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Confession: When I was a kid, I ate way too many cheeseburger Happy Meals and played countless hours with Ronald McDonald, that purple lad, Grimace, and the mysterious masked Hamburglar on the old-school playground of yesteryear at McDonalds.
This trip down memory lane leads me to what "Mickey D's," as I affectionally call the fast-food restaurant, is super-sizing on today — machine learning via the acquisition of Dynamic Yield, a Tel Aviv startup that provides algorithmically driven "decision logic" technology. The burger joint will be using this technology to meet and exceed the customer experience with innovation. Here's how:
We all know the saying "time is money" in this swiftly paced world we live in, so the first deployment of the technology will be in McDonald's drive thru to speed things up and increase sales. If the drive thru is moving slowly, a digital display could highlight simpler-to-prepare items to speed things up or likewise, when it's slow highlight more complex-to-prepare, higher-priced food items. While customers grab a French fry out of the bag as they drive off and more fill the drive thru line, algorithms will be noshing on data — weather, time of day, local traffic, nearby events, historical sales data and data from other stores, for example — and then show customers on the display other popular items to prompt potential upsells as they place their order to a voice inside of a box.
That seems a bit "big brother" in my opinion. I know when I get "hangree," I'll order whatever I want, no matter what a digital screen tells me and no matter how long it takes to prepare. But, I digress.
Beyond the drive-thru, McDonald's is currently using geofencing around its stores to know when a mobile app customer is approaching and how to prepare their order accordingly.
The company is toying with the idea of adding the personal touch, turning their mass collection of data into usable information. Think in-store kiosks, mobile order and pay, customers identifying themselves to the store to personalize their hamburger experience, license plate recognition (LPR) that allows the system to identify a specific customer as they approach and adjust the menu based on their specific purchase history, and more.
Of course, with what sounds like the most glamorous fast-food dining experience ever, I see two major types of risk involved:
Privacy: The possibility of sensitive data being compromised, like credit card numbers, names, email addresses, phone numbers and real-time location identification is not only real but happens daily, threatening physical and financial safety and security.
Ethical issues: There's a fine line between personalization and suggestive selling/influencing someone to buy something. While McDonald's could personalize the experience and perhaps quicken the ordering process by displaying previously ordered items in the form of touchscreen ordering, they could also display only the most expensive items previously bought in an effort to increase sales without the customer being the wiser.
Digital Yield will remain independently operated, even after the McDonald's acquisition, and according to Wired, the offer was over $300 million, which makes it the restaurant's largest purchase since its acquisition of Boston Market in 1999.
I did the math based on the price of a single Big Mac in the Dallas, Texas area being $3.99. Adding this technology will cost McDonald's approximately 75,187,969 in Big Macs.
What other security risks can you think of related to this technology?
Mission 500, a charitable non-profit organization engaging security professionals to raise money for children in need across the U.S., has announced the winners of its annual Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Humanitarian awards, The award presentation will be on April 11, 2019 at ISC West in Las Vegas at 5:00 p.m. on the Security Systems News stage on the show floor. All are welcome to attend.
We here at SSN are honored and excited to partner with and support Mission 500 and congratulate this year's well-deserving winners — Dave Foglio, Founder of First Response Security, is this year's Humanitarian Award winner and Brinks Home Security is this year's CSR Award winner. [Brinks Home Security was featured in Security Systems News' article on companies working with Mission 500]
The following is a closer look at each of this year's award winners:
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Award
Brinks Home Security is being acknowledged with the 2019 Mission 500 CSR award, which honors companies in the security industry that dedicate significant volunteer time and resources to help those in need.
The Brinks Home Security Corporate Social Responsibility Program's goal is to enrich the lives of at-risk and needy children and families. The company partners with local and national organizations, including Mission 500, MetroCrest Services, Notre Dame School, Agape Resource and Assistance Center and Carrollton/Farmers Branch Independent School District (ISD).
Brinks Home Security believes that their employees are their greatest asset. Its team has proven their commitment to the community in a variety of ways, including a 2018 food drive that collected 51,164 items for MetroCrest Services, more than 4,000 items for Hillside Food Pantry in Evanston IL, and 8,000 items for Harvesters Community Food Network, serving neighbors in Manhattan and St. Mary's, KS.
Other examples include: nearly 300 Brinks Home Security runners participated in an annual Brinks Home Security 5K, which raised $52,000 for children in need; employees have donated nearly 100 hours of their time to mentor students in the Carrollton and Farmers Branch school system; and several of Brinks Home Security employees traveled to Notre Dame School in Dallas for an annual holiday celebration.
Brinks Home Security also continues to provide free alarm monitoring for homes run by the Agape Resource and Assistance Center. The homes provide shelter for former homeless women and children.
In addition to Brinks Home Security, nominees for the CSR award for 2018 included, Circle K, Power Home Technologies and Security 101, who all deserve recognition for their outstanding efforts.
Past winners of the CSR Award include: Altronix, NorthStar Home, Alliance Security, Fluent Home, Protection 1, Pelco by Schneider Electric, Vivint and Convergint Technologies.
Humanitarian Award
Dave Foglio, Founder of First Response Security is being honored with the 2018 Mission 500 Humanitarian Award, which acknowledges individuals in the security industry who make important contributions to those in need.
For the past six years, Foglio has traveled around the country with Samaritan's Purse, helping homeowners in need following hurricanes, floods, fires and more. Last year, he traveled to Texas in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey, where he helped homeowners with their water-damaged homes. Foglio has also been to South Carolina, Georgia, Louisiana, California and Colorado since he started working with Samaritan's Purse, helping clean up homes and debris following natural disasters.
Foglio's desire to help also carries over to his local community, where on a monthly basis he is splitting wood and personally delivering it as a form of heat to those who cannot afford it, or serving meals at the Portland Rescue Mission, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing food and shelter to those affected by homelessness in downtown Portland. Foglio's generosity has also carried over into his working life. He founded First Response Security in 1989 and instilled a solid foundation of stewardship in the company, which as of today, has a motto of "A commitment to charitable donations and philanthropy". First Response gives back 10 percent or more of its company profit each year to charities, both local and overseas.
First Response Security has been named #10 on Portland Business Journal's Corporate Philanthropy Awards in 2018 (its fifth year in a row ranking on the list). In addition, they provide installation, service and monitoring to local non-profit organizations at a significant discount to keep overhead as low as possible while still providing superior protection. "If we're going to be working here and providing services, we want to make sure that we're also giving back," Foglio has said.
"I can definitely say that Dave Foglio and the Brinks Home Security Team are an example of life-changing work to help communities and people who are in need," said Tom Nolan, Director of Strategic Partnerships for Mission 500. "They are driven by purpose, which is a constructive force and to drive positive changes in communities across the U.S. I am honored to honor these individuals."
Other nominees of the 2018 Humanitarian Award included Ben Brookhart, CEO of Power Home Technologies; Beth Hahn, President of Berkshire Systems Group; Jeff Gardner, CEO of Brinks Home Security; and Jenna Wardle, Global Customer Insights at HID Global.
Past winners of the Humanitarian Award include The Hurricane Harvey Heroes (Curtis Kindred, Harley Schild, Todd Fitch), Jay Gotra, Sean Sportun, Anne Glickstein, Charles "Dom" D'Ascoli, Alan Forman, Mary Jensby, Barb Holliday and Michael Keegan.
Mission 500 will hold the annual Security 5k/2k Race on April 11 at Sunset Park at 7:30 AM in Las Vegas. To register to run the Security 5k/2k Race visit www.security5k.com/.
For more information on Security 5K/Mission 500 Race, contact Tom Nolan at [email protected], or call 516-903-7291.
Times are exciting and abuzz here at Security Systems News, with thoughts of ISC West and preparation taking place for booth visits, video interviews, happy hours and dinners, and connecting/reconnecting with industry professionals to learn about new trends and offerings available for security. Personally, I enjoy talking about industry trends, new technologies and where people predict the industry to be heading in the future. It's quite fascinating when you stop to think about just 10 years ago and how far the security industry has come since.
The Security Industry Association (SIA) shared the top eight technological advancements the organization feels is most significantly impacting physical and cybersecurity and public safety. Here's what to look for on the showroom floor:
Let's go on a treasure hunt at ISC West 2019! When you see one of these technologies in action on the showroom floor, take a picture or short video and tweet it to our hashtag #SSNTalks and tag our editors @SSN_Editor and @SSN_Ginger!
The Security Industry Association will be honoring several industry leaders with awards at its annual membership meeting and event on Tuesday called The Advance, which will take place during ISC West on Tuesday, April 9, from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. at the Sands Expo Center in Las Vegas.
There will be several SIA membership awards presented at the Advance, including:• Member of the Year Award: Axis Communications• Chairman's Award: SIA Women in Security Forum• Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award: Mark McCourt, Cobalt Robotics• Committee Chair of the Year Award: Chris Grniet, Guidepost Solutions• Milestone Awards: TBA
In addition to award presentations, The Advance attendees will enjoy a high-impact presentation from Sal Mani, security systems manager for Google, on the workforce imperative of developing cross-functional skill sets to stay competitive in the security industry. SIA will also submit five nominations to the SIA Board of Directors for ratification, recognize volunteer achievements for the previous year and exchange market intelligence for the year ahead with members. Lunch will also be provided.
Member of the Year
Axis Communications is the recipient of the inaugural Member of the Year Award, which honors SIA member companies that have shown noteworthy involvement in SIA committees and working groups, SIA events and the SIA [email protected] conference program; leadership activity; recruitment of SIA members; and contributions to SIA thought leadership and the industry overall. SIA will present Axis with the award at The Advance, SIA's annual membership meeting, during ISC West.
Axis takes an active role in SIA's committees, working groups and interest groups, with its representatives serving as chairs of the SIA Education and Training Committee, Transportation Policy Working Group, Health Care Security Interest Group and RISE Committee. The company is also highly involved with SIA's education and training programs. Additionally, Axis has helped to recruit speakers for SIA events and invited SIA to participate in its corporate events.
"Axis Communications is honored to receive the inaugural SIA member of the year award. I personally first got involved with SIA in 2007, discovering a plethora of opportunities to support the industry and drive positive change," said Fredrik Nilsson, vice president of the Americas at Axis Communications, a former member of the SIA Board of Directors and SIA Executive Committee and the 2016 recipient of the George R. Lippert Memorial Award. "I also quickly realized that the more you give, the more you get. Getting many Axis team members involved over the years has helped further SIA and the industry, as well as their careers. Our hope is that this award can inspire other companies to get involved."
Committee Chair of the Year Award
SIA has selected Chris Grniet, CPP, as the recipient of the 2018 SIA Committee Chair of the Year Award, which recognizes individuals for excellence in leading SIA committees and advancing member objectives.
Grniet – a security industry veteran with over 26 years of experience in the field – chairs the SIA New Product Showcase Committee and also serves as regional vice president of the security and technology consulting division at Guidepost Solutions, a global security consulting and investigations company and SIA member. He has been involved with the SIA New Product Showcase (NPS) for nearly a decade, serving as a committee member and vice chair before becoming chair; he will chair his third SIA NPS program at ISC West 2019.
"I am truly honored to be recognized for my contributions as committee chair for the New Product Showcase and would like to thank Don Erickson and the rest of the SIA staff as well as my fellow NPS committee members and our judges for their trust, support and encouragement. I am passionate about the NPS vision – to be the premier source for the security industry in the identification of innovative security solutions," said Grniet. "While it serves as a valued marketing opportunity for program participants, I believe it also a cornerstone of the missions of SIA and ISC West – to educate professionals and fuel the advancement and success of the security industry."
Chairman's Award
SIA has selected the SIA Women in Security Forum as the recipient of the 2018 Chairman's Award, which recognizes SIA members' diligent efforts in furthering the SIA mission and overall commitment to the association's future. SIA will present the award at The Advance, SIA's annual membership meeting, during ISC West.
The SIA Women in Security Forum supports the advancement of women in the security industry through programs and opportunities for professional development, networking and thought leadership. The group – led by a dedicated committee of volunteers – was established on International Women's Day in 2018.
"The Women in Security Forum got off to a remarkable start in its first year by quickly and effectively building the program, forming a charter and developing a strong committee," said Scott Schafer, chairman of the SIA Board of Directors. "The leaders of the forum have demonstrated outstanding engagement of SIA membership and the security industry, planned and executed top-quality, well-attended events and advanced the mission of promoting professional development, mentorship and a path to success for women in the security industry."
Key Women in Security Forum offerings include the SIA Progress Award, which celebrates individuals who advance opportunities and pave the way to success for women in the security industry; networking and professional growth events for women in the security industry; SECURE Perspectives, a monthly column that supports the participation of women in the security profession by highlighting successful women in the industry; and an all women-authored issue of the SIA Technology Insights journal.
"The Women in Security Forum is thrilled to be recognized with the 2018 Chairman's Award as we celebrate our first anniversary. We are working diligently to create a movement by collaborating with industry leaders – men and women – to develop programs and initiatives that empower women and influence change," said Maureen Carlo, co-chair of the Women in Security Forum Steering Committee. "Thank you to SIA for allowing us to embrace this opportunity; it is exciting to see our efforts come to fruition during the most important security event of the year. A talented and diverse industry will grow when we support each other – the best is yet to come!"
At ISC West, members of the Women in Security Forum will participate in two panel sessions on women in security on Tuesday, April 9 – Being a Woman Business Owner in the Security Industry Is an Advantage, Not a Disadvantage and Bridging the Gender Gap in the Security Industry. The Women in Security Forum will also host its annual meeting and a complimentary breakfast event on Friday, April 12, featuring networking and insights from special guest Juliette Kayyem, a national leader in America's homeland security efforts. Kayyem previously served as President Obama's assistant secretary for intergovernmental affairs at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's homeland security advisor.
"Over the last year, the core leadership group that makes up the Women in Security Forum has come together to create a unique opportunity to diversify the leadership voices in security as we move toward the next iteration of innovation for our industry and beyond," said Dawne Hanks, co-chair of the Women in Security Forum Steering Committee. "Providing opportunities for fresh voices to take the lead in driving where we go and how we change the world is at the heart of what we are trying to do and will drive growth for the future. I am honored that SIA has seen fit to present the Chairman's Award to this esteemed group of women that, together with SIA, are looking to drive actionable change to diversify and grow our industry."
Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award
SIA has selected Mark McCourt as the recipient of the 2018 Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award, which recognizes SIA volunteers who have made tireless efforts to expand SIA's programs and services. SIA will present McCourt with the award at The Advance, SIA's annual membership meeting, during ISC West.
Mark McCourt, head of commercialization at Cobalt Robotics, has made valuable contributions to SIA, including his efforts to establish and lead SIA's Drones and Robotics Working Group, which brings together members of the security industry, end users, technology experts and other interested parties to promote best practices regarding the use of robots in security, develop research, offer guidance on legislative and regulatory matters and enhance communication and collaboration.
The Sandy Jones Volunteer of the Year Award is named in honor of Sandra Jones, principal of Sandra Jones and Company, a prolific SIA volunteer and co-founder of the executive conference Securing New Ground.
"Sandy was among the first to call me when I entered the physical security market in 2005, and she became a coach, friend and business partner," said McCourt. "Her work has made a tremendous contribution to many, and it was Sandy who inspired me to become a SIA volunteer. To receive an award in her name is an honor beyond words."
In his role as chair of the Drones and Robotics Working Group, McCourt provided critical input in the development of Market Spotlight: Extending the Capabilities of Human Security Officers With Modern Robotics, a report produced exclusively for SIA by research firm IDC that examines the opportunity, benefits and reasons for growth in the robotic security market. The report highlights the evolution of robotic technology, real-world scenarios for robotic security, these robots' impact on the security market and more. He has also initiated work to publish a second robotics paper in partnership with IDC and is an active member of SIA's Membership and Marketing Committee, which guides the association in creating member value, new member development and overall member engagement.
One of the biggest buzzwords in security today is AI, or artificial intelligence, as one of the challenges today is determining if the technology is being overpromised and under-delivered. Security Systems News' News Poll this month addresses these very questions, as we try to figure out where the industry stands on this topic.
Although the technology is still in its early adoption phase within security, a new study finds that spending on AI systems will continue to skyrocket within the next five years.
Worldwide spending on artificial intelligence (AI) systems is forecast to reach $35.8 billion in 2019, an increase of 44.0 percent over the amount spent in 2018, according to the International Data Corporation (IDC). With industries investing aggressively in projects that utilize AI software capabilities, the IDC Worldwide Semiannual Artificial Intelligence Systems Spending Guide expects spending on AI systems will more than double to $79.2 billion in 2022 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 38.0 percent over the 2018-2022 forecast period.
Global spending on AI systems will be led by the retail industry where companies will invest $5.9 billion this year on solutions such as automated customer service agents and expert shopping advisors & product recommendations. Banking will be the second largest industry with $5.6 billion going toward AI-enabled solutions including automated threat intelligence & prevention systems and fraud analysis & investigation systems. Discrete manufacturing, healthcare providers, and process manufacturing will complete the top 5 industries for AI systems spending this year. The industries that will experience the fastest growth in AI systems spending over the 2018-2022 forecast are federal/central government (44.3 percent CAGR), personal and consumer services (43.3 percent CAGR), and education (42.9 percent CAGR).
"Significant worldwide artificial intelligence systems spend can now be seen within every industry as AI initiatives continue to optimize operations, transform the customer experience, and create new products and services," Marianne Daquila, research manager, Customer Insights & Analysis at IDC, said in the announcement. "This is evidenced by use cases, such as intelligent process automation, expert shopping advisors & product recommendations, and pharmaceutical research and discovery exceeding the average five-year compound annual growth of 38%. The continued advancement of AI-related technologies will drive double-digit year-over-year spend into the next decade."
The AI use cases that will see the most investment this year are automated customer service agents ($4.5 billion worldwide), sales process recommendation and automation ($2.7 billion), and automated threat intelligence and prevention systems ($2.7 billion). Five other use cases will see spending levels greater than $2 billion in 2019: automated preventative maintenance, diagnosis and treatment systems, fraud analysis and investigation, intelligent process automation, and program advisors and recommendation systems.
Software will be the largest area of AI systems spending in 2019 with nearly $13.5 billion going toward AI applications and AI software platforms. AI applications will be the fastest growing category of AI spending with a five-year CAGR of 47.3%. Hardware spending, dominated by servers, will be $12.7 billion this year as companies continue to build out the infrastructure necessary to support AI systems. Companies will also invest in IT services to help with the development and implementation of their AI systems and business services such as consulting and horizontal business process outsourcing related to these systems. By the end of the forecast, AI-related services spending will nearly equal hardware spending.
"IDC is seeing that spending on both AI software platforms and AI applications are continuing to trend upwards and the types and varieties of use cases are also expanding," David Schubmehl, research director, Cognitive/Artificial Intelligence Systems at IDC, added. "While organizations see continuing challenges with staffing, data, and other issues deploying AI solutions, they are finding that they can help to significantly improve the bottom line of their enterprises by reducing costs, improving revenue, and providing better, faster access to information thereby improving decision making."
On a geographic basis, the United States will deliver nearly two thirds of all spending on AI systems in 2019, led by the retail and banking industries. Western Europe will be the second largest region in 2018, led by banking, retail, and discrete manufacturing. The strongest spending growth over the five-year forecast will be in Japan (58.9% CAGR) and Asia/Pacific (excluding Japan and China) (51.4% CAGR). China will also experience strong spending growth throughout the forecast (49.6% CAGR).
"AI is a big topic in Europe, it's here and it's set to stay. Both AI adoption and spending are picking up fast. European businesses are hands-on AI and have moved from an explorative phase to the implementation stage," said Andrea Minonne, senior research analyst, IDC Customer Insight & Analysis in Europe, said in the announcement. "AI is the game changer in a highly competitive environment, especially across customer-facing industries such as retail and finance, where AI has the power to push customer experience to the next level with virtual assistants, product recommendations, or visual searches. Many European retailers such as Sephora, ASOS, and Zara or banks such as NatWest and HSBC are already experiencing the benefits of AI, including increased store visits, higher revenues, reduced costs, and more pleasant and personalized customer journeys. Industry-specific use cases related to automation of processes are becoming mainstream and the focus is set to shift towards next-generation use of AI for personalization or predictive purposes,"
The Worldwide Semiannual Artificial Intelligence Systems Spending Guide sizes spending for technologies that analyze, organize, access, and provide advisory services based on a range of unstructured information. The spending guide quantifies the AI opportunity by providing data for 25 use cases across 19 industries in nine regions. Data is also available for the related hardware, software, and services categories. Unlike any other research in the industry, the detailed segmentation and timely, global data is designed to help suppliers targeting the market to identify market opportunities and execute an effective strategy.
Our May 2019 News Poll got me really thinking about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), and the possibilities. My previous AI-related thoughts have been around Watson, the IBM-created, question-answering computer system that answers in natural language, and robots, and how AI can take over the world one day, according to some! Spooky! But, I wanted to know if AI is a legit, practical application for security-related functions, so I scoured the internet and found some exciting and unique, currently deployed uses.
Physical Security
According the to China Morning Post, AI is revolutionizing physical security in Asia. It can detect people acting out of the ordinary and flag them, and then transmit that information to a command center, where human operators can make an informed decision. Additionally, AI and high-definition cameras can work together to first communicate to a human that a smoke detector, for example, has been activated, with the cameras identifying the exact location of the fire.
Financial Security
Shoplifting literally costs billions of dollars here in the United States, which trickles down to honest consumers who end up paying more for goods and services. Vaak, a Tokyo-based company, spent more than 100 hours showing their AI system closed-circuit television footage of honest shoppers and shoplifters. The system can now identify suspicious activity based on more than 100 aspects of shoppers' behavior including gait, hand movements, facial expressions, clothing choices and even "restless" and "sneaking" behaviors. Store employees are alerted of suspiciousness via an app and they can decide what to do.
Life Security
Paris-based startup, Pharnext, was founded by Daniel Cohen, who "mapped" the human genome and demonstrated it is possible to use Big Data and automation to speed up the processing of DNA samples. Today, Cohen is using AI to analyze and map the chain of reactions of disease in the body. With this information, he and his team are combining existing drugs, known as "repurposing," to create therapeutic effects that each drug lacks on its own. His overall goal is to use existing medicines to treat all disease, preventing the design of new medicines.
Post-doctoral research fellow at Stanford University, Dr. Srijan Kuman, is developing an AI method — REV2 — to identify online conflict using data and machine learning to predict internet trolling before it happens. (Trolling is an action by a person who posts inflammatory and often deceptive and disinformation online to provoke others to respond on pure emotion.) Kuman uses statistical analysis, graph mining, embedding and deep learning to determine normal and malicious behaviors. His method is currently being used by Flipkart, an online store, to identify fake reviews and reviewers, and he was able to accurately predict when one Reddit community will troll another.
Be sure to check out our editor's blog that talks about worldwide spending on AI systems to reach $35.8 billion in 2019, according to International Data Corporation.
Excited to be here in Denver, Colo. this week for PSA TEC 2019, a conference hosted by PSA, a global systems integration consortium made up of progressive security and audio-visual systems integrators in North America.
Approximately 1,200 security professionals converged on Denver — ahead of a blizzard, yes blizzard, that is coming — to learn, network and explore the many opportunities and challenges facing system integrators and the security industry as a whole.
What is unique about this conference is that it brings together an incredible array of security professionals all focused on the same goal: Improving security for their customers while pushing the industry forward during a highly volatile and quickly changing security landscape.
Interestingly, PSA members combined boast over 400 branch locations, employ over 7,500 industry professionals and are responsible for over $4.5 billion annually in security, fire, life safety and pro audio-visual installations.
Some of the bigger themes for the conference this year — and for the industry overall as well — are:
• Cybersecurity and the physical and data convergence;• How integrators are adapting to and adopting more of a managed services, RMR model;• The continued rise and adoption of cloud-based solutions;• Hiring, training and retaining good people;• Adapting to the increasing role of IT within security• The benefits and challenges of open architecture systems and platforms vs. end to end systems;• Compliance and regulations, including GDPR; and• Data privacy
Based on analyst firm Gartner's research, 20.4 billion Internet of Things (IoT) devices will be deployed by 2020; that's more than double the world's population! Hackers tend to gravitate toward the weakest link in the security chain, and because more and more IoT devices have questionable defenses, they make easy targets. This has caused the U.S. government to take notice.
To date, there is no national standard for IoT security, leaving it up to each company to decide how they want to security their connected devices. So, on Monday, March 11th, the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives members introduced the Internet of Things Cybersecurity Improvement Act. If passed, this legislation would set minimum security standards for connected devices used by the government in an effort to prevent the federal government from purchasing hacker friendly devices.
While the legislation won't set security standards for all IoT companies—just the ones wanting to win federal contracts— it could provide a baseline of best practices for all connected device manufacturers to consider.
Should the bill pass, here's what would happen:
Do you think this legislation would compel all connected device makers to adopt these security requirements or just the ones wanting to do business with the government?
Venturing off to Coronado Island, right outside of San Diego for MercTech 5 was an exciting adventure into the open architecture world of physical security. Various trends were identified, company announcements made, valuable networking with security companies was experienced as well as education and fun.
To kick off the conference, Matt Barnette, president, Mercury Security, announced that this year, the company will be formally converting to HID Global and they are always looking for new partners. (HID Global purchased Mercury Security, an OEM supplier of controllers for physical access control, in 2017.) Thus far, Mercury Security has kept their original logo, with the added phrase: "part of HID Global."
Serra Luck, VP end user and consultant business, HID Global followed with three major trends in the physical access control market: the evolution of identity; service oriented and convergence of video, biometrics, access control, lighting and more to be controlled by a single device. Luck identified what she termed "BIMruption," building information modeling in which a wholistic view of a building, including its vulnerabilities, can be seen before the structure is actually built. This enables the simulation of possible terror attacks, physical breaches, structural integrity and more so that security consultants, integrators and end-users can become even more proactive in preventing security-related issues.
Donna Chapman, consultant relations business development manager, ASSA ABLOY compared how she "talks up" security consultants to their partners. She likens it to doing taxes.
"Can I do taxes," she asked the audience, hypothetically. To which she answered, "yes, but am I up-to-date on all the tax regulations…no, and that's 'ok' unless I get audited. So, it's easier and safer to have my taxes done by a professional…same with security consultants."
The two full days of the conference continued on with valuable education as well as meetings with various Mercury Security partners, followed by amazing dinners and networking events. Partners were available in various suites in a "speed dating" type of format, 45 minutes in length, where security consultants learned about their solutions as well as got their questions answered.
A consultant roundtable took place, in which hot topics were discussed, one of which was the adoption of Open Supervised Device Protocol (OSDP), a communication standard developed by the Security Industry Association (SIA) to improve interoperability among access control and security devices. Security consultants were also concerned with specifying manufacturer's certifications, asking if companies could possibly add certification numbers or some sort of identification so each certification is easier to "spec."
As the event concluded and I began to reflect, one of the most valuable takeaways from the whole conference emerged. Steve Wagner, president of Open Options, said the following during a speed dating session: "Everyone employed with Open Options is empowered to make decisions on behalf of customers; if a mistake is made with any such decisions, it will be to the benefit of the client." This customer/client-first mentality, in my opinion, is a big piece of the pie that security companies must incorporate into their culture for maximum success.
The Monitoring Association (TMA) and the Electronic Security Association (ESA) are calling out Google on its recent statement — "security systems often use microphones" — noting that such statements "misrepresent the vast majority of today's residential security systems installed throughout the country."
The dispute follows recent reporting by Business Insider, CNN Business and many other publications that have highlighted the undisclosed, on-board microphone discovered in Google's Nest Guard Security Device — raising serious privacy concerns among consumers.
Since audio recording includes privacy and legal complexities, it's not extremely common in residential installations, the associations noted, pointing out that security professionals and integrators consult with customers and ensure all federal and state laws are abided by.
"Adding audio surveillance can certainly make for a more robust system," ESA President Chris Mosley said in a prepared statement. "We're seeing exciting advancements in the audio surveillance category, such as acoustic sensors and microphones that can help us detect gunfire or when voices become elevated that could indicate potential violence. However, sweeping statements to infer that residential systems commonly have this feature are simply not accurate."
Richard Brent, CEO, Louroe Electronics, an ESA Member company and 40-year-old manufacturer of audio-based technologies, agrees, noting, "Sound-based technology in security systems is common in law enforcement, institutional, and smart city installations. However, the use of microphones for surveillance in residences is extremely rare on account of heightened expectations of privacy."
According to both associations, adding microphones and audio capabilities to security systems adds another level of precaution that must be taken to install the system in a way that protects the privacy of the consumer.
"Security systems are now an important part of the customer home experience in that we can integrate with audio assistance," TMA President Ivan Spector said. "However professionally installed and monitored security systems are not designed to record data and conversations unbeknownst to our customers."
Professionally installed systems have the backing of technology experts who know the full capability of the system and its components and can appropriately safeguard these systems, so as not to compromise privacy.
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Chancellor's Office System Operations
The mission of the California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the Chancellor's Office is to empower the community colleges through leadership, advocacy and support. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors and the chancellor share a vision of a better future for Californians by exemplifying exceptional leadership, advocacy and support on behalf of the community colleges. Their guidance provides access to lifelong learning for all citizens and creates a skilled, progressive workforce to advance the state's interests.
WWE Maximum Agression Chris Jericho 12" Action Figure Series 2
The California Community Colleges Board of Governors sets policy and provides guidance for the 72 districts and 115 colleges that constitute the system. The 17-member board is appointed by the governor and formally interacts with state and federal officials and other organizations. The board also selects a chancellor for the system. The chancellor, through a formal process of consultation, brings recommendations to the board. The Consulation Council is chaired by the chancellor and meets once per month to review and evaluate policy proposals and related issues.
The primary goal of the staff in the Student Services and Special Programs Division is to ensure that all students have access to the community college courses needed to achieve their educational objectives and the support to help them complete their goals.
Technology & Research
The Technology, Research and Information Services Division staff strives to improve education and educational services and is committed to innovation and student success. They develop programs and partnerships that change the way educational institutions operate and educate students.
Institutional Effectiveness
The Institutional Effectiveness Division oversees the development and operation of a comprehensive technical assistance program to further student success. The program overlays every division of the Chancellor's Office – including academic affairs, student services, economic & workforce development, research, and fiscal - and will develop a framework of indicators focused on accreditation, fiscal viability, student performance, and compliance with state and federal guidelines.
- Dinky 23s Streamlined Racing Car
- Lego Marvel Super Heroes Hulk Helicarrier Breakout. Thor, Hawkeye, Loki
- Mutanti Marvel Universe Bust CABLE X-Men X-Force New Mutants Diamond Select Toys
- BANPRESTO Figurka BANPRESTO DBZ Trunks Colosseum
- 1966 Ideal Batman Adult Mask Helmet-Very Rare Wearable Condition if Desired
- Vintage Meccano bundle wheels plastic and metal
- Trumpeter 03217 1 32 Junkers Ju87D Stuka
Academic Affairs
The Academic Affairs Division is responsible for providing state-level review of community college curriculum and instructional support activities. The division is committed to providing leadership and technical assistance to enhance the capacity of the community colleges in a variety of areas.
The College Finance and Facilities Planning Division oversees the formulation of policies that determine the distribution of local assistance and capital outlay funds for the 72 community college districts. The division staff oversees the construction and remodeling of new buildings and centers.
Workforce & Economic Development
The Workforce & Economic Development Division is responsible for supporting instruction, managing grants to community colleges and providing technical assistance. The division staff coordinates jobs and career opportunities for community college graduates to advance California's economic growth and global competitiveness.
Governmental Relations
The Governmental Relations Division represents the Chancellor's Office before the Legislature and executive branch of the state and federal government. In addition, it is responsible for formulating and advancing the legislative agenda of the system.

subset: commoncrawl


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Parents can now pay school fees in some bookstores while picking up stationery packs as the battle for back-to-school dollars heats up.
Onehunga Paper Plus owner Jitu Patel said he came up with the initiative to survive in the fiercely competitive market.
He has offered to receive school fees and donations on behalf of Onehunga Primary School as an added convenience for customers.
"If you want to get the business, you have to offer more than good prices," he said.
Elsewhere, parents are being offered huge markdowns as rival suppliers fight for a slice of the $31 million market.
Warehouse Stationery is offering discounts of up to 90 per cent and sells exercise books for as little as 5c.
A growing number of schools are directing parents to buy stationery from OfficeMax, which processes huge numbers of orders through an online purchasing system, MySchool.
Schools can earn hefty cash injections or new classroom equipment through the system.
OfficeMax general education manager Suzanne Flannagan said the MySchool service was convenient for busy parents.
But rival Warehouse Stationery said OfficeMax's market dominance was denying parents a choice. Head of marketing Cathy Atkins said some schools were not even releasing stationery lists to parents.
"We're seeing a lot more of what feels like not allowing customers to shop around and pointing them to certain directions," she said.
Wakaaranga Primary School in East Auckland is one of many schools to axe stationery lists. "We will not be publishing stationery lists on our website this year, or handing them out," says its website.
Instead parents are directed to buy all books from OfficeMax, either through the website or at the Manukau store.
Other independently owned Paper Plus stores in Auckland promise a percentage from purchases will be paid in cash to nominated schools.
Glendowie Primary School pupils are given a voucher for Paper Plus at Eastridge Shopping Centre after the school received a $1273 cut from last year's sales.
And Belmont Intermediate School encouraged parents to shop at Takapuna Paper Plus, highlighting the "valuable" rebate the school earned.
Auckland Primary Principals' Association president Jill Corkin said parents shopping for bargains should be careful the products worked.
"We've had experience of things like parents buying stationery from the $2 Shop that just doesn't cut the mustard."
$87.30 - Belmont Intermediate School stationery costs when purchased from Takapuna Paper Plus
$70.60 - Stationery costs when purchased online from Warehouse Stationery (approximate)
Read more:
Mum happy to pay extra with loyalty schemes
Diana Clement: Savings worth the guilt for school stationery


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Public-private partnerships turn waste into cash
P2 Impact
Public-private partnerships turn waste into cash
Many companies face a common problem: What to do with by-product or waste left over from the manufacturing process.
Smart firms increasingly are finding profitable ways of turning waste into assets, often with the help of governments agencies, such as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, a promoter of by-product reuse in regions across the U.S.
A Texas wire company offers a prime example. Wire cleaning operations are messy, leaving behind for the company, which made premium wire for fencing, an unwanted by-product: sulfuric acid with bits of rust in it.
It stopped viewing the sulfuric acid as a "waste" and started seeing the iron in the acid as an "asset" it could sell to a ferrous sulfate manufacturer. Changing the waste into a raw material wasn't easy, but the wire manufacturer turned $2.5 million in disposal costs into $315,000 in earnings.
With the Earth's regenerative ability no longer able to keep pace with human demand, people are turning resources into waste faster than nature can turn waste back into resources. To restore equilibrium, businesses, government, nonprofits, trade associations and academia are operating more sustainably by recognizing the economic value of their waste streams.
The premise of by-product reuse or materials exchange is simple: Under-valued wastes from one company are matched and used as a feedstock stream for another company. By-product reuse creates economic and environmental opportunities by creating new revenue or savings and by reducing the use of virgin materials, energy, water and creating a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
These exchanges are often facilitated by local, state or regional networks coordinated by organizations that include the U.S. Business Council for Economic Development, Zero Waste Network in Austin, Texas, the Network for Business Innovation and Sustainability in Seattle, Wash., and ResourceFULL Use in Portland, Ore. The wire manufacturer cited above was facilitated through the State of Texas' Resource Exchange Network.
Businesses have many resources to draw from, including regional EPA offices. Here is how two regions are promoting by-product reuse.
Metal scrap image by pan demin via Shutterstock.
By-product reuse in the Northwest
The Pacific Northwest Pollution Prevention Resource Center (PPRC) encourages businesses, local governments and NGOs to look beyond their traditional boundaries to pursue active exchanges for wastes.
Relying on strong community and regional partnerships, PPRC collaborated with the Zero Waste Alliance, the Columbia Corridor Association, the Department of Environmental Quality and the Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability to conduct an industrial needs assessment. The results clearly demonstrated that the Oregon market was ready for by-product reuse.
With grant funds from Boeing Corp., the partners and PPRC launched ResourceFULL Use, which brings together diverse businesses and organizations to identify potential by product exchanges. This network uses innovative matchmaking techniques, such as "speed dating," allowing participants to quickly meet and discuss opportunities. More important, the network takes a holistic approach to resource flows and offers participants technical assistance in mapping resources for their entire organization and not just a single material.
However, interactive workshops, coaching and training were not enough to maintain momentum. The network needed a technology platform that provided personalized and instant access to exchange information. A smart phone application is now in development and will have the following benefits:
• Users receive personalized, instant access to exchange information
• Users can state preferences for materials of interest
• Users receive text messages when materials become available and instant messaging when someone is interested in a material posted
• Users receive real-time information, which will allow companies to move by-products quickly.
By-Product Synergy Northwest is a network in Seattle, Wash., and a program of NBIS. NBIS facilitates the network through member meetings, sector working groups and other regional activities. The goals of the program include:
• Changing waste into revenue
• Fostering cross-industry communication.
• Breaking down barriers between government and industry.
• Engaging small and large companies.
• Creating economic opportunities while reducing environmental impacts.
Giving new life to waste in the Midwest
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC) received a grant from EPA's Office of Air and Radiation to integrate the Energy, Economy and the Environment (E3) initiative with the Ohio By-Product Synergy (BPS) Network.
The organization, Sustainable Ohio, manages the Ohio By-Product Synergy Network, a project of the U.S. Business Council for Economic Development (USBCED). Not only do participants receive clean, green and lean assessments through E3, but discover outlets for use of their by-products.
Initially targeted for the City of Columbus, the project expects to expand statewide with a goal of attracting 25 businesses in three years. GHG reductions of 264,000 metric tons over three years and a reduction of 125,000 metric tons of materials from landfills annually are projected.
This unified E3/BPS network brings together diverse partnerships between many impressive organizations: MOPRC, which represents 47 local governments; the City of Columbus, which has extensive experience with economic development and sustainability; the American Electric Power, which supplies power to over 900 Ohio communities; TechSolve, which won the Emerald Sustainability Award in 2010; and the USBCED, a partner of the World Business Council for Sustainable Development, a global network of 200 international companies.
Participants not only leverage the networking, expertise and resources of these well-respected organizations, but they also receive a clean, green and lean technical assessment, as well as membership to the Ohio By-Product Synergy Network. Approximately 200 companies have been targeted to join.
Nationally, by-product reuse continues to grow. Michigan and Texas are strongly committed and there is renewed interest in reinvigorating Chicago's Waste to Profit Network.
By-product reuse networks provide many benefits to businesses and communities:
• Increased revenues from by-product sales
• Reduction in waste disposal costs
• Substitution of lower-cost, locally sourced recycled feedback
• Reduction in solid wastes, water, energy and GHG emissions
• Reduced demand for virgin materials
• Enhanced sustainable practices and processes
• Reduced waste to landfills
• Innovative services and new markets for pollution prevention
• Improved business community competitiveness
• Collaborative synergies and networking opportunities
Extending the life of materials is economically, environmentally and socially important. By-product reuse is a powerful tool for moving communities along the path of sustainability. The pollution prevention network, through its technical assistance providers, regions, states, local governments, businesses and academia, is capable of taking by product synergy to the next level.


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Bill Internicola is a 91-year-old, Brooklyn-born, World War II veteran. He fought in the Battle of the Bulge and received the Bronze Star for bravery. He's voted in Florida for 14 years and never had a problem.
Three weeks ago, Bill received a letter from Broward County Florida stating "[Y]ou are not a U.S. Citizen" and therefore, ineligible to vote. He was given the option of requesting "a hearing with the Supervisor of Elections, for the purpose of providing proof that you are a United States citizens" or forfeit his right to vote.
This decorated World War II veteran is just one of hundreds of fully eligible U.S. citizens being targeted by Governor Scott's massive voter purge just prior to this year's election, according to data obtained from Florida election officials by ThinkProgress. The purge list, according to an analysis by the Miami Herald, targets mostly Democrats and Hispanics.
The Advancement Project, a voting rights group in Florida, has asked the Justice Department to investigate, alleging that Scott's voter purge violates federal law.
Bill appeared at a press conference this morning with Congressman Ted Deutch (D-FL), who has called on Scott to "immediately suspend" the voter purge.
VoteVets.org, a veterans advocacy group, weighs in:
"When someone who put their life on the line to protect the right to vote from fascists and empires is denied the right to vote, and is purged from voting rolls, there is something horribly, horribly wrong. Anyone who would stand behind an action that threatens the right to vote of a WWII vet is someone I would call un-American," said Jon Soltz, Iraq War Veteran and Chairman of VoteVets.org


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Business venture helps people realize their career, life goals
Do you have a goal that seems impossible? Is a personal problem or unresolved issue getting in the way of letting you move forward?
"Sixty to 80 percent of us are languishing or just going through life like a robot," said Dr. Victor Harms, a life coach, a professional counselor and professor at Bellevue University.
Harms and his counselor colleagues just opened a new business venture in Omaha to help coach people to realize their career or life goals.
"I think another reason people come for coaching, is they're doing OK, but they know there's more. Or they're productive, but realize there's potential in their life they're not tapping into," said Harms.
The coaching and consulting business is called Focus C-3 and includes a team of mental health counselors, coaches and business consultants. The group is already working with 50 individuals and companies to make people happier and more productive.
"We look at all 5 areas: mental, emotional, physical, the financial, the spiritual. And what we find is when something pops up in one of those areas, it's connected and related to other areas," said Harms.
Harms said he helps people peel away the personal issues and barriers that get in the way of finding true happiness in life, while tapping into their strengths and making the most of their natural tendencies and abilities.
"So it's being able to teach them to embrace who they are instead of always trying to change and become something different," said counselor Amanda Hebner.
Doug Daubert, Harms' colleague at Bellevue University, went through coaching in order to help the students he advises and to get his own goals in order.
"It was nice to have someone tell me, 'What do you want to do, Doug? What's inside of you?' OK, let's develop a plan, talk about goals and let's start working on it,"said Daubert.
Daubert, who enjoys photography as a hobby, wanted a way to incorporate his talent into his retirement plan. By talking through his options with counselors, the father of 4 was able to plan for the future and map out some goals.
"It's a calmness when you go to bed at night. I'm not stressing about stuff. How am I going to pay for college? How am I going to look at retirement? It's a calm in my life," said Daubert.
Health insurance may pay for counseling services. To learn more, go to www.focusc3.com, or call 402-933-4411. Focus C-3 offers individual counseling, couples counseling and family therapy. They also do personal coaching, executive coaching or team training and business consulting.


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Kelli at There is no place like home and Steph at Adventures in Babywearing both inspired me to do my own year in review post. They both posted the first sentence of their first blog post of each month, but I'm changing the "rules" for my blog and doing things a little differently. Instead of taking the first sentence from the first post of each month, I'm selecting the first sentence (or few sentences) from one of my favorite posts from each month and including a link to that post as well in case something piques your interest. (Yes, it took a lot more time to do it this way, but it seems I'm all about making things more
difficult challenging for myself.) By doing it this way I hoped to select posts that best represented my blogging throughout the past year. 🙂
The CDG Year in Review
I'm not a big fan of Dr. Phil, but was happy to learn he was having the Sears doctors (Dr. William Sears and sons, Dr. James Sears and Dr. Robert Sears) on a show on Friday called "Young Moms Ask the Experts.†— From The Sears doctors chime in on CIO and other parenting topics
One of Ava's books about nursing (Breastmilk Makes My Tummy Yummy) contains a picture of a mom nursing a toddler and a baby and states: "Two can breastfeed without fuss, there is room for both of us.†On Wednesday night, we – me, Julian and Ava – experienced that for the first time. — From Room for two
It's the little things that make me appreciate just how much I love my kids.
Like the new lip-smacking sounds that Julian makes.
Like the way Ava kissed my arm a few times while falling asleep tonight. — From The little things
In the spirit of putting more of myself "out there,†here it is, as promised – my completely honest post. — From The truth will set you free
As I set out driving Friday night to hear Ina May Gaskin – called "the mother of authentic midwifery†by Midwifery Today – speak, I was filled with nervous excitement. When I was about 10 minutes out from the church in Lafayette where the event was taking place, a friend of mine called me to say she was saving some seats for me and other friends of ours and she was able to get pretty close to the front. I felt like a teenager going to a rock concert. — From An Evening with Ina May
On Sunday morning, Jody, Ava, Julian and I braved the record-breaking 100 degree heat to attend the National Mile High Breastfeeding Celebration in Denver hoping to help break a record of a different kind. — From National Mile High Breastfeeding Celebration
Some days you have to throw out your plans and just go with the flow. Today was one of those days. — From Go with the flow
As parents, we do the best we can to ensure our children have the very best start in the world. We may breastfeed them, make their baby food from scratch, buy organic and whole foods, childproof our homes, teach them not to talk to strangers, and a myriad of other things. We trust that when we buy age-appropriate toys for our children, that they will be safe and not pose a choking hazard nor contain toxic elements… – From Tots, toys and toxic paint don't mix
I tend not to write much about celebrities on my blog. As a general rule, I find there's just too much other stuff going on in the world (especially my family's world) for me to discuss who's doing/saying what out in Hollywood. But when I heard that Brad Pitt (and then Kevin Kline) recently made comments about co-sleeping… – From What I believe: Brad Pitt, Kevin Kline on co-sleeping
Halloween is right around the corner, but in light of my recent discoveries about damaging effects of artificial colors and flavors (and petroleum and coal tar) in candy, I haven't been feeling very excited about a holiday that promotes candy consumption. — From Amy's Halloween Candy Alternatives
It's been just over a year since my baby boy made his amazing entrance into the world, and yet, I never posted his birth story on my blog. So here it is one year later – in it's full, unedited (LONG) glory (altered only to change the midwives' names to first initial) – for your reading pleasure. — From One year later – Julian's (footling breech) home birth story
In light of articles like this one, stating that as recently as Nov. 20, hazardous toys (containing high lead levels and other dangers) were still being found on the shelves in stores like Target, it's validating (but really no surprise to me) to read that Simple Retro Toys May Be Better For Children Than Fancy Electronic Toys. — From Simple toys better for children
If you wrote a year in review post (of any kind) on your blog, please add a link to your post in the comments. 🙂
Happy New Year!


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Select your preferred time of day. We'll call you to confirm the exact time.
During your personal visit, a Five Star team member will learn more about your senior living interests and needs and show you the aspects of our community that are most important to you.
What Should I Bring?
Just yourself and whatever curiosities or concerns you have (if you'll be dining with us, bring your appetite along, too)!
How Long Will It Take?
Please allow at least 45 minutes for your visit, 90 minutes if you'll be staying for lunch or dinner. We look forward to having you!
6555 West 75th StreetOverland Park, KS 66204
1501 Inverness DriveLawrence, KS 66047
Meet the people who make Five Star great.
Watch The Videos
Website By Boston Interactive


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Our most powerful handheld blower, made even better with Easy2Start™ technology.
Ultimate power meets ultimate simplicity. The STIHL BG 86 C-E is the best of both worlds, offering the same no-compromise power and comfort found in the BG 86, but with our Easy2Start™ technology. Now, starting the engine is fast and easy for just about anyone – just a long slow pull of the start cord instead of a hard jerk. To make it even easier, this blower has the simplified starting system that incorporates a specialized stop switch that automatically returns to the start position, as well as a semi-automatic choke lever that helps prevent accidental flooding. And just like the BG 86, this blower comes with both flat and round nozzles for better versatility on the job.
|BG 86 C-E Specifications - Professional Use
|27.2 cc (1.66 cu. in.)
|0.8 kW (1.07 bhp)
|4.5 kg (9.9 Ibs.)
|440 cc (14.9 oz.)
|15 Newtons
|Flat: 74 m/sec. (166 mph)
Round: 63 m/sec. (141 mph)
|Flat: 85 m/sec. (190 mph)
Round: 69 m/sec. (154 mph)
|Flat: 620 m3/h (365 cfm)
Round: 755 m3/h (444 cfm)
|70 dB(A)
|*Newton is the force needed to accelerate 1 kg of mass at the rate of 1 m/sec2. **Tested in accordance with ANSI B175.2 standard. All specifications provided by ANDREAS STIHL AG & Co. KG. As of April 2016.
Important Information
Note: STIHL recommends use of fuel with no more than 10% Ethanol content. Using fuel with greater than 10% Ethanol content may cause damage to your equipment and may void your STIHL warranty. Learn More…
WARNING! Improper use of any power tool may cause serious
or fatal injury. Read, understand and follow carefully the operating
and safety instructions in your instruction manual before using such products.
STIHL products sold through U.S. STIHL Dealers are for distribution in the United States only.
Model Features
Built in the USA
Indicates products that are built in the United States from domestic and foreign parts and components.
Anti-Vibration System
STIHL has a system for minimizing the vibration levels of handheld outdoor power equipment. The STIHL anti-vibration system helps reduce operator fatigue and provides a more comfortable working experience.
STIHL Easy2Start™
The STIHL Easy2Start™ system makes starting STIHL® outdoor power tools almost effortless, eliminating the need for a strong pull of the starting cord. This advanced starting system is designed to make starting STIHL® products fast and easy. The specific system may vary by model, but in each case, a quick pull overcomes the engine's compression to minimize the strength and effort required to start. Available on selected products.
Throttle Trigger Lock with Built-In Momentary Stop Switch
The built-in stop switch allows the user to turn off the engine with a simple press of the button or lever. When the engine is off, the throttle lock automatically returns to the "start" setting. Your power tool will be ready to be started when you're ready to get back to work.
Purge Pump Primer
The purge pump primer feature enables the user to prime the carburetor with fuel, enabling easier starting. The purge pump primer is designed in a way that the operator cannot flood the machine by priming the carburetor too many times. Flooding the engine is still possible if the choke is not removed after the engine fires.
Soft Grip Handle
This handle design provides a secure and comfortable grip.
HD2 Air Filter
The new HD2 air filter on this unit is washable, providing extremely long filter life and lowering maintenance costs. The large surface area allows for longer run times between cleanings and high performance even while operating in dusty and dry conditions. Overall, the HD2 air filter provides better protection of the engine compared to standard air filters.
Standard Features
Common Features for Handheld Blowers
View the features common to many STIHL handheld blowers.
We Also Suggest
Gutter Kit
Clogged gutters may become a thing of the past with this quick and manageable gutter attachment. A series of plastic tubes attach to your STIHL handheld blower and can extend to more than ten feet, providing the additional extension needed to reach most residential gutters. Great for removing dry leaves and debris. For use with BG 55, BG 56 C-E, BG 66 L, BG 86 and BG 86 C-E. See your STIHL Dealer for details.
Vacuum Kit
Quickly convert your STIHL handheld blower to a vacuum by attaching this easy Vacuum Kit. Empty debris into your compost pile simply by unzipping the bottom. For use with BG 55, BG 56 C-E, BG 66 L, BG 86, BG 86 C-E and BGE 71 models. Does not fit BGA 85.
HP Ultra 2-Cycle Engine Oil
No matter how you slice it (or trim it or shred it), there's no better protection for your high performance 2-stroke engine than STIHL HP Ultra Oil. This 2-cycle engine oil has outstanding engine cleaning characteristics, plus "ultra" lubricating qualities that are superior to other 2-cycle engine oils. This fully synthetic oil is also highly biodegradable, degrading by 80% in 21 days. We're so confident this oil will protect your engine, we'll double your STIHL limited warranty* when you use it. It's that good.
*Double your warranty when you purchase either STIHL HP Ultra Oil (six pack) or STIHL MotoMix® Patented Premixed Fuel (one gallon minimum) with your STIHL product purchase. Double limited warranty protection applies to select STIHL gasoline-powered products purchased for personal non-income producing, household purposes only. Other restrictions apply. See dealer for details or refer to STIHL's Limited Warranty Policy.
Unopened container shelf life: 4 years from the date of filling, in originally sealed containers.
No-Spill® Fuel Containers
No-Spill® fuel containers advance convenience and quality in gasoline-can design by reducing emissions of hydrocarbons from evaporation, permeation and spillage. This helps protect the environment as well as saves you on fuel costs due to waste. Each container is molded from fluorinated, high molecular weight material for low permeation. The thumb-button flow control allows filling even smaller-sized tanks reducing the risk of spilling and is designed to stop the flow automatically, when the tank becomes full, to prevent overflowing. Built on a wide, stable base for less likelihood of upsets and equipped with child-resistant closures, all No-Spill® containers comply with both EPA and CARB requirements. With 1¼-gallon, 2 ½-gallon and 5-gallon sizes available, you're sure to find one that fits your needs.
For Your Safety
STIHL Proscaper Series Gloves
When you require more protection than traditional landscaping gloves, turn to Proscaper Series Gloves from STIHL. These gloves feature premium boarskin for terrific softness and padded palms for abrasion resistance. A woven elastic back flexes to allow total freedom of movement. An adjustable, wrist strap closure provides personalized comfort and a secure fit.
Available materials: Boarskin
Available sizes: M, L, XL
Camo Glasses
A combination of safety and style, Camo Glasses from STIHL provide 99% UV protection in a sleek, camo-pattern frame. The single lens, wrap-around design offers great protection and an overall modern look. The lenses are made from an optical-grade polycarbonate. Soft rubber temple tips and nosepiece are designed to help maintain fit while reducing slippage.
Meets ANSI Z87+ standard
Available lens colors: Bronze Smoke, Yellow
STIHL® Pro Mark™ Hearing Protector
Heavy machinery doesn't have anything interesting to say – block out that noise with our most noise-reducing hearing protection. These top-quality Hearing Protectors feature padded stainless steel spring-wire headbands maintain constant pressure. So no sliding around and letting in unwanted sound waves. They're also easy to adjust. Set a comfortable fit and get to work in peace.
Meets ANSI S3.19-1974 standard. Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 29 dB(A).
Available color: Orange


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|An essay is a form of factual writing that is several paragraphs long. There are three basic types of essays:
1. Informational Essay: In this type of essay, your goal is to inform the reader about something new or important.
2. Persuasive Essay: In this type of writing, your goal is to convince the reader to agree with your way of thinking.
3. Personal Essay: In this type of essay, your goal is to share your personal experiences and feelings about a subject and make your reader think and feel your emotions.
Directions: Come up with five example topics for each type of essay. From the list, select one topic from each category and write the essays.
As homework, use MyndBook (MyndBook.com/go.php?to=306_1396) to create a note map of your ideas and rewrite your essays.


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Hi all,
Currently I am having trouble accessing the Visible property of Olk controls instance on the Form Region. Why is it that for these controls, I can just do MyControl.Property = value but not in case of Visible property, which is not available for Olk controls.
Why is this property not available to user and is there any purpose being served doing such a thing?
Also, is there a easy way I can do this?


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Hatboro and the surrounding community has great local shops! Let's support our local business owners and shop local when possible. Want a quintessential Bucks County experience? Be sure to spend a day at Peddler's Village! Browse the shopping categories or use the search box below:
© BucksCountyAlive.com - Mikula Web Solutions. All rights reserved.
Redistribution of coupons in printed or electronic form is prohibited.


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Wire residential indoor branch circuits for outlets, switches and other loads with Southwire Romex SIMpull Type NM-B Cable. SlikQuik jacket allows for 50% reduction in pulling force for easier installation. NM has a heat capacity of 90 Degree C and a usage rating of up to 600-Volt.
- Placed where space is available and free of excess moisture and dampness
- May be used for both exposed and concealed work in normally dry locations
- May be run in air voids of masonry block or tile walls not subject to excessive moisture
- Conductors are annealed (soft) copper
- UL listed and CSA certified
- Note: product may vary by store
- Click to learn the factors you must consider when wiring your home


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Jezebel ran a post called How Tragic Kingdom Saved My Life and while that particular album didn't evoke a similar response in me, I adore the idea of dishing the music that's been instrumental in one's life.
I suspect that most of us have an ultimate soundtrack filled with songs for different occasions and from different eras of our lives. Growing up in the 80s I was exposed to a variety of musical styles and artists – and much of it was mad cheesy. Despite having interests reflective of many genres – including the oft derided country and hip hop – I still find myself going back to the same few artists: David Bowie, Earth, Wind & Fire, Lyle Lovett, The Legendary Pink Dots (I was a teenage goth) and for some inexplicable reason Eric Clapton – don't ask, it's a long story.
I wish I could say I had uber amazing in taste in music, but I don't. I like all kinds of foolishness without shame or a clear understanding of the concept: guilty pleasure. I don't like listening to radio unless it involves blathering about cooking, gardening or alien abductions . I tend to like the structure of a set schedule of programming, given that I have ADHD and all.
What kind of music are you enjoying of late? Recommend something. Enjoy. Let's be fluffy, respectful and all that jazz – yes, I love me some showtunes.
Currently, I can't get enough of McCartney particularly the instrumental "Momma Miss America":


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It's so easy to go natural when it comes to lotion, shampoo and many other beauty products, but I think deodorant is the hardest yet most worthwhile natural switch to make. Yes, it's true that the natural brands don't actually stop you from sweating like the commercial brands do, but they definitely can keep sweat under control with natural ingredients (like baking soda). Plus, sweating is a key part of detoxifying your system so it's really not a bad thing, especially if you can find a natural deodorant that actually keeps you smelling pleasantly.
Well after many, many years and many, many natural deodorants, I think I have finally found one that I'm going to stick with. It's Lavanila The Healthy Deodorant. I specifically like the Vanilla Lavender version of this silky deodorant, but there are a few other great scent options. I have to warn you about the price… it's $18… I know, so expensive for a deodorant, but my thrifty self actually thinks it's worth it. It smells so nice and the scent really lasts all day. In a way, you can consider it an $18 perfume — now that's a good deal, right? Let me know if you give it a try!


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With an ominous name like "Death Valley" you have to be dramatic and Death Valley fits that description in legend and reality. In 1849 a group of people on their way to the California gold fields left their wagon train to follow what they thought was a short cut map.
But the map was inaccurate and led them into an area that had not been charted by Anglos before, although the Timbisha Shoshone tribe had called it home for two thousand years. For several months the wanderings of these lost emigrants brought them to the brink of thirst and starvation. Legend has it that as they finally staggered out, someone stood on a hill and bid adieu saying "Goodbye, Death Valley".
That name fueled fantastic myths and tragic tales that set a standard for embellishing the truth about this desert wilderness. But the truth about Death Valley is far more intriguing.
Interesting Facts
- It's the largest National Park in the lower 48 states with 3.3 million acres.
- It was established as a National Monument in 1933 and as a National Park on Oct. 31, 1994
- It has the lowest elevation in the Western Hemisphere at Badwater (282 feet below sea level)
- It receives less than 2 " of rain a year and has 0-5% average humidity
- Summer temperatures can soar to over 120 degrees for weeks on end, with the highest recorded temperature of 134 degrees set in 1913
- Among animals that call it home there are 37 reptile species, 6 kinds of amphibians, and 58 species of mammals
- 347 species of birds have been found in the park
- 1,000 plant species have been found in the park
- Στις αρχές της δεκαετίας του 1900 υπήρχαν boomtowns με συναρπαστικές ιστορίες όπως Greenwater, the town that had no water; Schwab, the town owned by women; Harrisburg, the town that should have been named Harrisberry and Panamint City, a town so lawless that silver was cast in 400 pound cubes for transporting so that outlaws couldn't steal it
- It was the home of notorious Death Valley Scotty and a cast of colorful prospectors
- During World War II it was a temporary haven for 65 Japanese Americans whose lives had been threatened at Manzanar War Relocation Camp
- Earthquakes, volcanoes, lakes and floods have shaped its rugged terrain
While Death Valley is a land of extremes it doesn't mean that your visit has to be. When most of North America is in the grip of fall and winter, Death Valley is an oasis of temperate weather which makes it popular for RV travelers and those who like to continue their summer activities year around. Death Valley National Park is home to the only eighteen hole golf course in a National Park and each of the three hotels in the Park have their own swimming pools.
If more rugged activities appeal to you, there are almost three million acres of wilderness for hiking and four wheel drive roads that lead to some of the most spectacular areas of the park. If you are car touring there are almost two hundred miles of scenic drives to explore. And many of Death Valley's main attractions are wheelchair accessible to visitors with walking difficulties. No matter which activity is your cup of tea, every trip should start with a visit to the Furnace Creek Visitor Center to pay your park entrance fee and check with the park rangers to get advice on the best seasonal attractions. Follow us as we take you around the park highlighting the various attractions.


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Since I'm still trying to get my vacation summary post put together (hundreds of pictures from two different cameras take a long time to sift through let me tell you), I thought I'd talk about something else that has been on my mind lately. It may be TMI for some, but I'm not letting that stop me, so consider yourself warned. The topic is menstruation and reusable menstrual products.
Thanks to breastfeeding, I had many, many moons free of periods after Julian's birth, but now my cycles are back I've been trying for the last few months to get the hang of using a Moon Cup. I am not a fan of disposable diapers for many reasons including the fact that they fill up the landfills, and don't feel that disposable menstrual pads are much better ecologically either. So in the name of green living, I decided to try out a Moon Cup from Glad Rags that I received (while I was pregnant with Julian) to review. It's just taken me a long time to get to doing that review (and I'm still not ready yet).
Truth be told, I've never been fond of tampons and have avoided using them except on rare occasions. I've just never liked the way they felt and preferred to use pads instead. So I have been a little reticent about trying to make the switch from pads to a cup that must be inserted and I haven't found my happy place with it yet. I find it often feels like it's falling out or it actually does slip down and starts to come out. Maybe I'm not inserting it high enough? Maybe my va-jay-jay isn't right for a Moon Cup?
Any experienced Moon Cup, Diva Cup or Keeper users want to chime in? Has anyone gone from being a pad user to a cup user with success? I need success stories to motivate me to keep at this.
I've also considered using mama cloth (reusable cloth pads), but I'm not sure I want to go that route. I already wash cloth diapers on a weekly basis and am not sure I want to add cloth pads to the laundry list too. The Moon Cup would certainly be a whole lot less maintenance if I can get more comfortable with using it.
So what say you? I need advice. And if you don't use reusable menstrual products, would you consider them? Once I get better with my Moon Cup I plan to have a challenge and a giveaway to help motivate you to give it a try too.
Help me have a happy, green period. ;oP
And while we're on this subject, have you donated to Goods 4 Girls – a program to help young women in Africa gain access to better menstrual product – yet?


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Job Information
Deloitte ETI Manager, Oracle, SAP, JDE, OneSource, Vertex, Sovos, Sales & Use Tax, Value Added Tax, Excise Tax in Dallas, Texas
Oracle. SAP. JDE. OneSource. Vertex. Avalara. Incredibly cutting-edge technology. Are you someone who likes to get your hands techno-dirty, maybe you ve done an implementation or two, leading teams with your strong project manager skills? We need entrepreneurial and passionate professionals to play in this world. If this is you, hit the Apply Now button!
What you ll do:
As an ETI Manager, you will contribute to the growth and development of Deloitte Tax LLP in a variety of ways, including:
Client Management : Manage the day-to-day interactions with executive clients and sponsors.
Delivery : Manage and deliver components of client engagements that identify, design, and implement technology and creative business solutions for large companies; including managing teams in the identification of business requirements, functional design, process design (including scenario design and flow mapping), prototyping, testing, training, and defining support procedures.
People Development : Perform role of counselor and coach; provide input and guidance into the staffing process; actively participate in staff recruitment and retention activities; provide leadership and support for delivery teams and staff in local offices.
Business Development : Develop and maintain contact with top decision makers at key clients; organize and lead pursuit teams; participate and lead aspects of the proposal development process; contribute to the development of proposal pricing strategies.
The team
Deloitte s Tax Management Consulting (TMC) group helps our clients tax departments improve their operations by developing new technology-enabled, cutting-edge methods and processes. Deloitte TMC professionals are aligned across our global network of member firms to address our clients objectives in a seamless fashion. Deloitte TMC teams include industry, tax, organizational change, technology, and co-sourcing specialists who help connect our clients global strategies and the options that exist to turn theory into an executable plan. Learn more about Deloitte Tax Management Consulting. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/tax/solutions/tax-mangement-consulting.html
TMC s Enterprise Tax Integration (ETI) professionals provide an integrated approach to process improvement that can help the tax department maximize its strategic value to the organization. Companies that have already implemented or are considering implementing an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system often overlook the tax benefits these systems can provide or underestimate the impact on the tax department. To be most effective from a tax perspective, a successful ERP implementation requires professionals who specialize in tax and can effectively address a corporate tax function s unique needs, requirements and obligations. Our ETI team, the largest of its type, offers the necessary combination of skills, methodology and practical experience to help clients avoid the pitfalls of an ERP implementation.
5 years experience in corporate, multistate, indirect, value-added, or transaction tax compliance
Bachelor s degree in accounting, computer science, or related field
Completion of at least two full lifecycle implementations
Experience with tax technology applications (e.g. OneSource, Vertex, Avalara, Sovos {aka Taxware}, Oracle Enterprise Business Tax)
Strong problem-solving and troubleshooting skills with experience exercising mature judgment
Demonstrated effective verbal and written communication skills including presentation skills using MS Visio and MS PowerPoint
Experience working in a fast-paced, team environment
Experience working directly with clients
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team with professionals
Able to travel up to 100% (Mon-Thurs/Fri)
Advanced degree such as MST, JD, or LLM
Certified Public Accountant (CPA)
Experience with a Big 4 firm, large ERP/consulting organization, or a large corporate tax department of a multinational company
Experience in ERP system implementation
How you ll grow
At Deloitte, our professional development plan focuses on helping people at every level of their career to identify and use their strengths to do their best work every day. From entry-level employees to senior leaders, we believe there s always room to learn. We offer opportunities to help sharpen skills in addition to hands-on experience in the global, fast-changing business world. From on-the-job learning experiences to formal development programs at Deloitte University, our professionals have a variety of opportunities to continue to grow throughout their career. Explore Deloitte University, The Leadership Center. at https://zoomforth.com/s/deloitte/du#home
At Deloitte, we know that great people make a great organization. We value our people and offer employees a broad range of benefits. Learn more about what working at Deloitte can mean for you. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/articles/life-at-deloitte-benefits-and-rewards.html
Deloitte s culture
Our positive and supportive culture encourages our people to do their best work every day. We celebrate individuals by recognizing their uniqueness and offering them the flexibility to make daily choices that can help them to be healthy, centered, confident, and aware. We offer well-being programs and are continuously looking for new ways to maintain a culture where our people excel and lead healthy, happy lives. Learn more about Life at Deloitte.
Corporate citizenship
Deloitte is led by a purpose: to make an impact that matters. This purpose defines who we are and extends to relationships with our clients, our people and our communities. We believe that business has the power to inspire and transform. We focus on education, giving, skill-based volunteerism, and leadership to help drive positive social impact in our communities. Learn more about Deloitte s impact on the world. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/about-deloitte/articles/deloitte-corporate-citizenship.html
Recruiter tips
We want job seekers exploring opportunities at Deloitte to feel prepared and confident. To help you with your interview, we suggest that you do your research: know some background about the organization and the business area you re applying to. Check out recruiting tips from Deloitte professionals. at http://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/careers/topics/recruiting-tips.html
Category: Tax
About Deloitte
As used in this document, Deloitte means Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. Please see www.deloitte.com/us/about for a detailed description of the legal structure of Deloitte LLP and its subsidiaries. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or protected veteran status, or any other legally protected basis, in accordance with applicable law.


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Gulo Gulo
by: Kramer, Grunau & Raggan
Game Type(s):
Players: 2 - 6
Age: 5 +
Available Languages
Status: Out of Print
Stock Number: 223
Gulo junior was caught by the lady vulture while attempting to steal one of her eggs and has now been arrested. There is only one thing left to do: get the family together and search for the little bugger, but they cannot resist passing a nest without stealing an egg. Whoever jumps the furthest, gets to Gulo junior first and can win the game.
You may also be interested in...
Halli Galli - special Christmas edition
Game Type(s): Card Games, Dexterity, Party game
Players: 2 - 6
Age: 5 +


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I have a few post ideas I am mulling over for here, this past week has just been so busy! Vosskah and I joined Ophelie and Oestrus this past weekend on their podcast. We talked about a lot of guild leading-related things and had a good time and a long chat. So you can check that out if you are into podcasts, and thanks again to those two ladies for having us. We both enjoyed ourselves.
Double O Podcast
Written by cakeitso
Comments on: "Double O Podcast" (7)
saif said:
I didn't mean it in any derisive way =), but yes I too wish that mages had a healing spec. That would definitely make the LFD queues much quicker and thus, shortening the (almost) maddening VP grind.
Marshmallows is pretty different. Our guild/raid leader is one of our most casual players, and our recruiting didn't exist at all until one of the officers decided to start doing it. Our raid leader also has almost no role in writing our strats, our strats are done by me, another regular member and one officer. The guild leader does a lot of really important stuff, but there's no official delegation, people just do what they feel comfortable doing. I write our strats because I've been raiding for 11 years and I speak WoL like a third language. If I didn't though, someone else would.
We definitely don't have much structure or laid-out expectations, and with only 13 in our raid group we don't have any sort of "role leadership" stuff. We're really just a group of friends that casually fight internet dragons, we're 4/7 heroic but we are extremely chill. We heart 10mans because we can be really, really successful while still being able to be chill. 12 hours a week and we're done.
It's all about finding the place on the spectrum that "works" for whatever you and your group wants. I think our guild does best with some formal roles and responsibilities, but we're also very laid-back. I think the 12 hours a week is key, too, and we used to be a twelve hour guild (pre-Cata, actually pre-summer of ICC-omg-it's-been-out-so-long.) It did hurt our progression to drop down to nine, and we're a bit more casual than we were, but I'm not willing to go back to twelve because inevitably when we were raiding twelve I was raiding four nights a week, so was Voss and the other officers/raid leads. Having to tell your friends and family, "I can't see you because I'm raiding. Oh, I'm raiding then too. Yes, also then," got old. So I guess, I don't know how our members feel about it but I'm not racing anybody through content, or stressing out. We will clear the content, and if the roster will stay stable now I am confident we can clear it while it's current. Any additional accomplishments/speed are gravy! I'm proud of my guild; it's nice to hear you're proud of yours too. 🙂


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Glasses :
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discount kliik eyeglasses kliik 439: kliik denmark is a line of ultra fashion eyewear for men and women who understand the connection between style and statement. kliik is a collection created through pure innovation. the inspired use of materials like japanese zyl, titanium and aluminum contribute to its distinctly modern feel. forms that seamlessly marry straight and curved lines create kliiks upscale, edgy look. acetate eyeglasses, temples and temple tips are handmade using special lamination and carving processes, creating a three dimensional appearance thats uniquely kliik.
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text: Bigger, Bolder and Badder! Get ready to challenge 28 of the top monster trucks and battle in real Monster Jam events including stadium racing and freestyle competitions. Enjoy bonus modes such as circuit race, time crunch, gate rush, and team race. Win events and do big tricks to level up and unlock new trucks, parts, and stadium venues. Create the ultimate monster truck on the path to the world finals in Las Vegas!


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A K-9 search of Poison rocker Bret Michaels' two tour buses allegedly turned up marijuana and other unspecified drugs Wednesday evening in Indiana, the Fort-Wayne News-Sentinel first reported.
Cops said they made the discovery after pulling over the buses just after 11:30 p.m. on a lighting violation.
Following a search of both buses by drug-sniffing dogs that turned up positive, authorities said they found the untold amounts of marijuana and other drugs.
U.S. & World
No one from the tour was arrested but charges were forwarded to the DeKalb County Prosecutor's Office, according to the News-Sentinel.
"Officers on the scene claimed there were no trailer tag lights," a rep for Michaels told EW.com in an email. "No arrests were made. Mr. Michaels allowed an open search of the buses and everything was handled in a professional manner."


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This is a guest post from Jacqueline Whiton, who self-financed her undergraduate education and MBA. She is interested in personal finance and is saving to fund her three teenagers' anticipated college expenses.
After saving since your child was in preschool, you celebrate euphorically when your son or daughter is accepted to the college of his or her choice. You'd always imagined that your math whiz would become a chief financial officer (CFO), but are surprised when Junior says, "I'm leaning toward majoring in history."
My friend Karen describes a similar scenario:
Our daughter worked hard throughout high school, earning nearly straight A's and assuming leadership positions in sports and clubs. Her passion for and success in speech and debate tournaments seemed to position her well for a career as an attorney.
Now that she has been accepted to college, she says she really wants to major in film studies with a goal to be involved in making movies. We are worried that this is a lot like wanting to become a rock star: a few people make a lot of money but there are many more struggling artists who barely get by.
My husband and I have worked hard to save for our daughter's education so that she should not have to take out much in student loans if she completes her degree in four years. But, we hadn't anticipated that our hard-earned dollars might go to pay for a course of study that has questionable financial prospects.
We are torn about whether to pay for her to study anything that she wants, or to withhold or limit our financial support if she insists on majoring in something we feel is frivolous.
If we "hold our nose" and write the checks, we risk wasting a lot of money on a degree that may not help our daughter launch a solid career. On the other hand, if she studies something she truly loves, she may ultimately become a success in her chosen field.
We are considering holding back some of the funds in her 529 plan, possibly rolling it over to one of her younger siblings. This is leading to conflict between us that I wish we could avoid at what should be an exciting time in her life.
What Should Karen Do?
It is certainly reasonable to guide a young adult toward a practical career when you are paying the bulk of the bill. New college graduates face a challenging employment landscape and should do whatever they can to increase their chances of finding productive work once they complete their degrees.
Parents do not "owe" their offspring a free college education, but those who have saved for college often understandably want to help their kids avoid as much debt as possible, and savings in 529 plans must be used for educational expenses to avoid tax penalties.
Karen's first option, paying the bills regardless of her child's concentration in college, preserves the right to say, "I told you so," but should only be embraced if she believes that there is a way to turn just about any subject into a viable career.
If she's scrimped and saved for years and honestly feels that her daughter is dumping money down the drain, there is no reason to passively accept that fate. Karen could explain her concerns about the choice of major and insist that her daughter augment her education with coursework that Karen feels is appropriate. She might offer to pay for tuition, books, fees and living expenses in proportion to the practical courses studied each semester. The student would be expected to work and/or borrow to cover the proportion of expenses related to studies disapproved by Karen.
Ideally, Karen and her daughter will come to an agreement on a major that Karen doesn't mind financing. Whether that involves her daughter convincing her mother of the value of a film studies major, or both parties agreeing on some other course of study, doesn't matter.
How to Think About Choosing a Major
Karen should outline a list of steps her daughter can take to convince her that a film studies major is reasonable, and explain that she will pay only as much as her conscience allows if she remains unconvinced. Potential requirements for her daughter could be:
- Review the Occupational Handbook at the Bureau of Labor Statistics and document the mean annual wage for people in her desired field, as well as the employment outlook for her intended profession.
- Ask her college to put her in touch with recent graduates in the same major and contact former students to find out about their post-college experience. Have they found work? Are they pleased with the pay and work environment? How optimistic are they about their career prospects? Is further education likely to be required?
- Contact the college's placement center or work with professors to identify relevant internship opportunities (even if unpaid) that may be available to students and approach companies or organizations to learn details of those internships.
- Participate in volunteer work that allows her to learn more about working in the film industry and build skills at the same time.
Karen should commit to keeping an open mind about the value of her daughter's proposed degree and insist that her daughter also keep an open mind. If it turns out there are more opportunities than she imagined available to film studies majors, Karen can pay as much as she can comfortably afford to support that degree pursuit. But, if her daughter discovers that the post-college road is bleak for those who majored in film studies, or similar subject, it would be wise to select a major with brighter prospects. It's always possible to take a few film studies courses for fun while concentrating elsewhere.
What would you do? Would you let your child choose any major?