbridled enthusiasm and, over the years, that distinctive Jamaican patois, which made interviews with his father so difficult, has been softened.
Marley is not, as some early enthusiasts claimed, a reincarnation of his father. He's very much a representative of a new generation embracing his father's generation's reggae legacy, but seeing such fundamental aspects of reggae culture as the Rastafarian religion as belonging to a past age.
With his most recent album, the Grammy award-winning Love is My Religion, he dumped multinational record company RCA and turned back to Tuff Gong Records, the company started by his father.
"He wanted to have his own record company and studio so he could own and manufacture his music in Jamaica," Marley says of his father. "What I did was create a subsidiary and call it Tuff Gong Worldwide. I felt very good about that because it was following my father's vision of being independent.
"Now, we are going to release a family album geared to our children and our family. It will be released in a few months and it is called Family Time."
This need to change and evolve, Marley says, is the essence of reggae in 2009. He knows there will never be another Bob Marley or Peter Tosh (he describes Tosh as "one of a kind").
"Youths like me we will never overshadow our ancestors or be better than them," he says. "We can only continue with what they would hope we would do. That is a big deal. We don't have to be great like them, but we have to continue it. There is nothing greater than keeping it alive."
And that is really the point of the Raggamuffin shows, which feature a range of reggae artists, both old and new including Stephen Marley, Eddy Grant, Shaggy, Arrested Development, Inner Circle and Bonjah who will perform around Australia and New Zealand over the next few weeks. They will keep the tradition alive and remind everyone that reggae, as a music, will always be about love and hope.
Ziggy Marley plays as part of Raggamuffin at the Sidney Myer Music Bowl on Sunday from 2pm.
send photos, videos & tip-offs to 0406 THE AGE (0406 843 243), or us.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Thanks to Bluetooth Low Energy, we are going to be seeing a lot more of these kinds of proximity beacons (Previous example: StickNFind). One interesting application of the $29 SpotLoss keychain fob is that you can create a computer log that shows when your son or daughter comes home at night.
The range of the device is 50 meters (164 feet) and works through walls and other solidsSpotloss
-- Runs for a year on replaceable watch battery without recharging
-- Uses a free app that allows users to easily customize settings
-- Get texts or emails about proximity events
-- Works with iPhone 4s, iPhone 5, iPad 3, iPad 4, and iPad Mini
-- Will work with Android Bluetooth 4.0 devices shortly
-- Uses Bluetooth Low Energy (a.k.a. BlueSmart) protocol so the battery use is minimal
-- 5.6 x 3.0 x 1.5 cm carabiner style easily attaches to almost anything
-- Connect up to ten devices to one phone or computer at the same time
-- Connects with cell phones and computers in a many-to-many relationship
-- Fob supports vibrating and variable pitch alerts
-- Printed circuit boards and their enclosures will be assembled in Upstate New York


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Valentino Lucas Model
Nazarine BewehModel Female UPPER DARBY, Pennsylvania, US
My Website: FacebookMy MM URL: http://www.modelmayhem.com/Nazarine
Mayhem # 2612059
About MeBecause of school and work im hardly on here. but you can reach me at this email, firstname.lastname@example.com or facebook me Nazarine P Garcia. My name is Nazarine Beweh, I was born in january. I am currently attending Deleware County Community College. As a kid I dream of becoming a movie star, my dreams were to be a camera's bestfriend and a star. I became more motovated when I came to the united states in 2006. My favorite TV show was America's Next Top Model, I have always wish that someday I would be on the show. Having a chance to do local modeling for other photographers like Torian Photography and Paulz Foto is a great opportunity to be dicover by higher models agencies. this is a link to my modeling page on Facebook.com https://www.facebook.com/AfricanLiberianModels
Have you worked with Nazarine Beweh? Add Credits for Nazarine Beweh! >>
Credit NotesMayhem #1571183
Valentino Lucas Model
AdamAlex Photography Photographer
AndrewDani... Photographer
Qibn Nasir Photographer
Jempi Samyn Photographer
ricarzo photography Photographer
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3 Recommendations
AGD's recommendation
i've been looking for a matte cream or primer for forever, and then today i tried this. it's a balm and it works amazingly well.
My Collections:
this definitely one of my favorite face products as well.
- bianca
bianca's recommendation
this balm makes my uneven and slightly scarred face look great. it has a nice matte finish that doesn't look or fell cake-y. it has a velvety smooth finish and i definitely feel like it evens out and reduces the imperfections in my skin. i usually just wear it alone. i'm not a huge make up person so i don't wear it every day but i do use it on those special occasions when i want picture perfect skin.
My Collections:
miametro's recommendation
This smells devine, and is a great pick me up for tired, dry skin. Perfect for winter.
My Collections:


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There aren't a lot of American companies making watches these days — RGM, Kobold, Bathys; a handful of others. So let's welcome new San Francisco brand Xetum — the brainchild of founder, Jeff Kuo. He's started a new company with two original-design, Swiss-movement watches: the Tyndall (pictured), and Stinson. Jeff kindly agreed to loan us…
Featured Articles
Xetum Tyndall Watch Review
Featured Articles


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Broadway by Request is a unique evening of musical theatre entertainment, spanning eight decades of music from the Broadway stage. The show encompasses virtually every genre and style of musical theatre from the classic songs of Jerome Kern, Lerner and Loewe, and Rodgers and Hammerstein to today's Broadway blockbusters such as Wicked, Beauty and the Beast, Spamalot, and Spring Awakening. Broadway by Request is a completely spontaneous evening of favorites, selected by the audiences themselves from a list of over 100 songs from more than 60 different shows. The performers and audience have no idea what songs will be selected, allowing for a truly unexpected evening of music. More than 3000 people have seen Broadway by Request, many returning to see it again and again, as no two shows are alike.
Broadway By Request is available in different shapes and sizes and can be tailored to your event, regardless of size or location. Broadway By Request is the perfect entertainment for dinner meetings or larger celebrations. From a simple production with our pianist and four singers to a full production with ten singers, Broadway By Request will offer your guests an evening unlike any other. For more information about how you can book Broadway By Request for your next event, please contact us via email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Needlestick injuries are the second most common injury in the NHS, and four NHS workers have already died from HIV contracted from infected needles.
Campaigners are calling for safety mechanisms such as retractable needles or needles with safety guards.
Dr Paul Grime, of the Safer Needles Network, says it is a "significant problem that is often forgotten about".
Retractable and safety needles spring back into the barrel of the syringe immediately after the needle has been used, protecting the clinician from injury or infection.
Risk of infection
The campaign, 'Safer Needles Now' demands better information and training in relation to the use of needles in healthcare.
It follows a report released by the National Audit Office which revealed over one-third of nurses and half of agency nurses had been injured by a needle at some point in their career.
There are currently 12 cases of HIV infection among NHS workers in the UK that are suspected to have been caused by needlestick injuries.
Around 23,000 cases of needlestick injury are recorded each year, however it's believed the incidence could be as high as 100,000.
Needlestick injuries are estimated to cost each NHS trust £500,000 per year.
New guidelines
The Department of Health is set to release guidelines on the issue around June.
Campaigners have criticised the department saying the guidelines were supposed to come out almost three years ago.
A spokesperson for the department said it was still committed to releasing the guidelines.
"The timescale for publishing this response has been extended to allow issues which have arisen as part of the Shipman Inquiry and the roll-out of occupational health smartcard scheme, to be considered."
Dr Grime told BBC News Online there were several ways to reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries.
"You can raise awareness, train and educate people and make available safer equipment, such as retractable needles and safety guards on needles."
"Needlestick injuries are avoidable."


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CPT - College Placement Test
Florida College Entry-Level Placement Test Program
- About Computerized Placement Tests
- Reading Comprehension
- Sentence Skills
- Elementary Algebra
- Costs
- Retest Policy
- Placement Scores
- CPT Schedule
- CPT Study Guide (PDF file 54K)
About Computerized Placement TestsChipola College is in the process of transitioning to the Postsecondary Education Readiness Test (PERT) as the primary placement test. The PERT is replacing the ACCUPLACER (CPT) battery. The PERT was recently adopted by the State of Florida, and Chipola College will begin administering this new placement test in April 2011 to students seeking admission for Fall 2011. Students who will be entering during either of the two summer sessions should take the CPT for placement in English and math.
The State of Florida requires a placement exam from ACT, SAT-I, or CPT for all students who intend to earn a degree. Test scores must be on file before you register for classes. Test scores used for initial enrollment cannot be more than two years old. Test scores will not be required for non-degree seeking, transient, and transfer students who have completed appropriate English and math courses.
The Computerized Placement Test (CPT) is given in the Testing Center (Bldg. A) throughout the semester. As the name suggests, the student reads the instructions and questions on a computer monitor and selects answers using the computer mouse. If the student answers correctly, the computer selects a question from a large data bank which builds on the skill of the previous correct answer. If the student answers incorrectly, it selects a question of equal or lesser difficulty. CPTs provide information about reading comprehension, English, and algebra skill accomplishments. These tests help to determine the most appropriate courses for each student. The CPT is not timed. Examinees should expect to spend approximately 45 minutes on each subtest.
CPT Practice Tests
In addition the link to the CPT study guide which is provided on this page, there are many free CPT practice tests available online. Feel free to explore as many of them as you like. Go to www.google.com and type in Accuplacer Practice. A free website for additional Accuplacer sample items is www.studyguidezone.com.
Reading Comprehension Test
(20 questions) This test measures your ability
to understand what you read. Some questions will ask you
to read the statement or passage and then choose the best
answer to the question. Answer the question on the basis
of what is stated or implied in the passage.
Sentence Skills Test (20 questions) This test measures your understanding of sentence structure - how sentences are put together and what makes a sentence complete and clear. Some questions will ask you to select the best version of the underlined part of the sentence. The first choice will be the same as the original. If you think the original sentence is best, choose the first one.
Elementary Algebra Test (12 questions) This test is divided into three types of questions. The first type measures your ability to understand operations with integers and rational numbers, and includes computation with integers and negative rationals, the use of absolute values, and ordering. The second type, which involves operations with algebraic expressions, tests minimal skill levels using evaluation of simple formulas and expressions, and adding and subtracting monomials and polynomials. The third type of question involves the solution of equations, inequalities, and word problems.
The fee for the CPT is $5.00 per subtest, or $15.00 for the entire battery, payable to Chipola College at the time of testing. Fees are non-refundable.
A student must wait for at least 90 days before retaking the CPT or any individual subtest. After a student takes the CPT the second time, he or she must wait two years before testing a third time.
|Course Required
|REA 0004 College Prep Reading
|REA 1205 Required
|REA 1205 NOT Required
|Eligible for ENC 1101 (if English/Writing requirement met)
|ENC 0004 College Prep Writing
|Eligible for ENC 1101 (if Reading requirement met)
|MAT 0024 College Prep Algebra
* Plus at least 1 year of high school algebra.
** Plus at least 2 years of high school algebra.
The CPT is offered Monday and Wednesday between 8:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., and Tuesday and Thursday between 8:00 and 5:00 p.m. during Fall and Spring. (The Testing Center is open from 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. during Summer I & II ) No pre-registration is required and you will be admitted on a first-come, first-served basis. You must show a photo ID and pay the fee at the Testing Center (Bldg. A) when you arrive to take the test.
Testing under "special conditions" will be handled individually through the Office of Student Disabilities and the Vice President of Student Affairs .
Last revision: September 06, 2016


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Source: waymarking.com
Stoneman's Raid
On a raid through western North Carolina Gen. Stoneman's U.S. cavalry passed through Mount Airy, April 2-3, 1865.
In late March 1865, Union cavalry under Major General George Stoneman, commander of the Union army "District of East Tennessee," marched throughout western North Carolina during one of the longest cavalry raids in history. About 5,000 men under Stoneman's command entered North Carolina with a mission "to destroy and not to fight battles" in order to expedite the close of the Civil War. Stoneman's raid coincided with the raids of General William T. Sherman in the eastern sections of the state, stretching local home guard and militia units thinly across the state and forcing Confederate commanders to make hard choices on where their men were needed most.
Stoneman divided his men and sent detachments throughout the region, securing the destruction of the region's factories, bridges and railroad lines. The army relied heavily on local citizens for food and supplies, often emptying storehouses. Stoneman's raids in North Carolina lasted from late March until May when they assisted in the search for Confederate President Jefferson Davis as he fled the collapsed Confederacy. The men had marched more than 1,000 miles during the raid and historians credit their march with assuring the death of the Confederacy as they captured artillery pieces and took thousands of prisoners while destroying Confederate army supplies and blocking a line of possible retreat for both Lee and Johnston's armies.
Stoneman's troops marched quickly through Boone and Wilkesboro, gathering supplies and fresh horses along the way. After leaving Wilkesboro, he turned his men northward toward Virginia and supply lines there that supported the rear of General Lee's army. Along his march from Wilkesboro toward Virginia, Stoneman's men passed through Surry County and gathered additional supplies as they destroyed local Confederate supplies. Stoneman entered Virginia after leaving Mount Airy on April 3. After a brief trip through southwestern Virginia in which troops destroyed railroad lines that would have benefited the retreat of General Lee from Petersburg and Richmond. Stoneman and his men turned southward to North Carolina again, entering the state the day that Lee surrendered to Grant at Appomattox, April 9.
This page was last updated October 17, 2010.
© 1997-2010 by the Surry County


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News, Aug. 13: Montreal Film Fest Short on Hollywood Pics, Radio Station Plans "I Survived Gigli" Promo, NBC Reruns Hines' "Law & Order" Episode, More…
Top Story: Montreal Film Fest Short on Hollywood Pics
The 27th annual Montreal World Film Festival, which runs from Aug. 27 to Sept. 7, unveiled a slate rich in art-house and fringe movies but short on Hollywood studio films. This year's festival will pay tribute to Martin Scorsese, but besides the American filmmaker, officials declined to name the list of actors and directors expected at the festival. According to Reuters, festival president Serge Losique told a crowded news conference Tuesday, "Judge by the quality of the films. The names mean nothing." This year's festival features the newly created Cinema of the Americas, which will showcase 10 features including Salma Hayek's feature directorial debut The Maldonado Miracle; Michael Pressman's Frankie and Johnny Are Married; Mark Rucker's Die Mommie Die; and Jim Hershleder's shot-on-video Ash Tuesday. The festival will kick off with the French-Canadian movie Gas Bar Blues, directed by Louis Belanger, and close with Les Marins Perdus, one of the last films by the late French actress Marie Trintignant, who was allegedly killed her boyfriend, French rock star Bertrand Cantat, earlier this month. The festival, which overlaps with almost all of the Venice fest and the first weekend of the Toronto fest following a divisive date change, will present 439 movies from 68 countries, with 115 as world premieres.
Would You Eat There?
Rocco DiSpirito's new Italian eatery, which is the subject of NBC's reality series The Restaurant, has been cited by the health department for "evidence of live flies" and greasy spoons during an unplanned health department inspection July 29, the AP reports. The show follows restaurateur DiSpirito and his staff through the trials and tribulations of opening a Manhattan restaurant. The restaurant was also cited for having three "moist wiping" cloths "soiled with old food particles and not stored in sanitizing solution." The citation also said an employee toilet facility wasn't equipped with the required "self-closing door." A hearing has been scheduled for Oct. 22.
Boston Radio Station Plans "I Survived Gigli" Bash
Boston radio station WBCN will be giving away "I survived Gigli" T-shirts to moviegoers left in their seats when the lights come up after the final screening of the Ben Affleck/Jennifer Lopez film at a Boston theater this Thursday, Reuters reports. "We're doing this because the movie's been such a bomb," WBCN's creative services director Chachi Loprete told Reuters Tuesday. The station will be giving away free tickets to 130 "lucky" listeners before Gigli vanishes from U.S. movie theaters following miserable ticket sales. The film cost $55 million to make and brought in less than $6 million during its first 10 days at the box office.
Robert Conrad Denies Drunk Driving
Actor Robert Conrad, best known for his roles in the TV series Baa Baa, Black Sheep and The Wild Wild West, pleaded innocent Tuesday to two felony counts of driving under the influence of alcohol, The Associated Press reports. His blood-alcohol level was 0.22 percent when he crashed head-on into another vehicle, injuring the driver, on March 31 near the Sierra foothills town of Arnold, about 100 miles southeast of Sacramento, Calif. A judge ordered the actor not to drink alcohol and said he was not to drive his vehicle more than 6 miles from his Bear Valley home. A preliminary hearing has been set for Nov. 18.
NBC Reruns Gregory Hines' Law & Order Episode
NBC will rerun an episode of its hit series Law & Order Wednesday night in which late actor Gregory Hines guest starred as a Johnny Cochran-like lawyer. Hines died on Saturday from cancer. "We are all saddened by the loss of Gregory Hines, one of the most versatile performers of his generation," the show's executive producer Dick Wolf said. "This episode showcases his often unheralded talent as a dramatic actor. He overwhelms the courtroom with his energy and sharp wit and is a very potent force opposite (show star) Sam Waterston." The episode, one of Hines' last TV performances, first aired March 26.
More Christina Aguilera /Justin Timberlake Shows Postponed
Promoters of the Christina Aguilera /Justin Timberlake tour postponed three more concerts, scheduled for Monday in Albany, N.Y., Wednesday in East Rutherford, and Thursday in Hartford, Conn., after three stagehands were injured Saturday when a lighting grid above the stage at Boardwalk Hall collapsed. "All I can say is that it's under investigation. It's much too early to know what happened," said James Evans, president of Mountain Productions, which assembled and installed the grid. "There's a laundry list of things that could have gone wrong. I can't even guess." The postponements have been confirmed but no plans to reschedule the shows have been announced.
Snoop Dogg Sued For Girls Gone Wild Video
Two Louisiana women are suing Snoop Dogg, claiming the rapper offered them drugs during Mardi Gras 2002 to flash their breasts for pictures that later appeared on a cover of the video series Girls Gone Wild. One of the women was 17 years old at the time of the alleged incident. The suit also names Joseph R. Francis, the owner of Mantra Films Inc., which produces the series of mail-order videos. According to the AP, Francis was arrested April 2 during Spring Break in Panama City, Fla., and faces 22 charges including racketeering, procuring minors for sexual acts, filming minors engaged in sexual performances and conspiracy. Attorneys for Francis and Snoop Dogg, who was host of the video, have both denied the allegations in court filings, saying that any pictures taken were done with voluntary consent.
Role Call: Murphy in Talks for Daddy Day Camp
Eddie Murphy is in talks to reprise his role in a sequel to Daddy Day Care. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Revolution Studios has hired Toy Story scribes Joel Cohen and Alec Sokolow to pen the script, titled Daddy Day Camp. The film would see Murphy's character, Charlie Hinton, in charge of a summer day camp. No deal is yet in place for the actor.


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Yes! It's a karaoke block party
By TAMMI KATE LEDFORD
Preparation for the 12th annual block party hosted by the City of Dalhart and the Dalhart Area Chamber of Commerce is under way. The hosts of the family favorite event have set the date for Saturday, September 22, 2012, beginning at 6:00 p.m. The street party takes place on Denrock Avenue from Second to Fifth Streets. Employees for the City of Dalhart have been restriping the parking spaces and testing electrical outlets to ensure the annual party goes off without a hitch.
For the full story SUBSCRIBE to the online edition of The Dalhart Texan, call 244-4511 to setup a subscription to our physical paper or pick a copy up at one of our many convenient newsrack locations. You can also stop by and purchase a paper or subscription in person at our news office located at 410 Denrock Ave.


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Suspended term sought for Sasser author
Page Tools
German prosecutors have demanded a two-year suspended sentence for the self-confessed mastermind behind the Sasser worm that disabled a large number of Windows computers worldwide last year.
A spokeswoman for the court in this northern town, Katharina Kruetzfeldt, said that the prosecution had also called at the closed-doors hearing for Sven Jaschan, now 19, to perform 200 hours of public service.
The defence said Jaschan, who is being tried as a juvenile, should face a suspended sentence of less than a year.
The Sasser worm struck on May 1 and in less than a week forced a large number of businesses to shut in order to debug their systems.
The prosecution and the defence agreed that there were aggravating circumstances in the case. Mr Jaschan continued to send out the Sasser program even after he was aware of its destructive impact.
But they said his full confession, issued on the first day of his trial on Tuesday, and the prospects for social rehabilitation worked in his favour.
Mr Jaschan stands accused of computer sabotage, data manipulation and disruption of public administration. The charges would normally carry a prison sentence of up to five years.
A verdict is expected on Friday central European time (Saturday AEST).
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Promoting Fun and Safe Recreational, Cenote, Cave and Tec Diving
If you are a recreational or cave diver, tec or even CCR diver, the Riviera Maya has incredible possibility of diving in which to adventure. We offer "a la carte" programs, different and unique. We will fulfill your needs and desire for adventure, fun and safety. Go further, check our web site and contact us to live the "real" Mexico through our adventure.
As dedicated recreational, cenotes/cavern and cave, tec and CCR instructors and guides, we are willing to share the beauty of the Riviera Maya underwater ocean, cenotes/cavern and cave systems, providing an enjoyable and unique experience. In this site we have published some photos we took on some fun dives or during class by one of our assistants as well as we have published photos of students during different parts of the course or in a moment of relax. We show you our real life during our classes and guiding.
Recreational Diving: – Ocean diving: we offer private diving with your own guide/instructor. We organize dives in the most popular site of Playa del Carmen, as well as Cozumel, Akumal, or Puerto Morelos. We will help you to put together a program based on what you want to see and where you want to dive. – Cenotes/Cavern diving: There are over 15 different sites to discover while staying within cavern limits: do not miss them and allows us to take you in the less "touristic" ones. We will provide you with a well-organized and suitable cavern/cenote diving tour that will increase your experience and knowledge of the Riviera Maya cavern system.
If attending a cavern/cave or tec course, you will be asked to develop your knowledge and water skills in a serious and mature manner. We will ensure that you can enjoy the underwater caves but reach the required abilities and knowledge to respond to the challenges of this unforgiving environment.
To the trained cave diver, the Mexican caves may offer a unique experience. We will bring you into the mazes of the caves following all the standards of cave diving.
We speak English, Spanish, Italian, French and German.
We teach: PADI, TDI, RAID, IANTD


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LAKE CHARLES — Natchitoches Central defeated Scotlandville 60-53 in the Class 5A title game that concluded Friday's action at the Louisiana High School Athletic Association-State Farm Boys Top 28 tournament.
Cameron Lard led the Chiefs (31-3) with a game-high 24 points. He also had 10 rebounds and seven blocked shots. It is the first state title in boys basketball for NCHS. Scotlandville (36-2) had won the previous two 5A titles and was making its fifth straight title-game appearance. LaMarcus Lee led the Hornets with 19 points.


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Former Lodi Flames pitcher Alex Lott will be in Stockton for one more season of baseball before moving to the Mountain West Conference.
Lott is a sophomore at Delta College and formally committed to Nevada last week. The 6-foot-5 right-hander chose the Wolf Pack over scholarship offers from Long Beach State and Baylor.


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Atlasjet continues with its "0-km" jet acquisitions! Lately the second
of the 4 Airbus A319 jets joined the fleet of Atlasjet, ex works.
Atlasjet becomes the first user of brand-new A319 jets in Turkey, as part of its fleets.
Reaching the position of industry leader through its speedy development since its very date of foundation, leaving all other private airliners of Turkey behind, Atlasjet targets newer investments and aircraft acquisitions in continuation of its former practices of the sort, with a view to supply better service to its clientele in line with the technologies it has just brought at the country.
Growing bigger daily in a mind-whirling speed, Atlasjet recently acquired the first of the 4 Airbus 319 jets on December 15th, becoming its first user in Turkey. The first two of the A319 jets have been leased by Aercap and the remaining two by ILFC. Having taken over the second jet on Thursday the 19th of January, Atlasjet is expected to gather the remaining two as of April 15.
The new A319s offer a great comfort with their single-class cabin with 144 seats all equipped with latest technology tools and video systems to ensure an unprecedented experience for their prospective boarders. Atlasjet plans to employ these jets both in its domestic flights and journeys to more than 50 international line destinations.
Atlasglobal'in destinasyonlarını keşfedin.Hemen Keşfet!


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Credit Suisse has reiterated its "outperform" rating on
The broker says the company is "prudently" recycling free cash generation away from its price-taking fertiliser operations towards better structured, and more predictable, explosive earnings.
Also, given the stock is trading on a 12-month forward price-earnings of 11.1 times, the broker says the stock represents good value.
The Australian Financial Review


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THE Basingstoke Bison won 3-1 at the Bracknell Bees on Saturday night.
The visitors took the lead in the contest after 29 seconds from Doug Sheppard and that was the only goal of the opening 40 minutes of the contest.
The Bees equalised at 42:20, but 16 seconds later Jaroslav Cesky regained the Bison lead and the same player added a third Bison goal five minutes later.
See Monday's Gazette for a full report


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In less than two years,
the South African AIDS-education project Young Africa Live is
engaging hundreds of thousands of young people in sensitive
discussions about love, sex and HIV/AIDS. Earlier this summer, the
project released findings from its Youth Sex Survey,
unprecedented in both size and content. The survey, conducted on the
mobile platform that is the centerpiece of Young Africa Live, pulls
back the curtain on what young South Africans think about crucial
issues affecting their sexual health.
The Young Africa Live survey
received more than 130,000 responses from the mobile platforms
users, the majority of whom are between 16 and 24. Findings included
a high percentage (44 percent) of South African youth admitting they
are sexually active at the same time that they are significantly
concerned about HIV/AIDS 81 percent of respondents indicated they
equate not telling a sexual partner that you carry the virus
with outright murder. In good news for the governments promotion
of circumcision as part of an overall HIV prevention program, a huge
number of females 78 percent -- stated that they prefer a
circumcised partner.
Young Africa Live
included some superficial questions in the poll, like whether guys
and girls can be just friends. Placing serious and entertaining
content side by side is the content formula Young Africa Live employs
across its mobile platform a combination that has proved
successful for building an audience of more than 400,00 active users.
Young Africa Lives
founding organization, the Praekelt Foundation, didnt want to
brand the project as an AIDS portal. They avoided explicitly
describing the platform as related to AIDS because of the stigma
associated with the disease and the fact that many South Africans,
particularly those who do not know their HIV-status, may not identify
with that label. Our approach is not to preach, but to allow
discussion, dialogue and community support, says Marcha Neethling,
Head of Operations for Praekelt.
The concept for Young
Africa Live evolved from the recognition that South African youth are
becoming avid users of mobile portals like Vodafone Live and MTNPlay.
The Johannesburg-based Praekelt Foundation, which leverages mobile
technology to improve the health and well-being of people living
in poverty, was looking for a way to educate young South Africans
about HIV/AIDS. According to Neethling, they saw an opportunity
in the fact that millions of young people use these mobile portals to
chat, download music, read up on celebrity and sports news,
participate in competitions, and win prizes. (Source:
© Copyright 2017, International Telecommunication Union
The information presented within this blog comes from various organizations around the world. ITU encourages users to seek more detailed information from the original source through the links provided.
Links to third-party websites are provided for the convenience of all users. The ITU is not responsible for the accuracy, currency or the reliability of the content on these third-party websites. ITU does not offer any guarantee in that regard nor does ITU endorse the third-party organizations, their sites or content.


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Selected Community Events
Discovery Center Museum: Worldwide Day of Play
Oct 6, 2012 11:00 a.m.-3:00 p.m.
Discovery Center Museum: 711 North Main St. Rockford, IL 61103
October 6 is the official day to turn off all things electronic, get off the couch and go play! Nickelodeon is partnering with Let's Move Museums and Gardens, a comprehensive initiative dedicated to addressing childhood obesity by celebrating healthy and active play. Visit Discovery Center and get moving with a Zumba class for kids. Learn a few tricks from the Rockford Riverdogs, a new semi-pro basketball team! Build a masterpiece using Imagination Playground blocks and maneuver the healthy choices maze. Create a kite and make it fly, chicken dance next to our coop, and buzz like a bee when you take on the Discovery Center Let's Move challenge.
Discovery Center Museum
(815) 963-6769


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Had a good chat the other day with BYU offensive line coach Garett Tujague about the progress the offensive line has made since spring camp ended.
Tujague was optimistic, but a bit guarded, as you can read in this report in today's Tribune about the unit that is under so much scrutiny in preseason training camp.
My biggest takeaway was that the new guys who were either brought in or switched from defense to offense are better than some of the guys who played a lot the last few seasons. It will be interesting to see which 10 guys that Tujague takes on the trip to UConn at the end of the month, and which five guys get to start.<


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The Darkness II, sequel to the 2007 original reviewed here, has been officially dated. Gamers will get to step back into the shoes of Jackie Estacado and his ever-deadly demonic companion this fall when The Darkness II launches for the 360, PC, and PS3 on October 4. Readers unfamiliar with Jackie and his relationship with The Darkness, which gives him access to sentient Demon Arms, can check out the new trailer that recently launched at the official site.
It's been two years since Jackie Estacado, now the Don of the Estacado crime family, used Darkness to kill the men responsible for his girlfriend's murder. Jackie continues to have haunting visions of his beloved Jenny since her death. He's tried to cope by bottling up his supernatural power, and now Darkness wants out. A sudden, unprovoked attack on Jackie's life heralds the start of a full-scale mob war, which has clearly been orchestrated by some outside force. The botched attempt opens the door for Darkness to reemerge, and sets Jackie on a journey to hell and worse, as he unravels the mystery behind the attack and the motivations of Darkness itself.
Official Site: EmbraceTheDarkness.com


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Burbank, CA, November 3, 2010 – Legendary Pictures has appointed veteran comic book editor Bob Schreck to the role of Editor-in-Chief of the newly-formed Legendary Comics, it was announced by Thomas Tull, Legendary's Chairman and CEO. Schreck joins Legendary Comics from IDW Publishing, and his appointment marks the launch of the new division dedicated to publishing original graphic novels.
Headed by Schreck, Legendary Comics plans to publish four to six graphic novels a year for both digital and traditional print distribution. The books will target Legendary's well-established and powerful fandom demographic. Schreck begins at Legendary Comics the first week of November, and plans to release the inaugural project within the first half of 2011. He will be working closely with Kathy Vrabeck, President of Legendary Digital, and they will, as warranted, look to bring the newly-created comic-based IP produced by the venture to other entertainment platforms such as film and television.
"Bob is an iconic editor and one of most highly-regarded curators and editors of comic culture in our industry. He is the perfect leader with the right balance of passion and editorial skills to spearhead Legendary Comics," said Tull. "Legendary Comics is committed to being a new home for groundbreaking artists and the characters and stories they create, in an art form we love."
"Thomas and the Legendary team have a proven track record of cultivating talent and delivering unparalleled entertainment experiences, and I am looking forward to building Legendary Comics into a world-class label for the best writers and artists we know," said Schreck. "We have a real opportunity to deliver hard-hitting characters and exciting, innovative storylines to comic book aficionados. We are in the fortunate position of already having major support from the community and collaborations lined up with world-class creators."
Iconic comic creators Neil Gaiman, Max Brooks and Frank Miller are among those who are supportive of Legendary Comics.
Frank Miller stated, "Bob Schreck is a joy to work with. He's tough but affable, mindful of the publisher's needs but a happy warrior on the side of the artist. We've worked together to mutual satisfaction for years. Legendary has proven its 'fides all over the movie industry and I expect no less from its publishing arm. With Bob, they've made the perfect choice: the man's a talent magnet."
"To be attached to a creative engine of this magnitude is as thrilling as it is humbling," said Max Brooks.
Neil Gaiman added, "I'm thrilled that Legendary is going to be entering the world of comics. I've been amazed and delighted by their respect for creators in the movie arena, and it can only be good news for the whole world of pop culture that they are going to be encouraging creators to tell unique, smart stories while creating amazing comics for them."
Schreck comes to Legendary from IDW Publishing where he most recently served as Senior Editor. Prior to IDW Schreck spent nearly a decade working for DC comics where he started in 1990 after founding the famed Oni Press. He also worked at Dark Horse Comics, and is the recipient of numerous industry awards and acknowledgements.
Bob Schreck To Run Legendary Comics
10 Comments
Wow so Schreck's running a new company huh? Anybody got a contact/e-mail address on him so I can send him a PDF? I've got just the thing for him ;)
Congrats to Bob, he is one of comics' class acts.
Bob is a fantastic talent and a mentor to so many young people in the comics industry, myself included. He has some of the best talent relationships in the biz. They couldn't have picked a better guy.
Bob is a great guy doing what comic executives have been forced to do for the last 15-20 years: Take the money of rich/TV/Movie folks that want their unproduced ideas to get some sort of geek following so it can be a "sold" idea in Hollywood.
Then the rich/TV/Movie folks find out how hard it is to publish and make money with comic books and they go away after a year or two when the fanboys don't flock to their booth at San Diego Comic Con.
Even if they do flock for a year or so they usually go away anyway.
There's a long list of these failed companies that starts at TECHNO and Silver Moon and stretches to CrossGen and the new Atlas relaunch.
Ok Atlas hasn't failed yet but you can quote me on them in about 4 months.
They will never learn but there will NEVER be a shortage of quality comic book creators to take their money. Just like what Hollywood does with its investors from the capital markets but much much smaller amounts of money.
Don't forget Platinum Studios Comics.
Add Virgin Comics to that list, Lytton.
Too true. It's the hustlers getting hustled, for a change, and the scammers getting scammed.
Radical? They're out shopping for $20M sucker money right now and are on bridge loan life support.
this is great for the industry as a whole.
Great news. Bob's one of the good guys, and he knows his stuff!


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Taylor Swift to Omaha in March
She has 39 million fans on Facebook. 39 Million! She has nearly 24 million followers on Twitter. You can not acknowledge her talent. She can perform. She can write. If that wasn't enough, she's the featured artist on this Thursday's Grammys. She is a Big Deal, and oh-by the way she's coming to Omaha in March.
I first heard about the show when my brother called to see if my son Tad wanted to go to the show. We have kids that are roughly the same age. He had bought a couple extra tickets. When I finally mentioned it to my son who is a junior at Washington High School the answer came quick. 'Yes!'
We have sooooo many great concerts coming to the 'area,' that it's hard to squeeze them all in. With Kickin' Country alone, you can register to win tickets to see George Strait in St. Paul February 15th. Luke Bryan in Sioux City on March 1st. Justin Moore and Dustin Lynch March 29th.
We just wanted to let you know that 'yes, Taylor is on our map!' Listen to Kickin' Country and watch KIKN.com for details how you can win tickets to her show! We might even have a 'surprise' with this show!


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It is with great joy and pleasure that we have been able to provide you with this multifunctional website since 2006. I believe this is one of our greatest advancements, along with the opening of the Headland Satellite Office in 2000 to better serve the taxpayers in the southern part of the county, and additionally, the Geographical Information Mapping System in 2005..
It was a major priority of mine, when elected in 1996, to enhance the operations of the office with the latest technology possible, through which we could best serve the taxpayers of Henry County.
Our desire is that you find this information helpful in gaining a greater knowledge of the purpose and practice of the office based on the laws of the State of Alabama.
We are also very pleased to provide the convenience of several different payment options for the taxpayers, to include secure online payments through this site, Cash, Check and Credit Card payments in the office, and toll free phone payments by dialing: 1-866-217-5953.
My staff and I continue to be available in the office or by phone to assist you
with any of your needs.
The mission of the Henry County Revenue Commissioner's Office is to administer assessments
and collections based on fair and reasonable equalization, while striving to provide
a quality service motivatied by integrity and respect for all Henry County Taxpayers.


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Position Founder and director of Valmont, a design, project management and construction company started with business partner Marcelo Zalloua in 2004. It provides innovative and sustainable design and build solutions for commercial properties. It also completes internal building refurbishment, retail and selected boutique hospitality.
Work responsibilities I control the business development and financial side of the business, while still remaining involved in the company. I'm part of the initial concept development and cost estimation of each project to ensure everything is completed as smoothly as possible.
Golf course membership None
Handicap Mid 20s
What clubs do you use A set of Callaways, but my favourite club would have to be my driver, the Callaway Diablo.
Favourite course Bayview Golf Club in the northern beaches area of Sydney. It offers 18 holes of pure sporting enjoyment in a very pleasant setting. The fairways are impressive and definitely test my golfing skills, plus they have recently refurbished the clubhouse. I like a golf course that is a challenge.
Favourite hole Number 7 – not necessarily the best hole but for some reason I always get lucky.
Most inspiring golf player Ernie Els – a great player who deserves respect off the golf course. He has a great on-course persona and is a true international star.
If you could play anywhere, where would it be St Andrew's, by far the pinnacle of golf. But I may have to seriously lower my handicap prior to attempting that course.
Memorable moments Playing nine holes with Australian professional golfer Peter Senior and actually beating him on a Par 4 (I did lose the other eight holes but who's counting) He's won more than 20 tournaments around the world, so it was a great feeling and very inspirational being able to play with him.
Tips Patience is a virtue, of which you need a lot to play this game. If you don't have it, don't play.
Most like to have a round with Adam Scott – the next big thing in Australian golf. He's represented Australia to such a high standard and I can see him being up there with some of the best in the future.
Why golf I enjoy the torture. On a serious note, the outdoors and the serenity are unbeatable in today's busy, stressful work environment. A round of golf is my way of relaxing, yet I also enjoy the challenge of trying to improve my game.
The Australian Financial Review


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In Copenhagen, already one of the world's most bicycle-friendly cities, work has begun to turn an extensive network of bike paths into full-fledged cyclist highways in a bid to push more commuters to leave their cars at home.
Considered one of Europe's two "bicycle capitals" along with Amsterdam, Copenhagen counts more bicycles than people and cycling is so popular that its numerous bike paths can become congested.
Two-wheeler traffic jams are especially regular on the main Noerrebrogade thoroughfare used by around 36,000 cyclists a day.
"You have to elbow your way in to go forward and some cyclists aren't always thoughtful," complains 22-year-old university student Lea Bresell.
The creation of bike highways "comes right on time", says Danish Cyclist Federation spokesman Frits Bredal.
"Copenhagen's roads are overloaded with people who want to ride their bicycles in all kinds of weather," he says.
Copenhagen plans super highways ... for bicycles
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Compiled and edited by Charles J. Kappler. Washington : Government Printing Office, 1941.
|Chap. 169
|Klamath Indian Reservation, Oreg. Sum authorized from tribal funds for prosecuting suits pending in Court of Claims.
|Chap. 169
|Provisos. Approval required.
|Chap. 169
|Restriction on payments. Attorneys' fees.
|Chap. 169
|41 Stat., 623, vol. 4, 268.
Page 198
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled, That the Secretary of the Interior is hereby authorized to pay, out of the tribal funds of the Indians belonging on the Klamath Indian Reservation in the State of Oregon, all claims for actual and necessary expenses heretofore incurred, or to be hereafter incurred, including those now pending and unpaid, in connection with the preparation and prosecution of the three suits by or on behalf of the said Indians now pending in the Court of Claims: Provided, That all claims for such expenses shall first have been authorized or approved by the Commissioner of Indian Affairs and the Klamath Tribal Business Committee: Provided further, That payments hereunder shall be limited to $3,500 and that any sums allowed and paid under this Act to the attorneys shall be reimbursable to the credit of the Klamath Tribe of Indians out of any amount or amounts which may hereafter be decreed by the Court of Claims to said attorneys for their services and expenses in connection with the Klamath Tribal claims and suits under the Act of May 26, 1920 (41 Stat. L., p. 623). 1
Approved, February 14, 1931.


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The ringworld engineers
Ballantine Books, Feb 12, 1981 - Fiction - 355 pages
To house the dying Earth's inhabitants, a huge architectural ring is constructed in outer space. With gravity, an atmosphere, and a temperate climate, Ringworld gives humanity a new lease on life, but not without frightening consequences.
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I'm not exactly sure why, but this was a real let down given how much I recall liking it when I was much younger -- I guess I was somewhat of a sucker for most sci-fi back then, but still... what a ... Read full review
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LibraryThing ReviewUser Review - BruceCoulson - LibraryThing
Sometimes, it's better not to go back home. Ringworld Engineers is one of those times. In addition to other flaws, Niven contradicts the precepts of his own Known Space universe in order to reach a dramatic plot point. Read full review
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Latest question:
How do you think the new GigE standards will influence the machine vision industry?
Respond or ask your question now!
Sony Electronics is introducing a version of its XCI-SX1 Smart Camera that is compatible with the Windows� XPe operating system. The upgraded model takes the capabilities of a traditional machine vision solution requiring a PC, capture card and camera and combines them into a single plug-in module featuring a high-performance AMD processor, Compact Flash� memory storage, extensive I/O connectivity via Ethernet, a USB serial port and a monitor.
Like Sony�s imager-only components, its familiar cube form factor makes for easy design replacement, enhancing product development.
Since its introduction last year, the XCI-SX1 camera with the Linux operating system has proven itself to be rugged and robust.
Now, LaMarca expects that the enhanced model�s added compatibility with the Windows XPe operating system, along with doubling the system�s volatile memory with a high-speed 256MB DDR-SDRAM module, will provide opportunities for OEMs, systems integrators and manufacturers. Existing vision library assets, third-party software applications and algorithms developed for the Windows platform can be easily leveraged to maximize value.
For added protection of intellectual property, only compiled .EXE files are deployed, helping keep source codes secure. Windows XPe compatibility allows for a wide selection of options specific to particular integration needs, as well as the ability to provide a custom graphical user interface to create a signature look.


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What's coming in 2013? Think technology.
That's the overriding theme of JWT's annual trends to watch
December 6, 2012
Technology has been encroaching on our lives for some time, with e-readers, smartphones and QR codes nearly every place you look. But 2013 may be the year that tech really takes over. From privacy hacking, or consciously creating social media-free zones, to mobile fingerprints, in which the phone morphs from communication device to wallet to keys to health device, technology will be not just a part of our lives but a major player. That's according to the predictions from JWT, which releases an annual top 10 list predicting what the hot trends will be in the coming year. Though not every prediction has a tie to technology, most do, whether they're predicting future innovations or predicting what impact current tech trends will have on our lives. Ann Mack, director of trendspotting at JWT, talks to Media Life about why the agency chose these trends, how last year's trends played out, and why these trends should matter to media buyers.
How did you feel your forecast for 2012 trends held up? Anything stand out as a good or not-as-good prediction?
Any trends with real significance can't be assigned to just one calendar year. The trends we explore on an annual basis have significant weight and momentum, and indicate shifts that are likely to be with us for a while. That is why we track our trends from past forecasts on an ongoing basis.
As for our 2012 trends, we continue to see them play out in new and numerous ways.
"Celebrating Aging" is one of those trends. Last year, we observed: "Popular perceptions of aging are changing, with people of all ages taking a more positive view of growing older. As demographic and cultural changes, along with medical advances, help to shift attitudes, we'll redefine when 'old age' occurs and what the term means."
This year we saw that development reflected in product development, marketing and entertainment. Earlier this year, for instance, MAC cosmetics launched a collaboration with 91-year-old style standout Iris Apfel. The collection is inspired by colors favored by Apfel, a longtime interior and textile designer who's come into the spotlight in her twilight years.
We also saw the critically acclaimed movie "The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel"—described by Time as "a charming celebration of aging"—become a surprise box-office hit. The film by director John Madden follows a group of British retirees moving to India to live in an old hotel and features acting heavyweights Maggie Smith and Judi Dench, both of whom turn 78 this year.
Another trend from our 2012 forecast, "Objectifying Objects," continues to gain momentum. As objects get replaced by digital/virtual counterparts, we're seeing more people fetishize the physical and tactile. This is giving rise to "motivational objects," or items that accompany digital property to increase perceived value, and digital tools that enable creation of physical things.
This past year, for instance, we noted an increase in a range of new services that allow people to get to grips—literally—with their social media output, turning it into real-world items.
MOO Inc. offers business cards created from Facebook users' Timeline images and data, using the same fonts and layout; it includes the person's Facebook URL. The Twitter poster re-creates the customer's profile picture using his or her tweets. And Stitchtagram is a service that crafts handmade pillows using fabric printed with the customer's Instagram shots.
Are there any common ties between all or most of the trends?
In our eighth annual forecast, new technology continues to take center stage, as we see major shifts tied to warp-speed developments in mobile, social and data technologies.
Many of our trends reflect how businesses are driving, leveraging or counteracting technology's omnipresence in our lives, and how consumers are responding to its pull. We also put a spotlight on health, with two separate trends examining the rising awareness around the impact of stress and happiness on well-being and how businesses are addressing it.
How might 2013 trends play a role in our daily lives?
Trends have the ability to change consumer attitudes and behaviors. Take our "Peer Power" trend, for instance, which examines how, as the peer-to-peer marketplace expands in size and scope—moving beyond goods to a wide range of services—it will increasingly upend major industries, from hospitality and education to tourism and transportation.
Just 10 years ago—or just five years ago for most—it would be hard to imagine sleeping on a stranger's couch or sharing a ride with a stranger. But with the growing popularity of P2P hospitality services like Airbnb and Wimdu and P2P transportation solutions like Lyft and SideCar, these behaviors are gaining acceptance. This has been driven by the rise of social media, cooperative consumption and the trust economy, among a variety of other factors.
Millennials are also driving this movement: having grown up using social media tools from a young age, these digital natives tend not to question peer-to-peer transactions, nor transactions made online or via mobile.
Still, while it's the Millennials who tend to be most open to and enthusiastic about the P2P services, the market has the ability to draw in consumers across all segments. Some may be driven by the affordability, others by the novelty aspect, others by practical concerns—e.g., a P2P assistance service like TaskRabbit could be just as appealing for an elderly person who needs help with errands as it is for a busy entrepreneur.
Why is trend forecasting important for media people?
In a world of hyper-abundant information and constant innovation, it's important to be on top of changes in the global zeitgeists so as to convert those shifts into compelling opportunities. Media people can leverage trends in an opportunistic way for communications, product, brand and business development.
Being trend-aware helps to inspire, instigate and inform ideas beyond brand, category and consumer conventions. It also allows businesses to stay ahead of their competitors, meeting emerging consumer needs and wants before anyone else does.
Why has stress become such a huge factor in our lives? Why is more attention being paid to it, and does it have anything to do with the economy the past few years?
While life has always been filled with stressors big and small, these are mounting and multiplying: We're entering the era of super stress. And as stress gets more widely recognized as both a serious medical concern and rising cost issue, governments, employers and brands alike will need to ramp up efforts to help prevent and reduce it.
Let's face it, life is getting more and more stressful. The threat of terrorism has increased around the world; the weather is getting more extreme, bringing superstorms, droughts and record heat waves; and today's complex, globalized financial systems have wrought havoc with economies. At the same time, factors like hyper-speed technology and high-stakes competitiveness are making daily life more challenging.
The economy is one of the leading causes of today's heightening stress. With the global downturn still a grim reality, many people continue to face a daunting job market and difficulties making ends meet. Those who do have jobs may be without full benefits, in make-do jobs rather than a chosen profession, or filling multiple roles for an employer who's cutting costs. In some markets, the rising cost of living, deflated home values and diminished retirement portfolios only add to the stress.
In a survey we conducted in the U.S. and UK in November, the top three stressors cited by respondents were economic: the cost of living (75 percent said this contributes to their stress levels on a regular basis), personal finances (75 percent) and the current state of the economy (70 percent). In addition, half the sample pointed to their job and their family's job security as contributing to their stress, and four in 10 said their own job security stressed them out.
What is predictive personalization?
"Predictive Personalization" is the idea that, as data analysis becomes more cost efficient, the science gets more sophisticated and consumers generate more measurable data than ever, brands will increasingly be able to predict customer behavior, needs or wants—and tailor offers and communications very precisely.
For example, as a part of its "Know Me" program, British Airways relies on a database of passenger info it gathered from many sources over several years to give highly personalized service to its VIP frequent flyers.
How key will mobile phones be to Americans in 2013? How does this compare to other countries?
This question speaks to the trend we refer to as "The Mobile Fingerprint." Our smartphones are evolving to become wallets, keys, health consultants and more. Soon they'll become de facto fingerprints, our identity all in one place.
Let's talk about one element of this for a minute: the mobile wallet. Enabled by NFC [near field communication], RFID [radio frequency identification] and other technologies, the smartphone is evolving into a virtual wallet that can be used like cash and also store bank cards, loyalty cards and business cards. Myriad global players are maneuvering to snag a piece of this market, lured in part by the prospect of collecting reams of valuable consumer data. In the next several years, a few leading players will emerge out of the "wallet wars" of today.
While the mobile wallet has been slower to come to fruition than some initially forecast, the necessary technology is coming onboard and consumers are growing more open to the idea.
By 2017, Berg Insight estimates that penetration of NFC-enabled point-of-service terminals will reach 86 percent in North America, 78 percent in Europe and 38 percent in the rest of the world. And Juniper Research predicts that by 2017, more than a quarter of mobile users in the U.S. and Western Europe will be paying in-store using NFC, and that NFC-assisted payments will grow by seven-fold, to more than $180 billion globally.
The mobile wallet is already established in some markets, notably in Africa with M-Pesa, launched by Safaricom in 2007 in Kenya, where it now has 15 million-plus customers and completes around 165 million transactions every month. The service enables users to deposit, withdraw and transfer money using a basic mobile phone. It has spread around Africa, and similar services are being tested in India and Brazil. In Japan, a quarter of mobile users manage their finances and pay for products with their phone, according to TNS. Markets in Asia are generally ahead of this curve, with infrastructure for mobile payments installed everywhere from train stations to taxis and vending machines.
In Europe, Vodafone, O2 and Everything Everywhere (EE) are partnering on an NFC wallet, code-named Project Oscar, which received regulatory approval from the European Commission in September. Quick Tap is a competing product developed by Orange and Barclaycard in the U.K.
In the U.S., Google Wallet launched in 2011 and has forged partnerships with 25 U.S. retailers so far and the major credit card brands; users input credit or debit card details into the app, then pay in stores by tapping their smartphone to a payment terminal. Big players including Verizon, AT&T and T-Mobile have collaborated to create Isis, an NFC-based alternative that recently launched in two markets and has agreements with major credit card brands and some key banks, including Chase and Capital One. Isis is also a hub for loyalty cards and coupons.
As I said, the mobile wallet speaks to only one element of our "Mobile Fingerprint" trend, but you can be sure that, as our smartphones consolidate a widening range of data and tools, they will become even more integral to our lives and a reflection of our selves.
What is privacy hacking and why is it important?
We call this trend "Going Private in Public." In an era when living publicly is becoming the default, people are coming up with creative ways to carve out private spaces in their lives. Rather than rejecting today's ubiquitous social media and sharing tools outright, we're reaping all the benefits of maintaining a vibrant digital identity while gradually defining and managing a new notion of privacy for the 21st century.
Consumers are quickly coming to realize that ultimate control of their online privacy is out of their hands—even for those who diligently tweak the privacy settings on their profiles. With a few lines of code, web titans can destroy carefully walled gardens, turning the task of maintaining the desired degree of privacy into an onerous chore. While Facebook users have periodically taken to posting privacy or copyright notices under the mistaken impression that these declarations will protect them, users remain subject to the social network's terms of service.
It's not just the web powers that be that can toy with a person's public persona, however—it's also tag-happy, share-happy friends who don't realize that just because something is public information or done in public doesn't mean people want it publicized.
So the social-media savvy are finding ways to put some privacy back into their public lives, pruning friends lists, hosting photo-free "dark rooms" at parties to deter social media–sharing and creating Facebook pseudonyms to avoid the prying eyes of employers and others.
This is a compelling opportunity for brands, as they can amplify these existing behaviors.
Argentina's Norte Beer, for instance, found a clever way to ensure that "What happens in the club stays in the club" with an amusing innovation: a beer cooler that keeps drinkers safe from paparazzi-in-training. Distributed to various bars around Argentina, the Photoblocker emits a bright light when it detects the flash from a photo, making any images unusable. Nearby drinkers can safely party without fear of wide exposure.
What do you mean by everything is retail?
Shopping is shifting from an activity that takes place in physical stores or online to a value exchange that can play out in multiple new and novel ways. Thanks largely to advances in mobile technology, almost anything—from billboards to bus shelters to print magazines—has the ability to be transformed into a retail channel.
For instance, shoppable walls are starting to appear everywhere. One of the many instances of this phenomenon comes from Mattel and Walmart Canada, which created a "virtual pop-up toy store" for this holiday season in Toronto's underground walkway, featuring two walls of 3D toy images with QR codes that consumers could scan with their phones to purchase.
And then there are shoppable videos, which allow viewers to simply click through to order goods, which have been created by a range of marketers, from Barneys, Neiman Marcus and Gucci to Levi's and Kmart. In fall 2012, for instance, Target launched a 12-minute episodic film featuring actresses Kristen Bell and Nia Long alongside some of its fashion, beauty and home products.
This trend runs the gamut, extending to TV, magazines, social media, store windows and more.
JWT's top trends to watch for in 2013:
1. INTELLIGENT OBJECTS: Everyday objects are evolving into tech-infused smart devices.
2. PLAY AS COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGE: Playtime for grown-ups – unstructured play is not just for kids, but adults too! This free and creative time will beget more imagination and innovation.
3. THE SUPER STRESS ERA: Sure, we've always been stressed but as stress gets more widely recognized as both a serious medical concern and rising cost issue, governments, employers and brands will need to ramp up efforts to help prevent and reduce it.
5. THE MOBILE FINGERPRINT: Smartphones are wallets, keys, health consultants and more. "NoMoPhobia" is the fear of being without one's phone. In India, some people display their phone number at their door rather than their name.
6. SENSORY EXPLOSION: This year, Dunkin' Donuts installed a technology in buses in Seoul that released coffee aromaswhenever the brand's jingle was played on the radio.
10.HEALTH & HAPPINESS: HAND IN HAND – What's your HHQ, or Happily Healthy Quotient?
Tags: 2012 trends, 2013, 2013 trends, economy, forecast, jwt, media, mobile, people, privacy, smartphones, studies, trends, trends for 2103, trendspotting
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Obamas to Travel to Africa in June
President Barack Obama and first lady Michelle Obama will travel to Africa next month, making stops in Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa, the White House said Monday.
The trip will underscore the president's commitment to cooperation with the people of sub-Saharan Africa, the White House said.
While few details have been announced, Mr. Obama is expected to meet with an array of business and government leaders, as well as young people in Africa.