text:
Finalists were chosen by a board of judges representing some of the top minds in loyalty, without whom the process wouldn't be possible. Thanks to their time and effort, entries were whittled down to only the best brands in each category.
The finalists are as follows:
Operational Excellence
Caesars Entertainment
Choice Hotels
Ryder System
Customer Insights
Global Hotel Alliance
Ryder System
Organizational Commitment
Caesars Entertainment
Choice Hotels
Hampton by Hilton
Dell Technologies
Customer Experience & Engagement
Best Western
Royal Bank of Canada
Ryder System
Awareness & Acquisition
Choice Hotels
Nissan Motor Acceptance Corporation (NMAC)
RLH Corp
Loyalty & Advocacy
Best Western
Caesars Entertainment
Royal Bank of Canada
These finalists will have the opportunity to present their case at Customer Expo 2017, with audience members voting for winners and the awards being given out at a ceremony later that evening. In addition to these categories, top-performing finalists will also be competing for the 360-Degree Award for overall excellence.
"This is the first year for the Customer Awards, and we were beyond impressed with the strength of submissions. There continues to be a growing focus on all aspects around the customer, and these awards reflect the interest in the domain," said Mark Johnson, CEO of Loyalty360. "The awards are judged by an esteemed panel of judges with hundreds of years in combined experience, and the resulting finalists are those who have committed to truly putting the customer first with conviction, commitment, and aplomb. We look forward to hearing the presentations and having our audience choose winners from these amazing brands."
For more information about the Loyalty360 Customer Awards or Customer 2017, contact [email protected] or visit our website at customerexpo.com
About Loyalty360
Loyalty360 is an unbiased, objective, and market-driven association for customer loyalty, which seeks to enable and encourage dialogue among industry leaders. Through a unique blend of content, collaboration, and diverse learning opportunities, we've created a network of brands and technology providers that represent some of the best voices that the customer loyalty industry has to offer.
About Customer Expo
The inaugural Customer Expo will focus on all aspects of the customer journey, including an exploration of crucial audiences both internal and external. Through a robust slate of best-in-class speakers and interactive discussions, actionable case studies, and proven world class technology suppliers, attendees will learn about the latest theories, best practices, relevant case studies, emerging trends, and strategies that drive measurable behavioral change and quantifiable results.
View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/finalists-announced-for-2017-loyalty360-customer-awards-300536504.html
SOURCE Loyalty360


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by anonymous on 01/03/18 at 8:33am - Yep, you're Dumbemployed (3) Permalink
At work today, I got another memo from corporate. Apparently, my boss has a thing about number 2 pencils and says we need to have a little more discipline in the office. Does he think the IRS is the SAT II? I'm dumbemployed.
Filed Under: Just Dumb ( corporate irs sat )

subset: commoncrawl


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The Supreme Court rejected a plea of UB Group chairman Vijay Mallya to scrap Enforcement Directorate proceedings against him. ED has been pursuing a case pertaining to violation of foreign exchange rules against Vijay Mallya.
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Forum rules | FAQ | Technical help | Announcements | New members start here
I've got a big and small Clamptite. They're not as gimmicky as you might think, but they are expensive. They work pretty well after a bit of fiddling and practice to get the hang of it, but there's no way to avoid wasting more wire than you actually use on most smaller diameter clamping projects. But within those limitations it does work extremely well and can apply a whole bunch of clamping power in those odd situations where you need it. Works best with the recommended stainless wire on their site, it's really tough stuff. Just found this old thread I started on it back in the day: http://thesurvivalpodcast.com/forum/index.php?topic=24643.msg272068#msg272068
Digging on the site...Would it be possible to use this as an impromptu clamp? Some of the woodwork I do requires oddball clamping methods like hose clamps. Also, possibly an addition to the BOB?I've got Amazon open and hovering over buy now. hose clamps have given me fits over the years. Even if I only used this for my dust collection and backyard hoses it might be worth the price.
You could probably use it to clamp an oak barrel together, if you needed to. I've used it for dust collection purposes, too. Anything you'd use a hose clamp on this will work on, as well or better, but it's not as quick or easy. It's a versatile tool, but a bit fiddly in use, especially when you start, so just be prepared to waste a bunch of wire. And don't cheap out on the wire if you want a strong durable clamp. That 304 stainless stuff works really well for most applications.
Any specs on the wire? Can it be purchased cheaper through MSC, McMaster, or Zoro?
Looks like standard safety wire, stainless.


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A complete Stego fossil
| Stego Tail
Stego Torso
Stego Skull
The Stego or Stegosaurus is a structure made up of three separate fossil that appears in all of the games so far in the Animal Crossing Series.
[edit] Museum
[edit] Animal Crossing
"Dare I believe it? Might this not be some cruel dream? Nay, it is true, indeed! I say to you: HOOOO! Spectacular! Superb! My whole being thrills! Now then, where to begin? Much has been written about the noble stegosaurus... It was the largest of the plated dinosaurs, and lived during the late Jurassic period, wot wot. It is famous for the two rows of alternating, bony plates surmounting its body and its four formidable tail spikes. Ka-smash! Yes, that's correct. It's a tail-spike chop! Oh... Please pardon me! I was overcome with emotion."
[edit] Animal Crossing: Wild World
"It emerged right around the middle of the era when dinosaurs roamed the earth. The diamond-shaped plates embedded along its back are actually made of bone, wot? Indeed, they were used to keep it cool and also to thwart its enemies. Ah. Hoo. Indeed, so sorry. Stegosaurs never fail to set my beak blabbing!"
[edit] Animal Crossing: City Folk
"...It is done! Hootie hoo, the stegosaurus is all done! Absolutely spectacular! The stegosaurus appeared in the middle of the days of the dinosaurs. Its defining characteristics were the plates extending out of its back. These were actually bones, eh wot? They were used to regulate the beastie's body temperature, much as an elephant uses its ears. Its brain was so small, if you stomped its tail, it would not feel it for some time! Or so they say. HOO! I...beg your pardon! I was so enthralled I...I spouted hot air like a boiling teapot, eh wot?"
[edit] Stego Bones
|HRA Points
|Selling Price
|Stego Tail
|1,000 Points
|4,000 Bells
|Stego Torso
|1,000 Points
|4,500 Bells
|Stego Skull
|1,000 Points
|5,000 Bells


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Expand is not a game you're likely to confuse with any other. Its presentation is abstract and striking, with the player controlling a pink square in a circular, (mostly) black and white play area. Paths curl around the central point, like thick grooves on a record, combining with spokes of white to create a maze through the blackness. As you move, the spaces grow, contract and rotate; a dance of smooth motion that gently guides your pink square along a path or sets up a puzzle vignette to overcome. It's an ever-changing journey through a fixed space, anchored by an emotive score that uses piano, strings and cello to set the perfect mood for the gameplay… and the story.
Well, the story elements, more accurately. Short phrases pop up as you progress that are part existential musing, part instruction. "You're never safe," the game tells you as it introduces red borders to some of its enclosed spaces. "You're never free," it declares as it forces you through a perilous path, followed by: "There's opportunity," as grooves interlock to open up a way forward.
It's a unique blend of elements and ideas. The way the player square rotates around the centre of the screen opens up all sorts of interesting gameplay opportunities, with dangers that must be navigated in a curved space, or sequences where the world stretches as the player attempts to move away from the centre of screen, making a short distance a long one. Even failure is given a literal twist. Each restart sees the circular level rotate slightly, putting a subtly different complexion on the challenge.
I had this really vivid dream where I pictured... the first area of Expand, and then it was just like 'I'm going to make what I saw in that dream'...
"Expand started at a game jam," designer Chris Johnson tells me, "and in that game jam the theme was 'the end of the world' and I started working on this game where you had a black hole at the centre of the screen and you had all these planets. Kind of like a 2D Mario Galaxy, and all the planets were being sucked into the centre of the screen. Halfway through the jam I was getting really annoyed – I had some silly bug, couldn't get it finished, and I went to bed with two days left – this was a weeklong thing – and I had this really vivid dream where I pictured, I suppose it was, the first area of Expand, and then it was just like 'I'm going to make what I saw in that dream' and that's pretty much it."
Since then, Expand has been in development for "five years on and off," Johnson says. And that time has been well spent. The build I played through is polished and superbly paced, and in perfect harmony with the score, which moves from tender to rousing and back again as the action and mechanics evolve. That probably shouldn't come as a surprise given Johnson's development partner for Expand is its composer, Chris Larkin.
The pair met in 2011 at the Indie Games Room at AVCon, Adelaide's gaming and anime convention. Larkin played an early build and "was very struck emotionally… he had some music in there initially that was simple piano type music… I wanted to take the ideas that were in there a lot further." He'd been getting into the games side of things after working primarily in film, and this seemed like a perfect fit.
"After we met we spent about six months catching up, forming a friendship and really cultivating a vision for the game," Johnson says. "I had a really strong idea of what I wanted it to be about, so it was about getting Chris to understand that, and also to modify that vision to work with Chris' thinking as well. It takes a bit of time. We spent ages… must have been six months, maybe even eight months before we had a track in the game that we used."
"There were a lot of compositions that I did that were just sketches," Larkin adds. "It was never a case of just smashing out content. This is something that happened over a very long period of time, as we grew in ourselves but also our friendship and collaborative relationship."
That's a luxury most developers don't have, that can be hugely beneficial to the end result. The flipside, obviously, is that a game design this unique and open-ended, with no obvious structure, can become stuck in limbo, trapped in a cycle of endless tinkering. Johnson recently took a year off to focus on Expand, and that push has helped get it to the point where they're on the home stretch, with a September PC release date looming.
"A lot of it is played on intuition," Johnson says of designing Expand. "With a lot of games – puzzle games are a great example – they introduce a new mechanic and then they do variation one, variation two, variation three. In some ways we want, I don't want to say 'roughness,' that's probably the wrong way to do it, but I think by not following that process, that general iteration thing and just doing things based on intuition you get this roughness that gets the character across… what we've tried to do with this [is] not be too rigid in our thinking."


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Can you believe that Lion Brand has been a staple in the yarn industry since 1878? This year, we're celebrating our 135th anniversary, and we want to invite you, our customers, to a behind-the-scenes look at our operation. Lion Brand yarns have been on the market for 135 years, and today, we're proud to say that six generations of the Blumenthal family have been involved in the company, from the corporate office to the baby faces on skein labels. Take a look at this short video to get to know the Blumenthals and their passion for yarn as well as education, inspiration and innovation.
If you're viewing this blog post in your e-mail or an RSS reader, you may need to click on the title of the blog post to view it online and see the videos.
What special memories have you had involving Lion Brand throughout the years?
I have only been knitting for about 2 years, still what I consider an advanced beginner. Lion Brand Yarn to me has always been my first choice, my "go-to" yarn when I need quality and value. Being disabled I do not shop the LYS or catalog stores for they are way above my economic limits, I always find just the right colorway, the right shades when I look at Lion Brand yarns. Thank you for your dedication to keep this wonderful company alive and thriving.
Lion Brand helped me make several comfort shawls for people who needed hugs!
I got my first skein of Lion Brand yarn with my Grandma when I was 12 years old. I remember wondering what a lion had to do with yarn…:-)… but I love Lion Brand, have been using it all these years and I'm 69 now.
Congratulations! I've used your yarn frequently over the years, The Jamie baby set for a new mother, ( and many newborn hats for a local hospital), The homespun hat(s) for my daughter -several were 'borrowed" by friends but I'm thankful they liked the hat. And who could forget the fun fur puppet ? My latest was a knitted man with a zipper belly from a video game. My grandson just "knew" I could make him one. He even found the brown yarn for me… Your company has given me memories. Thank you….
I teach the Crochet Class at Joann Fabric & Craft store. I would say that in 80% of my classes I recommend a Lion Brand Yarn. I tell my students how to really pick the best yarn. I also tell them that Vanna's Yarn is one of my favorites. I bring several different brands of yarn for the class to handle – and what to look for if you really want a nicely finished project. By looking and feeling the yarn they are able to see why some yarns are just not worth their money. I've been crocheting for over 45 years – and Lion Brand is always my first choice. Thank you so much for providing such a wonderful project.
Lionbrand yarn was the first yarn I learned to crochet with. I fell in love with Homespun in particular. I taught myself how to do several of the patterns I found at the local Walmart. Since then I love searching through the patterns on-line and then ordering my yarn. I love supporting an American made yarn.
When I was in my teens, my Mother offered to teach me how to knit. No way was I going to sit and get old knitting. Well I got married and found out living on a budget didn't allow for many nights out – so I decided to teach myself how to knit, my husband and I still laugh about the "oranatang" length of the sleeves.. Fast forward 50 years, I am never without my knitting project, I am never bored. My husband recieved an organ transplant several years ago, eventually I made the "Tree of Life" afghan for the donors wife. (handled by coordinators, no personal contact).
Our whole working lives were based on the misfortunes of others.
Lion Brand is the only yarn I use. Thank you!
Yarn is love! The Lion Brand family should be really proud of the fine product they make, so we can make products that show love, keep babies and the elderly warm and show compassion through charity fiber creations. And, I can make myself a rocking hat any time I like. Bravo and congrats!
Congratulations! I hope you are here for another 135 and more. You have good quality yarn at reasonable prices. Wonderful support too. Some of your fashion yarns are really beautiful. I think the colors in the Amazing yarn are absolutely beautiful and I love the feel of this yarn. Keep up the good work. Rachel
My mother years ago taught me to knit with Lion Brand Yarns. Throughout the ensuing years, yes, I've tried others, but this is the brand I love and keep coming back to. Love the yarns, the notions, the free patterns, and the website! Have to visit the store next time I'm in NYC. Thank you Lion Brand for everything through all these years!
Oh, and Happy 135th Birthday!
I have been knitting and crocheting for over 60 years and mostly with Lion Brand Yarns. The last few years I have been trying out more exotic yarns, but always returning to Lion Brand. One of my daughters crochets only afghans and baby hats for charity. Tracy has already donated over 3000 hats to all our local hospitals. I am so proud of her. I add some to her collection on occasion also. We love doing it and it is so satisfying. We love whenever you introduce a new yarn and quickly rush out to buy some. Keep up the great work and Happy 135th Anniversary.
What an awesome story.I wish you another 135 years! Thank you
Congrats! And, many years of great products. Thank you so much! I remember crocheting lots of different afghans and apparel with my Grandma. She taught me how to crochet and knit even tho' she is left handed and I am right handed. It was hard to pick up; but, I wanted to make projects like my Grandma so bad that I stuck with it until I could make all the patterns that my Grandma had and I still do a lot of crocheting and knitting to this day. Thanks for such lovely products and hope you continue well over another 135 year.
My Grandma (moms mom) and my Aunt Sarah (Dads sister) taught me how to knit back in the sixties. I don't think there ever was anything else displayed at the five and dimes in Santa Barbara or San Bernardino CA. If there was we never even looked at it. Even now when I go to the LYS (there's 8 in the Salt Lake Valley now- not counting the fabric stores that sell yarn also) I look for the colors I want then go get the colorways at the Hancock store. They're always so happy to do a special order for me and their displays are always so attractive. Thank you for the 'raw stuff of my memories' which keep me company while I work on all the 'new' stuff.
I have made afghans for all of my five grandchildren for their high school graduation. I used Vanna's yarn for all of them. I love Lion Brand!!
Oh and by the way–I'll be 80 in August!
I have been knitting and crocheting since childhood and although I am now 75 years old I am still learning and appreciate the many courses I have taken at the Lion Brand Studio on 15th Street. In the 1960's, when Lion Brand was located on Canal Street in NYC, I was given a sweater and yarn by a Lion Brand employee and asked to duplicate it (no instructions were given to me). I did so and was nicely paid for my work. As many others, I am a "yarnaholic" and have an enormous stash of yarn which includes Jiffy in gorgeous colors that have been discontinued. Glad that you have not discontinued the whole line since I still enjoy using it for many projects. Also, I have to thank you for making all of your lovely patterns available for free.
Congratulations on the milestone! I've been using Lion Brand yarn for over 60 years and have never been disappointed. Over that time, I've had 'spurts' with 'favorites' depending on what I was making so it's difficult to pick just one. Interesting informative video of the 'family' business. Enjoyed listening to the ladies in the yarn studio who 'tawk' with the same New Yawk City accent that I've maintained over the years even though I left there 30 years ago. Nearly 50 years ago, I would frequent a small, warm, friendly yarn shop in NYC and this brings back wonderful memories. Many a baby, child, adult, has worn sweaters I've made with Lion Brand.
Lionbrand Fun Fur is what got me back into knitting (about 10 years ago) after a 30-year hiatus. Congratulations Lionbrand on your 135th anniversary!
Congratulations, I had no idea this was a family business, you're doing GREAT! Keep it up, and I keep coming to your sites. I cannot actually buy from you as I live in Antwerp in Belgium (Europe), but I do love to look at all the lovely things your have and I have dowloaded some free patterns that I will surely make at one time or another. I am a crochet lover (can't really knit) and it is fun to see how much you make for us. Love you all! <3 <3
Hi there–thanks for your kind words. Lion Brand products are becoming more available across Europe, so keep checking for them. You can also order them in Europe from sites like Banyan Tree Yarns: http://www.banyantreeyarns.com/
Hope that helps!
Thank you very much I had no idea you were "swimming" across 😉 I will surely look around for your yarns. Have a nice day!
Yes, I have used Lion Brand yarns over the years. I have always liked their texture, weight and durability. However, I do have one "complaint". Residing in Canada, we pay a lot more for your product, therefore, our crafts cost us more. So, we do research on who has the same quality of yarn for a better price. Maybe we should have a Canadian Head Office and some of the product produced in Canada so that we can reap the rewards as well. I also find that more and more of the stores that supply Lion Brand products are either closing or reducing the amount they carry or your product in the Canadian market. I cannot afford to purchase the expensive brands from Europe and around the world so rely on Lion Brand and other companies to supply me and my friends with their products. Knitting and crocheting are a way for most of us, if not all of us, to relax, get together, and have fun. So, thank you. And to Vanna, thank you for your line as well. I watch for new patterns from your collection.
Hi Betty, we are working with more Canadian stores to provide Lion Brand products, but as always, since we can't tell stores/chains what to purchase and carry, we encourage you as the customer to tell your local stores if you're looking for Lion Brand products so they know that their customers are interested! In the meantime, we are carried in several local and regional chains in Canada, as well as some local stores, so keep your eyes peeled! You can also email email@example.com for more information about where you can find Lion Brand products.
I've used lion brand yarns and patterns for years. I now knit prayer shawls, baby blankets, hats & mittens to give to those who need them. Congratulations and thank you for having wonderful yarns and craft items.
I've used lion brand yarns and patterns for years. I now knit prayer shawls, baby blankets, hats & mittens to give to those who need them. Congratulations and thank you for having wonderful yarns and craft items.
Happy 135th. Great yarn!
I am so moved by the video, and carried to memories of my grandmother and aunt, around 60 years ago, teaching me both knit and crochet. My grandmother helped me make a little purse… she died that night. I have many other powerful memories connected with knitting. Recently I have knitted for grandchildren, soon to number 10, including 3 Vanna-designed afghans and website patterns. I knew the label for years, and now I'm pleased to have met the Blumenthal family.
Congratulations, I love lion brand yarn! I taught myself to knit 47 yrs at 16 with lion brand yarn. Being the only lefty in the family I had no one to teach me and I wanted to learn. I bought some lion brand yard and a book and went at it. I'm still a knitter and a loyal lion brand user
I learned to knit as a child. I learned to crochet as a young adult. I have ALWAYS used Lion Brand yarns and was ELATED when I learned of the studio in NYC and of the outlet store in New Jersey. I would be totally thrilled if they opened a studio in Staten Island (my hometown) and would relish the opportunity to work for the company as well.
I have begun to make scarves and gloves for Christmas presents for my large family. I am using the faux fur in many different colors. They are so light weight and beautiful. I am trimming the fingerless gloves with the faux fur and the rest with a soft yarn. I am really happy with the results. I haven't knitted in years. You have so many lovely patterns but I haven't learned to use anything but straight needles. Thank you for creating such beautiful yarn.
Congrats, but, are there no women in the Blumenthal family?
Hi Ellen, there are awesome women in the Blumenthal family–some of whom chose to be in the family business and some who did not. Currently, 6th generation family member Shira is part of our Studio team–and you can read about Shira's grandmother, who was part of the company for many years here: http://www.lionbrand.com/blog/2011/12/22/celebrating-the-100th-birthday-of-a-member-of-our-family/
In addition to the Blumenthals, Lion Brand is a diverse company with women and men of all kinds of backgrounds at all levels of the company, some of whom you see in the video including our Creative Director Karen and Studio Director Patty. One of the things that I personally love about working at Lion Brand is that there is a true spirit of family here at the company, whether you're a member of the Blumenthal family or not. We hope you'll keep checking out our blog for more behind-the-scenes looks at Lion Brand to come!
Congratulations on many, many years of providing a great product at a reasonable price. You have provided warmth, surprise, and a creative outlet for generations of handicrafters. The Lion Brand web site is the first place I look to for patterns, tutorials, and a wonderful variety of yarns. Best wishes and many thanks.
I have e-mailed you twice with questions regarding your patterns but have never got an answer.
Hi Christina, I've looked up the email address you used to comment here, and the last correspondence we've received from you appears to be from 2010. Are you emailing email@example.com? Alternately, you can log into LionBrand.com and go to our Help form to contact us: http://www.lionbrand.com/cgi-bin/lionbrand/questionRouting.cgi?store=/stores/lionbrand&patternProblemForm=1
I really like your site, it gives me lots of new ideas. There are so many wonderful yarns. I just love the soft and thick baby yarns. Please make more of these soft yarns in adult colors, both solids and multicolored. I am a member of a group called Caring Crafter's that make crochet & knitted items for new born nurseries, battered women, homeless, soldiers, new moms, and for our own families and friends. We meet every Wednesday morning at JoAnn's store in Grapevine, TX and welcome anyone who wants to be a servant of God or to just come learn to use your beautiful yarns to create beautiful treasures for those of us still in this wonderful world. Thank-you so very much for the numerous FREE patterns. We use many of these in our creation of LOVE for others.
Happy Anniversary. After years of knitting and crocheting using your wonderful yarn, I have a cute story to tell you. Several years ago my childhood girlfriend Martha in Ohio called me and asked me, "Hey, are you still making those baby layette sets." I was puzzled about this until I realized she was telling me that she was going to be a grandma. I said sure, it has been a while, but I still knit all the time. So after yakking for quite a while (hey I lived in Florida and not in Ohio any more) she told me that she had saved the hat and booties set I made for her first son almost 40 years ago. She said that both her and her son loved these items so much that they decided to put them on display in a shadow box on the wall. I was so touched to know how one pair of baby booties had bridged the generation gap so completely and how much I was missed.
Your phenomenal website videos and endless free patterns taught me to crochet after being a bit of knitting snob for many years. Your website has created one fiercely brand loyal customer. Well done.
The first thing I ever crocheted was the Martha Stewart Coming Home Ponch out of Homespun. the the next thing I crochetted was a granny square poncho out of Woolease. That was ten years ago and Lion Brand has maintained a consistent majority of my stash in all that time. My current favorites are the Cotton Bamboo and the Baby Alpaca.
Very nice video on the Lion Brand Family, I first used Lion Brand Vanna's Choice for a crochet aftgan pattern in one of her pattern books, my first attempt, had to really go back and repair my little granny squares becauce the instructions in the how to manuel said not to tie knots so I didn't and they came apart in the wash, I have learned a lot since my first attempt at crocheting I am now knitting too, I have many how to books but the help Lion Brand gives on your web site is of great help. I like the fact that Lion Brand not only sells you their yarn but helps you with advice or have a how to video if needed. Realy love Vanna's Yarn too. Congratulation on 135 yrs of Lion Brand Yarn
It was a joy seeing your family all involved in this wonderful world of knitting and crocheting for so many years. I have used your yarns for almost 70 years myself.
I would like to find an old fashioned man's V-neck cardigan pattern. Is there such. Men seem to be left out of the pattern world. I only seem to find girls, women and babies.
Hi Kedgelina, here are a few options you might want to check out on our website (please note that sometimes unisex sweaters–those that have straight silhouettes–are pictured on women but are sized appropriately for men):
Yes, relatively speaking, men are left out, but we aren't typically caught up in having new fashions as many women are. With knitwear we can "get by" with a few classic patterns. I realize there aren't so many men knitters/crocheters but it would be great to see a core group of basic patterns such as Kedgelina suggests, all designed for Lion Brand yarns.
You do make great products! I've never been disappointed in any Lion Brand Yarn, and your website and newsletters are the best, hands down.
Congratulations on your anniversary! IMHO Lion Brand had the first and best free consumer oriented online pattern support-which I took advantage of! I thank you for that! I certainly wish you and your family at least another 135 years of yarny success! 😀
Congratulations on your 135th…may you always enjoy a great knitting day!!!!
As a french Quebecor, I learner to knit in the first grade, with the Sisters. It was a warm pot holder for my mother. I am now 58 and enjoy knitting very much. We are very happy to now have a Michaels store in Quebec where it is easy to find the wonderful Lionbrand yarn. I enjoy the newsletter and all the free patterns. Thanks a million. Congratulation for your anniversary and may you have many more.
My son and daughter in law live in Manhattan and I was very excited to visit the gallery store this past March. I was so impressed with the friendly welcome that I received there.
How amazing that anyone can drop in, and sit down to knit or crochet. The staff was wonderful!! Happy birthday Lion Brand!
Nine year ago I made a blanket for my granddaughter. I made a second one seven years ago for my second born granddaughter and two more after that for my two grandsons born 7 years ago and another grandson born 7 months ago. It was all with the same type of light weight, warm, soft Lion Brand Yarn. They are all still using them today to cuddle with and keep warm at night. I feel as though I am with them and hugging them as they use these blankets. Each of these blankets are unique as they have their names knitted in each one. Thank you for the wonderful yarns sold and assorted colors.
Congratulations on your 135th anniversary! You have made millions of people around the world happy. Here's to another 135!!
hola muchas felicidades por su 135 aniversario y gracias por tanta enseñaza y entretenimiento sigan cumpliendo mas y mas aniversarios felicidades
I have been knitting and crocheting for over 50 years. 90% of my work is for charity–my specialty is knitting preemie blankets and preemie hats, though I do knit or crochet other items. I used the Jamie yarn for many years, then I could no longer find it in stores. What a pleasant surprise when on a recent trip to Virginia, I stopped in an A. C. Moore Craft Store and found Jamie yarn again. Wish now that I had bought more than I did as I have not seen it yet in local stores (no A. C. Moore stores near where I live).
Hi Anna, don't forget that all of our current products are available to order from LionBrand.com, including the new version of Jamie: http://www.lionbrand.com/yarns/newjamie.html
You can also save 20% off your domestic order of $35+ through May 20! (The coupon code will fill in automatically on qualified orders.)
I crochet baby blankets and sweaters for family, friends, and for sale. I have used Lion Brand yarns for over 15 years. I have been able to rely on this brand when others haven't come through. I love your patterns too, they have been the foundation for my own designs. Happy 135th and many, many more!
The first scarf I crocheted was with Lion Brand (50 years ago) – Lion Brand is my go to yarn, pattern finder, and educational website. Thank you
Thank You for making and selling quality yarn. Crocheting is my therapy. I have been crocheting for over forty years. When invited to a wedding the newly weds receive an afghan crocheted by myself. When I hear of a new baby on the way, they receive an afghan of their own. I even crochet afghans for our Church to give out when a baby has been baptisted into the Church. Our group at Church also crochets and knits afghans and lap robes for those in need of comfort. Thank You all for lasting so long. Please keep up the great work and high standards. I know that when I buy your yarn, I can trust it to be of quality that will last. May God Bless each and everyone of you and your families.
Congratulations to a wonderful family with awesome yarns to make our lives more pleasant and therapeutic. I am so happy for you all to be able to work together as a family and carry on with the early traditions your forefathers started back in 1878. I salute you all
Sarah A. McCoy
that was just fascinating!! i know you'll be around forever!! best yarn around.
My favorite Lion Brand Yarn is Vanna's Choice and Vanna's baby yarn I'm a newbie to crochet and I'm hooked. My first afghan was about three months ago. I made it with green blue yellow and white colors which are my favorite it's not perfect but when I look at it I love it and the memory I have of it is knowing I will get better at crocheting with everything that I make. practice practice practice
I loved getting the new catalogs with the female and male lions on the front.I miss them.I love cats.And I love Lion Brand Yarns.
During the last six years, I have tried to get my brain to get those little neurons to start working more and more for me. It took me 2 months to make my first of three baby blankets. I taught myself how to knit and read the directions. I love to knit with Lions Brand yarn. I have been learning to knit sweaters, baby items, and now a poncho. I am so very happy. It takes my mind away from the pain my body is in because I become so focused on knitting and what the directions are stating for me to do next. Yes, I have had many items that weren't up to par but nobody could tell where the mistakes were. I have had to take a sweater a part and start all over again because my knitting became tighter and it needs a much larger needle to knit correctly.
My daughter told me the clinic that she works at needs baby blankets and other items. So I now I have something I have wanted since forced to retire …. a job to do. That is fun and interesting. I can work for charity. Giving the items with a lot of love. Thank You for keeping the company in business so that I have some great yarn to work with.
Sincerely Yours
Hello my name is Mary I'm from Sydney Australia i wish to The Congratulate you all the Blumenthal families passed present and future generations for the continuation of the Lion Brand Yarn Company yes i have knitted some of your free patterns and i find them easy and perfect to follow and i am hoping to be able to learn to Crochet so i may be able to make some of your beautiful Afghans clothing etc,i shall also continue supporting you for many many more years to come thank you.
Wow, I had no idea Lion Brand has been around so long. Congratulations!
Congratulations on a long and distinguished history. Best wishes for future success.
I love your products, website and your focus on enhancing your customers' experience.
[…] Celebrate Our 135th Anniversary with Us! […]


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The Meaning of Hero
While talking to a friend the other day
he mentioned to me that the word hero was the most over used word in
our vocabulary. I argued that to say that bordered on blasphemy and
to write about it would only bring more criticism than this average
white boy could handle. Then I thought about it and began to realize
he was right. It seems many of us use the term to describe the act of
doing our jobs as being a hero. The man that drilled the escape shaft
into the mine in South America was widely described as a hero by the
media. This man did not research the area and expound " This is where
I shall drill the hole to free these men.". He was just doing his
job. Do we have to receive accolades and praise every time we do the
right thing or our job? It seems we have become people who are praise
junkies. What happened to the day that a fireman put out a fire and a
policeman stopped a criminal without having to be told how brave they
are. We already know those positions are filled with those who feel a
need to do what is right and do it everyday. If they got into that
job for the praise, than they got into it for the wrong reasons. How
much more is the man who is fighting our current war more a hero than
the man who fought in the Vietnam War? Not one bit. Both men fought
and many men lost their lives in a war in another country thousand of
miles from home. The big difference is that the current soldier finds
that he is more accepted today than the previous. I think that is
wonderful and many men from my era wished they had that. Fighting a
foreign war and dieing for your country is the ultimate sacrifice and
the term hero applies. The solders and the policeman and the firemen
are all doing their jobs because they want to be there. When they do
something special that goes beyond the norm than they should be
heralded. When they lose their lives fighting for us, protecting us
or saving us then we should hold them up as a hero. When a person
does his job and completes it as he should then pat him on the back
and say job well done. Reserve the term hero for the people it
applies to. When you apply it to the person that is only doing what he or she is told you take away from the real meaning. When the phase is over used then the person it really applies to is robbed of its' true meaning. Let's not do that. Make it a true description.
I strongly beleive that hero is some one who is dearest to you.and valued by you.
A Hero Is A Person Who Risk's Their life To Try And Save A Life.
It's As Simple As That.
Here in America athletes are heroes, media personalities are heroes, Hollywood stars and starlets are heroes, reality TV people become heroes. The word has become lost in translation and understanding. I do believe soldiers, police officers, firefighters, and many more who risk their life for unknown folk are heroes.
We must be more thoughtful when using the term Hero.
To me, the term "hero" applies to someone who goes above and beyond their normal call of duty, no matter what their job description is.
BUT...on the SAME side of that coin, I really do feel that ALL soldiers, no matter what era they're from, truly are hero's in my book. Even if you served state side, there is always the potential for you to be shipped overseas to war. Just signing up, knowing that you might be sent into battle somewhere, is brave to me...even if you only signed up to get a college education. It still applies. I'm sorry Jay, but I always say "THANK YOU" to all the men and women (and that includes YOU, too, darlin') who put themselves at risk to protect our country and little ol' me. (:
peace to you...always,
The meaning of Hero for me is just one word but it composed of two person.. PARENTS! oxoxoxox
I think most firefighters, police officers, and soldiers are uncomfortable with the term, no matter what they are being praised for. I served in the Army, stateside, during our first turn in Iraq, and I'm uncomfortable being thanked for my service, which happens if I bring it up while blogging. If I mention my service, it is to make a larger point; though disconcerting and unnecessary, I usually shrug off the thank yous. God help me if I ever get a "hero."
Thanks for the hub.
It's just one of those meaningless terms borrowed from Greek drama.


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Not so much intention… as 'in tent'!
Okay, I know it's a terrible joke but I didn't have time to do the illustration I wanted to do, as it would have taken too long with the other work I have at the moment, and the piece I started took a different direction to the one I was intending.
This piece was actually a piece of speculative concept work I did for a client earlier in the year.
It turned out that this wasn't the look they wanted for the piece so it got pushed to the side. This then, though not what it was intended for, is its moment of glory, though obviously pretty tentative as far as this weeks IF is concerned. I'll try to do better next week!!
It was a pen and ink illustration coloured in Photoshop.


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What are the types of business bankruptcy?
Who are the participants in the bankruptcy process?
Key concepts behind the bankruptcy process?
What rules govern the bankruptcy process?
What the authority of the bankruptcy court?
What is the authority of the trustee (debtor in possession) in bankruptcy?
What assets of the debtor are included in the "bankruptcy estate"?
What is the "automatic stay" in bankruptcy?
What is a claim by creditors of the bankruptcy estate?
What is voluntary and involuntary bankruptcy?
What is the "Chapter 7" bankruptcy process?
What is the "Chapter 11" bankruptcy process?
What is the authority of the debtor in possession?
- Accept or reject contract?
- Avoiding powers?
- Stay of Proceeding?
- Use of Business Assets?
- Post-Petition Financing?
What is appointment of a "trustee" or "examiner" in business bankruptcies?
What is a "plan of reorganization"?
What is "cramdown" of a reorganization plan?
To what extent does the bankruptcy process relieve a debtor's debts?


text:
Fools, as I write this, the market is down around 40% from its year-ago high. Last week was the S&P 500's worst since 1933; it was the Dow's worst week ever.
Still, we know that although it will take some time, this, too, will pass. Let's take a look.
There's no question that at 14,000 or so, the Dow was overpriced. The economy was falsely propped up by the huge growth in subprime liquidity. Massive numbers of borrowers had little -- if any -- chance of fulfilling their loan agreements, which in many cases were granted for a number of illegitimate reasons including greed, poor documentation (or in some cases, none at all), and outright fraud. And it was temporarily sustained through the illusion of creditworthiness.
There were the implicit endorsements by Freddie Mac
These were the dominating root causes of this pervasive panic. So we know the Dow was overpriced at 14,000, but do we really think that 9,000 or so properly reflects the value of the stock market now?
I don't think so
The market has been beaten down by several factors:
- Subprime correction (see above)
- High oil prices
- Cost of stabilizing the global financial network
- Massive crisis of confidence
Oil prices are already back below $100 per barrel. Moreover, there is more intensity than ever around developing more sources of energy.
The cost of stabilizing the global financial network is huge, but it's a one-time event. Ultimately, it will not factor significantly into stock market valuations, which arise from the aggregated estimations of future growth and the application of P/E multiples (among other future-oriented approaches).
We are keenly aware of the long-term progress of free-market capitalism, not only in the United States, but increasingly globally. We see that governments around the world are not only taking their own measures, but also cooperating to confront the brutal reality wreaked by subprime abuses. We know that in the long run, our equity markets will prevail -- as they have time and again.
Confidence differentiates Fools from the crowd. Consumer confidence is understandably low; it bottomed out around 50 (100 is normal), the lowest since the early 1990s. However, confidence is a lagging indicator, while the stock market is a leading indicator -- more simply, consumers typically look backward, while investors look forward.
Fools, look forward
None of us can quantify the exact contributions of each of these factors in driving down the market. However, we are aware that the subprime correction is only part of it. As for the rest -- well, like I said, it'll pass.
The credit crisis will be resolved. The intensity behind alternative energy will mitigate geopolitical risk and the volatility associated with oil prices. The P/E multiples of countless blue chip non-financial companies are hovering around Buffett's Magic Number. Now may really be the time to buy.
The market is significantly undervalued because it is unstable and underconfident. This is an awesome time to be picking your spots as an investor, and The Motley Fool is here to help.
Further Foolish crisis coverage:
What now? The Motley Fool is here to answer your questions about this financial crisis. Send us an email at email@example.com, and check back at Fool.com as we answer your questions and cover the latest on the Panic of 2008.
Moody's has been recommended by both Inside Value and Stock Advisor. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days.
Motley Fool President Scott Schedler does not own shares of any companies mentioned. The Fool is investors writing for investors.


text:
Government always knew these cartels were going to break the law from the day they were endorsed!
A federal judge rejected Wells Fargo & Co's bid to dismiss a lawsuit accusing the largest U.S. mortgage lender of defrauding the government by lying about the quality of mortgages it submitted for insurance coverage.
U.S. District Judge Jesse Furman in Manhattan on Tuesday said the U.S. Department of Justice might pursue all its federal statutory claims against Wells Fargo, which is also the fourth-largest U.S. bank.
[REUTERS]© 2010-18 FORECLOSURE FRAUD | by DinSFLA. All rights reserved.


text:
Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic Discussion
wheres the easiest place to kill Calo Nord?
I don't know...I'd say Tatooine. Lots of better stuff in the shops there you can buy before you kill him...
For future use please feel free to use my board to ask all things Kotor as I know pretty well everything about the series thus far... Link
[Edited by Jackal, 2/17/2007 9:19:28 PM]
[Edited by darkside09, 2/18/2007 8:03:34 AM]
how do you get the star map on tatooine!! i dont know how or were to find it
[Edited by darkside09, 2/18/2007 8:03:34 AM]
You need the map of the Eastern Dune Sea which you can get from either the Jawa's by the Anchorhead gate or by killing or coming to an agreement with the sand people chieftain...then you can get there. The pathway is behind the huge sandcrawler to the left in the middle of the desert, just look for the sand dunes and you'll find the path beyond...once there you'll have to work with the Twi'lek hunter (forget his name) and kill the Krayt Dragon inside, once done proceed in and retrieve the Star Map...easy.
* Updated game trainers and cheats daily
* Get notified when new cheats are added
* Request which games get new trainers
* Priority support with any problem


text:
Megaİzo K Polymer Modified, Rubber - Bitumen Emulsion Based, Single Component, Elastic Waterproofing Material PRODUCT DESCRIPTION Polymer modified, rubber-bitumen emulsion based, single component, solvent-free waterproofing material, which forms an elastic membrane when it dries. AREAS OF USE Megaİzo K is used in the vertical and horizontal concrete surfaces of indoors and outdoors spaces, in and below the foundations, for the waterproofing of such underground spaces as cellars, basements and closed parking garages, and for the waterproofing against water seepage in such wet spaces as bathrooms, kitchens and balconies. PRODUCT ADVANTAGES • Poses high capillary crack bridging capability. • Fit for underground applications. • Does not cause leakage and sagging in the case of vertical applications. • Excellently binds to concrete surfaces. • Ensures seamless waterproofing for application surfaces. • Elastic. • Applied rapidly and easily. • Free from solvents, and environmentally friendly. REFERENCE STANDARDS Certifications/Standards TS EN 15814 Ministry of Public Works and Settlement Item No. Ministry of Public Works and Settlement Item No.: 04.611 QUALITY CERTIFICATES Conformant to TS EN 15814. APPLICATION PROCEDURE Application Surfaces Indoors and Outdoors Walls; - Cement based plaster (MegaFilm İzo primer applied) - Concrete (MegaFilm İzo primer applied) - Old bituminous surfaces Indoors and Outdoors Floors; - Cement based trowel coating (MegaFilm İzo primer applied) - Concrete (MegaFilm İzo primer applied) - Old bituminous surfaces Surface Preparation • The application surface should be dry, clean, sound and dust-free, and should have been cleansed of oil, dirt or any materials that may prevent adhesion, and any such materials as mortar and cement residues should be scraped from the application surface. • The surface defects, which are deeper than 1 cm, should be repaired with MegaTamir İ or MegaTamir K 24 hours in advance. In the cases, where structural repair mortar should be used; MegaTamir İ Yapısal or MegaTamir K Yapısal should be preferred. • Upon the completion of the surface cleaning, MegaFilm İzo primer should be applied in a single coat and be left to dry for minimum 5 hours in order to enhance the bonding strength and stabilize the surface absorption. Application Methods • Megaİzo K is applied on the surface in double coat with 3 mm minimum dry film thickness • Once the primary coat thoroughly dries, the secondary coat should be applied as perpendicularly to the primary coat. Each subsequent coat should be applied after the previous coat dries and as perpendicularly thereto. Single coat shall be applied in 2 mm thickness in cases, where net reinforcement is not required. • Edge and corner joints should be beveled with MegaTamir K Yapısal repair mortars in order for the maintenance of waterproofing. • In the cases, where beveling is not performed; Megaİzo Bant should be applied to such inadequately waterproof spots as edge and corner joint spots in order to ensure the maintenance of insulation. • In the cases, where the surface bears rod clearances and drilling core gaps, the iron rods and/or plastic parts should be removed or, where they cannot be removed, be cut at minimum 2 cm depth into the concrete surface, and be filled with MegaTamir İ Yapısal and MegaTamir K Yapısal prior to the application. • Depending on the nature of the application surface; the secondary coat may be applied after the placement of Megaİzo File on the primary coat. In the cases, where net reinforcement is necessary; the net shall be laid on the primary coat before it dries. Application Recommendations • The amount consumer and the application thickness should be increased in zones with pressure water. • The temperature changes between daytime and night time should strictly be taken into consideration in the determination of the application conditions. In the cases, where the temperature might drop below +5°C within 24 hours following the application; Megaİzo K should not be applied on frozen or thawing surfaces. • The surface, on which Megaİzo K has been applied, should be ensured to dry thoroughly, and any earth filling, trowel coating application etc. should not be performed for 3 days following the application. • Once the surface dries thoroughly, the surfaces, on which Megaİzo K has been applied, should be covered without delay and be so protected from external factors. • The waterproofing layer should, before the application of Megaİzo K, be protected from mechanical impacts and potential surface tensile with thermal insulation panels, drainage panels, geo-textile seal etc. • The product should be used before the expiration of its pot life. Any product, the pot life of which has expired, should not be used during the application. • Megaİzo K is a ready to use product. Any foreign material should not be added into the product during the application. • The product should not be applied on unsound surfaces. The soundness and the load bearing capacity of old surfaces should be checked prior to application. • The surface should be preserved from air currents and water contact during and after the application. • The product should not be applied to such surfaces, which are exposed to risk of freezing within the next 24 hours, which are frozen or the frost of which is thawing. • Due care should be given to prevent the exposure of the material to direct sunlight in hot weather conditions. • The product should not be applied on extremely windy weather conditions or on hot surfaces, which are exposed to direct sunlight; and in the cases, where application is imperative under such conditions, the environment and the surface should be prepared for application in advance. • The product should not be applied in rainy weather conditions, and the application surface should be preserved from rain for a period of 24 hours. • Refer to our technical support hotline for recommendation on different surface applications. (PHONE: 444 4 595) Covering and Protection Recommendations • In the case of roof and terrace applications, the surface should be applied MegaFilm İzo primer prior to the application of Megaİzo K. • Any such mechanical applications as earth filling, trowel coating etc. should not be performed before Megaİzo K dries thoroughly. • Immediately following the thorough drying; the application surfaces should, with due consideration of the related details, be covered and protected with thermal insulation panels, drainage panels, geo-textile seal etc., and the application surface should never be left uncovered. • The surfaces, which have not been cured thoroughly, should be preserved from water contact. The application surface should be preserved from rain for a period of 24 hours. Surface and Ambient Temperature The surface and ambient temperature should be between +5°C and +35°C whilst at application. Application Limits Useful time for product - Pot life Surface dry time Through dry time The foregoing values represent the results of the laboratory tests conducted at 23 ± 2°C temperature and 50% ± 5 relative humidity conditions. The values provided as per the table may vary depending on the surface and ambient conditions. APPLICATION INSTRUCTIONS Mixing Ratio Megaİzo K is a ready to use product. Mixing Equipment • Low speed electrical mixer (400 cycles/min.) • Special tip stirring equipment Mixing Period The product should be stirred for 1 to 2 minutes with a low speed mixer prior to use for required consistency. Application Equipment • Brush Maximum 50 minutes Minimum 1 hour Minimum 3 days Equipment Cleaning The equipment used should be cleaned with water following the application before the product dries. Dried product residues should be cleansed with such solvents as thinner. 69
TECHNICAL PROPERTIES Chemical Structure: Polymer modified, bitumen emulsion based waterproofing material Liquid Density: 1.02 ± 0.01 gr/cm 3 Color: Dark brown CONSUMPTION Recommended consumption amount for double coat application (in roughly 3 mm thickness) on 1 m 2 surface is 2.5 - 3.0 kg. The said values may vary, depending on the surface and ambient conditions. PACKAGING Megaİzo K is delivered in net 25 kg plastic buckets. SHELF LIFE The shelf life of the product is 12 months when stored within non-tampered original packaging in dry (maximum relative humidity 60 %) and cool (ambient temperature between +5°C and +25°C) environment. STORAGE CONDITIONS The product should be stored within non-tampered original packaging in dry (maximum relative humidity 60 %) and cool (ambient temperature between +5°C and +25°C) environment. It should not be exposed to direct sunlight. The container of the product should be closed firmly when not used. SAFETY PRECAUTIONS Please refer to the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) as appropriate for easy and safe application. 70
ADHESIVES MegaFix MegaFix K MegaGra
Equipment Cleaning The equipment us
Mortar Density: 1.85 ± 0.05 gr/cm
CONSUMPTION The consumption amount
Application Equipment • Steel not
Equipment Cleaning The equipment us
Application Equipment • Steel not
- Gas concrete surface: 1.5 - 2.5 k
CONSUMPTION Recommended consumption
PACKAGING MegaSıva Makine İç is
PACKAGING MegaSıva Makine Dıº is
MegaSıva Thermo Plaster Mortar For
MegaFilm Multipurpose Surface Prepa
MegaFilm Visko Environmental Friend
MegaFilm İzo Bitumen Emulsion Base
MegaFilm İzo Epo Epoxy Based, Doub
ADDITIVES & AUXILIARY MATERIALS Meg
MegaAntiFreeze 10 Anti-Freeze Morta
MegaClean Ready To Use Joint And Su
Mantotherm Adhesive Mortar Adhesive
Mantotherm Primer Acrylic Emulsion
Mantotherm Dekominera - Lined Textu
Mantotherm Exterior Paint With Sili
Mantotherm Grained Exterior Coating
Mantotherm EPS Thermal Insulation P
Mantotherm XPS Thermal Insulation P
Mantotherm Glass-Fiber Mesh Glass-F
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Areas Of Use
Areas Of Use
Areas Of Use
Areas Of Use


text:
I now have 2 all time favorites for the best Pastrami, The Hat vs The Ox, Both use the top grade navel pastrami, both lean with little fat, and great flavor.
So here is my The Hat in Rancho Cucamonga Verses The golden Ox Montebello
Price same
both meat piled high but the Golden Ox a few ounces more
Flavor of meat and dipping juices the same not salty like some
Condiments Mustard more on the Golden Ox and few more Pickles
Times Eating at each The Golden Ox 45 years The Hat once this week
Whenever I fly into So Cal, I go directly first stop after the car rental the Ox even as far as San Diego, now it will only matter where I am to which I will go. I have read reviews that the Golden Ox is the total only game, well now folks I have to say, I cant tell them apart other then the mentioned above..
My over all rating, You Both rock and have great Menus, The Hat serves big mounds of fries topped with pastrami and cheese and other toppings, you are a true hit
The Hat
Rancho Cucamonga, Rancho Cucamonga, CA


text:
I am so pleased with this image – the letters are from a vintage Junior Scrabble the background is as is except that I changed the colour and added more texture, however the arrow and the little peeled off heart were already there. I thought it made the perfect image together.
Part of my new series of images for licensing on Arcangel-Images – use this code: SYST-0247
Created with my own photographs in Photoshop, no stock used.


text:
Who doesn't have an account on one social network today?
Or at least is being pushed by friend to have one?
I mean, I subscribed to Facebook because I was tired of my friends who kept complaining about the fact I didn't have it.
Anyway, the world is clearly getting more social. Especially on the internet. Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr… are being embraced as new ways of communicating. People get together in digital communities and massively create and share online content with their peers, ranging from status updates, newspaper articles, pictures, video's to memes or gifs. This created content or user generated content is of big importance.
UGC more consumed than television
It has gotten a term, so it must be important! And indeed, UGC takes up a lot of the free time of my generation and undoubtedly for the generations to come. Because a study of Crowdtap and Ipsos MediaCT showed that millennials spend almost 30% of their media time with this user generated content. While the use of traditional media, such as tv, print and radio takes up just 33%. Moreover, social media that demand creating content, are the most popular within this group. Snapchat (71%) takes the lead with an astonishing 71%, in comparison to Tumblr (53%) and Vine (51%).
When I found these numbers I tried to apply it to my own life. And indeed, I hardly watch any television (in comparison to 5 years ago), or read printed magazines. Instead, I kill my time with Facebook, YouTube and yes… 9gag.
On all these networking sites users communicate with uploaded and shared content, also on 9gag. That content gives also rise to conversations which are partly about brands and brand experiences. Now, I if a friend tells you to buy (or absolutely not to buy) a product you weren't really sure to buy, you'll probably buy (or won't buy) it now. Everywhere consumers tell their peer consumers how they perceive a product or a service in a way that is natural to them: word-to-mouth.
The era of online word-to-mouth
Online it's pretty much the same. As a study of Nielsen showed, earned media is trusted more than all forms of advertising by 92% of consumers worldwide. Next to that, 96% of the consumers consult reviews before making a purchase decision and 86% consider them indispensable for such a decision. Millennials aged 18 to 36 too, trust UGC 50% more than traditional media and find it 35% more memorable.
Another study revealed that 70% of the people consult three or more channels and 11.4 pieces of content before making a purchase. And even 40% of the savvy and self-aware Generation Z, the so-called centennials, aged 13 tot 18,says to never buy a product online if the webshop doesn't feature pictures of real people using it.
The effects of UGC on your sales
Now, anyone can say what he wants of course. All recipients in these studies admit that they are being influenced by UGC, but how can we be sure it really has a positive effect on them and on the sales of your brand? Not a lot of research has been done to the immediate effects of UGC on consumers. But last year, Crowdtap compared the impact of UGC with that of standard digital ad units on key brand metrics. And not surprisingly, the outcome confirmed everything we imagined. UGC that is shared by a friend exceeded the digital norms across all the metrics measured, in comparison to content shared by a brand or media property.
Think about these toothpaste commercials on tv, where 'ordinary' people tell the viewers how this brand helped them whitening their teeth or solved their sensitive gums. Do you believe them? Maybe you do.
But what if a friend of you, or just someone you know, tells you or posts something about that toothpaste? It makes it even more reliable, right?
Brands get closer to their fans
So, brands no longer need to rely on the messages they send out. Their message gets shared and spread online by their fans too, spontaneously. And companies can use this UGC, because it's more powerful than you think, since the group of digital natives keeps on growing, together with the online content they create. They are about to become the most powerful purchasing group of people.
But just starting to collect UGC at random won't help you any further either. Because where do you start? Imagine yourself, scrolling down every social network trying to find interesting posts.
Luckily there are a few online tools to help you find and collect relevant social shares. One of them is Flowbox and and with this tool you can among other things, display the found UGC on your website to strengthen your brand image and engagement of and with your fans.
So what are you waiting for?


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Our School
Advanced Facilities
Located on a beautiful 24-acre campus just one mile away from the Pacific Ocean, the Amerigo Los Angeles campus offers students everything they need to grow as students and become successful members of their community. Bishop Montgomery High School facilities include well-equipped laboratories and computer classrooms where students can explore STEAM opportunities. Students can also pursue their interests in art, music and theater at Bishop Montgomery's performing arts complex, which houses a black box theater and ceramics/art studio. The school's athletic facilities provide practice space for the 41 athletic teams, including a practice gym with two full-sized playing courts, a rehabilitation/fitness room and practice studios. Students can also take advantage of the school's student retreat center and meditation garden, where conferences and workshops are regularly held.


text: Dutch technology company Nonend Inventions NV has issued proceedings in the US against Spotify, claiming that the streaming music platform is infringing a number of its patents. In the lawsuit, Nonend, which says it specialises in peer-to-peer and online streaming technology, accuses Spotify of "making, using, offering to sell, and selling streaming music services to users which incorporate methodologies that infringe" it's intellectual property. The streaming service is yet to respond to Nonend's litigation.


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z_The 10 Taken
Alyx Typhae, Queen of Elm'ril
Elven sorceress, the current queen of Elm'ril
Alyx Typhae is the elven queen of Elm'ril. Though she is surrounded by many druids and wizards, she is a powerful sorceror, one not to be trifled with. She rules fairly and is very generous. For the last 150 years, no one has spoken against her rule. It is rumored that she regularly meets with celestials on topics known only to themselves.
Party Interaction
The party rescued her from imprisonment as a gold coin and killed her impostor. No one has knowledge of any of this except the queen, the party, Bellus, the court mage, the court priestess, and two of the queen's best guards.


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- erni2Asked on April 05, 2013 at 04:58 AM
I want to know which term is better to display on our website is it Pay online or Order Now?Page URL:
- moonzkieAnswered on April 05, 2013 at 06:31 AM
Either of those terms can be used on JotForm. It will totally depend on your form.
Thank you.


text:
Course Title: Analyse and participate in complex spoken discourse for further study
Part B: Course Detail
Teaching Period: Term2 2012
Course Code: LANG5627
Course Title: Analyse and participate in complex spoken discourse for further study
School: 360T Education
Campus: City Campus
Program: C4245 - Certificate IV in ESL (Further Study)
Course Contact : Baia Tsakouridou
Course Contact Phone: +61 3 9925 4488
Course Contact Email:email@example.com
Name and Contact Details of All Other Relevant Staff
Jane Collins 94.3.16 email: email@example.com
Melanie Kyle 94.3.16 email: email@example.com
Caroline McEnroe 94.3.22 email: email@example.com
Marcelle Damicoucas 94.3.16 email; email@example.com
Nominal Hours: 60
Regardless of the mode of delivery, represent a guide to the relative teaching time and student effort required to successfully achieve a particular competency/module. This may include not only scheduled classes or workplace visits but also the amount of effort required to undertake, evaluate and complete all assessment requirements, including any non-classroom activities.
Pre-requisites and Co-requisites
Course Description
This unit of competency describes speaking and listening performance outcomes, skills and knowledge required by adult learners with language background other than English. The focus of this unit is on advanced listening and speaking skills in English to participate in further study contexts, focusing on responding to a wide range of complex verbal instructions, interpreting and discussing ideas and opinions with others in informal contexts and negotiating a complex exchange.
This unit is part of a full time integrated academic preparation program. It aims to provide you with the cultural understanding, advanced English language and study skills to participate in further study contexts.
National Codes, Titles, Elements and Performance Criteria
National Element Code & Title:
VPAU530 Analyse and participate in complex spoken discourse for further study
1Identify the topic and purpose of complex verbal instructions or questions in a study context
Performance Criteria:
1.1 Respond to complex verbal instructions or questions in a study
2 Participate in a sustained informal interaction with a group as needed
Performance Criteria:
2.1 Use a range of spoken discourse strategies to initiate, participate in,
3 Identify the context, purpose and conventions for presenting a proposal or arguing a case
Performance Criteria:
3.1 Present a proposal or argue a case in a study context
Learning Outcomes
The outcomes described in this unit relate to:
· The ISLPR (International Second Language Proficiency Ratings) descriptors for Speaking and Listening. They contribute directly to the achievement of Speaking 3/3+ and Listening 3/3+
· the Australian Core Skills Framework (ACSF) http://www.deewr.gov.au/SKILLS/PROGRAMS/LITANDNUM/ACSF/Pages/default.aspx . They contribute directly to the achievement of ACSF indicators of competence in Oral Communication at Level 4.
Details of Learning Activities
This unit is part of Certificate IV in ESL (Further Study) which is an integrated program. This means that you will study this unit with several other units on the same day. Your program consists of Face to Face teaching and Directed Study. Your program will have a minimum of 8 hours Directed Study per week. You are not required to attend to complete Directed Study, however you are expected to complete all work given and will at times be required to show evidence that the work has been completed in this unit. This is a very important part of your program and we ask that you do 4-5 hours on your non attendance day and at least 1 hour each evening to cover all the units in the program. An outline of your Directed Study is published each week in the Weekly Program Delivery Plan.
This unit in part covers the speaking and listening macro skills addressed in the certificate.
Examples of how you will practice and study the units:
You will:
• listen to a range of audio and film and documentary texts
• take part in conversations
• listen and take notes from guest speaker presentations
You will:
• work in pairs and in small groups
• give a formal oral presentation
• take part in formal and informal discussions
Teaching Schedule
Program Dates: Mon 25 June – Fri 30 November 2012
Term Break: Mon 24 September – Sun 7 October 2012
Public holidays: Tue 6 November (Melbourne Cup Day)
Teaching Schedule: This course will be delivered weekly. The times will be outlined in the program delivery plans which are updated each week.
Your program is made up of:
• Orientation
• Learning activities
• Mid semester review
• Guest speakers
• Excursions
• Exit review
All students will be inducted. The induction includes:
• Program Guide & Student Diary
• Student Rights and Responsibilities
• Explore RMIT ( an orientation to the university and its services)
• Orientation to RMIT Libraries (library tour & on line catalogue introduction)
• RMIT Online Systems Information Session
Library Orientation & an RMIT Online Systems Information Session will be scheduled during the first two weeks of your program. Information about student services, rights and responsibilities is contained in your student diary.
Learning Resources
Prescribed Texts
Other Resources
There are no set texts in this course, but it is recommended that you bring:
• English-English dictionary (we ask that you do not use a translation dictionary)
• Thesaurus
• Display folder with plastic sleeves
• Highlighter pens
• Notebook or loose leaf paper
• Headphones (use your own or they can be purchased from the Carlton Library very cheaply)
• USB (Memory stick)
Overview of Assessment
You must demonstrate an understanding of all elements of the competencies in order to be deemed competent. Assessment methods have been designed to measure achievement of each competency in a flexible manner over a range of assessment tasks. You may be assessed by:
- participation in group discussions
- debates and oral presentations.
Feedback will be provided throughout the semester, in both oral and written form, through individual and group feedback on practical exercises and by individual consultation.
If you have a long term medical condition and/or disability it may be possible to negotiate to vary aspects of the learning or assessment methods. You can contact the program coordinator or the Disability Liaison Unit if you would like to find out more.
An assessment charter (http://mams.rmit.edu.au/kh6a3ly2wi2h1.pdf) summarises your responsibilities as an RMIT student as well as those of your teachers.
Your courses assessment conforms to RMIT assessment principles, regulations, policies and procedures which are described and referenced in a single document: http://www.rmit.edu.au/browse;ID=ln1kd66y87rc
Assessment Tasks
Summative assessments:
• Debating & demonstrate critical understanding of extended oral presentations
• Employability skills project
Formative assessments: ongoing observations, summaries and review of student work
Please note:
Assessments tasks will include other courses (Units of competency) from the program.
All Assessment tasks should be submitted by the deadline. If an extension is required you must ask your teacher for one before the due date.
Assessment Matrix
Assessment Matrix
Each assessment cover sheet clearly outlines the competencies being addressed in the task in relation to performance criteria. The sum of assessment tasks will cover all units and their elements over a range of occasions. You will be given opportunities to demonstrate competency in a variety of ways throughout the program. You are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with your teacher or student co-ordinator. An assessment matrix will be available on myRMIT
Course Overview: Access Course Overview


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Agora Financial is a great news platform that is dedicated to making sure that every person that views them is gaining quality information they can use to make a profit in the financial markets. They have various ways of communication such as a website, social media, and email, which makes it very easy to read through their information quickly so that you do not lose out on profit earning an opportunity in the financial markets. Another great thing about Agora Financial is that they have a well-respected team of experts and journalists that know exactly what news is shareworthy and what news isn't. This is key because if you gain the wrong information you can lose your hard earned money very quickly.
As information comes out concerning financials, you need to be sure that you have the opportunity to act on that information to gain an edge. With Agora Financial, you gain that great edge. They are dedicated not earning you profit in the financial markets by making sure that you have the information to succeed.


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Chapple provides late spark for LHS boys in win over SMN
OVERLAND PARK — The Lawrence High boys basketball team kept Shawnee Mission North at arm's length for the better part of three quarters, but the Lions suddenly saw their lead cut to three with six minutes to go after North junior Jarrett Hensley scored seven straight points to open the fourth.
Hensley — a 6-foot-7 forward — poured in a game-high 26 points and was getting to the rim at will, but the Lions had an effective player in the post that they were able to go to as well. After the Indians pulled within three, LHS junior Brett Chapple scored three straight buckets with two tip-ins and a transition layup to push the lead back to nine. Chapple recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds to power the Lions (6-3 overall, 4-1 in Sunflower League play) to a 72-64 win over the Indians.
"It helped us pull away and get some more confidence," Chapple said. "My teammates were finding me up the floor and I was just getting easy layups."
Chapple's unselfishness blended in in what was a balanced night offensively for the Lions. Lawrence High had four players score in double figures. Reserves Clarence King and Van Dave Jacob scored 15 points apiece to lead the Lions, and Anthony Selden added 10 — eight of which came on rim-rocking dunks.
"We're playing more as a team and we're taking smarter shots," Chapple said. "We're not making silly mistakes that hurt us early in the year when we had some losses. We're just being smarter and playing better as a team."
Lawrence High coach Mike Lewis was pleased to see some fight from his team when the Lions (ranked No. 7 in 6A) had to battle some adversity in the fourth quarter, but he gave plenty of credit to SM North (3-5, 3-2) for making them earn the victory.
"I was just impressed with the Shawnee Mission North team with the way they just fought. It was just a great Friday night game in terms of the energy and the fight between both teams," Lewis said. "That's why Chapple gets those six points because he's a fighter and he's in that position to rebound and get out and go. It's just a real spark for us."
The Lions will now gear up to play Topeka High at 4:30 p.m. Thursday in the first round of the Topeka Invitational at Highland Park. Lawrence High is riding a four-game winning streak into the tournament.
"We just have to look at this as a team and just look at all the points where we want to stay positive and enjoy the good moments," Lewis said. "But it's also the time of the year to take the negative plays and say, 'OK. This is what we need to do.' I like the way our guys are being coachable and I like the way we're moving."
Van Dave Jacob 3-6 9-14 15, Clarence King 5-8 2-2 15, Anthony Selden 5-6 0-2 10, Zeke Mayo 3-5 0-0 8, Brett Chapple 6-7 1-2 13, Trey Quartlebaum 2-8 3-4 9, Jake Rajewski 1-3 0-0 2, Savonni Shazor 0-1 0-0 0. Totals 25-44 15-24 72.
Tremaine Jackson 2-3 2-2 6, Zach Nelson 1-9 2-2 4, KT Harris 4-10 1-4 10, Amari Williams 5-7 3-3 13, Jackson Bell 0-0 0-0 0, Tommy Faseru 1-3 0-0 2, Peyton Downey 1-1 0-0 2, Ray Verdugo 0-0 0-0 0, Jarrett Hensley 9-16 10-14 27. Totals 23-49 18-25 64.
Lawrence 17 16 18 21 — 72
3-point goals: LHS 7-15 (King 3, Quartlebaum 2, Mayo 2); SMN 2-13 (Williams, Harris). Fouled out: Tremaine Jackson, Zach Nelson, SMN. Turnovers: LHS 16, SMN 12.


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Enjoy Wine & Beer Tastings, Live Music, Giveaways, and More at Total Wine & More's Grand Opening Weekend in Fresno!
Enjoy Wine & Beer Tastings, Live Music, Giveaways, and More at Total Wine & More's Grand Opening Weekend in Fresno!
Join us to celebrate the opening of the first-ever Total Wine & More in Fresno! Community members are invited to enjoy live music, free giveaways, and wine and beer tastings during a special Grand Opening Weekend event. The Grand Opening celebration will begin on Thursday, March 30 and extend through Sunday, April 2. All events will take place during store hours – 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. During the entire Grand Opening weekend – 3/30-4/2 – every customer will receive a "welcome gift bag" that includes a wine tote bag plus a free gift, valuable coupons, a certificate for a free wine/beer or spirits education class and copies of three publications – Total Wine & More's Guide to Wine, Guide to Beer and Guide to Spirits. Attendees will also have the opportunity to help Total Wine & More give back to the local community during the event. Total Wine & More will donate ten percent (10%) of all wine sales during Grand Opening weekend to the Fresno Art Museum. "Everyone Wins" at Total Wine & More on the Friday after Grand Opening weekend – April 7th from 9:00am to 6:00pm. Each customer in the store will receive a free gift – examples include wine glasses, a beer boot or whisky stones. As America's largest independent retailer of fine wine, beer and spirits, the new Total Wine & More store in Fresno will offer more than 8,000 wines, 3,000 spirits and 2,500 beers, including hard-to-find labels and locally produced products. The expert team at Total Wine & More will be available to assist all guests in finding just the right fit for any taste. For more information, visit www.totalwine.com.
Date & Time
Weekly on Sunday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Mar 30, 2017 through Apr 02, 2017
More Info
Charities & Fundraisers Community & Neighborhood Food & Drink Wine Tasting Food Event Wine Live music Beer and Wine Food and Drink Shopping


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This vinaigrette recipe is super-easy to make and very delicious over a tossed green salad. Perfect for summertime or winter holiday salads!
To make the Sweet Vinaigrette Salad Dressing you will need:
1/2 cup almond oil, 4 TBS. apple cider vinegar, 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1 TBS. agave, 1/2 tsp. salt, 4 drops Lemon essential oil.
Place all ingredients in a shaker bottle and shake well. Drizzle over tossed greens and enjoy!


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Boring Portfolio Report
Tuesday, February 25, 1997
by Greg Markus (MF Boring)
ANN ARBOR, Mich. (Feb. 25, 1997) -- The Dow tacked on 30 points on late-afternoon buying. The S&P 500 rose 2, or 0.22%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained 3, or 0.19%.
The Boring Portfolio gained 0.38%, as seven stocks advanced, one -- CARLISLE COMPANIES (NYSE: CSL) -- declined fractionally, and another -- CISCO SYSTEMS (Nasdaq: CSCO) --displayed continued weakness.
At it has for a while now, the Cisco story continues to command attention. The stock was higher briefly this morning, but slumped again after CEO John Chambers took the stage at the annual Robertson Stephens technology conference in San Francisco.
Before we get to what Chambers said, first a word on something I said here last night. Specifically, I pointed out that Cisco had fallen $4 1/2 on Friday but "made up that ground and a bit more" on Monday.
In my dreams. Cisco gained $ 5/8 on Monday, which, after consulting Fractions Can be Fun, I understand now to be considerably less than $4 1/2. My boring brain appears to have fixated on the fact that Cisco had closed higher on Monday and well off its intra-day low -- at least I think that's the explanation for my flub.
That's all moot, of course, because Cisco closed today at $56 1/2, down $2 3/8. Trading volume was, once again, well in excess of 20 million shares, suggesting to me that market-makers in Cisco stock must rake in something more per day than, say, John Chambers does.
Speaking of whom, based on today's wireservice reports-- and a quick check with Cisco's Investor Relations office -- Chambers basically reiterated points he made during the teleconference following Cisco's quarterly earnings report earlier this month. For example, he affirmed that the "fundamental business drivers have not changed" and that projections of 30% to 50% annual industry growth over the next three to five years are "in line."
He cautioned, however, that revenue growth in the current quarter could fall below the 11% per-quarter rate experienced last quarter -- because Cisco's third fiscal quarter has historically been a tough one and also because visibility of sales has declined as orders arrive and are filled with increasingly rapid turnaround.
As he did in the teleconference earlier this month, Chambers told the audience in San Francisco that customer spending is becoming more closely tied to regional economic conditions and capital spending cycles. "In areas where the economy has been slower, capital spending is slowing and the dollar has been strong, we are seeing growth rates" below the overall industry average of 30 to 50 percent, Chambers said. He singled out Japan, Germany and France as particular trouble spots.
Chambers also reiterated that the company plans to reduce the rate of new hires in the current quarter to a level below that of recent past quarters. Last Friday, Cisco Chief Financial Officer Larry Carter was quoted in a published report as saying that the company intends to slow its hiring rate from about 900 new employees a quarter to about 500 as part of an effort to moderate spending for the time being.
Other points that Chambers noted were that LAN switching sales continue to expand at a growth rate in the "teens" and that fast Ethernet is outselling ATM equipment seven or eight units to one. Also, Cisco plans to make 8 to 12 acquisitions this year, he said.
By the way, when Chambers refers to LAN switching sales expanding at a growth rate "in the teens," he's talking about a quarterly growth rate, not an annual one (and that's straight from Cisco Investor Relations). Some folks who ripped through the Dow Jones wire story earlier today might not have realized that.
I find nothing new in what Chambers said today -- although 29 million shares worth of Cisco apparently thought otherwise.
"Wait a minute!" I hear someone saying. "Chambers basically came out and said not to expect sequential growth anywhere near 11% this quarter! What about that!?"
I believe him. And apparently so do all the three dozen analysts who follow Cisco and its competitors for a living. They're projecting approximately 5% quarter-to-quarter growth between February and April -- and they have been for some time now. Looking out to FY98, analysts are forecasting Cisco's EPS to grow at around 31% to 32% -- or around 7% sequential growth.
Analysts have been making those same projections for over three months now.
According to the latest figures from First Call, three months ago analysts were forecasting Cisco's earnings to come in around $2.08 per share for the 1997 fiscal year (ending in July). Today's consensus estimate is $2.10. Three months ago, the consensus EPS estimate for FY98 was $2.74. Today it is $2.76.
Cisco does not provide specific guidance for EPS projections. The company regularly meets with analysts to discuss the basic assumptions underlying the models that analysts' use to generate sales and earnings forecasts, however, and Cisco is well aware of what those forecasts are. If the company had reason to believe that analysts' forecasts were noticeably at odds with Cisco's internal projections, the company would issue a press release in that regard. They have not done so.
As I see it, nothing has really changed for Cisco -- other than that its stock has gotten kinda cheap.
Now that I've spent the entire recap obsessing about the one stray lamb in the Borefolio, perhaps the seven stocks that rose today might merit at least a wave in their general direction.
GREEN TREE FINANCIAL (NYSE: GNT) and OXFORD HEALTH PLANS (Nasdaq: OXHP) each gained $1/2, while ORACLE (NASDAQ: ORCL) advanced $5/8 and TIDEWATER (NYSE: TDW) rose $3/8. SOLECTRON (NYSE: SLR) gained $7/8.
Also, PRIME MEDICAL SERVICES (Nasdaq: PMSI) gained an eighth-point on trading volume around 50% above its average. That follows yesterday's $1/4 increase, also on heavy volume. The company reports its fourth quarter results on Thursday morning.
(c) Copyright 1997, The Motley Fool. All rights reserved. This material is for personal use only. Republication and redissemination, including posting to news groups, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of The Motley Fool.
Today's Numbers
Stock Change Bid -------------------- BGP + 3/4 43.25 CSL - 3/8 34.13 CSCO -2 3/8 56.50 GNT + 1/2 38.13 ORCL + 5/8 40.88 OXHP + 1/2 57.50 PMSI + 1/8 11.50 SLR + 7/8 56.13 TDW + 3/8 43.38
Day Month Year History BORING +0.38% -1.72% 2.78% 18.27% S&P: +0.22% 3.30% 9.63% 30.64% NASDAQ: +0.19% -2.33% 4.39% 29.47% Rec'd # Security In At Now Change 2/28/96 200 Borders Gr 22.51 43.25 92.12% 8/13/96 200 Carlisle C 26.32 34.13 29.63% 2/2/96 200 Green Tree 30.39 38.13 25.46% 5/24/96 100 Oxford Hea 48.02 57.50 19.73% 3/8/96 400 Prime Medi 10.07 11.50 14.22% 6/26/96 100 Cisco Syst 53.90 56.50 4.82% 10/15/96 100 Solectron 54.52 56.13 2.93% 12/23/96 100 Tidewater 46.52 43.38 -6.77% 11/21/96 100 Oracle Cor 48.65 40.88 -15.98% Rec'd # Security In At Value Change 2/28/96 200 Borders Gr 4502.49 8650.00 $4147.51 8/13/96 200 Carlisle C 5264.99 6825.00 $1560.01 2/2/96 200 Green Tree 6077.49 7625.00 $1547.51 5/24/96 100 Oxford Hea 4802.49 5750.00 $947.51 3/8/96 400 Prime Medi 4027.49 4600.00 $572.51 6/26/96 100 Cisco Syst 5389.99 5650.00 $260.01 10/15/96 100 Solectron 5452.49 5612.50 $160.01 12/23/96 100 Tidewater 4652.49 4337.50 -$314.99 11/21/96 100 Oracle Cor 4864.99 4087.50 -$777.49 CASH $5999.08 TOTAL $59136.58


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"Cyberspying" by a parent, who uses technology to monitor what their kids are doing when they're with their other parent, is a disturbing trend among divorced couples and parents who do not share a home. Parents use these tactics to try to keep an eye on their children or the other parent for various reasons, including trying to change custody arrangements. Recently, SmolenPlevy family law attorneys Alan Plevy and Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson have noticed a number of parents engage in this behavior.
Checking up on what the other parent is doing when they have custody is easy when the children have smartphones or access to computers with webcams. Some examples include:
- Tracking the kids via their cell phone's GPS or the " Find My iPhone" app.
- Chatting with the children on webcam sites like FaceTime or Skype, then scrutinizing or questioning what's going on in the background.
- Insisting the kids connect via webcam at particular times to prove they're doing certain things, like taking their medication or going to bed on time.
- Setting up webcams on the kids' laptops to automatically record what's going on.
"This is an example of when the law still needs to catch up with technology but more than that, this behavior puts the children in the middle of their parents' conflict," says Dickerson, "and to make matters worse, if the parent being watched takes away the phone or computer so they cannot be spied upon, the child feels punished by losing their technology."
When Used Correctly, Technology Connects Parents and Children
"When used appropriately, technology is a wonderful tool when kids split their time between parents," Plevy says, such as when the kids are away and mom or dad can read them a bedtime story via Skype or help them with their homework online. And in unfortunate situations when a parent is abusive or has an alcohol or drug problem, cell phones enable children in danger to contact the other parent for emergency help when necessary.
Plevy advises parents who complain about what's going on in the other parent's household to consider what's really important. For example, if you want the kids in bed by 8pm and the other parent lets them stay up until 9—is that really worth a big fight? He adds that compromise and communication go a long way in settling custody disputes, though there are certain issues like abuse which may require the intervention of the court. "Generally, the best course of action is to negotiate with the other parent," says Plevy. "Try to agree on points of contention like bedtime or where you're taking the children on vacation, so that there's no need to spy."
– Tags: Adoption, Alan Plevy, Alimony, Child Support, custody, Cyberspying, divorce, family law, Kyung (Kathryn) Dickerson, Separation, smolenplevy