4 Reasons Why You Need A Social Media Strategy.
If someone asked you what your social media strategy was, would you have an answer?
….or would you have a blank stare and mumble something about how you try to post once a day?
On the surface it seems like the people and businesses you follow are probably online all day sharing stuff as they find it.
They are working smarter by planning their content ahead of time and using a strategy that encompasses all the platforms they are on.
Why can't you just post a funny cat gif whenever the mood strikes?
Because you will always feel behind, that you are trying to play catch up, instead of having a solid plan in place.
If you are thinking that creating a whole social media strategy is a lot of work, you are right.
But it's a lot less work that frantically searching the web at 4 p.m. trying to find some decent content to share.
I know it seems kind of counterintuitive, but here's the thing, logging into all of your platforms every day and just posting something random is a lot of work.
Instead, you can plan out your posts for the whole month with a couple hours of dedicated planning. Then use a scheduler to load up posts and you can set it and forget it.
You may not even realize how much time you are spending on social media by not working out a strategy. A couple hours of monthly planning will allow you to make sure all your platforms are covered without having to get pulled away from more important things throughout your day just to post.
2. Allows you to post consistently.
Have you ever been done working for the day, or even gotten to the next day to realize you haven't posted anything on social media in a while? While sometimes ROI of social media activity can seem unimportant, maintaining a consistent involvement in the platform is more likely to get these platforms to show your stuff.
It also shows your current followers that you want to deliver value to them as well as shows potential new followers that you are active and ready to engage.
Having a strategy that tells you want you're going to post when, takes the guesswork (and forgetfulness) out the equation and allows you to have a pipeline full of content ready to be shared.
Schedulers, like Hootsuite, also make it possible for you to schedule posts ahead of time so you can be off on vacation and everyone will think you are still hard at work.
There are a number of different platforms that your business could have profiles on. If you are posting different kinds of things on all these platforms, you are going to have a confused brand message.
Likewise, if you have a new product or service you are launching, you want to make sure that it's being broadcast to all your channels, not just one. So say you are launching a new product, you can write an article that would be shared on Facebook, short videos of it being used in action on Twitter and Instagram Stories, as well of real life shots on Instagram. You can schedule these all out ahead of time. This allows you to make the most of your campaign by using all of the platforms in ways that complement each other.
Creating a social media strategy allows you to really think about the messaging that you want your business to portray. You are in control of what you are posting making sure it has high value for your followers and positions you as an expert.
This allows you to make sure you are sharing things of value. It also creates a measure for how you decide which content you will share. You will be able to tell if something misses the mark, which will only help your credibility.
If you ever get to the point where you are ready to hand off the management of your social media, having a strategy in place will allow the manger to see what you are doing and follow in your footsteps.
It will cut down on training time, as well as allow them to understand how you operate. They can then help you evaluate what is working and what might be worth changing in the future.
Having a great plan will help not only help you have a strong brand awareness, but it will allow you to work smarter not harder on your social media growth. By taking a few hours a month to plan out what kinds of content you are going to share, you can be sure to provide consistent value to your followers and create brand awareness with little stress and more time to work on the things that truly matter in your business.
I'd love to know in the comments how you plan your social media strategy!


Signed paperback (includes free ebook version – download details will be sent on checkout).
Stay away from Blackwater, Louisiana. Behind the smiles and the southern hospitality lies a dark secret.
Don't go in the woods. They're haunted.
Don't go in the lake. There's a dead witch beneath those waters.
Lori Sawyer was raised in these parts. The biracial descendant of a Voodoo Priestess, she's known as "witchy girl" to her friends, Abby and Roxy. But to Lori, Blackwater is a sacred place, a crossroads of old southern, African, and French spirituality to be celebrated, not feared. In fact, it's just the sort of environment to help free Abby from the memory of witnessing her boyfriend's murder.
And from the guilt of having killed him.
In 1985 three friends will embark on a weekend getaway that will change their lives forever.
Order a signed copy today and download the ebook immediately! (details will be sent on checkout).


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Madrid Gets a Cultural Makeover
by Amanda Coen | Posted July 23, 2013
Topics: business, Chueca, commentary, creative, Creativity, Cultural Destination, culture, Dali, designers, Economic Downturn, Economy, Europe, Global Recession, Legazpi, Madrid, Madrid Rio, Matadero Madrid, Mercado San Antón, Modernisation, Municipal Market, Museo Nacional del Prado, Museo Thyssen Bornemisza, National Dance Company, Parque del Retiro, Public Programs, Reaction, Reina Sofia, San Antón, Social Services, spain, Spaniards, Spanish, Spanish Ballet
Some of the beautiful architecture inside the Matadero Madrid building. Source: Tectonicablog.com.
Inside the old slaughterhouse, Matadero Madrid.
Source: Javier 1949 at Flickr.com.
Returning to Madrid after leaving three years ago, I was surprised to see the level of creativity that has sprouted around the city despite (or, perhaps, because of) the pressing economic situation in Spain. Small businesses and independent designers are finding new, collaborative ways to run their businesses, attract new customers and boost profits.
Related: Madrid sees a creative surge by independent designers and small businesses.
On a larger scale, Madrid has seen the rapid completion of several large-scale public infrastructure projects that seek to reinforce the city's position as one of Europe's top cultural destinations.
With public programs and social services being cut across Europe in a bid to curb government spending, it's hard to believe that Spain has recently completed several of these projects - many of which have been in the pipeline for several years.
Take, for instance, Mercado de San Antón, which re-opened in May 2011. Located in the trendy, gay friendly neighbourhood of Chueca, the revamped municipal market, divided over four floors, attracts a hip, young crowd - many of whom are foreigners.
Visitors can stroll through clean and colourful market stalls, indulge in an array of high-quality tapas, take in the views on the terrace and sip on wine. A grocery store is also located on the bottom level. However, the majority of visitors are not here to stockpile their refrigerator. Instead, a trip here is about being seen and enjoying yourself along the way - an attitude that resonates throughout the neighbourhood.
San Antón has existed in many forms over the years. Although it began as a bustling street market - originally intended to serve recent arrivals to the city - its heritage is a far stretch from the chic, enclosed atmosphere that characterises its latest incarnation.
Related: Sussing Out the SoHo of Madrid.
The market suffered its worst stretch from the 1970s to 1990s due to urban expansion and commercial decline in the neighbourhood. In 2002, the municipal government finally came to its rescue. The city formulated the "Plan de Modernización y Dinamización de Mercados Municipales," which identified several public markets in Madrid that needed a facelift in order to adapt to changing times. Now, 11 years and 14.75 million euros later, the neighbourhood has its market back.
Although many of the projects started before the current economic crisis first hit Spain, it's a miracle that such rapid progress has been made during the recent, more turbulent, few years, and that the projects have actually been brought to fruition.
Taking advantage of another municipal structure, Matadero Madrid lies in the Legazpi neighbourhood and is quickly making the zone more attractive to a younger generation. Built in what was once an abattoir, constructed in 1911 and operating until 1996, the 85,184 metre square space has been converted into an urban centre for contemporary cultural production.
The cultural centre is free of charge and offers a wide range of activities such as concerts, theatre and dance shows, restaurants, cafes, bookshops, a writing centre and open air spaces. The municipal website explains, "It is hoped that this unique and beautiful setting will become one of Madrid's cultural symbols, complete with new facilities and cultural activities for citizens and a new icon to help promote the Madrid brand abroad."
The ambitious Madrid Rio project, which also passes through Legazpi, brings new life to the neglected, industrial corridor on the outskirts of the city - once home to a 1970s motorway. The four-year project, which reportedly cost US$5 billion dollars, was opened to the public in December 2011.
The public now enjoys a completely transformed 10-kilometre stretch along the Manzanares River making the waterfront (one of Madrid's few) a desirable destination that has the strength and resources to compete with the popular Parque del Retiro, located east of the city centre. Skateboard parks, a zip line, bike rental stations, children's playgrounds, stylish wooden benches, elegantly designed bridges and plenty of greenery bring a vibrant, youthful feeling to the area that is transmitted by the young and old alike.
Related: Public Art - The Saviour of Cities?
Several other of Madrid's aging buildings have also been given a chance to adapt to contemporary needs. An old potato warehouse has been converted into an enormous greenhouse that serves as yet one more attraction and stopping point along the route. The National Dance Company and the Spanish Ballet also share headquarters at the river's edge. Housed in former stables adjacent to Matadero, both centres take advantage of the original layout of the warehouses. The spatial layout of the slaughterhouse, which was once meant to facilitate industrial processes, now serve to as a tool to connect interdisciplinary cultural exchanges.
Of course, beyond the latest additions to Madrid's cultural infrastructure, the classics such as the Museo Nacional del Prado, the Museo Nacional Centro de Arte Reina Sofía and the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza serve as striking reminders of Madrid's enduring cultural strength. The Reina Sofía currently features a temporary exhibit highlighting the life and work of Dalí that draws blockbuster crowds with tickets selling out every day, despite the entrance fee being roughly twice that of standard temporary exhibits.
Related: An Iron Fist on Public Art (Vancouver).
The Madrid Rio Project. Source: Archinect.com.
Although many of the projects started before the current economic crisis first hit Spain, it's a miracle that such rapid progress has been made during the recent, more turbulent, few years, and that the projects have actually been brought to fruition. Cultural redevelopment for an iconic tourist city has the potential to attract global attention, but it also requires a long-term, supportive infrastructure and an economically prosperous population to support its ongoing programming and maintenance.
Related: Street Seats - Urban Seating Reinvented.
While some locals and many tourists engage with these shiny, new cultural icons, I can't help but wonder when the returns from such huge investments will once again reach the people they are evidently meant to serve. Public service is an important aspect of any progressive society when it can realistically be supported. But to see such mega-structures evolving as the population continues to lose some of the many basic benefits that distinguished Europe from other parts of the world is troubling and, quite frankly, leaves little time or spirit to enjoy such indulgences. Although, as a historic empire loses its economic footing, some might say it's better to go out with a bang.
Also from Amanda
The New Orthodox
by Amanda Coen
Fashion Makes its Mark in Prisons Around the World
Fashioning of a Social Enterprise

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


New York Gov. George E. Pataki on March 26, 2003 signed a bill to establish a statewide ban on smoking in virtually all workplaces, including bars and restaurants (S. 3292). The bill, which is effective 120 days later, expands the state's Clean Indoor Air Act of 1989 to include most public places and places of employment, including most restaurants and bars.
The bill, which was introduced and approved in five days, was put on a fast track by legislative leaders. Similar bills passed the New York Assembly in each of the last two years, but died in the Senate.
The law creates a statewide ban similar to those already in effect in New York City and three of its surrounding counties. New York now joins Delaware and California as the states with the toughest smoking restrictions.


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Alejandro Mayorkas Discusses DHS Workforce Initiatives, Cyber Posture
by Sarah Sybert
Alejandro Mayorkas, president-elect Joe Biden's choice to lead the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), recently discussed how he plans to support the department's workforce. Mayorkas noted that he will work to provide DHS employees with essential tools to support success across the department, Federal News Network reported on Wednesday.
"If indeed I have the privilege of serving as the secretary of Homeland Security, I will make the wellbeing and morale of the brave and noble men and women of the department my highest priority," Mayorkas said at his nomination hearing before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.
In regard to DHS' cybersecurity, Mayorkas noted that he plans to improve the department's cyber posture. "[CISA] must strengthen the public-private partnership, not only for the benefit, of course, of the federal government, but for the benefit of the private sector itself," Mayorkas said. The Senate has previously confirmed Mayorkas on three separate occasions as a U.S. attorney, USCIS director and DHS deputy secretary.
"Once confirmed you will have a daunting job ahead of you, but you are a qualified and experienced leader," Sen. Gary Peters (D-Mich.). "There's no question we need strong and stable leadership in the Department of Homeland Security more than ever. Over the last four years the department has endured some chaos, mismanagement and instability."
During the Obama administration, Mayorkas served as director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with DHS between 2009 and 2013, then as deputy secretary with the department from 2013 to 2016.
In 2016, Mayorkas became a partner at Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr. In Nov. 2020, President-elect Joe Biden announced that he would nominate Mayorkas as secretary of Homeland Security in his Cabinet.
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The Centre for Monitoring and Research CeMI in cooperation with the University of Donja Gorica and the Center for International Studies of Croatian organized a study visit to Croatia with a background theme entitled "Three years experience Croatian youth in EU".
Montenegrin students and high school students from 13 to 22 June had the opportunity to consider the advantages of the European education system and the importance of respect for democratic values in the EU Member States.
Students attended lectures by eminent experts in this field who spoke about the values of European integration, the Croatian experience in this way, security policy as well as health, educational and cultural system in Europe. The educational part included the Croatian experience in drawing EU funds, media literacy and e-business to the EU standards, as well as the importance of organizational culture in the workplace to promote the values of the European Union.
Students had the opportunity to visit some of the important institutions such as the Special Hospital Naftalan and thus gain insight into the use of EU funds. Visit the museum in Zagreb and Ivanic-Grad was preceded by lectures on culture and history, which are shared experiences from Zagreb County, where the students stayed. In addition, they actively participated in the workshops and debates defending the views for and against membership in the EU and with arguments which are pointed out and refuted the benefits of membership. In this way, existing and acquired knowledge in practice and simulated discussed the challenges faced by Croatia, with which our country will face in the future.
Comparing the experience of Croatian adopted the conclusions concerning the strategy of readiness before the speed that Montenegro must apply during their integration process.
It is important to note that during the study visit the project partners held a meeting in which they stressed the importance of implementing the project and discussed the guidelines for further stimulus when it comes to the transfer of knowledge and experience.
Ceremonial presentation of the certificate is completed study visit to Croatia, which was implemented in the framework of Erasmus + "Be ready for EU values" and was a valuable experience for all participants.


My picture shows me at the Hockaday Museum of Art in Kalispell, Montana alongside of my digital "Homage to Busby Berkeley."
The Improfessionals -- Clara McBride & Co.
Karen Quest -- Cowgirl Tricks!
The rain slacked off, and the air is filling with smoke again. There are big clouds overhead, and they are welcome to pour out some more water at anytime.
Starring: Ida Rubinstein Belle Epoch Russian/Parisian beauty.
Ida's Places in Paris -- from my first jet-lagged day by the Seine.
Theater, Art, Flash Gordon, Funky Music and MORE!
UPDATED! Wilma Deering & Dale Arden to the rescue; Bodacious Princess Aura I; Hapless Aura II; The fiery Emperor Ming; The Orson Welles Rumor Debunked; and BOTH incarnations of Jean Rogers!
Read my latest Spitfires in Context essay.
Thanks to Jim Keefe (Visit his Website) -- the LAST Flash Gordon illustrator of the 20th Century, and Flash's first illustrator of the 21st, for his recommendations -- HERE!
Charity Alert: Keep that resolution to click on The Hunger Site every day.
In The Community: Big reception at the Hockaday Museum of Art tonight! Dr. van Kirke Nelson will talk about Ace Powell and his art at 4 PM. Our Executive Director scored a deal on some new museum pedestals and display features, so the place will be kind of redecorated this evening.
Media Watch: LIVE music -- Freekbass from Cincinnatti played at Flanagan's in Whitefish last night. I wore my black Bootsy tee, which got a double-take from road manager Paul. "I thought I was the ONLY guy in the world who had that shirt!"
Chris (bass), Josh (guitar), and Chip (drums) were all pleasant guys. The audience was dancing about ten minutes into the first set, and never really stopped. They liked it best when both front guys were vocalizing, and there was a complete song-vibe going on. The jams didn't get everybody all the time, unless they had segue'd from a song. The tall-ceilinged room with big glass walls did NOT help clarify vocals at all, but their new song Sin City got a fabulous response.
Chris' bass-playing was awe-inspiring indeed! He's a protege of bassmaster Bootsy Collins, and there were a few of Collins' older tunes spread around the setlists -- Psychoticbumpschool was a particularly well-received selection. Parliament/Funkadelic's Red Hot Mama was slammin' -- played at close to double-time. Chip is an excellent drummer and fleet soloist, so he was able to keep all the rhythms together. Josh had the necessary skills to play good melodies and still jam against the roar of the Mutron Bass. I didn't think that making up Chris to look like a Buckethead clone was worth stopping the show -- my personal opinion is to use this riff sparingly, and as comedy. Even Montana audiences know about Buckethead, and simple imitation would be very unwise if it offended people who would otherwise enjoy a laugh.
There was one unfortunate moment which wasn't the bands fault at all -- a bunch of drunken patrons fell over each other on the dance floor, then some dumbass struck somebody else -- he was rushed out of the place immediately. We picked a guy off the floor who was nearly unconscious. He tried to brace himself up by leaning on the tables, but those things just tipped over and made a bad situation worse. About HALF the audience left after that incident for reasons I'll probably never know.
The second set hit it's climax for a couple of dozen enthusiastic dancers -- including Amber the barrista from Columbia Falls. Freekbass' encore was welcome to everybody except the doorman and the cops waiting outside. I got my merchandise autographed above the loading dock in the back while the doorman watched the front nervously -- nobody was fined.
A digitized collage of Freekbass and Bootsy, in costume at the back watching Chris plunking his bass up front.


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Why am I afraid of flying?
Flying phobia? Why you shouldn't be scared of flying? This is why you're afraid of flying—and how to get over it
A previous bad experience
Some people can develop a phobia of flying due to going through a bad flying experience in the past.
You are claustrophobic
People who are claustrophobic (have a fear of closed places) might feel uneasy when they board a plane due its being tight and small.
You experience panic attacks
Some people who have a fear of flying get panic attacks when they get on a plane, which makes the experience even worse for them.
Hearing about bad events
People who hear about bad events in the media such as plane crashes and airplanes going missing generates fear in them and makes them not want to get on an airplane again.
Due to September 11
Some people began to fear flying after the September 11 terrorist attack that involved a plane crashing into a building.
You like being in control
Some people fear flying as they no longer have control over their lives when they are in the air.
Events unrelated to flying
In some cases, people develop a fear of flying when they board a plane right after going through a bad experience than is unrelated to flying such as losing a job or being assaulted. In this case, their fear of flying is induced by external factors.
Fear of heights
Some people develop a fear of flying as they originally have a fear of heights (acrophobia). (See Why Am I Afraid of Heights? Are you Acrophobic?)
Fear of motion sickness
Some people dislike experiencing motion sickness and having to vomit on the plane, which makes for an unpleasant situation.
Fear of hijacking
Some people are afraid of flying as they have a fear of the plane being hijacked and being subjected to danger.
Losing someone close in a plane crash
If a person previously lost a close person or family member in a plane crash, they may develop a fear of flying as a result.
Due to the depiction of plane crashes in movies
Hollywood has been producing movies about plane crashes for a long time, which can make a person develop a fear of flying. (See What a plane crash feels like?)
Fear of losing control
People who fear to lose control might develop the fear of flying. In such a case the person not be able to unconsciously accept the idea that someone else is driving the plane they are on.
Afraid of Flying
Fear Of Flying
Why Am I Afraid of Heights? Are you Acrophobic?
Why We're Afraid of Heights? Why am I afraid of heights? Why are people scared of heights?
How does it feel like to fly on a plane for the first time?
What to Expect Being on a Plane for the First Time? What does it feel like to fly a plane for the first time?
Why do people skydive?
The Truth Behind Why People Skydive | 10 Reasons Why People Skydive
Why do some people fear spiders?
Reasons people are scared of spiders | Why do some people fear spiders? Why are we so afraid of spiders?


Imagine this: clear blue skies, swaying palm trees and powdery white sand – one of the Philippines famed destinations which is Boracay Island. But how do you get there? There are a number of ways. Here's a quick look at our suggested routes and what we think are the easiest ways to Boracay.
One of the fastest ways to reach Boracay Island is to take a plane from Manila domestic airport and fly to the island of Panay in the Visayas. There are two options; you can either fly to the cities of Kalibo or Caticlan on Panay Island. The flight time to either city from Manila is one hour.
There are three airline carriers that fly directly to Kalibo International Airport. They are Philippine Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Philippines Air Asia. Depending on the season, the cost of a roundtrip flight can range from US$80 to US$200.
Once you have reached Kalibo International Airport, you can take a bus to Caticlan Port where can take a short boat trip to Boracay Island. Once you get off the Cagban Port, you can take a minivan transfer straight to your resort.
Unfortunately, there are a lot of transfers involved before you reached the island of Boracay. The good news is there is a transfer company who can take the hassle out of your holiday to paradise. Island Star Express has been in the industry since 1999 and they are one of the major transfer companies that service guests to Boracay. See their Services and Rates here.
An alternate route and an easier flight are via Caticlan. The planes are smaller though but the transfer time is much less. Once you reached Caticlan Airport, you need to take a short transfer to Caticlan Port, catch a boat to Boracay Island and take a van transfer straight to your resort.
There are three airlines that fly direct to Caticlan from Manila and those are Philippines Airlines, Cebu Pacific, and Skyjet. A roundtrip flight can range from US$100 to US$200 depending on the season.
Alternatively, if you are arriving or traveling from Cebu, Mactan International Airport has flights departing to Kalibo or Caticlan daily.
There are only two airlines that fly direct to Kalibo or Caticlan from Cebu and those are Philippine Airlines and Cebu Pacific. Flights are limited to 2 to 3 per day so we suggest you book ahead.
You can also travel to Boracay from Palawan by plane from Puerto Princesa to Iloilo City. Once you arrived in Iloilo City, you will need to take a bus to Kalibo and then on to Caticlan. The bus journey will take you about 4 hours to Kalibo and 6 hours to Caticlan.
If you would like to learn more or need assistance on Boracay Airport Transfers, please feel free to e-mail us at hello@islandstarexpress.com. We'll be happy to help you!


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Common Human Parasites
Symptoms of Roundworms in People
Worms That Resemble Hair in Humans
Signs of Intestinal Worms in Humans
How Do I Know If I Have Tapeworm?
Centers for Disease Control - What is Schistosomiasis
Blood Worms in Humans
Primary Host
Intermediate Host
Written by Mickey Dodson
According to the World Health Organization, schistosomes, or blood worms, kill as many as a million people annually. Because these flukes are endemic to tropical areas, people living in more temperate climates are unaware of the danger these parasites pose.
The schistosoma reproduces in the human body 2. Production of 200 to 2,000 eggs per day damages blood vessels
Blood vessels break and eggs are discharged into the intestine or urinary track. Infected feces or urine, not properly treated, ends up in water sources.
The egg produces the larval form of the parasite. It seeks freshwater snails as an intermediate host and divides into thousands, which are expelled into the water.
Humans swimming or working in infected water contact a schistosoma, which bores into an artery and travels to the intestine or bladder to reside.
Early symptoms include abdominal pain and diarrhea. If you suspect exposure and manifest these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Humans swimming or working in infected water contact a schistosoma, which bores into an artery and travels to the intestine or bladder to reside. Because these flukes are endemic to tropical areas, people living in more temperate climates are unaware of the danger these parasites pose. Because these flukes are endemic to tropical areas, people living in more temperate climates are unaware of the danger these parasites pose.
Amy J Behrman, MD - Schistosomiasis
Mickey Dodson calls the United States home, but spends most of her time in Nicaragua, where she writes a weekly syndicated column and teaches English and mathematics. She is the founder of Chavalos Nica, a non-profit organization devoted to providing educational opportunities to Nicaraguan children.


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Mark Thompson Interviewed
As Director-General, Mark Thompson led the BBC for 8 years, and is now CEO of the New York Times. In this in-depth interview, he reflects in detail on his career, and the BBC's challenges both past and present; reveals the demands on a Brit leading an iconic American newspaper, while keeping it relevant and profitable in the digital age; and makes the case that the language of modern politics – dominated with 'truthiness', 'authenticism' and the derision of expertise – is now at odds with the public good.
"It's superb. Heard it tonight. Best yet, amid stiff competition" – Amol Rajan
Content produced and sponsored by Media Masters
mdi-tag-outline BBC MessageSpace New York Times
mdi-account-multiple-outline Mark Thompson


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Home versus intensive care pressure support devices. Experimental and clinical comparison
Am J Respir Crit Care Med. 1996 May;153(5):1591-9. doi: 10.1164/ajrccm.153.5.8630607.
F Lofaso 1 , L Brochard, T Hang, H Lorino, A Harf, D Isabey
1 Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale INSERM U 296, Services de Physiologie-Explorations Fonctionnelles et de Réanimation Médicale, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Créteil, France.
DOI: 10.1164/ajrccm.153.5.8630607
A bench study using an artificial lung model and a clinical study in patients were performed to evaluate six commercially available home pressure support devices. Six devices were tested in the in vitro study, including five designed for home use and one designed for use in intensive care units. Minimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) varied across home devices, from 0.5 cm H2O to 4.3 cm H2O. Work imposed during exhalation varied up to six-fold across devices. A substantial rebreathing volume has present for the three home devices with a common inspiratory and expiratory line. This rebreathing volume decreased with increasing PEEP level, as expected, but remained substantial at the widely used PEEP level of 5 cm H2O. Use of a non-rebreathing valve increased both the work imposed by the circuit during the exhalation phase and the time required to attain the relaxation equilibrium. Except for two home devices and a bilevel positive airway pressure (BiPAP) device equipped with a non-rebreathing valve, differences in inspiratory trigger sensitivities were small between home and intensive care devices. During pressure support, the total work performed by the machines did not differ by more than 15% between devices, whereas differences of more than 300% were observed in flow acceleration. Only one home device gave a flow acceleration similar to or better than that obtained with the intensive care device. In a randomized, crossover clinical study, we compared a home device to a device specially designed for intensive care use in seven intubated patients during weaning from mechanical ventilation. The main differences between the two devices were trigger sensitivity and initial flow acceleration. For the same level of pressure support, there were no significant differences in arterial PCO2, tidal volume, respiratory rate, or minute ventilation between these two devices. However, the esophageal pressure-time product was 30% higher with the home device (165 +/- 93 versus 119 +/- 80 cm H2O/min, p < 0.05). In conclusion, differences exist between devices in terms of occurrence of rebreathing, speed of attainment of stable pressure support level, and expiratory resistance. These differences characterizing the delivery of pressure support may have clinical impact on the inspiratory effort of patients.
Airway Resistance
Carbon Dioxide / blood
Critical Care*
Home Care Services, Hospital-Based*
Intubation, Intratracheal
Lung / physiology
Positive-Pressure Respiration
Pulmonary Ventilation
Respiration, Artificial / instrumentation*
Work of Breathing


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Yes, That Is SOPHIE's "Lemonade" You're Hearing In This McDonald's Commercial
One guess as to what it's for.
By Marissa G. Muller
A year after its release, the folks at McDonald's have discovered SOPHIE's "Lemonade" and used it to soundtrack a commercial, as Pitchfork notes. (Maybe they discovered it through Amy Schumer's jocking "Milk Milk Lemonade" video?) You can probably guess which product it's being used to sell. This isn't the first time that one of the PC Music producer's songs have ended up in an ad. Earlier this year, a track SOPHIE produced for Liz called "When I Rule the World" was licensed for a Samsung ad—but, at the time, SOPHIE's rep denied involvement. We've reached out to SOPHIE's rep for comment, but for now watch the ad above.
Electronic, Marissa G. Muller, PC Music, sophie


Well I ripped the band-aid off and did the upgrade. It feels like 2.5.5 or something, not as big a deal as 2.3 to 2.5 was.
I keep almost all of my files in wp-content so upgrading was not difficult. I shut down my web server, renamed the old directory for the blog root, and used SVN to get a copy of 2.6 and moved the old contents to wp-content.
Once that was done, I started up the web server and ran the wp-admin/upgrade.php. It was quick and painless. Everyone should backup their 2.5.1 installation (files and database) and do the upgrade once 2.6 is tar'ed up and placed on the web site.
The plugins management screen now lets you activate and deactivate selected plugins instead of doing them one at a time.
The Widgets in the design tab now work and move as you'd expect them. In 2.5.1 they would jump around when I moved them. I hardly ever play with them so that never bothered me.
Selecting a theme brings up a preview before you activate it.
Publishing via XMLRPC can now be turned off without killing trackbacks and pingbacks.
Atom feeds can be now turned off.
Post versions are now a feature.
SSL admin works well! See Ryan's post here. I'm using it now and it's very seamless. It breaks Simple Tags suggested tags, but I'm sure that will be fixed eventually.
There are lots more changes of course; I'm just using it now. So far it's definitely worthwhile upgrade.
No problem, let me know when. It's very easy to setup and does not take a lot of time or effort.
The hardest part about WordPress is figuring out what design you want and what features to add.


text:
Podcast Review: Roll For It
Home/Gaming, Reviews/Podcast Review: Roll For It
The classic tabletop role-playing game (TTRPG) Dungeons and Dragons is experiencing something of a renaissance lately, seemingly exploding on social media and in pop culture. No longer relegated to the dark corners of basements, D&D is now a pretty common part of conversation in many places online. Along with this rise in popularity, there is an appetite for fun content from fans– and what better way to scratch the TTRPG itch than with a podcast? If you want a fun dose of D&D in your earbuds, check out Roll For It!
Roll For It is a podcast with four voices– a dungeon master (DM) running the game, and 3 player characters (PCs) who each week face off against a randomly chosen monster or other threat. Because they never know what's coming, there's an element of surprise to each episode, and the characters find all kinds of creative ways to deal with their encounters.
The conceit of the show is that the characters also level up each episode. This makes the show move quickly, but also means listeners get a sort of showcase of how far a specific type of character can go, and what features they might reach at higher levels (the season runs 10 episodes). It also means they can face truly epic monsters in the course of a season. It also allows for a lot of improv between the PCs, which is fun to listen to.
Roll For It is now in its second season with a new set of players and PCs, so listeners can follow along to see what new directions they might take the show. It's fairly easy to follow the storyline as it progresses episodically, and you can easily dip in and out of various encounters. Plus, with all of the episodes clocking in at less than an hour, it's a very binge-able podcast.
I listened to the first several episodes of season one while on a hike, and it was fun to immerse myself in the world they created, and laugh along with the antics of the characters, while I was also out on an "adventure." If you're looking for a quick dive into the world D&D podcasting without facing hundreds of hours of lore, this is a great place to start!
Roll for It is a fast paced, bite-sized Dungeons and Dragons podcast that highlights the best parts of the game in easily digestible 40 minute episodes. Each week we roll a d100 to determine which of the 100 monsters on our list the party will encounter. The random monsters are weaved into a continuous storyline filled with non-stop adventure.
Download/Subscribe
The show can be listened to directly from the website, as well as subscribed and listened to on most podcast platforms, such as Apple Podcasts, Stitcher, Google Play, and Spotify. Episodes are also released on Youtube, with captions.
Roll For It is in its second season. New episodes are released every Thursday 7am PST.
instagram: @rollforitpod
facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rollforitpod/
By Joanna|2020-09-03T20:48:48+00:00September 4th, 2020|Gaming, Reviews|0 Comments
About the Author: Joanna
Joanna lives in California with her family, two cats, and extensive book collection. She spends her time alternately between various creative artistic pursuits and has a passion for wildlife and conservation. She still hasn't decided what she's going to be when she grows up, though she suspects she will probably be herself. Her novel, YA sci-fi time travel story THREADWALKERS, was published in 2017. You can find her other ramblings at joannavolavka.com or by following her on twitter @joannavolavka which is mostly cat photos and retweets of the geek culture variety. Need to get in touch? Email joanna@geekgirlpenpals.com
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Review: Save Yourselves! (2020)
Now on VOD: Murder in the Woods
Snailbox Greeting Card Subscription Box Review


text:
'use strict';

import * as assert from 'assert';
import { IFilter, or, matchesPrefix, matchesStrictPrefix, matchesCamelCase } from 'vs/base/common/filters';

function filterOk(filter: IFilter, word: string, wordToMatchAgainst: string, highlights?: { start: number; end: number; }[]) {
	var r = filter(word, wordToMatchAgainst);
	assert(r);
	if (highlights) {
		assert.deepEqual(r, highlights);
	}
}

function filterNotOk(filter, word, suggestion) {
	assert(!filter(word, suggestion));
}

suite("Filters", () => {
	test("or", function () {
		var filter, counters;
		var newFilter = function (i, r) {
			return function () { counters[i]++; return r; };
		};

		counters = [0,0];
		filter = or(newFilter(0, false), newFilter(1, false));
		filterNotOk(filter, "anything", "anything");
		assert.deepEqual(counters, [1,1]);

		counters = [0,0];
		filter = or(newFilter(0, true), newFilter(1, false));
		filterOk(filter, "anything", "anything");
		assert.deepEqual(counters, [1,0]);

		counters = [0,0];
		filter = or(newFilter(0, true), newFilter(1, true));
		filterOk(filter, "anything", "anything");
		assert.deepEqual(counters, [1,0]);

		counters = [0,0];
		filter = or(newFilter(0, false), newFilter(1, true));
		filterOk(filter, "anything", "anything");
		assert.deepEqual(counters, [1,1]);
	});

	test("PrefixFilter - case sensitive", function () {
		filterNotOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "", "");
		filterOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "", "anything", []);
		filterOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "alpha", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "alpha", "alphasomething", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterNotOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "alpha", "alp");
		filterOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "a", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 1 }]);
		filterNotOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "x", "alpha");
		filterNotOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "A", "alpha");
		filterNotOk(matchesStrictPrefix, "AlPh", "alPHA");
	});

	test("PrefixFilter - ignore case", function () {
		filterOk(matchesPrefix, "alpha", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterOk(matchesPrefix, "alpha", "alphasomething", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterNotOk(matchesPrefix, "alpha", "alp");
		filterOk(matchesPrefix, "a", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 1 }]);
		filterNotOk(matchesPrefix, "x", "alpha");
		filterOk(matchesPrefix, "A", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 1 }]);
		filterOk(matchesPrefix, "AlPh", "alPHA", [{ start: 0, end: 4 }]);
	});

	test("CamelCaseFilter", function () {
		filterNotOk(matchesCamelCase, "", "");
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "", "anything", []);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "alpha", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "AlPhA", "alpha", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "alpha", "alphasomething", [{ start: 0, end: 5 }]);
		filterNotOk(matchesCamelCase, "alpha", "alp");

		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "c", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "cc", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 5, end: 6 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "ccr", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 5, end: 6 },
			{ start: 9, end: 10 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "cacr", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 2 },
			{ start: 5, end: 6 },
			{ start: 9, end: 10 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "cacar", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 2 },
			{ start: 5, end: 7 },
			{ start: 9, end: 10 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "ccarocks", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 5, end: 7 },
			{ start: 9, end: 14 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "cr", "CamelCaseRocks", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 9, end: 10 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "fba", "FooBarAbe", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 3, end: 5 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "fbar", "FooBarAbe", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 3, end: 6 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "fbara", "FooBarAbe", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 3, end: 7 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "fbaa", "FooBarAbe", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 3, end: 5 },
			{ start: 6, end: 7 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "fbaab", "FooBarAbe", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 3, end: 5 },
			{ start: 6, end: 8 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "c2d", "canvasCreation2D", [
			{ start: 0, end: 1 },
			{ start: 14, end: 16 }
		]);
		filterOk(matchesCamelCase, "cce", "_canvasCreationEvent", [
			{ start: 1, end: 2 },
			{ start: 7, end: 8 },
			{ start: 15, end: 16 }
		]);
	});

	test("CamelCaseFilter - #19256", function () {
		assert(matchesCamelCase('Debug Console', 'Open: Debug Console'));
		assert(matchesCamelCase('Debug console', 'Open: Debug Console'));
		assert(matchesCamelCase('debug console', 'Open: Debug Console'));
	});
});

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub