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Wednesday, 9 October 2013
AAR Ntinda Health centre fire drill
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Monday, 7 October 2013
AAR Bweyogerere staff get fire fighting skills
Equipping staff with impeccable fire fighting skills is in line with our Crisis Management plan.This training is mandatory for all AAR staff and service providers(cleaners and security personnel) stationed at respective AAR clinics and offices.This also means that Patricia can share experiences in fire management with other colleagues in other AAR centres and offices on the same level.A Fire Marshal offers leadership in the event of a fire outbreak.
Last Updated on Wednesday, 02 October 2013 13:42Sunday, 6 October 2013
AAR Acacia Staff pledge to ensure safety at their Workplace.
AAR Acacia Health Centre staff had their Fire fighting awareness training on August 30,2013 at 8am.Equipping staff with impeccable fire fighting skills is in line with our Crisis Management plan. This training is mandatory for all AAR staff and service providers (cleaners and security personnel) stationed at respective AAR clinics and offices. The PR team has already started conducting abrupt crisis audits for all AAR centres and clinics upon completion of the training. A crisis auditor drops in on individual team members unannounced and checks their top-of-the –mind- knowledge of crisis management procedures, fire extinguisher use- steps, and general fire crisis management knowledge.
AAR Jogging Club celebrates ten (10) months of existence
AAR Jogging Club (AJC) held a special workout session to celebrate ten (10) months of existence on August 29,2013.All participants were then be treated to a party. In November 2012, AAR Uganda started a Jogging club with one weekly session.AAR Jogging club sessions are free of charge for everyone but participants have to register. We meet every Thursday at 5:20 pm.Meeting point is the AAR Head office, Plot 16A Elizabeth Avenue, Kololo. Participants can walk, run or jog. After the jogging session, participants are taken through aerobics. The entire jogging route (to and from) is approximately 3.1 kilometres.
Read more@ https://www.facebook.com/events/1407287676156590/?fref=ts
Friday, 20 September 2013
AAR medical outreach at Ministry of Education and Sports
World Vision partnered with AAR Uganda to organise a medical outreach at the Ministry Of Education and sports headquarters on August 22, 2013. This was part of the World Vision event to celebrate the partnership they have held with Ministry of Education and sports. The Chief Guest was the honorable Minister of Education, Maj.Jessica Alupo who also visited the AAR stall.AAR medical team carried out free doctor consultations, BMI measurements, and blood pressure check-up.
AAR Acacia Staff pledge to ensure safety at the workplace
AAR does not exist to put things right when they go wrong. As far as possible, AAR strives to prevent things from going wrong in the first place –this is AAR's working philosophy. Bad things happen to good companies and individuals all the time; most of them happen suddenly.AAR Workplace welfare and safety as enshrined in our CSR policy is being an employer of choice and also having a firm commitment to address and promote good practices. In order to be successful, any company needs to offer safe, fair, and honest working conditions to its employees and Clients.
Friday, 13 September 2013
KIU students benefit from AAR Kabalagala Health Centre medical booth
AAR Kabalagala Health Centre organised a three day medical booth for Students of Kampala International University from 21st to 23 rd August. Over 300 people benefited from the event
Services offered included free BMI measurements, blood pressure check- up, HIV testing and counselling, blood sugar check- up, safe male circumcision, and free doctor consultation. Health promotion literature on lifestyle diseases was available for all .There was also a blood donation exercise. The event was organized by AAR in partnership with Uganda Health marketing Group (UHMG), and the Uganda Blood Bank.
Wednesday, 11 September 2013
AAR staff participated in the Second Rotary Cancer Run
Wednesday, 14 August 2013
Top five Ugandan PR crises- June 2013
1) Foreign Affairs state Minister Summons the Head of European Union Delegation in Uganda.
Ridolfi had a meeting with the Foreign Affairs state minister Okello Oryem, at the Ministry headquarters in Kampala. The head of European delegation in Uganda Dr. Roberto Ridolfi was allegedly grilled about media statements in which he was suspected to have criticized President Yoweri Museveni on some issues. The envoy was quoted in local media criticising the President, claiming that he didn't pay attention to the issue of corruption.
2) Nince Henry sues Nakumatt over pirated music
The Police and court bailiffs seized merchandise over illegal sale of music. The artiste insists he has never released the album nor given permission to Nakumatt to sell his music. It was also alleged that the supermarket had been running a promotion where, whoever buys a Hisense Plasma screen takes home the singer's CD for free. The album on display was titled 'Omukyala bamukwata Mpola', which was a wrong title as the correct one is Mpola Mpola according to Nince Henry. The artiste has since opened a case against Nakumatt and X-Zone International. It projected the regional supermarket in a negative way.
3) Star Times sued over alleged outdated decoders
Digital pay Television provider Star Times was dragged to court for allegedly distributing outdated decoders. Two Star Times pay television subscribers and Uganda Consumer Protection Awareness Association (UCPAA) sued Star Times for failing to stop selling devices that don't meet UCC specifications. They are seeking orders to exchange their decoders with the new technology. Over 130,000 Star Times pay TV subscribers allege that the firm has continued selling them outdated technology which is yet to be switched off instead of a modern decoder with a bigger frequency spectrum capable of carrying higher TV content and compatible with digital. This puts a dent of questionable service quality on star Times though UCC has pronounced it's self on the issue.
4) KACITA Traders strike over Pre-Import Verification of the Conformity to standards programme (PVOC).
Traders under the Kampala City Traders Association(KACITA) went on strike and kept their shops closed in response to a move by Government to subject all imports to a mandatory standard check in the country of origin before being shipped. PVOC is aimed at curbing the entry of counterfeit and substandard goods from entering the country by inspecting commodities in their country of origin. Uganda Consumers Protection Association was quick to back the Government move saying the protest over cost and price by the traders is not backed by evidence. Trade Minister appealed to traders in Kampala to re-open their shops but the traders resolved to keep their shops closed despite the heavy deployment of the Uganda Police. Vendors who were evicted off the street by KCCA used the opportunity to get back bringing back chaos. The traders were protesting inspection fees that range between $235 to $250 for 20-feet containers and $7,000 to $2,375 for 40 feet containers. Three agencies, Intertek International, Bureau Veritas and Societe General de Surveillance (SGS), were been contracted for the programme. Critics argued that PVOC was the only way Uganda would be assured of genuine products. This crisis teaches us about the rising power of pressure groups in Uganda and the need for PROs to understand them better.
5) Namungoona Fuel tanker Fire incident.
This was national crisis that many think could be avoided. An oil Tanker caught fire after an accident in Namungoona. Over 40 people died as a result of the incident. President Museveni offered five (5) million to each victim or deceased's family member. This act was widely criticized with an argument that it encourages stealing .It portrays stealing as a rewarding thing. Most of the people who were burnt were Boda Boda cyclists who had gone to collect free fuel from the tanker.
This article strictly offers academic insight meant to create awareness about crisis PR communication management. Therefore it should be used for educational purposes and not viewed as an attack on institutions or individuals. It offers a professional PR insight into Crisis management in Uganda which is still a young profession. I hope that Lessons shared can better the PR fraternity in Uganda. I commend the inclusion of Best Crisis Management Award category in the PRAU Excellence Awards. PR Practitioners need to be fully involved in crises from the start. The writer assumes no responsibility for contrary interpretation of the subject matter herein.
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands in construction, healthcare, Insurance, cosmetics, and banking. He carries a wealth of experience in marketing, Public relations, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of a prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence award. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
Tuesday, 6 August 2013
AAR JOB ADVERTISEMENT: NATIONAL SALES MANAGER
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
· Formulation of immediate and long term Country sales and marketing strategies
· High membership retention rates
· Profitable and sound membership growth through development and exploitation of new products, new uses and new markets
· Ensure implementation of performance management framework, for the sales team.
· Ensure continuous recruitment, training, motivation and supervision of a sound sales team.
· Develop appropriate relationships with key stakeholders, customers.
PERSON'S SPECIFICATIONS:
· A Bachelor's degree from an accredited university in marketing or related field
· Professional qualification in marketing or business management will be desirable
· ICT competence
· Five years experience of sales and marketing in a senior position including formulation of strategy and planning
· Experience of budgetary preparation and control
· Team player with strong analytical approach to problem solving and good communication skills.
Interested candidates should send comprehensive applications, up-to-date CVs, and copies of certificates including daytime telephone numbers, by email or courier by 16 August 2013. Applications should include three referees, none of whom should be your relative and all of whom should have supervised you, taught you or known you through work.
Only successful candidates will be contacted.
The Human Resources Manager
AAR Health Services (U) Ltd
Plot 16A Elizabeth Avenue- Kololo
P.O.Box 6240
Kampala Uganda
Email: hr@aar.co.ug
Wednesday, 31 July 2013
AAR Uganda holds 'Nelson Mandela Workout session'
Our event was officially registered online by the Mandela Day website http://www.mandeladay.com/calendar/event/aar-jogging-club-holds-workout-session-for-mandela-day.We have workout sessions every Thursday at 5:30pm and participation is free of charge. We thank the entire AJC family for making the Nelson Mandela Day such a phenomenal success. Remember, it is in your hands to make every day a Nelson Mandela Day as we build and strengthen our nation together.In November 2012, AAR Uganda started a jogging club with weekly sessions. Staff members join for free. Employee Wellness is something AAR Uganda does not take lightly. Participants are free to walk, jog, and run. AAR believes that exercising daily brings tremendous benefits to your health. The AAR jogging club sessions are held every Thursday.
Friday, 26 July 2013
Miss Uganda event shocks on bad PR
Natumbwe, a business computing graduate from Greenwich University, left with the Miss Uganda crown, a brand new Mercedes Benz and sh18m. The organizers got it right on Mcs, sound, lighting and entertainers but faulted on the Mercedes gift.Queen mother Best Kemigisa who was the guest of honour handed over a cheque of 18million to Stella and proceeded to hand over keys of a new Mercedes Benz as the second prize. The gift of Miss Uganda which was a Mercedes failed to start.
Thursday, 25 July 2013
Why cohabiting is acceptable today?
Everyone would agree that you need to be sure and picky when choosing a person you will live with for the rest of your life. If it is a future together. Get it right from the start.The Oxford dictionary defines cohabiting as a couple living together and having a sexual relationship without being married. Cohabiting Option has grown out of suspicion because women fall in love for different temporary reasons ranging from excitement to material gains. This breeds fear of commitment in some men. Fear arising from mistrust. Desire for cohabiting is likely to double over time because women are more focused on hooking MR. Right. Women unleash their true colours after getting the ring. Very few women are real.
Disappointments have made very many people especially men to cohabit. There is this theory about shoe sizes. Before you take shoes, you have to try them on not just looking at the sizes. Sex has lost respect and it is no longer a preserve for the married. Today people have embraced 'friends with benefits' , 'Hall pass', and'one night stands'. These have pushed for emotionless sexual relations. Some cultures strongly value children. People from such cultures fear marrying those that are either barren or impotent. People decide to live together illegally just because they fear commitment before they are sure about some reproductive capabilities.
Some Boda boda guy keeps advising me that men are supposed to officially Marry a woman after giving birth to at least four children .Most Women would desperately accept a cohabiting venture out of desperation and hope. But how many keep marriage promises? Is n't it safer to only live together after an official marriage? It does not hurt for the cohabiting couple to have at least a legal contract to that effect.
There are many people who see marriage as an unnecessary legal requirement burden which is expensive rather than a companionship exercise. Costly weddings have made some to simply cohabit till they raise enough funds to hold a marriage ceremony. Some choose not to be married. They feel that either you are committed or you are not; a marriage certificate will not make any difference. There are those who want to give the relationship a trial period before deciding on marriage. This is a very common attitude, and quite logical. Why not give a relationship a test drive? Can you live together? Will you be able to make the compromises necessary? Cohabiting is a sure way to get married easily .If a Couple that has failed to get parental approval; they may resort to staying together. They set pregnancy as abet for their parents' approval of their love relationship. Today we see very many pregnant ladies on their introduction and wedding ceremonies.
The choice to cohabit or not to cohabit entirely depends on you and what you stand for. Christians should never cohabit because it is not acceptable. Disappointed married Brothers who have picked their partners from church should not be an endorsement to try cohabiting.
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing,Public relations, strategies, crisis management,and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes.He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
<a>nbaliboola@gmail.com</a>
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Why cohabiting is acceptable today?
Tuesday, 16 July 2013
Bweyogerere market community receives free medical services from AAR Bweyogerere clinic
AAR Bweyogerere Clinic took the brand to the community it operates in.Bweyogerere is the name of a township in south-central Uganda. It is one of the six townships that constitute Kira Municipality in Wakiso District. In 2008, it was estimated that the population of Bweyogerere Township was approximately 42,000.
Tuesday, 2 July 2013
Hundreds turn up for the AAR Bweyogerere outreach at NSSF Kireka
AAR Bweyogerere Health Centre held a medical outreach at NSSF Kireka Branch. The outreach was organised in conjunction with National social security Fund (NSSF) and UHMG on June 19, 2013. The AAR team carried out free general body checkups, BMI measurements, blood pressure check–up, free HIV testing and counselling. Over 120 people benefited from the initiative. The AAR team gave out free consultation vouchers and health promotion literature to those who visited the AAR stall.AAR Uganda takes on initiatives that impact on the social well-being of communities in which it operates in. Kireka town neighbours Bweyogerere trading centre.
Thursday, 27 June 2013
Have you ever been cheated at a restaurant?
Have you ever been cheated at a restaurant?
Have you ever been to a restaurant where you have to order with cash? Did you probably realise you paid the wrong or 'ghost' waiter?
This is common at restaurants where waiters do not wear uniforms and counters are isolated.
Measures
- You can opt to walk straight to the counter, pay and then order for what you want.
- Always pay the ushers with name tags on them. Try to memorise faces and other features of waiters who serve you. Always insist on seeing the menu before you order to familiarise yourself with prices.
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
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Kind Regards
PR & Online engager
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
0777675942
Find me on Linkedin, Blogger,Twitter,Facebook,Scribd.
Has Man fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26?
Has Man fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26?
And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth'(Genesis 1:26
Man has failed to fulfilled God`s mission of creation as portrayed in Genesis 1:26 in a number of ways;
Man has put himself at the centre of the world and puts himself first and forgets God which was not the case before creation.
Mankind has failed to take care of God`s creation like animals. Some people use animals for evil purposes for instance witchcraft sacrifice practices. Man has also led to extinction and death of animals which he is supposed to protect. There has also been pollution of rivers by man as well as destruction of forests which act as habitats to some animals. There is environmental degradation in support of development yet man is supposed to protect the environment.
There is too much discrimination among God's people yet all people are equal before God. Church leaders and Christians continue to treat people basing on tribe, race, financial status, political status. God created all people in his image to be equal.
There is kidnapping and child slaughter, sacrifice by self styled witches and false prophets. This has been worsened by human trafficking. Man is supposed to be custodian of God's creation
Man has today manufactured weapons like landmines, nuclear weapons, bombs, guns that has destroyed untold number of lives, property and wildlife.
Today man trusts in science theories more than God's which has broken relationship between God and man.
There are currently many sex deviations like homosexuality that have even been endorsed in some churches. Some people practice prostitution and yet they are in God's image. Bible says the body is a God's temple therefore they abuse God's creation. Other sexual deviations include: rape, defilement, an masturbation. Man's body is supposed to be a temple of worship.
Introduction of strict family planning methods by governments. These include contraceptives which limit reproduction and expansion of God's kingdom.
Man has changed God's creation into worship idols instead of God who is the only God.
However, man has also tried to fulfill God's mission of creation in Gen 1:26 in the following ways;
Man is in the position of great responsibility. He is a co-creator with God. He has done this through production of children.
Man has taken care of the environment and rest of God's creation.
Man has worshiped and glorified God's name for the work and mighty which was one of reasons of creating him in his own image.
God created man in his image so as to identify with him. Mankind has maintained a special relationship with God.
Some people have opted to study religious subjects as well as pursue religious careers like priests and pastors.
Some people have exhibited exact characteristics of God like being, caring, merciful and loving on earth. Some have started charities to help the disadvantaged.
Some people have endured persecution in the name of God
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
Why brothers are slow in church
How to start a conversation with a stranger in a taxi.
How to start a conversation with a stranger in a taxi.
Have you ever used public transport and you failed to talk to a stranger?
1. Be nice and approachable. Make sure you greet people seated next to you.
2. Pretend you do not know where you are going and ask him/her for guidance.
3. Open the window wide open and wait for them to ask you to close it
4. Sit next to a closed windscreen. She/him will ask you to open and you can start talking all the nonsense.
5. Flirt and maintain eye contact with him/her till they talk.
6. Ask them about what they like or what they are doing at the moment? You can then discuss novels, movies or politics depending on what they are passionate about.
7. Intentionally drop money to attract attention. Coins are the best option.
Uganda: Myth about writing in PR.
Uganda: Myth about writing in PR
There is a misconception about writing in Public Relations. People think that a Public relations is for people who cannot write. They think it involves less writing. Some simply opt for PR thinking they will not write a lot compared to journalists. A PR practitioner is actually a content generator and an editor at the same time. This is not the case with journalists. Journalist will submit their story to a sub- editor. A sub-editor also shares with the editor before the story runs.
There is dominance of press agentry task among Public Relations Practitioners in Uganda which means that there is actually more writing related tasks. Less focus is put on other management roles of PROs. Public relations officers are primarily occupied with media relations aimed at gaining publicity. That is why most Public Relations in Uganda are picked from print and broadcast media. Many journalists have now crossed to public relations. Some people judge PR practitioners' expertise by the number of media contacts they have and mileage that can be generated which is sometimes misleading.This includes periodic publicity across broadcast and print media a PR practitioner was able to generate.
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
Effective Public speaking skills
Effective Public speaking skills
To have a good speech is not rocket science but you will need some skills to speak at public functions. Public speaking is like communicating to a stranger who is expected to benefit from your speech. Avoid situations where people know or guess what you are about to present in your speech.
It's better to start by choosing a person to introduce you if you cannot do it yourself. This strategy presents you as a credible speaker with authority. The Appearance is also important for instance the dress code and hygiene. Time management is also crucial. It's better to lay out your points making them precise. Desist from using bombastic words. At least take four seconds before you start speaking.It gives you confidence and will get the attention your audience.
Identify your audience and craft the message in consideration with their education, culture religion, and interests. Otherwise you can incite violence, be misunderstood, hurt your audience's feelings .The form of salutation or greeting must contain elements of respect and dignity. Failure to follow protocol is disastrous. Great your audience in a manner that appeals to all peoples in their respective capacities.
Where need be, follow it with apologies if any. Appreciation and acknowledgement can come in the concluding remarks. Usage of proverbs, quotations, sayings, idioms together with other expressions act as spices to the language thus commendable. However, they should be used in their right forms and meaning. Nasty, provocative and obscene expressions irritate should be avoided. It's always a good idea to do a mock speech as you rehearsal for the final one. Go check out the venue .You could practice before a group of friends.
Denounce strong criticism and abuses on grounds of religion and political ideologies in public. There is a common behavior of people speaking especially while others listen. Fear mixed with shivering as if one is attached to naked electricity wire should be dealt with. Look at the audience, if shy; maintain eye contact at the back or corner. Do not pause for long during an applause or laughter.
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
Roles and functions of radio in society
Roles and functions of radio in society
Radio is an electronic medium of audio communication
Functions and roles
Information .Through news, talk shows, adverts and other programmes, radio creates awareness in society of what is happening within and outside a given the society. For example focus on Africa programme on BBC world service radio.
Education. Through the documentaries, drama and quiz shows aired on radio. Society members are able to draw lessons. Look at instance of plays on Hiv/Aids, agriculture aired. Radio teaches society development and health aspects relevant to day to day needs. Documentaries on agriculture, health have also impacted on society's world over.
Entertainment . Society members are entertained through music and plays. Some radio stations have humorous morning and evening programmes. Radio kills boredom and occupies people through leisure. The different music genres also appeal to all age groups in society. Radio as a secondary medium, someone can listen to radio while doing something else like washing, reading
Watch dog and surveillance. Radio reporters follow up society issues relating to religion, politics and education .They report back to society through news bulletins and other programmers. Radio keeps an eye on crimes and security in society.
Agenda setting. Radio presents to society issues yet to become public debates. Radio provides variety of options on which to base enlightened decision. The radio determines what audience will discuss airing it. By talking about a corrupt government official , society members are brought on board 'call to action'.
Radio is behavioral change agent. Some radio stations represent and stand for society values, goals and culture. For example a church radio station will promote abstinence, forgiveness and good morals in society. Also the content aired on radio has impact on behavour in society.
Mobilization of society towards common goals. Radio can be used mobilization campaigns like immunization, election, and religious campaigns. Radio can be used as an early warning tool. Radio can Mobilize society for action during times of disasters to either flee or prevent them. civic education on radio especially during election periods boosts greater participation of society in leadership and hold leaders accountable
Platform for people`s different views and opinions. Different people in society use this unique social space to air their views. Many people can call in and present their differing views on various issues .This further creates interaction amongst callers in different areas.
Avenue for advertisement. The adverts also provide society with knowledge of products in the market. Advertisers in society use radio to widen their market. Radio stations receive revenue from the adverts aired.
Exposure .Radio connects the needy in society with the people or organizations who wish to help them deal with their problems. Heart patients can use radio to solicit for operation funds they cannot afford.
Psychological support in society. Moist radio stations have programmes where people share problems with counsellors, doctors and get answers or solutions at no
cost.
However, radio has played negative roles in society
Inciting violence and Promoted Moral degeneration .Radio stations have sometimes used to promote hate against specific groups of people. Radio ignited the Rwandan Genocide as it promoted hate between Hutu and Tutsi. Also some politicians use radios stations to mobilize people to riot against those in power. Moral degeneration is brought in by the adult programmes aired on radio without censorship. Other negative roles played by the media include: disinformation, discrimination, tribalism
Ivan N. Baliboola
The author has worked with some of the most well-known and influential East African brands, conducting marketing, Public relations, strategies, crisis management, and social media. He is a proud Award winner of the prestigious Public Relations Association of Uganda excellence Awards. He has volunteered his life to addressing environment and health related causes. He is also a blogger, professional critic, and strategist.
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Kind Regards
PR & Online engager
Ivan.N.Baliboola
0752304274
0777675942
Find me on Linkedin, Blogger,Twitter,Facebook,Scribd.