by Ben Ochieng NAIROBI (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government said on Tuesday that it plans to commission its first nuclear power plant by 2027.
Charles Keter, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum, who did not give the exact timeline said his ministry is adhering to the stringent guidelines that are set by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
"Kenya's dream of integrating nuclear energy into the national electricity grid will come to fruition in line with our Vision 2030.
"However, I will not commit myself to the exact time frame because we do not know exactly when we shall meet the IAEA rigorous condition," the CS said in Nairobi during the launch of the Kenya Nuclear Energy Week and Conference.
The forum aims at bringing issues related to nuclear energy to the front burner of the national conversation, harnessing the capacity, knowledge and expertise of three leading nuclear-producing countries: China, South Korea, and Russia.
Kenya's journey to acquisition of a nuclear reactor commenced in 2010 following recommendation by the National Economic and Social Council (NESC), which is an advisory organization to the government that provides timely, accurate and independent economic and social advice to improve the management of the economy.
The East African nation plans to commence construction of its first nuclear power plant, estimated to cost 5 billion U.S. dollars, by 2021 as the east African country seeks to bring down the cost of electricity by adding 1,000 megawatt capacity that will double the current electricity generation.
The country generates about 2,300 megawatts of power mainly from hydro-electricity and geothermal facilities, which are unreliable and expensive forms of power supply and deterrent to investment in east Africa's biggest economy.
The Economic and Commercial Counsellor at the Embassy of China, Guo Ce, said Kenya and China have achieved a lot in energy cooperation in recent years, during which Chinese companies have drilled 145 wells at the Olkaria Geothermal Project that have increased electricity capacity to the national grid by 20 percent and in the process lowered integrated price of the commodity by 30 percent.
"Electricity transmission projects by Chinese implemented by companies in Kenya have connected more residents to stable and reliable power and they are still following up some other geothermal projects and wind power plants," he noted.
NAIROBI (Xinhua) -- The Kenyan government must allocate adequate funds to support nuclear research and innovation in a bid to hasten industrial transformation, an expert said on Thursday.
Director of the Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology at the University of Nairobi, David Maina, said Kenya should allocate sufficient funds in the nuclear technology arena if the country is to realize the target of commissioning a nuclear plant by 2027.
"There is no need to train students in nuclear science when you don't know what to do with them later. Many undergraduates study the subject but later divert to other fields due to lack of research funds to further their studies," Maina remarked on the sidelines of the Kenya Nuclear Week and Conference in Nairobi.
During the 2016 financial year, the Kenya Nuclear Energy Board got a budget allocation of 3.4 million U.S. dollars for its nuclear power development.
The director said the university offers scholarships to two students to study nuclear science, out of the 17 students who are sponsored by the government annually.
The forum brought together nuclear energy experts from Kenya, China, South Korea, and Russia to discuss issues related to nuclear energy with the aim of bringing the concerns to the front burner of the national conversation, harness the capacity, knowledge and expertise of the three leading nuclear-producing countries.


text:
Q: Implement select function in Eloquent with I'm trying to implement a simple select method into a eloquent with. So, I have this code that works correctly.
$usersInfo = User::with(['product' => function($query) use($request) {
    $query->whereBetween('date', [$request->get('datefrom'), $request->get('dateto')]);
}])->get();

But if I put a select into the query function, the query stop working and return an empty value into the product array.
$usersInfo = User::with(['product' => function($query) use($request) {
    $query->select(['date', 'name'])
        ->whereBetween('date', [$request->get('datefrom'), $request->get('dateto')]);
}])->get();

I know that if use DB::table() is possible to do this stuff.
So, my question is. If there any possibility to put this select into the with, in Eloquent?
Thanks

A: You need to pass the primary key of the other model into the select to retrieve the necessary results. Without seeing the product relation function I cannot accurately determine what should be done, however it will probably be id.
$query->select('id', 'date', 'name')...
Referenced here

A: you can try this, works with 5.8 version
$usersInfo = User::with('product')
        ->whereBetween('date', [$request->get('datefrom'), $request->get('dateto')]);
}])->get();

$userInfo = $userInfo->map(function($data){
   return collect([

    ...................
    ...........
    'product' => $data->product->map(function($productData){
            'date' => productData->date,
            'name' => productData->name
        })
    ])

})

A: To Select Only Particular columns from table just pass as the below code
$data   =   Post::all('id', 'title','content');

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Vincible
by Ray Katz | Apr 4, 2018 | Essays
My views have changed and morphed over the years. I've considered a wide variety of ideologies from Marxism to Objectivism (the latter is Ayn Rand's "philosophy.")
Sometimes there's a pivotal event that changes your thinking. For Voltaire, it was the Lisbon earthquake, which killed tens of thousands of devout Christians as they prayed fervently on one of their holiest days. This solidified his cynicism about religion and religious institutions.
My "Lisbon earthquake" moment was the fall of communism. This forever altered my view of the nature of power and leadership. It wasn't the only influence. My direct view of upper management as a temp in some huge corporations in the 1980s had an effect. So did my reading of Gandhi, King and (particularly insightful) Frederick Douglass.
I have concluded that, in most cases, powerful people and institutions are extraordinarily vulnerable. They believe in their power and those who are subject to their power also tend to believe. This illusion of power is the real source of their strength. It's a mind game with the magician fooling both the audience and himself.
When the illusion cracks, no amount of guns, nuclear weapons or bluster can save it. The Soviet Union was a hollow shell for decades. Once this became clear to those under its dominance, the whole system collapsed spectacularly.
When I say the same thing could happen, and indeed may be happening, to corporate capitalism today, most people think I'm unduly optimistic. They are reasonable in that assessment because I do seem unduly optimistic.
There are four factors at play: overreach; blindness; systemic failure and emergence of fearless opposition.
Corporate capitalism appears to be at the height of it power, a tower of unassailable strength, flexing its muscles across the planet and consolidating itself into a monolithic trans-national empire beyond anything the world has ever seen. Protests seem to have little effect and corporate capitalism is aided by a substantial and dedicated band of "useful idiots" who support it.
Elections—our only recourse within the system—seems possible but unlikely to help because not enough of the right people vote, because the choices allowed under system are too narrow and because the electoral process itself has been weighted to resist substantial change. [People sometimes see my voting patterns as support for the system, but it's more complex than that. See "Why I Am Voting for Gorbachev."]
Furthermore, any cracks in the power structure are hard to see. In fact, we are witnessing an almost orgasmic joy as those in power steal trillions from the treasury, and perform an endless stream of cruel acts largely unimpeded.
How could this system fail?
The truth is, it may not. The future isn't predetermined. But there are strong reasons to believe collapse may be near. There are four factors at play: overreach; blindness; systemic failure and emergence of fearless opposition.
But there is a tripwire, a line that exceeds the power of the powerful, and once that's crossed they're on their way out.
Overreach happens all the time but few see it. When someone in power has gotten away with something for a long time, he thinks he's unbeatable and can get away with anything—so he goes for more. Because he hasn't been stopped yet, everyone thinks he's still unstoppable. So, recently the corporatists seized $1.7 trillion from the treasury for themselves and intend to "pay for it" by taking the people's pensions (Social Security) and taxpayer-funded benefits. Social Security—once seen as the 3rd rail of politics—is widely now viewed as vulnerable and that nobody can stop the corporatists from seizing it.
Possibly. But there is a tripwire, a line that exceeds the power of the powerful, and once that's crossed they're on their way out. We may have already crossed the tripwire before the corporatists got around to taking Social Security. But they don't see it yet. Neither do most of us.
Blindness isn't just in politics. It's everywhere power seems entrenched. It's a kind of natural stupidity that comes to people who live a life of effort free success. Our current idiot president is an extreme example, but we abound in them. Most CEOs have a blindness, and believe in their brilliance when, in fact, they sit atop a structure built by someone else that is largely flourishing on inertia and suffers the usual random ups and downs of any system. But because a CEO sits atop this behemoth, he thinks he's a genius. The same is true of powerful politicians. Basically, everywhere the people in charge are clueless and completely dependent on people well below who do all the work. But they don't see that. They're blind. And that's one reason they can't see their vulnerability or the probable upcoming collapse.
Systemic failure was obvious, but only in retrospect, when the Soviet Union collapsed. But only in retrospect. The Soviet system had failed and continued only under the illusion of power and durability. Like the Soviet system, the system of corporate capitalism—it's absurd pretend "representative government"; it's "free markets" and "free labor"; it's alleged meritocracy, and all the attendant nonsense—are weak rationalizations to continue the charade. But the charade is wearing thin. Everybody knows that most people don't want their healthcare taken away, that they don't want their Social Security stolen, that they don't want their tax dollars handed over to Wall Street and wealthy corporations. Everyone know that political parties and campaigns are funded by corporations and that our political institutions serve their funders, not the people.
But we still say, "if only more people voted." And yet, we're coming to the realization that the problem is much bigger than that. The system is failing so badly that it needs repeated bailouts to even survive. The 2008 bailout could have been the end—but conditions weren't quite right. Conditions have changed and cynicism is deeper.
The really killer element, however, is the emergence of fearless opposition. And this is what finally happened. It's the most unpredictable element and the critical last step for real change. And this happened in Parkland, Florida. Unlike most adults, broken and despairing even if angry, the Parkland kids are young, fresh and fearless. They haven't been beaten down and are unlikely to be. In a few short weeks, they've shown their power and bloodied some formerly powerful members of the status quo. They skillfully wield moral force. Although their aim is limited to gun control, they will inevitably expose the weakness of the status quo—and others will take advantage of that weakness.
So, we now see not only a new effective nationwide movement of young gun control activists , but teachers strikes and more. These are not unrelated incidents. More and more groups will realize that the old order is cracking, that it can no longer enforce its will, that it has no credibility or moral force and that only guns can even attempt to sustain the old order.
And those that are charged with handling the official guns will be unwilling to kill ordinary people, to kill friends, to kill unarmed people who simply want to live a life of dignity. We live in interesting times but it's also very possibly—I'd say very likely—a time of change for the better. We will face different challenges when this system collapses, and I'm concerned about them. But I still like our chances.
← Why I'm Voting for "Gorbachev" Medicare for America vs. Medicare for All →
Ray Katz' Stories
Many of Ray Katz stories are available on this site for free. He also has two books of illustrated micro-stories on Amazon Kindle.
"Good Work" is a blog about how to make work life better: better for people, better for business. And possibly even better for dogs!

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Q: Trending products based on view/likes/dislikes I have a list of products in which user can like and dislike the product. Like,dislike and number views count is stored in redis.
Now, i want to fetch trending products based on view/likes and dislikes.Is there any gem or algorthim .
Edit
The data stored as product: product_id: followers = [user.id]
i.e product:4:followers = ["1", "3"]

A: This article gives a proper solution.
http://sorentwo.com/2013/12/30/let-postgres-do-the-work.html

A: There are multiple voting / recommendation engines for Rails, some common one are:
https://github.com/ryanto/acts_as_votable
https://github.com/davidcelis/recommendable
Also try this page, Ruby Toolbox is good at searching for various gems. You will see the first two on the list support Redis.
https://www.ruby-toolbox.com/categories/Recommendation_Engines

A: Since the data is stored in Redis, you can use ZRANK function of Redis.
Gem - https://github.com/redis/redis-rb


text:
Soul Destruction: Unforgivable
August 1, 2012 June 1, 2013 Soul Destruction Diary 2 Comments addictaddictionAustraliabookcall girlcrimediaryescortheroinsoul destruction
Collision – 30 December 2000 – 18.00
Me and Mickey walk along the road towards the Radisson. I've been sweating in my white, Armani dress all day. I want to have a shower and change before he takes me out to dinner. He's trying to make me eat more, which is sweet of him really, but I'm not hungry. I never am. Apparently, there's a sushi restaurant I'm going to love. What I'm most looking forward to is the sake. Mickey says it gets you drunk fast. He also said it's made from fermented rice, which doesn't sound particularly nice, but if it gets me drunk and doesn't taste too bad, that's all that matters.
I'm feeling the best I've felt since I've been here. Today with Mickey has been amazing. We haven't done anything, not even kissed. But he's held me for hours in the back of his van and not once did I have a flashback. It feels like a real breakthrough. I'm dying to tell Dr Fielding but Mickey's hungry and I've already talked him into stopping off at the hotel so I can freshen up so it's not fair to make him wait while I call Dr Fielding too. Later tonight, I'll be too drunk so I'll need to leave it until tomorrow.
As we approach my hotel, Lorna's standing opposite on the other side of the street. She looks like a hooker in her red boob tube top and her jean shorts that are so short they show half her arse. I look away, hoping she won't see me, but I know I'm probably the reason she's stood there.
"Oi, Nicole!" she screams.
"What do you want?" Mickey shouts back at her.
"Can't she talk for herself, chicken legs?"
"We're off out now. Come over on Monday," I say, because I want to spend the rest of the weekend with Mickey before he's back to work.
"Just cross the fucking road, Nicole," Lorna yells. "I won't take too much of your precious time."
I run over to the seafront, leaving Mickey outside the Radisson. I kiss Lorna on the cheek, hoping to calm things between us after the lie I told. "Have you got my two-hundred dollars?"
"Forget about your fucking money. Who do you want to be with, me or him?" Lorna shakes my shoulders. "I know you're fucking him as well."
I look away from her and turn my head towards the sea. "I really like him, Lorna. I'm sorry."
"Well you should've said before and not led me on." She digs her nails into the bare skin on my back.
I rip her hands off me. "I didn't lead you on. Last time, I was gouched out and when I came to you'd taken off my clothes and were all over me. You fucking took advantage and that's not the first time."
"You lying fucking bitch." Lorna slaps me hard on my cheek. My head swings to the side. As I bring it back up, I nut her on the forehead. She falls flat on the pavement.
Mickey comes running over the road. "I told you she was trouble."
"She's a dirty little fuck, isn't she Mickey?" Lorna pushes herself up from the ground. "That's what you like though. She's right up your street. A dirty fucking whore."
"C'mon, let's go," Mickey says forcefully.
I stand next to him on the curb, waiting for a gap in the traffic. I'm shoved from behind. I can hear Mickey calling my name as I spin through the air.
2 thoughts on "Collision – 30 December 2000 – 18.00"
Awesome so far Ruth, gripping cliffhanger can't wait for the next install
stuart kirchin , August 7, 2012 at 20:52
Thanks so much Stuart.
Ruth Jacobs , August 7, 2012 at 23:52
Follow Soul Destruction on WordPress.com


text:
Murfreesboro area high school basketball Week 9 top performers
The best from Murfreesboro area high school basketball from Week 9 action.
Murfreesboro area high school basketball Week 9 top performers The best from Murfreesboro area high school basketball from Week 9 action. Check out this story on dnj.com: https://www.dnj.com/story/sports/high-school/2020/01/14/murfreesboro-area-high-school-basketball-week-9-top-performers/4473939002/
Cecil Joyce, Murfreesboro Daily News Journal Published 10:45 p.m. CT Jan. 14, 2020 | Updated 5:01 p.m. CT Jan. 18, 2020
Price Tramel, Oakland: Scored 12 points in a 52-47 win over MBA.
D.D. Anderson, Oakland: Scored 11 points in a win over MBA.
M.J. Grant, Oakland: Scored 10 points in a win over MBA.
Zhordan Shannon, Stewarts Creek: Scored 17 points in a 46-33 win over Lincoln County.
Alasia Hayes, Riverdale: Scored 24 points with seven steals in a 56-37 win over Oakland.
Iyana Moore, Blackman: Scored 21 points in a 73-12 win over Smyrna.
Serenity Lillard, Siegel: Scored 17 points in a 62-52 loss to Rockvale.
Kiersten Hudson, MTCS: Scored 16 points in a 51-41 loss to PCA.
Makayla Moates, Eagleville: Scored 16 points in a 66-55 win over Cascade.
Kamaria Hurse, Stewarts Creek: Scored 16 points in a 77-29 win over La Vergne.
Faith Anderson, Rockvale: Scored 15 points in a win over Siegel.
Victoria Page, Blackman: Scored 14 points in a win over Smyrna.
Haylee Ferguson, Eagleville: Scored 14 points in a win over Cascade.
A.C. Markham, PCA: Scored 13 points in a win over MTCS.
Lizzy Thompson, Eagleville: Scored 13 points in a win over Cascade.
Tonie Davis, Rockvale: Scored 13 points in a win over Siegel.
T.K. Goff, Riverdale: Scored 13 points in a win over Oakland.
Claira McGowan, Oakland: Scored 13 points in a loss to Riverdale.
Mariah Edmonds, PCA: Scored 13 points in a win over MTCS.
Anna Grace Clement, Eagleville: Scored 12 points in a win over Cascade.
Taylor Turner, Stewarts Creek: Scored 12 points in a win over La Vergne.
Sydney Cooper, MTCS: Scored 12 points in a loss to PCA.
Addison Melton, Central Magnet: Scored 12 points in a 51-23 loss to Nolensville.
Alia Callum, PCA: Scored 11 points in a win over MTCS.
Zhordan Shannon, Stewarts Creek: Scored 11 points in a win over La Vergne.
Katelyn Worley, Riverdale: Scored 11 points in a win over Oakland.
Dan'Angela Wagner, Blackman: Scored 11 points in a win over Smyrna.
Monica Peralta, Siegel: Scored 11 points in a loss to Rockvale.
Zyion Shannon, Stewarts Creek: Scored 10 points in a win over La Vergne.
Jessie Kauffman, Cannon Co.: Scored 10 points in a loss to Upperman.
Devin Kline, La Vergne: Scored 29 points (six 3s) in a 65-58 win over Stewarts Creek.
Ryley McClaran, Eagleville: Scored 28 points in a 62-54 win over Cascade.
Antuan Williams, La Vergne: Scored 24 points (four 3s) in a win over Stewarts Creek.
De'Arre McDonald, Oakland: Scored 17 points in a 59-40 win over Riverdale.
Braden Smith, MTCS: Scored 16 points (three 3s) in a 69-31 win over PCA.
M.J. Grant, Oakland: Scored 16 points in a win over Riverdale.
Luke Parish, Eagleville: Scored 16 points in a win over Cascade.
Blake Dixon, Stewarts Creek: Scored 13 points in a loss to La Vergne.
Bryce Jackson, Stewarts Creek: Scored 13 points in a loss to La Vergne.
Trevor Chatman, Stewarts Creek: Scored 12 points in a loss to La Vergne.
Jensen Linton, Eagleville: Scored 12 points in a win over Cascade.
Jack Howell, MTCS: Scored 10 points in a win over PCA.
Santonio McDaniel, Riverdale: Scored 10 points in a loss to Oakland.
Price Tramel, Oakland: Scored 10 points in a win over Riverdale.
Ryley McClaran, Eagleville: Scored 39 points in an 87-68 win over Huntland.
Jaylan Wetzel, Siegel: Scored 23 points (six 3s) in a 72-57 win over Stewarts Creek.
Trevor Chatman, Stewarts Creek: Scored 22 points in a loss to Siegel.
Antuan Williams, La Vergne: Scored 21 points in a 52-49 win over Riverdale.
Luke Parish, Eagleville: Scored 16 points in a win over Huntland.
Riverdale's Javon Nelson (23) shoots the ball as Oakland's DD Anderson (23) guards him on Friday Jan. 17, 2020, at Oakland. (Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ)
Jayden Hernandez, Central Magnet: Scored 16 points in a 51-35 win over Forrest.
Preston Whittington, Riverdale: Scored 15 points in a loss to La Vergne.
Carrington Allen, Oakland: Scored 14 points in a 57-42 win over Smyrna.
C.J. Johnson, Riverdale: Scored 14 points in a loss to La Vergne.
Jenson Linton, Eagleville: Scored 13 points in a win over Huntland.
Devin Kline, La Vergne: Scored 13 points in a win over Riverdale.
Kyle Messerly, Central Magnet: Scored 13 points in a 61-36 loss to Nolensville.
Javon Nelson, Riverdale: Scored 12 points in a loss to La Vergne.
Ray Tyler, Blackman: Scored 11 points in a 65-27 win over Rockvale.
Jalen Page, Blackman: Scored 11 points in a win over Rockvale.
Jacquari Johnson, Blackman: Scored 11 points in a win over Rockvale.
Bryce Jackson, Stewarts Creek: Scored 11 points in a loss to Siegel.
Micah Harris, Central Magnet: Scored 11 points in a win over Forrest.
Zoryn Harrington, Blackman: Scored 10 points in a win over Rockvale.
Price Tramel, Oakland: Scored 10 points in a win over Smyrna.
Matthew Schneider, Siegel: Scored 10 points in a win over Stewarts Creek.
Braden Smith, MTCS: Scored nine points in a 71-43 loss to CPA.
Thomas Riddle, Smyrna: Scored nine points in a loss to Oakland.
LaMarious Nelson, Rockvale: Scored nine points in a loss to Blackman.
Max McMurry, PCA: Led the team with seven points in a 63-33 loss to FRA.
Iyana Moore, Blackman: Scored 26 points in a 67-15 win over Rockvale.
Serenity Lillard, Siegel: Scored 21 points in a 71-39 loss to Stewarts Creek.
Makayla Moates, Eagleville: Scored 19 points in a 63-38 loss to Huntland.
Alasia Hayes, Riverdale: Scored 18 points in a 73-26 win over La Vergne.
Madison Henegar, Stewarts Creek: Scored 18 points in a 71-39 win over Siegel.
Claira McGowan, Oakland: Scored 18 points in a 66-21 win over Smyrna.
Jessie Kauffman, Cannon Co.: Scored 17 points in a win over Smith County.
Kaitlin Polly, Central Magnet: Scored 17 points in a 49-40 win over Forrest.
High School Basketball: Blackman vs. Rockvale
Blackman's guard Jalen Page (13) goes up for a shot between Rockvale's Ryan Smith (42) and Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Ray Tyler (2) goes up for a shot as he runs over Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) and Rockvale's De'Eric (10) watches from the background at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) shoots the ball during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Mark Cooper (5) passes the ball to Blackman's forward Kevarius Martin (33) during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) shoots the ball during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Faith Anderson (11) shoots the ball as Blackman's forward Kaylee Odom (24) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) and Rockvale's Amani Sharif (12) jump the ball to start the game at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kaylee Odom (24) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Camari Tavares (22) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Aniya Scott (2) brings the ball down the court as Blackman's guard Joelle Patton (14) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Zoryn Harrington (1) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Jacquari Johnson (3) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Ryan Smith (42) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) shoots the ball as Blackman's forward TJ Cross (4) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's head coach David Givens on the sidelines during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) gobs a rebound during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kaylee Odom (24) passes the ball during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Joelle Patton (14) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Queena Lyons (24) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Aniya Scott (2) tries to pass the ball as she falls to the ground during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Tonie Davis (33) moves to the basket was Blackman's forward Aaliyah Green (22) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's head coach Wendi Scott yells from the sidelines during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kailon Benton-Hamilton (10) goes up for a shot as Rockvale's Ryan Smith (42) watches at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Ivyn Dewberry (34) goes to shoot the ball as Blackman's forward TJ Cross (4) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) drives to the basket around Blackman's guard Jalen Page (13) at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Julius Rhodes (13) brings the ball up the court as Blackman's guard Ray Tyler (2) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Amani Sharif (12) moves the ball around the court as Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Faith Anderson (11) shoots the ball as Blackman's forward Aaliyah Green (22) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's head coach Lindy King on the sidelines during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) brings the ball down the court during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Victoria Page (15) goes for a basket during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kailon Benton-Hamilton (10) passes the ball as Rockvale's Ryan Smith (42) and Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's center Jalen Stayton (22) and Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) jump the ball to begin the game at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward TJ Cross (4) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Ray Tyler (2) drives around Rockvale's Julius Rhodes (13) as he heads down the court at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's center Jalen Stayton (22) grabs a rebound as Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) and Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) both go after the ball at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Jheilaa Thomas (12) moves the ball around the court as Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Faith Anderson (11) \shoots the ball as Blackman's guard Victoria Page (15) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Alecea Wilkerson (15) goes up for a shot s Blackman's forward Kaylee Odom (24) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Aaliyah Green (22) grabs a rebound as Rockvale's Alecea Wilkerson (15) covers her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Queena Lyons (24) shoots the ball as Blackman's guard Asia Mathews (1) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Zoryn Harrington (1) looks to move the ball around the court as Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's head coach Barry Wortman on the sidelines during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) and Blackman's forward Kailon Benton-Hamilton (10) both go after a rebound at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) drives to the basket as Rockvale's Amani Sharif (12) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Queena Lyons (24) moves the ball around the court as Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kaylee Odom (24) drives to the basket as Rockvale's Tonie Davis (33) moves in to guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Iyana Moore (23) drives to the basket as Rockvale's Faith Anderson (11) fouls her and knocks the ball from her hands at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's center Jalen Stayton (22) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's head coach Barry Wortman with his players during a break in the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward TJ Cross (4) goes up for a shot as Rockvale's Holt Gillespie (25) and Rockvale's Julius Rhodes (13) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Ray Tyler (2) passes the ball over Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) during the game at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kaylee Odom (24) shoots the ball as Rockvale's Tonie Davis (33) guards her at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's guard Mark-Dameon Cooper (5) passes the ball during the game against Rockvale at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Blackman's forward Kevarius Martin (33) goes up for a shot as Rockvale's TJ Hathaway (31) comes down the court after him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's De'Eric (10) brings the ball up the court during the game against Blackman at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's Jakai Brooks (1) shoots the ball as Blackman's guard Mark-Dameon Cooper (5) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Rockvale's De'Eric (10) moves the ball around the court as Blackman's guard Jacquari Johnson (3) guards him at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. HELEN COMER/DNJ
Zhordan Shannon, Stewarts Creek: Scored 16 points with 12 rebounds in a win over Siegel.
Mariah Edmonds, PCA: Scored 16 points in a 58-45 win over FRA.
Sarah Wisniowski, MTCS: Scored 16 points in a 51-41 loss to CPA.
Sydney Gibson, PCA: Scored 14 points in a win over FRA.
Anna Grace Clement, Eagleville: Scored 14 points in a loss to Huntland.
Kamaria Hurse, Stewarts Creek: Scored 13 points in a win over Siegel.
Addison Melton, Central Magnet: Scored 12 points in a win over Forrest.
Olivia Hart, Central Magnet: Scored 12 points in a win over Forrest.
T.K. Goff, Riverdale: Scored 11 points in a win over La Vergne.
Beth Nelson, Oakland: Scored 11 points in a win over Smyrna.
Nicole Egeruoh, Oakland: Scored 11 points in a win over Smyrna.
Amyiah Morrow, Riverdale: Scored 11 points in a win over La Vergne.
Sydney Cooper, MTCS: Scored 11 points in a loss to CPA.
Katelyn Worley, Riverdale: Scored 10 points in a win over La Vergne.
Victoria Page, Blackman: Scored 10 points in a win over Rockvale.
A.C. Markham, PCA: Scored 10 points in a win over FRA.
Alia Callum, PCA: Scored 10 points in a win over FRA.
Kiersten Hudson, MTCS: Scored 10 points in a loss to CPA.
Nakia Drew, Smyrna: Scored nine points in a loss to Oakland.
Tiyana Condra, La Vergne: Scored nine points in a loss to Riverdale.
Rockvale's Lamarious Nelson (35) and Blackman's forward Kailon Benton-Hamilton (10) both go after a rebound at Blackman, on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 2020. (Photo: HELEN COMER/DNJ)
De'Arre McDonald, Oakland: Scored 14 points in a 75-16 win over Shelbyville.
Carrington Allen, Oakland: Scored 11 points in a win over Shelbyville.
D.D. Anderson, Oakland: Scored 10 points in a win over Shelbyville.
Oakland's McGowan adjusts to leadership role, first-time coach
Blackman wrestlers outduel Oakland in battle for first in District 10-AAA
Oakland football players learn a lot about recruiting process
Lady Raiders win turnover-filled contest against the Owls
JaCoby Stevens to return to LSU for senior year
Tyler's return to Blackman has been a smooth transition


With the Founders Series, we reach across multiple industries in order to get diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship. That's why you see anything from startup law firms to mobile yoga studios sprinkled in alongside tech startups.
This week, we caught up with Ramon Ray, the Founder of Smart Hustle, a multimedia (online and print magazine) resource that offers valuable advice to entrepreneurs on most aspects of growing their businesses.
Tell us about Smart Hustle. What's your vision for the company?
We aim to make Smart Hustle the leading national resource to educate and inspire small business entrepreneurs. We're creating a community of small business entrepreneurs on the journey toward success. Smart Hustle Magazine is the rallying point for those who are using their smarts, creativity, and tenacity as they pursue the hustle–the smart hustle–on their way to even greater success. Smart Hustle Magazine is not just about those who have already succeeded, but those who are on the journey of small business entrepreneurial growth.
With Smart Hustle, I wanted to go beyond tech, which is the focus of my other company, SmallBiztechnology.com. I wanted to cover small business entrepreneurs in the HUSTLE/on their journey.
What was your first job after graduation? If in a different field, how did you make the transition from that to entrepreneurship?
I was working at the United Nations, managing an office. I started 3 companies while at the UN, then left the UN.
There is not just one important trait, but persistence, smart hustle, always learning, and being nice are a few.
Where can people find out more about Smart Hustle?
The Founders Series reaches across multiple industries in order to provide diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship. That's why you see anything from startup-focused law firms to non-profit organizations featured alongside tech startups.
This week we caught up with Justin Schneider, the Founder of Wolf & Shepherd, a relatively new and highly innovative maker of dress shoes. As a former decathlete at Notre Dame and shoe designer at Adidas, New Balance, and Reebok, Justin knows a thing or two about athletic shoes. Fortunately for W&S customers, he has applied this knowledge to dress shoes and has created what might be the world's most comfortable and functional, yet stylish, dress shoe.
Tell us about Wolf & Shepherd. What's your vision for the company?
Everyone loves to look good, and classic shoemakers have done a great job bringing us timeless designs for nearly a century. But as shoe technology has advanced, shoe manufacturers have lagged behind. Drawing from the fundamental technology found in premier athletic shoes, our vision is to build dress shoes that stay true to classic styling while concealing performance technology in the heart of each sole. We believe this will be the launching pad to fully suit the professional of the future.
As a Track & Field athlete at Notre Dame, I spent countless hours training for two days of rigorous competition in the Decathlon. When each competition began, I knew I was physically prepared. I took extra steps to ensure that my equipment (shoes, implements, uniform, etc.) functioned properly.
When I finished my career in running, my new field of competition became the workplace. Each day, I want to wake up feeling comfortable knowing what I wear is a good reflection of my ability to perform.
What was your first job after graduation? How did you make the transition from that to entrepreneurship?
My first job after graduation was with New Balance, in the footwear innovation department. They hired me as a footwear designer to develop future concepts, five years out. Working at New Balance, along with Adidas and Reebok, refined my knowledge of the technical specifics in footwear before I started my first venture, Wolf & Shepherd.
I think a lot of entrepreneurs hear that they need to have discipline, brains, adaptability, and a unique market strategy, but all these points are moot as they are identified after someone has already achieved success – they are just anecdotes. The only thing you can really control is whether you choose to try or not. You never build a successful business without trying to build it.
There are many ways to increase your chances of success before starting. One of the most effective ways is to gain experience in the industry you're interested in building a business around. If it's shoes, then go work for a shoe company. If it's healthcare, go work for a healthcare provider or hospital.
Where can people find out more about Wolf & Shepherd?
The Founders Series reaches across multiple industries in order to get diverse perspectives on entrepreneurship. That's why you see anything from startup-focused law firms to non-profit organizations featured alongside tech startups.
This week, we received some sage advice from Tim Bilodeau, the Founder and Executive Director of Medicines for Humanity (MFH), a non-profit that is doing amazing work in saving the lives of the world's most vulnerable children.
Tell us about Medicines for Humanity. What's your vision for the organization?
Over 6 million children die each year because they lack basic healthcare services. Medicines for Humanity (MFH) is a non-profit organization with the mission to prevent the deaths of these children. MFH improves the capacity of reliable in-country healthcare providers to reach more children more effectively. We focus on children under age five, pregnant women, and on proven low cost, sustainable health services. MFH creates systemic change and lasting systems of care.
What inspired you to start MFH?
The inspiration for MFH came from an experience on my first day visiting a health project in the slums of Guayaquil, Ecuador. I saw Father Frank Smith, a missionary priest, speaking with a sobbing woman. Father Frank later explained that her 3 year old son had died that day because she made the wrong choice. She bought food for her family instead of medicine for her son. When I learned that the boy could have been saved with 25 cents worth of pedialite, the idea for MFH was conceived. Nobody should have to make that kind of choice.
My first job was a teaching fellowship at Athens College in Greece, and I worked in education for about 7 years. My first transition was to the private sector as a management consultant and later executive recruiter. The private sector jobs were good financially but largely empty of meaning for me. I started working for nonprofits helping vulnerable children in developing countries. My third transition to MFH evolved from a felt opportunity to save lives.
The most valuable trait is having authentic commitment to your purpose…to a mission that can inspire and motivate you through the challenges, difficulties, and hardships you will face.
What career advice would you give to current students who are considering joining a startup or starting their own company/organization?
The ideal startup or company/organization is one with a vision that inspires you and can inspire others. It is an organization that evolves from your personal experience, resonates with your values, fits your skill set, and gives meaning to your life.
Where can people find out more about MFH?
This week, we feature a great Q&A with Alexandrea Mellen, the Founder of Terrapin Computing. Our initial contact with Alexandrea was while she was still a senior at Boston University studying computer engineering. This edition of the Founders Series is extra special to us because Alexandrea started Terrapin while still a student and has continued to grow the business following graduation, even presenting at BlackHat USA 2015 along the way! Quite impressive, and a great testament to the highly talented students in our schools these days! Not to mention, the apps Alexandrea is creating are helping educate other students.
Tell us about Terrapin Computing. What's your vision for the company?
I recently began working full time on my iOS development company. My goal is to have an education line of tools to help students. Right now, I have Lewis Dot CHEMISTRY available, which is a reference tool for students taking Chem 101 (http://terrapincomputing.com/lewis_dot.html). I also hope to start a game for iOS using Unity. I have heard developing and designing a game can be extremely difficult, but at the same time extremely rewarding.
I developed my first iOS Application in my sophomore year. It was Resistor Color Coder, which I used to help me with my Computer Engineering classes. I was excited to have made my first app, but what really hit home was the Marathon Bombings in April of 2013. My sister and I were going to her first Boston Marathon and were a block away when the bombs exploded. This was truly a wakeup call for me. It made me realize the fragility of life and pushed me to form my company, Terrapin Computing LLC.
Truly, I think the most important trait for an entrepreneur to have is drive. It is so easy to give up and work for someone else instead of taking the uncertainty and responsibility that comes with owning your own business. But if you have the drive to work at it, enjoy it, and succeed, you can do amazing things. The drive to push yourself to new heights comes with a high risk but also a high reward.
What advice would you give to fellow students who are considering joining a startup or starting their own company?
Just do it! It can be really scary jumping in and starting your own business, or even joining a startup that isn't a 100% sure thing. But this is the beauty of the startup world. If you have drive and a belief in yourself and the products you make, you can go far. Just keep pushing forward, make your own opportunities, and stay passionate and excited about the future.
Where can people find out more about Terrapin Computing?
This week, we had a great Q&A with Shahrina Ankhi-Krol, the Founder of Ankhi-Krol Law. Ankhi-Krol Law specializes in intellectual property, trademark, and copyright law for startups.
Tell us about Ankhi-Krol Law. What's your vision for the company?
I founded Ankhi-Krol Law with the goal of providing the most needed legal services for entrepreneurs under one roof. I have built a law firm that is inviting, personable, and reliable. My vision for the firm is for it to become the go-to legal source for entrepreneurs throughout the country without losing its boutique nature.
The American Dream inspired me to have my own business. Corny, I know, but it's true! I always wanted to be in charge of my time, my success, and my future, and the best way to achieve that goal was to start my own firm. Just like the entrepreneurs I serve, there's a great deal of satisfaction in seeing my firm grow with every bit of hard work.
After graduating from law school, I worked for a judge at the New York State Supreme Court, Queens County. I have worked in various other types of legal establishments since college, including several law firms and the Office of the Attorney General in Michigan.
Positivity. A successful entrepreneur must be willing to pursue his/her goals despite the multitude of obstacles that will eventually fall into his/her path. Because disappointments and so-called failures are inevitable, without a positive outlook, dreams will remain dreams.
Make sure you REALLY want the entrepreneurial lifestyle. It's not easy. Having a job where you work for someone for a weekly paycheck is easy, but depending on your "hustle" to make a living is difficult and at times, near impossible. That is why not everyone is an entrepreneur. However, if you seriously want to start your own company or join a start-up, don't give up – the rewards of your hard work will be worth the blood, sweat, and tears.
Where can people find out more about Ankhi-Krol Law?
In this week's Founders Series, we caught up with Connor Croteau of Checkmate Creations. Checkmate, a web design/development and branding studio focused on startups, is the culmination of multiple entrepreneurial endeavors undertaken by Connor and his fellow founder, Tom Nassr, dating back to when they were still college students.
Tell us about Checkmate Creations. What's your vision for the company?
Checkmate is a digital studio that helps startups go from the idea stage to a minimal viable product such as a service offered, a physical product, or mobile app. Throughout the process, we help first time founders develop a strategic plan and a brand identity for their new product or service. In addition, we offer additional services such as web development, social media marketing/management, and ecommerce solutions. Our vision is to be the most effective start-up agency in the business.
It has been a long and treacherous journey for us to get to this point. I recognized early on in college that I was not the type of person that could work for one specific company. Tom and I started and failed numerous companies before Checkmate was founded. From the countless failures, we gained plenty of valuable skills, such as programming and business development. These skills inspired us to start Checkmate to help others looking to start their own company.
What was your first job after graduation? If in a different field, how did you make the transition from that to entrepreneurship? Highlight any other pertinent jobs held between your first one and now.
I've never had a "real" job after graduation.
My own personal journey to entrepreneurship is a unique one. In college, I studied Biology. Junior year, Tom and I were roommates and soon recognized that we had an awful landlord. We decided to develop a solution called RateAndRent.com where students can rate their landlord and pay their rent online. From there, I was hooked on entrepreneurship but decided to continue studying Biology with the belief that I could use Biology and Entrepreneurship as an advantage at some point in my life. Still searching for that opportunity!
This may sound cliché, but make sure to "just be yourself." Honestly, being yourself will naturally place you on the right path in your career because you will be doing what you are naturally good at. Potential hirers will notice that. The startup culture fosters individual uniqueness because they realize that you are the best at what you do when you are happy and you are yourself.
Where can people find out more about Checkmate Creations?
In this week's Founders Series, we spoke with Kevin George, one of the Founders of HireCanvas. HireCanvas streamlines many of the administrative tasks that employers face when recruiting on campus.
Tell us about HireCanvas. What's your vision for the company?
HireCanvas is a candidate relationship manager focused on supporting the campus recruiting process from the employer's perspective. We help recruiting teams stay organized as they go to campus, improve their offer to hire conversion rates and leverage employees to make recruiting personal at scale.
We believe that the future of recruiting is a team sport where recruiters and employees alike get to know top candidates to give them each an exceptional experience. With more touch points candidates have a better chance to evaluate employment options and ultimately choose a better fit.
The initial inspiration for HireCanvas came from first hand experiences I had supporting campus recruiting at PwC. PwC is one of the strongest and most prolific campus recruiters in the US and here we were, still using paper and pen at career fairs and information sessions to take notes about candidates we met. Knowing that we could improve the process, we spent months talking with potential customers to learn their biggest pains and understand what a solution to their problem actually looks like. We saw how excited recruiters were to gain an edge on campus through technology.
After graduation I worked in Mergers & Acquisitions consulting at PwC. While at PwC I was inspired by a problem I saw in the way we recruited entry-level associates. After the initial inspiration, I slowly started reading and learning more and more about what it meant to launch a tech startup. Before I knew it, I found a co-founder, was sharing my concept at meetups, calling potential customers and ultimately decided to commit full-time.
Joining an early stage startup or launching your own venture is an awesome experience but requires you to sacrifice luxuries of a more traditional job–steady pay, consistent hours, mentorship to name a few. There's no time like the present and you should make the entrepreneurial jump as soon as you are ready but remember 'ready' is different for everyone. For some it's before graduating, immediately after, or after years in the corporate world. 'Ready' for me meant experience working a corporate job, financial security, support of friends and family, a co-founder I could work every day with and a vision I was passionate about.
Where can people find out more about HireCanvas?
In this week's Founders Series, we caught up with Mike Calabrese, the Founder of Pioneer Web Marketing.
Tell us about Pioneer Web Marketing. What's your vision for the company?
We're an internet marketing company aimed at helping small businesses achieve maximum results with their marketing strategies on the web. We specialize in SEO, paid advertising management, social media, and eCommerce services. My vision is to always remain a small, agile company that consistently exceeds client expectations and to never become a large, bogged-down agency that fails to innovate and deliver results.
I've been entrepreneurial since I was a kid and owning my own business was always a big goal of mine. Seeing friends and colleagues succeed on their own in the web industry inspired me to strive for the same. Reading and studying the success of other web entrepreneurs also inspired me.
There was never a clear path to the web industry, at least when I was starting out. Everyone I knew got into it in a different way. For me, I started to learn about the web toward the end of college, but didn't really know what to do with it. Upon graduating from college, I started to make money from the web by buying and selling domain names, all the while taking odd jobs to supplement my income; but after a year I realized it wasn't enough. I took the plunge and got a job at a full service web agency, while still maintaining some side ventures. Some of my "in between" jobs including driving a car (literally through every city block) to map out coordinates for a GPS company, a stint at a local Christmas tree stand and a restaurant job.
Believe in yourself, stay committed and be confident in your vision for success. There will be many roadblocks and you'll encounter a lot of people that question what you're doing along the way. As long as you're committed to success, you will find a way to succeed.
If you're planning on joining a startup out of college, go in there thinking that you're doing it for the experience, not to get rich. If you're planning on starting your own company, I would recommend getting some industry-related on the job experience first, and work to build up a source of income on the side. It will make the transition to running your own company much easier and with income already coming in, you're much more likely to succeed in the long term than if you were starting from scratch. One other important lesson I learned is that you can't be afraid to let your customers and potential customers help define your company, especially in the beginning. When starting out, your number one goal is sustainability. You need to take the work you can get when you can get it and not be afraid to pivot based on the needs of your customers.
Where can people find out more about Pioneer Web Marketing?
The best way to find out more is to visit pioneerwebmarketing.com and get in touch with any questions. I'm happy to offer advice to anyone looking to start their own-web-related company.


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On Day One of DNC, McCain Visits Sacramento
KXJZ Photo/Ben Adler
As Democrats gather in Denver, Republican presidential candidate John McCain swept through the Golden State Mondayfor an appearance on the Tonight Show and two fundraisers – including one in Sacramento.
By Ben Adler
McCain and Obama supporters gathered side by side around the Sheraton Grand Hotel Monday morning – to the point that you couldn't really tell who the cars driving by were honking for.
Sacramento resident Diana Brace, who held a McCain-Romney '08 sign, said she's worried about Barack Obama's tax policies.
Brace: "I think that'll just tank the whole economy, whatever we have left."
But local teacher Pennie Taylor called McCain divisive.
Taylor: "I see McCain as a Republican who supports more of the same."
Donors paid at least a thousand dollars for lunch and heard McCain speak for nearly half an hour. According to a pool report, the Arizona Senator said, quote: "We will compete and win in the state of California. We will not take your money and leave." That's despite polls that show Obama with a healthy double digit lead here.
McCain later moved on to an evening fundraiser in Beverly Hills. He's got another one planned for Tuesday evening in San Diego.
Mixed Reaction in Crowd
To Elk Grove resident Norm DeYoung, there's a lot that he likes about McCain:
DeYoung: "Experience, judgment, maturity; his capacity to deal with foreign policy from a mature standpoint; and he's a red-blooded American combat veteran."
But Jack Tracey of Roseville, who wore a "Veterans for Peace" shirt, says he worries about McCain's temperament and ability to lead.
Tracey: "I think particularly in the last four years, he's been more and more supportive of the Bush administration. He's also been very much anti-veteran, in spite of being a veteran himself.
Monday, August 25, 2008 3:30 PM
McCain went out of his way to come over and shake a few hands
The crowd was a healthy mix of supporters and protesters


Also, sorry pictures are out of focus; if you squint, you can read it ha.
I had this happen to me earlier today. Here are two pictures of a thread I cam across. To be honest, neither seemed to help. I ended up restarting guest on my virtual machine and everything was fine.


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Inspirze helps employees live their company's brand
For a long time Inspirze was an award-winning South African-based IBM Business Partner, developing software around employee experience, communication and collaboration, and social software.
After conducting research with its customers, the company discovered that two of their biggest challenges were keeping employees engaged and helping them to live their company's brand.
Set up to combat this, Inspirze's team is divided between the UK (where sales and marketing are based), and South Africa (product research, development and ongoing support).
Earlier this year the company pitched at Tech Nation's Rising Stars Semi Final in Manchester, which Chief Engagement Officer Gary Swale described as a "terrifying but valuable" experience.
We spoke to Swale to find out more about the company and its experience in the competition.
How did Inspirze start?
Gary Swale: Our journey started when McDonald's South Africa wanted to move off their employee experience platform. This highlighted an opportunity for a simple, intuitive, easy-to-use tech platform available to everyone in the organisation – not just the connected, white-collar workers with email addresses.
Our core team then conceptualised and built Inspirze, and we continue to enhance the product which McDonald's South Africa still use as a critical part of their business.
What's your 'elevator pitch'?
We help people live their organisation's brand. We do that by connecting everyone in the organisation so that they can better serve their customers from the inside out.
We give our customers a platform that is made up of three components that help them live the brand. The first is a platform of engagement, giving everyone from the CEO to the cleaner access to one another.
We also have a learning and development component that moves beyond an elearning and teaching environment into a mentoring and championing one. This helps the whole workforce develop and not just the individual.
The third component is signature actions, which are the things that you need to do as an organisation in order to succeed – and that's our secret sauce. There's a hard and a soft side to that; the hard side asks if the company is compliant and doing everything legally in terms of processes. The soft side asks if you're behaving in a way that you're expected to, assuming that you live the brand.
Our platform puts all of that together in a way that allows it to be monitored and measured with a helicopter view, with the ability to drill down into the detail.
What's your revenue model?
We use a SaaS (Software-as-a-Service) model, so there's no upfront cost. I wouldn't say that Inspirze is 100% self-driven in that you can click a button to install it, but it's nearly there and increasingly self-sufficient.
What's the best thing about being based in Wales?
We're located between Chester and Wrexham, so we get the best of both worlds. We're within an easy commute to both Manchester and Liverpool, and only two hours from London.
What was it like taking part in Rising Stars?
Terrifying – it was one of the scariest moments of my life! However, it put things into perspective for me in terms of what I wanted to say and wanted people to hear.
Coming from South Africa, it offered the opportunity to connect with one of the UK's foremost digital ecosystems and evaluate both our business strategy and technology against the UK's most innovative, forward-thinking tech startups.
The live pitching competition allowed for authentic validation of Inspirze in a pressured, professional environment by an industry-leading panel of experts.
What value did you gain from it?
We gained valuable insight into the UK digital sector. We also reassessed our business plan, revising our value proposition and taking a snapshot of Inspirze relative to the industry in terms of the standard of the competition. The pitch mentoring workshop gave us the confidence to present and position Inspirze for the UK market.
Having our business plan evaluated as part of the competition was invaluable, and that was backed up by the wealth of collateral and support provided by Tech Nation and its extended team. Something else that stood out for me was the absolute respect, support and willingness to work together from other competitors.
What tips can you give others who may pitch in the future?
Listen and learn from the mentors and judges – they are there to help and genuinely want you to succeed. It reaffirmed our belief and gave us the confidence to continue onwards and upwards. Oh, and embrace the experience!
For more news, features and resources, visit our Wales and North West community pages
Community, Wales


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Two Dynamic Young Women are Lifting as They Rise
Kimberly Peeler-Allen, Co- Founder of the Higher Heights organizations; contact: @ KimberlyAllen
It's said that 2018 will be the year of the woman! OTP welcomes the opportunity to include additional features to our ongoing focus on women's issues and achievements. This week we introduce Glynda C. Carr and Kimberly Peeler-Allen, two young women who have had great impact in the pivotal positions they've held. They've now gone on to form their own organization, taking their leadership commitment and potential skyward.
Glynda C. Carr, Co-Founder of
the Higher Heights organizations;
contact: @GlyndaCarr
Higher Heights, the organization they've founded, is building a national infrastructure to harness Black women's political power and leadership potential. Headquartered in New York, NY, Higher Heights for America, a national 501(c)(4) organization, and its sister organization, Higher Heights Leadership Fund, a 501(c)(3), are investing in a long-term strategy to analyze, expand and support a Black women's leadership pipeline at all levels. Included also are strategies for strengthening Black women's civic participation beyond Election Day.
Their threefold initiative aims to: First, reconfigure the makeup of decision-making tables to include Black women from across the socioeconomic spectrums at all levels. Secondly, to elevate Black women's voices to shape and advance progressive policies and politics. And finally, to foster creative collaboration across constituencies and issues. This will ensure that race/gender equity and inclusion are incorporated in ongoing progressive-based building efforts, issue-based advocacy campaigns and in voter-engagement campaigns and electoral strategies.
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is appreciative of this galvanizing vision for women and is a fan of these young women.
"Glynda and Kimberly are helping to change the world through Higher Heights," said Gillibrand, "and in the process, are creating an extraordinary example of why women's voices matter. Because of their extraordinary work, I have no doubt more women of color will be inspired to make their voices heard, hold their elected leaders accountable and run for office themselves."


Xbox 360 AC Power Adapter (Original) by GameStop Inc.
Xbox 360 AC Power Adapter (Original) is rated 4.6 out of 5 by 72.
You can't game without power, and this Xbox 360 AC Power Adapter is just the jolt you'll need. Replace your old adapter with this pre-owned Xbox 360 AC adapter and continue gaming on Microsoft's 2nd generation console. There's no getting around needing a power adapter for your console, so go for one that comes with a guarantee! Comes in two pieces: the power brick and separate power cord.


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http://sharkattacksurvivors.com/shark_attack/
12/11/2011 Steven King ( Australia )
http://sharkattacksurvivors.com/shark_attack/viewtopic.php?f=46&t=1560
by alb
Shark attack at Angourie – New South Wales – Australia
Shark attack at Angourie on Steven King
A SURFER had a narrow escape after a shark bit a chunk out of his board as he was paddling out at Angourie this morning. It is understood the surfer was one of only two in the water at the time. It is understood the shark took a bite out of the board and the man received minor injuries as a result. He paddled back to shore where he met a highway patrol vehicle and was taken to Maclean hospital for a tetanus shot. The piece of foam bitten from the board later washed onto the beach. Parents prevented their children from entering the water after the attack.
5 punctures on suit
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Source Shark Year Magazine http://sharkyear.com
Re: 12/11/2011 Steven King ( Australia )
Shark spares NSW surfer,
A surfer has had a lucky escape after a shark took a bite out of his board while he was in the sea off the NSW coast.
Stephen King was taking an early morning surf near the village of Angourie when the shark swam up and lunged at him.
He quickly pulled his legs out of the water, saving them from major injury, and escaped with only minor puncture wounds.
His board fared less well, ending up with a large chunk out of one side and in two pieces.
Mr King said: 'There was just a bang from the side and I went cartwheeling through the air, then there was this thrashing beside me.
'I'm probably the luckiest guy on two legs at the moment. Yeah, unbelievable,' he added as he showed off his damaged board.
Hours after the lucky escape, children were swimming on the same beach.
Experts warned that people must take care when entering the sea, which is ultimately a shark's domain.
'You've got to be realistic. This is their territory and we're just the visitors,' said Vic Peddermors, a researcher from the government Department of Primary Industries.
Safely back on shore, Mr King laughed with his friend about the close call and said: 'I'm blessed.'
He has agreed to allow his board
http://bigpondnews.com


BUENOS AIRES (Reuters) - The reinstatement of Russia's anti-doping agency (RUSADA) last month was disappointing for some athletes but it forces Russia to deliver by year's end or face the consequences, the chair of the International Olympic Committee's Athletes' Commission said.
Olympic swimming champion Kirsty Coventry, who was recently named Zimbabwe sports minister, said she understood the frustration of athletes following the World Anti-Doping Agency's (WADA) decision last month, and admitted a rift had been created.
The WADA decision was welcomed by Coventry's commission but triggered sharp criticism from other athletes groups as well as some anti-doping agencies, who claimed WADA was not interested in punishing Russia and had put money ahead of clean athletes.
RUSADA was suspended three years ago after an independent WADA report outlined evidence of huge state-backed, systematic doping and cover-ups in Russian sport.
WADA had repeatedly said RUSADA would not be reinstated until it satisfied key criteria, one of which was granting access to stored urine samples at its Moscow laboratory.
But WADA lifted the ban without having been given access to the samples. Instead it put a deadline until the end of the year for RUSADA to provide access or risk facing a renewed ban.
"The reason that I and the (athletes') commission supported it (WADA decision) is because now we have a timeline," Coventry said.
Coventry said it was now up to Russia to act and if it failed to do so sports bodies would in turn need to react.
"If it is not done we will have to make some tough decisions," she said.
The Russian doping scandal has already hit two Olympic Games.
Russia's track and field team was banned from the Rio de Janeiro Olympics in 2016 and the entire Russian Olympic team competed as neutrals at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics.
Should RUSADA not deliver, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics could be affected.
"I get the mistrust, I get the difference of opinion but if we are all working toward the same goal maybe we can get that faster," she said.


Traditional smoked chicken wings get a fiery kick from the addition of Sriracha powder to the dry rub mix prior to smoking them low-and-slow on the grill. While you can find Sriracha powder online, I find that it is just as easy to make at home by cooking it over low heat until all of the moisture has been removed. Either way, it is a great addition to the dry rub for your smoked wings.


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St Kitts Nevis
Tropical Weather Maps
Vincentian Boat Held in Record-Breaking Drug Bust at Sea
Caribbean360 March 2, 2017
The cocaine had a street value of over US$71.75 million.
KINGSTOWN, St Vincent & the Grenadines, Thursday March 2, 2017 – Authorities are trying to get to the bottom of how a Vincentian-owned and registered fishing boat was held in what has been described as the largest maritime seizure in 18 years.
In an operation on February 16, the United States Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) successfully stopped a transshipment of 185 bales of cocaine, weighing 4.2 tonnes, on board the Lady Michelle about 70 nautical miles off Paramaribo, Suriname in international waters.
According to Demerara Waves, DEA Special Agent Jeremy Latchman said the crew, which included four Guyanese, had initially claimed they had been searching for a missing vessel and that the Lady Michelle was registered in Guyana.
However, a check by the US law enforcers revealed that the boat was registered in St Vincent. They subsequently secured permission from Vincentian authorities to board the vessel in keeping with a bilateral agreement in the fight against drug trafficking.
"The vessel that was later identified as the Lady Michelle appeared to be dead in the water and was also in water too deep to conduct normal fishing operations. The vessel was also located in a known drug trafficking route," the DEA agent related.
Authorities have since identified the crew members as Guyanese Mohamed Nazim Hoseain, 64; Richard La Cruz, 49; Neville Jeffrey, 68; and 30-year old Mark Anthony Williams.
They were scheduled to attend a detention hearing in the United States Virgin Islands yesterday.
IWitness News reported today that the vessel has been returned to the owner in St Vincent, and the Financial Intelligence Union has opened investigations into the matter.
Meanwhile, Latchman told Demerara Waves that drug traffickers commonly utilize fishing vessels to transport large quantities of drugs that are transported from countries such as Colombia and Venezuela, and the drugs are then transported on fishing vessels through the Caribbean to other islands as well as the US and Europe.
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Anita Pallenberg, an Italian-German actress and model who starred opposite Mick Jagger in the 1970 film "Performance" and had three children with his Rolling Stones bandmate, Keith Richards, has died at age 73.
Her friend Stella Schnabel, the daughter of painter and filmmaker Julian Schnabel, announced she passed away Tuesday. No cause of death was revealed.
The Hollywood Reporter wrote Pallenberg, who was born in 1944 in Italy, was sent to a German boarding school as a child. However, she was expelled at 16. Pallenberg then went to New York where she hung out with pop artist Andy Warhol.
In 1965, Pallenberg and a friend snuck backstage before a Rolling Stones concert in Munich. That led to a romance with guitarist Brian Jones. However, Pallenberg left Jones for Richards, which led to a tumultuous relationship before they broke up in 1980.
Despite her success as a model, Pallenberg also pursued acting. She appeared as The Black Queen opposite Jane Fonda in the 1968 film "Barbarella" and as Nurse Bollock with Marlon Brando and Richard Burton in "Candy." Pallenberg said she started using heroin while filming "Performance." Richards wrote about his drug-induced "descent into hell" with the star in his memoir.
On a 2001 episode of "Absolutely Fabulous," she guest-starred as Devil with singer Marianne Faithfull.
Pallenberg is survived by her children with Richards, Marlon and Angela. Their infant son Tara died of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome in 1976.


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Nakamura to have hernia operation
GLASGOW – Celtic playmaker Shunsuke Nakamura will have a hernia operation and is expected to miss the start of the new Scottish Premier League season, according to an online report Wednesday in Glasgow's Evening Times.
The Japan international is expected to be sidelined for three weeks, and Celtic is hoping he may only have to miss one game — the Hoops' SPL opener against St Mirren on Aug. 10.
The report said Nakamura will fly to Germany on Tuesday to undergo surgery at the same German clinic where teammate Darren O'Dea was treated for a similar condition toward the end of last season.
"I've had pain from my groin, an ankle and a calf since the end of last season," Nakamura was quoted as saying. "But the calf and ankle have been getting better in recent weeks. While I was playing for Japan, I took pain-relieving medicine. But it got worse."
Nakamura's compatriot and teammate Koki Mizuno is also going under the knife next week for surgery on a cartilage problem, the report said.


Writing lessons all authors should remember.
I am an avid reader. No surprise there I have written many articles on reading. I also edit my own book review publication on Medium.
Throughout my reading career, I have had many favourite authors. The ones that have fallen out of favour, I mean no disrespect to. It may be a simple case of my reading tastes changing.
However, there are lessons to be learnt, for all writers.
I devoured all his books. When I had purchased and read them all in paperback, I began collecting all the books in Hardcover. I still have that collection today.
Then Dean Koontz wrote the Frankenstein series. Originally they were written as a trilogy, the first three I loved. Then the author got greedy and wrote another 3. These were the books that put me off completely.
Until last month I had gone five years without picking up a Dean Koontz book.
In my opinion, the author had cashed out. He had pursued the money at the expense of his writing. I felt let down and annoyed. I then started looking for faults in all his books and stopped reading them.
If you have a great idea for a series write those books. Be realistic though when that series has run it's course be brave enough to move onto other work. Let what was good go.
J.K. Rowling could have kept writing Harry Potter books for the rest of her life but, she said bravely said goodbye.
James Patterson releases, on average, 41 books a year. No author can keep that pace up and not have it affect quality. James Patterson does co-write with up and coming authors to showcase their skills. Andrew Cross is one author who has co-written with Patterson and produced a career of his own from it. However, the Patterson name is still attached to all these books.
I devoured most of James Patterson's books, especially his Alex Cross series and Women's Murder Club. Both these series I have finished reading, I couldn't digest any more of them. James Patterson writes short chapters with little description. Whether my reading tastes have changed or whether the writing has deteriorated I am not sure.
Your audience may well move onto other authors if their reading tastes change. There is nothing, as a writer, that you can do about this, unless you evolve with them.
I have loved Karin Slaughter books for many years. She is the rare exception to the rule. Having a successful Grant Series she finished the series at the pinnacle of its success. She then started another series, Will Trent. Some of the characters from the previous series appeared in this, however, still a new series. It was as exceptional as its predecessor.
The Will Trent series I love and still wait for every new release. I can't get enough of them. This, however, is not the same for her stand-alone books. Recently I read her new release Pieces of Her and stopped after 100 pages. The protagonist was awful and the story was laboured and boring.
Don't be afraid to use what is good with your writing in other works. If you have characters that work they can appear in multiple books.
I started reading Chris Kuzneski books at the start of his career. I loved his two main characters, Payne and Jones. I loved the mix of thriller and adventure with historical facts. Again I was the first in the queue if a new one was being released. Recently, however, I have stopped reading them, I have found that the stories were all too similar. You could predict the end of them based on previous novels. The lead characters also did not seem to evolve it was always the same.
If you have a series that is working it is important for an author to still develop the characters. The characters need to evolve to keep the readers interested.
Harlan Coben for me is an author that defies all these negatives. He has written an extremely successful Myron Bolitar series. When these were not developing he stopped writing them. He concentrated instead on other projects. He was then brave enough to revisit this series when the time was right.
Coben's stand-alone books are as engaging as his series. He has the ability to write relatable characters both in a series and in a one-off book. All his books are centred around different themes and you struggle to predict an ending.
As a writer, if you write quality work, readers will come whether it is a series or a stand-alone. Adopt a voice and style and use it in everything you write.
Once you gain that success it is even harder to keep.
Quality will always win over quantity.
I have dumped so many authors over the years but not through my analysis of their writing, times changed or I aged etc. my tastes changed. I used to devour John Grisham, Patricia Cornwell, Kathy Reichs. I never got on with Koontz and I gave up on the Alex Cross series after enjoying them for years. I still enjoy Karin Slaughter, strangely I stopped Pieces of Her for around three weeks at the same stage as you and then picked it up again. The only Harlen Coben book that I didn't get on with was an audiobook with a dreadful narrator! I've otherwise found him very fast-paced and easy to read.
Wow looks like we have many of the same tastes in books. I agree I think some of it is down to my tastes changing but I also think some authors don't know when to quit on a series and just keep ploughing on. Although they sell books so someone must like them.
My dislike of Piece of Her I think also had something to do with the fact I hated the main character didn't relate to her at all. Thanks for reading.
41 books a year!? Co-authors or not, that's ridiculous!
And okay, Rowling stopped after seven books… but she's still dragging it out with different books and plays and films and yaaaaaawn.
That was an average for Patterson some years he writes more. I read somewhere that he outlines the books and then the co-authors write them. I suppose he could have gone with a ghost writer so credit to him for giving his co-authors the exposure.


HomeLink's experienced home swap representatives are ready to help if you need a hand or have any questions, so do get in touch!
Based in Winchester, Caroline Connolly has been the local representative for HomeLink UK since 2004.
After many wonderful home exchanges around the world, including Canada, Belgium, Germany, Italy and Scotland, I have plenty of first-hand experience to help with any queries you may have.
So, whether you'd like a general chat about home exchanging before you join, or you have specific questions about an exchange, do get in touch and I'll do my best to help.
HomeLink has a team of experienced home exchange co-ordinators around the world to offer local support and advice when required - between us we have a combined home exchange experience of more than 400 years!!!
HomeLink's emphasis is very much on personal service to our members and we are always happy to hear from you! So whether you have questions about an exchange or just need a bit of technical assistance, we're here to help.


This piece was written as a commission for a friend who wanted a one-minute piece depicting "what it would sound like if dinosaurs were in Antarctica." It was intended as an encore for his senior piano recital. Although not ultimately used for the recital, the pianist recorded it in May 2011. The piece is constructed with a repetition of large, pounding chords portraying the stomping of the massive dinosaurs. There is a contrasting idea in the upper half of the piano, a gentle flourish of notes. The notes are depicting the blowing winds of the cold antarctic. The blowing winds begin to confuse the dinosaurs and throw them off their stride. In the end, the winds bring the large dinosaurs tumbling to the ground with the gentle wind blowing over their fallen bodies.


There's one type of person that you should hold out for.
Intellectual conversations on one of your biggest wants, let alone biggest turn on when it comes to a relationship. As an Aquarius, you need to find a man who gets your thinking. So you need to find a man who loves to question everything there is in life and is obviously smart. You also need someone who is honest and doesn't want to control you.
Someone who supports your ambitions because you're known as one of the most independent signs and you expect to be treated how you treat others. Which is why you need someone who loves honesty, freedom, and spontaneity.
You, Pisces, are one of the most romantic signs and you love being courted by a man with flowers, kisses, and everything in between. You need to find a man who is willing to go to all lengths of the world to be that romantic long term relationship type of guy. A guy who truly wants a connection with you. Because you are not the girl who wants or needs a dating fling. You're the wife up kind of girl.
Aries, you are full of fire, and when you fall in love with someone you love with everything in you. You're not afraid to tell them how you feel or shower them with attention. The man you need to find is someone who loves how confident and adventurous you are.
As a Taurus, you aren't the type of girl that just dives into a new relationship. You look for someone who likes the same things as you. Appreciates their friends and family as much as you do and just someone who overall has your same life goals. You need a man who is patient and loving.
You, Gemini, are a woman who gets bored way too easily. Men always seem to not be on your same energy and intellectual level… But you still love them. You need a man who understands the fun loving person you are. You need someone who is passionate, exciting and knows exactly how to give you those butterflies. A man who loves to flirt just like you and can pass your communication and intellectual test.
Cancer, you're the girl who is all about your feelings and most of the time it has left you hurt in all of your past relationships. But it is a great trait when you find a man who is gentle and comforting just like you've always wanted. You need a man who understands emotions and knows how to make you feel great no matter the situation.
He should be strong but definitely in tune with his feminine side because you two will both be able to connect on a level you've never had with anyone else before. He should be a man who can speak without having to say a word.
Since you're a Leo you are one of the strongest women out there with a huge passionate side. You like being a leader in every situation, even relationships. But even though it has not worked as well with your past partners you will find a man who loves that about you. You need a man who is self-aware, reasonable and on the same intellectual level as you.
As a Virgo, you have a vulnerable heart and you're not someone who lets people in easily. You're also very hard on yourself at times and this can be because past lovers haven't loved you and appreciated your kind heart the way you deserved. You need a man who is gentle and calm.
Someone who can break down your walls but in a slow meaningful way. A man who doesn't play games and can be your best friend as well as your boyfriend.
Libra, you're the girl who has a longing to find the one as soon as possible. You love relationships and are probably the best girlfriend anyone could ask for. You need a man who understands your caring and loving heart but also looks for a future in a relationship.
Since you're a Scorpio, you just love people in general but when it comes to an amazing man you just go all in. Your biggest characteristics that you need in a man are intelligence and honesty. But you also need a man who is fun and not just in public… (wink wink).
You need someone who can give you goosebumps at home as well as laughs and smiles. You need a man who falls as hard into love as you do but who can maybe stand waiting a bit before you're all in when it comes to being official.
Capricorn, you're the girl who doesn't need a man but still wishes she had one. You look for someone who really is worth it because you don't let just anyone break down your walls. You need a man who looks at you as the prize of all prizes a man who would climb any wall just so he could break it down to get to you.
Someone who understands that you only guard your heart because you've been hurt before and want to give it to someone who deserves it. You'll need a man who is dedicated, smart, and way more loving than you think you need. He'll make you feel wanted and loved and you will be so happy you kept your walls so high. Because you ended up finding a man like him.


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CEO Security Decreases at Google, FedEx and Disney
Executives at Kodak and Deere are now paying for their own home-security systems, says a Marketwatch report. The security tab for Google CEO Eric Schmidt fell 42 percent to $233,542 last year. The bill for FedEx CEO Fred Smith dropped 23 percent to $461,405, while the cost for Disney CEO Bob Iger dipped 9 percent to $589,102.
Since 2007, Google has paid $1.1 million in personal security expenses for Schmidt, FedEx has paid $1.5 million for Smith, and Disney has paid $1.9 million for Iger.
Compensation consultant Todd Gershkowitz of Farient Advisors said CEO security is not an egregious perk compared to goodies like country-club memberships, chauffeurs or taxes companies pay on super-sized severance packages for axed CEOs. But company-provided security "becomes an invasion of privacy, some CEOs don't want it, some accept it," said Gershkowitz, who considers CEO security expenditures more of an issue about risk than one of executive perks handed out by directors. He said he'd like to see more detailed disclosures about CEO security in proxies.
Deere and Kodak won't pay the bill for residential security anymore, according to the report. Starting this year, Deere said eight executives will have to reimburse the company for security services that had included "drive-by surveillance and response to security alarms" for certain executives by Deere's corporate security staff. Kodak paid a one-month bill of $876 for five executives, before dropping the perk in February 2009, the report says. Kodak, which lost $210 million last year, will still pick up the tab for CEO Antonio Perez.
CEO security tabs had been on the rise from 2006 through 2008 at Fortune 100 companies, according to Equilar, an executive compensation research firm. The security tab for Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz has climbed in each of the past three years. It rose 25 percent to $640,000 in 2009 due to "increased personal security details" and upgrades to Schultz's residential security systems, says the report.
Coke paid more to protect Jose Octavio Reyes, its top executive in Mexico, where drug violence worsened last year. His security bill, which comes with bodyguards and 24-hour residential security, rose 36 percent to $488,719.
Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and Dell CEO Michael Dell are among the most-protected U.S. tech executives, says the report, noting that in the past three years, Oracle has paid $4.6 million for a residential security program that includes security guards at Ellison's residence. Dell has paid $3.2 million for bodyguards and home-security for its founder.
FedEx CEO: Airlines Will Implement Better Airplane Tracking
Solvay CEO and security director discuss security's role in the global organization at GSX+ day 2 keynote
Henry Bros. Electronics' CEO Jim Henry to Speak at the National Sports Safety and Security Conference and Exhibition


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Robert Craig Knievel Jr, conhecido pelo nome artístico de Evel Knievel ou Bob Knievel (Butte, 17 de outubro de 1938 – Clearwater, 30 de novembro de 2007), foi um dublê, motociclista e artista performático dos Estados Unidos. Ao longo de sua carreira em fez mais de 75 saltos sobre motocicletas entre 1965 e 1980, entre eles um salto malsucedido no cânion do rio Snake, a bordo do Skycycle X-1, um foguete movido a vapor em 1974.

As mais de 433 fraturas ósseas que ele sofreu durante sua carreira lhe valeram uma entrada para o Livro Guinness de Recordes Mundiais como o homem vivo com "mais ossos quebrados".

Vida pessoal
Evel nasceu em 1938 em Butte, Montana, o mais velho dos dois filhos do casal Robert E. e Ann Marie Keough Knievel. Seu sobrenome tem origem alemã pela parte do pai, cujos tetravôs emigraram da Alemanha para os Estados Unidos. Seus pais se divorciaram em 1940, um ano depois do nascimento do segundo filho, Nicolas. Os dois decidiram se mudar de Butte com o divórcio.

Os dois irmãos foram criados em Butte pelos avós paternos, Ignatius e Emma Knievel. Aos 8 anos de idade, Evel assistiu à uma apresentação do piloto Joie Chitwood, que seria o grande influenciador em sua escolha pela carreira como motociclista e dublê. Depois de se formar no ensino médio, Evel arrumou emprego em uma mina de cobre como operador de perfuratriz, mas sua paixão mesmo eram as motocicletas. Ele foi mandado embora quando perfurou uma linha de força, o que deixou a cidade sem eletricidade por várias horas. Desempregado, ele começou a arrumar problemas na cidade.

Após uma perseguição policial em 1956 onde ele bateu com sua moto, Evel foi para a cadeia sob a acusação de direção perigosa. Quando o policial do plantão noturno foi verificar as celas, ele viu Knievel em uma cela e um homem chamado William Knofel em outra. Knofel era conhecido como o "Awful Knofel" por causa da rima das duas palavras. Assim Knievel começou a ser chamado de "Evel Knievel", também para rimar as palavras. Assim, ele escolheu o nome como sendo seu nome artístico.

Sempre em busca de desafios, ele participou de rodeios locais e eventos de esqui, tendo sido premiado em um campeonato em 1959. Por volta dessa época, ele se alistou no Exército. Com o fim de seu serviço militar, ele retornou a Butte, onde conheceu sua primeira esposa, Linda Joan Bork. Pouco depois de se casar, ele entrou para o time semi-profissional de hóquei da cidade.

Morte
Evel Knievel morreu em Clearwater, na Flórida, em 30 de novembro de 2007, aos 69 anos. Além de ter diabetes, ele vinha sofrendo com fibrose pulmonar idiopática (FPI). Ele já vinha tendo problemas para respirar em sua casa e faleceu a caminho do hospital. O jornal britânico The Times publicou quando da sua morte, que Knievel foi um dos maiores ícones americanos da década de 1970. Knievel entrou no Motorcycle Hall of Fame em 1999.

Ligações externas

 Site oficial
 Evel Knievel TV Movie

 Museu Evel Knievelem Topeka, Kansas

Atores dos Estados Unidos
Membros do Motorcycle Hall of Fame
Pessoas no Guinness Book of Records

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