text:
Guidelines For Fizzy Kombucha & Second Fermentation
24 Nov 2018 03:30
As a every day tea drinker, I appreciate many varieties and preparations of tea. They're possibly greatest for the casual tea drinker, little ones who love tea, and people who just want a funny infuser in their collection. Regardless, for Full Guide significantly less than $ten, Fred & Friends' tea infusers are a exciting, cute obtain for your tea creating habit.Established in 1933 in India, exactly where the finest teas of world are grown, with a mission to epitomize the art of drinking gourmet teas, Golden Ideas is amongst the oldest & most reputed brand from India. The ancient scripts, if translated into modern day Chinese language, have two levels of which means: 1) green tea curbs the body's absorption of grease and oil and 2) green tea helps you slim down. The scientists these days found evidence for both as we've talked about earlier, and because of 1), ancient Chinese already knew to drink green tea soon after a greasy meal, and they've passed down this tradition generations and generations till these days.I really like tea. The low cost tag, huge brewing basket, and quite design and style make the 700ml Hario Chacha Kyusu Maru Tea Pot the greatest one you can purchase. If you want an even cheaper choice and you have access to an Ikea, the Riklig teapot is very equivalent, and Full guide it really is the a single I personally use.Choose out a date for your tea party. Decide on a date and time for your tea party, ideally a week or two in advance so that those invited will have time to function the occasion into their schedules. Weekend afternoons are fantastic for tea parties, as most individuals are off from perform and seeking for leisurely activities. A tea celebration in the afternoon will also serve nicely as midday refreshment.If you want to keep away from plastic, buy loose leaf tea, do not buy tea in tea bags. Some delicate black teas (like Initial Flush Darjeelings) demand reduce brewing temperatures of about 180 F to 190 F. Even so, most black teas can be brewed amongst 200 F and 212 F.4) Know where a tea comes from: Appear at tea like a fine wine - specific regions make certain kinds of flavors. Educating oneself and your group on these regional variations makes a difference to your bottom line and your client. There are normally two kinds of teas in the planet: blended and estate teas. Sri Lankan and Indian teas are estate teas and make a extremely distinct flavor than blended teas like Irish or English Breakfast.Fill a 20-ounce glass about half full with ice. Pour in the brewed tea and add carbonated water to fill the glass (you can either make your own carbonated water with a carbonation machine or you can use bottled sparkling water). Best off with ice.Pour water into a teapot. When the water is at the suitable temperature for the tea you happen to be brewing, pour the water into the container that you will steep the tea in. There are diverse sorts of teapots made from different supplies like iron, glass, or porcelain. It's okay to use a tea bag in a mug if that is what you are in the mood for.If you drink too considerably tea prior to a meal it will not only lead to the food to really feel tasteless, but will also hinder the absorption of protein in the body. If you have any queries regarding wherever and how to use full guide (Calebmcclanahan2.Wikidot.com), you can get hold of us at our web site. The best rule to go by is to not drink excessive amounts of tea for about a half hour ahead of a meal.The informational label of your TeaHaus tea provides the recommended quantity of tea to use as effectively as the optimal brewing temperature and time. To make iced tea, brew the tea at double strength (making use of the exact same advised temperature and time). Then, pour the hot tea more than ice, thus diluting the tea to the perfect strength.A single of the nicest things about tea is you can enjoy it all year round, warming up in winter with a hot cup of tea or chilling out in the summer time with iced tea. When it comes to iced tea, make positive you use double the amount of tea usually employed so the ice cubes don't dilute your drink or use iced tea you've frozen in ice cube trays to steer clear of this problem. You can also cold-brew your iced tea for a stronger, smoother cup (and brewing tea in the fridge avoids the threat of bacteria like sun tea has). And when it comes to drying your washing, an additional trick of Shannon's for cutting the drying time down is by adding a tea towel in with your wet garments. The cheapest teabags they tasted - Sainsbury's own-brand Pretty Traded Red Label, which price just £1.ten for 80 bags - had been voted second ideal.Preparing tea is an exercise in simplicity that, to paraphrase the words of the Japanese tea master Sen no Rikyu, consists of practically nothing but boiling water, making the tea, and serving. The major culprits behind bitter green teas are temperature and steeping time. Green teas brewed at higher temperatures turn bitter simply because polyphenols are released as well fast. Steeping green tea for also long also benefits in bitter flavors. Essentially, brewing green tea is just like cooking a meal. If you leave it cooking for too lengthy, it burns and tastes undesirable.
Comments: 0
page revision: 0, last edited: 24 Nov 2018 03:30


text:
There is much mystery surrounding the hotly anticipated, yet currently untitled Marvel Cinematic Universe film, Avengers 4. Marvel have kept quite a lid on things but not even they can plug all the leaks. Since it began filming in summer, photos from both behind the scenes and fresh from the set have circulated online and lead to plenty of excitement and speculation from fans.
Some of the more recent pictures to hit the internet feature Robert Downey Jr. in what appears to be S.H.I.E.L.D. clothing and a particularly recognizable shirt. Could this tease a possible flashback in store?
Road closed at 14th near Peachtree in Midtown ATL. They are filming @Avengers #InfinityWar @olv #gafilm #AtlantaFilming #fox5atl pic.twitter.com/4mBMBNg5Iq
— Jim Zorn (@PhotoZorn_FOX5) November 1, 2017
SHIELD agents sighted on Peachtree at 14th! #AvengersInfinityWar @MarvelStudios @Avengers #atlanta #film #filming #movies @AtlantaMagazine pic.twitter.com/so60YVWXKZ
— Peachywood (@peachywoodATL) November 1, 2017
The photos, posted by Just Jared, also feature co-star Mark Ruffalo in a motion capture suit for The Hulk. The scenes with Hulk and Stark appear to be shot in a S.H.I.E.L.D. facility, but due to the quality of the photos this cannot be confirmed just yet. Due to the fall of S.HI.E.L.D. in Captain America: The Winter Soldier and the Hulk disappearing in Avengers: Age of Ultron, there is a strong possibility that this scene could be a flashback. Further evidence to support this theory is the fact that Stark is wearing the same Black Sabbath shirt that was featured in Avengers.
However, a flashback is not the only theory surrounding these images. Some fans have speculated that Avengers 4 may feature an alternate reality. Perhaps a reality where Stark joins S.H.I.E.L.D.?
But maybe this is a case of over-analysis and Stark just really likes that particular shirt. But until Marvel give us more we fans are going to continue dissecting each tidbit until Avengers 4 finally hits cinemas in 2019.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Medicare Bonuses For Quality Care Going To Fewer Hospitals In 2017
More than 1,600 hospitals will earn the rewards, federal officials announce, but that is about 200 fewer than in 2016. In addition, the number of hospitals being penalized under the program is growing. Medicare officials also announce final rules for hospital off-site facilities and choose new private contractors to audit hospital billing.
Modern Healthcare:
Fewer Hospitals Earn Medicare Bonuses Under Value-Based Purchasing
More than 1,600 hospitals will see bonuses from Medicare in 2017 under the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing program, according to federal data released Tuesday. The number earning positive pay adjustments is about 200 fewer than last year. The program affects some 3,000 hospitals, which are penalized or rewarded based on how well they perform on certain quality measures. A hospital's performance is assessed in comparison to its peers' and to its own performance over time. The results are "somewhat concerning," said Francois de Brantes, executive director of the Health Care Incentives Improvement Institute. One reason was the fact that fewer hospitals are being rewarded. Another was hospitals' lack of movement in rankings. (Whitman, 11/1)
Modern Healthcare:
CMS Finalizes Site-Neutral Payment Rule
In a final rule that changes the way off-campus facilities are reimbursed, the CMS was flexible in grandfathering some hospitals that had to relocate their buildings because of natural disasters. The CMS on Tuesday released a final rule that stops paying hospital off-campus facilities the same as hospital-based outpatient departments if they started billing Medicare after Nov. 2, 2015. The change will make it difficult for health systems to recoup capital or operational costs for off-site facilities, even though they are responsible for continuing to equip and maintain the off-campus offices. (Dickson, 11/1)
Modern Healthcare:
CMS Awards New RAC Contracts; CGI Is Out
The CMS has awarded five new contracts for Medicare's controversial recovery audit contractor program. The awardees are Performant Recovery and Cotiviti, which will both operate in two regions in the U.S., and HMS Federal Solutions. Veteran contractor CGI Group will not return and it is unclear if the company re-bid. Recovery audit contractors comb through medical records at hospitals and doctors' offices and find instances of where Medicare is paying too much money. The CMS pays RACs a contingency fee every time they identify an overpayment. (Dickson, 11/1)
Also, in Medicare news --
CBS News:
How To Choose A Medicare Advantage Health Care Plan
Open enrollment for Medicare is underway through Dec. 7, so if you're in the program and want to switch plans, now's the time to shop. Each year, more and more people choose privately run Medicare Advantage plans that work like traditional health insurance, rather than original Medicare. ... If you're happy with your Medicare, you don't have to change anything, but knowing all your options can't hurt. Here's how to shop for a Medicare Advantage plan. (Glover, 10/28)
Louisville (Ky.) Courier-Journal:
U Of L Med Students Urge 'Medicare For All'
Using Halloween to underscore their message that patients deserve to be treated for illness, not tricked by high costs of health care, a group of University Louisville medical students and physicians on Monday rallied for "Medicare for all" as a solution for problems of the current health care system. (Yetter, 10/31)


text:
Cream, Camel, Black + A Timeless Coat on Sale
Coat: Ted Baker coat 0 (fits like 00), sleeves shortened. 30% off w/ WRAPUP30 or 40% off in gray, no code needed
Jeans: Everlane jeans 24 ankle. These black jeans are great too in the short inseam!
Sweater: Macy's old (very similar sweater on sale)
Boots: Express sock booties 5
Accessories: Edited Pieces belt xxs, $15 sunglasses, Hermes bag
I wanted to share a rare promo on one of the most timeless coats in my closet! This coat in black or camel is 30% off with code WRAPUP30, and the gray color is on even steeper sale for 40% off (no code needed) and fully stocked in all sizes. I've had this style of theirs in navy for over 6 years and it still feels as chic and classic as when I bought it!
Their shorter version of this coat (should be around mid-thigh length petite ladies) is also on sale, and I wanted to point out their men's styles which is what the brand is more known for. This is one of the few brands Nick splurges on as the items are nicely tailored, fit on the slim side, and the coats and jackets instantly elevate a basic outfit. He has a coat very similar to this wool-cashmere overcoat that is 40% off with good reviews, and this is a more casual wool coat that's 60% off!
Ted Baker Wool Coat
I have a navy version of this coat from many years ago (original review here) and it's one of those pieces that make you feel instantly polished – whether over jeans, a dress, or workwear. Ted Baker offers this style of coat year after year in different lengths (including a mid-thigh length), colors, and fabrics, but will usually always offer it in this mid-weight wool blend. The lapel can be worn either flipped up or down (secured with magnets in the coat). The cut runs small in my opinion, and I find their "Ted 0 / US 2" to fit more like a 00 regular in other brands. On me, the 0 has a slim fit at my shoulders, torso, and waist and just needs the sleeves shortened for a petite frame.
I originally planned on getting my navy coat hemmed but never got around to it, and am SO thankful I didn't! Back in my 20's I was all about knee length or above, so a few of my midi-length clothes including some splurge items suffered the fate of shortening. I only wish I could reverse it, now that I see how flattering longer hemlines can be. The Rose style appears knee length on models but hits almost at my lower calves (I'm 5′ tall). It's about 2 inches longer than my ideal length right now, but I'm not going to hem yet it in case my tastes change again next year!
Express Boots
These boots continue to be a favorite and surprisingly comfortable given how high they look. They're currently on sale for 50% off (under $40) in both black and cognac! The fitted sock-style shaft works just as well with skinny bottoms as they do straight cut (see in a recent post). I would love a shorter heeled version for prolonged wear though, so please send any recommendations my way!
I've been loving this vintage-inspired Anne Klein watch which is currently on major sale (60% off and under $35)! I got the 2-tone one too which is great for pairing with both gold and silver toned jewelry and handbag hardware. I removed a few links with this DIY tool after watching a few youtube tutorials (required a little finagling but not bad, coming from someone who is not very handy), since my local watch repair shops were closed!


text:
For three years now, the Global Tech Trends Survey (GTTS) has interviewed IT decision-makers around the world to understand the priorities and expectations of industry leaders. In 2021, 100 of the IT leaders interviewed were from Brazil, the largest economy in Latin America and one of the countries where the digital transformation is more intense. Those leaders talked about the main priorities and challenges for the year, in addition to answering specific questions related to the arrival of 5G in the country and the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic on businesses, providing valuable insights for other companies doing—or planning to do—business in Brazil.
Among the most discussed issues, the ones related to data processing, use and analysis appear as a priority for these executives. The ability to store, protect and analyze the growing amount of information collected from users and connected objects is increasingly seen as essential to develop a good business strategy, better understand the consumer and even make changes in the work structure to reach a more efficient workflow. Issues related to the General Data Protection Law (LGPD) and adaptation to new legal standards are also concerns of IT throughout 2021. In my opinion, it is a big and important challenge that should not be sidelined.
Equinix 2020-21 Global Tech Trends Survey
Exploring global digital leaders' views on the trends, challenges and opportunities shaping businesses around the world.
DownloadI list below four priorities for companies doing digital business in Brazil for the use of data identified in the GTTS:
1. Get more data for business strategies
Analyzing and using data is a great way to understand and meet the experience expected by consumers. GTTS showed that IT decision-makers in Brazil are aware of this scenario: 85% of them expect to get more data for business strategies, a percentage way above the global average of 66%.
Just as the volume of data generated from smartphones, connected objects, sensors, social media and e-commerce sites, among others, grows every year, the volume collected by companies also follows.
2. Generate more insights from the data
Simply obtaining large volumes of data does not add strategic value, which brings us to the next priority detected by the survey: 81% of IT leaders in Brazil want to generate more insights from the data they collect, which is above the global average of 69% found by the survey. In other words, following a global trend, the urgency to not only gather data but to do predictive analysis is stronger than ever in the country, including due to the needs that came up during the pandemic.
3. Manage data exchange locally
If you need to do this type of management in your company, you will agree that the challenges involved are undeniable, starting with the adequacy of the IT infrastructure. Doing processing and analysis in an on-premises data center or in the cloud far away from where the data is generated has serious latency and cost implications. If there is a significant distance between the edge and the data center and it is distributed in dozens or hundreds of different locations, the network must also be distributed, in order to be close to each of these points and enable the storage, processing and real-time data analysis.
It is precisely for this reason that 81% of IT decision-makers surveyed in Brazil expressed a desire to be able to manage data exchange locally—again above the average (63%). The edge is increasingly part of the business strategy, and research like ours corroborates this perception.
4. Compliance with the General Data Protection Law
Of course, another point that attracts the attention of businesses currently or thinking about operating in Brazil is the LGPD, in force since September 2020 and with application of sanctions allowed since August 1, 2021, which establishes rules for the entire national territory on how to assign, transfer, sell or store data. The regulation is very similar to the General Data Protection Regulation (EU GDPR), guaranteeing the person's rights over their data and stipulating the necessary actions—some of them immediate—if a leak occurs.
GTTS also showed that it is a priority for 84% of IT decision-makers in the country to comply with the LGDP throughout the year, which happens in parallel with the significant increase in the amount of personal information circulating on their networks and platforms.
With privacy laws being enacted in many countries, I believe that, in a short time, we will see a change in the mindset of both individuals and companies about the concepts and implications of collecting, sharing and analyzing user data.
Distribute your network on the edge and extract value from data securely
It is a fact that we are moving toward a data-driven economy, as are the risks associated with it. To succeed, a company needs to join a rich ecosystem and connect to the appropriate partners, no matter where they are. Across the globe, we see IT strategy quickly becoming less about building technology than it is about accessing the right partner ecosystems and integrating the right digital building blocks. To do that, you can count on Equinix.
Whether you are a multinational company doing business in Brazil or a Brazilian company doing business overseas, you can join Platform Equinix® to bring together all the right places, partners and possibilities to create the foundational infrastructure you need to succeed and find new opportunities to innovate and create business value.
Equinix International Business Exchange™ (IBX®) data centers are interconnection hubs close to user devices and public clouds, enabling the processing and analysis of data via private connections securely and with low latency. You can even count on software-defined solutions offered on demand to assemble infrastructure in minutes in 63 global markets, a number that we are continuously increasing.
No one can say for sure which businesses will be successful in retail, manufacturing or healthcare 20 years from now, or what our next global challenge will be, like the COVID-19 pandemic. What is within reach of the leaders is to try to capture signals about the market needs, the challenges and the solutions adopted with regard to the digital infrastructure, both from a global point of view as well as from specific markets. At Equinix, research such as the GTTS helps us to identify these signs and develop the best solution we can offer for each challenge imposed. For our clients, we hope that the survey will be a source of information and inspiration in the process of drawing up scenarios so they can be better prepared to react to changes, whether gradual or sudden, local or global.
Check out the Global Tech Trends Survey 2020-21.


text:
Page 1
Benefit-Cost Assessment of Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) in Highway Maintenance Eric Meyer, Ishtiaque Ahmed University of Kansas 2011 Learned Hall Lawrence, KS 66049 [email protected] ABSTRACTAVL has been used extensively in public transit, law enforcement, and EMS applications (among others), and is garnering more and more interest with the highway maintenance community. Sponsored by the Kansas DOT, The University of Kansas conducted a study of the use of AVL for highway maintenance activities, especially snow removal. State DOTs and other transportation agencies were surveyed with respect to their use or potential use of AVL. At the time of the survey, only 8 states had deployed AVL, in addition to several municipalities and one Canadian province. None of the surveyed agencies had conducted quantitative assessments of the benefits of system deployment. Qualitative and perceived benefits taken from the aggregated survey data were used to develop estimates of benefits likely to be realized from an AVL deployment. Savings from improved fleet management, paperwork reductions, and reductions in snow-related crashes were compared withthe system investment and maintenance costs. Costs for system wide deployment were estimated to be about $9,000,000 with about $800,000 needed for maintenance annually. Benefit/cost ratios were calculated for three deployment schedules based on conservative assumptions and then based on moderate assumptions. The analysis estimated B/C ratios would be at least 2.6 and probably closer to 25. This paper elaborates on the results of the survey and details the methodology used in the analysis. Key words: AVL benefits ITS—maintenance—snow removal Proceedings of the 2003 Mid-Continent Transportation Research Symposium, Ames, Iowa, August 2003. © 2003 byIowa State University. The contents of this paper reflect the views of the author(s), who are responsible for the facts and accuracy of the information presented herein.
Page 2
INTRODUCTION Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) systems are a fleet management tool that integrates several technologies to allow a fleet manager or dispatcher to see the location of their vehicles at anygiven time. Many systems can also indicate the status of each vehicle. For example, a law enforcement dispatcher can be informed whether a vehicle is in service, on break, or in hot pursuit. A snowplow can automatically report whether the plow is up or down and when it is spreading sand or salt. Putting this kind of information at the hands of managers enables them to make more efficient use of their resources. Both public and private agencies are taking advantage of AVL to enhance both the efficiency and the effectiveness of their operations. AVL has beenwidely used in the trucking industry for several years. Many transit and emergency services agencies have also implemented AVL. Use among highway departments has been sparse, possibly because the benefits in that context are less obvious. Even so, several state Departments of Transportation and municipal Public Works departments have implemented AVL and found it to be a valuable tool for maintenance and operations activities. HISTORICAL PERSPECTIVE The AVL services industry was born when Qualcomm launched its OmniTRACS service in 1988. Providing vehicle tracking and data messaging, the service primarily targeted the long-haul trucking industry. Although OmniTRACS continues to hold a commanding share of the AVL market, especially in the trucking industry, a number of rivals emerged, including Highway Master, InTouch Communication, American Mobile Satellite Corporation (AMSC) and Orbcomm. (1) Most of these companies rely on the same technology, Global Positioning System (GPS), for their geolocation function. In contrast, a variety of wireless technologies are used for communications. OmniTRACS, for example, leases capacity on geo-stationary satellites. HighwayMaster and InTouch use analog cellular telecommunications. AMSC relies on a hybrid system that operates over both its geo-stationary satellite and the ARDIS terrestrial data network. In November 1998, Orbcomm began offering commercial vehicle tracking services that use its constellation of 28 Low-Earth Orbit (LEO) satellites for communications. Teletrac uses a dedicated radiolocation network. (1) HIGHWAY MAINTENANCE APPLICATION OF AVL/MDTIn 1998, the Virginia Department of Transportation (VDOT) implemented an AVL system that allowed snowplow managers to better manage snow removal in four counties. (2) The Smart Plows utilize ITS technologies to monitor vehicle location, road surface condition, and apply the appropriate amount of chemicals or sand to treat the roadway. The goal of the system was to facilitate the following functions. • Continuous location of snowplow fleet operations • Ability to identify vehicles with abnormal behavior • Increase safety for the vehicle operator • Ability to detect and minimize waste and fraud Meyer and Ahmed 2
Page 3
• Ability to capture statistical data • Improved communications efficiency. These benefits are typical of those expected by other highway departments who have deployed AVL. In general, the consensus seems to be that AVL can deliver all of these benefits, although quantitative data is not yet available. AVL/MDT COST-BENEFIT ANALYSES Without formal evaluation studies, it can be difficult to judge whether or not the benefits outweigh the costs of implementation and operation. AVL and MDT technologies have beendeployed around the world by various types of agencies, but predominantly by transit agencies and commercial trucking companies. All too frequently, once an agency obtains approval to implement AVL, justifying the costs becomes a low priority. Evaluation plans are often sacrificed at the first signs of a budget shortfall. While that is understandable, it is often the result of a near-sighted perspective and is very unfortunate for the transportation community at large, particularly in the longer term as agencies have difficulty justifying investments in AVL because of the lack of documentation of benefits.Many transit operators experience strong pressure to upgrade their fleet management systems with the latest AVL technologies. The many benefits of such systems have been very well publicized in numerous U. S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) publications. With a 45%annual return on investment reported as the cost effectiveness, these systems quickly end up paying for themselves. In that light, it is not surprising that there is a strong push for systemprocurement (3). But it is noteworthy that this return of investment applies for transit fleet management systems, but not necessarily for highway maintenance and operation purposes. There are, however, some general principles that are worth considering in developing a strategyfor assessing the potential benefits of AVL in a highway maintenance context. Schweiger C. L., and Marks J. B. (4) have outlined four critical parameters that should be considered. Their particular concern was the use of AVL in public transit, but the principles have broad application across contexts. They recommended the following four components be included in cost-benefit analysis. • Determination of Life-Cycle Costs • Methodological Approach to Cost/Benefit Analysis • Quantification of Risks • Assignment of Dollar Values to Intangible Benefits If these components can be effectively applied to AVL in a highway maintenance context, valuable information can be gleaned for transportation agencies considering AVL. Toward thatend, in Spring 2000, the Kansas Department of Transportation contracted with The University of Kansas to conduct a study of the costs and benefits associated with implementing AVL in their maintenance and operations. Meyer and Ahmed 3
Page 4
APPROACH An initial survey was conducted to determine the level of involvement of highway agencies in AVL deployment. Those agencies identified by the survey as having deployed an AVL systemwere contacted with a more extensive survey related to their experiences. The results of the survey were used to establish parameters for the benefit-cost analysis. Two risk perspectives (low risk and very low risk) were examined to provide insight into the likely magnitude of the benefits. Costs were constant across scenarios. Benefits in the very low risk perspective were calculated using all conservative assumptions. The results of this analysis represent the minimum benefits that can reasonably be expected. In other words, the actual benefits are highly likely to be equal to or greater than the calculated benefits, and likely to be much greater. Benefits in the low risk perspective were calculated using more moderate (though still somewhat conservative) assumptions. The resulting figures more closely approximate whatcould be expected. For these scenarios, the actual benefits are likely to be close to but slightlygreater than the calculated benefits. For both perspectives, the results were used to calculate a cost-benefit ratio based on three different implementation scenarios, conservative, moderate, and aggressive, with the full implementation occurring in 20, 10, and 6 years, respectively. SURVEYS The literature discusses a number of AVL/MDT deployments among highway maintenance agencies, but no formal cost-benefit assessment is available. Costs vary widely fromimplementation to implementation, and benefits are largely anecdotal and undocumented. To exacerbate the problem, most deployments in the highway maintenance arena are so recent that even the anecdotal reports of benefits are speculative. It is very likely that some agencies haveimplemented AVL without having published information about the systems, though it is unlikely that such an implementation would include a formal evaluation. Based on results of the literature review, a survey was developed to help identify agencies that have had experience with AVL. Initially, all 50 state DOTs, Canadian provinces, and 6 municipal public works departments were contacted regarding their deployment of AVL/MDT technologies for tracking maintenance vehicles. Several of the municipal applications were identified by contacting technology integrators (i.e., consultants) that are prominent in the field.The survey was also made available over the Internet and various organizations were asked to bring it to the attention of their constituents. Organizations contacted included ITS America, ITS Australia, ERTICO, and VERTIS. Regretfully, no responses were received as a result of involving the ITS organizations. The preliminary survey revealed that fifteen agencies had already deployed AVL/MDT technologies for tracking their highway maintenance vehicles, eight of which were State DOTs. A detailed questionnaire was developed to further explore the experiences of these agencies. This questionnaire included questions regarding the technology being used, costs and benefits experienced, and obstacles encountered. All surveys—both preliminary and detailed—were followed up via Email and telephone until all responses were received. Results Summary Figure 1 shows a time line of the AVL deployments that were identified in the preliminarysurvey. Among the deployments, the number of vehicles outfitted with in-vehicle units (IVUs) Meyer and Ahmed 4
Page 5
ranged from 4 to 150, with an average of 36. Half of the deployments involved 20 vehicles ormore. 12 of the 15 agencies cited snow removal as their primary application. The most frequently cited benefit was improved snow removal. The agencies were asked to cite the most significant obstacle encountered during the deployment process. The most common issue seemed to be funding, although several other obstacles were mentioned. The majority of the deployments (10) utilized CDPD for transmitting data. Two used satellite, two used analog cellular (one of these two also used satellite), and two used LMR. When asked whether they thought the systemwas cost-beneficial overall, two agencies said their systems were cost-beneficial, and the rest indicated in some way that they could not yet tell. These responses were not surprising given that, at the time of the survey, none of the systems had been in operation for more than four years, and most were much more recent. Massachusetts Highway Department, MAIowa DOT, IACity of Aurora, COVirginia Trans Research Council, VAOregon Dept of Transport, ORCity of Colorado Springs, CODistrict 6- KYTC, KYRoad Commiission for Oakland Cnty, MIWisconsin DOT, WICity of Fort Collins, COOntario Ministry of Transportation, CanadaMD State Hwy Administration, MDCity of Boulder, COBaltimore City Dept of PW, MDCALTRANS, CA1998199920002001FIGURE 1. Time Line of AVL Deployments COST ASSESMENT Two categories of system costs were considered, investment costs and operation and maintenance costs. Costs were estimated for a small scale pilot project and for statewide deployment. Investment Costs It was assumed that KDOT's existing 800 MHz radio system would be used, and a dedicated channel would be added for data transmissions. The implementation cost for the dedicated data channel was approximately $750,000 for a pilot project and $6,000,000 for a statewide deployment. These estimates were provided by the KDOT Bureau of Maintenance and Construction based on current equipment costs. Consistent with other deployments, the communications costs are by far the most significant portion of the total system cost. Cost estimates for other components of the pilot test and subsequent statewide implementation were drawn from the data collected through the survey of transportation departments. Various considerations were used to determine each number, including the consistency of the costs for that component across implementations, how recent the costs were (i.e., when the implementation Meyer and Ahmed 5
Page 6
began), and the similarities and differences between the characteristics of the implementations described in the survey and the expected characteristics of an application to KDOT needs. The scope of the pilot project and the statewide deployment in terms of administrative areas and vehicle counts is shown in Table 1. TABLE 1. Pilot Project and Statewide Deployment Scope PilotStatewideAreas126Subareas6112Maintenance Vehicles23585Paint Trucks16In the vehicle, three different types of expenditures were considered. An In-Vehicle Unit (IVU), comprising a GPS receiver, a data modem, and a Mobile Data Terminal (MDT), was estimated to cost approximately $3,500, including installation. A total of 24 units were considered for the pilot project—23 maintenance vehicles and one paint truck. Road and air temperature sensors were estimated to cost $600 per vehicle. However, it was assumed in this analysis that the existing sensors would be used. Considering the communications, in-vehicle, other costs, the total cost for a pilot deployment was estimated to be $957,000. The costs associated with a statewide deployment are shown in Table 2. TABLE 2. Statewide Implementation Costs Items Unit Rate ($) No. of units Amount ($) Base station hardware 7,00026 (1/area)184,000Software (licensing) 25,000 for the first computer 5,000 per additional 26 (1/area) 150,000 Sensors and software integration 15,000 (software) 15,000 In-Vehicle Units 3,500/unit 585 units 2,047,500 Training (3 days on site) 3,000/area 26 areas 78,000 Repair and Maintenance 4,000/year/area26 areas104,000System integration 15,000/area 26 areas 390,000 Add data channel to radiosystem16,000,000Total initial expenditure 8,968,500 1Includes $750,000 expended during pilot project. Operation and Maintenance Costs The operating costs generally involve the monthly fees for the CDPD connection, if a CDPD based communication system is used. For an implementation of AVL using KDOT's radio system, operation and maintenance costs are comprised primarily of maintenance and repair for the radio system's dedicated data channel, the in-vehicle units, and the base station equipment. Annual maintenance costs were estimated to be the purchase price of the equipment divided by the typical service life. Only equipment unique to the AVL system was considered. That is, the Meyer and Ahmed 6
Page 7
cost of maintaining the 800 MHz radio system is a cost that would be incurred regardless of whether or not an AVL system were implemented. Consequently, the implementation of AVL adds no incremental cost to the maintenance of the existing radio system. The cost of the in-vehicle units is estimated to be $3,500 each. Assuming the statewide implementation would involve 585 KDOT vehicles, and assuming a 7-year service life based on Schweiger, et al. (1999), the average annual maintenance cost of the in-vehicle units would be $292,500. Assuming one base station at each area office with an initial cost of $7,000, also with a service life of 7 years, the annual maintenance cost of the base stations would be $26,000. The incremental maintenance costs incurred by the addition of a dedicated data channel were estimated based on the KDOT Replacement Life Cycle of 12 years, assuming that an average of 1/12 of the equipment will be replaced each year. Under this assumption, each year'smaintenance would be equal to the cost of the entire system times the percentage of the system deployed divided by 12. The total annual maintenance cost of the system, once fully deployed, would be $818,500. EXPECTED BENEFITSThe nature of the expected benefits can be drawn from the experience of other agencies combined with the operational characteristics of KDOT maintenance crews. Benefits that can be expected to include the following. • More timely response to emergencies. • Improved resource management by analyzing past activities to improve efficiency. • Reduced snow-related accidents due to reductions in snow removal times. • Increased security for drivers. • Reduced legal costs from tort claims allegedly involving KDOT maintenance vehicles. • Reduced material costs with more efficient application strategies. • Reduced time associated with routine paperwork. • More timely pavement condition information. • Enhanced locational accuracy of various inventories and map segments. • Increased completeness of various inventories (e.g., PMS). • Automatic and continuous updates of pavement conditions for KDOT maintenance. • Potential feed of near real-time information to KDOT Advanced Traveler Information Systems (ATIS) (e.g., web site, dial in, 511 (eventually)). • Improved efficiency and effectiveness of roadside maintenance. • Reduced fleet maintenance costs due to improved fleet management Meyer and Ahmed 7
Page 8
To develop an objective comparison of the costs and benefits associated with the implementation of AVL, a subset of the benefits listed above were quantified and compared with the maintenance costs over a 20-year period. The benefits considered in the cost-benefit analysis are shown in bold type in the list above. The other benefits listed were omitted from the analysis either because they are difficult to express in monetary terms or because the information gleaned fromthe surveys was insufficient to estimate their magnitude. Benefits Survey In the detailed survey, 7 of the 15 agencies contacted provided estimates of their efficiencysavings in snow removal due to the implementation of AVL. The values cited ranged from 5% to 50% improvement, with an average of just over 20%. Only 3 agencies provided estimates of savings due to reduced paperwork. The values were 10% and 20%, with one agency citing an increase of 15% in paperwork to facilitate analysis. The minimum and average values were used for the cost/benefit analyses discussed in the following sections (the increase in paperwork to facilitate analysis was ignored). Two sets of estimates of benefit magnitudes are presented in each of the sections that follow. Conservative estimates are detailed, representing the least magnitudes cited in the follow-up survey. The probable benefits are represented by moderate estimates, using the average of the values cited in the follow-up survey. It should be noted that because only one agency provided a value for savings in materials, this factor was not included in the costs/benefit analysis. The efficiency improvement cited was 25-50 percent, which would represent a substantial monetary savings in addition to those included in the analysis. Savings in Paperwork The savings resulting from reduced paperwork were calculated on the basis of the daily and weekly reports filed by maintenance crews and paint crews. Based on estimated averages provided by KDOT, the calculations assumed that the reports require 25 minutes daily for each maintenance vehicle and 20 minutes weekly for each sub-area supervisor. An hourly wage of $10 was used, and the AVL system was assumed to reduce the time required to fill out the paperwork by 10%, which was the smallest of the values reported in the benefits survey. The conservative estimate for savings in paperwork was $67,908 per year. A moderate estimate of 15% time savings—the average of the values reported in the benefits survey—would result in an annual savings of $101,862. Savings from More Efficient Fleet Management By recording and analyzing fleet activities, vehicles can be used more efficiently, reducing the overall mileage incurred and the associated costs. For maintenance vehicles, annual mileage was estimated by dividing the service life in miles by the service life in years. 200,000 miles / 11 years = 18,182 miles/yr. An operational cost of $0.47/mi was assumed. The conservative and moderate estimates of savings were taken as the minimum and average values, respectively, that were reported in the benefits survey. The conservative estimate of 5% savings would result in an annual savings of $398,864, while the moderate estimate of 20% savings would result in an annual savings of $1,595,455. Meyer and Ahmed 8
Page 9
For paint trucks, a similar calculation was performed using the same percent savings estimates (none of the agencies surveyed were using AVL in paint trucks). Using the vehicle service life, an annual average was calculated for the hours of use. 10,000 hours / 15 years = 667 hrs/yr. Assuming an operational cost of $71.88/hr (from a KDOT estimated average) and a 5% improvement in efficiency due to the implementation of AVL, an annual savings of $17,336 would be realized. The moderate estimate of annual savings was $69,344. Savings from Reduced Accidents Accident costs were calculated based on USDOT recommendations. (USDOT, 1994) Costs per accident were adjusted to 2002 dollars using the implicit outlay deflators recommended by the US Bureau of Economic Analysis. (2001) The accident counts used were statewide counts taken from the Kansas Accident Records System (KARS) for the year 2000. (KDOT, 2001) To ensure a conservative estimate, the number of accidents was used, rather than the number of parties involved. If more than one party was injured in any given accident, only the maximum injury as indicated by KARS was considered. The data was filtered to extract only accidents in which the reported pavement condition was snow covered, snow packed, or ice covered. It should be notedthat while winter maintenance operations planning is done in terms of winter seasons which span two consecutive years, both weather records and accident records (as well as economicparameters) are archived based on the calendar year. Consequently, snow-related accidents for the year 2000 will involve accidents that occurred in two different winter seasons. The calculations performed are valid, however, so long as the time frame used is consistent. To estimate the effects of AVL implementation on accident costs, it was assumed that efficiencyin snow removal would be improved by 5% for the conservative estimate, with a corresponding5% reduction in snow-related accidents in each severity category. For each of those accidents affected, it was assumed that injury accidents would have fallen into the next less severe category(property damage only accidents would be averted). For example, for every 100 accidents resulting in a debilitating injury to at least one occupant, it was assumed that implementing AVL would result in five of those accidents (5%) being classified as non-debilitating injury instead of debilitating injury. Downgrading accident severity was used rather than simply reducing the number of accidents in each category in order to ensure a conservative estimate. Based on these assumptions, the total annual statewide savings in accident costs due to AVL implementation is conservatively estimated to be $5,865,296, as shown in Table 3. TABLE 3. Statewide Savings in Accident Costs (Conservative Estimate) (5, 6, 7) KARS severity codeFDIPNDescriptionFatDebilitatingNon-DebilitatingPossiblePDONotesCost per event (1994 dollars)2,600,000$ 180,000$ 36,000$ 19,000$ 2,000$1Cost per event (2002 dollars)2,981,557$ 206,415$ 41,283$ 21,788$ 2,294$2Accidents2410051660054213Involved Parties4313479496781854Total Weather Costs71,557,369$ 20,641,549$ 21,302,078$ 13,072,981$ 12,433,093$Accidents Affected5%5%5%5%5%5Savings3,330,170$ 825,662$ 502,966$ 584,844$ 621,655$6Total Accident-Related Savings5,865,296$1) Data Source: FHWA, 1994 Technical Advisory2) Adjusted for 2002 using deflators from the Bureau of Economic Analysis3) Source: 2000 KARS Data4) Shown for comparison only. To ensure a conservative estimate, accidents are used in calculations.5) Percentage of accidents affected was arbitrarily set as a conservative estimate.6) Savings result from 1% of accidents in each category being downgraded to the next lesser severity.Meyer and Ahmed 9
Page 10
Because the amount of snowfall can vary widely from year to year and from one location in the state to another, historical records were examined to determine what relationship the snowfall in the year 2000 has to the average annual snowfall. Data was obtained from the High Plains Regional Climate Center at the University of Nebraska, Lincoln. (HPRCC, 2002) The data shows that the winter of 2000 was a relatively mild winter compared to historical averages for Kansas, at least with respect to snowfall. Eleven locations spread across the state were used as representative samples of the snowfall in their respective regions. Of the eleven locations considered, nine experienced snowfalls below normal in 2000, five of them by more than 6 inches. Wichita and Yates Center, the two locations that experienced snowfall above normal for the year, exceeded the annual averages by just 4.1 and 3.7 inches, respectively. Based on this data, the use of snow-related accident data from the year 2000 is likely to be a conservative estimate of what can be expected annually. To generate a moderate estimate of accident savings, a percent reduction of 20% was used, the average value reported in the benefits survey. Additionally, the number of parties involved inaccidents was used in place of the number of accidents. For example, an accident involving two cars in which 4 people were injured would count as 1 in the conservative estimate and 2 in the moderate estimate. Some adjustment for snowfall was merited, though the data available is not sufficiently detailed to provide any statistically based adjustment. The average percent difference between the average annual snowfall and the year 2000 snowfall for the locations considered was a little more than a 27% decrease. Because one of the more heavily populated areas, Wichita, had above normal snowfall, a conservative adjustment was warranted. For the moderate estimate of cost savings due to AVL implementation, it was assumed that the typical year would experience 13.6% more snowfall than occurred in 2000 (half of the average across the locations), and a corresponding increase in snow-related accidents would occur. The resulting calculations are tabulated in Table 4. TABLE 4. Statewide Accident Savings (Moderate Estimate) (5, 6, 7,)KARS severity codeFDIPNDescriptionFatDebilitatingNon-DebilitatingPossiblePDONotesCost per event (1994 dollars)2,600,000$ 180,000$ 36,000$ 19,000$ 2,000$1Cost per event (2002 dollars)2,981,557$ 206,415$ 41,283$ 21,788$ 2,294$2Accidents2410051660054213Involved Parties4313479496781854(Adjusted for avg snowfall)49152902109992985Total Weather Costs145,643,098$ 31,421,391$ 37,236,693$ 23,934,711$ 21,325,380$Accidents Affected20%20%20%20%20%6Savings27,112,023$ 5,027,423$ 3,516,799$ 4,283,053$ 4,265,076$7Total Accident-Related Savings44,204,374$1) Data Source: FHWA, 1994 Technical Advisory2) Adjusted for 2002 using deflators from the Bureau of Economic Analysis3) Source: 2000 KARS Data4) Shown for comparison only. To ensure a conservative estimate, accidents are used in calculations.5) Increased by 13.6% to account for below average snowfall in 2000, the year from which accident data was used.6) Percentage of accidents affected was arbitrarily set as a conservative estimate.7) Savings result from 1% of accidents in each category being downgraded to the next lesser severity.Based on the moderate assumptions, the total annual savings in snow-related accident costs resulting from a statewide AVL implementation would be $44,204,374. Meyer and Ahmed 10
Page 11
COST-BENEFIT COMPARISON Three implementation scenarios were considered. After the pilot test completion in 2004, theaggressive implementation assumes one district is added to the system each year until the systemis complete. The moderate implementation assumes full implementation occurs over 10 years, and the conservative implementation assumes the full implementation occurs over 20 years. Table 5 shows the net annual savings, net present value (NPV), and benefit-cost ratio (B/C) for eachimplementation scenario based on moderate assumptions. The investment cost figures shown in the tables are based on the total implementation cost shown in Table 2, converted to 2002 dollars to account for the differing implementation schedules. It should be emphasized that this analysis considered only those benefits that could be foreseen and could be quantified with reasonable confidence. Some benefits, such as reductions in response time for emergency situations, cannot be reliably expressed in monetary figures, but are nonetheless real benefits. They should be considered in addition to those represented in the quantitative cost-benefit analysis. Additionally, there will almost certainly be benefits that cannot be foreseen. AVL is a mature technology, but its development has occurred mostly in the commercial vehicle, transit, and emergency services communities. The application of AVL to highway maintenance is relatively recent, and the spectrum of potential benefits is still being explored. Meyer and Ahmed 11
Page 12
TABLE 5. Moderate Estimate of NPV for Statewide Implementation Disc. Rt. 5%YearPct CompleteNet Savings(2002 Dollars)Pct CompleteNet Savings (2002 Dollars)Pct CompleteNet Savings (2002 Dollars)20030%-$ 0%-$ 0%-$ 200417%6,825,780$ 10%4,095,468$ 5%2,047,734$ 200533%13,001,485$ 20%7,800,891$ 10%3,900,446$ 200650%18,573,551$ 30%11,144,130$ 15%5,572,065$ 200767%23,585,461$ 40%14,151,277$ 20%7,075,638$ 200883%28,077,930$ 50%16,846,758$ 25%8,423,379$ 2009100%32,089,063$ 60%19,253,438$ 30%9,626,719$ 2010100%30,561,012$ 70%21,392,709$ 35%10,696,354$ 2011100%29,105,726$ 80%23,284,581$ 40%11,642,290$ 2012100%27,719,739$ 90%24,947,765$ 45%12,473,883$ 2013100%26,399,751$ 100%26,399,751$ 50%13,199,876$ 2014100%25,142,620$ 100%25,142,620$ 55%13,828,441$ 2015100%23,945,353$ 100%23,945,353$ 60%14,367,212$ 2016100%22,805,098$ 100%22,805,098$ 65%14,823,314$ 2017100%21,719,141$ 100%21,719,141$ 70%15,203,399$ 2018100%20,684,896$ 100%20,684,896$ 75%15,513,672$ 2019100%19,699,901$ 100%19,699,901$ 80%15,759,921$ 2020100%18,761,810$ 100%18,761,810$ 85%15,947,539$ 2021100%17,868,391$ 100%17,868,391$ 90%16,081,552$ 2022100%17,017,515$ 100%17,017,515$ 95%16,166,639$ 2023100%16,207,157$ 100%16,207,157$ 100%16,207,157$ Total439,791,381$ 373,168,650$ 238,557,229$ Inv. Cost7,225,610$ 6,595,465$ 5,322,254$ NPV432,565,771$ 366,573,185$ 233,234,975$ B/C28.427.424.3ConservativeImplementationAggressiveImplementationModerate ImplementationBased on the moderate assumptions, the agency savings in reduced paperwork and improved fleet management total $1,766,660/year. Annual maintenance costs are estimated to be $818,500/year. According to these numbers, the system would more than pay for its operational costs in efficiency savings. The Benefit-Cost Ratio would be at least 2.6 (based on the conservative assumptions) and would probably be 24 or higher (based on the moderate assumptions). Depending on the implementation schedule, AVL would likely result in a net benefit of between $233 million and $433 million over 20 years (Net Present Value, 2002 dollars). Meyer and Ahmed 12
Page 13
CONCLUSIONS Because the application of AVL to highway maintenance is a relatively recent phenomenon, quantitative data that defines the benefits are not available. In the FHWA's most recent report on ITS benefits, when AVL and other operations and maintenance applications are discussed, the authors summarize the state of the practice, "As implementation of these systems expands, quantified benefits of their use will become apparent. However, there are no benefits data available at this time." (8) This lack of data emphasizes the need for including the evaluation from the outset of the implementation planning. As an afterthought, evaluation seldom gains the momentum necessary to generate funding. In spite of the lack of quantitative studies, the evidence seems clear that there are real benefits and that the likely magnitudes of those benefits are large enough to justify deployment from a cost-effectiveness perspective. The literature and the results of the survey conducted during this studysuggest that AVL can provide a significant benefit to highway maintenance operations. The cost-benefit ratio is almost certainly greater than 1, and probably greater than 20. A moderate estimate of the net present value of statewide implementation ranges from $233 million to over $433 million over 20 years, depending on the implementation schedule. The annual efficiency savings for the Department are estimated to be nearly twice the annual maintenance cost of the system. So, in addition to paying for itself, the system will provide excess fiscal benefit that can be used to improve other aspects of maintenance. The potential for AVL to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of highway maintenance operations appears to be significant. Because the technology is well established and there is some precedent among transportation agencies from which to learn, AVL implementation can be done cost-effectively and with a high level of confidence that the system will prove beneficial. The agency and user cost savings afforded by AVL make the technology a very appealing tool for highway maintenance activities, and the state of the practice is ready to support reliable deployment. With proper attention to planning and evaluation, AVL can help KDOT and other transportation agencies further improve the quality of highway transportation. Meyer and Ahmed 13
Page 14
Meyer and Ahmed 14ACKNOWLEDGMENTSThis study was funded by the Kansas Department of Transportation. REFERENCES 1. Beckert, Stephan, AVL and Telematics: A Market Outlook, GPS World, Volume 10, Number 4, April, 1999. 2. Castle Rock and Black & Veatch, ITS Toolbox for Rural and Small Urban Areas, New York State Department of Transportation, December, 1998. 3. The MITRE Corporation, Intelligent Transportation Infrastructure Benefits: Expected and Experienced, Federal Highway Administration, 1996.4. Schweiger C. L. and Marks J. B., Cost/Benefit Analysis For Transit ITS: The Good, The Bad And The Ugly, ITS America, 1999. 5. USDOT, Motor Vehicle Accident Costs, Technical Advisory T 7570.2, Federal HighwayAdministration, October 1994. 6. US Bureau of Economic Analysis, Budget of the United States Government, Fiscal Year 2001, Historical Tables. Section 10–Gross Domestic Product and Implicit Outlay Deflators 7. KDOT, Kansas Accident Records System (KARS), Year 2000 data, pub. KDOT, 2001 8. Proper, A., R. Maccubbin, L. Goodwin, Intelligent Transportation Systems Benefits: 2001 Update, Report FHWA-OP-01-024, USDOT, 2001.


text:
I cannot talk about this book enough, can I? *grins* I am BEYOND exciting for my lovely friend E.K. Seaver's upcoming Christian dystopian novel, The Reflections!!
And guess what?
We don't have to wait any longer to go ahead and order our copy of this epic book!! *cheers*
Yes, dears, that's right! Preorders are officially LIVE for TR! You can preorder your Kindle copy OR preorder a SIGNED paperback copy straight from the author! And that's not all! The signed copy comes with some fantastic preorder goodies...and if you don't want a print copy (or are an international reader), you can still get those goodies by ordering them separately!
It doesn't get much better than this, now does it?
Nope. It doesn't.
So, without further ado...the preorder links!
The book releases on April 8th, 2022, so your Kindle copy will automatically download the moment it releases, and you can expect your print copy (and goodies) sometime after!
Now, I'm sure y'all are probably wanting to learn a little more about the book before you up and buy it, doncha? Well, you're in luck, because not only do I have the customary blurb to share...E.K. put together an AMAZING book trailer that I cannot wait to share with y'all! Trust me, y'all don't wanna miss this fantastic new novel!
About the Book
Everyone in the Alliance knows about the Reflections. It's the opportunity to get into the University, the only government-recognized form of education, and those accepted are guaranteed success and comfort for the rest of their lives. Thus, when Em Gades receives the silver invitation, her future is secured. The worst that could happen is she gets sent home, right?
Until she arrives, and the rumors about the Reflections prove true. The only way to live is to get into the University, and to do that you must be one of the four remaining Chosens at the end of the competition. Although she was warned beforehand to trust no one, Em quickly forms attachments to her fellow teammates with the hope that as many of them can survive as possible. However, as Chosens are rapidly executed for failing competitions, Em struggles to understand that, if God is real, why he would let something so terrible happen to a group of mostly innocent teenagers. With likely no more than a few days left to live, she and the other Chosens must navigate life or death situations and find answers to the question:
Are their lives worth the deaths of others?
The Trailer
About the Author
To find an E. K. Seaver, you must set a trap. The best option is to lure her in using chocolate, blankets, and a typewriter, but if none of those are on hand, spare books and Broadway music can be easily substituted.
She prefers to be wild and free, though. Whether it includes adventuring through the Rocky Mountains or curled up at a local bookshop, she uses her freedom to produce art. From books to scarves to paintings, Ms. Seaver strives to honor her King in every aspect of her creative works. She desires her stories to hold meaning beyond the tale and attempts to follow in the footsteps of storytellers who came before her.
You can find her and her wild adventures at ekseaver.wordpress.com or on Instagram @ekseaver.author.


text:
Samsung has delayed the start of production for the 89-inch version of its MicroLED TVs, TheElec has learned.
The model was originally planned to start production in May along with the 101-inch model.
But the production timeline for the 89-inch model has been pushed back to the third quarter of this year while Samsung is yet to decide when it will start production for the 101-inch model, sources said.
However, the South Korean tech giant will begin production of the 99-inch model, which it unveiled last year, sometime during the second quarter, they said.
The 99-inch model uses the same technology as the 110-inch model that was commercially launched last year. They both use printed circuit boards (PCB) as their main boards.
Unlike these two models, Samsung is planning to apply low-temperature polycrystalline silicon (LTPS) thin-film transistors (TFT) on the 89, 101 and 114-inch models.
The use of LTPS TFT allows these TVs to control the discrete circuits individually. This allows the TVs to offer 4K resolution while being smaller in terms of screen size.
The 89-inch model also sues smaller LED chips that are 34 micrometers horizontally and 85 micrometers vertically.
This is considerably smaller than the LED chips that were 75 micrometers horizontally and 125 micrometers vertically used in the 99-inch and 110-inch versions.
Making MicroLED TVs smaller is more difficult as the LED chips become smaller and more of them can become defective during the transfer process, where the chips are attached to the substrate.
Samsung will be attaching 11.3 million LED chips that are 0.44mm apart from another for the 89-inch MicroLED TV.


text:
The Agreement in Principle (AiP) outlined by both governments discusses the parameters of the deal, and sets out the terms on which the expected agreement is to take place. The AiP does not create any legally binding obligations at this time, but work and negotiations are now ongoing to finalise the legal text of the agreement.
Among its various commitments, the AiP includes a section related to intellectual property. In that section there are commitments for:
- New Zealand to extend the term of protection for copyright by 20 years;
- the Parties to adopt or maintain an artist's resale right schemes and to operate them on a reciprocal basis;
- the Parties to adopt or maintain a public performance right for performers to cover communication to the public of sound recordings;
- New Zealand to make all reasonable efforts to join the Hague Agreement on international registration of industrial designs.
Notably, the AiP also includes provisions on the recognition of Māori intellectual property by the United Kingdom. This includes aspects of traditional knowledge and traditional culture expression as applied to intellectual property systems and examination, as well as recognition and protection of the Haka Ka Mate.
Some commitments are expected to require amendments to the Copyright Act after the agreement is signed. As a result, work on the review of the Copyright Act 1994 will not be resuming until negotiations have concluded.
Once negotiations with the UK have concluded, the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment will be able to develop a plan for making changes to New Zealand copyright law that are necessary for implementation. This will help the Ministry to establish what other domestic reforms are needed, if any.
The current aim is to conclude the NZ-UK free trade agreement by the end of 2021. For more information on this AiP, please visit the New Zealand Foreign Affairs & Trade website:


text:
Our Mission is to provide a free social learning, world class education platform for anyone everywhere.
VISION is to get everyone connected to mlimore.com online social learner platform to learn, share ideas, and socialize at one's own convenient time.
MLIMORE offers a social and educational learning platform where one can learn from free video tutorials as well as get access to both local and world new in the name of academia.
This platform allows for a forum to provide feedback in the form of answers to academia related questions asked by users of the platform.
MLIMORE does not allow:
- Pornographic content.
- Political related issues.
- Gambling
- Bad and abusive language
- Social vices of any form.
MLIMORE is solely for educational purpose and offers privacy protection for its users.


text:
Galeria Kalo is an art gallery that promotes visual art by Albanian and international artists. This art gallery features two exhibition spaces on Tirana's best-known streets.
Galeria Kalo's mission is to not only promote art and artists, but also to contribute to the Albanian society's education about art values and create change in the local art market. Galeria Kalo focuses on inclusive art and notably encourages rising young artists. It promotes visual art through hosting exhibitions with works from its own collection as well as from other galleries and straight from modern and contemporary Albanian and international artists.
I've only been to Galeria Kalo once with my architect friend, and while I'm not generally into art or gallery visits, having an architect or artist friend forces you to keep up with these things sometimes. 🙂 I was surprised to find that I enjoyed my visit there, it was a lovely environment with a variety of colors and vibes. I took some nice pictures of myself, and I recommend you do the same even if you are not into arts and galleries.
If you're not sure when you'll be able to visit Galeria Kalo, keep an eye on their website or social media accounts for updates on future exhibitions.


text:
Converting your PPT files to PDF has never been easier! PPT to PDF Converter lets you instantly convert Microsoft PowerPoint documents into fully-formatted and professional-quality PDF file format. functioning as a plug-in to the applications that you use every day - Microsoft PowerPoint 2000/XP/2003/2007/2010. Now you can create and convert PDF files in Microsoft PowerPoint, without the need for Adobe® Acrobat®
PPT to PDF Converter
Converting Microsoft PowerPoint documents into PDF normal files couldn't be any easier. Simply open the Ppt file you want to convert into PDF file and click the "Save as PDF" button in the Microsoft PowerPoint toolbar, PPT to PDF Converter quickly re-creates your Ppt file as a fully formatted PDF files.


text:
Graduation Photos
Professional photos will be taken on the day of the Commencement ceremony by GradImages photographers. Each graduate will be sent an email directing them to the Grad Images website to purchase these professional portraits. Candid photos taken by the VSU staff photographer will be posted to the Valdosta State University Flickr page and social media with #VStateGrad. Please note that taking pictures in front of the stage during the ceremony is prohibited.
University Center
Entrance No. 5
1205 N. Patterson St. -
Mailing Address
1500 N. Patterson St.
Valdosta, GA 31698 - Phone: 229.333.5727


text:
Due to the development of screen recording demand, more and more screen recording programs are available in the market. What should be the best screen recorder for different devices and different platforms? It is frustrated when the free screen recorder you find in Windows can't support Mac system. If you want to get a conclusion of best screen recorders for different platforms, you are coming the right place. In this article, we list 4 best screen recorders for 4 different platforms, including Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android.
- Part 1: Apeaksoft Screen Recorder – The Best Screen Recorder for Windows
- Part 2: QuickTime Player – The Most Useful Screen Capture Software for Mac
- Part 3: Screen Recording – A Wonderful Screen Recording Tool in iOS
- Part 4: AZ Screen Recorder – A Professional Screen Recorder for Android
- Part 5: FAQs of Screen Recorders
Part 1: Apeaksoft Screen Recorder – The Best Screen Recorder for Windows
In Windows platform, using Apeaksoft Screen Recorder is regarded as the most professional way to record your screen, audio or capture screen. It makes your recording process more enjoyable.
- Best screen recorder for Windows 10/11 and macOS.
- A flexible video recorder to get all you want in high qualities.
- Record video like webinar, gameplay, video call, and audio like SoundCloud music, YouTube music, etc.
- A great desktop recorder which can customize recording area, make audio settings as you want.
- Support recording the phone screen on the computer, including Android phone and iPhone.
To use Apeaksoft Screen Recorder in Windows platform, you need to download and install it firstly. Then you can read and follow the steps below to use this software.
How to record screen:
Step 1: Choose Video Recorder
When you launch this software on Windows, you can see Video Recorder in the main interface. You need to click on it to begin screen recording with this best screen capture software.
Step 2: Make record settings
Now you need to choose the recording area according to your needs. It lets you choose the full screen or customize the size by entering the length and width or dragging the mouse manually. Then you need to make audio settings. You are able to choose the system sound, or the microphone, or both of them.
Step 3: Record computer screen
When you have done all settings, you can click on REC to record screen with this best screen recorder, and you can preview it after it is finished. You are also supported to share it on social platforms.
How to record audio:
Step 1: Choose audio recorder
Different from screen recorder, if you want to record audio with this best screen recorder, you need to select Audio Recorder firstly.
Step 2: Start audio recording
Now you need to choose system audio or microphone you want to record based on your needs. Then begin your recording with this software.
How to take screenshots on the computer:
Step 1: Choose capture
To take screenshots on your computer, please choose Video Recorder and click on the Screen Capture button at the top right corner of the interface. Then you can capture whatever you want to snapshot on the computer.
Step 2: Adjust capture
This best screen recorder allows you to draw and annotate the capture with the lines, arrows, text and more. You can adjust your captured files as you like.
If you want to capture the whole content of one webpage, you can select Scrolling Window from the drop-down list.
Also, you can take screenshots of some pop-up menus by clicking on Pop-up Menu Capture.
Besides, this recorder is also a great HD screen recorder that can help you capture any videos with the best quality.
Part 2: QuickTime Player – The Most Useful Screen Capture Software for Mac
If you are using Mac, We strongly recommend QuickTime Player for you to record your screen or audio. Unlike Filmora Scrn, QuickTime Player works as a screen recorder based on one of its features. For many Mac users, QuickTime Player is a built-in software when you bought your Mac. So it is a free screen recorder you can easily use to finish your recording task.
- Easy to access in your Mac and easy to use.
- A free screen recorder which has powerful recording features.
- Allows you to choose your recording files' qualities.
- Can be used as a media player.
How to use:
Step 1: Open the free screen recorder on your Mac. (If you don't have this software, download it firstly.)
Step 2: Set up your recording settings and begin to record.
Step 3: Stop and save when it finished.
Check our top 10 list of screen recorders for Mac if you want to know more.
Part 3: Screen Recording – A Wonderful Screen Recording Tool in iOS
In iOS 11 and above, iOS Screen Recording supports recording your iPhone's screen with no jailbreak or computer needed. It is the official way to record your iPhone or other iOS devices' screens, and you can access this free screen recorder without downloading.
- The best free screen recorder you can use to record your iOS screen easily.
- An official and native screen recording tool to record iOS screen.
- Allows you to record the video the audio/voiceovers on your iPhone's screen.
- No risks and no ads.
How to use:
Step 1: Go to Settings > Control Center > Customize Controls > Screen Recording. And then Screen Recording shortcut will be added.
Step 2: Swipe up from the bottom of your screen. Find and tap on Screen Recording, and then choose Start Recording. You have 3 seconds before the screen recording actually starts.
Step 3: Tap on the red recording indicator in the status bar and then tap Stop to finish it.
You may also want to know: How to record your iPad screen in iOS 11/12
Part 4: AZ Screen Recorder – A Professional Screen Recorder for Android
For Android users, AZ Screen Recorder is the best screen recorder you can't miss. It has very high comments, such as it is the gold standard for screen recorder apps. Apart from its powerful functions, it also is a light, easy and accessible screen recorder for Android.
- Provides an overlay button which won't interfere with the recorded content.
- Offers a small video editor built-in.
- Doesn't require root.
- Has no watermarks, no time limit and more.
- It provides a free version, and this free screen recorder can satisfy your most needs.
- The Pro version is cheap to get, only $2.99.
How to use:
Step 1: Download AZ Screen Recorder and then launch it.
Step 2: Set up everything including all settings and then click on record button.
Step 3: Begin recording what you want. Stop it when finished.
Step 4: Export the recorded file to gallery.
For more Android screen recorders, please visit Android screen recorder here.
Part 5: FAQs of Screen Recorders
1. Can screen recorder record gameplay on Windows?
Usually, screen recorders are able to record the gameplay. However, if you want to record games on Windows without lag, you can choose a professional game recorder, like Apeaksoft Screen Recorder, to help you capture the game videos smoothly.
2. How do I record my incoming calls from Android?
You can try call recording apps to record your incoming call on Android. Call Recorder – ACR, Cube Call Recorder ACR, or Automatic Call Recorder are great choices for recording all your outgoing and incoming calls.
3. Is there a free screen recorder for Mac?
QuickTime Player is the default and free screen recorder for Mac, which allows you to record videos that flash on your screen without installing extra programs on your MacBook.
4. Can I record screen with QuickTime?
Yes, you can use QuickTime's built-in feature to record the screen activity on your Mac.
You can know the 4 best screen recorders in this article, some of them are free screen recorders which you can access easily. Whatever the platform screen recorder is based on, you can find a suitable one in this article, such as a desktop recorder. Share with us if you have any best screen recorder else to add.


text:
SHIPPINGInsight ended its three-day conference facing the benefits of innovation, along with the reality of…
Charterers Taking Charge
Charterers Taking Charge
Charterers have long been an influence in shipping. From the terms of the deal and vetting requirements to the recent Sea Cargo Charter, they have a strong voice in how ships are run:
When money talks, there are few interruptions.
– Herbert V. Prochnow
– Herbert V. Prochnow
For the past few years, I have cautioned shipping that if we didn't get the BUSINESS of shipping right, companies like Amazon and Alibaba will run their own ships. Since what they specialize in is logistics, it is no surprise that this has come to pass. Time will tell if they choose to use their vast expertise to expand.
I was taken aback, however, that a company like Home Depot would begin chartering its own ships. Yes, like other retailers their business was challenged by the impacts of COVID on the supply chain. But do they really understand the complexity of shipping and its role in the supply chain? Again, time will tell whether this strategy is successful.
In all cases, however, these shifts illuminate maritime's need to either get better at the business of shipping or better communicate its ability to do so. This week I participated in a SHIPPINGInsight podcast with Dr. Usama Fayyad of Open-Insights who urged the industry to focus more energy on the use of digitalization to increase efficiency. In addition to saving money, reducing emissions, and providing a stable service it just makes good business sense.
That money talks, I'll not deny, I heard it once: It said, 'Goodbye'.
– Richard Armour
– Richard Armour
Keep optimizing,


text:
Program updates relating to your area of practice.
MCLE Credit: 1.25 hours plus Legal Specialization Credit
This seminar, recorded August 14, 2020 discusses:
93-Page Program materials included. Speakers: Hon. Meredith A. Jury (ret.), Summer Shaw, Esq., Todd Turoci, Esq. Recorded August 14, 2020. MCLE Credit: 1.25 hours (Legal Specialization Credit in Bankruptcy
San Fernando Valley Bar Association (#451)
Pasadena Bar Association (#531)


text:
We didn't starve, but we didn't eat chicken unless we were sick, or the chicken was.
A quote about poverty by Bernard Malamud
7 Secrets for Success in Life
Are there sure-fire secrets to leading a successful life? I believe there are a few and they're not truly secret.
1. Have a passion in life. It could be your family, your job, or your hobby. Zeal for such activities in life will keep you young and invigorated.
2. Take care of your health. Nothing diminishes optimism like poor health. Remember and keep the old adage of "all things in moderation." A diet poor in nutrients and a lifestyle without exercise is the bane of modern society…too much fast food, pre-packaged foods and a couch potato lifestyle hampers your body and your mind.
3. Feed your brain daily. Most of television is crap. Reading, writing, and verbal discourse act as vitamins for your mind.
4. Problems in life. Everyone faces challenges and often they seem insurmountable. Keep in mind most problems have multiple solutions. I try to always have a Plan B (in many cases, a Plan C or D is required as well). Indeed, something I've been working on for months just fizzled and that had been my Plan B. Now, it's back to the drawing board but I know persistence will eventually create the reward I desire.
5. Live within your means. Modern living, via banks and Madison Avenue, has trapped us into the use of easy credit over the years. When I was a volunteer counselor, the top three factors of marital discord featured money problems as the number one area of contention. This is especially important today.
6. Spend 20 minutes a day just for yourself. Find some quiet time each day to meditate, read, or simple to spend alone. There is a lot of noise in the world today, which often drowns out the important things in life…self reflection is important.
7. Give of yourself. I've always liked Zig Ziglar's line about help enough other people get what they want and you'll get what you want.
Finally, and here's a bonus…take time to try new things, have an adventure, enjoy life even it is something as simple as playing music you enjoy at top volume or watching an old movie. It will perk you up! Be thankful for what you have…Order ab Chao!
Three Legitimate Online Work Sources
You are a world-class expert. Yes, you are, just like Stephen Hawking is a world-class expert on the Big Bang and Martha Stewart is a world-class expert on making festive party favors out of tissue paper.
Your personal interests, life and work experiences and education add up to real expertise in a number of subjects. Do you tinker with cars? Read Shakespeare for fun? Beat your buddies at chess? Lecture your friends about proper diet, or Web design, or Star Wars collectibles?
Then you're an expert, and there's a place online that can help you turn that avocation into hard cash.
There are at least three types of Web-based businesses that can help you earn cash in your spare time -- and a fourth type you shouldn't go near.
Get the inside scoop here:
Also, see 10 Ways to Moonlight at: http://www.minyanville.com/articles/7/16/2009/index/a/23585
Compare auto insurance rates to save at this site:
www.carinsuranerates.com or www.CarInsurance.org
Find Police Speedtraps by going here:
Interesting body toxins experiment…
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It is porous so be careful what chemicals (makeup, sunscreen, etc.) you put on it. Prove it by taking a piece of garlic and rubbing it on the sole of your foot. Within 15 minutes you'll taste the garlic in your mouth! Perhaps those TV ads pitching products which detox your body with 'ancient Asian' foot pads are true.
September is National Preparedness Month. Learn some simple steps at:
100 Best firms to work for as a working mother…
Best safety tips when operating a portable generator during emergencies.
It would be the most sweeping change to American consumer protection in decades, perhaps since 1930. It would wrest power away from major banking regulators and the Federal Trade Commission and place it in the hands of five appointees charged with putting consumers first.
And apparently it scares the heck out of the banking industry and other business interests.
The Business Insider, Goldman Sachs is warning that "when the economy kicks into gear, supply shortages will become problematic, and the price of oil will spike." Expect oil prices to spike and gasoline to hit $4 per gallon soon.
A nation of sheep will beget a government of wolves." — Edward R. Murrow.
Why Trusting the Government is so difficult…
Despite having served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, I participated in protest rallies along with my college friends at Kent State University (I attended after the infamous National Guard killings of students). Police were present at these rallies to protect the status quo of mainstream politics just as they're present at today's anti-government rallies. Our government has a long history of violating civil rights, today using today's Patriot Act…back then, they used COINTELPRO…
COINTELPRO (an acronym for Counter Intelligence Program) was a series of covert, and often illegal, projects conducted by the United States Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) aimed at investigating and disrupting dissident political organizations within the United States. The FBI used covert operations from its inception, however formal COINTELPRO operations took place between 1956 and 1971.[2] The FBI's stated motivation at the time was "protecting national security, preventing violence, and maintaining the existing social and political order."
The program was secret until 1971, when an FBI field office in Media, Pennsylvania was burglarized by a group of left-wing radicals calling themselves the Citizens' Commission to Investigate the FBI. Several dossiers of files were taken and the information passed to news agencies, many of which initially refused to publish the information. The Church Committee, in 1976, investigated these activities and released their findings (depite million of pages of still unreleased documents)…
In the Final Report of the Select Committee, COINTELPRO was castigated in no uncertain terms:
Many of the techniques used would be intolerable in a democratic society even if all of the targets had been involved in violent activity, but COINTELPRO went far beyond that...the Bureau conducted a sophisticated vigilante operation aimed squarely at preventing the exercise of First Amendment rights of speech and association, on the theory that preventing the growth of dangerous groups and the propagation of dangerous ideas would protect the national security and deter violence.[7]
The final report of the Church Committee concluded:
Too many people have been spied upon by too many Government agencies and too much information has been collected. The Government has often undertaken the secret surveillance of citizens on the basis of their political beliefs, even when those beliefs posed no threat of violence or illegal acts on behalf of a hostile foreign power. The Government, operating primarily through secret informants, but also using other intrusive techniques such as wiretaps, microphone "bugs", surreptitious mail opening, and break-ins, has swept in vast amounts of information about the personal lives, views, and associations of American citizens. Governmental officials -- including those whose principal duty is to enforce the law --have violated or ignored the law over long periods of time and have advocated and defended their right to break the law. For the entire story-see:
eBay-Less fun, less profitable
I've used eBay for 10 years and like many others, have become frustrated with them to the point, where I'm thinking of dumping it from my marketing mix.
The clincher for me is their decision to dump blogs from the lineup. Although it seems somewhat inconsequential, these blog postings have boosted sales and have driven traffic to my website.
Over the years, eBay has become much more expensive and complicated too. There isn't a month that goes by where they don't seem to announce major changes and frankly, I'm tired of the non-stop changes…it's like trying to keep up with the government.
Once the premier site for selling, its numbers have been falling off (especially compared to Amazon-which I plan to begin testing soon) dramatically – even before the recession.
Another bone of contention for me is their policy of arbitrarily pulling items because it "might" be against their POLICY. Their prohibited items policies make them one of the most heavily censored sites on the net…AND they pull items before they have a solid clue as to what's being sold. (Recent example includes our Poor Man Guide to Homestead Defense, much of which was gathered from police and government agencies and in the public domain).
Other examples include WWII Nazi memorabilia, gun parts, ivory, information items it deems unsuitable, etc….despite the fact these are all LEGALLY sold in the United States.
Finally, their fee structure is becoming nearly incomprehensible rightfully earning the nickname of "feeBay."
That's it until next week. I'm leaving town again for a couple of weeks in an attempt to resurrect a business project which keeps stalling out on me.
Visit our sponsor link for an interesting business you can run from home
Bruce "the Poor Man"


text:
10 Tips for Preserving the Great Outdoors by Leaving No Trace
Enjoy America's public lands while helping to keep them pristine for others with Travel Channel's tips for handling litter, dogs and basic trail etiquette.
Related To:
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Pixabay
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Photo By: Steve Larese
Leave No Trace
It's exhilarating to venture into a landscape that looks as if no human has been there before. Leave No Trace is a set of principles developed by the non-profit Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics for enjoying America's public lands while minimizing human impact. These guidelines have become the standard for mindfulness in the outdoors, and have been adopted by organizations including the National Park Service. As more and more people venture into the outdoors, working to limit impact keeps the wilderness pristine for the animals that live there and the humans who visit. Tread Lightly is another non-profit that promotes responsible outdoor recreation such as shooting, four-wheeling, and using drones on public lands. Read on for the principles of Leave No Trace, with the overarching theme of respect for America's wild places.
See More Photos: How Not to Annoy Wild Animals at National Parks
Plan Ahead and Prepare
Planning ahead for your adventure keeps you and your party safe, and also allows mindful movement through the backcountry that minimally impacts the environment. Can you reduce the packaging of food to save weight and reduce trash that needs to be packed out? Do you have an accessible, sturdy bag for trash (such as a small dry sack), or a designated backpack pouch? Being familiar with your route beforehand reduces stress and allows you to more fully engage with your trip. It's also a best practice to let someone not going on the trip know where you'll be hiking or backpacking in case you're overdue. Know the 10 Essentials you'll need to pack on a day hike and enjoy an exciting, worry-free adventure.
Minimize Your Camp Footprint
By setting up camp in pre-existing or durable sites backpackers can help limit the wear and tear on the backcountry. Tent footprints can crush delicate vegetation, mosses and cryptobiotic soil, and it's considered better to sacrifice one concentrated area than several. If there are no previously used sites where you are, examine the ground before pitching camp to see how you can minimally impact the area. It's also recommended you establish the route to your bathroom area before it gets dark for safety and to minimize impact.
Stay On The Trail
Staying on the trail minimizes the number of trail scars in the wilderness, and it keeps hikers safe. If a section of trail seems impassable due to mud, do your best to minimize the detour such as stepping on rocks. In areas without trails, think about how you can best travel to least disturb plant life. Cairns — small stacks of rocks that mark trails or signal directional changes — should be left alone to help other hikers, and should not be built solely for aesthetic reasons.
Dispose of Litter Properly
Nobody goes into the backcountry expecting to litter, but litter is often found in the most remote areas. It's easy to lose track of the corner of that energy bar you just opened, or to accidently have a tissue fall out of your pocket when you pull out your phone for a photo. Plastic water bottles are set down and forgotten, or can roll off a ledge during a lunch break. A handy, designated trash pouch keeps litter contained and help you focus on securing trash as opposed to stuffing it into your pocket (or missing your pocket altogether). It also makes it easy to pick up any trash you find, resulting in good trail karma. If you pack it in, please pack it out.
Leave What You Find
It's temping to take things you find on public lands as souvenirs, be it a cool rock or archaeological artifacts. But beyond being illegal to remove, taking things denies others the joy of finding them, too. And that person could be you next time. Please admire and photograph what you find, and then put it back so someone else can enjoy it. Take only photographs and leave only footprints.
Minimize Campfire Impacts
Campfires can be an awesome part of backpacking, but can also the most destructive thing done in the backcountry. Campfires cook the soil beneath them and it can take decades before plants can grow on that patch of ground again. Just as with pitching camp, it's best to sacrifice one area to campfires than many. No existing fire rings around you? Chose a spot that looks the least vulnerable to fire such as exposed rock, or consider forgoing a campfire altogether and using just a small camp stove. Make sure conditions are safe for a fire (no dry grasses nearby, no wind), and make sure your fire is dead out before moving on by pouring water onto the fire and stirring it into a mush with a stick. Also, be careful throwing trash into the campfire as most of the time it's the equivalent of littering.
Respect Wildlife
Encountering wildlife when camping is one of the coolest things that can happen. But when humans get too close to wildlife they chase animals out of their habitats and distrupt their habits. Even feeding small animals such as chipmunks and birds can train them to raid camps and chew through your backpack and tent. Bears and other animals that become accustomed to people and their food often have to be removed or even killed if they become too conditioned to interacting with humans. And getting that selfie with a wild animal often ends poorly.
Hiking With Your Dog
Your dog is awesome. But not everyone knows that, and wildlife certainly doesn't know that. Keeping your pet on a leash on public land is often the law, and it protects them from wildlife such as rattlesnakes and porcupines, possible traps where that's legal (or not), and other less well-behaved dogs. Leash rules vary throughout the public lands system so check beforehand. Pet waste is often required to be packed out, and waste bags and saddle bags make this easy to do.
Be Considerate of Others
Many people venture into the backcountry to enjoy the peace and solitude of nature by themselves or with friends. Sounds such as flowing water and the hooting of owls are part of the natural experience, as is a dark sky filled with stars. As technology continues to shrink and more people are encouraged to venture into the backcountry by social media, conflicts between campers are on the rise. Portable speakers allow people to blast their music and small devices can now flood a camp with light. More people on the trail means more encounters in tight spots and favorite camp spots. The National Park Service offers tips on trail courtesy that include allowing uphill hikers the right-of-way, keeping your music volume down when others are present and having larger groups walk single file.
Don't Vandalize
Painting on or carving into trees, rocks and structures on public lands may seem like a poetic or romantic impulse at the time (such as this heart and initials at Grand Canyon National Park), but it's graffiti that takes away from other visitors' experiences and damages natural and archaeological sites. Rangers and volunteers do the best they can to remove and repair graffiti throughout public lands, and vandals are fined and even sentenced for their graffiti. Some may be motivated to make their mark proclaiming their existence through graffiti and even share their work on social media, but this only spoils the natural beauty for others. Please resist any temptation to deface public lands.


text:
specialty crafts special gifts for special people click on any button below to see items |
web changesthis is where we'll announce the most recent additions to our web site. if you've visited us before and want to know what's changed, take a look here first. january 2007 - still attempting to correct the computer problems. may 2006 - due to computer problems, this site hasn't been updated in quite a while. still a few problems to work out. |
send mail to firstname.lastname@example.com with questions or comments about this web site.


text:
There's a reason some fashion pieces land themselves at cult status and become a sartorial household name — they're just that good. Among the few garments that can claim themselves at such standing are Agolde's famed 'Riley' jean, known for its vintage blue wash, high-waist and signature crop. Basically, its silhouette contains the perfect trifecta, and are the go-to denim for many of the world's most stylish faces.
We've long known of Agolde's iconic jeans, but when yet another of the tastemakers we interviewed for HBB's Black Book series named the Riley as their favourite pair of denim — including the likes of Kate Bond, Sarah Etinger, and Jessica Andreatta — we couldn't help but see just how perfectly they style for three different occasions.
Below, shop HER BLACK BOOK's edit of Agolde's Riley jean.
Main Image Credit: @mariehindkaer


text:
ASIC Deputy Chair Daniel Crennan QC said:
As a financial adviser Mr Miller ought to have protected the interests of his clients. His sentencing should send a strong message that such conduct will lead to individuals involved being brought before the court to face criminal charges.
Miller was a financial adviser of CFS between 2013 and 2017. He advised his clients to invest their funds in CFS but instead he used the client's money for his own benefit and business expenses.
The Federal Court banned Miller in January 2019 from providing financial services for 25 years and from managing corporations for three years.
Read More:
- ASIC suspends the licence of OTC derivatives issuer USGFX
- ASIC bans former Forex Capital Trading account manager for three years
The post Former CFS Private Wealth financial adviser sentenced to six years in prison for $1.8M Ponzi scheme appeared first on LeapRate.


text:
23-year-old Dimitrise Lyghts of Lubbock was sentenced today to about 24 years in federal prison following his guilty plea in March to one count of sex trafficking of a child related to his pimping a 15-year-old girl.
In addition, at today's sentencing hearing, Judge Cummings ordered that following his custody sentence, Lyghts must serve a 10-year term of supervised release. He must also register as a lifetime sex offender.
According to documents filed in the case, in May of 2016, Lyghts contacted a 15-year-old female by phone and Facebook, suggesting that they could "hang out." On June 3rd, 2016, Lyghts and a friend picked up the female and another girl at an apartment in Lubbock. Lyghts provided drugs to her and asked if she would run an ad on Backpage so they could get a hotel room. Between June 3rd and June 7th, 2016, the female was transported and provided for several male "customers" to engage in commercial sex acts.
US Attorney John Parker said "Make no mistake, the horrific crime of trafficking young girls for sex resides in the dark underbellies of even our best communities. Together, we can get survivors the help the deserve, and ensure that traffickers who prey on the most vulnerable among us get the sentences they deserve.