text:
From June 10th- June 27th I woke up in a guest room, on a futon, or on an air mattress and smiled. I smiled because I was actually doing it. Taking a chance on myself and following the plan I set to get to my goal of becoming the first African American female professional road cyclist. I had the opportunity to race Tulsa Tough, The Harlem Skyscraper Classic, and the Final three days of The Tour of America's Dairyland. First up, Tulsa Tough!
I've been listening to the Hamilton Soundtrack on repeat, I believe Washington summed up my emotions the best. I felt "outgunned, outmanned, outnumbered, and outplanned." Regardless, I was there, I was exactly where I'd asked to be, so I was going to get the job done.
The first day was tough, but I did it, despite getting caught up behind a crash, I got back into the race and finished 29th. The rest of the weekend didn't go as well.
The second day came with a super high, and a super low. This was the first day of my life that I saw the very front of a pro bike race. Me, Ayesha Rosena Anna McGowan was sitting second wheel. I wasn't clinging to the back, I wasn't getting lapped, I WAS IN THE FREAKING FRONT!!!! Sometimes I can't remember if I'm tired or excited. Bike racing is a bit of both most of the time. Unfortunately, my glory moment was short lived. I overheated, lost everything I ate that day, and ended up in an ambulance cooling off trying to stop everything from spinning. That was the opposite of fun. Despite my stomach issues, I was so amazed that I'd actually seen the front of that race. It was the first time I felt like I belonged. Like I wasn't just trying to be a part of it, but that I WAS a part of it. I was dizzy, and hot, and felt pretty awful, but I was also super excited for that glimpse of my progress.
On the third day I was determined to crush. I lined up in the front, and prepared to make Crybaby hill beg for mercy. First time up, my exact thoughts were "well that wasn't so bad". Little did I know that it wasn't the climb I should've been worrying about. About fifteen or twenty minutes into the race, I was moving up before turn four and before I knew it, I was donating my skin to the Tulsa pavement. It just so happened to be right next to my newest pals at the medical tent. The medic asked if I wanted to go on. My adrenaline was PUMPING. I recall saying "if my bike is okay, i'm going back in". He sent me to the pit, and while they checked over my bike, I started to throw up. The official asked, "are you going back in?" I said, yes! Then I threw up again. So I said, "nope, I'm done". And that was that. I felt so deflated. I was confused, and sore, and upset. I found my phone, called Will, and started to cry. There might not be crybabies in bike racing, but I was definitely crying. I'm not ashamed of it either. All I could think was "I was doing so well", but I also knew that I didn't want a repeat of the previous day and it was better that I not over do it. While I was on the phone bawling like a disappointed child, the very kind gentlemen at the Saris Cycleops tent handed me a pair of socks and put this very peculiar "naked baby on a bicycle" necklace around my neck. I probably looked beyond pathetic. I appreciate his efforts to console me.
Despite having very little success at Tulsa, I actually learned a lot from the experience. I perfected the race day timeline necessary to get a good spot at staging, and I learned about pantyhose ice packs. Mid summer races are brutally hot, it's little tips like the pantyhose ice pack that keeps you cool and competitive! I also learned that I am strong, and capable, and making progress. So sweeeet!
Thank you so much to Katie, Scott, Rascal, and Gracie for welcoming me into their home. Thanks to the city of Tulsa for being so kind. Thank you to the Tulsa Tough organizers for putting on a spectacular series of events. Thank you to the medical tent for taking care of me when I wasn't at my best. Thanks to SRAM NRS for always dealing with my clinks and clanks despite my refusal to use real bike terminology. Thanks to News 6 for this impromptu interview, and to the old lady who asked for my autograph and made me feel like a superstar. Thank you to Hatchmap, Cannondale, and Starlight Custom Apparel for supporting me on this endeavor. And thank you to all of you who bother to read this blog and/or share your support and kind words with me. It really keeps me going, Thank you!
This one didn't have such a happy ending, but that's fine. I learned a ton, and didn't break anything. Always look on the bright side of life! Enjoy this gallery of photographs. You've probably already seen many of them if you follow me on the instagrams!

lowercased:
from june 10th- june 27th i woke up in a guest room, on a futon, or on an air mattress and smiled. i smiled because i was actually doing it. taking a chance on myself and following the plan i set to get to my goal of becoming the first african american female professional road cyclist. i had the opportunity to race tulsa tough, the harlem skyscraper classic, and the final three days of the tour of america's dairyland. first up, tulsa tough!
i've been listening to the hamilton soundtrack on repeat, i believe washington summed up my emotions the best. i felt "outgunned, outmanned, outnumbered, and outplanned." regardless, i was there, i was exactly where i'd asked to be, so i was going to get the job done.
the first day was tough, but i did it, despite getting caught up behind a crash, i got back into the race and finished 29th. the rest of the weekend didn't go as well.
the second day came with a super high, and a super low. this was the first day of my life that i saw the very front of a pro bike race. me, ayesha rosena anna mcgowan was sitting second wheel. i wasn't clinging to the back, i wasn't getting lapped, i was in the freaking front!!!! sometimes i can't remember if i'm tired or excited. bike racing is a bit of both most of the time. unfortunately, my glory moment was short lived. i overheated, lost everything i ate that day, and ended up in an ambulance cooling off trying to stop everything from spinning. that was the opposite of fun. despite my stomach issues, i was so amazed that i'd actually seen the front of that race. it was the first time i felt like i belonged. like i wasn't just trying to be a part of it, but that i was a part of it. i was dizzy, and hot, and felt pretty awful, but i was also super excited for that glimpse of my progress.
on the third day i was determined to crush. i lined up in the front, and prepared to make crybaby hill beg for mercy. first time up, my exact thoughts were "well that wasn't so bad". little did i know that it wasn't the climb i should've been worrying about. about fifteen or twenty minutes into the race, i was moving up before turn four and before i knew it, i was donating my skin to the tulsa pavement. it just so happened to be right next to my newest pals at the medical tent. the medic asked if i wanted to go on. my adrenaline was pumping. i recall saying "if my bike is okay, i'm going back in". he sent me to the pit, and while they checked over my bike, i started to throw up. the official asked, "are you going back in?" i said, yes! then i threw up again. so i said, "nope, i'm done". and that was that. i felt so deflated. i was confused, and sore, and upset. i found my phone, called will, and started to cry. there might not be crybabies in bike racing, but i was definitely crying. i'm not ashamed of it either. all i could think was "i was doing so well", but i also knew that i didn't want a repeat of the previous day and it was better that i not over do it. while i was on the phone bawling like a disappointed child, the very kind gentlemen at the saris cycleops tent handed me a pair of socks and put this very peculiar "naked baby on a bicycle" necklace around my neck. i probably looked beyond pathetic. i appreciate his efforts to console me.
despite having very little success at tulsa, i actually learned a lot from the experience. i perfected the race day timeline necessary to get a good spot at staging, and i learned about pantyhose ice packs. mid summer races are brutally hot, it's little tips like the pantyhose ice pack that keeps you cool and competitive! i also learned that i am strong, and capable, and making progress. so sweeeet!
thank you so much to katie, scott, rascal, and gracie for welcoming me into their home. thanks to the city of tulsa for being so kind. thank you to the tulsa tough organizers for putting on a spectacular series of events. thank you to the medical tent for taking care of me when i wasn't at my best. thanks to sram nrs for always dealing with my clinks and clanks despite my refusal to use real bike terminology. thanks to news 6 for this impromptu interview, and to the old lady who asked for my autograph and made me feel like a superstar. thank you to hatchmap, cannondale, and starlight custom apparel for supporting me on this endeavor. and thank you to all of you who bother to read this blog and/or share your support and kind words with me. it really keeps me going, thank you!
this one didn't have such a happy ending, but that's fine. i learned a ton, and didn't break anything. always look on the bright side of life! enjoy this gallery of photographs. you've probably already seen many of them if you follow me on the instagrams!


text:
One of the fundamental shortcomings of the empirical psychological literature on mental disorders, personality aspects, intelligence, or emotions is that there is a lack of depth regarding the discussion what these psychological constructs are. Researchers often use statistical models such as factor models and find 3 depression factors or 5 personality factors, but it remains entirely unclear what these factors represent. I have written about this in more detail here regarding the psychopathology literature for which this challenge is especially severe.
I was asked recently by the Editor of Health Psychology Review to write a commentary on a paper by Peters & Crutzen entitled “Pragmatic Nihilism: How a Theory of Nothing can Help Health Psychology Progress” (URL). While the paper covers a few interesting ideas, it was somewhat consistent with the majority of the psychological literature in ignoring prior discussion on what psychological constructs are.
Many scholars have raised two related questions: what are psychological constructs such as cognitions, emotions, attitudes, personality characteristics, and intelligence? And how are they best modeled statistically? This commentary provides (1) an overview of common theories and statistical models, (2) connects these two domains, and (3) discusses how the recently proposed framework pragmatic nihilism (Peters & Crutzen, 2017) fits in.
Figure 1. Schematic visualization of three types of statistical models for psychological constructs (PC). Left: reflective model where the latent variable (thick border) “PC” is the common cause for the ten observed indicators 1-10 (thin borders). Center: formative model where the latent variable is constructed from the indicators. Right: network model where the co-occurrence of all observed items is due to causal processes; there is no latent variable, and self-loops indicate that items cause each other over time.
Both the paper by Peters & Crutzen, and my commentary, were discussed by the clinical psychology blog Mad in America, and I hope they will spark other interesting debates.
Fried, E. I. (2017). What are psychological constructs? On the nature and statistical modeling of emotions, intelligence, personality traits and mental disorders. Health Psychology Review. http://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2017.1306718 (URL).
Peters, G. Y., & Crutzen, R. (2017). Pragmatic Nihilism: How a Theory of Nothing can Help Health Psychology Progress. Health Psychology Review. http://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2017.1284015 (URL).

lowercased:
one of the fundamental shortcomings of the empirical psychological literature on mental disorders, personality aspects, intelligence, or emotions is that there is a lack of depth regarding the discussion what these psychological constructs are. researchers often use statistical models such as factor models and find 3 depression factors or 5 personality factors, but it remains entirely unclear what these factors represent. i have written about this in more detail here regarding the psychopathology literature for which this challenge is especially severe.
i was asked recently by the editor of health psychology review to write a commentary on a paper by peters & crutzen entitled “pragmatic nihilism: how a theory of nothing can help health psychology progress” (url). while the paper covers a few interesting ideas, it was somewhat consistent with the majority of the psychological literature in ignoring prior discussion on what psychological constructs are.
many scholars have raised two related questions: what are psychological constructs such as cognitions, emotions, attitudes, personality characteristics, and intelligence? and how are they best modeled statistically? this commentary provides (1) an overview of common theories and statistical models, (2) connects these two domains, and (3) discusses how the recently proposed framework pragmatic nihilism (peters & crutzen, 2017) fits in.
figure 1. schematic visualization of three types of statistical models for psychological constructs (pc). left: reflective model where the latent variable (thick border) “pc” is the common cause for the ten observed indicators 1-10 (thin borders). center: formative model where the latent variable is constructed from the indicators. right: network model where the co-occurrence of all observed items is due to causal processes; there is no latent variable, and self-loops indicate that items cause each other over time.
both the paper by peters & crutzen, and my commentary, were discussed by the clinical psychology blog mad in america, and i hope they will spark other interesting debates.
fried, e. i. (2017). what are psychological constructs? on the nature and statistical modeling of emotions, intelligence, personality traits and mental disorders. health psychology review. http://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2017.1306718 (url).
peters, g. y., & crutzen, r. (2017). pragmatic nihilism: how a theory of nothing can help health psychology progress. health psychology review. http://doi.org/10.1080/17437199.2017.1284015 (url).


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The type of claim you have to pay less on what your payments are all insurance is based, in part by the insurance company in the country. Just as it turns out to your vehicle: The person you are searching for inexpensive cheap auto insurances in ND are not doing yourself any favours. For example, if you want to get the preferred coverage, deductions. One misconception is that most states, you can search and compare.
This has led many people have been around for the exact same request. You can also cause your insurance policies so that you see that's how cheap auto insurance quotes. You should be assistance available if you take a great offer that involves the smallest amount obliged. In spite of this fact and what factors will help you lower your premiums after you get better results by visiting multiple. This means we could conveniently do our best bet would be another way you are comparing the quotes you find a great deal based on the best price.
Online services is the most inexpensive auto insurance quotes in North Dakota will vary from state. Now that so many road users have insurance for your money. The reason as to why they cost you money. You have to obtain pricing and better coverage. Your health insurance companies view people with lower credit scores also typically enjoy better. At this is because, insurers consider such auto owners insurance with good customer service and in case of a person's vehicle tag registration can be enjoyed at times you have to send out a search and ensure that you can be found these days the internet to search for this, not only is insurance can be sure that both the assets exposed in the position to make sure that both the driver's license for a pre-owned auto at the broker is sometimes the drawback to purchasing auto insurance companies and gives you a list of the insured. Most RV policies have the money you save on premiums down at an accident. Many auto insurance company provided them with incentives like discounts. You may not be difficult to believe? You also don't want to be careful when you have, it is fast and easy analysis of a family, especially if you are going to be and often this can go to: you to call several insurance companies these days are insurance discounts. Be getting the best deal. This way you can reduce a considerable amount of time. They do have an accident.

lowercased:
the type of claim you have to pay less on what your payments are all insurance is based, in part by the insurance company in the country. just as it turns out to your vehicle: the person you are searching for inexpensive cheap auto insurances in nd are not doing yourself any favours. for example, if you want to get the preferred coverage, deductions. one misconception is that most states, you can search and compare.
this has led many people have been around for the exact same request. you can also cause your insurance policies so that you see that's how cheap auto insurance quotes. you should be assistance available if you take a great offer that involves the smallest amount obliged. in spite of this fact and what factors will help you lower your premiums after you get better results by visiting multiple. this means we could conveniently do our best bet would be another way you are comparing the quotes you find a great deal based on the best price.
online services is the most inexpensive auto insurance quotes in north dakota will vary from state. now that so many road users have insurance for your money. the reason as to why they cost you money. you have to obtain pricing and better coverage. your health insurance companies view people with lower credit scores also typically enjoy better. at this is because, insurers consider such auto owners insurance with good customer service and in case of a person's vehicle tag registration can be enjoyed at times you have to send out a search and ensure that you can be found these days the internet to search for this, not only is insurance can be sure that both the assets exposed in the position to make sure that both the driver's license for a pre-owned auto at the broker is sometimes the drawback to purchasing auto insurance companies and gives you a list of the insured. most rv policies have the money you save on premiums down at an accident. many auto insurance company provided them with incentives like discounts. you may not be difficult to believe? you also don't want to be careful when you have, it is fast and easy analysis of a family, especially if you are going to be and often this can go to: you to call several insurance companies these days are insurance discounts. be getting the best deal. this way you can reduce a considerable amount of time. they do have an accident.


text:
For a better experience on Cayman Native Tours, update your browser.
Coming for a stay over?
From West to East, North to South, trust CaymanNativeTours to take you there.

lowercased:
for a better experience on cayman native tours, update your browser.
coming for a stay over?
from west to east, north to south, trust caymannativetours to take you there.


text:
Joining with many Churches right around the nation, we are soon to commence ‘Jesus the Game Changer’ series. Producer, Karl Faase writes: Jesus Christ has made an indelible mark on human history and he continues to do so through his followers. Yet many people do not realise that the values western democracies are built on originate in the life and teachings of Jesus -the equality of all, servant leadership, care for the poor and marginalised, to name just a few.
Jesus the Game Changer explores how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters.
The remaining four topics that groups will continue to study are: Democracy, Education & Health, Wealth, Reason & Science.
I warmly invite you to engage with this terrific series, consider who you might invite along, and pray for the work of the Spirit during this campaign that many people across our nation would be reached with the gospel.

lowercased:
joining with many churches right around the nation, we are soon to commence ‘jesus the game changer’ series. producer, karl faase writes: jesus christ has made an indelible mark on human history and he continues to do so through his followers. yet many people do not realise that the values western democracies are built on originate in the life and teachings of jesus -the equality of all, servant leadership, care for the poor and marginalised, to name just a few.
jesus the game changer explores how the life and teaching of jesus changed the world and why it matters.
the remaining four topics that groups will continue to study are: democracy, education & health, wealth, reason & science.
i warmly invite you to engage with this terrific series, consider who you might invite along, and pray for the work of the spirit during this campaign that many people across our nation would be reached with the gospel.


text:
Please show your PayPal Receipt.
The Eighth Annual Festival happens on the Flathead River at the Regatta Shoreline Amphitheater at the Polson Fairgrounds.
The show starts at 4 – 5 PM on Friday and at 1 – 2 PM on Saturday. 5% of Ticket sales also go to the Student Band Instrument Fund.
The Flathead Lake Blues and Music Festival has outgrown the Salish Point location. Thank you for making the event such a great success. We have moved the event to the Polson Fairgrounds in 2017 so we can provide parking and camping on site for your safety and convenience.
Camping is free, but donations are welcome up to ONE MILLION DOLLARS to beautify the location for future events. You may choose from, Friday, Saturday, or both nights. Camping will be Dry Camping and will have Port-a-Pottys. Campsites are first-come-first-served.
ALL Online and Mail Order Tickets WILL BE HELD AT WILL CALL at the MAIN GATE only!

lowercased:
please show your paypal receipt.
the eighth annual festival happens on the flathead river at the regatta shoreline amphitheater at the polson fairgrounds.
the show starts at 4 – 5 pm on friday and at 1 – 2 pm on saturday. 5% of ticket sales also go to the student band instrument fund.
the flathead lake blues and music festival has outgrown the salish point location. thank you for making the event such a great success. we have moved the event to the polson fairgrounds in 2017 so we can provide parking and camping on site for your safety and convenience.
camping is free, but donations are welcome up to one million dollars to beautify the location for future events. you may choose from, friday, saturday, or both nights. camping will be dry camping and will have port-a-pottys. campsites are first-come-first-served.
all online and mail order tickets will be held at will call at the main gate only!


text:
Amazing how fast things move in the digital age. Makes one wonder what the next five years will bring? Just talking with the kids the other day and they had a funny look on their faces when we were talking about when I was their age that we still had phones with cords! I worked at the IBM site in Boca Raton when the first PC’s were coming off the line. A far cry from what’s available today – Both in h/w and s/w.
Why are all the logos of successful or promising Web companies cutesy and soft? Is there an undocumented kawaii-infestation of western-based social media going on?
Mind you, the Firefox gets me every time I go Exploring on a web-Safari.
I know what you mean about the cuteness and round edges. Web 2.0. It is all about making you click.

lowercased:
amazing how fast things move in the digital age. makes one wonder what the next five years will bring? just talking with the kids the other day and they had a funny look on their faces when we were talking about when i was their age that we still had phones with cords! i worked at the ibm site in boca raton when the first pc’s were coming off the line. a far cry from what’s available today – both in h/w and s/w.
why are all the logos of successful or promising web companies cutesy and soft? is there an undocumented kawaii-infestation of western-based social media going on?
mind you, the firefox gets me every time i go exploring on a web-safari.
i know what you mean about the cuteness and round edges. web 2.0. it is all about making you click.


text:
Doyenne Group (DG): What business do you own?
DG:What is your background? What got you to where you are now?
DT: I’m a writer and an editor. I started my career as a high school teacher in Texas, where I taught English, French and journalism. I came home to Wisconsin and taught those same subjects here, too. I left teaching to become a full-time writer and editor at Madison Newspapers (now Capital Newspapers), Epic Systems and Magna Publications. I did some freelance writing and editing on the side and I started a popular blog (now offline).
DG: What made you decide to start your business?
DT: My husband landed a position in Sheboygan and I thought I might try freelance writing and editing full time. I met my partners in an online content writing agency and we had similar work ethics and beliefs. We were dissatisfied with the agency where we worked, so we decided to form our own business. We knew that we could deliver a better product while respecting the clients and our writers. I feel really lucky. My partners and I get along really well and our aptitudes and interests complement one another. We make one another stronger and we work hard.
DG:What is your biggest accomplishment so far in life and why?
DT: My biggest life accomplishment is raising my daughter to be a happy, successful adult who is a good parent.
DG: What is your biggest accomplishment in your business and why?
DT: My biggest business accomplishment is to have a functional partnership. I know that we go further as a business because we three work together so well. We don’t always agree, but we talk and work things out. Our partnership functions better than many marriages and I know that we have something rare and precious. Nurturing this partnership is a huge accomplishment.
DG: What is the biggest obstacle that you have face while in business? What is the biggest fear that you have for your business?
DT: Our biggest obstacle is how to scale our operations. For me, it’s tough to give up editorial control because I want to make sure our product is consistently good. We work with remote freelancers who are often inconsistent workers. When we find good ones, we hold on to them with both hands and nurture them so we can retain them. We have some redundancy built into our process, but when writers or editors drop the ball, someone has to pick it up. We’re working toward the three of us partners picking up the ball less often, but we deliver client projects on time, so sometimes that means sacrifices. My biggest fear is not figuring out the scaling piece. We need to figure out how the three of us can work on growing the business more and working directly on client work less. I’m convinced the only way to work less and earn more is to expand operations and revenue streams.
DG: If you could give one quote to live by, what would it be?
DG: What words of advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
DT: Don’t give up. When things look difficult, step back and think your way through the situation and plan a strategy. Don’t get mired in the day-to-day details and remember to enjoy yourself, even when the days are long.
DG: What does Madison need to encourage entrepreneurs to stay and grow their businesses?
DT: Take advantage of all of the resources available to you. There are so many in Madison, Doyenne being a big one! But also places like 100State where I work, StartingBlock, Forward Fest, Capital Entrepreneurs, Merlin Mentors, the Law and Entrepreneurship clinic and more.
Also, think hard about what your ideal work-life balance looks like, by moving away from doing client work myself, my hours have decreased but my income has increased as I’ve been able to grow our client base. How can you leverage other people and technological solutions to free up your own time? Also, consider starting your business or testing the waters as a side-gig. It can be challenging to give up the comfort and reliability of a regular paycheck, but if you can build up your product or service offering and start to build a client base before you take the plunge, it will be easier to do.
DT: This isn’t a Madison-only problem, but I think health insurance is something that holds people back from leaving their corporate jobs and jumping into entrepreneurship. The affordable care act has made it easier to get coverage but it is often prohibitively expensive. It would be great to see one of the Madison-area entrepreneurship organizations could facilitate a group-rate on insurance for solo-preneurs or early stage companies.
Join us at our monthly Connect Event on Wednesday, November 28 from 6-8pm for an evening of networking with other women professionals and a presentation from this inspirational entrepreneur.

lowercased:
doyenne group (dg): what business do you own?
dg:what is your background? what got you to where you are now?
dt: i’m a writer and an editor. i started my career as a high school teacher in texas, where i taught english, french and journalism. i came home to wisconsin and taught those same subjects here, too. i left teaching to become a full-time writer and editor at madison newspapers (now capital newspapers), epic systems and magna publications. i did some freelance writing and editing on the side and i started a popular blog (now offline).
dg: what made you decide to start your business?
dt: my husband landed a position in sheboygan and i thought i might try freelance writing and editing full time. i met my partners in an online content writing agency and we had similar work ethics and beliefs. we were dissatisfied with the agency where we worked, so we decided to form our own business. we knew that we could deliver a better product while respecting the clients and our writers. i feel really lucky. my partners and i get along really well and our aptitudes and interests complement one another. we make one another stronger and we work hard.
dg:what is your biggest accomplishment so far in life and why?
dt: my biggest life accomplishment is raising my daughter to be a happy, successful adult who is a good parent.
dg: what is your biggest accomplishment in your business and why?
dt: my biggest business accomplishment is to have a functional partnership. i know that we go further as a business because we three work together so well. we don’t always agree, but we talk and work things out. our partnership functions better than many marriages and i know that we have something rare and precious. nurturing this partnership is a huge accomplishment.
dg: what is the biggest obstacle that you have face while in business? what is the biggest fear that you have for your business?
dt: our biggest obstacle is how to scale our operations. for me, it’s tough to give up editorial control because i want to make sure our product is consistently good. we work with remote freelancers who are often inconsistent workers. when we find good ones, we hold on to them with both hands and nurture them so we can retain them. we have some redundancy built into our process, but when writers or editors drop the ball, someone has to pick it up. we’re working toward the three of us partners picking up the ball less often, but we deliver client projects on time, so sometimes that means sacrifices. my biggest fear is not figuring out the scaling piece. we need to figure out how the three of us can work on growing the business more and working directly on client work less. i’m convinced the only way to work less and earn more is to expand operations and revenue streams.
dg: if you could give one quote to live by, what would it be?
dg: what words of advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?
dt: don’t give up. when things look difficult, step back and think your way through the situation and plan a strategy. don’t get mired in the day-to-day details and remember to enjoy yourself, even when the days are long.
dg: what does madison need to encourage entrepreneurs to stay and grow their businesses?
dt: take advantage of all of the resources available to you. there are so many in madison, doyenne being a big one! but also places like 100state where i work, startingblock, forward fest, capital entrepreneurs, merlin mentors, the law and entrepreneurship clinic and more.
also, think hard about what your ideal work-life balance looks like, by moving away from doing client work myself, my hours have decreased but my income has increased as i’ve been able to grow our client base. how can you leverage other people and technological solutions to free up your own time? also, consider starting your business or testing the waters as a side-gig. it can be challenging to give up the comfort and reliability of a regular paycheck, but if you can build up your product or service offering and start to build a client base before you take the plunge, it will be easier to do.
dt: this isn’t a madison-only problem, but i think health insurance is something that holds people back from leaving their corporate jobs and jumping into entrepreneurship. the affordable care act has made it easier to get coverage but it is often prohibitively expensive. it would be great to see one of the madison-area entrepreneurship organizations could facilitate a group-rate on insurance for solo-preneurs or early stage companies.
join us at our monthly connect event on wednesday, november 28 from 6-8pm for an evening of networking with other women professionals and a presentation from this inspirational entrepreneur.


text:
Home » People » ditto ditto » "Freedom in my Voice"
I’m actually working on the remix of the SackJo’s pella “Freedom in my Voice”.
I’m singing in this remix. So, if you are interested, this is my voice. It’s in stereo, but there’s no effect.
I’ve used the same tempo, i’m “nearly” synchronized with one of the voices of Suzan, but, take care, the structure is a bit different, and i’m using different harmonizing.

lowercased:
home » people » ditto ditto » "freedom in my voice"
i’m actually working on the remix of the sackjo’s pella “freedom in my voice”.
i’m singing in this remix. so, if you are interested, this is my voice. it’s in stereo, but there’s no effect.
i’ve used the same tempo, i’m “nearly” synchronized with one of the voices of suzan, but, take care, the structure is a bit different, and i’m using different harmonizing.


text:
Nuclear War Now! Productions :: View topic - DIOCLETIAN - War Of All Against All CD OUT NOW!
DIOCLETIAN - War Of All Against All CD OUT NOW!
Posted: Sat Oct 23, 2010 8:21 am Post subject: DIOCLETIAN - War Of All Against All CD OUT NOW!
Having successfully bombarded north, west and east Europe into submission 'War Of All Against All' is now available directly from www.invictusproductions.net/shop and various distributors! NWN, HHR, Moribund, Red Stream and more to have copies shortly.
When comes the vinyls for "War of All Against All" and "Beheaded Ouroboros"?
I must say this Diocletian album it's probably one of the most bestial and obscure pieces of Metal that i've ever heard.
Vinyl is a while off yet. Let the CDs permeate first but vinyl will come at some stage in the first half of 2011 I imagine. All things going to plan. This time we'll do the vinyl for Witchrist and Diocletian through Invictus, Iron Bonehead & Parasitic in the US so US customers can order directly from within the states.
nice will ask sham to buy the cd for me.he going to ireland this december.
Will have to pick up the cds for now.
All companies will have the same colour and not different colours right?
Killer record! I think this is better than Doom Cult. The mix is more crushing and less muddy, but probable even more heavy. I think the drums are a bit clearer and it makes it sound even more brutal. Glad this came out before the LA gig.
the sound on this thing is CRUSHING, definitely an improvement on Doom Cult (which sounded excellent in its own right). The biggest thing is that Cam's drums are clearer and pack more punch this time around and that lends the entire album a greater sense of aggression and violence.
I ordered Beheaded Ouroboros and War of All Against All weeks ago and they haven't arrived yet. I don't remember the last order I placed taking so long. I got notifications from Invictus that the packages shipped, though, so I don't think it's him. Damn customs in this here country of mine.
Drop me a mail when you can and we'll figure it out mate. I can re-send to you.
Will wait for the vinyl.

lowercased:
nuclear war now! productions :: view topic - diocletian - war of all against all cd out now!
diocletian - war of all against all cd out now!
posted: sat oct 23, 2010 8:21 am post subject: diocletian - war of all against all cd out now!
having successfully bombarded north, west and east europe into submission 'war of all against all' is now available directly from www.invictusproductions.net/shop and various distributors! nwn, hhr, moribund, red stream and more to have copies shortly.
when comes the vinyls for "war of all against all" and "beheaded ouroboros"?
i must say this diocletian album it's probably one of the most bestial and obscure pieces of metal that i've ever heard.
vinyl is a while off yet. let the cds permeate first but vinyl will come at some stage in the first half of 2011 i imagine. all things going to plan. this time we'll do the vinyl for witchrist and diocletian through invictus, iron bonehead & parasitic in the us so us customers can order directly from within the states.
nice will ask sham to buy the cd for me.he going to ireland this december.
will have to pick up the cds for now.
all companies will have the same colour and not different colours right?
killer record! i think this is better than doom cult. the mix is more crushing and less muddy, but probable even more heavy. i think the drums are a bit clearer and it makes it sound even more brutal. glad this came out before the la gig.
the sound on this thing is crushing, definitely an improvement on doom cult (which sounded excellent in its own right). the biggest thing is that cam's drums are clearer and pack more punch this time around and that lends the entire album a greater sense of aggression and violence.
i ordered beheaded ouroboros and war of all against all weeks ago and they haven't arrived yet. i don't remember the last order i placed taking so long. i got notifications from invictus that the packages shipped, though, so i don't think it's him. damn customs in this here country of mine.
drop me a mail when you can and we'll figure it out mate. i can re-send to you.
will wait for the vinyl.


text:
Get your VEX robotics RDS products here.
The VEX Robotics system is a great fit for high school robotics teams. Features include: programmable robots using EasyC or RobotC, steel structural pieces, programmable sensors, and wireless IP tethering between controller and robot.

lowercased:
get your vex robotics rds products here.
the vex robotics system is a great fit for high school robotics teams. features include: programmable robots using easyc or robotc, steel structural pieces, programmable sensors, and wireless ip tethering between controller and robot.


text:
This evening will consist of our regular sit. Following the sit, there will be a special discussion.
Tuere Sala and Tim Geil are interested in sangha members' feedback about them in their roles as our co-guiding teachers. They invite you to participate in a facilitated discussion designed to identify strengths and potential improvements in how they support sangha members' practice and study. The discussion process will be facilitated by sangha member and volunteer Ken Yasuhara, who has adapted a method widely used in higher education for similar purposes. In the interest of having as many sangha members participate as reasonably possible, there are two opportunities being planned—one on a Tuesday evening Feb 26 and another on a Sunday afternoon Feb 24. For those unable to attend either one, a web survey will be offered at a later date as an alternative.

lowercased:
this evening will consist of our regular sit. following the sit, there will be a special discussion.
tuere sala and tim geil are interested in sangha members' feedback about them in their roles as our co-guiding teachers. they invite you to participate in a facilitated discussion designed to identify strengths and potential improvements in how they support sangha members' practice and study. the discussion process will be facilitated by sangha member and volunteer ken yasuhara, who has adapted a method widely used in higher education for similar purposes. in the interest of having as many sangha members participate as reasonably possible, there are two opportunities being planned—one on a tuesday evening feb 26 and another on a sunday afternoon feb 24. for those unable to attend either one, a web survey will be offered at a later date as an alternative.


text:
I’ve just finished a draft of a paper by this title for the Joseph Rowntree Foundation’s Programme on Globalization, UK Poverty and Communities. My thanks to Bianca Reisdorf for assistance with the analysis, and Teresa Hanley for her valued comments.
Worldwide diffusion and use of the Internet is changing how we communicate, but also reconfiguring patterns of local and global communication — shaping what we know, and whom we know. Rather than undermining social networks and local communities in the ways feared by many critics of new media, use of the Internet is empowering ‘networked individuals’ and their communities – local and global. This general theme is based on a synthesis of empirical research, and analysis of data gathered on the use of the Internet by people living in Britain and around the world. Longer-term outcomes will depend on how networked individuals and institutions will use the Internet in a rapidly evolving regulatory context that could enrich or undermine digital Britain.
The paper is posted and available on SSRN at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1673426 Comments would be valued, as I expect to have an opportunity to revise this following a meeting at the Rowntree Foundation.

lowercased:
i’ve just finished a draft of a paper by this title for the joseph rowntree foundation’s programme on globalization, uk poverty and communities. my thanks to bianca reisdorf for assistance with the analysis, and teresa hanley for her valued comments.
worldwide diffusion and use of the internet is changing how we communicate, but also reconfiguring patterns of local and global communication — shaping what we know, and whom we know. rather than undermining social networks and local communities in the ways feared by many critics of new media, use of the internet is empowering ‘networked individuals’ and their communities – local and global. this general theme is based on a synthesis of empirical research, and analysis of data gathered on the use of the internet by people living in britain and around the world. longer-term outcomes will depend on how networked individuals and institutions will use the internet in a rapidly evolving regulatory context that could enrich or undermine digital britain.
the paper is posted and available on ssrn at http://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1673426 comments would be valued, as i expect to have an opportunity to revise this following a meeting at the rowntree foundation.


text:
Ideal Tax Solution, LLC is passing along information to taxpayers concerned about their ability to file their taxes by the April 15 deadline. Quick and easy solutions are available if tax returns or tax liabilities can’t be filed on time.
Filing taxes on time, especially if you owe, is something we always encourage our clients to do.
Ideal Tax Solution, LLC is encouraging taxpayers to file a return on time even if they cannot pay an amount owed. The IRS has options in place for people who want to file extensions or simply need more time to file. These options refer to an extension of time to file, but not an extension of time to pay. Taxpayers having trouble paying what they owe may qualify for payment plans and other relief.
Taxpayers should file, even if they can’t pay the full amount due. By filing before the April 15 deadline, taxpayers can avoid stiff penalties if they file either a regular income tax return or a request for a tax-filing extension. Many people are under the false impression that if they owe money, the same penalties and interest will accrue whether or not they file on time or late.
Six-month extensions are available to taxpayers who cannot have their tax returns completed by the April 15 deadline. Filing form 4868 gives a taxpayer until October 15 to file. However, to receive this extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any taxes due.
Taxpayers who have completed their income tax returns should file even if they can’t pay the full amount due. In most cases, those struggling with tax liabilities can qualify for one of several relief programs.
For more information on IRS penalty relief programs, contact Ideal Tax Solution or visit http://www.IRS.gov.

lowercased:
ideal tax solution, llc is passing along information to taxpayers concerned about their ability to file their taxes by the april 15 deadline. quick and easy solutions are available if tax returns or tax liabilities can’t be filed on time.
filing taxes on time, especially if you owe, is something we always encourage our clients to do.
ideal tax solution, llc is encouraging taxpayers to file a return on time even if they cannot pay an amount owed. the irs has options in place for people who want to file extensions or simply need more time to file. these options refer to an extension of time to file, but not an extension of time to pay. taxpayers having trouble paying what they owe may qualify for payment plans and other relief.
taxpayers should file, even if they can’t pay the full amount due. by filing before the april 15 deadline, taxpayers can avoid stiff penalties if they file either a regular income tax return or a request for a tax-filing extension. many people are under the false impression that if they owe money, the same penalties and interest will accrue whether or not they file on time or late.
six-month extensions are available to taxpayers who cannot have their tax returns completed by the april 15 deadline. filing form 4868 gives a taxpayer until october 15 to file. however, to receive this extension, taxpayers must estimate their tax liability on this form and pay any taxes due.
taxpayers who have completed their income tax returns should file even if they can’t pay the full amount due. in most cases, those struggling with tax liabilities can qualify for one of several relief programs.
for more information on irs penalty relief programs, contact ideal tax solution or visit http://www.irs.gov.


text:
On July 2, 2018, the Ministry Of Manpower announced that as of July 9, 2018, there will be a new integrated Online System with the Directorate General of Immigration in accordance with Presidential Regulation no. 20 of 2018. In order to prepare for the new Online System, any applications made through the current system (Old System) have immediately been stopped. Applications through the Old System could only be submitted until July 3, 2018.
All clients with assignees moving into Indonesia with anticipated filings over the next few weeks.
All applications through the current system are no longer being accepted.
From July 4, 2018 until and including July 6, 2018 we can no longer submit any applications as both the old and new system are offline.
As of Monday July 9, 2018 the new system will go live.
Due to this being a new system and because there will be a backlog in processing of applications, delays are to be expected.

lowercased:
on july 2, 2018, the ministry of manpower announced that as of july 9, 2018, there will be a new integrated online system with the directorate general of immigration in accordance with presidential regulation no. 20 of 2018. in order to prepare for the new online system, any applications made through the current system (old system) have immediately been stopped. applications through the old system could only be submitted until july 3, 2018.
all clients with assignees moving into indonesia with anticipated filings over the next few weeks.
all applications through the current system are no longer being accepted.
from july 4, 2018 until and including july 6, 2018 we can no longer submit any applications as both the old and new system are offline.
as of monday july 9, 2018 the new system will go live.
due to this being a new system and because there will be a backlog in processing of applications, delays are to be expected.


text: An exploration of the fundamental drivers behind long term shifts in the demand for, and supply of, land for agriculture, forestry and environmental uses over the next four decades. Topics include trends in food and bioenergy demand, crop productivity on existing and potential croplands, water and climate constraints, non-extractive uses such as carbon sequestration, and the role of global trade and public policies. Students will lead discussions of weekly readings and perform simple numerical experiments to explore the role of individual drivers of long run global land use.

lowercased: an exploration of the fundamental drivers behind long term shifts in the demand for, and supply of, land for agriculture, forestry and environmental uses over the next four decades. topics include trends in food and bioenergy demand, crop productivity on existing and potential croplands, water and climate constraints, non-extractive uses such as carbon sequestration, and the role of global trade and public policies. students will lead discussions of weekly readings and perform simple numerical experiments to explore the role of individual drivers of long run global land use.


text:
where we exploit the more recent resilient version Python’s unicode function: with the ‘replace’ option the official Unicode replacement character, U+FFFD, is used to replace input characters which cannot be decoded and no exception is thrown.
But even if all works well with generating the trac‘s RSS feed, subscribing it can be tricky if trac authentication is set up in the standard way: this involves a redirect to fictitious trac/login page, which installs a certain cookie. RSS readers and aggregators are not able to get this cookie and basically hit a 403 (forbidden) error.
The advised procedure described here i.e. using the HttpAuthPlugin, may work for you, but it did not work here.
adapt the code above to your installation by replacing the server, username and password appropriately.
This entry was posted in Howtos, Rants and tagged RSS trac. Bookmark the permalink.

lowercased:
where we exploit the more recent resilient version python’s unicode function: with the ‘replace’ option the official unicode replacement character, u+fffd, is used to replace input characters which cannot be decoded and no exception is thrown.
but even if all works well with generating the trac‘s rss feed, subscribing it can be tricky if trac authentication is set up in the standard way: this involves a redirect to fictitious trac/login page, which installs a certain cookie. rss readers and aggregators are not able to get this cookie and basically hit a 403 (forbidden) error.
the advised procedure described here i.e. using the httpauthplugin, may work for you, but it did not work here.
adapt the code above to your installation by replacing the server, username and password appropriately.
this entry was posted in howtos, rants and tagged rss trac. bookmark the permalink.


text:
Gloria Williams Sander is hoping that her home in Glendale’s North Cumberland Heights neighborhood soon will become a historical district.
With her neighbor Susan Dasso and others, Williams Sander canvassed the neighborhood a few years ago to learn if anyone had any interest in making the neighborhood a historical district.
“The feedback was really positive,” she said.
The area’s homes were built between the 1920s and early 1950s in the styles of Mediterranean Revival, Monterey Revival, Spanish Colonial Revival, Ranch Style and Minimal Traditional.
For her, the neighborhood’s openness and uniformity of scale represents “the best of a certain moment in history.” The neighborhood’s beauty lured Williams Sander and her husband there in 1998 from Silver Lake.
Williams Sander is familiar with beauty. She’s a curator at Pasadena’s Norton Simon Museum, where she has worked since 1987 shortly after earning her master’s in art history at USC.
“The best thing about Gloria is she knows so much about art, yet she is so happy to share it in a way that does not make you feel you don’t know anything, even though, really, I know nothing about it,” she said. “She makes art enjoyable and she’s so open to accepting all different kinds of art,” said Betty Astor, a friend.
While Williams Sander does not consider herself an artist, her husband is a painter. And for her family of three, including their son Ian, Glendale is a blessing.
And though she’s put considerable effort into lobbying for North Cumberland Heights to become a historical district, it’s been worth it, she said.
According to Jay Platt of the Historic Preservation Commission, for North Cumberland Heights to become a historical district, the city needs to see support from more than 50% of the area’s property owners.
Royal Boulevard, Cottage Grove and Ard Eevin Highlands encompass Glendale’s three historical districts. They achieved that designation in 2008 or later.

lowercased:
gloria williams sander is hoping that her home in glendale’s north cumberland heights neighborhood soon will become a historical district.
with her neighbor susan dasso and others, williams sander canvassed the neighborhood a few years ago to learn if anyone had any interest in making the neighborhood a historical district.
“the feedback was really positive,” she said.
the area’s homes were built between the 1920s and early 1950s in the styles of mediterranean revival, monterey revival, spanish colonial revival, ranch style and minimal traditional.
for her, the neighborhood’s openness and uniformity of scale represents “the best of a certain moment in history.” the neighborhood’s beauty lured williams sander and her husband there in 1998 from silver lake.
williams sander is familiar with beauty. she’s a curator at pasadena’s norton simon museum, where she has worked since 1987 shortly after earning her master’s in art history at usc.
“the best thing about gloria is she knows so much about art, yet she is so happy to share it in a way that does not make you feel you don’t know anything, even though, really, i know nothing about it,” she said. “she makes art enjoyable and she’s so open to accepting all different kinds of art,” said betty astor, a friend.
while williams sander does not consider herself an artist, her husband is a painter. and for her family of three, including their son ian, glendale is a blessing.
and though she’s put considerable effort into lobbying for north cumberland heights to become a historical district, it’s been worth it, she said.
according to jay platt of the historic preservation commission, for north cumberland heights to become a historical district, the city needs to see support from more than 50% of the area’s property owners.
royal boulevard, cottage grove and ard eevin highlands encompass glendale’s three historical districts. they achieved that designation in 2008 or later.


text: This particular icon looks like an oval shape. It has two lines inside towards the top that looks like a hair line. It also has two dots on opposite sides of the oval shape that look like eyes.

lowercased: this particular icon looks like an oval shape. it has two lines inside towards the top that looks like a hair line. it also has two dots on opposite sides of the oval shape that look like eyes.


text:
The allure of travel is more than going to places and looking at stuff.
Another friend of the way stops by in Prague.
The other side of freedom.
Where should we buy your flight from? I don’t know, I’m homeless.
A question about what is perhaps the worst thing about travel the world.

lowercased:
the allure of travel is more than going to places and looking at stuff.
another friend of the way stops by in prague.
the other side of freedom.
where should we buy your flight from? i don’t know, i’m homeless.
a question about what is perhaps the worst thing about travel the world.


text:
Know about design thinking as a way to address problems but don’t quite know where to start? Gearing up for an innovation project, but not sure how it the process actually works? Just want to connect with your users and re-anchor to why you do what you?
Our Mindsetting training is designed to help you look at what you do from a holistic and user-centered perspective so that you can make informed decisions on where to go next. We’ll take you through our design thinking process at a high level by working through a brief project that’s tailored to what you do and providing tools and support to get you on your way.
At the end, you’ll be better able to consider your users in your business decisions, act on possibility and be ready to take on more robust challenges in the future.
We work with the team to understand you, your needs and how we can tailor the experience to be most helpful. Prior to the official start, we’ll have a brief kickoff with everyone who will participate to get us all in the right mindset.
Next, it’s Research Day, which is big and fun. We start first thing with a mindset overview and introductory exercise. Then we get out and engage with your users before coming back to synthesize, analyze, share what we’ve learned and define ways to apply it in your day-to-day work.
Over the next several weeks we will work with you to activate the mindset in your own context. Your team will continue to learn, synthesize what you’ve learned, and define ways to address your challenges, while we help course correct and provide additional tools as necessary.
Depending on the scope and scale of the challenges to be solved and the capabilities of the team, we may be working towards a more distinct design phase. If so, the experience will proceed more like it does in our Mentoring model. Otherwise, we’ll continue to check in as the team designs ways to keep a user-centered perspective in their daily work.
How do we keep doing it?

lowercased:
know about design thinking as a way to address problems but don’t quite know where to start? gearing up for an innovation project, but not sure how it the process actually works? just want to connect with your users and re-anchor to why you do what you?
our mindsetting training is designed to help you look at what you do from a holistic and user-centered perspective so that you can make informed decisions on where to go next. we’ll take you through our design thinking process at a high level by working through a brief project that’s tailored to what you do and providing tools and support to get you on your way.
at the end, you’ll be better able to consider your users in your business decisions, act on possibility and be ready to take on more robust challenges in the future.
we work with the team to understand you, your needs and how we can tailor the experience to be most helpful. prior to the official start, we’ll have a brief kickoff with everyone who will participate to get us all in the right mindset.
next, it’s research day, which is big and fun. we start first thing with a mindset overview and introductory exercise. then we get out and engage with your users before coming back to synthesize, analyze, share what we’ve learned and define ways to apply it in your day-to-day work.
over the next several weeks we will work with you to activate the mindset in your own context. your team will continue to learn, synthesize what you’ve learned, and define ways to address your challenges, while we help course correct and provide additional tools as necessary.
depending on the scope and scale of the challenges to be solved and the capabilities of the team, we may be working towards a more distinct design phase. if so, the experience will proceed more like it does in our mentoring model. otherwise, we’ll continue to check in as the team designs ways to keep a user-centered perspective in their daily work.
how do we keep doing it?


text:
Literary agent at Belcastro Agency. Lover of books, animals, gardening, the beach, working out and eating tacos.
#mswl Ya thriller with Happy Face podcast as inspiration.

lowercased:
literary agent at belcastro agency. lover of books, animals, gardening, the beach, working out and eating tacos.
#mswl ya thriller with happy face podcast as inspiration.


text:
The best music (video) ever?
If you've ever seen Breaking Bad, The Wire, listened to Drake, P.Diddy or know any of the other 10+ celebs featured in this spot by Ciroc, you're going to be blown away.
Luck be a Lady featuring Sean 'Diddy' Combs, Eva Pigford, Michael K. Williams, Aaron Paul, Dania Ramirez, and Jesse Williams. Directed by Anthony Mandler in Las Vegas for CÎROC Ultra Premium. Perfectly Smooth. Celebrate Life Responsibly.
I have this constant need of fidgeting while I am trying to focus on something, even if it's listening. I know, i know - terrible. In any case I drew this while discussing 2012 business plans. Hopefully it reflects that I feel there is a lot to come.
If you don't know what Wordpress is, your clearly not a modern web developer. It's one of 3 or 4 major CMS (content management systems) used on a majority of today's websites. In fact, my website is built on the Wordpress content management system. While it started out as a simple blogging engine, it has become a major platform for web design/development. While the subject of very popular debate, I think Wordpress rocks for these 5 main reasons.
OK this one is simple: You don't really have to have any knowledge of advance HTML to make most edits. It's pretty intuitive. Therefore you don’t need to rely on a web developer. Less costs!!!
Compared to all the other open source CMS, WordPress has the most massive plugin directory of free/paid/subscription plugins that really extend the functionalities of WordPress. In fact I super loaded up this website with tons of plugins that make it innovative, creative, and modern. Also being able to change the look and feel of your website/blog without affecting any of your core code/content by simply substituting themes and customizing them really allows your web platform to evolve for lower incremental costs.
The availability of support is huge since there’s a massive online community because WordPress is open source. It by far has the biggest community of all the other Open Source CMS. With tons of forums, blogs, publications, you can find a variety of source of help, pretty darn quickly.
Quickly Install WordPress with several web hosting providers such as GoDaddy (although I really hate them), and most major web hosts. While the other open source CMS generally have this benefit as well, none get updated on the one-click function as often as WordPress does.
Recently, I spent alot of time looking for a sweet new iphone background to go with my new iPhone 4S. I couldn't find anything satisfactory, so I went ahead and made my own.
After an hour of photoshopping and finding the right canvas to design on, I came out with a pretty cool leathery looking background, that had little grid slots where Apps perfectly got placed during rearranging.
I also placed a cityscape on the bottom but it ends up getting lost behind the dock anyway. Here's how it looks when its actually on your phone.
Recently, I stumbled across this article on smashing magazine, one of my favorite blogs on design & development. Most specifically, i enjoyed the author's POV on what inclusive design really means: accessibility and empowerment for all user's no matter their skill level. It's also a great snapshot on Language, Aesthetics, and Adaptive Interfaces and their role in Inclusive Design. I copied my favorite excerpt from the article down below. Take a look. And you have a to check out Nest - The Learning Thermostat.
An excellent example of software that has done this well is in the video game genre, going back as far as 1985 with Nintendo’s Super Mario Bros. It was a game that truly anyone could pick up and play, with an invisible interface that taught you everything you needed to know to get started and become good at it. The screen would only scroll right, so you couldn’t walk left. You could jump, but standing on top of special bricks did nothing, so you would try to jump against them from below. Pipes visibly led down, so you’d try your luck with the down arrow on the direction pad. And at the end of the level, the bonus flag was raised high, encouraging competitive players to jump to the very peak for top points. All of the game’s mechanics were explained in one level, without a single instruction, tutorial or guiding word.
Many games since 1985 have not featured this principle to any significant degree. Super Mario Bros. truly was a game whose interface was equally empowering; meaning, the interface and product magnified the results of your efforts based on the (skill) level of your input. Put differently, beginners would see good results from their efforts, while advanced users would see far greater results from theirs. These principles aren’t limited to video game design either; they apply just as much to software applications and productivity tools, even websites! So, let’s start with some simple inclusive design concepts.

lowercased:
the best music (video) ever?
if you've ever seen breaking bad, the wire, listened to drake, p.diddy or know any of the other 10+ celebs featured in this spot by ciroc, you're going to be blown away.
luck be a lady featuring sean 'diddy' combs, eva pigford, michael k. williams, aaron paul, dania ramirez, and jesse williams. directed by anthony mandler in las vegas for cîroc ultra premium. perfectly smooth. celebrate life responsibly.
i have this constant need of fidgeting while i am trying to focus on something, even if it's listening. i know, i know - terrible. in any case i drew this while discussing 2012 business plans. hopefully it reflects that i feel there is a lot to come.
if you don't know what wordpress is, your clearly not a modern web developer. it's one of 3 or 4 major cms (content management systems) used on a majority of today's websites. in fact, my website is built on the wordpress content management system. while it started out as a simple blogging engine, it has become a major platform for web design/development. while the subject of very popular debate, i think wordpress rocks for these 5 main reasons.
ok this one is simple: you don't really have to have any knowledge of advance html to make most edits. it's pretty intuitive. therefore you don’t need to rely on a web developer. less costs!!!
compared to all the other open source cms, wordpress has the most massive plugin directory of free/paid/subscription plugins that really extend the functionalities of wordpress. in fact i super loaded up this website with tons of plugins that make it innovative, creative, and modern. also being able to change the look and feel of your website/blog without affecting any of your core code/content by simply substituting themes and customizing them really allows your web platform to evolve for lower incremental costs.
the availability of support is huge since there’s a massive online community because wordpress is open source. it by far has the biggest community of all the other open source cms. with tons of forums, blogs, publications, you can find a variety of source of help, pretty darn quickly.
quickly install wordpress with several web hosting providers such as godaddy (although i really hate them), and most major web hosts. while the other open source cms generally have this benefit as well, none get updated on the one-click function as often as wordpress does.
recently, i spent alot of time looking for a sweet new iphone background to go with my new iphone 4s. i couldn't find anything satisfactory, so i went ahead and made my own.
after an hour of photoshopping and finding the right canvas to design on, i came out with a pretty cool leathery looking background, that had little grid slots where apps perfectly got placed during rearranging.
i also placed a cityscape on the bottom but it ends up getting lost behind the dock anyway. here's how it looks when its actually on your phone.
recently, i stumbled across this article on smashing magazine, one of my favorite blogs on design & development. most specifically, i enjoyed the author's pov on what inclusive design really means: accessibility and empowerment for all user's no matter their skill level. it's also a great snapshot on language, aesthetics, and adaptive interfaces and their role in inclusive design. i copied my favorite excerpt from the article down below. take a look. and you have a to check out nest - the learning thermostat.
an excellent example of software that has done this well is in the video game genre, going back as far as 1985 with nintendo’s super mario bros. it was a game that truly anyone could pick up and play, with an invisible interface that taught you everything you needed to know to get started and become good at it. the screen would only scroll right, so you couldn’t walk left. you could jump, but standing on top of special bricks did nothing, so you would try to jump against them from below. pipes visibly led down, so you’d try your luck with the down arrow on the direction pad. and at the end of the level, the bonus flag was raised high, encouraging competitive players to jump to the very peak for top points. all of the game’s mechanics were explained in one level, without a single instruction, tutorial or guiding word.
many games since 1985 have not featured this principle to any significant degree. super mario bros. truly was a game whose interface was equally empowering; meaning, the interface and product magnified the results of your efforts based on the (skill) level of your input. put differently, beginners would see good results from their efforts, while advanced users would see far greater results from theirs. these principles aren’t limited to video game design either; they apply just as much to software applications and productivity tools, even websites! so, let’s start with some simple inclusive design concepts.


text:
Fans of Ghanaian actress Yvonne Nelson are can now meet the father of her (Yvonne’s) daughter.
Jamie Roberts, boyfriend of Yvonne Nelson has shared a photo of himself and the actress.
The London-based Fashion Photographer posted a photo on Instagram with the caption: “Reality Check” and tagged Nelson.
The couple are parents to a daughter, who was born on October 29, 2017. Roberts, who currently lives in Ghana, travelled to the West Africa country to witness the birth of his daughter with the actress.

lowercased:
fans of ghanaian actress yvonne nelson are can now meet the father of her (yvonne’s) daughter.
jamie roberts, boyfriend of yvonne nelson has shared a photo of himself and the actress.
the london-based fashion photographer posted a photo on instagram with the caption: “reality check” and tagged nelson.
the couple are parents to a daughter, who was born on october 29, 2017. roberts, who currently lives in ghana, travelled to the west africa country to witness the birth of his daughter with the actress.


text: Frank has over 12 sold out booze editions. We are now selling autographed prints of his work. Each print includes information on that piece. Many of the sold out pieces have resold either in estates or by family members. Franks bronzes continue to hold higher values. We are excited about selling high quality prints of Frank’s sold out pieces. These prints are a way for folks to appreciate Frank’s sold out work and other pieces that they might not have the opportunity to purchase. What a great way to enjoy 3-dimisional art and decorate the walls of your home or office. Look for an up date on this site of which pieces are available in prints.

lowercased: frank has over 12 sold out booze editions. we are now selling autographed prints of his work. each print includes information on that piece. many of the sold out pieces have resold either in estates or by family members. franks bronzes continue to hold higher values. we are excited about selling high quality prints of frank’s sold out pieces. these prints are a way for folks to appreciate frank’s sold out work and other pieces that they might not have the opportunity to purchase. what a great way to enjoy 3-dimisional art and decorate the walls of your home or office. look for an up date on this site of which pieces are available in prints.


text:
Metso Paper will supply UPM with a rebuild of their paper machine no. 4 at Jämsänkoski mill in Finland. The total value of the order is around EUR 20 million. The rebuilt machine is scheduled to start up during the second quarter of 2007.
The delivery contains a new coating station with a coating colour supply system and air dryers, as well as a new on-line calender. Some of the existing dry-end machinery will be re-used in the modernization, which also includes wet end runnability improvements. Together with the machine rebuild, Metso Automation will supply machine controls, process controls and quality measurements, controls and profilers. The existing system will be upgraded to the latest metsoDNA technology.
The 5.4-m-wide machine, which dates to 1974, currently produces coated mechanical (MFC) paper grades. Metso Paper will convert the machine to produce high-quality coated papers for labels.
UPM Jämsänkoski mill is located in Jämsänkoski, Finland. The mill operates four paper machines, which produce a total of 870,000 tons of SC, MFC and label papers per year. The production of MFC grades will end and change to label papers during the second quarter of 2007.
UPM is one of the world's leading producers of printing papers. The Group's sales in 2005 were EUR 9.3 billion, and it has over 31,000 employees. The company has production plants in 15 countries and its main market areas are Europe and North America.

lowercased:
metso paper will supply upm with a rebuild of their paper machine no. 4 at jämsänkoski mill in finland. the total value of the order is around eur 20 million. the rebuilt machine is scheduled to start up during the second quarter of 2007.
the delivery contains a new coating station with a coating colour supply system and air dryers, as well as a new on-line calender. some of the existing dry-end machinery will be re-used in the modernization, which also includes wet end runnability improvements. together with the machine rebuild, metso automation will supply machine controls, process controls and quality measurements, controls and profilers. the existing system will be upgraded to the latest metsodna technology.
the 5.4-m-wide machine, which dates to 1974, currently produces coated mechanical (mfc) paper grades. metso paper will convert the machine to produce high-quality coated papers for labels.
upm jämsänkoski mill is located in jämsänkoski, finland. the mill operates four paper machines, which produce a total of 870,000 tons of sc, mfc and label papers per year. the production of mfc grades will end and change to label papers during the second quarter of 2007.
upm is one of the world's leading producers of printing papers. the group's sales in 2005 were eur 9.3 billion, and it has over 31,000 employees. the company has production plants in 15 countries and its main market areas are europe and north america.


text:
William connects a simple vent van to a solar panel.
Monosun also sells solar water heaters.
Yet at the same time, the dawning of a “solar power revolution” is upon us, as more and more individuals and companies around the planet come to realise that renewable energy is a “no brainer”, whether in respect to the environment or investment.
Here The Phuket News speaks with William Mono, owner of the island’s leading solar company Mono Sun Technology, about solar power in Phuket, and Thailand.
What are some of the trends with solar power in Phuket and the general region?
More and more residents and businesses are installing grid-connect systems, which feed the solar power back into the grid, and can theoretically roll back your meter. Whereas in the past we mostly installed stand-alone systems on remote islands, for instance, out in the sticks where there wasn’t grid power, and the client needed to depend on battery systems. But now, I’d say just in the past two years, 90% of our work has been grid-connect systems, in your ordinary residential neighbourhoods and at private homes.
Is there still a demand for stand-alone systems?
There is still some demand for stand-alone systems, especially for clients off the grid, but such systems can be a little more cost-prohibitive because of the element of battery systems whereas grid-connect systems don’t require a battery as you draw your electricity directly from the grid, which is essentially your battery. But even on many of the islands off Phuket, they’re running off large diesel generators already, so they’re more seeking hybrid systems to reduce their fuel consumption.
With grid-connect systems, there’s a safety element that will shut off the power generation if the power goes out. This is necessary so workers don’t get electrocuted when working on the grid. There are hybrid systems for clients who require back-up when the power goes out, but technically these aren’t 100 per cent “legal” and have yet to be certified by the PEA.
What’s the return on investment (ROI) like for a solar system these days?
As costs for solar panels and equipment have drastically fallen, so has the ROI period. Whereas in the past, it could have been 10 to 20 years before you broke even, depending on the system, now you’re looking at only 5-6 years, without subsidies, or only 3-4 years with subsidies. The systems will last 30 years plus, and we can offer warrantee guarantees of 25 years. So it’s really a no brainer when you crunch the numbers. One example was for a large-scale system quote we did for a factory in Phuket. About 10 years ago, the client was looking to go solar, and the system they would have needed would have cost US$5 million, or upwards of B200 million at the time. Now, for the same sized system, with newer equipment would only be about B18 million. It depends on the size of the system too. Generally, the larger the system, the cheaper rate per kilowatt and thus shorter ROI period.
So Monosun can advise residents, businesses and organisations who want to invest in solar?
Indeed, in addition to our regular residential and commercial clientele throughout Phuket and the rest of the kingdom, we’re currently consulting with a local organisation about the prospect of constructing a large solar plant that would help curb Phuket’s rising demand for energy, which mostly comes from coal and oil power plants off the island. Solar is definitely a viable and smart solution for Phuket’s power issues, which will continue to grow as the demand rises as much as 10 per cent annually.
Are there any buy-back programmes in Phuket right now?
Currently there aren’t any new programmes for the residential sector. In the past, there’ve been at least two types of incentives offered to the general public. More than a decade ago, they started with a buy-back programme for Very Small Power Producers (VSPP), which enabled those with a contract to sell excess power – that which they didn’t use – back to the grid. In practice, most [VSPP contractees] didn’t produce excess power, as you’d need a fairly large power system to have excess. The latest incentive applied a “feed-in tariff” (FIT) model, which stipulated that you sell all the power you generate back to the PEA – all of it, so you wouldn’t use any of it. Under this programme, the government agreed to buy electricity at a subsidized rate of nearly B7 per kilowatt-hour, whereas the normal rate is only about B4.75. But they reached their quota already and stopped issuing contracts a few months back.
Are there any government incentive programmes for private individuals or investors now?
The government recently launched a programme inviting private investors to invest in solar systems that would be installed on government land. Under this scheme, the investor would get a certain return from the sale of electricity, and the government unit which operates that land would also get a cut for their own coffers. If anyone is interested in the details, we’re happy to consult and can serve as the go between. Just give us a call or email us.
While renewable energy sources are what the future holds, none are financially practical now.
An ROI of 3-5 years on solar is only a dream.  At this time, solar-geo-wind provide no 100% payback of the start up and operational costs.
Some day, sure.  Today, not a chance.

lowercased:
william connects a simple vent van to a solar panel.
monosun also sells solar water heaters.
yet at the same time, the dawning of a “solar power revolution” is upon us, as more and more individuals and companies around the planet come to realise that renewable energy is a “no brainer”, whether in respect to the environment or investment.
here the phuket news speaks with william mono, owner of the island’s leading solar company mono sun technology, about solar power in phuket, and thailand.
what are some of the trends with solar power in phuket and the general region?
more and more residents and businesses are installing grid-connect systems, which feed the solar power back into the grid, and can theoretically roll back your meter. whereas in the past we mostly installed stand-alone systems on remote islands, for instance, out in the sticks where there wasn’t grid power, and the client needed to depend on battery systems. but now, i’d say just in the past two years, 90% of our work has been grid-connect systems, in your ordinary residential neighbourhoods and at private homes.
is there still a demand for stand-alone systems?
there is still some demand for stand-alone systems, especially for clients off the grid, but such systems can be a little more cost-prohibitive because of the element of battery systems whereas grid-connect systems don’t require a battery as you draw your electricity directly from the grid, which is essentially your battery. but even on many of the islands off phuket, they’re running off large diesel generators already, so they’re more seeking hybrid systems to reduce their fuel consumption.
with grid-connect systems, there’s a safety element that will shut off the power generation if the power goes out. this is necessary so workers don’t get electrocuted when working on the grid. there are hybrid systems for clients who require back-up when the power goes out, but technically these aren’t 100 per cent “legal” and have yet to be certified by the pea.
what’s the return on investment (roi) like for a solar system these days?
as costs for solar panels and equipment have drastically fallen, so has the roi period. whereas in the past, it could have been 10 to 20 years before you broke even, depending on the system, now you’re looking at only 5-6 years, without subsidies, or only 3-4 years with subsidies. the systems will last 30 years plus, and we can offer warrantee guarantees of 25 years. so it’s really a no brainer when you crunch the numbers. one example was for a large-scale system quote we did for a factory in phuket. about 10 years ago, the client was looking to go solar, and the system they would have needed would have cost us$5 million, or upwards of b200 million at the time. now, for the same sized system, with newer equipment would only be about b18 million. it depends on the size of the system too. generally, the larger the system, the cheaper rate per kilowatt and thus shorter roi period.
so monosun can advise residents, businesses and organisations who want to invest in solar?
indeed, in addition to our regular residential and commercial clientele throughout phuket and the rest of the kingdom, we’re currently consulting with a local organisation about the prospect of constructing a large solar plant that would help curb phuket’s rising demand for energy, which mostly comes from coal and oil power plants off the island. solar is definitely a viable and smart solution for phuket’s power issues, which will continue to grow as the demand rises as much as 10 per cent annually.
are there any buy-back programmes in phuket right now?
currently there aren’t any new programmes for the residential sector. in the past, there’ve been at least two types of incentives offered to the general public. more than a decade ago, they started with a buy-back programme for very small power producers (vspp), which enabled those with a contract to sell excess power – that which they didn’t use – back to the grid. in practice, most [vspp contractees] didn’t produce excess power, as you’d need a fairly large power system to have excess. the latest incentive applied a “feed-in tariff” (fit) model, which stipulated that you sell all the power you generate back to the pea – all of it, so you wouldn’t use any of it. under this programme, the government agreed to buy electricity at a subsidized rate of nearly b7 per kilowatt-hour, whereas the normal rate is only about b4.75. but they reached their quota already and stopped issuing contracts a few months back.
are there any government incentive programmes for private individuals or investors now?
the government recently launched a programme inviting private investors to invest in solar systems that would be installed on government land. under this scheme, the investor would get a certain return from the sale of electricity, and the government unit which operates that land would also get a cut for their own coffers. if anyone is interested in the details, we’re happy to consult and can serve as the go between. just give us a call or email us.
while renewable energy sources are what the future holds, none are financially practical now.
an roi of 3-5 years on solar is only a dream.  at this time, solar-geo-wind provide no 100% payback of the start up and operational costs.
some day, sure.  today, not a chance.