Going out for dancing when living in a cold climate region is a challenge. You want to stay warm during the commute, but not sweat on the dance floor. In addition to all the reasons why nobody wants to sweat on the dance floor at a social dance, there is also a climate reason. As you get outside and you are sweaty, the sweat cools. Well, it is its biological purpose to cool your body. However, at below zero temperatures, you do not want that your body is cooled when you go outside.
The solution? Wear your dance outfit and put warm stuff over it for the commute. At the dance hall, take the layers off until you are back in your dance clothes. An alternative would be to change in the restrooms. However, I find that way to complicated as the stalls are so small. Thus, I rather "disguise" my dance dress as shown in the photos with a cashmere sweater or cardigan. When I know that the dance place is usually cool I even put a lace T-shirt under my high-low hem dance dress. When it gets very cold, I even wear a skirt over the skirt of the dress. Some of my girlfriends even wear jeans under their dance dresses for the commute to the dance hall and back home.
Thus, what about the sweat after the dance when you danced too much, and/or too wild? Just wait in the dance hall in your dance dress until the sweat is evaporated and your body has cooled down before you put on the sweater and other protective wear for the way home.
And when you go to a dance in the middle of winter, do not forget to plug in your car. Sitting 15 minutes in an idling car until you can put in a gear is a recipe for a cold even when you waited a little after the last dance to cool down.
What do you wear when you go out dancing? Do you layer to stay warm on the commute and when warming up your car? Let me know by email, I am curious.


Check out this family of elephants!
That time a lion roamed into our campsite and we got charged at by a rhino.
This is a very special experience for me because it was the first time I went travelling by myself when I was 19 years old. I fell in love with new people, new experiences and I haven't once looked back since I caught the "travel bug".
I was doing a lot of charity work as that is something quite close to my heart, and in this instance I was staying in a town called Arusha and working with local schools. On the weekends we were free to explore the country, which was amazing. I spent time with a Masai tribe and ended up sacrificing a goat, but that is perhaps another post. This one will focus on the safari I went on with other volunteers in the Serengeti, a place rumoured to be the best safari in the world. Having been on a few, I'm yet to find one that rivals it.
The Serengeti offers amazing sunsets.
We were collected from our volunteer house and taken in a jeep to the entrance of the Serengeti National Park. As teenagers on our first solo trip, we had exhausted every song from the Lion King, not that we generalised. It was shameful that we each knew every lyric.
Given the long drive, once we had entered the national park, we headed directly to camp. Interesting. We were on a safari plane and we were camping. A tent is hardly going to keep out the predators. When the four of us set up our camp mats and sleeping bags, I was sure to be in the middle.
Then came dinner. It was the most luxurious (and quite honestly excessive) meal I had ever had on a safari plane. And perhaps ever. It was three courses of flavourful, good quality food cooked over a campfire!
We pulled over to watch the sunset.
When it came to sleeping, we brushed our teeth and used our water to rinse our brushes, then giggled with excitement in the tent with what tomorrow might hold. Sleep came quickly, then went just as quickly as I woke up needing a wee. Before coming, we had been warned about the hyenas. They're vicious animals that come with terrifying horror stories. One I vividly remember being told was about a couple who went camping in the Serengeti. Woman went to the toilet and left her tent open, woman returned tent to find hyena had made its way inside tent. Hyena had ripped husband apart, did same to woman.
We were so close to the animals!
So as you can imagine, when I woke up and could hear the hyenas "laughing" very close to the tent, I found myself in quite a predicament. As I wriggled in discomfort, the two volunteers either side of me woke up. I shared my issue, waking up my 4th tent buddy. The girls were very sympathetic, telling me I couldn't leave the tent because the hyenas were patently right outside. The guy, on the other hand, chucked me an empty bottle, grunted "use this" before rolling over and going back to sleep.
Look how many zebra there are!
There was an empty bottle and a tent porch or a wealth of hyenas outside waiting for dinner. I had always wondered whether women can pee in a bottle, and here I was with no other option but to try. So it turns out women can't pee in bottles. At least not accurately.
The zebra in the crater.
The next morning we awoke to the clattering of pots and pans that was the sound of breakfast being made. We rose, bleary eyed from our hyena drama and began to roam our camp like zombies. We sat at breakfast silently chomping on whatever food had been placed in front of us. Only our safari guide with a rifle whipped us out of our trance with a shriek, followed by "Look out! There's a LION in the campsite!" We all simultaneously looked up to see the most beautiful and powerful looking simba lion roaming about the campsite like he owned the place. We were so mesmerised by his presence and tired from last night that none of us even thought to move as the beast made its way towards us. Our guide clocked his rifle, and that seemed to be enough to scare the lion off. He looked even more terrifying as he ran with his muscular legs.
This guy wanted some of our breakfast.
Safari day. Our guide drove us around the safari plane and showed us the wildlife, from gazelle (there were many of these) to prides of lions to a solitary leopard in a tree, we were fascinated by the African animals. We got out of the jeep to stand next to some giraffes and got really close to a herd of elephants.
Day 3 of our safari was in the Ngorongoro crater, which is exactly that: a crater. A huge crater that had a completely different climate to the planes we had been driving around so far, and as a result, we could see how the animals had evolved differently. It was fascinating to see the lions stalk their prey slightly differently or the thicker coats on the zebra and gazelle (it was a lot colder in the crater).
Another Simba in the crater. Lions are my favourite animals – they're so majestic.
We stopped at a loo block and went in our respective cubicles. Alec and I were waiting outside for the other two girls once we had finished, and our guide was a couple of hundred yards away waiting for us in the jeep. We were nattering away when we shouts and cries. We whipped our heads round to where everyone was pointing to see a rhino getting ready to charge.
You can just about see a blurry rhino in this photo, eyeing us up to charge.
What to do. The jeep was far enough away that we wouldn't definitely make it, and it was unlikely but what if the rhino went into the loo? Instead, we climbed up on top of the toilet building, helping the remaining two from our group to jump up too. This was cool; we were on top of a building to escape a rhino charging at us! The novelty quickly wore off as we were stuck up there until the rhino decided there was nothing interesting around here, and that took a while. We played games, sang songs, sun bathed..
The novelty of being in rhino danger wore off quickly as we had to come up with ways to entertain ourselves.
As my first safari experience, this was pretty eventful and one that I remember very fondly.
Info: The company I used has stopped trading, which came locally recommended and the cheapest one we could find at the time. There are loads of other options and ones that I have found that look good are Kuoni and Serengeti Safaris. There were various options for the length of the safari, but I would 100% recommend including the Ngorongoro crater. It was amazing to see how the animals have evolved in such different ways when the distance between them was quite small! There are "luxury" options if you don't fancy the risk of being eaten by a hyena, but I think all that means is a hut over a tent. There are other safaris nearby like the Masai Mara in Kenya and Tsavo West, but they really don't hold a candle to the Serengeti.
She quickly started to hunt a gazelle.
Tip of the week: If it's your first time travelling by yourself then keep a diary. As with your first anything, the first time travelling alone is really special and one that you will want to remember. As people left their mark on my experience, I asked them to write me something in the book as a memento of them as well as my time and the activities I was doing. Reading it back for this post has made me smile so much!
Product of the week: BABY WIPES! The heat in that part of Tanzania was very dry, so it's not that you feel very dirty, it's that everywhere is so dusty. It gets all over your face and body so the odd baby wipe every so often cleans the dust off your face and armpits, leaving you feeling incredibly clean (Everything is relative!). I would recommend Wet Ones, coming in all kinds of flavours to remind you of what using shower gel was like.
The Serengeti was such a cool place!
You have seen so many amazing animals during your stay in Serengeti. I loved your pictures and your tips which are going to be very helpful for my further travels!
Thank you Lydia! We got so lucky to see all of those animals.


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Hitman's online saves will remain incompatible with those made offline
By Stephany Nunneley, Thursday, 24 March 2016 20:52 GMT
IO Interactive has confirmed that Hitman saves made while online will remain incompatible with those made offline.
Speaking with Eurogamer, a spokesperson for the developer said the issue has to do with Hitman being a "live game" experience.
"When we announced Hitman, we explained to fans and to gamers everywhere how we are creating a live game," Eurogamer was told. "This is a constantly evolving, living world of assassination, that will grow alongside the community with frequent content updates in between the launch of each location.
"It is possible to enjoy the locations offline, but in order to ensure player-progress of the live content is correct and up to date, the save states for online and offline are kept separate."
In other words, for saves to continue to sync, the player needs to be online at all times when playing Hitman. Should they play offline, the saves will not sync, and this includes instances of losing Internet an connection or being kicked off the game server.
Of the latter, many Hitman owners have reported being kicked back to the game's main menu during play when the servers lose connection.
It's possible IO will offer an alternative saving method down the road – especially when the physical edition hits – but not in the foreseeable future, it seems.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


TITLE: "Mountainous Landscape Near Saint-Remy"
"Mountainous Landscape Near Saint-Remy" by Vincent Van Gogh is a 100% hand-painted oil painting reproduction on canvas painted by one of our professional artists. Our experienced artists start with a blank canvas and paint each and every brushstroke entirely by hand!
"The Apple Tree With Red Fruit"


I don't know your laws there, but here in California, using a baton as a flashight is likley to land you in jail for brandishing. Unless you have cause the weapon should not be removed form it's holder.... Tips to best use SENTRY. Create White List. Your loved ones will pass through SENTRY without 'checks'. When used as a junk fax blocker, it blocks all faxes that are not on White List.
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The ASP Sentry Baton is designed for the security professional. This tactical baton offers a moderately priced, quality expandable baton that is an alternative to the ASP Friction Loc 4140 expandables.... 6/09/2010 · New low cost baton by ASP AIMING IS USELESS! 3 Secrets To Great Shooting Rob Leatham 6x IPSC World Champion!
Tips to best use SENTRY. Create White List. Your loved ones will pass through SENTRY without 'checks'. When used as a junk fax blocker, it blocks all faxes that are not on White List.
I don't know your laws there, but here in California, using a baton as a flashight is likley to land you in jail for brandishing. Unless you have cause the weapon should not be removed form it's holder.
Kapalua's Plantation Course is gearing up for a multi-million-dollar, comprehensive enhancement project on the heels of the Sentry Tournament of Champions.


AKA what happens when all of the ideas are gone.
I was shaking some salt just the other night thinking: "I feel so dead inside. There is a void. The salt, it seasons my food yet drains the flavor from my world." I despaired.
But, then, just as I watched the remaining color drain from my plate as a cruel grey mist, I saw this video. And hoped. For the first time since my last lingering taste of pink Himalayan crystal salt, I felt the vigor of life renewed. I had SMALT to thank.
I feel whole again. I feel flavor.
SMALT can be preordered via IndieGoGo.


This is an exciting time in onsite wastewater. Our industry is overflowing with innovation from drones to advanced laser control - the future is now. This class will look at these new high tech tools, as well as new rules and innovative approvals, and explore how they fit into your business.


The domain name JustWindowsAndDoors.com is for sale.
This Rickmansworth Windows and Doors company went bust leaving me with some unpaid debts.
The domain name is now for sale as it has not been paid for by the previous owners.
This domain name is ideal if you already own a Double Glazing, replacement windows or doors company as there is a lot of traffic still directed towards this domain name. Maybe some of the people who find this wite would be happy to use your business now that Just Windows And Doors is no more.
The domain name JustWindowsAndDoors.co.uk is for sale.
The domain name caribbeanrentals.co.uk is for sale.
Caribbean Rentals can be used to publicise any Caribbean Rental company or service, including and especially property.


text:
Драматишкият мост () е каменен мост в Егейска Македония, Гърция.

Местоположение
Мостът е разположен на река Драматица (Ангитис), ляв приток на Струма, непосредствено до Гара Ангиста на южния, ляв бряг на реката и Гара Драчево (Статмос Левкотеас) на северния, десен.

История
Смята се, че мостът е античен. Последната фаза на моста е от ранната османска епоха. Непрекъснатото му използване от Античността до днес показва значението на пътя, който свързва равнината със северното и западното подножие на Кушница.

Описание
Има пет заострени арки, от които видими днес са четири и така е единственият сводест мост в Източна Македония. Висок е 5,9 m и е ориентиран север-юг. Изграден е от дялан варовиков туф и здрава мазилка.

Бележки

Мостове в Гърция
Дем Зиляхово

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


text:
Peal Associated with the Saffron Walden Society of Change Ringers
(Handbell Peal)
Saffron Walden, Essex, At the residence of FJ Pitstow, 45 High Street
Sunday Feb 25 1923 in 2 hours 31 minutes
5040 Plain Bob Major
Frederick J Pitstow 1-2 Wilfred Hooton (C) 5-6
Alfred E Pitstow 3-4 Frederick Dench 7-8
PB-ID: N/A
First peal on handbells 1-2, 3-4 and 7-8. This is the first peal on handbells in the town of Saffron Walden or by any one of its members during the whole of its existence. W Hooton hails from Cambridge.
Ringing World of 22 March: "Interested" writes with reference to the peal of Bob Major rung 'in hand' at Saffron Walden on February 25th, and which was claimed to be the first handbell peal ever rung by a member of the Saffron Walden Society, that the late Mr Nathan J Pitstow rang a peal of Grandsire Triples 'in hand' as long ago as May 3rd, 1896. The peal was rung at Mr WH Buckingham's residence at St. Albans, and conducted by MR CS Clarke, of Bedford.
Ringing World of 6 April: As I was partly responsible for the publication of the statement regarding the handbell peal at Saffron Walden, being the first by anyone of its members, I find 'Interested' is quite right. I therefore wish to withdraw that statement, although the peal was not included in the late MR Nathan Pitstow's list of peals published at the time of his death in 1914. It being the first handbell peal rung in Saffron Walden, still holds good. F. Dench.


KMT2D (lysine (K)-specific methyltransferase 2D), formerly named MLL2 (myeloid/lymphoid or mixed-lineage leukemia 2, also known as ALR/MLL4), is a histone methyltransferase that plays an important role in regulating gene transcription. In particular, it targets histone H3 lysine 4 (H3K4), whose methylations serve as a gene activation mark. Recently, KMT2D has emerged as one of the most frequently mutated genes in a variety of cancers and in other human diseases, including lymphoma, medulloblastoma, gastric cancer, and Kabuki syndrome. Mutations in KMT2D identified thus far point to its loss-of-function in pathogenesis and suggest its role as a tumor suppressor in various tissues. To determine the effect of a KMT2D deficiency on neoplastic cells, we used homologous recombination- and nuclease-mediated gene editing approaches to generate a panel of isogenic colorectal and medulloblastoma cancer cell lines that differ with respect to their endogenous KMT2D status. We found that a KMT2D deficiency resulted in attenuated cancer cell proliferation and defective cell migration. Analysis of histone H3 modifications revealed that KMT2D was essential for maintaining the level of global H3K4 monomethylation and that its enzymatic SET domain was directly responsible for this function. Furthermore, we found that a majority of KMT2D binding sites are located in regions of potential enhancer elements. Together, these findings revealed the role of KMT2D in regulating enhancer elements in human cells and shed light on the tumorigenic role of its deficiency. Our study supports that KMT2D has distinct roles in neoplastic cells, as opposed to normal cells, and that inhibiting KMT2D may be a viable strategy for cancer therapeutics.


Native to Seattle, Washington with foundations in hip hop culture, Leo Shallat incorporates movement and lyrical aspects to his multi-disciplinary work. From murals to canvas to interior design, Leo is developing an intuitive symbolic language, inspired by dance, typography, and storytelling. His work explores the intersection of proto-word forms, fine art elements, and everyday objects.
What started as a fascination with brushwork has evolved into expression through multimedia. The heart of his creations is an intuitive freestyle flow. Each piece becomes a movement based conversation with the world. Pieces are born from ideas or themes, organically constructed in layers, embedding meaning with each pass. This creates vessels which express concepts at every level, from the tools, to the medium, to the message. Leo currently lives in Seattle and works as a freelance artist and designer for private and commercial clients.


5 body language moves that make you a bad boss; are you guilty?
In communication, body language carries more than half the message. Psychologist Albert Mehrabian called it the 7-38-55 rule – words, tone of voice and body language, respectively, make up the entirety of person-to-person communication. More controllable are word choice and tone of voice; however, nothing is more telling of the "truth" in our message than nonverbal indicators.
Certain gestures not only make the speaker look like a liar but can also serve to undermine one's position of influence. Managers, in particular, need to be mindful of conveying silent messages that show confidence and respect rather than doubt or disdain. Inconsistencies present weak communication and, over time, even weaker leadership.
Touching your face. Covering a portion of your face has a negative connotation because it suggests hiding something (e.g. disdain, mistrust, annoyance, doubt). It is especially important not to touch your face when giving a directive or providing feedback. When a person touches his or her face while speaking to others, in general, it suggests doubt – in what you or the other person is saying. It also sends the subliminal message that perhaps you are hiding something – the truth, or at the very least, the fact that you are uncertain about what you are saying.
Lack of eye contact. What you focus on is what is important to you at the moment. If a worker approaches you for conversation and your eyes are almost completely diverted during the entire encounter, you are showing a lack of respect and interest, regardless of your verbal response. You may think you are being attentive while multi-tasking, however, you are sending the unspoken message that "you are not my priority" or that "you are a bother."


text:
Can't find it - Contact Us
Lakou Mizik - Haita Nola
Express Post Parcel - Standard Service - $10.00
I'll collect my order from #3, Level 4, 428 George Street, Sydney, NSW 2000
HaitiaNola is a once-in-a-lifetime album that brings together Haitian roots revival collective Lakou Mizik and an incredible line-up of guest artists from New Orleans.
Inspired by the historical, cultural and spiritual connections between the people and music of New Orleans and Haiti, Mardi Gras and Kanaval traditions mix together like long-lost family members throughout the 14-track album. Presided over by GRAMMY-winning New Orleans producer Eric Heigle (Lost Bayou Ramblers, Arcade Fire, The Soul Rebels), guest artists on HaitiaNola include Trombone Shorty, Tank from Tank & The Bangas, Win Butler & Régine Chassagne of Arcade Fire, Preservation Hall Jazz Band, Cyril Neville, Jon Cleary, Leyla McCalla, The Soul Rebels, Lost Bayou Ramblers, 79rs Gang, Raja Kassis (Antibalas), and Anders Osborne, among others.
The result of this collaborative gumbo is a celebration that connects not only the rhythms and sounds of the two places but also the gritty energy, the unmistakable mysticism and the carefree Mardi Gras incantation of laissez les bon temps roulez (let the good times roll) that persists in both countries.
(85300100822)
Brand Cumbancha
Help other Birdland Records users shop smarter by writing reviews for products you have purchased.
Various Artists - American Epic
Patty Griffin - Servant of Love
Zoë Carides - when I was little
Astor Piazzolla - The Soul of Tango: Greatest Hits
Tinariwen - Live in Paris
Elis Regina - Um Dia
Sergio Mendes - In the Key of Joy
Domenico Lancellotti - The Good is a Big God
Marisa Monte - Universo Ao Meu Redor
Brown Sugar - I'm In Love With A Dreadlocks - Brow
Fela Kuti - The Best Of The Black President
Copyright © 2021 Birdland Records
Address: # 3, level 4, 428 George Street, SYDNEY, NSW, 2000


text:
"Meet and Confer": Discourse over campus parking change
September 14, 2018 · by msumadvocate · in News. ·
"Tonight, it was really about introductions," said MSUM President Anne Blackhurst, "and making sure everyone around the senate table knows who we are and what we do."
Senate's second meeting of the year was a monthly "Meet and Confer" with President Blackhurst and her cabinet on September 13, 2018.
Attendees of the cabinet included David Wahlberg, the Executive Director of Marketing and Communications; Donna Brown, the Chief Diversity Officer; Marsha Weber, the Interim Vice President (VP) for Academic Affairs; Jean Hollaar, the VP for Finance & Administration; and Brenda Amenson-Hill, the VP for Enrollment Management and Student Affairs.
"It's really a way to have a conversation," President Blackhurst said, "And interaction between the representative voice of the students and the administration."
Most of the meeting consisted of introductions, the outlining of senate and administration goals and some discussion of differing views on certain agenda items.
The agenda was mostly agreed upon, but there was some contention with the issue of parking. This year a section of the general parking lot was changed to a reserved lot, designated "R-4."
Chair of Legislative and Internal Affairs at Student Senate, Marcus Mergen, has made the parking issue a priority since spring semester 2018.
"Last year at the beginning of April we were approached by Jean Holler and the new Public Safety Director Ryan Nelson," said Mergen. "They talked about the new changes that would be happening on campus."
Among these changes was the expansion of reserved parking for one year.
"We advised that we shouldn't change the lot," Mergen said. "And we felt that we were not presented with a strong reason to do that change."
Despite Student Senate's recommendation, Mergen said the administration went ahead with the change. During the "Meet and Confer," Mergen and Hollaar had a levelheaded discussion on their two different viewpoints on the change.
Hollaar claimed students were confused about the status of the current R-4 lot when a section was general parking last year. She cited the excessive number of parking violations students with general passes received in the lot. She also pointed out the lack of reserved parking on the North side of campus if the lot were to be changed to only general parking.
"I still want a definite reason [for the change]," Mergen said. "The reason that we've heard a few times now is that students were getting parking violations for parking in the R-4 lot, and I feel that instead of just blocking off the entire lot for reserve passes, there are much better ways to go about this."
Mergen points out that one of these solutions might be more visible signage, and a clear indication that only reserved passes may park in certain spots. His real concern is how much use reserved-pass holders are actually getting out of their newly acquired space.
"This year we got back, and the first thing we saw was that the lot was half empty," Mergen said. "I also felt there wasn't enough student input on it…general passes are primarily purchased by students, and that faculty usually get reserved."
Hollaar says she plans on meeting with Mergen and other senators to discuss the issue at length.
"I think in general [Meet and Confer] went well. I think for a particular agenda topic I didn't have a good understanding of what the issues were, so I certainly wasn't prepared to address the students' concerns," said Hollaar. "As President Anne pointed out, with those types of issues it's probably best to have a small group have a conversation about it, and then maybe come to [the senate meeting] with it, rather than start off with Meet and Confer. I think hindsight is always 20/20."
Mergen and Hollaar have since discussed coming together to talk about the issue at a later date. Hollaar said a few other senators and new Public Safety director Ryan Nelson will also be invited.
Hollaar said the decision was based on the recommendation of the Parking Appeal Subcommittee, when they saw that students were confused by the distinction of reserved and general parking in the lot. She said before this meeting there had been one complaint, but now realizes there is more student concern over the issue.
Though she admits it is a longer walk, Hollaar encourages students to use the general parking on the East side of John Neumaier if there are no spots on the West side of campus.
Tags: moorhead, MSUM, news, Student Senate
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Tribute to Steve Jobs – and Mothers of NextGen Out of The Box Thinkers!
Today many in the tech world are remembering Steve Jobs, who passed away one year ago. GigaOM wrote a post with reasons to remember Steve Jobs while Mashable covered that "Remembering Steve Jobs' Death Ignites Twitter Philanthropy".
"Jobs's youth was riddled with frustrations over formal schooling. At Monta Loma Elementary school in Mountain View, he was a prankster whose fourth-grade teacher needed to bribe him to study.
…Jobs then attended Cupertino Junior High and Homestead High School in Cupertino, California.At Homestead, Jobs became friends with Bill Fernandez, a neighbor who shared the same interests in electronics. Fernandez introduced Jobs to another, older computer whiz kid, Steve Wozniak (also known as "Woz"). In 1969 Woz started building a little computer board with Fernandez that they named "The Cream Soda Computer", which they showed to Jobs; he seemed really interested.
My tribute to Steve Jobs is to highlight him as a great example to show other parents that out of the box thinkers may not follow traditional educational paths, but they can still reach success in their own way. Parents can support the exceptional talent of their little out of the box thinkers by helping them find their educational path. And while that path may be very challenging for all involved – it is worth the journey.
This is also to explain why I (and my dear husband) have been very busy lately. We are helping one of our children through their journey. Even though there are some days where the obstacles seem too big to overcome, I always think back to Steve Jobs. Which makes me smile and know we have our own little game changer in the works.
Photo and lots of credit to Wikipedia for supplying the info.


Just in time for werewolf season.
Ha! I'm kidding about that. There is no werewolf season! You can shoot them anytime. But, only if you have a silver bullet. Not exactlly something you can pick up at the local gun store. So, what's a would-be werewolf kilelr to do? Make your own!
Thanks to Boing Boing, Fantasist.net is proud to bring you Popular Science's How To Cast a Silver Bullet. No joke. Popular Science. Is casting silver bullets really all that popular? Well, anyway, now you can kill that pesky werewolf that's been stealing your chickens or sniffing around your daughter.
I LOVE Friday the Thirteenth!
Why? Well, mainly because I'm perverse and everyone else seems to distrust it. Also, over the years, I've complained about my bad luck so often that I used to say the only time I had good luck was when everyone else had bad luck. So, Friday the Thirteenth, became one of my "lucky" days. Not sure how this one will turn out, but I'm hoping for the best!
Oh, and here's a link to why everyone else is afraid of Friday the Thirteenth.
Hey, why not click that link. After all, what else could go wrong today?


On December 16, 2016, the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) issued final regulations related to a wide range of Affordable Care Act (ACA) provisions. These final regulations, effective for plans and plan years beginning on and after January 1, 2018, are relatively the same as the proposed regulations issued August 29, 2016. Among a variety of provision updates that primarily impact the individual and small group markets, the final regulations also include an increase to the consumer out-of-pocket maximum, up to $7,350 for individual coverage and $14,700 for family coverage ($7,150 for individual, $14,300 for family in 2017).
The 2018 annual out-of-pocket maximum increase will directly impact large group health plans.


On Saturday, several Easter Egg hunts helped Billings kids and their families enjoy the Easter holiday weekend. Emmanuel Church hosted their 9th annual Easter Egg Hunt at Lewis and Clark Middle School.
The Billings Police Department is asking for the public's help in an ongoing homicide investigation. 24-year-old Shane Nez Perce died after being one of two people shot a Lee's Saloon in the early morning hours of April 6th.
Dr. Keith Edgerton, history department chair and instructor at Montana State University Billings, is coming to Butte on Thursday, April 25 from 5 to 7 p.m. Dr. Edgerton is presenting "The Boss Boodler" at Metals Sports Bar and Grill.
Triage: 9 p.m.-1:30 a.m. April 19-20. Montana State University Billings, 1500 University Drive. "From MET to Broadway": 7:30 p.m. April 23. MSUB Chamber Singers and University Chorus perform opera and Broadway music. $5 adults; $3 students and seniors; free for MSUB students, staff, faculty with ID.
Billings police responded to two motorcycle crashes within 30 minutes of each other on Friday, as well as a vehicle rollover in the Heights. Just before 3:30 p.m., police responded to a the 2700 block of Grand Avenue for a motorcycle versus vehicle crash.
I ask your support for the upcoming School District 2 high school mill levy. I'm especially asking newcomers to our city from nearby rural areas who may not have a personal connection to the local schools. Improving the quality of high school education improves our city for everyone.


Shear Haven is an initiative of YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee, co-founded by Nashville-based salon owner and stylist Susanne Post. A survivor of domestic violence, Susanne is committed to educating the community on the signs of abuse and the resources available to help women and men who are victims. This domestic violence education program equips stylists with the knowledge and resources to recognize the signs of domestic violence, successfully navigate conversations with clients who may be in danger, and pass along tools that can help them get to safety.
To schedule a Shear Haven training, please contact Marissa Miciotto via email.


Intershop has a strong track record of innovation and enabling successful online business. Intershop has been driving and supporting the development of online retailing since 1992 and possesses unparalleled e-commerce experience. More than 300 enterprise and mid-sized customers around the globe rely on Intershop to sell goods and services via the Internet.


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Under the Organic Tree, Who Loves to Lie with Me…
Sep 1, 2012 – I arrive in Gillankhera, a village in Haryana, in the middle of a swelteringly hot and humid afternoon. The rains are delayed but expected to arrive. I find Jitendra Singh resting under the shade of a neem tree. A few buckets of water have been sprinkled on the ground around the charpoy and it does seem cooler. Shade is the only respite for farmers in a countryside where the sundrenched sky is the roof.
Now Jitendra is not conventional in any sense. In circumstances where 90 per cent people would quit farming given a choice, Jitendra, after having enrolled
himself as advocate at the Delhi bar council, had the courage to chuck it all up to return home and pursue his dream: to become an organic entrepreneur.
We begin asking questions as we sip strong sweet tea in steel glasses. We can actually satiate our thirst by drinking tea, unlike by just drinking water.
On his return from Delhi, Jitendra travelled widely across the region feeling the pulse of the people. He was disappointed to see the despair in conventional farmers, who were continuing with the rice-wheat cropping system, which was degrading the natural resource of water and the soil. Not only was the food unhealthy but it posed a health risk.
Jitendra sought counsel from the ever-obliging Grewal brothers: S. Richpal Grewal and S. Harpal Grewal, who had already gone organic. Jitendra also started reading; something he loved. Amongst the articles that came his way was "Banned there, used here" that he read in the Tribune. That was when he realized that such pesticides as DDT and Fenvalrate, which were banned in the USA in early 1990, were being used in abundance in India till late 1990.
To start an organic enterprise, he needed to get his land certified as organic. The certification method was and still is pretty expensive and cumbersome. The certifying agency takes into account the history of such farm practices as crop pattern, how much pesticides and chemical fertilizers have been used in the past and many more.
Jitendra first got his soil and water tested and was also given a list of dos and don'ts. He made elaborate records of everything on the farm and after three years his farm was certified as organic. The certification needs to be renewed every few years. His farm products sell by simple word of mouth. For example, his dairy products are not certified but people buy them on his reputation alone. The organic certification is required to export or sell to people that one does not know. Today, there are many certifying agencies in India like Indocert in Ernakulum.
Jitendra's experience was interesting. The first realization was that the production would be going down when he converted from conventional to organic farming. It took about five to six years to make operations sustainable. The organic manure works slowly in comparison to chemical fertilizers. In the first year, the wheat yield dropped by between 60 per cent and 70 per cent compared to what it would have under conventional farming. Fortified by all his reading on the subject, Jitendra went on without batting an eyelid.
Today, even the cropping system at his farm has changed from rice-wheat to a mixed farming system, featuring dairying, horticulture, vegetable, fishery and agro forestry. Jitendra considers his dairy milk production unit as the 'core unit', which will provide regular income and employment. Milk is sold and the dung is used for composting and biogas generated used for cooking. Graded wheat is sold to the consumers after it is processed, while the left over grain and straw is used as feed for farm animals.
We walk through the patch of land where Jitendra has also planted trees to make the organic farming viable and sustainable. Diversification was needed because there was no certainty of premium on organic produce. Many fellow organic farmers have had to revert to conventional method of farming but Jitendra persisted with his commitment to organic. He planted poplar, eucalyptus, Burma dek on his farm and, to make the agro forestry project viable, started to breed the Sahiwal, an indigenous cattle. In the first two years, the land under forestry was used for growing green fodder but now it is used as grazing ground for farm animals. He says: "Agro forestry is like fixed deposit in a bank". The initial waiting period is at least seven years. The first commercial wood harvest on his farm is expected in October 2013. Gradually the benefits of going organic started accruing to this conscientious farmer. Organic farming requires less water in comparison to conventional farming because the organic carbon is high in organic farms on account of crop rotation, green manuring and mulching. Also, the soil's organic matter is restored through addition of these manures, compost, mulches and cover crops. Even the recommended varieties of wheat and paddy for organic farming require less water. For instance, C-306, 147 variety of wheat requires less water than PBW-343 mainly used by conventional farmers. Basmati require less water when compared to PR-14 variety of paddy.
The main problems faced by organic farmers are unavailability of quality organic seeds, the fact that the farms are labour intensive and weed control is a menace. Besides, there are packing and storage problems. The biggest challenge faced by them is, of course, marketing of organic produce. There is no price support from the government. Many a time Jitendra is forced to sell his produce without any premium. He sells his organic produce directly to consumers in the nearby towns of Sirsa and Fatehabad.
Jitendra tells me that a comparative study between conventional farming and organic farming of rice-wheat cropping system showed a 20 per cent to 30 per cent drop in productivity in the latter. However, the net returns of organic farming can be about 20 per cent higher as compared to conventional farming provided there is at least a 50 per cent premium available on organic produce. This apart, there is a significant increase in soil fertility parameters under organic. It is another matter that both conventional and organic farmers are facing the problem of sustainability and profitability. Agriculture as a profession is not viable and profitable, as the average land holding continues to shrink.
After 14 years of being on the field practically everyday, Jitendra is a walking and talking encyclopaedia on organic farming practices and issues. Most importantly, he has no regrets at all. Having wandered for two hours from field to field and met numerous fellow farmers, I feel the sun relenting and finally starting to set. Jitendra's day too draws to an end.
Is he a completely satisfied man?
"I cannot say that I am completely satisfied farming organically but I definitely enjoy what I do". That is more than a great many farmers in India will tell you.


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PepsiCo manager on food labeling: "We have been very insistent so that the authorities of the countries agree"
After months of disagreements, Uruguay and Brazil smoothed things over and at the Summit of the Americas, Uruguay promised to provide consensus to lower the Mercosur Common External Tariff, while Brazil gave preferential access to Uruguayan exports from all free zones. The latter especially affected PepsiCo, a firm that from its plant in the Colonia free zone exports beverage concentrates to more than 20 markets. In a conversation with Café & Negocios, the general manager of the Food division for the Southern Cone of PepsiCo, David Kahn, stated that they expect the rules to be generated to make these exports viable with preferential conditions before the end of the year. The manager arrived in Uruguay as part of the activation of Pep+, a transformation of the company's business towards a more sustainable model that involved the arrival of a fleet of electric trucks and a photovoltaic park, among other actions.
In turn, the executive referred to food labeling and pointed out that through the business chambers they insist on the governments of the region to implement a common criterion. Below is a fragment of the conversation between Kahn and Café & Negocios.
The bilateral negotiation between Uruguay and Brazil to be able to export the products from the Colonia free zone took longer than expected. How did this period of uncertainty impact the company?
We are a company that absolutely respects all the laws and rules that are made in each country. We adapt to the institutional framework that governs each country where we operate. We play as it has to be played, there is no other way to do it; it's the way we do business, doing the right thing the right way. Obviously we will always seek to unlock those things that are complicating us in terms of business flowing in the right way.
Uruguay is one of the few countries in the world where PepsiCo has its three complete business units: food, beverages (with our bottling partner, FNC) and the beverage concentrate production business, which are very few plants in the world. We found a place that gives us legal security, institutional security and that allows us to have a plant like the one in Colonia that supplies all of Latin America plus other markets.
In the case of Brazil, it was obviously very important to unblock this agreement that had expired and for us it is important because an important part of that volume goes to Brazil. We live it by having the conversations that need to be had with the authorities in the right way and expecting them to do their job. We are super happy that they have done it and that they have signed it at the Summit of the Americas and now we are waiting for the correct rules to be generated so that they can be made viable and we hope that it will be as soon as possible. For us it is important.
In what time will it be resolved?
We know that the commissions in Brazil are working on the regulation and we are waiting for it to be formalized. We expect it to be this year, but we have no committed dates from anyone.
How does this impact in relation to the real income of the company?
I don't have the exact number. We have not stopped exporting concentrate to any of the markets, except Brazil. We operate on consumer demand, to the extent that our partner was demanding product, we continue to deliver it. We don't know what's going to happen in the future but whatever it is is going to be good, it's going to be better than now.
Does the Uruguayan have a similar consumption profile to the rest of the region?
We have just done a study to plan our next five years, to understand how the consumer in each country works during the day. Understand how our products fit into each consumer space.
In general, taking part of the south of Brazil, Argentina and Chile, the consumer is quite similar due to the European influence, the climate, the consumption of meat. There are certain similarities that are not found in the Brazilian northeast, Colombia or Venezuela.
In Uruguay there is an informed, educated consumer, people know and choose. People look for options that they understand are the ones they want and not the ones that exist, and that is super interesting because it puts industries in the position of having to understand what they want in order to deliver value to the consumer and for them to pay for what the product okay.
For example, this is the only market in Latin America where we have Lay's without salt. You might think "the Uruguayan population is older or has hypertension", but if you take the numbers and compare it with other nearby countries, the percentage varies very little, they are the same. The truth is that you are a more informed and sophisticated consumer. In addition, there are a lot of imports here, we crossed the pond and there are much fewer. The supermarket is wonderful, there are products from all over the world and people read the products, understand what they want to eat and make a decision.
This combination means that we have an important portfolio of salt-free products in Uruguay. Of course we are going to launch it in Chile and Argentina and in many markets because people are evolving as the Uruguayan consumer has already evolved.
What consumer trends are taking hold at the local level?
The big trends are: lower sodium, controlled calorie portions, gluten-free and lactose-free. Those are the most relevant, the one to have products with some degree of protein is coming in because people believe that with that they will maintain their muscles, but if you do not go to the gym, the protein will not help improve the muscles. They are not just from Uruguay, they are global trends, but being so connected is receiving them directly through this entry of imported products.
Do business lines of products that offer those features become more profitable?
We don't see it as a profitability issue, it's a total business growth issue. They are not necessarily more profitable because many times producing them is more expensive and that bill is not necessarily going to be passed on to the consumer. But if it goes there, you have to go there, otherwise I'm out of the game.
As far as food labeling is concerned, each country in the Southern Cone has its own parameters. Does this complicate the operation?
Yes, it complicates. We have no problem with the stamps, we place the ones that the law says. It complicates from the perspective that for it to have a seal the sodium level is A in Chile, B in Argentina and C in Uruguay; It means to me that in a production plant I am going to have to make specific production runs for each one of the markets and of course that complicates it. We have been very insistent so that the authorities of the countries agree. People are people, it is not that more sodium or less sodium is going to be better or worse than for another. In the end, we are going to respect what is regulated in each of the countries. I wish they were all the same, but they are not.
Did you have conversations at the government level for this initiative to reach an agreement with the countries of the region?
Always through business chambers, not us directly.
How do you see Uruguay in terms of sustainability?
Regarding what I am seeing in the Southern Cone, super advanced and there is no way back. Uruguay does not have a pollution problem, I do not believe that the sustainability agenda is going backwards. I hope that a circular economy will be generated that makes recycling and the use of renewable energy sustainable because it is still very expensive. We are the companies that are investing and allocating the resources so that this happens and the authority has to create the conditions so that this is really sustainable over time.
Your arrival in Uruguay is justified by the inauguration of several initiatives related to your global Pep+ movement. What are these launches?
We inaugurated the first electric fleet that we have in the Southern Cone, but the most interesting thing is that we installed a park of solar panels in our plant, so we have photovoltaic energy that feeds almost 50% of the use of our plant in Montevideo, and during the night , when the plant is not running, it will be loading the trucks. It begins to be a sustainable process where the environment is not damaged in terms of energy use. It is a road that has a very high cost because the electric power fleet is very expensive compared to a traditional fleet. We are doing it anyway and if we don't buy more it is because there is no availability.
In turn, in the case of Uruguay we have 97% of the waste is recycled and the team is focused on bringing it to 100%.
We also inaugurated the lighting system, where part is natural lighting, part is LED and is supplied by the photovoltaic park. In turn, it has sensors everywhere and where there are no people, the lights go out.
What investment required this transformation of the business model in Uruguay?
I don't have the exact data, each of these trucks costs around US$60,000, more than double that of a traditional truck. But no matter, PepsiCo is absolutely committed to doing it because it's the right thing to do.
65 years after the tragedy at the port of Buenos Aires that deactivated the "water tracks"
Photo: file. Submersion of an Aerolíneas Argentinas seaplane into the
São Paulo Metro will have special operation on New Year's Eve
The São Paulo subway will operate uninterruptedly tomorrow (31) on
Forest fire in Paillaco has consumed 250 hectares
The Municipality of Paillaco reported that 250 hectares have been
Mother would have thrown herself with her 8-year-old daughter onto the rails of the Medellin Metro
They form the oil table to ensure gas for the Néstor Kirchner gas pipeline in 2023
Regional 15 hold workshop for systematization of pedagogical processes
Latest from Uruguay
BCU raises the monetary policy rate and takes it to 11.5%, although it indicates that it would be the last increase
In an inflationary context that seems somewhat controlled, the Central Bank's Monetary Policy Committee (Copom) decided
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Afghan refugee who arrived in Uruguay showed his "appreciation" for the country and thanked Carolina Ache
aliaqathe father of the Afghan family who has taken refuge in Uruguay since Thursday, thanked the
Comodatum between Club Tulipán and the Municipality of Río Negro
With the presence of the Mayor, Dr. Omar Lafluf Hebeich; the Secretary General (I), Dr. Esc.


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Compulsory Purchase Surveyor Background An excellent opportunity has arisen for an experienced...
Kingsley, Manchester / North West
JV North names new chairman
Wayne Gales, chief executive at Weaver Vale Housing Trust, takes over from Nigel Wilson of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group as the head of the social housing consortium.
Wilson has been in post as chairman of JV North since 2013, and is also leaving his position as chief executive of Wythenshawe Community Housing Group at the end of the year to become chief executive at Sunderland's Gentoo Group.
Gales' appointment was made at JV North's board meeting on Tuesday 6 November and sees him start with immediate effect.
Gales said: "The consortium has a rich history spanning more than a decade in which time members have delivered an incredible number of homes so I'm very proud to be appointed.
"Weaver Vale Housing Trust was one of the founding JV North members and we have always valued the role it plays delivering high quality, affordable homes.
"My appointment comes at crucial time. JV North is over halfway through building 4,310 homes in the 2016/21 Shared Ownership Affordable Homes Programme, funded by members investing £452.5m and Homes England providing £138.9m in grant.
"We have to deliver these homes by April 2021 and continue exploring ways of being able to do more with Homes England wherever possible to address the housing crisis."
Wilson said: "I would like to thank members and all our stakeholders for their hard work and support during my tenure not only with the consortium but also as chief executive at Wythenshawe Community Housing Group.
"I leave JV North in a strong position – it has a well-run development programme that is now one of the biggest in the country and continues to grow and flourish."
JV North and Homes England have invested more than £1bn together since the consortium formed 11 years ago. By 2021, the consortium is planning to have built a total of 8,290 homes since forming in 2007.


Maybe @LePlongeur can make some sense of this. I think it is Portuguese and Flemish maybe? (Is Flemish a language?) It is Dutch maybe?
This song has always spoken to me. I found it on a putomayo compilation CD years ago and I just listened to this over and over.
My friend (a drummer who also studied music and took a few world music and ethnomusicology with one of the same professors I had) would always joke that the yuppies would put on a putomayo CD and then think that they were experts in world music. They were trendy, cool and enlightened people once they put in that world music compilation CD.
I'm not sure if "yuppie" translates well.
Anyway, I found this on a CD and I like it.
When you study music of the world, history and culture you quickly realize that what we do is a mere drop in the bucket. It amazes me the people that dedicate their lives to studying, collecting and preserving the music of indigenous peoples …...for me just a couple semesters and I felt pretty small.
I don't think that I am better than anyone else where languages are concerned.
Perhaps I have more fun with linguistics and things you have fun with are handled a bit easier.
The proof of what I say has been given by yourself. You are absolutely right about the song being sung in Flemish and Portuguese. So kudos to you and your linguistic skills.
Flemish is a dialect and as such, a result of Belgium being a part of De Nederlanden (the Lowlands) untill 1830.
Then there was an uproar/freedom fight (Belgium history books) and they became a country of their own. According to Dutch books there was a revolution which had to be suppressed, a thing we didn't do bloody enough.
In Belgium uproar is not an act that is persecutable and punishable, since the existence of belgium is a consequence of an uproar.
When Carlos Puigdemont, mayor of Barcelona, was in trouble, he looked for a country in which uproar is no problem. So it was not a big surprise he went to Belgium.
Languages spoken in Belgium are Flemish, French, German (there is a small but fanatical where talk and billboards etc are in German. There are a lot of Italian families as well, specially in the mining areas.
In my earlier post I hinted at the question how you wanted to define world music. By country or region, as it is usually done, or by the way the language and topics are handled. If you do that, the blues is the blues, no matter what language is used.
I like this thread a lot. You are a master of inventing questions that make me think again.
And questions, even if we don't have all the answers, are fun and very important. Very very important, I mean.
I grew up and spent most of my life in a community where this day was a big part of the holiday season. For Puerto Ricans ( and others ) this is a main celebration of Christmas. I really love this musical style called Aguinaldo that happens only this time of year. Maybe you'll like it as well? Even if you don't celebrate the religious aspect ….. To me it just has such a cool rhythm.


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Trouble getting past the stage door? I've got your way into all the news and people you need to know!
Blog Hijack
Drag365
Spotlight On...Jon Spano
Name: Jon Spano
Hometown: Ravenna, OH
Education: NYU
Favorite Credits: As dancer, tours of West Side Story and HAIR! As actor, the indie's Le Fleur de Vie and Picking Up The Pieces. As playwright the short plays 8th Wonder, Ripple Effect, and The Sweat.
Why theater?: Luck. In the dinky hometown I grew up in, there was oddly an Equity dinner theatre called The Carousel that hired New York performers and celebrities past their prime. I just turned 17 and there was a spot for a local stage extra for their production of Brigadoon. I auditioned and got the job. Then in quick order I did No, No, Nanette; Funny Girl; and Carousel, and was the prop boy for Barefoot in the Park, which featured Dorothy Lamour, and I was her assistant for the run. This theatre was a reprieve from the redneck mentality of the town I grew up in. When I graduated from high school I was still 17 and moved immediately to New York. Had no job, no apartment, no friends, no financial support except the money in my pocket. But I was determined to become a good dancer and I achieved that goal.
Tell us about Joey Variations: Joey is one of those pieces I worked on, on-and-off, over about ten years. It's had many variations. I kept going back to it because I felt there was a story there about human struggle, grief, sliding into addiction, and emerging out of it. It had to be a tale of survival and hope and a long walk through darkness.
What inspired you to create Joey Variations?: There had been so much loss, struggle, and pain in New York. I moved here in '79. Before the AIDS epidemic. As a young wide-eyed hopeful, I never imagined something like AIDS could even exist. Then it hit and the backlash against gay people was huge. The lack of empathy, but for the saving graces of those who were not constrained by society's limited constructions. Joey Variations isn't about the pandemic at all, but it is about a dancer who's been involved in a horrifying hate crime that has impacted him psychologically. And while this may all sound depressing, it's not. The play has a powerful message of acceptance, hope, survival, moving on… with the help of compassionate, empathetic people who believe in us sometimes more strongly than we believe in ourselves.
What kind of theater speaks to you? What or who inspires you as an artist?: I like three-dimensional characters with strong world-views and drive who on the surface may seem like unlikeable people. People who've been through the mill. I could give a shit about teen angst except for Romeo and Juliet; I didn't care about it when I was a teenager. I like postmodernism but hate being hit over the head with it: "Okay, I get it: You're doing a play and we know you know we know." I enjoy a little bit of immersive theatre, like Sleep No More, but sometimes I just want to sit back and watch. Immersive theatre is a weird but understandable trend, what with stupid, untalented people becoming famous and everybody interacting with everyone and everything because of devices and social media. Ivo van Hove inspires me. I love that he has breathed life into Arthur Miller's plays. Miller has had a lot of scholarly shit kicked in his face by hacks and wannabes who've labeled him an overrated playwright. Students, and mostly students' parents, pay a lot of money to be taught a lot of crap. So I'm thrilled some of the shit's been thrown back by van Hove's brilliance and that the power of Miller's work is alive for contemporary audiences. The best plays, even those traditional in format, never leave me feeling like a passive audience member. There is no fourth wall because my emotions are right up there onstage with the characters. Powerful plays do that to us subconsciously. Forget the gimmicks, bells, whistles, and trends. Not interested. If you need all that, your play's missing substance, like an HBO series with a bunch of naked women.
If you could work with anyone you've yet to work with, who would it be?: David Cromer or Cher. I like dichotomy.
What show have you recommended to your friends?: Bright Star, but it closed. Got lost in the whirlwind of Hamilton-mania. It was a beautiful piece of theatre.
Who would play you in a movie about yourself and what would it be called?: JK Simmons or Ben Kingsley. The title is He Died Trying, which will be my epitaph.
If you could go back in time and see any play or musical you missed, what would it be?: That's not fair. Opening nights of Oedipus Rex. Richard III. Waiting For Godot. A Streetcar Named Desire.
What's your biggest guilty pleasure?: That's hard. Probably watching youtube clips of Valley of the Dolls ephemera. Like Judy Garland's vocal track of "I'll Plant My Own Tree," synced to Susan Hayward's performance.
If you weren't working in theater, you would be _____?: I'd be an historian of architecture. Understanding the engineering part would be a challenge, but I love the design of houses and buildings, old and new. Mostly old.
What's up next?: Developing a new full-length play Dennis and the screenplay adaptations of Muskego Lake and Joey Variations. And maybe Germany.
For more on Jon, visit www.jonspano.com. For more on Joey Variations, visit www.joeyvariations.com and www.facebook.com/jonspano
Posted by Michael Block at 12:15 PM
Labels: Fringe, FringeNYC, Joey Variations, Jon Spano, New York International Fringe Festival, Spotlight On
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The TITN Team
Michael Block


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deleon springs (2)
a week-end camping trip at hoosier springs (1)
altamonte springs, names os-zi chuluota, names be-st (1)
at sulphur springs. (1)
blue springs river (1)
clay springs, fla. (1)
clay springs, florida. (1)
collection of photographs of clay springs, florida. (1)
deleon springs photo (1)
deleon springs, fl. (1)
br&gt (9)
&lt (8)
advertising -- florida -- winter park. (4)
black-and-white photography -- florida -- clay springs -- photographs. (2)
clay springs (fla.) -- photographs. (2)
deleon springs, florida (2)
florida -- blue springs (2)
american poetry. (1)
basic training (military education) -- florida -- winter park. (1)
black and white photography -- photographs. (1)
18---- 19 -- ? (1)
189-? (1)
Title: Springs
Sandspur, Vol. 20 No. 32, May 4, 1918.
Sandspur, Vol. 07 No. 02, 1901
Shell Island, Wekiwa Springs, Fla.
Black-and-white photograph of Shell Island, Wekiwa Springs, Fla. Photograph depicts Rollins College students with chaperones near a cabin, on a weekend outing to Shell Island. Shell Island was once owned by Rollins College and has indian mounds...
Sandspur, Vol. 19 No. 26, April 7, 1917.
Collection of photographs of Clay Springs, Florida.
Clay Springs (Fla.) -- Photographs.; Black-and-white photography -- Florida -- Clay Springs.
Collection of six Black-and-white photographs of Clay Springs located near Apopka, Fla. Now known as Wekiwa (Wekiva) Springs National Park.
DeLeon Springs
DeLeon Springs, Florida
Two men in bathing suits at DeLeon Springs, Florida.
A lake in DeLeon Springs, Florida. There is a pier jutting out into the lake.
DeLeon Springs, Fl.
Florida (State) -- DeLeon Springs
DeLeon Springs, Florida. A small building and pier on a lake.
Blue Springs River
Florida--Blue Springs
Blue Springs River (probably the St. John's River).
Two people in a canoe at Blue Springs, Florida
Two people in a canoe at Blue Springs, Florida.
Stetson University faculty at DeLeon Springs
Florida--DeLeon Springs
Stetson University faculty at DeLeon Springs, Florida.
Sandspur, Vol. 19 No. 13, January 6, 1917.
Palm Springs school picnic at Clay Springs.
Palm Springs School (Palm Springs, Fla.) -- Photographs.; Clay Springs (Fla.) -- Photographs.; Black-and-white photography -- Florida -- Clay Springs -- Photographs.; School children -- Florida -- Clay Springs -- Photographs.; Teachers --...
Black-and-white photograph of a Palm Springs school picnic at Clay Springs. Students and teachers standing in front of a forested area. Text on the front of the photograph reads: Palm Springs School Picnic at Clay Springs, April 5, 1998,...
Ponce De Leon Springs Hotel.
Ponce DeLeon Springs Hotel (DeLeon Springs, Fla.) -- Photographs.;
Pamphlets -- Florida -- DeLeon Springs.;
Black-and-white photography -- Florida -- DeLeon Springs -- Photographs.;
Fishing -- Florida -- DeLeon Springs --...
Pamphlet for Ponce DeLeon Springs Hotel in DeLeon Springs (Fla.). Contains black-and-white photographs of the hotel and the surrounding area, and emphasis of the many outdoor activities available locally.
Sandspur, Vol. 21 No. 10, January 10, 1920.
Sandspur, Vol. 21 No. 02, November 1, 1919.
Sanford City Directory, 1915-16
Advertising -- Florida -- Sanford.; Sanford (Fla.) -- Telephone directories;
City directory for Sanford. Includes business and home information for Sanford businesses. Also includes a directory for Seminole County businesses. Has note that an asterisk in front of a person's name denotes that they are colored...
The John B. Stetson University DeLand Florida
John B. Stetson University--Photograph collections
Circa 1916 John B. Stetson University viewbook.
Seventeenth Catalogue of John B. Stetson University DeLand, Florida
Stetson University--Curricula--Catalogs; Universities and Colleges -- Curricula -- Florida -- DeLand -- Catalogs
1901-1902 (17th annual) John B. Stetson University Catalogue.


text:
The Informant
Written By: Kurt Eichenwald
Read By: Arthur Morey
A True Story
6 Hours and 22 Minutes	Imprint: Random House Audio Genre: True Crime - White Collar Crime Release Date: August 11, 2009
From an award-winning New York Times investigative reporter comes a gripping account of one of the most captivating and bizarre tales in the history of the FBI and corporate America.
It was one of the FBI's biggest secrets: Mark Whitacre, a senior executive at Archer Daniels Midland--America's most politically powerful corporation--became a confidential government witness. Putting his career and family at risk, Whitacre, along with a small team of agents, tapped into secrets at ADM that led the FBI to discover the company's scheme to steal millions of dollars from its own customers.
But as the FBI and federal prosecutors closed in on ADM, they suddenly found that everything was not all that it appeared. While Whitacre was cooperating with the Feds and playing the role of loyal company man, he also had his own agenda. Whitacre became sucked into his own world of James Bond antics, imperiling the criminal case and creating a web of deceit that left the FBI and prosecutors uncertain where the lies stopped and the truth began.
Meticulously researched and richly told, The Informant re-creates the drama of the story, beginning with the secret recordings, stakeouts, and interviews with suspects and witnesses to the power struggles within ADM and its board--including the high-profile chairman Dwayne Andreas, F. Ross Johnson, and Brian Mulroney--to the big-gun Washington lawyers hired by ADM, and on up through the ranks of the Justice Department to FBI Director Louis Freeh and Attorney General Janet Reno.
A page-turning real-life thriller that features deadpan FBI agents, crooked executives, idealistic lawyers, and shady witnesses with an addiction to intrigue, The Informant tells an important and compelling story of power and betrayal in America
"The Informant is epic in scope, a tale of human foibles--of greed, deceit, and arrogance--and also of the search for truth. Eichenwald has told it masterfully, with the narrative drive of a novel. I guarantee it'll keep you reading late into the night."
-- Jonathan Harr, A Civil Action
"The Informant is superb reporting in the service of a great story, one with the drama and suspense of a Le Carré novel. Set squarely in the American heartland, delving into the inner sanctum of a global corporation, it explores the shifting boundaries of truth and deception, loyalty and betrayal. It is a remarkable achievement."
-- James B. Stewart, Den of Thieves and Blind Eye
"The twists and turns of this nonfiction work leave many thrillers in the dust. Eichenwald's spare prose and journalistic eye for detail make the pages fly."
-- David Baldacci, Absolute Power and Saving Faith
"I would say The Informant reads like Grisham, only nobody ever could have invented these characters. A tale this riveting and this strange could only have been built from truth."
-- Sherry Sontag, coauthor, Blind Man's Bluff
True Crime - White Collar CrimeTrue Crime - Con Artists, Hoaxes & DeceptionsBusiness & Economics - Business Ethics
KE Kurt Eichenwald
AM Arthur Morey


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Residents are required to report in writing to the CBA the opening of accounts with nonresidents, including accounts held with foreign banks.
Nonresidents are allowed to open accounts in any foreign currency at a local commercial bank. As of January 1, 2000, approval of the CBA for balances in excess of Afl. 200.000 is no longer required. These accounts should be funded with foreign currencies.


text:
#ifndef TENSORFLOW_COMPILER_TF2XLA_LIB_SCATTER_H_
#define TENSORFLOW_COMPILER_TF2XLA_LIB_SCATTER_H_

#include <functional>

#include "tensorflow/compiler/xla/client/xla_builder.h"
#include "tensorflow/compiler/xla/client/xla_computation.h"
#include "tensorflow/compiler/xla/statusor.h"

namespace tensorflow {

// Builds an XLA computation that performs a scatter operation on `buffer`,
// returning an updated buffer.
// For each i0, i1, ..., sets
// buffer[indices[i0, i1, ...], ...] := updates[i0, i1, ...]
//
// If `indices_are_vectors` is false, then each index in indices is a scalar,
// and the shape of `indices` must be a prefix of the shape of updates.
// Otherwise, `indices_are_vectors`, then indices are multidimensional and the
// minor dimension of `indices` represents a vector of indices.
//
// If `updates` is a scalar, then it will be broadcasted into the expected shape
// of updates.
//
// If any part of the update region is out-of-bounds, the corresponding update
// is discarded.
//
// If a `combiner` is provided, updates are combined with the existing values in
// the buffer using the combiner function. Otherwise, the updates replace the
// existing values. The order of updates is implementation-defined.
xla::StatusOr<xla::XlaOp> XlaScatter(
    const xla::XlaOp& buffer, const xla::XlaOp& updates,
    const xla::XlaOp& indices, bool indices_are_vectors,
    const std::function<xla::XlaOp(xla::XlaOp, xla::XlaOp, xla::XlaBuilder*)>&
        combiner,
    xla::XlaBuilder* builder);

}  // namespace tensorflow

#endif  // TENSORFLOW_COMPILER_TF2XLA_LIB_SCATTER_H_

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


text:
'We're not here to make up the numbers': claims Patrick McClean
Derry City defender, Patrick McClean celebrates the Candy Stripes' big win in Dublin.
PATRICK McClean reckons the rest of the league will start to take notice of Derry City after their impressive victory over St Patrick's Athletic on Monday night.
The defender reclaimed his spot in the team at Richmond Park following five weeks on the sidelines and marked his return with an excellent strike - his second City goal.
The Creggan man believes the manner of the win, which was Derry's fifth on the bounce, will have sent out a real statement of intent as the Candy Stripes bid to sustain a challenge at the top of the table.
"Hopefully that sends out a statement that we're not just here to make up the numbers," said McClean. "At the start of the season I think a lot of people would've been writing us off given we had a whole new squad.
"We're here to challenge and hopefully that sends out a statement now."
McClean, whose only other goal for his hometown club came three years ago when his long range wonder strike found the top corner of the Longford net at the City Calling Stadium, believes there's more to come from Declan Devine's charges.
"When we were in the huddle, we were saying to each other 'let's show each other how good we are and how good we can play'.
"I don't actually think we were at our best yet but tonight we showed what we could do and kept the ball really well. "I've been out for the last five weeks with an injury so to come back tonight and get a goal to help the team get a win was great.
"We had to freshen it up. There's a lot of games coming up so we showed boys can come in and do a job.
"The standard in training is really, really good. If the boy in front of me is playing really well then I can't complain. I'm a team player. All I want is for the team to win."
Describing his long range strike, which found the bottom corner of the Pat's net after just two minutes of Monday's clash, McClean said he just knew it was going in once he hit it so sweetly.
"It was the last thing on my mind to shoot but once I took a great touch I thought 'this is going in' and thankfully it did.
"It's just great to get a goal I don't really score many but it's great to help the team.
"Playing against 10 men isn't easy," he added. "They came out and came at us. The boys dug in and fought well and came away with the three points."
Up next is the visit of the league leaders, Shamrock Rovers to the Ryan McBride Brandywell Stadium and McClean is relishing the challenge.
"We went down to Tallaght earlier in the season and had a poor night. You're going to have those nights but we'll be ready for this one."


text:
Office Technology | Buyer's Guide
5 Best Business Cell Phone Plans for 2022
WRITTEN BY: Corey McCraw
Corey McCraw is a staff writer covering VoIP and Unified Communications. Corey has over a decade of experience in marketing, tech writing, and corporate communications and has even penned content for the former First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative.
This article is part of a larger series on VoIP.
The best business cell phone plans empower employees with on-the-go communications and call management features. From traditional wireless carriers to voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) and virtual calling systems, you have more choices than ever. Here are the six best business cell phone plans with advanced call management, mobile communications, robust security, and unique features that set each one apart:
T-Mobile: Best business cell phone plan for on-the-go teams that appreciate perks like unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi and up to 100GB of hotspot data
RingCentral: Best option for businesses of any size wanting a cell phone plan to accommodate a full range of business calling and communications features
Verizon: Best business cell phone plan for businesses needing extended coverage across the U.S. and in select international locations
Google Voice: Best option for small teams that want an affordable platform for voice calling, text messaging, and video conferencing conversations
AT&T: Best business cell phone plan for security-conscious companies willing to pay extra for spam call prevention and breach reports
T-Mobile: Best Business Cell Phone Plans for On-the-Go Teams
Unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi
Cheapest entry-level cell phone plan of major U.S. wireless carriers
Unique value-add bonuses like Microsoft 365 subscriptions
What's Missing
Expensive companies with few users
Best perks are locked behind more expensive tiers
T-Mobile Pricing*
Select: $25 per line, per month for unlimited talk, text, and data
Advanced: $30 per line, per month for 100GB of premium data and 2 Microsoft 365 business licenses
Ultimate: $40 per line, per month for unlimited premium data, 100GB of hotspot data, and unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi
Check out T-Mobile
*Prices calculated assuming purchase of six or more lines.
T-Mobile's business cell phone plans cater to always-on-the-go users. On top of unlimited talk and text, T-Mobile customers can unlock unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi, unlimited HD streaming, and up to 100GB of data for mobile hotspots. T-Mobile's cell phone plans can also save your business money since powerful productivity and sales tools are included in its higher-tiered plans.
Advanced plan users get two Microsoft 365 basic licenses, which includes web and mobile versions of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, an Outlook Exchange email account, and Calendar, plus 1TB of OneDrive cloud storage. Ultimate subscribers get one basic and one standard license, which adds desktop versions plus Microsoft's appointment booking tool, Mile IQ, invoicing, and Outlook Customer Manager apps.
T-Mobile's unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi only works on Alaska, Delta, and American Airlines flights while using a compatible device—learn more about related details and restrictions here. If you're planning on relying on this service, contact your airline before your flight to ensure it's offered; this perk is still in its infancy, so it's not completely reliable yet.
Unlike Verizon, you can also roll over unused data to the next month on your T-Mobile account. On the downside, your business must spend at least $60 per month on its T-Mobile plan. If you only need a few lines, this can be unnecessarily expensive. If you're a single user or have a small team, virtual services from Grasshopper or Google Voice are better options.
T-Mobile Features
T-Mobile Scam Shield
(Source: T-Mobile)
Gogo inflight text and data: Enjoy wireless data, streaming, text, and visual voicemail, all at over 30,000 feet.
Scam Shield Premium: Unlock advanced caller ID, scam reporting, voicemail-to-text, reverse number lookup, and other spam and fraud-prevention features.
Microsoft 365 access: T-Mobile partnered with Microsoft to give Advanced and Ultimate plan users access to Microsoft 365, which includes Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Microsoft Teams, Outlook, and OneDrive cloud storage.
RingCentral: Best VoIP/UCaaS-based Business Cell Phone Plan
Cross-device functionality—use RingCentral via mobile, desktop, and browser apps
Advanced call handling features
Video conferencing, team messaging, and fax
Advanced features require expensive plans
Overkill for businesses with basic calling needs
RingCentral Pricing*
Essentials: $19.99 per user, per month for unlimited texting and calling in the U.S. and Canada
Standard: $27.99 per user, per month for video conferencing and third-party integrations
Premium: $34.99 per user, per month for advanced call handling, real-time analytics, and open API access
Ultimate: $59.99 per user, per month for device status reports, device status alerts, and unlimited storage
Free trial: 15 days
Check out RingCentral
*Prices reflect RingCentral's 33% annual subscription discount and a two- to 20-user estimate.
In most cases today, a business cell phone plan means a second cell phone for a user, in addition to their personal one. For this reason, and with the rise of distributed and hybrid-remote teams, many business' teams are now working, communicating, and collaborating on a bring-your-own-device (BYOD) basis.
This eliminates the need for team members to carry around multiple devices and opens up opportunities when it comes to mobile communications tools, including apps like RingCentral. RingCentral is one of the leading voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) service providers, and this platform can help your team become much more productive whether in the office or on the go.
Anywhere they can connect to the internet, business users can access the RingCentral platform for unlimited texting and calling in the U.S. and Canada and get advanced features like video conferencing, team messaging, real-time analytics, and third-party integrations. This functionality makes RingCentral a unified communications as a service (UCaaS) provider, helping businesses consolidate many communication apps into a single, more efficient solution.
Users can access RingCentral on their desktop, web browser, or mobile device, empowering them to conduct communications from the office or on the go. An auto-attendant efficiently routes incoming calls, keeping your team free to help customers. Advanced call handling features improve call outcomes as agents can view a caller's interaction history, and managers can listen in and provide coaching in real time, or even take over a call.
While RingCentral has a lot to offer businesses, it might be overkill for solopreneurs and small teams looking for a more basic business cell phone plan. Plus, you'll pay a premium to unlock some of the advanced features. If you want to go with a more traditional U.S. wireless carrier rather than a VoIP unified communications solution, check out T-Mobile or Verizon instead.
RingCentral Features
RingCentral video call (Source: RingCentral)
Video conferencing: Add face-to-face interaction to your team's communications repertoire with one-to-one or group high definition (HD) video and audio conferencing.
Advanced call handling: Enable your supervisors to listen in on real-time calls to monitor, whisper in the agent's ear, or take over if necessary.
Third-party integrations: Few business phone systems have as many integrations as RingCentral. Connect RingCentral to hundreds of different applications to streamline workflows, productivity, and communications while keeping your data connected across the cloud.
Verizon: Best Business Cell Phone Plan for Coverage
Extended high speed coverage across the U.S. and select international locations
Free devices and/or credit
Expensive for businesses with low user counts
Verizon Pricing*
Start: $30 per line, per month for unlimited talk, text, data, and mobile hotspot
Plus: $35 per line, per month for 100GB premium data and faster mobile hotspot
Pro: $45 per line, per month for unlimited premium data and discounts on devices
VoIP Business Digital Voice: $35 per line, per month for 1-5 lines, unlimited nationwide calling, call routing, mobile and desktop conferencing, and call management features
Check out Verizon
*Prices calculated assuming you're purchasing five or more lines.
Verizon offers a range of unlimited business cell phone plans with unrestricted domestic calling, texting, and data. Users can customize the flexible plans to add unlimited data to their tablets too. While Verizon's plans are a bit more expensive than T-Mobile's or RingCentral's, they offer extended coverage across the United States and in select international locations.
Businesses on Verizon's entry-level Start plan get unlimited mobile hotspot data, but speed is reduced significantly once you've used 5GB of data. You'll need to upgrade to the Plus or Pro plans to get higher-quality mobile hotspots with larger data caps.
Verizon offers special discounts to help new users get compatible devices up and running. While Verizon works with most devices, your employees may not have the right phone (or any smartphone). To help, Verizon provides free devices and device trade-in credits to help you equip your workforce.
Unfortunately, Verizon's customer service falls short compared to other providers. The platform doesn't provide the same extensive documentation as a service like RingCentral, and it's often difficult to speak to a live agent. This can cause headaches for those who aren't technically savvy and who struggle to troubleshoot issues independently.
Verizon Features
Verizon coverage map
(Source: Verizon)
Extended coverage: Verizon has almost complete coverage within the United States, with 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE available virtually everywhere.
Unlimited Tablet: Add a tablet to your unlimited plan to unlock video streaming, 5G Nationwide and 4G LTE, mobile hotspot, and premium data on both devices.
Mobile VPN: Mobile virtual private network (VPN) gives you added security and privacy on your device, preventing costly and dangerous data breaches.
Google Voice: Most Affordable Mobile Calling System
Affordable plans
Google collaboration and productivity app integrations
International calling
Lacks advanced business calling features
Requires existing internet connection and phone plan (business number forwards to your existing device)
Only integrates with Google apps
Google Voice Pricing*
Starter: $10 per user, per month for unlimited domestic calling and SMS text messaging, Google Workspace integrations, and voicemail transcriptions
Standard: $20 per user, per month for multi-level auto-attendants and ring groups
Premier: $30 per user, per month for unlimited international locations and advanced reporting
Check out Google Voice
*Pricing based on Google Voice's monthly subscription plans.
Like RingCentral, Google Voice is a non-traditional choice when it comes to the best business cell phone plans, since it's not a standalone provider. It made our list because of its affordability and the ability of business users to use their own devices (mobile phones, IP desk phones, and web browsers) to access a nice range of business call handling features from anywhere.
Google Voice is a virtual business phone system that provides a second number that rings to a user's existing desktop and mobile devices. This enables users to keep business and personal communication separate. It's not as complex as full-featured UCaaS solutions like RingCentral, but it does provide basic business phone system features like an auto-attendant, third-party integrations, and video conferencing functionality.
Businesses on a budget will love Google Voice's pricing as an alternative to wireless carriers' business cell phone plans. Get started for as little as $10 per user, per month with the Starter plan for unlimited calling and texting in the U.S., voicemail transcripts, and both mobile and browser-based apps. Users can upgrade to the Premier plan to unlock unlimited calling to international locations.
Since Google Voice is only a virtual phone number service, users need an existing phone number to which calls will be forwarded. They also need an internet connection to make and receive calls over IP; however, this is usually already enabled through their personal mobile devices and desktop computers.
While Google Voice provides basic functionality to users, it doesn't have the advanced call handling features, hotdesking, or real-time analytics you get with a full-featured platform like RingCentral. Still, it's hard to beat Google Voice's entry-level pricing, and for teams using Google Workspace apps, built-in integrations streamline communication and collaboration.
Google Voice Features
Google Voice's desktop and interfaces
(Source: Google)
Google Workspace integrations: Sync your Google Voice contacts and data with all Google Workspace apps, including Gmail, Calendar, Drive, and Google Meet.
Smart AI: Google Voice's built-in artificial intelligence (AI) effectively filters spam calls and accurately transcribes voicemail to text automatically.
Ring groups: Notify multiple numbers about incoming calls to ensure your customers get support as soon as possible.
AT&T: Best Business Cell Phone Plans for Security-conscious Businesses
Advanced security features
International calling add-ons
Extended coverage
Expensive add-ons
No virtual phone number options or conference calling
AT&T Pricing*
Starter: $30 per line, per month for unlimited domestic calling, texting, and data in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico
Performance: $35 per line, per month for HD streaming and 40GB of mobile hotspot
Elite: $45 per line, per month for advanced security, ultra-high definition (UHD) streaming, and 100GB of mobile hotspot
Check out AT&T
AT&T is one of the U.S.' leading wireless carriers. You get nationwide coverage in three unlimited talk, texting, and data plans. Beyond domestic coverage, AT&T provides unlimited talk and text in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico at no extra cost. You can also pay an extra fee to add international calling to over 210 countries. It's an expensive add-on, but could be worth it if you do extensive business overseas and across borders.
AT&T's business plans take security to a whole new level. The Starter plan includes basic protection, but the Elite plan has more advanced spam blocking, suspicious call blocking, breach reports, personal ID monitoring, safe browsing, theft alerts, and a secure Wi-Fi virtual private network (VPN). If you're serious about protecting data and privacy for your team and business, you won't find a more secure option than AT&T.
AT&T's prices are similar to T-Mobile and Verizon, but you miss out on a few features. For example, AT&T doesn't provide virtual phone number options, conference calling, call management features, or volume processing discounts. If you'd like these features, consider using RingCentral or Verizon.
AT&T Features
Retail business owner using a mobile device
(Source: AT&T)
Advanced security: AT&T offers advanced security features like Wi-Fi VPN, theft alerts, phone number blocking, safe browsing, and breach reports to keep your information protected.
International communications: Text and call as much as you want in the U.S., Mexico, and Canada and add calling and texting in more than 210 countries by purchasing AT&T's international add-on packages.
AT&T 5G: Get fast, reliable, secure nationwide 5G on compatible plans and devices.
How We Evaluated the Best Business Cell Phone Plans
There's a lot to consider when choosing the best cell phone plan for your business. At first glance, you'll likely be concerned with pricing, perks, coverage, unlimited deals, and hardware compatibility.
Furthermore, you have features, channel support, and integrations to think about. It can be a bit overwhelming. That's why we broke down the high-priority considerations and evaluated the best business cell phone plans based on pricing, general and advanced features, user reviews, ease of use, and our expertise.
When it comes to traditional wireless carriers with business cell phone plans, we chose T-Mobile as the top option. Not only does it have competitive pricing, it's also the only carrier to include two Microsoft 365 licenses with its Advanced and Ultimate plans. This gives your team access to some of the top productivity and team collaboration apps available while also keeping them connected on the go, especially thanks to T-Mobile's unlimited in-flight Wi-Fi.
Visit T-Mobile
Alternatively, we find RingCentral to be the best option for businesses operating on a BYOD (bring your own device) basis. While you might not have considered it for your company's mobile users before, this unified communications as a service (UCaaS) platform equips your team with advanced features like call handling, real-time analytics, team messaging, and tons of third-party integrations. Plus, it costs less per user than plans of major wireless carriers, and can be used from mobile devices, desktops, or web browsers, granting your workforce greater flexibility.
Visit RingCentral
Learn how we evaluated the best business cell phone plans and alternatives by clicking on the tabs below:
Expert Score
25% of Overall Score
We analyzed the costs of the plans, prices for unlimited calling and texting, and available add-ons. We compared these prices to determine which providers deliver more features, data, and perks for lower costs.
We reviewed the provider's features to ensure they include must-have fundamentals like a mobile hotspot, call routing, conference calling, international calling, and BYOD (bring your own device).
Beyond the fundamentals, we compared providers to see which provide above-and-beyond features, such as video calling, third-party integrations, toll-free numbers, and real-time analytics.
The expert score includes our personal experiences using the services, customer reviews, ease of use, and value for the money.
*Percentages of overall score
Your employees need a business cell phone plan to get their jobs done—and you have plenty of options. RingCentral is our overall top choice for best business cell phone plan alternative for BYOD workplaces thanks to its affordability compared to wireless carriers, UCaaS functionality, advanced features, and incredible range of integrations.
If you want to stick with a traditional wireless carrier instead of a VoIP solution, we recommend T-Mobile's inexpensive plans, rewarding perks, and features your team needs to work on the go. You can save money on software with the free Microsoft 365 licenses included in all but the base plan, and stay in touch from 30,000 feet and above with unlimited Wi-Fi.
Corey McCraw
Corey McCraw is a staff writer at Fit Small Business who covers VoIP and Unified Communications. Before his time at FSB, Corey was a senior tech reporter at GetVoIP. Corey has a background in marketing, tech writing, and corporate communications. In the past, Corey has worked with numerous brands across a variety of verticals and has even penned content for the former First Lady Michelle Obama's Let's Move initiative.
Affordable Business Cell Phone Plans for Small Business
Auto-attendant, unlimited calls and texting & more