Your Search for team uniforms is over!
Teams around the country are beginning to realize that it is ridiculous to spend tons of money on shoes, equipment, registration fees, etc. and then spoil the players experience by wearing an ordinary, mass-produced uniform. Hence the growing popularity of Garb Athletics-Custom Uniforms which are in a class by themselves.
It used to cost a fortune to buy custom uniforms for your team, but Garb is changing that, and turning the industry upside down with a top of the line solution for less.
"We often laugh when we see our competitor's uniform prices sky rocket when you add decorations."
There is no uniform design that we cannot handle. Our entire company is built on creating the exact uniform you want for one set price. No hidden fees or upcharges guaranteed! An All-Inclusive Uniform.
Who am I to be telling you all this? Glad you asked. You might say I've always been a uniform guy, but now I want to be THE uniform guy.
Let me explain. I grew up playing all sorts of sports, including high school baseball, football, and basketball, and college baseball. Throughout all of that, I was always into uniforms -- the different patterns, the different colors, you name it. It was just something that fascinated me.
A key moment for me came in 2003, when I went on a two-year mission to the Philippines for my church. I lived there and learned the language. While I was there, I noticed something interesting: Although the Philippines is a fairly improverished nation, everyone there wears custom-tailored clothing. If a Filipino buys a T-shirt, it's standard practive for him to have it tailored to fit his body as closely as possible. As a result, the country is filled with skilled craftsmen running their own tailoring shops.
I was intrigued by this, and I also wanted some souvenirs of my time in the Philippines, so I drew some mock-ups of a few of my favorite sports jerseys and asked to have them made for me. The results were incredible -- the quality and craftsmanship were superior to anything I'd worn when I was playing sports.
When I returned home to america, I had the idea of using this untapped resource of Filipino talent to create my own uniform company, so I founded Garb Athletics. In 2006, I returned to the philippines, this time with a business partner Ken Money. Together we bought land, built two factories, and hired all the best tailors I'd encountered during my mission. Our goal was to produce high-quality, custom-designed sports uniforms while also helping the people of the nation I'd learned to love.
I'm Proud to say that Garb Athletics has been a great success. Our businesshas nearly doubled each year, and our factories have been a tremendous boom to the local economy in the Philippines.
But Garb Athletics isn't a charity operation -- I honestly believe we're delivering the highest-quality uniforms on the market. Because our Filipino craftsmen come from a culture of custom tailoring, they can produce any uniform design we ask of them -- not just the cookie-cutter stock uniforms that the big companies offer in their catalogs.
Speaking of those companies, have you noticed that they also sell sneakers, T-shirts, sweatpants, and just about anything else they can slap their logo on? What they're really selling is lifestyle. There's nothing wrong with that, but uniforms are just a small part of what they do. They do most of their business selling lifestyle accessories to people who aren't even serious athletes.
Personally, I'm not interested in selling you a lifestyle. I just want to be the uniform guy. It's a smaller niche, but it's where I've established myself. So I need clients who can understand what a successful uniform program can do for them.
Our goal at Garb Athletics is to create the exact custom uniform our customer wants. We look forward to creating your uniform vision in the future.


PLC programming is becoming more and more needed in the business world especially when it comes to controlling machines. PLC stands for 'Programmable Logic Controller' and is also in essence a tiny pc with its own operating-system. This operating system is exactly what controls much of what the machinery that operates industry is capable of doing.
Because the world of industrial machinery is constantly being improved and evolved there exists a real need for people who know how PLC programming performs. If you are in a position to take advantage of PLC you may be asking yourself to go in order to learn PLC programming.
� Train at Home Course: There are firms that offer PLC training courses that you can take at your leisure and also at your own pace within the privacy of your own property. The courses provided vary in time allotted to complete the course, though if you are a person who could learn on your own by simply reading a lot of substance as opposed to listening to classroom sessions and taking information, this may be the way to go for you.
� Train Online: Similar to almost everything else today you can learn PLC programming by taking an online course. There are numerous courses offered and several courses are even free, if you tend to get that which you pay for.
� Training Software program: For those of you who like to find out by doing, you will find there's number of PLC training software program that you can obtain as a way to learn how to use it. Such a training is nice mainly because it offers you a visual short training of what to do after which follows with you performing the actions yourself.
� PLC Emulators: Much like the training software program, PLC training simulators enable you to put into practice the many different uses of PLC programming that you discover as you go along. Depending on the PLC request you want to learn, you will find these simulators in an array of prices and some are free to use.
� PLC Programming Tutorials: For those of you who are much more of the old fashion studying persuasion, there are PLC instruction seminars that you can go to. These seminars allows you a more 'classroom' environment and far of what you will learn will likely be hands on. Some tutorials will train you within the basics of PLC coding and others will technical you specific applications.
No matter how you prefer to find out there is a method for one to learn PLC that will be effective. If you work in an atmosphere that has a need for those who find themselves skilled in PLC programming then taking advantage of one of the many ways to learn PLC as it may be the catalyst that can help you get to the next level with your career.


Sherry Dyson death was a shock for everyone. No matter what, you have to feel legit inside first. Regardless of Gardner's personal lifestyle, his story does inspire people that working hard pays off. And to top it off, he's no blue blood. While still living with Sherry, he began an affair with a dental student named Jackie Medina, and she became pregnant with his child only a few months into the affair. In one scene in the movie, a higher up broker from Dean Witter is trying to solve a Rubik's Cube during his cab ride home.
Finally, Chris offers advice on becoming successful, just as one of the anchors hurries to wrap up the interview. Following this affair, Chris hooked up with a woman named Jackie who lived down the street. . He'll even move to San Francisco to be with her. Gardner was giving Chris Jr. This could not meet his needs and responsibilities. First, his wife took their son with her but then after four months; she left him with Gardner.
It happened when Jackie stopped by once to visit Chris and their son in Chris's first home. A Naive Boy Gardner did such a great job of putting on a facade of normalcy for his son that Christopher Jr. Christian by religion and American by nationality was an educational expert. Sherry was the first wife of Gardner where shortly after the marriage, Gardner cheated on her with a neighbor down the street, Jackie. May God give you comfort at this time. Albanese the truth, minus the jail part. When the man went to the front desk and asked for a refund, they obliged.
Albanese, and he explained his attire by telling Mr. Then there's the licensed registered day-care center followed by the dependable babysitter, and at the bottom of that is something called a woman who keeps kids. Now moving on to his physical configuration, Chris is a tall man who possesses a speculated height that lies in the range of 6 feet and1 inches to 6 feet and 4. Gardner was a salesman who sold portable bone density scanning units. As part of the same project, a complex with business and retail shops was developed to create employment opportunities.
The man is admired for his inspiring rags to riches story. His relationship with Jackie reached a head when she tried to run off with Chris Jr. Will Smith was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of Chris. Just before the credits, Chris has a brief cameo. I sensed from the movie, she also loved Chris Jr. For two weeks, Chris went to various hotels telling them that one of their vending machines ate his money. They met again, and Mr Bridges helped Mr Gardner secure an interview for an internship.
The Pursuit of Happyness: Did the wife of Gardner ever return?
But the sad part was the affair of Chris Gardner with his student, Jackie Medina. Soon, the hunger for doing something more rewarding grew, and he decided to become a stockbroker. Kathleen Oliver is at right. Eventually, Gardner was recruited by in San Francisco. Gardner and his son started living in hotels until Gardner had completely emptied out his savings account. The Story Reaches The Public In 2006, Gardner published an autobiography detailing his struggle and rise titled The Pursuit of Happyness. In fact, Dean Witter welcomed any of their trainees to join the company so long as they passed the licensing exam.
This is an element of fiction added by The Pursuit of Happyness screenwriter Steven Conrad. They don't live in Washington, D. However, the job was low-paying, and with a family to fend for, the young man had to abandon all dreams of becoming a doctor. His story has influenced many that it is possible to go from rags to riches. He moved there after his discharge.
He subsequently quit his sales job so that he could dedicate his time exclusively to training as a stockbroker. What chance do I really have? It was not the full salary that brokers make, but it was more than enough for a man selling medical equipment. He also motivates people across the world. Bathing was often done in the sinks of public bathrooms. While they moved from place to place, Chris was painstakingly saving money for a rental house in Berkeley. For the following two months, Gardner cancelled or postponed his sales appointments and his car amassed parking tickets while he met with managers.
I am a consulting a lawyer to see what I can do. He sold medical equipment for some time, never really satisfied with what he did. Gardner felt he was giving up his innate sexual ways when he married Sherry. Till now, he has witnessed serious relationships but has been only married once. What motivated the real Chris Gardner to become a millionaire stock broker? A lot of people wrongly assume all homeless people don't work, Gardner said. In real life, Chris Gardner discovered more ways to put a few extra dollars in his pocket.
He became a millionaire and went on to open his own brokerage firm. He is the real-life character behind movie, which starred Will Smith and his son, Jaden Smith. The Rubik's Cube is an element of fiction added by Pursuit of Happyness screenwriter Steven Conrad. Curious, Gardner asked the man about his career. Gardner was apprehended initially for this incident, but an identity check on his car license plate led them to detain him for non-payment of parking fines. However, Dean Witter accepted almost all the trainees, who passed the test, into his firm.


Cloud compositions deal with the idea of conflict and turbulence, both domestic and abroad. These clouds also double as nebulas, contracting and expanding energy around the idea of conflict. These works deal with notions of political strife coexisting with environmental concerns, and create compositions of smaller troubled environments coexisting in larger yet equally troubled ones. There are fragmented figurative elements existing in and outside of these clouds, as well as tools, weapons, and vices. These fragments serve as visual metaphors that address specific narratives from our modern time.
Jason Stout was born in 1977. He received his BFA in studio art from the University of Tennessee at Martin in 2001 and a MFA in Painting from the University of Texas at San Antonio in 2004. Stout's work visually deals with elements of formal and figurative abstraction, while exploring such themes as power, history, and identity, especially through the guise of southern culture. His work exists in several private and public collections, including the University of West Georgia, Jacksonville State University, and the University of Tennessee at Martin. During his career he has participated in several solo exhibitions and has been a part of several group exhibitions as well. Stout has won several scholarships and individual awards for his work. He is currently an Associate Professor of Art at the University of Tennessee at Martin and is represented by REM gallery in San Antonio, Texas. Stout was recently named TAEA Higher Education Art Educator of the Year for 2015-16 and Best of Show at Art of the South 2016.
* All images courtesy of Rachel Melton.


Condos, Lofts and Townhomes For Sale in 89002 | Las Vegas Condo Mania!
Currently, there 9 ACTIVE Condo Listings at this time for the zip code 89002. Asking Prices range from $199,000 to $245,000 with an average price of $231,372 and a Avg Price Per Square Foot of $164.


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Starbucks/Gilmore Gas Station
Original Architect
R.J. Kadow
Valerio, Inc.
Historic Preservation Consultant
Chattell, Inc.
Plump Engineering, Inc.
KDC Construction
Historic Restoration Contractor
Spectra Company
California architecture styles rapidly changed during the golden age of the automobile. Art Deco and Moderne Streamlined style gas stations arrived as a representation of modern, sleek, and industrial design. The Starbucks at 859 N. Highland Avenue was built in 1935 as a Red Lion gas station. The building features iconic details characteristic of Art Moderne architecture including cantilevered canopies, glass panels, a flat roof, and geometric lines. By the late 20th century, many historic gas stations like this had been abandoned. It is only recently that their merit is being recognized and their potential for innovative re-use projects being envisioned.
Starbucks Company assembled a team to complete a comprehensive rehabilitation of the gas station. Prior to being rehabilitated, the station had been vacant for 15 years. The sheet metal had deteriorated over time and the foundation and the lack of an adequate building foundation was causing structural issues. To top this damage off, a truck had crashed into the building causing the cantilevered canopies to sag.
Spectra was pleased to work with the design team to restore the gas station to its original glory. Along with repairing and restoring the copper roof, Spectra performed restoration work on the cantilevered metal canopies. The canopies were removed for structural re-framing, stored, reinstalled and repaired. The metal finishes were restored to their original condition. The building is now a lively location for Starbucks coffee and features a drive through for cars, a walk up window, and outdoor seating.
Decorative Metal • Materials Restoration • Restoration Painting & Coatings • Self-Perform • Waterproofing/Roofing
California Preservation Foundation 2018 • Los Angeles Conservancy 2018
Apple Tower Theatre
Culver Studios
Hall of Justice
Broadway Trade Center

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Cleanse Diets
Healthy Diet Reviews
HomeWeight LossMeal ReplacementsIdealShape Review: Everything You Need To Know
IdealShape Review: Everything You Need To Know
IdealShape is rich in nutrients that purport to aid in weight loss. However, I found some interesting information on the ingredients used. Want to learn more, read this review.
1. What Is It: A Closer Look at IdealShape
2. History of the Brand
3. Ingredients Used
Hunger-blocker blend
Isomalto-oligosaccharide
Slendesta
Potato Maltodextrin
Sunflower lecithin
Mineral and Vitamin Blend
5. Benefits
6. Does Is It Work?
7. Potential Side Effects
8. Will it Work With Your Diet?
9. As Far As Taste Goes
10. How To Take
11. The Cost
12. Other IdealShape Products
13. IdealShape Vs. Other Meal Replacement Shakes
14. What Customers Are Saying
15. Final Verdict
7 Total Score
7.7Editor's score
Does it Work
7User's score
Low-in calorie
Flavor variety
Add your review | Read reviews and comments
Every meal replacement shake has a competitive edge, and for IdealShape, it's Slendesta. According to its manufacturer, Slendesta can control your hunger pangs and promote weight loss. However, from my research, I discovered that this hunger-blocker does not aid in any significant weight loss.
I also noticed that the meal replacement is popular in the online community. This meal shake has received numerous positive reviews from its users, claiming it works perfectly. Is this true?
Read on to find out.
IdealShape is a nutrient-rich meal replacement shake.
IdealShape is a wellness plan that offers products among them a meal replacement shake. This delicious shake that offers 110 calories per serving, and is filled with a blend of nutrients including their signature hunger-blocker, slendesta that provide satiety.
In this review, we focus on IdealShape shake.
The Hunt Group are the creators of IdealShape among other products. This British based e-Commerce Company operates over 100 international websites that deal with health and wellness.
T.H.G has its headquarters in Northwich Cheshire.
A whey protein-based shake with a variety of nutrients.
IdealShape contains a variety of ingredients grouped in different categories.
According to the manufacturer, the hunger-blocking ingredients is their unique marketing point (and it's true considering that most meal replacement shakes only contain whey protein and fiber).
I.M.Os are low-calorie, high-fiber carbohydrates, and are mostly used in protein bars and meal replacement shakes
Research indicates that the Isomalto-oligosaccharide increase probiotics (good bacteria) like bifidobacteria [1]. However, no research is available that can definitively prove that this digestion-resistant fiber can suppress hunger.
According to their website, slendesta can control your hunger. Slendesta is a supplement manufactured by Kemin, and it is obtained from potatoes. It is believed that slendesta contain proteinase inhibitor which promotes Cholecystokinin. CCK is a hormone stimulated every time we eat, and it signals the brain when we have attained satiety.
Although it can suppress energy intake and slow gastric emptying, research states that slendesta might not have any effect in weight loss or management of obesity [2].
Maltodextrin is extracted from potatoes, but it can also be made from corn, rice, or wheat. Additionally, U.S FDA has approved maltodextrin as a food additive.
Maltodextrin has a high-glycemic index that can spike your blood sugar. Moreover, according to Healthline, the starch powder can increase body weight. Why maltodextrin is listed as a hunger-blocker is beyond my understanding.
IdealShape contains both whey concentrate and isolates protein, which is easily absorbed. Most people tolerate whey protein well, but it can have adverse effects on people with lactose intolerance.
Unlike other forms of protein, whey is loaded with essential amino acids that can boost Branched-Chain Amino acids like leucine that promotes muscle growth [3].
Furthermore, BCAAs also has cysteine with antioxidant properties that fight free radicals [4].
Whey protein also promotes satiety and curbs cravings. One study, in particular, reported that consuming 25% of protein can cut your cravings by 60% [5].
Lecithin is an emulsifier and it contains amino acids– essential for muscle building. Furthermore, it lowers cholesterol levels in the body.
Lecithin is available in sunflower, eggs, and soy (the most common type) versions.
According to WebMD, lecithin can help with Alzheimer's related dementia, though there's insufficient evidence for this claim.
Lecithin can cause nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain.
IdealShape contains 22 minerals and vitamins that can support body functions, boost immunity, and enhance blood circulation.
IdealShape contains 5g of soluble fiber which is within the recommended value for meal replacement shake.
IdealShape works by suppressing cravings and reducing the amount of food consumed. Furthermore, it contains 11g of protein which can help provide satiety.
Suppressing hunger is the primary benefit of Idealshape.
IdealShape benefits are linked to its ingredients:
The I.M.Os can promote gut health
Whey protein provides satiety and builds muscles. Furthermore, it can help lower cholesterol levels
Sunflower lecithin is organic and can also help lower cholesterol levels
Fiber promotes regularity
The vitamin and mineral blend can regulate fluid balance, enhance blood circulation, and improve immunity.
Looking at its ingredient selection, IdealShape works in regulating food intake as well as promote gut health.
However, IdealShape protein content is low compared to other meal replacement shakes. Low levels of protein may affect muscle growth and appetite.
There's no mention of IdealShape side effects. But, some ingredients can cause bloating, gas, nausea, and diarrhea.
IdealShape works excellent with a low-carb and low-calorie diets
According to the website, this meal replacement shake has the best taste in the market. Furthermore, it is available in various flavors including vanilla, chocolate, salted caramel, and cookies & cream.
Take two IdealShape shakes during breakfast and lunch, followed by a glass of water around 8 Oz fl. In between breakfast and lunch, take a snack, preferably a protein bar.
IdealShape retails at $ 49.99 on their website and also on Amazon. You can opt to buy the IdealPlan that comprises of the meal replacement shake, Idealbars, an eBook, free recipes and more for $214.
Currently, there is no lawsuit against IdealShape. However, The Hut Group filed a lawsuit against Oliver Cookson over the sale of Myprotein. The Hut Group claimed that Cookson overestimated the product, which later affected the valuation of Myprotein.
The lawsuit was taken to the High Court of London in 2014. You can read the full story here.
IdealShape offers a wide range of products to help you in your weight loss journey:
IdealShape faces stiff competition from various meal replacement shakes. However, among the various types, only three are the strong contenders:
18Shake
I8 Shake is by far the most significant competitor of IdealShape. Yes, it has whey concentrate and isolates, but what differentiates it is its digestion-resistant fiber.I8 Shake contains fibersol-2– a low-calorie, bulking agent with 90% dietary fiber. Additionally, it also has natural cocoa that can reduce blood pressure.
However, when it comes to cost, 18 Shake is most expensive.
310 Shake
310 shake is ideal for vegans because it contains pea, brown rice, and hemp protein. Furthermore, it contains probiotics like lactobacillus acidophilus which promotes gut health and a blend of green vegetables. 310 shake and IdealShape cost almost the same; the difference is about $10.
Idealshake vs Shakeology; Which meal replacement is ideal?
Shakeology compared to IdealShape, reigns supreme. Not only does it contain whey protein, but it also has pea protein as well. Furthermore, it contains antioxidants and phytonutrients like spirulina that is high in vitamins and detoxifies the body. Shakeology is a bit expensive compared to IdealShape.
IdealShape is popular in Amazon, with 2,042 reviews and 4.1 over 5 rating.
" I only like two flavors– strawberry and chocolate. Avoid the chocolate peanut butter, it tastes pathetic. If you stick to the normal flavors, you will be fine. I have lost 10 lbs since I started to use this meal replacement shake and I intend to continue."
"I love the texture of this protein powder, and it's not chalky or gritty. I mix the powder with unsweetened vanilla almond milk and ice."
Cindy Leigh
"I don't like the peanut butter chocolate flavor; it has a faint flavor. "
Would I recommend IdealShape? Yes. It is filled with superb ingredients that can help you in your weight loss journey. However, keep in mind that without a proper and healthy diet, the shake won't work. Additionally, remember to combine the diet with moderate exercises to achieve the best results.
You can buy IdealShape from Amazon or IdealShape website.
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Specification: IdealShape Review: Everything You Need To Know
Dietary Friendly
Low-Calorie, Low-Carb
Type of Consumable
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Daily Dashboard | South Africa's Department of Home Affairs to investigate data breach Related reading: DHS CPO: Privacy protection during turbulent times
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs to investigate data breach
schedule Oct 19, 2017
South Africa's Department of Home Affairs has confirmed it will investigate the data breach discovered earlier this week, which left more than 30 million South Africans exposed, reports Business Report. The department would only confirm the investigation but said it is committed to providing a comprehensive response. Two Gauteng-based companies are reported to have apparent links to the breach and have each accused the other of being responsible. The Department of Rural Development and Land Reform also noted it would look into claims of hacking. Security Researcher Troy Hunt, who first discovered the breach, said it's not known how many unauthorized parties have accessed the data.
DHS CPO: Privacy protection during turbulent times
With the change in U.S. presidential administrations set for noon Eastern time Jan. 20, there will be a shift in political appointees across the federal government. The same goes for Department of Homeland Security Chief Privacy Officer Dena Kozanas, who will leave her post after serving as chief pr...
EDPB, EDPS publish joint opinions on draft SCCs
The European Data Protection Board and European Data Protection Supervisor published their joint opinions on the European Commission's Implementing Decision on standard contractual clauses. The opinions cover the SCCs between controllers and processors and the transfer of data to third countries. Th...
Cuomo floats privacy legislation as part of NY 'State of the State'
As part of the "2021 State of the State," Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y. proposed a privacy bill that would require companies to disclose their data collection practices and limit the amount of information gathered for those purposes. Cuomo will also establish a "Bill of Rights" to give residents increas...
Global News Roundup: Jan. 12–19, 2021
In this week's global legislative roundup, Gov. Andrew Cuomo, D-N.Y., proposed privacy legislation, and a Washington Senate Committee held a public hearing on a third iteration of the Washington Privacy Act. In India, the final draft of the Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 will likely be tabled d...
Report: DPAs have administered 272.5M euros in fines since GDPR went into effect
A report from DLA Piper found data protection authorities have administered 272.5 million euros in fines since the EU General Data Protection Regulation went into effect. The law firm found the Italian DPA, the Garante, has issued roughly 69.3 million euros in penalties since May 2018, the highest i...
library_books DHS CPO: Privacy protection during turbulent times
library_books EDPB, EDPS publish joint opinions on draft SCCs
library_books Cuomo floats privacy legislation as part of NY 'State of the State'
library_books Global News Roundup: Jan. 12–19, 2021
library_books Report: DPAs have administered 272.5M euros in fines since GDPR went into effect


NJPA's cooperative contract purchasing leverages the national purchasing power of more than 50,000 member agencies while also streamlining the required purchasing process. As a municipal national contracting agency, NJPA establishes and provides nationally leveraged and competitively solicited purchasing contracts under the guidance of the Uniform Municipal Contracting Law. Joint Powers laws enable members to legally purchase through our awarded contracts.
For more information regarding municipal bidding or general questions, please contact the Structures Unlimited team here.


Sumi Jo is one of the greatest exponents of bel canto, or "beautiful singing," in the world. She was born on Nov. 22, 1962. Because her mother could not pursue a professional career due to political circumstances, Jo had to practice playing the piano every day to make sure she would achieve her dreams. She started taking piano lessons at the age of 4 and voice lessons at the age of 6. She continued her voice and piano lessons at the Sun Hwa Arts School.
In 1981, Jo entered Seoul National University and made her first professional recital debut. In 1983, she moved to Rome and entered the National Academy of St. Cecilia and learned from Carlo Bergonzi and Giannella Borelli. She made a successful European debut in 1986 at an opera house in Trieste. She won first place in the Carlo Alberto Cappelli International Competition and won many prominent competitions in Seoul, Naples, Enna, Barcelona, and Pretoria. She also received the prestigious Grammy Award in 1993.
1. When was Sumi Jo born?
2. Who did Jo learn from at the National Academy of St. Cecilia?
3. What award did Jo receive in 1993?
1. Have you heard about Sumi Jo before reading the article?
2. Have you heard of Jo's singing? If so, where did you hear it from?
3. Do you think parents should be allowed to push their own dreams onto their children? 4. Which Korean artist do you predict will win a Grammy in the future?


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The rise, fall and rise of Aprilia: 50 years of motorbikes from Noale
Published: 29 January 2021 Updated: 29 January 2021
Aprilia AF1 wheelie
Aprilia AF1
Aprilia Cube
Aprilia RSV1000 Mille
Scooter production at the Aprilia factory
Ivano Beggio poses with some of Aprilia's awards
Max Biaggi rides an Aprilia 250 at Donington Park, England
Just weeks after its world launch, the most eagerly anticipated bike of 2020, Aprilia's RS660, is proving to be well worth the wait. The 100bhp twin, complete with mould-breaking, ultralight 169kg chassis, has got buyers beating a path to their local dealership in a way not seen since the mid-1990s.
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75 years of MV Agusta
Two tribes go to war: The history behind the Honda SP-1
The history of Bimota
Not only does 2020 herald Aprilia's return to lightweight sportsbike dominance, but it also marks 50 years since the Italian firm produced their first significant bike.
Since then the marque, responsible for machines as bizarre and brilliant as the Moto 6.5 and RS250, have ridden a rollercoaster of fortune and failure no other manufacturer can match.
They've raced to an astonishing 54 world championships and 294 grand prix victories via the likes of Valentino Rossi, Jorge Lorenzo and Max Biaggi. They've produced Ducati-challenging V-twin superbikes and Honda-rivalling sports tourers. And their finances have skyrocketted from a turnover of just 7 billion Lire in 1982 to 970 billion – almost 140 times larger – just 15 years later.
Unfortunately, Aprilia also, just as dramatically, overstretched themselves in 2000 with the purchase of Moto Guzzi and Laverda before falling into a financial crisis, which ultimately forced a takeover by Piaggio in 2004.
And although that wasn't the end of the story and Aprilia have again risen to produce the WSB-winning RSV4 and this year's hit RS660 and to compete again in MotoGP, it's still one hell of a tale for a firm that in 1968 had yet to produce their first bike.
It's a story that begins, and is dominated by, one man: Ivano Beggio. In 1968 the then 24-year-old took over control of his father's small Noale-based bicycle company and immediately decided to build motorcycles.
The first 50cc mopeds, the Colibri, Daniela and Packi, came soon after with Aprilia's first proper motorcycle, the 50cc Scarabeo trail bike, arriving in 1970.
The Scarabeo proved particularly popular, remaining in production throughout the 1970s in both 50 and 125cc forms, and its success-helped cement Beggio's idea to drive publicity and sales by striving for success in motorcycle sport.
In 1975 Aprilia entered the Italian national motocross championships and won both the 125 and 250cc classes as early as 1977, courtesy of Milanese rider Ivan Alborghetti.
Then, in the 1980s, as Aprilia began to focus on road sports lightweights and switched from dirt to road racing, things progressed faster still.
Birth of the Aprilia race rep
In 1985 Aprilia made their road racing grand prix debut and also began an association with Austrian engine supplier Rotax, both for their road and race machines.
At their first race, Loris Reggiani took Aprilia's aluminium beam-framed 250 twin to 12th and progressed to two third places by season's end.
Then 1986 saw the debut of Aprilia's first production road 'racer-replica' 125 – the AF1. Twelve months on, Reggiani won the firm's first road racing GP then, in 1988, a 125 joined Aprilia's grand prix challenge and hit the ground running, grabbing a podium in its first year. Things were moving fast.
But as Aprilia's sports lightweights became increasingly successful, both on road and track while they continued to participate in trials and enduro, as the Italian firm approached what would prove to be their 'golden era' of the 1990s, it was increasingly clear that more, much more, was to come.
In 1988, the first AF1 was superseded by the AF1 Sintesi, complete with snazzy single-sided swingarm, inverted forks, twin beams and more. An RC30 for the teen generation? It certainly looked it.
In 1989 the AF1 Sintesi Reggiani Replica arrived, one of the first of the whole race replica breed. Then, in 1990, it was again completely updated and restyled to become the AF1 Futura.
The speed and ambition of Aprilia's bike updates were not just incredibly bold, they were far, far ahead of what even the Japanese could manage.
The Futura featured simply mouth-watering styling, a twin-spar alloy frame, updated single-sided swingarm and inverted forks - not to mention a screaming 30bhp from its unrestricted, liquid-cooled, two-stroke single.
As motorcycling entered the 1990s any self-respecting 17-year-old wanted not a Honda, but an Aprilia.
The Biaggi effect
1992 was the year that best summed up this new golden era of Aprilia lightweight dominance. The previous year had seen Aprilia produce 50,000 motorcycles. No mean feat, especially when you realise today's Triumph barely does more.
But from 1992 those figures went stratospheric, fuelled, on the one hand by an ever more desirable range of bikes - including the latest AF1 125 Sport Pro and Aprilia's first larger four-stroke, the 600cc Pegaso - and, on the other, by a flurry of racing success and the positive, glamorous publicity that brings.
That year saw Aprilia not only claim their first GP world crown, courtesy of Alessandro Gramigni in the 125s, they grabbed the world trials championship, too, with Finn Tommi Ahvala, who went on to claim the indoor crown the following year.
And although Aprilia narrowly missed out in GPs in 1993, in 1994 Kazuto Sakata reclaimed the 125 title while, in 250s, Max Biaggi grabbed the first of what would be three-successive titles.
1994 also saw new success and bigger ambitions for Aprilia's road bikes. While the traditional 125s went from strength to strength, that year saw the debut of the radical new RS250, using Suzuki RGV power, which was every inch a replica of Biaggi's victorious machine.
And at the same time Noale began production of a new 650, too – although this time not badged Aprilia. In a novel arrangement and following the success of its own Pegaso 'road trailie', the Italian firm were contracted to produce BMW's version, the F650 'Funduro'.
1995 saw Aprilia's 500GP debut with a clever, enlarged 410cc version of the 250 while the road saw the introduction of the Moto 6.5, a wacky roadster single by avant-garde designer Philippe Stark, both of which helped fuel 1997 sales of 290,000.
But the boldest moves were yet to come. When the all-new RSV Mille V-twin superbike was unveiled in 1998 Aprilia's ambitions reached unforeseen heights.
Not only was the Rotax-powered, 128bhp V-twin a credible rival to no less than Ducati both on road and track, Aprilia also had the temerity to take on the likes of Honda with the VFR-rivalling RST1000 Futura sports-tourer and even BMW with the GS-alike Caponord.
And if that wasn't enough, Aprilia also entered MotoGP in 2002 with the radical, Cosworth triple powered 'Cube'.
But all of that and more proved a stretch too far. In April 2000, Beggio had also sanctioned Aprilia's purchase of ailing Italian brand Moto Guzzi for a reported $65 million and in September took over Laverda as well.
The plan, according to Beggio at the time, was: "To establish a leading motorcycle pool that draws from Italian industrial tradition and its extraordinary technological capacity in this sector. It will enable us to take on competition on a global level."
It wasn't to be. The RSV, though impressive, never achieved ultimate success in WSB, despite Troy Corser winning five races in 2000, and in 2003 Aprilia withdrew to concentrate on MotoGP.
The radical 'Cube' fared even worse, failing to finish most of its races in its debut season and in 2003, even with Edwards and Haga on board, doing no better than 6th before bowing out in 2004.
Aprilia's bold new road bikes had fared little better. The RSV, though capable, proved unattractive and expensive compared to the WSB-winning 996. The Futura and Caponord were both flawed while, worst of all, in 2000, a new Italian helmet law hit scooter sales.
Aprilia were sold to Piaggio in December 2004 and, although retaining the title of honourary president, Beggio's bold influence was no more. It was the start of a new, more conservative era for the previously flamboyant firm.
Occasionally, however, as they've proven with its RSV4 and this year's RS660, Aprilia are still more than capable of rocking the world. The former finally claimed the WSB title with Biaggi in 2010 before repeating the feat in 2012 and 2014.
Even more importantly, with Piaggio's backing, the firm are now on a firmer financial footing than ever, even if their wares and ambitions don't sparkle quite so brightly. But perhaps, the RS660 represents a return to the bold, brilliant Aprilias of yore.
Ivano Beggio - the visionary behind the rise of Aprilia
No story about the rise of Aprilia is complete without Ivano Beggio. The son of company founder Alberto, who created the firm as a small bicycle company in Noale, like so many others, in the aftermath of World War II.
Beggio junior's brilliance was in changing the direction of the business and leading its transformation to become one of Europe's leading, and most innovative motorcycle operations.
He assumed control in 1968 and immediately decided to build motorcycles. A capable businessman, but also a passionate motorcyclist, Beggio capitalised on the popularity of off-road sport in the '70s before forseeing its demise and moving into lightweight road and sportsbikes.
Recognising the potential for road racing success in establishing and promoting the Aprilia brand, Beggio created a small, flexible racing team that beat all-comers in 125 and 250 GPs.
He also had a knack for spotting future champions. Max Biaggi, Valentino Rossi, Casey Stoner, Loris Capirossi, Jorge Lorenzo and more were all propelled into the big time on Aprilias.
In 1998, at the peak of his powers, Beggio was awarded Italy's 'Cavaliere del Lavoro' – literally 'Knight of Work' – in recognition of his achievements. He also later received two honorary degrees in mechanical engineering and business administration from Universities in Pisa and Venice.
However, the sale of his company to Piaggio hit him hard and, despite being made honourary president, he left the company in 2006. He remained a resident of Noale until his death in 2018 aged 73.
By Phil West
MCN Contributor and bike tester.
Aprilia RS660 Aprilia AF1 wheelie Aprilia AF1 Aprilia Cube Aprilia RS250 Aprilia RSV1000 Mille Scooter production at the Aprilia factory Ivano Beggio poses with some of Aprilia's awards Max Biaggi rides an Aprilia 250 at Donington Park, England


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Sagan wins stage 2 of the Tour de France, takes yellow jersey
by Shane Stokes
World champion Peter Sagan swopped the rainbow bands for the yellow jersey at the Tour de France on Sunday, winning stage two into La Roche-Sur-Yon. He beat a fast-finishing Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida) and Arnaud Démare (Groupama-FDJ), clocking up his ninth Tour de France stage win.
Andre Greipel (Lotto-Soudal) and Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) were fourth and fifth, while stage one winner Fernando Gaviria (QuickStep Floors) was brought down in a crash close to the line and lost both his chance of victory and also his Maillot Jaune.
Also deprived of a chance to chase stage success was Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb), who was similarly delayed in the incident.
Sagan's sprint saw him cross the path of John Degenkolb (Trek-Segafredo), bringing the German rider from the middle of the road to sandwich him against the barriers. He raised his hand in protest, but the stage result was not overturned.
Sagan ended the day six seconds clear of Gaviria, while Sonny Colbrelli (Bahrain-Merida) was at ten seconds in third.
"I am really happy for today," said a smiling Sagan. "I have to say a big thanks to all my teammates. They were in the front for the last 30 kilometres. In the end I expected something more easy, but it was really tough, up and down, turning right and left, a little bit of descents and then after it started to climb again. I said more later to start [the sprint] was better today.
"Demare started, Degenkolb. After I just overtook them, and I was really lucky that Colbrelli didn't jump me."
The Italian said that he lost out by not going soon enough. Had he done so, he wouldn't have had as much ground to make up.
"I was sitting in the wind trying to stay on Sagan's wheel," he said, "and when I did, he anticipated me.
"I recovered a few meters but it was not enough. It was a difficult sprint, everyone is full of energy and they want to stay in front to try to win. The finish was very insidious with several dangerous corners. But this is the Tour."
Sagan's stage win put him back into the yellow jersey, two years after wearing it early on during the 2016 edition. He passed over the chance to wear the green jersey after his runner-up slot on stage one, preferring to be in the world champion's colours for stage two, but will embrace yellow for Monday's team time trial.
"I am very happy about that," he said, speaking about the jersey and also the stage win. "I have a lot of friends here today from my home city, as well as my father. It is very nice to thank them with this victory, which is also for my son Marlon."
How it unfolded:
In terms of its profile, stage two of the Tour de France looked very similar to stage one: a long, flat day in the saddle with just one category four climb along the route. This time around, the ascent came early on in the day, with the Côte de Pouzauges coming just 28 kilometres after the drop of the flag.
The 182.5 kilometre race from Mouilleron-Saint Germain to La Roche-Sur-Yon also included an intermediate sprint some 50.5 kilometres from the line, as well as another gallop offering time bonuses 14 kilometres from the end.
The attacks began immediately after the drop of the flag, with French veteran Sylvain Chavanel (Direct Energie) scarpering and being joined by Michael Gogl (Trek-Segafredo) and Dion Smith (Wanty-Groupe Gobert). Their gap quickly grew to one and a half minutes, then escalated to almost three minutes just before the start of the day's climb.
The day's breakaway move contained three committed riders, although two of them didn't remain committed for very long.
Smith was first to the top, earning himself a likely stint in the King of the Mountains jersey. This satisfied him enough to sit up out of the break and, with Gogl deciding to get some medical treatment from the doctor's car, Chavanel pushed on alone. The multiple French time trial champion is well used to solo efforts and increased his lead to almost four and a half minutes with 100 kilometres left.
The QuickStep Floors team of stage one winner and race leader Fernando Gaviria was chasing and gradually brought the gap down from this point. However the team sat up later on and Chavanel's buffer grew once again, increasing to over four minutes with some 60 kilometres remaining.
He took top points at the day's intermediate sprint, with Peter Sagan (Bora-hansgrohe) beating Gaviria and Alexander Kristoff (UAE Team Emirates) back in the bunch. With 40 kilometres remaining Luis Leon Sanchez (Astana) hit the deck and was forced to withdraw from the race. Just under ten kilometres later Adam Yates (Mitchelton-Scott) crashed, but was fortunately not badly hurt. He was able to rejoin the bunch without too much energy wasted.
With approximately 24 kilometres left, Chavanel's advantage was down to one minute and ten seconds. This continued to plummet and he had just a handful of seconds at the day's bonus sprint, 14 kilometres from the finish. Philippe Gilbert (QuickStep Floors) and Geraint Thomas (Team Sky) took second and third, with Chavanel caught very soon afterwards.
Team Sky set the pace inside the final ten kilometres, trying to help their leaders stay out of trouble after Chris Froome's crash on stage one. With 7.7 kilometres left Marcel Kittel (Katusha-Alpecin) had a puncture and was forced to change his bike, making it impossible for him to dispute the sprint.
Bora-hansgrohe's riders did what they did on stage one and led the peloton into the final kilometres. Gaviria's QuickStep Floors took over with 3.5 kilometres left, then Lotto-Soudal pulled ahead with just over two kilometres left. Very soon afterwards a big crash took down several riders, including Gaviria, Michael Matthews (Team Sunweb) and others, and reduced the list of stage contenders to a small group.
Démare went early in the gallop but Sagan was tracking him closely, then blasted through to win. His success earned him another stint in the yellow jersey, and also put him back atop the Tour stage winner's podium for the first time since being disqualified from last year's race.
Gaviria was undoubtedly disappointed to lose yellow, but was philosophical after the stage.
"Cycling is just like this: one day you win, the following day you crash," he said. "My teammates did their best, but on the last corner a rider went straight and caused a crash. I enjoyed this day with the yellow jersey a lot. It felt fantastic. I just hope to get to wear it again in the future."
He is just six seconds back and his QuickStep Floors team is often powerful in the team time trial. So, in theory at least, he could find himself back in the prized garment. However he's taking nothing for granted.
"I don't know about tomorrow. We will try to deliver a good result, but it will be difficult as there are a lot of teams who are great at team time trials," he said. "Now it's Peter Sagan the one who wears the yellow jersey, and I am happy for him."
#2018 Tour de France
#Features
#Peter Sagan
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Florida Man Arrested For Impersonating Naval Officer For Money
Tony Tran
Law enforcement officials arrested a Florida man after he was discovered wearing a military uniform complete with ribbons and awards while soliciting money for veterans, even though he is not a veteran.
Freemane Brown, 54, was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office when he was discovered at a grocery story in Tampa, Florida, impersonating a military officer. He was reportedly wearing a U.S. Navy commander's uniform, with 21 ribbons as well as a Navy Cross and Silver Star. He also reportedly had a Navy SEAL Trident as well as Jump Wings.
Some deputies at the scene found numerous components of his uniform that are not military regulation.
Upon questioning, Brown claimed that he was a former member of SEAL Team Six and had been traveling around the world. He soon recanted the statement, saying he was never a naval officer or a member of SEAL Team Six.
According to the manager of the grocery store, Brown had permission to stand outside and solicit money for veterans because she believed him to be a veteran.
He told deputies he purchased his military ribbons and medals from a local military surplus store.
Brown was arrested at his home on Aug. 12 for felony unlawful use of uniforms, medals or insignia. Deputies also confiscated his uniform and military insignias.
A judge set his bail at $2,000.
Source: WFLA, TBO.com / Photo credit: Hillsborough Sheriff's Office via TBO, WFLA, GuardianOfValor
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As the final student left the examination room yesterday, the doors to my summer opened wide, closing year one at my new job behind me.
A year ago I was sitting on the fence of change, wondering if I could survive without the familiarity and comforts of 'home'. A year later I feel certain that I made the right decision, for I have been stretched and challenged in new ways that have forced me to grow.
Growth and challenge with purpose is essential for my undiagnosed ADD. For I easily become bored of monotony, and discouraged at busy work (for students as well as for myself).
I knew, in making the decision to accept this position, that I was doing it for the kick in the pants that I needed. I knew that I had become too confident of myself in my job, it had become second nature, and I knew that I needed to be pushed and stretched to be the best in my work.
And stretched I have been!
Most days I got to spend my time assisting students with their math homework. It was pure joy for me, as I love the challenge that math problems present. It is not that I am an amazing or flawless mathematician, but that I recognize that math's problems force us to work to find a solution, rather than the right answer. They are like a game where one needs to find a way to make the problem work. Personally, I think math prepares us best for life, for in our life we will have problems, and we need to learn to live with and through them.
Although I accepted a job for less income, I felt confident that God would take care of our financial needs, if I stepped out in faith, for a job that would challenge me and for one that provided more flexibility in terms of not having to attend professional development days that did not apply to my position or profession. What I never expected was that just weeks into my new position, a significant pay raise would more than meet our needs.
I was certain there couldn't be a group of students who I could love more, yet, over forty students later (plus the ones who I have gotten to know who I didn't actually work with directly) I adore this community of teens, who have accepted me, the new lady who loves math.
Then there was the community of co-workers. Though I still miss the community I had enjoyed for well over ten years, I have gained a new group of friends and colleagues. I have been adopted into a classroom which is a sisterhood of three, who I adore and respect, and into whose lives I have been welcomed with open arms. In our classroom (and via texts and emails) we have laughed, cried, prayed, celebrated and mourned … it has been a living, life-giving environment.
God has been faithful in providing for me through this year of change and transition. It hasn't always been easy, and never perfect, yet he has guided and provided what I needed.
It is that time of year again, as a fellow Canadian citizen, to be thankful and to remember those (such as yourself) who gave their lives, so that I could live my life in freedom.
I am married, and have three grown children. My youngest just turned eighteen (eighteen … if my son were to have been eighteen in the early 1940s …), and two daughters who are twenty and twenty-five (you might have had a girlfriend, a wife?).
I work in a high school, assisting students to do the best work they can on their assignments and tests (if you had not gone to war, would you have worked a trade? gone to university?).
My husband and I own our home, on which we often spend our time, cleaning or fixing up each spring and summer (did you help your parents on chores around your home growing up?).
My husband coaches community football to young men who are sixteen to eighteen (I wonder, did you play football, or other sports).
I love to garden, and read, and write (what did you like to do in your spare time?).
did you know the one who gave his life for yours?
the one whose sacrifice of great love mirrored your own.
I need to be honest with you, sir, I live a pretty ordinary life. I have never saved the life of another. I have not invented or discovered a cure for a life-threatening disease. I can be apathetic, sarcastic and down-right lazy at time. I have been known to spend far too much time on frivolous time-wasters like social media and Sudoko.
Was it worth it? You giving your life, so that I could live my days taking your sacrifice for granted?
Sir, please accept this letter of thanks. Please receive it as a love letter, from one who is undeserving of your sacrifice.
My favorite place to go is Cannon Beach, Oregon.
It is, for me, the happiest place on Earth … and there isn't an animated mouse in sight (except, maybe, at Bruce's Candy Shop). I cannot walk on that beach without a smile breaking out across my face, and tensions rolling off hubby's shoulders.
It is where I have studied God's Word the deepest. heard the most profound, yet human Bible scholars. prayed the most sincerely. joined in collective worship, in song, with a room full of people who participate together.
When we turn off the highway, and into the town, where we live but a week of the summer, our kids wave and call out to friends on the streets, even before our wheels have stopped. We have met friends with whom a year apart is as if days, for myself, my hubby, my kids. Friendships that have stretched across the continent, into our homes, and through social media on a daily basis.
It is the place that I have laughed the heartiest.
I never have to make meals, or make the bed. We are greater at mealtime by friendly smiles, and gentle leading to meet someone new. We have memories of candlelit dinners, and I have eaten pounds of bacon (without having to cook it myself, and smell like smoked Wilbur).
Despite the many clicks of scenery photographed, I have come to understood that no device can duplicate what my wondering eyes did appear.
I have started my day with starfish, anemones, crabs, barnacles and other ocean life. I have ended my days over hot coffee, s'mores on the beach, with crowds, with my kids, with my guy, with my God.
I have sat alone on the sand bar s inging praises, thanks, laments. The salt of my tears of joy and sorrow have mixed with that of the ocean.
I have walked miles of sandy beach … in the warmth of the sun, the damp of the rain, the wind, the cold. I have had weeks where I trekked the beach to Haystack twice a day, and a year when I could not physically walk more than half way there … once during our week there. I have shared that trek with darling ladies, dear couples, our kids, my guy, on my own.
And I am so thankful that my guy and I got to share a few days in that most happy place on Earth.
I returned home, yesterday, with sand in my shoes, color on my cheeks, a smile on my face, thanks in my heart, and a desire to go back to that rock in the sand and surf.
Ever have a day when thankfulness seems to be spilling from every pore in your body?
Recently I had such a day, in the area of mothering.
My son came home from school puffed up bigger than the Magic Dragon.
He had had three interactions that day, that reminded me that, as parents, we are not raising our children all alone. It also reminded me that God, in His infinite wisdom, places people in the lives of our kids.
Our son had visited a past teacher that day. One who had nurtured his soul, and encouraged him that who he is, is valuable. My son still visits this teacher periodically, because in the presence of this teacher, my son knows he is accepted. In the presence of this teacher my son is valued.
That day our son had also conversed with another teacher, one whose opinion of how our son did in the school play, meant more than any other opinion. Why? Because our son respects this teacher, and thus the opinion of this man matters to him. This man continually, indirectly, reminds our son that they are brothers … brothers in Christ.
There is another man who has encouraged our son, one who has surprised me (oh, how I love to be proven wrong in these things). This man instilled confidence in my man-child, that he could learn his lines for the school play, when others may have doubted. And this man affirmed his efforts and results.
As I prepared dinner that night, I lifted my thanks to God for the men of good examples that He has placed in the life of my son.
Last week I was telling one of my daughters about a blogger I follow.
Although this blogger is young enough to be my daughter, she lives in a vastly different culture, and our theologies might be equally different, we share space and time, joys and struggles, as well as a love to communicate the written word. This lovely lady, whose posts I have shared a time or two (PrivyPlace), has just become a full time (paid) blogger. It is her dream come true, and I am so excited for her.
My daughter has heard me many times say, "when Oprah asks to publish my book …" and so she is very aware of that area of dreamland I sometimes escape to.
So, am I jealous of her?
Happy for her, I am! But not jealous.
It has been about two and a half years since I dared to share my words, publicly, here where I aim to declare each day that it truly is a wonder filled life. I started, selfishly … because I needed to remind myself of the blessings of wonder in this life I live. This venue gives me the accountability I need to live intentionally thankful for all that I have … blessings and curses.
Without revealing too much of my inner soul, this space has enhanced my days, strengthened my relationships, and keeps me walking with my God.
What I never expected was that anyone (other than my mother) would read my words on the screen. Yet, the stats indicate that there is more than mom reading.
for many years I felt that my 'real' words were not what anyone wanted to hear, to read.
always a redeemed child of God.
And my friend who is now a full time (paid) blogger … I knew her when she just did it for herself, and that makes me love her new opportunity even more. A profession born out of passion!


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Blog < 2016: The year of programmatic outdoor trading
By Ina Arens | 04 Dec 2015
Programmatic is about to embark on a new journey - no longer restricted to desktop computers, mobiles and TV screens, it will now infiltrate outdoor screens. While many advertisers are still getting to grips with this 'new' way of trading display advertising space, the media-buying powerhouses are sprinting ahead. Their vision is to extend brand messaging beyond the domestic four walls of consumers
Australia has been at the forefront of Programmatic Outdoor. Driven by IPG Mediabrands Cadreon and local Digital Out Of Home (DOOH) companies such as Brandscreen and Site Tour, outdoor advertising space has been trading programmatically for over a year now. Earlier this year, TubeMogul, a video demand-side platform, joined this partnership, enabling advertisers to buy 15-second ad slots programmatically on DOOH screens.
Here in the UK, Xaxis, WPP's digital media-buying platform, has just announced the launch of its own DOOH technology, while on the publisher side Rubicon Project has collaborated with Bitposter. The latter says it will offer a staggering 98% of the UK's outdoor inventory to advertisers. Partnerships like these will allow advertisers to buy audiences whilst they are on the go, for example in shopping centres, train stations, taxis and sports stadiums. Underpinned by data and the capabilities of audience segmentation, brands can ensure the right message reaches the right consumers. The data currently available is mostly location-based, allowing for hyper-local targeting. Bitposter will use demographic, geographic and contextual data to achieve appropriate targeting and, technological advancements permitting, experts are hoping to use facial recognition, weather data and GPS location data to enhance messaging options.
In a brave new 2016, we can potentially follow customers' journeys from awareness to intent and then, at the right moment in time, target them with programmatically-traded DOOH ads, for example by offering customers a discount if they were to purchase at the nearby store around the corner. Furthermore, demographic data can also be stored on membership cards, which allows advertisers to bid on programmatic outdoor ad spaces, such as tube platforms. In this case, as soon as enough people matching their target group criteria tap in at the station, an ad campaign could be triggered on the platform, instantly bringing popular products top-of-mind in key locations at key times.
There are some obvious benefits to trading outdoor ad spaces programmatically; it is efficient, targeted and accountable. Similarly, it can also increase sales of local businesses and, as such, bring an economic uplift to locations with DOOH screens.
Above all, it can be the bridge between domestic screens and outdoor screens, drawing a full circle of a user's physical journey through today's digitalised world. Let 2016 be the year of Programmatic Outdoor Trading!
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