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Thread Title: I SUPPORT IT!
Created On Monday July 14, 2003 8:47 AM
pete.boggess@sfgov.org
Monday July 14, 2003 8:47 AM
I have been a workers' compensation claims examiner for 18 years. The Farmers judgment has certainly had a negative affect on my job. Whereas I could work whatever time was necessary to get my work done, that no longer happens since the companies will not authorize overtime. I had no problem with working more than 8 hours when necessary since I am a SALARIED employee, not an HOURLY, employee. The judgment had has certainly had a negative affect on the workers' compensation field but one positive is that it's forced the companies to look at individual case loads and adjust them so that there is more a possibility to get the work done in 8 hours.
I fully support the proposed Regulations.
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Proposed Department of Labor regulations that were approved by the House of Representatives July 10 would exempt claims examiners from overtime pay and should aid insurers with further overtime clarification, according to the Alliance of American Insurers.
"The Alliance is encouraged by the House's action," said Kirk Hansen, director of claims for the Alliance, which sent comments to the Labor Department in support of the regulations. "Though the proposed regulations could still be stalled in the Senate, the House vote makes that possibility less likely."
The Department of Labor proposal is intended to clarify and simplify how employers determine who is exempt from overtime pay requirements under the Fair Labor Standards Act.
"The issue of whether insurance adjusters are due overtime pay has been the source of class action litigation, filed mostly in California," Hansen said. "By specifically mentioning claims adjusters, as an occupation that performs 'work of substantial importance,' and therefore exempt from overtime pay, the new regulations should help clear up any ambiguity in this area."
Farmers Insurance Exchange in July 2001was dealt a $90 million judgment in a class-action lawsuit on behalf of claims examiners on the claim that the carrier for years cheated them out of overtime pay.
The proposed regulations specifically mention claims adjusters and state that: Insurance claims adjusters also generally perform work of substantial importance, whether they work for an insurance company or other type of company, if their duties include activities such as interviewing insureds, witnesses and physicians; inspecting property damage; reviewing factual information to prepare damage estimates; evaluating and making recommendations regarding coverage of claim; determining liability and total value of a claim; negotiating settlements; and making recommendations regarding litigation.
The Republican-controlled House, by a vote of 213-210, blocked a Democratic initiative to prevent the proposed regulations. Fourteen Republicans, primarily from the Northeast, crossed party lines and voted with the Democrats on the vote.
Source: Alliance of American Insurers
jetilley@verizon.net
While I worked at Crawford & Company we were greatly UNDPERPAID and expected to work much more than the 40 hours our meager salary paid us for. I an sorry to see adjusters specifically singled out in this piece of legislation.
Monday July 14, 2003 10:24 AM
People who are underpaid do not have a valid reason to complain. They accepted the job at a specific rate of pay for x caseload. If circumstances change then they should either find another job or get out of the business if they continually think they are underpaid.
I also agree with the propsed Regulations. As a Claims Examiner I have worked on both sides of the situation; as an underpaid, overworked examiner and as a fairly paid, reasonably worked employee (yes, companies do exist which pay you fairly and recognize the need to maintain reasonable caseloads). While the Farmers decision certainly helped open the insurance industries eyes to the need for reasonable caseloads, it has had a negative impact as well, in that when I truly NEED to stay late or come in on a weekend, I can't because I am not a salaried employee, and you CANNOT get overtime approved.
There are many times it's a simple matter of choice for me - I want to come in on a Saturday when there are no phones ringing and catch up on the diaries (creates a lot less stress when the diaries are current)- and there are times it is really a necessity. How do you walk out of the office when an employee has just been seriously injured, and you need to contact the hospital, er and ee's family for approvals and authorizations? To subject examiners to hourly employee rules & regs is just impossible. I've taken to working from home on those little extras that need to be done for the client, so I don't have to deal with the issue. Frankly, I think it creates MORE stress for an examiner knowing you have to get everything done in 8 hours, period, no exception. In our business, a one day delay could mean a large penalty! In a perfect world, we would all receive our F&A's & C&R's the day after they were issued, and noone would ever worry about being able to pay on time, but it's not a perfect world.
sharie
Thursday June 02, 2005 8:49 AM
Does anybody have any possitive info. as an adjuster? I am a claims asst. and I am going to start adjusting files real soon. It scares me to see so many unhappy adjusters. I need to hear possitive things to keep my head up. (smile) I am going to ask alot of questions in the near future, and I would really appreciate your expertise.
sfex
Thursday June 02, 2005 6:00 PM
As with any job, there is the good and the bad. Today was one of those days...
An unhappy injured worker complained to my supervisor about me. Sometimes no matter what you do, you won't be able to please everyone. So I wouldn't try. Just do your job.
But I also settled via C&R a case that's been ongoing since 2001. That was sweet.
So you have the good and the not-so-good, it's comes with the job.
tjfujii@scif.com
I love claims. I stumbled into it long ago on my way to developing job skills for a job in a different dept, and liked claims so much I stuck around. Claims is where you can make a difference, you can be the person who sees the whole picture and acts with compassionate professionalism, treating IWs as you yourself would wish to be treated. Of course, there are great stresses and ridiculously short timeframes within which to perform some tasks, but really most jobs have a downside so you just deal with that as best you can. Having a good sense of humor and working in an environment where people work as a team and are supportive of each other is very important too - you can deal with external stressors much better when you aren't being upset unnecessarily by internal stressors. A spirit of friendly cooperation among co-workers and supervisors makes a huge difference. Heck, even if the supervisors are unfriendly (which I have never experienced thank goodness) it is good for your co-worker peers and assistants to huddle together for warmth, as it were.
And I have had experiences where I was empathetic and every time made the liberal compassionate more than necessary decision for an IW, and then after three years of that I would eventually have to say 'no' to something way over the top and they would turn on me in a heartbeat. That's disheartening and frankly very annoying. But a supervisor told me once that I should never allow the bad attitude or behavior of one IW influence in any way how I respond to the next one. Each person should have a clean slate going in, and no prejudgement on our part. Another supervisor also liked to say that we are administering a benefit delivery system, not a benefit denial system. We have to watch out for fraud when it occurs, and follow the laws on behalf of our policyholders, but that doesn't mean we try to limit benefits that are actually due or that we treat IWs unfairly. I've had some wonderful mentors over the years, and I try to pass that on to new adjusters as well.
Anyway, those are just some of my thoughts on adjusting. And if you do get into it and find that you really don't have what it takes to continue in it without wanting to do yourself some bodily injury, you can always take the skills and information learned in that job to move to the next one. No job you do, no matter how seemingly insignificant or aggravating, is wasted. It's all life experience stored up for the next step in your journey.
Wow, that's way too philosophical so at this point I'm just gonna stop. Good luck in your new position!
Oh, and I have to share this one with you because you said you were having a bad day because someone complained about you. Boy can I relate. A number of years ago we got a brand spanking new claims manager who didn't know me at all, and it was her very first day on the job in our office. A lien claimant called me up and became angry because I wouldn't settle a lien for almost full value (his position was nonsense, really it was). So the lien claimant called up and decided to make trouble for me with my manager, but he didn't want to give his name 'in fear of retaliation' he said. The switchboard refused to put the call through to the manager annonymously, so the caller told the nineteen year old operator that he was G Gordon Liddy. She, being young and not well educated, accepted that name without question and put him through. Imagine my shock when I was called into my new manager's office, my first meeting with her, and was told that G Gordon Liddy had called to complain about me!
Friday June 03, 2005 8:09 PM
LOL! I can understand the 19 yr old switchboard operator not knowing... but what was the claim manager's excuse?
I had one experience where the injured worker was so used to getting everything she asked for from the prior adjuster that when I came on to handle her claim, she was not prepared for someone who would dare say no to her.
Her request? She wanted her PD check sent to her by Federal Express - Next Day Delivery even though the check was not late and was scheduled to go out the next day. Her reasoning: she was behind on her bills and had to have the check the next day, so why not Fed-Ex it to her? When I said we weren't obligated to do that since her check wasn't late, she responded "well the prior adjuster did it." When I still refused, she went not to my supervisor, but to our Corporate office back East to complain to the top person in our claims operations.
I get a call from Corporate office, explained my side, and was told to go ahead with sending the check by Fed-Ex as the company did not want this EE complaining to the Dept of Insurance. I was new to the company and didn't know that's how they did things.
The injured worker calls me a week or two later, we talk for the first time (without yelling) for about an hour, I asked all the pertinent questions that I needed to handle her claim and moved on. A few hours later, I get a call from Corporate office saying the EE had called them again, this time to say that I was the first adjuster on her claim that asked her the relevant questions about her claim and that she was now satisfied with me as her adjuster.
We got along well after that because I set the tone for her to know what to expect - she hasn't asked for Fed-Ex'ed checks since.
Well, my manager knew he was using an alias, she just wasn't sure what to expect from me yet, so the whole thing was presented very seriously for about five minutes and then it was just a funny moment to remember. Fortunately, she was a very good manager.
hrmsox
Tuesday December 20, 2005 8:35 PM
Ms. Fuji:
You are anything but a good adjuster. You work for the largest monopoly where it's almost impossible to get fired. Even if you don't perform. You don't even adjust files, just pass judgement. If you adjusted in the real world, I wonder if you could really hang. I don't think so. What keeps you there? It can't be the money because we know it pays poorly. Maybe it's all the free time you have trying to tell adjusters who are more qualified than you what to do. You have no clue.
andyourlittledogtoo
Wow. Did that make you feel all tingly and important to attack someone for no real reason? Get a grip.
"For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to begin, real life. But there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my life." Alfred D'Souza
gaiassoul1@yahoo.com
Wednesday December 21, 2005 9:22 AM
I don't support it.
Prior to Farmers' way too many carriers paid no attention to caseloads, support staff and the like. IF you cannot get it done in a straight eight, your caseload and support staff need to be addressed.
Famers' was FORCED to adjust caseloads, support staff and the like to avoid paying overtime. Have you lost your mind in not getting full value for your talent?
stewshe@comcast.net
Wednesday December 21, 2005 12:33 PM
hrmsox,
I hate to have to admit it, but in the 24 years I've been on the applicant's side of the fence (prior to that I was a senior claims supervisor for "The Hartford"), I must say that SCIF adjusters, for the most part, I think honestly try to pay what they owe, no more, but no less either.
There are good and bad adjusters at all companies...with more than one! A company's reputation in claims is the sum of a person's experience with that company. I have worked on thousands of claims involving SCIF adjusters...possibly over 10,000. By and large they do a good job, IMHO, as does Zenith.
I realize there are some on this listserv who have had personal, nightmare experiences, with SCIF and with other carriers, so have I, for that matter. I've even had some bad problems with SCIF adjusters, but for the most part they do a better job than many of the other adjusters.
By the way, I mean "good" in the context of not necessarily agreeing with me all the time...sometimes I am "full of it!" I mean basically knowing what they are doing and doing a good, honest job. That is what an adjuster is supposed to do.
Hardly a week goes by I do not hear of an adjuster who (sometimes through an attorney who doesn't necessarily know any better either) says,
"We don't pay for mileage to a drug store...we don't owe it." [Hutchinson vs WCAB 17 CWCR 93, 54 CCC 124]
"We don't owe for meals. If someone travels from Fresno to Sacramento for an 11:30 a.m. appointment, we only owe 34 cents/mile, not lunch!" [L.C. 4600(e)]
"We don't have to send the applicant's attorney a copy of our UR denials." [12/13/04 T8CCR 9792.9(b)(3), since amended, but this section remains the same]
Stew (James T. Stewart) e-mail: stewshe@comcast.net
Author: Work Comp Index & Tables & Schedules in "The Labor Code Book," by LexisNexis/Matthew Bender.
7th ed. Work Comp Index (912 pgs), $119.00 ea; next ed. summer, 2010 {Discounts for orders of 12 or more}
Send check or money order & shipping info. (I cannot take credit cards.)
Prices INCLUDE sales tax, and shipping.
James T. Stewart; 1937 Santa Ana; Clovis, CA 93611
Wednesday December 21, 2005 3:46 PM
I disagree, Stew.
I have been involved in interpreter billing for many years, and my experience has been that SCIF adjusters are absolutely the worst, by far.
Their most common tactic is just to ignore your bills, but they also send you what I consider to be ridiculous objections with no basis in law or fact whatsoever. Of course, of all the numerous requests for medical reports and documents, they have yet to comply with even a single one.
wcadjuster@gmail.com
Does anybody have any possitive info. as an adjuster? I am a claims asst. and I am going to start adjusting files real soon. It scares me to see so many unhappy adjusters.
Sharie, you will learn very quickly that we are in a thankless industry. You will find a lot of unhappy adjusters, and you will find a lot of happy adjusters. It's what you make of it. Some adjusters definitely need to get out of the business, some shouldn't even be left out of the house.
You will have unhappy claimants, when you deny them a request. You will have unhappy clients, when you tell them what they dont want to hear. You will have unhappy, medical providers, attorneys, the list goes on. That is who generally calls to complain to your supervisor, your manager, anyone who is over you.
Rarely will you get one of those persons listed above who contacts those same people to compliment that you are doing a good job.
It's rare to work at places that have an actual trainee program. I know of a few, and know few adjusters that actually went through a training program.
My training went something like this.........."thats your desk, it has late diaries, that pile of mail is mail that needs immediate attention, and that pile is mail that needs response to within the next few days, dont forget to return the voice mail messages, oh and you might want to stay late to actually get to learn your 230 files"
Sink or swim, honestly I felt it was the best way to learn. I asked a lot of questions, and when I received an answer I questioned why. The mistakes I made I learned not to try and make them again.
Fast forward many years, I enjoy my job, make a very good living, and continue to further my knowledge. Also, just because you started with company "a" doesn't mean you have to work for them forever. You will learn that in this industry, sometimes you have to jump around to get the big "bumps" in pay.
Good luck Sharie, and remember to walk away from it, because it will be there tomorrow.


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World Famous 21-Year-Old Maldivian Model Raudha Athif Commits Suicide
Eric Italia | Mar 31, 2017 9:46 am | Sep 30, 2020 5:23 pm
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSGs3DPAgdV/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR8-TJWgm7T/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BR8lnyQgwPC/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRdW82ugdp2/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BRCAdHCAKL5/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BQxwaq9gy5_/
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https://www.instagram.com/p/BPAd-JTj6We/
https://www.instagram.com/p/BN7BI2vDzxP/
Raudha Athif, a 21-year-old model and medical student who had appeared on the cover of Vogue India, has reportedly committed suicide at a dormitory hostel in Bangladesh.
Athif, 21, a second-year student at Islami Bank Medical College in Rajshahi city was found dead in her dorm room on Wednesday, March 29.
Her body was recovered by police at around midday after her classmates found her dead.
via The Daily Star:
Police recovered the body of Raudha Athif, 21, a second-year student of Islami Bank Medical College in Nawdapara area, around 12noon, an hour after some of her classmates living in the same building discovered it.
Her classmates saw the body hanging from the ceiling fan with a scarf tied to the neck, said Zillur Rahman, officer-in-charge (OC) of Shah Makhdum Police Station.
One of them cut the scarf with a knife and took the body down, believing she was alive, he added.
Mahmuda Begum, the superintendent of the female hostel, said the model 'always looked happy,' and added, 'it is hard to believe she would commit suicide'.
Athif's first major breakthrough was a picture taken by photographer Sotti called 'Maldivian Girl With Aqua Blue Eyes,' which went so viral it was praised by the former president of the Maldives over social media.
https://www.instagram.com/p/68xxypMfdy/
via Dhaka Tribune:
Raudha's mother Aminath Muharmimath arrived at Rajshahi on Thursday afternoon with Maldives Ambassador Aishath Shaan Shakir by plane. Her father Mohammad Athif will also join them on Thursday night. Aminath and Aishath spoke to the college authorities to discuss the matter.
Rajshahi Metropolitan Police spokesperson Iftekhar Alam said the police suspect the cause of death to be suicide, brought on by depression.
He said: "Her friends could not tell us much about her personal life. There is very little we know."
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLQOnV6j6S7/
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'Walking Dead' Paid Tribute to 'RoboCop' in the Best Way Possible
Walking Dead Paid Tribute to RoboCop in the Best Way Possible
TVweb Contributor
— November 7, 2017
AMC's The Walking Dead continues its Season 8 run, with next week's episode Some Guy representing the one-quarter mark of the season. Executive producer/director/makeup effects supervisor Greg Nicotero clued fans in on an amazing Easter Egg many missed this past Sunday. The makeup effects wizard sent out a photo on Instagram that featured one of the walkers from the October 29 episode, Monsters, which was an homage to a character named Emil from the 1987 action classic RoboCop. Here's what Greg Nicotero had to say about this Emil tribute walker.
"Robocop "Emil" tribute walker from last weeks episode honoring the amazing work of Rob Bottin."
Rob Bottin served as the special makeup effects supervisor on RoboCop, whose work was most prominently on display during a scene with a character named Emil M. Antonowsky, played by Paul McCrane. The scene in question, which you can see below, shows Emil driving a large truck towards RoboCop (Peter Weller), trying to run him down. But after RoboCop fires a few shots into the windshield, Emil instead crashes into a conveniently-placed tank of lethal toxic waste, which transforms Emil from a nefarious villain to a hideous creature, whose flesh is melting off before his very eyes, not too dissimilar from the Walking Dead zombies fans see every week. The scene ends on a rather humorous note, with Emil running into Leon C. Nash (Ray Wise), asking him for help, with Nash responding, "Don't touch me, man!" Emil's life comes to an end shortly thereafter, when he essentially explodes after being run over by Clarence J. Boddicker (Kurtwood Smith).
As you can see in the photo below, this new zombie's flesh is basically melting off as well, just like Emil's, with his black shirt torn open to see the flesh from his torso melting off. This isn't the first time that Greg Nicotero has paid tribute to a classic film. Back in February, during the Season 7 mid-season premiere, Nicotero brought back the iconic Day of the Dead zombie known as Dr. Tongue, as a tribute to the first feature film he ever worked on, when he was serving as an assistant to legendary makeup effects guru Tom Savini.
While the "walkers" will always be part of The Walking Dead, this season is following the All Out War volumes from the comics, where Rick (Andrew Grimes) leads his army comprised of the Alexandrians, Hilltop Colony, lead by Maggie (Lauren Cohan) and The Kingdom, lead by the enigmatic King Ezekiel (Khary Payton). In the comics, this All Out War story was the first to be told in a two-part volume, and it is expected that the entirety of Season 8 will follow the All Out War story. Still, it remains to be seen how closely it will stick to the original comics.
RELATED: Walking Dead Spin-Off Gets Titled The Walking Dead: World Beyond, New Trailer Arrives
The show also made headlines last week when AMC CEO Josh Sapan hinted on a corporate conference call that The Walking Dead could last for decades, while referencing other franchises that have been around for 50 years. Whether or not the show will get that far remains uncertain, but even with a sizable ratings dip, the show keeps pulling in huge numbers, with over 15 million viewers tuning in for the Season 8 premiere last month. While we wait for more on this hit series, take a look at the photo below from Greg Nicotero's Instagram, featuring his RoboCop tribute zombie from last week's episode of The Walking Dead.
Topics: The Walking Dead
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Click below to find out how Coach Donley's career stands out and how he continues to make Fort Wayne proud.
Fort Wayne, IN (April 28, 2017)—Mad Anthonys is celebrating a big anniversary by announcing longtime local leaders in the world of sports and politics as the recipients of its highest annual honor.
State Senator David Long, as well as the Fort Wayne Komets' six-man ownership team – brothers Steven, Michael, Richard, David and William Franke; as well as Scott Sproat – will be honored as Mad Anthonys 2017 Red Coat recipients. Mad Anthonys will officially recognize the group at its annual Red Coat dinner, sponsored by Frontier Communications, on June 23. It will celebrate its 60th anniversary on June 24 with the charity golf event sponsored by Lutheran Health Network.
Long has served in the Indiana State Senate since first being elected to represent district 16 in 1996, and has served as President Pro Tem since 2007. He's also served as general counsel for Pizza Hut of Fort Wayne, Inc. since 1997, and been an active volunteer with several area organizations, including the Boys & Girls Club of Fort Wayne.
The Franke brothers became owners of the Komets at one of the franchise's most challenging periods and – along with Sprout, who joined the ownership group in 2001 – have helped turn it into one of the most popular and successful minor league franchises in sports. When the previous owners moved the franchise to Albany, NY, in the summer of 1990, the Franke brothers purchased an International Hockey League team based in Flint, MI, and relocated it to Fort Wayne under the Komets name and identity.
Since then, the franchise has won six league championships, five regular season titles and earned nine trips to the league finals. The Komets have also been named league Member Club of the Year five times and consistently rank as one of the leaders in minor league pro hockey attendance, averaging more than 7,000 fans per home game over the past 14 seasons.
Mad Anthonys will honor Long, Komets owners at the annual Red Coat Dinner on June 23; this year's Mad Anthonys Charity Classic, presented by Lutheran Health Network, will take place June 24. They join an internationally renowned list of previous Red Coat recipients from the worlds of sports, entertainment and politics, including Neil Armstrong, John Wooden, Bob Knight, Gene Keady, Peyton Manning and Vice President Mike Pence. A full list of Red Coat recipients is available here. All funds raised by Mad Anthonys Children's Foundation will support the Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House.
Mad Anthonys has named distinguished businessman and community leader Keith Busse its Red Coat recipient for 2016.
Busse is a legend in the steel industry, rising through the ranks at Nucor Corp. before co-founding Fort Wayne-based Steel Dynamics, now the nation's fourth largest steel company. Busse's entrepreneurial success extends far beyond Steel Dynamics, as he is a founder or early investor in a number of successful local businesses, including Tower Bank (acquired in 2013 by Old National), Hickory Creek Homes, Bridgewater Golf Course, Bill Miller Golf Carts and Freedom Firearms.
Indeed, Busse's philanthropic and community-support efforts are as well known and widespread as his business successes. He's been involved with a number of local and national charities and nonprofit organizations, including Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana and the National Kidney Foundation, as well as serving on the board of trustees of both the University of St. Francis and Trine University. In addition, he's been a vital supporter of economic-development efforts for the region, serving as a member of the Northeast Indiana Regional Economic Development Partnership and a co-founder of the Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Mad Anthonys will honor Busse at the annual Red Coat Dinner on June 10; this year's Mad Anthonys Charity Classic, presented by Lutheran Health Network, will take place June 11. All funds raised from both events will benefit the Mad Anthonys Children's Foundation and the Children's Hope House.
Fort Wayne, Indiana– Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House is pleased to announce that it will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its expanded gift shop operations on Tuesday, January 12, 2015 at 8:30 a.m. at Dupont Hospital, 2520 E. Dupont Road. Your cameras and reporters are welcome.
"Since May 2013, we have successfully partnered with Lutheran Hospital in the management of their gift shop operations as a means for financial support. In October we finalized our agreement with Dupont Hospital to manage their gift shop operations as well. All proceeds from both shops support our Home and the families we care for. We feel the gift shop serves as an extension of the respite we provide our families and allows us greater opportunity to drive the financial needs of our Home. Dupont Hospital is unique as it also has a full service Café which serves Firefly Coffee Products," said Andrew Gritzmaker, Executive Director of the non-profit.
A number of local supporters of the house will be present at the ribbon cutting ceremony, including members of the construction company, Shawnee Construction; executives from Dupont Hospital and members of the Mad Anthonys Children's Charity.
"We're delighted to have so many supporters for our expansion, but our association with the Mad Anthonys Children's Charity, the continued support of Bruce Dye, and our ongoing partnership with Lutheran Health Network have allowed this opportunity, "commented Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House Board President and Orthopedic Hospital COO, Lorie Ailor.
Firefly Coffee House consulted on all café related items for the build, they are locally owned by Paul and Cyndi Demaree and are located on 3523 North Anthony Blvd. Lutheran and Dupont Hospitals both donate the cost of leasing space, utilities and maintenance for the shops and each shop is supported through hospital based volunteer programs.
Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House is a non-profit hospitality house that provides shelter, meals, laundry facilities and a peaceful refuge for families with children who are critically ill or injured. The house opened in 2003, has ten private bedrooms with private baths, a fully equipped kitchen, pantry, living room, TV lounge, computer room and meditation room. For more information visit www.childrenshopefw.org.
Fort Wayne, IN (October 8, 2015)—Leaders from the Mad Anthonys Children's Foundation presented officials from the Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House with a check for $200,000 raised through the Mad Anthonys Pro-Am at the Hotel Fitness Championship and the 2015 Red Coat Dinner, which took place September 7 and September 8, respectively.
Officials with Mad Anthonys presented the check at an event Thursday morning at the Children's Hope House on the campus of Lutheran Hospital. This year's donation of $200,000 to the Hope House brings the cumulative total donated by the Children's Foundation to almost $2 million in the eight years since the foundation began its partnership with Hope House.
Fort Wayne, IN (August 4, 2015)—Mad Anthonys has named Fort Wayne entrepreneur, community leader and philanthropist Chuck Surack its 2015 Red Coat recipient.
Surack is the founder, president and CEO of Fort Wayne-based Sweetwater Sound, the largest online retailer of music instruments and audio gear in the United States. Founded in 1979, Sweetwater now employs more than 900 people at its Fort Wayne headquarters. Surack also has founded or invested in several other successful business ventures in Fort Wayne and northeast Indiana, including Longe Optical, SweetCars (luxury auto sales) and Sweet Aviation (flight education and training).
Surack is a long-time and committed community leader and philanthropist, playing a prominent role in economic development for Fort Wayne/northeast Indiana while also providing financial and volunteer support to hundreds of nonprofit organizations and cultural institutions throughout the region. In partnership with his wife Lisa, his philanthropic efforts and community involvement have garnered official recognition and numerous awards from local, regional and state institutions.
Mad Anthonys will present Surack with the Red Coat at the annual Red Coat dinner on Tuesday, September 8, in Fort Wayne. The Mad Anthonys Pro-Am – which supports the Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House at Lutheran Hospital – will take place Monday, September 7 as part of the 2015 Hotel Fitness Championship, a Web.com tour event taking place September 9-13.
Fort Wayne, IN (October 10, 2014)—Leaders from the Mad Anthonys Children's Foundation presented officials from the Mad Anthonys Children's Hope House with a check for $150,000 – the amount the foundation raised through the 2014 Red Coat Dinner and the Mad Anthonys Pro-Am at the Hotel Fitness Championship, which took place August 26 and 27, respectively, at Sycamore Hills Golf Club.
The check presentation took place at an event Thursday evening at Sycamore Hills Golf Club, which hosted the Pro-Am. This year's donation of $150,000 to the Hope House brings the cumulative total donated by the Children's Foundation to more than $1.3 million in the seven years since the foundation began its partnership with Hope House.


Located on Tasmania's stunning East Coast, Freycinet National Park attracts thousands of visitors each year with it's secluded bays, white sandy beaches, dramatic granite peaks and abundant wildlife. Freycinet is also the home of the iconic Wineglass Bay.
The National Park occupies the majority of the Freycinet Peninsula, looking out to the Tasman Sea from the Eastern side, and back toward the Tasmanian Coastline on the West.
Freycinet and Wineglass Bay were at the very top of my list of places to visit in Tasmania. Everything about the national park is just beautiful – peaceful and private, with truly stunning mountain backdrops on the waters edge.
The main town in Freycinet National Park is Coles Bay, a very quiet peaceful little town that you could easily miss if you weren't looking for it. However, the only thing that matters in Freycinet is the natural beauty, and there is absolutely no shortage of it.
There are many different accommodation options in Freycinet, from budget camping to one of the most outstanding award winning hotels in the country.
Secluded, on the waterfront and within Freycinet National Park, this lodge is for everyone. With ultra luxurious chalets as well as family cabins, each cabin has a private balcony and makes you feel like you're right in the middle of the forest. The lodge is so peaceful, with the private beach nearby offering some of the most amazing sunrises.
Check out the best prices for your stay at Freycinet Lodge.
One of Australia's most stunning luxury accommodation is Saffire, perfectly positioned to look over the Hazards Mountains, Freycinet Peninsula and the crystal clear waters of Great Oyster Bay. Everything about Saffire is outstanding, from the innovative menu options full of local produce to the wellbeing spa to soothe a crazy mind. Saffire even has a pen where you can meet and feed their own Tasmanian Devils!
Find the best deals for your stay at Saffire Freycinet.
Offering both powered and un-powered campsites in the most amazing location, the camping ground in Freycinet National Park will make you forget that you're travelling rough. Some sites are only available over summer and Easter, with others open all year round.
Due to the extremely high demand for campsites, a ballot system operates from the 18th of December until the 10th of February and for Easter. The ballot is drawn at the beginning of August, so make sure you get in there!
The views of Wineglass Bay are legendary. Definitely one of the most photographed views in Tasmania. There are a few different hikes that you can take to experience this iconic view. The most popular hike is the basic walk that leads to the Wineglass Bay lookout. It takes about an hour and a half round trip and gets pretty steep in some sections so make sure you wear appropriate footwear and bring some water.
To continue on a half day trek, you can keep going from Wineglass Bay Lookout and walk right down to the beautiful, perfectly curved beach and then back to the park entrance via the Hazards Range for some stunning views of Great Oyster Bay and the coastline surrounding the village of Swansea. The Hazards look best at sunrise and sunset, when the pink granite glows bright.
For an even longer hike, and for those that are truly prepared, you can walk the whole length of Freycinet Peninsula on a minimum two day walk, which lets you check out more remote places like Cooks Beach and Bryans Beach. If you're going to tackle this beast make sure you're prepared with water and supplies.
For an alternative view you could also try a Wineglass Bay Cruise to search for the unique marine life that live in the area! You can read all about the cruises here to find out more info.
Coles Bay sits at the foot of the granite mountains known as the Hazards, right on the edge of Freycinet National Park and Wineglass Bay. Coles Bay itself is extremely small, with only a few shops around including the Coles Bay Convenience Store and a Post Office.
For upscale dining, The Edge Restaurant is the place to be, opening for drinks from 5:30pm and dinner from 6pm. If you're after more casual meal options, Iluka Tavern & Bistro across from the bay or Richardson's Bistro & The Bay found inside Freycinet Lodge.
The main draw card of Coles Bay is absolutely the views, peace and serenity. Take a moment to soak it all in!
Check out all of the experiences and adventures you can have around Coles Bay.
Freycinet National Park is about 2.5 hours from both Hobart and Launceston via the A3 Tasman Highway. Driving is definitely the easiest way to get there, as well as around Tasmania. Make sure you reserve cars in advance during the summer months and long weekends as they can often be completely booked out in advance.
A valid park permit is required to enter Freycinet National Park. The fee for a car is $24AUD, which includes entry for up to 8 people for 24 hours. If you're visiting the park on foot or by bike entry costs $12AUD per person. If you're staying for a longer period of time, you can choose a holiday pass for 8 weeks which costs $60AUD for a car or $30 per person.
Book your rental car in advance to get the best prices.


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Q: How to create an ONVIF compliant interface using PiCam without third party codes? I was looking through a lot of questions and answers about ONVIF compliant solutions for raspberry pi, but most of them provide incomplete solutions to my problem. I am looking for a way to make the Raspberry Pi Camera (Not an USB camera) into an ONVIF compliant camera which streams out in RTSP when needed.

A: Here is a similar question on how to implement ONVIF compliant interface that I've already tried to answer, but since in this case I guess you just want the video stream and using gSoap or anything would violate the third party software limitation, here is what I would do:
1) For an ONVIF client to be able to retrieve your stream URL, you need to implement a response to the GetStreamUri ONVIF request - through that you can return the actual RTSP link and if you have some sort of RTSP server running (I guess live555 is the most common choice these days) then the client will continue connecting to the RTSP server and will get the stream. I assume there are some out-of-the-box RTSP streaming solutions for Raspberry Pi so I won't talk about how to setup live555.
2) For the GetStreamUri to work, the client needs to know a profile token for this specific stream. This is why you need to implement the GetProfiles request. I assume since you are writing a solution for an exact use case, just predefine the xml response to this request and with a single profile and a hardcoded token. The GetProfiles request itself does not depend on any input parameters so you should be safe here. The ONVIF client may as well send some authorization headers, but you might for start just as well ignore them and implement authorization when the actual streaming is running. The ONVIF client may as well send a lot of other requests like capabilities etc., but you could ignore those for now. One important request is GetSystemDateAndTime - ONVIF clients query this since the timestamp is used in the authorization token.
What I would do is create a simple C/C++ web server with predefined xml answers for these 3 requests, take a general ONVIF client like ODM (Onvif Device Manager) and try to connect to the camera from it and see what happens, if any other requests are issued that block the flow or not. My guess is that it could actually work with these three in the following order: GetSystemDateAndTime -> GetProfiles -> GetStreamUri. I could be wrong and the client might query something else and not receiving an answer could make it stop from taking any further actions, but I am not sure about this.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


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St. Augustine, Fl – Car Crash With Injuries In Nb Lanes Of I-95
By Sheftall Law Jacksonville Accident News car accident on I-95 in St. Augustine, FL – Car Crash with Injuries in NB Lanes of I-95, St. Augustine, St. Augustine car accident with injuries on major highway
St. Augustine, FL (March 28, 2020) – Around 11:41 a.m. this morning, a car crash with severe injuries took place on a highway in St. Augustine.
According to officials, the collision took place in the northbound lanes of I-95 and involved at least two or more vehicles.
Various emergency responders, including paramedics, were present at the scene of the accident. They were seen giving assistance to those with injuries. However, the conditions of those involved are not yet known.
No further details have been released but the investigation continues.
Accidents happen every hour of the day in Florida, some of which are more severe than others. In just one recent year, in fact, it was reported that 212,000 people were injured in Florida car accidents due to negligent reasons. You may find that you are eligible for a wide array of aspects after you have been injured in a Florida car accident.
Our attorneys at Sheftall & Associates have compassionately fought to protect the rights of victims after an accident that is not their fault. We will help you obtain compensation for lost wages, medical bills, pain and suffering, and a variety of other aspects. If you have been injured and feel that another party is at fault, it is important that you have a legal advocate on your side. Please contact our attorneys in Florida at (904) 638-7712 for more information on your options moving forward.
Jacksonville, FL – Car Crash at J Turner Butler Blvd Near I-95
Jacksonville, FL (May 20, 2020) – Jacksonville authorities, fire crews, and paramedics responded to the scene of a car... read more
Burn Injuries Following a Florida Motorcycle Accident
Motorcycle accidents are some of the most serious collisions that occur on our roadways due to the fact that... read more
Fruit Cove, FL – Deputy Injured in Head-on Crash at SR-13 Intersection
Fruit Cove, FL (June 20, 2020) – Last night, June 19, two people were injured in a head-on crash... read more
Jacksonville, FL – Multi-Vehicle Collision on I-95
Jacksonville, FL (February 21, 2020) – Around 9:19 a.m. this morning, Jacksonville authorities responded to the scene of a multi-vehicle... read more
Elkton, Fl – Car Crash At Fl-206 And Fl-207
Elkton, FL (March 19, 2020) – Around 1 p.m. this afternoon, police responded to the scene of a car crash... read more
What You Should Ask a Car Accident Witness After an Accident
What you see at the site of your accident is a very important recollection. However, eyewitness testimony is also... read more
Jacksonville, FL – Major Car Accident on W Beltway 295
Jacksonville, FL (January 20, 2020) – On January 19th at around 10:00 p.m., a major car accident took place on West... read more
St. Augustine, FL – Car Accident at SR-207 and Wildwood Dr
St. Augustine, FL (February 3, 2020) – Around noon today, St. Augustine Police responded to the scene of a car... read more
Jacksonville, FL – Car Crash with Injuries on FL-9A
Jacksonville, FL (December 21, 2019) – Around 1 p.m. this afternoon, December 21, police responded to the scene of... read more
Jacksonville, FL – Serious Car Accident with Injuries on Baymeadows Way
Jacksonville, FL (January 2, 2019) – Around 6:46 a.m. this morning, a serious car accident with injuries took place on... read more


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In a surprise announcement, Disney CEO Bob Iger introduced the star of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchises, Johnny Depp. The crowd of Disney fans erupted in applause and cheers as Captain Jack Sparrow took the stage to be honored with the likes of George Lucas and Danny Elfman.
Depp was humbled by the experience, stating that he is grateful for his fans that allow him to act crazy and get paid for it. He's not too fond of the title "legend", but accepts it with humility.
lso honored at the ceremony, Star Wars creator George Lucas and composer Danny Elfman.
See a complete photo report of all the 2015 Disney Legends here.
or more coverage of the Disney D23Expo in Anaheim follow us on Twitter and Facebook!


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Cellphone Services–Recent Consumer Trends
(200 KB, 7 pages)
In 2006, the Office of Consumer Affairs published a Consumer Trends Update on cellphone services (Industry Canada 2006). The Update outlined the growing presence of cellphones in Canadian consumers' communication activities, and highlighted related policy considerations. Since then, there have been a number of major policy announcements affecting the wireless marketplace. Technological advances and business responses have also contributed to significant changes in the dynamics of the Canadian cellphone marketplace. This research brief highlights recent consumer trends with respect to cellphone services, and provides updated information on statistics and reports.
Percent of Households Reporting Having a Cellular Telephone, By Selected Income Quintile
Source : Data obtained from Statistics Canada, Income Statistics Division.
The number of wireless subscribers in Canada has continued to grow, reaching 20.3 million in 2007, compared to 13.3 million in 2003. However, year-over-year growth has been slowing, falling from 13.3% over 2004󈝱 to 8.2% over 2006󈝳 (CRTC 2008).
In terms of the percentage of households reporting having a cellular phone for personal use, wireless access reached 71% in 2007. This is up from 59% in 2004, with the greatest increases concentrated in the lower and middle income quintiles.1 Using a different measure of household wireless penetration rate, a 2008 survey revealed that 72% of households had some access to a wireless phone (CWTA 2008).2
Source : Data obtained from Statistics Canada, Income Statistics Division
For those Canadians who report spending on cellphone and other wireless services, the costs associated with use are significant. In fact, 2006 marked the first year that the average annual expenditure per reporting household was higher for wireless than for conventional telephone services. By 2007, the average expenditure per reporting household reached $773 for wireless services, $128 more than for conventional services ($645).3 This willingness to increase expenditures on wireless services coincides with reports that many consumers view cellular phones as an "essential" utility, i.e. spending which they are not likely to cut even during a recession (Robertson 2008).
Data obtained from Statistics Canada, Income Statistics Division. Note that expenditures on conventional telephone services include long-distance charges.
Despite continued growth, Canada's wireless penetration rates continue to lag behind most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) countries. Canadian prices are still relatively higher than those in other countries when comparing OECD baskets of mobile telephone charges, particularly for medium and high usage. Furthermore, the mix of subscribers in Canada remains uniquely dominated (close to 80%) by post-paid, longer-term service contracts.4
Changing Wireless Market Dynamics: A Review of Recent Announcements
Since March 2007, wireless service providers have been required to allow consumers to switch to a competitor without changing their telephone number. So far, the "implementation of national wireless number portability (…) has not had a significant impact on the churn rates of the top three wireless carriers" (CRTC 2008). A number of competing forces render it difficult to isolate and assess this particular policy's final impacts on churn rates. For one, Canadians who were cellphone users at the time when wireless number portability (WNP) was introduced appeared to be generally satisfied with their provider.5 Another consideration is the fact that raising consumer awareness of policy changes takes time.6 A lag may also naturally exist in WNP's effect given Canadians' previously noted tie-in to longer-term service contracts. The advent of new entrants expected as a result of the spectrum auction (see below) may amplify WNP's effect in future years. The same may be true for investments in next-generation wireless operations that are compatible across the three national carriers (Avery 2008).
In July 2008, Industry Canada completed the Auction of Licences for Advanced Wireless Services and Other Spectrum in the 2 GHz Range. Part of the spectrum included in the auction was set aside exclusively for new entrants to bid on: "The set-aside spectrum was put in place to help create a more competitive market and to increase the number of service providers, a decision designed to lead to lower prices" (Industry Canada 2008). Some analysts expect "new choices from regional cable operators, new players setting up in major cities and possibly one new national phone company" (Avery 2008b). Recent media reports have noted that new wireless carriers could be operating in specific areas by the second half of 2009 and early 2010.7 The anticipated entry of new players in Canada's wireless market has since been credited for changes in how major carriers price their services.8 It has also raised expectations of intensified competition in the segment of budget-conscious consumers (George-Cosh 2008b).
Keeping an eye on health and safety issues
Since 2006, Quebec and Nova Scotia have joined Newfoundland and Labrador in banning drivers from using handheld devices while on the road. Ontario has recently introduced legislation proposing to do the same (Ontario Ministry of Transportation 2008). Concerns about potential longer-term cancer risks have also been repeated over the past months (e.g., Mittelstaedt 2008). Health Canada, however, reiterates that there is currently no firm evidence of health risks that would lead it to consider the use of cellphones as unsafe (Wagler 2008).
The summer of 2008 saw text messaging gather significant media attention. Two of Canada's major carriers announced their plans to charge 15 cents per incoming text message to customers without a text message plan. While text messaging is increasingly popular among Canadian wireless users9, many are not affected by the price change given that they have subscribed to a plan. Changes in texting fees will likely require further attention and analysis, along with other consumer issues noted recently by industry observers: these include unilateral changes in long-term contracts, high early contract termination fees, and cell-based spam.10
In October 2008, the Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services issued its first annual report. The CCTS is an independent agency established pursuant to an April 2007 Order in Council. It provides a complaints mechanism to consumers of certain telecommunications services in Canada, including wireless services.11 Wireless services accounted for 31% of the 2,226 complaints accepted as being within CCTS' scope during its initial year of operation, giving it the number one ranking among the type of services for which complaints were accepted.12 The agency's involvement in consumer issues is likely to increase as its 2008󈝵 strategic priorities include creating consumer awareness of its services.
Another key event in 2008 was the Canadian launch of the iPhone, portrayed by some as the 2007 invention of the year ( Time 2007). This recognition is notably due to it "bringing the internet surfing experience of a desktop computer to the cellphone" (Nowak 2008b). The rate plans for the iPhone in Canada have been the subject of some criticism (Nowak 2008c). It remains, however, that similar "smartphones"13 are considered the fastest-growing segment in the cellphone market (Hartley 2008).14 The introduction of cellphones using open source operating systems may eventually further expand the non-voice data use of phones for web surfing and for downloading new phone-based applications (CBC News 2008b).15
The advanced functionalities and network access associated with smartphones increase consumers' opportunities to easily access the Internet and, hence, enhance the potential for online shopping.16 Growth is also expected in Canadians' use of the cellphone as a payment mechanism for real-world purchases, another element of mobile commerce.17 However, these devices may also intensify privacy and security concerns, as computer-based Internet threats may migrate to, and transit through, the cellular phone.18 The OECD has underscored that the use of mobile phones for transactions raises key issues such as problems of limited screen space for adequate disclosure and increased risks of commercial exploitation of minors (OECD 2008b). A more detailed analysis of these and other mobile commerce and payment issues will be provided in an upcoming 2009 Consumer Trends Update.
Avery, Simon. 2008. "Bell Teams Up With Rival Telus on 3G Rivals to Split $1-Billion Cost of New Wireless Technology, Confident in The Strength of Their Business Despite Uncertain Economy", The Globe and Mail (October 11, 2008).
Ibid. 2008b. "Wireless Licence Sale Helps Give Consumers a New Edge: Federal Auction Nets $4.25-Billion", The Globe and Mail (July 22, 2008).
Ibid. 2008c. "Bracing for New Rivals, Bell Launches Rollover Plan", The Globe and Mail (November 4, 2008).
Bergeron, Maxime. 2008. "Une nouvelle ère commence: Plus de fournisseurs, moins de frais, de nouveaux appareils", La Presse (September 14, 2008).
Bruno-Britz, Maria. 2008. "Big Moves by Visa, Citi MMV in Mobile Banking Space", Bank Systems & Technology (November 3, 2008).
CBC News. 2008. "RIM Hopes Touchscreen Keyboard Clicks With Consumers", CBC News (October 8, 2008).
Ibid. 2008b. "Android: Why Google's Cellphone Software Is Making Waves", CBC News (September 23, 2008).
CCTS, Commissioner for Complaints for Telecommunications Services. 2008. 2007� Annual Report (October 2008).
CRTC, Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission. 2008. Communications Monitoring Report — 2008 (July 2008).
CWTA, Canadian Wireless Telecommunications Association. 2008. 2008 Wireless Attitudes Study (September 12, 2008), available at http://www.cwta.ca/CWTASite/english/pdf/DecimaStudy_2008.pdf (PDF Version, 1.1 MB, 60 pages).
Ibid. 2008b. www.txt.ca Facts/Stats.
Future Shop. 2008. Futureshop.ca Enters Mobile Commerce Market with RIM (July 4, 2008).
Geist, Michael. 2008. "iPhone Shines Spotlight on Our Wireless Flaws", The Toronto Star (May 5, 2008), available here.
George-Cosh, David. 2008. "Globalive Secures Vendor Financing for National Wireless Operations; MTS Partnership Speculated", FP Posted, Financial Post (November 18, 2008).
Ibid. 2008b. "Who Makes Money in This Crowd?", Financial Post (November 2, 2008).
Hartley, Matt. 2008. "Smart Phone Fever: Next-Generation Models Are The New Battlefield For The Hearts and Wallets of Consumers", The Globe and Mail (June 5, 2008).
BNStory.
Ibid. 2008b. "Google Cell Move Aims to Give Legs to Android", The Globe and Mail (September 24, 2008).
Industry Canada. Office of Consumer Affairs. 2006. Consumer Trends Update — The Expansion of Cell Phone Services (Fall 2006).
Industry Canada. 2008. 15 Companies Bid Almost $4.3 Billion for Licences for New Wireless Services (July 21, 2008).
Kimura, Tara. 2008. "Early-Termination Fees: Taking The Bite Out of Consumers' Bark", CBC News (September 8, 2008).
Mittelstaedt, Martin. 2008. "Cancer and Cellphones: The Jury's Still Out", The Globe and Mail (October 24, 2008).
Nowak, Peter. 2008. "Quebecor Launching New Cellphone Network", CBC News (October 22, 2008).
Ibid. 2008b. "Rogers's iPhone a Warning to New Carriers, Analysts Say", CBC News (April 29, 2008).
Ibid. 2008c. "Rogers Draws Fire for iPhone Rates", CBC News (July 2, 2008).
OECD, Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development. 2007. OECD Communications Outlook 2007 (July 2007).
Ibid. 2008. Malicious Software (Malware): A Security Threat to the Internet Economy — Ministerial Background Report for the OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy (June 17-18, 2008).
Ibid. 2008b. OECD Policy Guidance for Addressing Emerging Consumer Protection and Empowerment Issues in Mobile Commerce — OECD Ministerial Meeting on the Future of the Internet Economy (June 17-18, 2008).
Ontario Ministry of Transportation. 2008. Keep Your Eyes On The Road And Hands On the Wheel (October 28, 2008).
PC Magazine. Definition of: Smartphone .
Robertson, Grant. 2008. "Internet, Cellphone: 'The New Essentials'", The Globe and Mail (23 October, 2008).
Time. 2007. "Invention of The Year: The iPhone", Time (November 12, 2007).
TNS Canadian Facts. 2007. Number Portability Public Release 2007 (March 20, 2007).
Wagler, Jenny. 2008. "Cellphones Safe For Children: Health Canada", Canada.com (July 21, 2008).
1 Data obtained from Statistics Canada, Income Statistics Division. Return to text
2 There are differences in the target population of the various surveys referenced in this report; sources should be consulted for more detailed explanations. For example, the 2008 CWTA-commissioned survey measured access as opposed to ownership, and included both personal and business use. Similarly, Statistics Canada's spending data discussed in the following paragraph groups expenditures on cellphone, pager and handheld text messaging services, a measure that differs from other studies on cellphone costs. Return to text
3 Data obtained from Statistics Canada, Income Statistics Division. Note that expenditures on conventional telephone services include long-distance charges. Return to text
4 For the latest OECD data, see OECD 2007. In a number of OECD countries, use of the pre-paid "pay-as-you-go" plans is significantly higher than for post-paid contracts. Return to text
5 In a March 2007 survey, 87% of 482 Canadian adults surveyed who own and pay for their own cellphones reported being very or fairly satisfied with their current provider (TNS Canadian Facts 2007). However, recent reader survey results, based upon 18,465 responses from ConsumerReports.org subscribers in Canada, suggest that Canadians' satisfaction with cellphone services is relatively low, with the main complaint being about the cost of the service (Consumer Reports Canada 2009). Return to text
6 When surveyed at the time that WNP was introduced, only about half (51%) of the 482 Canadian adults who own and pay for their own cellphones reported being aware of this new capability (TNS Canadian Facts 2007). Return to text
7 See George-Cosh 2008 for information on Globalive Communications Corp's plans for the second half of 2009, and Nowak 2008 with respect to Quebecor Inc's plans within the fall 2009/winter 2010 timeframe. Return to text
8 For example, Bell Mobility recently introduced a rollover plan allowing users to carry forward unused minutes for one month, "a level of flexibility previously unavailable in Canada" (Avery, 2008c). The introduction and significant advertising of Koodo, Telus Communications Company's discount brand, in March 2008 has also been interpreted as a "preventive attack" in anticipation of enhanced competition following the auction (Bergeron 2008). Return to text
9 Canadians sent more than 10.1 billion person-to-person text messages in 2007, which represents more than twice the 2006 level of 4.3 billion messages (CWTA 2008b). Return to text
10 See, for example, Geist 2008 and Kimura 2008. Return to text
11 The CCTS mandate also covers forborne i.e., deregulated local exchange services and VoIP services (including calling features), long distance services (including prepaid calling cards), Internet access services, white page directories, directory assistance, and operator services. Return to text
12 Other complaints were distributed as follows: 29% for local exchange and VoIP services, 23% for Internet access services, 16% for long distance services, and 1% for other services (CCTS 2008).Return to text
13 "Smartphone" is commonly used to designate a cellphone with information access. "It provides digital voice service as well as any combination of e-mail, text messaging, pager, Web access, voice recognition, still and/or video camera, MP3, TV or video player and organizer" (PC Magazine). Return to text
14 Competition in consumer-oriented smartphones is expected to increase, as new products such as the Blackberry Storm are launched (CBC News 2008). Return to text
15 The first smart phone to run on Google's Android mobile operating system was launched in the United States in September 2008; however "Google has no set timetable for bringing an Android-capable phone to Canada" (Hartley 2008b). Return to text
16 Some online retailers are actively targeting mobile consumers; for example, Future Shop offers an application for users to browse and buy Future Shop products directly on BlackBerry phones (Future Shop 2008). Return to text
17 For example, the Royal Bank of Canada and Rogers Wireless are expected to introduce a pilot in mid-2009 allowing consumers to wave and pay for goods at the point of sale using their mobile phone (Bruno-Britz 2008). Return to text
18 For example, in a report on malicious software (malware), the OECD notes that there is some debate on the current seriousness of the malware threats on mobile devices. It adds, however, that "there is also recognition that such threats, while emerging, are quite real". Future issues may include the risk that "undetected malware on a smartphone could get transferred to a corporate network and used to perform further malicious functions". (OECD 2008, p. 14) Return to text
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Pixel Express Alternatives for Android
Pixel Express takes place in the 2D world where the player will experience the Train Simulation gameplay, developed and published by Angry Kid for PC. The game offers quite simple gameplay, in which the player must control the trains to avoid an accident… read more
Games Like Pixel Express for Android
More About Pixel Express
Pixel Express takes place in the 2D world where the player will experience the Train Simulation gameplay, developed and published by Angry Kid for PC. The game offers quite simple gameplay, in which the player must control the trains to avoid an accident. During the game, the player switches the junctions to alter the movement of the train and the select cargo with the train having the similar type of color and then deliver it to its location to make points. To advance through the game, the player must avoid train crashes and have fun with many 2D levels. In the game, the player is responsible for producing the chains, and he starts by delivering raw resources and then end by delivering a final product to the consumers. The objective of the player is to make resources and then restore the railroad to make his life more comfortable. There are four different seasons, and each has a unique set of levels and mechanics such as Autumn, Spring, Summer, and Winter. It comes with simple features such as Dynamic Weather System, Unique Power-ups, Emergency Cargo, Earn Resources, and more.
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