text:
An Interview with the Amoeba
My friend Carolyn has a job interview coming up, but she's already got reservations. "The thing about this interview," she told me, "is that the woman I'm supposed to meet is very into letting me know how important she is and how insignificant I am."
"How did she send that message?" I asked Carolyn. "In every email message and phone call," she said, "the recruiter told me how many people are waiting to talk to her and how little time she has. She told me about the high standards she has and how much her clients rely on her. It seemed to me that it was more important for her to make sure I was aware of her fabulousness than to find out anything about me."
"Oh, she's an amoeba!" I laughed. "You know how that works, right, Carolyn?"
"Remind me," she said. Here's the story on amoebas in the business world — pay attention, because you're bound to run into one of them before long (if you haven't already).
Amoebas (amoebae?) are simple creatures who live in Petri dishes (maybe other places, too – I'm not a biologist, I'm an HR opera singer). They aren't very complicated. They can only recognize two things: predators, and prey. An amoeba's goal in every interaction is to determine whether the person in front of him or her (on the phone, via email or in person) is predator or prey to the amoeba. Carolyn's amoeba recruiter treated Carolyn like dirt in their interactions because she caught more than a whiff of predator-scent off Carolyn, and she didn't like it. Her Grovel, Knave style was just her way of saying to Carolyn in amoeba language, "If you won't be prey in this Petri dish, we are done."
There is fear all over and throughout the business ecosystem, and the worst part of the deal is that we don't talk about it. We talk about budgets and forecasts and skills and milestones when we should be talking about energy and trust and fear.
Hostility is one way of communicating fear. Something in Carolyn alerted the recruiter amoeba that Carolyn might be scary, and might upset the delicate balance in the Petri dish. Carolyn is a sweet and unassuming person, but she isn't anybody's doormat, either. Carolyn had scared an easily-frightened amoeba, and the amoeba's reaction was to raise herself to her full height (2 microns, or whatever) to say to Carolyn through her actions and gratuitous self-praise, "I'M THE TOP AMOEBA AROUND HERE."
"How do you interview with a person like that?" Carolyn asked me. "I'm not going to walk on eggshells for an hour with her, but I also don't want to terrify the poor scared amoeba any more than she's freaked out already." "I'd be kind and human with her, but if she wants you to grovel, just smile and think kind thoughts and don't do it," I said. Here's how that might go:
AMOEBA: So, why should we hire you for this job? We have so many qualified candidates.
CAROLYN: You do? That is wonderful. It must be fun to talk to a bunch of different people and get their perspectives on the assignment. Gosh, I can't say that you should hire me — I mean, I haven't met the other applicants of course — but I can tell you the parts of the job that resonate most with me, if you'd like me to….
AMOEBA: No, that's okay, I have another question: What is your greatest weakness?
CAROLYN: Oh, great question! I haven't really thought about weaknesses in a while — although I used to obsess about what I thought were my weaknesses, when I was younger. I took classes all the time and read books to try and make up for what I figured were my deficits. It's funny how you mature over time, and finally realize that people don't really have weaknesses in the sense that they need to change themselves; rather, I try to listen carefully these days to hear what the universe wants me to do and wants me to avoid! In my case, I shouldn't do Excel spreadsheets. I should do online marketing and the other things we've been talking about. What about you?
AMOEBA: What about me, what?
CAROLYN: What do you feel the universe wants you to be doing?
AMOEBA: I — that is — I'll be the one asking questions. So, can you tell me about a time when you learned from a mistake?
CAROLYN: For sure! I stayed in traditional marketing longer than I probably should have. I had to catch up with social marketing under pressure at my last job, but I certainly learned how to learn new things on the fly, and fake what I didn't know.
AMOEBA: Fake? What do you mean?
CAROLYN: Just that I improvised and ad-libbed all the time in my last job, and of course in every job — relying on my gut and the smart people around me and putting one foot in front of the other.
AMOEBA: Well, we have very many qualified people, as I said. I'm not sure when we can let you know. I have a lot of other responsibilities.
CAROLYN: That is fine. It's been wonderful to meet you. You've been very kind.
AMOEBA: You can let yourself out the side door, down that hall.
Carolyn asked me, "Is it even worth going to this interview, if the woman has so much fear before she's even met me that she has to try to intimidate me?" "I think it is worth going, if you can prepare yourself for the amoeba treatment," I said, "because of the learning you'll get."
"That is interesting," said Carolyn. "You didn't say 'It's worth going, because you still might get the job.'" "In all honesty, Carolyn, it is hard to calm an amoeba. She has already gotten a read from you that says you're threatening to her, either because you're smart or self-confident or comfortable in your skin. She has trouble being around that kind of energy. So I don't know that I'd go into the interview thinking 'Maybe I can win her over.' Go for the learning, or skip it."
"I have never gone to a job interview without wanting the job," said Carolyn, "but I'm going to do it this time."
"That's what I recommend for every job interview," I said. "It's not that you don't want the job, but that you're not attached to the outcome of the interview. If you can stay in yourself, enjoy the conversation and get the learning, your job search will be way easier and way more fun."
"It's more fun already, just thinking about it this way," she said.
Amoebas are anything but rare in the job-search environment, so it's good to be able to spot them and know their ways before you meet one. That way, you'll be ready for the amoeba treatment, and even the rudest (most fear-based, I should have said) behavior won't get you down. Amoebas love to suck away a job-seeker's mojo, but they can't do that without your consent and participation. Know 'em when you see 'em, and they won't have any power over you.
When it comes to job-hunting, remember that if people don't get you, they don't deserve you. Learn from the amoebas that cross your path, but save your energy and spark for the switched-on recruiters and managers who love your flame as much as you do. My Buddhist friends say life is long, but it's still too short to spend among Petri dish organisms, if you ask me. Don't you agree?


text:
Friendly and experienced settlement professionals can help you feel at home in Canada.
Fact Sheet
Canada choose skilled immigrants as permanent residents based on their ability to settle in Canada and take part in our economy. There is a new system to manage how people with skilled work experience apply to immigrate to Canada. It is called Express Entry
Find out how you can immigrate to Canada, how to protect yourself from fraud and what to expect after you arrive in Canada.
Check the status of your application, find a form, find an office, pay your fees, find out if you need a medical exam or police check, or apply online to study, work or visit Canada
Apply to become a Canadian citizen, prepare for the citizenship test, and find out how you can resume or give up your Canadian citizenship
Apply to visit,study,work or immigrate to Canada, apply for citizenship, a permanent resident card or refugee protection, Check the status of your application or find a form.
The AINP is designed to support Alberta's economic growth by attracting work-ready immigrants to the province.The AINP is an immigration program operated by the Government of Alberta in conjunction with the Government of Canada's department of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC
This video will help you get ready for your new life in Canada. It will explain some of the things you should do during your first two weeks in Canada to help make the transition easier.Topics include arriving at the airport, finding support at an immigrant-serving organization, getting government documents, opening a Canadian bank account and much more.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
1600 rue Bouvier, Québec, QC, Canada, G2K 1N8
Phone: (418) 622-4244 Fax: (418) 622-4067
Supports Green Practices
"Supports Green Initiatives" designates a hotel's participation in an optional environmental program that includes the use of energy-efficient lighting, guestroom towel/linen re-use, and on-premise recycling. "Supports Green Initiatives" does not represent an official certification of any kind.
Join free while you book
There is no catch. Join for free, and get access to exclusive perks!
Access to exclusive promotions and low, member-only pricing
10 points per dollar that add up fast... for free nights, gift cards or your dream getaway
Instant extra rewards for your weekday travel
Exclusive flexible rate for Choice Privileges members when you book direct at ChoiceHotels.ca or through the Choice Hotels Mobile App. Valid at most International and U.S. Choice Hotels locations. Must be or become a Choice Privileges member prior to making the booking. Discount rate is non-transferable or redeemable for cash, cannot be used for future stays or existing reservations and may not be combined with other promotions, offers or discounts. Unless otherwise stated, quoted rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and do not include taxes, gratuities or incidental charges. Early departure fees, deposit and cancellation restrictions may apply and will vary by hotel. Not valid at vacation rental properties.
This Quality Suites® hotel is adjacent to Galeries de la Capitale and Mega Parc, and close to many attractions including the Université Laval and Pepsi Coliseum (Colisée Pepsi). Jean Lesage International Airport is just 14 kilometres away.
The old quarter of Québec City is the only fortified city in North America. Inside the city walls, Musée de l'Amérique Française documents the history of French culture in North America. Mont-Sainte-Anne Ski Resort is just a short drive away and outdoor activities are popular in all seasons. Visitors enjoy "modern Québec cuisine" at many local restaurants.
All beautifully appointed suites at this pet-friendly hotel come equipped with coffee makers, work desks, irons, ironing boards, hair dryers and cable television. Queen suites feature sofa sleepers and some suites feature microwaves and refrigerators. Handicap accessible and non-smoking rooms are offered.
Business travellers at this Québec hotel enjoy free wireless high-speed Internet access and two meeting rooms, each accommodating up to 20.
High-value hotel amenities include:
Check-In Time: 15:00 Check-Out Time: 12:00 Guest Rooms: 118


text:
"Our economy, national security, and quality of life depend on engineers, so it is disturbing to see how few Americans, particularly young people, understand the importance and excitement of engineering."
– Chuck Vest, President Emeritus, NAE
"Adoption of the messaging from Changing the Conversation has had a dramatic impact on our engineering college's ability to attract more diverse students, particularly women and minorities."
– Jackie Sullivan, Associate Dean, College of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Colorado
"This new blueprint puts ideas into action. Just as engineering helps shape the future, this new platform will help engage young people and inspire them to pursue a career that can change the world."
– Ellen Kullman, Chair of the Board and CEO, DuPont
National Academy of Engineering 500 Fifth Street, NW | Washington, DC 20001 | T. 202.334.3200 | F. 202.334.2290


text:
American Physical Society Sites|APS|Journals|PhysicsCentral|Physics Magazine
- American Physical Society Sites
- Publications
- Meetings & Events
- Programs
- Membership
- Policy & Advocacy
- Careers In Physics
- Newsroom
- About APS
- Become a Member
The Mexican Physical Society (Sociedad Mexicana de Física in Spanish) was formally founded in 1951 with 21 members that included distinguished physicists like Manuel Sandoval-Vallarta and Carlos Graef-Fernández. At present it counts with approximately 1,400 members, of whom 600 are full members and 800 are students. Students pay dues that are one half those of the full members.
The Mexican Physical Society is a non-profit organization whose main goals are to promote research and teaching in physics, to foster the interest for science in general and in physics in particular among people in Mexico, and to establish close links with similar organizations within Mexico and abroad. It has 13 topical divisions: Atomic and Molecular Physics, Fluids, Plasmas, Gravitation and Mathematical Physics, Nanosciences, Medical Physics, Optics, Cosmic Rays, Quantum Information, Nuclear Physics, Particles and Fields, Statistical Physics, and Radiation Physics. It also counts with three regional divisions located in the states of Puebla, San Luis Potosí, and Tabasco. A Directive Board is in charge of the administration of the Society and each Division has its own President.
The Society has a large diversity of activities that include its main event, the National Physics Congress that in 2008 was attended by 1700 participants that presented more than 1200 works. We also organize the divisional meetings, a variety of schools and workshops, the National meeting of specialists in science popularization, and the National meeting of high-school physics teachers. Additionally, we take care of the National contest of experiments designed by high-school students. A task force of women in physics has been recently created. The Society has the responsibility of organizing the participation of México in the Physics Olympiads at all levels: regional, national, ibero american, and international. We recently hosted in 2008 the Ibero American Physics Olympiad in Morelia, Michoacán, with the participation of 18 countries and will host the International Physics Olympiad in Mérida, Yucatán during July of 2009. We are undertaking a large effort to include the largest number possible of High School students in the early stages of the Olympiads.
We have three main publications. The Revista Mexicana de Física has three separate sections: Research, Education and Supplements. The research section appears on a bi-monthly basis and has an international editorial board. We are looking forward to having soon all papers of this journal on line at the Page of the Society. The Education section contains mostly articles with a teaching content. The Supplements serve to publish conference proceedings in Latin America. We also publish the Bulletin, a quarterly journal, with informal news and popularization and history articles. Finally, the Ibero American Physics Catalog offers extensive information on places in Latin America, Spain and Portugal that offer college or graduate degrees in physics, research institutions in physics and of people working in research or education in physics. A CD version with an interactive searcher is available for each member of SMF.
The Society offers two major Prizes. The Prize for the Development of Physics in Mexico recognizes the lifetime achievements of an individual or group in the development of institutions, laboratories or groups of physics in Mexico. The Prize for Scientific Research rewards basic or applied physics research of excellence and is given to an individual.
Finally, we participate, with the US and Canada, in the CAM (Canada, America, México) Graduate Students Physics Conferences. In 2009 we will host the fourth of this series of conferences in Acapulco, Guerrero, from October 22nd to 24th. We are supporting the event with 50 scholarships (room shared with another student and breakfast) for graduate students from the USA and Canada.
Our permanent offices are located in the School of Sciences of the National University of Mexico in Mexico City, thanks to the support of the School. Our Page is www.smf.mx, and we invite you to consult it. Questions can also be sent to email@example.com.
Luis F. Rodríguez
President of the Mexican Physical Society (2009-2011).
Views and opinions expressed in articles are those of the authors and are not necessarily shared by the editor or the APS/FIP. We reserve the right to withhold names of authors in order to reduce the risk of additional personal hardship, for instance for speaking out on human rights issues.


text:
Learn by Term
KCTCS colleges offer you the opportunity to earn a degree online or to take classes that lead to a degree at KCTCS or will transfer to another college. View our Online programs for a complete listing of KCTCS courses and credentials that can be completed online.
KCTCS Online: Learn by Term is an alternative for many students who cannot attend classes on campus due to scheduling conflicts, childcare, work or other commitments, but it is not for everyone.
First, Learn by Term courses require a computer with Internet access and an e-mail account. In addition, online learning requires a certain amount of computer savvy. Learners should know basic word processing, how to send and receive e-mail, and how to make attachments. Learn by Term classes require communication with faculty and other students via e-mail or discussion groups, taking online tests or proctored tests, and submitting various assignments via attachments.
There are many Student Services available to help you succeed. Take advantage of them through your KCTCS Home College! To maximize your Learn by Term knowledge, go to our student tutorial.
Please remember, too, that a friendly, knowledgeable Help Desk is available to answer your questions about your online class. Contact the KCTCS Online Technical Help Desk at any time 24/7.
Nothing is more important than your success!
Providing our students convenient options is important to the Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS). So, KCTCS Colleges partner together to offer many online programs and classes. With our virtual library, online bookstore, and 24-hour assistance, you can even complete entire programs in the comfort of your own home or office.
Take a peek at our current Learn by Term course calendar, or browse our online degrees and certificates. If you like what you see, begin by applying at a KCTCS college near you.
Once admitted to a KCTCS College, you may register for KCTCS Online Learn by Term courses at any one of our KCTCS Colleges. If you need any help along the way, one of our Learn by Term advisors will be glad to lend a hand. KCTCS colleges also post courses and programs at the Kentucky Virtual Campus and our Student Services counselors will be happy to help.
Use your KCTCS user ID and password to log into your Blackboard classes. All KCTCS communication concerning Learn by Term course user IDs and passwords will occur through the KCTCS e-mail account. To facilitate communication among the Kentucky Community and Technical College System, its colleges and students, each student, both online and on campus, will receive a KCTCS e-mail address. Information about student accounts.


text:
This winter, we are reminding people of the good that can be achieved with £15.Learn More
Yemen is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe. We are on the ground. Please donate today.Learn More
Human Relief Foundation's relief team are distributing much-needed aid to the Rohingya refugees who have fled for their lives.Learn More
Help us support suffering Palestinian families. Donate today.Learn More
The United Nations has called the Syria conflict the biggest humanitarian crisis in modern history. Syrians need your help today.Learn More
Human Relief Foundation is concerned for the safety of those caught in between the conflict in Iraq, and is aiding those who have fled with a team on ground. Save lives today.Learn More
Human Relief Foundation has strategically placed offices around the globe, so we can respond quickly to natural disaster.Learn More
Human Relief Foundation are installing pumps and wells in communities without access to water that is safe to drink.Learn More
HRF works to improve health infrastructures by rehabilitating and sponsoring hospitals, clinics, health care centers, and mobile clinics and through the provision of capacity building.Learn More
Education Programmes at HRF allows your donations to make an impact in the heart of education - the classroom.Learn More
You can sponsor an orphan from just £35 a month. This will cover the child's basic needs. This includes food and school kit.Learn More
We assist widows in whichever country or area the need arises. We do not want them to suffer any more than they already have. You can support a widow and her family with HRF.Learn More
We'd be more than happy to hear from you. We'll listen to your ideas, however large or small, because we know that even small actions can bring huge benefits to suffering people around the world.Learn More
See first-hand the work we do by undertaking relief work abroad and join us in saving lives.Learn More
Find your nearest charity shop below.Learn More
Fundraising is free and will only take a few minutesLearn More
HRF Events support our appeals and aid programmes. There are many ways for you to get involved and through our events, help thousands of people who are suffering across the worldLearn More
Make a difference by joining and following Human Relief Foundation on social media.Learn More
Find out what's happening at HRF and read the latest blog posts here.Learn More
Become a subscriber to our email newsletters for the latest news and updates.


text:
National Song School Tickets
Millions of Customers Served
100% Guaranteed
Low Fees & Transparent Prices
Upcoming Concerts
Concerts near
All Concerts
Upcoming Concerts From Similar Artists
The fans have spoken
Ladislao M.
"Great prices and fast delivery on my tickets."
Carlota C.
"Cheaper than other sites! Easy to use."
Benjamin M.
"Great seats at a great price. Purchasing and receiving the Etickets was easy and fast."


text:
You know, comments are simultaneously the best and the worst thing about blogging. The immediate feedback is gratifying, often educational, and (at least around here) usually fun. I love getting to "know" the regular readers of the blog who participate (though I don't forget about you lurkers, either), and I've even developed a few real-life friendships out of comments and the Fatosphere community. Hell, when Sweet Machine and Fillyjonk started writing here, I'd never met either of them in person — I just assumed from their comments here, at Fatshionista, and at other blogs that I'd like them if I did, and I'd be proud to have them contributing to a blog with my name up top. Both hunches turned out to be very true.
But there's a reason for the bitchy comments policy I wrote before they ever got here: Unmoderated or even lightly moderated comments can turn sour very fucking quickly. I'm thrilled and honored to be a regular Broadsheet blogger now, but as I've said before, most days, I don't even let myself look at the comments there — on my posts or anyone else's — because they'll blow my Sanity Watchers points for the month. And it's the same at most online versions of major newspapers and many blogs that don't make comment moderation a top priority — I don't even bother looking at the comments, because I know they'll be full of argumentative assholes spoiling for a fight, better known as trolls. When those comments aren't dispatched swiftly, they take over a thread like weeds.
And that sucks, because there are always some good comments in among the bullshit, but when a thread is overgrown with jerks, it's not even worth trying to find those comments. Skimming through the troll comments to get to the good ones raises my blood pressure and makes me sputtery, so I just don't do it. And that's the number one reason why anyone who pisses me off here gets shown the door right quick (see rules 5 and 7). If my blood pressure goes up, my doctor's just going to think I'm eating too much bacon, and I don't want to deal with that aggro.
The problem with this policy, insofar as there is one (and I don't actually think there is), is twofold. 1) The definition of "troll" is open to interpretation. 2) People who get on my tits aren't always trolls, per se, and I don't necessarily care about the distinction anyway. If somebody's comments are consistently giving me a stabbing pain behind the right eye, I feel no obligation to be patient with that person, regardless of whether he or she falls under the rubric of "troll" in most people's estimation.
And that's the thing I think I made abundantly clear in the comments policy, but which some people still seem to get hung up on occasionally: It's my right eye — and Fillyjonk's and Sweet Machine's respective right eyes — that makes the determination as to whether certain commenters are causing more trouble than they're worth. We don't take a vote, we don't check comments against a list of specific unsavory behaviors and score them on a scale from 1 to 10 — we just ask ourselves, "Is this commenter giving me a fucking headache?" And if the answer is yes, then we generally follow a three-step process. 1) Point out that the person is violating the standards of discourse around here in some way, and warn them that it needs to stop. 2) Get snarky. 3) Banninate. Sometimes, we skip straight to 2 or 3, depending on the size of our headaches, but usually, if you look back, you'll see we did carry out point 1 somewhere in there. And in light of the clearly posted comments policy, bothering with step 1 is being generous.
What this means is, if you think we're being unnecessarily bitchy, this is probably not the blog for you. And that means exactly what it says — it's not a criticism, just a fact. We're not trying to be exclusive for the sake of it, we're just saying, the bloggers here all have strong personalities, zero patience for bullying and/or thread derailing, and high standards for communication. We're actually pretty forgiving people in real life, but if we gave the benefit of the doubt to everyone here who gives us that stabby pain, A) we'd go crazy, and B) the comments threads here would be miserable reading for the vast majority of Shapelings. Everyone loves a little blog dramaz, but nobody loves a thread where one or two people keep yelling, "BUT YOU'RE WRONG AND I'M RIGHT I'M RIGHT I'M RIGHT WHY WON'T YOU JUST ADMIT I'M RIGHT?" (Hence rule 6, among others.) So we don't put up with it. Period.
Realistically, this means that we have probably, on occasion, banned or berated a perfectly decent person who might have eventually blossomed into the kind of commenter we can't wait to hear from. And you know what? We're okay with that. We're not proud of it, and we certainly don't set out to exclude bright, interesting people from the conversation here. But if it happens every now and again, oh well — because overall, our being hardasses helps keep this blog readable and only rarely crazymaking.
Most of our moderation work goes on behind the scenes — every first-time comment has to be approved, which is why you almost never see a drive-by fat-hater here anymore — but when an approved commenter starts driving us batshit, it's out there for everyone to see. And we're okay with that, too. We think about our responses, and we own them. But they're not up for negotiation. We only get bitchy after we've perceived a consistent pattern of disrespect for the comments policy and/or the spirit of the blog. If you don't perceive the same pattern, then one of two things is happening: you haven't read all the same comments we have, or you have different standards than we do. Either way, it's our call, and arguing with us about those calls is far more likely to get you on the shit list than change our minds.
Is this attitude of ours despotic? Draconian? Bitcherrific? Sure. It's also what makes the comments here pleasant, entertaining, informative reading 99 days out of 100. For all the times I've been accused of hating free speech, banning "anyone who disagrees with me," constructing an echo chamber, denying fat people the opportunity to read important information about their health risks (SRSLY), et fucking cetera, the discussions around here still somehow manage to be lively and loaded with polite disagreement, constructive criticism, and differing perspectives. We wouldn't have it any other way. But we also wouldn't have it like Broadsheet or the New York Times or some of the big-name liberal blogs — where the commentariat routinely confuses "self-expression" with "being a fucking asshole."
And as I've said before, if our readership were dropping, our comments threads were getting shorter, or any of the many Shapelings we've come to trust let us know they think our iron fists have gotten a little too big for their velvet gloves, we'd take a long, hard look at the way we run things around here. As it is, though, the numbers keep going up — and for my money, our unrepentant bitchery is one of the reasons for that. Like I said, I love comments — writing them, reading them, responding to them — but when blog owners lose control of their comment sections, it can turn me off on a whole damn blog, even if I'm crazy about the posters there. If the discussion sucks, I go where it doesn't, and I can't believe I'm alone in that. Every time a public banning happens here, I get grief about how I'm alienating people who might want to learn — emphasis on the might — as if the entire fat rights movement will dissolve tomorrow if I don't award every jerk who drops by his or her own special soapbox. But alienating the people who cause trouble makes this space safer and more welcoming for those who don't. It makes it the kind of blog I love to read — and until somebody starts paying me a shit ton to do this, the fact that I love reading this blog as much as writing a third of it is the only thing making it worthwhile.
So that, my dears, is why I'm a snarky bitch with an itchy banning finger, and why I encourage Fillyjonk and Sweet Machine to be the same (not that they need my help, frankly). It's because I love this blog, I want to keep loving it, and I want people who are turned off by thread-derailing bullies to keep finding their way here and falling in love with it, too. So far, it's working.


text:
...well, a self-published e-author anyway!
Those of you who have been around a few (like... 6 or more) years may remember that I spent a LOT of time in the collaborative storytelling section of the forum better known as the Gaming Forum, and anyone who's visited my signature link knows that I've told a few visual, comic-styled LEGO stories. So it should come as know surprise that I like writing, or that I specifically like fantasy writing.
Yesterday this longterm trend bore some major fruit, when I self-published a book on Amazon. Perhaps, you might say, this thread should have gone into the Publishing Forum (and it might yet), but books are like children to authors--and so far I have no children. Battlelord of Thalmandar is arguably the fruit of 19+ years of being a Castle LEGO fan. The very first thing I ever wrote (outside of school) was a LEGO story and the very first medieval/fantasy story I ever wrote was a LEGO Castle story--and my writing got a lot of practice right here on Classic-Castle in the gaming forums.
So, since I know people around here might have at least a passing interest in fantasy, you're all invited to check it out. Obviously, *I*'ll be happy if anyone decides they want to buy it, but the main goal at the moment is to celebrate.


text:
free download file "Fresh Newsletter"
Fresh Newsletter for free download
Free download Fresh Newsletter !
download Fresh Newsletter, free dl Fresh Newsletter, téléchargement gratuit Fresh Newsletter, shared Fresh Newsletter, Free download Fresh Newsletter, nulled Fresh Newsletter, cracked Fresh Newsletter, download Fresh Newsletter on zippyshare, download Fresh Newsletter on rapidshare, download Fresh Newsletter on uploadicious, download Fresh Newsletter on 1fichier, download Fresh Newsletter on 4shared, download Fresh Newsletter on bigfile, download Fresh Newsletter datafile, download Fresh Newsletter on depositfiles, download Fresh Newsletter on mediafire, download Fresh Newsletter on mega, download Fresh Newsletter on rapidgator, download Fresh Newsletter rockfil, download Fresh Newsletter on sendspace, download Fresh Newsletter on turbobit, download Fresh Newsletter on uplea, download Fresh Newsletter on uploaded, download Fresh Newsletter on uptobox
Features & Content
- 12 Themes each of them contains 10 Ready to use HTML newsletter pages.
- 1 layered Photoshop File contains all themes graphic elements in case you want to change or create new color.
- Very easy to customize it through user friendly documentation.
- Valid HTML 4.01 Transitional.
- Ability to copy/paste rows from layout to another.
- Ability to delete/duplicate any row.
- Check out screenshots for layouts features.
Colors[Blue – White Background], [Blue – Dark Background], [Green – Light Gray Background], [Green – White Background], [Green – Dark Background], [Orange – Light Gray Background], [Orange – White Background], [Orange – Dark Background], [Olive Light], [Olive Dark], [Gray].
CompatibilityCompatible with all major email clients and sites, Tested in Microsoft Outlook (2000, 2002, 2003, 2007, 2010 Beta), Apple Mail (3, 4), Lotus Notes8, Thunderbird (2, 3), Windows Mail, Windows Live Mail, Yahoo Mail, Hotmail, Gmail, Postbox, Entourage 2008 and AOL Mail.
Compatible with all browsers, HTML pages rendered perfectly In Internet Explorer ( 5.5, 6, 7, 8 ), Firefox, Google Chrome, Opera and Safari.
CreditsI used many free icons in this newsletter, this free icons are created by dellustrations.com, Andy Gongea, IconShock, Emre Ozcelik, Benjamin Reid, and icojoy.
Picture of Magnolia flower by richard_b.
Update Log
- December 13th 2012, v1.3 :
Updated the documentation with the latest instructions for using the newsletter in Mailchimp.
General improvement for the help documentation.
- February 4th 2012, v1.2 :
Improved the code for users who are sending the newsletter from Outlook 2007 – 2010 to eliminate any border gaps.
Updated the documentation with the latest instructions for using the newsletter in Mailchimp.
- May 13th 2010, v1.1 :
Added support for Outlook 2007 and Outlook 2010 (beta) running in higher than default (96) DPI.


text:
Stars of the classic television sitcom "Happy Days," including Henry Winkler and Ron Howard, mourned the death of Erin Moran, the former child star who played Joanie Cunningham in the series and in the spinoff "Joanie Loves Chachi."
Moran died Saturday at age 56. The cause of her death was not immediately determined, but an autopsy is pending, The Associated Press reported.
Winkler and Howard shared their grief on Twitter Saturday.
"OH Erin... now you will finally have the peace you wanted so badly here on earth ...Rest In It serenely now.. too soon," Winkler wrote.
"Such sad sad news. RIP Erin. I'll always choose to remember you on our show making scenes better, getting laughs and lighting up tv screens," Howard added.
Actress Marion Ross, who played Moran's mother on the sitcom, remembered her as the "quickest, fastest little kid," she told the "Today" show Sunday.
"This breaks my heart," Ross told "Today."
U.S. & World
Stories that affect your life across the U.S. and around the world.


text:
If Your Execs Are Staying at The Waldorf, There's a Problem
Wednesday, November 6th 2013
This post by Mike Abbott first appeared in WSJ Accelerators, 11/6/13
Oddly enough, one of the worst things that can happen to a young startup is to raise more cash than the business actually requires. It leads to sloppy management practices that can have lasting ill-effects on the corporate culture.
One basic problem is that, after raising a big round, management teams often feel pressured to spend. Some of the pressure comes internally, as employees used to working on shoestring budgets press for looser spending. Other times, the pressure is self-generated by managers eager to prove to investors that the cash will drive up growth rates.
Having too much cash can lead to lack of discipline. At some startups, the extra spending takes the form of aggressive marketing programs offering questionable returns. Others exhibit an edifice complex, and move into needlessly fancy new offices.
Sometimes, a big cash influx triggers a hiring spree, and standards get lax. Sales people are hired before there are products to sell. Tasks that could easily be outsourced are instead handled in house. Employees begin to get a sense of entitlement. Parties get fancier, perks get nicer. People start flying business class instead of coach, execs start chartering private jets.
Want to figure out if the company is blowing their cash? Find out where employees stay when they travel to New York. If they're camping out at the Waldorf, there's a problem.
Over the course of my career, I've experienced both life in a richly funded startup – and one skating along with a tiny stash. One thing I've learned is that simply raising a lot of money is no promise of success.
During the Internet bubble years, I spent some time as chief technology officer at a company called Electron Economy, which was basically a cloud-based order and warehouse management system. (The term of art at the time was "application service provider.") The company raised $86 million over two rounds. We burned about half the cash, figured out we weren't growing fast enough, laid people off and eventually sold the business for about half of what we'd raised. This was a brutal experience.
In contrast, consider Composite Software, a data virtualization company I founded in the darkest days after the crash, in late 2001. Composite managed to raise a small round in the summer of 2002, after I personally funded it for about nine months. At Composite, we bought used cubicles and assembled them ourselves one Friday night. We bought cheap Linux boxes, and were overly frugal on adding new staff. Eventually, the company was acquired by Cisco.
I worry that there's a new generation of entrepreneurs who didn't see the excesses of the bubble era first hand. The good news is that more of the companies raising money today are real businesses than was the case in the bubble period. But in some quarters, there are worrisome signs of excess.
My advice to management teams: think of every venture round as the last capital you'll ever raise. Spend it wisely. Hire enough people to grow the business. Invest in R&D. Sign up smart sales people and marketers. But think of that capital as other people's money. The road to success is long and fraught with peril. Spend your cash with care, and you'll improve the odds on turning your startup into a sustainable business.


text:
Minnesota ranked 6th in the nation for health status in 2010.
Health is a result of our behaviors, our individual genetic predisposition to disease, the environment and the community in which we live, the clinical care we receive and the policies and practices of our health care and prevention systems. Each of us, individually, as a community, and as a society, strives to optimize these health determinants, so that all of us can have a long, disease-free and robust life regardless of race, gender or socio-economic status.
The following factors represent the primary or core measurements used to compute the national rankings:
- High School Graduates
- Prevalence of Obesity (% of population)
- Prevalence of Smoking & Drinking (% of population)
Community & Environment
- Occupational Fatalities (deaths per 100,000 workers)
- Infectious Diseases (cases per 100,000 of population)
- Air Pollution
- Children in Poverty (% of persons under age 18)
- Violent Crimes
Public & Health Policies
- Lack of Health Insurance (% uninsured of total population)
- Public Health Funding (dollars spent per person)
- Immunization Coverage (% of children ages 19 to 35 months)
Clinical Care
- Preventable Hospitalizations (number per 1,000 Medicare enrollees)
- Primary Care Physicians (number per 100,000 of population)
- Early Prenatal Care (% of pregnant women)
- Premature Death (years lost per 100,000 of population)
- Infant Mortality Rate (deaths per 1,000 live births)
- Cancer Deaths (deaths per 100,000 of population)
- Cardiovascular Deaths (deaths per 100,000 of population)
For over 20 years, America's Health Rankings® has been tracking the state of our nation's health. For comprehensive information, analysis and statistics on our nation's health issues, visit America's Health Rankings.
To learn more about the behavioral health, disease prevention and control, health promotion, community and environmental health, emergency services and health care providers in Minnesota, visit the Minnesota Department of Health.


text:
Thank you and that's why we always come back for your service.
Founded in 1984, TonerLand offers our customers the knowledge and experience required to meet all of your computer printing requirements. Our line of imaging supplies is among the broadest available. Ranging from HP to Lexmark, Dell to Epson and Canon to Brother, we provide both OEM brand and compatible cartridges for over 10,000 printer makes and models. TonerLand also offers printers and a variety of other office supplies as well.
Based in Gardena, California, TonerLand offers next day delivery to all of California, Arizona, and Nevada. We also ship to any point with the United States from warehouses strategically placed around the country.
All of the products that TonerLand offers are produced in manufacturing facilities that are ISO 9001 and ISO 14000 certified. The quality of our products is 100% guaranteed so that you can buy with confidence. And, if you ever have an issue with a TonerLand product, rest assured that we will back it up with our 100% quality guarantee.
We are very grateful for the continued patronage of over 20,000 customers and look forward to serving you as well. Our friendly and courteous staff will work diligently to earn your business.


text:
- Environmental Management Systems (EMS)
- EMS Basic Information
- EMS Training
- EMS Success Stories
- Waste Management Related Initiatives
Success Stories
Effective EMSs help organizations improve their environmental performance. EMSs can be a tool through which organizations reduce their environmental impact and contribute to environmental improvement nationally.
The following success stories demonstrate the potential of EMSs as a way to achieve both individual facility and national goals in the areas of municipal waste recycling, beneficial reuse, electronics recycling, and toxic chemical reduction.
- Jefferson County - Jefferson County, Alabama has an ISO 14001 certified EMS for the Fleet Management, General Services, Risk Management, Central Laundry and Environmental Protection Departments.
- Wisconsin Energy Corporation - Implementation of an EMS at the Wisconsin Energy Corporation's Pleasant Prairie Power Plant allowed it the flexibility to take an innovative approach to address their fuel needs, and reuse materials in the process.
- Acushent Rubber Company D/B/A Precix - Utilizing the structure and tools of an EMS enabled Precix to reduce their consumption of lead and completely eliminate the use of two suspected carcinogens from their production processes.
- Metech International, Inc. - Having an ISO 14001 certified EMS, validates Metech's practices and provides customers the assurance that their end-of-life electronics are being managed in an environmentally sound manner.
Note: EPA no longer updates this information, but it may be useful as a reference or resource.
Links to More Success Stories
Many RCRA-related facilities have successfully implemented EMSs and are reaping the benefits, including resource conservation and better regulatory compliance.
The following case studies detail how six facilities developed and implemented their EMSs to ensure continuous compliance and improved environmental performance.
- CSX Corporation - CSX transportation offers freight transportation covering over 23,000 route miles.
- Metaldyne
Sintered Components - Metaldyne is a leading global designer and
supplier of low cost, high quality metal-based components, assemblies
and modules for the automotive industry.
- Mott's Aspers Plant - Mott's Aspers Plant is a manufacturing facility that makes juice and apple sauce in addition to packaging other beverages.
- Regional Waste Systems - Regional Waste Systems of Portland, Maine is a nonprofit, municipal owned solid waste management corporation. RWS incinerates waste for energy and operates an extensive recycling program.


text:
(312) 569-9229 se habla español
email firstname.lastname@example.com
UPDATE: We continue to serve our customers Monday through Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (CDT)
• Inner dimensions 9.5" x 13.5"" size #4 exterior 9.5" x 14.5 Color is kraft yellow interior bubble lining gives cushioning to contents. • WIDELY USED - Popular for clothing, books, documents• QUICK EASY PACKING – The KRAFT bags flexible shape allows quick and easy packaging of irregular shaped soft objects. The peel-off strip makes for a quick seal, no licking or water needed to close bag.• SAVE ON SHIPPING COST - The KRAFT bags are a light alternative to cardboard packaging, saving you money on shipping costs• PROVIDES CONFIDENTIALITY - The opaque yellow outer surface ensures the privacy of contents with a professional appearance• TAMPER EVIDENT PACKAGING – These bags are sealed with pressure sensitive adhesive that provides a high strength and a durable closure. Once sealed correctly, the bag has to be ripped to be reopened making tampering visible.• FAST SHIPPING – ships from U.S.A. Compare shipping speed to competitors
(312) 569-9229


text:
American Physical Society Sites|APS|Journals|PhysicsCentral|Physics Magazine
- American Physical Society Sites
- Publications
- Meetings & Events
- Programs
- Membership
- Policy & Advocacy
- Careers In Physics
- Newsroom
- About APS
- Become a Member
Eugenie Mielczarek
In 1996 the American Physical Society, responding to a request from the National Research Council, was asked to examine the potential health hazards of power lines. One of the concerns was that electromagnetic background fields of 2 milligauss might cause cancer. Monitors of outdoor exposure for children to wear were marketed to parents. "Some city regulations sought to constrain B fields to less than 2 milligauss". The report, which was a comprehensive study of the alleged dangers, included both molecular and epidemiologic studies and found that no adverse health effects could be attributed to these low fields. One of the conclusions emphasized that biophysical calculations rule out carcinogenic effects because thermal noise fields are larger than the background fields from power lines [1, 2]. That political agenda, concerned with fear of carcinogenic mechanisms arising from low level magnetic fields, lost credibility. However, about 10 years later claims for health effects from mattress pads equipped with small magnets were marketed and a study of this was funded by National Institute for Complementary and Alternative medicine and claims for their benefits were published in alternative medicine journals. About the same time, small 300 gauss magnets, began to appear on the shelves of drug stores. In 2007 a lawsuit brought by the National Council Against Health Fraud against advertisers of these products was successfully settled. I was one of the persons who agreed to appear as an expert witness if needed. The Federal Trade Commission also threatened to prosecute purveyors who claimed healthful benefits for these products. Amazingly, in the last few years the health and medical and nursing communities in their integrated medicine outreach are now incorporating and marketing the unsubstantiated claims that healing fields of 2 milligauss are emitted from the hands of practitioners (3). This belief in distance healing, Therapeutic Touch, Reiki, and Qiqong cobble the language of physics with the language of physiology, misleading the patient. For example, in Therapeutic Touch the protocol requires that a therapist moves his or her hands over the patient's "energy field," allegedly "tuning" a purported "aura" of biomagnetic energy that extends above the patient's body. This is thought to somehow help heal the patient. Although this is less than one percent of the strength of Earth's magnetic field, corresponds to billions of times less energy than the energy your eye receives when viewing even the brightest star in the night sky, and is billionsof times smaller than that needed to affect biochemistry, the web sites of prominent clinics nevertheless market the claims [4.5]. This belief has been published in the peer reviewed medical literature [6]. Silence on this issue by physicists is a serious compromise of the scientific endeavors of physicists relating to medicine and biology.
1. David Hafemeister, "Resource Letter BELFEF-1: Biological effects of low-frequency electromagnetic fields," American Journal of Physics 64(8), 974-981 (1996).
2. Robert K. Adair, "Constraints on biological effects of weak extremely-low-frequency electromagnetic fields," Physical Review A43(2), 1039-1048 (1991).
3. A report detailing the current claims, authored by myself and Derek Araujo, was issued by the Center for Inquiry, on September 28, 2009.
4."Healing Touch is performed by registered nurses who recognize, manipulate and balance the electromagnetic fields surrounding the human body, thereby promoting healing and the well-being of body, mind and spirit." Scripps Institute website
5. Affiliated with Harvard Medical Center is Brigham and Women's Hospital Osher Center. Two upcoming course offerings feature Reiki: "During this class you will receive a reiki level one attunement. This attunement enables you to become a channel for this universal healing energy which will be with you for your lifetime. From this point on you will be a reiki practitioner. With level one reiki you will be able to do healing on yourself, friends, family and pets." See http://hms.harvard.edu/hms/home.asp; see also http://www.brighamandwomens.org/medicine/oshercenter/.
6. Jhaveri, A., Walsh, S.J., Wang, Y., McCarthy, M., and Gronowicz, G. "Therapeutic touch affects DNA synthesis and mineralization of human osteoblasts in culture." J. Orthop. Res. 26(11), 1541-1546 (2008).
Eugenie V. Mielczarek is Emeritus Professor of Physics at George Mason University and a former officer of the Division of Biological Physics.
This contribution has not been peer refereed. It represents solely the view(s) of the author(s) and not necessarily the views of APS.


text: Audio Line Out (ALO), based in Oregon, USA, are masters of audio art. Their cables and line-out docks are among the best-built in the industry. Ken, ALO's head, is always busy with some new project and this time, he is targeting the budding iPhone audiophile market with a top-secret new headphone amplifier – an amp whose spy-shots fell into my hands and whose final product will come to TMA for review! Following the break are a few details about the project.


text:
The City of Portland is pleased to announce that it will be contributing almost $33,000 to the Housing Trust Fund from short-term rental registration fees. The Housing Trust Fund is used to fund affordable housing projects throughout the city. This is the first year that the short-term rental registration ordinance is in effect. So far, the City has collected $117,981 and is projecting a total collection of roughly $125,000. After covering staff and enforcement expenses, the roughly $33,000 remainder will go to the Housing Trust Fund.
The City Council approved an ordinance on April 26, 2017 that requires short-term rental units to be registered with the City. The ordinance went into effect on January 1, 2018. So far the City has registered 295 owner-occupied properties, 13 tenant-occupied properties, 105 non-owner occupied properties and 80 properties on the islands.
Councilor Jill Duson, Chair of the Housing Committee, explained how pleased she was that not only is this ordinance ensuring a safe place for renters to stay, but it will help create more affordable housing opportunities across the city.
She said, "Our initial goal of addressing the operations of short-term rentals in Portland was to allow us to monitor and address quality of life issues while also ensuring renters were in safe places. But my colleagues and I understood that short-term rentals also have an impact on our housing market, and so I'm pleased that this ordinance goes further by providing a benefit to the creation of new affordable housing opportunities."
Duson added, "I'd also like to thank city staff for their role in implementing and overseeing the registration process. In July, a program evaluation and financial report will be on the Housing Committee's agenda."
If you operate a short-term rental and need to register or calculate short-term rental registration fees, visit: www.portlandmaine.gov/STR. There are penalties that may be assessed for operating an unregistered rental unit.


text:
A/C Auto Repair
Anaheim Hills
Elite Car Care in Orange County
26801 Vista Terrace Lake Forest, CA 92630
Open 6 days a week. M-F: 7:00AM-6:00PM & Sat: 8AM-5:00PM
$25 off first visit ~ 2 year 24,000 mile warranty
Auto Questions: 949-829-4252
A/C Auto Repair Anaheim Hills
949-829-4252 ~ A/C Auto Repair Anaheim Hills. For expert A/C auto repair in Anaheim Hills, call Elite Auto Repair at 949-829-4252. We employ the finest ASE Master Certified Technicians available. Our technicians offer quality service at a great price. We back up our reputation for quality service by offering 2 Year/24,000 Mile Warranties on most repairs. Elite Auto Repair is open six days a week and has a large facility that can accommodate all appointments and walk-ins. When you require expert A/C repair, come to Elite Auto Repair.
Our customers know that they make the right decision to come to Elite Auto Repair because we make the right repairs every time. Before our customers get their cars back, our ASE Master Certified Technicians double check that all repairs are fixed and the A/C is working properly. Our technicians continue their education on how to repair the latest technology by attending regular seminars and classes.
When you require auto A/C repair, don't bring your vehicle to just anyone. Elite Auto Repair has the experience and knowledge required to repair your A/C the correct time every time. Come see our state of the art facility stocked with the finest tools, parts, and fluids on the market. If you live or work in the Anaheim Hills area, call A/C Auto Repair by Elite Auto Repair at 949-829-4252.
Nissan A/C Service Anaheim Hills
949-829-4252 ~ Nissan AC Service Anaheim Hills by Elite Auto Repair is the best choice for Nissan A/C service in the Anaheim Hills area. We offer top quality A/C service at the lowest prices. We are certified to offer repairs and services for both domestic and foreign vehicles. If you require Volkswagen repairs or Infiniti repairs in the Anaheim Hills area, Elite Auto Repair can fill your needs. Our ASE Master Certified Technicians have the experience and training required to operate our advanced computer diagnostic systems while servicing our customers Nissan A/C system in Orange, Anaheim, Westminster, Newport Beach and all surrounding Orange County cities.
In 2010 "Consumer Digest" named the Nissan Versa the "Best Buy" award for the fourth year in a row. Elite Auto is the perfect place to bring your award-winning vehicle for A/C service in the Anaheim Hills area. We also perform Nissan brake repair and Mazda repair. If you live or work in the Anaheim Hills area and require Nissan A/C services, call Elite Auto Repair at 949-829-4252.


text:
Patagonia Men's P-6 Label Lightweight Full-Zip Hoody
An all-season, slimmer-fitting hoody with classic styling and soft, lightweight fleece fabric that's a perfectly casual layering piece. Fair Trade Certified™ sewn.
- Knit fleece fabric made of a soft organic cotton/polyester blend
- Classic full-zip hoody design with a modern fit
- Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
- Woven label Logo
- Patagonia original design inspired by vintage Patagonia label
- 524 g (18.5 oz)
5.9-oz 60% organic cotton/40% polyester fleece.
Fair Trade Certified™ sewn
Fair Trade Certified™
We pay a premium for every Fair Trade Certified item that carries our label. That extra money goes directly to the workers at the factory, and they decide how to spend it. The program also promotes worker health and safety and social and environmental compliance, and encourages dialog between workers and management.
Organic Cotton
In 1996, with an increased awareness of the dangers of pesticide use and synthetic fertilizers in growing conventional cotton, we began the exclusive use of organically grown cotton in all of our cotton products.
The quality of organic cotton is equal to or better than conventionally grown cotton, yet organically grown methods support biodiversity and healthy ecosystems, improve the quality of soil and often use less water. Growing organically takes more time, requires more knowledge and skill, and, for now, costs more. But it's worth it.
To ensure we are buying cotton that is organic as defined by the USDA's National Organic Program, we require numerous certificates issued by an accredited third-party certification body for every step of the supply chain, from farm to factories.
Do you own this product? Let us know what you think. Read Privacy Notice


text:
BACKGROUND IMAGE: iSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
- FeatureSpecial Supplement: iSCSI: Low-cost alternative to FC
- FeatureSnapshot: Do you use capacity-planning tools?
- FeatureVirtualization: Tales from the trenches
- FeatureA step-by-step approach to data classification
- FeatureLarge shops tackling chargeback
- FeatureChoosing the right VTL
- FeatureAutomate data recovery
- FeatureNetApp spins out Ontap GX
- FeatureData migration: Proceed with caution
- FeatureGetting started with database archiving
- FeatureHow to count the cost of storage
iSTOCK/GETTY IMAGES
Getting started with database archiving
E-mail archiving gets a lot of the attention these days, but databases shouldn't be overlooked. Database administrators end up managing old and unchanging data within their production databases, so backups are constantly protecting data that hasn't changed.
Archiving: Not just for e-mail
Database archiving can yield impressive results, including better application performance and more secure data.
DATABASE ADMINISTRATORS, I feel your pain. For the past few years, you've watched your messaging counterparts strutting around data centers waiting to read the latest headlines in The Wall Street Journal or hear what the talking heads on CNN were reporting. Almost every corporate scandal featured a "smoking gun" e-mail, which prompted regulators like the Securities and Exchange Commission to mandate that organizations treat e-mail as a business record.
Suddenly, message administrators had access to compliance officers, general counsels and internal auditors, and all their budget bucks were used to buy and deploy message management software such as e-mail archiving apps. So, database administrators, admit it; you were secretly hoping your turn would come and someone like CNBC superstar journalist Maria Bartiromo would uncover a corporate mess where financial records were deleted from a database because they were old and consumed expensive storage space, thus initiating a frenzy of spending on database management software.
But database honchos haven't had a "headline incident" that would propel them into the spotlight. And the corporate purse strings are tighter than ever, with the constant struggle to manage and store rapidly growing volumes of data despite stagnant budgets.
Coping with growing databases
As databases grow, the costs associated with keeping more information online could cripple IT. More database licenses, servers and storage capacity will be needed. These capital expenditures don't include the additional human resources that will be required to manage increasing data volumes. And if database data growth wasn't enough, many companies will upgrade their business apps, which will, in turn, increase the need for solutions to reduce the costs and risks associated with lengthy upgrade projects. Compliance with records-retention and information privacy regulations, as well as corporate governance policies, will require more precise management of enterprise data assets. The combination of data growth, regulatory impact and application upgrade cycles makes it imperative for organizations to find a way to manage their databases more efficiently.
At the Enterprise Strategy Group (ESG), we refer to the process of data classification and management as intelligent information management. The key to intelligent information management is taking action against data after understanding its context. Database archiving, a critical information management task, can help IT move historical data off production systems and out of the critical path of daily processing. The data can be moved to lower cost or immutable storage, preserving it for regulatory or governance purposes.
Database administrators often leave old and unchanging data within production databases, so backups are constantly protecting data that hasn't changed. This lengthens backup windows and increases backup media costs. The problem is exacerbated as more new data is created and stored. Backup times continue to lengthen, and recovering these large databases can take hours or even days. As an alternative, IT can split databases, but that introduces greater complexity and additional management costs. Splitting a large database into smaller instances may temporarily reduce backup and recovery times, but it will require new servers, additional database licenses and management resources. If database and storage administrative groups don't address the increasing storage management challenges, they'd better plan on increasing their capital and operating budgets.
Performance and manageability
Database archiving software may actually provide an opportunity for storage administrators to help database administrators. Some companies are upgrading enterprise applications as recent vendor consolidations have provided opportunities to take advantage of newly introduced functionality, or to avoid the maintenance burdens and potential compliance risks associated with running unsupported applications. Database archiving software can help prepare for and mitigate the risk of an application upgrade by segregating a copy of data. New versions of the application can then be brought online to access the copied (archived) data. Older systems can still use production data, which eliminates the need to take the application down. The switchover to the newer version can happen as the database archives are updated and transitioned into production. In addition, database administrators can improve application performance by segregating historical data into an alternative data store without compromising data accessibility.
In January 2006, ESG asked approximately 500 IT professionals and records managers about their information archiving intentions. Nearly 30% of the respondents had deployed a database archiving software solution and are now realizing many of the compelling benefits of the technology.
When ESG asked early adopters of database archiving software what their deployment objectives were, 60% said they hoped to speed up database backups and 56% sought to improve database performance (see "Who's using database archiving apps," at right).
For many companies, the latest headlines surrounding information privacy are another motivating factor to evaluate database archiving applications. Information privacy breaches, such as the recent disclosure that the personal information of up to 26 million armed services veterans was lost, are creating nightmares for IT departments. With so much data residing in databases, database administrators must find ways to isolate and manage confidential information more effectively. Customers can use database archiving software to identify sensitive information, such as columns or rows that contain credit card numbers. This data can be masked during application testing or archived with suitable access controls when working with the appropriate database archiving product. These measures can reduce the risk of a security breach and facilitate compliance with existing and future information privacy regulations.
Database archiving software has two primary functions: removing data from the primary database and managing the information once it's been extracted. With several vendors offering database archiving products, including Clearpace Software, CopperEye, EMC, Hewlett-Packard (via its acquisition of OuterBay) IBM, Princeton Softech and Solix Technologies, users should evaluate a vendor's ability to identify, classify and manage database objects that span multiple tables. This enables users to archive specific database transactions as opposed to only being able to archive full tables. For example, an e-commerce retailer may have several data entries when a purchase order is received. The inventory, customer account and accounts receivable tables may all be updated as the result of a single purchase transaction. With the appropriate database archiving solution, administrators should be able to archive the transaction as opposed to each individual table.
Start small
Organizations may first deploy database archiving to address a single objective, such as reducing the time it takes to complete production database backups and then leverage the product's capabilities to achieve additional benefits. After reducing the production backup window, the next step may be to archive key revenue tables within a financial reporting application. These tables may be needed in an audit, but aren't required for IT to test the latest version of an order-entry application. Doing so segregates confidential data and maintains this information online for a specific subset of users, the auditors.
Databases may very well be the lifeblood of IT departments, solving a variety of problems from linking information sources to enabling online transaction processing. Database archiving is like a flu shot for databases--it's a proactive measure to manage data growth that mitigates the cost of keeping information online and accessible for longer periods of time.


text:
My doctor has told me to drink fresh apple juice in the morning. I am finding it difficult to drink fresh fruit juice daily.
Is there anything available in the market which I can keep in the refrigerator and drink?
The nutritional value should be the same or less but not much less.
I have heard that normal apple juice from the market has no [nutritional?] value to drink.


text:
The Children Act 2004 required each local authority to establish a Safeguarding Children Board. Chapter 3 of Working Together sets out in detail the arrangements for the work of each Local Safeguarding Children Board. This chapter provides a summary only.
- Scope of the Role
- Objectives
- Accountability
- LSCB Chair
- Membership
- Role of Elected Members and Non-Executive Directors
- Ways of Working
- Annual Business Plan
- LSCB Annual Report
- Monitoring and Inspection
- Local Information
1. Scope of the Role
In order to fulfil its statutory functions, an LSCB should use data and, as a minimum, should:
- Assess the effectiveness of the help being provided to children and families, including early help;
- Assess whether LSCB partners are fulfilling their statutory obligations;
- Quality assure practice, including through joint audits of case files involving practitioners and identifying lessons to be learned; and
- Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of training, including multi-agency training, to safeguard and promote the welfare of children. The Children's Safeguarding Performance Information Framework provides a mechanism to help do this by setting out some of the questions a LSCB should consider.
2. Objectives
The core objectives of the Safeguarding Children Board (SCB) is to coordinate local work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and to ensure the effectiveness of what the member organisations do individually and together.
Specific objectives of the SCB are to:
- Develop and agree inter-agency policies and procedures for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, consistent with Working Together to Safeguard Children, including:
- The action to be taken where there are concerns about a child's safety or welfare, including thresholds for intervention;
- Training of those working with children or in services affecting the safety and welfare of children;
- Recruitment and supervision of persons who work with children;
- Investigation of allegations concerning persons working with children;
- The safety and welfare of privately fostered children;
- Cooperation with neighbouring children's social care services authorities and their Board partners.
- Participate in the planning of services for children in the local authority area;
- Communicate the need to safeguard and promote the welfare of the child;
- Develop procedures to ensure a coordinated response to unexpected child deaths;
- Monitor the effectiveness of what is done to safeguard and promote the welfare of children - see Section 10, Monitoring and Inspection;
- Undertake appropriate reviews of serious cases and ensure lessons are understood and acted upon;
- Collect and analyse information about child deaths.
3. Accountability
Whilst the SCB has a role in coordinating and ensuring the effectiveness of local individuals' and organisations' work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, it is not accountable for their operational work.
Each Board partner retains its own existing lines of accountability for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children by their services.
Whilst the SCB does not have the power to direct other organisations, it does have a role in making clear where improvement is needed.
4. LSCB Chair
In order to provide effective scrutiny, the LSCB should be independent. It should not be subordinate to, nor subsumed within, other local structures.
Every LSCB should have an independent chair who can hold all agencies to account.
It is the responsibility of the Chief Executive (Head of Paid Service) to appoint or remove the LSCB chair with the agreement of a panel including LSCB partners and lay members. The Chief Executive, drawing on other LSCB partners and, where appropriate, the Lead Member will hold the Chair to account for the effective working of the LSCB.
5. Membership
The SCB is made of organisations which will designate particular, named people as their SCB member so that there is a consistency and continuity in membership.
Members will be those with a strategic role in relation to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children within their organisation. They should be able to:
- Speak for their organisation with authority;
- Commit their organisation on policy and practice matters;
- Hold their organisation to account.
As well as the local authority with responsibility for Children and Young People's Services, members of the SCB must include:
5.1 Statutory Members
These are the statutory organisations which are required to co-operate with the local authority in the establishment and operation of the Board and have shared responsibility for the effective discharge of its functions. The Board partners are:
- District Councils in local government areas which have them;
- The Chief Officer of Police for a police area any part of which falls within the area of the local authority;
- The local Probation Board for area, any part of which falls within the area of the LA;
- The Youth Offending Team for an area any part of which falls within the area of the local authority;
- NHS England and Clinical Commissioning Groups for an area any part of which falls within the area of the local authority;
- NHS Trusts and NHS Foundation Trusts all or most of whose hospitals or establishments and facilities are situated in the local authority area;
- CAFCASS (Children and Family Courts Advisory and Support Service);
- The governor or director of any Secure Training Centre in the area of the local authority; and
- The governor or director of any prison in the local authority area which ordinarily detains children.
The Local Authority should ensure that those responsible for adult social services functions are represented on the SCB, because of the importance of adult social care in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. Similarly health organisations should ensure that adult health services and in particular adult mental health and adult disability services are represented on the SCB.
5.2 Other Members
The Local Authority should also secure the involvement of other relevant local organisations and the NSPCC where a representative is made available.
In addition, two representatives of the local community should be appointed as full LSCB members (their role is described in Working Together) and the LSCB must also appoint representation from schools. This means taking steps to ensure that the following are represented: the governing body of a maintained school; the proprietor of a non-maintained special school; the proprietor of a city technology college, a city college for the technology of the arts or an Academy; and the governing body of a further education institution the main site of which is situated in the authority's area. Independent schools should also be included as appropriate.
LSCBs should engage with faith groups, children's centres, GPs, independent healthcare organisations, and voluntary and community sector organisations including bodies providing specialist care to children with severe disabilities and complex health needs.
In areas where they have significant local activity, the armed forces (in relation both to the families of Service men and women and those personnel that are under the age of 18), UK Visas and Immigration (formerly UK Border Agency) should also be included.
Where the number or size of similar organisations precludes individual representation on the LSCB, for example in the case of schools or voluntary youth bodies, the Local Authority should seek to involve then through existing networks or forums, or by encouraging and developing suitable networks or forums to facilitate communication between organisations and with the LSCB.
5.3 Involvement of other agencies and groups
Each LSCB should make appropriate arrangements at a strategic management level to involve others in its work as needed. For example, there may be some organisations or individuals which are in theory represented by the statutory Board partners but which need to be engaged because of their particular role in service provision to children and families or role in public protection. There will be other organisations which the LSCB needs to link to, either through inviting them to join the LSCB or through some other mechanism. For example
- The Coronial Service;
- Dental health services;
- Domestic Violence Forums;
- Drug and alcohol misuse services;
- Drug Action Teams;
- Housing, culture and leisure services;
- Housing providers;
- Local Authority legal services;
- Local MAPPA;
- Local sports bodies and services;
- Local Family Justice Council;
- Sexual health services;
- Crown Prosecution Service;
- Witness Support Services;
- Local Criminal Justice Board;
- Other health providers such as pharmacists;
- Representatives of service users.
Each LSCB will also need to draw on the work of key national organisations and liaise with them when necessary for example Child Exploitation and On-Line Protection Centre.
The LSCB should either include on its Board, or be able to draw on appropriate expertise and advice from, frontline professionals from all the relevant sectors. This includes a designated doctor and nurse, the Director of Public Health, Principal Child and Family Social Worker and the voluntary and community sector.
5.4 The Role of Members
The individual members of each LSCB have a duty as members to contribute to the effective work of the LSCB, for example, in making the LSCB assessment of performance as objective as possible, and in recommending or deciding upon the necessary steps to put right any problems. This should take precedence, if necessary, over their role as a representative of their organisation. Members of each LSCB should have a clear written statement of their roles and responsibilities.
6. Role of Elected Members and Non-Executive Directors
Local authority elected members and non-executive directors of other LSCB partners should not be members of a LSCB. Their role, through their membership of governance bodies such as the cabinet of the local authority or a scrutiny committee or a governance board, is to hold their organisation and its officers to account for their contribution to the effective functioning of the LSCB.
The Lead Member for Children's Services within the local authority will have a particular focus on how the local authority is fulfilling its responsibilities to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and will hold the Director of Children's Services to account for the work of the LSCB.The Lead Member for Children should be a participating observer of the LSCB. In practice this means routinely attending meetings as an observer and receiving all its written reports.
7. Ways of Working
The working practices of LSCB members will be considered locally with a view to securing effective operation of the LSCB functions and ensuring all member organisations are effectively engaged.
It may be appropriate for the LSCB to set up working groups or sub-groups, on a short-term or a standing basis to:
- Carry out specific tasks, for example: maintaining and updating procedures;
- Provide specialist advice, for example: in respect of working with specific ethnic and cultural groups, or with disabled children and/or parents;
- Bring together representatives of a sector to discuss relevant issues and to provide a contribution from that sector to SCB work, for example: schools, the voluntary and community sector, faith groups; and
- Focus on defined geographical areas within the SCB boundaries;
- As a 'core group' or 'executive group' of SCB members, to undertake some day-to-day business by local agreement.
Each LSCB in the Consortium will establish local arrangements for working groups or sub-groups the details of which will be available on their respective websites.
All groups which are established by the LSCB should work to agreed terms of reference, with explicit lines of reporting, communication and accountability to the LSCB. This may take the form of a written constitution detailing a job description for all members and service level agreements between the LSCB, agencies and other partnerships. Chairs of sub-groups should be LSCB members.
Each LSCB should consider how to put in place arrangements to ascertain views of parents and carers and the wishes and feelings of children (including children who might not ordinary be heard) about the priorities and effectiveness of local safeguarding work, including issues of access to services and contact points for children to safeguard and promote welfare. The LSCB should also consider how children, parents and carers can be given a measure of choice and control in the development of services.
8. Annual Business Plan
Each SCB will produce an annual business plan setting out:
- A work programme for the following year to include measurable objectives;
- Relevant management information of child protection activity in the previous year;
- Progress against objectives established for the year ending.
9. LSCB Annual Report
The Chair must publish an annual report on the effectiveness of child safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children in the local area (this is a statutory requirement under section 14A of the Children Act 2004). The annual report should be published in relation to the preceding financial year and should fit with local agencies' planning, commissioning and budget cycles. The report should be submitted to the Chief Executive, Leader of the Council, the local police and crime commissioner and the Chair of the Health and Wellbeing Board.
The report should provide a rigorous and transparent assessment of the performance and effectiveness of local services. It should identify areas of weakness, the causes of those weaknesses and the action being taken to address them as well as other proposals for action. The report should include lessons from reviews undertaken within the reporting period.
The report should also list the contributions made to the LSCB by partner agencies and details of what the LSCB has spent, including on Child Death Reviews, Serious Case Reviews and other specific expenditure such as learning events or training.
10. Monitoring and Inspection
The LSCB's work to ensure the effectiveness of work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children by member organisations will be a peer review process, based on self-evaluation, performance indicators and a joint audit. Its aim is to promote high standards of safeguarding work and to foster a culture of continuous improvement. It will also identify and act on identified weaknesses in services.
Where it is found that a Board partner is not performing effectively in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, and the LSCB is not convinced that any planned action to improve performance will be adequate, the LSCB chair or a member or employee designated by the chair should explain these concerns to those individuals and organisations that need to be aware of the failing and may be able to take action.
As part of the monitoring and evaluation function of the LSCB, there is a requirement for each LSCB to ensure appropriate links with any secure setting in its area and be able to scrutinise restraint techniques, the polices and protocols which surround the use of restraint, and incidences and injuries. LSCB's with a secure establishment(s) in its areas should report annually to the Youth Justice Board on how effectively the establishment(s) is managing use of restraint, the reports should be provided more frequently if there are concerns on the use of restraint. Consideration should be given to sharing the information with relevant inspectorates (HMIP and Ofsted. Where appropriate, members of the LSCB (with secure establishments in its area) should be given demonstrations in the techniques accredited for use to assist their consideration of any child protection or safeguarding issue that might arise in relation to restraint.
All incidents when restraint is used in custodial settings and in which results in an injury to a young person should be notified to, and subsequent action monitored, by the LSCB.
Individual services will be assessed through their own quality regimes. Annual performance assessment of council children's services (APA), by OFSTED, looks at the contribution of local authorities to outcomes for children, with an overall judgement supported by separate judgements on social care services for children and on education services. It draws on performance information, inspection evidence, other documents and self assessment. These inspectorates in their other work, plus other inspectorates such as the Healthcare Commission, and Her Majesty's Inspectorates of Constabulary, Prisons, and Probation, will have as part of their remit considering the effectiveness of their agencies' role in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. The LSCB should draw on their work.
The LSCB will be able to feed its views about the quality of work to safeguard and promote the welfare of children into these processes.
The effectiveness of the LSCB itself should also form part of the judgement of the Inspectorates. This may be done, for example, by examining the quality of the LSCB's planning and determining whether key objectives have been met. It will be for the Local Authority to lead in taking action, if intervention in the LSCB's own processes is necessary.
Local Information
To follow.


text:
This blog post is dedicated to the 13.4 million people working from home, a number that has soared 41% over the past decade. That doesn't mean you necessarily have a room designated as a home office or work area. That's why this work space is so inspiring, it not only transforms a small corner of a home into a motivating work environment, but it's multifunctional.
With tons of desk and storage space, any professional can work productively in this environment and the best part is, it's completely kid friendly. Store kid's craft supplies and other home items in drawers below the desktop and use the upper shelving to house anything work related. Even with all the functional elements of this space it achieves a homey feel with all the personal touches, like the framed photos, pinboard and other wall fixtures.
While everyone loves the idea of having natural sunlight stream into their work space it can be extremely frustrating when it creates a glare on your computer screen. For this space I suggest adding Woven Wood Shades-Morocco Spice, to control the flow of sunlight into your work space making it a functional yet comfortable work environment. Tell us how you make your work space functional at home.


text:
Rice-Stuffed Flank Steak
Total TimePrep: 20 min. + marinating Bake: 40 min.
Makes2 servings
- 1 beef flank steak (3/4 pound)
- 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon reduced-sodium soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon Liquid Smoke, optional
- 3/4 cup fresh broccoli florets, chopped
- 2/3 cup water
- 1/2 cup sliced fresh mushrooms
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 2 tablespoons chopped sweet red pepper
- 1/2 cup uncooked instant rice
- 2 ounces smoked Gouda cheese, shredded
- 1/8 teaspoon seasoned salt
- 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Starting along one long side, cut a horizontal slit through the steak to within 1/2 in. of the opposite side, forming a pocket.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, combine the Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, garlic powder and Liquid Smoke if desired; add the steak. Seal bag and turn to coat; refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Meanwhile, in a small saucepan, combine the broccoli, water, mushrooms, onion and red pepper. Bring to a boil. Stir in rice; cover and remove from the heat. Let stand for 5-10 minutes or until water is absorbed. Fluff with a fork; stir in the remaining ingredients.
- Drain and discard marinade. Stuff steak with 1 cup rice mixture. Transfer to an 8-in. square baking dish coated with cooking spray. Place remaining rice mixture around stuffed steak. Cover and bake at 350° for 40-45 minutes or until meat is tender.
Nutrition Facts1 each: 458 calories, 21g fat (11g saturated fat), 105mg cholesterol, 550mg sodium, 25g carbohydrate (3g sugars, 2g fiber), 39g protein.
Recommended Video
Mar 7, 2011
loved it my husban enjoyed it and he doesent like beef
Feb 15, 2011
It came out great for me. The rice was cooked perfectly and absorbed a TON of flavor from the steak. We used Cajun seasoning instead of seasoned salt. The only thing I would change is the cooking time. I would check how far the steak was cooked after 30 minutes and then add a few minutes at a time until it is where you would like it. 40 minutes and the steak was medium well, I would have preferred medium rare / medium.As far as the cost for the items. Mine was only $7.49/lb for the steak. The cheese was a little pricey since I could only find Gouda in 1/2 lb blocks. However, you can use a mild smoked cheddar (white or yellow) as a GREAT substitute!Portion wise, it is perfect for a young couple or small family. If you need more, just simply double everything and bake for the full 40 minutes for medium.We served with oven roasted asparagus, drizzled with Olive oil, garlic powder, salt and pepper. All we did was put it in the oven for the last 15 minutes of the steak's cook time and voila!
Feb 14, 2011
I love flank steak and was so excited to make this meal but it was just ok, nothing special. I have many flank steak recipes I like much, much better. Plus after buying the smoked gouda (pricey cheese), the flank steak (pricey cut of meat) and all the other ingredients, it was an expensive meal. I feel like I wasted my money. Especially when it only makes 2 servings. Nah, I won't be making this again.


text:
Life on Mars? Discovery hitches along with NASA's Curiosity rover
When NASA made a significant discovery about Mars this week, Discovery Channel cameras were rolling for the findings. "Red Planet Rover," premiering Dec. 18 locally at 9 p.m. on the Discovery Channel, offers viewers intimate access to what's going on out there in a special followup to Tuesday's breakthrough announcement that Curiosity found "organics" on Mars, that is, "the necessary building blocks for life."
Talk about satellite images. The ride-along with the rover from 100 million miles away offers some spectacular views. Audiences are promised "access unlike anything else seen before," and "an incredible ride with the smartest, most complex robot ever launched from Earth – a one-ton, nuclear powered, all-terrain vehicle, part geologist, part chemist, part photographer."
Watch critically: it can be confusing disstinguishing the artists' renderings and animated bits from the real footage. Here's a clip from the mission to Mars.


text:
6 June 2020 -
Indicative Rate * AU$10 to AU$15
Maryborough's heritage streetscapes and riverside parks are the setting for the Relish Food and Wine Festival which is a delicious feast of culture and cuisine serving up celebrity chefs, gourmet tastings, cooking workshops, live music and art.
Join Queensland's premier wineries for a delightful tasting experience and sample the finest seasonal produce grown in the Fraser Coast's idyllic natural environment - including Fraser Island prawns and macadamias nuts.
Indulge in food and beverage matching sessions, listen to leading foodies as they share the fruits of their work, and learn from talented chefs who provide the unmistakable stamp of the region in every dish.
Highlights include a ride on a historic steam engine through heritage-listed Queens Park and quirky boutique beer sessions among old rum barrels dating back to the 1860s.
Due to current advice on public gatherings, please contact the host of this event to confirm it is proceeding as planned.
|Cost AUD
|Valid From
|All Tickets
|$10 - $15
|AUD10 pre-purchased, or AUD15 at the gate.
Note: Information on listed products and services are provided by the operator and were correct at the time of publishing. Rates are indicative based on the minimum and maximum available prices of products and services. Please visit the operator's website for further information. All prices quoted are in Australian dollars (AUD).


text:
Citation COP: Punctuate and Capitalize
The details may seem trivial, but they matter
Many instructors will take off points for errors like using commas instead of periods or forgetting to underline the title of the book. In careers like administering medication and recording personal information, details are critical. Getting citations correct is one way for instructors to judge whether or not students pay attention to details.
Examine the differences in the example below:


text:
My kids love to pretend and dress up! At my son's preschool I helped set up a pretend play area at the beginning of November that featured a grocery store and Thanksgiving feast area. They used the grocery store to shop for the food for the feast and then they used the fancy table to have a Thanksgiving feast with their friends!
Since school is now out for the next week and my son is home, I thought we'd try and create a simplified Thanksgiving feast pretend play area so that my son and daughter could play while I got the house ready for our holiday visitors.
Here are some of the materials we used for our Thanksgiving feast area at home:
table cloth, plastic silverware, plates, and cups, our name turkey pumpkins, pilgrim hats, some berries, play food and platters, and laminated placemats.
The kids gathered the different items that they wanted to use and then got started setting up! It was so cute to see them work together to set the table and decide what food to serve. I also loved all the embedded language practice as they served one another food. My son would ask my daughter what she wanted to eat and she would practice telling him. If she didn't know a word, my son would teach it to her.
We also invited some special guests to join us for the meal!
And just to keep it real... everything didn't stay looking nice and put together
In addition to being a great activity for the kids while I get our house clean, I also really enjoyed having pretend play time with them! They really benefitted from me modeling different ways to act and communicate and I noticed them imitating me when I left later on to go do some dishes.
Pretending is such a great way to develop language skills AND use imaginations!!


text:
Car hire companies in the UK, Get Short Term Car Insurance in JHB like every other car owner in the United Kingdom are required by law to have insurance for the vehicle covering third party risk. This mean that the vehicle has to have insurance cover for the eventuality that the vehicle is involved in an incident in which third party property is damaged or a person is injured.
So when you rent a car from a car rental company in the UK this insurance cover will be in place without you having to pay for it directly as part of your rental cost. The car is likely to have comprehensive insurance included in the rental cost. This covers the cost of repair to the vehicle in the event that it has been damaged.
However, due to the insurance costs incurred by the car hire company, they normally try to offset their costs by having an insurance excess or deductible on their policy. The excess amount could be in the region of GBP 600.00 and could be more if the vehicle is a premium type car, Short Term Car Insurance 18 Year Olds like a sports car.
The car rental company make the person hiring the car responsible for the insurance excess amount.
This means that in the event that the car is damage, the renter would be responsible for the first GBP 600.00 of damage to the car, Short Term Car Insurance Expensive if the excess has been set as GBP 600.00. By doing this they reduce their insurance costs and also give the renter an incentive to try and avoid the vehicle being damaged.
Find Cheap Car Insurance
When a vehicle is returned damaged to a car rental location, the car rental staff will normally work off a chart of sorts to establish the approximate cost of repair. They will then apply this cost to the hirers credit card. In the event that the cost of repair is actually less than the amount charged to the credit card, there is some doubt that the car rental company actually contacts the hirer to refund the difference. The hirer should make a point of contacting the car rental company to establish what the exact of cost of damage was in case they are entitled to a refund.
Get Short Term Car Insurance in JHB ?
If you're driving around without car insurance you are probably breaking the law and certainly tempting fate. Here's why you should get it as soon as possible.
All states have some sort of financial responsibility law that requires owners of vehicles to provide proof that they are financially responsible for injuries and damages their vehicle causes. Each state is different in their minimum requirements. The most common proof of financial responsibility is to purchase car insurance.
When you shop for an auto insurance quote, get at least three different quotes because rates can vary from company to company. That's really the number one way to save on car insurance. If you've been driving awhile without auto insurance, a lot of companies may not want to insure you. At the very least, you'll probably have to pay a bit more than someone who has already had car insurance and has a clean driving record. Again, make sure to check out several different quotes.
Reasons to Get Temporary Car Insurance
If you need to generate leads of people interested in getting updated car insurance rates, here is a script that works great. All of the verification questions are asked first to build trust with the prospect before asking for new information. Don't over think your lead generation campaign, often the simplest processes yield the best results. Start off with a short greeting and explain the reason for the call within the first 30 seconds or risk losing the prospect's attention. Verify first, ask for new information second. Use verification questions to build report with prospects before asking for new information. For example, "I show your address as...", versus, "how much is your monthly auto insurance policy at the moment?"
Are you currently a homeowner? (own/rent)
And who is your current car insurance company?
Thank you, and finally I have your date of birth listed as/what is your date of birth? (if not listed in contact info)
To make sure we can save you the most money we will have a local insurance agent contact you so that you receive the best rate and coverage possible. Thank you for your time and have a great day."
Side Note: This script works great with a web-based lead form, you can quickly create a form that follows this format in Google Docs and will deliver results to an online spreadsheet that updates in real time.