Michael Clarke injued his hamstring during practice and could miss out on Australia's first game of the tri-series.
Reported by CricBuzz 3 hours ago.
Michael Clarke in injury scare
↧
↧
Watch Koala Brought Back to Life in Dramatic Rescue
Firefighters and wildlife workers in Melbourne, Australia performed life-saving mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on an unconscious, injured koala Thursday – a dramatic effort that was captured on video.
Reported by ABCNews.com 6 hours ago.
↧
Winners Named in 2014 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge™ Woodworking Competition
The grand prize in the 2014 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge™ woodworking competition goes to Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash of Bespoke Minneapolis, for “Transitional Cabinets” featuring herringbone parquetry on the lower deck and ceiling, curved interior corners, perpendicular veneer door edges flanked by walnut piping, teak micro reeding on both the vertical and horizontal matching of the ziricote exteriors, and Burmese teak interiors. Veneer Technologies recognized Bespoke’s Morgan and Nash, their supplier Certainly Wood and sales representative Greg Engle, along with six other category winners and 19 honorable mentions at IWF in Atlanta.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
The grand prize winning entry of the Tenth Annual Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge™ woodworking competition is “Transitional Cabinets” by Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash of Bespoke Minneapolis, Larchwood, IA. This couture work features herringbone parquetry on the lower deck and ceiling, curved interior corners, perpendicular veneer door edges flanked by walnut piping, teak micro reeding on both the vertical and horizontal matching of the ziricote exteriors, and Burmese teak interiors. As announced at IWF Atlanta, Bespoke Minneapolis is awarded the $3000 top prize in this design competition recognizing excellence in veneer woodworking. Certainly Wood is the materials supplier for the project and receives $2000. Sales representative Greg Engle receives $1000 in recognition of his participation in the supply chain.
The category winners in this year’s competition, each receiving $1000 are:
Architectural Woodworking, Kirk Coryn, Kirk Kreations, Sapulpa, OK, for “Master Closet;” Cabinetry, Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash, Bespoke Minneapolis, Larchwood, IA, for "Royal Crescent Kitchen;” Furniture, Richard Hubbs, Richard Hubbs Furniture and Design, Ferdinand, IN, for “Jewelry Armoire;” Special Items, Spider Johnson and Lora Hunt, Mason, TX, for marquetry pictorial “Bringer of Peace;” Student Design, Olof Jondelius, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, for chair entry “Frank;” and in a judges’ special category, Wearable Veneer, Arc-Iris, Pocatello, ID, for “Solar Eyewear, Buckeye/Maple Burl Split.”
The judges also awarded honorable mention for an additional 19 entries:
Architectural Woodworking, Fetzer Architectural Woodwork, Salt Lake City, UT, for “Kirton & McConkie” and for “Business School,” and Thomas M. Daniels, Wood Interiors Unlimited, Osceola, WI, for “Rustic Urban Living Room;” Furniture, Richard Hubbs, Richard Hubbs Furniture and Design, Ferdinand, IN, for “Lamp Table,” Joel Shepard, Joel Shepard Furniture, Seattle, WA, for “Pedestal Dining Table,” Alfons Laicher, Alfons Custom Furniture and Woodwork, Victoria, BC, for “Fine Line Hall Table,” Tony Smith, Tony Smith Fine Furniture and Conservation, Berkeley, CA, for “Chippendale Marquetry Table Tops,” Joel McCoy, Redwood Ecotectural, Eureka, CA, for “Chapel Altar,” and Kirk Coryn, Kirk Kreations, Sapulpa, OK, for “King Bed;” Specialty Items, Robert Bodzan, Just Marquetry Studio, Mississauga, ON, for “Morning Contemplation,” Jeff Cruzan, Sharon, MA, for “Pidium,” Danny Birnbaum, Saco Birnbaum Fine Woodworking, East Orange, NJ, for “Mechanics Tool Box,” Ray Jones, Ray Jones Woodcraft, Asheville, NC, for “Inner Sanctum,” and Rodney Pike, Pike Design, Wendouree, Victoria, Australia, for “Gorilla;” Student Design, Kristopher Chan, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, for “Alfred Bar Cabinet,” Erik Lutz, Cedar Ridge High School, Chapel Hill, NC, for “Contemporary Desk,” and Abigail Smith, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, for “Pare;” and in the judges’ special category of Wearable Veneer, Altare Design, Kankakee, IL, for “The Garter Sunglasses,” and Coby Unger, Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA, for “Arborglass 2014 Designs.”
The over 100 entries in this year’s competition can be viewed on the Veneer Technologies website at http://www.veneertech.com. Details about the category winning entries plus judge comments can be found at the website. There is also an archive of 2005-2013 competitions’ entries.
Experts from the fields of woodworking media and education, furniture making, and hardwood veneer manufacturing formed the panel of judges for the 2014 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge. Tim Fixmer of CCI Media is publisher of CabinetMaker+FDM magazine, co-sponsor of the Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge, and is a member of the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. Wave Oglesby is vice president, sales and marketing, for Columbia Forest Products. Alfred Sharp’s period furniture has been featured in Antiques, Colonial Homes, Custom Woodworking, Fine Woodworking, Woodwork, and Woodshop News magazines.
Sharp commented on the panel’s selection of Bespoke Minneapolis for the grand prize and for the Cabinetry category, “When I look at these entries, I’m envious of the level of design and even more of the quality of execution that went into this work.” Fixmer said, “This year’s competition was filled with high quality entrants. We had some very difficult decisions to make in many categories, and we created an ad hoc category ‘Wearable Veneers,’ to recognize three veneer eyeglass frame designs.”
The Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge entries for 2015 will be accepted beginning the first of January. Next year’s competition results will be announced at AWFS® Las Vegas.
Veneer Technologies, located in Newport, NC, is one of the industry’s largest manufacturers of high quality face veneer, sheet veneer and edgebanding. Veneer Tech sources wood species worldwide.
###
PHOTO CAPTION 2014 CRAFTSMAN'S CHALLENGE GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash of Bespoke Minneapolis won grand prize in the 2014 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge™ for “Transitional Cabinets” featuring herringbone parquetry, walnut piping, teak micro reeding, ziricote exteriors and teak interiors.
Note to media:
This document and photographs of the grand prize and category winning entries are available at http://www.veneertech.com/challenge/media. Contact Alan Hubbard at alan(at)veneertech(dot)com for the password to download high res photography. Descriptions of these winning entries are found at http://www.veneertech.com under “The Craftsman’s Challenge/Current Entries.” Reported by PRWeb 7 hours ago.
Atlanta, GA (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
The grand prize winning entry of the Tenth Annual Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge™ woodworking competition is “Transitional Cabinets” by Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash of Bespoke Minneapolis, Larchwood, IA. This couture work features herringbone parquetry on the lower deck and ceiling, curved interior corners, perpendicular veneer door edges flanked by walnut piping, teak micro reeding on both the vertical and horizontal matching of the ziricote exteriors, and Burmese teak interiors. As announced at IWF Atlanta, Bespoke Minneapolis is awarded the $3000 top prize in this design competition recognizing excellence in veneer woodworking. Certainly Wood is the materials supplier for the project and receives $2000. Sales representative Greg Engle receives $1000 in recognition of his participation in the supply chain.
The category winners in this year’s competition, each receiving $1000 are:
Architectural Woodworking, Kirk Coryn, Kirk Kreations, Sapulpa, OK, for “Master Closet;” Cabinetry, Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash, Bespoke Minneapolis, Larchwood, IA, for "Royal Crescent Kitchen;” Furniture, Richard Hubbs, Richard Hubbs Furniture and Design, Ferdinand, IN, for “Jewelry Armoire;” Special Items, Spider Johnson and Lora Hunt, Mason, TX, for marquetry pictorial “Bringer of Peace;” Student Design, Olof Jondelius, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, for chair entry “Frank;” and in a judges’ special category, Wearable Veneer, Arc-Iris, Pocatello, ID, for “Solar Eyewear, Buckeye/Maple Burl Split.”
The judges also awarded honorable mention for an additional 19 entries:
Architectural Woodworking, Fetzer Architectural Woodwork, Salt Lake City, UT, for “Kirton & McConkie” and for “Business School,” and Thomas M. Daniels, Wood Interiors Unlimited, Osceola, WI, for “Rustic Urban Living Room;” Furniture, Richard Hubbs, Richard Hubbs Furniture and Design, Ferdinand, IN, for “Lamp Table,” Joel Shepard, Joel Shepard Furniture, Seattle, WA, for “Pedestal Dining Table,” Alfons Laicher, Alfons Custom Furniture and Woodwork, Victoria, BC, for “Fine Line Hall Table,” Tony Smith, Tony Smith Fine Furniture and Conservation, Berkeley, CA, for “Chippendale Marquetry Table Tops,” Joel McCoy, Redwood Ecotectural, Eureka, CA, for “Chapel Altar,” and Kirk Coryn, Kirk Kreations, Sapulpa, OK, for “King Bed;” Specialty Items, Robert Bodzan, Just Marquetry Studio, Mississauga, ON, for “Morning Contemplation,” Jeff Cruzan, Sharon, MA, for “Pidium,” Danny Birnbaum, Saco Birnbaum Fine Woodworking, East Orange, NJ, for “Mechanics Tool Box,” Ray Jones, Ray Jones Woodcraft, Asheville, NC, for “Inner Sanctum,” and Rodney Pike, Pike Design, Wendouree, Victoria, Australia, for “Gorilla;” Student Design, Kristopher Chan, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, for “Alfred Bar Cabinet,” Erik Lutz, Cedar Ridge High School, Chapel Hill, NC, for “Contemporary Desk,” and Abigail Smith, Appalachian State University, Boone, NC, for “Pare;” and in the judges’ special category of Wearable Veneer, Altare Design, Kankakee, IL, for “The Garter Sunglasses,” and Coby Unger, Philadelphia University, Philadelphia, PA, for “Arborglass 2014 Designs.”
The over 100 entries in this year’s competition can be viewed on the Veneer Technologies website at http://www.veneertech.com. Details about the category winning entries plus judge comments can be found at the website. There is also an archive of 2005-2013 competitions’ entries.
Experts from the fields of woodworking media and education, furniture making, and hardwood veneer manufacturing formed the panel of judges for the 2014 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge. Tim Fixmer of CCI Media is publisher of CabinetMaker+FDM magazine, co-sponsor of the Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge, and is a member of the Woodwork Career Alliance Education Committee. Wave Oglesby is vice president, sales and marketing, for Columbia Forest Products. Alfred Sharp’s period furniture has been featured in Antiques, Colonial Homes, Custom Woodworking, Fine Woodworking, Woodwork, and Woodshop News magazines.
Sharp commented on the panel’s selection of Bespoke Minneapolis for the grand prize and for the Cabinetry category, “When I look at these entries, I’m envious of the level of design and even more of the quality of execution that went into this work.” Fixmer said, “This year’s competition was filled with high quality entrants. We had some very difficult decisions to make in many categories, and we created an ad hoc category ‘Wearable Veneers,’ to recognize three veneer eyeglass frame designs.”
The Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge entries for 2015 will be accepted beginning the first of January. Next year’s competition results will be announced at AWFS® Las Vegas.
Veneer Technologies, located in Newport, NC, is one of the industry’s largest manufacturers of high quality face veneer, sheet veneer and edgebanding. Veneer Tech sources wood species worldwide.
###
PHOTO CAPTION 2014 CRAFTSMAN'S CHALLENGE GRAND PRIZE WINNER:
Keith Morgan and Aaron Nash of Bespoke Minneapolis won grand prize in the 2014 Veneer Tech Craftsman’s Challenge™ for “Transitional Cabinets” featuring herringbone parquetry, walnut piping, teak micro reeding, ziricote exteriors and teak interiors.
Note to media:
This document and photographs of the grand prize and category winning entries are available at http://www.veneertech.com/challenge/media. Contact Alan Hubbard at alan(at)veneertech(dot)com for the password to download high res photography. Descriptions of these winning entries are found at http://www.veneertech.com under “The Craftsman’s Challenge/Current Entries.” Reported by PRWeb 7 hours ago.
↧
These Are The World's Least Visited Countries
If you're constantly searching for an undiscovered, crowd-free getaway, you're in luck -- some of the least-visited countries on earth are calling your name.
These countries are totally beautiful and completely underrated, which means few crowds and pristine, untouched nature. Many of them are small or tropical (or both) and offer plenty of cultural activity and relaxation. While the world's most visited countries have lots to offer, you can't beat these undiscovered spots.
Below, check out the 10 countries that had the least visitors in 2013 that you can -- and should -- add to your bucket list ASAP.
*10. Palau*Number of Visitors: 105,000
Location: Palau sits in the Western Pacific Ocean and is part of Micronesia.
*9. Moldova*Number of Visitors: 96,000
Location: Moldova sits tucked between Romania and Ukraine.
*8. Timor-Leste*Number of Visitors: 78,000
Location: Southeast Asia's Timor-Leste is mostly surrounded by islands you haven't heard of. Timor-Leste encompasses the eastern part of Timor island, which sits roughly 1,250 miles north of the coast of Australia.
*7. Dominica*Number of Visitors: 78,000
Location: Dominica is an island in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea. Nearby islands include Guadeloupe and Martinique.
*6. St. Vincent and the Grenadines*Number of Visitors: 72,000
Location: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located near the border of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Neighboring islands include St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados.
*5. Anguilla* (technically a British Overseas Territory)Number of Visitors: 69,000
Location: The island sits in the Caribbean east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*4. Liechtenstein*Number of Visitors: 60,000
Location: Liechtenstein is doubly landlocked -- it's bordered by Switzerland to the west and south, and Austria to the east and north.
*3. Niue*Number of Visitors: 7,000
Location: Niue is an island in the South Pacific Ocean. It sits nearly 1,500 miles from the coast of New Zealand.
*2. Montserrat* (technically a British Overseas Territory)Number of Visitors: 7,000
Location: Montserrat is part of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies.
*1. Kiribati*Number of Visitors: 6,000
Location: Kiribati is an island in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. There's not much else near it -- Hawaii is about 5 hours north by plane. Reported by Huffington Post 6 hours ago.
These countries are totally beautiful and completely underrated, which means few crowds and pristine, untouched nature. Many of them are small or tropical (or both) and offer plenty of cultural activity and relaxation. While the world's most visited countries have lots to offer, you can't beat these undiscovered spots.
Below, check out the 10 countries that had the least visitors in 2013 that you can -- and should -- add to your bucket list ASAP.
*10. Palau*Number of Visitors: 105,000
Location: Palau sits in the Western Pacific Ocean and is part of Micronesia.
*9. Moldova*Number of Visitors: 96,000
Location: Moldova sits tucked between Romania and Ukraine.
*8. Timor-Leste*Number of Visitors: 78,000
Location: Southeast Asia's Timor-Leste is mostly surrounded by islands you haven't heard of. Timor-Leste encompasses the eastern part of Timor island, which sits roughly 1,250 miles north of the coast of Australia.
*7. Dominica*Number of Visitors: 78,000
Location: Dominica is an island in the Lesser Antilles region of the Caribbean Sea. Nearby islands include Guadeloupe and Martinique.
*6. St. Vincent and the Grenadines*Number of Visitors: 72,000
Location: St. Vincent and the Grenadines is located near the border of the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. Neighboring islands include St. Lucia, Grenada and Barbados.
*5. Anguilla* (technically a British Overseas Territory)Number of Visitors: 69,000
Location: The island sits in the Caribbean east of Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands.
*4. Liechtenstein*Number of Visitors: 60,000
Location: Liechtenstein is doubly landlocked -- it's bordered by Switzerland to the west and south, and Austria to the east and north.
*3. Niue*Number of Visitors: 7,000
Location: Niue is an island in the South Pacific Ocean. It sits nearly 1,500 miles from the coast of New Zealand.
*2. Montserrat* (technically a British Overseas Territory)Number of Visitors: 7,000
Location: Montserrat is part of the Lesser Antilles in the West Indies.
*1. Kiribati*Number of Visitors: 6,000
Location: Kiribati is an island in the central tropical Pacific Ocean. There's not much else near it -- Hawaii is about 5 hours north by plane. Reported by Huffington Post 6 hours ago.
↧
Brisbane Granny Flat Builder Stroud Homes Unveils Development Designed to Prepare for an Ageing Australia — and Boost Rental Income for Investors
Australia’s population is ageing and while that signifies favourable results like improved life expectancy, it also impacts infrastructure requirements and congestion in cities, among others. To mitigate such outcomes and relieve budget pressures for the Australian government toward funding aged care, Stroud Homes offer granny flats as one way to resolve an ageing population.
Queensland, Australia (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
Australia’s population is projected to age dramatically over the next several years. Aussies are enjoying longer lives and death rates have reportedly dipped low. A report by the Productivity Commission shares that individuals who have reached 65 may even live 19 more years; by 2060, the Productivity Commission projects there will be around 25 centenarians for every 100 babies (link to source at the end of the article).
But instead of overpopulating aged care facilities, Stroud Homes recommends investing in properties featuring granny flats today. Stroud Homes, a well-known design and building service in Queensland, recently unveiled its range of house designs that feature granny flats.
Elderly parents or ageing extended family members can occupy the added house in a property instead of paying for room and board in an aged care facility. This living arrangement offers greater access to family, which resolves the loneliness and isolation that most ageing people experience. It also saves the family a great deal of money in managed care.
In the greater scheme of things, the Brisbane granny flat builder say this type of property could also alleviate pressure from the government where budgeting is concerned. As Australia prepares to welcome more centenarians than newborn babies by 2100, adequate infrastructure, more aged care facilities, and better elderly services need to be delivered.
According to owner James Stroud, their residential properties that offer multigenerational living arrangements are hitting it big in the market. Stroud Homes consultant Bryan Canavan remarks that the success is largely due to the overall design of the property, explaining that potential buyers see the property as one big house as opposed to a house with a granny flat.
Canavan talks about the design, “To look at the home from the exterior you wouldn’t know that it houses two families. Yet the granny flat section has its own entrance and its own garage! Many of our attached granny flats are custom designed to suit the needs of each family. It’s a great combination of Stroud design and client ideas that results in a home that works for its occupants.”
Stroud Homes describe the granny flat as an excellent option for accommodating ageing members of the family. Clients can choose a house and land design already built with the extra home or they can also ask the leading Brisbane granny flat builder to build a flat to existing homes.
Each Stroud Homes granny flat is self-sustaining and offers sufficient privacy for any occupant. One granny flat can be 84 square metres, and feature two bedrooms, a bathroom, with a separate private toilet, linen closet, kitchen, and an open area.
During a floor plan presentation, Canavan highlights the separate entrance for the granny flat from the main house so the flat effectively functions as a separate home. Meanwhile, Stroud brings focus to the time-saving design of the walk-in pantry, which is located in the garage.
Stroud remarks, “I really like this feature in the walk-in pantry. I would assume the elderly family would be living in here, grandma and grandpa, and they can back their car in, reverse their car in, and unload the grocery straight into the walk-in pantry. What an effort saver.”
Canavan agrees, adding, “A lot of normal house kitchens don’t even have walk-in pantries but very sensibly placed; as you’ve said grocery straight in, food preparation, food consumption.”
Aside from such convenient design considerations, Stroud Homes also recognise the need for elderly people to move around their home independently. Grab rails can be designed into the baths, and hallways could be widened for ageing occupants who use wheelchairs.
Stroud says, “We care about our customers and we do what we say we’re going to do. We take the time to listen and work alongside our customers every step of the way, so the end result feels just right, like home.”
In the absence of an ageing parent or relative, Stroud Homes say that the granny flat can be rented out to suitable tenants or offered as a guest house to visiting friends. For whatever purpose it will serve the owner, properties with granny flats provide sound investment options; it can provide an excellent rental income and create a lucrative selling point when the house is put back in the property market.
Alternately, an elderly couple could move into the granny flat and rent out the main house, increasing profits from rental income.
Stroud Homes offers wide-ranging home designs, from acreage homes to duplexes, which can be built with granny flats and other features that could also increase property values. For more information, explore Stroud Homes website and make an appointment today.
Reference:
http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/129749/ageing-australia.pdf Reported by PRWeb 6 hours ago.
Queensland, Australia (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
Australia’s population is projected to age dramatically over the next several years. Aussies are enjoying longer lives and death rates have reportedly dipped low. A report by the Productivity Commission shares that individuals who have reached 65 may even live 19 more years; by 2060, the Productivity Commission projects there will be around 25 centenarians for every 100 babies (link to source at the end of the article).
But instead of overpopulating aged care facilities, Stroud Homes recommends investing in properties featuring granny flats today. Stroud Homes, a well-known design and building service in Queensland, recently unveiled its range of house designs that feature granny flats.
Elderly parents or ageing extended family members can occupy the added house in a property instead of paying for room and board in an aged care facility. This living arrangement offers greater access to family, which resolves the loneliness and isolation that most ageing people experience. It also saves the family a great deal of money in managed care.
In the greater scheme of things, the Brisbane granny flat builder say this type of property could also alleviate pressure from the government where budgeting is concerned. As Australia prepares to welcome more centenarians than newborn babies by 2100, adequate infrastructure, more aged care facilities, and better elderly services need to be delivered.
According to owner James Stroud, their residential properties that offer multigenerational living arrangements are hitting it big in the market. Stroud Homes consultant Bryan Canavan remarks that the success is largely due to the overall design of the property, explaining that potential buyers see the property as one big house as opposed to a house with a granny flat.
Canavan talks about the design, “To look at the home from the exterior you wouldn’t know that it houses two families. Yet the granny flat section has its own entrance and its own garage! Many of our attached granny flats are custom designed to suit the needs of each family. It’s a great combination of Stroud design and client ideas that results in a home that works for its occupants.”
Stroud Homes describe the granny flat as an excellent option for accommodating ageing members of the family. Clients can choose a house and land design already built with the extra home or they can also ask the leading Brisbane granny flat builder to build a flat to existing homes.
Each Stroud Homes granny flat is self-sustaining and offers sufficient privacy for any occupant. One granny flat can be 84 square metres, and feature two bedrooms, a bathroom, with a separate private toilet, linen closet, kitchen, and an open area.
During a floor plan presentation, Canavan highlights the separate entrance for the granny flat from the main house so the flat effectively functions as a separate home. Meanwhile, Stroud brings focus to the time-saving design of the walk-in pantry, which is located in the garage.
Stroud remarks, “I really like this feature in the walk-in pantry. I would assume the elderly family would be living in here, grandma and grandpa, and they can back their car in, reverse their car in, and unload the grocery straight into the walk-in pantry. What an effort saver.”
Canavan agrees, adding, “A lot of normal house kitchens don’t even have walk-in pantries but very sensibly placed; as you’ve said grocery straight in, food preparation, food consumption.”
Aside from such convenient design considerations, Stroud Homes also recognise the need for elderly people to move around their home independently. Grab rails can be designed into the baths, and hallways could be widened for ageing occupants who use wheelchairs.
Stroud says, “We care about our customers and we do what we say we’re going to do. We take the time to listen and work alongside our customers every step of the way, so the end result feels just right, like home.”
In the absence of an ageing parent or relative, Stroud Homes say that the granny flat can be rented out to suitable tenants or offered as a guest house to visiting friends. For whatever purpose it will serve the owner, properties with granny flats provide sound investment options; it can provide an excellent rental income and create a lucrative selling point when the house is put back in the property market.
Alternately, an elderly couple could move into the granny flat and rent out the main house, increasing profits from rental income.
Stroud Homes offers wide-ranging home designs, from acreage homes to duplexes, which can be built with granny flats and other features that could also increase property values. For more information, explore Stroud Homes website and make an appointment today.
Reference:
http://www.pc.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0005/129749/ageing-australia.pdf Reported by PRWeb 6 hours ago.
↧
↧
ProBlogger Australia 2014 Welcomes Hunter Boyle as Guest Speaker
CHALFONT, Pa., Aug. 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- AWeber's Hunter Boyle, heads to Australia's ProBlogger Training Event to lead a 90-minute workshop titled, "Small Changes, Big Gains: Your Site & Email Optimisation Action Plan." Photo -...
Reported by PR Newswire 5 hours ago.
↧
Specialty Insurance Market Key Trends, Size, Share, Growth, Opportunities and Forecast Insight Report: MarketResearchReports.Biz
MarketResearchReports.Biz include new market research report "Insight Report: Specialty Insurance - Key Trends and Opportunities in the Market" to its huge collection of research reports. Browse all Insurance Market Research Reports at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/161.
Albany, NY (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
A challenging property and casualty market, along with weakening profitability, led to the growth of the specialty insurance market, which is becoming increasingly global in nature with specialty carriers trending in similar lines and facing common issues. The global outlook for specialty insurance is positive for 2014–2018.
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/218799.
The US is the largest market for specialty insurance
Specialty insurance includes high-hazard insurance, non-standard general insurance, niche market segments, bespoke underwriting, and excess and surplus lines insurance. As there is no standard definition for specialty insurance, estimating the market size is complicated. The global market size for specialty insurance, in terms of gross written premium, was estimated to be in the range of US$140–180 billion in 2013. The US is the largest specialty insurance market, contributing more than 50% of the overall gross written premium in 2013.
Download detail report with complete TOC at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/218799.
Market capacity for cyber-liability insurance is growing rapidly
Growing rates of cybercrime and data breaches have increased demand for insurance protection against cyber-attacks. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in June 2014, total global losses due to cybercrime stood at US$445 billion in 2013. The cyber liability market is a growing opportunity for specialty carriers. In 2013, the market capacity for the US cyber liability insurance was estimated at US$1 billion, and is expected to cross US$2 billion by the end of 2014. Other than the US, European economies are the key markets for cyber-liability insurance. Although the European cyber-liability market is relatively small at present, it is growing at an annual average rate of 50%.
Superior underwriting profits driving growth
Specialty insurance is a high-risk, high-return market characterized by underwriting profitability. The underwriting cycles for specialty insurance products are currently in a difficult market phase, resulting in higher underwriting profits for insurers. On average, specialty carriers across the world generate strong underwriting profitability in comparison to property and casualty insurers. However, their exposures to catastrophic risks led to record losses in 2011 as a result of the earthquake in Japan and the Thai floods.
Browse all latest banking market research reports at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/159.
Lack of underwriting talent the biggest obstacle to growth
The success of specialty carriers depends on the pool of underwriting and actuarial talent. High risk levels and the complex nature of specialty products require expert knowledge for profitable underwriting, and sourcing and retaining qualified professionals has become a fundamental problem for specialty insurers across the world. This is expected to result in significant wage inflation over 2014–2018. To address this issue, insurers are focusing on developing in-house talent through internal programs. Many specialty insurers depend on syndicates of underwriting experts such as Lloyd’s.
Scope· This report covers the current market size and growth potential of the global specialty insurance market.
· The report discusses key success factors for specialty carriers.
· The report analyzes key organic and inorganic growth strategies for specialty carriers.
· The report discusses emerging risks and available growth opportunities for specialty carriers.
· The report provides a summary of quarterly changes in premium prices for key specialty lines during 2013 and the first half of 2014.
Browse all latest Wealth Management Market Research Reports at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/146.
Reasons to Buy
· Gain insights into the global specialty insurance market
· Assess the growth potential of the specialty insurance market
· Understand key success factors for specialty carriers
· Gain an understanding of various factors driving the growth of specialty insurance business, and key challenges faced by specialty carriers
· Understand various growth strategies for specialty carriers
Key highlights
· The US is the largest specialty insurance market contributing more than 50% of the overall gross written premium in 2013.
· Cyber-risk, carbon credit risk, risks associated with change in space weather, changing technology, and changes in prices of input materials for manufacturing industries are key emerging risks offering huge growth potential for specialty carriers.
· Underwriting margin is very high for specialty insurance and specialty carriers across the world generate strong underwriting profitability in comparison to property and casualty insurers.
· Lack of underwriting expert is the biggest challenge faced by specialty carriers.
· Large-scale natural disasters not only cause huge insured losses, but also act as a trigger to increase demand for specialty insurance products.
· Asia and Latin America provides huge growth opportunities for specialty carriers over the period 2014–2018.
Related Reports
Insight Report: Current Accounts - Emerging Trends, Product Insights And Case Studies
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/211702.
Due to changes in regulatory frameworks and competitive dynamics, retail banking and its current account business have changed gradually during the last decade. Despite initiatives taken by banks to retain customers, the current accounts market in developed economies recorded growing instances of account switching. Improved customer service, attractive reward programs and financial incentives offered by banks are the main factors encouraging customers to switch their primary banks.
Download detail report with complete TOC at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/211702.
In emerging economies, pricing has been the primary reason for the low volume of banking customers. As pricing is affected by cost pressures and changing customer expectations, banks are adopting a number of product and pricing strategies in the form of loyalty programs, incentives, packaged current accounts and customized product offerings to entice customers. Furthermore, with increasing technological advancements, banks are encouraging customers to use low-cost banking channels to conduct banking transactions, resulting in reduced operating costs and improved profitability.
Insight Report: The Rise Of Online Aggregators
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/211265.
The emergence of online aggregators has revolutionized the distribution of insurance products and services. Distribution in the insurance industry has become increasingly diverse, with online aggregators, direct online sales, agencies, brokers, auction sites and mobile-based distribution. Online aggregators have enabled consumers to access multiple quotes from different insurance service providers, and their presence is spreading across the world, bringing fundamental changes to the insurance industry. This trend is likely to continue until 2020.
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/211265.
Online aggregators have become a growing phenomenon in the global insurance industry. Online aggregators first emerged as a marketing channel for insurance products and services in the UK insurance industry in 2002 with the launch of confused.com. After just a decade, online aggregators now account for 60% of new motor insurance policies and 50% of personal insurance lines. The growth trend is similar in other European markets such as Germany, France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands. Although online aggregators are highly successful in the UK and other key European economies, they are yet to achieve similar success in other parts of the world. The American and Asia-Pacific regions provide growth opportunities for online aggregators over the next five to 10 years, and online aggregators have already established footholds in key markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India.
Insight Report: Best Practice In The Reward Credit Card Sector
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/207104.
Banks are increasingly using rewards and loyalty programs as a tool for maintaining relationships with top-end customers, as these relationships provide high potential for revenue generation. Financial institutions are putting forward premium experiences and offers to increase loyalty and develop deeper banking relationships. Rightly positioned, unique rewards act as a key differentiator in a highly commoditized financial services market.
Download detail report with complete TOC at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/207104.
To remain profitable, banks have been making changes to their strategies and operational models which includes finding the optimum mix of funding options and reward offerings to achieve greater levels of customer loyalty and profitability. Both issuers and card schemes are partnering with airlines, hotels and popular brands to offer merchant-funded rewards. The strategy allows card issuers to improve the value of their reward credit cards without putting upward pressure on costs.
About Us
Marketresearchreports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. Marketresearchreports.biz services are especially designed to save time and money of our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.
Browse Blog at http://todaysmarketplace.blogspot.com. Reported by PRWeb 6 hours ago.
Albany, NY (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
A challenging property and casualty market, along with weakening profitability, led to the growth of the specialty insurance market, which is becoming increasingly global in nature with specialty carriers trending in similar lines and facing common issues. The global outlook for specialty insurance is positive for 2014–2018.
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/218799.
The US is the largest market for specialty insurance
Specialty insurance includes high-hazard insurance, non-standard general insurance, niche market segments, bespoke underwriting, and excess and surplus lines insurance. As there is no standard definition for specialty insurance, estimating the market size is complicated. The global market size for specialty insurance, in terms of gross written premium, was estimated to be in the range of US$140–180 billion in 2013. The US is the largest specialty insurance market, contributing more than 50% of the overall gross written premium in 2013.
Download detail report with complete TOC at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/218799.
Market capacity for cyber-liability insurance is growing rapidly
Growing rates of cybercrime and data breaches have increased demand for insurance protection against cyber-attacks. According to the Center for Strategic and International Studies in June 2014, total global losses due to cybercrime stood at US$445 billion in 2013. The cyber liability market is a growing opportunity for specialty carriers. In 2013, the market capacity for the US cyber liability insurance was estimated at US$1 billion, and is expected to cross US$2 billion by the end of 2014. Other than the US, European economies are the key markets for cyber-liability insurance. Although the European cyber-liability market is relatively small at present, it is growing at an annual average rate of 50%.
Superior underwriting profits driving growth
Specialty insurance is a high-risk, high-return market characterized by underwriting profitability. The underwriting cycles for specialty insurance products are currently in a difficult market phase, resulting in higher underwriting profits for insurers. On average, specialty carriers across the world generate strong underwriting profitability in comparison to property and casualty insurers. However, their exposures to catastrophic risks led to record losses in 2011 as a result of the earthquake in Japan and the Thai floods.
Browse all latest banking market research reports at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/159.
Lack of underwriting talent the biggest obstacle to growth
The success of specialty carriers depends on the pool of underwriting and actuarial talent. High risk levels and the complex nature of specialty products require expert knowledge for profitable underwriting, and sourcing and retaining qualified professionals has become a fundamental problem for specialty insurers across the world. This is expected to result in significant wage inflation over 2014–2018. To address this issue, insurers are focusing on developing in-house talent through internal programs. Many specialty insurers depend on syndicates of underwriting experts such as Lloyd’s.
Scope· This report covers the current market size and growth potential of the global specialty insurance market.
· The report discusses key success factors for specialty carriers.
· The report analyzes key organic and inorganic growth strategies for specialty carriers.
· The report discusses emerging risks and available growth opportunities for specialty carriers.
· The report provides a summary of quarterly changes in premium prices for key specialty lines during 2013 and the first half of 2014.
Browse all latest Wealth Management Market Research Reports at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/category/146.
Reasons to Buy
· Gain insights into the global specialty insurance market
· Assess the growth potential of the specialty insurance market
· Understand key success factors for specialty carriers
· Gain an understanding of various factors driving the growth of specialty insurance business, and key challenges faced by specialty carriers
· Understand various growth strategies for specialty carriers
Key highlights
· The US is the largest specialty insurance market contributing more than 50% of the overall gross written premium in 2013.
· Cyber-risk, carbon credit risk, risks associated with change in space weather, changing technology, and changes in prices of input materials for manufacturing industries are key emerging risks offering huge growth potential for specialty carriers.
· Underwriting margin is very high for specialty insurance and specialty carriers across the world generate strong underwriting profitability in comparison to property and casualty insurers.
· Lack of underwriting expert is the biggest challenge faced by specialty carriers.
· Large-scale natural disasters not only cause huge insured losses, but also act as a trigger to increase demand for specialty insurance products.
· Asia and Latin America provides huge growth opportunities for specialty carriers over the period 2014–2018.
Related Reports
Insight Report: Current Accounts - Emerging Trends, Product Insights And Case Studies
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/211702.
Due to changes in regulatory frameworks and competitive dynamics, retail banking and its current account business have changed gradually during the last decade. Despite initiatives taken by banks to retain customers, the current accounts market in developed economies recorded growing instances of account switching. Improved customer service, attractive reward programs and financial incentives offered by banks are the main factors encouraging customers to switch their primary banks.
Download detail report with complete TOC at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/211702.
In emerging economies, pricing has been the primary reason for the low volume of banking customers. As pricing is affected by cost pressures and changing customer expectations, banks are adopting a number of product and pricing strategies in the form of loyalty programs, incentives, packaged current accounts and customized product offerings to entice customers. Furthermore, with increasing technological advancements, banks are encouraging customers to use low-cost banking channels to conduct banking transactions, resulting in reduced operating costs and improved profitability.
Insight Report: The Rise Of Online Aggregators
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/211265.
The emergence of online aggregators has revolutionized the distribution of insurance products and services. Distribution in the insurance industry has become increasingly diverse, with online aggregators, direct online sales, agencies, brokers, auction sites and mobile-based distribution. Online aggregators have enabled consumers to access multiple quotes from different insurance service providers, and their presence is spreading across the world, bringing fundamental changes to the insurance industry. This trend is likely to continue until 2020.
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/211265.
Online aggregators have become a growing phenomenon in the global insurance industry. Online aggregators first emerged as a marketing channel for insurance products and services in the UK insurance industry in 2002 with the launch of confused.com. After just a decade, online aggregators now account for 60% of new motor insurance policies and 50% of personal insurance lines. The growth trend is similar in other European markets such as Germany, France, Sweden, Spain, Italy, Ireland and the Netherlands. Although online aggregators are highly successful in the UK and other key European economies, they are yet to achieve similar success in other parts of the world. The American and Asia-Pacific regions provide growth opportunities for online aggregators over the next five to 10 years, and online aggregators have already established footholds in key markets such as the US, Canada, Australia, Hong Kong, Singapore, South Korea and India.
Insight Report: Best Practice In The Reward Credit Card Sector
View full report at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/analysis/207104.
Banks are increasingly using rewards and loyalty programs as a tool for maintaining relationships with top-end customers, as these relationships provide high potential for revenue generation. Financial institutions are putting forward premium experiences and offers to increase loyalty and develop deeper banking relationships. Rightly positioned, unique rewards act as a key differentiator in a highly commoditized financial services market.
Download detail report with complete TOC at http://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/207104.
To remain profitable, banks have been making changes to their strategies and operational models which includes finding the optimum mix of funding options and reward offerings to achieve greater levels of customer loyalty and profitability. Both issuers and card schemes are partnering with airlines, hotels and popular brands to offer merchant-funded rewards. The strategy allows card issuers to improve the value of their reward credit cards without putting upward pressure on costs.
About Us
Marketresearchreports.biz is the most comprehensive collection of market research reports. Marketresearchreports.biz services are especially designed to save time and money of our clients. We are a one stop solution for all your research needs, our main offerings are syndicated research reports, custom research, subscription access and consulting services. We serve all sizes and types of companies spanning across various industries.
Browse Blog at http://todaysmarketplace.blogspot.com. Reported by PRWeb 6 hours ago.
↧
Women in Business Q&A: Jacinta McCann, ASLA Executive Vice President, AECOM
Jacinta leads the landscape architecture, masterplanning, urban design, and environmental planning practice within AECOM, a Fortune 500 global planning, design, engineering, environmental, and construction firm. She is responsible for 1,700 people throughout the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Australia.
Jacinta's career spans global practice in urban community planning and landscape architecture dating from 1981 in Australia. She has worked on transformational projects at all scales ranging from the Sydney Olympics -- heralded as the first green Olympic Games and encompassing the largest brownfield cleanup undertaken in Australia --to public realm planning and design as an integral part of urban regeneration programs such as at Mission Bay in San Francisco, Fort Bonifacio in Manila, and Nova Luz in Sao Paulo.
*How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?*
My leadership skills have developed through being exposed to remarkable people during my career who were generous enough to share their insights and values. My parents were both excellent role models, intelligent, positive, encouraging, and supportive of my interests. My education at an all-girls convent reinforced my belief that women can accomplish anything that we set out to do. This was drilled into us throughout high school and provided me with confidence to go at whatever I thought was important without flinching. A strong focus on teamwork developed through playing competitive sports and being in a symphony orchestra for 20 years has translated into my professional life.
*How did your previous employment experience aid your position at AECOM?*
I worked for the first 10 years of my career in a multi-disciplinary architecture firm. My familiarity with integrated practice and cross-disciplinary work provided an excellent foundation for working in the AECOM platform.
*What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at AECOM?*
Highlights include exposure to many brilliant people who continue to inspire me, whether from the standpoint of technical excellence or leadership skills. I continue to learn from these people. Challenges include maintaining focus and setting priorities within a very dynamic and complex large company setting.
*How do you maintain a work/life balance?*
When I go home I try to really be at home mentally. I also try to be at home on the weekends which I view as my personal regeneration time.
*What advice can you offer women who are working in a typically male dominated industry?*
Be confident and speak up. Don't let the men talk over you.
*What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?*
Maintaining career momentum while having children.
*What are your thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg's 'Ban Bossy' campaign?*
She's right, a woman will be called bossy while a man is called decisive. Though I think that there are plenty of outstanding women leaders who never attract the label "bossy."
*How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?*
Mentorship has been critical to both my professional and personal life. I have been fortunate to have numerous mentors, most of whom are probably unaware of the degree of influence that they have had on me. They range from teachers and academics, to my early supervisors, to wise women and men who have seen a lot more of life than I have.
*Which other female leaders do you admire and why?*
Angela Merkel for her excellent judgment and her ability to focus with determination on getting results. She commands enormous respect and is a powerful leader, yet achieves it with a sense of humility.
*What are your hopes for the future of AECOM?*
To continue to make the world a better place through provision of infrastructure that shapes cities and protects our natural resources. To have our people be proud of what they do every day to advance our mission. Reported by Huffington Post 4 hours ago.
Jacinta's career spans global practice in urban community planning and landscape architecture dating from 1981 in Australia. She has worked on transformational projects at all scales ranging from the Sydney Olympics -- heralded as the first green Olympic Games and encompassing the largest brownfield cleanup undertaken in Australia --to public realm planning and design as an integral part of urban regeneration programs such as at Mission Bay in San Francisco, Fort Bonifacio in Manila, and Nova Luz in Sao Paulo.
*How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?*
My leadership skills have developed through being exposed to remarkable people during my career who were generous enough to share their insights and values. My parents were both excellent role models, intelligent, positive, encouraging, and supportive of my interests. My education at an all-girls convent reinforced my belief that women can accomplish anything that we set out to do. This was drilled into us throughout high school and provided me with confidence to go at whatever I thought was important without flinching. A strong focus on teamwork developed through playing competitive sports and being in a symphony orchestra for 20 years has translated into my professional life.
*How did your previous employment experience aid your position at AECOM?*
I worked for the first 10 years of my career in a multi-disciplinary architecture firm. My familiarity with integrated practice and cross-disciplinary work provided an excellent foundation for working in the AECOM platform.
*What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at AECOM?*
Highlights include exposure to many brilliant people who continue to inspire me, whether from the standpoint of technical excellence or leadership skills. I continue to learn from these people. Challenges include maintaining focus and setting priorities within a very dynamic and complex large company setting.
*How do you maintain a work/life balance?*
When I go home I try to really be at home mentally. I also try to be at home on the weekends which I view as my personal regeneration time.
*What advice can you offer women who are working in a typically male dominated industry?*
Be confident and speak up. Don't let the men talk over you.
*What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?*
Maintaining career momentum while having children.
*What are your thoughts on Sheryl Sandberg's 'Ban Bossy' campaign?*
She's right, a woman will be called bossy while a man is called decisive. Though I think that there are plenty of outstanding women leaders who never attract the label "bossy."
*How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?*
Mentorship has been critical to both my professional and personal life. I have been fortunate to have numerous mentors, most of whom are probably unaware of the degree of influence that they have had on me. They range from teachers and academics, to my early supervisors, to wise women and men who have seen a lot more of life than I have.
*Which other female leaders do you admire and why?*
Angela Merkel for her excellent judgment and her ability to focus with determination on getting results. She commands enormous respect and is a powerful leader, yet achieves it with a sense of humility.
*What are your hopes for the future of AECOM?*
To continue to make the world a better place through provision of infrastructure that shapes cities and protects our natural resources. To have our people be proud of what they do every day to advance our mission. Reported by Huffington Post 4 hours ago.
↧
Is It OK To Pee In The Ocean?
*BI Answers: Is it OK to pee in the ocean?*
If you've been to the beach this summer, chances are you probably had to pee, decided not to get out of the water, and just peed in the ocean.
Don't worry, you're not alone. Two-thirds of people surveyed by Proctor & Gamble (the company that makes Charmin toilet paper) said that they've peed in the ocean and almost half said they had done it more than once.
And after doing the deed, you may have had second thoughts because, at some point during your childhood, someone probably told you that pee attracts sharks. And you kind of believed them.
*Does pee attract sharks?*
We asked David Shiffman, a marine biologist who studies shark feed and conservation (also known by his Twitter handle @WhySharksMatter), about whether or not sharks are attracted to human urine.
His response was pretty blunt.
We were hard pressed to find academic research papers on the subject (although there are a whole bunch of papers written about shark kidneys), but we found some other accounts that support Shiffman's statement.
Vic Peddemores, senior research scientist, from the New South Wales Department of Fisheries in Australia told The Sydney Morning Herald: "I would have been dead a long time ago — there is no evidence that urine attracts sharks. I have been in the water close to large sharks like a tiger shark and have [p]eed, and it makes no difference."
National Geographic ran a series of experiments with sharks and divers to debunk several shark-related myths. They placed 2 divers in water, one holding a bottle of urine that slowly seeped into the water and another diver, in a separate area, without any urine:
Experiment Result: No reaction from sharks
We couldn't find peer-reviewed evidence, but it seems that when it comes to peeing in the water, you are probably fine as far as sharks are concerned.
*Does pee pollute the ocean?*
According to a recent video produced by American Chemical Society, it is A-OK to pee in the ocean.
Here's the quick chemistry lesson:
Human urine is 95 percent water. It also contains sodium (Na) and chloride (CL) ions — these are the same components that make up regular table salt (NaCL).
The ocean too is made up mostly of water (more than 96 percent) and an even higher concentration of sodium and chloride ions.
Both the ocean and urine also contain potassium (K).
One compound found in urine that is not found in the ocean is urea. It is an carbon-based compound that helps the body rid itself of nitrogen. But, as the video notes, the nitrogen in urea can combine ocean water to produce ammonium, a compound that acts as food for ocean plant life. You might even say that peeing in the ocean is actually GOOD for the plants and animals there.
Another point made in the video is that all of the animals that live in the ocean also pee in the ocean, including fin whales, which produce 250 gallons of pee each day. Even if every human on earth peed in the ocean at the same time, it would only create a tiny concentration of urea.
*What about in the pool?*
There are chemical reasons *not* to pee in the pool, according to a study published in Environmental Science and Technology. As Professor Ernest Blatchley of the Purdue University Engineering department explains in another YouTube video produced by the American Chemical Society, uric acid, which is found in human urine, interacts with chlorine (a disinfectant found in most pools) to create two dangerous compounds: cyanogen chloride and trichloramine. There is a little bit of evidence to show that these two compounds may contribute to respiratory problems and skin irritation in swimmers.
Though, a very thorough analysis from Ars Technica throws much of that chemistry out the window: The chemicals in the pool would have to be a much higher concentration — which would be very dangerous in itself — to make the reaction happen at a high enough level to make enough toxic byproducts that it would be dangerous. According to Casey Johnston:In the end, we need a pool that is two parts water to one part chlorine and would probably burn the eyeballs out of your sockets and make your skin peel away from your bones (this calls for a pool boy who can only be criminally sadistic). If you and three million other people could get at this pool and unload your pee into it before your bodies melted, before the crowd crushed you to death, and before you drowned from the massive tidal wave of pee... yes, you could feasibly die of cyanogen chloride poisoning originating from chlorinated water and pee.
There's a lot worse things in the pool. The chemicals themselves send 5000 people to the ER ever year. The pool water is also loaded with nasty bacteria.
*Where not to pee*
*Coral reefs!* As with the relationship between human urine and sharks, it is difficult to find academic research on the impact of human urine on coral reefs. However, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that it may be an issue. CNN interviewed Paul Sanchez-Navarro, Director of Centro Ecologico Akumal, an organization that monitors the impact of development on the reefs that thrive off the coast of Mexico's Quintana Roo province:
Pollution spilled into the sea by the thousands of hotels on the Mexican Riviera is "stressing" the coral reefs. "There are a lot of nutrients going into the ground water caused by treated water from the hotels and municipal waste water treatment plants," [Sanchez-Navarro] explains. "They inject the water into the ground and that makes its way into the aquifer... We've found way too many nutrients -- nitrates and phosphates -- and that comes from human waste, mostly urine." The result, says Sanchez-Navarro, is increased algae growth that effectively suffocates the coral, impeding its growth.
*Small bodies of water! *In 2012, TIME reported that a lake in northern Germany had been closed due to an "an algae bloom that poisoned over 500 fish," which some researchers thought was due to "a significant amount of human urine [in the lake]."
The bottom line? Pee in the ocean (but not on coral reefs) and it's unlikely that sharks will bother you. But don't pee in freshwater or small bodies of water because anecdotally, bad things might happen.
This post is part of a continuing series that answers all of your "why" questions related to science. Have your own question? Email science@businessinsider.com with the subject line "Q&A"; tweet your question to @BI_Science; or post to our Facebook page.
*SEE ALSO: Is There A Way To Stop My Stomach From Growling? *
*DON'T MISS: More BI Answers*
*FOR SHARK LOVERS: Watch A Terrifying Giant Fish Swallow A Shark Whole *
Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 4 hours ago.
If you've been to the beach this summer, chances are you probably had to pee, decided not to get out of the water, and just peed in the ocean.
Don't worry, you're not alone. Two-thirds of people surveyed by Proctor & Gamble (the company that makes Charmin toilet paper) said that they've peed in the ocean and almost half said they had done it more than once.
And after doing the deed, you may have had second thoughts because, at some point during your childhood, someone probably told you that pee attracts sharks. And you kind of believed them.
*Does pee attract sharks?*
We asked David Shiffman, a marine biologist who studies shark feed and conservation (also known by his Twitter handle @WhySharksMatter), about whether or not sharks are attracted to human urine.
His response was pretty blunt.
We were hard pressed to find academic research papers on the subject (although there are a whole bunch of papers written about shark kidneys), but we found some other accounts that support Shiffman's statement.
Vic Peddemores, senior research scientist, from the New South Wales Department of Fisheries in Australia told The Sydney Morning Herald: "I would have been dead a long time ago — there is no evidence that urine attracts sharks. I have been in the water close to large sharks like a tiger shark and have [p]eed, and it makes no difference."
National Geographic ran a series of experiments with sharks and divers to debunk several shark-related myths. They placed 2 divers in water, one holding a bottle of urine that slowly seeped into the water and another diver, in a separate area, without any urine:
Experiment Result: No reaction from sharks
We couldn't find peer-reviewed evidence, but it seems that when it comes to peeing in the water, you are probably fine as far as sharks are concerned.
*Does pee pollute the ocean?*
According to a recent video produced by American Chemical Society, it is A-OK to pee in the ocean.
Here's the quick chemistry lesson:
Human urine is 95 percent water. It also contains sodium (Na) and chloride (CL) ions — these are the same components that make up regular table salt (NaCL).
The ocean too is made up mostly of water (more than 96 percent) and an even higher concentration of sodium and chloride ions.
Both the ocean and urine also contain potassium (K).
One compound found in urine that is not found in the ocean is urea. It is an carbon-based compound that helps the body rid itself of nitrogen. But, as the video notes, the nitrogen in urea can combine ocean water to produce ammonium, a compound that acts as food for ocean plant life. You might even say that peeing in the ocean is actually GOOD for the plants and animals there.
Another point made in the video is that all of the animals that live in the ocean also pee in the ocean, including fin whales, which produce 250 gallons of pee each day. Even if every human on earth peed in the ocean at the same time, it would only create a tiny concentration of urea.
*What about in the pool?*
There are chemical reasons *not* to pee in the pool, according to a study published in Environmental Science and Technology. As Professor Ernest Blatchley of the Purdue University Engineering department explains in another YouTube video produced by the American Chemical Society, uric acid, which is found in human urine, interacts with chlorine (a disinfectant found in most pools) to create two dangerous compounds: cyanogen chloride and trichloramine. There is a little bit of evidence to show that these two compounds may contribute to respiratory problems and skin irritation in swimmers.
Though, a very thorough analysis from Ars Technica throws much of that chemistry out the window: The chemicals in the pool would have to be a much higher concentration — which would be very dangerous in itself — to make the reaction happen at a high enough level to make enough toxic byproducts that it would be dangerous. According to Casey Johnston:In the end, we need a pool that is two parts water to one part chlorine and would probably burn the eyeballs out of your sockets and make your skin peel away from your bones (this calls for a pool boy who can only be criminally sadistic). If you and three million other people could get at this pool and unload your pee into it before your bodies melted, before the crowd crushed you to death, and before you drowned from the massive tidal wave of pee... yes, you could feasibly die of cyanogen chloride poisoning originating from chlorinated water and pee.
There's a lot worse things in the pool. The chemicals themselves send 5000 people to the ER ever year. The pool water is also loaded with nasty bacteria.
*Where not to pee*
*Coral reefs!* As with the relationship between human urine and sharks, it is difficult to find academic research on the impact of human urine on coral reefs. However, there is anecdotal evidence to suggest that it may be an issue. CNN interviewed Paul Sanchez-Navarro, Director of Centro Ecologico Akumal, an organization that monitors the impact of development on the reefs that thrive off the coast of Mexico's Quintana Roo province:
Pollution spilled into the sea by the thousands of hotels on the Mexican Riviera is "stressing" the coral reefs. "There are a lot of nutrients going into the ground water caused by treated water from the hotels and municipal waste water treatment plants," [Sanchez-Navarro] explains. "They inject the water into the ground and that makes its way into the aquifer... We've found way too many nutrients -- nitrates and phosphates -- and that comes from human waste, mostly urine." The result, says Sanchez-Navarro, is increased algae growth that effectively suffocates the coral, impeding its growth.
*Small bodies of water! *In 2012, TIME reported that a lake in northern Germany had been closed due to an "an algae bloom that poisoned over 500 fish," which some researchers thought was due to "a significant amount of human urine [in the lake]."
The bottom line? Pee in the ocean (but not on coral reefs) and it's unlikely that sharks will bother you. But don't pee in freshwater or small bodies of water because anecdotally, bad things might happen.
This post is part of a continuing series that answers all of your "why" questions related to science. Have your own question? Email science@businessinsider.com with the subject line "Q&A"; tweet your question to @BI_Science; or post to our Facebook page.
*SEE ALSO: Is There A Way To Stop My Stomach From Growling? *
*DON'T MISS: More BI Answers*
*FOR SHARK LOVERS: Watch A Terrifying Giant Fish Swallow A Shark Whole *
Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 4 hours ago.
↧
↧
Women in Business Q&A: Maura Tuohy, Social Media Director at Eleven
Maura Tuohy is the Social Media Director at Eleven. She has launched clients like MasterCard, Nestle, Jack Daniels, Hyundai and Microsoft into social media and has a track record for architecting engaging and impactful social media programs.
She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience around building social audiences and communities, establishing long-term social content marketing programs and helping clients successfully leverage social media across their total comm efforts.
Maura often lectures on social media marketing, and has an international speaking profile spanning Australia, Asia and the US.
*How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?*
I trained as a professional ballet dancer and danced until the age of 24, so that instilled in me a sense of discipline but also some negative competitive behavior which I had to un-learn when I moved into the marketing world.
I've always had a strong personality and felt comfortable in a leadership role, but what has really shaped my management style was a 5-year stint working in Australia. Australians are some of the most open, humble, creative people I have ever met, and I hope to bring back some of that attitude to the US. And some of their rad slang.
*How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Eleven?*
I'm a bit of a marketing mutt- I have experience spanning digital media planning, brand strategy and social media strategy which helps me connect the dots holistically, and understand how to integrate social media marketing into broad communications planning.
Social media changes so fast you can never be an expert. One the most valuable skills I have honed over years of practice is the ability to differentiate a trend from a fad and then evangelize what is important.
I also have an MBA, so if I need to ladder up social media marketing conversations to CEO/board-level, it's not so much of a stretch. Because social media spans so many departments and vendor partners, I also do a lot of organization change and change management. Navigating the enterprise can be just as challenging as the social strategy work itself.
*What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Eleven?*
When I joined Eleven I really hit the ground running on some of our biggest clients so I felt like I was playing catch up for a little while. We've now scaled the team, made our first few hires and are humming along with process and systems in place, which feels really good. We've been able to embed social at the heart of everything we do in a short amount of time, which sets us up to deliver the right kind of work for our clients.
Social media is not an island, so I end up collaborating with nearly every team in the agency. This would be a nightmare if my fellow Eleveners were not awesome people. Luckily Eleven hires for this, so I am surrounded by people that you would want to go have a beer with.
I am immensely proud of the social team at Eleven, and can't wait to see what accomplish together this year. (We are currently working on an app that just says WORD.)
*What advice can you offer to women who are seeking a career in marketing?*
Network with everyone you know. And find a way to experiment with what you want to do. Whether a friend needs a marketing plan for a small business, or you want to creative something around a personal passion project, proving that you not only can do the job- but also are motivated enough to do it in your own time- is tremendously impressive.
Also, cultivate your digital footprint. Whether this means getting active on Twitter, launching a blog, or even just dusting off that LinkedIn profile, digital and social media have created enormous opportunities to get noticed.
*How do you maintain a work/life balance?*
Anyone who says they work 40 hours a week agency-side is either lying or on stimulants. We work long hours, but we also have flexibility. I make time for the gym, family and friends, and also try to remember to have fun at work. If you can't enjoy what you do you are going to be at a huge disadvantage.
I also try to commit myself to non-work things, so I am forced to manage my time. Whether it's improv-acting or a pick-up bocce league, prioritizing my social life makes me a more interesting person. (Our Community Strategist just did a falconry class. She is my inspiration.)
*What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?*
I am blessed to work at a place that values strong, smart women, but have not always been so lucky. I think the biggest challenge is being confident in your ability, even as you're navigating uncertain terrain. Never work for someone who does not support you- that is a lesson I learned the hard way, and hope to never repeat.
*How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?*
This year I actually participated as a mentor as a part of Bay Area Advertising Relief Committee, BAARC, and found that immensely rewarding. Realizing that I had the coaching skills to help a bright marketing-newcomer made me reflect on how far I've come.
I tend to use friends in the industry as mentors when I need another perspective on work problems or career advice. Sometimes it's helpful to talk to someone entirely removed from my world- and for that I have my boyfriend who brings a healthy dose of common sense and perspective to workplace quandaries.
*Which other female leaders do you admire and why?*
Living in the Bay Area, I really respect any woman working in tech because I know we are the minority and that is always tough.
There are certainly a lot of female entrepreneurs on my would-love-to-have-dinner-with list; Clara Shih of Hearsay Social, Halle Teco of Rock Health and Jennifer Hyman of Rent the Runway to name a few. These ladies took the leap to create their own destiny, and serve as inspiration for those of us who dream about being our own boss.
*What do you want Eleven to accomplish in the next year?*
Eleven has been operating independently in San Francisco for 15 years, which is a feat in itself. We have a solid brand practice and have designed social media as an integrated offering to deliver strong, creative marketing built for the modern world.
I have an aggressive agenda around delivering industry-first social media work and continuing to find brand marketers who share our appetite for game-changing advertising.
And I want us to have a damn good time doing it. Reported by Huffington Post 4 hours ago.
She brings with her a wealth of knowledge and experience around building social audiences and communities, establishing long-term social content marketing programs and helping clients successfully leverage social media across their total comm efforts.
Maura often lectures on social media marketing, and has an international speaking profile spanning Australia, Asia and the US.
*How has your life experience made you the leader you are today?*
I trained as a professional ballet dancer and danced until the age of 24, so that instilled in me a sense of discipline but also some negative competitive behavior which I had to un-learn when I moved into the marketing world.
I've always had a strong personality and felt comfortable in a leadership role, but what has really shaped my management style was a 5-year stint working in Australia. Australians are some of the most open, humble, creative people I have ever met, and I hope to bring back some of that attitude to the US. And some of their rad slang.
*How has your previous employment experience aided your tenure at Eleven?*
I'm a bit of a marketing mutt- I have experience spanning digital media planning, brand strategy and social media strategy which helps me connect the dots holistically, and understand how to integrate social media marketing into broad communications planning.
Social media changes so fast you can never be an expert. One the most valuable skills I have honed over years of practice is the ability to differentiate a trend from a fad and then evangelize what is important.
I also have an MBA, so if I need to ladder up social media marketing conversations to CEO/board-level, it's not so much of a stretch. Because social media spans so many departments and vendor partners, I also do a lot of organization change and change management. Navigating the enterprise can be just as challenging as the social strategy work itself.
*What have the highlights and challenges been during your tenure at Eleven?*
When I joined Eleven I really hit the ground running on some of our biggest clients so I felt like I was playing catch up for a little while. We've now scaled the team, made our first few hires and are humming along with process and systems in place, which feels really good. We've been able to embed social at the heart of everything we do in a short amount of time, which sets us up to deliver the right kind of work for our clients.
Social media is not an island, so I end up collaborating with nearly every team in the agency. This would be a nightmare if my fellow Eleveners were not awesome people. Luckily Eleven hires for this, so I am surrounded by people that you would want to go have a beer with.
I am immensely proud of the social team at Eleven, and can't wait to see what accomplish together this year. (We are currently working on an app that just says WORD.)
*What advice can you offer to women who are seeking a career in marketing?*
Network with everyone you know. And find a way to experiment with what you want to do. Whether a friend needs a marketing plan for a small business, or you want to creative something around a personal passion project, proving that you not only can do the job- but also are motivated enough to do it in your own time- is tremendously impressive.
Also, cultivate your digital footprint. Whether this means getting active on Twitter, launching a blog, or even just dusting off that LinkedIn profile, digital and social media have created enormous opportunities to get noticed.
*How do you maintain a work/life balance?*
Anyone who says they work 40 hours a week agency-side is either lying or on stimulants. We work long hours, but we also have flexibility. I make time for the gym, family and friends, and also try to remember to have fun at work. If you can't enjoy what you do you are going to be at a huge disadvantage.
I also try to commit myself to non-work things, so I am forced to manage my time. Whether it's improv-acting or a pick-up bocce league, prioritizing my social life makes me a more interesting person. (Our Community Strategist just did a falconry class. She is my inspiration.)
*What do you think is the biggest issue for women in the workplace?*
I am blessed to work at a place that values strong, smart women, but have not always been so lucky. I think the biggest challenge is being confident in your ability, even as you're navigating uncertain terrain. Never work for someone who does not support you- that is a lesson I learned the hard way, and hope to never repeat.
*How has mentorship made a difference in your professional and personal life?*
This year I actually participated as a mentor as a part of Bay Area Advertising Relief Committee, BAARC, and found that immensely rewarding. Realizing that I had the coaching skills to help a bright marketing-newcomer made me reflect on how far I've come.
I tend to use friends in the industry as mentors when I need another perspective on work problems or career advice. Sometimes it's helpful to talk to someone entirely removed from my world- and for that I have my boyfriend who brings a healthy dose of common sense and perspective to workplace quandaries.
*Which other female leaders do you admire and why?*
Living in the Bay Area, I really respect any woman working in tech because I know we are the minority and that is always tough.
There are certainly a lot of female entrepreneurs on my would-love-to-have-dinner-with list; Clara Shih of Hearsay Social, Halle Teco of Rock Health and Jennifer Hyman of Rent the Runway to name a few. These ladies took the leap to create their own destiny, and serve as inspiration for those of us who dream about being our own boss.
*What do you want Eleven to accomplish in the next year?*
Eleven has been operating independently in San Francisco for 15 years, which is a feat in itself. We have a solid brand practice and have designed social media as an integrated offering to deliver strong, creative marketing built for the modern world.
I have an aggressive agenda around delivering industry-first social media work and continuing to find brand marketers who share our appetite for game-changing advertising.
And I want us to have a damn good time doing it. Reported by Huffington Post 4 hours ago.
↧
Spend a night at IKEA through Airbnb
The Swedish furniture company is letting people spend the night of Aug. 31 at its store in Sydney, Australia.
Reported by USATODAY.com 4 hours ago.
Reported by USATODAY.com 4 hours ago.
↧
Moko brews up political app storm with BNR and VOYCIT launches coming shortly
Moko Social Media (NASDAQ:MOKO), which completed its IPO listing in the US in July, updated investors on Friday on the development of its mobile apps in its political division, with the new Bluenationreview.com (BNR) app set to launch next month.
Bluenationreview.com, and its sister Facebook group, have been active since May, growing significantly in reach and user engagement, the company said. Blue Nation is a progressive political website whose goal is to advocate for positive improvements in the lives of all Americans, no matter their race, creed, sexual orientation or religion.
Moko, citing Facebook's analytics, said BNR's Facebook group has grown to be one of the top active political groups on the social network in the US, with weekly engagement levels exceeding some of the more established brands, such as HuffPost Politics, Gawker and Politico.
The new BNR app will be launched in both iOS and Android versions, with the iPhone version launching by the end of September, while the Android version will be introduced by the end of October.
Moko also announced Friday that it is preparing to release a new political community app called VOYCIT, which will be a non-partisan, user-generated content app, where users can choose to follow or create their own groups around specific issues, candidates or causes.
The app, which will be available to all groups including political parties and interest groups, will allow both active political office holders and aspiring candidates to set up their own channels and interact with other users. It could be used for fund raising, petitions, or establishing local activist groups and organizing protests and rallies.
The company said that development of VOYCIT is well underway, with the launch expected late in the December quarter.
Dual-listed Moko, which trades in New York and Australia, works to identify large user groups around common interests and provides them tailored mobile applications that it says generic social networks do not offer.
Last week, the company said that its REC*IT initiatives are on track, with the launch of the university app confirmed for September 1, reaching over 800 campuses. The app is designed to manage students' day-to-day organization of their intramural and recreational life. Reported by Proactive Investors 4 hours ago.
Bluenationreview.com, and its sister Facebook group, have been active since May, growing significantly in reach and user engagement, the company said. Blue Nation is a progressive political website whose goal is to advocate for positive improvements in the lives of all Americans, no matter their race, creed, sexual orientation or religion.
Moko, citing Facebook's analytics, said BNR's Facebook group has grown to be one of the top active political groups on the social network in the US, with weekly engagement levels exceeding some of the more established brands, such as HuffPost Politics, Gawker and Politico.
The new BNR app will be launched in both iOS and Android versions, with the iPhone version launching by the end of September, while the Android version will be introduced by the end of October.
Moko also announced Friday that it is preparing to release a new political community app called VOYCIT, which will be a non-partisan, user-generated content app, where users can choose to follow or create their own groups around specific issues, candidates or causes.
The app, which will be available to all groups including political parties and interest groups, will allow both active political office holders and aspiring candidates to set up their own channels and interact with other users. It could be used for fund raising, petitions, or establishing local activist groups and organizing protests and rallies.
The company said that development of VOYCIT is well underway, with the launch expected late in the December quarter.
Dual-listed Moko, which trades in New York and Australia, works to identify large user groups around common interests and provides them tailored mobile applications that it says generic social networks do not offer.
Last week, the company said that its REC*IT initiatives are on track, with the launch of the university app confirmed for September 1, reaching over 800 campuses. The app is designed to manage students' day-to-day organization of their intramural and recreational life. Reported by Proactive Investors 4 hours ago.
↧
Snapchat Is Moving Closer To An Ad Strategy — Here’s How Brands Are Already Using The Platform
Snapchat, the disappearing messaging app most popular among teens and young adults, looks like it will launch the Snapchat Discovery service in November that will send news and ads to users, according to sources who spoke to the Wall Street Journal.
While Snapchat does not yet have any ad products, and isn't an intuitive platform for marketers, its demographics have proved irresistible to a number of brands.
In a *new report, BI Intelligence* looks at the demographics of who's on Snapchat and which brands have launched early efforts on the platform. Even without the Snapchat Discovery service, the app is already emerging as a key medium for targeted marketing and messaging for certain audiences. The report also spotlights the opportunities ahead, as users embrace new features like "Stories," collections of videos and photos that don't self-destruct, and can be viewed and re-viewed in a 24-hour window.
*Access the Full Report By Signing Up For A Free Trial Today >> *
· *Snapchat has significant scale: *In our exclusive estimate of Snapchat's global user base, we synthesize data from app charts, smartphone penetration numbers, survey data, and Snapchat's own limited announcements. Our estimate for Snapchat's monthly active users or MAUs is the first of its kind. Snapchat is building the necessary scale to emerge as a powerful brand platform.
· *Snapchat is powerful in part because of its unique demographics. Snapchat's users are majority female, and most users are between the ages of 13 and 25, *according to press reports**, based on statements from Snapchat's executives.** **We provide detailed estimates of Snapchat users' demographic profile, using data from several sources. Young women are a difficult-to-reach and influential demographic.
· *Engagement is high: *Two-fifths of 18-year-olds in the U.S. use it "multiple times daily" to communicate with family and friends, according to a survey published earlier this year. That's a higher proportion than those saying they use voice calls multiple times daily.
· *It's a global phenomenon.* Snapchat has reached a top three rank in the iPhone app store in many of the world's wealthiest and most developed consumer markets, including Sweden, France, Australia, Norway, Canada, and the U.S. and U.K.
· *Visual sharing on Snapchat is exploding. *Sharing of Snapchat Stories increased 100% in the last two months. Stories are now getting 1 billion views daily, while 760 million disappearing photos and videos are sent daily.
· *Snapchat is much more than disappearing photos. *It has introduced several marketer-friendly features in the last eight months, including videos known as "Snapchat Stories." The app's millions of users can weave together collections of photos and video into stories. Brands, too, have been quick to adopt stories. Like with TV ads, brands can make their stories 30- or 60-seconds long, a comfortable and familiar format for advertisers. Also, Stories don't disappear after a few seconds. They can be watched again and again in a 24-hour period.
· *Brands are increasingly active on Snapchat*. We also look at what major brands including Audi, Taco Bell, Grub Hub, McDonald's and streetwear retailer Karmaloop are doing on Snapchat. Also notes usage by publishers like Mashable and institutions like the University Of Michigan.
· *Snapchat does pose certain disadvantages.* It is difficult, though not impossible, to build a large audience on Snapchat. To do so usually requires heavy cross-promotion on other social networks.
The report is full of charts and data that can be downloaded and put to use.
In full, the report:
· Explains all of Snapchat's new features
· Digs into some of the numbers behind successful brand efforts on Snapchat
· Lists the international markets where Snapchat has become a top app
· Describes the reasons why Snapchat is still an immature marketing platform and may not be an ideal medium for every brand
· Includes 12 charts and datasets that break down Snapchat's demographics, analyzes brand activity, and showcases survey data on how specific audiences use the app
*
*
*SEE ALSO: Messaging Apps Aren't Just Huge By User Numbers, They're Also Winning A Big Share Of Time-Spend*
Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 3 hours ago.
While Snapchat does not yet have any ad products, and isn't an intuitive platform for marketers, its demographics have proved irresistible to a number of brands.
In a *new report, BI Intelligence* looks at the demographics of who's on Snapchat and which brands have launched early efforts on the platform. Even without the Snapchat Discovery service, the app is already emerging as a key medium for targeted marketing and messaging for certain audiences. The report also spotlights the opportunities ahead, as users embrace new features like "Stories," collections of videos and photos that don't self-destruct, and can be viewed and re-viewed in a 24-hour window.
*Access the Full Report By Signing Up For A Free Trial Today >> *
· *Snapchat has significant scale: *In our exclusive estimate of Snapchat's global user base, we synthesize data from app charts, smartphone penetration numbers, survey data, and Snapchat's own limited announcements. Our estimate for Snapchat's monthly active users or MAUs is the first of its kind. Snapchat is building the necessary scale to emerge as a powerful brand platform.
· *Snapchat is powerful in part because of its unique demographics. Snapchat's users are majority female, and most users are between the ages of 13 and 25, *according to press reports**, based on statements from Snapchat's executives.** **We provide detailed estimates of Snapchat users' demographic profile, using data from several sources. Young women are a difficult-to-reach and influential demographic.
· *Engagement is high: *Two-fifths of 18-year-olds in the U.S. use it "multiple times daily" to communicate with family and friends, according to a survey published earlier this year. That's a higher proportion than those saying they use voice calls multiple times daily.
· *It's a global phenomenon.* Snapchat has reached a top three rank in the iPhone app store in many of the world's wealthiest and most developed consumer markets, including Sweden, France, Australia, Norway, Canada, and the U.S. and U.K.
· *Visual sharing on Snapchat is exploding. *Sharing of Snapchat Stories increased 100% in the last two months. Stories are now getting 1 billion views daily, while 760 million disappearing photos and videos are sent daily.
· *Snapchat is much more than disappearing photos. *It has introduced several marketer-friendly features in the last eight months, including videos known as "Snapchat Stories." The app's millions of users can weave together collections of photos and video into stories. Brands, too, have been quick to adopt stories. Like with TV ads, brands can make their stories 30- or 60-seconds long, a comfortable and familiar format for advertisers. Also, Stories don't disappear after a few seconds. They can be watched again and again in a 24-hour period.
· *Brands are increasingly active on Snapchat*. We also look at what major brands including Audi, Taco Bell, Grub Hub, McDonald's and streetwear retailer Karmaloop are doing on Snapchat. Also notes usage by publishers like Mashable and institutions like the University Of Michigan.
· *Snapchat does pose certain disadvantages.* It is difficult, though not impossible, to build a large audience on Snapchat. To do so usually requires heavy cross-promotion on other social networks.
The report is full of charts and data that can be downloaded and put to use.
In full, the report:
· Explains all of Snapchat's new features
· Digs into some of the numbers behind successful brand efforts on Snapchat
· Lists the international markets where Snapchat has become a top app
· Describes the reasons why Snapchat is still an immature marketing platform and may not be an ideal medium for every brand
· Includes 12 charts and datasets that break down Snapchat's demographics, analyzes brand activity, and showcases survey data on how specific audiences use the app
*
*
*SEE ALSO: Messaging Apps Aren't Just Huge By User Numbers, They're Also Winning A Big Share Of Time-Spend*
Join the conversation about this story » Reported by Business Insider 3 hours ago.
↧
↧
Michael Phelps wins relay gold in Australia, takes aim at Rio
The Michael Phelps comeback story now includes a gold medal at an international meet.
Reported by L.A. Times 3 hours ago.
↧
Software Company Anahata Offers Services To Perth’s Commercial Food Equipment Industry
Anahata, the Australian Software Company has introduced its creative line of tailor-made ICT solutions for the Commercial Food Equipment Industry.
Perth, Western Australia (PRWEB) August 23, 2014
Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd has developed over four years to become a major market player in the ICT solutions and consultancy services sector. This privately owned firm is engaged in the creation and installation of customized ICT solutions for industries in Perth and other locations worldwide. Anahata provides quality software and services that are inexpensive and reliable.
The Commercial Food Equipment industry is highly competitive and demanding. Businesses in this sector are faced with delivering quality food on time devoid of any delays or compromises in quality. It is vital to utilize customized ICT solutions for operations to run smoothly. Anahata has ventured into the Commercial Food Equipment Industry to fill the void left by ICT solutions providers that offer expensive software that do not always meet the needs and requirements of clients.
The ICT solutions offered by Anahata ensure that clients are able to realize the targets and objectives without compromising on quality. Conversely, Anahata delivers affordable ICT solutions that are cost-effective and increase revenue.
The firm supplies cross-platform solutions with open source software while adhering to open standards. In this way, Anahata provides a broad spectrum of solutions using Oracle and MYOB technologies. It is also engaged in partnerships with major ICT vendors to supply turnkey solutions like barcode printers, hosting and mobility.
For more information, visit the company website at http://www.anahata-it.com.au.
About Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd
Founded in Perth, Western Australia in 2010 by Pablo Rodriguez Pina, Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd is an Australian privately owned software development company specializing in the analysis, design, implementation and support of cost-effective, custom built software applications.
Anahata’s preferred delivery approach is an iterative, agile, customer centric software development process where business analysts and developers work with the customers to gather requirements and an understanding of the current business processes, and to design and deliver a software solution that not only meets the business’s needs, but also is designed to improve business productivity.
During development, a continuous integration process allows customers to test the application regularly as it is being built. Upon implementation, customer’s staff are trained on the usage of the new system.
A key target for software developed by Anahata is quality. Quality is achieved by leveraging agile processes and tools, where customers can engage in the development process to define the scope of development iterations, tasks and prioritize goals.
Web based and manual code review processes along with comprehensive unit tests and integration testing ensure that delivered projects meet quality expectations of the customer.
Anahata offers its customers a 3 month warranty and support period where users can have unlimited phone or email consultation. Customers can access an online task and issue management system to log requests for enhancements (RFEs) or report any defects encountered during the testing or production stages. Anahata seeks to be the most customer centric of all Perth software companies.
Anahata’s preferred technological choice is to deliver cross-platform solutions based on open standards and open source technology that ensure stability, compatibility, and security over a long application lifespan. This enables a reduction in upfront and ongoing licensing fees.
Anahata is an Oracle Certified Partner and delivers custom software solutions based on Oracle Technology, such as Java, Java Enterprise Edition, MySQL or Oracle Database. The Perth software company is a also certified MYOB developer partner providing Custom Software solutions that can integrate seamlessly with any MYOB software package such as MYOB AccountRight desktop or MYOB AccountRight Live (cloud).
Anahata partners with a number of local companies to deliver integrated turn key solutions including hosting, infrastructure, barcode printing, mobility and RFID scanning amongst other technologies.
As a cross-platform software vendor, Anahata can deliver solutions for the Mac platform and integrate with existing Mac Applications. The Perth software company is experienced in developing Patient Record Management Systems running on the Mac Platform and integrating with medical applications such as Genie.
Anahata is also experienced in embedded device development using cross platform technologies to deliver embedded applications that run on low resources devices such as Intel Atom or ARM processors. These embedded devices can connect to external sensors via CAN, USB, ethernet or similar. An example of embedded development is a mining vehicle activity monitoring application for a local mining company.
Once a project has been delivered, Anahata works with its customers to promote the developed solution or the customer’s business in general on the digital media providing services such as search engine optimization, content writing or email marketing.
Anahata Technologies in Victoria, Australia
In May 2013, founder and director Pablo Rodriguez Pina appointed Joana Lopez Castrillo as Regional Manager for Victoria and started offering software development and consultancy services to medium and large companies based in Victoria as well as the local Victorian governments and universities.
Anahata Technologies India Pty Ltd
In 2013, director Pablo Rodriguez Pina established the fully owned subsidiary Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd aimed at providing software development and database development services.
In November 2013, Pudattu Vijay Simha, a senior software engineer and employee of Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd was was appointed director of Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd to manage operations in India. Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd is based in the city of Hyderabad state of Andrah Pradesh.
Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd specialises in Oracle Java development and offers software development and custom software development services to companies worldwide.
Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd provides business process outsourcing services to companies worldwide helping a wide range of businesses (from small family owned businesses to universities or global companies) reduce business process costs.
Anahata Technologies in Europe
Since 2013, Anahata Technologies offers services to any country within the European Union and has presence in Spain and Croatia.
In November 2013, founders and directors Pablo Rodriguez Pina appointed Goran Lochert, a Senior Software engineer and employee of the custom software company as Europe Regional Manager to manage projects for customers based in Europe.
For more information about Anahata, visit our website or type or Perth software development companies in your favourite search engine.
Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd And Thermal Building Inspections Pty Ltd
Since 2013, Anahata is the official software developer of Building Inspections Perth company Thermal Building Inspections.
In close collaboration with Thermal Building Inspections staff members, Anahata and Thermal Building Inspections have developed a tailored made Business Management System also known as TBI BMS which allows TBI staff members to quote, book, and produce foto featured reports and Building Integrity certificates within the application.
The system is a cloud based solution developed on Java EE 7 with a desktop (JavaFX 8) frontend deployed via Java Web Start allowing staff members to login either from within TBI office as well as remotely. Via Java Web Start, version upgrades are rolled out in a way transparent to the user.
The system, developed with technologies such as GlassFish v4, Eclipselink, Context And Depency Injection, Enterprise Java Beans and a number of in-house Anahata libraries ships with a cloud based document management system which allows users to upload photos asynchronously, view inspection photo thumbnails or access generated Building Inspection Reports and Building Inspection Certificates.
TBI BMS uses Docmosis, a document generation library for java which allows users to edit email and document templates using LibreOffice and can produce documents in a number of formats such as Word, Libre Office, PDF or HTML.
The BMS comes with an error detection toolkit which monitors application logs for application errors and reports errors on the server or the client to Anahata’s engineers.
Thermal Building Inspections is a Perth based Pre-Purchase Building and Termite Inspection specialist. Using the latest Infrared Inspection technology, the Building Inspection Perth team can assess any current or past Termite activity. Thermal Building Inspections offers a wide range of Building Inspection services for both residential and commercial premises in Perth. Inspections are offered at highly competitive prices and all Inspection packages are conducted in a single visit.
Thermal Building Inspections can also conduct Pest Inspections utilizing the latest Thermal Imaging Technology. All Inspections are conducted in accordance with Australian Standards AS4349.3/AS3660 General Timber Pest Inspection. Pest damage is not always obvious and may require a specific diagnosis as to whether there is any Pest activity. A non-invasive Thermal Pest Inspection gives you peace of mind that you’re not going to be sharing your home with any unwanted housemates before purchasing your next property. Potential residential and commercial customers can view more details about the service on TBI’s web site or by searching termite inspections perth or pest inspections perth. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
Perth, Western Australia (PRWEB) August 23, 2014
Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd has developed over four years to become a major market player in the ICT solutions and consultancy services sector. This privately owned firm is engaged in the creation and installation of customized ICT solutions for industries in Perth and other locations worldwide. Anahata provides quality software and services that are inexpensive and reliable.
The Commercial Food Equipment industry is highly competitive and demanding. Businesses in this sector are faced with delivering quality food on time devoid of any delays or compromises in quality. It is vital to utilize customized ICT solutions for operations to run smoothly. Anahata has ventured into the Commercial Food Equipment Industry to fill the void left by ICT solutions providers that offer expensive software that do not always meet the needs and requirements of clients.
The ICT solutions offered by Anahata ensure that clients are able to realize the targets and objectives without compromising on quality. Conversely, Anahata delivers affordable ICT solutions that are cost-effective and increase revenue.
The firm supplies cross-platform solutions with open source software while adhering to open standards. In this way, Anahata provides a broad spectrum of solutions using Oracle and MYOB technologies. It is also engaged in partnerships with major ICT vendors to supply turnkey solutions like barcode printers, hosting and mobility.
For more information, visit the company website at http://www.anahata-it.com.au.
About Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd
Founded in Perth, Western Australia in 2010 by Pablo Rodriguez Pina, Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd is an Australian privately owned software development company specializing in the analysis, design, implementation and support of cost-effective, custom built software applications.
Anahata’s preferred delivery approach is an iterative, agile, customer centric software development process where business analysts and developers work with the customers to gather requirements and an understanding of the current business processes, and to design and deliver a software solution that not only meets the business’s needs, but also is designed to improve business productivity.
During development, a continuous integration process allows customers to test the application regularly as it is being built. Upon implementation, customer’s staff are trained on the usage of the new system.
A key target for software developed by Anahata is quality. Quality is achieved by leveraging agile processes and tools, where customers can engage in the development process to define the scope of development iterations, tasks and prioritize goals.
Web based and manual code review processes along with comprehensive unit tests and integration testing ensure that delivered projects meet quality expectations of the customer.
Anahata offers its customers a 3 month warranty and support period where users can have unlimited phone or email consultation. Customers can access an online task and issue management system to log requests for enhancements (RFEs) or report any defects encountered during the testing or production stages. Anahata seeks to be the most customer centric of all Perth software companies.
Anahata’s preferred technological choice is to deliver cross-platform solutions based on open standards and open source technology that ensure stability, compatibility, and security over a long application lifespan. This enables a reduction in upfront and ongoing licensing fees.
Anahata is an Oracle Certified Partner and delivers custom software solutions based on Oracle Technology, such as Java, Java Enterprise Edition, MySQL or Oracle Database. The Perth software company is a also certified MYOB developer partner providing Custom Software solutions that can integrate seamlessly with any MYOB software package such as MYOB AccountRight desktop or MYOB AccountRight Live (cloud).
Anahata partners with a number of local companies to deliver integrated turn key solutions including hosting, infrastructure, barcode printing, mobility and RFID scanning amongst other technologies.
As a cross-platform software vendor, Anahata can deliver solutions for the Mac platform and integrate with existing Mac Applications. The Perth software company is experienced in developing Patient Record Management Systems running on the Mac Platform and integrating with medical applications such as Genie.
Anahata is also experienced in embedded device development using cross platform technologies to deliver embedded applications that run on low resources devices such as Intel Atom or ARM processors. These embedded devices can connect to external sensors via CAN, USB, ethernet or similar. An example of embedded development is a mining vehicle activity monitoring application for a local mining company.
Once a project has been delivered, Anahata works with its customers to promote the developed solution or the customer’s business in general on the digital media providing services such as search engine optimization, content writing or email marketing.
Anahata Technologies in Victoria, Australia
In May 2013, founder and director Pablo Rodriguez Pina appointed Joana Lopez Castrillo as Regional Manager for Victoria and started offering software development and consultancy services to medium and large companies based in Victoria as well as the local Victorian governments and universities.
Anahata Technologies India Pty Ltd
In 2013, director Pablo Rodriguez Pina established the fully owned subsidiary Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd aimed at providing software development and database development services.
In November 2013, Pudattu Vijay Simha, a senior software engineer and employee of Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd was was appointed director of Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd to manage operations in India. Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd is based in the city of Hyderabad state of Andrah Pradesh.
Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd specialises in Oracle Java development and offers software development and custom software development services to companies worldwide.
Anahata Technologies India Pvt Ltd provides business process outsourcing services to companies worldwide helping a wide range of businesses (from small family owned businesses to universities or global companies) reduce business process costs.
Anahata Technologies in Europe
Since 2013, Anahata Technologies offers services to any country within the European Union and has presence in Spain and Croatia.
In November 2013, founders and directors Pablo Rodriguez Pina appointed Goran Lochert, a Senior Software engineer and employee of the custom software company as Europe Regional Manager to manage projects for customers based in Europe.
For more information about Anahata, visit our website or type or Perth software development companies in your favourite search engine.
Anahata Technologies Pty Ltd And Thermal Building Inspections Pty Ltd
Since 2013, Anahata is the official software developer of Building Inspections Perth company Thermal Building Inspections.
In close collaboration with Thermal Building Inspections staff members, Anahata and Thermal Building Inspections have developed a tailored made Business Management System also known as TBI BMS which allows TBI staff members to quote, book, and produce foto featured reports and Building Integrity certificates within the application.
The system is a cloud based solution developed on Java EE 7 with a desktop (JavaFX 8) frontend deployed via Java Web Start allowing staff members to login either from within TBI office as well as remotely. Via Java Web Start, version upgrades are rolled out in a way transparent to the user.
The system, developed with technologies such as GlassFish v4, Eclipselink, Context And Depency Injection, Enterprise Java Beans and a number of in-house Anahata libraries ships with a cloud based document management system which allows users to upload photos asynchronously, view inspection photo thumbnails or access generated Building Inspection Reports and Building Inspection Certificates.
TBI BMS uses Docmosis, a document generation library for java which allows users to edit email and document templates using LibreOffice and can produce documents in a number of formats such as Word, Libre Office, PDF or HTML.
The BMS comes with an error detection toolkit which monitors application logs for application errors and reports errors on the server or the client to Anahata’s engineers.
Thermal Building Inspections is a Perth based Pre-Purchase Building and Termite Inspection specialist. Using the latest Infrared Inspection technology, the Building Inspection Perth team can assess any current or past Termite activity. Thermal Building Inspections offers a wide range of Building Inspection services for both residential and commercial premises in Perth. Inspections are offered at highly competitive prices and all Inspection packages are conducted in a single visit.
Thermal Building Inspections can also conduct Pest Inspections utilizing the latest Thermal Imaging Technology. All Inspections are conducted in accordance with Australian Standards AS4349.3/AS3660 General Timber Pest Inspection. Pest damage is not always obvious and may require a specific diagnosis as to whether there is any Pest activity. A non-invasive Thermal Pest Inspection gives you peace of mind that you’re not going to be sharing your home with any unwanted housemates before purchasing your next property. Potential residential and commercial customers can view more details about the service on TBI’s web site or by searching termite inspections perth or pest inspections perth. Reported by PRWeb 3 hours ago.
↧
Firefighter Gives CPR—to Koala
It was a rough night for Sir Chompsalot: The koala was hit by a car, fled up a tree, then fell 30 feet into a blanket. Fortunately, a team of firefighters on the scene in Australia knew what to do. They "actually performed mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on the koala," a fire...
Reported by Newser 2 hours ago.
↧
Michelman Supports Asia Pacific Growth with Management Hire
To support its continued growth and expansion in the Asia Pacific region, Michelman has hired Mr. Richard Yang as its new Regional Sales Manager, Asia-Pacific, Chemical Specialties, and Country Manager, China.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
To support its continued growth and expansion in the Asia Pacific region, Michelman has hired Mr. Richard Yang as its new Regional Sales Manager, Asia-Pacific, Chemical Specialties, and Country Manager, China.
Mr. Yang will be responsible for growth initiatives and strategic planning in this critical region, and will direct the company’s Asia Pacific sales team, including agents and distributors. Yang will serve on Michelman’s Chemical Specialties and Asia Pacific Leadership teams, and will work closely with the company’s regional and global Marketing & Technology teams. He will work out of Michelman’s Shanghai offices.
Mr. Yang brings over twenty years of experience, most recently serving as Regional Business Manager, Asia Pacific, at Honeywell. He is a naturalized Australian citizen and holds both a Master of Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management in Australia and a Bachelor of Engineering, with specialty in Polymer Material, from the Shanghai Jiaotong University in Shanghai, China.
About Michelman
Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry. Michelman’s water-based surface modifiers, additives and polymers add value in a wide range of applications including wood care, floor care, industrial coatings, paints, varnishes, inks, fibers, composites, and construction products. As an innovator in the development of barrier and functional coatings, and digital printing press primers, Michelman adds value to consumer and industrial packaging, labels and commercially printed materials. Michelman serves its multinational and regional customers with production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia; product development and technical service centers in several major global markets; and a worldwide team of highly trained business development personnel. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
Cincinnati, Ohio (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
To support its continued growth and expansion in the Asia Pacific region, Michelman has hired Mr. Richard Yang as its new Regional Sales Manager, Asia-Pacific, Chemical Specialties, and Country Manager, China.
Mr. Yang will be responsible for growth initiatives and strategic planning in this critical region, and will direct the company’s Asia Pacific sales team, including agents and distributors. Yang will serve on Michelman’s Chemical Specialties and Asia Pacific Leadership teams, and will work closely with the company’s regional and global Marketing & Technology teams. He will work out of Michelman’s Shanghai offices.
Mr. Yang brings over twenty years of experience, most recently serving as Regional Business Manager, Asia Pacific, at Honeywell. He is a naturalized Australian citizen and holds both a Master of Management from Macquarie Graduate School of Management in Australia and a Bachelor of Engineering, with specialty in Polymer Material, from the Shanghai Jiaotong University in Shanghai, China.
About Michelman
Michelman is a global developer and manufacturer of environmentally friendly advanced materials for industry. Michelman’s water-based surface modifiers, additives and polymers add value in a wide range of applications including wood care, floor care, industrial coatings, paints, varnishes, inks, fibers, composites, and construction products. As an innovator in the development of barrier and functional coatings, and digital printing press primers, Michelman adds value to consumer and industrial packaging, labels and commercially printed materials. Michelman serves its multinational and regional customers with production facilities in North America, Europe and Asia; product development and technical service centers in several major global markets; and a worldwide team of highly trained business development personnel. Reported by PRWeb 2 hours ago.
↧
↧
Atlantic Ocean Responsible For Recent Slowdown In Surface Warming, Study Suggests
This story originally appeared on LiveScience.
Where, oh where, is the planet's missing heat?
In 1999, the feverish rise in Earth's surface temperatures suddenly slowed, even as greenhouse gas emissions escalated. This unexpected slowdown has been called a global warming hiatus or global warming pause. Most climate scientists don't think this hiatus means global warming went kaput, but the reason (or reasons) for the slowdown has scientists flummoxed. Researchers have offered more than two dozen ideas to explain the missing heat.
Now, a study published today (Aug. 21) in the journal Science suggests a natural climate cycle in the North Atlantic Ocean gobbled Earth's extra heat. While the study is unlikely to settle the scientific debate, it does support the idea that Earth's global warming continues in the ocean, even when air temperatures stay flat.
"It's important to distinguish between whether ocean heat storage is responsible for the hiatus versus not enough heat reaching the surface of the Earth," said study co-author Ka-Kit Tung, of the University of Washington in Seattle. "We did find enough heat stored in the North and South Atlantic that, if it had remained on the surface, it would have resulted in rapid warming." [Infographic: Earth's Tallest Mountain to Deepest Ocean Trench]
*Global storage closet*
Scientists have blamed the oceans for the global warming pause before, but they pointed their fingers at the Pacific, not the Atlantic. However, in seeking to test this idea with temperature data, oceanographer Xianyao Chen, of the Ocean University of China in Qingdao, and Tung, an atmospheric scientist, said they couldn't find the missing heat in Pacific Ocean temperature measurements.
"If these models are true, we should be able to find the missing heat, and under the Pacific we couldn't find enough heat to explain the hiatus," Tung told Live Science.
Tung and Chen then searched ocean by ocean until they hit on the North Atlantic, where the heat was playing hooky. The pair primarily relied on Argo floats, which record ocean temperature and salt content down to 6,560 feet (2,000 meters). These worldwide floats reached their most comprehensive levels beginning about 2005. Other records from floats, ships and buoys filled in the timeline since 1970.
Top: Global average temperatures. Middle: Heat content measured in the North Atlantic Ocean. Bottom: Seawater salinity in the North Atlantic Ocean since 1950. (Credit: K. Tung/University of Washington)
But the millions of data points don't conclusively prove that the North Atlantic Ocean is devouring heat. "Unfortunately, the massive array of ocean temperature measurements by Argo floats has only been made after the early 2000s, just when the present hiatus in surface warming was starting," said Matthew England, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales in Australia, who was not involved in the study. "So being conclusive about each ocean basin is limited by data availability."
Tung and Chen noticed that the North Atlantic's heat content (a measure of stored energy) shifted in 1999, about when the hiatus began. The ocean started absorbing heat at depths below 984 feet (300 m). (The South Atlantic Ocean also took up some heat.) These regions stored more heat energy than the rest of the world's oceans combined, even the enormous Pacific Ocean, the researchers' temperature data show.
*Small basin, big effect*
So how does the Atlantic cool an entire planet? The likely culprit is a natural climate cycle linked to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) current, Tung said. The AMOC is part of a worldwide ocean conveyor belt. Here's how the AMOC works: In the North Atlantic, salty tropical water flowing north cools off and sinks. This water, dense because it is cool and salty, heads south toward the equator, then eventually rises again in the South Atlantic. When the water sinks, it traps heat in the ocean depths. Ocean surface temperatures drive the current: fast when cold, slow when warm. [Images: The World's Biggest Oceans and Seas]
Surface currents that form a portion of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. (Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Between 1945 and 1975, the cycle was in a cool phase, sucking up atmospheric heat at a rapid pace. Toward the end of this cycle, in the 1970s, scientists noticed a suspected "global cooling" that was touted as the beginning of a possible Ice Age. But then the AMOC flipped to warming, corresponding to the rapid uptick in global temperatures. Finally, in 1999, the current switched back to a cold, speedy plunge into the ocean depths, taking extra heat along with it.
Such natural cycles make global warming look more like a staircase than a steady rise in temperatures, Tung said. "Right now, we're on the flat part of the staircase. We still have a few more years of the hiatus."
However, others scientists remain convinced the Pacific plays an important role in the global warming hiatus. Several recent studies affirm the link between the pause and the changes in the Pacific. An Aug. 3 study in the journal Nature Climate Change found that faster trade winds over the Pacific bring up cold water and cool the atmosphere. An Aug. 17 study, also in Nature Climate Change, suggested the Pacific Decadal Oscillation climate cycle might be responsible for the hiatus. That cycle flips every 20 to 30 years.
"I still think the Pacific Ocean is playing the lead role in this ocean heat uptake, but this study is important as it points to an additional role from the Atlantic and Southern Oceans," said England, who co-authored the Aug. 3 Nature Climate Change study.
Email Becky Oskin or follow her @beckyoskin. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.
· The Reality of Climate Change: 10 Myths Busted· Photos of Melt: Glaciers Before and After· Fishy Rain to Fire Whirlwinds: The World's Weirdest Weather
Copyright 2014 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Reported by Huffington Post 23 minutes ago.
Where, oh where, is the planet's missing heat?
In 1999, the feverish rise in Earth's surface temperatures suddenly slowed, even as greenhouse gas emissions escalated. This unexpected slowdown has been called a global warming hiatus or global warming pause. Most climate scientists don't think this hiatus means global warming went kaput, but the reason (or reasons) for the slowdown has scientists flummoxed. Researchers have offered more than two dozen ideas to explain the missing heat.
Now, a study published today (Aug. 21) in the journal Science suggests a natural climate cycle in the North Atlantic Ocean gobbled Earth's extra heat. While the study is unlikely to settle the scientific debate, it does support the idea that Earth's global warming continues in the ocean, even when air temperatures stay flat.
"It's important to distinguish between whether ocean heat storage is responsible for the hiatus versus not enough heat reaching the surface of the Earth," said study co-author Ka-Kit Tung, of the University of Washington in Seattle. "We did find enough heat stored in the North and South Atlantic that, if it had remained on the surface, it would have resulted in rapid warming." [Infographic: Earth's Tallest Mountain to Deepest Ocean Trench]
*Global storage closet*
Scientists have blamed the oceans for the global warming pause before, but they pointed their fingers at the Pacific, not the Atlantic. However, in seeking to test this idea with temperature data, oceanographer Xianyao Chen, of the Ocean University of China in Qingdao, and Tung, an atmospheric scientist, said they couldn't find the missing heat in Pacific Ocean temperature measurements.
"If these models are true, we should be able to find the missing heat, and under the Pacific we couldn't find enough heat to explain the hiatus," Tung told Live Science.
Tung and Chen then searched ocean by ocean until they hit on the North Atlantic, where the heat was playing hooky. The pair primarily relied on Argo floats, which record ocean temperature and salt content down to 6,560 feet (2,000 meters). These worldwide floats reached their most comprehensive levels beginning about 2005. Other records from floats, ships and buoys filled in the timeline since 1970.
Top: Global average temperatures. Middle: Heat content measured in the North Atlantic Ocean. Bottom: Seawater salinity in the North Atlantic Ocean since 1950. (Credit: K. Tung/University of Washington)
But the millions of data points don't conclusively prove that the North Atlantic Ocean is devouring heat. "Unfortunately, the massive array of ocean temperature measurements by Argo floats has only been made after the early 2000s, just when the present hiatus in surface warming was starting," said Matthew England, a climate scientist at the University of New South Wales in Australia, who was not involved in the study. "So being conclusive about each ocean basin is limited by data availability."
Tung and Chen noticed that the North Atlantic's heat content (a measure of stored energy) shifted in 1999, about when the hiatus began. The ocean started absorbing heat at depths below 984 feet (300 m). (The South Atlantic Ocean also took up some heat.) These regions stored more heat energy than the rest of the world's oceans combined, even the enormous Pacific Ocean, the researchers' temperature data show.
*Small basin, big effect*
So how does the Atlantic cool an entire planet? The likely culprit is a natural climate cycle linked to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) current, Tung said. The AMOC is part of a worldwide ocean conveyor belt. Here's how the AMOC works: In the North Atlantic, salty tropical water flowing north cools off and sinks. This water, dense because it is cool and salty, heads south toward the equator, then eventually rises again in the South Atlantic. When the water sinks, it traps heat in the ocean depths. Ocean surface temperatures drive the current: fast when cold, slow when warm. [Images: The World's Biggest Oceans and Seas]
Surface currents that form a portion of the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. (Credit: Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution)
Between 1945 and 1975, the cycle was in a cool phase, sucking up atmospheric heat at a rapid pace. Toward the end of this cycle, in the 1970s, scientists noticed a suspected "global cooling" that was touted as the beginning of a possible Ice Age. But then the AMOC flipped to warming, corresponding to the rapid uptick in global temperatures. Finally, in 1999, the current switched back to a cold, speedy plunge into the ocean depths, taking extra heat along with it.
Such natural cycles make global warming look more like a staircase than a steady rise in temperatures, Tung said. "Right now, we're on the flat part of the staircase. We still have a few more years of the hiatus."
However, others scientists remain convinced the Pacific plays an important role in the global warming hiatus. Several recent studies affirm the link between the pause and the changes in the Pacific. An Aug. 3 study in the journal Nature Climate Change found that faster trade winds over the Pacific bring up cold water and cool the atmosphere. An Aug. 17 study, also in Nature Climate Change, suggested the Pacific Decadal Oscillation climate cycle might be responsible for the hiatus. That cycle flips every 20 to 30 years.
"I still think the Pacific Ocean is playing the lead role in this ocean heat uptake, but this study is important as it points to an additional role from the Atlantic and Southern Oceans," said England, who co-authored the Aug. 3 Nature Climate Change study.
Email Becky Oskin or follow her @beckyoskin. Follow us @livescience, Facebook & Google+. Original article on Live Science.
· The Reality of Climate Change: 10 Myths Busted· Photos of Melt: Glaciers Before and After· Fishy Rain to Fire Whirlwinds: The World's Weirdest Weather
Copyright 2014 LiveScience, a TechMediaNetwork company. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Reported by Huffington Post 23 minutes ago.
↧
Lady Gaga Teaches Her Little Monsters About All the Jazz Songs She's Singing
Lady Gaga rocks a pair of ripped fishnets while heading to a local hotspot Naked for Satan on Friday evening (August 22) in Melbourne, Australia. The evening before, the 28-year-old entertainer met some talented Little Monsters in Melbourne! “For those monsters who wanna learn more about jazz I thought as the song come out I’d [...]
Reported by Just Jared 11 minutes ago.
↧
Skytouch Technology Positions Itself for Significant Expansion into International Hotel Markets
Hotel Industry Innovator Jacob Buckstead, Vice President of Client Partnerships for SkyTouch, Leads Global Focus
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
SkyTouch Technology, provider of the most widely used, cloud-based property management system with more than 5,600 successful installations in hotels worldwide, is furthering its expansion beyond North America. To lead this international growth initiative, SkyTouch Technology has brought on Jacob Buckstead, a 15 year veteran of the international hospitality technology space, who is now serving as Vice President of Client Partnerships.
Ric Leutwyler, President of SkyTouch explains, “Our platform is already an established solution in more than 450 properties outside of the U.S., under the choiceADVANTAGE brand. With the addition of Jacob, we are ready to take a bold approach by making the SkyTouch Hotel OS solution more accessible to hoteliers and resellers worldwide. Jacob will lead the charge in expanding our customer base by growing existing relationships and establishing new connections with key international sales, service, and support partners in countries around the world.”
Jacob Buckstead, a recognized thought leader and innovator in the hospitality industry, has extensive experience working with some of the world’s largest hotel brands and ownership groups, including, Marriott, Hyatt, Starwood, Accor and others. He has also been a featured speaker and panelist at major technology conferences around the world, including the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition (HITEC), International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF), Hotel World Australia, and more. Jacob has led industry-wide efforts to establish open technology standards that enable greater interoperability amongst vendors, thereby providing more comprehensive systems and lower costs for hoteliers. In addition to his hospitality experience, Jacob has co-invented technology products, including a patented connection interface for hotel guests’ mobile devices.
Jacob Buckstead describes his role, saying, “I am incredibly excited about helping international customers use the SkyTouch Hotel OS platform to optimize their operations, grow their revenues, deliver outstanding service to their guests, and have a long-term solution for their future growth. At SkyTouch we put our customers’ needs first and build our product and operations around that. I’m proud to be part of a company that is setting the standard for service-centric hotels managing global properties.”
About SkyTouch Technology:
SkyTouch Technology offers cloud-based technology solutions helping more than 5,600 hoteliers worldwide improve their efficiency and profitability. The SkyTouch Hotel OS solution is an affordable, full-featured platform providing property, rate, and distribution management tools used by more than 50,000 hospitality professionals around the globe. The SkyTouch Technology team brings more than 1,000 combined years of hospitality industry experience and an award-winning training program to the marketplace – serving customers in seven countries. For more information about SkyTouch Technology, visit http://www.skytouchtechnology.com. Reported by PRWeb 24 minutes ago.
Phoenix, Arizona (PRWEB) August 22, 2014
SkyTouch Technology, provider of the most widely used, cloud-based property management system with more than 5,600 successful installations in hotels worldwide, is furthering its expansion beyond North America. To lead this international growth initiative, SkyTouch Technology has brought on Jacob Buckstead, a 15 year veteran of the international hospitality technology space, who is now serving as Vice President of Client Partnerships.
Ric Leutwyler, President of SkyTouch explains, “Our platform is already an established solution in more than 450 properties outside of the U.S., under the choiceADVANTAGE brand. With the addition of Jacob, we are ready to take a bold approach by making the SkyTouch Hotel OS solution more accessible to hoteliers and resellers worldwide. Jacob will lead the charge in expanding our customer base by growing existing relationships and establishing new connections with key international sales, service, and support partners in countries around the world.”
Jacob Buckstead, a recognized thought leader and innovator in the hospitality industry, has extensive experience working with some of the world’s largest hotel brands and ownership groups, including, Marriott, Hyatt, Starwood, Accor and others. He has also been a featured speaker and panelist at major technology conferences around the world, including the Hospitality Industry Technology Exposition (HITEC), International Hotel Technology Forum (IHTF), Hotel World Australia, and more. Jacob has led industry-wide efforts to establish open technology standards that enable greater interoperability amongst vendors, thereby providing more comprehensive systems and lower costs for hoteliers. In addition to his hospitality experience, Jacob has co-invented technology products, including a patented connection interface for hotel guests’ mobile devices.
Jacob Buckstead describes his role, saying, “I am incredibly excited about helping international customers use the SkyTouch Hotel OS platform to optimize their operations, grow their revenues, deliver outstanding service to their guests, and have a long-term solution for their future growth. At SkyTouch we put our customers’ needs first and build our product and operations around that. I’m proud to be part of a company that is setting the standard for service-centric hotels managing global properties.”
About SkyTouch Technology:
SkyTouch Technology offers cloud-based technology solutions helping more than 5,600 hoteliers worldwide improve their efficiency and profitability. The SkyTouch Hotel OS solution is an affordable, full-featured platform providing property, rate, and distribution management tools used by more than 50,000 hospitality professionals around the globe. The SkyTouch Technology team brings more than 1,000 combined years of hospitality industry experience and an award-winning training program to the marketplace – serving customers in seven countries. For more information about SkyTouch Technology, visit http://www.skytouchtechnology.com. Reported by PRWeb 24 minutes ago.
↧
More Pages to Explore .....
