text:
Office of Government-wide Policy Overview
In December 1995, GSA created the Office of Government-wide Policy (OGP) to consolidate its policy functions into a single organization. OGP's policymaking authority covers the areas of personal and real property, travel and transportation, information technology, regulatory information and use of federal advisory committees. OGP's strategic direction is to ensure that government-wide policies encourage agencies to develop and utilize the best, most cost effective management practices for the conduct of their specific programs.
To reach the goal of improving government-wide management of property, technology, and administrative services, OGP builds and maintains a policy framework, by (1) incorporating the requirements of federal laws, Executive Orders, and other regulatory material into policies and guidelines, (2) facilitating government-wide reform to provide federal managers with business-like incentives and tools and flexibility to prudently manage their assets, and (3) identifying, evaluating, and promoting best practices to improve efficiency of management processes.
Guided by the principles of the President's Management Agenda and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), some of OGP's recent efforts have been devoted to providing leadership in the development of a policy environment and key enablers for electronic government, and supporting OMB in the implementation of various E-Gov initiatives to standardize and streamline government processes. The new model calls for involvement of other federal agencies, the private sector, interested parties, and other stakeholders from the very onset of policy review and/or formulation. Such collaborative efforts are seen to offer numerous advantages, not least of which is to ensure "buy-in" from the policy customers.
OGP's six business lines are below.
Acquisition management is carried out by the Office of Acquisition Policy (OAP) under the guidance of the Chief Acquisition Officer and the Senior Procurement Executive. The office mission is to strengthen GSA's acquisition policy and operations and to provide federal agency customers with acquisition policy that enhances their missions. OAP supports the GSA acquisition workforce through attention to their training, certification, and warrant needs. OAP also provides timely acquisition regulation, policy, and reporting for internal and external stakeholders, oversees acquisition integrity functions for GSA, including suspension and debarment of contractors or participants in non-procurement programs, agency level acquisition protests, agency task/delivery order ombudsman functions, internal procurement management reviews, and agency competition advocate functions.
The Office of Asset and Transportation Policy develops government-wide policies and guidance to provide a structured framework for agencies to achieve economical and effective management processes for government assets Policy program areas include aircraft and motor vehicles, personal property, real property, transportation, mail, passenger travel, and relocation allowances and entitlements. This office also oversees agencies' adherence to established policies for these programs. The office maintains liaisons with state and local governments, industry, and professional organizations and participates in the work of boards, committees, and groups related to the responsibilities of the office. The office promotes the government-wide use of alternative workplace arrangements to increase space utilization efficiency and reduce carbon footprint. The office also manages the Federal Real Property Database of all Federal Government real property assets and supports the Federal Real Property Management Council in its efforts to promote effective asset management government-wide. The office operates a Center of Policy Evaluation to assess OGP's impact on formulating policies, programs, and tools to ensure that policies are useful to government customers and achieve desired results.
The Office of Information, Integrity, and Access (I2A) develops coordinates, and defines information technology business strategies allowing federal agencies to improve services to the citizens. The team provides guidance, assistance and policy for the following:
- Data and acquisition management
- Identity credentialing and access management
- Information management and improvements of analysis capability and architecture development efforts on cross-agency priorities, developing enterprise data management strategies
- Dot Gov domain registration and management
- Section 508 accessibility management
- Data Center Optimization Initiative management
The Office of Federal High-Performance Buildings strives to reduce the economic and environmental footprint of Federal buildings through evidence-based guidance and best practices identified through collaborative research and expert convenings. The focus is on identifying and implementing technologies and strategies to create transformative change across the building life cycle. Many of its projects are driven by the Energy Independence and Security Act (EISA) mandates. Experts from the office assist GSA and customer agencies in developing strategies and practices to:
- Reduce energy and water use and their associated operating costs
- Increase operational effectiveness by making work spaces healthier and more productive , while simultaneously reducing environmental impacts
- Identify key leverage points to trigger systematic change
- Transform the culture of the Federal government toward more sustainable building practices data management.
The Office of Committee and Regulatory Management comprises complementary divisions. The Committee Management Secretariat develops government-wide policies, guidance, performance measures, regulations, and training on the management and operation of Federal advisory committees. The Regulatory Information Service Center (RISC) gathers and publishes information about Federal regulations and their effect on society. In addition, RISC provides a uniform information system that helps agencies comply with planning and review requirements under Executive Order 12866 – Regulatory Planning and Review. The principal publication of the Center is the Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions, which is published in the Federal Register every spring and fall and is available online at www.reginfo.gov.
The areas with the greatest opportunity for improving federal government efficiency and effectiveness often seem intractable because they cross federal agencies with complex bureaucracies and competing incentives and priorities. The Office of Shared Solutions and Performance Improvement specializes in big, systemic problems. Our work helps agencies move towards operating as one federal enterprise to make government work better and cost less.
The shortcut to this page is www.gsa.gov/ogp


text:
Call of Duty: Black Ops Guide: Multiplayer Perks and Killstreaks
Call of Duty: Black Ops tries to alleviate some of that by offering players "Combat Training," a single-player experience where players can face off against A.I. controlled bots. The hope, according to Treyarch, is that players will become comfortable with the basics of the multiplayer mode and take their new-found knowledge to the online space.
The purpose of this feature--like our previous Halo: Reach and StarCraft 2 coverage--is to give new players essential, basic info for survival. Here we will focus on two aspects of Black Ops: Perks and Killstreaks. Here we will attempt to breakdown some basic load-outs for players new the the Black Ops experience as well as detail some core combinations that could help you survive a little longer against the competitive landscape of Black Ops online.
Unlike previous Call of Duty games, Black Ops leaves everything open to the player. So long as you collect enough of the in-game currency, you can purchase any Perk you want. At level 10, players can even purchase and customize their Killstreak rewards.
While each Perk gives players special attributes, like Lightweight's ability to allow players to move faster, completing specific challenges can give players the ability to unlock a "Pro" mode to that specific perk. Pro Perks add even more abilities to the player when that specific Perk is selected.
- Perk Set 1
- Lightweight: Move faster
- Pro Mode: No fall damage.
- Scavenger: Pick up ammo from fallen enemies, including Lethal grenades
- Pro Mode: Start with extra magazines, replenish Tactical grenades
- Ghost: Undetectable by enemy Spy Planes and the Blackbird
- Pro Mode: Undetectable by all aircraft, dogs, IR, and sentries. No red name or crosshair change when targeted
- Hardline: Killstreaks require one fewer kill to activate
- Pro Mode: Change the contents of friendly or enemy Care Packages
- Flak Jacket: Reduced damage from explosions.
- Pro Mode: Immune to fire damage. Increases time to throw back frag grenades.
- Perk Set 2
- Hardened: Increased bullet penetration through walls and hard surfaces
- Pro Mode: Increased damage to aircraft and turrets, reduced reaction and recoil when shot
- Scout: Hold breath longer for steady aim when scoped
- Pro Mode: Faster weapon switching, faster raise and drop times
- Stead Aim: Increased accuracy when firing from the hip (Not looking down sights)
- Pro Mode: Aiming after sprinting is faster, recovery rate after lunging with knife is reduced
- Sleight of Hand: Reload weapons faster
- Pro Mode: Faster aim-down sights (ADS) with non-scoped weapons
- Warlord: Equip two attachments on primary weapons (excluding under-barrel attachments)
- Pro Mode: Spawn with one extra Lethal and Tactical grenade (excluding "Willy Pete" smoke grenades)
- Perk Set 3
- Tactical Mask: Reduces effect of Nova Gas grenades
- Pro Mode: Protects against Tactical grenades, reveals locations of flashed or stunned enemies on mini-map
- Marathon: Sprint for a longer duration
- Pro Mode: Unlimited Sprint
- Ninja: Move silently
- Pro Mode: Completely silent, while enemy movement is louder
- Second Chance: Automatically pull out your pistol on the ground before dying
- Pro Mode: Survive longer on the ground; teammates can revive you
- Hacker: Detect enemy equipment, explosives, and turrets
- Pro Mode: Ability to sabotage enemy equipment, turrets, and care packages. Invisible to motion sensor equipment.
By default, players have free access to three Perks: Lightweight, Hardened, and Tactical Mask; and three Killstreaks: Spy Plane, Care Package Drops, and Attack Helicopter. Each Perk is priced at 2000CR; Killstreaks vary in price.
Deciding What Kind of Soldier You Want to Be
Although Call of Duty Bucks are relatively easy to come by, they shouldn't be spent frivolously. It's important to decide what kind of player you want to be as an individual and as part of a team. In the beginning I always play team-based games for added support and to watch the tactics of other (and better) players on my side.
It would be wise to focus on the Perks you like (or have the best success with) and rush to unlock that Perk's "Pro Mode." You can always branch off if you choose to change your playing style or when you Prestige (achieve Level 50 and buy in to the "Elite Club").
We will outline three basic Perk loadouts in this feature that will help beginners gain a strong footing and close their Kill/Death Ratio gap.
Perk Loadout: Lightweight, Slight of Hand, Marathon
With this loadout, players will be extremely fast and have a greater ability to keep running. Once the "Pro" Maraton perk is unlocked, players can keep running and cover distance in maps much faster than others. Combined with a submachine gun, this set works to allow players to run into enemy territory quickly and put a ton of fire on the opposing team with extremely fast reload times.
Combined with a suppressor attachment for your favorite submachine gun, this loadout will make you extremely difficult to track by enemies--unless they use a Spy Plane. To compensate, I tend to bring a launcher with me that can lock-on to enemy aircrafts. One shot and the plane is down and you can go back to laying waste.
The flaw here is that ammo gets depleted extremely fast with strategy. You can pick up enemy weapons to aid you in the fight, but you'll lose the suppressor (unless that weapon has one). If you want to adjust for this and don't mind a speed decrease, you can select Scavenger as your primary perk. This will allow you to resupply on the field.
Also, think about purchasing the Claymore equipment with this loadout and set it up in enemy territory. Your best bet is to set it up on an angle near entrances or other high traffic areas.
Perk Loadout: Ghost, Warlord, Ninja
Depending on how well you aim, you may want to select Scout (holding your breath longer) as your second perk rather than Warlord. The benefit of Warlord is that you can add a suppressor to your weapon while also maximizing your ammo count.
Using either of these two combos allows you to maintain your stealth in most situations. Spy Planes won't see you and firing your weapon won't give up your position on the mini-map. But remember, you will be spotted on the killcam, so it's wise to keep moving--which is where Ninja comes in handy--because whoever you snipe will be out for blood.
For equipment, a Motion Tracker is your best bet. Set up your sniper spot by first dropping the Tracker--this gives you a warning if any sneaky enemies are trying to flank your position. After each shot and reload, keep your eye trained on the mini-map. Also, when confronted, switch to your secondary weapon to fend off attacks at close quarters.
When you move positions, remember to grab your Tracker and bring it with you. As you move, it's wise to keep your secondary weapon equipped, just in case you come near enemy forces and don't feel comfortable setting up quick sniper shots.
Perk Loadout: Hardline, Hardened, Tactical Mask
You can go in multiple directions with the loadout I call "The Tank." The purpose of this loadout is to maximize damage you do to the opposing side while providing your team with crucial intel. With Hardline, you can easily get a Spy Plane perk after two kills and Hardened can allow you to fire shots through surfaces as players jump into cover.
Warlord is also a good pick for someone using Hardline. Add a Red Dot sight and a Dual Mag to your primary weapon, and you can get a good grip on nailing enemy forces and have one helluva fast first reload.
The last Perk is really up to you. Recently, I've been seeing a lot of high-level players using Nova Gas to flush enemies into a controlled area for easy kills. For that reason, I recommend Tactical Mask. If you'd rather be a walking death machine and good teammate, pick Hacker. This way, you can spot enemy equipment, turrets and explosives and relay that info back to your team--saving yourself from embarrassing deaths in the process.
Beginners should keep Killstreaks within a limit they know they can achieve. Attack Dogs is an awesome way to take out enemy forces, but 11 kills is a lot to ask from someone starting fresh. (Remember, Killstreak kills do not count toward your next streak). Save your coin and focus on picking up upgrades.
For those looking to be team saviors, try selecting a "Defender" trio of streaks: Spy Plane to spot enemy forces, Counter-Spy Plane to disable enemy intel, and SAM Turrets to handle anything else enemies put into the sky. Defenders should also select a launcher with tracking capabilities to take out enemy planes if a Killstreak is not available. This works well with Hardline as it requires one less kill per-streak.
Speaking of Hardline: if you select this primary perk, make sure to stick with the default Care Package streak (if you're not looking to be a defender). Sharing 10 crates completes a challenge that puts you closer to your "Pro Mode," which will allow you to change the contents of a Care Package.
Also, think of the team when using specific Killstreaks. If you already have a Spy Plane in the air, don't use yours. [A reader tells us that stacking Spy Plane Killstreaks increases the speed of the scanners.] Also, try to time your Counter-Spy Plane with a teammate's Spy Plane. This disables enemy forces and gives your their position. In some cases, this translates to easy kills if you can take out the enemy team as they aim to the sky in an attempt to shoot down your birds.
Keep these tips in mind when you start off. Hopefully you won't get too frustrated. Remember to pace yourself, check your corners, and learn how to effectively change positions (from standing, crouched, and prone). It reduces your hitbox and it has the ability to disorient other entry-level players.
Have some other tips? Add them to the comments.
The latter is probably more current but hasn't been loading correctly for some people.
Hmm, interesting. Even if it doesn't apply to consoles, it's still a good starting point. Funny how all the sniper rifles are essentially the same with the exception of the L96 doing more damage to players, umm, "lower regions". lol. Actually, most things in each category are pretty similar. Guess it really does come down to preference after all.
bottom of this http://denkirson.xanga.com/735016527/black-ops/

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Astros All-Star pitcher Shane Reynolds lists $5M Sugar Land home for sale
Former Astros All-Star pitcher Shane Reynolds has listed his $4.95 million Sugar Land home for sale.
The 8,543 square-foot home was built in 2006 and sits on roughly eight acres in Sugar Land.
The Fort Bend County Tax Appraisal District lists the property as owned by Richard (Shane's real first name) and Pamela Reynolds. The twin murals of Reynolds in the gentleman's study is also a bit of a giveaway.
Reynolds pitched for the Astros from 1992 to 2002, compiling a 103-86 record with the 'stros and earning All-Star recognition in 2000.
The home's interior amenities include five-to-six bedrooms, five full baths, two half baths, four-car garage, third floor flex space, media room, game room, an elevator and a blend of modern and antique décor.
The exterior grounds include a barn, three-stall tackroom, exterior fireplace, and a swimming pool surrounded by slate and nearby fire pit.
The pitcher's property also includes its own baseball field, but as for the sports memorabilia and trophies in the study, sorry, you're just going to have to get your own.
RELATED: Chuck Norris' 'Walker, Texas Ranger' home for sale in Texas


text:
Visit Vocations Toronto at www.vocationstoronto.ca, a resourceful site in answering these questions.
The Book of Exodus, from which our first reading today is taken, speaks about Moses on the mountain with the Lord, receiving what today we Christians call the Ten Commandments. We also know that at first, when Moses received these teachings, the people below were in complete rebellion. Who is going to believe a crazy religious leader who goes onto a mountain and stays there praying? The people at the time of Moses are normal humans who want food and drink and fun and some assurance that everything will work for their good.
Probably none of the people at the time of Moses could have imagine a crucified Savior. It is only later that the prophets begin to speak about a person suffering and saving others. And even although we ourselves are used to speaking about Jesus crucified, it is still difficult for us to imagine a person in jail or prison becoming somehow a person who might help us or save us. The First Letter to the Corinthians has to be blunt in order to get our attention.
For people in the time of Jesus, it must have been a real challenge to see Jesus entering the temple and telling the money changers to get out. So many of us, as religious people, want the laws to be clear and we want people to do what is right. On the other hand, ordinary people don't often do everything right and it is just for them that Jesus comes. Jesus is completely clear that He becomes one of us in order to save sinners - not the righteous. Our title to salvation is always the same: we are sinners.
Our challenge as sinners is always the same: love one another, do not judge one another, look to be faithful to God rather than look at the failings of your sisters and brothers. Our calling is to love God and to love one another, especially our enemies.
Once we start to judge, we can find all kinds of ways to judge one another. Let us not go there. Our personal challenge is always to love and serve others, no matter how the other lives, no matter how the other things and no matter if the other is totally against us while saying that he or she is for us. Jesus understands human nature, and so would not put Himself into the hands of others. Rather, He walked alone in the service and love of God.
Sisters and brothers, let us walk with the Lord today and seek God's will. Let us love and not judge.
Reflections are available for the following Sundays:


text:
Marian University's mission is to be a Catholic university dedicated to excellent teaching and learning in the Franciscan and liberal arts traditions. The Office of Human Resources, in partnership with the university community using a stewardship philosophy, seeks to create a work environment which contributes to and fulfills this mission.
Customers All members of the university community are our number one priority, as well as the primary focus of our advocacy, planning, service, and stewardship. We aspire to ensure that the university community is treated with respect and dignity, has opportunities for professional growth and development, receives fair and equitable treatment, and works in a safe environment.
Human resources staff
We ensure that the staff members are enthusiastic, dedicated, and responsive professionals who work collaboratively and demonstrate personal integrity. Staff members are committed to upholding the highest level of service to our customers.
Community partners
As skilled professionals, both internal and external to the university, our partners use their specialties and expertise to help us to accomplish the university's mission.
As part of the Office of Finance and Business Operations, and in support of the university's mission, the Office of Human Resources delivers the following services:


text:
Soil Conservation Service
The Soil Conservation Service transferred to Local Land Services from 1 October 2017. The transfer ensures the service maintains its independent status, but align its operations and administration with our organisation.
In confirming the move, the Minister for Primary Industries, Niall Blair said the transfer would allow for a better alignment of land-related services within the NSW Government and provide an opportunity to improve service delivery and offer a one-stop-shop for customers.
The Soil Conservation Service is an environmental consulting and soil conservation business that specialises in land rehabilitation, erosion control, project management and resource protection. It offers a complete range of professional and technical services in erosion and sediment control, soil and water testing, land assessment, farm water supply, rehabilitation and re-vegetation techniques.
Over the past 70 years, the Soil Conservation Service has built a strong reputation for providing reliable, practical solutions to natural resource management issues, and is well known and respected for its work.
There will be no impact on the continuity of services for either organisation as a result of the transfer. There are expected to be improved efficiencies and a shared focus on practical natural resource management projects that will be of benefit to customers in regional NSW.
Learn more at the Soil Conservation Service website.
Read Minister Blair's media release confirming the transfer.


text:
"There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing". Italian accessories supplier TUCANO URBANO sure enough has taken up the cause of proving this proverb. For years now, they have been providing high-quality clothing and accessories to the 2-wheel market. Universal handlebar/grip muffs by TUCANO URBANO. These fur-lined muffs are just slid over the handlebar ends and fastened to the handlebar using the holders or the enclosed ribbons. The controls and instruments at the handlebar are freely accessible and can be operated without problem.
Hand grip cover set from heavy nylon or from light neoprene. In the milder autumn temperatures, neoprene grip covers should be used. In the winter, we recommend the heavy nylon design with a fur inner lining.
Hand Grip Cover: "Easy On"
Hand Grip Cover: "Streamlined"
More internal volume for the hand and for the thumb
No constraints to the movement of the levers (no interior plastic)
OEM Numbers (for the purpose of comparison)


text:
Masks at a Montrose Bank – a Bad Prank
Five Montrose residents learned last week that it is not a good idea to sit in a car outside a downtown bank while wearing gorilla masks.
A passerby who saw the masked people in a car parked outside a bank assumed they were preparing to rob the bank and called police. When police responded and approached the vehicle, the driver sped away. He eventually pulled over in front of another bank after a short pursuit by police. The four men and one woman in the vehicle were handcuffed and placed in police cars while their vehicle was searched. Inside, there were gorilla faces but no weapons.
The five were able to convince officers they were only planning to play a prank at a business near the bank and were not putting on disguises for a bank heist. Nontrose Police Department officers gave them a good prank/bad prank lecture and let them go with a stern warning.


text:
Welcome to Chick 'n Chop on the grill !
Chick n Chop on the Grill is the most Original, Always Fresh Grilled Chicken Restaurant.
Always Fresh. Never Frozen...! The Healthy Way to Eat...! Simply Delicious...! Chick n Chop features marinated grilled chicken, boneless STUFFED-PITA chicken breast sandwiches, Exceptional GRILL N CHOP entrees, Healthy Wraps, Fresh Salads, Grilled Churrasco Steak, GYROS, Seafood Dishes, freshly prepared daily side dishes, and our SELECTED SAUCES.
Our success from the importance of Always fresh, natural and best quality, healthy food.


text: Updated 2016 Ukraine has seen a devaluation of their currency that makes it a great value right now for travelers with Euros in their pockets. Hence, we've added it to our Top 10 Value Destinations for Euro Travelers for 2016. Don't wait! Ukraine is the largest country that is entirely within Europe. Many countries that were once part of the Soviet Empire are quickly turning into hotspots for Western travelers, but things are moving more slowly here. There is fascinating history and culture in Ukraine and the good news is many citizens are bilingual. The bad news is those languages are always Ukrainian and usually Russian. English is spoken by many young people, but traveling in Ukraine on English only can be challenging.


text:
Kristen Arnett (pictured below) knows natural beauty. As a professional makeup artist and the founder of the Green Beauty Team e-zine, she's familiar with the woes of winter skin; she works with models and celebrities, and whatever seems to be ailing us affects them first and more so. Arnett says that about 50 percent of people (men and women) suffer from dry winter skin. Here are her recommendations to keep skin healthy, hydrated and less dry.
Drink more water: The key to hydrated skin comes from the inside out. In warm weather, most of us think to drink more fresh water, since we may be perspiring, even when we aren't working out. But since winter air is especially (and subtly) drying, it's important to drink plenty of agua during the winter too. "Water should be consumed at room temperature or warmer," Arnett recommends, "and if you realize that you are quite dehydrated, add a small pinch of mineral salt to the water, which will help your body absorb it more effectively."
Go easy on the salt: Salt balance is incredibly important, which is why if you're dehydrated, it can be a good idea to add salt (as detailed above). But if you normally eat very salty foods (think salami and deli meats, processed snacks and soup, or if you add tons of salt to dishes), you can knock your salt balance out of whack the other direction, which can cause dehydration (and soon after, stressed skin). So if you are a bit heavy-handed with the shaker, cut back.
Ease up on the caffeinated beverages: Coffee and non-herbal teas contain caffeine, a natural diuretic, which can dry out your skin. Choose herbal teas or plain water to keep as hydrated as possible (without going overboard) and your skin will improve.
Avoid moisturizers with petroleum: Mineral oil and petroleum jelly are both petroleum-based products, which means they coat the skin, but don't actually moisturize it (the top-level oil slick actually blocks your skin from making it's own oils). Over time, your skin becomes unable to function normally without the unnatural oil slick; your aim should be to encourage the natural, healthy sebum (oil) production in your dermis.
Avoid soaps with sulfates: Naturally, you want to get clean when you wash, but you don't want to strip the naturally protective oils (sebum) from your skin. Sulfates, which make some soaps and shower gels foam up, remove your sebum, which you actually want to avoid. "If skin feels squeaky or tight after a shower, it's damaged," says Arnett. She suggests looking for cleansers without sulfates; "You can get clean without harsh detergents," says Arnett, who recommends Alaffia, which I use, and Nourish (both available at Whole Foods) as brands that do the job safely (and are price competitive with conventional brands).
Oil up: Adding oil, or an oil-based moisturizer to your body isn't going to make you more oily; it supports skin and doesn't block natural sebum production. Arnett recommends jojoba oil which "is the closest to skin's natural sebum and isn't greasy." Coconut oil and sesame oil, and shea and cocoa butters (or combinations of these ingredients) also work well, depending on how much moisture you need (my dry skin loves shea butter). Unless you have really oily skin, most winter skin can use some oil. Applying right after a warm shower will really help it absorb into skin.


text:
Laser lift-off technique to yield biodetection chip
Keywords:system-on-chip? microelectromechanical-system? laser detection systems? laser? led?
A highly diverse integration technique based on a process called laser lift-off is being combined with system-on-chip processing technology and microelectromechanical-system concepts in a bid to reduce lab-sized laser detection systems to a single chip.
In the past few years, research groups at the University of California-Berkeley and Purdue University have perfected the lift-off technique to produce freestanding LED membranes, blue LEDs on silicon chips, continuous-wave blue-laser diodes on copper substrates and amorphous silicon thin-film transistors that can be transferred to virtually any substrate.
Now researchers are ready to take on sophisticated biodetection applications, reducing lab-sized laser detection systems to a single chip.
Biological applications are being developed in a collaborative effort between the Purdue center and a group led by Luke Lee at UC Berkeley. Sands, Cheung, and Lee will announce the biodetection lab-on-chip in a paper that will be published in the journal Sensors and Actuators.
The technique was invented at Berkeley in the mid-1990s by Nathan Cheung and William Wong. Cheung subsequently moved to Purdue's Department of Electrical Engineering, while Wong is currently working at the Xerox Palo Alto Research Center. Timothy Sands of Purdue's Heterogeneous Integration Group has worked to perfect the technique in recent years.
Fluorescent detection normally requires benchtop lasers and glass or grating filters that are part of a suitcase-sized detection system. Biomolecules are tagged with a chromophore or metal nanocluster that emits light when irradiated by the laser. The laser light must then be filtered out to detect the signal. Most detection systems require two lasers and two filters. One laser-and-filter system is used to calibrate the signal; the second color is employed for detection.
The ability to integrate more than one optical diode and filter combination on the same chip is said to be a first. Sands expects that the process can be scaled up to produce arrays of LEDs and filters.
The process achieves its high integration flexibility from bandgap-specific lift-off, which offers a precise surgical technique for separating a device from its substrate. For example, gallium-nitride laser diodes or LEDs can be easily grown on sapphire substrates. After the growth process is completed, an excimer laser beam tuned to the bandgap at the interface between the sapphire and the gallium nitride is projected through the sapphire. The effect is to deliver heat only to the first gallium-nitride atomic layer, at the interface with the sapphire. The heat cleanly separates the materials at their interface.
Wong and Cheung combined two techniques into a versatile "pixel-to-point" transfer process that works with a range of materials and devices. Sands and Luke Lee, who heads UC Berkeley's bio-polymer-optical-electromechanical systems (BioPoems) group, began research into biodetection applications. The BioPoems effort is attempting to create an organic-MEMS technology that will be compatible with living cells and other biological components.
The Purdue Heterogeneous Integration group is pursuing other nonorganic applications for laser lift-off. One is attempting to scale the integration of laser diode and LED arrays to wafer-scale systems. One recent success was the transfer of a 2-inch wafer of LEDs to a silicon substrate.
- Chappell Brown
EE Times
|Related Articles
|Editor's Choice
|Related Articles
|Editor's Choice


text:
Odafree can help
Win the Fight Against Bowel Odor with Odafree
Are you constantly worried about exposing people to bowel odor or bad flatulence smell? Odafree is your best solution for controlling the odor of feces and foul smelling flatulence. Thousands of worry-free Odafree customers have regained their social freedom with Odafree, and so can you.
Get Back Your Social Life
Odafree is a natural dietary supplement which eliminates or reduces feces odor and smelly flatulence.
Made with all natural ingredients, Odafree capsules bring deodorizing relief to people who combat the odor of feces and foul smelling flatulence resulting from a variety of medical conditions. These can include colostomy, ileostomy, fecal incontinence, leaky gut syndrome, irritable bowel syndrome, various forms of colitis, and bariatric surgery.
Take Control with Odafree
While many products only mask or disguise bowel odor, Odafree actually neutralizes and diminishes the chemical compounds that are the causes of bad flatulence and feces odor. The result makes Odafree the ideal solution for anyone for whom bowel odor and smelly flatulence is a persistent social challenge.
Control the odor, and control your social life!
Get Odafree!
Each $20 (free shipping) bottle of Odafree gives you a month of odor control – 60 capsules manufactured and packaged in an FDA-compliant facility in the USA.
Order today and Get Odafree!
Learn more in our FAQ (including answers about international shipping).


text:
Andrea Daniel is a lifelong poet, with work in publications and as part of a visual poetry exhibit at the Detroit Institute of Arts. When she's not writing poetry, Andrea is a freelance writer for various publications. She also has freelanced for an internationally distributed arts and entertainment magazine. Andrea is co-owner/operator of Dakota Avenue West Publishing and copywriter, editor and voice over artist with her own small business, AND Communications. She is a member of the Motown Writer's Network, and the Michigan Literary Network and is producer of the Michigan Literary Network's Internet radio show on blogtalkradio.com. Additionally, she is a registered songwriter with BMI. She lives in Detroit, Michigan with her son and a sweet little Terrier-Poodle-mix named Dot.
To learn more about Andrea.
Purchase Like Gwendolyn –> HERE!!!


text:
Considering independent senior living is one of life's major decisions. This guide navigates some of the common misconceptions and gives you a blueprint for what to look for when choosing where to spend your retirement years.
Download the eBook
out of 5
Based on
shiningStarsForm = {{ shiningStarsForm | json }}
state = {{ state | json }}
model = {{ model | json }}
1125 N. Edge TrailVerona, WI 53593
5601 Burke RoadMadison, WI 53718
3801 North Wright RoadJanesville, WI 53546
Meet the people who make Five Star great.
Watch The Videos
Website By Boston Interactive


text:
Since I am on a kick of pictures from my Grandpa's collection, here is the third of the four. This is the 9th Grade class my Grandpa was in. Mr. John Reece would be this class's teacher the next year too. I am pretty sure the 9th Grade was at Weber High School, but I have been unable to confirm what year switched between Plain City School and Weber High School in Ogden. Several of these boys died in World War II. The ones with question marks are likely still alive.
Cleone Carver (1921-1994)
Vera Mary Wayment (1921-1989)
Margaret Freestone (1921-2017)
Emza Ameriam Musgrave (1922-2007)
Vesey Jean Etherington (1921-2000)
LauRene Thompson (1921-2010)
June Ellen Wayment (1920-2012)
Miriam Weatherston (1921-2001)
Ellis Marion Lund (1921-1984)
Ray Charlton (1920-1991)
Ivan Alma Hodson (1919-1982)
William Warren Williams (1921-1988)
Ruth Wade (1921-Alive)
Tamara East (?-Alive)
John Major Reese (1896-1976)
James Lyle Thompson (1921-1999)
Milo James Ross (1921-2014)
Wilmer Eugene Maw (1920-2009)
John Earl Hipwell (1921-2000)
William Stanley Hill (1919-1945)
Benjamin Keith Hodson (1920-1970)
Edwin "Ted" Daniel Christensen (1921-2005)
Wayne East Rose (1921-Alive)
Howard Hunt (1921-1944)
Orlo Steadwell Maw (1921-2004)
Owen Urry Wayment (1921-2008)
Ellis Wayment Stewart (1921-1940)
Delmar White (1921-2008)


text:
extensive selection of used cars, trucks and SUVs including the Subaru
BRZ, Forester and Outback are available for you to look at and test
drive. Please don't hesitate to contact us concerning any of our used
cars in inventory. Also check for any specials we may be currently
offering that can save you even more. Please contact us or call


text:
Denver Calendar: Heart Ball, Taste & Tango and 1st Civic Center Gala
Three major fundraisers — the Heart Ball, Mi Casa Resource Center's Taste & Tango and the inaugural Civic Center Gala: A Park for All Seasons — will take place on Saturday night, and while all of them are sold out, waiting lists have been established.
The Heart Ball: Bill Lindsay, president of the Lockton Benefits Group, is chairing the Heart Ball. The theme is Cabaret for a Cause and festivities begin with cocktails and a silent auction at 6 p.m. at the Hyatt Regency Convention Center; dinner, a live auction and dancing follows.
A 15-member Executive Leadership Team is working with Lindsay, and members include Drs. Jim Jaggers, John Rumsfeld and Reginald Washington; Mike Pacitto of T. Rowe Price; and Ernst & Young's Scott Hefner.


text:
So. San Francisco/Peninsula Rabbit Foster Home
(Formerly House Rabbit Society-San Francisco/Peninsula Chapter)
*Overlooked Treasure*
Sometimes a rabbit arrives in foster care, who is wonderful in so many ways. However, this bunny seems to wait forever to choose his or her new owner. We know they are waiting for that very special person who is just right for them. Please, come meet our "Overlooked Treasures" and perhaps you'll be that special "one" for one of them.
Again, if you love rabbits, but are not able to adopt or foster, sponsoring a rabbit is another compassionate and helpful way to save lives.
Burrow Inn c/o House Rabbit Society, P. O. Box 31912, San Francisco Ca. 94131
To report a problem with this website or to make a suggestion please e-mail webmaster.


text:
Packed with super-light essential oils, our award-winning conditioning treatment sinks right in, offering long-term repair to all hair types.
A detailed instruction card is included within the kit. Following the steps precisely is key:
Click here for a Four Step Hair + Scalp Facial Treatment Set Best Results Guide.
FOR BEST RESULTS: Use one to two days before your next color treatment to even out your hair's porosity, clear away product build up, and deep condition. As a result, your color will deposit more evenly, last longer, and come out richer and shinier.
Please refer to individual products for Ingredients.
*Ingredients are subject to change at the manufacturer's discretion. For the most complete and up-to-date list of ingredients, refer to the product packaging.
Be the first to review this product
©2020 Philip B. All Rights Reserved.
Site by MYHRECO
About Philip B
My Account
Order History
Shipping & Returns
Shopping Cart
Contact Us


text:
Login Required
You need to have a Pokémon Trainer Club account to save your Favorite Pokémon!Log In Sign Up No Thanks
To eat, it deftly shucks nuts with its two tails. It rarely uses its arms now.
They work in large colonies and make rings by linking their tails, apparently in friendship.
The Pokémon may pick up items.
Powers up the Pokémon's weaker moves.
The Pokémon Company International is not responsible for the content of any linked website that is not operated by The Pokémon Company International. Please note that these websites' privacy policies and security practices may differ from The Pokémon Company International's standards.
Pokemon.com administrators have been notified and will review the screen name for compliance with the Terms of Use.
Your request could not be completed. Please try again. If the problem persists, please contact Customer Support.


text:
- عن الشركة
new england machine tools is a connecticut corporation specializing in the design and construction of grinding machines and control systems. for many years, progrind cnc grinders have been sold nationally for a wide variety of applications in production grinding and tool grinding. one of the principal activities has been the grinding of cutting tools for conventional and high production machining. using innovative software, progrind cnc grinders have made the grinding of complex cutting tools far easier and more affordable than ever before. in particular, step drills and counterbores, so common in high production machining, could be ground efficiently, in low quantities, on a four axis grinder with simple setups and menu driven programs (no user programming). now, five axis grinders have been added to the line for increased capabilities. in addition to cnc tool grinders, progrind grinders have found their way into a number of production grinding applications, including the gun, optics, medical and automotive industries. medical applications include both belt grinding and wheel grinding on a wide variety of needles, blades, drills, pins and other shapes. other applications include the grinding of glass, ceramics and other materials that cannot be easily machined with conventional methods. automatic loaders, bowl feeders, strip feeders and other devices increase the productivity of these systems and automatic wheel profiling expands shape possibilities. new england machine tools three dimensional cad systems expand the possibilities for affordable custom built grinding systems. new england machine tools also has extensive experience in providing software and hardware services to machine tool users and other machine tool builders. projects vary from six axis palletized machining centers to forty axis transfer lines. our software projects range from custom mmi to data acquisition and macro programming. current projects are as diverse as pc based control and real-time error compensation on fourteen foot diameter rotary tables. when other builders do not have the expertise they call us. if you are looking for a u. s. builder of tool grinders or production grinders or have a control system need why not give us some information on your application. we will provide you with a quick response on our ideas to help you solve your manufacturing problem. cnc tool grinders, cnc cylindrical grinder, medical grinder, cnc id grinder, custom grinders, loader automation, dressing systems, coolant systems.


text:
Morgenthaler Still in Business?
Fund: Morgenthaler Ventures
Posted by STU3 on 2007-10-08
We had an odd experience with Morgenthaler. A friend had told us that Paul Levine was spearheading investment in a market segment where we were focused. We met with him in Burlington and he "loved our concept" and wanted to follow-up. We called and emailed for two weeks with no response. We finally moved on. Paul seemed professional in person, but the radio silence after indicating interest was either rudeness, or ineptness (perhaps both") on his part. They don't seem to be a player anyway.PRIVATE: Members Only


text:
Smeg SMF01BLUK Retro Black Stand Mixer
Stylish 50's style hand mixer beautifully crafteed with a die-cast aluminium body and superb ergonomic design. A 4.8 litre capacity high polished stainless steel bowl is the perfect capacity for all uses. It has an 800W direct drive motor with planetary action, variable speed with 10 speeds to choose from. The lower range are perfect for kneading and the top end better for high speed whisking. This stand mixer combines iconic style with innovative technical design and attention to detail, co-ordinating perfectly with other Smeg products but also looks great as a stand alone statement piece in your kitchen.
Die cast aluminium body - Engineered to be strong & durable
4.8 Litre stainless steel bowl - Crafted for capacity & strength
800W Direct drive motor - Delivering instant speed & efficiency
10 Speed planetary action - So mixing is controlled & consistent
Tilt head mechanism - Because form follows function
Beater, whisk and dough hook - Included for you to be creative & versatile
Ingredient chute - To easilly add fruit to the mix
- Body material: Die-cast aluminium
- Bowl material: Polished Stainless Steel
- Bowl capacity: 4.8lt
- Safety lock when mixing head tilted up
- Front attachment
- Planetary action
- Variable speed control (10 speeds with soft start)
- Anti-slip feet
- Heavyweight for added stability on the work surface
Accessories included:
- Stainless steel wire whisk
- Aluminium flat beater
- Aluminium dough hook
- Plastic bowl cover
- Recipe Book
|Weight (KG)
|Main Colour
|Power (W)
|Variable Speed
|Number of Speeds
Would you like to pay by Finance?
Finance Calculation for your - order
I would like to pay a deposit of -
- 0%
- 10%
- 20%
- 30%
- 40%
- 50%
- 60%
I would like to pay over months, with the first payment deferred for months
|Interest bearing (19.90000000% APR Representative for 24 months)
|Interest bearing (19.90000000% APR Representative for 36 months)
|Interest bearing (19.90000000% APR Representative for 48 months)
|Buy now pay later (29.80000000% APR Representative for 48 months)
|Buy now pay later (29.80000000% APR Representative for 48 months)
|Buy now pay later (29.80000000% APR Representative for 48 months)
|10 Monthly payments of
|10% APR (representative)
|Finance Amount
|Interest Payable
|Total Amount Payable
Total Amount Payable Includes Deposit Amount.
The figures shown are an illustration based on the cost of goods. Final details including shipping and discounts where applicable will be displayed on the checkout page.
Credit subject to status and affordability. Terms & Conditions Apply. Crampton And Moore (Television) Limited trading as Crampton And Moore (Television) Limited is a credit broker and is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority.
Credit is provided by Hitachi Personal Finance, a trading style of Hitachi Capital (UK) PLC, authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Financial Services Register no. 704348. The register can be accessed through http://www.fca.org.uk
IMPORTANT: Hitachi Personal Finance rounds down the monthly payments, which may result in your total amount payable being less than the total cash price.


text:
The most recent awards of $3.6 billion dollars in "Race to the Top" education funds to nine states and the District of Columbia shouldn't have surprised anyone in the not-so-Golden State. With its patchwork quilt-like application process and lack of significant reform, California lost the "Race to the Top" before it began.
After finishing 27th of 40 applicants in Round 1, state leaders knew what they had to do: reform the public education system to demonstrate a solid connection between educational instruction and student performance. Sure, there were other requirements, but the linkage between teaching,learning and student performance was the cornerstone of the reform demand.
Most of the education community balked at the proposed relationship, declaring that myriad other factors affect the potential performance of a student along with teaching. As a result, the legislature and governor put together a half-baked effort that offered linkage possibilities for a fraction of the state's students. Adding insult to injury, only seven districts with about one-third of the state's students submitted a collective application in the second round, leaving many wondering how any funds would be distributed and to whom.
It would be easy to blame teacher unions for the outcome inasmuch as most pressured the legislature to go light on reform. To a degree, the cfriticism is justified for what some might see as an effort to protect the status quo. Still, there were others who shared
responsibility for the state losing up to $700 million at a time when the education community desperately needs funds.
The legislature and governor rolled over all too easy, succumbing to union pressure without a serious fight. Sacramento's leaders have become adroit at yielding to pressure. Just look at the way they have caved in to oil interests as the only one of 14 oil-producing states without a severance tax, bowed to tobacco interests to leave California 33rd in taxing cigarettes, and surrendered to alcohol interests on suggestions to raise taxes on that industry for the first time in 20 years.
And then there was Governor Schwarzenegger's demand that to lower corporate taxes by $2 billion last year at the same time the legislature struggled to patch $64 billion worth of pending deficits. Considering all these and other responses to pressure, how could one expect anything else from Sacramento?
Also, there is the public. More than 20 years ago the voters made education an imperative through passage of Proposition 98, which commits a minimum of 40 percent of the general fund to public education. But the voters have steadfastly opposed raising taxes to meet California's needs. As a result 40 percent of $85 billion, the current budget, is a whole lot less than 40 percent of $130 million, which was the size of the budget eight years ago.
The result has devastated allocations, leaving California near the bottom in per capita funding and classroom sizes.
No wonder teachers are leery. Who could succeed under such circumstances? While that question may be difficult to answer, we know who lost--California's students.
Let us know what you think. Comment below, send us your thoughts via Twitter @PropZero or add your comment to our Facebook page.


text:
Town Square
Open letter to Sequoia Healthcare District Directors Kane, Faro and Griffin
Original post made by Jack Hickey, Woodside: Emerald Hills, on Nov 15, 2013
My fellow Directors, I am making this appeal to you in hopes of ending the controversy surrounding the Board's actions regarding Directors Health Insurance Premiums. I have exhausted my appeals to President Shefren with this last communication:
"Jerry, please listen to the audio from the June meeting Web Link, beginning at 1:00:00. Your intention was clear. The results were unintended. The results are unsustainable."
I ask the three of you to listen to that audio, and review the facts surrounding this unfortunate chain of events. See: Web Link
I ask each of you make arrangements with the District to return the $1800 in benefits mistakenly paid on your behalf.
Comments (6)
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Nov 19, 2013 at 12:40 pm
Here is an e-mail response from SHCD Board President, Jerry, Shefren, with ensuing thread:
SHEFREN: I have listened to the tapes, I have reviewed the material, and am confident that the board has acted legally and judiciously regarding this issue. The reason you have exhausted your appeals to me is simply because they have no merit. Your personal acceptance of tax payer dollars to cover your personal insurance benefits for many years indicates your agreement that this is a reasonable benefit for the Board members. The tapes indicate that the Board considered whether or not to require a return of funds paid from January 1 through June of 2013 and no motion was made to request or require a payback because we agreed the money paid by the district during that time was consistent with our December 2012 actions.
HICKEY: Jerry, by cc'ing this to other Directors, you may have violated the Brown Act. You should consider posting it on the Almanac Town Square forum.
SHEFREN: Sorry, I hit the wrong button.
HICKEY: You can make it public here:
Web Link
HUDAK(District Counsel): I have to caution all Board members that an email discussion of this topic is not permitted under the Brown Act.
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Nov 19, 2013 at 12:48 pm
Response from Director Art Faro with my response:
FARO: FYI, I returned the difference to the District several months ago.
HICKEY: Art, I referred to the $1,800 paid by the District on your behalf in the first half of 2013.
You must have been referring to the quarterly payback set up by Lee for payments made on your behalf beginning on July 1, 2013.
See below from the Cash Journal
10/16/2013 10-5 60300-01 Board Health Insurance Quarterly Director reimbursement CalPers premium 402.18
10/16/2013 10-5 10200-05 Cash (WF) Art Faro 402.18
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Nov 19, 2013 at 12:52 pm
My response to Jerry Shefren:
Jerry, you said: "I have listened to the tapes, I have reviewed the material, and am confident that the board has acted legally and judiciously regarding this issue." You failed to include "ethically".
I am not persuaded.
I have sought answers to questions which might persuade you that mistakes were made which demand a resolution.
Lee has been unable (or unwilling) to provide those answers, and suggested that I pursue the issue with you.
My questions are contained in the below e-mail thread.
(Reorganized for readability)
Jack: Lee, how did you receive that memo? Who else received a copy? If by
e-mail, please send me a copy of that e-mail.
Lee: Do not have it.
Jack: Lee, when you say "Do not have it" I assume that you are referring to a
"copy of that e-mail". With whom did you share the memo? When did the
below referenced subcommittee get a copy of the memo? Was it not discussed?
When did Kim Griffin first see a copy of the memo? Did you discuss it with
I find it highly unlikely that you took it upon yourself to begin the
increased reimbursements without input from the Board President.
From minutes, April 3, 2013 Meeting of SHD Board of Directors
5.c Consider Subcommittee Recommendations to Revise Health Benefits for
Directors and Employees
Mr. Michelson noted that a Board subcommittee comprised of Directors Kane
and Faro and himself, conducted additional research and met several times to
discuss the premium amount allowed for health care and dental insurance for
directors and staff.
Lee: Nothing happened until after the board meeting.. Kim would have found out at
the Board meeting , what in the world are you after? This is a non -issue.
Jack: Lee, Mark's memo was written the day after the Dec. 5, 2012 board meeting.
You received the memo shortly after that. The memo was directed to you
with no copy to Directors. When did you share it with Kim? When did the
subcommittee, including you, Katie and Art Faro meet? Was the memo
discussed? Who decided not to agendize the item on the February meeting?
Why was the memo not mentioned at the April 3, 2013 meeting? What made you
decide to reimburse Kim $4,500 on January 30, 2013 after having first
entered $3,600?
Mistakes were made. I am after a resolution of the issue which will correct
that mistake. I hope that the 3 Directors who allowed this to happen will
do the ethical thing by reimbursing the District for the $1,800 benefit they
each received. Absent that, I suggest that you consider sending them a bill
for that amount.
Lee: Suggest that you discuss this with Jerry.
Jack: Jerry was not President of the Board when the Agenda for the February meeting was prepared, Kim was. Also, Jerry was not a member of the subcommittee. Therefore, he is not likely to have answers to these questions.
Another question: When did CalPers announce the pending increase in premiums for 2013? Was it before the December 2012 meeting agenda was finalized?
Lee: Jerry is president now, so if you have a Board issue discuss with him. I will ask Janeene about Calpers.
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Nov 19, 2013 at 4:05 pm
For those who have not followed the links, and/or who have not followed the earlier topics on this subject, the "memo" referred to can be found at Web Link
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Nov 20, 2013 at 9:38 am
I have e-mailed the text of My response to Jerry Shefren: posted above to Directors Kane, Faro and Griffin.
a resident of Woodside: Emerald Hills
on Dec 5, 2013 at 2:21 pm
It is notable that only one employee, Pamela Kurtzman, benefitted ($66.72/month) from the increased cap of $1,500/month in the first 6 months of 2013. Three directors, Kane, Griffin and Faro, the only Directors voting for the increase, had added benefits of $1,800 each for the first 6 months of 2013. All other employees and Directors received no added benefit in that period.
At their April Board meeting, Directors added a 10% co-pay to premiums effective July 1, 2013! Now, Pamela Kurtzman, who previously had 100% of her premium paid by the District, is paying $125.70/month for her insurance. And, Janeene Johnson, who previously had 100% of her premium paid by the District, is paying $66.67/month.
Fortunately for Directors, the 10% co-pay was deemed by District Counsel NOT to apply to "sitting" Directors. Fortunately for taxpayers, Board action at their June meeting restored the $1,200 cap on "sitting" Directors effective July, 1, 2013. Unfortunately, the $1,800 benefit enjoyed by Directors Kane, Griffin and Faro remains a "gift" which they have not yet chosen to return.
Don't miss out
on the discussion!
Sign up to be notified of new comments on this topic.
Stay up to date on local coronavirus coverage with our daily news digest email.
'A devastating impact:' The coronavirus claims Clarke's Charcoal Broiler, Mountain View's oldest operating restaurant
By Elena Kadvany | 29 comments | 10,643 views
Coronavirus Food Safety Update + New! Insider Tips
By Laura Stec | 5 comments | 3,630 views
Can you stay healthy without making more trash?
By Sherry Listgarten | 7 comments | 3,319 views
Think about helping others in our coronavirus-affected area
By Diana Diamond | 7 comments | 3,015 views
The University of California's flexible policies during COVID-19
By John Raftrey and Lori McCormick | 6 comments | 1,663 views
The 34th Annual Palo Alto Weekly Short Story Contest is now accepting entries for Adult, Young Adult and Teen categories. Send us your short story (2,500 words or less) and entry form by April 10, 2020. First, Second and Third Place prizes awarded in each category.


text:
Spring is here and the season is beginning. What are you doing to jump-start your business? Are you thinking to yourself, "What can I do to generate more revenue?" Wherever you're coming from, there are some opportunities for you to get your business growing again.
The economy is picking up, albeit slowly, and there seems to be a buzz in the market. This is a great time to work on positioning your company in the forefront? Think about it—from a weather point of view, this winter season has been spectacular. It seems like every part of the country received plenty of rain, snow or a combination of both.
One of the best things to come out of all the snow and rain is the chance for the water to percolate through the soil and recharge our ground water. Some of these aquifers have had a negative charge for quite some time.
Now, with all that precipitation, do we really need to concern ourselves with the amount of water we use to irrigate our landscapes? For anyone who is monitoring water usage, the answer is a resounding "yes," and for a number of reasons —the best reason is that we still need to conserve water, and can also help our clients and potential clients save substantial amounts on their water bill each month.
How did we get into this position in the first place?
When the United States was first discovered, there was an abundance of water. Since our forefathers first landed on these shores, our population has grown many times over. In the 1940s, there were approximately 150 million people living in the U.S. In the early 60s, we grew to more than 200 million. Although we did not discover any new sources for water, there was still plenty to go around. Today, our population is well over 310 million, and we're still using water from the same sources. It's no wonder we're depleting our reserves at a rapid rate. In fact, we're using water so quickly; predictions are that unless we conserve, we're going to face water rationing.
You've probably heard that landscapes and grass areas around a home use more than 50 to 60 percent of the water used within in the home. These figures are coming from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as well as the various water purveyors who have had studies done. When we first received these reports, a warning flag should have gone up. Instead, we ignored it and continued to go about doing business the way we've always done it. Now, we have another opportunity.
Enter 2010, and the 'green revolution' is catching on like wildfire.
Who would have thought it would be moving as rapidly as it is? Sustainable landscapes, environmentally compliant, eco-friendly, low carbon footprint, and eco-green are today's new buzzwords. What's even more interesting is that it's catching on with consumers, and they will be driving this movement.
So, how can we in the green industry comply? More importantly, how can we take advantage of this opportunity and enhance our business while 'going green?' I guess the adage, "There's green (dollars) in going green," is coming to pass.
One of the first areas we should look is the irrigation system. Retrofit your clients' sprinkler heads. If many agencies are touting the fact that landscaping and turf areas are using too much water, we have an opportunity to respond to it, in a positive way. Show your clients that they can save money on their water bill and also comply with the water purveyors, and help the environment, as well. You can make this a win-win-win situation.
The sunbelt states, as well as the West Coast, have experienced tremendous growth over the past ten years, Even though they've faced drought conditions from time to time, the sheer growth of the population has been drawing down water quicker than anyone anticipated. So there is a very strong reason why we need to conserve. However, contractors in the Midwest and Northeast also have a compelling reason to offer retrofitting services: the cost of energy.
Many irrigation systems that were installed in the last twenty years have inefficient equipment. The sprinkler heads don't water as uniformly and effectively as the products on the market today. Homeowners have to overwater some areas in order to keep everything green.
In addition, when the equipment is old, it begins to fail. Many of your customers would prefer not to have the worries of regular service visits to keep an aging system going. The typical life of a sprinkler head is often less than ten years.
So, for efficiency and reliability, retrofits make sense.
Retrofitting is an easy service for you to offer your clients because the labor steps involved are simple. The sprinkler heads are already installed in the ground. We are going to assume, and this is a key word— assume—that the sprinkler heads have been installed correctly, with the proper head spacing. Sometimes, new nozzles can even correct for bad spacing and coverage problems.
Simply understanding the product is not enough. You have to sell your customer on the benefits of making a change. That's where a mini-marketing plan is essential for your retrofit efforts.
"We should take a page out of the heating and air conditioning business. Or even the car business," says Jeff Carowitz, a consultant with StrategicForce Marketing. "If you're going to buy a car, the car salesperson not only will tell you about the RPMs, or how many horsepower the engine has, he will also tell you about the new body style, the leather seats, the automatic seat adjustments, etc. The sales person will also make sure you get a brochure before you leave, so you have the facts and figures at hand."
"A heating and air conditioning technician knows the decision to purchase a replacement unit is an important one that you will want to ponder. A good contractor will bring with him a 'tip sheet' that ex plains real data on the benefits of the change to the homeowner. The serviceman doesn't want to leave to chance that you will remember everything he said, so he will then leave you the 'tip sheet' to show to your spouse," continues Carowitz.
When you go to see your client, you should remember that you can help them. One of the first questions I would ask is if they are interested in saving money on their water bill. A bonus for your client would also be that they are being eco-friendly . . . and don't sell that one short.
For those contractors who winterize irrigation systems, now that spring is coming and you're ready to get those systems ready for the season, you have the perfect opportunity to discuss with your client some options they might want to hear about. Leaving your "tip sheet" even when the homeowner is not around can get them thinking about saving water in the hot summer months.
When calling on your client, you should offer two options. Chances are, you will certainly be able to sell them one. I don't think you even have to do any selling. All you really have to do is explain the benefits. Remember that air conditioning guy, or that car sales person? They pointed out the benefits. You need to do the same.
"I would recommend offering two options to the homeowner on sprinkler head upgrades," says Carowitz, "I would tell them that we can improve their existing irrigation system by changing out the nozzles and replacing them with low-precipitation rate rotary nozzles or a Precision Spray nozzle. These nozzles have improved uniformity that will save about 20 to 30 percent on their water bill."
Carowitz continues, "I would also offer them the opportunity to change out the entire sprinkler bodies at the same time, replacing them with spray head bodies that have pressure regulators and check valves already installed in them. Often, the existing heads are nearing the end of their useful life, so this adds reliability and additional water savings with the new features."
It is also important that you acknowledge to the client the advantage they have; although this is a one-time charge, they will reap the benefits of lower energy bills for years to come.
So many contractors just run something by the homeowner, but the homeowner doesn't really understand the benefits. By explaining the benefits and leaving the "tip sheet," you stand a much better chance of getting the job. The homeowner might think, "You know, I've lived here all this while and intend to go on living here. Maybe this investment does make sense."
You've got to remember that the price of water will only continue to rise. In Seattle, the highest tiered rate is now at $11. In Houston, water rates increased by five percent last year and will increase another seven percent this year. That's a whopping 12 percent in a two-year period.
As water becomes more expensive, it's easy to explain to your client that, although there'll be an upfront cost by retrofitting, the savings will be substantial for years to come. In addition, they can feel that they're doing their part by being environmentally conscious.
There is a big opportunity for us out there. We need to remember that we're in a new era, and marketing and education will play a major role. Develop a sales presentation and a "tip sheet." By telling potential customers about the benefits, we can get their attention. It's one thing to know the products, but you need to learn how to sell the benefits.
Just think of it . . . what a powerful message you can send to your client. More importantly, everybody wins.
Photo courtesy: Hunter Industries


text:
Mining the Womb of the Earth: Struggles of Indigenous Women against destructive mining
This publication, published by AIPP, is a collection of stories of struggle of some indigenous women in Asia who directly face the negative impacts of mining. This publication is part of the Indigenous Peoples Human Rights Defenders Network (IPHRD Net) efforts to inform actors and stakeholders of the efforts of indigenous women and their communities to address violations of their rights, particularly their collective rights as indigenous peoples. The IPHRD Net is supported by the European Instrument for Democracy and Human Rights (EIDHR).


text:
Sorry, the email is already exist on the website, please connect with your facebook account to contiune your shopping, or log in directly on website
If you have already made a purchase
Log in to My Orderstrack progress or request help through the order details page.
If you have any questions, pls contact us online or send us
Service Phone :+15105985158
Skype Account :dress27com
Email :email@example.com
More Color Options >>
27dress.com offers you popular wedding dresses,lace wedding dresses,mermaid briddal gowns, plus size wedding gowns at factory price. Fast delivery worldwide. Custom made all sizes & colors. SHOP NOW!


text:
It's been a while since I logged into YouTube. I just reset my password, and tried to login with my old username and the password I just set. I received a message saying I had to login with my Google account and it inserted my email address (that is connected to the YouTube account) into the email box. Here's the thing:
That email address it inserted? It's not a Google account. It's not a Google email address.
I've tried every possible password I can think of, including (but not limited to) the password I just set it to, the Google account's password, and that email address's password.
When I do try to login with my Google email address, it wants to make me a new channel.
How can I regain control over my YouTube account?


text:
For the second time in less than a year, the Studio City home of pop singer Miley Cyrus was broken into, and this time police said a pair of burglars drove off in her Maserati.
- Download: Download the NBCLA app
The pop star's assistant arrived to the home over the weekend, noticed items were missing and called police, investigators said Sunday. Officers arrived to the residence about 4 p.m. Saturday. Cyrus was touring overseas at the time.
Top news of the day
The burglars, a male and female, climbed over a wall and entered the home and garage, the Los Angeles Police Department said. The thieves stole jewelry along with Cyrus' 2014 Maserati Quattroporte, which can sell for $140,000.
The singer's home was broken into last November, a day after her 21st birthday.


text:
Terms and Conditions
New Forest District Council aims to ensure that the information on this web site is correct, complete and accurate but gives no warranties, express or implied, to that effect.
New Forest District Council does not accept liability for any claim, loss or damage, whether direct, indirect or consequential, for any errors or omissions in the information or from the use of the information on this site or accessed through this site.
New Forest District Council assumes no responsibility whatsoever for the content of any Web pages linked to or from this site.
Information on this Web site is subject to change without notice.
All material on this Web Site is copyright of New Forest District Council.
No material on this site may be copied, re-published or re-distributed for commercial purposes or gain.
Terms and Conditions for Use of Licensed Data displayed on maps
You are granted a non-exclusive, royalty free, revocable licence solely to view the Licensed Data for non-commercial purposes for the period during which New Forest District Council makes it available.
You are not permitted to copy, sub-licence, distribute, sell or otherwise make available the Licensed Data to third parties in any form; and
Third party rights to enforce the terms of this licence shall be reserved to Ordnance Survey.


text:
The list below shows the International Astronomical Union (IAU) conventions for constellation names. Given for each constellation is the Latin name, nominative and genitive, as well as the approved three-letter abbreviation.
Mythology of Perseus
All of the following material was taken directly from William Tyler Olcott's book entitled Star Lore of All Ages, published in 1911 by The Knickerbocker Press. William Tyler Olcott was the founder of the AAVSO in 1911.
Perseus the Champion
AAVSO Visual Observing Manual
This is the 'official' handbook for AAVSO observers. You can view it online or download it for FREE!
CCD Photometry Guide
A handbook designed for the beginning CCD Observer.


text:
Traffic School, Defensive Driving & Driver's Ed Courses Nationwide
We are passionate about customer service
Meeting all your driving needs
Over 4 million picked us as the #1 choice for online traffic school & defensive driving course
Written by professional Hollywood writers and fueled by laughs from the Improv Comedy Club
Approved Nationwide
Approved by select courts and DMVs across the country.
Voted Best Traffic School
Won countless accolades from students and the media, including the "Best Traffic School" designation.
Click to see our reviews.
Certificate in 30 Minutes*
Complete at your own pace. Your completion certificate will be processed within 30 minutes of completion.
24/7 Customer Support
Rain, snow, or shine - our support team is here 7 days a week ready to assist you with any questions you have.
Click to chat with us now.
Traffic School by Improv Comedy Club was created over 30 years ago...
Founded in partnership with the World-Famous Improv Comedy Club
Our Traffic School was created in partnership with the World Famous Improv Comedy Club to make it Fun, Fast, and Effective. Improv Traffic School's unique edutainment courses have won copious accolades from students and the media resulting in our being named "Best Traffic School" year after year.
100% Online
Voted #1 Best Traffic School
Instant Certification*
Easiest courses allowed by Law
FREE BONUS – 4 Tickets to the Improv Comedy Club ($60 Value)**
No Hidden Fees
24/7 Support
Money Back Guarantee
*30-min Certificate Processing Not Available in TX and VA. **Not available in all states or at the clubs located in the casino.
"Defensive Driving Course designed with you in mind"
Complete at YOUR pace on YOUR time at YOUR place.
Take advantage of our free express registration and get going in less than one minute.
Simple chapters on easy to navigate pages. Complete them now, or take as much time as you need. Your progress is automatically saved, so you don't have to worry. No commitment. No risk. Just sign up today, and enjoy our course right away.
"I just LOVE going to traffic school"...said no one, ever. To which we said EDUTAINMENT.
"A form of entertainment designed to educate as well as amuse" - Wikipedia.
Created in collaboration with the world-famous Improv Comedy Club over 30 years ago with a simple notion that defensive driving school doesn't have to be dry and boring. Duh, right?
Still not convinced? See reviews from our customers.
From students who took our Traffic School.
...great course!...Ken R., Los Angeles, California ...Easiest Comedy Driving Online School Class...Cindy A. New York, New York The Best Traffic Class...Gayot Publications ...Never thought that I could enjoy Traffic Safety CourseMaryBeth M. San Francisco, California ...few people can poke fun while still showing respect for the audience... GREAT TRAFFIC SAFETY COURSERev. Miller. Miami, Florida ...Improv School Rocks!...Michael F. Bloomfield, New Jersey Thank you for taking pain out of boring classes.April C. Los Angeles, California Helpful, thought provoking, already see changes in my driving style. Thank you, the laughter really helped me get through the program.Ann M., Chambersburg, Pennsylvania This course should be mandated for every California driver.Drew K. Riverside, California Any Florida driver can benefit from this great online class ...being fun is an extra bonus.Enrique E. Miami, Florida I'd get another ticket just to do this Improv class again!Robert F., Ridgecrest, California I took Florida Online Traffic Course a few times, but Improv's was the best.Ashley A. Tampa, Florida At first I didn't think that this online class was for real.. but I am glad it was, I truly enjoyed itJulie Y. Atlanta, Georgia This Online school is the only way to go.Cindy L. Tampa, Florida Improv has done it again. Best online traffic course I ever took.Mary K. Laguna Beach, California What a great Online Course...Kerry C. Orange, California Thank You for making my Traffic Class Painless...Brad D. Orlando, Florida Thank You, Improv, for making traffic course easy and fun... Nobody likes taking traffic class, but I actually enjoyed it!Kevin L. Miami, Florida I was very frustrated in the beginning because I am computer illiterate. By the end I knew what to do and it made the completion of this traffic course very simple.Carolyn K. Dallas, Texas There are Traffic Courses and there is Improv School, you guys are Great!Linda V. Hollywood, Florida Great Website... Best traffic safety online Class Ever...Robert L. Tucson, Arizona Every Arizona Driver should be required to take this course.Raquel F. Tempe, Arizona Very easy online traffic class not complicated at all... had some great laughs.Kenny L. Houston, Texas Excellent Course.Alex G. Phoenix, Arizona Excellent Course.. doesn't feel like its a traffic program... fun and interesting.Marcella D. Dallas, Texas I never imagined driving school can be enjoyable.Shaina G. - Maria B. Little Rock, Arkansas
So many defensive driving course choices, which one do I pick?
More information to help you make the right choice.
Tickets & Violations
Improv traffic school and defensive driving courses have undergone numerous traffic safety studies and, time after time, have proven to be effective in reducing future traffic collisions and traffic tickets.
About Improv Traffic School
Interactive Education Concepts (IEC), under the trade names Traffic School by Improv, Improv Traffic School, and Driver License Direct by Improv, has been providing behavior-based driver education, traffic school, and defensive driving programs to satisfied students for nearly 20 years. Improv has won numerous awards from the media and other organizations over the years for its unique curriculum which is written by professional Hollywood writers and based on humor.
Customer satisfaction is Improv's #1 goal, which is validated by the company's superb A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.
Fun and Not Boring
While the topics contained in our curriculum relate to very serious traffic safety matters, we use humor as a tool for learning, which has proven to be highly effective. We are proud to announce that we are one of a very few courses in the nation that have undergone numerous independent studies and have proved to reduce traffic crashes and future violations by 64%. This claim is substantiated by two independent studies conducted by the Florida DHSMV.
Extensive research has proven that most crashes occur because of the human element. Lack of technical knowledge rarely causes a collision. More commonly, it is attributed to the wrong attitude of the driver.
Using this research as a foundation, the course was created by psychologists who specialize in the psychology of driving; incorporating our approach of combining education and entertainment which actually makes learning fun!
Courses Approved
Our traffic safety education courses are approved by a number of jurisdictions across the country for traffic school, defensive driving, traffic/driving safety, teen drivers education, and Point/Insurance Reduction Courses, including: Arizona Supreme Court, California Superior Courts, California Department of Motor Vehicles, Delaware Department of Insurance/DMV, Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, Idaho Division of Motor Vehicles, Michigan Department of State, Missouri Department of Transportation, Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles, New Jersey Motor Vehicle Commission, New Mexico Department of Transportation, New York Department of Motor Vehicles, Texas Education Agency, and Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles.


text:
Sembcorp Solar Singapore Pte Ltd has been awarded 50 MW worth of solar PV rooftop projects by Singapore's Housing & Development Board (HDB) and Economic Development Board (EDB). The project is expected to be completed by 2020.
Something interesting to share?
Join NrgEdge and create your own NrgBuzz today
In any war, there are winners and losers. Sometimes surprising ones. As the price war between friends-turned-foes Saudi Arabia and Russia rumbles on without any sign of a thaw or a possibility of halting without external intervention, oil producers globally are hurting badly as crude oil prices plunged by nearly 50% over less than a month. This will wreak havoc with the economies and budgets of many countries, particularly at a time when demand is extremely soft given the global Covid-19 pandemic. But in any war, there are opportunities for profit, and that has given a boost to a sector of the industry that had previously been suffering.
With the dramatic drop in prices, and a super-contango structure appearing in the crude oil price future curves, crude cargoes are available on cheap. Part of this buying is coming from entrenched buyers such as India (which took in some cargoes that were turned away by China in the early days of the Covid-19 pandemic). Part of this is coming from government purchases, to fill up strategic petroleum reserves in an effort to support domestic producers (although a US plan to do so was scuppered due to lack of federal funding). But most is this is coming from global oil traders, eager to cash in cheap oil by betting that prices will eventually have to rise somehow. Whether that is in a month, three months or longer, the traders are preparing for this.
The problem is storage. Where does one store millions of barrels of crude? Onshore storage is estimated at a practical upper limit of some 1.2 billion barrels of capacity; much of this is already utilised, with not much room to grow. And what room there is is becoming expensive.
Enter floating storage.
In 2008 during the Great Financial Crisis and again in 2015 when crude prices retreated dramatically, the same scenario presented itself. The solution then, as it is now, was to charter ships to serve as floating storage. Millions upon millions of crude oil barrels sat sloshing in the hulls of VLCC and other crude-carrying ships off the coast of Singapore, Fujairah, the US Gulf and Guangzhou in 2009, waiting for traders to assess an opportune moment to seize a trade.
That is repeating itself now. At the start of March, VLCC charter rates hovered at around US$40,000 per day for delivery from the Middle East to China. As charter rates go, that's not that bad, and certainly far better than rates of less than US$10,000 day in mid-2019 that caused a world of pain to the oil shipping industry. At the dramatic about-face in Vienna when the OPEC+ alliance splintered, VLCC charter rates jumped up to US$190,000 per day as the price for Brent dropped 30% in a single day. Charter rates continued to spike, up to a peak of US$275,000 per day, as it became very apparent that Saudi Arabia and Russia were engaging in more than just a game of brinkmanship. Prices did calm down, after the initial rush of bookings, but have started to rise again as Brent drifts dangerously close to the US$25/b mark.
Reports suggest that since the price war began, more than three dozen supertanker bookings have been made by the world's largest oil traders, including Vitol, Shell and Litasco. The largest of them all, Glencore has chartered Europe, one of the world's two ULCCs (Ultra Large Crude Carriers) that can store 3 million barrels of oil for an indefinite period. The traders are also competing with an unlikely party: Saudi Arabia and its allies that sparked a bidding war for supertankers in a bid to flood the market. That this is happening against a backdrop of weak demand is, frankly, ridiculous. But that is what is happening now, and expect it to go on with Russia entering the fray. While all this drama plays out, the real immediate winners are shipowners. While the traders are betting on the possibility of a profitable trade in the future, shipowners are making profits hand over fist now with the bookings, a great change after terrible 2019 when shipowners were gloomily talking about decommissioning tankers.
How long will this last? It is anyone's guess. There are two main variables: the length of the oil price war and the length of the Covid-19 pandemic. The most optimistic scenario points to things returning to relative normality by July 2020; the worst could see the depression continuing into 2021. But, as they say, there is no time like the present. And shipowners are now happy to keep their supertanker bellies full of oil and money in the bank, even if those ship remain anchored and that oil is going nowhere soon.
Recent VLCC Freight Rates
As Saudi Arabia and Russia dig in their heels and prepare for extended trench warfare over oil prices, the important questions now are: how long will this last, and what (or who) can bring these friends-turned-foes back to the negotiation table? China is the major buyer of crude from both countries, but with little production of its own, should be relishing in lower oil prices, particularly as it plots a potential recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic. That leaves the USA.
To say the US has a vested interest in where oil prices are is an understatement. The country, after all, has a major oil production industry and has recently become the largest producer in the world. Prices at US$50-60/b were perfect. Anything above that risked higher fuel prices causing demand disappearance; anything lower than that risked putting American drillers – particularly in the prolific shale patch – out of business. Which is why President Donald Trump embarked on a campaign of sanction threats and fiery rhetoric when crude rose above US$70/b last year. And also why the US oil industry is urging an intervention as WTI crashes to nearly US$20/b. At risk is not just the health of the US oil industry, but the very life of the shale patch.
There are various options available to Trump when he intervenes. Trump said that he would only get involved in the price war 'at the appropriate time', noting that low gasoline prices were good for US consumers. This suggests that he values the positive effects of low oil prices on the wider economy, perhaps noting that the oil industry will still remain a solid electorate base for him in November 2020 come what may. But with no sign that Russia or Saudi Arabia are open to new talks, Trump has to do something at some point.
Some new policies have been put in place. Instead of selling barrels from the US strategic petroleum reserves, adopted when the global supply/demand dynamics were much, much different – the White House now wants to fill those coffers to the brim, buying as much as US$3 billion from US independents to shore up the industry. But that's only a temporary balm; if the price war rolls on for too long, those US independents will either go out of business or be forced to continue pumping to pay the bills. Either way, this won't achieve much.
The next weapon is diplomacy. There is already happening, with the US Senate reaching out to the Saudi Ambassador to seek 'clarity'. Diplomacy is likely to be taken with Saudi Arabia and its Middle Eastern allies, as a more combative approach could jeopardise geopolitical alliances. However, when cajoling, the US will also have to put something on the table. Saudi Arabia's ultimate goal is to have steady oil prices at a level acceptable to all (or most); since Russia isn't cooperating but the US may want to, then it must shoulder some burden as well. Imposing a national quota in the US, however, is pure anathema, although the Texas state oil regulator has already suggested introducing production curbs. President Donald Trump said on Thursday, 2nd of April that he expected Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to announce a deal to cut production by up to 15 million barrels, and that he had spoken to both countries' leaders.
The much anticipated virtual meeting between OPEC and its allies scheduled for 6th of April has been postponed, as reported by CNBC, amid mounting tensions between Saudi Arabia and Russia. The meeting will now "likely" be held on Thursday, 9th April, sources said. "The delay is likely to hit oil prices next week following a record-setting comeback week for crude. U.S. oil surged 25% on Thursday for its best day on record, and gained another 12% on Friday. It finished the week with a 32% surge, breaking a 5-week losing streak and posting its best weekly performance ever, back to the contract's inception in 1983."
The other more potent weapon is sanctions. This has worked well, at least from the perspective of the policy's goal, but certainly not in humanitarian terms in Iran and Venezuela, where the exports of these OPEC members have shrunk dramatically. The US has already imposed sanctions on certain parts of the Russian energy machinery, notably to stop the Nordstream-2 LNG pipeline and is now reportedly considering pursuing a dual-pronged strategy of diplomacy with Saudi Arabia and sanctions on Russia. But what could this do? What would this even achieve? Russia hardly sells much oil to the US; its markets are in Europe, India and China. Imposing sanctions, especially at a time of a global crisis, risks it being completely ignored. Worse, this would make Russia even more determined to get back at the US by destroying the shale patch. With its deep pockets, it could very well do so.
The US is caught in a dilemma. Participating in a coordinated production alliance is unthinkable existentially, although stranger things have happened which leaves Trump with few weapons to participate in this price war. It could go on the offensive, and risk worsening the situation. It could exert diplomatic pressure, and risk that going nowhere. Or it could do what it has always done: prop up the industry but leave survival to the free-market, with the knowledge that in the cyclical world of oil, this bust will one day become a boom again.
Infographic: Top Three Crude Producers
Technology has indeed changed the way we think, act and react. Every activity we perform is directly or indirectly linked to technology one way or another. Like everything else, technology also has its pros and cons, depending on the way it is used. Since the advancement in cyberspace, scammers and hackers have started using advanced means to conduct fraud and cause damage to individuals as well as businesses online.
According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), 1.4 million cases of fraud were reported in 2018 and in 25% of the cases, people said they lost money. People reported losing $1.48 billion to fraudulent practices in 2018. This has caused considerable loss to individuals and businesses. Global regulatory authorities have introduced KYC and AML compliances that businesses and individuals are encouraged to follow. However, banks and financial institutions have to follow them under all circumstances.
KYC or Know Your Customer refers to the process where a business attains information about its customers to verify their identities. It is a complex, time-taking process and customers nowadays don't have the time or resources to deal with the government, consulate, and embassy offices for their KYC procedures. However, due to technological advancement, the identity verification process has been automated through the use of artificial intelligence systems. These systems seamlessly increase the accuracy and effectiveness of the identity verification process while reducing time and human efforts.
The following methods are used to digitally authenticate identities nowadays:
Face Verification
The use of artificial intelligence systems to detect facial structure and features for verification purposes.
Document Verification
The use of artificial intelligence systems to detect the authenticity of various documents to prevent fraud.
Address Verification
The use of artificial intelligence technology to verify addresses from documents to minimize the threat of fraudsters.
2-Factor Authentication
The use of multi-step verification to enhance the protection of your accounts by adding another security layer, usually involving your mobile phone.
Consent Verification
The use of pre-set handwritten user consent to onboard only legitimate individuals.
Digital Document Verification
Document verification is an important method to conduct KYC or verify the identity of an individual. The process involves the end-user verifying the authenticity of his/her documents. In banks, financial institutions and other formal set-ups, customers are required to verify their personal details through the display of government-issued documents. The artificial intelligence software checks whether the documents are genuine or have been forged. If the documents are real and authentic, the digital documentation verification is completed and vice versa.
There are four steps that are mainly involved in the digital document verification process. First, the user displays his/her identity documents in front of the device camera. Then the document is critically analyzed by artificial intelligence software to check its authenticity. Forged or edited documents are rejected by the software. The artificial intelligence system then extracts relevant information from the document using OCR technology. The information is sent to the back-office of the verification provider and analyzed by human representatives to further validate the authenticity. Then the results are sent to the business or individual asking for the verification. The whole process takes less than five minutes.
The document authentication process can detect both major and minor faults in the documents. It can detect errors and faults in forged documents, counterfeed documents, stolen documents, camouflage or hidden documents, replica documents and even compromised documents. The verification process can be done on a personal computer or a mobile device using a camera. Although only government-issued documents are used for the authentication process, the following are accepted by most verification providers:
Govt ID Cards
Driving Licenses
Credit/Debit Cards
Illegal and fraudulent transactions have dangerous consequences for both individuals as well as businesses. Losses due to scams and frauds trickle down at every level and ultimately have negative consequences on the whole system. Therefore it is imperative to conduct proper customer verification and due diligence in order to minimize the risks of fraud. Digital documentation verification plays a key role in the KYC process.


text:
Amy Swenson is a knitting and crochet designer and software engineer living in Toronto, Canada. See something you want to make? Get started right away with downloadable Patterns using popular techniques. Learn more by taking a Class. Read the Blog to see designs in progress.
Get Notified!
Join our mailing list for first notice of new patterns.