Walter Writes outputs

#10 steps to improve home wifi signal quality Are you tired of video buffering and dead spots in your house? I am. One of my biggest modern day pet peeves is bad wifi. While there are many things we have no control over, improving our own wifi quality is something we can easily do. Below are 10 ways you can improve your home wifi signal. **1. Place your router at the center of your house.** No longer hide your router in a closet! Wifi signals go in all directions. Therefore placing your router at the center of your home will provide the most comprehensive wifi coverage. **2. Don’t hide your router underneath furniture.** Wifi works best when it is elevated. Placing your router on a shelf, hanging it from a wall, etc., will give you the strongest possible wifi signal across the entire room. **3. Move your router far enough away from all other electronics.** Microwave ovens, baby monitors, cordless telephones and other electronic devices can interfere with your router’s signal. As such make sure to move your router away enough so that its wifi signal has ample space. **4. Make sure to keep your router up to date.** Many times people neglect to update their router software. every few months log into your router's administration page and look for available updates. Updating your router’s firmware may significantly enhance both the speed and security of your internet connection. **5. Switch your Routers channel number.** If your neighbor’s wifi is interfering with yours you can try switching the channel number on which your wifi operates. This is typically done by logging onto your router's administration page. For example if you are operating at 2.4 GHz then you should use either channel 1, 6, or 11 since these are less likely to conflict with neighboring networks. **6. Connect devices using the 5ghz band.** When purchasing a new wireless device (computer, smart tv, etc.), look for the option to connect to the “5 ghz” band. This band offers much faster data transfer rates than the standard “2.4 GHz.” however, remember that because of its higher frequency, it also does not travel nearly as far as 2.4 GHz. **7. Add an external wifi access point or a mesh wifi system.** Do you live in a large house or do you have obstacles inside your house that prevent your router from sending a stable wifi signal? If this is the case consider adding an external access point to expand the area where your wifi signal is received or better yet consider investing in a complete mesh wifi system (such as Eero or Google Nest). These types of systems create a single network throughout your entire home thereby removing dead spots. **8. Periodically restart your router.** Sometimes simply restarting your router resolves issues related to dropped connections and slow internet speeds. Simply unplug your router for thirty seconds, plug it back in, and voila! **9. Protect your internet connection with a password.** Do you know who else is connected to your home wifi? Probably your neighbors! Be sure to protect your internet connection with a password. Choose a strong password using WPA3 (the latest encryption method) or wpa2. **10. Replace your old wifi router.** Is your router older than five years? That is old! In addition to providing faster speeds, newer Routers support up to ten devices simultaneously and are compatible with the latest technology including Wi-Fi 6 (and wi-fi 6E). Give a few of these options a shot and say goodbye to those annoying buffering circles! Enjoy streaming!

** **Introduction** There is an increasing sense of urgency to address the global imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with climate change through the widespread transition to renewable energy systems. The bulk of the prior scholarly focus has been on international agreements regarding climate change and mega-cities — which possess large financial resources and highly centralized bureaucratic capacity — however recent scholarly interest has shifted toward the role of subnational entities in addressing climate change. Mid-size cities (urban areas typically defined as having a population between 100,000 and 500,000) are emerging as critical spaces for transitioning to decentralized renewable energy. Although they may be smaller individually than mega-cities, mid-size cities together contain a sizeable proportion of the world's total urban population and produce a considerable portion of municipal CO2 emissions. Therefore, it is important to understand the ways in which renewable energy systems are being adopted by mid-size cities if broader national and global decarbonization goals are to be achieved. This literature review provides a synthesis of current research examining renewable energy system adoption by mid-size cities. In doing so, it organizes the academic discourse surrounding renewable energy system adoption in mid-size cities around three major themes. First, the literature review will explore the socio-technical and financial barriers that mid-size municipalities encounter relative to adopting renewable energy systems. Unlike their larger counterparts, mid-size municipalities commonly experience chronic resource limitations such as; limited municipal budgets, lack of experienced technical staff and limited ability to participate in green bond markets. Second, the review will examine the governance mechanisms and policy tools (for example; municipal utility ownership, local zoning regulations, community solar programs), that either enhance or constrain the ability of mid-size municipalities to undertake local energy transitions. Research indicates that the relatively agile nature of mid-size municipality bureaucracies can allow for more rapid policy development and implementation compared to those of their larger metropolitan government counterparts — providing a potential competitive advantage in terms of facilitating innovative practices. Thirdly, the literature review will consider the relationship between social equity and citizen engagement during the "just transition" process of implementing new energy infrastructure. It will investigate how mid-size cities have navigated issues related to ensuring that low income populations are not disproportionately harmed by increased costs associated with new energy infrastructure. Ultimately, by critically assessing each theme identified in this review, it will identify a number of significant gaps in the extant literature. Most notably, although numerous case studies exist documenting examples of pioneering green cities located throughout Western Europe and North America, there exists a significant geographic imbalance in terms of research focus — as there are very few studies investigating mid-size cities located in developing countries (the Global South). Moreover, there is currently no comprehensive quantitative model available that compares the effectiveness of various policy approaches employed at the municipal level across diverse geopolitical settings.

Internet access has become an essential resource to many people today. That is why it should be viewed in the same way as water, electricity, or gas – as a public utility. The extent to which the internet has taken over all aspects of our lives should serve as proof of this. Today most job search activity occurs on the Internet. Students conduct their schoolwork online, they receive virtual care from doctors, and virtually all local, state and federal governmental entities have moved much of their business on-line. In essence without the ability to get on line, people will be unable to participate in the economy, obtain an education or engage in civic activities. The Covid-19 pandemic made this very apparent. Millions of children were forced to fall behind in school because of lack of adequate connectivity. This has been identified as the “homework gap.” Treating internet access as a public utility would help eliminate inequality in internet usage. Currently there are many rural communities and poor urban communities with little choice regarding the speed of their connection (or cost) available to them. These communities tend to provide less desirable connections compared to those living in affluent suburban and urban communities. Since private companies such as AT&T, Verizon etc., seek profits first (and foremost), they have no incentive to invest in areas considered economically unattractive. A public utility designation would allow the FCC (Federal Communications Commission) to establish rules requiring universal service across geographic regions, thereby eliminating the disparity based upon both income and location. Critic’s say that regulating utilities stifled innovation and investment. That was true of electricity and telephone services at one time, but not currently. Both industries continue to innovate with the current level of regulation. Reasonable regulations do not stifle progress; reasonable regulations ensure that all citizens have equitable access to basic necessities like communications and energy. Additionally, a public utility designation provides consumers with protection from price-gouging, arbitrary cut-offs of service and discriminatory treatment. It also enforces Net Neutrality standards and prevents telecommunications companies from developing tiered access plans that favor larger organizations and disfavor smaller ones. Therefore, when a product/service has reached a point where it is required for full participation in society, it should be treated as a utility — and not simply as a matter of practicality — but as a matter of justice.

[your full name] [your Phone Number] | [Your Email Address] | [LinkedIn portfolio url] [Date] [hiring manager’s name/hiring team], [Company name], [Company street address] **subject: Application for a mid-career Data Scientist position** Hi [hiring manager’s name/hiring team], I would like to take this opportunity to let you know about my very enthusiastic Application to the Data Scientist position at [Company name]. As a seasoned professional with over five years of experience working with machine learning, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics, i have a well-established reputation for turning large, complicated datasets into strategic recommendations that benefit business. My goal is to use my technical skill set and enthusiasm for making decisions based upon data analysis as part of your creative team. As of now, as the lead Data Scientist at [current Company], i manage all aspects of large-scale projects related to our Company’s data. My most notable achievement has been developing and implementing a customer churn-prediction model utilizing XGBoost gradient boosting trees. The model worked seamlessly with our CRM system. By implementing this new feature we were able to reduce our overall customer loss rate from 18% to 4%, saving us approximately $1.2 million per year. In addition to creating the customer churn-prediction model, i also created automated ETL (extract transform load) pipelines utilizing SQL and Apache Spark. Our product teams are now able to get near-real-time dashboard analytics through these changes; which resulted in a 40% reduction in our data latency. In terms of my toolset, it consists of Python, r, SQL, and a variety of machine learning tools such as supervised/unsupervised ML models, natural language processing (NLP), and data visualization software including Tableau and power bi. What makes me different than many other professionals in the field as a mid-career professional, however, is my ability to serve as a translator between the data scientists’ technical output and the executives’ need for clear communications. It is typical for me to collaborate with cross-functional groups within product marketing engineering when determining whether our data models will support the larger Company goals. What draws me specifically to [Company name], however, is your stated mission to leverage AI to “democratize” financial services. Your commitment to [Company value/project/product] aligns perfectly with my personal view that data science does not simply measure the world – it should seek to make users' experiences better. I am looking forward to the possibility of joining your growing data group and increasing the predictive modeling capability at [Company name]. Thank you again for taking the time to review my credentials. I would appreciate the opportunity to speak further regarding how my technical skills along with my analytical mind-set could contribute toward the continued growth of [Company name]. Best regards, [your name]

## Start Your Calmer Morning Routine One Small Step At A Time Your morning establishes the rhythm for all the events that occur after. When however, your day starts off with alarm clocks, rushing around, lost opportunities, and decision exhaustion, finding calm before your morning cup of coffee may seem impossible. **Morningspace** is a simple, SaaS-based solution which enables users to create their perfect morning routine in mere minutes, by using pre-made routine templates; adding their personal preferences; setting reasonable time frames for each activity; and receiving low-pressure reminder messages as they proceed through their morning activities. Regardless of whether you wish to get up earlier than usual; decrease the amount of time spent on screens; include some time for writing in a journal; perform stretching exercises prior to going to work; or just need to leave for school/work with fewer distractions, Morningspace will assist you in developing these habits into consistent ones. You don't have to navigate through complex dashboard options or overly-complicated productivity systems. The only option available with Morningspace is creating an easy-to-follow, peaceful flow for your morning. ### Find More Peace in Your Mornings By utilizing Morningspace you are able to: - Develop custom morning routines based upon your actual needs - Add reminders for each of the activities included in your routine that promote relaxation - Record your consistency without fear of losing your "streak" - Make use of suggestions from Morningspace to continually improve your routine - Have access to your routine from any device where you have internet service The design focus of Morningspace has been geared towards busy working professionals; parents; students; and individuals seeking more peace-of-mind before the pressures of the day take effect. Rather than starting the day in a chaotic manner, with Morningspace you'll have clarity on what occurs during your daily routine and you'll have ample opportunity to maintain your composure while progressing through the day. You do not need a full-scale transformation of your way of living. Establishing a calmer morning is a matter of making a few intentional decisions, and repeating them softly. **Are you ready to find greater peace and tranquility in your mornings?** Establish your first routine today and experience firsthand how simple it is to start every day with clarity, focus, and control. **Get started today on your free trial with Morningspace and develop your calmer morning.**

Beginning of Text # The Right Way to Start Your Day – Single-Origin Subscription Box Get introduced to something different about the world of coffee each month. Every time we ship your monthly delivery of specialty single-origin coffee, it will include a fresh selection of direct-from-the-farmer coffee beans — with stories behind them that are almost as unique as they are delicious. Our single-origin subscription offers micro-batches (smaller than what most companies consider "small") of green coffee beans roasted by hand in house; then shipped out within days after roasting to ensure that when you receive your bag, it's always at the freshest possible point. Mass production produces blended coffee products which often mask the quality characteristics found in single-origin coffees. That means you'll get to experience the nuances and characteristics of each region. For example, a Yirgacheffe might have notes of citrus, while a Huila has chocolate undertones, while a Nyeri may be complex with floral notes. Inside each shipment you'll find a 12oz. bag of whole bean coffee, tasting notes from our head roaster for that month's offering, along with brewing suggestions based on the origin, as well as information on the specific farm your coffee was grown on. Pick how many times per month you'd like to receive your shipments, choose whether you want your coffee ground for you or in whole bean form, and pick your preferred roast level. Then, sit back and relax knowing that everything else is being taken care of. If you prefer to brew using a pour over, if you love espresso, or if you believe that mornings should be special -- this subscription service allows you to turn your morning routine into a sensory adventure. We don't require a contract or commitment — pause or cancel whenever you would like. $18/month starting price. Free shipping included. Find the best cup yet and see why traceable, sustainable, expertly roasted coffee can make all the difference.

A Better Way – An Introduction to the Four-Day Work Week In recent decades there have been countless changes made to our lives — from social media to smart phones — however one major aspect of our lives remains largely unchanged: the traditional Monday through Friday, 40 hour workweek. For years, it was considered necessary for success. Today, that mindset is being challenged. It seems clear now that the traditional 40 hour, five-day work week may be outdated, inefficient and ready for a new approach. The four-day work week is much more than just a reward for those tired at their job; it provides numerous opportunities to create a better, more productive environment for everyone involved. Much of the proof that the four-day work week will provide more productivity comes directly from the research conducted in the last few years. One such example includes a trial in the U.K. during 2022 that consisted of 61 companies and approximately 3,000 employees. During the trial each company had the option to reduce their employees' schedules by one day per week without decreasing compensation. Results of the trial demonstrated that 92 percent of companies participated again after the trial ended (a significant increase), all revenue maintained or increased, and employee burnout decreased significantly. Iceland’s extensive studies in 2015-2019 showed similar results where the majority of employees reported either maintaining or increasing levels of productivity while working a shorter schedule. It may seem counterintuitive that less work could produce higher or equal levels of productivity. However, this theory makes sense when you look at how employees spend their time. Studies consistently demonstrate that employees are productive on average for only 3 hours out of an 8-hour day. Employees lose other parts of their day due to unproductive meetings, digital distractions, and declining mental performance throughout the day. By forcing companies to make adjustments in order to be able to complete their workload within a shorter timeframe, they are able to remove non-productive items from their daily routines. Restrictions lead to increased focus and efficiency. While many people view productivity as simply producing more products or services, the four-day work week has additional positive effects on both the employer and the employee. Many companies struggle with high rates of burnout, absenteeism, and turnover. The four-day work week reduces these issues and creates a healthier work environment. This healthy work environment leads to rested employees who are not distracted mentally and physically and therefore are more efficient and effective at work. Employees also get an extra day off which allows them to attend to errands, relax, and take care of personal matters that typically spill over into their workday. Additionally, employers benefit from having happy employees who want to come back to work because of the flexibility and quality of life provided by a four-day workweek. Employers also have a competitive advantage when trying to recruit young professionals who value work-life balance. There are some critics who believe that not all industries can support this type of arrangement. While it is correct that shift-based industries need to find ways to adapt, it does not mean that this arrangement cannot be successful in many industries that employ thousands of knowledge and service based workers. Resistance to implementing a four-day work week stems mainly from resistance to change rather than a lack of understanding of its potential economic impact. At the end of the day, measuring productivity is best done by what employees accomplish, not by how long they work. Implementing the four-day work week has been proven as an alternative way to maximize productivity while reducing the amount of time spent at work.

# Generative AI Is Changing How We Do Knowledge Work — It’s Increasing Productivity But Also Raises Important Questions About Job Security, Developing Skills And Workplace Dynamics Knowledge work across many different sectors of industry is being transformed by generative artificial intelligence (AI). Research has demonstrated substantial increases in productivity; it has also raised concerns regarding job security, developing skills and changes to workplace dynamics. Research conducted by MIT and Stanford University indicated that workers who employed generative AI to complete tasks did so approximately 14 percent quicker than those who had not utilized such tools. Less experienced workers reported an increase of as much as 35 percent. These results reinforce earlier research by McKinsey & Co. indicating that generative AI can contribute between $2.6 trillion and $4.4 trillion each year to the world economy based upon the number of tasks automated through generative AI in areas including marketing, software engineering, customer service and research. "This is something entirely unique compared to all other types of automation," stated Dr. Lena Martinez, Labor Economist for Georgetown University. "In prior technological advancements there was replacement of routine physical work. With generative AI we are replacing cognitive work — writing reports, reviewing data, generating code — that previously we believed to be exclusive to humans." Numerous companies are aggressively pursuing the implementation of generative AI. Software companies such as Microsoft and Google as well as salesforce.com have incorporated AI assistants directly into their software systems for workplaces. Consulting firms such as Deloitte and PricewaterhouseCoopers have also made massive investments in proprietary AI platforms. According to a 2024 survey of large enterprise companies conducted by Gartner, 72 percent of surveyed companies currently utilize generative AI in at least one area of their businesses, representing an increase of 39 percentage points since the previous year. While the advantages of utilizing generative AI offer numerous benefits, these also create substantial disruptions. The World Economic Forum estimates that 44 percent of a worker's primary skills will be disrupted by 2027, with white-collar jobs experiencing unprecedented levels of disruption. Junior analysts, junior paralegal staff members, young content developers and junior programmers report that generative AI is increasingly taking over the routine work processes from which younger workers typically gain experience and develop expertise. “There is a serious concern today about the career ladder,” stated Marcus Chen, a software developer in Seattle. “When generative AI does the routine work from which junior workers gain their learning experiences, how do new professionals develop the basic foundational skills?

Explore the world's coffee through the lens of single-origin coffee with our subscription featuring small batch coffee. Every coffee is sourced from one farm, co-op or micro-lot. We roast each coffee as small as possible so that you can taste the unique characteristics of each coffee based on where it comes from. If you are looking for something with bright citrus flavors like those found in Ethiopia, or rich chocolatey sweetness found in Guatemalan coffees, you will find all that and more when you choose our coffee subscription. Our relationship with suppliers who focus on quality allows us to source only what we need. This means that every bag of coffee will be extremely fresh, aromatic, and complex. You may choose to have your coffee delivered whole-bean or grind. Our subscriptions allow you to choose how often you want new deliveries sent (e.g. weekly, bi-weekly). The ideal use for our coffee subscription is for customers who make their own coffee using methods such as pour over, French press, espresso or drip. We offer a variety of options for each delivery which will include tasting notes, information about the origin of the beans used in the coffee, along with some suggestions on brewing techniques for the best results from every cup. This is a great option if you want to try many different small batch coffees but don't know where to start. And, by choosing our subscription service, you will also be supporting both small-scale farming practices and artisanal roasters. This subscription service offers a perfect combination of discovery, curiosity and enjoyment for both casual and serious coffee enthusiasts alike. Each month you will be able to experience the unique flavors of some of the finest single-origin small batch coffees available anywhere in the world. All of these fine coffees will arrive at your doorstep freshly roasted and ready to be enjoyed one incredible cup at a time.

**take control of your mornings. Take control of your days.** What was your Morning like today? Most people wake up to an alarm clock and immediately check email before rushing out the door. This does not have to happen to you. Introducing **rise & align**, the mindful Morning planner. Help yourself transition from hectic mornings to peaceful, purposeful days. We do not support the harmful "5 AM hustle". Instead we believe in finding your own rhythm. Rise & align is a customized software-as-a-service (SaaS) platform that provides tools for designing, tracking and maintaining a Morning routine that works for you. ### how does it work? * **your energy level:** complete our simple survey to identify your chronotype. Regardless of whether you can only commit 10 minutes or one hour per day, our scientifically-based Morning routine templates fit your lifestyle. * **smart audio guides and integrations:** the rise & align audio prompts guide users toward meditation, movement, etc., without allowing access to social media/email/other distractions. Our prompt's adapt to what you need based upon your time available. * **automated routine scaling:** even when Life gets busy, rise & align keeps pace by scaling back your Morning routine to a "micro-flow" if you oversleep or awake later than planned; preventing feelings of failure. ### why is starting calm important? You determine your level of attention, mood and energy by controlling your Morning. Rise & align users report a 40 percent decrease in daily anxiety levels as well as a significant increase in afternoons productivity simply because they changed how they spent the first 30 minutes of each day. Don't fight your wakening moment. Enter a routine that supports you both physically and mentally, preparing you for anything that comes your way. **are you ready to begin finding peace?** [sign up for a 14-Day free Trial] *Cancel anytime. No credit card required.*

The Internet should be recognized and regulated by law as a Public Utility. In today's world, the Internet is no longer considered a Luxury but rather an Essential Component of Society, much like Water, Electricity and Telecommunications. Without Reliable, High-Speed Internet Access to participate in Contemporary Life is virtually impossible. On-line educational tools are necessary for many schools and universities. A growing number of Medical Services and Healthcare providers rely upon Telemedicine and the Modern Job Market demands On-Line Applications and Remote Collaboration. Therefore, Denying or Limiting Internet Access constitutes an effective Disenfranchisement of Citizens from participating in the Modern Economy. Regulating the Internet as a Public Utility will help address Two of the Current Failures of the Market: Unequal Internet Access and Monopolistic Pricing. Currently, Private Internet Service Providers (ISPs), such as Comcast, AT&T, Verizon etc., give priority to Highly Populated Urban Areas with High-Income Residents thereby leaving Rural and Marginalized Communities in what have become known as "Digital Deserts". Under this Framework, Governments can Mandate Universal Service, thus ensuring that Every Household Has Broadband Access regardless of Geographic Location or Socioeconomic Status. Additionally, Utility Regulation will require Net Neutrality Rules, which prevent ISPs from Throttling Speeds, Blocking Content, Creating Paid "Fast Lanes" that Favor Large Corporations over Small Businesses and Consumers. Just as Electric Companies Cannot Dictate How We Use Our Appliances, ISPs Should Not Control How We Consume Information. Recognizing Connectivity as a Fundamental Right and Shifting our Perspective from viewing the Internet as a Commercial Product to Protecting it as a Vital Public Good is long overdue.

Creating a self-illustrated children's picture book is one of the most satisfying experiences in publishing. To successfully illustrate your ideas and make them into a published book that has some level of interest for children, it is best to follow the steps below. ### 1. Refine the Manuscript & Storyboard Typically, a children's picture book is comprised of 32 pages. Prior to illustrating each page, you'll want to create a storyboard. Illustrate how your storyline plays out over all 32 pages. Include space for Title Pages and Copyright information. Creating a storyboard allows you to ensure that you're keeping a good pace in telling your story and help determine where the text belongs. A children's picture book typically contains less than 800 words of text. The majority of the storytelling is done through illustrations. ### 2. Complete the Artwork After completing your storyboard, now you're ready to create the final illustration of each page of your book. * Leave Room for Text: Be sure to leave open areas within your illustrations so that text will not get lost or be hard to read (e.g., a clear blue sky; a plain wall). * Mind the Gutter: Avoid placing important elements of your illustration near the center seam (or gutter), as they may become distorted or cut off during binding. * Save Properly: Scan your illustrations at a high resolution (minimum 300 DPI). Save your artwork in CMYK file format (printing uses CMYK; screen displays use RGB). ### 3. Determine How You Will Publish There are two main paths you can take: * **Traditional Publishing:** Research Literary Agents and Publishers that accept Un-Agented Submissions. As an Author-Illustrator (self-illustrated author), you will be submitting what is referred to as a "Dummy Book," which consists of a completed Manuscript with accompanying Storyboards and 2-3 Finished, Full Color Sample Illustrations. * **Self-Publishing:** Self-Publishing provides you with complete creative control over your book. In addition to formatting the interior of your book, if you choose to self-publish, you will also be responsible for designing your cover. Many popular Print-On-Demand (POD) companies such as Kindle Direct Publishing (KDP) and IngramSpark provide easy-to-use interfaces allowing you to upload your files and print individual copies of your book only after a customer places their order. ### 4. Format/Finalize (Self-Publishing) In preparation for uploading to self-publishing platforms, please find the specific Trim Size Templates provided by the Printer you plan to use. Please ensure that your image has bleed (additional .125 inch margin of artwork extending past the trim line), so once printed, there will be no visible white margins. Use clean, readable fonts for adding text.

I want to study comparative literature because I have long been fascinated by the travels of stories — across languages, borders, centuries and genres. To me, literature has never seemed like a collection of discrete national literary traditions; instead, it feels like an ongoing conversation where authors engage each other's ideas, retell old legends in new ways, critique existing social realities, and explore new dimensions for humanity. The comparative literature course will give me the flexibility and structure to join that conversation from different angles. One aspect that I find especially exciting is the discipline's open nature. The same issue (e.g., exile, memory, identity, love, violence, justice) can be studied using a classical Greek tragedy, a contemporary post-colonial novel, a modernist poem, a film, or a story told orally. I am excited to study how all texts are influenced by their context within history and culture, yet also how some recurring issues remain relevant over space and time. Furthermore, comparative literature allows me to appreciate both differences and similarities among texts: how language conveys particular cultural associations and how translation can both express and alter those associations. In addition to my interest in studying texts across language barriers, I am very interested in understanding the function of translation not merely as a practical means for connecting readers with texts, but also as an artistic and moral activity. My experience reading translated works has demonstrated to me that meaning is never fixed; instead, meaning is formed through the interaction of language, culture, and interpretive practice. I am interested in exploring what is gained, lost and recreated when a work is translated from one language into another. Additionally, my experiences with translation have led me to be more aware of questions regarding voice and power: whose stories are protected and who are marginalized? How does literature offer resistance to the silencing of voices? For these reasons, I am attracted to comparative literature because it represents an academic pursuit requiring intellectual curiosity, cultural sensitivity and careful attention to language. As well as developing analytical skills to closely read texts, think critically about connections between texts, and write clearly and creatively about them. Ultimately, I desire to pursue comparative literature studies because it accurately represents my perception of the world: interconnected, complex and composed of stories.

# Cover letter for mid-career data scientist Dear Hiring Manager, I wanted to reach out and let you know that I'm interested in the senior data scientist position you're advertising. With 7+ years of experience as a data scientist and taking raw data and turning it into actionable insights for businesses, I think I could be a valuable addition to your data science group. For my entire career, I've worked on solving problems with machine learning. For example, I developed a predictive model for customer churn at TechCorp analytics that resulted in a reduction of 23% in lost customers and generated approximately $4.2 million in retained revenue annually. I also built an end to end recommendation system (using collaborative filtering and deep learning) for one of their platforms that produced a 35% increase in engagement. I've had extensive experience working on all aspects of the data science pipeline. As such, I'm proficient in both R and python, as well as sql. Additionally, I use tensorflow, pytorch and scikit learn extensively for building high-quality production models. I have successfully implemented these types of models on aws and gcp and used tools like docker/kubernetes/mlflow to build scalable and repeatable pipelines. In terms of the soft skills required to work effectively as a data scientist, I believe I do a good job of connecting what we can do with the questions that are being asked by stakeholders. I've spoken to c suite executive members, mentored junior data scientists and been able to collaborate with other teams (product/eng/mktg). For example, when I was at my previous employer, I created a framework for "best practice" for data science to streamline deployments of models and reduce model deployment times by 40%. This helped increase productivity by 25% among 5 concurrent project teams. One reason I find this particular opportunity appealing is the emphasis on innovation through data science and artificial intelligence. It fits with my desire to build systems that provide tangible value. I'd love to take advantage of your organization's growing investment in machine learning technology and help enable informed decisions through large-scale analysis. I completed a master's in statistics at state university and continue to develop professionally through certificates in deep learning and cloud architecture. I also write blogs and present at conferences on topics related to data science and open source software. Thank you for reviewing my submission. I look forward to discussing how my background and perspective fit with your team's objectives. Sincerely, [Your Name]

Modern workplaces would be wise to consider adopting the four-day work week as a genuine productivity strategy, and not just an employee benefit. For generations, most organizations have operated under the assumption that working longer hours equates to producing more. As evidenced in various workplace studies and actual test cases (see references), the reality is generally quite different. Employees tend to perform quality work when they are rested, focused, and motivated. Reducing a typical five-day work week to a four-day work week will enable employers to boost efficiency, enhance employee wellness, and attract high-quality job candidates all while maintaining business production. Firstly, a four-day work week allows employees to work more efficiently. Many offices lose much time due to unproductive meetings, distractions and other time-consuming activities. Employees will naturally want to maximize each day so that they may accomplish their priorities before leaving the office. Therefore, businesses that implement a four-day work schedule find that the amount of quality work produced does not diminish; and in some instances actually increases. Thus, the four-day work week causes organizations to shift their focus away from hours worked at the office to results achieved. Secondly, implementing a four-day work week enhances the overall well being of employees, which ultimately has a direct effect on worker productivity. Employee burn-out is widespread in today's workforce. Fatigued employees are typically less productive, less innovative, and are far more likely to seek employment elsewhere. Additional free time during the week enables employees to spend additional time resting, attending to family obligations, exercising, learning new skills etc. Typically upon returning to work after a longer weekend break, employees are refreshed and energized which leads to improved concentration, reduced errors and increased morale. Employers that protect the health of their employees are also protecting their own future success. Critics of the concept of a four-day work week express concern regarding whether customers will receive adequate service or if meeting deadlines will be possible. While these are valid concerns, there are ways to address them. Employers can stagger employee shifts, utilize available technology more effectively or redesign workflow processes so that service levels remain consistent. The purpose of establishing a four-day work week is not to simply cram five hectic days into four hectic days. Rather, it is to identify areas of inefficiency within current work structures and develop smarter ways of conducting business. In addition, there are no barriers to continuing to provide excellent service while providing employees with greater control over their work schedule. Lastly, a four-day work week provides companies with a competitive advantage in attracting skilled job applicants who place value on having flexible work arrangements. Additionally, by offering a shorter work week, companies can reduce turnover costs associated with recruiting and training replacement employees. In summary, a four-day work week is a practical productivity approach for organizations seeking to increase focus among employees, reduce employee burn out, and foster increased loyalty among employees toward the organization. Organizations should stop measuring "work" solely based on hours worked per week and begin measuring based on achieving meaningful objectives.

What follows is a series of steps to follow when publishing a self-illustrated picture book, which can be a most rewarding experience that combines both the creative act of storytelling as well as creating the visual elements of a picture book. # 1. Revise Your Story First Before Drawing a Line Create a first draft of your manuscript prior to starting drawing. The typical length of a picture book is anywhere from 200 to 800 words, spanning 32 pages (both front and back matter) of your completed book. Test your story by reading it out loud to others. Have other adults read your story aloud to their children. Make revisions until your story is tight enough so that there isn't anything left for your illustrations to describe. Leave room for your illustrations to add depth and imagination to the narrative of your story. # 2. Create A Sample or "Dummy" of Your Book Your dummy will illustrate how the illustrations relate to the written content within the book. Draw small sketches of what each page might look like, while thinking about how the story unfolds throughout the book. Each time you turn the page, think about building suspense. Think about whether your pacing flows naturally. By doing this now, you may avoid spending many hours creating your finished artwork only to find out later that something doesn't feel right with the pacing of your story. # 3. Continue Developing Your Illustrations Determine what style and method you want to use for your illustrations — watercolor, digital, collage, etc. Finish developing two or three spreads where you've taken some time to develop a strong, polished example of your work. Look at consistency of characters, your overall color palette and composition. Generally speaking, industry standard requires that illustrations submitted be 300 dpi and formatted to fit the trim size + bleed. # 4. Determine Which Route Will Best Suit Your Needs You can either decide to traditionally publish or self-publish. Traditional publishing: Find out who accepts picture book manuscripts in your area. Since you're submitting a complete package (manuscript, dummy and sample illustrations), author/illustrator's have an advantage here. Follow each publisher/submissions agent's submission guidelines very closely. Self-publishing: Use platforms such as Ingram Spark, Amazon KDP and Blurb to create print-on-demand versions of your book. As a result, you will retain full creative control; however, you will also take responsibility for producing, promoting and distributing your book. # 5. Create Your Final Files Regardless if you choose to go the traditional route or self-publish, you need to know the required specifications for producing your final files. Learn how to set up files using In Design (or a similar program) to include correct bleed (.125") and color model (CMYK); embedded fonts. Hiring someone experienced with editing and/or proofreading -- errors in printing cost money. # 6. Start Preparing For The Launch Of Your Book Start creating an author platform (website and social media sites) at least 6 months prior to your planned release date. Build relationships with local bookstores, libraries and schools for potential reading engagements. Send advance review copies of your book to popular blogs and publications like Kirkus Reviews and School Library Journal. Many authors successfully plan their releases around specific seasons (spring/fall). # 7. Marketing Continues After The Release The success of a picture book is greatly dependent upon its ability to generate buzz and visually attract readers. Share your processes behind creating illustrations on Instagram, consider offering school visits and create activity sheets for teachers/educators. Nurturing those relationships with your readers will help sustain long term sales.

The below is a 350-word essay based upon the student's experiences and interests in order to apply to a Comparative Literature program. Literature has always been about something more than just words to me. As a child growing up bilingual, I began to realize that one word could have significantly different meanings depending on the language that it was used. Therefore, translating literature is not simply a matter of exchanging one set of words for another; rather, it is a form of cultural diplomacy. A translator is tasked with bridging two separate cultures and finding the most accurate way to express a particular idea or emotion in both languages. It was this experience that first made me interested in comparative literature. I wanted to learn how authors were able to take their stories across borders and transform them into new versions through contact with other historical events, languages and media. My goal in pursuing a degree in Comparative Literature is to begin examining these transformations. Moreover, I want to go beyond looking at individual nation-based literary canons and instead look at the larger human dialogue that connects us all. I am particularly interested in how post-colonial literature intersects with translation studies. When reading books such as Gabriel Garcia Marquez's "100 years of solitude" and Salman Rushdie's "midnight children," I noticed similarities in how both authors employed magical realism as a means of taking back historical accounts from colonialist perspectives. However, while I found this fascinating, it also led me to ask myself important questions: What are the ways in which the act of translation affects the political undertones of novels? How do marginalized voices get expressed in global dominant languages? In order to be able to fully address these issues, I believe that I need the rich intellectual structure provided by comparative literature. Your university offers the perfect opportunity for me to reach my goals. Your school emphasizes the importance of cross-cultural dialogue and critical theory and would give me the chance to engage in my love of french and anglophone literatures side-by-side. I hope to learn how various forms of literature evolve when they are translated from one culture to another. I look forward to working with professors who specialize in translation theory and world literature. For me, literature represents an empathetic map of humanity. In today's fragmented society, being able to compare (to synthesize) different perspectives and find commonalities among distinct cultures is more necessary than ever before. By studying comparative literature, I plan to gain both the analytical skills needed to assess these international narratives and the abilities required to help facilitate cross-cultural conversation now.

# The Literature on Transitioning to Renewable Energy in Mid-Sized Cities One of the most important challenges facing the world today is transitioning to renewable energy. There are many reasons for this, but among the top three are addressing the issue of climate change; ensuring energy security; and developing sustainable ways to build cities. While there have been numerous academic works focused on renewable energy in both megacities and rural settings, the renewable energy transitions occurring in mid-size cities (which typically contain 100,000 to 500,000 people) have received relatively little focus. As they house approximately half of all urban residents around the globe, mid-size cities represent large amounts of total urban energy usage; therefore, how quickly or slowly they adopt renewable energy is an important factor in meeting national or international climate goals. In addition to being large consumers of energy, mid-size cities have several unique features that shape their paths to adopting renewable energy. On one hand, Bulkeley and Betsill (2013) have noted that because of their small size compared to megacities, mid-size cities tend to be able to develop policies faster than larger cities; at the same time, according to authors like Hoppe et al. (2015), many mid-size cities continue to face serious constraints in terms of their ability to implement new technologies, such as solar panels or wind turbines, due to lack of funding, lack of technical knowledge and fewer opportunities to purchase advanced renewable technology products through special markets. Therefore, researchers have developed a large number of papers focusing on the conditions under which mid-size cities will succeed in implementing renewable energy systems. A recent area of interest in the field of studying renewable energy has been how multi-level government institutions support or hinder local renewable energy adoptions. Research done by Kern and Rogge (2018) indicates that while some mid-size cities may have the capacity to implement their own renewable energy systems, many others rely heavily on supportive national governments or regional partnerships in order to help them surmount institutional barriers. At the same time, research regarding community-based renewable energy initiatives (such as Seyfang et al. 2014) indicate that local social capital and civic involvement can significantly impact the likelihood of success in adopting renewable energy systems in mid-size cities. Grassroots movements can exert much greater influence in smaller urban environments. Despite the progress made in recent years toward a better understanding of renewable energy adoptions in mid-size cities, there are still significant holes within the literature. Most of what we currently know comes from case studies based upon experiences in Western Europe and North America. Thus, questions exist regarding whether our understanding of renewable energy adoptions would be applicable to mid-size cities located in other parts of the world. Additionally, few comparative studies have been conducted across different regions and economies, limiting the ability to generalize findings and develop models that can explain how adoption patterns vary. The purpose of this literature review is to synthesize available research related to renewable energy adoption in mid-size cities. It examines various dimensions of this process including technological issues; political factors; economic considerations; and social influences. Ultimately, by identifying commonly cited drivers of successful adoptions; long-standing barriers to implementation; and new best practices that have proven effective; the literature review seeks to provide clarity into how mid-size cities can uniquely contribute to the global effort to transition away from fossil fuel-based energy sources and identify productive avenues for further research.

**the top ten ways to boost your home wi-fi signal** It would be great if we could always get fast internet at home without frustration. Unfortunately this isn't always true. In order to prevent frustration (and to make sure that your internet works quickly), follow these ten steps: 1. Move your router from behind the couch or closet You're essentially killing your wi-fi signal by placing your router in a confined space. Move it to an open area where it can broadcast freely. This won't look good in your living room. I know. But it will work. 2. Move it up Your wi-fi signal goes down, so putting it on the top shelf helps the signal reach farther and wider. Yes, your router may still look ugly. But who cares? 3. Get out of the way! A solid wall made of concrete, a refrigerator full of soda, or a mirror hanging on the wall can block your wi-fi signal. Try moving the router far enough away from these objects. And please – take it out of the kitchen. 4. Direct those antennas If you've got adjustable antennas on your router, adjust them so they're pointing slightly upward. Then adjust them so they're slightly sideways. It makes sense when you think about how wi-fi receivers inside computers or smartphones usually sit at an angle. 5. Boot the freeloaders Those people who are using your wi-fi password without permission should go. Change the password to something nobody knows (except me). They'll probably leave soon after realizing you changed the password. Don't worry; i'm here for you. 6. Use 5GHz Nowadays most newer routers come equipped with two bands – 2.4 ghz and 5 ghz. Two bands means two channels of data going over your internet. While 2.4 ghz is better at reaching distant corners of your house, 5 ghz is way faster and has fewer users sharing the channel. So connect your xbox, apple TV or whatever to the 5 ghz band and enjoy. 7. Avoid the microwave interference Did you know that Microwaves, baby monitors and bluetooth speakers often operate on the same frequencies as your wi-fi network? This is why every time you nuke a burrito you lose your connection. If you find yourself losing signal every time you microwave food, then now might be a good time to relocate your router. 8. Upgrade your Firmware Router manufacturers frequently release Firmware upgrades to fix bugs and improve speed. Check your router's management software for Firmware updates – and install them. Trust us; it's worth 5 minutes of your time. 9. Buy a wi-fi range extender Do you live in a big house, or perhaps in an old victorian home with lots of nooks and crannies? Perhaps you just want to ensure that your kids' bedrooms have strong wi-fi signals too. Then buy a wireless range extender. They can help bring strong wi-fi signals to areas like garages or backyards which can be notoriously weak. 10. Get a mesh system Still having trouble getting a reliable wi-fi signal throughout your house? Consider investing in a mesh wi-fi system instead of a single router doing everything itself. Mesh systems consist of several individual units placed around your home to create a wide blanket of smooth wi-fi coverage everywhere in your home.

START_TEXT How to Improve Your Wi-Fi at Home Poor Wi-Fi performance at home (i.e., buffering, poor quality video calls) can be frustrating. However, sometimes a new Internet service provider (ISP) isn't needed to resolve these problems. There are many ways to improve the quality of your home's Wi-Fi. Below are ten steps you can take to help resolve issues related to poor home Wi-Fi performance. Tip # 1. Locate your router centrally within your home Wi-Fi signals travel equally in all directions and therefore perform better when located in the center of your home. Placing your router in a remote area (corner, closet, etc.) limits its potential coverage. Tip # 2. Raise your router as high as possible As mentioned previously, Wi-Fi signals will travel down and out in all directions; thus raising your router above eye level could enhance your Wi-Fi signal strength. Tip # 3. Eliminate sources of interference Several items interfere with Wi-Fi signals including microwaves, cell phones, cordless phones, baby monitors, and even Bluetooth-enabled products. As such, try to locate your router as far as possible from other electronic devices and large amounts of metal. Tip # 4. Periodically restart your router In today's world, restarting your computer occasionally is a common practice. This also applies to your router. In addition to helping prevent occasional malfunctions, restarting your router periodically can help restore lost connectivity. Simply unplug it for approximately thirty seconds and plug it back in. Tip # 5. Update your router's firmware The manufacturer of your router will periodically issue firmware upgrades designed to increase speed, security and stability. You'll typically find firmware upgrades through an application associated with your router or by accessing the router's administrator panel. Tip # 6. Choose the correct wireless network band Many routers come equipped with both a 2.4 GHz wireless network and a 5 GHz wireless network. The major differences between the two bands include distance covered versus bandwidth. A longer distance is typically achievable using the 2.4 GHz wireless network; however, this typically comes at the expense of lower data transfer rates. Conversely, although a 5 GHz wireless network is capable of higher data transfer rates, it covers a shorter distance than the 2.4 GHz wireless network. Therefore, use the 5 GHz wireless network when physically closer to your router and utilize the 2.4 GHz wireless network in areas further away from the router. Tip # 7. Select a different wireless channel In urban and suburban environments where there are numerous neighbors, local wireless networks may be interfering with each other. Changing channels in your router will allow you to select a channel with fewer neighboring wireless networks which will result in less interference. Tip # 8. Add a wireless repeater Wireless repeaters are small devices which are used to extend the reach of your wireless network into "dead" areas of your home. For example, place one halfway between your router and the area of poor wireless signal for optimal results. Tip # 9. Purchase a mesh wireless system Mesh wireless systems have become popular for larger homes or complex layouts. Mesh wireless systems consist of multiple units that can be placed throughout your home in order to provide a complete wireless network solution with strong, consistent coverage. Tip # 10. Upgrade old hardware Older hardware may not work efficiently with newer technologies or devices. Replacing older hardware with modern hardware will likely result in improved Wi-Fi speed and reliability. By simply trying these 10 suggestions, you should be able to determine whether or not you can significantly improve the quality of your home's Wi-Fi signal before considering upgrading to a new ISP.

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**Generative AI Is Changing How We Do Knowledge Work, Increasing Efficiency And Jobs** Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) has already changed the way we write, research, program, interpret data and think about our choices, as companies in all types of industries begin experimenting with tools that can create text, images, software and summaries in seconds. Companies have been rapidly integrating these technologies into their day-to-day operations since they were made available to the public. Law firms are beginning to utilize AI to review and summarize contracts and case law. Marketing teams are utilizing the AI-created content to develop advertising materials; email marketing campaigns; and social media campaign messages. Developers are using the AI created coding assistant to help find bugs in their code and to assist with the tedious aspects of programming. Analysts, consultants and researchers are using the AI tools to organize large amounts of information, and to draft initial versions of reports. Proponents of this technology state it will dramatically increase employee efficiency by providing the ability to automate mundane tasks, and allow employees to transition from concept development to implementation much faster. Employees are no longer spending hours researching topics, preparing presentations, or reviewing files and documents; employees can now complete an initial version of the document in minutes. Smaller organizations can leverage generative AI to acquire services (design; translation; data analysis) they would otherwise require multiple team members, or external vendors, to accomplish. "Generative AI is fast-becoming a general purpose tool for office work," stated industry analysts tracking workplace technology trends. "Its greatest potential may come from how it changes how professionals handle information, rather than completely eliminating professions." Additionally, there are new expectations for employees. Employees will be learning to craft well-designed prompts; checking the generated output for accuracy; and finding ways to incorporate the AI tools into current systems. Organizations will need to establish guidelines related to when employees can utilize public-facing AI platforms; protect company-specific sensitive information; and designate responsibility for errors found within AI-generated content. Although significant concerns remain. Generative AI systems often present inaccuracies or misinformation (sometimes confidently); they can replicate biases present in their training datasets; raise issues related to copyrights; and potentially reveal confidential organizational information if utilized inappropriately. Experts in high-risk disciplines (medicine, law, finance) agree that human oversight is still necessary. Generative AI is further fueling discussions regarding employment. Certain executive leaders believe AI will result in a reduction of administrative personnel; writers; customer service representatives; and entry-level analyst positions. Conversely, other executive leaders believe that generative AI will alter jobs more so than eliminate them, freeing individuals to concentrate on strategic decision-making; exercising professional judgment; and interacting with others. Economists agree that the overall effect of generative AI on employment will depend upon the specific job type and organization. Those who learn to utilize AI efficiently may experience increased productivity, whereas those performing more routine-based jobs may see significant disruption. At present, most organizations appear to be adopting a measured yet proactive approach: establishing test projects; educating their workforce(s); and monitoring outcomes. The extent to which generative AI influences the nature of knowledge work is expected to continue growing as the technology's capabilities improve; therefore, it is anticipated that digital literacy and critical thinking will become even more valuable in today's workplace.

**The Four-Day Work Week: The Key to Unlocking Today's Competitive Advantage** For nearly one hundred years, the five-day, forty hour work week has been considered the standard format for the workplace. Created during the Industrial Era to protect employees from being exploited in factories, this model is now outdated for today's economy which is based on information and technology. As most organizations struggle with the consequences of widespread employee burnout, "quiet quitting," and decreased engagement, there is an emerging trend toward the use of a four-day work week as a powerful tool to increase an organization's ability to be productive. At the heart of the issue is that the traditional forty-hour week was designed using what has come to be known as Parkinson's Law. This law states that "work will expand to fill the time available." Within a typical forty-hour week, a tremendous amount of time is lost due to unproductive meetings, social media browsing, and administrative waste. When a company reduces their weeks to thirty-two hours, both employees and managers are forced to identify ways to eliminate all forms of inefficiency. Therefore, when meetings take place they are much shorter, have a clearer agenda, and include participants who are essential to completing the task. Low-value tasks are removed so that employees can focus on delivering high-value outputs. Furthermore, by providing a significant constraint on time, organizations create cultures of efficiency that measure the quality of output rather than just the amount of time spent at their desks. A four-day work week also directly addresses the growing problem of mental health issues within the modern workplace. Chronic stress and burnout are among the greatest productivity reducers. They cause employees to suffer from mental fatigue, result in absences from work and lead to expensive employee turn-over. Employees need sufficient time off each week to allow themselves to rest and recharge. The extra day off (a three-day weekend) allows employees to do things other than go to work such as spend time with family members, pursue personal interests and complete household chores. Thus, employees arrive at their jobs refreshed, energized and ready to perform at high levels of productivity. There is considerable evidence globally (including studies done by non-profit group called 4 Day Week Global) that shows that shortening the number of hours worked per week does not reduce productivity. On the contrary, numerous organizations have reported significant increases in productivity and revenues while having reduced employee sick days. One argument against adopting a four-day work week is that it will produce hurried work and increased daily stress. While this may be true for some individuals, it ignores one key factor in determining how productive employees are. Employee morale is very important to employee productivity. Well-rested happy employees work smarter and make fewer mistakes. Additionally, in today's competitive labor market, a four-day work week becomes an attractive option for organizations competing for top talent. Organizations that offer this benefit attract higher level talent and these talented employees tend to remain with an organization longer and continue to perform at high levels. In conclusion, the five-day work week is no longer relevant for today's organizations. True productivity is not about measuring the number of hours worked; it is about creating value. Adopting a four-day work week offers organizations the opportunity to tap into their employees' creative potential and demonstrates that fewer hours at work can produce more.

The moment I read One Hundred Years of Solitude (in English) and subsequently wrestled with parts of the book in Spanish, I was aware that something was missing — and something new had been added. The English-speaking version of Macondo did not represent the Spanish-language version of Macondo. As I made this realization, I felt both disquieted by the experience and drawn into it. My pursuit of comparative literature has started with this initial realization. Comparative literature represents to me a rejection of the notion that literature can ever be treated as national property. Narratives move. Currents flow. A Persian ghazal speaks through a German Romantic poet; a Japanese novel transforms itself in a Colombian author's mind; a Greek tragedy emerges anew in a contemporary Nigerian playwright. Comparative literature will allow me to trace the movement of these narratives across borders, languages and eras, examining not only what these stories communicate, but also how they converse with each other. Through my undergraduate education in literature and language, I feel well-prepared to enter this area of study. Reading Baudelaire along side Eliot helped me realize that modernism represented a global conversation as opposed to independent cultural movements. Through a course on post-colonial fiction, I learned to read Achebe and Rushdie as writers who were changing the European novel from inside out rather than responding simply to imperialism. Together, these educational experiences have given me a deep conviction that some of the most critical literary inquiries — about identity, memory, power and form — cannot be addressed within a single tradition. Specifically, I find myself interested in the issues related to translation and un-translatability. What happens to metaphors when they cross linguistic boundaries? How do translators function as co-authors? I expect to investigate these issues using 20th century fiction and by emphasizing Latin America and Francophone Africa as areas of emphasis in addition to continuing to develop my reading abilities in multiple languages. In addition to the intellectual curiosity that drives my desire to engage in comparative literature, it reflects how I perceive the world — as a place where cultures are always engaging with one another. At a time when nationalism is increasing and attention spans are decreasing, comparative literature — which requires patience and care in reading across different traditions — seems to be at once intellectually fulfilling and ethically required. I would like to make contributions toward such work as a student, scholar and future educator whose goal is to help students appreciate how the literatures of the world talk to one another.

The reason internet access should be considered a public utility, is that like electricity, water, and transportation, it is now viewed by most people as essential to their lives. Most people use the internet today for purposes other than just entertainment. The use of the internet includes applying for jobs, going to school, accessing government services, managing your bank account, making doctor's appointments, communicating with friends and family etc. Therefore when there is no internet or you cannot afford to pay for internet access, you may be excluded from participating fully in our society. If we were to make the decision to classify the internet access as a public utility, this would allow us to create some balance in terms of equality. There are many rural and low income communities across America that do not have adequate broadband service. In addition to having inadequate service; many of these communities have difficulty affording what they do have. With the lack of profit potential in building out networks in these communities; many of the private companies that provide internet service do not see much value in providing service to these areas. Establishing public utility regulations could establish a system that requires service to all parts of the country (universal service), establishes fair prices and sets a minimum standard for how fast and reliable the service will be. By establishing such a system it will enable students who live in remote areas of the country to have the same level of access to educational materials and information as those living in urban areas of wealthier cities. There are also arguments against classifying internet service as a public utility due to fears that regulation will limit innovation and/or cause less investment in new technologies. A classification as a public utility however does not necessarily mean that the government must own the network(s) or eliminate competition among internet service providers. Instead a public utility classification means that all internet service providers must adhere to some basic regulatory requirements designed to protect the interests of the general public. These types of regulations can include protection from unfair pricing, monopolistic behavior and discriminatory treatment of customers. Such regulations can promote safe guard policies for consumers while continuing to allow businesses competing with each other to develop and implement improved technologies. As we move into the digital age, internet access represents a critical gateway to education, employment, health care and civic engagement. As it is increasingly viewed as being essential, therefore it should be classified as a public utility.

Publishing your own illustrated picture book is a great way to combine all the creative elements of writing a story, creating artwork, designing your book, and also doing your own marketing. Below is a practical step-by-step approach to take your idea and turn it into a printed book: Develop your concept. Picture books are generally quite short (usually between 300 and 1000 words) and are heavily dependent on the interplay between the text and pictures. Who do you want to read this to? Toddlers, preschoolers, early elementary students? Develop a story line that is easy enough to follow with a clear beginning, middle and end. Read your manuscript out loud many times to test its rhythm, pacing, clarity, etc. Create a story board or dummy book. A typical picture book has 32 pages total: title page/copyright page/end matter. Plan out the basic layout of each two-page spread; determine where the text will reside on the page and what each illustration does to advance the story. This phase will allow you to ensure that there is no duplication of ideas and that each new page turn adds interest. When your dummy is working well, begin producing the illustrations. Use a consistent style and color scheme for characters. Illustrations can be created using traditional media or digital tools. Make sure they are of sufficient resolution. Typically, for print, illustrations need to be at least 300 dpi and at the final trimmed size. Leave a bleed of .125" around the edges if your image goes right up to them. Finish the design work. You will now design the inside of your book. There are many different types of design programs available (such as: Adobe InDesign, Affinity Publisher, Canva). The most important thing to keep track of during this phase is the typeface used throughout the text. It should be readable, properly placed on the page, and not be competing with overly active illustrations. Additionally, create a cover that will give viewers some idea of the overall tone of your book and would look good when viewed as a small thumbnail online. Edit carefully before publication. Even though your book may be very short, it still requires editing. If possible, hire someone who specializes in editing children's literature, or proofreading/editing services, or design. Test the book with the intended audience (parents, teachers, librarians, etc.) and ask for their honest opinions. Now choose how you want to publish. If you decide to self publish, you have several options (print-on-demand): Amazon KDP, ingram spark, and others. Both KDP and ingram offer printing directly to consumers via websites and/or brick-and-mortar stores. KDP offers a straightforward option connected directly to Amazon, while ingram provides access to retail stores and libraries. Research which one best meets your specific requirements regarding trim size, cost per unit of color prints, royalty percentages, distribution channels. Send your print ready files to be printed. Check that everything is correct when you receive a proof copy (colors, margins, page sequence, text position and binding), then fix anything necessary before allowing your books to be published. Plan your launch. Set up a web site or landing page for yourself as an author. Post progress shots of your illustrations on social networks. Contact local bookstores and libraries about purchasing copies of your book. Reach out to review sites. Consider visiting schools or reading at story time sessions. Although having a beautifully made picture book still requires getting seen, treat marketing as another element of publishing.

Dear Hiring Manger, Thank you for considering my application. I am excited about the opportunity to apply my skills and experience as a Mid-Career Data Scientist to help your company achieve its objectives. I have extensive experience developing statistical models, using machine learning to solve complex business issues, and making data-driven recommendations. This experience has provided me with the ability to lead entire data science projects from start to finish (data collection through data monitoring). I have developed predictive models that enable better customer segmentation, forecasting, anomaly detection, and optimizing workflows. Each of these projects requires me to develop strong technical abilities in Python, SQL, and machine learning frameworks, while simultaneously collaborating with Product Managers, Engineers, Analysts, Business Stakeholders to ensure all deliverables meet the needs of the organization. My greatest strength is translating vague or unstructured business requirements into actionable and measurable analytical plans. I can work with large and often imperfect datasets; identify relevant patterns; communicate findings in a manner that will inform strategic decision making. An example of this was when I developed a machine learning model that increased the prediction accuracy by 18% over the previous baseline and allowed our stakeholders to focus their efforts on the highest value opportunities. Additionally to developing a model I ensured it was interpretable, documented, and adoptable by non-technical groups so they could trust and utilize it. I have a well-rounded set of skills in Statistics, Experimentation, Machine Learning, and Data Visualization. My experience encompasses Supervised & Unsupervised Learning, A/B Testing, Time Series Analysis, Natural Language Processing, Model Evaluation. I have experience working with Cloud-Based Data Environments and Production Oriented Workflows such as Version Control, Reproducible Analysis, Collaborating with Engineering Teams to deploy Scalable Solutions. I am looking for a new opportunity as a Mid-Career Professional who can continue to grow professionally and personally. As an Individual Contributor I want to add value to my team and as a Mentor I want to share knowledge, review analytical processes and assist teams in creating reliable, ethical, and valuable data products. What motivates me most is companies that utilize Data Science not just to create Models but to make Better Decisions, Products, and Customer Experiences. I would appreciate the chance to speak with you regarding how my background in Applied Machine Learning, Analytics, Collaboration can assist your team's objectives. Thank you again for your time and consideration.

Urban renewable energy transition is a key priority for municipalities in order to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions; increase their energy independence (security); and contribute to the long-term growth of their economies through sustainable means. The majority of published literature regarding urban renewable energy transitions focus upon either mega-cities globally or nationally defined policy frameworks. Mid-sized cities are increasingly being studied due to their role in driving renewable energy innovations. Mid-sized cities typically include city populations within the range of 100,000 to over one million inhabitants. These population sizes create a unique environment which includes a sufficient amount of energy demand while still having relatively flexible governance options compared to larger metropolitan areas. Consequently, mid-sized cities offer an excellent opportunity to study how renewable energy-related policies, technologies and social practices are developed and executed at the local level. According to existing research, the successful deployment of renewable energy in cities is driven by a variety of interrelated technical, institutional, economic and social drivers. Research on urban transitions to sustainability highlight the role that municipal governments play in establishing climate goals, developing new methods for procuring renewable energy; creating streamlined permit processes; and investing in publicly owned infrastructure including solar arrays installed on municipal properties or electric vehicle charging stations. Local government officials in mid-size cities appear to be uniquely positioned to influence the deployment of renewable energy, since they are both proximate to citizens and business owners allowing them to develop partnerships and collaborative approaches, and sufficiently large so as to allow for coordinated strategic planning in multiple sectors including energy, transportation, housing and land use. Research also identifies the significance of local economic conditions and available natural resources as significant factors in determining whether a city will successfully deploy renewable energy technologies. Cities with favorable resources for solar, wind, biomass and/or geothermal production would logically be well-suited to implement these types of renewable energy technologies; however, the existence of resource advantages does not guarantee that a city will successfully implement a renewable energy program. A wide variety of additional factors beyond resource advantage also significantly impact successful implementation of renewable energy technologies. Factors such as financial incentives, regulatory requirements imposed on local utilities, grid capacity and the availability of financing as well as the availability of trained workers are among some of the additional factors that can facilitate the successful implementation of renewable energy programs. Additionally, researchers have found that community-based models of renewable energy deployment (including community-owned renewable energy projects), public-private partnerships, and municipal aggregation programs can serve as tools for overcoming various financial and institutional barriers. Nevertheless, many mid-sized cities continue to face obstacles related to their ability to fund municipal operations, reliance upon regional utilities and multiple competing interests for municipal funding sources. Finally, social acceptance and equity issues have been repeatedly highlighted in previous research regarding renewable energy. Renewable energy projects are likely to receive high levels of public support when they can demonstrate linkages to job creation opportunities, reduced energy costs for consumers, and improvements in local environmental quality. Researchers simultaneously warn that successful renewable energy transitions may inadvertently exacerbate inequality if certain segments of society are denied access to renewable energy technologies or are disproportionately burdened by the costs associated with implementing the necessary supporting infrastructure. Therefore, recent studies suggest that increased emphasis should be placed upon procedural fairness in decision-making processes; inclusive planning processes; and shared ownership arrangements amongst affected stakeholders. In general, this body of research demonstrates that mid-sized cities represent a distinct category of urban form relative to renewable energy transitions. Neither entirely dependent on national-level policy directives nor mere scaled-down versions of large cities, further research is required to examine how the unique characteristics of each municipality's governance structure, partnerships at the local level and socioeconomic profile ultimately shape the extent of renewable energy adoption in each respective municipality.

**The Algorithmic Colleague:** How Generative AI is Changing the Game for Knowledge Workers **Silicon Valley**: For decades, knowledge work has been protected from the same level of automation experienced by manufacturing. High-skilled “knowledge workers” such as attorneys, programmers, marketers, and financial analysts have seen a technological revolution disrupt their ability to write, code, analyze and decide. The tools currently being developed by companies such as OpenAI and Google, utilizing Large Language Models (LLMs), can draft legal documents, write complex software code, and create full-fledged market analyses in minutes. McKinsey’s Global Institute estimated that generative AI will be able to automate approximately 60-70% of what knowledge workers do today. Yet, while the shift may bring new forms of unemployment, industry experts believe it is not just about unemployment. Instead, many believe we are witnessing a shift towards a new form of job evolution. “Generative AI is not going to replace the knowledge worker,” says Dr. Aris Thorne, a prominent labor economist. “It’s going to replace the knowledge worker who does not utilize AI.” Accordingly, this shift will transition us from an age of information gathering into an age of synthesis and critical curation. As such, the day-to-day workflow for knowledge workers is beginning to evolve rapidly. Engineers are using AI-assistants like GitHub Copilot to assist in writing baseline code. This allows them to concentrate on developing the overall architecture and ensuring the security of systems. Marketing teams are using AI to automatically produce dozens of versions of ads instantaneously. Therefore, they are concentrating more on editing and aligning strategically rather than simply drafting content. However, with these advantages come a number of disadvantages. As corporate leaders consider how to deploy generative AI technology within their organizations, they face a variety of technical issues including data privacy concerns, potential risks of intellectual property theft and the tendency of AI models to "hallucinate" or provide false information as fact. Additionally, with the emergence of AI-generated content comes an increasing concern regarding the "entry-level gap". Will AI allow entry-level employees to bypass fundamental training and education required to develop future leaders? In response to this challenge, educators and corporate leaders alike are working together to develop solutions. Prompt engineering and AI-literacy are emerging as key skills that students need to learn prior to graduation and/or when entering the workplace. Overall, the emergence of generative AI presents a two-sided coin for the knowledge economy. On one side, it has the potential to greatly increase productivity and reduce administrative burdens associated with mundane tasks. On the other hand, it requires an unprecedented amount of re-training of the global workforce. The days of the solo intellectual worker are coming to an end; instead, we are moving toward a future of human-machine partnerships.

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