During a thunderstorm in Monroe, Ohio, last night, the “Big Butter Jesus” statue — otherwise known as “Touchdown Jesus” — was struck by lightning and burned to the ground. When Touchdown Jesus was on fire, the statue managed to ignite a part of the Lawrence Bishop Music Theater at the Solid Rock Church as well. While nobody was injured, the fire damage to the Big Butter Jesus statue and theater were estimated at $700,000.

Touchdown Jesus on fire after lightning strike
At six stories tall, and built with a steel frame, the Touchdown Jesus statue was definitely one of the tallest structures in the area. When a large thunderstorm brewed in the area, lightning struck the statue. The fiberglass and Styrofoam that gave the Big Butter Jesus statue its characteristic look were easily ignited. Fire crews were on the scene within six minutes of receiving the call that Solid Rock Church and Touchdown Jesus were on fire.

Damages to Solid Rock Church
The non-denominational Solid Rock Church of Monroe, Ohio, is the home of the Touchdown Jesus statue. The 62- foot tower of flames also started the nearby theater on fire. There was no major damage to the building, but a significant amount of audio equipment in the building was lost to the fire and smoke damage. At a press conference this morning, the Solid Rock Church representatives and fire department revealed that the damage will most likely cost about $700,000 to repair. The church does intend on “fully rebuilding” everything that was damaged – including Big Butter Jesus.

Renovations planned for Big Butter Jesus
The “King of Kings” statue – better known as Big Butter Jesus – was originally built in 2004. The sculpture was designed and created by James Lynch, a sculptor who has worked for Caesar’s Palace and Disney World. The Big Butter Jesus was slated for restoration work later this year. One thing is sure, though, if the Solid Rock Church wants Touchdown Jesus to end up in the Guinness Book of World Records, fire gives them a chance to re-compete for the “World’s Largest Christ” title.

source: http://personalmoneystore.com/moneyblog/2010/06/15/big-butter-jesus-on-fire-solid-rock-church/

See Touchdown Jesus on fire

SEO Philippines is known to be the most popular kind of internet marketing used in the country today. One of the biggest reasons why this has gained much popularity is because of the fact that the techniques necessary for SEO or search engine optimization do not require substantial investment which is more closely associated to SEM or search engine marketing.

Aside from not requiring much investment, SEO is popular because there are a lot of diverse techniques available. Several techniques have been developed, tested and implemented throughout its course because the task deals with un-paid or “natural” inclusion. However, although a lot of these techniques are considered to be legal, there are some that are deemed illegal or unethical. Either way these techniques cause adverse effects to search engines, and there are two types. The first type or White Hate SEO is recommended by search engines, while the second one or Black Hate SEO manipulates results or SERP’s by deceptive means.

White Hat – The hackers for this type of SEO technique are considered ethical. Also known as “white knights”, they are computer security experts who are well versed in penetration testing and other testing methodologies. They make sure that a certain company’s information system is safe and secure. The tactics used by white knights are approved by search engines and their results usually last a long time.

Black Hat – Black Hat hackers, also known as “crackers”, are people who specialize in unethical or unauthorized penetration of systems. Crackers can use computers to attack company systems for profit, political motivation, social cause, and yes, even for fun. The tactics used by this type of hackers are against the terms of service of search engines. Although they produce faster results, they’re always at risk of becoming banned temporarily or permanently.

Classifying white knights from crackers is a way for SEO Philippines to understand what techniques are ethical or not. In this industry, it is important to be aware of all trends and updates in order to remain competitive in the market.

U.S.A. (May 2010) ¬– emPower Elearning Solutions were specifically developed to offer electronic learning solutions for healthcare compliance. Established in 2008, it is powered by the most comprehensive and dependable LMS or Learning Management System and offers strong features, flexibility, scalability and value. The company specifically caters to organizations to help them achieve a competitive advantage dynamically and efficiently.

emPower develops and produces interactive, engaging and customized elearning software solutions that are designed to effectively address employee regulatory training needs or requirements. The various products were created using an array of technology-enabled learning, e-Reference and blended learning solutions that gives apt support to the different levels of the organization. It currently has offices in both the U.S. and India and provides end-to-end services while remaining centered on quality assured online compliance training content for health care professionals.

The company provides an LMS as well as a wide variety of courses that include those that have been mandated by the government and regulatory bodies like the OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), Joint Commission and Red Flag Rule. It likewise can partner up with various companies or entities to come up with custom courses using the ADDIE model to tailor them to suit specific needs for elearning software solutions. In addition to this, custom demos and tutorials for websites, business process management and software implementation are offered.

Developing solutions that are interactive, engaging and customizable, it aims to effectively satisfy regulatory training requirements for employees. The design was based on a broad collection of materials and resources such as elearning, e-Reference and blended learning solutions that allow the provision of support to all levels of the organization. The online courses created cover human resource policies as well as compliance solutions to make sure that employees possess the right knowledge, skills and other proficiencies necessary to succeed in attaining business goals and objectives.

The company software solutions include features such as a 70+ HR policies and procedures that encompasses major business issues like the COBRA (Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act), HIPAA (Health Insurance Profitability and Accountability Act), ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), FMLA (Family and Medical leave Act) and other important laws and regulations that have significant impact on employee welfare and policies. Other features include a tracking mechanism that guarantees compliance with elearning progress, courses with advanced quizzes and certificate for assessment, ability to allow users to upload courses and policies, customized practice-specific solutions and a competitive price.

San Diego, CA (April 21, 2010) – This year’s mLearnCon organized by the eLearning guild, will focus on mobile eLearning concepts like elearning software, operating systems, authoring tools, content design and development. The event will be held in the San Diego Mariott Hotel and Marina from June 15 to 17, 2010. Participants can reserve rooms by calling (619) 234-1500.

Before the conference, there are optional certificate programs available for participants. There will be workshops on different topics like: creating learning apps for the iphone, making mLearning games and simulations, developing android app for learning, audio podcasting, and creating strategy for mLearning from scratch.

There will be exhibits of different products and services all focused on mobile learning technologies, the mLearnCon Marketplace Expo. Some of the suppliers that will be exhibiting their products like elearning software are Certpoint, float mobile learning, JTI, Inc Multilingual Learning Solutions, Mobi21, and Onpoint Digital.

There will be over 100 concurrently running seminar sessions that will be conducted throughout the event. Participants should check the schedule if they want to attend the seminars. Specific discussions about mobile learning are the main theme of the seminars.

The keynote speakers for the event include Tomi Ahonen, author of many industry books such as Mobile as 7th of the Mass Media and m-Profits. He also works as a consultant and considered as one of mobile technologies’ visionaries. His presentation will examine the end consumer’s use of the mobile phone and how phone applications can be utilized in learning. It will also include case studies from different places around the world, giving a concrete picture of how mobile technologies change the way people live.

Mimi Ito, also a keynote speaker, is a research scientist from the department of Informatics in the University of California. She will discuss how present user practices like SMS or texting, taking photos with camera phones and portable devices can be applied to the future of mobile learning.

On the final day of the convention, a panel will discuss the challenges and solutions of mobile learning. Brent Schlenker, Emerging Technologies Analyst from the eLearning Guild will be the panel moderator. The panelist are mLearnCon Advisory Board Members consisting of experts from the different sectors of the academics, corporate, and government.

The convention hopes to attract professionals from the academic sector, representatives from the IT industry, the senior executives, multimedia designers, trainers, project managers and basically, anyone searching for strategies and practices in mobile learning.

The registration fee is $1,495. Guild members are entitled to 20% discount. If participants register before April 30, a discount of $200 will be deducted from the fee. Members of non profit organizations and government employees will receive special discount of 25% while employees of academic institutions will get 50% discount.

Google CEO Eric Schmidt has revealed that Google are indeed working on their own Android powered tablet computer to rival the iPad.

According to a report by the New York Times, Schmidt broke the news to a group of friends at a recent party in LA. The article also goes on to add that Google have already contacted a number of publishers in regards to delivering content for the platform.

Eric E. Schmidt, chief executive of Google, told friends at a recent party in Los Angeles about the new device, which would exclusively run the Android operating system. People with direct knowledge of the project — who did not want to be named because they said they were unauthorized to speak publicly about the device — said the company had been experimenting in “stealth mode” with a few publishers to explore delivery of books, magazines and other content on a tablet.

via: http://www.talkandroid.com/2278-google-android-tablet-to-rival-ipad/

CALIFORNIA (March 12, 2010) – The governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger together with Microsoft launched the “Elevate America Program.” The program aims improve and develop the computers skills of Californians to alleviate unemployment plaguing the state. It’s also a great opportunity to promote the company’s elearning tools.

California was one of the states that was hardest hit the by the recession. According to the state’s Economic Development Department, unemployment rate is still increasing from 12.4 percent in December to 12.5 in January. One cause of unemployment is skills mismatch. Industries like the IT industry need specific skills in order to hire individuals. What Elevate America provides is the opportunity to learn those skills so potential employees can be productive.

Elevate America was founded in February of 2009 to help the government with the recession and loss of jobs. The state of Washington was the first beneficiary of the program and since then, 13 states have also benefited, giving away 475,000 vouchers so far.

Microsoft will give away 166,500 elearning vouchers to Californians to help train and develop their computer skills. Corporate Vice President Dan'l Lewin expressed the company’s vision to utilize technology for progress. “Microsoft believes that technology can be an incredible catalyst for economic growth.”  The company’s ultimate goal is to provide enhanced training to 2 million Americans.

The online training vouchers that California received will include an online training session on one MS Windows Vista or MS Office Suite program and advanced skills training for IT professional wanting to learn Database Management or Web Development. For the professional in the IT industry, there are Microsoft Certification vouchers for one program.

Schwarzenegger held a press conference in Mountain View, CA for the project’s inauguration. He emphasized the need to address the crisis in the employment sector. "Creating jobs and boosting California's economy is my No.1 priority, and that is why I am so excited about this new public-private partnership with Microsoft. These free training vouchers will enhance the technology skills of thousands of Californians and make them more competitive in the job market.”

The governor praised Microsoft’s initiative and ranted on legislature’s lack of action. “Microsoft has jumped into action,” he said. “They are creating this public private partnership, handing out these vouchers; they are doing something about it. I think the government needs to do something about it. I think the legislature needs to do something about it.”

California’s Employment Development Department will be tasked to distribute the vouchers.

Engadget - We came, we saw, and we're still scratching our heads over what Opera is up to with its Mobile World Congress demonstration of its Opera Mini browser running on the iPhone 3GS. But before we get into that, let's talk performance: it's fast. Opera Mini is very, very fast on the iPhone. Loading the New York Times, for example, was about 5x faster than loading the same page in the iPhone 3GS' stock browser. Pages loaded smoothly and were interactive just as quickly as the content began to load -- not unlike the Safari browsing experience. From a functionality standpoint, Opera Mini operates exactly as it does on other, less-contentious platforms. So while double-tap to zoom is supported, pinch-to-zoom is not. The iPhone version does, however, remember the state of the browser when you exit Opera Mini. As such, you'll find your tabs and recent pages right where they were when you last used the app.

The impressive performance gain has to do with how Opera Mini works. First, it's not doing any rendering of the pages or code processing locally. Web pages are processed by Opera's servers before sending just the results to the iPhone. Not only does this speed up the local processing but it also limits the amount of data sent -- a potential big money saver for people browsing while data roaming (like us in Barcelona) or for those without unlimited data plans.

Unfortunately, Opera refused to let us or anyone photograph the app or take any video of it in action. We couldn't even photograph the Opera icon in the launch bar or the wallpaper adorned with the Opera logo. Why? It looks just like Opera Mini beta on any other device so it's not like we're exposing any competitive intelligence. And it's not like Opera would be violating any Apple NDA related to the SDK or the app approval process. Unfortunately, Opera was unable to give us a valid reason other than, "you just can't."

So why is Opera making such a fuss about this before it has even submitted to Apple for approval? We have three theories that we discussed with Igor Netto, Senior Product Manager within Opera's Mobile group. Click through if you like conspiracies.

First, the demo is emotive. And what better way to get eyeballs on your products than with scandalous talk? And honestly, how much did you know about Opera Mini prior to all this. At the very least, the whole effort has been one of marketing genius whether intentional or not even if Opera never submits Mini for approval.

Second, Opera legitimately wants to get its Mini browser approved. And why not? While the iPhone only makes up a sliver of the global smartphone device market share, its Safari browser accounts for well over half of all mobile web browser traffic by many estimates. Of course Opera wants a slice of that pie. Igor assured us that Opera will be submitting the app for approval just as soon as the beta tag is removed. And by announcing and demoing its software now to the press, Opera's hope is to develop enough grassroots support that Apple will have a tough time rejecting it. Igor did, however, concede that backing Apple into a corner might not be the best approach.

So what happens if Apple rejects the app, we asked? After all, Apple maintains the option of rejecting any app that "duplicates functionality" of the apps that Apple builds into the iPhone. Igor's response was clear, "There will be very strong discussion internally."

That leads us to the third, and most sinister theory about Opera's intentions: Opera is building a case for litigation. Not that they will litigate, rather, that it's developing a case should litigation be required. Igor assured us that this is not the case. However, it's worth remembering that Apple has been testing the ire of Norway's consumer advocacy groups since at least 2006. More recently, Opera filed an EU antitrust complaint in 2007 against Microsoft aimed at "giving consumers a genuine choice of Web browsers." A move that ultimately forced a "ballot screen" meant to allow EU owners a choice of browsers on their Windows 7 install. Similar language was echoed last week by Opera co-founder, Jon von Tetzchner, in a DailyTech interview. When asked how Opera will get Apple to approve its software, JvT responded using very similar language to the Microsoft anti-trust complaint, "Opera Mini is the world's most popular mobile browser and users on the iPhone deserve a choice."

By hook or by crook Opera?

P.S. We hope Apple approves it.

 

[source: http://www.engadget.com/2010/02/17/opera-mini-on-iphone-is-fast-but-why/]

 

Colombus, OH (February 4, 2010) – Rapid Intake, an elearning development tools and software company, collaborated with Downtown High School in Colombus with the help of Ohio State University to increase their retention and improve performance on standardized examinations  using one of the company’s computer-based training elearning software.  

The trends in technology continue to develop and progress. This dictates elearning should likewise keep up with evolutionary changes and trends. It has continued to dominate the training and education sectors because of the many benefits it provides such as ease, convenience and efficiency.

Rapid intake believes that the ideal way to learn something is to create an elearning module that will teach other people. They donated a limitless license to one of their elearning sotware to Downtown High School and they used it to create flash-based learning content and lessons that were distributed via internet. The aim of this collaboration is to train the students on how to use the essential web based technologies of today. The project was a success as it enabled students to increase their scores on standardized exams by 40-60 percent over last year.

Brad Henry, an instructional designer from Ohio State University, said that the students of Downtown used to struggle to pass the required basic Web technology exam. However, after they used Rapid Intake’s elearning software, there was a dramatic growth in their retention abilities and scores. It is evident that feature of the software that allows students to create lessons that suit them and their corresponding peers was extremely effective. The students used the software to collaboratively create interactive, flash-based online course lessons for each other which they then used to prepare for the examinations.
The approaches was beneficial to the students because first of all, they were able to thoroughly study and master the information in the content because they had to create courses that would teach their fellow students. Second, in their efforts to create this content, they were forced to learn how to utilize elearning authoring software effectively and efficiently. Third, their test scores vastly and significantly improved.

Rapid Intake’s CEO Garin Hess expresses his satisfaction with the results. He said that he is very much impressed with Ohio State University’s creative use of one of their rapid interactive elearning software and development tools. He added that there truly are a lot of things that people can do with flexible software and licensing models. They are glad that their product was able to greatly contribute to such a good purpose and manage to yield excellent results.

Elearning development tools are proving to be very effective for the technologically-oriented society of today. The younger generation is keen to adapt to its functions and uses because it encompasses applications and programs that suit their way of thinking and modern lifestyles. Pretty soon, with the help of social media, online learning will dominate education and training because of the predicted trends in internet and computer use in the future.

elearning solutions

U.S.A. (February 4, 2010) – A new Barbados travel hotel is being built in the south eastern are of the island. Many people are existed for this new resort and hotel which promises to be a one of a kind experience. The Hotel is called the Seaside Scintillation and it promises to cater to class a vacationers only, (usually this comprises of celebrities and rich VIP’s).

Construction is set to start March this year. Though there were some hold ups since a problem regarding the bidding of the construction company arouse due to the many competing builders who wanted the project. The nature of the argument was not released but it stalled the bidding for several months since the target date should have seen the start of the construction early February this year 2010. However, the construction company has already been resolved and there is little to stop or delay the opening of this new Barbados travel hotel any further which plans to open in time for summer next year.

The Seaside Scintillation resort hotel excites many people because of its new and unique theme. It is specifically geared towards adventurous adults with a raunchy taste. The architecture is Vegas inspired and the owner and CEO says that the theme shall be hot and scintillating as the name of the place suggests. Receptionists and waitresses are required to be scintillating as well as friendly and the uniform will be “skimpy”. This Barbados travel hotel also boasts one of the biggest beachside clubs in all of Barbados. There shall even be cage dancers as well as mermaid tanks where guests may also swim in if they desire. This proves to be one wild hot spot juxtaposed in the quaint tropical New England feel of Barbados.

Other attractions in the island include a Japanese fusion restaurant that will be slicing and dicing the freshest seafood sushi. There will be four pools all in all in the hotel grounds, one shall have a wave machine for those who want the ocean feel but hate the sand and the salty water.

Reception by the Barbados government has been astoundingly positive since this new hotel is of course going to bring in even more revenue for the island country. Even now, the Hotel owner has a roster of celebrities are all lining up to grace the grand opening of this great new Barbados travel hotel resort.

In the movie ‘Face off”, John Travolta’s identity was stolen by his nemesis Nicholas Cage by literally switching their faces. Although no one has really got their face swapped, many Americans had their identities stolen. According to Federal Trade Commission or FTC an estimated 9 million Americans had their identities stolen every year. Even celebrity golf player Tiger Woods was victimized by identity theft. In 2000 Woods testified in Sacramento California courtroom that his identity was stolen. The culprit stole his Social Security number and applied and received credit cards. The culprit used the credit cards and ran up to 17,000 dollars worth of bills. This crime victimizes everyone with credit cards, bank accounts and insurance policy.


Free Insurance Quotes

California car insurance quotes is what you looked for right after your purchase of a new car. You managed to get a good auto insurance package however things turn out badly and you have fallen behind on some of your bills. When you are about to renew your policy, you were shocked because your agent has cancelled your policy. Providers check the credit ratings of their holders, the rating of their holders are used to determine whether the insurers will renew or cancel their holders’ policy. If you have bad credit history most likely your provider will deny the renewal or even cancel your policy. However you are still shocked on how bad your credit history has been. You have found out that you have been a victim of identity theft.

Because you have been victimized by identity theft you can’t renew nor buy new auto insurance because of your bad credit history. So what do you do now? According to the FTC, the Fair Credit Reporting act allows you to have a free copy of your credit reporting from Equifax, Experian and TransUnion, the three major credit-rating agencies. This credit report rating could serve as evidence that you have been a victim of identity theft. You should obtain your credit report and check it over for accuracy. You may find errors in your credit report, although there are ways to have your credit report correct it quite difficult and takes time to have it altered and corrected.

Identity theft can happen to anyone, so better find ways to protect yourself from this crime. Find ways to minimize the chances of your identity being stolen. You can protect yourself financially, since there are major insurers that offer identity theft insurance policies. As for your auto insurance problems, you can get a new policy eventually as you improve your credit score. A good credit score is above 700 and a poor score is below 600. There are many swindlers not only in California car insurance quotes are abundant and you will not have any problem finding a good quote, just maintain a good credit score and you will be able to find an insurer that will give you an ideal auto insurance package.

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