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by Adam Plowden | 14th February 2017
PeauProductions have tested out the GoPro Karma anamorphic capabilities successfully, thanks to the use of the Letus AnamorphX-GP adapter. The result? Low distortion, 2.39:1 aspect ratio aerial footage in 4K. Featured image © Peau Productions. The use of anamorphic lenses for aerial filming has been limited to high-end productions that have the budget for the lenses, or DSLR lens-type anamorphic adapters like those from SLR Magic. As the lenses and adapters are generally quite large, downscaling them to the size of a GoPro for drone filming hasn't been seen before. Until now. Using an adapted GoPro Hero 4 Black with a rectilinear 3.37mm f/2.8 82d HFOV 16MP (No Distortion) lens, PeauPro have been able to attach the Letus AnamorphX-GP 1.33x adapter to the housing mounted onto the GoPro Karma. The resulting footage in the GoPro Karma anamorphic video above is captured in the 'cinematic' aspect ratio of 2.39:1 in 4K with low distortion, although PeauPro comments that due to the wide angle 3.37mm lens used there is some stretching towards the edges. There still isn't any sample footage of the AnamorphX-GP being used on a standard 'out of the box' GoPro on a DJI Phantom drone, but as the lens can be fitted over the lens both with or without the waterproof housing, it could certainly be possible. The adapter itself converts the native GoPro 16:9 ratio to 2.39:1 without cropping, which can then be de-squeezed in post production using the GoPro Studio software. However, what about the recent recall of the GoPro Karma drone after them literally falling out of the air? The drone is now shipping again and heading for the shelves, hopefully with a new lease of life and solidly fixed problems. Could this anamorphic adapter offering a cinematic perspective be a good reason for drone pilots and aerial cinematographers to choose the Karma over the industry leader DJI? Is the Letus AnamorphX-GP an adapter you would use for your aerial filming? Would you be inclined to use it on the GoPro Karma Drone or wait to see whether it's possible to mount the adapter on a DJI Phantom with a GoPro camera?Read more
by Nino Leitner | 16th April 2015
We talked to Hien Le, CEO of Letus, about their new gimbal stabilizer, the Letus Helix Jr. The Letus Helix was introduced last year and made for medium-sized cameras, e.g. C300 and Red Epic. The Helix Jr. takes the same concept and applies it to smaller cameras like the A7s or GH4. It's extremely refreshing to see a gimbal product that is different from the Freefly Systems MoVi concept in form factor – which is a concept that many, many other manufacturers copied and sell on the market under different names. The Helix Jr. has a different form factor which is immediately obvious. It is a more compact design that allows you to bring the camera much closer to the body than the Freefly designs do. Also, the handles are on the side directly next to the camera, so you have a more intuitive operation of the device. A monitor can be mounted on top and there is a less jarring experience than on other systems where the monitor is usually mounted on the handle bar. With the Helix Jr. it seems much easier to go from low to high angle in one take, which is almost impossible with the MoVi. Also, the length of the camera rig is much less of an issue. The Helix Jr. can also be put down without a stand, which is a big plus in my book. Last but not least it can also be used on a multicopter easily by detaching the handles. The Helix Jr is currently shipping and you can order it at www.letus35.com for immediate delivery.Read more
by Tim Fok | 1st December 2014
Letus has announced a smaller brother to the Helix, the Helix Jr is a featherweight stabilizer designed for mirrorless cameras that both weighs less, and handles more weight than the Movi M5. Haven't heard of the Helix before? Check out when we caught up with Letus at NAB this year to demo the full sized version. The Helix is a very unique design; a completely different form factor than what we are used to with conventional multi-axis stabilizers. With its under slung design the camera naturally sits closer to eye level, which can be great for reducing fatigue over long use. This does remove the top bar, so rigging up with wireless links, follow focus power/motors plus additional monitoring becomes much more of a consideration; this is more of a sole owner/operator piece of gear than the hire out with a full rig & 2/3 man team potential a Ronin/Movi has. This type of design sheds a lot of weight, at 3.5 lbs. (1.6kg) it's over a pound lighter than the M5 and with a maximum payload of 7 lbs. (3.2kg) it trumps the M5 by 2 lbs. In flymode it's even lighter at 3 lbs. (1.4kg) which enables you to connect the Helix JR to a multitude of devices (crane, slide, skateboard). The construction of the Helix JR also contributes to this, made from magnesium alloy that is not only lighter than traditional aircraft grade aluminum, but is said to be stronger. Letus: "This material is 2/3 less dense than aluminum (read lighter) but even stronger. It has the added benefit of even better vibration absorption. It's expensive and dangerous to machine but the benefits are worth it!" Letus state the Helix JR will be available in early 2015, if the Helix is anything to go by expect this to be pushed back a little; since release of the full version Letus is yet to maintain consistent stock. They are taking deposits for the Helix JR at $300; full price is currently listed at $2899.00. via/ NewsShooterRead more
by Sebastian Wöber | 30th September 2014
A few months ago, at NAB 2014 we've been reporting about one of the brushless gimbal stabilisation systems we currently find most intriguing, the Letus Helix. Hien Le, CEO of Letus gave us a complete rundown of all the features and advantages of the newest version of the Letus Helix. One of the things most interesting about this brushless gimbal stabilisation system is that it is very light and easy to hold and can be easily operated by a single person. Hien mentions all the other benefits in detail in the video above. Apparently the Letus Helix is currently on back-order, so if you place an order now you will most likely have to wait a while before it is delivered. The basic Letus Helix 3-Axis stabiliser is $4000 and can be ordered on the Letus Website.Read more
by Sebastian Wöber | 10th April 2014
As expected we're seeing numerous camera stabilization systems here at NAB that look very much like the Freefly Mōvi and only a few come close to the functionality of the original. But gear manufacturer Letus has something very special to show off. Their brushless gimbal system gives us a fresh look at camera stabilization.Read more
by Sebastian Wöber | 22nd November 2011
Yesterday I talked about the problems of using the Scarlet-X with a conventional HDSLR rig (or any other lightweight, handheld rig for that matter). On the left (click on it) you can see one possible solution that will be offered by rig manufacturer Letus. In a phone conversation with Letus president Hien Le Tu he made it clear to me that they had cracked their head open to get their design right. You might have heard about the "MCS line" by Letus which they have also developed in collaboration with acclaimed Hollywood (and HDSLR) shooter Shane Hurlbut asc. They're offering packages for Canon HDSLRs, 1Dx, FS100, F3 and now also Epic and Scarlet-X.Read more
by Jared Abrams | 12th October 2010
Here is a quick Take on the brand new Letus DSLR cage for the Canon 1D Mark IV. The cage is a great way to add accessories to the 1D Mark IV. Most HDSLR AKS is sized for the Canon 5D Mark II and the 7D. The 1D MK IV has a completely different battery system and this has been addressed with the Letus cage. The top plate is mounted via 15mm rods with great spring loaded tie downs. This system makes it very easy to remove the camera from the cage. There is also a quick release plate on the bottom of the cage. There are plenty of 1/4 and 3/8 inch mounting points on the cage for accessories. The quality is top notch. It also comes with a really cool micro arm. That might not make it back to them for the return. Small HD has been making HDSLR monitors for a little while. The company out of North Carolina has finally added a "False Color" feature to the Small HD DP6 5.6″ monitor. Small HD has also figured out how to not have the image squeeze when in Record mode with the 5D MK II when it downsizes to SD. This is a great feature of this monitor. I think a first. Click here for a video about the DSLR Record Feature from Small HD. The DP6 comes with a ton of very well made and useful accessories. The demo we have came with an on board battery, a Canon LP-E6 batter adapter, an HDMI splitter box, battery charger, 1 battery to monitor power cable, a neoprene monitor cover and one of the best sunshades I have ever seen. If only this worked on other monitors! It is so tough that you can carry the monitor with it. The new yet to be released Firmware Update 1.2 will add a "False Color" feature and an additional function button.We are checking out the new Firmware V1.2 for another Quick Take comparing the Marshall 5″ and Small HD DP6. Stay tuned for that.Read more
by Jared Abrams | 19th July 2010
Sebastian Wiegärtner is giving away a bunch of gear on his site. He is giving away gear from Genus, Jag35, Letus and a Nighthawk Shoulder Rig. There is too much stuff to list. Check out his take on all of the stuff here. "In about one week I will reach my 5.000th Follower on Twitter. I will celebrate this great moment with many prizes. Thanks to all these great companies, which support my competition! I have decided to create a contest on my Weblog, Facebook and Twitter." Click Here To Enter The Contest.Read more
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Featured Gay Friendly Accommodations: Lake Shore B&B, Lake Newell Resort, Alberta
Periodically we'll feature one of our properties here to let our readers know about some great gay friendly places to stay.
Gay Friendly Location Bed and Breakfasts, Hotels, and Vacation Rentals
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We offer three lakefront suites with private entrances, hydro-therapy massage tubs, a salt water hot tub, a fully equipped kitchen, a BBQ for guest use, and even fire pit.
See the Lake Shore B&B Expanded Listing on Purple Roofs Here

subset: commoncrawl


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At the OutSystems R&D department, we've been using Scrum for quite some time now. But lately, I've been hearing quite a lot about Kanban. I've even heard of a team that's considering moving from Scrum to Kanban to be more efficient! With such claims I was obviously curious to find out more about this methodology, and how it relates to Scrum. When it's Scrum vs Kanban, which comes out on top?
While doing my investigations, I found two key differences between Scrum and Kanban: The rules and the workflow.
The Rules
Both Scrum and Kanban provide rules on how you should perform your work. An immediate difference between these two methodologies is the number of rules they impose.
Scrum is quite prescriptive, and has a vast set of rules. Here are just a few:
- The Product backlog is created and managed by the Product owner
- Teams must be cross functional
- The team's work cannot be interrupted during sprints
- The team's work is time boxed
- There's a daily scrum meeting, where the team answers to 3 questions
- Progress is measured using a burndown chart
- Teams do a demo to stakeholders at the end of each sprint
- ...
- (You can find a list of 23 mandatory plus 12 optional rules in Agile Advice)
Kanban is much more open than Scrum, and it has only a couple of rules:
- Visualize your workflow
- Limit your Work in Progress
Now, being such an open methodology, it tends to be adapted depending on the environment. For instance, Toyota defined 6 rules for its process. In fact, you can add all rules of Scrum to Kanban, and still have a sound methodology - with 25 rules!
The Workflow
A direct consequence of this difference in rules is the way the work items are handled across time.
In Scrum, you select the work you'll be doing for the next sprint beforehand. You then lock the sprint, do all the work, and after a couple of weeks - the usual sprint duration - your queue is empty.
In Kanban, all that's limited is the size of the queues, called the Work In Progress limit. This means that you can change the items in the queues at any time, and that there's no "sprint end". The work just keeps flowing.
Which to Pick?
The answer to this question is, as always, it depends. If you're doing feature development, which relies heavily on stakeholders' feedback and developers need focus to do a good job, go with Scrum. The sprint lock and the end of sprint demos to stakeholders are invaluable in this scenario. On the other hand, if your work is more reactive, and you cannot lock your backlog for a couple of weeks, go for Kanban. It's a great methodology for Maintenance teams that need to adapt to customer input on a daily basis.
Better yet, learn lessons from both models, and adapt them to fit the unique needs of your organization. This is the best way to become extra efficient! What methodologies do you use? What are your experiences with Kanban or Scrum?
Note: For more details about the differences between Scrum and Kanban, check this great article by Henrik Kniberg.


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Well, let's see… August and September are mere memories; I feel as if I missed them completely. My entire life has been a hectic whirlwind recently. I have always anticipated the romantic chill of Fall, the gold and merlot hues of Autumn's dress. Unfortunately, fate has not been very kind recently, and I haven't had the opportunity to enjoy the season. Without going into it all (right now, anyway), I'll just spew forth the major details…
After a very brief escape to the Carolina coast, classes began again on August 27th. I haven't had a relaxing day since. This is the most hectic semester of my 8-year college career. I have research projects coming out of my proverbial arse, and although the end is in sight, the vision is too distorted and cloudy to be of any comfort. My grades are good, however. That's something, I suppose. I am not oblivious to the fact that I've always been somewhat intellectually vain.
Matters get worse…
My dad was diagnosed with end stage cirrhosis of the liver the weekend before classes began. He called me up on a Tuesday afternoon and just said it: "I have some bad news. My liver is shutting down. I have 12 months or so to live." Within two weeks of that statement, he had hepatic encephalopathy so severe that he didn't even know me anymore. He is now in a skilled nursing facility and requires 24 hour care. Needless to say, the entire scenario does some serious sucking. My dad will be 68 years-old on December 6. God only knows if he will be aware of it or not, or even if he'll be here at all. The prospect of losing my husband and father within a 5 year period is somewhat sobering; I have felt rather abandoned these past few weeks.
I am not alone, however, and I realize that. I am lucky to have a clan of supportive family and friends; the phone never goes a day without ringing atleast 5 times. I don't always answer, though. Not only do I have loads of projects to finish, but as always, I appreciate my solitude. Although the well wishings and visits or calls of support are often nice, I simply don't want to hear them all the time. Life isn't always milk and honey. Shit happens, or so they say. If you cry on a shoulder long enough, it becomes a wet, snotty mess. I don't want that.
The biggest surprise of the season is the fact that I began the dreaded pediatric rotation that I vehemently spoke of all summer. I dreaded working with kids and young people and assumed that I would loathe every moment of it. It surprises me even now to admit it, but I have grown to love peds and I'm even considering specializing in it. I still don't understand the logistics of my fondness of it. My two favorite areas of nursing thus far are oncology….and pediatrics. Perhaps I'll specialize in pediatric oncology. Wouldn't that be a kick in the pants.
And so, here it is, a rainy Friday afternoon spent lamenting the past, cursing the present, and hoping for the future. It's odd, but that seems to be the human way. Everyone's way. Whether we like it or not.


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In a statement, the executive director says he believes the festival will benefit from a fresh perspective.
Executive Director of Gilroy Garlic Festival Resigns
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Categories: News, Local News, KOVRTV, Top Story, Google
Latest Videos
Executive Director of Gilroy Garlic Festival ResignsIn a statement, the executive director says he believes the festival will benefit from a fresh perspective.
Couple Hit And Killed By CarTwo people died Friday night after being hit by a car while standing in a roadway in Sacramento, the Sacramento Police Department said.
CBS13 News PM News Update - 12/14/19Here are the latest stories from around the region.
Evening Forecast - 12/14/19Here's your extended 7-day forecast!
Driver Flips While Driving On Ice Near BocaThe driver luckily escaped with no injuries.
Stockton Police Searching For Man Suspected Of Attacking Another Man With MacheteStockton police are searching for a suspect who allegedly attacked a man with a machete Friday afternoon.
1 Adult, 7 Minors Arrested In Connection With Davis RobberyEight people, including seven minors, were arrested Friday night in connection with a robbery in Davis.
Homicide Investigation Underway After Victim Dies From Gunshot In South SacramentoA homicide investigation is underway after a man was pronounced dead after suffering a gunshot wound in South Sacramento early Saturday.
Deputies Investigating Arden Shooting That Injured 1Sacramento deputies are investigating a shooting that happened in the area of Fulton Avenue and Hurley Way and put one man in the hospital with life-threatening injuries.
12 Daves of Christmas Day 5 — 53rd & S StreetsIt's the third night of the 12 Daves of Christmas and Dave's on 53rd and S streets for a jolly good time.
How A North Sacramento Street Came To Be For SaleIf you could buy the street in front of your house for Christmas, what would you do with it?
Citrus Heights Mom Holds Garage Sale After Rent Money Reportedly StolenChristmas came early for a Citrus Heights mother who said her rent money was stolen.
Stockton Mother, Son Arrested In Connection With Human Trafficking Investigation Involving Missing 13-Year-Old GirlA mother and son were arrested Friday in connection with a human trafficking investigation involving a missing 13-year-old girl, the Stockton Police Department announced.
Drunk Driver Who Led Authorities On Deadly Chase In Woodland Pleads 'No Contest'A drunk driver who authorities said served as a getaway driver for a robbery and killed one person in a crash pled no contest to three separate felony convictions on Friday, the Yolo County District Attorney said.
$10K Reward For Information In Stockton Fatal Hit-And-RunA $10,000 reward is being offered for information that may lead to the arrest of the driver who hit and killed a 71-year-old Stockton grandmother.
Sheriff: Two Middle School Students Robbed At Gunpoint In SacramentoDeputies are searching for a man who allegedly robbed two middle school students at gunpoint near Elk Grove.
Close Encounter With ProwlerA little boy had a close encounter with a prowler at a Carmichael home.
Gov. Newsom Rejects PG&E's Bankruptcy PlanGov. Gavin Newsom has rejected a $13.5 billion settlement that Pacific Gas and Electric struck just last week with thousands of people who lost homes, businesses and family members in a series of devastating fires that drove the nation's largest utility into bankruptcy.
Storm Dumping SnowAnna Giles is up near Donner Summit where a snowstorm is blanketing the area.
Evening Forecast - 12/13/19Here's your extended 7-day forecast!
Family Speaks Out After Grandmother Struck And KilledThe family of grandmother Trinidad Cornelio, 71, speaks out after she was struck and killed.
CBS13 Investigates: Some Voters May Need To Re-Register Political Party PreferenceSome voters' party statuses have been inadvertently switched to "No Party Preference."
71-Year-Old Struck And Killed In Stockton IdentifiedThe grandmother has been identified as Trinidad Cornelio. She was 71.
Woodland Christmas Tree LightingCBS13's Rachel Wulff was at the Woodland Christmas tree lighting.


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Here, graffiti artist Tilt has created his own room inside the Au Vieux Panier hotel in Marseille, France. One half of the room is covered in Tilt's incredibly colourful work while the other in a beautiful contrast is simply left white. The hotel boasts 5 rooms where artists are invited to get creative in whatever way they feel possible.
– alicja


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Pain in the Right Breastbone
Pain in the right breast bone, also referred to as the sternum, may cause you to worry, especially if symptoms develop suddenly. Fortunately, not all pain in the right side of the sternum is caused by a severe health condition, although if you develop chest pain, make sure to get a medical evaluation. Most cases of pain in the right sternum are preventable through lifestyle changes and treatable with medication.
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately.
Pain in the right side of the sternum can develop suddenly and without warning, explains MayoClinic.com. This pain might feel like a dull ache or be sharp and stabbing. The pain might worsen with activity or after eating a large meal. Additional symptoms can include a sour taste in the mouth, trouble swallowing and chest tenderness.
Dull aches in the right sternum that worsen with coughing or deep breathing could result from costochondritis, an inflammation of the sternum, explains the American Academy of Family Physicians. Pain in the right sternum and upper right abdomen that is accompanied by a feeling of fullness could result from gallbladder disease. A burning sensation that worsens after eating or drinking could be due to acid reflux. Cardiovascular problems, such as angina, cardiomyopathy and heart attack, can also cause pain in the right side of the sternum.
Do not ignore chest pain near the breast bone, especially if accompanied by additional symptoms such as shortness of breath, nausea, sweating, dizziness and weakness. These symptoms could indicate a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack. Contact emergency medical services immediately or dial 911.
Treatments for pain in the right side of the sternum depend on the cause of the pain. Cardiovascular diseases patients are sometimes prescribed medications such as blood thinners, anticoagulants, aspirin, beta-blockers or nitroglycerin; pain caused by heart attack might require emergency surgical treatments such as heart bypass or angioplasty; and patients with costochondritis may need anti-inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen.
Avoid drinking alcoholic or caffeinated beverages, and eating large meals or foods that are greasy, fatty or spicy, suggests the American Academy of Family Physicians. Doctors often recommend taking a daily aspirin to prevent right sternum pain from cardiovascular problems such as heart attacks. In addition, not smoking, maintaining healthy blood pressure and cholesterol levels, exercising daily, eating a diet low in saturated fat and reducing stress can also help prevent pain in the right sternum due to heart disease.
- BananaStock/BananaStock/Getty Images


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Egypt is deploying thousands of troops in the Sinai Peninsula, despite the Camp David peace deal, which insists that the area remain largely demilitarized. Defense Minister Ehud Barak has authorized the move, with backing from Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu.
"Sometimes you have to subordinate strategic considerations to tactical needs," the Economist quoted Barak as saying.
Knesset speaker Reuven Rivlin warned Friday that Barak and Netanyahu may not be authorized to make the decision. "It could very well be that the permission given to bring Egyptian troops into Sinai, which was declared an demilitarized zone in the peace accords, requires Knesset approval," he said.
"If that is the case, I will ask to bring it before the Knesset. An agreement between the Defense Minister and the Prime Minister, or even cabinet approval, is not enough," Rivlin stated.
He noted that the government was required to get the Knesset's permission before changing security arrangements along the Philadelphi Corridor near Gaza.
The increased Egyptian presence in Sinai comes as Egyptians have shown increasing hostility to Israel. Demonstrators rioted outside the Israeli embassy in Cairo this week after Egyptian soldiers were killed in the crossfire between Israel and Gaza terrorists.
The Muslim Brotherhood is planning a "million man march" against Israel for Friday. Two days ago, a senior Muslim Brotherhood cleric declared that ordinary Egyptians are obligated to kill "Zionists" if they encounter them.
The Islamist group is poised to gain a major share in government in Egypt's next elections.
Barak argues that without the Egyptian presence in Sinai, Israel will be under threat from Gaza terrorists who have transferred their base to the area. Last week terrorists with Gaza's PRC and Islamic Jihad launched a series of attacks from Sinai, murdering six civilians and two soldiers.
The new troops in Sinai "are unlikely ever to be withdrawn by any Egyptian government," the Economist notes.


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Excel Monthly Budget Template
stand out project spending budget vs real template, Types of Task Excel Monthly Budget Template and Budgeting Methods for You, Job budget design template helps you throughout the preliminary level because you strategy a page rank Dave Ramsey's template Sawzag Ramsey's Stand out budget theme is 1 of the the majority of well-known themes once it comes to month-to-month budgeting. Mister. Ramsey actually created these types of templates in PDF file format but after that Bob Hoffman transformed in an Exceed based price range Companies generally make finances as a intend to generate and dedicate money intended for the arriving years.
Intended for a family members or a person, all of us can likewise make costs for saving cash or reducing family debt. In this kind of article, Allow me display you how you can download price range template to get free Month-to-month Spending budget Schedule pertaining to Ms Excel® and Yahoo Linens This kind of schedule can help you evaluate the Excel Monthly Budget Template on the actual expenses, and may be imprinted on a single web page in family portrait orientation. The between the finances and So put deal: All of us spend the most of the period focusing on Surpass therefore it is preferable to possess an expenditure Follow me personally to check out the features. Within this kind of design, you can get into a month to month funds to use since a standard to the monthly expenditures. Although an easy home spending plan worksheet could be scribbled aside with simple pencil, newspaper, and a calculator, technology advances means you could have gain access to to a large number of easy-to-use spending budget This fundamental monthly price range worksheet stems from My personal Microsoft exceed templates and.
Probably you are conscious how very much money you choose in a great typical month, yet perform you as well know just how very very much you use? In case you regularly end up in the end of the money having a whole great deal of month remaining, it can time for you to produce a finances. Even cautious spenders will benefit The chart a better funds. Perform you choose to function with wise applications to manage your finances or carry out you depend on a great aged Stand out linen meant for your funds? Or is usually using the two together the best choice — programs for daily tracking and spreadsheets designed for monthly? UPGRADE: When We began this kind of blog in March '08 the Home Month to month Price range Design template was the initial template I actually place this was just converted coming from an surpass file. A lot of us here have already been using that for some time right now. Our company is testing with new budget This kind of kind of Personal Regular monthly Budget Worksheet Excel (version 5. 0) spreadsheet format. Download this kind of kind of spreadsheet design template just when, and likewise use this again and again. The schedule consists of the structure for a Excel Monthly Budget Template


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Tina BeyersChief Financial Officer
Tina joined Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors in October 2014 as Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Her responsibilities include oversight and strategic direction of Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors finances including accounting and controls, investment management and financial reporting. She also manages the finance team that provides service to Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors donors and sponsored projects that generate over $200 million in annual contributions.
A certified public accountant, Tina joined Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors from the Robin Hood Foundation, where she was controller since 2012. Her responsibilities included supervising accounting and gift activities, overseeing the processing and disbursement of $150 million in grants, compliance, and preparing financial reporting for internal leaders and board members. Prior to the Robin Hood Foundation, Tina was controller at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Foundation for eight years. She has also worked with IBM Global Services and the New York Foundation for the Arts.
Tina is an active volunteer for breast cancer prevention and treatment research organizations. A graduate of the University of Wisconsin, Tina lives in Brooklyn with her daughter Onallee and their dog, Tony.


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Note: The size chart is normal china size. our size is smaller two than the size
United States.
Material: PU leather
Size details:
Chinese Medium: Length:38.58"(98cm) Waist:28.74"(73cm);
Chinese Large: Length:40.16"(102cm) Waist:29.92"(76cm);
Chinese X-Large: Length:40.94"(104cm) Waist:31.50"(80cm);
Chinese 2X-Large: Length:41.73"(106cm) Waist:32.68"(83cm);..
This product hasn't received any reviews yet. Be the first to review this product!


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Reviewby Casey Brienza,
Me and the Devil Blues
Mississippi, 1929. RJ and his young wife Virginia are expecting, but even with a baby on the way RJ is having trouble focusing on working the fields. He'd rather hang out at the juke joint and make music. The only problem? He sucks at it. And so he stands a crossroads and plays his guitar, making a deal with the devil and trading his soul in order to learn how to play the blues. Unfortunately, RJ likely traded in his earthly happiness as well; Virginia dies in childbirth, leaving him unmoored and alone. Eager to escape his past, he takes the road and heads West. He can't escape the devil's curse so easily, though, and joining up with Clyde Barrow (of Bonnie & Clyde fame) sure isn't going to help. Then, as if things couldn't get any worse, something is happening to RJ's right hand…
The life of legendary African-American bluesman Robert Johnson is shrouded in mystery, and the fact that he died at the tender age of twenty-seven only intensifies the public fascination with him some eighty years later. Some even say that he sold his soul to the devil in exchange for musical talent. Which is a ridiculous superstition, right? Right? But what if Johnson really had sold his soul to the devil? What implications would that have for the gaps of his biography? These are the questions Akira Hiramoto's eagerly-anticipated—and heavily hyped—Me and the Devil Blues seeks to answer.
So, does Hiramoto in fact deliver upon this intriguing story premise? Alas, after careful consideration, one must conclude that the answer is a tepid "no." Certainly not for lack of effort. The higher one aspires, the further there is to fall, but it's safe to conclude that Hiramoto did not sell his soul to the devil to create Me and the Devil Blues. Though the manga is without question wildly ambitious, it fails to fully deliver on Del Rey's hype. The turgid storyline, weighted down by its own gravitas, never manages a pace faster than an agonized lumber.
The book begins with RJ, an irresponsible but well-meaning young man who has been neglecting his family in favor of music. He does not want to spend the rest of his life on the plantation and would rather carouse at the local juke joint. Unfortunately, he has no talent…until one evening in the cemetery, in the shadow of a church, he makes a Faustian bargain that gives him the musical gift of a lifetime. Now he's the toast of the town, but he hardly has time to enjoy his newfound acclaim; he inexplicably lost six months, and in the meantime his young wife died in childbirth. Now haunted by the tragedy and with literally nothing left to lose, RJ takes to the road.
The above background story takes a groaning two-hundred pages to unfold. For the next two-hundred and change, RJ ends up as thief Clyde Barrow's reluctant sidekick. The psychologically unstable white man decides to use RJ as a decoy while he burgles a rich man's house, but a chance string of events almost lead to disaster. The two flee West but are soon separated when RJ is kidnapped by a bunch of white supremacist townspeople eager to lynch him for the spectacle of it all. The last hundred pages explore the creepiness of this Wild Wild West—and RJ's curse, which is manifesting on his right hand. I won't spoil anything further here, but suffice it to say that Hiramoto's sense of the horrific leaves something to be desired…and polydactyl people may feel insulted.
The artwork, rendered in impeccable seinen style, is definitely the high point of this manga. The historic setting of early 20th century America has been painstakingly researched, and nothing—not the characters' dress, not the architecture, not the automobiles—looks remotely out of place. The only egregiously incorrect moment was Clyde's use of Asian body language when beckoning to RJ on page 269. However, racist depictions of black people in Japanese cartoons since Tezuka have had an ignominious history, and the decidedly caricatured designs of many of the black people in this realistically drawn manga may make some Americans uncomfortable. These aren't black people, exactly; rather, these are a Japanese fantasy of black people. And they look—not to mention occasionally behave—a bit like the cast of a blackface minstrel show. Indeed, the manga seems to fetishize race relations in the U.S. (especially the darker aspects) for cheap thrills. It also fetishizes frontier justice, and it is possible to read criticism of contemporary U.S. foreign policy here.
The Del Rey edition, which includes both volumes one and two of the original Japanese tankoubon, is extra large and more squarish in its dimensions than any of the publisher's other offerings. Compared to other single volume Del Rey titles, which retail at $10.99 or higher, Me and the Devil Blues is good value for the money at $19.99. It doesn't really seem that way, though; the 540 page book feels loose and sloppy. The paper used, moreover, is abominable—like scrap—and the image reproduction is not quite as high as it should be. Some visual detail is definitely being lost. The first eight pages in particular, which were probably full-color in the Japanese editions but are black and white here, are nearly impossible to decipher. Content aside, fans of the series will likely be terribly disappointed by the poor quality of this book as an object.
Overall : B-
Story : C+
Art : A-
+ Superb, historically accurate artwork and an intriguing, original story premise.
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In class, we were assigned to find an image editor for a website project, and if we couldn't find one then we are to use Microsoft paint. (Ew.)
Well, I already had two websites lunapic and picnik I previously posted about that are online photo editors where you could do all kinds of nifty edits and special effects.
I decided to look up other free online/no download photo editors and I found two more fun sites for profile pics and what not.
Be on the cover of a magazine!
Upload your photo and play with the Photo Trix.
Photo Trix aren't just for kids. Even grownups can have fun with these photo special effects.
These could be fun for
- Myspace
- Twitter Avatars
- Blogs
- Websites
- Fansites
Just thought I'd share. Have fun!


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Prime Minister Abe is not reviving cling-ons, the daily corridor chats with mainstream reporters covering the prime Minister's beat that Junichiro Koizumi used to great effect when he had the job. Instead, he reportedly will use the formal press conferences and Facebook to get his message across to the Japanese public. That's probably a good thing since he is the anti-Koizumi. Specifically, he is a) not a master of the bon mot; and b) also tends to over-explain, which is when he is likely to get into trouble. As we turn to his Facebook account, we notice that he is also the anti-Hashimoto. Specifically, he does not argue with people who post comments. That, of course, makes sense because there are few if any critical comments available. The owner of the Facebook account must be a) the most popular post-WW II prime minister since General Douglas McArthur; or b) weeding out any critical comments. If it's the latter, then we can tell that he really cares about his Facebook account, since the comments that he allows to remain reach the thousands for each posting. Imagine the time and effort involved. Perhaps he would be better served by delegating such a task to someone with more time on his/her hands, since an odd piece of veiled irony appears to be leaking through despite his best efforts, and he will be busier than ever tending to matters of state as prime minister.
With that, I will now give you an idea of what might be in store for us, his faithful Facebook followers, through his 2012 postings after the December 16 House of Representatives election, brought to you in the English language by a) Bing and b) yours truly.
December 17:
a) Thanks for your support could make a "first step" back Japan.
However, it is a real struggle.
, We must put the "result" confidence in and support for the Liberal-Democratic Party and me, Oh that it vanished during the.
Produce solid results. First of all, "economy" and "security".
b) With your help, we were able to take the "first step towards taking back Japan".
However, the real struggle has just begun.
If we don't produce results, the support for and trust in the Liberal Democratic Party and me will vanish in an instant.
Produce solid results.
It's the "economy" and "security" first of all.
December 17:
a) For now, special diet is under preparation.
Tonight's dinner at the hotel. Menus are examples of Curry
b) I am currently preparing for the special Diet session.
Tonight, I am having dinner at a hotel.
The menu? Yes, that curry.*
* This is a reference to the critical media commentary that he received when it was noticed that he had eaten this particular 3,500 yen curry. He said that he would try to get his point across with a sense of humor if possible, and it is nice to know that there is a mischievous side to this sometimes dour persona.
December 22
a) End of the general election, we returned home Shimonoseki local for the first time.
Him I was going last night, 20-year-old local favorite "Shimonoseki gold chicken" chicken baked with akie was. Is the so-called "stubborn" bake chicken, will guarantee the taste.
b) The general election is over and I have returned home to Shimonoseki for the first time since.
Last night, I had baked free-range chicken with [my wife] Akie at the "Shimonoseki Kinkei (Shimonoseki Gold Chicken)," which I have been frequenting the last twenty years.
It's free-range chicken baked by a so-called "ganko-oyaji (stubborn proprietor)", but I guarantee the taste.
December 22
a) And today, visiting a grave in the city, reported the father of election victory report.
And vowed to fight tenaciously, now directed "revival of Japan" and "break away from the postwar regime" in front of the grave.
Lots of local people gathered in front of the grave, the top so I was.
Kori is a welcome one. Then in the car 3 hours running, Machida tabUse, shore House Tomb, even after a long time Temple came to.
b) Today, I made a visit to the cemetery in Nagato and reported the electoral victory to my [deceased] father.
And I vowed in front of his grave that this time, I would tenaciously and firmly fight through towards "the revival of Japan" and "shaking ourselves free of the post-war regime."
I was moved by the many local people who gathered in front of the grave.
It is good to be back home.
After that, we drove three hours and visited the Kishi family grave in Tabuse-cho for the first time in a long while.
December 28
a) "A novelty even as"
(Comic artist, Mayumi Kurata)
"Protection, separating the goods"
(Secretary to former Prime Minister and Mr. Norihiko Narita)
Sepia color cabinet without summary
(Political scientist, Katsuyuki yakushiji
Is the rating for the Abe administration experts yesterday published in daily newspaper evening Edition.
We are highly regarded by require wisdom into laughter sometimes, because I also once assumes the Administration and we have experienced various things I take criticism humbly. Experts, daily newspaper of choice (?
) Is great
Especially the Yakushi-ji Temple, Mr. former Asahi Shimbun is excellent.
When the Democratic Party was born, and it put the "exciting" op-ed, (laughs) is owner of vision and intelligence.
That said, I do appreciate your reprimand of,.
From now on, we will 服膺 Ken-Oh. -Just kidding
b) "There's déjà vu, then there's déjà vu all over again."
(Mayumi Kurata, cartoonist)
"Separation of public finance and the financial sector cast aside."
(Norihiko Narita, former secretary to the prime secretary)
"Sepia-colored cabinet with no coherence"*
(Katsuyuki Yakushiji, political scientist)
* No. I have no idea what Professor Yakushiji means either.
These are the comments from sages that were printed in yesterday's evening edition of the Mainichi.
I once led an administration and expreinced many things, so this time, I believe that I should accept criticism with humility and have the wisdom to transform it into laughter on occasion.
Mainichi does, indeed choose its sages(?) [well]: magnificent.
Mr. Katsuyuki Yakushiji, formerly of Mainichi, is particularly brilliant.
After all, he is person of great foresight and intelligence, who published an op-ed saying he was "thrilled" when the DPJ administration was born (LOL).
Notwithstanding, I appreciate everybody's words of reprimand.
I will continue to bear them in mind.
… Kidding.
From these four posts (there's also an Dec. 20 retweet of a post registering disapproval of a couple of Shukan Asahi (the weekly magazine published by the leftish Asahi Shimbun group) covers; I've ignored posts by his secretaries), we can draw the following tentative conclusions:
1) The Prime Minister reveres his father and grandfather.
2) The Prime Minister resents the liberal mainstream media.
3) The Prime Minister loves casual dining, if not on the cheap.
4) The Prime Minister needs a little work on his funny schtik.
5) The Prime Minister has reserved most his policy pronouncements for future Facebook posts.
We were already aware of 1), 2) and, if we'd been attentive, 3) as well. 4) is something of a revelation. Stay tuned, courtesy of the Bing translation services if necessary, for improvements in 4)… and of course news on 5). The best is surely yet to come.


text: jayakris 9,774 Posted December 6, 2018 Ep 24 recap part-2 (from 16:45) Ms. Heo is impressed with YSJ's plant-grooming skills. They wonder if NJ will succeed like the chairman hoped, and Ms. Heo commends her for raising NJ so well. YSJ wants to know if Ms. Heo is never going to get married. Ms.Heo isn't going to. YSJ wants to know about CS (the lawyer) too. Ms. Heo says he was interested in a woman back in college but she went to somebody else and he has not seen any woman since then. YSJ says she will take some lunchbox to the lawyer also, when she takes food for Team-2. Ms. Heo tells her the food item his old flame use to make for him, and YSJ says she can make them (YSJ is making a move on the lawyer??) CJ is on the phone saying, "What? An Seok Jae's shares have gone to SU, you mean?" (so it looks like the grand-uncle went with them). He asks the other guy to keep reporting to him. He says he cannot just sit and take it, if they are already making such moves. SH is thanking the grand-uncle. "Now the MinHan shares are the problem", she says to herself. "He is giving it to SJ? He thinks I will just sit and watch?" At the Team-2 office, SJ sees NJ being a bit out of sorts. He calls for a meeting. He wants a concept for the design. The lady says she only knows fabrics and the guy says he is a management and marketing guy. They should also think of design concepts? ... The ajussi scolds them, asking who will do this if they wash their hands off. The lady says they weren't so negative about their own abilities at first. It is the company that made them become like this. The guy also agrees. SJ does a pep talk about becoming confident, saying she came there to win it. Ajussi: "Good job, our chief designer!". NJ: "Attagirl... My Joan of Arc!". They all have a nice chat and Nj asks the guy to find a place to go for a team party in the evening. SU also having a team meeting. He also wants a concept and design idea, and assigns tasks to everybody, except JA. She is still looking sullen. DS is already a HomeShopping model. The PD there is a fan of DS and asks him to eat just like in the SNS, and to not be concerned of the camera. DS seems to be doing a good job. YS is watching the DS show on TV and looking sad. MS comes and she asks him to take her out to eat some grilled pork. She asks if they are already too poor to even eat out. He says it's not so bad. He tries to comfort her saying he has got a good lawyer for her brother. JA is still out of sorts and her roommate asks her for the details of the stalking business. YJ says she finds the hometown people really strange, talking about NJ, JA and DS. But JA snaps at her for even mentioning DS. "You are getting mad at me?" asks YJ. But JA says she is tired and leaves. The roommate is a bit annoyed with her. At the team-2 office, the guy who is in charge of finding a place to have a kickoff celebration, says they will go to a Pork Stew (gamjattang) place. SJ is being her cheerful self. Nice. They all leave, and NJ says he will follow a bit later after seeing somebody. SJ hesitates a bit, as she knows something is bothering NJ. JA meets NJ, who is still friendly and asks her if she has been doing alright all this while, saying he was worried for her. He says he is glad she is getting to do designing. She asks what happened here and if his mom is not his real mom, and he explains the details. JA: "Let's not talk about this. Whose grandson you are, or who your real mom is, are not my business. I need to go. We have a team meeting". Fine, says NJ. When he says she must not have said that he was a stalker, she says, "No. I said it. I said you were a stalker I was sick and tired of, and asked them to never give you my contact details". NJ: "Why? Why on earth... would you do that? How could you do that to me?"... JA: "You had to be erased... for me to have a life, right?" [THE END] 6 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites


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Home → Newsroom
Unemployment Rate Drops to Lowest Rate since 2008 under Governor LePage
November 22, 2013
For Immediate Release: Friday, Nov. 22
Contact: Adrienne Bennett, Press Secretary, 207-287-2531
AUGUSTA—Governor Paul R. LePage pointed to declining unemployment rates in September and October as evidence that his economic policies are putting more Mainers back to work.
The unemployment rate fell to 6.9% in September, and then dropped to 6.7% in October. According to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics, 3,800 more Mainers were employed in October 2013 than in October 2012. The recent federal government shutdown delayed the release of unemployment numbers by over a month.
"We have been working hard for three years to improve the business climate in Maine so our companies can do what they do best: create jobs," said the Governor. "We have reduced taxes, cut red tape, streamlined regulations and made fiscally responsible decisions to right-size government. All of these factors make Maine more competitive in attracting and retaining jobs."
While the national unemployment rate is still well above seven percent at 7.3%, Maine's unemployment rate in October fell to its lowest since 2008.
"The nation's unemployment rate remains high because of the broken system in Washington, D.C., which has resulted in an unprecedented $17 trillion of debt, unbalanced budgets, high taxes and uncertainty in the marketplace," said Governor LePage. "Now Obamacare is crushing small businesses and the middle class. These job-killing efforts are the exact opposite of what a government should be doing to increase employment."
"Career politicians don't know how to create jobs," the Governor added. "I spent my entire career in business, and I understand what companies need to succeed. When businesses succeed, Maine families benefit from the good-paying jobs they provide."
The Governor highlighted the world-class companies that have created jobs in Maine over the past few months, including Barclaycards, Irving Forest Products, Ameridial, Eimskip, Tempus Jets, Maine Wood Products, Molnlycke Health Care and many others.
"These companies recognize the great strides our administration has made to transform Maine state government from an adversary into a partner with a 'can do' attitude that moves at the speed of business," said the Governor. "Our pro-growth, pro-business policies have made it easier for them to create more jobs for Mainers."


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August 4, 2009
Let's talk about euthanasia and abortion?
Posted in attack ads, health care, media coverage, Obama administration, Rove and Rovian attack politics, senior citizens tagged abortion, euthanasia, health care insurance reform, health insurance profiteering, socialized medicine at 5:53 pm by realitytax
Abortion is a time-tested "wedge" issue, in the finest tradition of Karl Rove's masterful divisive politics, and it's arguably being used that way again right now in the health-care insurance reform debate.
Most of us have good enough insurance, and we all get to make the choice to keep our current system. This isn't about the majority, this is about the 1 in 6 Americans who aren't covered. 1 in 6 – that's not quite 50 million Americans.
Now, nobody's proposed socialized medicine – if they had the doctors wouldn't be mostly in favor of reform. But it's a tested sound bite that shaves off a few votes. Did you know they need more billing clerks at Duke Medical Center than they have nurses? Does that get through to the opponents of reform at all? No, apparently they're happier with it spun by lobbyists and CEOs than sticking with reality.
So, too, with abortion. It's being dragged into the debate for the express purpose of derailing the whole package – undermining an honest debate about our values, and shaving off a few votes here and there. It's classic Rove/GOP/special interest "divide and conquer" in the face of Obama's attempts to make real improvements.
They hope we'll ignore that the leading cause of personal bankruptcy filings is medical expenses. Never mind that the number of uninsured Americans grows by over 10,000 people each and every day. No, no, don't fret about your neighbors who aren't as well off as you, that's not your problem – just keeping listening to the $pecial interests as they spend millions of dollars per day, raised by bureaucrats at companies who decide your premiums and what they'll cover or not cover, all to influence congress and public opinion. The bureaucrats who control our access to health care right now live rich, lavish lifestyles with no incentive to change the system, let alone to cover those who need it most.
More than half of personal bankruptcy filings are triggered by medical costs. Really.
Do you think this is about somebody else? Do you think everybody you know is really covered? Do you mind that most of the raises in the last three decades for low and middle-income earners have gone right into the pockets of health insurance profiteers, because premiums have been rising at triple the rate of inflation?
Lots of money – special interest money – is being thrown at this debate, and it's up to us to keep the truth out there, because when people hear things like abortion, socialized medicine, or alleged euthanasia for senior citizens, many have a visceral reaction and stop thinking, let alone listening.
Are you still thinking?


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As business leaders and involved citizens in the tri-city area, Allstate exclusive agency owners David Cotter of the of the David Cotter Agency, Justin Eggar of the Eggar Insurance Agency, David Rosenberg of the David Rosenberg Agency, Daniel Ross of the Daniel Ross Agency and Jim Towns of the Jim Towns Agency have been designated Allstate Premier Agencies for 2013.
The Allstate Premier Agency designation is bestowed upon less than 38 percent of Allstate's nearly 10,000 agency owners across the country. This designation is being presented to these small business owners for their outstanding performance and commitment to putting customers at the center of their agency's work.
The Premier Agency designation is awarded to Allstate agency owners who have demonstrated excellence in delivering an accessible, knowledgeable and personal customer experience, and in achieving outstanding business results.
The David Cotter Agency is located at 40w148 Campton Crossing Drive, Unit A in St. Charles and can be reached at 630-232-9811 or http://agents.allstate.com/david-cotter-saint-charles-il.html
The Eggar Insurance Agency is located at 402 E. State St. in Geneva and can be reached at 630-225-9325 or http://agents.allstate.com/justin-eggar-geneva-il.html
The David Rosenberg Agency is located at 34 N. Island Ave., Suite C in Batavia and can be reached at 630-482-9340 or http://agents.allstate.com/david-rosenberg-batavia-il.html
The Daniel Ross Agency is located at 2630 Kaneville Court, Suite A in Geneva and can be reached at 630-405-5201 or http://agents.allstate.com/daniel-ross-geneva-il.html
The Jim Towns Agency is located at 713 Main St. in Batavia and can be reached at 630-761-0200 or http://agents.allstate.com/jim-towns-batavia-il.html
The Allstate Corporation (NYSE: ALL) is the nation's largest publicly held personal lines insurer, serving approximately 16 million households through its Allstate, Encompass, Esurance and Answer Financial brand names and Allstate Financial business segment. Allstate branded insurance products (auto, home, life and retirement) and services are offered through Allstate agencies, independent agencies, and Allstate exclusive financial representatives, as well as via www.allstate.com, www.allstate.com/financial and 1-800 Allstate®, and are widely known through the slogan "You're In Good Hands With Allstate®." As part of Allstate's commitment to strengthen local communities, The Allstate Foundation, Allstate employees, agency owners and the corporation provided $29 million in 2012 to thousands of nonprofit organizations and important causes across the United States.


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FAQ(More Details)
How does the Cloud Activation work?
A key/code is not necessary for the Cloud Activation, we will send you a unique activation link. Click the link in the delivery mail and follow the instructions, your game will be activated automatically on your steam account in seconds.
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Frostpunk is a brand-new title from the creators of This War of Mine. It's a society survival game that asks what people are capable of when pushed to the brink of extinction. In an entirely frozen world, people develop steam-powered technology to oppose the overwhelming cold. The city's ruler has to manage both the citizens and the infrastructure they live in. The leader's tactical skills face challenges that will frequently question morality and the basic foundations of what we consider organized society. Optimization and resource management often clash with empathy and thoughtful decision-making. While city and society management will consume most of the ruler's time, at some point exploration of the outside world is necessary to understand its history and present state.
What decisions will you make to ensure the survival of your society? What will you do when pushed to the limit? And...
System Requirements
- Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
- OS: Windows 7/8/10 64-bit
- Processor: 3.2 GHz Dual Core Processor
- Memory: 4 GB RAM
- Graphics: GeForce GTX 660, Radeon R7 370 or equivalent with 2 GB of video RAM
- DirectX: Version 11
- Storage: 8 GB available space
- Sound Card: DirectX compatible
- Additional Notes: Please make sure that you have the latest VC package installed, and - if you're using Windows 7 or 8 - that you have the KB4019990 update applied.
Additional Information
|Rating filter
|Release Date
|Apr 24, 2018


text: We are a mixed economy. We will remain a mixed economy. The public and private sector will continue to play a very important role. The private sector in our country has very ample scope and I am confident that India's entrepreneurs have the capacity, and the will to rise to the occasion.


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Millions and millions of people world wide suffer from partial or complete hair loss. There exist varied reasons of this agonizing problem. So it is very difficult for dermatologists to ascertain exact reason of hair loss.
However if the loss of hair strikes after usage of certain medications, it could be easily adjudged as a side effect of medication. But many a times the underlying reasons for hair loss remain unidentified. And one such hair loss is deficiency related hair loss. Malnutrition or deficiency of nutrients and vitamins often paves the way for hair fall. So you must check your sharp hair fall against these deficiencies.
Hair follicles require certain vitamins to carry on their constant function of regeneration and growth. If follicles remain deprived of these vitamins they won't be able to carry out their normal functioning and may result in hair loss.
Most often due to poor dietary habits or disturbed metabolism folks happen to be deficient with these vitamins. So a change in dietary habits or food intake is necessary to ensure enough intake of necessary vitamins for hair in order to prevent hair loss.
Vitamin A, E and B are of special significance in keeping the healthy hair.
Vitamin A keeps hair moist by helping them to secrete sebum in scalp as per requirement. This sebum keeps hairs away from dryness. This dryness of hair happens to be first step towards hair fall. So there must not be deficiency of this vital vitamin that also happens to be an anti oxidant.
Vitamin E performs the vital function of increasing level of blood circulation towards scalp and also helps follicle cells take enough oxygen. This result in enhanced ability of follicles to regenerate and grow hair. And the deficiency would adversely affect follicular function.
And four different types of vitamin B also cast adverse effect on hair condition if present in less than needed level. Biotin is a complex vitamin B that effectively curbs hair loss and contribute greatly in keeping hairs firm on scalp. Milk and egg yolk are major sources to cover up this deficiency. Para Amino Benzoic Acid is another B complex that is of equal significance for hair nourishment. Vitamin B6 and Inositol are other two B vitamins that are necessary for healthy hair.
If you are facing deficiency of these vitamins you should incorporate food items in your diet to ensure sufficient intake of these vitamins. It would lessen possibility of hair loss.
By Joann Grant


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Each and every one of us loves our children and we want to give them all that we can. Few things give a parent more joy than seeing their children's faces light up on Christmas morning when they see all of the wonderful surprises that Santa has left for them. These are memories that we will cherish together for the rest of our lives but did you know that you can give too much?
I remember when I was little that I was very fortunate. It seems that I always had everything that I wanted and for me this was a normal part of life. I didn't realize that not all of the other children were as fortunate as I was. I remember one particular Christmas morning I had opened up what seemed like a thousand gifts from good ole' Santa and then I said something that made my parents very angry.
I didn't mean it the way it sounded but now as a parent myself I can understand why my parents became so upset. I thought that in all the confusion there may still have been a gift that I hadn't noticed and innocently enough (or so I thought) I said the immortal words, "Is that all?" I can't begin to describe the look of disappointment and shock on mom and dad's faces. I had just finished opening a ton of gifts from Santa and this was what I said? Yes, I was spoiled.
Why did I decide to write a blog about something so personal? Well, I thought that maybe now would be a good time to remind ourselves that maybe, just maybe we are doing our children a disservice by spoiling them a bit too much.
A recent study done at the University of Missouri suggests that excessively spoiled children are prone to suffer from credit card debt, gambling issues and even compulsive shopping disorders when they grow up. Simply stated, having too much as a child creates the need as an adult to always want more. It makes sense if you think about it, right? Spoiled child = spoiled adult.
The study also suggests that excess materialism can result in low self esteem and those of us that enjoy giving gifts more than receiving them tend to be less egocentric and have more empathy for others. So what should we as parents do to ensure that our children have a happy and wonderful childhood without spoiling them?
First of all we can set a limit to the number of gifts that we buy for our little ones. Not just during the holidays but at all times of the year. Meaningful gifts that your child will really enjoy are much more important than a mountain of goodies that will be discarded shortly after being opened. The best gifts might be those that enhance creativity and develop interests such as musical instruments, art supplies and games that allow your child to be involved with something and not just staring at it.
I also think that we should teach our children about the joy of giving, not just receiving. Every community offers many different ways to volunteer your time or items to help those less fortunate than you. Why not have your child help you to deliver some canned goods to a local church or organization that feeds the hungry at this time of year? What about visiting a nursing home with your young one or a hospital ward for children? There are plenty of ways to teach your child that giving can be more rewarding than receiving and that just may be the best gift you can ever give them.


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In discussing how you can learn to relax, it should be clear that relaxation doesn't necessarily mean taking huge breaks from your busy life, that most people have a few minutes of time for it each day, and that it is something that can be easily learned. You can spend a lot of money and time reading or learning plenty of relaxation techniques. They may be taught in concert with exercises like yoga or tai chi chuan. Alternately, you may take meditation classes, self-hypnosis classes or even learn how to breathe in specific ways that may help you learn to relax. But for many of us, having to do this is more tension producing. Never fear: as much as these classes may be helpful, they aren't required to learn how to relax.
You do need a small amount of time when you are likely to not have interruptions. Moms at home with babies who tend to jump to the chores when babies are sleeping should give themselves the first three to five minutes of baby's nap time for a little relaxation. If you're at work or home, find a quiet place to sit, or maybe even lie down. Plan for a three to five minute session of relaxation, or as much as fifteen to twenty minutes if you can manage it.
Many techniques that teach you to learn to relax focus on two things: pushing tense and distracting thoughts out of your mind for a few minutes, and observing the way you breathe. It sounds pretty simple actually, but many people find their minds racing with thoughts that will intrude. You may have to do a second or two of adjustment when your mind intrudes on your relaxation time by telling those thoughts you will get back to them shortly. Think of it as similar to putting a person on the phone on hold for just a few minutes.
Breath observation can take many forms, including learning how to breathe in specific patterns. Many people find trained breathing a bit tense, especially in the onset. Instead of having to learn to relax, just try to focus on how you're breathing. Ask yourself questions about it that keep you focused. Are your breaths even for instance? Do you breathe deeply, slowly, evenly? With your eyes closed, and with you lying or sitting in a comfortable spot, just allow yourself to focus on that breath and feel it. Remember that nothing is wrong with how you breathe; you're just there to observe it.
Chances are you can spend a few minutes with your eyes closed simply focusing on your breathing patterns. If you have the time to take a relaxation session slightly longer, you can learn to relax a bit more by starting a "mind scan" of how your body feels. For instance, you can notice if your arms are relaxed, you legs, your toes or your spine. With each exhalation, spend a little time allowing yourself to be fully supported by chair, couch or floor and try to let your body just sink deeply into place. If you get lost, just return to breath observation.
Once you've mastered this simple relaxation technique, do some thinking when you have a moment's free time about other things that may relax you. For instance, some people relax by taking a twenty-minute catnap, or others by getting a massage. A warm bath with aromatic essential oils, or a few minutes of sitting in the sun do it for other people. Look to small easy ways to create circumstances that will help you to learn to relax or are naturally relaxing and comfortable.
It's easy to get caught up in the approach that there is a single "right way" to relax. This is not always the case. Rather, consider that there may be numerous ways in which you can learn to relax, and that few of these methods will be time-consuming. If needed, schedule a few minutes of time each day for your relaxation session, and honor the need for others in your life to have a few moments or relaxation each day too.
Post 4
Crispety- What I like to do when I'm really stressed is relax and write. I put some soft music in the background and start writing about my day and what caused me stress.
Often when I reflect on my writing the next day, I realized that many times my stress was really an over reaction to something minor. But at least in the moment it helps me to calm down.
I even starting to paint which also helps me relax because it requires a lot of concentration. This causes me to move my focus from what was stressing me to the painting so it's another way that I've learned how to relax.
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Cupcake15- I understand that all of this New Age exercise is really popular, but for me I need to run.
Whenever I feel stressed I just run a couple miles, and when I finish I don't even remember why was stressed out in the first place.
I also like to use images that relax me while running. I think of going to the beach and relaxing in the sun whenever I run. I find yoga to be a little hard to do. It actually frustrates me more.
Post 2
Sunshine31- While that's true some people prefer more calming methods of relaxation.
I think yoga and meditation allow you to slowly forget everything around you, and allow you to live in the moment.
By taking deep breaths and not speaking you are forced to relax. Tai Chi is another form of controlled exercise that forces the mind to concentrate on the body with deliberate movements.
This intense concentration allows you to block out all other thoughts and over time you will learn to relax in a faster way.
Post 1
Learning how to relax sounds easy but it's difficult for a lot of people. With more advances in technology more people are finding that they cannot get away from work.
Some people are addicted to their Blackberry really need to walk away. One of the best things to do when you want to relax is exercise.
Exercise releases endorphins in the body that will automatically relax you. These endorphins allow you to relax and even create a more restful night's sleep.
Many runners talk about this when they experience the runners high. This feeling of relaxation can be created with any exercise as long as you get your heart rate up.
What I do when I am going to run is, I put my moisturizer in the refrigerator so when I'm going to clean my face it feels good to put the nice cold moisturizer on my warm face, after I take a shower.
One of our editors will review your suggestion and make changes if warranted. Note that depending on the number of suggestions we receive, this can take anywhere from a few hours to a few days. Thank you for helping to improve wiseGEEK!


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Amy at A Commonplace Life (a new blog I have found to stalk via Katy's blog) blogged the questions that are currently plaguing her. I thought it was an excellent stream of conciousness writinging excercize, and a brilliant way to procrastinate and not get things done that I set myself the task of doing today. So here goes....
Will I ever finish writing the Poison Apple Tree fairy tale?
Will I ever write a book?
Should I go do the dishes and the laundry now? or wait till just before M and H get home when I will look like I am a good housewife?
Will I ever be a good housewife? because really I loath dusting and hoovering more than anything.
Will I ever be able to do the things I dream of doing?
Will I ever be anything more than the dreamer I am?
Will I get booted from the crafting community because most of the presents for chrstmas are bought games, and electronic gizmos and I haven't made anything yet?
is my writing any good at all? or should I give up on that dream and get a job?
will we ever move back to the US?
If I make muffins for breakfast tommorrow will they be eaten? or will the Boy randomly decide that is the day that he wants some sort of crappy cereal?
Why do all the shows I really love, that having craking dialogue and great music get cancelled? (Dollhouse, Firefly, Veronica Mars, Moonlight, etc)
can I play just one more game of Bejewelled on facebook?
when a friend said I was a Jack of all trades was that really a compliment?
should I get a part time job so I get out of the house more than I do?
would I be able to handle a job and still cooking and cleaning as I'm not the best housewife to begin with and I really don't know how I could cope with that... this really isn't a question is it?
Will I be forever allergic to broccoli ? ( the allergy developed after having H)
Why do I love crafts but hate crafting with kids?
will I get through next week's craft night, baking for the School Christmas Fair, and helping out at said fair?
is there any dark chocolate in the house for me?
have I written enough questions or should I write more (I definitly have more you know)?
...also will you signup for my Alice in Wonderland Craft Swap?


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Wolf and Rider on Aug 8, 2013 wrote:Every time I try to hatch I end up getting my own pet! Please help! I wanna get a frost hound!Emma Emeraldsword lvl 52 , ready to defeat Malistaire!
BlueGhost004 on Aug 8, 2013 wrote:I'm no hatching genius, but as far as I know it is a 50/50 chance. However, it is possible that one pet is dominant over the other when hatching. Every time I hatch one of my Siren pets I get another Siren, which leads me to believe that the siren is dominant. Hope this helped. Sorry I could not give your more advice, I would just keep trying. :) good luck!
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Africa Research Institute
Africa Research Institute (ARI) is an independent, non-partisan think-tank based in London. It was founded in 2007. ARI aims to reflect, understand and build on the dynamism in Africa today. It seeks to draw attention to ideas and initiatives that have worked in Africa, and identify new ideas where needed.
African Gender Institute
The African Gender Institute at the University of Cape Town is a teaching, learning and research institute which focuses on issues of gender and development on the African continent.
The Council for the Development of Social Science Research in Africa (CODESRIA) is headquartered in Dakar, Senegal. It was established in 1973 as an independent pan-African research organisation primarily focusing on social sciences research in Africa.
The Centre of African Studies
The University of London's Centre of African Studies is one of largest centre of expertise on Africa outside Africa; it co-ordinates interdisciplinary study, research and discussion on Africa within the University; and promoting a wider awareness of African issues.
The Electoral Institute for Sustainable Democracy in Africa (EISA) is a not for profit organisation that provides research, analysis and programmes aimed at creating an African continent where democratic governance, human rights and citizen participation are upheld in a peaceful environment.


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On the 9th March 2015, Apple announced the arrival of their long awaited and much anticipated Apple Watch (note: It's NOT called an iWatch). The media (especially Twitter) was awash with Apple related hashtags and related articles, blog posts and vlogs.
So, with prices ranging from £299 to £8,000, what do those in the fitness industry get for their investment in this hotly awaited wearable technology?
First off, unless you have an iPhone 5 upward, preferably with iOS 8, you may as well put your cash back in your wallet. The Apple Watch is not the most compatible of devices and Apple tend to keep their technology on a forward trajectory, they DON'T go retro when it comes to iOS.
For research purposes and as we are gym loving freaks, we're going to focus our attention on the Apple Watch Sport version of the device.
The exterior casing of The Sport collection is made from lightweight anodised aluminium (supposedly 60% stronger than standard alloys) and is available in silver and space grey colouring (yep, we don't know what the difference is either).
The display is protected by strengthened Ion-X glass, so we're pretty hopeful that, unlike your trusty iPhone5, the face of this time piece won't shatter every time you place it face down on your desk.
The Health and Fitness side of the Apple Watch seems, on the face of it (spot the pun), to offer quite a wide range of useful and not too gimmicky apps that are perfect for the everyday athlete.
The Apple Watch measures all of the ways you move using the Activity app, from walking the dog, to running up the stairs. It can also track every time you stand up, which should encourage you to stay active. The Activity app gives you a snapshot of your activity on a daily basis, with a set of 3 rings. The Move ring shows you how many calories you've burned, the Exercise ring shows you how many minutes of higher intensity activity you've completed and the Stand ring shows you how often you've stood up and taken a break from being a couch potato. What's the goal? To complete a ring every day!
The Apple Watch also includes the much talked about features from recent tech shows. There's the Heart Rate Sensor, which detects your heart rate during workouts, helps to determine the intensity of the exercise and gives you a pretty accurate calorie burn measurement.
Then there's the WiFi and GPS. Because, you'll need to know where you're actually running to while burning off all those calories, right? The Apple Watch utilises the GPS and WiFi from your iPhone5 to accurately measure distance and speed when you're walking, running or cycling.
On top of all of these great apps, there's the Accelerometer. This measures your body's total movement and steps to calculate the calories you're burning during each activity. It measures a wide range of physical movement from simply standing up to running to catch the bus.
Yes! The Apple Watch lets you set your own Goals, you can repeat them, increase them or decrease them. You can even choose different goals based on distance, time or how many calories you want to burn.
During your exercise, the Apple Watch also provides you with Progress Updates, letting you know each time you hit a mile or when you're half way to reaching your goal. It's like a Personal Trainer on your wrist!
At the end of all of this, the Apple Watch gives you a Workout Summary that shows you how far you've gone, how many calories you've burned and all of the stats you need to know to track your fitness.
The Apple Watch has also been designed to include coaching reminders that help you to reach your Move, Exercise and Stand goals every day. Thus allowing you to set your own milestones and set realistic targets for your training.
The Apple Watch also includes digital badges, every time you reach an achievement. Yet more encouragement!
Again, yes! The Apple Watch records all of your activity and progress in easy to read infographics. The watch can then share your activity and workout data with the Activity App on your iPhone, where it can be accessed by your chosen third party health and fitness apps. Of course, that is subject to you agreeing via the permissions panel.
Is the Apple Watch value for money? It's hard to say without getting our hands on the device. It looks great, it's fully compatible for iPhone 5 and 6 lovers but with a starting price of £299, this is a relatively expensive piece of wrist jewellery. You'll probably want to take out the extra insurance, if available on the day of purchase.
There are dozens of alternatives out there but for fitness experts, accuracy is going to be key! If the Apple Watch proves not to be as accurate as it claims, then the fitness industry will be quick to terminate the love affair with this particular type of wearable technology.
Our verdict: Expensive but a cool fitness accessory if you've got the pennies in the bank.


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Bring MusIQ Club to your school About the learning tools Video library Benefits of music education
MusIQ Club is the foremost piano and music rudiment program for elementary students that I have ever run."
-Eric Allen, Elementary Teacher and Primary Education Curriculum Specialist
My students run to their MusIQ Club session, and even the most active kids are completely engaged for the entire lesson." It's remarkable. -Rob Collins, Elementary music teacher
MusIQ Club is an excellent piano program. Kids love it. Parents love it. It has added tremendous value to my class." -Catherine Loftin, Maestro-Award music teacher
MusIQ Club is an excellent tool to introduce children to music theory and concepts. It's so wonderful when a child doesn't want to leave when the lesson is up." -Mary Brown, MusIQ Club teacher
I bet that a lot of youngsters will enjoy using the program, without realizing that they are having 'music lessons'." -Janet Dowsett - Yamaha Club Magazine
MusIQ Club enables your students to participate in an enriched group music and piano program weekly for one hour after school, before school or during lunch.
A maximum of 12 students work in pairs with an experienced and qualified music educator who observes and assists each student. Progress is measured, with individualized program objectives and student-by-student tracking.
MusIQ Club makes use of specialized software and MIDI keyboards. These interactive tools facilitate group classes and provide an excellent resource for quality practice at home. With the mobile music lab, MusIQ Club can take place anywhere there are tables and a power outlet.
MusIQ Club is an ideal background for Orchestral and Jazz band programs. Students will read music fluently, play an instrument with both hands, and understand concepts integral to reading, playing, and improvising music.
MusIQ Club also emphasizes listening and responding to music, developing a diverse repertoire of music, and music history. Participants are both turned onto music and equipped with the tangible, lifelong skills needed to create and improvise.
The MusIQ Club Program Director manages registrations, ensures program quality, and communicates with you and parents. MusIQ Club does not require your time or management and places no additional burden on the resources of your school.
With sufficient interest MusIQ Club can be operating within weeks. To start a MusIQ Club at your school, call toll-free 1.888.999.6434
Legal & Privacy | Copyright © 2019 Adventus Inc. All rights reserved. | Registration & Class Policies | Contact Us


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Posted: Mar 02, 2017
Phoenix, AZ - The Phoenix College Bears took the second game in a two game series with the #6 Mesa Thunderbirds Wednesday afternoon, 8-4.
The T-Birds took the first game in the series yesterday, 4-0, and held a 3-1 lead Wednesday but big hits and homers led to the PC victory.
Mesa will be on the road Friday afternoon at Scottsdale, in the first of a two game weekend series with the Artichokes. First pitch Friday will be at 3 pm and noon on Saturday at Mesa.


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Artistically Speaking
A look at arts in the Texas Panhandle.
FASO Amarillo: Friends of Aeolian Skinner
Watch performances by artists from around the world, presented by FASO Amarillo.
artZONE captures art in the Texas Panhandle as it happens. This program features visual art, music and the written word created, produced or inspired by our friends and neighbor...
Arts in Context
Arts In Context is an arts documentary series exploring the process of creation through collaboration and the condition of living and working as an artist.
Panhandle PBS Arts
Panhandle PBS takes a look at the local scene by highlighting everything from local music to art exhibits to interviews with authors.
PBS Off Book
Off Book is a web-original series from PBS Arts that explores cutting edge arts and the artists that make it. Episodes range from video games to typography, internet memes to st...


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London Palladium
8 Argyll Street
(2mins) Exit 8 from the tube goes out onto Argyll Street (opposite the large Topshop). The theatre is 100 metres down the road.
Fans of Joe Longthorne will have the enviable opportunity to participate in the star's 60th birthday celebrations in May 2015 as the London Palladium presents a special 60th Birthday Gala Concert.
The show will see the English singer perform onstage alongside other singers and the talented musicians that make up his band. The result is likely to be something that Joe Longthorne fans will remember for some time to come as he belts out classic songs in a familiar setting.
After all, Joe Longthorne has appeared at the London Palladium on various occasions in the past and has entertained countless audiences, making it the perfect location to celebrate his birthday in style.
A star since the early 1980s, Longthorne has made some stand-out appearances, including the Royal Variety Performance, and has featured on various well known television programmes, in addition to live performances around the world. But it is not just singing for which he is known; he has also wowed crowds worldwide for his impressions too!
Over the years he has released numerous albums, ranging from Only Once to Lady Blue alongside live albums and his recent Christmas album Have A Kenny Christmas.
The performance appears at the Palladium in a year that sees it welcome various stars, from Bruce Forsyth and An Evening With The Overtones to John Barrowman, all of whom appear in the summer.
Joe Longthorne, meanwhile, performs in his 60th Birthday Gala Concert on Sunday 31st May 2015.
|Booking From:
|Sunday, 31st May 2015
|Booking Until:
|Sunday, 31st May 2015
|Show Status:
|This production is closed
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The Santa Clara County Library District provides bulletin board space, where facilities permit, for information of community interest. This policy sets the guidelines used in decisions regarding the posting of notices. Because available space imposes natural restrictions, the following are priorities used in establishing the type, size and duration of posted materials.
Priority will be given in the following order:
Maximum size of posters is to be determined by the library, depending on available space. Size limitations should be posted on the bulletin board.
The library will determine, based on available space, how long in advance of the listed event a flyer or notice will be posted.
The Library assumes no responsibility for returning posters.
Permission to post material on bulletin boards must be obtained from the librarian in charge or other designated staff member.


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COLUMBUS, OH – The youngest captive auto lender has become one of the most aggressive in creating new products and promoting the vehicles of its parent, BMW North America LLC.
BMW Financial Services NA LLC was established in the U.S. in 1992, starting slowly along the conventional models of two long-standing financial arms, General Motors Acceptance Corp. and Ford Motor Credit Co.
BMWFS has grown steadily into a company offering retail and commercial financing for BMW AG's products: BMW, Mini and Rolls-Royce.
With total assets of more than $30 billion, the captive offers a range of leasing, retail and wholesale financing services to BMW customers and dealers.
What's more, it has conceived an array of finance and insurance products and is selling products with amazing speed. That is in large part due to an online F&I menu and an eContracting initiative so far approved by five states and poised to enter California and Florida this fall.
Shaun Bugbee, BMWFS sales and marketing vice president, is charging ahead in the eContracting launch.
"This is the F&I road of the future," he tells Ward's. "The dealers love it, because there's no cost to them to do F&I sales online, and it's a great customer pleaser."
Special Report
2010 Ward's Dealer F&I 150
BMWFS is targeting dealers in 17 states for eContracting by the end of 2011.
BMWFS also is bundling a package of other programs the firm believes will set it apart from other lenders.
These include BMW-branded insurance products such as GAP coverage, wheel and tire replacement, (not merely repairs), paint-less dent repair, windshield protection and extended service maintenance.
There also is a maintenance program upgrade of up to six years and 100,000 miles (160,903 km), an industry first designed to boost customer satisfaction.
Employee satisfaction at BMWFS is reflected in BMW being recognized among the top 25 companies in Fortune magazine's annual "world's most admired companies" tabulation, and maintaining that BMWFS is a "healthy" financial services business.
Photos of every employee at the BMWFS building are displayed on a huge wall near the entrance of the company's headquarters here.
In one of the nation's "barometer" markets, Columbus dealers excel in employee retention, such as the tenure of Darren Geddes at Kelly BMW on the Ohio capital's east side.
Geddes has been an F&I manager for 10 years at the Kelly dealership and is enthused about all the new initiatives coming from the captive lender.
"Online car shopping is growing by leaps and bounds and there's every reason to dial in finance contracts," he says.
"We just sold a 335i coupe to a Colorado guy who saw it advertised on our website. The fact we now can do the F&I menu online is a real exclusive, because this buyer wanted to talk about F&I."
The first states whose insurance commissions green-lighted eContracting were New York, Pennsylvania, Illinois and Maryland and New Jersey, where BMW of North American headquarters is located.
Michigan and Texas came on board in June, with California and Florida expecting to join the eContracting list in September.
BMWFS constantly strives for a "true partnership" with BMW dealers, he says. "Nearly all our products are BMW-branded, including the BMW 'Infobahn' that expedites auto maker payments to dealers on a same-day basis."
Bugbee says initiatives will tout pre-owned BMW and MINI sales, as well as 60-day free flooring that makes possible sales to loyal customers with credit scores as low as 575.
Bugbee joined BMWFS in 1997 and assumed his current position in 2008, following two years as president of Alphera Financial Services, a global lending organization that provides loan products for brands other than BMW. It was founded by BMWFS in 2006.
He previously served for five years at Toyota Financial Services and six years with Ford Credit. What pleases him as a veteran auto finance manager is that BMWFS is "out front" of competitors with online contracts and 60-day free flooring.
Considering all the training involved, BMW dealers welcome the fact BMWFS has invested several million dollars in eContracting alone.
Kelly BMW estimates eContracting will save 25% to 30% in the time devoted to arranging for F&I sales and all the paperwork required to complete vehicle transactions.
BMW Financial says it is the first captive to utilize a single electronic process for the sale of retail, lease and certified pre-owned vehicles.
"The genesis of eContracting brings our dealers an additional bonus," Bugbee says. "Overall, it's a premium process for a premium brand."
It will expedite the buying process for the consumer, "while providing the dealers the ability to submit the fully calculated contract for funding on the very same day," he adds.
It is the latest in Internet technology aiding the F&I process.
Lisa McPherson, BMW Financial's general manager-sales operations, recalls at a recent F&I conference when the firm first started doing credit applications online. There was some dealer resistance, she tells attendees.
"Dealers said, 'What? I'm going to do your job for you?' We initially paid them to do it. Today, they are all doing it, and they're not getting paid. Now, if the system goes down, we get flooded with phone calls."
With Steve Finlay