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College Board Rakes in Cash With AP Exams. but Do Students Benefit?
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- In 2023, a record number of low-income students took Advanced Placement exams.
- The College Board made about $500 million in revenue as a result.
- The problem? A sizable number of those low-income students didn’t pass.
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For high school students across the United States, Advanced Placement courses offer a curriculum that not only exposes them to university-level work but can give them credits for college should they score high enough on end-of-course exams.

For many students from low-income and working-class backgrounds, the benefits of AP coursework can be the difference between saving tuition money from earned credits or forgoing college due to a lack of funding.

For the College Board, which created and administers the AP program, increasing access to AP coursework has been a significant part of the organization’s work over the past 20 years. And part of that push by the AP has been to increase the number of low-income students taking courses and exams, which requires a significant educational and financial investment.

However, as the College Board has pitched more schools to sign on to AP coursework and register students for exams, the performance levels for low-income test-takers has not dramatically shifted from the early 2000s: 60 percent of students from this demographic group only earned a 1 or 2 out of a possible 5 on the exam, which precludes them from earning college credit for the AP course.

In 2023, 38 percent of all test-takers scored a 1 or 2, with low-income students posting higher failure rates. Yet taxpayers this year shelled out at least $90 million to pay for AP exams that a sizable percentage of students didn’t pass, according to The New York Times.

The Times, based on its own analysis of College Board files and local education budgets, said that the organization receives about $100 million each year in public money for AP exams. In response to The Times, the College Board said that in 2023, it had received at least $90 million from the federal government to cover exam fees.

In tax filings, the College Board stated that it took in roughly $5 million to $6 million in direct government funding each year, according to the newspaper.

The College Board argues that their push to expand AP boosts students from all backgrounds. Pictured is Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Scott Eisen/Getty Images

‘The best stuff in education’

At $98 per exam for US test-takers, AP fees bring in a lot of money to the organization, and the push to enroll more low-income students into the program comes at a time where revenue from the SAT — the College Board test that in recent years has become optional for students applying to a swath of institutions — has sharply declined.

The Times reported that from 2019 to 2022, SAT revenue dropped from $403.6 million to $289.2 million, a reflection of the test being less ubiquitous in the college admissions process.

The College Board stands firmly behind its AP push, though, pointing to equity and the need to expand education opportunities for students who may not have been initially on a college coursework track.

“What if the best stuff in education were not just for the best to distinguish themselves — but could engage a much broader set of kids?” College Board chief executive David Coleman said during a podcast earlier this year. “Why are we holding it for some?”

The College Board, reflecting on its own analysis, stated that AP coursework boosts students across the board, independent of their respective scores on the exam.

The organization has made this argument as AP has morphed into its financial crown jewel. The program in 2022 brought in nearly $500 million in revenue.

While the AP expansion has offered more opportunities to a broad range of students, questions remain regarding the actual preparedness of low-income students, as they often lack the funding to pay for expensive test preparation courses and may not have been exposed to as much high-level work as their upper-income peers before high school.

In 2023, a record 1.1 million students from low-income households took AP exams, per The Times. It’s a sharp increase from 2003 when 153,000 low-income students took the exams.

Overall, 5.2 million students sat down for AP exams in 2023, a more than threefold increase from 2002, when 1.6 million students took the exams.

Trevor Packer, who heads the Advanced Placement program, told The Times that the number of students taking on the intense AP curriculum and the push to find students who can perform well in the classes more than makes up for the low scores from many test-takers.

In a statement, the College Board said that the money it receives from the government — about 18 percent of its overall revenue — was “minimal” compared to its operating revenue.

“We believe these are worthwhile investments in preparing all students for their futures,” the organization said. “We recognize that all students are not yet receiving equitable preparation for AP coursework and that such work requires addressing inequities that occur years prior.”
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November 19, 2023
OpenAI’s Ousting of Sam Altman Is a ‘Coup,’ Some in Tech World Say

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It’s been less than 24 hours since OpenAI announced that its high-profile CEO Sam Altman was fired because the board no longer had “confidence in his ability” to lead and that Altman was “not consistently candid in his communications.”

The news came as a shock to the tech world, including employees at OpenAI and Microsoft, which has invested about $13 billion into the ChatGPT maker.

But as a few new details of the ouster emerge, some have begun to describe it as a “coup,” or even a “hostile takeover,” journalist Kevin Roose said on a recent episode of Hard Fork, a New York Times podcast about tech.

Altman was pretty “popular” within the ranks of OpenAI, and recruited a number of its employees. So many of them were baffled by the news of his sudden departure, Roose said.

OpenAI’s now ex-president and cofounder, Greg Brockman — who quit in protest after Altman’s firing — said on X that Altman was given very little notice about his departure.

Sam and I are shocked and saddened by what the board did today.

Let us first say thank you to all the incredible people who we have worked with at OpenAI, our customers, our investors, and all of those who have been reaching out.

We too are still trying to figure out exactly…

— Greg Brockman (@gdb) November 18, 2023

In his X post, Brockman said on Thursday night, Altman received a text from Ilya Sutskever, OpenAI’s cofounder and chief scientist, asking to talk at noon the following day.

When Altman logged on to the Google Meet link on Friday, he was joined by the entirety of OpenAI’s board, Brockman said. Sutskever told Altman he was being fired and that they would publicize the news soon.

Minutes later, Brockman said he received a text from Sutskever asking to chat. Sutskever informed Brockman that Altman had been fired. And Brockman said he, too, was told that he was being removed from his role on OpenAI’s board but that he was still “vital” to the company and could remain as president. The company’s management team was made aware of the leadership changes shortly after that, Brockman said.

Mira Murati, who has now assumed the role of interim CEO, was informed of the executive shake-up on Thursday night, Brockman noted in his post.

“Sam and I are shocked and saddened by what the board did today,” Brockman said.

While the board’s actions are enigmatic by any account, it’s worth noting that OpenAI also operates by a rather unconventional corporate structure.

OpenAI launched in 2015 as a nonprofit. Then, in 2019, it announced a “capped profit” company, according to its website. So, it’s now made up of a nonprofit board that operates a for-profit entity, and most board members don’t own shares in the company. Altman, himself, took no equity in the company when it went for-profit.

OpenAI’s nonprofit board operates its for-profit entity.

Screenshot from OpenAI’s website.

Altman’s departure has thrown Cerebral Valley, the moniker for San Francisco’s booming AI enclave, into a state of uncertainty.

Annie Wright, a psychotherapist in the Bay Area, who’s been observing the pulse of the area for years, said she, too, was shocked by the news in a text to Insider.

“AI makes the Bay feel like the Wild West in a gold rush and this feels analogous to the town Sheriff getting gunned down,” Wright said.

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November 18, 2023
Corded headsets from Jabra/Poly that can work for Both your Computer and Desk Phone
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In order to stay on top of what’s going on it is sometimes important to be connected to multiple devices. Today it is nearly impossible to find a business out there that does not utilize both computers and desk phones.

For some people its important that they be able to use both at different times throughout the day. That’s why Jabra and Poly have come out with PC/Phone switches that enable a user to connect their corded headsets to both devices.

For Jabra the first option and most affordable is Link 180:

The way you use this adapter is straight forward:
1. Plug the Link 180 to your computer first as this is the power source.
2. Using the included telephone cable, plug the Link 180 to your desk phone headset port, if no headset port on the phone, you will need to unplug the handset from the phone and leave it unplugged, then plug in the Link 180 into the handset port and the Link 860 will work now as your handset. To answer calls you will need to pick up the handset from the hook switch and the sound will come to the Link 860.
3. Plug in your Jabra QD headset and then check the best audio quality on the desk phone by selection one of the 3 switch positions located on the button of the Link 180 (A, B, C). A will be the one for most common desk phones.
This is the most basic adapter and doesn’t have volume controls as the user will need to modulate the volume from the desk phone and from the computer directly.

On second place we have the Link 860 for Jabra corded headsets.

The Link 860 is a more advanced adapter for Jabra QD headsets and offers digital amplification meaning a better sound quality as it works as an external amplifier for your desk phone, especially if it doesn’t have a dedicated headset port. The way to plug the link 860 is:
1. Plug in the Link 860 to the computer using the included micro USB cable as this is the main power source.
2. Plug in the Link 860 to your desk phone, you can use the headset port on your phone, if no headset port you can unplug your handset from the phone, then plug to the Link 860 and the Link 860 to the handset port with the included telephone cable.
3. Plug in your Jabra QD headset to the Link 860 and you are set and good to go.
4. If sound quality coming from the desk phone is not clear, move the tone switch, located in the back of the Link 860 to a different position (A-G), A is the most common one for all desk phones.
5. Adjust the microphone volume if your callers say that is too loud or too low, the perfect setting would on 2 by default. Dial found on the back as well on the left side of the tone switch.
By default all the settings on the Link 860 are already setup for the end user, so you don’t have to worry about microphone volume or settings unless you notice those issues.

On third place we have the Link 950, this adapter is for Jabra USB headsets, corded or wireless.

The Link 950 allows to USB Jabra headsets to use their headsets with their computer and desk phone. The way you plug in is as follows:
1. Plug in the Link 950 to your computer using the included micro USB cable as this is the main power source.
2. Plug in your desk phone using the included telephone cable to your headset port, if no headset port in the desk phone, if no headset port you can unplug your handset from the phone, then plug to the Link 950 and the Link 950 to the handset port.
3. Using the USB port located at the front of the Link 950, plug in your Corded USB Jabra headset or your USB Bluetooth Dongle such as the Link 360, Link 370 or Link 380, and you are all set and good to go.
The Link 950 supports EHS support for remote answer of the desk phone, depending on the phone you will need the proper EHS cable, if the phone doesn’t support this feature, you can still make it work with the GN-1000 lifter.

Now we will discuss Poly (Plantronics) adapters.

First we do have the MDA100 from Poly, this being the most affordable switch for QD corded headsets from Poly.

The MDA100 is a straight plug and play solution, the way you plug it in is as follows:
1. Plug in the MDA100 to your computer as this is the primary power source.
2. Plug in the MDA100 to your desk phone using the included telephone cable to your headset port, if no headset port available, you will need to unplug your handset from the phone, and leave it unplugged, then plug in the MDA100 to the handset port of the phone and whenever answering a call on your desk phone simply pick up the handset off from the hook switch and that will open the channel to the MDA100 as this will work now as a handset.
3. Plug in your Poly QD headset to the MDA100 and adjust the sound coming to the headset with the volume adjust located in the back of the MDA 100.
By default the MDA100 comes with all settings pre adjusted to work right away out of the box.

Second we have the MDA524 Switcher from Poly. This option offers more adjustments than the previous MDA adapter.

The MDA524 is a solution for Poly QD headsets wanting to take advantage of further adjustments from the amplifier by itself. You can modulate the volume independently from the desk phone or the computer. The way how to plug it comes as:
1. Plug in the MDA524 to the computer as this is the power source of the switcher.
2. Plug in the MDA524 to the desk phone using the included telephone interface cable to the headset port, if no headset port available on the phone, then unplug the handset from the phone, then plug in the handset in the telephone interface cable, and then the latter gets plugged back into the handset port. The MDA524 allows to answer calls by picking up the handset and the user can still take the call on the headset or the handset.
3. Plug in the Poly QD headset to the included QD cable to the MDA524 and you would be good to go.
The MDA524 allows merging calls from both devices by pressing the PC and Desk phone buttons for 2 seconds while on an active call and it supports the use of EHS cables or HL10 lifter for remote answer of the desk phone, for the mechanical lifter you will need to get the power adapter as the computer will not power enough the MDA and lifter.

Third we have the MDA526 from Poly, this is a solution only for 6-pin QD headsets that require a special software for mayor deployments and inventory management.

With similar features like the previously mentioned MDA adapter, this includes the feature that supports mayor call center deployments, including inventory management, use, and call quality to mention a few. Follow these steps to plug the MDA526:
1. Plug in the MDA526 to the computer as this is the power source of the switcher.
2. Plug in the MDA526 to the desk phone using the included telephone interface cable to the headset port, if no headset port available on the phone, then unplug the handset from the phone, then plug in the handset in the telephone interface cable, and then the latter gets plugged back into the handset port. The MDA524 allows to answer calls by picking up the handset and the user can still take the call on the headset or the handset.
3. Plug in the Poly QD headset 6-pin only to the included QD cable to the MDA524 and you would be good to go.
The MDA526 offers call merging on both devices, mute of microphone from the adapter and placing active call on hold by pressing and holding the call button for 2 seconds. This adapter supports EHS adapters and lifter for remote answer of the desk phone, for the mechanical lifter you will need to get the power adapter as the computer will not power enough the MDA and lifter.

On third place we have the MDA220 USB switch from Poly, that supports USB headsets or adapters from Poly.

Poly offers the MDA220 for people wanting to use their USB corded or wireless headsets with their desk phone and computer. The way to plug the MDA220 is as follows:
1. Plug in the MDA220 to the computer as this is the power source. The power cable is attached to the MDA220 so be careful to pulling too hard and avoid damaging.
2. Using the included telephone interface cable plug in the MDA220 to the desk phone on the headset port, if no headset port available on the phone, then unplug the handset from the phone, then plug in the handset in the telephone interface cable, and then the latter gets plugged back into the handset port. The MDA220 allows to answer calls by picking up the handset and the user can still take the call on the headset or the handset.
3. Plug in your USB corded headset or Bluetooth Dongle from Poly like the BT600 and you are all set and good to go.
4. If you don’t hear a dial tone you will need to change the Configuration switch to a different position (A-G), if need to adjust the master volume and master microphone you can do it on the dials located on the right side of the Configuration switch.
By default the MDA220 comes with all the settings to work right away from the box including the master and microphone volume. The best performance for both dials will be positioned on 3. The MDA220 supports EHS adapters and mechanical lifter from Poly, for the mechanical lifter you will need to get the power adapter as the computer will not power enough the MDA and lifter. The MDA220 supports the SSP2714-01 Dongle for the Hearing Impaired.

For further assistance either call us 1 877 999 3838
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November 18, 2023
Keiji Ashizawa Design and Norm Architects create Trunk Hotel in Tokyo

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An exposed raw concrete facade fronts the Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park, which Japanese studio Keiji Ashizawa Design and Danish firm Norm Architects conceived as a minimalist retreat in the heart of the city.

Marking the third location in a trio of Trunk hotels in Tokyo, the design of the boutique hotel was rooted in the concept of “urban recharge”, according to Trunk chief creative officer Masayuki Kinoshita.

Trunk Hotel Yoyogi Park features a raw concrete facade

The hotel group said the idea was to balance the opposing elements of tradition and modernity as well as nature and the city and the melding of both Japanese and European craft.

Keiji Ashizawa Design created a textured concrete aggregate facade for the seven-storey building, which is punctuated with steel-lined balconies and overlooks Yoyogi Park’s lush treetops.

Guest rooms feature a muted colour and material palette

The studio worked with Norm Architects to design the minimalist interior, accessed via a copper-clad entrance.

A total of 20 guest rooms and five suites were dressed in a muted colour and material palette featuring hardwood flooring and plush Hotta Carpet-designed rugs informed by traditional Japanese architecture.

Paper-cord chairs and tapered washi pendant lights contribute to the minimalist design

Delicate rattan partition walls delineate spaces within the rooms, which open out onto the building’s balconies that were fitted with slanted ceilings in order to encourage sunlight into each room “as if mimicking the gentle transitions of a day”.

“It’s been an interesting journey for us to find the right balance between a space that is relaxed and vibrant at the same time,” said Norm Architects co-founder Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.

The interiors were designed to be both “relaxed and vibrant”

The rooms are also characterised by paper-cord chairs and tapered washi pendant lights as well as abstract artworks, amorphous vases and grainy floor-to-ceiling bathroom tiles.

On the ground floor, oak seating designed by Norm Architects for Karimoku features in the hotel restaurant, which includes a striking copper-clad pizza oven and the same rattan accents that can be found in the guest rooms.

Rattan accents can also be found in the hotel restaurant

“It is a very unique and gratifying experience in the sense that the architecture, interior and furniture, as well as the attention to detail, have created a space with such a strong sense of unity,” said Keiji Ashizawa Design.

An open-air pool club is located on the sixth floor of the hotel.

Keiji Ashizawa and Norm Architects design tactile interiors for “hotel in the sky”

Sand-blasted concrete flooring was paired with thin bluey-green tiles that make up the infinity swimming pool, which overlooks the park below.

A “glowing” firepit can also be set alight after dark, intended to create a soothing contrast with the bright Tokyo skyline.

The Trunk Hotel features a rooftop infinity pool

The city’s first Trunk Hotel opened in Shibuya in 2017, while the second location is an offbeat one-room hotel in the metropolis’s Kagurazaka neighbourhood featuring its own miniature nightclub.

The photography is by Jonas Bjerre-Poulsen.

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November 17, 2023
Record Number of Americans Own Home Without a Mortgage
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- The share of US homes without a mortgage jumped five percentage points from 2012 to 2022 to a record near 40%, Bloomberg reported.
- More than half of those homeowners are at retirement age.
- Historically high mortgage rates and home prices have kept many Americans sidelined from the market.
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The current US housing landscape is sidelining potential homebuyers, who are scared off by 8% mortgages and stubbornly high prices — but climbing interest rates aren’t a problem for the record number of Americans who own their homes without a mortgage.

The share of homeowners that are mortgage-free surged 5% between 2012 and 2022, Bloomberg reported Friday, citing data from the Census Bureau, hitting a new record just below 40%. In 2012, there were 7.9 million mortgage-free single-family homes and condos. Census data analyzed by Bloomberg show that the figure increased to 33.3 million over the subsequent decade.

Millions of Americans refinanced their mortgages before the recent rate spike, and some have done it multiple times over several decades. Lower rates of the past allowed many borrowers to enter shorter-term loans without radically increasing their monthly payments.

Then, many benefitted further when property values surged after the 2008 crisis.

More than half of mortgage-free homeowners are at retirement age. Without the burdens of a mortgage, some can move as they please. They’re moving from more expensive regions to the Sun Belt, where they are able to buy homes outright. Construction is booming in these states, and the share of mortgage-free homes is high. From the start of the pandemic in 2020 up to 2022, 29% of new homes built in the US were in Florida and Texas, two places that together saw 43% of homes owned outright, per Bloomberg.

As Business Insider reported, about 730,000 people moved to Florida between 2021 and 2022. It’s part of the “biggest migration” in a generation, said Holly Meyer Lucas, a real-estate agent in South Florida. Texas and Arizona, she added, have also seen an uptick, among other lower-tax states.

West Virginia, meanwhile, has the largest share of mortgage-free homes, at about 53%, Bloomberg reported. Zillow data cited by Bloomberg shows the median price there hit $157,498 in October, the lowest in the country.

This week, rates on the 30-year fixed mortgage hovered at 7.77%, the lowest level in roughly two months, tumbling as Treasury yields pull back from multi-year highs in November.
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November 17, 2023
High End Professional Cordless Phones for the Office or Home Use

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Office cordless phones have been around for a long time. They provide a way for a secretary or other staff to answer a phone then proceed to locations around an office in order to get information or to prepare files for usage. As a means of communication, the cordless office phone simply cannot be beaten. Choosing an office phone that suits the need of your office isn’t as complicated as you would think. Most offices today rely on cordless phones and office conference phones with the best quality as a means of transferring calls to other departments and conducting meetings. It gives workers the freedom to continue working while still on the phone with a client. When choosing a cordless office phone system you have to consider which wireless office phone and wireless office headset is best for you. In order to narrow down the available options, you have to figure out what you need your phone to do for you.

What Features Do I Need?

In an office environment, it’s essential to have the best quality wireless headset and phone system that works to allow for freedom of movement throughout the office. Depending on the amount of departments you have, you are going to need more handsets to accommodate your staff. Generally speaking, you don’t want multiple departments sharing a single phone, even if they work in close proximity. This can lead to uncomfortable situations and tensions may run high if one department monopolizes the available handset and the other department is left wanting. To maximize productivity by minimizing cost, you should look at options that allows for multiple handsets or for handsets that can be added on the available ones. Another important point to note is the battery talk time. If your staff spends a lot of time making and receiving calls, then it is very likely that a phone with a short battery life will be of little use. Recently, cordless phones have come equipped with Bluetooth connectivity which is perfect to use with the best Bluetooth wireless headset for the office. This is a very useful features and further frees up your staff to operate by allowing them use of their hands while on the phone. All of these factors contribute towards choosing the best cordless phones for your office use.

The following constitute the best office phones currently available for offices:

EnGenius DuraFon PSL Pro Single Line Long Range Cordless Phone

EnGenius has been a leader in the phone industry for quite some time and this phone shows that they have to offer to the commercial and office market. Providing a whopping twelve-floor range within buildings, up to three thousand acres on farmland and as much as two hundred and fifty thousand square feet coverage within a warehouse, the powerful antenna makes for a very useful system that can cover enough area to help you answer calls almost anywhere. This system comes with two DuraFon Handsets, which also can function as two-way radios and be registered with multiple bases. With six hours of talk time and as much as fifty hours on standby, this phone system demonstrates the things that great office phone systems are made of. The PSL system supports up to 90 handsets versus the old version of only 10. DuraFon PSL handsets have a distinctive green faceplate and are compatible with the DuraFon and Freestyl systems.

EnGenius FreeStyl2 Cordless Phone

EnGenius is a name that cordless phone operators have known and loved for years for it’s super long range. This is an entry level model and very affordable for the home office or small office market. It can cover 25,000 sq. feet or 10 acres of land or 6 floors of office building. It also has all the features of a desk phone like speaker phone, caller ID, call on hold, mute, etc. The EnGenius Freestyl2 is the perfect phone if you have a large ground to cover such as a large home or business. In addition it’s affordable at the price of only $399 for the base and one handset. The Freestyl2 base is compatible with the DuraFon handsets and it supports up to 9 handsets paired to one base. Easy to use as its just a plug and play solution for your analog phone line.

EnGenius DuraFon Pro Industrial Cordless Phone System

The best system with the best range available, the DuraFon Pro system supports up to 4 independent analog phone lines, designed for people wanting the longest range and if have more than one line coming to their location, the DuraFon Pro supports up to 90 handsets and each handset can be fully customizable with the base, meaning that you can make all the handsets ring when a call is coming in to all the lines or to a particular one and you can assign outgoing lines to all handsets or design each handset with independent phone lines. The handsets offers the walkie talkie feature, meaning that if for example handset 1 answered a call and the call need to be transferred to another handset, they can put the call on hold, then use the walkie talkie feature to ping the deigned handset and then transfer the call. The best ally for oil, gas companies as they require the range of their analog phone lines as they can’t use cell phones. Up to 12 floors of penetration in a building, and an amazing range of up to 250,000 sq. feet on a warehouse scenario. Handsets are fully compatible with Freestyl and PSL systems. Best way to recognize the DuraFon Pro system handsets is by their distinctive green faceplate.

Poly, formerly known as Plantronics offers a solution for people with home offices in need of a cordless phone, with the integration of the wireless headset CS540 and the TR-11 adapter, allows the user to use their wireless headset in their office with their existing analog phone. The CS540 will allow to answer calls by tapping the headset thanks to the joint work of the TR-11 adapter as this adapter works as an Electronic Hook Switch on your analog phone line! You will need to get a splitter and then if you have your cordless phone you would be able to walk around with the cordless phone and the wireless headset and answer, end calls and even make outgoing calls. The range of the CS540 headet is of 350 feet on line of sight so you can go thru walls without compromising sound quality.

All the previous offers will work with analog phone lines only, if you have VoIP and want a long range cordless solution here are the ones we recommend:

The Freestyl SIP is a long range solution for people with VoIP lines, this system comes with 2 handsets and supports up to 10 handsets. With a range of up to 25,000 sq. feet and offering customizable handsets with ring or vibrate options for incoming calls. The well known walkie talkie feature can be found on the handsets and the base is wall mountable so can take less space on the desk. The handsets offer hot battery swappable when the call is on hold, 6 hours of talk time and up to 50 hours of standby time. Fast charging is a nice feature found on the handsets and each handset comes with its charger. The handsets offers Push-to-Talk feature for a more secure conversation while on a call. The handsets come with belt clip, making it easy to carry around and the handsets are easily recognizable by the dark gray color on their casing, this handsets are not compatible with Analog Freestyl or DurFon systems.

EnGenius DuraFon-SIP Long Range Cordless Phone System

The DuraFon SIP system supports one VoIP line AND one analog line as well, making it an option for people who currently have an analog line and thinking on switching over to VoIP and in the need of a long range cordless solution. With its impressive range of up to 250,000 sq. feet in a warehouse floor plan, this system supports up to 10 handsets and they offer the walkie talkie feature and the Push-to-Talk versatility for a more secure conversation. The base offers MOTT (Music on Hold) input if you have your device, you can please incoming calls when you put them on hold. Offering hot battery swappable capability while the call is on hold. The handsets for this system are easily recognizable by having a purple faceplate. These handsets are not compatible with Analog Freestyl or DuraFon systems. Handset are built to last as they had been tested under the most strict practices.

Corded phone systems are quickly becoming a thing of the past as cordless phones slowly replace them. The added freedom of a cordless phone combined with its ease of use and ability to show up caller ID and display previously saved numbers makes them very handy as they serve as both a phone and an address book at the same time. Multiple tasks being performed by the same piece of hardware along with affordable quality wireless headsets is what birthed the modern smartphone revolution. We can only imagine what incorporating this mindset into the realm of office phones will produce in the near future.

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November 17, 2023
Modular Kitchen: Efficient by Design
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| Published on Nov 15, 2023

Modular kitchens are highly organized kitchen layouts that utilize components that are designed and constructed in modules or units. Modular kitchens are a popular trend in modern kitchen design because they are affordable and efficient in space usage. It also takes some of the stress out of planning one of the most important rooms of the house by presenting you with beautiful options for any style.

What are Modular Kitchens?

Modular kitchens are built with pre-made standardized units, or modules. These units come in multiple sizes so that they can be fitted into unique spaces. The key elements of a modular kitchen include cabinets, countertops, appliances, and storage units that are designed to fit together seamlessly. Modular kitchen design is an extremely cost-efficient way to build a kitchen because the units are made in bulk.

What are the Differences Between Modular and Non Modular Kitchens?

There are modular, semi-modular, and custom-built kitchens. First, consider modular kitchens. These use units that are built in the factory and brought finished to the kitchen.

Semi-modular kitchens feature cabinet units built off-site. However, the designs use parts unique to each kitchen.

They have custom-built cabinets made on-site with unique designs.

Modular Kitchen Cabinets

The most common materials used to make modular kitchen cabinets are plywood, engineered wood like MDF and HDF, particleboard, metal, and wood.

The materials have pros and cons. For example, solid wood is long-lasting but expensive. Meanwhile, plywood and MDF are cheaper but less durable.

There are four things to consider when planning a modular kitchen design.
1. Layout optimization (L-shaped, U-shaped)
2. Appliance placement
3. Cabinet materials and style
4. Additional accessories
5. Under-cabinet lighting
Modular Kitchen Design Types

There are so many design styles that are possible in modular kitchens. Now, let’s consider modular kitchen design photos. You will see how much variety is possible. Also, you might be inspired to use modular kitchen cabinets to reflect your style.

Contemporary Modular Kitchen

First, from Michael Woodall comes this contemporary kitchen design. The colors of deep gray and white contrast with the warm wood counter on the island. The kitchen uses flat paneled cabinets. Plus, there is no open shelving which minimizes clutter and maximizes storage.

Finally, consider the lighting. The vertical rod pendant lights add task light over the island. You’ll notice recessed lighting above the sink and mood lighting above the cabinets. They bring out the clean simple kitchen style.

Minimalist Modular Kitchen

Next, consider this minimalist-style kitchen in London designed by the Do South Shop. Notice the modular shelves and cabinets. They are adjustable as needed to hold what you have. There is open shelving for accessible tools.

There are closed cabinets for tools and clutter. The light wood color balances the black accents throughout the room. While this design style is edited it’s not spare.

Eclectic Modular Kitchen

This kitchen is from Logan Killen Interiors and uses light gray-blue base cabinets. Although the cabinets are modular, the kitchen feels unique. Design elements include the mirror above the sink and the antique light fixture.

The butcher block countertops and Shaker-style cabinet fronts complement the kitchen’s design.

Mid-Century Modern Modular Kitchen

From Cucine Lube, the kitchen offers a mid-century modern style with a refined wood finish and sleek cabinet doors. Also, the gray walls, ring light fixture, and bar stools highlight the mid-century style. Copper splashes provide a contrast to the dark-toned room.

Rustic Modular Kitchen

Rustic style is not one that you think of as a modular kitchen option. However, DWFI Interiors creates a rustic kitchen using pre-built cabinets. The look is enhanced by the wood-paneled walls and ceiling beams. The brick backsplash and utensil bar above the range add to the kitchen’s practicality and rustic style.

Industrial Style Modular Kitchen

This kitchen features elements of industrial style. This includes exposed metals, spare styling, concrete, and open shelving. The island from Aster fits well, providing counter space and storage. Also, the wood walls with open shelving add warmth and color.

Traditional Modular Kitchen

Consider this traditional-style kitchen design from Rencraft Ltd. The kitchen features two-toned basic cabinets. The design also showcases a deep gray island and soft white on the back wall cabinets for contrast.

The wood tones of the seating and plants add texture to the room. Task lighting over the island works well for reading and prep work. The undermount lighting removes dark corners.

Farmhouse Modular Kitchen

Notice the farmhouse kitchen from devolkitchens. Custom options are mixed with the dark blue cabinets. The open shelves, wooden table, beam ceiling, and stone floor complete the look. Plus, the antique gray-wash wicker chair and brass pendant lights add a unique charm. Finally, to create a similar style, consider using base cabinets. You can also customize the top with or without open shelving.

Modern Rustic Modular Kitchen

From David Giral Photography comes this picture of a modern rustic kitchen. The white and wood-paneled cabinets are simple and clean. Likewise, the chrome and black bar stools and the straight-lined kitchen island extend the modern style.

In addition, the antler light fixture over the island adds a rustic contrast. If you like this style, begin with cabinets that have straight lines. Next, add rustic pieces with leather and wood to accentuate the style.

IKEA Modular Kitchen

The most famous of all Scandinavian kitchen designers is IKEA. The Bodbyn doors shown are painted soft white with a raised panel door. Options for glass fronts with a six-light window are available.

The designer uses black and butcher block counters for different prep surfaces. Next, notice the two-toned gray paneled walls which bring the white and black colors together. IKEA provides free in-store kitchen design advice. Further, they provide in-home consultation for $50.

Small Modular Kitchens

This small kitchen from Arclinea offers a modern design in a historic setting. The small galley kitchen uses two sections of white cabinet units. Although the kitchen is small, it has plenty of storage. In addition to the base cabinets, it has open shelving with a minimal style. Also, the cabinet wall offers more storage space.

Modular Outdoor Kitchen Cabinets

Cabinets can be included in outdoor areas. These outdoor kitchens can extend your entertainment space. Plus, they add to the enjoyment of your home. However, outdoor cabinets are outside, so you need to consider the weather conditions before choosing your cabinet material.

Experts recommend stainless steel as it is weatherproof and will not rust or warp. Also, consider adding wood elements to the cabinets. Wood adds charm and color. You need to use stain or paint to create a barrier against moisture. Wood will not be as long-lasting as metal.

A cheaper way to add appliances to your outdoor kitchen is to buy a modular outdoor kitchen kit. These kits include a grill, refrigerator, sink, and bar area. One option for this is the Weber Modular Outdoor Kitchen.
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November 16, 2023
Congress ‘Gridlock’ Makes It Harder to Keep Skies Safe: Aviation Experts
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- “Gridlock” in Congress is in part to blame for safety risks in the skies, aviation experts said.
- The group, formed by the FAA, said insufficient funding is hampering the FAA.
- “The FAA has insufficient resources to carry out its portfolio of responsibilities,” the report says.
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An independent team of experts formed by the Federal Aviation Administration has blamed “recurring gridlock” in Congress and insufficient industry funding for the growing safety risks in the skies.

The National Airspace System Safety Review Team sounded the alarm about aging FAA infrastructure and technology, air traffic controller staff shortages, and funding issues in a 52-page report released on Wednesday.

“These challenges, in the areas of process integrity, staffing, and facilities, equipment, and technology, all have ties to inadequate, inconsistent funding,” the report says. “Together, these challenges contribute to increased safety risk and should be regarded as incident precursors.”

The “current erosion in the margin of safety” in the United States’ aviation system “caused by the confluence of these challenges is rendering the current level of safety unsustainable,” the report said.

The six-member outside panel of aviation experts said in the report that years of disorder in Congress has posed significant challenges for the FAA, heightening safety risks.

“Recent Congresses have been plagued by recurring gridlock, which undermines the FAA’s ability to effectively perform its mission,” the report said.

The report continued, “This stop-and-start process in Congress has resulted in the disruption of critical activities, notably including the hiring and training of air traffic controllers.”

“It has also slowed down the implementation of key technology modernization programs, delayed thousands of flights, and held up billions of dollars of airport infrastructure investments. This situation makes it extremely difficult for the FAA to effectively conduct long-term business planning and execution,” the report said.

The expert team called for “urgent action” to be taken to address the risk in the nation’s aviation system and made a series of recommendations in the report, which focus on hiring, modernizing infrastructure, and “adequately and consistently funding” the FAA.

“At current funding levels, the FAA has insufficient resources to carry out its portfolio of responsibilities,” the report says.

FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker told Business Insider in a statement on Thursday that the agency “welcomes” the group’s report and that it “will thoroughly review the recommendations.”

“We appreciate the team’s time and expertise to help us pursue our goal of zero serious close calls,” Whitaker said.

The FAA established the independent safety review team, which includes former FAA administrator Michael Huerta, in April to “examine ways to enhance safety and reliability in the nation’s air traffic system” after several near-miss incidents between planes.

A New York Times investigation published this summer found that near-miss collisions between planes have been happening far more frequently than previously thought. On average, there were multiple airline close calls per week this year, the report, which was published in August, found.

In July alone, there were at least 46 near-miss incidents involving commercial planes, according to the New York Times.
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November 16, 2023
Oral Vs. Topical Collagen: Do You Get The Same Benefits?

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It’s no secret that collagen is a celebrated ingredient, essential for maintaining a youthful-looking complexion. But as we age, we experience a drop in collagen synthesis, leading to the development of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. It’s no wonder collagen-boosting products have become all the rage. Today, you can find collagen in both topical skin care and oral supplements — but which is more effective?

We’ll deep dive into the differences between oral collagen supplements and topical collagen in skin care, how topical peptides come into play, and what you can expect from collagen skin care.

Topical Collagen | Peptides | Oral Collagen | Topical Collagen Vs Oral Collagen | Combining Topical Collagen, Peptides & Oral Supplements | Other Natural Ways To Boost Collagen

Topical Collagen In Skin Care: Does It Work?

Collagen is often termed as the skin’s mortar (fun fact: its name comes from the Greek word, “kolla,” meaning glue). This structural protein binds our cells and tissues together, helping them retain their strength and elasticity. Unfortunately, the synthesis of collagen diminishes over time, leading to the emergence of sagging skin, fine lines and wrinkles. This is where topical collagen steps in.

You’ll find topical collagen in creams, serums and targeted treatments, aiming to improve skin elasticity and strength. Although collagen molecules are too large to penetrate the skin, they do have water-binding properties. Dendy Engelman, M.D. states that topical collagen creams undeniably “hydrate the skin,” which in turn minimizes the look of fine lines and wrinkles. This hydration also leaves the skin smoother and more supple-looking.

If you’re looking for an additional ingredient to work together with topical collagen, we recommend topical peptides. Let’s unpack this potent active next.

Can Topical Peptides Improve The Skin’s Appearance?

Thanks to their smaller molecular size, topical peptides are more easily absorbed than collagen molecules and help to visibly revitalize the skin’s appearance. Like collagen, peptides are a form of protein, albeit smaller versions of protein. When topical peptides reach the dermis, they provide the skin’s fibroblasts with the building blocks they need to produce new collagen. By bolstering the skin’s collagen levels, peptides can improve the look of skin elasticity to enhance skin texture and reduce the look of wrinkles. As a result, many skin care products add topical peptides into their formulas as well.

Our Product Support Team here at Eminence Organic Skin Care explains the role of peptides in skin care:

“A peptide is a molecule consisting of smaller chains of amino acids making them more easily absorbed by the skin. There are various benefits that peptides provide to visibly revitalize the skin and different peptides work on the skin in different ways. Some peptides trigger the synthesis of collagen and elastin, the structural proteins responsible for skin tone and texture. Increasing these proteins can give aging skin increased elasticity and suppleness.”

Now that we’ve explored both topical collagen and topical peptide options, a different approach you can take is oral collagen supplements. But do oral collagen supplements actually work?

Will Ingesting Oral Collagen Improve The Look Of Skin?

Oral collagen is another way to add this essential protein to your beauty routine. Liquid collagen is hydrolyzed — it’s been broken down into peptides that are small enough to be digested and absorbed.

According to NCBI, “Oral intake of collagen enhances the moisture content of the skin, especially the stratum corundum, as well as the elasticity of the skin, reducing wrinkling and roughness.” Beyond skin care, oral collagen supplements are also beneficial for hair, nails and joint health. They promote healthy digestion, exercise recovery and even more for your body’s overall wellness.

Now let’s debunk a common myth! Oral collagen is not a magic ingredient for immediate results. The results from oral collagen take time and may vary by individual. It’s best to talk to your physician before introducing collagen supplements into your diet.

Topical Collagen Vs Oral Collagen: What Experts Say

What do the experts say? Jeannette Graf, MD tells Byrdie that putting collagen on your skin provides moisturizing benefits and makes the skin feel softer and smoother. Marie Hayag, MD, adds that it’s the intentional layering, or cocktailing, of ingredients that work well together (e.g., topical collagen and topical peptides).

Prevention Magazine makes the case for combining all three elements together and integrating oral supplements into a skin care regimen with topical collagen and peptides, saying: “It’s the mincing of collagen into very particular small chains of amino acids and peptides that holds the secret to youthful skin.” Dermatologist Doris Day agrees, saying “supplements are here to stay” and that they have a definite place in a skin care routine, alongside a good diet, sun protection and moisturizer. The New York Times also supports ingestible collagen, saying: “Studies show that taking collagen supplements for several months can improve skin elasticity (i.e., wrinkles and roughness) as well as signs of aging.”

Combining Topical Collagen, Peptides & Oral Supplements

The best way to improve the look and feel of your skin could be to combine all three types of collagen. Topical collagen, peptides and oral collagen often work synergistically to support the skin’s health. While topical collagen provides more immediate skin-smoothing results, topical peptides and oral collagen work overtime to improve the look of elasticity in the skin. The result: A firmer, smoother, bouncier-looking complexion.

Essentials For Healthy-looking Skin

Here’s how you can incorporate topical collagen and topical peptides into your Eminence Organics skin care routine.

Marine Flower Peptide Collection

The award-winning Marine Flower Peptide Collection includes products with both botanical peptides and collagen. Let’s explore how these products combine the two to support the look of your skin.

The Marine Flower Peptide Serum, Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Lip Serum all contain botanical collagen with water-binding properties that hydrate the look of the skin as well as botanical peptides that improve the look of elasticity in the skin, resulting in visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles. The Marine Flower Peptide Serum and Marine Flower Peptide Eye Cream also include the Smart Collagen+ Complex, formulated with cruelty-free collagen, natural plant peptides and sustainably-sourced freshwater and saltwater algae. These advanced actives improve the appearance of the skin so that it looks significantly smoother, plumper and more youthful.

All of the products in the Marine Flower Peptide Collection, including the Marine Flower Peptide Night Cream and Marine Flower Peptide Concentrate, include botanical peptides. These peptides improve the look of elasticity in the skin, resulting in visibly reduced fine lines and wrinkles.

Pro Tip: Add the Birch Water Purifying Essence to your routine for an added dose of botanical collagen.

Both topical collagen and topical peptides have a place in your skin care routine. And oral collagen rounds them out. Together, these buzzy ingredients pack a powerful punch that leaves skin looking smoother and bouncier.

Other Natural Ways To Boost Collagen

Having explored the benefits of topical collagen, peptides, and oral supplements, let’s now delve into natural strategies to further enhance your skin care routine and effectively boost collagen production.

Balanced Diet and Hydration

Incorporate collagen-boosting nutrients like Vitamin C, amino acids and antioxidants found in citrus fruits, leafy greens and lean proteins. Speaking to HT Lifestyle, Hyderabad-based dermatologist Dr. Lakshmi Sowjanya shared, “You can elevate your skin’s resilience and youthful allure by adopting natural strategies to enhance collagen production.”

Regular Exercise

Consider engaging in activities that stimulate blood flow and oxygenation, promoting collagen synthesis and skin elasticity.

Quality Sleep

Prioritize restful sleep, as collagen production peaks during this period, aiding in skin repair and regeneration.

Use Hyaluronic Acid

Use products with hyaluronic acid to improve the look of collagen in the skin and maintain skin suppleness. Its ability to retain moisture improves skin texture and firmness, while also contributing to overall skin health and a youthful appearance.

Sun Protection

Apply sunscreen daily to shield skin from UV damage and prevent collagen breakdown. Daily sunscreen application is a vital step in preserving your skin’s firmness and elasticity.

Are topical and oral collagen part of your skin care routine? We’d love to hear your thoughts. Tell us what has worked for you in the comments below.

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November 16, 2023
Conferencing or Training a new Employee with Wireless Headset, Poly, Jabra or Epos

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Poly Savi wireless headsets

Did you ever wish you can conference phone calls with desk phone and a cell phone at the same time? You can If you have a Poly Savi 8200 series wireless headset. All you have to do is press two buttons on the Savi wireless headset base until the LEDs become solid green to combine the audio from any 2 devices selected using the keys, you now have a 3-way conference call. You can also do the same if you have a computer VOIP call (like Teams). You can pick any of the 2 sources (computer, cell phone, or desk phone) and have a party-line or 3-way conference call. This process is called mini conference call with 2 devices only. It doesn’t work with all three.

Jabra wireless headsets

With your Engage 65 or Engage 75 wireless headset, you can have 2 active calls on the same headset at the same time, this process is called Merge calls. The process is simple and with the headset on in a current call, hold the Call button for 2 seconds on the headset or tap the on the base to accept the incoming call. This will put the current call on the headset on hold. If you have your Engage 65 headset, press the and hold it for 2 seconds on the base and this will merge the calls. On the Engage 75 case, you will need to tap on the base and then on the touch screen select Yes and this will merge both calls at the same time.

EPOS wireless headsets

EPOS call this process merging a held call into an active call/Mini conference, this process is only possible with the EPOS SDW 50XX series wireless headsets as they support multi devices while on an active call and if a second call comes in, you need to put the active call on hold by double tapping the headset answer/end call button or you can tap one time on the base, pressing the LED of the incoming call, this LED will be flashing depending on which device the incoming new call is coming from. After this touch the icon of the call that was put on hold for 1 second. Once both calls had been merged you will see that the both LED now are solid blue and you will hear on the headset the prompt “Call merged”. To unmerge calls you need to reverse these steps starting with the call you want to unmerge first. Once the call had been unmerged, you will hear the prompt “Call unmerged”

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November 16, 2023