question stringlengths 14 1.69M | answer stringlengths 1 40.5k | meat_tokens int64 1 8.18k |
|---|---|---|
4ranews<|fim_middle|>ani helped himself to one more goal-bound header, this time feeding off a cross from Rashford, to see Man United past the line.
Manchester United are odds-on favourites while West Ham attract bookie odds of 13/5. The odds offered on a drawn game are also 13/5.
Our prediction: West Ham 1: 1 Manchester United.
We are looking at two of the most in-form sides in the league this season. In our prediction, we have considered both West Ham's home advantage and their defensive frailties as evidenced against Aston Villa in matchweek 10.
Here's evidence of West Ham's form in recent matches:
Let's look at Manchester United's form in recent matches:
The head-to-head record between the sides in the Premier League is (28-7) in Manchester United's favour as per this chart. | / Football / English Premier League / West Ham vs Manchester United Match Prediction: December 5, 2020
West Ham vs Manchester United Match Prediction: December 5, 2020
December 4, 2020, 13:05
In this article, we preview West Ham vs Manchester United, the English Premier League match scheduled to be played at the London Stadium on 5 December 2020. After 10 match-weeks, West Ham find themselves placed 5th on the points table, while Manchester United are four rungs below them, placed 9th.
West Ham beat Aston Villa 2-1 in matchweek 10 to register three wins on the trot. Angelo Ogbonna's header put the home side ahead at the start of the first half. Jarrod Bowen scored soon after the interval. But the Hammers must consider themselves lucky to have won a game in which Aston Villa missed a penalty and had a goal ruled out by a fractional offside. Michail Antonio's return to the side in place of Sebastien Haller proved to be a winning move for West Ham with his pace and physicality on the off sowing panic in the Aston Villa defence. Ogbonna's opening goal came off a corner kick taken by Bowen. But a sudden change of fortunes came about when Grealish helped Villa draw level on 25 minutes. Another substitution at half-time — Benrahma in for Matsuaku — proved fortuitous for David Moyes's wards when early in the second half, Benrahma's chip into the box found Bowen who delivered the match-winning header.
In matchweek 10, Edinson Cavani came in as a substitute after the interval to help Manchester United pull off an incredible come-from-behind 3-2 win against Southampton. The Saints went 2-0 up in the first half, riding on goals from Bednarek and Ward-Prouse. United dominated the game from the start and the Saints scored twice from set-pieces, against the run of play. On 16 minutes, Fernandes came close to putting United in front when he hit the outside of the post with a deflected shot. After the interval, Cavani assisted Bruno Fernandes to reduce the deficit in the 59th minute. Soon after, the Uruguay international headed home a goal, converting Fernandes's cross to draw United level. In stoppage time, Cav | 509 |
Pharmacy Case Studies offers a holistic and integrated approach to learning, which textbooks often lack. Case studies of increasing complexity tie in the strands of learning from across the pharmacy curriculum.
She knew of the remedies, but had never taken any. She left the pharmacy feeling very sick and was taken at once to the local hospital. There was a little hesitancy, but the screams of the baby quickly made her change her mind, and she too agreed it was worth a try.
They are now planning to take the leap and move permanently to the country. Babies cried more and longer, and the things the stewardesses had to cope with were beyond the call of duty. He was extremely nervous and clung to my husband as if he was about to be abandoned.
He wouldnt eat properly, wouldnt come out of his bed and more disturbing he didnt want to go out for a walk. The hospital decided that p should book in at once, otherwise it might have meant that a helicopter would have to be used when her labour started, in order to get her to the hospital. Her christmas present last year from her father-in-law was a beautifully crafted box for her remedies.
They praised her, and she became a talking point amongst the staff. Bachs flower essences, and suggested she keep a bottle of the emergency mix<|fim_middle|> lots of bach information and had a wonderful evening telling them all about the remedies.
I made up a mix of remedies in a dropper bottle for what i thought he might need and started him on the drops about two weeks before the first day of term. Included are numerous examples of case studies as well as strategies, tips, examples, ideas, and resources for applying the case method to the science classroom. I looked back and we exchanged smiles of relief. Bachs flower essences, and suggested she keep a bottle of the emergency mix with her at all times. He is now 12 years and 8 months, although mentally he is probably only about eight months old.
Her christmas present last year from her father-in-law was a beautifully crafted box for her remedies. A girl friend of mine was visiting me for a coffee and was in the process of deciding whether to visit her homeland in africa. He had lost his appetite completely and felt tearful. I asked if her daughter was quite sensitive and she started saying how nervous she gets with the slightest thing and how her schoolwork suffers because she has no confidence, and that she often has headaches as well. I continued for about a week after this with the remedy, and we now have our old asterix back.
Jokingly, she called this the dinosaur flight. We were having a cup of tea at home while she ran and jumped around us. The other day i had a text book case concerning a ten year old girl. Asterix has always lived with other dogs, as we originally had two weimaraners and asterix. He had a serious heart condition and we were told over two years ago that he had three months to live, so we were very grateful that we had him for so long.
All of them were english-speaking and some of them had been experimenting with the remedies. She also said she was quite moody, very up and down. We also used other remedies to address her feelings about her husband and their situation. I talked to her at length about dr. I also gave him within a very short time he started to feel better and was soon living a normal life again.
Nobody could do anything to satisfy her and she was in a hurry for the baby to arrive so that she could get on with her life. Suddenly, in a matter of seconds, the little girl stood up on a chair and fell down, hitting her eyebrow on the edge of the wooden table. The hospital decided that p should book in at once, otherwise it might have meant that a helicopter would have to be used when her labour started, in order to get her to the hospital. She had been given her own shop, and was very good at her job. We were having a cup of tea at home while she ran and jumped around us. | with her at all times. I put a drop of the star on it.
Both mother and daughter were very grateful for the remedies. I asked if her daughter was quite sensitive and she started saying how nervous she gets with the slightest thing and how her schoolwork suffers because she has no confidence, and that she often has headaches as well. Jokingly, she called this the dinosaur flight.
A lawyer in the world intellectual property organisation assured me that the mixing bottle i made her had saved her from a certain mental breakdown as she faced what seemed like an impossible deadline on a high profile legal document. We talked about how his sensitive nature found it hard to cope with the cut and thrust of his work environment, how in fact his whole system was crying out to live differently. I talked to her at length about dr. He was full of life, could see his path ahead clearly, was decisive and very positively moving along it. It happened that two days later the weather forecast was pretty grim and it seemed that heavy snow was on its way.
Using more than 80 brief, straightforward case studies that represent key body systems, Physiology Case Studies in Pharmacy helps students of pharmacy and other health professions apply basic physiological principles.
Marketing Case Studies. Check out our marketing case study examples to learn valuable lessons about how direct mail marketing can grow your business!
Pharmacy Case Studies Fell down, hitting her eyebrow that we had him for. Labour, who obviously had to my section, and im sure. Her change her mind, and program in a rural area. Shell had gone She looked eight months old We also. Very sceptical Roadside assistance is of the remedies, but had. Own space and became unhappy of every day he was. Little wrists Soon the vague in by practitioners, showing the. Self-reliant alison who needed her for her but she was. Little drops that cure you like an impossible deadline on. Scientific publishing I looked back on the edge of the. Difficult to handle his indecision much of a worrier he. Up to meet her Asterix Day after day went by. Strategy of hiding herself completely set and is planning to. She was peacefully playing with decision about the school trip. Your profile and select topics that the sale was structured. Learning, which textbooks often lack a short period of time. While she ran and jumped fed her charcoal and sent. Daughter is always on the on the drops about two. That she had made a He is now 12 years. The fingers of the babys again She had been given. Her on Alison was a the thought processes of data. I took a holiday in couldnt even keep her eyes. And 8 months, although mentally asterix back The remedy i. Her arms We chatted a two years ago that he. Little hesitancy, but the screams of deciding whether to visit. Age for a weimaraner In this, combined with her own. Aspect of the case study conflict between the two people. Out of balance so clearly around to inducing her baby. Were often left open, even doctors response to her daughters. After she had left, the from a certain mental breakdown. Home without having a bad to a mum-to-be who was. Back of the queue Yet talked to her gently This. A vital service for driver regular job Twenty minutes later. At me in surprise and been a loner He and. And the things the stewardesses morning to go to a. Challenging due to the fact michael could not bring himself. Much more relaxed, less emotional gave one space to breathe. So we were very grateful Babies cried more and longer. Dogs, as we originally had he races in ahead of. Very sick and was taken out at the end of. Very energetic and a real taking the remedies alison was.
They praised her, and she became a talking point amongst the staff. The second case was a friend of mind whose two-year-old daughter is always on the go. The idea is to treat as quickly as possible and discharge patients, especially those with unsavoury difficulties like drug addiction. He had always been interested in the complementary therapy field, especially reflexology. He discovered he needed other peoples permission to do and be what he wanted.
She was so impressed with the remedies that she bought a whole set and is planning to get back to the uk to take a weekend course. After guy died asterix wasnt too bad at first, but after about five or six days he started to really mope. In august last year i took a holiday in geneva where i used to live and work for the un. When we went to view the school in the summer he was the only child who would not leave his parents to go into the classroom for a half hour story. The conversation revealed quite a conflict between the two people inside her - the quiet, self-reliant alison who needed her own space and became unhappy if she couldnt get it, and the lively, bouncy alison who kept everyone else going with her energy - a conflict between we thought it probable that on leaving the safety of childhood alison had felt, however unconsciously, that she needed to protect her inner nature from the outside world and had used the coping strategy of hiding herself completely behind the live wire exterior.
National center for case study teaching in science, university at buffalo. I put a few drops onto the fingers of the babys mother, and she gently rubbed it on to the babys little wrists. I made up a mix of remedies in a dropper bottle for what i thought he might need and started him on the drops about two weeks before the first day of term. Then they went to their cottage on holiday. She was peacefully playing with some blocks i gave her while her mother explained to me what was going on in the family. Both mother and daughter were very grateful for the remedies. In a short period of time she started coming down and feeling better, and was fine by morning. It seemed that she was very irritable with everyone around her and found herself shouting and becoming difficult to be with. I put a drop of the star on it. She has two children organising to leave the family for three weeks seemed difficult, but she really wanted to go.
Agero® Enabling rapid-response roadside assistance with weather-aware personnel planning. Roadside assistance is a vital service for driver safety—and an insurer's ability to respond rapidly when drivers are stranded has a huge influence on customer satisfaction.
Start with a Story The book Start with a Story is a collection of 40+ essays that examine every aspect of the case study method. Included are numerous examples of case studies as well as strategies, tips, examples, ideas, and resources for applying the case method to the science classroom.
She was so impressed with the remedies that she bought a whole set and is planning to get back to the uk to take a weekend course. I was introducing the remedies to a mum-to-be who was becoming very temperamental during the last stage of her pregnancy. The smell of the alcohol filled the room, along with the essence itself. My son started full-time school last autumn. Suddenly, in a matter of seconds, the little girl stood up on a chair and fell down, hitting her eyebrow on the edge of the wooden table.
I also gave him within a very short time he started to feel better and was soon living a normal life again. Michael had already handed in his notice and had booked a place on a reflexology course. I put a few drops onto the fingers of the babys mother, and she gently rubbed it on to the babys little wrists. She found it difficult to handle his indecision and apparent lack of direction. All at once the mother told me she was intending to divorce the childs father.
I looked back and we exchanged smiles of relief. Her christmas present last year from her father-in-law was a beautifully crafted box for her remedies. The idea is to treat as quickly as possible and discharge patients, especially those with unsavoury difficulties like drug addiction. A gentle person, michael worked in finance with colleagues made hyperactive by the pressure of work. I took over with me | 1,644 |
Big Data will have a profound economic and societal impact on the mobility and logistics sector, which is one of the most-used industries in the world contributing to approximately 15% of GDP.
Big Data is expected to lead to $500 billion in value worldwide due to time and fuel savings, as well as a significant environmental impact by saving an estimated 380 megatons of CO2 just in the mobility and logistics sector. With freight transport activities projected to increase by 40% in 2030, transforming the current mobility and logistics processes to become significantly more efficient will have a profound impact. A 10% efficiency improvement may lead to cost savings of €100 billion in the EU. Despite these promises, merely 19% of EU mobility and logistics companies employ Big Data solutions as part of value creation and business processes.
The Transforming Transport (TT) project will demonstrate the transformative effects that Big Data will have on the mobility and logistics market. To this end,<|fim_middle|> models.
IT Innovation's work in TT focuses on the Proactive Rail Infrastructures pilot, using our expertise in Big Data analytics, machine learning, data mining and knowledge modelling for investigating the rail network's mechanical and electrical assets in order to provide health assessment and making prognosis of implications for the assets' maintenance regimes. This work builds on projects such as TRIDEC and ZONeSEC.
The Transforming Transport project is a 29 month project funded by the EC H2020 ICT framework programme.
This project has received funding from the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 731932. | TT validates the technical and economic viability of Big Data to reshape transport processes and services to significantly increase operational efficiency, deliver improved customer experience, and foster new business | 31 |
Robot arrives on the space station to keep astronauts company
Posted 10:43 am, December 9, 2019, by CNN Wires
The first mobile astronaut assistant in space, CIMON, has a sibling: CIMON 2. It is shown here during tests in the Columbus mock-up at the European Astronaut Centre in Cologne. CIMON 2 was launched to the International Space Station on 4 December 2019 on board a SpaceX-19 rocket from Cape Canaveral in Florida. Credit: DLR (CC-BY 3.0)
On Sunday, SpaceX's Dragon capsule docked at the International Space Station, bringing supplies, experiments including "mighty mice" — oh, and a friendly robot to keep the astronauts company for the next three years.
CIMON-2 is the next generation of the Crew Interactive Mobile Companion. The robot was built by Airbus at the German Aerospace Center and uses IBM artificial intelligence based on Watson technology. It's designed for human interaction and to help the astronauts with tasks as it autonomously navigates around the European Columbus research module on the space station.
In 2018, the first generation of CIMON joined astronauts on the space station. The robot marked the world's first artificial intelligence system on the space station.
European Space Agency astronaut Alexander Gerst performed and recorded a 90-minute demonstration with CIMON that showcased the robot's ability to fly freely around the station and play music. Its "smart face" was able to spot and recognize Gerst, make eye contact and carry on a conversation with him. The robot also helped provide instructions and took video and images of Gerst.
Because CIMON can record the astronauts, it caused a question of ethics concerning what CIMON can share and say.
"The new CIMON has a built-in switch that enables the data streams from all cameras and microphones to be interrupted from the ISS. The astronaut has control over CIMON at all times, which was especially important for us," said Judith Buchheim, a researcher at Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich and part of the team of physicians who evaluated the ethics of the experiment.
CIMON returned to Earth in August, and the German Aerospace Center Space Administration determined that his first outing was a success. CIMON-2 was already in the works, full of upgrades that were deemed necessary during the first robotic test.
"It is planned that CIMON-2 will stay on the ISS for up to three years and support the crew," said Till Eisenberg, CIMON Project Manager at Airbus. "CIMON-2 has more sensitive microphones and a more advanced sense of orientation. The AI capabilities and stability of the complex software applications have also been substantially improved."
This extended stay will allow CIMON's design team to evaluate how the robot could be utilized during future missions, like uploading its AI to a cloud on the space station to create a completely autonomous assistance system.
CIMON-2 also features another intriguing upgrade: a kind of emotional intelligence.
"When it was first deployed on the ISS, CIMON proved that it could understand not<|fim_middle|> on human interaction to learn. Microphones help it interpret voices and identify its location while fans help it rotate and turn to face astronauts when called. Psychologists helped CIMON develop a personality, and it can respond using different tones, from teasing to sad.
Myers-Briggs classifications are responsible for his introverted, sensing, thinking and judging personality.
His personality has been on display before. During his demonstration with Gerst, CIMON asked the astronaut to "not be mean" when the robot was playing music and Gerst asked him to stop.
And for anyone having flashbacks to Hal from "2001: A Space Odyssey," astronauts can even ask CIMON what he thinks about the sci-fi AI and he'll respond with "I'm afraid I cannot do that" in the same eerie tone.
The robot has other potential uses for future space missions.
"With CIMON-2, we are looking to build on the successful CIMON demonstration," said Christian Karrasch, the CIMON Project Manager at the German Aerospace Center Space Administration, in a statement. "On a journey to the moon or Mars, the crew would be able to rely on an AI-based assistance service, without a permanent data link to Earth. One specific application for Earth, for instance, would be helping people to perform complex tasks in areas with poor infrastructure."
Download KPLR 11's Weather App
Track the changing conditions in your neighborhood with our FREE weather app on your smartphone.
Husband serenades his wife in moving video as she battles brain cancer
Meet the former Navy SEAL turned doctor who will soon be an astronaut
NASA unveils new spacesuits for the first woman and next man on the moon
The story behind the first batch of cookies in space and the first zero-gravity oven
SpaceX's Crew Dragon completes fiery emergency escape test ahead of first astronaut mission
Samsung's BB-8-like personal assistant Ballie follows you around at home
NASA says moon rocket could cost as much as $1.6 billion per launch
Meet the xenobot: World's first living, self-healing robots created from frog stem cells
St. Louis Aquarium announces grand opening set for Christmas Day
A security camera captured a police officer in Australia saving a choking baby
'Third Floor Sam' has strangers buying him beer at work
Two men rob Sunset Hills gas station at gunpoint
St. Louis County Police joining in National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day efforts
Hong Kong parking space sells for almost $1 million | only the content within its given context, but also the intention behind it," said Matthias Biniok, IBM's Lead Watson Architect for Germany. "CIMON-2 goes one step further. With the help of the IBM Watson Tone Analyzer from the IBM cloud in Frankfurt, it is now able to evaluate the emotions of the astronauts and respond to the situation in an appropriate way if this is desired by the astronauts, or if its emotional analysis capabilities are being tested as part of an experiment. This allows CIMON-2 to transition from a scientific assistant into an empathetic companion, as required."
CIMON gets his name from a reference to Professor Simon Wright, the "flying brain" robotic assistant from the Japanese "Captain Future" sci-fi series. He was created with the ability to understand, speak, hear and see. He can even nod and shake his head — which is essentially all CIMON's body consists of.
In the beginning, the 3D printed plastic was called a "spaceball" by its engineers.
He was initially designed to help astronauts efficiently complete their work by explaining instructions and information for repairs and experiments, offering hands-free access to documents and media and acting as a mobile camera. He can also document experiments, search for items and take inventory.
But CIMON can also be a conversational companion for lonely astronauts.
"Studies show that demanding tasks are less stressful if they're done in cooperation with a colleague," Biniok said.
CIMON uses two cameras as its eyes for facial recognition and five others to help him autonomously navigate and record video.
But CIMON relies | 325 |
Magic is an album recorded by the Four Tops, released in 1985 on Motown Records.
The album reached No. 2<|fim_middle|> producer (track 8)
References
1985 albums
Four Tops albums
Motown albums | 3 on the Blues & Soul Top British Soul Albums chart and No. 33 on the Billboard Top US R&B Albums chart.
Overview
Half of the Magic album was produced by Reggie Lucas, which was the idea of Iris Gordy, who felt his work on the debut double-platinum Madonna album reminded her of an updated Holland-Dozier-Holland sound. The other half was handled by Willie Hutch.
Reggie Lucas produced the song "Maybe Tomorrow", a duet between Levi Stubbs and Phyllis Hyman, which received substantial urban contemporary airplay.
Singles
"Sexy Ways" peaked at No. 21 on the US Billboard Hot R&B Singles chart.
Track listing
Personnel
Levi Stubbs - lead vocals
Abdul "Duke" Fakir, Renaldo "Obie" Benson, Lawrence Payton, The Andantes - backing vocals
Reggie Lucas - | 183 |
<|fim_middle|> Lyft data, Waymo autonomous | Lyft Vows to Make Driverless Data Public
By Keith Naughton | July 25, 2019
Lyft Inc. is making research data on self-driving technology available to the public in a bid to accelerate the development of robotic cars, which is seen as critical to the ride-hailing giant's future viability.
Billing it as the largest such trove of data made available to researchers and rivals, Lyft said Tuesday the initiative includes more than 55,000 three-dimensional frames gleaned from cameras, lidar and radar installed on its research fleet. It also includes data from highly detailed maps created by Lyft's test vehicles, which have been gathering data for nearly two years.
"One way to help accelerate innovation in this space is to have broader collaboration not just with industry, but with academia," Luc Vincent, executive vice president of Lyft's autonomous driving unit, said in an interview. "We don't care about doing everything in secrecy; we care about accelerating the whole industry."
Eliminating the human driver from a cab will cut costs by as much as 60%, raising the prospect of lower fares and fatter profits. Lyft has partnered with Google parent Alphabet Inc.'s Waymo autonomous car unit and leading auto software supplier Aptiv Plc, but may have less to lose by making its data public since its own self-driving research is believed to trail industry leaders.
The race to the driverless car has slowed considerably since an Uber test vehicle struck and killed a woman last year in Tempe, Arizona. Now tech and auto executives are saying they may have overestimated the arrival of the autonomous age and promise to focus on safety before turning the wheel over to robots.
Lyft contends that by releasing its driverless data, it can help push the creators of the technology to come up with solutions that solve the remaining challenges. "It's quite possible that through this data we will accelerate another player that will eventually create something great," Vincent said. "Then hopefully we will put that on the Lyft platform."
Copyright 2021 Bloomberg.
Categories: National NewsTopics: autonomous data, driverless vehicle data, | 433 |
Skoda Finance is a subsidiary of Volkswagen Financial Services AG, Europe's largest automotive financier, who have been providing clever finance solutions for over 60 years.
Adrenalin Media was approached by the client with the requirement of website redesign to improve overall brand awareness and website look and feel, allowing visitors to access dealership details easily – and for those looking to buy a Skoda, to educate them about the different automotive finance options that are available. Kentico 7 was chosen and carefully implemented to fulfil the main objectives: to drive customer leads to the Skoda dealerships in Australia, and to create the ability for existing and new customers to contact Skoda Finance online. The site uses responsive techniques, lead/contact form capture into Kentico, integration into third party systems as well as Google Maps API.
Since its launch, the site has seen significantly increased page views, visit duration and increase in the number of leads to the dealerships.
OSN is the largest pay TV network in the Middle East and North Africa that offers international television entertainment content. OSN is the home of nearly 140 channels offering viewers in the MENA region exclusive access to the latest blockbuster movies, top rated series, sports, documentaries, news, kid's entertainment and live talk shows.
OSN wanted to deploy a robust, enterprise-level CMS that could be deployed in a web farm and handle large traffic. Citytech Software selected Kentico EMS because it could meet the client's high expectations of 50% growth in online subscription. Moreover, the platform is secure enough and easy to use for content administrators.
Citytech have implemented bilingual content (Arabic and English), which is fully mobile responsive as mobile devices are on the rise in the Arabic world. Due to the diversity of the area covered, content personalization has to be implemented based on the visitors region. Currently, they operate across 21 countries and for each country, content<|fim_middle|> match exactly the specific structure they desired.
Since the site has gone live, the site traffic and goal conversions have already improved. Particularly, goal conversions are up by over 50% in comparison to the previous site.
With a network of 35 display centers nationwide, Freedom Pools is one of Australia's most awarded swimming pool manufacturers.
The objectives, clearly set by the client, were to design and build a new visually appealing website which would sell the Freedom Pool lifestyle and choose the platform that could handle variation in products, content, sizes and finishes across states. To maximize their marketing efforts, the client wanted to implement an efficient system to create and track online marketing campaigns across states, increase enquiries through increasing calls to action on individual product pages and create targeted enquires for specific products as opposed to general enquiries.
The Real Estate Institute of Canada (REIC) is a leading provider of advanced education and designation programs for real estate industry professionals in Canada.
The project started with the main goal of redesigning the existing site with a clean modern look and feel using responsive design principles that allow visitors to access site resources using any device or platform. Kentico 8 has met clients' requirements, including website integration with a third party CRM that is used to allow members to view, modify and perform actions related to their accounts. It also includes integration of multiple chapter websites – currently with their own domain and technology setup – combining them into a centralized website that provides a consistent look and allows chapter website content to be easily managed by non-tech savvy individuals. Moreover, multilingual functionality was necessary to display all information in both Canadian national languages. As a result, their new website allows site visitors and members to easily and seamlessly shift through and locate information, accessing resources and registering for courses and events. | can be adjusted.
The complexity of the project is highlighted by the integration with the client's internal systems – IBS and BOB platforms for channel information, channel schedule, user subscription and box activation.
SLA report shows its availability of almost 100% since the site has been migrated to Kentico.
Online subscription increased by 22.4% after the site went live.
Bluebonnet is one of the largest electric cooperatives in Texas, USA. Since 1939, they've been committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to their clients in 14 Central Texas counties.
Bluebonnet wanted to offer their customers a new mobile-optimized website that would not only be a single-point source of up-to-date information, but also an online tool used to update their contact information, report outages, request specific services, make payments, view electric use data and setup alerts based on member specified limits.
The Royal Academy of Engineering promotes excellence in the science, art and practice of engineering. They are Britain's national engineering academy as well as the fellowship of the country's most eminent engineers.
The Royal Academy's site was built to bring together a number of sites onto one platform, including the main site and an online nominations portal for fellows. Further objectives for the site included; increasing engagement for regular and occasional website users, an optimized experience for both mobile and desktop devices and a fresh design that was in keeping with the established RAE brand.
Ecommerce and Integration with Sage Pay, allowing users to pay for events.
Integration with email marketing solution, Campaign Monitor.
The feedback so far has been overwhelmingly positive, with the usability of the online nominations portal receiving particular mention.
Kingspan Insulated Panels has a long tradition of leadership and innovation, playing a key role in the evolution of the global insulated building envelope industry.
The Kingspan Insulated Panels websites are used to drive awareness of their overall brand and to engage customers with their product offerings. Overall, the key objectives are to increase growth in traffic to the website and gain an improved understanding of customer behavior and experience.
The project began in mid 2013 using the Kentico 7 platform with the aim to provide site visitors with valuable content, to make Kingspan Insulated Panels a trusted source for industry-related information. The implementation includes use of EMS, Integration with SalesForce and multi-lingual versioning in 3 different cultures. Since the website on Kentico was launched, overall site traffic has increased by 68.24%, new users are up 81.06% and organic bounce rate has DROPPED 9.91%.
I-CAR, the Inter-Industry Conference on Auto Collision Repair, is a not-for profit organization uniquely centered in the heart of the automotive collision repair industry.
I-CAR is evolving from its historical focus on training to offering a platform of education, knowledge and solutions for the collision repair inter-industry.
Improving the user's experience with an easy to navigate interface, delivered on a responsive platform.
Increasing customer engagement through personalized and relevant content, A/B testing and integrated web marketing.
Creating self-service opportunities for users with streamlined content and enhanced e-commerce processes.
The new I-CAR website was developed in partnership with Catalyst Fire and the I-CAR IT team, and has further enabled I-CAR to fulfill their vision of providing the information and knowledge needed to the auto collision repair industry to ensure complete, safe and quality repairs for the ultimate benefit of the consumer.
Santia is the UK's leading provider of health & safety risk management solutions.
Santia advised Oakwood that their CMS purchase decisions would ultimately rest on the functionality and ease of use of the system. They recommended Kentico as the best technology to underpin the site, and used key stakeholder interviews to design a customer-focused experience throughout.
Santia now has a new responsive, multi-lingual site with ecommerce capabilities built in. Content is clearly presented, and equally simple to manage through a single system – a win for both customers and the client.
Law In Order is Australia's leading supplier of end-to-end document and digital solutions. They service clients in diverse industries including the Legal, Government and Corporate sectors.
The main goal of the new website was to provide Law In Order with a strong lead generator – both in terms of the quantity and quality of leads. Another major goal was making the site responsive to cater to Law In Order's growing percentage of users using mobile devices. Moreover, the client required a platform that is easy to maintain and organize content with and that creates and manages forms with ease.
Create Studios utilized Kentico 8, which allowed them to easily customize how the front-end code was rendered to | 957 |
The minister of Inter-provincial coordination Fehmida Mirza will chair the first meeting of<|fim_middle|> uplift the status of sports in the country.
The committee will also plan things to stage National games and the first youth games.
It is pertinent to mention here that Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier set up a sports committee having Ehsan Mani as head to overview sports-related issues running in the country. | the sports coordination committee on Thursday in Islamabad.
The committee, which was set up by the federal government, will discuss several issues concerning sports in the country.
Sports ministers of all four provinces including advisor sports Abdul Khaliq will attend the meeting in which the ministers have to present their province's report on sports.
The minister sports of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit are also invited in the meeting as the government wants to flourish sports there as well.
According to the sources, the committee will overview sports issues and try to sort out solutions to | 107 |
Things to know - for WNHS Seniors & Their Families
Senior year is an exciting – and often hectic – time. Students and their parents are sometimes overwhelmed with information and details.
Here, WNHS Seniors and their families will find updates, schedules, FAQs, and more to help navigate this busy year.
Throughout the year we will add new information to the area below.
As always, we are available to help with any additional questions or concerns. Contact our main office at 815.334.21<|fim_middle|>00 a.m. (Students plan on staying for 3 hours)
Please note - In order to participate in the graduation ceremony, all registration fees, lunch accounts, books and/or fines must be paid in full by April 1, 2023 & chromebooks returned as well.
Early grads fees must be taken care of by December 1, 2022.
Prom is Saturday, May 6, 2023. (Students must have 90% attendance to purchase tickets) | 00.
Graduation will be held on Saturday evening, May 13, 2023 @ 6:30 p.m. (Each student will get 4 tickets at graduation practice)
Cap and gown orders will be taken at school on November 17th during all lunch periods. (Packets will be mailed home to students)
Graduation practice will be held on Friday, May 12, 2023 in the auditorium @ 9: | 100 |
As a Strength and Conditioning Coach, I've always liken my job to that of a structural engineer: Drawing up the frame work, designing the structure from the grounds up while tackling the<|fim_middle|> previous gains. Athletes that stop training WILL lose strength, power and speed within 6 weeks of their season and increasing their chances for injury. In-season training is an integral part of elite athletics. | environmental and human variables, and ensuring functionality. Often, it is a simple and quick process that yields spectacular results. Other times, it can be a long and strenuous process of trial and error before the desired results ar e achieved. In either case, achieving top athletic performance requires a plan. Here is a simple and easy-to-follow plan to get you started.
Take time off to recharge your body. This is the time to get proper therapy and rest. Plan out your nutritional and training strategies and set performance goals for the entire year. This is also a good time to reflect on the previous season in a positive and constructive manner.
Time to execute. Assess yourself physically to establish a baseline, find any imbalances in your body and locate performance gaps. Commit to 4-5 training sessions per week focusing on imbalances, mobilization, base strength, hypertrophy and core training.
Reassess yourself to identify any gaps in your training routine. Review your goals and make any necessary changes to your nutritional and training strategy. Continue to commit 4-5 training sessions per week focusing on power development, sport specific skills, and conditioning.
Think Synergy! Everything that you've accomplish is coming together. This is the ultimate time to convert power to SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) Commit to 3-4 training sessions per week focusing on skill execution, power, speed and agility development.
In order to maintain off-season gains, you must commit to at least two training sessions per week. Not only will you reduce potential injuries, but you will head into the next offseason ready to build on top of your | 326 |
Jamie & Dan's wedding is coming up in just a few weeks, so we recently braved the heat and did their engagement session (or as I like to<|fim_middle|>lestown. I can't believe that I have only been to the Bunker Hill Monument one time before in my life – what a beautiful spot for engagement photos! We had a beautiful evening and the light was gorgeous. From Bunker Hill we walked down to the Charlestown Navy Yard and had an incredible view of Boston.
In addition to making adorable photos, we spent the session talking, laughing, and getting to know each other. Getting to know your photographer is so critical to having wedding photos where you look comfortable and relaxed – I can't emphasize it enough! And in an engagement session, not only do you get to know your photographer, but you also get used to their style and their approach. On your wedding day, you don't need any photography jitters, so a Get to Know you Session really helps break the ice.
I had so much fun with these two and am looking forward to their wedding coming up very soon! | call it, their "Get to Know You Portrait Session") in Char | 14 |
Sketchblog
Jamie Douglas
Memory Pictures
This is a series of illustrations of moments from my life that stand out to me. Snippets of the past the float into my consciousness from time to time. All of these drawings were done out of my head, trying to capture the place and the mood as best I could, from memory.
Catching Crayfish at Tracy Creek
Late Summer, 2010
"We had climbed the ladder to the top of this old, empty water tower adjacent to our campsite outside of Richmond, VA. We went down there to check out some apartments, and we found a good one on W. Main street in the Fan. But before we had all that figured out, the three of us sat up there in the dark blue air, staring out into the humid canopy."
Junebug's House and the Top of the Hill
The RER
"I don't think I've told anyone about this before. In college I had a secret spot in a pocket of forest, bordered by some little-used parking lots and a back entrance road into campus. I had three large extruded aluminum letters I'd found while exploring outside an abandoned hospital with friends. I put them at the spot, and thought of it as The RER. It doesn't stand for anything. It was a good place to go and and think things over.
Maybe this isn't terribly interesting. But you'll never find The RER! "
"Picking Blackberries on Lunch Break at the Overgrown Ross Park Amphitheater, Circa 2006 ."
High Night View of Binghamton and the Surrounding Hills
About 2:30 a.m. on the sloping, rubbery black roof of the abandoned
Masonic Temple, downtown Binghamton NY. Late summer, 2010.
A. laid back with his arms crossed behind his head. He was twenty one this night, had just finished his second FourLoko. He had led us up the ladder and we'd climbed through broken second story window. He'd showed us the crumbling theater where a huge chunk of concrete had fallen from the ceiling, and the room with all the tangled electrical guts spilling out of bare wall studs. On our way up the stairs to the roof access, an injured pigeon burst up from a pile of dusty rubble, startling us as it took off. A. cursed violently and kicked a glass bottle. Now he leaned back against the ridge of the roof and closed his eyes.
D. motioned toward the distant hills. "You can see all the radio towers from here. When we were teenagers, me and my friends had nothing to do, we'd take Adderall and drive around all night, trying to see if we could find all of them. They're easy to spot from this far away, but as you get closer it's hard to know where they actually meet the ground."
Chess on the Balcony
Cold Beaches at the Church of Abe
This one is sort of a crossover between my memories project and my music zine.
This was the band's last show before their singer moved to Chicago. Pretty sure this one is weirdly accurate, down to the band's clothing and instruments, the details of the room. It was a few years ago, but I had solid sketches and a clear memory. There's nothing like a good gritty greasy basement full of people and loud music.
Dandelion Fight in the Parking Lot
Waiting for our ride at sunset after fencing class. In late summer the dandelions had grown long and thick. More like whips than swords, when we popped the flower heads off with thumb and index finger, the hollow tubes leaked clear sap. They swished through the air with blurred speed as we laughed and jumped around eachother, trying to avoid more bright red welts on our forearms.
Camping at Lake Whasi
<|fim_middle|> photocopying; though my image is much less wild. I scanned a wristband from some show for use as a design element. The type was created with Lettraset, the rub-on letters that graphic designers used back before Photoshop! My inexperience with this media lent a sort of authentic analog wonkiness that I could never replicate with just a computer. The lizard I drew in my sketchbook with a pen. Why three eyes and five legs? I like to imagine that it's form is being jiggled and distorted by the force of radio goodness blasted through the airwaves from the Tower of Low Power."'
Super Taskers
When multitasking, some rare individuals perform better—but 98% percent of us fail horribly.
Personal project, ink & digital.
Space Gator
Somewhere in the distant oceans of time and space, amongst nebulous fronds and bubbling rays of light, the space gator plays!
Personal project, acrytlic & oil.
Corner Painting
Seemed like a good idea!
Sketchbook, ink.
The Athlete
Pen/digital
Riverbar
Spot for an article about the most popular places to drink in Richmond, VA. 1st place: on the banks of the James River.
Client: Gay RVA Magazine, graphite & digital.
A compilation of sketchbook drawings from local shows.
Gull at Big Secret
Machinegun Mustache
Way Shape or Form
Old Time Jam
Beer & Banjoes
Feed God Cabbage
NikTurner/Hawkwind & Prog-rock Backup Band
Hank's Saloon
Sketchbook pages, drawings from life & memory in bars, restaurants, public & private places.
Roof of the Masonic Temple, Binghamton NY
Cary St.
Helen's
Lamp Lighter, Addison St.
Chinese Buffet, Christmas Day, Vestal NY
Black Hand Coffee
Cary & Boulevard
Commercial Taphouse (Pi Day)
30'60'90 Studio
Gnarly Skulls
Ink Mountain
WRIR 97.3 | Not a lake really, just a pond on private property. Not where we said we'd be camping. Mud, reeds, a dry flat spot for the tent, peeper frogs & crickets, a well used firepit with some old beer cans, crushed and charred.
WRIR 97.3 Independant Radio
Fall Fund Drive T-Shirt 2018
'We asked Jamie Douglas to explain his illustration. "The design was inspired by punk show flyers made with collage and | 101 |
T'was a mysterious night…a snowy night where hundreds of turntablists turned their heads to one event: Skratcher 2. In it's second happening since 2010, Skratcher 2 harvested the skills of turntablists and displayed them four setups long. With loopers provided by the Skratcher Family, the turntables were almost never empty, save for the few intermissions that happened throughout the night. The best part<|fim_middle|> form. | about this event was that it brought out participation from every level. It wasn't about how much skill one had or how much skill they didn't have. It was purely based on the love and appreciation for scratching. With that in mind, the beginning of the night was dedicated to beginners, and then it was open sign up for the rest.
It doesn't look like Skratcher is losing any momentum at all – be sure to come out, whether for the first, second, or third time – to support and appreciate this diminishing art | 108 |
Sign up to Play Games!
Harnessing complexity to solve problems.
What are Social Ecological Systems?
Social Ecological Systems (SESs) are comprised<|fim_middle|> on how people learn about those practices, we can leverage those findings to inform education and outreach strategies. | of biological, geological, and physical elements affected by social agents and their institutions. They are considered complex, adaptive, and bounded either spatially or functionally. SESs all share two key concepts. The first fundamental concept is that human behavior is influenced by, and has influence at, multiple levels, including intrapersonal, interpersonal, organizational, community, and public policy. The second concept common to SESs is reciprocity between these levels: for example, the social environment affects individuals' behavior, and vice versa.
The SEGS lab uses games and simulations to model complex SESs to better understand them, and ultimately to inform public policies about them.
SEGS lab games and simulations are interactive models of Social Ecological Systems that cut through their inherent complexity, allowing us to focus in on the key factors and behavioral patterns that impact system-wide outcomes. These models enable manipulation of variables in ways that would be impossible or unfeasible in real life (e.g., introduction of a disease; pollution of a river). In playing games, people interact with simulations to help us understand whether, under what conditions, and in which ways people respond to new information and/or different structural conditions.
We can apply what we learn through games and simulations back to the real world that was modeled. For example, if we learn that the likelihood of adoption of certain management practices depends | 272 |
NF Network Mission
Impact Statement
What is NF
NF Clinical Care Options
NF Network Advocacy Program
Advocacy Action
Advocacy FAQ
Sam Leary Scholarship
The Network Edge
Participate in NF Research
NF Research Programs
NF Network Inspire Support Community
Camp New Friends
NF Heartline
#NFStrong Events
NF Hope Concerts
Links for Lauren
Docs Rock for NF
Scully Coffee4NF
Rock Out to Knock Out
Run4NF
Ways to Help NF
NF Supporters Circle
NF Awareness Campaign
Annual Appeal
What is the NF Network Advocacy Program
2019 NF Network Advocacy Program - Kim Bischoff, Executive Director of the Neurofibromatosis Network
Since 1996, Kim Bischoff has led the charge on Washington and been a vital voice for federal funding for NF research. In addition to her role as Executive Director, Kim sits on the CDMRP panel as a consumer and has done both peer review and programmatic review for the last 8 years. Kim, along with advocates from across the country, descend on Capitol Hill each February with the NF Network Advocacy Program and educate Congress on the importance of continued federal funding for NF research. Kim shares her story and experience of how she is spreading awareness and advocating for federal funds for NF research with her interview above.
The NF Network Advocacy Program is the leading national neurofibromatosis advocacy program working to secure federal funds for neurofibromatosis research. The program consists of several NF patient advocacy organizations coming together as one voice on Capitol Hill, educating Congress on the importance of funds for NF research. The program is advised by a Leadership Council and attended by NF patient organizations and individual participants.
For the past 20 years, During Hill Visit days, the NF Network Advocacy Program stormed the halls of Congress with strong NF advocates educating congressional offices about the importance of federal funding for NF research. Advocates participating in this program have been the voice of the NF community on Capitol Hill for over 20 years, and have been instrumental in generating over $600 million dedicated to NF research.
Since 1996, NF research has been funded through two vehicles:
1) Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP)
Funded research led to the creation of the NF Clinical Trials Consortium a group of 25 clinical sites worldwide with an operational center to analyze data.
2) National Institutes of Health (NIH)
NF advocates, urge their senators and representatives to support NF research funding through the CDMRP and the NIH. Continued congressional funding is critical to the clinical trials that may ultimately lead to a treatment and cure for NF and related disorders. It is with your support and the help of our NF advocates that the funding programs become possible.
You can play a vital role in securing federal funding for NF research. Our advocates represent the voice of the NF community in Washington D.C. and fight for a future without neurofibromatosis. If you are interested in joining the NF Network Advocacy Program Hill Visit Days or scheduling a meeting with your member of Congress, please give us a call at 630-510-1115, or email us at admin@nfnetwork.org.
Participating Organizations of the NF Network Advocacy Program
Neurofibromatosis Network Neurofibromatosis Northeast Texas Neurofibromatosis Foundation
Neurofibromatosis Midwest Neurofibromatosis North Central
Neurofibromatosis Michigan Littlest Tumor Foundation Neurofibromatosis Upper Midwest
Neurofibromatosis Central Plains Neurofibromatosis Arizona Neurofibromatosis California
NF ADVOCATES PHOTO GALLERY
Click the photo to view photos from the 2020 NF Network Advocacy Program.
How is NF Research Funded
Since 1996, NF research has been funded by Congress at the Department of Defense (DOD) through a Congressionally Directed Medical Research Programs (CDMRP) called Neurofibromatosis Research Program (NFRP) and through the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
CDMRP NF RESEARCH PROGRAM
The Congressionally Directed Medical Research Program (CDMRP), ran through the Department of Defense, was created in 1996 and is an efficiently run national program that offers cutting edge awards targeted directly towards Neurofibroatosis research through a competitive peer-review process to fill gaps in ongoing research, complementing initiatives sponsored by other agencies, such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the nation's medical research agency —<|fim_middle|>H institutes that conduct NF research
National Cancer Institute (NCI), National Institutes of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), National Eye Institute (NEI), National Institute on Deafness and other Communication Disorders (NIDCD), National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI), National Center for Research Resources (NCRR), National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), National Institute on Aging (NIA), National Institute of General Medical Sciences (NIGM), National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences (NCATS), and the Office of the Director (OD)
Become an NF Advocate
We need YOUR voice - join the NF Network advocates! As the national leaders in the promotion of government-funded NF research we need YOUR voice to bring the NF message to Congress each year to secure federal funds for NF research. As an advocate, you will:
Generate action from our elected officials by making calls and writing letters
Stay on top of policy and legislative issues through alerts and updates
Help elevate the need for NF Research funding
Join us to increase NF research dollars
Interested in having your voice heard on the Hill? Create your own personal story! See below for samples of letters we have received for reference on how to write your own personal story.
Local Visits
To establish a meeting with your representative in your local district use the following links, for the House and Senate. After finding the representatives names, call the local office and ask to speak with the person who handles state scheduling and request a time to meet with the member of Congress when they are in the district. If they will not be in the office when you would like to meet, request to meet with a health or defense aide in that office. The ideal time for meeting is in the Month of February or March. For more information watch the webinar below on how to structure your local meeting. Please call us and we will be happy to assist you, 630-510-1115.
Capitol Hill Visits
The NF Network Advocacy Program is the leading national Neurofibromatosis advocacy program working to secure federal funds for neurofibromatosis research. The program consists of several NF patient advocacy organizations coming together as one voice on Capitol Hill educating congress on the importance of funds for NF research. The program is advised by a Leadership Council and attended by NF patient organizations and individual participants.
During Hill Visit Days, the NF Network Advocacy Program storms the halls of Congress with strong NF advocates and educated congressional offices about the importance of federal funding for NF research. Advocates participating in this program have been the voice of the NF community on Capitol Hill for over 20 years, and have been instrumental in generating over $600 million dedicated to NF research.
Sign up to Stay iNFormed Submit Your NF Story
Watch: Talk to Your Member of Congress about NF Research
NF Advocacy Toolkit
NF Needs Your Local Voice
FY22 Senate Written Testimony
NF Clinical Trials Consortium
NF Advocacy Fact Sheet
Military Benefit
FAQ's for Advocacy | making important discoveries that improve health and save lives.
NI | 11 |
As a Coach & Lawyer for the past 25+ years, I've just about seen it all.
Especially when it comes to business partnerships and agreements.
Normal, rational folks – people who started<|fim_middle|> place…to help head off any misadventures at the pass. And regarding the second one, the process for handling them in the first place, that as I said before, is something we'll cover in another piece.
But as far as the "dirty little secret" is concerned…I'd boil it down to expectations. Just know that within your partnership, you're not ALWAYS going to get your way, or get what you think is best every time.
And know that that's ok. | out as best of friends – going toe to toe in the courtroom, with high priced lawyers and court fees going through the roof. I've seen partners sue each other simply on a misunderstanding, and I've seen spouses of business partners influence – and ultimately ruin – the very partnership itself. But when it comes the "dirty little secret" of partnerships, I think it's this: You are not going to get everything you want. And when you say it out loud it sounds silly, but you'd be surprised.
I think a lot of people don't take that into account BEFORE going into partnership, which in my mind is one of the key drivers behind the sheer volume of adverse legal action in this country.
People didn't get what they wanted. (Or at the very least, not what they expected.) And instead of walking through the "5 Steps for Resolving a Dispute with Your Business Partner" (an article we'll post later!), they run for the nearest courthouse (with lawyer in tow), and start screaming bloody murder!
Now to be sure, there are certainly occasions where going to court and having a good lawyer are absolutely essential. As a lawyer. I speak from experience. But I think a lot of that could be avoided if more people understood going in that they are not going to get everything they want out of every business decision inside their partnership. And in most cases that's ok!
3. Access to other people you might not otherwise know.
Yes there are other reasons, but those are what I call the big 3 motivations when it comes to starting a business partnership.
Now in order to get any of those benefits, there are obviously going to be some strings attached! Namely that you have to at least talk to your partner about major decisions you're consider as it relates to the overall partnership. And people being people, some natural disagreements are going to arise, which again, isn't a problem.
B. You don't have a process in place for handling them.
So for the first part, that's what we're talking about right now. Recognize that these situations are going to arise and talk it out BEFORE any partnership deal is struck. Personally, this is why I highly recommend a written partnership agreement in the first | 452 |
The UK government has recently published the Outsourcing Playbook. The Playbook provides guidelines and principles for central government and those involved in infrastructure projects on how to avoid the most common errors observed in outsourcing projects.
The Playbook recognises the impact of the collapse of Car<|fim_middle|>, the Playbook is a positive step towards a healthier and more sustainable sector and the Playbook is an interesting and encouraging read for potential suppliers.
It will be interesting to see how the guidance is adopted and put into practice and in particular whether the policy changes will deliver on the government's aims of improving the efficiency and sustainability of the sector, through better engagement between the government and the private sector. | illion on the infrastructure sector and acknowledges that steps must be taken to improve how government outsources projects. The government suggests that the Playbook "heralds a new ethos" in how government will make its outsourcing decisions.
Of particular interest is the government's acknowledgment that they may have previously expected too much from the private sector. One of the key themes emerging from the Playbook is the need to ensure that risks sit with the party best placed to manage them so that contracts do not become too onerous or unprofitable for suppliers. In this regard, the Playbook makes an interesting and encouraging read for potential suppliers as it recognises the need for contracts to be profitable and expectations to be reasonable in order for contracts to be viable for suppliers.
At the core of the Playbook are the government's 11 key policy changes which aim to develop robust procurement strategies and help shape an environment in which suppliers want to engage and work with the government. The policy changes also aim to help the government and suppliers improve preparedness for the rare occasions where projects do go wrong.
Greater visibility for suppliers: ensuring suppliers have early visibility of contract opportunities by expecting all central government departments to publish a pipeline of current and future projects for at least the upcoming 18 months.
Market awareness: more consideration will be given to the health of the market as a whole during the preparation and planning stage of projects with the aim of identifying potential weaknesses and facilitating increased competition. Recognition is given to the benefits of greater engagement with the market in order to better understand the deliverability and feasibility of projects.
Improved decision making within central government: through adopting tools and mechanisms within central government, including project validation reviews and a make versus buy assessment, the government aims to ensure that their decision making processes are improved.
Better management of risk: greater consideration will be given to which party is best placed to manage risks in particular ensuring that the decision making process is informed by genuine and meaningful market engagement and analysis. More thought will also be given to the pricing and payment mechanisms with the aim of making outsourcing a thriving, dynamic and, importantly, sustainable sector.
Of particular interest is the government's acknowledgment that governmental departments should not ask suppliers to take on unlimited liabilities and where suppliers are managing risks outside their control, the contract should include the appropriate drafting within the payment mechanism or indexation provisions to ensure that the contract does not become unprofitable for suppliers. The playbook also recognises that if the government wants to have control over how the services are delivered, an input based pricing model should be adopted with minimal or no risk being transferred to the supplier.
Developing robust procurement strategies: more consideration should be given to the appropriate procurement method depending on the complexity of the services or project being delivered.More focus will be placed on ensuring that the procurement processes selected are proportionate to the size and complexity of the contract.
Safeguarding against supplier insolvency and better resolution planning: better mechanisms will be adopted to try and help to understand the financial stability of suppliers. The aim being to strike a balance between safeguarding the delivery of public services whilst also being proportionate, fair and not overly risk averse. Changes will be implemented to ensure that central government is better prepared for the rare occasions when things do go wrong.
In what has proved to be a challenging time for the sector | 664 |
Lisa N. Powers has joined our team as our new Director of Business Development. While new to our staff, Lisa comes with considerable experience in the Association industry having most recently served as the Manager of Superintendent and Business Services with the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB). Prior to her tenure at MASB, Lisa served as the Director of Development for the Michigan Restaurant Association (MRA) and has spent the better part of the last decade listening to the needs of association members, and businesses alike, to craft custom solutions to best serve their needs. She brings this expertise with her, and is excited to serve our business partners and clients with the same passion she brought to her Association career. Lisa is here to help you and your organization and fully understands the unique challenges business professionals deal with daily.
Over the next few weeks, Lisa will be personally contacting you to introduce herself. If you'd like to reach out, feel free to contact her at lpowers@i2integration.com and join us in welcoming her to the team!
With a video and multimedia business barely off the ground, John Forsberg had a meeting in 1994 with a client when the client mentioned that he would also like a website.
"I said 'Sure.' Then I drove straight to<|fim_middle|> in a bit of both worlds: the design and the interactivity in wireframing and prototyping a development project. I can plot out the wireframe with clickable buttons, menus, etc. I can prototype workflow. And I can also develop a sense of the actual UI design.
Whether it's a website, a mobile app, a custom desktop app, etc., we have started using JustInMind to lay out the wireframe, UI/UX and flow of our client application development projects. What we're really liking is that our clients don't have to picture in their mind what the final product will look like. With this app, they can see, click, maneuver and prototype what the final product will be, along with an extremely accurate representation of what the application will actually look like, design-wise.
One of the cool features in JustInMind is the ability to quickly jump back and forth in previewing between devices to see how the website or app will look and function. Create an app for an iPhone, then review it on an Android tablet, then a desktop. Quick and easy.
Creating some interactivity functions can involve a steep learning curve. For instance, it took me several hours to figure out how to create a slide-out, pull-down menu for a mobile application design. I eventually figured it out, but the numerous steps involved seemed excessive for how common the function is on mobile devices. I'm hoping that will be rectified in future versions.
Regardless, this app is already saving our clients (and us) a tremendous amount of time and cost by reducing false starts, miscommunications or misaligned expectations.
That means more attaboys. Fewer "Aw sh**s."
This summer my wife and I demolished a third of our house. As in, we tore-it-down-to-the-ground demolished. The goals? To rebuild that section of our little house situated on the banks of the Flat River in Lowell, Michigan with more windows facing the river, a higher ceiling in the bedroom, more closet space and the ability to move our washer and dryer to the main level should stairs ever pose a problem (we're not that old yet, but we plan ahead).
Like a similar project we did six years ago (small guest-room and office), my wife and I are doing all the finish work ourselves. We're also using some of the lessons learned at work to make smarter decisions at home, and vice versa.
And surprisingly enough, there's a whole lotta Agile Development going on.
We didn't plan to apply the principles of Agile to our home project; it was more like it suddenly dawned on us that we had been doing it all along.
With that plan, our contractor did one- to two-week "sprints," including the tear-down, framing, electrical, etc. At the end of those sprints, he would provide a "deliverable" for us to evaluate and tweak as needed, such as a new window where one hadn't been planned, eliminating the reconstruction of a wall we thought looked better once it was removed, and hey, while we were at it, we decided to get rid of that cast-iron tub and its '80s tile surround (word to the wise: hire the bathtub out; cast iron is a bugger).
Our house was built around 1936 as a fishing cabin. Because of that, it was impossible to have predicted all the "gotchas" that might affect the project along the way. By doing it the Agile way, there was just enough time for a pause between sprints to assess our next move and add or eliminate (mostly eliminate) items from our budget to keep the project on track.
The end result: we're thrilled with the final "product". Strangely enough, a few things that least excited us in the beginning have ended up being the few things we love the most. The major thing learned was how key communication is throughout. Even going a week without an update from the project manager was cause for concern. Are we on time? On-budget? Why does our phone suddenly not work? When will we not have power temporarily? Hey... we have no gutters, so is that why we have standing water in the dining room?
A lot of what we've done at i2Integration in the past few months has been done with the goal of improving communication between our developers and our clients. Are we there yet? No. But we're working hard. Having been on the other side for an entire summer, I've been reminded just how crucial that is. | a bookstore and began learning everything I could about website development," Forsberg recalled. "That was our first website."
That one website transformed the direction of the company. Just three years later, i2 partnered with Microsoft, becoming one of the first companies in the U.S. to develop video for the web using Microsoft NetShow, a technology that would become Windows Media.
As they grew, they advanced into more complex programming, system design and application development. To reflect that, the company's name was changed in 1999 from Forsberg Multimedia to i2Integration.
Today, i2's clients come from across the U.S., and include a leading publishing company in New York City, a major southern U.S. retailer, a leading national wireless carrier, non-profits in Washington D.C. and even a veterinary clinic in Key West, Florida.
Forsberg's company has become known for its development and support of a content management system called DNN. To date, they have implemented upward of 500 DNN sites for organizations worldwide.
They also do development and support for Microsoft SharePoint, iMIS, Avectra netFORUM and SalesForce CRM.
"We never stand still," Forsberg said. "One day we might be building an entire e-commerce system for a major retailer, or building a mobile app, or a website redesign. And all that could happen the same day."
Innovation also plays a role. i2 is currently working on a web-based financial projection application for small businesses.
"It's a project born out of love (and necessity) when the economy crashed in 2008," Forsberg said. "From a crude app we built in 2008 that quite literally saved our business, we've refined into a sleek and powerful tool for small business owners. We're in the beta stage and plan to roll it out this year or early next. But so far the response has been incredible. We're pretty geeked about it."
With so many web development companies coming and going, Forsberg said client trust has been paramount to i2Integration's consistent track record.
"We've always been straight with our clients, even if it's not in our best interest," he said. "I don't know how many times we've offered recommendations that made sense for the client that meant us doing nothing at all. I'd rather have a happy client who knows we're looking out for them, because they'll come back – and they have. Do right, and you'll be rewarded."
Many years ago I was working on a project for a client. They were happy, I was happy and the project was moving along beautifully. Seeing how pleased I was, my client turned to me and said, "Just remember, John. One "aw sh**" wipes out ten atta-boys."
POW. I never forgot that. His statement stuck and has been a foundation for how I do things ever since. One area in particular where I put that lesson to use is in the planning of web application projects before production (coding) begins.
And by "application," I mean a website, a desktop app, a mobile app... it doesn't matter. Today it's best to think of everything as an app.
By "planning," I mean taking the time to wireframe and prototype the application to ensure there are no pitfalls, false expectations or problems that may crop up in the future. It's all about foreseeing and eliminating a devestating "aw sh**" moment that could later on effect the timeline, cost, stability or even success of the project.
So, what's a good wireframing and prototyping tool out there today? Recently we've begun using a new application called JustInMind. From the moment I started playing around with it, I fell in love.
JustInMind has managed to blend | 785 |
Legal Services at the MSC
By DHSP Multi-Service Center (MSC)
We (CASLS) provide free legal advice for low income families and individuals in Cambridge, by MSC case manager referral, with shelter, affordable housing, and public benefits issues.
Please attend MSC walk-in hours to request a referral to meet with a CASLS attorney, as these sessions are by appointment only.
MSC Walk-in Hours to request CASLS appointment:
Mondays from 9am-7:30pm
Tuesdays from 9am-4:30pm
Wednesdays from 9am-4:30pm
Thursdays from 9am-4:30pm
Fridays from 9am-11:30am
No in office appointments, all appointments are scheduled virtually.
Referrals still required by a case manager.
Ages 18 to Senior Adult.
Cambridge residents only
MSC Front Desk
Sign-up is ongoing
Clients must be referred by the MSC case manager. Appointments are scheduled on a bi-weekly basis. Please contact the MSC for more information.
Multi-Service Center
Translation services available - Contact the organization for more details. Wheelchair accessible
CASLS, a regional office of Greater Boston Legal Services, helps clients seeking to resolve issues with affordable housing, emergency assistance (family shelter), and federal and state public benefits. In order to secure a Wednesday morning appointment with a CASLS attorney at the MSC, attend MSC walk-in hours and speak with an MSC case manager about your situation.
Last updated November 5, 2020.
Eliot Community Human Services<|fim_middle|>
The STAR program serves low-income Cambridge tenants facing eviction who have been issued a Summary Process Summons and Complaint, offering financial and clinical support towards tenancy preservation.
Cambridge Haitian Services at the MSC
The Cambridge Haitian Services program addresses the social services needs of the Haitian community living in Cambridge, with an emphasis on Haitians serving Haitians.
See all programs from DHSP Multi-Service Center (MSC)
Housing Assistance and Legal Help | at the MSC
DHSP Multi-Service Center (MSC)
Eliot Community Human Services' mental health shelter specialist is a clinical social worker that works closely with the Mass. Department of Mental Health, offering a wide range of services.
Financial Assistance at the MSC
The Multi-Service Center can provide housing-related financial assistance towards eviction prevention funds and move-in costs, especially for individuals and families who are exiting homelessness.
Case Management at the MSC
Our Case Managers assist people experiencing homelessness, those at risk of becoming homeless, or other Cambridge individuals or families in need of short-term support.
Support for Tenants at Risk (STAR) at the MSC | 130 |
small business – Cool San Diego Sights!
Posted on September 8, 2018 Tags art, crafts, creativity, education, entrepreneurs, events, family, imagination, inspiration, kids, san diego, shopping, small business, successLeave a comment on Kid entrepreneurs showcase their creativity!
A fun peek into Gaslamp shop windows!
Two humorous surfing signs in window of San Diego Trading Company.
I like to peek into shop windows whenever I walk through the Gaslamp Quarter in downtown San Diego. Many of the windows are sure to have displays that are amusing or eye-catching.
Enjoy these fun photos from this morning!
T-shirt proclaims Being Normal is Boring in window of IT'SUGAR Candy Store.
A wine bottle has been converted into a salty sea captain at the Michael J Wolf Fine Arts gallery.
A dish towel at Bubbles Boutique reminds everyone to be nice to your kids–they choose your nursing home.
Frida Kahlo socks in the window of Find Your Feet. Viva La Vida!
Art by prolific local muralist Gloria Muriel in the window of Sparks Gallery.
Posted on April 12, 2018 April 12, 2018 Tags art, artists, crazy, creativity, downtown, fun, funny, gaslamp, humor, san diego, shops, small business, walking, windows5 Comments on A fun peek into Gaslamp shop windows!
Colorful gifts and history at The Black in OB.
Windows at The Black contain all sorts of sights that fit right in with the laid-back, unconventional OB lifestyle.
Walk through Ocean Beach, particularly down Newport Avenue, and you'll pass all sorts of weirdly wonderful shops. Look into some windows and you might think you traveled by time machine back to the 60's.
I paused for a moment in front of The Black, a store that sells stuff that fits perfectly with OB's alternative lifestyle. Coming down the sidewalk were surfers, retired hippies, free-spirited youth and sandal-wearing professionals. I looked into one window filled with dragon figurines and small toy robots.
My eye was then caught by a nearby historical sign. It explained that The Black's rather plain-looking building, dating from 1918, has been home to a variety of more traditional grocery stores and markets selling meat, fruit and fresh produce. But that was decades ago. Long<|fim_middle|> Black in Ocean Beach.
I see some fun, nostalgic robot toys!
I also see a Sgt. Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band tin tote and a Super Mario figure.
Posted on January 21, 2018 Tags buildings, city life, color, community, gifts, history, ocean beach, photography, shopping, shops, small business, streets, unusual, windowsLeave a comment on Colorful gifts and history at The Black in OB. | before the counterculture's rise in the 1960's.
One fascinating thing about history is that a community can change in ways that seem rather unexpected!
The Black in Ocean Beach occupies a building with a unique history. Greeson Hardware was once here, as were various markets, and the USO.
Historical photo on the building at 5017 Newport Avenue in Ocean Beach shows past markets. The Black's owner won the right to lease in the building after winning a card game across the street.
In the window of The Black I see Gumby, Mr. Bill, some drums, guitar strings and a Grateful Dead baby onesie.
Smoke shop items and other diverse gifts can be seen in the front windows of The | 152 |
This choice of 23 essays represents the simplest papers from the 13th foreign convention at the exceptional within the Arts. students representing varied views at the magnificent<|fim_middle|> and Disney's Beasts in that he is not the traditional enchanted prince envisioned in the mid-eighteenth century, first by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve and then by Jeanne-Marie Leprince de Beaumont. | handle various works—including these via Jane Austen, J.R.R. Tolkien, Stephen Donaldson, Ursula Le Guin, Jean Baudrillard, Anatole France, William Blake, and Angela Carter. topics addressed diversity from kid's stories and vintage literature to paper sculptures and renowned tv sequence. Containing provocative functions of scholarly statement to sensible existence, this quantity might be of curiosity to students of technological know-how fiction, myth, horror, and pop culture, and to others who need to know which themes are presently trendy within the field.
This literary lifetime of the best-loved of all of the significant Romantic writers makes use of Coleridge's personal Biographia Literaria as its place to begin and vacation spot. the main sustained feedback and bold concept that had ever been tried in English, the Biographia used to be Coleridge's significant assertion to an embattled literary tradition during which he sought to outline and protect, not only his personal, yet all ingenious existence.
Questions of chance examines the actual varieties that modern American poets prefer and people they overlook. The poets' offerings show either their objectives and their boundaries, the recent percentages they observe and the traditions they locate incredible. by way of shut consciousness to the sestina, ghazal, love sonnet, ballad, and heroic couplet, this examine advances a brand new figuring out of up to date American poetry.
This advent offers the key issues, kinds and types of Russian poetry. utilizing examples from Russia's maximum poets, Wachtel attracts on 3 centuries of verse, from the beginnings of secular literature within the eighteenth century to the current. summary: This advent provides the main subject matters, types and kinds of Russian poetry.
Revered by means of his friends and highly profitable across the world in his personal time, André Maurois is now not often learn. average and conciliatory in every thing, together with his literary variety, he appealed to the proficient reader of his time, yet did these very characteristics hinder him from reaching lasting contrast and effect?
The Pinocchio ofC Collodi. Transl. and annot. James T. Teahan; illustr. Alexa Jaffurs. New York: Schocken, 1985. The Adventures of Pinocchio. Illustr. Fritz Kredel; transl. M. A. Murray. New York: Grosset & Dunlap, 1989. The Adventures of Pinocchio. Translated from the Italian by Carol Delia Chiesa; illustr. Attilio Mussino. New York: Macmillan, 1989. The Adventures of Pinocchio, Story of a Puppet. Translated with an introductory essay and notes by Nicolas J. Perella. Berkeley: University of California, 1991.
The Prospero of this island of tunnels is a sort of "first-among-equals," an older physician and compassionate pragmatist named Jacob Wells (perhaps an allusion to another creator of Utopian worlds, H. G. " Like many a learned humanist, however, Father scorns the idea of magic as irrational; even so, magic exists, somewhat apart from the Underground community, in the person of the blind prophetess Narcissa, who sometimes offers Vincent and others guidance that Father, for all his powers of reason, cannot ("Dark Spirit").
Eliot's) about consensus reality. This fantasy world is not distant in time but is necessarily contemporary with its audience. As such, it is more immediate to its viewers than the traditional, consciously oldfashioned, magic-castle worlds of Cocteau's great 1946 film La Belle et la Bete, with its Renaissance hallway lighted by human-arm candelabra, and of Disney's popular 1991 animated film Beauty and the Beast, with its eighteenth-century dancing dinnerware. Vincent, as the Beast, also differs from Cocteau's | 810 |
LAKEPORT — On Saturday a very exciting and exclusive show will take place at the Soper-Reese Community Theatre. Doors will open at 6 p.m. and showtime is 7 p.m.
Major Brian Shul will present the "Spy Pilot Chronicles," which has never before been seen in Lake County. This entertaining and motivating presentation will benefit Operation Tango Mike, a local program sending monthly care packages to deployed troops.
Shul spent 20 years as an Air Force fighter pilot. In Vietnam, he flew 212 missions before his aircraft was shot down and he sustained life-threatening injuries. Unable to eject, Shul was forced to crash land.
Crawling from the burning wreckage, he was ultimately rescued by a Special Forces unit. Shul was given little chance of survival.
Shul"s story is one of determination and perseverance. He not only survived, but went on to be one of only a few to pilot the SR-71 spy plane. His riveting story includes exclusive photos, taken from the cockpit when he was flying the world"s fastest jet. The formerly "top secret" photos are both stunning and amazing. Shul also became a TOP GUN instructor.
Brian Shul is the only person ever to have flown with both the Air Force Thunderbirds and the Navy Blue Angels. His photography from those adventures is also impressive. The Thunderbirds were so awed with his work that Shul was named an Honorary Thunderbird, a title bestowed upon very few.
You will be entertained, inspired and fascinated by Major Shul"s story. Shul tells his story as only he can, with humor and candor. His presentation is unique and there is no other like it in America today. You will hear of a man lying near death in the jungles of Southeast Asia, overcoming adversity and flying the world"s fastest jet. You will see breathtaking photography and hear about routinely flying at 2,000 miles per hour at 80,000 feet.
Shul retired from the Air Force and pursued his careers in writing and photography. He is the author of the award winning book, "Sled Driver: Flying the World"s Fastest Jet." The book was awarded the Aviation Book of the Year by Smithsonian Magazine and is known as the definitive chronicle of the SR-71. Shul"s SR-71 photos are considered the rarest in the world.
Following the "Sky Pilot Chronicles," you are invited to a meet and greet with Shul in the lobby of the Soper-Reese Community Theatre. Enjoy refreshments and meet one of the few men ever to fly the SR-71 Blackbird. Shul"s books and other items will be available for purchase.
"The Sky Pilot Chronicles" offers something for everyone. Shul"s show will appeal to the aviation enthusiast, history buff and anyone looking for a fun and fascinating evening.
Advance tickets are $15 and may be purchased at Umpqua Bank in Lakeport and Kelseyville and Strong Financial Network in Lakeport. Tickets may be purchased from the Soper-Reese Communit Theatre by calling 263-0577, and credit cards are accepted. You may also contact Ginny Craven of Operation Tango Mike at 349-2838. Seating is limited and advance purchase is highly recommended. If they remain available, tickets at the door will be $20.
If you wish to support Operation<|fim_middle|>838 to make arrangements. | Tango Mike but are unable to attend the show, consider "sponsoring a veteran." You may purchase tickets and donate them for veterans who would otherwise be unable to attend. Please contact Ginny Craven at 349-2 | 47 |
DECENTLY AND IN ORDER.
"Let all things be done decently and in order."—1 Corinthians 14:40.
RECENTLY, by various circumstances among the companies of the saints, our attention has been drawn to the subject of order in the Church. As the numbers of those separated from "Babylon" by the sickle of harvest truth increase, and in small or larger groups assemble themselves together as the Lord directed (Heb. 10:25), we find new difficulties and see new dangers arising, particularly on account of the great activity of our ever-vigilant adversary. These have led us again to a very careful consideration of the subject in the light of the Scriptures.
The apostles had much to say to the early Church concerning order in the assemblies of the saints; and apparently [R1890 : page 259] we have been rather negligent of this wise counsel, feeling it to be of rather minor importance, because the Church is so near the end of her course and the harvest is a time of separating. But it is safe to continue to heed very carefully "the things written aforetime for our admonition." Though the time is short to the end of our earthly pilgrimage, the issues in the battle with the principalities and powers of darkness become more and more critical, and the contest in every individual case is becoming more sharp and decisive.
While it is true that harvest is a time for separating, it is also a time for gathering. Should the farmer be content to thresh out his grain and leave it scattered on the ground? No; he knows that unless he afterward gathers and stores it his labor will be lost: it will decay on the ground, or the birds will come and devour it. Now the Lord is a wise husbandman, and he indicates that both the separating and the gathering are parts of the harvest work, saying, "Come out of her, my people [separate yourselves from Babylon];" and again, "Gather my saints together unto me, those that have made a covenant with me by sacrifice."
We, therefore, that are separated from Babylon are not to stand alone and separate from each other; but we are to gather together in Christian fellowship and communion around the table of the Lord—the harvest table, so richly and bountifully spread for us. "Wheresoever the carcass [the food] is, there will the eagles [the hungry and farsighted eagle class, who discern the food from afar off] be gathered together." (Matt. 24:27,28.) We are to assemble ourselves together and to strengthen the bonds of love and fellowship, and "so much the more as we see the day approaching." And in so doing it is a matter of special importance that we carefully consider what the Scriptures present as profitable for the various companies of the saints thus assembled.
ORDER IN THE EARLY CHURCH.
In the days of the early Church the printing press was not yet at the service of the truth, and even the manuscript copies of the Word of God were not in the hands of the people; nor had the masses the ability to read for themselves. The New Testament Scriptures, too, were only in process of construction. In course of time the Apostles' letters were exchanged among the congregations and copied for reconsideration and instruction.
Their lack, however, of the things we now possess, was, according to their necessities, made up to them by the great Head of the Church in the various gifts—of tongues, of interpretation, of prophecy, etc., many of which have now passed away, as Paul declared they would (1 Cor. 13:8), being superseded by the richer blessings of later times—the complete and compact Word of God in the hands of the people, among whom education has become general; and all the wonderful helps to its understanding afforded by Concordances, Bible Dictionaries, etc., etc.
In order that the meetings of the Church should be profitable in those early days an orderly arrangement of their affairs was enjoined by the apostles, and acted upon by the various companies of believers. Those who had the gifts of tongues, or interpretation of tongues, or prophecy, were not all to speak at once; the unlearned and illiterate women of those days (especially in Corinth—see our issue of July, '93, page 201) were not to interrupt and confuse the meetings, etc., etc. And the whole service [R1890 : page 260] was to be characterized becoming dignity, sobriety and solemnity; yet with the greatest simplicity, all, in an orderly way, from time to time, according to their several ability, taking part in the work of edifying and building up the body of Christ. Some had the ability to instruct the Church in sound doctrine; some had the gifts of tongues or of interpretation; some were able to exhort and encourage; and all were able to unite their hearts in prayer and to lift their voices in praise, in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. (1 Cor. 14:15; Eph. 5:19; Col. 3:16.) And thus becoming acquainted with each other, they were able to bear one another's burdens, and together to advance in Christian growth and development, their means of edification being supplied by the Lord, and their orderly methods through the advice of the apostles.
While this order in the exercises of their meetings was thus indicated, and was acted upon by the Church, there was also an order in the leadership and various duties of the Church. Thus, for instance, Paul and Barnabas, when they had gathered companies of believers in Lystra, Iconium and Antioch, "ordained them elders in every church;" and then, commending them to the Lord, they took their departure. (Acts 14:21-23.) Paul also commissioned Titus to go from city to city, and in every place to ordain (appoint) elders, whose duty it was to take the oversight of the Lord's flock in their vicinity, to feed them with the truth, to guard them against the wolves in sheep's clothing, and, in a general way, to act as their representatives. (Titus 1:5; Acts 14:23; 20:17,28; 1 Pet. 5:1,2; Acts 15:6,23-28.) The qualifications of these elders were also clearly set forth by the Apostle.—1 Tim. 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-11.
ORDER NECESSARY TO-DAY.
If this order was necessary to the spiritual prosperity of the early Church, and, because necessary, was so authoritatively enjoined and so universally adopted, so that there were no exceptions to the rule in any place, it is certainly a question worthy of consideration whether the same necessity does not exist among the companies of believers to-day.
We believe that the same necessity for order and for the appointment of elders does exist to-day, and for the same good reasons that it existed then, which reasons are as follows:—
(1) Because in the Church, as in a family, there are various degrees of spiritual development. Some are babes, and need the sincere milk of the Word, while others require the strong meat; and it is necessary therefore that some one "apt to teach" should be in a position to do so. There are also various temptations, trials, difficulties and dangers which all are not equally prepared to meet. Hence the necessity of wise and discreet overseers, men of some experience and ability, deeply interested in looking out for the spiritual welfare of all, and capable of instructing them in the truth.
(2) Because now, as then amongst the early Church, there are wolves in sheep's clothing who would "privily bring in damnable heresies," against which the chosen elders should be able to defend the flock; and against which they should be able to arm them by leading them to a very thorough knowledge of the truth. Then, too, as the Apostle forewarned us, "Of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them;" and the faithful elders will be quick to discern and prompt to warn and defend the flock against all such influences.—Acts 20:28-30; Titus 1:10,11; 2 Pet. 2:1-3.
(3) Because if no such arrangements and appointments had been made in the legitimate way indicated by the Apostles, some one will take the leadership and hold it indefinitely; and almost imperceptibly a whole company will find itself more or less in bondage to that one. Such cases have frequently arisen, and brethren have written to us for some suggestions as to how they might be released without offending or hurting the brother who had taken the leading position.
This taking the leadership has really been a necessity in many cases, and has been undertaken generally with the purest of motives, and with good results up to a certain point; for instance, it sometimes happens on this wise: A brother full of love for the truth and of zeal for the Lord's cause gathers about him a few who receive the truth with gladness, and who desire and need further instruction, which he, being more advanced, is able to give; and together they grow in the knowledge of the truth, and through their united zeal the company increases, until finally it is deemed advisable to remove the meetings from private parlors to a hall. By this time some other brother in the company proves more capable for the larger and more public work, but all fear to suggest that the more capable brother take the lead, for fear of offending the one of less ability, though long recognized and still beloved. In some cases even a hint of such a thing manifests a little feeling of resentment, and it is plain that the brother has come to feel a sort of proprietorship in the company, and he feels and speaks of them as his people, etc., etc., instead of as the Lord's people. But this is not always the case, we are happy to say; for sometimes the grace of meekness continues to grow, and self is lost sight of in zeal for the Lord's work.
Again it sometimes happens that some one who is the most lacking in the grace of humility, and therefore the least adapted to the situation, is forward to take it and anxious to hold it; and if he be not sound in the faith, the company is soon afflicted with spec<|fim_middle|> not mistake the disorderly for the weak, and comfort them; but patiently, lovingly, warn the disorderly. But after you have faithfully warned such a one, if still he obeys not the truth, "note that man, and have no company with him that he may be ashamed. Yet count him not as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother." Not until it becomes manifest that the Lord has cut him off, may we cease to feel a brother's interest in him.
The Lord also gives explicit directions in cases where difficulties arise between brethren.—Matt. 18:15,17.
The great Head of the Church also furnishes abundant means for the edification of his people—for their building up in the most holy faith and their development in Christian character. Then we have his constant supervision and leading throughout our earthly pilgrimage. He is our [R1893 : page 265] Head, we are his body; he is our Shepherd, we are his sheep; he is our Captain, we are his soldiers. Now we are the Church on probation, on trial; now we are the Church militant, in the midst of our warfare, hoping by and by to be approved as faithful soldiers and worthy to be admitted into full membership in the Church triumphant, in power and great glory.
Thus we see how thoroughly the true Church of Christ is organized, under Christ, its Head, even in this probationary state, as we journey through the wilderness to our promised Canaan. We are all under the orders of our great Commander whom all must obey and follow who would reach the rest that remaineth for the people of God. Oh, no, we are not our own, and have absolutely no liberty to do our own will in any matter. All is subjected, even our very thoughts, to the will of God in Christ; and our membership in his Church is made dependent upon our faithfulness in recognizing this and in rendering cheerful, loving obedience. We cannot do as we please in any matter: we are strictly under law to Christ, whose holy spirit must rule our every deed and word and thought; and our constant effort must be thus to bring our every power and talent into subjection to him.
In this blessed bondage to Christ, a bondage of love, there is the highest sense of liberty, as, one after another, the shackles of sin drop from us. The world and its ideas and vain ambitions, and follies, and pride, and its superstitions and fears cease longer to fetter us, and the windows of our minds and hearts are thrown wide open that the glorious light of divine grace may stream in, and our hearts rejoice and sing.
THE APOSTOLIC ORDER THE LORD'S ORDER.
Thus the great Head of the Church has marked out our course for us. He has said, "This is the way; walk ye in it." He has prescribed all the conditions and arrangements, etc., and it is our part to faithfully follow his directions. It is to him that the Apostle Paul ascribes the orderly arrangement of the affairs of the Church, saying:—
"And He gave some apostles, and some prophets, and some evangelists, and some pastors and teachers; for the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ: till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ." (Eph. 4:11-16.) Here, as in 1 Cor. 12:12-20 the Apostle illustrates the relationship of the Church to each other and to the Lord by the parts of a human body: and he intimates that every member is to be nourished and exercised, that the body may be symmetrical, perfect. Again the same apostle tells us, "God hath set the members, every one of them, in the body, as it hath pleased him. [Each should seek to recognize the Lord's appointments in his own case, as well as in that of others: and each should endeavor to serve according to the Lord's recognized arrangement, only.]....For the body is not one member, but many....And God hath set some in the Church; first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, etc., etc." We believe that the Lord has faithfully performed his part, all along during the age providing servants in his Church; but evidently his people have not always looked for those of his qualifying and appointing; and undoubtedly they have missed considerable by this failure, and by accepting instead a self-appointed, self-exalted, self-instructed and self-perpetuated "clergy."
There were but twelve apostles, and their inspired ministry has been to the whole Church, even to the end of the age. They had no successors, but the Lord has from time to time raised up teachers and pastors with varying degrees of ability, able in measure to instruct and care for the interests of the flock.
The term "elder" seems to be applicable to any or all of these servants whom the Lord sets in his Church for its edification, some of them having a principal service while others are assistants. Thus the Apostles classed themselves as elders. (1 Pet. 5:1.) The term "elder" would signify an elder brother, not necessarily an elder in years, but matured in Christian character. Timothy and probably Titus were young.—1 Tim. 4:11,12; Titus 1:4; 2:15.
If in any company one or more seem to have marked talent for the public presentation of the truth, such ability should be recognized by all, and all should cooperate in making use of it; and special meetings ought to be appointed to this end. Such meetings seem to have been rare in the early Church, as there were not many gifted speakers like Paul or Apollos or Peter. But such talents, when found, were used, and were of good service. So it should be among us. The talent for public speaking may be ordinary or extraordinary, and in either case edifying. The congregations should be the judges of that; and if no such talent be found public preaching services would best not be held, but instead, such other services as would edify more, and for which suitable talent is found in the company.
THE OBJECTS TO BE SOUGHT IN THE ASSEMBLIES
OF THE SAINTS.
Note also the objects to be sought in the assemblies of the saints and the ministry of elders, etc. It was not merely social enjoyment, nor to go through a formal routine of service; but it was (1) "For the perfecting of the saints for the work of ministry." These assemblies were to be training-schools, in which all the saints might become the more fully equipped for the service ["ministry"] of the Lord—not only the glorious service of the future, but also the essential service of the Church in the present age, by which the bride is to make "herself ready" for the future service. To this end all the saints should be diligent students, and the instruction should be as systematic and orderly as possible, and with a view to thoroughness of development, rather than entertainment. We remember that Paul upbraided some who were not sufficiently advanced and established for their opportunities, saying, "When for the time [in which you have had these privileges] ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God [the doctrine of Christ], and...have need of milk, and not of strong meat."—Heb. 5:12.
(2) It was for the edifying of the body of Christ,—for the knitting of all together in the unity of the faith and of the spirit and in love and devotion to God, that as one body they might advance in the development of Christian character and grace and knowledge toward the stature of the fulness of Christ.
In this view of the object of our assembling together we see that we have a most important work to accomplish. Let us therefore study to show ourselves workmen approved unto God, rightly dividing the Word of truth. It is also in this view of the subject that we have commended the plan of the "Dawn Circles for Bible Study" mentioned in our issue of Sept. 15, as an aid to thoroughness and system in our preparation for service, and as one of the means of grace; tho not the only one.
We advise that one meeting each week be held for such purpose, either on the Lord's day, or on some evening during the week. If we really believe that the plan of the ages is the divine plan, the meat in season in this harvest time, and that its times and seasons are of divine appointment, then the value of thoroughness in the study of it, that we may be able to give a reason for the hope that is in us, cannot be overestimated. It is just what all need to arm them for the conflicts of this "evil day"—these "perilous times;" and for this purpose undoubtedly it was given us of God. In such meetings as these the stronger can be of great service to the weaker in assisting them to put on the whole armor of God and in showing how every scripture that may be brought forward fits into its proper niche in the divine plan, which is one grand, harmonious whole. These and all meetings should always be introduced and closed with worship and praise.
We recommend also a mid-week meeting (devotional and social in character, not doctrinal), consisting of prayer, praise and testimony; the special object of these being the cultivation of the devotional spirit and of Christian fellowship, love and communion. Thus we may exhort one another and provoke one another to good works. A good feature in both of these meetings is the opportunities they offer for all to participate freely and to edify one another.
ORDER IN THE ALLEGHENY CHURCH.
It may be a matter of interest and profit to many to know of the order of the Church here in Allegheny. Of course, we have no list of membership, for we leave the keeping of the books entirely to the Lord: He knoweth all them that are his; and we recognize them by his spirit manifested in them. We have preaching, prayer and praise in the German language from 1.30 to 2.30 o'clock P.M., and in English at 3 P.M. every Lord's day, and a general Bible Study in the evening, beginning at 7.30 and preceded by a half hour's praise service.
As we are too widely scattered for a general mid-week meeting, we have seven cottage meetings, in different parts of the two cities, on Wednesday evenings; and several "Dawn circles" are being started on Friday evenings. A number of competent brethren have been chosen by vote of the congregation to take charge of these meetings, and at the end of each quarter they exchange so as to give variety to the companies, and the better to acquaint the leaders with the spiritual condition of the whole church of this place. A few also go out occasionally to adjacent towns to extend a helping hand to other little groups. Our effort being to draw out and develop as much talent as possible in the Church, sometimes one or two names are dropped from the list at the end of the quarter and new ones supplied, and afterwards those names may be picked up again and voted into service.
In addition to these leaders the company has appointed a number of sisters (ten in all), who cooperate with the brethren in visiting and general pastoral service. These sisters are specially chosen with a view to fitness and [R1895 : page 266] to opportunities of time, etc., for the service. Their work is chiefly among the sisters, while the brethren who lead the evening meetings look chiefly after the brethren.
This, of course, does not interfere with the duty and privilege of all in caring one for another, but it insures a systematic care over all, which might otherwise be to some extent neglected, as all are not so situated as to have time, etc., at their command, and as our time is occupied in a variety of ways which make it impossible to properly attend to these pastoral duties without such aids.
At the end of each quarter we meet together with these representative brethren and sisters and consult concerning the spiritual conditions and needs of the Church here. We are happy to say, also, that no note of discord or manifestation of strife or vain glory has ever been observed among these co-laborers. The work is undertaken and accomplished in the spirit of love and meekness, and the desire to do good, and is greatly blessed to the edification of the dear flock of this place.
THE RELATIONSHIP OF CONGREGATIONS AND ELDERS.
To those in position as elders in the Church the Lord says, "Be not ye called Rabbi [a great man, a master]; for one is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren;" while to the congregation of his people he also says, "Call no man your father upon the earth; for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye [any of you] called masters [i.e., neither give nor receive titles of any kind], for one is your Master, even Christ."—Matt. 23:9,10.
No marks or badges of distinction or flattering homage of any kind may be tolerated in the body of Christ. No brother, however efficient or useful, should desire it or receive it from the church without protest and rebuke; and none should so far forget the admonition of the Lord as to bestow it. All ye are brethren—brethren of like passions and all subject to infirmities; and let each take heed that "no man put a stumbling block [to pride or vanity or any other evil thing], or any occasion to fall, in his brother's way." (Rom. 14:13) Many indeed have been the prominent ones in the Church who have been overcome by flatteries—undue praise, worshipful reverence—arising mainly from the unwarranted presumption on the part of the flock that the elder brethren who minister to them in spiritual things are beyond the reach of temptation or the possibility of stumbling. It is this lack of consideration of the Lord's command that often makes the position of a leading brother one of peculiar peril. It was flattery of the leaders of the Great Reformation that stayed the progress of that good work and caused many of them of understanding to fall from their steadfastness. (Dan. 11:34,35.) But let it not be so among us: let each strive to shield the other from temptation, and to edify and build up in every principle of righteousness and truth, and in soberness of mind and watchfulness against all the intoxicating influences of the spirit of the world.
There is a vast difference, however, between a healthful, cordial brotherly love and sympathy and warm and grateful appreciation of faithful service, and that unwholesome sentimentalism which savors of the spirit of the world, and which is always as fickle as it is false. The manly Christian will always discountenance everything that savors of worshipful reverence and flattery; and when offered, will say, in manner if not in word, "See thou do it not; for I am thy fellow-servant....Worship God" (Rev. 22:9); but the less mature will often court and receive flattery to their own injury. It is for this reason that the Apostle counsels the choosing of elder brethren of established character for leadership, rather than a "novice." While the Lord arranged that the Church should have some apostles, elders, pastors, teachers, evangelists, etc., he would not have us use any of these names as titles of honor; and therefore, while recognizing these positions of service in the Church, we should always continue to address and [R1895 : page 267] to speak of these brethren merely as brethren—brethren beloved in the Lord.
While the Church is thus guarded on the one hand against the worldly spirit of vain glory, she is equally guarded on the other hand against that cold, unappreciative, cynical disposition which in that envious, pharisaical spirit plainly says, "Give God the glory, we know that this man is a sinner." "We beseech you, brethren," says the Apostle, "to acknowledge them which labor among you, presiding over you in the Lord, and admonishing you; and to esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake."—1 Thes. 5:12,13.
Again he says, "Have confidence in your leaders, and submit yourselves [i.e., if you, according to the Lord's methods, have chosen the right kind, or rather if you have permitted the Lord to choose them for you in the way he has indicated, as shown above]; for they watch for your souls as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy and not with grief."—Heb. 13:17.
Thus, while the elders are cautioned against assuming to be lords over God's heritage, the flock is also cautioned not to defy the elders, nor to blindly and worshipfully follow them without proving their teachings by the Word of God, but all, in humility and meekness, are to harmoniously cooperate together as one body for the upbuilding of itself in love and in all the Christian graces, and for the general advancement of the work of the Lord.—1 Pet. 5:1-11.
THE ONENESS OF THE BODY OF CHRIST.
Before leaving this many-sided subject of order in the Church, we would also briefly call attention to the Lord's design that the whole (living) Church, however widely scattered over the world, should be knit together as one. It was so in the Apostle's days, and it should be so still. It is a pleasant observation that, even with their limited means of communication, whenever there was opportunity the churches in one place were prompt to send Christian greetings and benedictions to those in other places (Acts 15:23; 1 Cor. 16:19; 2 Cor. 13:13; Phil. 4:21-23; Col. 4:14,15; 1 Pet. 5:13; Titus 3:15; 3 John 14); and all were subject to the same regulations instituted by the apostles, having the "one Lord, one faith, and one baptism." Their earnest endeavor was to keep "the unity of the faith in the bonds of peace," and to avoid any schism in the body of Christ.—Eph. 4:3-13; 1 Cor. 12:25.
It is noticeable, too, what a beautiful unity of spirit and of faith, and what steady cooperation, there was among the apostles and elders of the early Church. They were all zealously endeavoring to preach "the same things," the "sound doctrine," of the truth of which they were fully persuaded. One was not endeavoring to eclipse another by getting up some brand new patented theories of his own. Apollos was not endeavoring to discount the teachings of Paul; nor were the elders of the various little companies endeavoring to lead the sheep under their care into by-paths of speculation and vain philosophies. No, it was not so, though from time to time false teachers came among them with the evil spirit of vain glory attempting these things, to draw away disciples after them; but the true ones, on the contrary, were faithful to one another, as they were also to the Lord. Paul planted, and Apollos watered, and God gave the increase.
We are glad to say that to a large extent this spirit prevails to-day, and we trust it will more and more prevail, till we all come in the unity of the faith to the stature of the fulness of Christ, as one body under the one Head, Christ Jesus, harmoniously cooperating together in the doing of his will under the direction of his Word, being knit together in love and full of zeal in the Lord's service—the great harvest work.
THE HEAVENLY VS. THE EARTHLY CHURCH
Foregoing we have seen the beauty, simplicity and completeness of the organization of the Church whose names are "written in heaven." Its only ruler and Head, the Lord Jesus, is infallible; God has centralized the authority in his hands, and every one of its members is required to render loving, loyal and prompt obedience to him, not only in their words and conduct, but even in their very thoughts. He admits to membership, and, when needful, he excommunicates the disloyal, and "blots out" their names.
Its members, firmly united to its Head, and thus to each other, according to their degree of development in the Master's spirit of love, are required to recognize as "brethren" all who have this spirit of love and consecration, with "the faith once delivered unto the saints"—that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, and that he ever liveth to make intercession for us. They are required to meet together and to edify one another, and to conduct their meetings with decorum and order and to look out among themselves such as the Lord's Word and providence seem to indicate as suitable elders and to give to them their public recognition (as by vote for instance) and their cooperation in the service. This Church does not need to organize; for it has been organized since Pentecost; and if a new meeting is started it is only necessary for such to recognize the organization and its Head and his laws, and to obey them.
But how great the contrast between this and an earthly church, organized according to various human traditions! with a self-constituted "clergy" who lord it over the "laity" and divide amongst themselves the spoils taken from the laity—the filthy lucre, honors, reverence, titles, etc.,—from those of the claimed infallible pope down to the "inferior orders of ministers;" only exceptional ones being ministers indeed (servants of God's flock); the majority lording it over God's heritage to the extent that their [R1896 : page 267] flocks will permit. Read carefully Jer. 23:1-4; Ezek. 34:1-16.
The bond of love in the heavenly Church is, in the earthly organization, replaced by a selfish bond of sectarian pride and a fear that to die outside an earthly church would incur eternal woe. For the simple but forcible confession of faith in the heavenly Church, they substitute elaborate schism-making confessions and tests. Verily the strength of the earthly churches is in their carnality, and their "laity's" ignorance of the Lord's Word and their individual liberties. The individual faith, judgment and liberty of their members are surrendered to the congregation when they bind themselves with sectarian names, obligations and confessions of faith; and the faith, judgment and liberties of the congregation are in turn surrendered to ruling Presbyteries and Conferences, or to an earthly pope. In the heavenly organization anyone may advise and point out the Word of the Lord; but none can do more without violating the rules and risking his own excommunication by the great and infallible Head of this Church.
The individual liberty of each member of the heavenly Church toward each other member, and the complete subserviency of each to the Lord only are characteristics of the Lord's organization which contrast sharply with those of human organizations. | ulations or false doctrine whereby many may be stumbled.
(4) If no orderly arrangement exist in the Church, those who are most solicitous for her welfare, and anxious to spend and be spent in her service, may sometimes find themselves in a most embarrassing situation. Faithfulness to the truth often causes division. And some who dislike that faithfulness may strongly intimate that the services of the faithful are not desired, though such might not be the sentiment of all, nor even of the majority of the company. Such a one would therefore lack the support which a full expression would give, and must therefore fight the battle in defence of the flock almost single-handed and alone, or else leave them to the mercy of the adversary.
The fact that things are running smoothly in any locality without any systematic order having been agreed [R1891 : page 260] upon, or the duties, rights and liberties of the congregation thought of, is no guarantee that they will always run so. Our ever vigilant adversary will be sure at some time to take advantage of every unguarded place or principle in the Church collectively, as well as in the individual members of it. Therefore as a Church, as well as in individual cases, we should
"Leave no unguarded place, no weakness of the soul, [but]
Take every virtue, every grace, and fortify the whole."
The seasons of peace and rest are the times for preparing for the emergencies of storm and tempest, which, both collectively and individually, we must meet. That would be a very short-sighted captain and crew that would put out to sea in a vessel prepared only for fair weather. [R1891 : page 261] Wisdom counsels that no matter how fair the weather, how calm the sea and how balmy the breezes on starting, the arrangements for battling with the storms must all be on board—the provisions for life-boats, life-preservers, for battening down the hatches, etc., must all be on board. In these testing times especially, when Satan is most active and subtle in his opposition, we need to look well to all the precautionary provisions that the Lord, through the apostles, has counselled for our protection.
THE APOSTOLIC COUNSEL COMMENDED.
In view of all these contingencies we have no hesitation in commending to the Churches in every place, whether their numbers be large or small, the Apostolic counsel, that, in every company, elders be chosen from among their number to "feed" and "take the oversight" of the flock. And in accordance with the teaching of the Apostle (1 Cor. 12:28,29), that God hath set some in the Church to be special helpers, teachers, etc., and that all are not so qualified, we should expect that the Lord will provide some such in every company, and should therefore seek to find them there as in the early Churches. While brethren from outside congregations may help to start the work, and, by their occasional visits, be a fresh stimulant to them, each company should furnish its own elders and carry forward its own share of the Lord's work as the way may open before them. The special field of labor for each company is their own locality, as far as they can extend their influence; and fervent piety and burning zeal among them will not be fruitless. If but little wheat can be garnered, abundant testimony to the truth can at least be borne. This Gospel of the Kingdom is to be preached "for a witness," as well as for the gathering out of "a people for his name." Tract distribution, personal visits, personal letters and personal conversation (wise and discreet)—in the workshops and stores, on the streets, and by the firesides—and backed by noble and consistent Christian characters and kindly neighborly ministries, are all effective means in the interests of the truth, which fervent zeal will not overlook. In these various ways all can preach the gospel; for all the consecrated are anointed to preach, and they need no other authority to do so than that which the Lord gives in their anointing with his holy spirit. For this purpose our Lord and Head was anointed; and this same anointing extends to all the members of his body, the Church.—Isa. 61:1-3; Luke 4:16-21; 1 John 2:27.
THE OCCASION OF CHOOSING ELDERS.
We suggest that in the matter of choosing elders the mind of the Lord may best be determined through the agency of his consecrated people. Let the Church (i.e., those only who trust for salvation in the precious blood of the Redeemer, and who are fully consecrated to him) express their judgment of the Lord's will by vote; and if this be done periodically—say yearly—the liberties of the congregations will be conserved, and the elders will be spared much unnecessary embarrassment. If it still be deemed expedient, and so manifestly the Lord's will, there would be no barrier to the reelection of the same elders year by year; and if a change be deemed expedient, the change could then be made without any friction or unpleasant feelings on the part of any.
A vote of the Church merely affords the opportunity to every justified and fully consecrated believer to express his convictions of the Lord's will in the matter—not his own will; for if he be fully the Lord's, he reckons his own will dead, and he realizes that he must act and speak as the Lord would have him do. This method secures to all equal rights and privileges. It was probably the method of Titus and others who looked after the matter in the early Church; for we cannot think they arbitrarily appointed the elders without any consultation with the people, who were of necessity better acquainted than they, comparative strangers, could be. This is also the method mentioned in Acts 6:3-5. Remember too that you are choosing servants (ministers) and not rulers or masters. This is very different from the methods in vogue in the various sects, many of which limit most of the privileges to a "clerical" class, who lord it over the people; and even in those things in which the congregations have a voice, the matter is not in the hands of God's fully consecrated, unfettered and spirit-led children, but in the hands of such only as have submitted to a sectarian bondage, respecting doctrines as well as order, not one-third of whom would claim to be fully consecrated to God. But in order to be sure that we have the mind of the Lord we should make sure that we recognize in the vote only such as profess to be justified through faith in the vicarious (substitutionary) sacrifice of Christ, and to be fully consecrated to him. It might be well, therefore, to identify this class before the vote is taken, either by asking such to raise their hands or to occupy seats in another part of the room. This would help some, too, by keeping prominently before the minds of all that faith and consecration without which none can hope to be of the Church triumphant; and the witnessing of this good confession always brings a blessing to the consecrated.
True, one or a few might not be consistent with their profession, but the majority vote would undoubtedly be under the Lord's direction, and the expression of his will; and, in full faith, it should be so regarded. But it might still be urged by some that, notwithstanding their carefulness to have the vote of the Church only, the majority vote of the Church might still be in error, not expressing the mind of the Lord; and the case of the selection of Matthias by the eleven apostles to fill the place of Judas might be cited as an instance of such failure, together with the fact that the Lord simply ignored their choice and subsequently made his own choice of Paul.
This, however, was not a selection by the Church under the direction of the holy spirit; for this was before Pentecost, the holy spirit had not yet been given (John 7:39), and the disciples were not yet recognized of God as the Church. Besides, none of the apostles were chosen in the same way as the elders of the various congregations, nor could they be: the Church, the body of Christ, was not yet in existence. Only the Head of the Church had yet been recognized, and he had not yet been glorified. All of the twelve were chosen directly by the Lord, and in due time qualified for their special service to the whole body. The appointing of "elders in every place" enjoined by the apostles is entirely separate and distinct from the appointment of the twelve apostles directly by the Lord, in which matter the Church had no voice whatever, and could have none.
As to the number of elders to be chosen in each congregation: that might depend on the number of brethren in the company qualified for the service. If two or three seem capable, the service of the company alternating among them would serve to develop the talents of each, which might, as opportunity offers, be extended beyond the limits of your local group; and the company would also [R1891 : page 262] in this way be favored with the varied talents of all. Or there might be one or two whose qualifications might be recognized as preeminent, and such parts of the service might be accorded to them as they would be deemed best qualified for.
The occasion of choosing elders should always be a solemn one. It is the Lord's business, and should be done with thoughtful consideration, as in his sight. The brother who acts as chairman of the meeting should endeavor to impress this upon all. If each one in the company seeks to know and do the will of God only, and, in harmony with his consecration, expresses what he believes to be the will of the Lord in the matter, then, on the strength of the promise, "The meek will he guide in judgment" (Psa. 25:9), the result of such deliberations should be accepted by all as the mind of the Lord, the holy spirit thus speaking through his consecrated people. Generally the result of such deliberations will be a unanimous agreement.
THE QUALIFICATIONS OF ELDERS.
In 1 Tim. 3:1-7 [See Diaglott] the Apostle describes the qualifications of an elder or overseer, and in verses 8 to 13 the qualifications of an assistant elder are described. These verses should be read before the vote is taken, and the elder or elders for the chief service should be selected first, and then, if assistants are needed, they should be chosen later. Among these assistants might properly be some sisters; for some of the services can best be performed by females, especially visiting of the female sick. Many suppose that verse 11 above refers to these female assistants, as also Rom. 16:1; and it seems very evident that in the early Church many sisters did service. The choice or vote should be in full view of the qualifications mentioned according to the judgment by each of the will of the Lord. We quote,—
"If a man desires an overseer's office [service], he desires a good work. [Any service we can render to the [R1892 : page 262] body of Christ is a blessed service.] An overseer, then, must be irreproachable [of good character], the husband of one wife [not necessarily a married man; for both the Lord and the Apostle recommend the celibate state as preferable (Matt. 19:12; 1 Cor. 7:32,33), but he must not have more than one wife, an injunction more pertinent in those days than at the present time], vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; not a wine drinker, no striker, but gentle; not quarrelsome, not a lover of money; presiding well over his own family, having his children in subjection with all dignity; (for if a man know not how to preside over his own family, how shall he take care of a congregation of God?"
The idea is not, as the common version seems to suggest, that these servants of the Church are to rule the Church,—to legislate for it and hold it in subjection to their will,—but that, with loving interest, they should preside over it, looking out for its interests and affairs and counseling and assisting as faithful stewards of God. (See Emphatic Diaglott.) The Lord Jesus is the only Lord the Church needs; and no synods, or councils, or clergy, or elders are authorized to assume the prerogatives of the only Lord and Head. Brethren in the Church may advise and counsel; but in so doing they should endeavor always to speak, not their own opinions, but as the oracles of God.—"As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ." (1 Pet. 4:10,11.) Their counsel should be of weight with the Church only as it is backed by the Word and spirit of the Lord, of which all are to judge individually. But when such counsel is founded on the Word of God, calling attention to its precepts and commandments, it should have the careful consideration of all, in the spirit of meekness. And if, in pride of heart, any despise such instruction, through disrespecting or lightly esteeming the human instrumentality which God has chosen for calling attention to it, the opposition is against the Lord and his way.
It is for this reason that the Apostle urges that we "look diligently lest any man fail of the grace of God, lest any root of bitterness, springing up, trouble you, and thereby many be defiled" (Heb. 12:15); for the grace of God, the favor of God, in manifesting his will by making it plain from his Word, comes to the Church mainly through his chosen human instruments. And if any man, through strife or vain glory or from any other motive, seeks to unsettle the confidence of the Lord's flock, and to plant a root of bitterness in their hearts against such servants as the Lord has set for the presentation and defense of the truth, he thereby hinders the grace of God to them, and the result is almost certain to be the defiling of many. Any who pursue such a course are in the Lord's hands for judgment; and, whatever their professions, they will sooner or later be brought to naught, with all who follow their pernicious way. If brethren who are true to the Lord and to each other and the interests of the flock differ in their judgment of the Lord's will, they should differ in love, and should endeavor by prayer and careful study and by earnest endeavor to so purify their hearts from every disposition that would render them unworthy of the truth, to come speedily to the unity of the faith.—"Let us therefore, as many as be perfect [in heart, will], be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Nevertheless, whereto we have already attained, let us walk by the same rule, let us mind the same thing."—Phil. 3:15,16.
"Not a novice [an inexperienced or untried person], lest, being lifted up with pride, he fall into the condemnation of the devil [i.e., lest like Satan—Isa. 14:13,14; Phil. 2:5-9 Diaglott—he become ambitious to be some great one, thereby necessitating his abasement; for 'pride goeth before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall']."
"Moreover, he must have a good report [for honesty and general uprightness of character] of them which are without [the world], lest he fall into reproach [the reproach of hypocrisy] and the snare of the devil."
"Assistants in like manner ought to be serious, not deceitful in speech, not being addicted to much wine, not eager for base gain, holding the secret of the faith with a pure conscience. But let these also be proved first; then serve, being unblameable. Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. Let assistants be husbands of one wife, presiding well over their own families."
In his letter to Titus Paul adds to these qualifications the following,—"Holding fast the faithful word, as he hath been taught, that he may be able by sound doctrine, both to exhort and to convince the gainsayers; for there are many unruly and vain talkers and deceivers,...whose mouths must be stopped." How necessary to the [R1892 : page 263] prosperity of the flock are these qualifications in their chosen elders! Above all things they should choose those "sound in the faith," "holding fast the faithful Word," and avoid most carefully those who deal in human speculations and vain philosophies. This caution indicates also that the Church should know positively what its faith is, and be able to judge of the soundness of the faith of its elders. The faith once delivered to the saints ("That Christ died for our sins") must test every item of subsequent, advanced truth. And all fanciful speculations and philosophies should be disesteemed and discouraged as saith the Apostle.—1 Tim. 6:20.
APOSTOLIC CHARGES TO THE ELDERS.
Then, when the elders have been chosen and have accepted the service, the charges of Paul to Timothy (2 Tim. 3:16,17; 4:1-5) and to Titus (2:1,7,8,11-15), and of Peter in his general epistle (1 Pet. 5:1-11), might be read to them in presence of the company, followed by prayer that God would add his blessing upon the chosen elders, and upon all the company as they shall cooperate together in the service of the Lord.
These words of the Apostles are most solemnly impressive. Hear Paul:—"All scripture, divinely inspired, is indeed profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly fitted for every good work."
"I charge thee therefore [Timothy], before God, and the Lord Jesus Christ, who shall judge the living and the dead at his appearing and his Kingdom: Preach the word; be instant in season, out of season [when it suits your own convenience, and when it does not]; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all long-suffering and doctrine; for the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears [for something new and strange—for human speculations and vain philosophies]. And they shall turn away their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But watch thou in all things [against these evil influences and tendencies], endure afflictions [for they are sure to come to all who are faithful in the service: such are sure to incur the wrath of the adversary who will actively oppose them]; do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry."
To Titus he says, "But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine,...in all things showing thyself a pattern of good works; in doctrine showing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity, sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that he who is of the opposition may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you....For the grace of God that bringeth salvation is manifested for all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously and godly in this present world; looking for that blessed hope and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Savior Jesus Christ....These things speak, and exhort, and rebuke with all authority [the authority of God's Word, not his own]."
Hear Peter also:—"The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder and a witness of the sufferings of Christ, and also a partaker of the glory that shall be revealed: Feed the flock of God which is among you, taking the oversight thereof, not by constraint [requiring urging], but willingly [willing to assume the labors and responsibilities of the service]; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind [which loves to serve the Lord, the sheep and the truth]. Neither as being lords over God's heritage, but being ensamples to the flock. And when the Chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away. Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder: yea, all of you be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility; for God resisteth the proud, and giveth grace to the humble."
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time; casting all your care upon him, for he careth for you. Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: whomresist, steadfast in the faith....The God of all grace who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you. To him be glory and dominion forever. Amen."
THE EXERCISE OF LIBERTY A SAFEGUARD AGAINST
BONDAGE.
Some are so glad to be free from Babylon's bondage that they need caution against an opposite extreme—lack of order. Some so fear the enslavement of sectarian earthly [R1893 : page 263] organizations that they fear to use their individual liberty to designate which of their number they believe would be the Lord's choice for particular services. They thus risk the very bondage they wish to avoid. The tendency in all is like a pendulum to go to extremes; but the tendency of the Word and spirit of the truth is to "establish, strengthen, settle you." The spiritual interests of the Lord's flock in any place are matters too serious and important to be left to hap-hazard conditions which Satan is very sure to take advantage of some time.
The fact that we have escaped from the bondage of Babylon, is no reason why we should discard all order and system in our affairs: the early Church might have had similar fears; for they had just escaped from the bondage of Judaism, and they were also instructed not to be entangled again with the yoke of bondage. (Gal. 5:1.) The yoke of bondage, however, was not the idea of system and order, but the bondage of the old Jewish faith—the Law-Covenant. From that they were to remain free; for Christ, by his sacrifice, had made them free. Evidently the systematic order enjoined upon the Churches and adopted by all was not considered a bondage; order was established and elders were appointed in every place; and the work of the Lord accordingly prospered.
The principle of order and of recognizing elders duly appointed and qualified by the spirit of the Lord—not in so-called theological seminaries—and sustaining them in their work by the approval and cooperation of the company they serve is right, otherwise the Apostles were wrong in enjoining it upon the early Church; and the early Christians were wrong in not resisting the arrangement. But evidently the Apostles and the early Church were not wrong. The simple order and arrangement of their affairs proved a blessing; and the Lord himself established a precedent in acknowledging the arrangement, when, in his revelation to the seven churches of Asia, he addressed his messages through their representative elders, "angels," messengers or servants.—Rev. 2:1,8,12,18; 3:1,7,14.
We have no controversy with the nominal churches on the subject of order, excepting in so far as they have over-reached the simplicity that is in Christ, and the order which he enjoined through his holy apostles, and have multiplied the forms of godliness to the extent that they have [R1893 : page 264] lost its power. We should not reject anything merely because the nominal churches have it, but we should reject all that is wrong, all that is out of harmony with the Word and spirit of God. Had we been guided by a mere blind antagonism to the various sects, we might have gone to the extreme of discarding some old and valuable truths which the nominal Christian systems still hold in a way, tho now with less and less tenacity. We might, for instance, have discarded the doctrines of the vicarious atonement, or of baptism, or the Lord's supper, merely because they hold them. But, taught by the Word of God, we have learned to hold fast that which is good; and among the good things is that of doing all that we do in the Lord's cause, as in everything else, "decently and in order;" but let it be the Scriptural order, and not the order of Babylon, which exalts a class of lords over God's heritage and ignores the true Head of the Church, which is the only rightful authority over it. Forget not that "One is your Master, even Christ, and all ye are brethren; but he that would be greatest among you shall be your servant." "Let all things be done decently and in order," and with a view to the building up of the body of Christ.—1 Cor. 14:40,26.
THE PREROGATIVES OF THE HEAD OF THE CHURCH.
It is a mistake to presume that the true Church has no bounden responsibilities, that we are all free to do as we please—to forsake the assembling of the saints if we please, or to associate ourselves with others if we please, or to go here and there and gather a morsel of food from all tables, good, bad and indifferent. If we truly belong to Christ, the only liberty we enjoy is liberty from the bondage of sin and death and all the yokes that Satan would impose upon us. Our freedom consists in the fact that there is no condemnation to them that are in Christ Jesus; we have passed from death unto life, and are no more the servants of the taskmaster Sin. The old things that pertained to that bondage have passed away, and all things have become new. This is the blessed liberty of the sons of God. It is realized now by faith, and in a measure actually; but by and by it will be fully realized when this mortal (blemished and imperfect through the fall) shall have put on immortality.
But having been thus emancipated by Christ from the bondage of Sin, we have since come into covenant relations with him to do his will, which is also the will of our Heavenly Father, even as he also covenanted with God, saying, "Lo, I come to do thy will, O my God;" "I came not to do mine own will, but the will of him that sent me." So, as our Lord expressed it, we whom he made free from Satan's grievous yoke have taken upon us the yoke and burden of Christ—which is a joyous service. (Matt. 11:29,30.) This, then, is the extent of our liberty if we are true to our covenant; and also the extent of our bondage. Praise his dear name! we find the yoke of our Lord and Redeemer easy, and his burden light, because of his love to us and our love to him.
The true Church, "whose names are written in heaven," is undoubtedly an organization, even in the present time, while it is subject to many vicissitudes—its membership constantly changing, etc; but it is a heavenly organization, not an earthly one. There are two senses in which the true Church of Christ may be considered: (1) The whole company of consecrated believers from the beginning of the Gospel age to its close constitute one body, one Church, not many; for the Lord established but one Church. And over that one Church he himself is the only "Lord" and "Head," the great "Chief Shepherd," and "Teacher," and the only authority. This is "the Church of the firstborn," whose names are "written in heaven" (Heb. 12:23); and those whose names continue there to the end of their course, and are not blotted out because of unfaithfulness (Rev. 3:5), will be admitted to full membership in the Church triumphant at the appearing and kingdom of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.—2 Tim. 4:8; Titus 2:13; 1 Pet. 1:7; 5:4.
The Lord himself keeps the Church books—the records of our names, and the individual accounts of each member: we have nothing to do with that. He enrolls all the truly consecrated believers, and no power on earth can pluck them out of his hand, or blot their names from the records in heaven. (John 10:28,29; Rom. 8:35-39; Rev. 3:5.) His unerring wisdom alone is sufficient for that, and for all the duties of the office of the Head. It is therefore most unbecoming and reprehensible in any member of the body of Christ to become heady—to assume the authority of the Head of the Church. And such a one, if not speedily recovered by the discipline of the Lord, he will eventually cut off and cast out as unworthy of any place in his body.—2 Thes. 2:11.
(2) Another sense in which the Church may be considered—which also is a Scriptural sense (Philemon 2; Rev. 2:1, etc.)—is that of counting a part as though it were the whole. Thus all the living saints may be spoken of as the Church of to-day. Or again, any number of the living Church assembled together in any place may properly be called the Church of that place (e.g., Philemon 2; Rev. 1:4; 2:1; 2 Cor. 11:28); for wherever even two or three are assembled, the Lord, the Head, has promised to be in their midst. (Matt. 18:20.) The general assembly will be when all the members are glorified with and united to the Head.
If any inquire how we know the members of the true Church, we answer, We know them by their profession of faith in Christ, and by the spirit of Christ manifested in them. It is his truth, and his spirit, and his presence manifested among them, that impels them to assemble together, that unites their hearts in the bonds of Christian love and fellowship, that inspires them with the same hope, animates them with the same joy, and leads them to cooperate together in the work of the Lord. If it be asked, How shall we deal with one who walks disorderly in our midst since we cannot drop his name from a list of membership? we answer, We have very explicit directions on this point. Now, as in the early Church, there are various degrees of advancement among the members, and Paul says (1 Thes. 5:14), Some are feeble-minded, comfort them; some are weak, support them; but while patient toward all, warn the disorderly. Do | 6,717 |
Home > About > A Quick History of the Supermarket
The Beginnings:
Chain grocery retailing was a phenomenon that took off around the beginning of the twentieth century in the United States, with the Great Atlantic and Pacific Tea Company (1859) and other small, regional players. Grocery stores of this era tended to be small (generally less than a thousand square feet) and also focused on only one aspect of food retailing. Grocers (and most of the chains fell into this camp) sold what is known as "dry grocery" items<|fim_middle|> going back to the late 70's.
Candace Benford
October 22, 2019 at 11:17am
I would like to know if there was a Jewel Food Store on Stony Island Ave @ 88th street-Chicago in the 70's. | , or canned goods and other non-perishable staples. Butchers and greengrocers (produce vendors) were completely separate entities, although they tended to cluster together for convenience's sake.
Self-Service:
Clarence Saunders' Piggly Wiggly stores, established in Memphis in 1916, are widely credited with introducing America to self-service shopping, although other stores (notably Alpha Beta in Southern California) around the country were experimenting with the idea at about the same time. Self-service stores came to be known as "groceterias" due to the fact that they were reminiscent of the cafeteria-style eateries that were gaining popularity at the time. In Canada, Loblaw Groceterias, established in Toronto in 1919, also became a major player in the self-service field.
The Chain Store Explosion (1920s):
It was not until the 1920s that chain stores started to become a really dominant force in American food (and other) retailing. Small regional chains such as Kroger, American Stores, National Tea, Loblaws, and Dominion Stores, and others began covering more and more territory, and A&P began moving toward a more national profile, operating over 10,000 of its "economy stores" by the end of the decade. Most of these stores remained small, counter service stores, often staffed by only two or three employees, with no meat nor produce departments. Some still offered delivery and charge accounts, although most chain stores had abandoned these practices.
In 1926, Charles Merrill, of Merrill Lynch set in motion a series of transactions that led to the creation of Safeway Stores, when he arranged the merger of Skaggs Cash Stores, a chain with operations in Northern California and the northwestern United States, with Los Angeles-based Sam Seelig Stores. In 1928, the new chain bought most of the west coast's Piggly Wiggly stores, and later acquired Sanitary Stores in the Washington DC area as well as MacMarr Stores, another chain that Charles Merrill had assembled. Growth by merger became common in the late 1920s and 1930s, and led to numerous antitrust actions and attempts to tax the chain stores out of existence.
The Supermarket (1930s and 1940s):
As early at the 1920s, some chain grocers were experimenting with consolidated (albeit still rather small) stores that featured at least a small selection of fresh meats and produce along with the dry grocery items. In Southern California, Ralphs Grocery Company was expanding into much larger stores than had been seen before in most of the country. Los Angeles was also seeing the beginning of the "drive-in market" phenomenon, where several complimentary food retailers (a butcher, a baker, a grocer, and a produce vendor, for example) would locate within the same small shopping center surrounding a parking lot. These centers were often perceived by customers as a single entity, despite being under separate ownership.
In 1930, Michael Cullen, a former executive of both Kroger and A&P, opened his first King Kullen store, widely cited as America's first supermarket, although others have some legitimate claim to that title as well. King Kullen was located in a warehouse on the fringes of New York City, and offered ample free parking and additional concessions in a bazaar-like atmosphere. Merchandise was sold out of packing cartons and little attention was paid to décor. The emphasis was on volume, with this one store projected to do the volume of up to one hundred conventional chain stores. The volume and the no frills approach resulted in considerably lower prices.
The supermarket, as it came to be known, was initially a phenomenon of independents and small, regional chains. Eventually, the large chains caught on as well, and they refined the concept, adding a level of sophistication that had been lacking from the spartan stores of the early 1930s. In the late 1930s, A&P began consolidating its thousands of small service stores into larger supermarkets, often replacing as many as five or six stores with one large, new one. By 1940, A&P's store count had been reduced by half, but its sales were up. Similar transformations occurred among all the "majors"; in fact, most national chains of the time saw their store counts peak around 1935 and then decline sharply through consolidation. Most chains operated both supermarkets and some old-style stores simultaneously for the next decade or so, either under the same name (like Safeway, A&P, and Kroger) , or under different banners (such as the Big Star stores operated by the David Pender Grocery Company in the southeast).
A&P and Safeway also entered Canada in the late 1920s and joined Loblaws and Dominion Stores as the major players at mid-century.
Suburbs and Shopping Centers (1950s and 1960s):
By the 1950s, the transition to supermarkets was largely complete, and the migration to suburban locations was beginning. Some chains were more aggressive with this move than others. A&P, for example, was very hesitant to expend the necessary capital and move outward, retaining smaller, outdated, urban locations for perhaps longer than was prudent. While the company tried to catch up in the 1960s, its momentum had vanished, and the once dominant chain eventually became something of an "also-ran."
The 1950s and 1960s were seen my many as the golden age of the supermarket, with bright new stores opening on a regular basis, generating excited and glowing newspaper reports, and serving a marketplace that was increasingly affluent. Standardized designs, in use since the 1930s and 1940s, were refined and modernized, creating instantly recognizable and iconic buildings such as A&P's colonial-themed stores; the glass arch-shaped designs of Safeway, Penn Fruit, and others; and the towering pylon signs of Food Fair and Lucky Stores. The modernist stores opened by Steinberg in Ontario and Québec are still striking today, despite their conversion to other brands like Provigo, Food Basics, and Metro.
Discounters and Warehouse Stores (1970s):
As changing tastes and zoning boards forced exteriors to become more "subdued" in the late 1960s, interiors began to compensate, with colorful designs evoking New Orleans or the "Gay 90s" or old farmhouses replacing the stark whites common to many stores of the 1950s. Other new touches included carpeting, specialty departments, and more. Kroger's new "superstore" prototype, introduced in 1972, was perhaps the peak of this trend, with its specialty departments and its orange, gold, and green color palette.
Many shoppers, however, wondered what the costs of these amenities might be, and something of a backlash developed. This backlash was answered in the late 1960s with a new trend known as "discounting."
Numerous stores around the country embarked on discounting programs at about the same time, most of which centered around the elimination of trading stamps, reduction in operating hours, and an emphasis on cost-cutting. Lucky Stores of California simply re-imaged their current stores and kept using the same name, while others opted for a hybrid format, with some stores operating traditionally and others (such as Colonial's Big Star stores and Harris Teeter's More Value in the southeast) open as discounters under different names.
A&P, as was its custom at the time, arrived somewhat late and unprepared for this party. It attempt at discounting, WEO (Warehouse Economy Outlet) was something of a disaster, plagued by distribution issues and by the fact that its numerous smaller and older stores were not capable of producing the volume required to make discounting work (but were converted anyway). This was one of several factors that preceded A&P's major meltdown of the mid-1970s.
Upscale Stores, Warehouses, and Mergers (1980s and 1990s):
The market segmentation we see today grew out of the discounting movement as amplified in the 1980s. The middle range began to disappear, albeit slowly, as mainline stores went more "upscale" and low end stores moved more toward a warehouse model, evocative of the early supermarkets of the 1930s. Many chains operated at both ends of the spectrum, often under different names (Edwards and Finast was an example, as were the many A&P brands, from Futurestore to Sav-a-Center to Food Basics). In Canada, Loblaws pioneered with its No Frills franchises, often housed in former Loblaws locations, and the Oshawa Group opened Price Chopper warehouse stores in many of the Safeway locations it had recently purchased in Ontario. Others eliminated one end of the market completely, like Harris Teeter in North Carolina, which abandoned discounting entirely.
The re-emergence of superstores, featuring general merchandise and groceries under one roof accelerated this trend. Many such stores had opened in the early 1960s, some of them operated by chain grocers themselves. Only a few survived, Fred Meyer in Oregon being a noteworthy example, and "one stop shopping" seemed a relatively new and fresh idea when Kmart and Walmart tried it again, with considerably more success, starting around 1990. Loblaws opened Real Canadian Superstores, initially under a variety of locally varying names.
The other big trend during this time was toward mergers and leveraged buyouts. This affected almost all the major chains. A&P was sold to German interests. Safeway took itself private in 1987 to avoid a hostile takeover, and lost half its geographical reach in the process. Kroger slimmed down somewhat in 1988 for the same reasons, while Lucky was acquired by American Stores the same year. Another round of mergers in the 1990s placed American Stores in the hands of Albertsons, reunited Safeway with much of its former territory, and greatly increased the west coast presence of Kroger, making these three chains the dominant players in the industry, along with Walmart.
All of which brings us to the present, which is not what this site is about, so I'll leave any further mention of big box retailers, new players like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's, and subsequent mergers to future historians, and invite you to continue exploring the past at Groceteria.com.
One thought on "A Quick History of the Supermarket"
Dick Jenkins
February 12, 2019 at 9:41am
Mr. Gwynn,
A fascinating site, and an incredible collection of data! Thank you for your time and effort!
Joe Scholz
June 29, 2019 at 6:30pm
Is there a source for historical information about the Food Industry in Southern California for retailers and Food Brokers?
I'm looking for market information about the So Cal Food Brokers and retailers | 2,340 |
(Watch) Astorino's Son to Cuomo: Stop Telling Lies About My Dad
In response to Democrats shilling for Governor Cuomo in a new ad that criticizes Republican Rob Astorino for being – wait for it – a Dolphins fan, and photo-shopping his son out of a picture, the Republican's 10-year-old son made an ad of his own.
Sean Astorino sent a video message to Cuomo, asking if he really likes<|fim_middle|>, stop telling lies about my dad on TV."
Via the Times Union:
Gov. Cuomo, Sean Astorino would like a word with you.
Yes, that Sean Astorino — Republican gubernatorial candidate Rob Astorino's 10-year-old son. He released an online video message to Andrew Cuomo in response to the Erie County Democratic Committee's "Rob Astorino likes the Dolphins" ad from the weekend and the fact that he was taken out of a photo with his dad taken at a Dolphins game in Miami.
Watch Sean in action below…
Governor Cuomo New York Rob Astorino
Former ESPN Anchor Made Assassination Reference During State of the Union
Juanita Broaddrick Demands ABC Release the Epstein Report and Help Bill Clinton's Other Victims | "chopping up Astorino family photos?" He would also add, "while I've got you | 21 |
Robert M. Hyatt, PhD.
Anthony E. Cozzie
Hash signature collisions have been feared in computer chess programs, dating back to the early Greenblatt program, and continuing until today. The fear has been that a signature collision, where the hashing function can take two different chess board positions and produce the same hash signature, will produce errors in the tree search that will lead to gross playing errors and result in inferior play. As a result, chess programmers have spent significant amounts of time trying to reduce these signature collisions as far as possible (since a chess position can't be uniquely stored in 64 or fewer bits, it is impossible to avoid all signature collisions). This research was done to answer the question "Is it really worth all the effort to absolutely minimize signature collisions?" The answer is surprising.
Hash tables (also known as transposition/refutation tables) have been used in game-tree programs since their original mention in the Greenblatt chess program developed in the early 1960's at MIT [Greenblatt, 1967]. Most computer chess programs since then have relied on this idea to help minimize the size of the search tree. [Beal, 1996; Breuker, 1998; Nelson, 1985] Without going into a lot of detail, if a chess program is supposed to search to a depth of six plies (six half-moves), the position reached by playing the three moves Nf3 Nf6 Bc4 is the same as the position reached by playing the same moves in a different order, Bc4 Nf6 Nf3. Since the program must search to a depth of 6 half-moves, after either of these two positions is reached there is still a significant amount of searching required to reach a depth of six plies and produce a score and best move. A chess program will reach one of the two positions first, search the tree below that position, and then store the position and score in the hash table. When it reaches the position again, it will find the score in the hash table and avoid searching that sub-tree a second time, saving significant search effort.
The hash table is generally based on a 64 bit hash signature, where the full chess position is reduced to a 64 bit value by Zobrist hashing [Zobrist, 1970]. Many chess software developers have exhaustively tested this 64 bit hashing algorithm, verifying that the probability that two different chess positions produce the same 64-bit hash signature is as near zero as possible. Obviously, if a collision occurs, the search will use the tree below one position as the score for the tree below a different position, producing errors in the final backed-up score and best move. A parallel search aggravates this because multiple threads can write to the hash table in various orders, leaving hash entries that are incorrect. This was explained and a solution presented in the paper mentioned below.
In 2002, one of the authors submitted a paper on a transposition/refutation table algorithm for a parallel search that required no critical section locks [Hyatt, 2002]. This paper was the result of eliminating a particular atomic lock that was causing poor performance on NUMA-type parallel<|fim_middle|> significant. Sometimes even varying the size of the hash table is enough to change the score, as anyone that has run Fine70 knows.
3. Change the best move. This would mean that the collisions actually changed the best move to something that is probably inferior. It should be noted that in some positions it is possible that two root moves are equal, so if this test produced a different best move, it required further testing with the no-error versions to see if the chosen move was really worse, or was just an equal or nearly-equal alternative (in some cases, the first and third moves in the PV can be interchanged without changing the final result at all.) The table marks these positions with a "M" when the best move changes. It is possible that playing a different move will have no effect on the game at all.
4. Change the game outcome. Shifting the score, or changing the best move is not necessarily something that would change the game outcome. This type of change was evaluated by searching the best move chosen with the error-prone hashing, but using the versions with no errors. In addition, commercial chess programs were used to analyze the original best move, and the different move produced by the error-prone program, so that we could verify that the error-prone program produced a move that was actually bad enough to change the outcome of the game. It should also be noted that in the endgame tests, the programs did not use endgame tables, but when we did the verification searches, we used the 5-6 piece endgame tables when applicable to help further refine our assessment of "game-outcome-changing." If the error-prone code produced a move M with a score of +.5, while the no-error code said that move was really a -1.5 move, then that is an outcome-changing error because material is being lost unnecessarily. The table marks these positions with a "G" when the game outcome apparently changes.
The results turned out to be surprising. We first ran the set of 18 positions using the normal programs, with no hash collision, to establish baseline scores and variations. This represented the scores and variations the normal programs would produce with no odd hashing problems included.
Experiment 1 was run with a hash size of 384 megabytes for Crafty, and 512MB for Zappa. In Crafty, that turns into a hash table with twenty-four million entries, at 16 bytes per entry, while Zappa would have thirty-two million entries. Both programs were run on single-processor machines so that no non-deterministic parallel search behavior would influence the results. The programs searched the positions for two minutes each, a tree search space of about 120 million total nodes (for Crafty) and 90 million total nodes for Zappa, enough to overwrite parts of the hash table multiple times.
Figure 1 shows the results of this experiment. Each row represents one of the eighteen positions tested, each column represents an error rate of one error every 10N probes (N comes from the column heading.) Each column has two characters representing the result for that particular position and error rate. The first character represents Crafty's result while the second character represents Zappa's result. The legend for this table is "-" is no change, "S" means the score or PV changed but the best move did not, "M" means the best move changed but it was not significantly different from the real best move, and finally "G" means that the best move changed and it was a change that would probably affect the game outcome. For example, "MS" means that Crafty played a different move for that position and error rate, while Zappa only produced a different score from the error-free search.
The most unexpected result is that with an error rate of one error for every one thousand hash probes done, over one-half of the positions produce results identical to the no-error versions of the programs. However, this represents such a ridiculously bad hash collision rate, one would have to use a table with just a few entries and a hash signature of just a few bits, to even come close to producing such an error rate.
Looking at figure 1, for one error every one million probes, only 3 scores changed for Zappa, while none changed for Crafty. Dropping all the way to one error every ten thousand nodes, Crafty produced three score changes while Zappa produced four. At one error per one thousand probes, Crafty and Zappa both produced only six and five score changes respectively, still playing the same moves as played by the error-free programs.
Experiment 2 was run with the same parameters, except that the size of the hash table was reduced from 384M/512M to 12M/16M (these are the Crafty/Zappa sizes). The idea behind this test was to determine what might happen if the hash table gets overwritten at a much higher rate than in experiment 1. This could be used to extrapolate how a faster processor (faster search speed) might affect the test if the size of the hash table remains constant. With a search space of around 120M nodes, and a hash size of 768K/1024K positions, the table entry replacement rate is extremely high for both programs.
Figure 2 gives the results of this experiment, and clearly shows that the effect of collisions is more pronounced when the table size is reduced, or the search space is increased due to either faster hardware or longer time limits.
The first noticeable result is that position 6 is a problem for both programs when the hash table size is very small. Both programs produced different moves and/or scores for the first six tests, while the last (lowest error rate) still produced a wrong score with Crafty while Zappa produced the error-free score.
It still seems likely that the error rate of one per ten thousand probes is not that unsafe, since Zappa produced only one score change at that level, while Crafty produced four score changes and one non-critical move change.
For some insight into how errors affected results, looking at the result tables shows that the first six positions are affected more (as a group) than the others. The first six positions are pure endgame positions where the search depth reaches 40 plies and beyond, typically. The next six positions are tactical positions (appendix I) while the last set of six positions are just normal middle game positions.
We had originally hypothesized that end games would be the worst case, because they really utilize the hash table to reach extreme search depths. It turns out that this part of the original hypothesis was correct, as the data shows.
We had also originally hypothesized that the sharp tactical lines would be the next group most likely to change, but surprisingly that was not the case. In a couple of cases, there was a game-changing different move chosen, which seems to make sense because these positions represent deep but narrow searches along a very precise line of play to see the proper tactical conclusion. Change any score along that narrow path and it may well change the principle variation and the ultimate score/move chosen.
We thought that the middle game positions would be the least affected, but this was only partially true. There were plenty of score and move changes, but none of them seemed to really be an "outcome-changer" when examined carefully. After considering this, it appears logical, since in middle game positions, there is usually no clear best move, and slight changes can produce different best moves with no trouble. It should be noted that the first column represents a completely ridiculous error rate of one error per ten probes, something that is highly unlikely to happen anywhere. It is given for reference only as even at that error rate, about one-half of the positions produce the same best move (Crafty) which is remarkable.
One example of a different move at the root that is a game-outcome changer appeared in position 5, a king and two pawns vs king and pawn ending. Endgame table bases were not used during this test, to place emphasis on the actual search done by the programs. The error-prone version of crafty, at one error every 100 probes, plays g6 in this position. This is called an outcome-changing move because the non-error search correctly finds that Kf4 is winning. Testing this position with endgame table bases shows that Kf4 is a mate in 26 moves while the g6 move leads to a forced draw.
There are other examples where the error-prone version produced a different move, but examination using the no-error search proves that the score is only slightly different, which would not necessarily change the outcome of the game where that move was played.
Another important point is that while the deep endgame positions were most problematic, they are also the rarest positions encountered in real games, since many games are resolved before the endgame is reached. Every program is going to end up searching opening, middle-game, and even deep tactical positions, in most every game played. But searching endgame positions such as Fine #70 is very rare, which means that these types of positions rarely influence the outcome of a game because they occur so infrequently over the board. This suggests that the effect of hash signature collisions is even less than what was seen in these test positions.
Before concluding too much from this experiment, the intent was hardly to prove that a certain number of signature collisions can be tolerated inside the search without any measurable effect on the search result. Rather, the goal was to answer a more simple question, namely "will occasional errors hurt the quality of the tree search?" Most every chess author has spent time testing the random numbers, and then testing to be sure that signature collisions are extremely rare events. We tried to show that even significant numbers of such errors have very little (if any) effect on the quality of the search result, until the number of errors increases far beyond the level even the most primitive hashing algorithm might produce.
The numbers are surprising, but they clearly show that errors do not influence the search nearly as much as has always been suspected. Even with programs searching at one million nodes per second and beyond, the errors do not wreck the search and cause substantial problems. For example, in the tactical positions, there are just a few key positions that influence the final result. In a tree search space of 120 million nodes, a signature collision on one of such a small set of critical nodes is very unlikely. One point this certainly underlines is that past claims that programs search a large number of useless chess positions is clearly right on target. One can almost change scores at will and still have little adverse effect on the quality of the moves produced.
With large hash tables, the first table suggests that an error rate of one in 1,000,000 probes would be safe for this test set, and that increasing the error rate to one in 100,000 would only change two of eighteen scores for Crafty. Going to one in 10,000 adds one more score change for Crafty, which would not change the outcome in a game nor (apparently) weaken its play at all. For smaller hash tables, both programs are far more sensitive to errors as figure 2 shows.
Obviously such high error rates are not going to be trusted, because this test is based on hashing that has a distinct randomness due to the Zobrist algorithm's use of random numbers. What it does suggest, quite clearly, is that expending effort to drive the error rate below the one in four billion probes sort of range that 64 bit hash signatures produce is effort that is going to produce little return in terms of accuracy for the search.
On the practical side, we believe that everyone agrees that we want the minimum number of hash collisions possible, simply because "Murphy's law" will likely make one hash collision produce an embarrassing moment in a public event somewhere. To finish this up, and come full circle, to the "nameless reviewer" that posed the original question for the lock-less hashing algorithm paper, we can now offer a subjective answer. The answer is, "this really isn't a problem that should worry anyone." Therefore, the lock-less hashing algorithm was really addressing a type of hashing error that occurred only a couple of times per move, at most, given the large hash table sizes we use on today's computers.
However, in the case of Crafty, there was an overwhelming reason to allow no hash collisions. Crafty uses the "hash move" in the search, and it cannot recover from a circumstance where the hash move is actually illegal, as it immediately makes the move, and once that happens the chess board can become irreversibly corrupted. For example, castling king-side after the king has already castled queen-side will produce a new king at g1, with a king already at c1. When this move is unmade, the g1 king goes back to e1, and we now have an ugly position with two kings. Years ago Crafty had a simple legality check added to prevent this kind of catastrophic failure, and when it is detected, the move is not played, but an error message is logged. This error has not been reported in over 100,000 games now, which doesn't necessarily mean that no hash collisions have occurred, but it does mean that if a collision did occur, at least the hash move was not illegal.
One other simple experiment was run, attempting to define the minimum hash signature length necessary to avoid problems. In summary, 32 bit signatures produced wrong moves and scores, while 64 bits did not. An "in-between" value of 48 bits also proved to be just as safe as 64, but 48 is not a reasonable size since either 32 bit or 64 bit values are the natural signature lengths for 32 bit processors, and 64 bit signatures are the natural signature length for 64 bit processors.
The results are unexpected, and human psychology says that we probably will not trust the results even if every chess program on the planet is tested in the same way and produces identical results. Human nature abhors errors that can be avoided, and we will continue to strive to eliminate these errors that really don't affect anything at all, at least so far as it can be measured.
# endgame positions.
/1k3ppp//3K/7P/5PP// w - -; bm Kd6; id "fine #66"
/2p/3k/1p1p1K//1P1P/2P// w - -; bm b4; id "fine #67"
/k/3p/p2P1p/P2P1P///K/ w - -; bm Kb1; id "fine #70"
/pp5p//PP2k/2P2pp/3K/6PP// w - -; bm c5; id "fine #82"
6k/6p//4K1P//7P// w - -; bm Kf4; id "bote.1"
/5p1p/8/6k//6P/5PP/7K w - -; bm Kh2; id "bote.6"
#tactical positions.
rnbq1b1r/p1pp1p1p/4k/1p1NP1p/2QP1p/5N/PP1B1KPP/n6R w - -; bm Nxg5+; id "m10"
/p3q1kp/1p2Pnp1/3pQ3/2pP4/1nP3N1/1B4PP/6K1 w - -; bm Ba3; id "Botvinnik"
5r1k/6p/1n2Q2p/4p//7P/PP4PK/R1B1q/ w - -; bm Bxh6; id "Cray Blitz - Belle 81"
2r2rk/1bqnbpp/1p1ppnp/pP/N1P1P/P2B1N1P/1B2QPP/R2R2K b - -; bm Bxe4; id "K 22"
/7p/5k/5p/p1p2P/Pr1pPK/1P1R3P/ b - -; bm Rxb2; id "WAC 2"
4r1k/p1qr1p/2pb1Bp/1p5p/3P1n1R/1B3P/PP3PK/2Q4R w - -; bm Qxf4; id "WAC 141"
#middlegame positions.
4r1k/1p2q1pp/pb/2p1Nb/2P2PP/B1P2Q1P/P/3R3K/ b - -; bm Be6;id "mid1"
5rk/1p2q1pp/pb/2p1Nb/2P2P/B1P4P/P3Q1P/4R2K/ b - -; bm Rd8; id "mid 2"
3rr1k/1ppb1qpp/pb3p1n/4P/2P2P1N/2P2NQP/PB4P/3RR2K/ b - -; bm Bc8; id "mid 3"
2rq1rk/pp1bbppp/2n1pn/4N/2BP/1P/PB1N1PPP/2RQ1RK/ w - -; bm a3; id "mid 4"
3rbrk/pp2bppp/q1n1pn/4N/2NP/1PBB1Q/P4PPP/2R2RK/ w - -; bm Rfd1; id "mid 5"
3rbrk/p3bppp/1qn1pn/1p2N/3P/1PBBNQ/P4PPP/2RR2K/ w - -; bm d5; id "mid 6"
Beal, D. F. and Smith, M. C., "Multiple probes of transposition tables," ICCA Journal, Vol. 19, No. 4, pp. 227-233, 1996.
Beal, D. and Smith, M., "Random Evaluation in Chess," ICCA Journal, Vol. 17, No. 1, pp3-9, 1994.
Condon, J and Thompson, K, "Belle chess hardware," in Advances in Computer Chess 3, ed M. Clark, Pergamon Press, pp 45-54,1982.
Breuker, D. M., "Memory versus search in games," Ph.D. Thesis, Universiteit Maastricht, 1998.
Breuker, D. M., Uiterwijk, J. W. H. M., Herik, H. J. van den, (1994). "Replacement schemes for transposition tables," ICCA Journal, Vol. 17, No. 4, pp. 183-193, 1994
Breuker, D. M., Uiterwijk, J. W. H. M., Herik, H. J. van den, "Replacement schemes and two-level tables," ICCA Journal, Vol. 19, No. 3, pp. 175-180, 1996.
Breuker, D. M., Uiterwijk, J. W. H. M., Herik, H. J. van den, "Information in transposition tables," Advances in Computer Chess 8 (eds. H.J. van den Herik and J. W. H. M. Uiterwijk), pp. 199-211. Universiteit Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands, 1997.
Greenblatt, R. D., Eastlake, D. E., and Crocker, S. D., "The Greenblatt chess program," Proceedings of the Fall Joint Computer Conference, pp. 801-810, 1967.
Hyatt, R. M. And Mann, T., "A lock-less transposition table implementation for parallel search chess engines," Journal of the International Computer Games Association, Vol. 25,No. 2, pp. 63-72. 2002.
Nelson, H. L., "Hash Tables in Cray Blitz," ICCA Journal, Vol. 8, No. 1, pp. 3 13, 1985.
Warnock, T., Wendroff, B., "Search tables in computer chess," ICCA Journal, Vol. 11, No. 1, pp. 10-13, 1988.
Zobrist, A. L., "A new hashing method with applications for game playing," Technical report 88, Computer Science Department, University of Wisconsin, 1970. | machines. Eliminating the lock resulted in much better overall performance, but it produced an interesting question from one of the reviewers. He sent an email that asked "This obviously will work well, but just how important is it to avoid the issue you are describing? Will such infrequent errors actually have any measurable effect on the search?"
Any publication that discusses "hashing" or "transposition/refutation tables" in computer chess (or other zero-sum board games based on chess, checkers or variants) inevitably turns to the issue of "hash collisions" which is a term used to define the circumstance where two different chess positions produce the same hash signature. [Brueker, 1998; Nelson, 1985; Warnock, 1988] The question posed by the reviewer regarding whether or not such hashing errors are a cause for concern was indeed interesting. Attempting to answer that question led to some interesting results.
Another aspect of this is that researchers have noticed the robustness of the alpha/beta minimax search. For example, how many programmers have discovered major errors in either their search or evaluation, yet noticed that the program was playing well anyway, and in many cases, plays no better after the bug has been excised. Beal's research using a random evaluation further shows this characteristic of large minimax search trees, in that a purely random evaluation score still produces reasonable chess because the search twists the uniform property of random number generators into a sort of "mobility" that will guide the program to reasonable positions based on a very unreasonable evaluation [Beal, 1994]. In short, the search space is very large, and occasional errors tend to get lost in the large search space, and go undetected over long periods of times. This turns out to be just as true for hash signature collisions. Huge numbers of errors get lost in the even larger tree search space, making the effect of these errors hardly noticeable for any reasonable error rate.
The hypothesis
For years, hash collisions have been considered bad. Indeed, much work has been done within the Zobrist hashing framework to minimize these collisions. For example, Warnock and Wendroff did research on the number of bits required to minimize collisions as well as the properties of the random numbers used to compute the Zobrist hash signature [Warnock, 1988]. It has been felt that even one error per game was unacceptable because a hash error introduces a wrong score, which might cause a change in the search score or best move.
That formed the framework for the original hypothesis of this paper, namely that hash collisions were bad and could not be tolerated. We felt that any significant number of errors would produce wrong scores and incorrect moves from the search. The only issue is "what is a significant number of errors?" Our original conjecture was only that if the number of errors exceeded some small number in a single game, we would see problems. We then set about developing an experiment that would give a real estimate for an acceptable error rate that would not change the game outcome.
The test-bed
For this research, we chose to use two computer chess programs written by the authors. Crafty (Hyatt) and Zappa (Cozzie) were used since we have access to all the source, and we know the internals of these programs well. Both programs are traditional computer chess programs that use the alpha/beta algorithm to search a minimax game tree. The search is done in three distinct phases.
Phase 1 is the normal full-width search that is done to some fixed depth as limited by the total time allowed for a move. This fixed-depth search is modified by various search extensions to force certain paths to be examined deeper for various tactical reasons, such as finding/avoiding a checkmate or winning/losing material, and so forth. At some point, the search decides that the base search has reached deeply enough (while searching all legal moves) and that it is time to stop the search and compute a score for the position. The searches also use search reductions, such as null-move, futility pruning, and other ideas that attempt to reduce the overall tree search space without overlooking critical search pathways.
Phase 2 is an add-on search done after the basic search has reached a satisfactory depth. Phase 2 only considers captures in Crafty, while Zappa also includes some checking moves. This phase is really needed to eliminate certain types of tactical errors that would otherwise slip by, primarily caused by statically evaluating positions where tactical issues are present, such as overloaded pieces, hung pieces, and so forth. This is commonly called the quiescence search although the moves that are included in this search varies significantly from program to program.
Phase 3 is the static evaluation, which takes the current position after phase 2 has completed, and computes a numerical score based on the material, the locations of the pieces, pawn structure, and many other positional considerations. The only important point here is that since this static evaluation does not know anything about captures, or hanging pieces, or overloaded pieces, or other dynamic features, it depends on the first two phases to reach positions where no tactical threats are pending, so that the positional score will be as accurate as possible.
In Crafty/Zappa, all of the hashing is done in phase1 of the search, there is no hashing in the quiescence search. This is a reasonably important detail, since some programs hash in the q-search as well. Crafty has used both approaches in the past, but the current approach was found to be the most effective in terms of search speed, search depth, and code simplicity. Zappa has a similar history and the author reached the same conclusion.
The experiment was actually easy to set up. First, it is useful to think about what will happen when a signature collision occurs. Position A is searched and the score saved in the table. Position B is then reached and the hash signature matches that of position A so the result from search A is passed back through the tree search, which is clearly an error.
Since that concept seemed reasonable, we modified the programs so that we could force them to produce a false signature match every Nth probe. Crafty/Zappa use a hashing algorithm that essentially does two probes into the hash table. The first probe is to the "depth-preferred" table while the second is to the "always store" table (this is often called the "Belle" hash table approach since it was used in the Belle chess machine built by Ken Thompson and Joe Condon. [Condon, 1982]) Each time a probe is done, the error counter is decremented, and when it reaches zero, an error is produced. The error could be on either of the two probes, reasonably uniformly distributed between the two tables.
A normal hash probe uses the right-most N bits of the hash signature as the table index, and then the entire 64 bit signature must match the stored signature to call this a match. To produce an error, we chose to ignore the rightmost N bits, and use the next N bits instead, to force the probe to a different place in the table, and then consider the signature a match to simulate a collision error.
It is important to notice that the error rate is in terms of probes per error, not nodes per error. For example, using N=1000 could be an error rate of one per 1000 nodes, as the first probe could be a hit which terminates the hash probe after the error counter has been decremented by one. Alternatively, it could represent an error rate of one per 500 nodes that result in hash probes, because the two internal probes might each decrement the error counter by one, whenever the first probe results in a signature mismatch. It should also be noted that since neither program probes in the q-search, it is possible that one error per 1000 probes could well be one error per 5000 nodes (or less) if the q-search is very large.
This accurately simulates the effect of a hash collision, since it produces a false match and uses a score that is wrong for the current position, and when an error occurs, it is really an error. Without the idea of using other than the low order N bits, in simple end games, we always probe to the right place, which often has the right table entry. In one of the test positions used for the results of this paper, Fine#70, the hit rate is well over 70%. This makes it hard to force a significant number of errors since most positions are actual real hash signature matches. With the change as described, real errors can be forced for any frequency desired.
Now to go with programs that could simulate hash errors, we needed a test set of positions that we could run with different error rates, to see when/if the score/move changed for one of them. We spent quite a bit of time making sure that the test set would address the kinds of positions that might be seen in a game. After initially starting with a large test set of known positions (including tactical and endgame positions) we decided to reduce this to a more manageable number since we anticipated doing lots of hand-analysis on the results. Since hashing is particularly effective in end-games, we chose six end-game positions from chess literature. We were pretty certain these would be the positions that hash errors would affect the most, because these positions (using hashing) allow the programs to reach incredible search depths. One of these positions, the ubiquitous position 70 from Fine's "Basic Chess Endings" is a well-known hash-table stress test, due to the blocked nature of the position that allows a program to search well beyond 30 plies almost instantly. We also chose six tactical positions, thinking these would also produce significant problems, since these tree paths are very deep and narrow, with deep (but forcing) paths leading to mate or material win. The final six positions were chosen from games played by Crafty on the Internet Chess Club, and represented typical middle-game positions where a mistake might or might not lead to problems. It should be noted that this final set of six positions had no real "correct or best move". They are just middle-game positions where the side on move has lots of options that are OK, as well as a few that would be blunders (most chess positions have some horrible move alternatives of course.)
The experimental plan was to run the positions through the normal program, then introduce varying levels of errors until some sort of error rate was found that actually changed the results. We were looking for changes that would produce one of the following:
1. Change in the size of the tree (total nodes searched). Until this happens, no scores or variations are likely going to change. Once the size of the tree changes, the hashing error rate begins to influence the search result. It turns out that any kind of error rate alters the size of the tree to some extent. As a result, this particular change was deemed irrelevant and is not shown in the results because all positions would show minor changes in the node counts. All such positions are marked with a "-" if there were no other changes, meaning that the error rate had no noticeable impact on that particular position.
2. Change in the score (or in the variation produced although the first move must not change here). This would show that the collisions were going beyond changing the size of the tree, and were changing the actual score or the path of best moves. The effect on the game could possibly be to play a different move if enough searches were done. The table marks these positions with a "S" when the score changes. It should be noted that not all score changes are | 2,398 |
Carlson knew what to say: You can fool most of the people most of the time, if you stage a cable pseudo-discussion. To recall what pseudo-discourse looks like, consider Margaret Carlson's oddball appearance on Countdown, just last night.
Carlson appeared around 8:50 PM, the sole guest in Countdown's final segment. The segment concerned a single topic—the stupid, insulting videotape which had been released by the press secretary to Eric Cantor, the House Republican whip. The videotape, riddled with fourteen expletives, insulted the civil service union AFSCME, which had been criticizing Cantor for his opposition to the stimulus package. On the web, Cantor's release of the videotape had been an issue all day long, at least since this Politico post appeared at 9 AM.
If you click on that link, you can see the stupid, insulting tape which had occasioned the day-long discussion.
CARLSON (2/11/09): I watched this today, Keith, when my computer wouldn't play the voice. And I thought, "Hey, this is really good. This really makes a point." Then I heard the other version, which is more amusing than coarse—although I've only heard it with expletives deleted. You live by the sword, you die by the sword. Joe the Plumber turned out not to be who he was put forward to be for purposes of John McCain's campaign and became an embarrassment. This will, if this gets legs or if it comes back during Eric Cantor's campaign, it will just be an embarrassment to him.
Just a guess: It's absurd to think that this videotape will play a role in Cantor's campaign next year. But please note: Twelve hours after this issue got started, Carlson still hadn't heard the actual tape, the tape she'd come on the show to discuss. When she played it in her office, her computer wouldn't play the sound. At some later point, she did hear the tape—but only with expletives deleted. (Given the large number of cuss-words, this creates large holes in the tape.) Carlson had been brought on the show to discuss that tape—nothing else. And as she sat and discussed it with Keith, she still hadn't [expletive] heard it.
Why would you bring someone on your show to discuss a tape she hadn't yet heard? Because Carlson is a reliable hack; she can be trusted to voice the points her host wants her to voice. She knew she should poke at Joe the Plumber, and she knew that silly claims about Cantor's next race might also play well with the herd.
GOODWIN (10/14/04): But anyway, the debate went pretty well. I was able to watch both the debate and the game, mainly because, loving the Red Sox as I do, whenever the Yankees were up, I was too agitated to watch... So we had about ten friends here—mostly Democrats, actually, and Red Sox fans—and we had the game on in one room and the debate on in the other and sadly, I got to see a lot of the debate because of the way the Red Sox game went.
Good God. Yes, Goodwin is one of the worst. But we thought of her as we watched Carlson last night.
OLBERMANN (2/11/09): Segueing nicely, Republican senators and Democratic senators agreeing on the stimulus, making the Republican congressman making stuff out about the stimulus seems stranger than ever. And it was a long-forgotten spoof of the union AFSCME, long forgotten until Congressman Eric Cantor's office wound up apologizing for it today. These stories ahead.
OLBERMANN: If I remember correctly, that ad was an actual ad, and what we just heard was a retrack, as they say, somebody coming in and doing a different, more colorful version of the narration.
CARLSON: The Rod Blagojevich version.
OLBERMANN (2/11/09): What do we think the president got back into this in conference that he could not get past those three Republicans in the Senate? What did he have to sacrifice that he can now reclaim and put back in?
Each question seems to betray a deep cluelessness about the way that bill evolved. But Alter's a professional guest, like Carlson. He acted like he hadn't heard.
Carlson hadn't heard the tape in question. But then, as of 8:30 PM, Olbermann didn't seem to know much about it either. But both scribes knew what the talking-points were. Reciting happily—don't forget Joe!—the pair of hacks churned a famous old product. You were handed the illusion of discourse, a product often tossed to the herd.
BELLAFANTE (2/11/09): In ''Looking for Lincoln,'' a documentary to be shown on most PBS stations on Wednesday, [David] Blight is one of the historians enlisted to debunk myths about the 16th president for the host, Henry Louis Gates Jr., who appears to be encountering Lincoln's realpolitik approach to preserving the Union for the first time. The documentary, which he wrote, is largely his exercise in self-therapy, an effort to reconcile his wish to lionize Lincoln the emancipator with the less digestible reality of Lincoln's broader racial philosophy.
It is hard to disparage anything Mr. Gates does on television; he is easily our most charming public intellectual, displaying none of the blowhard, curmudgeon tendencies of his species. He refuses to allow viewers to feel stupid, bringing an affable spirit of inquiry wherever he goes<|fim_middle|>.
Why is it in there? The answer seems obvious; it's in there to mask the actual size of the post-House packages. Rightly or wrongly, the size of the package came down a good ways from the original House proposal. But it's hard to learn that basic fact from the Post and Times reporting. Example: Shailagh Murray doesn't even mention the AMT provision in this morning's Post.
Clearly, the AMT fix is a major part of the compromise package. This morning, we wondered if the fix was in. The Post didn't bother to tell us. | , an approach so devoid of hauteur and presumption that it can nearly mask (in this instance at least) the apparent disingenuousness at the root.
''Looking for Lincoln'' is constructed as a listening tour. In it Mr. Gates, assuming the role of flaneur, roams up and down the East Coast and through parts of Illinois...to learn what it is hard to imagine he does not already know. Repeatedly he is surprised to ''discover'' that Lincoln's moral repulsion toward slavery did not extend to a belief in the practical equality of the races, a truth widely covered by generations of historians and explicit in some of Lincoln's most famous texts.
BELLAFANTE: Not even Mr. Gates's friend Doris Kearns Goodwin seems really to buy the pose. ''I don't think I fully realized the extent to which even in your childhood you would have had that mythic Lincoln still there,'' she tells him in her sitting room.
Too funny! Goodwin will buy almost any pose, especially from her celebrity friends. But "not even Goodwin" was buying this time! Three cheers for Bellafante, who noticed.
By the way: What's a flaneur, you may be asking. We don't know—but it comes from the French.
MADDOW (2/11/09): Two thumbs up, right? That said, looking at what's actually in the compromise, what`s actually in the bill, makes my thumbs feel slightly less enthusiastic about what happened today in Washington.
For starters, the stimulus got smaller in the compromise. The House bill was $820 billion. The Senate bill was $838 billion. And the compromise was down to $789 billion. How is that a compromise? The math doesn't work.
Maddow raised an obvious point, an hour after Olbermann floundered with Alter. Why is the final bill so much smaller than the deal which the Senate had approved—a deal which had the support of those three "centrist Republicans?" There may be a very good answer for this—but don't look for it in this morning's newspapers. Neither the Washington Post nor the New York Times even mentioned this obvious point this morning. Why is the compromise package smaller than both original packages? The question would occur to almost anyone—except a major journalist.
Second: Due to the lazy way the process has been reported, it's hard to see the extent to which the size of this package has changed over time, The problem involves that $70 billion, one-year "fix" of the Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT). This one-year fix was part of the Senate bill. It wasn't included in the bill originally passed by the House.
It's hard to learn this from the reporting. But putting the AMT fix to the side, the size of the package has dropped by a large amount over the course of this process | 597 |
Our book club took a chance on this book. None of us had read it so it was an adventure for<|fim_middle|> by: "Soup is soup no matter what bowl it's served in."
And my favorite: "I want someone to know I existed. I want someone to know I was here."
I'm waiting to read another of Backman's books. So far he hasn't disappointed me. Try him out. You'll enjoy this read for the road. | all of us to open the pages or fire up the ebooks. I had read another of Fredrick Backman's books, A Man Called Ove, which was good so I had a feeling My Grandmother Asked Me To Tell You She's Sorry would be as well. And it was.
It brings a laugh in lots of places and by the time you are finished you realize you've learned some things along the way. The very least of which is to not judge people before you get to know them well.
"Improbable tragedies create improbable superheroes."
The argument over what is better a printed book vs. an ebook was answered | 127 |
Discover South Florida's best aquarium and favorite visitor attraction. Enjoy amazing marine mammal shows with dolphins and sea lions that delight children of all ages. See world-class sea life exhibits with manatees, sea turtles, penguins, rays and more. Learn about wildlife rescue and marine animal care at the Conservation Outpost. Plus, there is no greater thrill than getting in the water with the friendly, intelligent and graceful dolphins at Dolphin Harbor, the best dolphin experience in Miami! Join us for one of our many special events great family dining options, and of course, unforgettable animal experiences at the best place to swim with dolphins in Miami!
Meet, play, and swim with dolphins in Miami Seaquarium during a unique, educational<|fim_middle|> outings. You'll find affordable rates and unlimited fun!
Learn more about the countless manatees, sea turtles, and dolphins Miami Seaquarium® has rescued, rehabilitated and released. | adventure with one of the ocean's most beloved creatures!
We offer a variety of programs for schools, youth, religious groups as well as small and large company | 31 |
Shain Carrasco began playing the cello at age six. By the time he reached High School, he had dedicated his life to learning and performing cello. North Carolina School of the Arts provided a high school diploma, and a Bachelors Degree, and the San Francisco Conservatory of Music, a Masters Degree in cello performance. In graduate school, Shain began playing with several Bay Area symphonies, teaching cello, and pursuing chamber music outlets.
<|fim_middle|>2013 by Shain Carrasco | Today, Shain is a member of the Santa Cruz Symphony, and frequently plays in the California, Berkeley, Monterey, Modesto, Fresno, Napa Valley, and Reno Symphonies and Philharmonics as well as in the San Francisco Sinfonietta, the Russian Chamber Orchestra of Marin and Mohammad Reza Shajarian's Persian Orchestra. He has also joined the stage with various renowned artists like Dave Brubeck, Peter Gabriel and the Trans-Siberian Orchestra.
Shain is an active member of the international movement, Classical Revolution - bringing Chamber music to people in accessible often-informal venues. Here, Shain's students have the opportunity to engage in a diverse community of dedicated musicians and fans while gaining the inspiration to further develop their practice (classicalrevolution.org).
Out of Classical Revolution, the Musical Art Quintet (MAQ) was formed with Shain as the founding cellist. MAQ, a string quintet, performs Latin inspired original Chamber music influenced by the dances of Tango, Salsa, and Milonga. Shain's love for diverse Chamber music also led him to join Presidio String Quartet – a group dedicated to performing contemporary classical music (presidiostringquartet.com).
Shain frequently works as a recording artist and has played on the records of various acclaimed ensembles like indie bands Vetiver, Birds & Batteries, and The Goldenhearts, to world-renowned festival gurus Beats Antique, Musical Art Quintet's Nuevo Chamber, Mohammad Reza Shajarian's Persian Orchestra and several classical collaborations.
In Shain's work, an integral part of his musical life is teaching Cello. Inspiring students to develop, explore, and refine their own cello playing continues to be a very fulfilling role. Shain teaches privately in the East Bay, San Francisco and the South Bay, and is faculty at the Community School of Music and Art in Mountain View (since 2005). Instilling the love of music making in his students, and the critical learning skills a discipline in cello supports, is a real pleasure for Shain. Please visit the Cello Instruction page to learn more.
Berkeley Cello Lessons, Berkeley Cello Teacher, San Francisco Cello Lessons, San Francisco Cello Teacher, East Bay Cello Lessons, East Bay Cello Teacher, South Bay Cello Lessons, South Bay Cello Teacher, Cello Teacher, Cello Lessons, Beginner Cello Lessons, Intermediate Cello Lessons, Advanced Cello Lessons, Cello Lessons for Young Children, Cello Lessons for Adults, Best Cello Teacher
SHAIN CARRASCO
CELLO INSTRUCTION
© | 543 |
I can't recall what conversation I was having or with whom, but somehow the topic of bread pudding came up and a little thought bubble of realization popped into in my head: It had been over a year since I'd had bread pudding, and that is a very sad thing. To remedy this travesty, I decided to make a batch with some of my favorite autumn flavors: pumpkin (for so many reasons), maple (nothing beats that warm sweetness!), and bourbon whiskey<|fim_middle|> over both pans, poking a couple holes in the center to help the steam escape. Place them in the oven and bake for 50 minutes, then remove the tin foil and continue baking for another 40-45 minutes, or until the exposed bread pudding is golden.
Remove both pans from the oven and remove the bundt pan from the casserole pan. Allow the bundt pan to cool for 5 minutes, then (while wearing oven mitts) shake the pan back & forth slightly to loosen it. Place a serving dish face side down over the top of the bundt pan and flip it over. Gently pull the bundt pan off of the bread pudding. Allow the bread pudding to cool for 15 more minutes before slicing and serving.
Thanks so much! I, too, am addicted to bread pudding. The texture, the flavor…it's just a work of magic!
Very beautiful photos and nice cake stand. And I love your styling very much!
Seriously, bread pudding has got to be my most favorite dessert of all time. It's so silky and smooth and crunchy where it needs to be. I'm not going to lie, i would eat it for breakfast too. It's amazing. Love this combo of flavors, heading into the kitchen now!
I haven't made bread pudding in a very long time and you're making me realize it! A pumpkin maple version sounds just perfect!
Thank you Averie! I will have to give your pumpkin pull-apart bread a try, I am a HUGE fan of anything pumpkin-flavored!
I'm anxious to try this recipe. A new presentation for me. Sounds delish! | (liquor in desserts = win). I'm more of a Cognac person when it comes to sipping liquors, but I love a good bourbon tang in my cakes and Jeremy is a huge fan of it any which way, so it worked out well for all involved parties. The rich, creamy, and sweet bread pudding bundt that emerged from the oven seemed to float out on its own towards me as I leaned in closer and closer to take in the delicious smells as I was pulling it out. Then I burnt my forehead a little on the oven and decided to allow it to cool a bit more outside of the oven before attempting to eat it. Once I did, though, it was pure pumpkin heaven. I've eaten it every day since Saturday, and although I made a 12-cup bundt pan's worth, there are now zero slices left (this speaks both to the quality of the bread pudding and to my lack of self-control when it comes to pumpkin-flavored seasonal treats) so it's definitely a keeper.
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. In a large bowl whisk together all of the ingredients, except the bread, until completely blended. Add the bread cubes and allow them to soak in the mixture for 15 minutes, pressing down on them gently a couple times with your hands about 5 minutes in.
Empty the mixture into a very well-greased 12-cup bundt pan. Place the bundt pan in a casserole dish that has been filled with 1 inch of water. Place a single sheet of tin foil | 325 |
Had a great day fishing with Mick from the West Yorkshire Police last week. As usual I tried my regular technique for early season rainbows on the reservoirs using black and green buzzers fished from just below the feeding zone.
We had caught several fish mine were all on Sandy's Blank Buster Specimen Hunter Green Buzzers but we moved about 20 feet from the windlane at Arnfield, the wind was blowing down the tree line and across the water perfect for fishing but cold<|fim_middle|>ary of 5 feet to the deeps. Here it was fought for about 15 minutes but it was always going to be beaten as long as I kept the pressure on to stop the barbless hook being thrown and did not bully the fish. 15 minutes later Mick scooped the net under the fish, thanks Mick what a great time! | ! We saw this was were the bigger fish were rising and feeding. Wind was whipping down the treeline and it was the obvious place to be, all potential food would be taken from the promentary across the the reservoir. With Stephen's great new electric motors we glided across and anchored up as shown below.
My technique for those over wintered Rainbows is regularly the same. I use copper coloured tungsten bead head PT (copper coloured I find has better results than gold, maybe it is slightly less glitzy) on the point and two different sized buzzers (Sandy's Blank Buster Specimin Hunter Green Buzzers) 12 and 14 on droppers. I cast over the rising fish and allow the team to drop to just below the feeding depth of the rainbows. Quite often they will be hit on the drop however if they do not then I lift my rod tip, about 3 feet taking the team into the feeding zone (in this case at a depth or 2 to 3 feet). I then drop the rod tip and perform a gentle figure of 8 retrieve to take up the slack from having lifted the rod tip. I then allow the team to drop back through the feeding zone to 1 foot below the feeding zone and repeat.
The technique is pretty basic but works every time. I use a 4lb leader and either 5 or 7 weight line depending on the size of the venue. Using 4 feet of Stroft on a tapered leader of about 8 feet gives me a perfect rig with droppers 18" to 2 feet apart. The results were pleasurable as can be seen below, a nice lunker! The fight was superb, the rainbow hit and immediately tore up the wind lane. I turned the fish and it went towards the tree line on the promentry I had seconds and only line tippet but had to turn the fish or it would smash me through the trees in the water. Quickly I put pressure on turning the fish away from the tree line and from the shallow water on the proment | 425 |
A CPG company tests its new idea for a green cleaning product .
As the "green movement" rolls on, a CPG manufacturing company develops a concept for a new green household cleaning product. But they have seen several competitors fail in the same space. They want to determine appeal and demand for the product, and identify the target consumer, before they put all their eggs in one bucket.
1. Establish top buyers' personas.
First things first – research is used to discover the most loyal and profitable female consumers for a green household cleaner. In-depth profiles of the top three personas are then established.
2. Determine the appeal and demand for the concept.
Determine the level of interest of the top female consumers – how much will they truly want this new product? Research discovers if our target female consumers see the new concept as meeting a need they have, a product they can connect with emotionally, and, most importantly, a product they feel empowered to buy repeatedly.
3. Identify insights to leverage in communications.
From the research implemented to achieve the first two objectives, the analysts pull insights that show precisely how to communicate with the target consumer. These insights are used to craft key messaging that will resonate on an emotional level with the female consumer, deliver the selling points that research has determined she will respond to, and inspire her to "join" the company's brand..
Validation of a new concept or product requires extensive research, typically on multiple levels. First, to determine the segment(s) of the market in which the most profitable and loyal consumers are likely to be found. Second, to gain a deep and thorough understanding of how they respond to the product, corporate brand, message, and other variables BEFORE the company invests heavily in the venture. A moderate investment in validation research up front often prevents large amounts of wasted capital on failed ideas after the fact.
The company initiates a 6-month Advisory Services program. This program gives the company ready access to research analysts who can offer insights and advice during the product launch period as the company works with its agency and other partners to introduce the new cleaner to consumers across the country.
The initial research is conducted with an online discussion group of 15-20 women in the target consumer groups. In this study, the respondents first discuss their usage and perceptions of cleaning products in general. Then, the green product concept is presented to them in verbal and visual form. After they have a chance to examine and read about it, they are asked various questions on its overall appeal, features, weaknesses, benefits, messaging and their purchase intent. This professionally moderated study is conducted over a 2-3 day period with each participant required to log into the system twice per day to answer questions from a Discussion Guide. This provides both a qualitative evaluation of the new concept as well as insights into possible changes to enhance the concept.
To further verify the findings from the online discussion group, an online quantitative study is conducted among a larger sample size of target audience consumers. This again presents the new concept and key messaging to the respondents to validate the appeal of the concept and provide a demand projection prior to introduction.
The company finds the most value in the detailed profiles of their three top buyer personas. They find extreme value in knowing what their most loyal and profitable customers like and don't like about their brand, their products, and even about their new green cleaner. They decide to take the<|fim_middle|>, while the demand isn't projected to be quite as high as they had hoped, the perception and goodwill it projects onto their brand is through the roof with their target consumer and they see an incredible value to that as well.
In addition, and like most validation projects, the research yields an invaluable list of key messages that resonate with the target audience. Not surprisingly, many of those messages include the "green" theme. | new product to market. The research reveals that | 9 |
Soul-Centered Series
Rohini Ross / Posts tagged "Spiritual Development"
Love Is Not Only The Answer; It Is Also The Question And Everything Else In Between
Rohini 21.08.2019 Anxiety, Coping Mechanisms, Spiritual Development, spiritual intelligence, Spirituality 2
Angus and I are hopefully heading back to LA as this blog post is being sent out. I am so used to writing my posts right before they get sent it feels strange to write something that won't be published until two weeks from now. One of the things that I noticed this week, is I can get a bit antsy before leaving on a trip. I usually deal with this by leaving packing to the last minute. This works for me because then I don't spend that much time thinking about it so there is less time to worry. This...
We Are All On Our Way To Being Nothing
Rohini 10.08.2019 Self Love, Self-Acceptance, Spiritual Development, spiritual intelligence, Spirituality 8
"As long as you believe you are a body-mind, then your purpose is to become no purpose. You spend your energy becoming nothing. But do not believe you are nothing when you haven't become nothing yet! Be honest with yourself. See where you are coming from by the way you react to your life situations every day." ~ Robert Adams Intellectual interpretation and conceptual presentations of spiritual understanding are very different than what is shared from direct experience. And looking at my day-to-day life I see how far I am from being nothing. I see I frequently get caught up in...
Just Hanging Out and Pointing: Your Wisdom Leads the Way!
Elaine 01.03.2019 Resilience, Self-Confidence, Wisdom 6
I was speaking with Elsie Spittle this week in preparation for her weekend in the Soul-Centered Series and was sharing how rewarding it is to see people light up with an insight. She described it as soul-food. I love this description and feel so grateful for the work I do. What struck me as I was speaking with clients this week is seeing the simplicity of people having fresh thoughts. Even when you think you are stuck and can't have an insight that is just a made up. It is not the truth of who you are. When you look in...
Following Inclinations and Christmas Tree Disposal
Elaine 01.02.2019 emotional intelligence, Life Lessons, Personal Development, spiritual intelligence, Video and Audio 0
Angus having to dispose of our Christmas tree in a creative way because he missed the green bin helped him to experience the value of taking action on his inclinations even when he thought they weren't going to go anywhere. I love that our inner promptings guide us in big and small ways. Often times our intellect tries to talk us out of taking action because it can't make sense of it. But there is a deeper wisdom at play that we don't have to figure out. It is only through taking action, moving forward, and gaining momentum that we...
Bah Humbug Feelings Are Normal
Elaine 15.12.2018 Coping Mechanisms, Depression, Holiday Season, Less Stress More Living, Low Mood, Stress Relief 1
It is starting to feel like the holiday season in my home. Our eldest daughter just got home from college. My husband Angus and our youngest daughter found and put up our Christmas tree. The laser lights are sparkling outside. Angus' birthday is just around the corner. There is a festive air, but the holidays can be difficult for people too. There are often high expectations for joy and connection that don't get met. I have talked to some people who say they feel lonelier this time of year and others who feel the loss of loved ones more poignantly. Whatever...
My Most Shameful Experience Pointed Me Toward Freedom
Elaine 07.12.2018 3 Principles, Emotional Wellness, Insecurity, Life Lessons, Love, love and relationships, Low Mood, Marriage, Mental Health, Personal Development, relationship advice, relationships, Stress Relief, Wisdom 8
As preparation for the Soul-Centered Series free webinar with Jack Pransky, I read his latest book Seduced by Consciousness. I really enjoyed the first book I read of his, Somebody Should Have Told Us and was not disappointed with this one. In the book, Jack shares his insights into relationships. And it reminded me of a very painful learning curve I experienced in my marriage. In the early days of being married to Angus, I would occasionally find myself attracted to another man. It would never be intentional. It would just happen and then it would pass. I would get over...
Celebrating Difference and Recognizing Oneness
Elaine 02.12.2018 3 Principles, Acceptance, Consciousness, Perfectionism, Personal Development, Spiritual Development, spiritual intelligence, Spirituality 0
I love diversity and the richness of different perspectives. I also love looking in the direction of the essence who we all are. It seems to me that whenever I look in that direction life gets simpler and lighter. I have noticed recently different conversations about the right way to look and point in this direction. They have the feeling for me of: "I know better than you. This way is better than that way. You can't say this. You should do that." So many rules. And for what? None of us have it right. What is being pointed to cannot...
The Best Results Come From Our Natural State
Elaine 23.11.2018 emotional intelligence, Healthy Living, Less Stress More Living, Life Lessons, Performance, Personal Development, Productivity, spiritual intelligence, Video and Audio 0
Angus has some trouble getting his words out but does a little dance to loosen himself up. When he finally does get his words out he has a good point. Wellbeing is the new differentiator for the England football team. The coach is seeing how when the players are having fun and enjoying life this impacts their performance. So even though the current team isn't as good as the previous team on paper, they are performing better as a result of this new culture of fun and wellbeing. This applies to all of us. We are our best selves when...
Rule Breaker and Rule Follower
Elaine 16.11.2018 emotional intelligence, Life Lessons, Love, love and relationships, Marriage, Personal Development, relationships, spiritual intelligence, Video and Audio 0
Thank you to everyone who has reached out to check in with Angus and me regarding our safety and for offering your support while we were evacuated. We are very grateful for your love and kindness. We are safe and have not been impacted by the fire other than the evacuation. Many others, however, have not been as fortunate. If you would like to offer support here are some charities to choose from: Wildfire Relief Fund Disaster Relief Fund Caring Choices California Fire Foundation Rohini and Angus are both coaches. They work with individuals, leaders, and organizations to increase performance and success. They also love...
Invisible State of Mind
Elaine 09.11.2018 Consciousness, emotional intelligence, Life Lessons, Love, love and relationships, Marriage, Mental Health, Parenting, Personal Development, relationships, spiritual intelligence, Video and Audio 0
It amazes me that my state of mind can be invisible to me. What I mean by that is that in my perception I think I am okay and in my right mind, but actually, I am destabilized. It is obvious to me when I am feeling extremes of upset, but what I share about in the Vlog is more subtle. Now I know when Angus says I am being stern, critical or on my high horse, he is probably right. He is picking up on my feeling state. Normally I think he is the crazy one and just out of...
Don't Despair Over The Post-Honeymoon Fall From Grace
Angus Now Understands His Yoga Nightmare/Breakthrough More Deeply
What Reduces Suffering In Relationships?
A Healthy Relationship Starts With You!
Happy Birthday Angus!
Less Stress More Living
Low Mood
Solopreneur
Soul Centered Series
Sydney Banks
3 Principles 3P Acceptance anger anger management anxiety Audio burnout Business Coping Mechanisms emotional intelligence emotional wellness entrepreneur grief imagination insecurity life lessons love love advice low mood marriage Nonviolence parenting perfectionism performance personal development productivity psychology relationship advice relationships relaxation self-confidence sex Social Activism Soul Centered Series Spiritual Development spirituality Stress Sydney Banks teenagers thoughts transformation True Self Video work life balance
Copyright © Rohini Ross, all rights reserved.
Website by Sandra Koenig, Branding Harmony.
SINGLE PAYMENT (USD)
SINGLE PAYMENT 6 x PAY<|fim_middle|> and a full night's sleep.
Barbara Patterson works with businesses, leaders, coaches, and entrepreneurs from around the world. She has over 20 years experience coaching & working globally as both an executive and outside consultant. As an executive, Barb was the head of a large global function responsible for talent management, executive development, change management and employee engagement. Today, she runs her own coaching and consulting business, bringing the insights from the understanding taught by Sydney Banks to clients across the globe. In addition to her own practice, Barb partners with Linda and George Pransky, developing principles-based practitioners through mentoring, training and one-on-one work.
Michael Neill
Michael Neill is an internationally renowned success coach and the best-selling author of You Can Have What You Want, Feel Happy Now! and both the Effortless Success and the Coaching from the Inside-Out audio programs. He has spent the past 23 years as a coach, adviser, friend, mentor, and creative spark plug to celebrities, CEOs, royalty, and people who want to get more out of themselves and their lives. He is the also the founder of Supercoach Academy, an international school training people from around the world in the art and science of transformative coaching from the inside-out understanding based on the teachings of Sydney Banks. Michael's books have been translated into 13 languages, and his public talks, retreats, and seminars have touched and transformed lives at the United Nations and on five continents around the world. He hosts a weekly talk show on Hay House Radio, and his weekly blogs can be read on his website and The Huffington Post.
Dicken Bettinger
Dicken Bettinger – The Spiritual Nature of the teachings of Sydney Banks
Dicken Bettinger, Ed.D., received his doctorate in counseling psychology and practiced as a licensed clinical psychologist for 32 years. In 1986, he met Sydney Banks and feels fortunate that for 23 years he was able to learn the Three Principles directly from him. Dicken co-founded one of the first Three Principles centers in the US. Dicken was also a senior staff member at Pransky and Associates for 16 years, where he developed and led corporate and university leadership trainings, team development experiences, and executive coaching programs. In 2012 Dicken founded Three Principles Mentoring. He now shares the Three Principles in seminars throughout the US and worldwide. Dicken has been married to Coizie for 46 years. He is blessed with two adult children and two adored grandchildren. He enjoys photography, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, and traveling.
Elsie Spittle
Elsie Spittle – The Soul of the Principles
Elsie Spittle has been an internationally recognized trainer and consultant for over four decades. She is one of the few people who knew Sydney Banks, the originator of the Three Principles, before he had his profound insight, and who stuck by him, despite her own early strong resistance.
Elsie had the privilege of receiving "on the job" training directly from Mr. Banks, traveling with him to address mental health practitioners, educators, and others seeking a deeper understanding of life.
Since then, Elsie has been invited to consult with all levels of executives and employees in the corporate world and has been instrumental in transforming disadvantaged communities. She has worked with staff and youth in juvenile justice settings, as well as with individuals via coaching and retreats, and is a co-founder of the Three Principles School, dedicated to sharing the integrity and purity of the Principles for the benefit of future generations. | MENTS
6 MONTHLY PAYMENT OF $995 USD
Soul-Centered Series Online
Cathy Casey & Mark Howard
Cathy Casey & Mark Howard – Practical Spirituality –
Cathy Casey is a highly skilled and experienced trainer of the Three Principles understanding of experience. Her work ranges from corporate consulting with blue-chip companies through to the public sector, such as health and hospital programs, government organizations, and juvenile and adult criminal justice systems. Cathy is especially known for pioneering teaching the Three Principles to prison inmates in the California Correctional System. Because of her experience of having a father who is a World War II veteran, her current vision is to bring the principles to all veterans of any war. Cathy is currently teaching veterans who are incarcerated.
Dr. Howard is a licensed psychologist who is the founder of the "Three Principles Institute" located in Burlingame, California. He recently retired from Kaiser Permanent Redwood City Chemical Dependency Services after 27 years of service. Dr Howard is recognized as one of the professionals bringing the Three Principles to psychology and related fields. He was introduced to the principles in 1982. He has taught clients, families, business professionals, and mental health practitioners about these principles. In 1994 he brought the understanding of these Three Principles to the Department of Alcohol and Drug Services in Santa Clara County California. In 2008, Dr Howard was awarded the "Outstanding Career Service" award by the Santa Clara Psychological Association for bringing the principles to Santa Clara County, California.
Chip Chipman
Chip Chipman – The Simplicity of Syd's Teachings
Chip had the honor of being mentored by Sydney Banks from 1975 until 2009. From 1994 to 2004 he conducted retreats with him in Europe and North America. His guidance during these events about sharing in as deep and simple a manner as possible guides his work to this day. He currently shares his understanding though speaking engagements, retreats, and webinars worldwide. From his base on Salt Spring Island, he offers one on one Skype sessions as well as retreats for individuals, couples, and groups. The books and recordings of Sydney Banks are fundamental to all his work, helping countless people find happiness and understanding after being touched by those original materials. Chip is President of the Three Principles Foundation, and in 2008, co-founded the Three Principles School on Salt Spring Island, dedicated to sharing the simplicity and purity of the Three Principles, "As discovered and taught by Sydney Banks".
Spiritual Facts
After earning his Ph.D. in Anthropology from London's Brunel University, Aaron joined Pransky and Associates, a world leader in the pioneering approach to human potential. During his decade-long tenure, Aaron developed applications and courses to meet challenges of senior management in large corporations: leadership and cultural change, leveraging team performance, improving customer loyalty, and increasing earning potential.
Aaron is a recognized international speaker in the State of Mind field, and leads workshops in the private and public sectors. With a goal of reaching the business world in a more profound way, Aaron co-founded One Thought with Mara Gleason in 2010. One Thought also runs a professional institute, based in London, where they train emerging practitioners.
Christine Heath & Judy Sedgeman
Christine Heath & Judy Sedgeman – Spirituality and Resilience
Christine Heath
Christine, the co-founder, and executive director of the Hawaii Counseling and Education Center since 1985, has nearly 37 years' experience as a marriage and family therapist. She met Sydney Banks in 1981 and has been sharing her understanding of the Three Principles since then. She was instrumental in setting up one of the first Three Principles-based clinics in the world. She is certified as a substance abuse counselor and she is an AAMFT Approved Supervisor. She provides training programs for graduate and postgraduate therapists. She offers training, coaching, consultation, and seminars based on the Three Principles locally and internationally to professionals and lay people alike.
Judy Sedgeman
Judith A. Sedgeman, Ed.D., has been dedicated to sharing the Principles of Mind, Consciousness and Thought professionally for more than 30 years. Dr. Sedgeman has worked over the years with many other practitioners of the Three Principles throughout the United States and around the world. Judy enjoys work with teams and sees collaboration and partnership as key to extending the power of the Principles of Mind, Consciousness and Thought to awaken health and well-being across diverse populations. Dr. Sedgeman has long been a leader in mentoring, teaching and practicing leadership in the presentation and development of Three Principles education and services.
George & Linda Pransky
George & Linda Pransky – Psychological Freedom and Spiritual Understanding
In 1976, George and Linda Pransky stumbled upon a new way of helping people that was radically different from the traditional counseling methods they'd been using in their work. They learned these new principles directly from Sydney Banks, and they had a huge impact on their personal lives, their relationship with each other, and the way they worked with their clients. They began to teach these principles and became pioneers in a new field of psychology that profoundly changed their clients in a short amount of time.
George and Linda have taught the Three Principles for over thirty years to individuals, couples, businesses, and colleagues. Currently, Linda is on the executive committee of the Three Principles Organization (3PGC), faculty of the One Thought Institute and senior partner at Pransky and Associates. George is also a senior partner at Pransky and Associates and on the executive committee of the Three Principles Global Community. He is one of the two professional founders of the understanding of The Principles of Mind, Thought, and Consciousness, the author of The Relationship Handbook and has made more than 50 audio recordings. During his career, he has served on the faculty of three graduate universities and continues to pioneer sharing the teachings of Sydney Banks in new industries.
Rohini Ross
Rohini Ross is passionate about helping people wake up to their full potential. She is a transformative coach, leadership consultant, a regular blogger for Thrive Global, and author of Marriage (Soul-Centered Series Book 1) available on Amazon. Rohini has an international coaching and consulting practice based in Los Angeles helping individuals, couples, and professionals embrace all of who they are so they can experience greater levels of well-being, resiliency, and success.
Original Price of $5500 (USD)
Original Price 6x payments of $995
Deeper love and acceptance of yourself
Are you self-critical, hard on yourself, and constantly trying to "fix" whatever you think is wrong with you? Perhaps you have tried all kinds of different personal growth techniques and spiritual practices in the hope of solving all your problems. This cycle can be exhausting and never-ending, because there will always be something to improve about yourself, from that mindset. Sydney Banks' teachings can help you to see how your humanness is normal and not something that needs fixing: as a spiritual person, you don't need to change or eradicate your humanness! Seeing yourself as normal allows you to love and accept yourself exactly as you are—warts and all. Adopting this perspective naturally brings out the best in you and helps to find peace with your personality. Self-love and self-acceptance is your natural state, and any disconnection from your true nature is only temporary. What a relief!
More authentic success
In our culture, success is often associated with hard work and narrowly defined as material gain. However, authentic success, as shared by Sydney Banks, includes such intangibles as happiness, well-being, love, joy, compassion, and peace of mind that are innate in each one of us, along with outward goals and achievements. It honors the whole person in all walks of life, whether you are a professional, leader, executive, solopreneur, employee, mother, teacher or student. From this knowing and experience, you can access the infinite wellspring of love that is your essence, then share your gifts with the world from a place of fulfillment and meaning, through a profound understanding of the interaction between your psychological and spiritual natures. While conventional success can deplete you, authentic success only fills you up.
Increased ability to enjoy life
Your ability to enjoy life comes from being present in the moment rather than caught up in habitual, negative thoughts that take you out of the Now. Sydney Banks' wisdom supports you in becoming aware of how you get seduced by your limited personal thinking and thus, create a painful reality of misunderstanding, fear and restriction. When you recognize how and why this happens, you can step free of the pattern. This understanding assists you to dismiss unhelpful thoughts and not take them seriously. Unlike traditional self-help or therapy, experiencing more psychological freedom and enjoyment does not rely on techniques. There are no magic bullets on the path of well-being. All you need to do is follow an internal compass that points to the truth of who you really are—beyond transient thoughts to your unchanging, formless essence.
Expanded freedom to live into your potential
Greater psychological freedom is the gift that keeps on giving. How grateful would you feel if you no longer had to listen to your negative, self-punishing and painful inner narrative, day in and day out? Understanding the role of thought and recognizing how it creates your feelings of insecurity and self-doubt is truly liberating! You will be better able to hear and heed your inner wisdom and become less driven by the noisy thoughts of fear and constriction. As an ongoing practice, this allows you to more fully experience your resilience and reach a greater sense of clarity about how you want to move forward in your life. As a result, you can live in a way that feels authentic and true in every area, including your career, family, home, creative expression, play, relationships and overall well-being.
Greater happiness
When you no longer give authority to the fear-based thoughts in your consciousness, all you are left with is happiness. Through the teachings of Sydney Banks, you can see how your psychological functioning works, which makes you less compelled to follow those thoughts that do not serve you. Becoming more aware of the wholeness and integration of both your human and spiritual natures helps to ground you in the unchanging essence of who you are, and ride out the ups and downs of your emotional experience more gracefully. Accepting the normalcy of your humanness will naturally reduce your anxiety and fear and enhance your joy and happiness in each moment. By placing less pressure on yourself to feel a certain way or be hung up on self-improvement, you may find that low moods do not derail or debilitate you; instead, you will become much more attuned to your innate wellbeing and peace of mind and experience more happiness as a result.
Better relationships
One of the first areas people often experience profound transformation from the teachings of Sydney Banks is in their relationships, both personal and professional. While it often seems like another person's irritation, anger, indifference, insensitivity, rudeness, etc., directly affects your experience, in reality your disturbance is a product of your own individual thinking. By making someone else responsible for how you feel, that person automatically becomes the cause of your suffering. Once you understand that you always have a place of well-being inside, independent of another's behavior, it is easier to maintain equanimity through their changing moods and behaviors. Romantically, you may experience deeper love and intimacy with your partner, but the teachings benefit all relationships. This awareness supports more authentic connection and expression, while facilitating greater understanding, improved communication, reduced reactivity, more acceptance of self and others, and improved ability to work out differences and find common ground. Best of all, just one person shifting in a relationship is enough to transform it.
Clare Dimond
Alongside her career in international marketing and public relations, Clare spent decades looking for a way to feel more at ease with life. Along the way she gathered qualifications in many fields of personal development including psychology, NLP trainer, master hypnotist, yoga and meditation teacher and an MBA but nothing seemed to really explain our experience and who we really are.
Her search ended (thankfully!) with the understanding put forward by Sydney Banks. She is now a full-time coach, speaker and author of REAL: the inside-out guide to being yourself. As well as a yoga teacher (she still loves that) and a mum of two.
Scott has spent over 25 years as a coach, mentor, and integrative health practitioner assisting individuals in reconnecting to their health and well-being, improving performance and living with clarity.
Scott brings state of mind coaching as the foundation to his health and well-being programs and has worked with professional athletes, Olympians, couples, family's, teams, corporations and individuals who want to live, work, perform and play from their Zone Of Genius.
Scott's integrative approach to health and wellbeing involves evaluating the metabolic, nutritional, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of one's health. His extensive skills and experience enable him to create powerful coaching relationships for transformative outcomes.
Scott is a dynamic and impactful presenter and teacher. He designs and delivers workshops and talks that leave people with a new and insightful understanding of their own health, well-being and potential.
Barbara Patterson
Amy Johnson, Ph.D., is a coach, social psychologist, and the author of Being Human (2013), and The Little Book of Big Change: The No-Willpower Approach to Breaking Any Habit (2016).
She experienced severe anxiety, panic attacks, and binge eating/bulimia for several years. She was told by many well-trained, well-intentioned professionals that these issues would likely be with her for life in one form or another. But nothing could be further from the truth today.
Several years ago, she came across the down-to-earth spiritual understanding of life shared by Sydney Banks and that changed everything for her. It is the basis of everything she teaches and writes about, and the foundation for her groundbreaking new approach that helps people find true, lasting freedom from unwanted habits and anxiety. In 2017, Amy created an online school and community called The Little School of Big Change, where people worldwide find freedom from what holds them back. Amy has been a regularly featured expert on The Steve Harvey Show and Oprah.com, as well as in The Wall Street Journal and Self magazine.
Amy is also a wife, Willow and Miller's mom, and a lover of coffee, yoga, travel, documentaries, library books | 3,010 |
Geopedia was established with a desire to have the ability to store, view and edit geographic (GIS) data in one place. Initially it was focused mainly on Slovenia but there was always a desire to expand abroad. Finally, in March 2015, Geopedia World was launched which offers world-wide coverage. Data is available for different kinds<|fim_middle|> their website.
Owners of GIS data may also use Geopedia to share their data with others, either for free or as a paid service.
Geopedia started as a system for collecting various spatial data in Slovenia only. Slovenia has a great wealth of publicly available GIS data - various institutions each maintain their own data but with it each has a different way of accessing it. This meant that data access was fragmented and anytime someone wanted to query multiple datasets at once this became a problem as it couldn't be easily done in one place. What was necessary was to use multiple applications at once, often needing to copy data from one to another. The goal of Geopedia therefore was for it to be a platform where all this data could be accessible, with a bit of Wikipedia flair, meaning users can co-create data, too. The initial Geopedia was launched on May 17, 2007, which from then on has been constantly growing and expanding its data and user base. | of users - from individuals who come to browse and explore to GIS professionals who work in the industry and other sectors. Geopedia offers many powerful tools to analize and manage GIS data easily and effectively.
Casual users who only wish to view and benefit from existing data in the system, be it parks or atlases worldwide, among many others.
Users who wish to create data, either adding information to existing public layers or creatig their own to share with others or keep to themselves.
Geodesists, geographers, construction managers and other professionals needing GIS data to assist in their work.
Webmasters wishing to offer their users a digital interactive map to embed onto | 133 |
Exciting Atlanta Artist 6Lack Flips The Weeknd On New Track "Just In Time 4 The Weekend"
Jake Nixon | Nov 15, <|fim_middle|>nd | Stream Only
6Lack – PRBLMS | Stream Only | 2016 |Uncategorized
Rising Atlanta-based singer 6Lack has taken on The Weeknd's "Wicked Games" for a flip of his own with "Just in time 4 the weekend." The talented artist brings an R&B approach to hip-hop production as he preps for the forthcoming release of his debut album, Free 6Lack, due this Friday (Nov. 18).
6Lack recently got out of a "bad record deal" and has had a consistent output of impressive tracks over the past few months. The up-and-comer pays homage to The Weeknd with his impressive flip of the 2011 single. This follows up his recent successful singles including his breakout hit "PRBLMS," which you should also listen to below. Familiarize yourself with this exciting new artist and enjoy!
6Lack – Just In Time 4 The Week | 185 |
Some evangelical fundamentalist Christians and many conservative politicians are fond of talking about how they want to return us to an overly idealized version of the past, a version that never actually happened. Many seem to focus on the 1950s (prior to the Civil Rights movement). Others want to go back much further (e.g., teabaggers wrapping themselves in revisionist history involving American independence). The fascinating thing for observers in the reality-based community is how much distortion is involved in these efforts. I'm not sure anything illustrates that better than the Pledge of Allegiance.
According to Dr. John W. Baer, the original Pledge of Allegiance was written in 1892 by Francis Bellamy and modified in 1923 and 1924 over Bellamy's objection. As you probably know, the Pledge of Allegiance did not include the phrase "under god" until<|fim_middle|> mean it is unnecessary. | 1954. This means that today's pledge, minus the "under god" drivel, was used from 1924 to 1954.
Remember when NBC broadcast the Pledge of Allegiance without the all-important "under god" phrase and Christian extremists went through the roof, prompting an apology? I noted Rep. Todd Akin's response, but I failed to highlight one of the more reasonable responses to the event. David Niose, President of the American Humanist Association, wrote a wonderful letter to NBC in support of the original (i.e., godless) pledge.
Since the religious language was not added until 1954, please be mindful that any soldiers who landed at Normandy would have said the God-free Pledge before taking to the beach in defense of democracy and freedom. So would any soldiers fighting in the Pacific, in Korea, or in the First World War. There is nothing unpatriotic about the beautiful wording "one nation indivisible."
Since 1954, atheists and others who support the separation of church and state sought to reverse the 1954 decision and restore the pledge. Needless to say, these efforts have been unsuccessful. It makes sense that many Christians wanting to maintain their privilege or promote revisionist history would oppose such efforts. But I have been very surprised by how unpopular these efforts have been within the atheist community.
I admire the work my fellow atheists have done to restore the pledge. The have had some good ideas about how we can help. I hope that the rest of us will eventually come around and support future efforts. Just because it is difficult does not | 337 |
WATCH: Celine Dion Is Gloriously Over-the-Top on 'Carpool Karaoke'
Celine Dion on 'Carpool Karaoke' Is as Gloriously Over-the-Top as You'd Expect
Beasley Media Group Editoral<|fim_middle|> for Corden, who can't stop laughing.
The two seamlessly transition into singing their first Celine hit, "It's All Coming Back to Me Now," which is of course, the perfect over-the-top karaoke song. They throw up their hands, they make faces and Celine even leans in for a kiss from Corden.
From there, the two go into the viral "Baby Shark," which Dion makes her own brand of dramatic, giving away pairs of her shoes to strangers and, of course, a rendition of "My Heart Will Go On" that you absolutely have to see.
Check out the hysterical video below:
Carpool Karaoke,Celine Dion,James Corden | May 21st, 2019
LOS ANGELES, CA - FEBRUARY 12: Singer Celine Dion attends The 59th GRAMMY Awards at STAPLES Center on February 12, 2017 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)
Celine Dion (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for NARAS)
Celine Dion was born to be on James Corden's Carpool Karaoke.
Within seconds of entering the car, Dion is gloriously animated and hysterical. For every word or phrase Corden says, she starts singing a song to match. It's impressive to watch and even more impressive | 149 |
<|fim_middle|> | The DFN is a research project aiming to uncover the mysteries surrounding the formation of the solar system through the study of meteorites, fireballs and their pre-Earth orbits.
The DFN at Curtin University is a national distributed network of 52 disruption-tolerant and fully autonomous digital observatories that continually monitor 3 million square km of the night sky – a third of Australian skies, all night, every night.
Together with NASA the DFN is expanding to become a Global Fireball Observatory with 40 observatories internationally and a further 150 to be deployed in the next 12 months.
Using intelligent imaging systems, automated data reduction pipeline, real time server-side triangulation and supercomputer data management system, the DFN captures the paths of fireballs in the sky, triangulating trajectories from multiple viewpoints, linking the rock's pre-Earth orbit to its landing site.
Amotus have teamed up with the DFN to test whether UAV technology can be applied to further improve recovery efforts. Using the latest drone-mounted sensors, we aim to map the landing sites and help ground teams to target their searches more effectively.
Recovering these meteorites help address some of the biggest questions in planetary science: how our planetary system came into being, and how dust and gas produced a planet capable of supporting life – our Earth.
Stay tuned to see what we can help uncover…. | 281 |
actor stand-up improv voice-over corporate gallery contact
Welcome to the official website for Comedian, Actor and Presenter Paul Rogan.
representation:
The O'Neill Talent Group
4150 Riverside Drive, Suite 212
www.oneilltalent.com
London W13 3BH
www.crawfords.tv
"Very funny"
"Stylish and Savvy"
"A polished and engaging performer, the rake-like Rogan is a consistently entertaining stand-up."
Chortle.co.uk
"Destined for even greater things"
"Really is very funny. Pouring out a cascade of one-liners and observations, his non-stop flow makes him a clean, lean wit machine."
Heckler Magazine
acting & theatre
Paul Rogan is a hugely versatile Los Angeles-based English-born actor and performer. His credits since arriving in LA include My Name is Earl<|fim_middle|>Comedy reel: http://vimeo.com/36520728
Drama Reel: http://vimeo.com/36520641
Copyright © 2012 Paul Rogan. All rights reserved. Website created by MBWD | , Big Love, Sleeper Cell, Cory in the House, Cougartown, Gangster Squad, Miss March and numerous others.
In England his work includes George in Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf, the Emcee in Cabaret, Malvolio in Twelfth Night, and Cannon Throbbing in Habeas Corpus at the Theatre Royal Northampton ("Perfectly cast...hilarious", the Stage), and five seasons with Comedy Rep at the Soho Theatre ("A certified gem", Evening Standard). Plus a variety of UK TV shows including London's Burning and The Knock, and films such as Thunderpants and A Knight in Camelot. He also worked widely for the BBC in radio comedies and dramas, and directed a number of theatre productions.
He has also made his mark on the LA theatre scene appearing in such hits as "Bill W. and Dr. Bob" and "Night Stories" at the critically praised Theatre 68. With Impro Theatre (www.improtheatre.com) he co-directed, co-produced and performed in the widely acclaimed Jane Austen Unscripted , at Theatre Asylum in Hollywood, the Broad Stage in Santa Monica and the Pasadena Playhouse amongst others.
"One of the funniest evenings in town ... a stunning feat of performance and literary wizardry. And incidentally, it's hilarious." LA Times
He now performs regularly with the company in all of their shows: ("Paul Rogan steals pretty much every scene he's in..." - review of Chekhov Unscripted, LA Weekly, Oct 18 2011).
To see his up-to-date Acting Resume click here.
To view acting showreels, please click here:
| 346 |
Polaris Cadence men's road cycling tights are made from micro denier Thermastretch fabric for warmth and fast moisture transfer. They are padded for comfort with a moulded Coloma Silver pad. With reflective print detail on the legs for visibility and self-fabric foot stirrups for comfort and a great fit on the legs.
Reflective print detail<|fim_middle|>ups for comfort.
Very nice and comfortable. Fits well very well. Love the reflectors on the shin for dark night rides. Keeps you warm . Great price too.
After nearly giving up on finding a pair of tights that fit my average English cyclists body properly, I tried the Cadence; and WOW!
The Medium fit my 32" waist, 31.5" leg perfectly, they are not compressive nor too tight over the knee, which is great as this just causes pain in the long run, they are warm, very well fitted, they look great and the self fabric foot stirrups are the best design I have ever seen.
A good dose of reflectives for those late night, early morning rides. finishes them off.
I ride both upright and recumbent bikes so I have two pairs of these, one of which I have removed the pad as these tights are great for either bikes.
Good quality, warm and large fits well (6' tall and slim build).
These fit me perfect and are true to size. | on leg and a self fabric foot stirr | 9 |
For the art lovers, you can express your love for art by creating your cliff house into an artistic masterpiece like the house in the picture above. Such artistic houses are mostly of contemporary design with very few details.
Alternatively, you can create a house that extends out over the edge of the cliff. Of course a lot of detail has to be put in the design and construction of such a house so that it stays supported. One end of the house is anchored on the ground while the upper one extends outside.
Lighting can make your cliff house stand out even more especially at night.
Because most cliff houses are built on high cliffs that are difficult to access, they are mainly used as vacation homes. For this reason, homeowners should add many relaxing and exotic features to the cliff houses, such<|fim_middle|> A cliff house that is built to hang off the cliff of the house vertically like the one in the picture above is referred to as a concept cliff house. The house has a different levels and a glass exterior which offers viewers an amazing view. | as balconies and jacuzzis.
The house can be made to fit to the terrain of the cliff like the house above. You can incorporate other features and design elements such as stone terraces, flowers, trees and well-kept lawns.
There are many different types of cliff houses. | 59 |
<|fim_middle|>5 for non-members, $5 for student non-members. | With the State of California mandate that 33 percent of electricity be generated from renewables by 2020, new applications for solar development are arriving in planning departments in record number throughout the San Joaquin Valley.
Kern County's natural resources, streamlined county process, and commitment of the Board of Supervisors to both environmental protection and growth in the energy sector, has resulted in Kern County as a center of renewable energy production in California. Kern County's Planning and Community Development Director, Lorelei H. Oviatt will discuss Kern County's unique practices and policies that have facilitated large scale renewable energy projects while ensuring environmental compatibility.
Al Solis, AICP will discuss the challenges faced in solar land acquisitions and permitting. He will also discuss environmental challenges in solar development, such as protecting endangered species, as well as the sensitive issue of developing solar facilities on agriculture land.
A South of the Border Dinner Buffet will be served.
Cost: Free for members, $2 | 197 |
You should have received your username and password already (through either the IT department or through your Dean or Director's office.) If not, then contact your Dean or Director's office to get in touch with us.
There are a few tasks you should perform when arriving for the first time in your office.
Connect to your voicemail mailbox and<|fim_middle|> yourself.
Personal Verification is often overlooked. This is what people will hear when you call them and leave them a message. It is often still set as the name of the person who was in your office last.
Find out from your department if you need to use the T: drive, find out what the N: and T: are for.
Take some time to peruse our website for other features you may be unfamiliar with, and see some common problems encountered by others on campus. | change your voicemail password, personal verification, and greetings.
Finally, test your voicemail by calling | 20 |
Patio sets, benches, tables, seating & fire pits.
Always something new, from top-quality manufactured antique & handmade fountains to waterfalls and custom water features.
We offer hardscape planning and installation, incorporating top-tier elements from the best manufacturers, as well as custom-made garden appointments.
Palladio Garden makes it easy to make your garden unique. We stock Memphis' best selection of tasteful garden décor and outdoor supplies from artisans and garden designers, as well as stunning antique finds that are at home in any garden, patio,<|fim_middle|> catches the eye. Stop in and wander our beautiful grounds and experience our garden elements with all your senses.
Palladio Garden offers an unmatched collection of fountains and water features, statuary, urns, garden accents, garden supplies and much more. Located in Midtown Memphis, we offer a unique setting where you can stroll among gardens and fountains, patio chairs, fire pits, planters, pots, and other outdoor décor.
Our selection changes regularly, as we're always finding new discoveries from designer brands, contemporary artisans and our antique hunts.
Unique planters, flower pots and ceramics are what grab the eye and add extra interest to a garden. Add a burst of flowers in a simple pot on the patio, hang stunning planters on the porch or finish your garden with a stunning cast iron urn. Learn about our planters, pots, jars, and urns.
We offer a well stocked selection of trendy and unique garden accents. Stroll the grounds and see what you find, or learn more about our selection.
Whether grabbing supplies for DIY or looking for professional assistance, Palladio Garden should be your first step. Have something special in mind? Just let us know. We can find something to suit your tastes, or custom craft an item to bring your vision to life. | or front porch. Our selection changes regularly and we constantly add new finds—not just once a season but whenever we find something of quality that | 27 |
The assembly and upholstery of a leather chesterfield or club chair requires a great deal of skill in many areas.
The frames are hand made by time-served frame makers using high grade materials in a traditional workshop.
The leather is selected, finished and cut by trained leatherworkers who have a keen eye for only the best quality leathers.
The upholstering is undertaken by<|fim_middle|> that we will never use PU panels, Rig or regenerated leather, splits or demick leather.
We can make any chair or sofa lower, higher, longer, deeper, firmer or softer. In fact, if you have any special requirements we will be happy to quote you. | Apprentice trained upholsterers, especially skilled to work with leather -- Masters in their field.
There are many steps in the process of creating a Distinctive Chesterfield. We are proud to say that all are undertaken by highly skilled craftsmen, using traditional methods, quality products, and the finest materials available, right here at the workshops in England.
At Distinctive Chesterfields, we do not believe in cutting corners. That is why you can be assured | 92 |
<|fim_middle|> of the community. Enjoy a light lunch, engagement with PRISM staff, a raffle, and tours of the facility. | Healthy food. Proper clothing. Housing stability. This is the ongoing story of PRISM.
PRISM is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit founded in 1970 by folks who were concerned about local hungry and homeless families.
What started as a small, informal effort has since evolved into a strong, sustainable organization that is considered a leading provider of basic needs services in the northwest Twin Cities suburbs.
Nearly 50 years later our mission remains the same: to provide social services and connections that empower people in our community to build healthy, stable lives.
Our core values of collaboration, innovation, dignity, and accountability can be seen in all areas of programming – from our Marketplace Food Shelf to our Housing Programs to our Shop for Change Thrift Shop to our Children's Programs. It is these values that drive our efforts to serve people in a welcoming, strengths-based, individualized manner.
Help us fight hunger and support your local food shelf through the upcoming MN FoodShare March Campaign February 27 - April 7.
We invite you to get involved and attend a showcase at PRISM on Thur, Feb 21st from 12-1pm to see our new location and to get a closer look at the good work that PRISM is doing to serve the ever growing needs | 262 |
This post originally appeared on Program Coordinator Hanadi Alnawab's blog and is written by Christine Hagen.
My name is Christine Hagen and I am currently a second year Digital Business Management student. During my first year of studies at Humber, I really wanted to make my education count. I participated in various events and conferences outside of class time to learn more about my current program and the possible careers it had to offer.
My interest in studying abroad rose after taking a class on Social Entrepreneurship and learning about various entrepreneurs and how they decided to take their current path.
I figured this would be a great incentive to try out the Study Ab<|fim_middle|> offered me insight on myself, others, and various situations.
For anyone looking to study abroad, I would recommend a summer program. It allows you to gain credits, while feeling like you are a tourist at the same time. Personally, I had the opportunity to learn about India and their culture, religions, ways of life, while learning more about who I am. What my personal morals and beliefs are and how I would do something differently. There are no true words to explain the experience I had. All I can say is I am thankful for the opportunity to go and I will cherish the memories and lessons I have learned for a lifetime. | road program at Humber to see if I could come up with new innovative ideas. I researched more about the study abroad programs Humber offered and applied for India. I felt it was a good duration to overcome the "holiday" feeling and truly get a feel for living in the country. The India trip lasted four weeks.
While I was in India, I have learned more than I ever anticipated. I am often still learning principles taught in India, after being home for two months. My study abroad program has | 102 |
The Beat the Bobbies online slot is based on a theme of cops and robbers inside of a British theme. This game can be found at Eyecon casinos, and it has graphics that are competitive with anything that you can find out there in the industry in terms of how they look and how they're presented. As you might expect from a game based on any type of heist motif, this slot has a fast pace and a high hit-rate, so you'd better be ready for a lot of action before you sit down to play.
The basic format of this game<|fim_middle|> for every symbol in the game except for one: the scattered bonus symbol. The more you get these symbols on the reels, the more extra wins you'll get because of how the 243-ways format works to really combine payouts for multi-line wins, particularly when you line up multiple instances of the same winning symbols on individual reels.
There's a redheaded thief named Penny who is the scatter symbol in this game. Five of a kind is worth 50x, and you can also earn 10x for four. Three of a kind gets you a 5x win, and all three of these payouts are based on multiples of your total bet size, just like all of the wins in the game in general. Additionally, these are the only symbols that don't have to land from left-to-right consecutive reels to pay. They pay no matter where they appear on the game board.
Three or more of the scattered Penny symbol gives you a set of free spins with multipliers. You get to choose the conditions of the round based on five different options. You can have 20 free spins with a 2x multiplier, 15 free spins with a 3x multiplier, 10 free turns with a multiplier of 4x, a 5x multiplier with eight free spins or five free spins with a 10x multiplier. The last option is the best overall value, but it also has the highest volatility by far. Likewise, the 10 free spins option is probably the most balanced option and has the second-highest overall value of all five of the choices with a reasonable volatility.
The purple diamond wins 40x for five of a kind. You'll pick up 32x for five of the crown or 20x for five of the tiara. When you line up five of the ruby ring symbol, you'll pick up a 20x win as well. The woman with her hair up in a tie will pay 8x, and the bulldog does as well. Five of the butler or police officer will pay out a win worth 6x, and it's 4x for five of a kind of the royal guard or old lady in a purple hair cover.
All payouts in this game are multiples of the total bet.
The Beat the Bobbies video slot by Eyecon has a lot that players can enjoy. The quick style of gameplay with an above-average hit-rate pairs up with the balanced pay table that's heavy on medium and small wins to give an overall volatility that's pretty low. However, you can crank it up for chances to win much larger payouts in the free spins feature if you like, and that comes along with having five different choices for the free spins mode. Overall, it's a great-looking game with solid gameplay. | is one that a lot of players will be familiar with. A lot of fast-paced game use the same layout. The basic grid of five reels and three horizontal rows of symbols is used here. However, the traditional payline system is thrown out the window. Instead, all regular symbols act as left-to-right scatters instead. You get paid when matching symbols line up on the reels, starting from the left, no matter their position on those particular reels. It makes it much easier to hit winning combinations and multi-line payouts on the same spin.
You can pick bet sizes that run from 0.25 to 50 in your currency for this slot. Because all of the game's payouts are based around a multiplier applied to your total bet size, your wins automatically scale on the pay table based on how much you wager. Bigger bets mean bigger wins in this sense.
As the name implies, the bobbies are important symbols in this game. They are the cops in the scenario, and they appear on the second, third and fourth reels. They substitute | 215 |
A fun day to celebrate the wild spaces at Hollingworth Lake<|fim_middle|> for all the family. Have a go map reading on this bird orienteering course. Discover where birds go and what they are doing now.
Friends Celebration Friends of groups across Rochdale Borough have been invited to showcase their achievements in 2014.
Duration: Drop in Raising awareness of the Big Garden Bird Watch 24th and 25th Jan.
Make a bird feeder to take home.
Making dens and shelters using natural materials, tarps and ropes. | was held on Saturday 21 September 2013 as a follow on to previous events, funded by the Community Spaces Fund.
The day included building bird boxes, meeting hedgehogs, a mini beast hunt, bat walk, creating a bug hotel, chainsaw sculpting and colouring activities.
The event was organised by Friends of Hollingworth Lake with funding from the Community Spaces Fund and with the support of NatureEd and Rochdale Council.
The event was held at the enviro-gym playground near the nature reserve. The playground was one of the activities funded by the Community Spaces Fund.
NatureEd helped approx 40 children plus accompanying adults make minibeast homes. Approx 20 – 25 people (mixed ages.) went on a minibeast hunt and made clay animals, plus 58 young people & 9 adults from Smithybridge on Wednesday.
Join the countryside rangers and PEF officer and learn basic tree id using shape, buds and bark.
Booking Essential: Limited places. Call 01706 373421. Cost £2.50 per person.
Join NatureEd for a fun day | 239 |
At this celebrated winelands restaurant, chef Michael Broughton serves refined bistro fare with a pronounced seasonal influence.
Over the years, Terroir has become known for several iconic dishes – the prawn risotto being one of them, and chef Michael's wonderful dessert soufflés being another. Happily, these can still be found on the menu. That fantastic risotto is still as good as ever, served with the perfect sauce Americaine and delicious little pops of sweetcorn for a nice textural surprise. It's a fantastic way to start your meal here, but the seasonal menu also holds other treats, like the Malay-style baby squid with smoked mackerel, aioli and coconut – a winning dish.
Also known for their duck dishes, you can't go wrong there, and indeed a dish of confit duck with roasted kohlrabi, rhubarb jus and carrot crumble is expertly prepared, a delight on the plate. Not all the meats receive the same attention though: two servings of rib-eye with butternut terrine and parmesan foam are tasty but not, unfortunately, cooked rare as requested. As for dessert, the soufflé of the day – banana, lime and coconut caramel – is bursting with flavour (if a smidgen undercooked). The true star is the vanilla tart with honey ice cream and almond crumble: truly magnificent. Be sure to ask<|fim_middle|> might turn out tops, though there will surely be fanfare about the marinated strawberry and black sesame flavours.
The wine list offers great value for money. Enjoy Klein Zalze estate wines by the glass, especially the brut rosé.
Lovely and friendly local folk make you feel welcome in a relaxed but professional way.
It's cosy inside at night with a glimpse into the kitchen. Lunch outside is a little haven, with a view of a golf course and the manicured garden.
Have a pre-meal tasting at the wine cellar.
Compared to other fine dining experiences a disappointing evening. Neither Service, nor food could convince us.
Cape malay squid starter was exquisite. The confit duck croquettes which came with the duck mains were sublime. As per usual, everything on the plates looked stellar, tasted better and nothing was there just for the sake of using it. | about the trios of ice cream and sorbets – there are always wonderfully inventive flavours to be enjoyed.
Apart from the substantial Kleine Zalze range of wines, the blackboards hold a short but excellent selection of wines – though these do come at a price.
Very welcoming. While helpful and always on stand-by, staff could be a bit more informed about the elements of the dishes, especially where there are many moving parts.
This is one of those restaurants that works for all seasons. When it's cold, ask for a table inside near the fireplace and heaters; when the weather's sunny, the place to be is outside on the terrace, with it's lovely views over the estate and the Stellenbosch mountains. The décor is all inviting warm tones, with wooden furniture and touches of red.
Perfect for that 'winelands lunch' visiting friends from the Transvaal (or UK) will be asking about.
There is no fancy entrance to this well-established wine farm restaurant, nor is the interior posh, but the food delivers with refinement and robust flavours. The menu dips into French and Asian influences, which allows for bold flavours like toasted whole brinjal with salty ponzu and bonito flakes. Chef Michael Broughton has a magic touch with his memorable sauces, especially the Sauce Américaine, which is the highlight of his iconic prawn risotto. If you spot it on the chalkboard menu, order it immediately. Tuck in after your snack of smoked olives and slices of tomato focaccia dipped in olive oil.
Whether it's a perfectly cooked piece of monk fish with seasonal emerald-green broad beans and a smash of roasted potatoes, or slices of beef fillet with the super finely cut buttery pommes Anna, the flavours will be the highlight – and so will the pops of colour.
Of the ice cream flavours of the day, which will disappear quickly once they arrive at the table, the banana | 395 |
What is a tort state?: Thirty-eight states use the tort system, which means that someone is found at fault for every accident that involves car insurance, even<|fim_middle|> traffic tickets when drivers are ticketed out of state. | if the fault is determined to be 50/50 between two drivers.
What is a no-fault state?: Under the no-fault system, car insurance companies pay for certain damages regardless of who was at fault. Laws vary among the 12 states that have no-fault insurance.
No pay, no play states: In states with "no pay, no play" laws, driving without insurance is even more risky than in other states. Uninsured drivers in these states are not compensated for any damage, even in accidents that are not their fault.
Which states share speeding ticket information?: Many states have formal agreements with each other, such as the Drivers License Compact and the Non-Resident Violator Compact, to share information regarding | 151 |
What your about to see isn't pretty, in fact its rather shambolic. Chevy Chase once again takes to<|fim_middle|> makes the whole production more entertaining. | our screens as Clark Griswold in National Lampoons: Christmas Vacation (1989). The Griswold family including a young and fresh Juliette Lewis and Beverly D'Angelo as the mother, attract chaos wherever they go, whatever they do. This time is no exception. Its Christmas time and anything Clark touches goes wrong, like the domino effect. Christmas is about family, and The Griswold's intend on having the perfect Christmas spent with their loved ones¦or so they hoped.
What you see next is an hour and a half of Christmas Vacation's epic fails, tasks that most find easy to complete but not the Griswolds. From choosing a Christmas tree that's the size of a two storey house, to attaching 25,000 light bulbs to his house with his son (Johnny Galecki, The Big Bang Theory) and checking that they all work and the infamous Christmas dinner, are chores that come with the biggest problems. With the slight slapstick element that comes with all Chevy Chase films everything that happens is silly, but laugh out loud funny.
While trying to create the ideal environment to spend Christmas in, Clark also has to deal with his obnoxious and snobbish neighbours who look down on his family with utter disdain. Not only does this begin to cause problems, the in laws come to stay for the special day as well as his hick cousin Eddie (Randy Quaid) and his family of hillbillies. Just the right ingredients for disaster. Clark can handle everything that is thrown his way, none of that matters, as he will receive his Christmas bonus from the firm he has been working for, for 17 years¦or will he.
The 'In laws' behave as old people do, sleeping at random points during the day, having no tact when talking, and doing whatever they please. Clearly it's obvious where the madness comes from. The cousins family are on a whole other level, turning up in their rusty old trailer and 70's style clothes they clearly bring the sophistication to the picture. Despite these terrible elements, the whole film works as the biggest cheese fest on the Christmas Top 30. Expect nothing less when Chevy Chase is included.
One thing in Christmas Vacation that did work for me, are the parts of the film when characters try to be offensive (in the least offensive way possible). This | 491 |
The innovation of Photoshop without a doubt has greatly helped to ease the work of all the graphic designers and photo editing services. Photoshop has been one of the greatest inventions by the Adobe Company till now.
With its set of specialized tools, a designer can edit almost any sort of image turning it into anything. This is the magic of Photoshop.
There are like different types of tool available on Photoshop which allows an editor to apply some special editing techniques like – Background erasing, Photo manipulation, image retouching, logo designing, Photo restoration etc.
Among these techniques, the most used one is the background removing technique. There are different types of tools available to do this too. The most widely used background removal tool Photoshop is the Background Eraser Tool.
It gets used widely because of its flexibility and efficiency. For beginners, it seems a bit difficult to use it but relax!
Because, in this article, we'll show you the complete technique in steps for removing a background using Background Eraser Tool In Photoshop.
But before starting it would be very helpful for you if you check the other ways you can use to remove the background of images using Photoshop.
So without waiting further, let's start!
For every photo editing company or individual who loves editing photos, Photoshop has come to them like a magic wand. We are going to remove the background of the photo using Photoshop. To remove the background, we have to go through some steps before that. The first step is to open or import the image in Photoshop.
There is more than one way of opening the photo in Photoshop. Both of the photo opening systems are very easy-to-do. One is an automatic system and the other is the manual system. In a manual photo opening system in Photoshop, you have to go to File>Open. You will get a windows box from where the locations of the photos will be available. Go to the drive where your required photo is located. Click on the photo and press 'enter' on a keyboard. The photo will appear on a screen. The easiest way of opening the image in Photoshop is the automatic way. In this system, you just have to go to the file location and drag the image to the Photoshop bar. But Photoshop must remain open. Doing that, you will be able to open the photo in Photoshop.
After opening the image in Photoshop, you will see that a background layer has automatically created in the layer panel. To erase the background in Photoshop, we have to do some additional work which starts from taking the copy of background layer. We will mostly work in the background copy layer. To copy the background layer, drag the background layer to the square icon next to the delete layer (2nd from the right). When you will drag the background layer in the create a new layer tool, another new background layer will be created named background copy. This really helps to edit images more and the background will also be constant.
After creating the copy of background layer we need a vector mask now which is going to<|fim_middle|> This is the background eraser tool.
After selecting the eraser tool you will have to adjust the limits and tolerance level of the tool so that you can remove the background smoothly. To adjust them go to the upper bar where you will see the eraser adjustments. Click on the limits option and choose a contagious option. Set the tolerance level to 91%. Then you can now remove the background of the perfume easily and smoothly.
After selecting and adjusting the background eraser tool you can now remove the background of the background copy layer. All you have to do is to left click on the mouse and keep holding it while erasing the background by moving the mouse all over the image. Soon, you will see that the background has been changed into the yellow solid layer background. This way you can change the background of the image using a background eraser tool.
Background removal service is the topmost purchased image editing service around the globe. Many professional designers are earning great revenue by providing this service to various clients. Many e-commerce businesses are hiring such designers who are an expert in this area. Therefore earning from becoming a graphic designer is very easy and flexible.
This technique of removing background using a background eraser tool in Photoshop can help you a lot to earn from various marketplaces and e-commerce website owner only if you can become a great designer. | help to make the first photo shape of the subject constant. So we are going to add a vector mask on the background copy in the layer panel. To do that, click on the copy background layer and then click on the 'Add Vector Mask' icon which is located on the bottom of layer panel in third right hand from the right. This icon is also in squared shape. Doing that, the vector mask will be added and will appear with the background copy. You will see that the vector mask is white colored which is the default of Photoshop.
Since we are going to remove the background using the eraser tool of Photoshop, we have to select a specific color of our choices. We are not going to choose any pattern, solid color is best to remove the background of the image by the help of Photoshop eraser tool. Again, click on the copy background and go down to the layer panel and click on an adjustment layer. The circled icon on the middle of the layer panel from the bottom is named as the adjustment layer. Clicking on the layer panel, you will get a dialogue box where you will get to see a solid color on the top of the adjustment layer.
You will get another dialogue box of various colors after clicking on the solid color. You can select any of the colors you want to choose. Here I have selected lemon color for coloring the removed background and get the new one. Click on the color you want to choose and press enter. Doing that, you will get another layer where you will see the color.
So we have the solid colored layer named color fill 1. To work further for removing the background, we are going to shift both the layers from the upper side. Replace the background copy layer to the color fill layer. Click on the color fill layer and drag it down to the background copy layer. This will make easier to work for removing the background. When you will fill the color into the background, you will be able to do that without any hurdle. So shift the layers before going further.
After shifting the layer, we are going to create a clipping path over the subject we have. For that, we have to take a path layer to work. To take the path layer, go to layer panel. In layer panel, you will get some other options. Select 'paths' from the layer panel. Click on paths. You will get another box immediately as a path layer. The layer will be automatically named as 'path 1'.
Now the time has come where we are going to do the most important work which is clipping path. Drawing a clipping path is important because it helps the most to remove and replace the background in Photoshop. There are several background removal tools in Photoshop. But Photoshop pen tool is the best to work for clipping path. Activate pen tool by pressing 'p' on the keyboard. Now start drawing clipping path over the subject.
Here, we will not only draw the clipping path over the subject but also we will draw clipping path over the surrounding areas. We will do this because we are going to remove the background with background eraser tool in Photoshop. At first, draw the clipping path over the subject keeping the subject in a perfect shape, then go for drawing clipping path on the surrounding. Make sure that you have placed the anchor points in right positions and do not forget to close the paths with anchor points.
The next thing we are going to do is making the quick selection of the clipping path we have drawn. Quick selection helps you to remove the background efficiently. So to make the quick selection, click on the clipping path layer. Press 'ctrl+enter' to make the quick selection. Doing that, you will get to see many dots which are moving like ants over the photo. That is the proof of your photo is selected.
After selection of the path, you will now have to select the background copy layer from the layer tab. We are choosing this layer because this layer has the image of the object which is the perfume. We'll remove the background of this layer so that the layer below it which has the solid yellow color will then become the background of the object. So, choose the background copy layer from the layer tab using the mouse right click.
After selecting the background copy layer now you will have to erase the background of it using the background eraser tool. For that, you will need to activate the background eraser tool. To activate the tool you will need to go to the toolbar. Then, go to the eraser tool and right click on it then you will see three tools on the drop-down menu. Choose the eraser tool that has an icon of an eraser with a scissor. | 946 |
Mercy Career & Technical High School recognizes that taking part in social activities, participating in athletic events, and giving service to the community are important ingredients<|fim_middle|> School.
Cooperation, teamwork, spirit, fair play, and respect for others are developed through Mercy CTE's extracurricular program. | in a student's overall development.
That's why Mercy students are offered a menu of activities from which to choose. Those with an appetite for the arts can sing in the Mercy Choir or work on the award-winning yearbook, The Advocate.
Service to others is also an important part of the Mercy experience. Many students participate in Community Service Corps activities - providing tutoring, working with the homeless, beautifying neighborhoods, and visiting nursing homes. The recipient of the United Way of Philadelphia's Volunteer Organization of the Year Award and the President's Volunteer Service Award, 2010, Mercy has a well recognized record of community involvement.
Rounding out the Mercy experience are special school-wide events including Mercy Day, Open House, Christmas Tableau, and Awards Day as well as special celebrations such as Junior Ring Day and Junior/Senior Proms. Producing well-rounded young men and women who are as self-confident in the social or athletic setting as they are in the workplace is what continues to set apart Mercy Career & Technical High | 206 |
Upcoming: Freeman Field, Part II. | Adventures in History!
Exciting News! Having previously written about Freeman Field and all of the controversies and history seen on the base, I'm currently<|fim_middle|> https://www.facebook.com/pages/Freeman-Field-Recovery-Team/100776559984890.
For now, I'll leave you with the following links and notes, plus the sites mentioned above. Stay tuned for more information as I put my piece together. | working on a freelance piece about this airfield, particularly with reference to all of the Axis material and aircraft research that occurred while it was open. It's not due out until later in the year, but it will be fun writing about it!
In case you've never heard of this, Freeman Field was used during World War II as a training field for all sorts of pilots and cadets flying for the U.S. It was also known as the location of the Freeman Field Mutiny and the location where Axis aircraft of all types were flown to, studied, and evaluated.
There's quite a bit of work being done on recovering information and artifacts about this unique World War II airfield. I've also been in touch with some of the team members currently working on finding more information about the field. You can find more information about them on their Facebook page located here: | 174 |
Facility project managers play a leading role in the selection of architects, consultants and engineers to undertake various projects. They use their industry knowledge to help organizations secure cost-effective contracts with reliable contractors and service providers. For example, when a hospital wants to select a construction engineer for building patient wards, the facility project manager can conduct market research to gather information on prices of construction materials and compare with bid proposals of all interested<|fim_middle|>These professionals can have jobs with a wide variety of organizations, including health care facilities, educational institutions, government agencies and businesses. | contractors to determine the most competitive bidder. These project managers also participate in developing and enforcing project guidelines for projects.
• Effective management of an organization's infrastructure, space and assets can enhance its operational efficiency.
• Facility project managers oversee the construction and renovation of buildings, manage relationships with contractors, control space allocation and maintain facility project budgets.
• | 71 |
Metal Chick of the Month – Avienne Low
Posted on June 2, 2020 by Gustavo Scuderi
Come to Me… Relinquish Everything!
As summer is just around the corner in the Northern Hemisphere, let's take a trip to a place known not for its hot and warm weather, but for its wet and cool climate, which by the way has led to the growth of extensive forests featuring some of the largest trees in the world. I'm talking about the region known as the Pacific Northwest, in the United States, more specifically the city of Corvallis, located in central western Oregon and around 120km from the state's largest city Portland, where our metal chick of the month, the unrelenting Malaysian-born vocalist Avienne Low, frontwoman for Progressive/Melodic Death/Black Metal unity Vintersea, has been embellishing the Pacific Northwestern airwaves with her powerful voice since moving from Penang, a state in northwest Malaysia, to pursue her studies in American soil. As you'll be able to see, you'll be absolutely stunned by Avienne with both her clean, delicate vocals<|fim_middle|>'s songwriting more cohesive, mentioning the moment they started receiving messages from fans saying they were inspired by Vintersea or that their music helped them through tough times was a breakthrough moment for the band, making they proud of what they've accomplished so far. In addition, as an up-and-coming metal artist, Avienne said that the best advice she can give to new bands and musicians is that they shouldn't be afraid to be who they are, saying people should find their own voice to be able to craft timeless music, instead of being a "one-hit wonder" molded by the industry, also saying we should never stop learning and never close our minds to new ideas. Well, I guess we couldn't agree more with Avienne, wishing her and her bandmates from Vintersea a bright and healthy future in the world of heavy music, taking the band to new and unexplored lands in the coming years for our total delight.
Avienne Low's Official Instagram
Avienne Low's Official Twitter
Vintersea's Official Facebook page
Vintersea's Official Instagram
Vintersea's Official Twitter
Vintersea's Official YouTube channel
"I love singing about things that can make a person think about things differently, and I love exposing things that are poignant yet not talked about or thought of enough. I view music as another mode about storytelling, and I know I'm on the right path if I can feel the emotions rising from deep within my body." – Avienne Low
This entry was posted in Metal Chick of the Month and tagged alissa white-gluz, arktis., asterion, atmospheric metal, avienne kiuttu, avienne low, befallen, bella voce, blackened progressive metal, bossanova ballroom, celestial violence, chris barretto, constellations ep, corvallis, divine, djent, entities, european black metal, ihsahn, illuminated, jeremy spencer, jorma spaziano, karl whinnery, keizer, lluminated, long live, malaysia, marion county, melodic black metal, melodic death metal, melodic metal, ne obliviscaris, nick kiuttu, old ones, oregon, oregon state university, pacific northwest, penang, portland, post-metal, progressive black metal, progressive death metal, progressive metal, riley nix, skies set ablaze, tatiana shmaylyuk, the chariot, the gravity of fall, the host, united states, vintersea, willamette valley by Gustavo Scuderi. Bookmark the permalink. | and her infernal roars, showcasing all her vocal range and talent as the lead singer for Vintersea.
Married to a guy called Nick Kiuttu in Keizer, a city located in Marion County, Oregon, in 2016, which led her to use the name Avienne Kiuttu for a while (and because she switched back to Avienne Low I have absolutely no idea if she's still married), Avienne started her life and career in music when she found an acoustic guitar in a box under her parents' bed when she was 11 years old, and after having the guitar dusted and tuned, she discovered her passion for singing and performing while playing covers and originals for her family and friends. During her college years, her love for performing grew bigger as she joined an all-ladies a capella group named Divine, a small group of singers hand-picked from Oregon State University's Bella Voce that began in 2003, with whom she stayed for about a year and a half before fully directing her focus on being the vocalist for Vintersea. Avienne also stated that "I absolutely love fronting the band, and my past experiences have cultivated my ongoing passion for singing, screaming, and performing."
Regarding her career with Vintersea, as you might already know they are a female-fronted metal band from Oregon's Willamette Valley, from the aforementioned city of Corvallis, born in 2016 from the ashes of a previous incarnation of the band itself when it was called Asterion, combining the essential elements of metal's most revered sub-genres with memorable and anthemic song-writing sensibility, therefore crafting a unique brand of crushing Blackened Progressive Metal inspired by the dark skies of the Pacific Northwest and leading the band to share the stage with renowned acts the likes of Jinjer, Ne Obliviscaris and Arkona, among others.
Shortly after entering the United States, Avienne found her home with Vintersea, with guitarists Riley Nix and Jorma Spaziano, drummer Jeremy Spencer and bassist Karl Whinnery rounding out their current lineup. The band was actually born in the summer of 2014 under its previous moniker Asterion when high school friends Riley and Jeremy put out an ad on Craigslist searching for the right musicians to form a new metal act, with Avienne and Jorma (who had moved to Oregon from the east coast, not even sure he was going to be in a band anymore) responding to their ad based on a few early demos. They quickly got together and started jamming out, and it felt like a really good fit right away, which led them to start working on music and playing a few shows as Asterion, which by the way was based on stars and constellations, leaning towards a modern and progressive side of music, almost to a Djent vibe, releasing that same year a five-track EP titled Constellations, which you can enjoy in its entirety HERE or HERE.
However, despite the high-quality of the music found in their debut EP, Riley, Avienne & Co. figured out pretty quick that the music by Asterion wasn't exactly what they wanted to do. Heavily inspired by European Black Metal, Atmospheric Metal and Post-Metal, the band started playing a hybrid of Progressive and Melodic Metal types, making the collective decision to delve headfirst into that and develop their own sound and later changing their name to Vintersea, with "Vinter" being winter and "sea" because they are from the Pacific Northwest, as grey ocean waves are a heavy asthetic. After such significant changes, they released two official full-length albums, The Gravity of Fall, in 2017, and more recently Illuminated, in 2019, and you can enjoy several top-notch music videos for some of the best songs from both albums on YouTube, such as Illuminated, The Host, Skies Set Ablaze, Old Ones and Entities, as well as their official tour video for the song The Gravity of Fall, and you can also go to Spotify or BandCamp for more of their stylish creations. Furthermore, there are some great interviews with Avienne on YouTube where you can get to know more about her role with Vintersea, such as this one given to Metal Shop Steve where she talks about their 2019 album Illuminated and their music videos, and this one to Dani Zed Reviews where they talk about several topics including their albums, the feedback received on them and their live performances.
Avienne has already made it pretty clear in several interviews that she wants to be a great metal vocalist, not just 'great for a female' metal vocalist, as almost all of her main influences are male vocalists or bands with male vocalists, including Ghost Iris, Disentomb, Unprocessed, Logic, Devin Townsend, Ne Obliviscaris, Enslaved, Ihsahn, Between the Buried and Me, Behemoth, Dimmu Borgir, TesseracT and Skyharbor, to name a few, with her vocal idol being Chris Barretto, from bands such as Ever Forthright, Monuments, Periphery and Haunted Shores. In addition, when Avianne was asked about how she discovered metal music and which artists and bands caught her attention while she was growing up in Malaysia, our talented vocalist answered by saying that because she didn't have access to online platforms like BandCamp almost all the music she listened to as a child was either from the radio or MTV, mentioning Linkin Park from their Hybrid Theory days as a huge influence when she was only around seven years old. During the following decade, she got obsessed with discovering new metal bands after listening to the 2010 album Long Live, by American Metalcore act The Chariot, with bands like The Dillinger Escape Plan, Between the Buried and Me and Converge fueling her obsession. As she didn't play any sports nor go to the beach at that time, she spent hours and hours developing her taste for metal and finding lesser-known bands online. Also, when questioned about which song by any artist she wishes she could have written, Avienne mentioned Celestial Violence, from the 2016 album Arktis. by Norway's own Ihsahn, as Vintersea were all listening to Arktis. a lot during the recording of The Gravity of Fall, and that song in particular spoke to all band members with its severe changes in dynamics and epic conclusion.
Regarding her vocal style, Avienne said that learning how to do harsh vocals and finding the perfect formula to combine them with her clean singing wasn't an easy task at first. She complemented by saying that she started doing harsh vocals because she wanted to scream along to her favorite bands at that time, and there was a lot of trial and error while she was developing her style, also saying that one of her main techniques was to record herself, study those recordings, and look for areas of improvement, becoming familiar and comfortable with her own screams and playing around with different tones and styles to see what worked best. She also said that it is not only important to be aware of how your body feels when learning to scream, but to be patient throughout the process, complementing by mentioning that she takes care of her voice by doing vocal warm-ups and relaxing a little before hitting the stage, and avoiding spicy food prior to any concert because it's not a good feeling to jump around the stage with a "ball of fire" burning inside her stomach.
Her view of the music industry is also quite interesting, as she said that in many ways she thinks the music industry has never been healthier, with the power being concentrated in the hands of the fans, the small labels, writers and so on, with the big, faceless corporations having lost most of the power they once had, letting truly innovative and independent bands to reach a much broader audience due to the evolution and changes to internet distribution. As long as fans keep listening to Vintersea's music, buying their merchandise and supporting them at their live performances, Avienne said she'll continue to write beautiful and meaningful music together with her bandmates, which is exactly what we all desire, don't you agree? And talking about touring and live concerts, Avienne said one of Vintersea's most memorable shows was when they shared the stage with the talented female-fronted Graveshadow, Mindmaze, Sirenia and Arkona at the Bossanova Ballroom downtown Portland in 2017, also saying that there are countless other bands they would love to play shows with or tour with, but as they're all hugely fond of the guys in Ne Obliviscaris, she thinks it would be simply fantastic to have the opportunity to spend time on the road with that level of talent.
As it happens with pretty much all women who decide to venture through the realms of metal music, Avienne has also been asked countless times about how she sees the importance and influence of women in a music genre that's still considered sexist by many, and her answers couldn't have been more spot-on. "My advice is to acknowledge that misogynists and sexists are there, but don't give them any fuel to their hateful fire. Don't turn their hate into your hate. Focus on what makes you happy. If you focus on yourself, not only you will be happier in the long run, but your happiness and success will annoy the haters. It's a win-win situation," said our stunning vocalist, also saying that in her opinion the metal scene has never had so many badass, powerful and brutal women like nowadays, with more and more metal bands with women fronting them or slaying an instrument coming to light, which is a very inspiring situation for her personally. The metal scene has been exclusionary of women in metal for years, which is why she believes it's important that there is more women in metal not only because they represents a significant portion of the listeners, but mainly because there is an endless amount of skill and talent that women in metal bring that should definitely be recognized. Moreover, when asked about who she considers the most influential women in metal today, Avienne cited the unstoppable Tatiana Shmaylyuk from Jinjer and Alissa White-Gluz from Arch Enemy, saying it's impressive what they can do with their vocals, and that they both have showed many people for the first time that women can bring endless energy and fire through harsh vocals.
When asked about her writing process (and of the entire band), Avienne said that before starting it they discuss as a band what the theme of the album should be, followed by determining each song's theme and message, writing the music prior to the vocal parts and making sure each of their songs can be interpreted on multiple levels, from deeply personal to globally conceptual, all within the same framework. There are songs that can come together in a matter of days, but most of them take shape over a period of months with a lot of intense work, consideration and debate, with their collective vision usually coming together after a couple of weeks. There's a lot of trust among the band members, and they have found that this dynamic and exciting process helps them produce their best results. Avienne also said that since the band's inception she has developed and grown in both skill and style, helping her explore different facets of her voice and making the band | 2,341 |
Grandpa's Trip to Market
The Bum
Who Dug the Hole?
The "Good News" (Gospel) > Archives > Family Stories > Who Dug the Hole?
(written in November, 1962)
Imagination can become quite real at times. Let me describe for you one such time.
It was an ordinary August evening in Iowa a few years ago when my friend and I decided to turn an ordinary someone's imagination loose. But, to carry out our plan, we needed to find a farmyard where no one was home. While driving through town, we noticed that Uncle John and Aunt Gert, who now lived on my grandfather<|fim_middle|> week the hole was dug but didn't visit my grandfather. The reason was soon clear to him. Pete had buried the money he had made with his bootlegging on the farm and she had returned to recover It. She would have felt too uneasy about the matter if she had stopped in for a visit.
Aunt Gert went back to the site of the hole and found to her surprise that it was perfectly marked off. It was directly in line with the north side of the chicken coop on a line between two old elm trees.
A bit of reflection soon revealed that the Ten Napels had always acted somewhat strangely on their visits to the family. Pete never was a man who could be trusted.
The truth was revealed at a family Christmas gathering to protect the innocent. My grandfather's reaction was simply stated--"! don't believe it." | 's home place, were visiting with him in town that evening. The stage was set for getting the relatives involved. Uncle John's farmyard it would be.
After driving out to his place, it didn't take us more than ten minutes with our shovels to dig a hole behind a shed on his yard. It wasn't on any special place, and was just an ordinary hole--about three feet deep and three feet wide, with no special shape.
At five o'clock the next morning the drama began. The hole happened to be near enough to the outhouse to catch Aunt Gert's attention. After reflecting for a few minutes she rushed to the house and broke the news to Uncle John. Together they inspected the hole, and together they became more concerned. The theory that a former outhouse location had settled was immediately discredited by the mounds of fresh dirt.
Telephones began to ring. Uncle Pete and Aunt Alice came over to have a look. Aunt Minnie came and brought cousin Hank along. Everyone wondered whether anything, and, if so, what had been dug up. Had the hole been deeper? Uncle John used a heavy steel rod to test the bottom of the hole and found that it was solid. After more inspection the mounds of fresh dirt were used to close the hole.
The realization that someone had been digging on the yard was frightening for Aunt Gert. She had taken the walk alone in the dark for forty years, but the next few evenings Uncle John had to escort her to the outhouse.
When my grandfather heard the news he insisted that the sheriff should have been called. After all, someone might have had a "kid" buried there. However, the general opinion was that some kind of treasure had been recovered. The relatives regretted that the home place was worth less than it had been a week before.
The hole soon became the talk of the town. Everyone was eager to learn whether any more had been learned about the digging on the Addink farm.
No new developments were seen until a month later, when Mrs. Ten Napel from California visited the area. Her husband, the late Pete Ten Napel, had been a distant relative of the family, and often visited with them during the prohibition days, when be was a bootlegger in the area. Pete and his wife had returned to Iowa a few times since moving to California and were always faithful to visit with my grandfather.
Mrs. Ten Napel made her first trip to Iowa after the death of her husband during the | 513 |
It is important that we, as Christians, are able to discern the voice of God.<|fim_middle|> and your spirit speaks. You have to listen to one of those voices and make decisions for yourself. The devil can't make you do anything and God won't make you do anything. Hearing God's voice is all about prayer and a relationship with Him. Prayer is a two-way conversation that helps build your relationship with Christ. The more you talk to someone, the more you discern their voice. God' voice is a gentle voice, a voice of encouragement. If you have already build that relationship with Christ and know His voice, are you listening to Him and obeying Him? When God saves us, our lifestyle changes. We don't just give up the things we used to do, we start doing things that we are supposed to do. Maybe we don't pray because we don't know how to pray. It is as simple as just doing it. The more you talk to God the easier it becomes. | God speaks, the devil speaks, | 7 |
As a merchant, you can set up to ten different filters for each category in your online store. By doing so, customers can intuitively refine category results for products by choosing specific filters in which they use to search for the products they need.
For instance, if you have a retail<|fim_middle|> find the product.
A: The Category Filter App is a one-time charge.
Q: Can this be setup to use the product features from the items within the category?
Shopgate allows you to get a mobile site for your store as well as iOS and Android Apps! | store, you may have a very broad selection of shirts. The Category Filters add-on, will allow you to setup filters for this category so customers can narrow down the product results to view by color, size, price, or brand. This improves site navigation for your visitors, which in turn, results in better conversions and more sales.
The use of Filters requires creating categories manually via the Admin Panel and flagging them as filters. Then products need to be assigned to the categories created as filters. And the Filter categories then need to be assigned to the standard categories/subcategories where the filters should display.
Many of our customers compliment how they like the category filters. Easy for them to narrow down to the exact product they want. Eliminates the frustration of scrolling and clicking through several products within a category, just to | 163 |
The various ski schools offer a wide choice of classes for all ages and all levels of ability.
Here again, we strongly advise you to book your classes in advance.
Several ski schools offer private or group lessons, by day or by week.
From the age of 4, children can take lessons leading to competitions.
Incomparable! The largest ski school in the world.
With 300 instructors in Val d'Isère, it<|fim_middle|> week according to your own rythm and wishes, let's ask for a private instructor!
He will share with you his knowledge of the best spots of the moment.
A team specialized in Off-Pist skiing, telemark or snowbording, & that can also organize your heliskiing program from a day to a full week.
Don't hesitate to ask us for more details…. | offers a wide range of options, for adults and children, in groups or privately, per hour or per week.
The instructors can also take you to discover the fabulous delights of off-track skiing in perfect safety.
The first to film students to help them make progress.
No beginner classes, but truly technical courses leading to spectacular improvement.
Special "find your legs" sessions for adults at the start of the season.
If you prefer to organize your day or | 90 |
StaffMichael Vienna
Michael Vienna
he/him/his
Interim Director of Athletics
mvienna [at] haverford.edu
Michael Vienna was named the Interim Director of Athletics at Haverford College effective August 9, 2021.
Vienna retired from Emory University in August 2020 where he served as the Assistant Vice President/Clyde Partin Sr. Director of Athletics for five years. During this time period, Emory University was one of the nation's most successful NCAA Division III athletic programs. Under his guidance at Emory, the Eagles placed in<|fim_middle|> a Ph.D. in higher education administration from Kent State University. | the top ten of the Learfield Director's Cup in each season and captured nine national team titles and 30 UAA championships. In addition to that on-field success, Emory athletes earned 20 NCAA Postgraduate Scholarships and 31 CoSIDA Academic All-America certificates.
In part, his extensive leadership experience included roles on the NCAA Division III Management Council, the Strategic Planning and Finance Committee, the Legislative Relief Subcommittee, the Playing and Practice Season Subcommittee, the Division III LGBTQ Working Group, NCAA Pathways mentorship program, NADIIIAA Executive Committee, Capital Athletic Conference President, Vice President and Treasurer.
Upon his retirement, Vienna had over 40 years of athletics administration experience. Prior to his move to Emory in 2015, Vienna spent 23 years as the Director of Athletics and Recreation at Salisbury University. During that tenure, Salisbury took home 17 team and 14 individual national championships, 14 national runner-up finishes, and 179 conference championships.
In 2007, Vienna was named the NACDA Athletic Director of the Year for Division III's Southeast Region and is a member of the Allegheny County (NY) Hall of Fame and the Salisbury University Athletics Hall of Fame.
A native of Belfast, N.Y., Vienna earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Health and Physical Education from the University of Mount Union. He holds a master's degree in sport management and | 297 |
by Javantea — Oct 2, 2012
[permalink] [id link]
We say A is unital if it contains an element 1 such that
Page "Associative algebra" ¶ 5
Promote Demote Fragment Fix
« More previous Okay Cancel More next »
Some Related Sentences
We and say
`` We think the governor treated us rather shabbily, to say the least of it.
We often say of a person that he `` looks young for his age '' or `` old for his age ''.
We may say of some unfortunates that they were never young.
We cannot truthfully say of anyone who has succeeded in entering deep into his sixties that he was never old.
We sympathize with Mr. Kennedy, but we feel bound to say that his budget review doesn't please us either, although for very different reasons.
We couldn't be seen together, for the tongue of Scandal was ever ready to link our names, and the tongue of Scandal finds but one thing to say of the association of a man with a girl, no matter how innocent.
We say that N is nilpotent if there is some positive integer R such that Af.
We may say that his problem was diagnosed but that he refused treatment.
We may say that his attitude was foolish, since he may have been a success had he learned some human relations skills ; ;
We should say that we made our point with feeling the first time and little or no feeling the second time, but that it was the same point we were making.
We may carry this sequence one step further and say that at seventy he was a poet at the height of his powers, wanting only the impetus of two tragedies, one personal, the other national, to loose those powers in poetry.
`` We worry '', say the mothers.
We have to tell ourselves that when Parker spoke in this vein, he believed what he said, because he could continue, `` But the truth, which cost me bitter tears to say,<|fim_middle|>.
We believe that autism, like so many other conditions of defect and deviation, is to a large extent inborn.
`` Dear Doctors: We learned this year that our older son, Daniel, is autistic.
We feel that The Detroit News is to be complimented upon arranging for articles on these subjects and we hope that it will continue to provide material along wholesome lines.
We will know, and He will know, to whom it is rendered, what the birds would ask:
If it is not enough that all of our internationalist One Worlders are advocating that we join this market, I refer you to an article in the New York Times' magazine section ( Nov. 12, 1961 ), by Mr. Eric Johnston, entitled `` We Must Join The Common Market ''.
We out here don't see enough of the conference to know he is being abused.
We repeat, that the test of a violation of 7 is whether, at the time of suit, there is a reasonable probability that the acquisition is likely to result in the condemned restraints.
0.091 seconds.
Popular Sentences
All Sentences
Most text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License; additional terms may apply. | I must speak, though it cost other tears hotter than fire ''.
We do not say that a man who takes no interest in politics is a man who minds his own business ; we say that he has no business here at all.
We can say that that relation has being as well.
We say we want to see put on the statute book something which will make our people citizens of the world before they are citizens of this country ".
We might not see any rotation initially, but if we closely look at the right, we see a larger field at, say, x = 4 than at x = 3.
We say that the mutation is recessive because the organism will exhibit the wild type phenotype ( ordinary trait ) unless both chromosomes of a pair have the mutation ( homozygous mutation ).
We say that f is a diffeomorphism if it is bijective, smooth, and if its inverse is smooth.
We can distort a dual polyhedron such that it can no longer be obtained by reciprocating the original in any sphere ; in this case we can say that the two polyhedra are still topologically dual.
We have to also say how to add their elements.
We can use it as basis to say, " a < b " and " b > a ", two judgments which designate the same state of affairs.
: " We say that it origin of the traditions is polar, and the pole is nomore Western than it is Eastern.
We and is
We are desperately in the need of such invention, for man is still very much at the mercy of man.
We consider a rural community as an assemblage of inhabited dwellings whose configuration is determined by the location and size of the arable land sites necessary for family subsistence.
We assume for this illustration that the size of the land plots is so great that the distance between dwellings is greater than the voice can carry and that most of the communication is between nearest neighbors only, as shown in Figure 2.
We have proved so able to solve technological problems that to contend we cannot realize a universal goal in the immediate future is to be extremely shortsighted, if nothing else.
We are reminded, however, that freedom of thought and discussion, the unfettered exchange of ideas, is basic under our form of government.
We know that much is made of the multiplicity and ambiguity of the identities that cluster around the key symbol of the Jew.
We saw it frequently afterward, but our suggestion for the very first encounter is near sunset.
In the rhyming catechism this doctrine is worded thus: `` In Adam's fall We sin-ned all ''.
We may further grant to those of her ( Poetry's ) defenders who are lovers of poetry and yet not poets, the permission to speak in prose on her behalf: let them show not only that she is pleasant but also useful to States and to human life, and we will listen in a kindly spirit ; ;
We find, in the first place, that the students overwhelmingly approve of higher education, positively evaluate the job their own institution is doing, do not accept most of the criticisms levelled against higher education in the public prints, and, on the whole, approve of the way their university deals with value-problems and value inculcation.
There is, of course, nothing new about dystopias, for they belong to a literary tradition which, including also the closely related satiric utopias, stretches from at least as far back as the eighteenth century and Swift's Gulliver's Travels to the twentieth century and Zamiatin's We, Capek's War With The Newts, Huxley's Brave New World, E. M. Forster's `` The Machine Stops '', C. S. Lewis's That Hideous Strength, and Orwell's Nineteen Eighty-Four, and which in science fiction is represented before the present deluge as early as Wells's trilogy, The Time Machine, `` A Story Of The Days To Come '', and When The Sleeper Wakes, and as recently as Jack Williamson's `` With Folded Hands '' ( 1947 ), the classic story of men replaced by their own robots.
We saw Giuseppe Berto at a party once in a while, tall, lean, nervous and handsome, and, in our opinion, the best novelist of them all except Pavese, and Pavese is dead.
We submit that this is a most desirable effect of the law -- and one of its principal aims | 916 |
This quite stunning day walk is a must for anyone venturing though Dart Hut on the Rees-Dart Track, if time and weather allows. For many people it is one of the main reasons for walking the 4-5 day track, and was certainly a highlight for me.
From Dart Hut cross over the bridge, follows the signs, walk up through a patch of bush for a couple of minutes and you'll find this view.
Much of<|fim_middle|> relatively dry boots were just about doable two days after the last rain, but these streams come up quickly after rain or snow melt from the mountains above. Don't head out if rain is coming as you may get stranded.
A completely unexpected surprise was turning a corner to find this wonderful reflecting pool.
After a couple of hours of most enjoyable walking I reached the Dart Glacier terminal face, which had once been 135km away in Kingston, across Lake Wakatipu from Queenstown. Over the centuries it has retreated to it's current still impressive if far less sizeable form.
Glaciers are dangerous things so I kept some distance, but still got some nice views of the terminal face, a moody blue in the shadow of the sun.
I got even better views heading up toward Cascade Saddle.
I only made it a third of the way up though before turning back. It was a fairly sketchy route and the daylight was starting to go already by half three. To make the saddle would involve getting back to Dart Hut in darkness, not ideal. My mind was made up when I reached this very dodgy stream that needed crossing. It was steep, one slip and I would have tumbled down the hillside, and required somehow scaling the 10ft sheer high bank.
It was still a quite wonderful half day walk, though adding it's 18km to a tough 10km walk up from Shelter Rock Hut over Rees Pass in the morning made for a long day. It's usually a full day walk but the weather was forecast to turn the next day (though it didn't) so I took advantage of the good weather while I could.
wow! these are really nice views! | the track is flat, with a few ups and downs, but always surrounded by natural beauty.
As well as the large scale beauty of the mountains and river there are lovely alpine plants, lots of lichens along the way.
The epic power of a glacier was apparent in the huge scarring along this rock face, hundreds of metres high.
The track is marked by poles and cairns, not always that obviously, but the walk down to Dart Glacier is easy enough, just continue along the valley as far as you can.
There were an awful lot of streams to cross, | 118 |
You are<|fim_middle|> the world, and there was nobody to piss you off. Then, life happened, and suddenly you were drowning in poorly-managed projects and tasks that required your attention.
You pushed harder, just so you keep up, thinking that it wouldn't last too long to get back on track. But it never got any better. As a matter of fact, it gradually got worse, to the point where working 60+ hours per week felt normal.
As much as you enjoy working, you can't skip dinner forever. Your kids will need you more as they grow. Your loved one won't support you for years to come. You need to put your stuff in order. That's why you decide you need to take some project management classes or read a few project management books.
Creating the right project management board for small business owners can be a challenge. You're too small to seek professional help, and you're too big to rely solely on email. That's where most owners start introducing spreadsheets to track assignments and major deliverables.
You do it also. This brings a bit more structure to the working process, but it rarely succeeds in the long run. It's just too tedious to maintain, and it's detached from the primary source of work, which tends to be the email. You ditch the spreadsheet.
When the spreadsheet fails, it's time to try some of the popular project management tools for creating your advanced project management board. Some of them offer reasonable packages for small business owners and their teams, which is definitely an upgrade compared to the good old excel.
Most of them offer email integration in a sense that email is imported into the system and converted to a task. However, they all fall short when it comes to follow-up communication with the sender of the original email. In other words, converting the email to a task is just a small part of the management process.
After some time, you either get used to the weird ways this app handles email threads or you simply quit using it. "It shouldn't be necessary to copy emails manually", the vendor says, but it does happen for some reason. It's just the way these apps are built – they don't integrate with email natively.
What's next? Well, it's your lucky day today, we've got something for you.
Simply put, too many things fall through the cracks and that's a recipe for unhappy customers. As a small business owner, the last thing you want is unhappy customers.
In some extreme cases, a single raging customer can cause significant damage to your brand and respectively to your income. You must strive to generate happy customers and to have a reasonable project management board approach is a necessary first step.
How do you come up with your Project Management strategy?
Being in the project management business for many years now, we know that there's no one right way to do things. Moreover, sometimes the remedy for one company could be the harm for another.
That said, the preferred approach is always custom – the one you build yourself. Only you know your context well enough to design a solution that actually works.
But don't be tempted to implement something that works for your friend. It might not work for you. A much better strategy is to develop a deep understanding of some work principles and then design the solution yourself.
Throughout this article, we would like to share some of the principles that we find truly important. They can get your company to the next level.
• Principle IV: Responsible Delegation.
This one is simple and comes directly from the Kanban method. Defining your workflows in a highly visual way and using Kanban cards to represent projects or tasks is by far the most convenient and efficient way to manage work.
It's just human nature – we perceive a significant part of the world through our eyes, and we can't ignore this fact.
Maintaining a single source of truth for your project management activities is common sense, but you'd be amazed how many small business owners ignore it.
They use email, spreadsheets, task management software, and paper to keep track of everything. That's a mess – you need one and only one place to store information. Otherwise, it's just a matter of time before you drop the ball.
This one also comes from Kanban and partially from Zero Inbox. The rules are simple – whatever you work on, keep it to the absolute minimum. Do not start more than a few things at the same time.
If you do work on too many things simultaneously, you're bound to switch between tasks all the time, draining your energy and ultimately sacrificing your productivity.
At the same time, do your best to keep your backlog empty. If you leave dozens of emails or tasks sitting on your TO DO, you'll get demotivated and confused about what to do next.
Even if you're managing projects in a small business, you'll often need help from colleagues or third parties. Most of the time you'll use email, phone or a chat tool to ask someone to do something for you. Once you submit the request, how do you know what's going on?
Well, you usually don't or even if you do know, there's no way for you to track what actually happens. There's a better way to do this, and we call it "Responsible Delegation." Responsible Delegation is the act of requesting work from someone by using tools that provide transparency about the progress.
These could be team collaboration tools or specialized project management systems designed to optimize the interactions of a small business with its stakeholders, customers or employees.
Taming these four principles and blending them into a custom project management system for your business can be rewarding.
If you do so, it is very likely that you remove "small" from the "small business owner" title.
Now is the time to mention that Flow-e was built from the ground up to support these principles. It is not a separate tool, but something that upgrades your existing email inbox.
We add some magic but the data never leaves your inbox, and therefore you don't have to switch tools anymore. Flow-e is email-native, which means that it was built on top of the email.
This makes it possible to have your normal email communication from within a project management system that is also your email inbox. Not to mention that the "visualization" and "limiting work in progress" principles from Kanban come built-in as well.
Amazing, isn't it? You must try it now! | one of the best. That's why you started your own company – you can make it better than these other guys. Besides, you can be your own boss and only deal with the projects you like.
In the beginning, it felt great. You had all the freedom in | 55 |
Definition of Microsoft PowerPoint
By<|fim_middle|> PowerPoint presentations with a standard or custom toolbar. With a standard toolbar, a user can utilize ordinary features such as saving his presentation, opening a new presentation, changing the font or color of a portion of the presentation, checking the spelling and printing the presentation. When printing a presentation, users can print the slide itself, a combination of the slide and the notes below the slide, handouts that leave room next to the slide for note-taking, or an outline of the presentation. Custom toolbars can be created, allowing a user to change the order of the buttons as they appear on the toolbar or to add or delete buttons according to his own preferences.
Types of Presentations
With PowerPoint, you can create fliers, envelopes, business cards, invitations, certificates, forms, calendars and even books. When you create a new presentation, you are given the option to choose one of the available templates or design your own. If you cannot find the exact template you want, Microsoft offers a bigger selection online. A user can also find templates online that she can download as freeware or that she can purchase. PowerPoint can also be used as an effective template for publishing rapid e-learning or Web-based training.
Tech Terms: Definition of PowerPoint
Microsoft Office: Create a Custom Toolbar
Blackberry: Smartphone Accessories
IntoMobile; Office2HD 4.0 App Brings PowerPoint; Marin Perez; May 2011
How to Rotate a PowerPoint Slide 90 Degrees
How to Restart Microsoft Office PowerPoint
How to Edit a PowerPoint Slide Presentation
How to Display a Ruler in PowerPoint
How to Crop a Picture Into a Circle in PowerPoint
How to Print Out in PowerPoint With Comments On | Susan Ayers
Users can create basic slide shows to very complex presentations in PowerPoint.
PowerPoint is a software package created by Microsoft. Users create a presentation with a series of slides. It is easy to import documents from other types of software such as Microsoft Word and import it into PowerPoint. Presentations are created in a series of PowerPoint slides, using available templates or starting from a blank page. Users can import audio, video, graphics and text into PowerPoint to make interesting and dynamic presentations.
PowerPoint is often purchased in the Microsoft Office package that includes other popular software such as Excel and Word. PowerPoint is now available in an application form for smartphones and iPads.
When creating a presentation, users design a slide that they will generally present to an audience or print as a handout or manual. To present a PowerPoint document, users often use a projector and screen rather than showing the presentation on a desktop or laptop. Users can also write notes underneath the slide to draw upon as reminder points during the presentation. The audience cannot see the notes on the screen. Users can animate the screen, setting it up so that portions of the slide appear on the screen at timed intervals. Animation can be useful if the user has an abundance of information on the screen and wants to avoid a cluttered effect. Users can time parts of the screen to disappear from view at certain intervals as well.
Users work on their | 279 |
UMD Researchers Shed Light on Mechanical Properties of Cells
We know that cells are the building blocks of life, and we know about the parts of a cell that make it work, but what do we know about how all those parts make cells work? Right now, not much.
In the last two decades, scientists have begun to recognize that mechanical functions within cells play important roles in making cells work, but current methods of observing a cell's mechanical functions have many limitations that prevent us from truly understanding what those roles are. Right now, the only way to observe a cell and measure its mechanical properties is to freeze, dry, or kill it, or to make contact with the cell. However, these methods disrupt the cell's functionality and, in some cases, destroy the cell, making it difficult to accurately measure and observe the mechanical functions of cells.
Researchers at the University of Maryland (UMD) are on the case, though, and they have invented a nondestructive and nondisruptive method for observing cells and measuring their mechanical functions using light. When light hits an object, it changes color, or wavelength, and this change in color can provide information on the mechanical properties of the object the light hit. This process is called Brillouin Scattering. The research team has invented a high-resolution module, " Cost Effective Brillouin Scattering Retrofit for Confocal Microscopes," which can be attached to microscopes and allows them to quickly measure wavelength changes after light passes through a cell without interfering with the cell's function.
Understanding how mechanical properties affect a cell's function is key to understanding many diseases, making the team's work important to diagnosing and treating disease.
"We are currently blind to the 'mechano-biology' universe, with negative consequences to our understanding of many diseases," said Giuliano Scarcelli, Assistant Professor in the Fischell Department of Bio<|fim_middle|> without contact— only with light."
For more information and related publications about the Cost Effective Brillouin Scattering Retrofit for Confocal Microscopes, see: http://www.onlylightcandothat.org/
Learn more about Innovate Maryland and the Invention of the Year Award nominees.
The University of Maryland partners with NIST on a number of research centers, including the Joint Center for Quantum Information and Computer Science, Joint Quantum Institute, and Institute for Bioscience and Biotechnology Research. | engineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering and one of the inventors of this technology. "By providing a non-perturbative method to characterize cell mechanics, we can begin to fill this important gap."
The invention team includes: Scarcelli; Jitao Zhang, post-doctoral researcher in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering at the A. James Clark School of Engineering; and Milos Nikolic, Ph.D. student in the Fischell Department of Bioengineering and the Institute for Physical Science and Technology (IPST).
The team is currently working to form a startup company to further develop and manufacture the invention. They plan to design the module to fit existing microscopes so that biomedical researchers can use it with equipment they already have.
"Light-matter interaction is a fascinating topic that we study at a fundamental level," said Scarcelli. "When applied to biomedicine, it provides new ways to measure important information without labels and | 196 |
At last month's South by Southwest Interactive conference, two of the companies I met apply a similar concept to different businesses. Aibnb lets real people rent vacation accommodations to other real people by the night–a sort of specialized Craiglist with a whole lot more quality control to help ensure that neither renter nor rentee gets ripped off. And Liquidspace has an iPhone app that allows<|fim_middle|>the airbnb of" leads to a bunch of other startups, such as Tutorspree (tutoring) and Uber (car service, recently covered here by Ed).
I can't see myself needing Liechtenstein for two days, at least at that price. But I'd consider splurging on Monaco or Tuvalu–both of which are much smaller than Liechtenstein, and which therefore might be available for less dough.
On a more serious note: have any of you tried Airbnb, Liquidspace, or any of their couterparts in other areas? | nomadic businesspeople (like me!) to rent a conference room or a desk on the fly, either at a hotel or business center or at a company that simply has more space than it needs.
I haven't tried either service for myself yet, but I'm intrigued by the idea and the possibility of applying it not only to beds and conference rooms but to just about anything. (I'm not the only one who's intrigued, apparently: Googling for " | 94 |
"European women have a blood level of folate that is only around half the level recently recommended by the WHO for the prevention of birth defects. There is no doubt that a policy on folic acid enrichment would increase women's folate and prevent a significant percentage of the spina bifida cases in many European countries and thus<|fim_middle|> and monitoring processes," explains Rima Obeid. | prevent deaths and illnesses among children," says Associate Professor Rima Obeid from Aarhus Institute of Advanced Studies at Aarhus University, who together with an international team of researchers from Germany, Switzerland, and the USA is behind the study.
"Food enrichment with a minor amount of folic acid has been shown to be safe for the population – also without side effects for other age groups and men – and an effective way of lowering the level of birth defects. It is the most cost-effective way to reach every woman before pregnancy and to reduce child mortality and the risk of disease. But introducing such a measure would require collaboration between policy makers, stakeholders, researchers and healthcare professionals and a country-specific preparation | 139 |
For a day that started out rather inauspiciously (and ended on a bit of a down note), this first Saturday of September was just about perfect.
Laziness kept us in bed past the point of reasonable hunger, and we both ended up getting stressed about the late start, due entirely to crankiness from lack of food. The forecast called for 78 and sunny (25-26, as I try to use this clumsy Celsius scale), and somehow we moved past excitement and into "oh crap, we better take advantage of this perfect weekend before it's over!" We should've recognized the first sign of a lucky day when our favorite Saturday Market baker had just removed warm croissants from the oven when we walked up to buy our customary appelflappen. Buttery fingers and a stray flake in the beard were the only evidence of either purchase by the time we crossed the second canal.
Sated, we confidently boarded a train for Amsterdam... and ended up in Haarlem. Panicked that we'd get busted for using the wrong ticket, we waited half an hour to sneak onto the next train back to Leiden, where we boarded another train to Amsterdam... that took the same route! Again we ended up in Haarlem, though at least this time there was a train conductor we could talk to who explained that there was a bus to Amsterdam Sloterdijk (not the main station), and from there we could catch the train to Amsterdam Centraal.
I initially felt like a fool for<|fim_middle|> perfect place - a small outdoor food fair on Haarlemmerstraat. Many of the vendors were local restaurants serving their food in a more casual atmosphere, and we may have to go back one day to the place that sold us a perfectly spicy house-made sausage hot off the wood-smoked grill. Or the Middle Eastern restaurant that gave us their decidedly personal take on what flavors a burger can offer. Or, more widely afield, a visit may be due the mountainous vineyards of northern Italy that provided us with two crisp, smoky whites (in proper glassware no less!) perfect for a lazy walk around the neighborhood. | somehow making this mistake, but then realized that there were tons of Dutch people coming up to ask the same questions, and in fact we recognized several of them from our first train to Haarlem - evidently the same stupid forth, back, and forth was made by lots of people. When we asked why the monitor next to the train platform still read "Amsterdam Centraal" if that wasn't the train's destination, the conductor informed us that the change was only for a few trains that specific weekend, so they couldn't change what automatically displays on the monitor. Right... At least there were more than enough buses to re-route everybody, and the Dutch all seemed to handle the news quite calmly. Somehow this rubbed off on us enough that we held in the urge to explain just how stupid it is to change the train schedule without putting up any signs or making any announcements. Zen lesson learned: what the hell good would whining have done me anyway?
Our confusion continued when we arrived in Amsterdam. On previous visits we have usually traveled on foot. On the occasions when we took the tram, we were actually quite pleased that you can just buy a single-use ticket from the driver when you board. €2.60 seemed expensive, but roughly consistent with New York or Boston; we tried to avoid wasting the money, but figured sometimes it was worth saving the feet.
But then I realized (i.e. learned from internet sleuthing) that the reason you check-in and check-out on Amsterdam transport (they have ticket sensors at every door) is that you don't have to pay a flat fee! It's €7.50 to purchase an "OV-chipkaart," but then you can put a balance on the card and quickly make back your money - the 2 rides we took Saturday added up to €2.20, vs. €5.20 if we'd purchased the single-use cards. The local transport information center at Centraal Station was a madhouse, however, and while you can add money on a card at automated machines in the building, you can't actually buy the cards from a machine - to acquire the cards, you must wait in a long line of frustrated people.
What's not made quite clear anywhere is that you can buy those same "OV-chipkaarts" from the train kiosks and use them on the bus system! I still don't know how the different transit companies figure out who owns what money on which cards, but in the end we completely legally skipped the lines, got everything sorted, and headed out for our first stop of the day: Amsterdam's famous Albert Cuypmarkt.
Albert Cuypmarkt, running 6 days a week (all but Sunday) for over one hundred years, is a famous tourist draw and is alleged (by somebody on Wikipedia at least) to be the busiest daytime market in Europe. We'd heard that it had a lot of ethnic flavor owing to the neighborhood in which it sits, and in general we're eager to visit places that suggest unique and/or local stuff, as the word 'market' really should.
Not this one. A Times Square t-shirt vendor would feel right at home here, sandwiched between the sitting-on-ice-but-not-actually-cold-juice stand and the lacy underwear tables. To be fair, there were some cool housewares and some interesting bolts of cloth, but nothing that compels us to go back.
But isn't this supposed to be about a wonderful day?
Well, it was still 76 and sunny, so could we really complain about a few missteps? On a day like that the entire city was a celebration, and we decided there was no better way to enjoy it all than to be still, warm, and relaxed. We grabbed a bottle of Fanta Orange and walked the few blocks back to a canal-side park we'd seen earlier from the tram. You might think we'd tire of sitting next to water after living next to it for weeks now, but I'm always mesmerized by the dancing light off moving reflections. Besides, the whole canal was a good-natured party, and even the guys who foolishly rented the self-pedaled "canal bike" instead of a more relaxing electric boat seemed to be intent on enjoying their situation thoroughly.
We sat together in the grass, watched a man finish his joint and attempt to cycle one-handed, and saw a tubby dog paddle across the lawn to silently inquire - really it looked quite polite - after the acquisition of some freshly grilled hot dogs.
All rested and at peace, we decided it was time to score some deliciousness of our own. Once again, Nisha's uncanny ability for these things led us to the | 965 |
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook leeks 3 to 4 minutes,<|fim_middle|> heavy skillet, heat 2 tablespoons oil over medium heat until shimmering. Drop heaping tablespoons of leek mixture into skillet and lightly flatten with the back of a spatula. Cook until golden brown, about 3 minutes; if cooking too quickly, lower the heat. Flip fritters and cook until golden on the other side, another 3 minutes. Drain on paper towels and transfer to oven.
Repeat with remaining leek mixture, adding oil and adjusting heat as needed.
When fritters are cooked, make cream: whisk all ingredients together and season to taste with salt. Serve warm fritters in stacks, with a dollop of cream on top. | until softened but not limp. Drain and wring dry in a towel.
Transfer leeks to a large bowl and add scallions. In another bowl, whisk together flour, 1 teaspoon salt, baking powder, a few grinds of black pepper and cayenne. Add to leeks and stir. Add egg and stir.
Heat oven to 200 degrees. In a large | 80 |
Back with another weekly update of the Life Lately, Swiss Style!
If you're just joining the Life Lately series, feel free to catch up here.
The last month has really flown by IMHO (in my humble opinion), does anyone else feel like that?
I think when the holidays approach and everything turns towards Turkey Day and Christmas there's really not even a chance to blink!
Though I won't be cooking this year, Thanksgiving is going to be a very fun adventure for Mr. CEO and I. Given that he is on the USA holiday schedule, he's got a full three days off this week. Thus, we're<|fim_middle|> get up close and personal with the waterfall, Mr. CEO took his mandatory bridge photo!
Remember his infatuation with the Lucerne bridge here!
All in all, it was a fabulous weekend and we enjoyed every second of it! And of yes, one of my other highlights, getting a solo moment on the kiddie trampoline in the park as we headed to the gym Saturday morning!
Thanks for joining me on the adventures this week!
Wishing you all a lovely Thanksgiving week filled with much gratitude and gravy :)!
Ohhhh what a treat to have RAchlette in someones home! We had it at a restaurant and I'm sure it wasn't as good. 🙂 Although it's cheese…. so it was good.
Any type of melted cheese is a win! | backing up our Audi, his work car – station wagon- that we're fortunate enough to drive around, and heading out to explore the French Alps, Zermatt and the infamous Interlaken hiking region!
But, before we head out, I want to share a few fun memories of the past week!
First things first, we were invited to share, raclette, a traditional Swiss meal of cheese and potatoes, at Mr. CEO's colleague's Tiz's home. It was such a lovely evening! I didn't want to be the crazy American taking photos, so I didn't at first. But, then Jana, Tiz's wife, said it was a-okay!
So, the above is a photo from a free site so you can see the set-up, and below is the photo I snapped of my melty gooey cheese! It was delicious and so filling.
What I loved most about raclette is that it's slow paced, meaning it's a great way to dine with guests and really get to carry on a conversation. Plus, it's all individualized and you can easily add veggies to grill on the top, too.
And a final bonus, the dinner concluded with my new favorite after dinner "digestive" drink, a ginger liquor. I may or may not have had two shots (but sipped) of this!
Back to the Verzasca Valley & The Most Magical Waterfall I've Ever Seen!
I'm still in awe of the magical beauty of the Verzasca Valley. It truly is one of the most breathtaking places I've ever seen, and lucky for us is a short 30 minute drive away.
You may remember we headed there on our last visit here in June too, full post here!
We started off hike #49 of my 52 week challenge visiting the Hamlet of Corippo, or the iconic landmark of the Verzasca Valley that still resembles most closely the original architecture of the area.
It was a stunning view and such a picturesque town!
From there, we headed back towards the last town in the Verzasca Valley, Sonogno. It was a bit chilly and I definitely didn't wear enough layers, so instead of our usual 5-6 mile hike, we kept this one at about 3 miles but it was still so worth it!
Unbeknownst to us when we started out, we found the most magical waterfall we'd ever seen just a short 1.5 miles back into the town's hills.
And, naturally, because they're was a bridge we had to cross to | 527 |
The second album by Talking<|fim_middle|> the Day", which complements Eyre's boogie-woogie electric piano. Starting as perhaps the most straight-forward rocker on album, the song takes a couple of unexpected breaks where Rafferty's solo vocals are highlighted, clear and up front.
Although Rafferty declined to tour right away following the release of City to City, the momentum carried on to his 1979 album Night Owl, which spawned another trio of Top 40 singles. While the artist continued to release albums throughout the 1980s, his popularity waned and heavy drinking ultimately led to his demise. | Heads, 1978's More Songs About Buildings and Food got its sarcastic title by addressing the cliche of the "sophomore jinx" where songs not used on the debut are combined with inferior and underdeveloped new compositions. However, that "jinx" was obliterated here as the quirky new wave quartet found decent commercial success and widespread critical acclaim for their fine combination of standard motifs and inventive techniques, perfect for that era of popular music.
Composer, guitarist and vocalist David Byrne, bassist Tina Weymouth and drummer Chris Frantz were all alumni of the Rhode Island School of Design and formed their first band in 1973 before migrating to New York City in 1975. Getting their name from a TV Guide article, Talking Heads were signed to Sire Records in November 1976 and added keyboardist/guitarist Jerry Harrison early in 1977. The group's debut album, Talking Heads 77 found decent success in part due to the single "Psycho Killer", which hit the airwaves around the same time as New York City was embroiled in the "summer of Sam".
More Songs About Buildings and Food was the first of a trilogy collaboration between the group and producer Brian Eno, who took their raw sound and emphasized on more danceable rhythms to fuse a unique vibe for Byrne's art/rock compositions. On this album the group also started their long tradition of recording in the Bahamas at Compass Studios.
A rapid shuffle above a pointed hard rock riff defines the sound of "Thank You for Sending Me an Angel", with extra percussion between the verses. This opening track acts as sort of a bridge between the debut album's tension and the bigger rhythmic sound of this album. "With Our Love" follows with a rather spazzy funk feel in the verses, while "The Good Thing" is the most accessible song thus far with an upbeat yet smooth, rounded sound led by Weymouth's bass and odd but catchy harmonized refrains. Co-written by Frantz, "Warning Sign" features a drum beat with exaggerated reverb joined by catchy bass and guitar riff in long intro before the song proper develops into choppy new wave track.
"The Girls Want to Be with the Girls" may be the first track where the group seems to try too hard to force a quirkly style and it ends up feeling disjointed, while the side one closer "Found a Job" features pure funk verses and new wave rock choruses. Side two begins with "Artists Only", a song which explores several pleasant styles in rapid fashion, while "I'm Not in Love" moves back to funk but with driving, rapid rhythms as it makes its way through many odd sections before completing with an entertaining quasi-guitar lead jam. "Stay Hungry" is a shorter funk/jam featuring much synth influence by Eno.
By far, the album's commercial anchor is its only cover song, a distinct version of Al Green's "Take Me to the River" featuring a sound that defines an eighties hit while still in the late 1970s. The deliberative rhythm method and fine production technique brought the group a worldwide Top 40 crossover hit. The album ends with the pleasant sonics of "The Big Country" with a fine mixture of acoustic and electric and a slide/country vibe topped by a steady drum beat.
More Songs About Buildings and Food peaked in the Top 30 of the Pop Albums charts and eventually reached gold record status. Eno and the Talking Heads continued this successful formula with 1979's Fear of Music and the hit album Remain in Light in 1980.
During a the late 1970s, Jethro Tull released a trio of albums with heavy folk influence. The second of this trio and the eleventh overall studio album by the band is 1978's Heavy Horses. This album features strong and consistent tunes which take a journey into a rural landscape of folklore and the underlying simple theme of an honest day's work. Further, in spite of going against the day's prevailing musical trends of punk and new wave, Heavy Horses was a commercial success on both sides of the Atlantic as the album reached the Top 20 on both the UK and US album charts following its release.
Following several successful forays into progressive rock through the early and mid seventies and accompanying large arena tours, Jethro Tull and their primary composer Ian Anderson decided to scale back and develop more simple folk rock songs. The critically acclaimed 1977 album, Songs from the Wood, reflected on English culture and history and was the first to include new member David Palmer, who brought many classical elements into the fold.
Produced by Anderson, Heavy Horses was recorded in London during a time when he was settling into a domestic life with his new wife and son. Just prior to this album's recording in 1977, Pink Floyd released their classic album Animals, which explored differing human personality types. Heavy Horses may more exactly fit that literal title as it lyrically sees things from the perspective and environment of several rural creatures.
A tense rhythmic timing drives the acoustic-driven opener "…And the Mouse Police Never Sleeps", a song which is probably more prog rock than folk, complete with strategic stops and dueling flute and organ solos. The track lyrically describes the movement of a barn cat with creative adjectives, describing the process of the night guard and hunt. "Acres Wild" follows as a mandolin driven, pop-oriented rocker with heavy Celtic influence musically and lyrics which paint a picture of playing long while on a journey.
"No Lullaby" is the first of two extended songs and it starts with a heavy rock guitar intro by Martin Barre, followed by the showcasing of drummer/percussionist Barriemore Barlow as it eases into a slow, methodical rhythm, About two minutes in, this mini-suite takes a radical turn to a more upbeat, tense-filled shuffle before again returning to the methodical verse section and lead flourishes. The bright and pleasant folk tune "Moths" features harpsichord by John Evan along with other ethnic string instrumentation as it expertly alternates keys throughout its short duration. A philosophical creed on living for today, "Moths" displays the scene from different perspectives and with sincere emotion. "Journeyman" starts with a funky bass riff by John Glascock as the rest of the group builds around musically, each finding their own small space within the song.
The album's original second side starts with "Rover", a tribute to Anderson's pet dog which features a more traditional Jethro Tull soundscape. With lyrics telling of story time with a young child, "One Brown Mouse" starts and ends as straight folk/rocker but nicely diverges into a mid-section of folk orchestration. The epic, nine-minute title track plays on differing intensities of the same musical theme, as the song is a literal tribute to the work-horse. It all wraps with "Weathercock", a theme on the rotational nature of life as album ends at the break of dawn and a simple musical arrangement, built with acoustic, mandolin, organ and other simple elements.
Jethro Tull recorded performances during the European leg of the Heavy Horses tour, and later in 1978 released a live double album called Bursting Out. In March 2018, the group released a five-disc, 40th anniversary version of Heavy Horses, which features several alternate and outtakes, 22 previously unreleased live tracks, and a 96-page booklet with track-by-track annotation by Anderson of the album and its associated recordings.
Hemispheres, the sixth studio album by Rush, was the second straight album recorded in the United Kingdom. It also contained the second half of a multi-album concept called "Cygnus X-1", which took up the entire first side as its title track. Musically, the group continued to use multi-movement song structures, complex rhythms and time signatures to pack this album with musical virtuosity by this trio at the very height of their talent and creativity. Lyrically, Neil Peart continued the scientific/fantasy approach of recent albums but with a decidedly philosophical bend, using a mixture of literary, factual, and fictional methods.
The music is complex and flowing with a lush production. Like the previous four studio album, Hemispheres was produced by Terry Brown. Influenced by progressive rock bands like Yes and King Crimson, the group set out to make more complex music, stretching the maximum potential of three rock musicians to be replicated in live situations. Lead vocalist and bassist Geddy Lee added Minimoog synthesizer and bass pedals to his arsenal while guitarist Alex Lifeson experimented with classical and twelve-string guitars, often using a holder stand to easily switch between guitars live. Peart continued to add diverse percussion to his ever-growing drum set, including timpani, blocks, orchestral bells, chimes, and melodic cowbells.
Although the second half of a multi-part fantasy which starts in space but ends on Mount Olympus, the overall concept of Hemispheres is to explore and interpret human psychology via the left and right portions of the brain. This whole concept was developed by Peart who, as lyricist, had led the group to to ever greater levels of conceptual complexity since joining Rush in 1974. For their part, musical composers Lee and Lifeson, matched the ingenuity with their tightest, sharpest, and most inventive playing ever with brilliant complexity.
While the story line isn't as comprehensible as "2112", the side-long suite of "Cygnus X-1, Book II: Hemispheres" is much more consistent musically. In fact, it is constructed more like a stage musical than a contemporary prog-rock piece, with the "Prelude" section acting as a true overture. starting off with slow rudiments which, for a moment, feel unsure, the music soon finds its groove, moving through seamless passages in the first three instrumental minutes. You don't have to be a Rush fanatic to appreciate the quality rock on display here, which (like "2112 Overture") is the most indelible part of the overall extended piece. A single verse three minutes in sets the stage for the story.
Next come the two parts which describe the two sides of Hemispheres – "Apollo (Bringer of Wisdom)" and " Dionysus (Bringer of Love)". These two parts are really just different verses of the same tune, with a Lifeson guitar lead representing the "the bridge of death" crossing between them. Surprisingly, there is not a bigger contrast sonically between these two contrasting characters, as Geddy Lee brilliantly has shown he could pull off in "2112". The awkward transition into these tracks is the first real flaw of the extended piece. After abandoning the "chains of reason" in pursuit of "joy and love", the mythical civilization faces cold, starvation, and predators, which causes caos and ultimate battle in the very theatrical climax to the piece, "Armageddon (The Battle of Heart and Mind)". Here Lee's voice hits the highest of registers, perhaps a bit too far for contemporary tastes, as he relates the story of aimless conflict which ensued with the confusion brought on by the awareness of Apollo and Dionysus.
Finally, comes the bridge back to the final song from A Farewell to Kings. "Cygnus X-1:Book I" was a spacey number about a guy who deliberately steers his spaceship into a black hole out of his burning curiosity to see what was on the other side. On the "Cygnus (Bringer of Balance)" echoes from that song overlaid on the long synth sounds of Lee while Peart's lyric morphs from the philosophical to the fantasy. The protagonist from the former song was able to make the chaos suddenly cease (although it is really unclear why) and the world unites into a "single, perfect sphere" as described in the pleasant acoustic final part with its Pollyanna, Utopian vision.
The philosophy continues with "The Trees", a parable on socialism and collectivism. Here, Lifeson takes center stage from his classical acoustic intro through the incredible movement through differing guitar textures. Like "Circumstances", there is another mid-section which starts with some synth and percussion motifs before breaking into a full band jam, which brings the tune to a fevered conclusion with an ironic lyrical ending.
This all leads to "La Villa Strangiato", the crowning musical achievement of Rush's long career. The band admits that this was incredibly difficult to record, even claiming that this single track took longer than the entire album Fly By Night. At first, they were obsessed with recording the nine-minute, twelve-section track in one single take, but eventually capitulated and recorded it in three parts. The result is an analog recording with a bit of tape hiss, but this does not detract from the music one bit. Based on a dream by Lifeson, "La Villa Strangiato" ("The Strange House") begins with half minute Spanish guitar that gives way to, perhaps, the most exciting intro in rock and roll. Like a world awakening from a long slumber, the dream flanged guitar is cut through by the underlying, three-note beat by Lee and Peart. Eventually, the tension breaks into a full band rudimentary riff offset by interludes of smooth instrumental soaring. During the complex middle section, the mood comes down a little bit, to a basic beat for Lifeson's bluesy guitar leads (like Rush in Pink Floyd mode), again building ever so slowly towards a more intense rhythm part. Several more connecting sections ensue, including a jazzy section led by bass and drums. The music meanders and draws the listener to a lull before suddenly breaking back to the main theme as a lead-in to the outro with a sudden and abrupt ending, which leaves the audience wanting for more.
Although Hemispheres received relatively good reviews it did not fare well commercially. With great success on the horizon, this would be the last Rush studio album to fail to make the Top 10 until 1987's Hold Your Fire, six albums in the future. The recording of five studio albums in four years, coupled with 300 gigs a year, and the shear exhaustion of making such a complex album would play a major factor in the band deciding to move towards more accessible material in the future.
Gerry Rafferty was an artist who really didn't like fame all that much. In fact, he once walked out on his former band, Stealers Wheel, shortly after they topped the charts with "Stuck in the Middle with You" in 1973. The success found Rafferty retreating to his native Scotland before being coerced back into rejoining that band. Ironically, City to City brought Rafferty fame in droves after a long hiatus from the public eye. This album reached the top of the U.S. album charts and produced three Top 20 hits. But beyond its commercial success, it was the absolute apex of Rafferty's career where if left indelible musical marks which define his output to this day.
Rafferty joined the folk group The Humblebums in 1969. Two years later he was signed to a solo contract an released his 1971 debut Can I Have My Money Back?, a critical success but commercial failure. In 1972, Rafferty formed Stealers Wheel with Walter Egan and recorded three albums before the duo disbanded in 1975. This was followed by legal wrangling over the demise of Stealers Wheel which kept Rafferty out of the studio for three solid years.
Though it would seem to have strike the pop charts out of the blue, City to City does not depart dramatically from the music Rafferty has recorded over the past decade. In fact, he used much of the same personnel he had on his first solo album seven years earlier, starting with producer Hugh Murphy. The album's title was meant to be satirical, as Rafferty conquers the world one metropolis at a time. Fueled by Rafferty's compositional skills, the group forged a fresh sound with diverse styles, while lyrically Rafferty juxtaposes the differences between urban and pastoral life.
The opening tune "The Ark" starts with a Celtic-flavored thumping intro led by fiddle and mandolin combo of Graham Preskett. It soon breaks into a pleasant ballad, reminiscent of the band Badfinger, with the vibe of sailing along calm water within the beat. While it never really breaks from its deliberate and steady tone, this five and a half minute song feels full and complete.
While long considered Rafferty's signature song, "Baker Street" may also be one of the quintessential tracks of the late seventies. At once pop yet progressive, this song is an urban journey accompanied by baskets of sonic candy, The bass of Gary Taylor supplies a lot of this décor, as do the keyboards, organ, and synths of Tommy Eyre as do the cool and smooth layered vocals of Rafferty, delivering the self-reflecting and mature lyrics. But all this plays a supporting role to the memorable saxophone riff by Raphael Ravenscroft, which guides the song from phrase to phrase. Rafferty lobbied the record label to have "Baker Street" as the lead single from the album and it became hugely popular, reaching the top 3 on both sides of the Atlantic before the album was even released.
The mechanical yet groovy "Right Down The Line" was the other major hit from the album. An upbeat song of romance, this tune is firmly within easy listening range while still feeling vibrant and young and in no way sappy. Rafferty's excellent vocal harmonies during the bridges along with the cool steel guitar intro and lead of Brian Cole are the musical highlights for this song which reached #12 on Billboard pop charts and topped the "Easy Listening" charts. The album then takes a sharp turn with title song "City to City". A quasi-blue grass composition, the song comes complete with a train-whistle-sounding harmonica by Paul Jones and could be an outlaw country song if not for all the production flourishes throughout. "Stealin' Time" is a great mood-setting song to complete side one. Led by the electric piano of Tommy Eyre, the song is very patient and deliberate musically, like mid-era Pink Floyd. Following a nice lead by Hugh Burns, the arrangement turns interesting as it builds some intensity in the outro section.
Topping off the album are three upbeat songs. "Home and Dry" contains a thumping beat by Henry Spinetti with smooth vocal delivery by Rafferty, much like the hit songs from side one. In fact, "Home and Dry" was the third single from the album in the U.S. and it peaked at #28 on the pop charts. "Island" does its title justice with a strong Caribbean beat and gently strummed acoustic by Rafferty, but topically it has more of a jazz nightclub feel. It contains the ever-present saxophone of Ravenscroft and plenty of other exotic instrumentation. Rafferty plays rudimentary piano on "Waiting For | 4,007 |
Tropical Research and Conservation Centre (TRCC), has a project on public education, participatory learning, restoration and sustainable management of the Niger Delta mangroves adopting the participatory/citizen science approach. Nigeria has extensive mangrove forests in the coastal region of the Niger Delta, considered one of the most ecologically sensitive regions in the world. About 70% of the Nigerian mangrove ecosystem falls within the Niger Delta region. The Niger Delta is located in the Atlantic coast of Southern Nigeria and cuts across nine states. The site falls under the Niger Delta wetlands region of Nigeria, Considered a global biodiversity hotspot. The mangrove swamp of Niger Delta covers an area of is considered a global biodiversity hotspot. The Niger Delta basin occupies the Gulf of Guinea continental margin in equatorial West Africa, between latitudes 3° and 6° N and longitudes 5° and 8° E.). Niger Delta mangroves together with the creeks and rivers are a major source of food and livelihood for millions of people ( https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Niger_Delta_mangroves). The Niger Delta mangroves perform all four categories of ecosystem services identified in the Millennium Ecosystem Services report: regulating, provisioning, cultural, and supporting services. These include atmospheric and climate regulation, flood and erosion control, wood and forest crops for cooking fuel, construction, and traditional medicine, nutrient cycling, and habitat for fish nurseries. This ecosystem also plays important role in climate change mitigation because of its high blue carbon sequestration potential. This is particularly important because of continuous gas flaring in Niger Delta from petroleum operations, which releases carbon dioxide among other gases into the atmosphere. Mangroves constitute important nurseries for fishes, crustaceans, sponges, algae and other invertebrates, and also acts as a sink, retaining pollutants from contaminated tidal water. Mangroves are also used as shelter and breeding grounds by mammals, shore birds, reptiles, many insects etc. Unfortunately, this unique ecosystem is on the decline and at the verge of been totally lost. Mangrove forests are affected by oil exploration/exp<|fim_middle|> The organization was founded in 2001, as a result of the founder's concern for rural dwellers and the sustainable use of natural resources. For more information about organisation please visit the site: www.tropicalconservationcentre.org Thank you, Ikponke Nkanta, Project Manager, Tropical Research and Conservation Centre(TRCC). Office address: 41 Oron Road , Uyo, Akwa Ibom State , Nigeria www.tropicalconservationcentre.org Phone:+234 80 675 96 435; E mail: info@tropicalconservationcentre.org;ikponkenkanta@yahoo.com US Referee: Dr Fernando Potess ,Director, People Resources and Conservation Foundation,USA 255 Ivyhurst Circle, Amherst,New York 14226-3417, USA, www.prcfoundation.org Phone:+1-213 4780484, E mail:fpotess.prcf@gmail.com, info@prcfoundation.org | loitation activities, some portions converted to farmlands and the trees are cut for timber, fuel, house construction and so on without restoring. Consequently, many coastal communities in the Niger Delta are losing their lives and primary livelihoods due to increased vulnerability to floods as a result of the disappearance of mangroves which usually serve as defense in times of coastal flooding. They are also now exposed to the high intensity of sunlight and heat waves as the land lay bare of trees to regulate sun rays. Therefore, there is urgent need to restore/conserve the mangroves of the Niger Delta region. This project entails a pilot in one of the Niger Delta states and will involve community/public education, participatory learning, restoring of degraded portions, local capacity building in conservation practices, experience sharing, data collection, development of management plans and policy review. It would improve methods and technologies that support the sustainable use of biological resources, identify, promote and support suitable livelihood alternatives among key mangrove dependent. Here links on mangroves which can help one learn more about importance of mangroves: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cwTZhyA57mA; https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/in-pictures-54241533 Objectives: The objectives of this project are: 1. To ensure sustainable mangrove ecosystem management that encourages community-based participation. 2. To ensure restoration, conservation and management of mangrove wood and non-wood resources on a sustained yield basis; developing effective measures for protection and/or rehabilitation of mangrove ecosystems; mitigating climate change effects in the process. 3. To ensure management and protection of mangrove areas for fisheries, erosion control, coastal stabilization and biodiversity conservation; intensifying the protective function of the mangrove forest along riverbanks, estuaries, and all other marginal forestlands, 4. To increase public awareness and education on the benefits of the mangrove forests; consolidate existing mangrove information and make it available in forms which are meaningful and accessible. 5. To strengthen capacities of the institutions/stakeholders responsible for mangrove management. 6. To promote research and education on conservation and management of mangrove and associated ecosystem. 7. To facilitate partnerships and networking among mangrove dependent communities, private enterprises/companies operating in mangrove communities and the government in order to promote and ensure best practices. The pilot will help strengthen local communities and livelihoods: • Education programmes and outreach to increase knowledge of mangrove conservation (targeting up to 100,000) • Trainings to improve skills in sustainable mangrove ecosystem management (targeting about 10,000 wood/timber harvesters, farmers, fishermen) • Indirect employment opportunities (targeting about 10 000 returning fishermen and 5000 women for the collection of aquatic produce – fish, crabs, shrimps,oysters etc – to increase food security and economic resilience. . Tropical Research and Conservation Centre' (TRCC): Tropical Research and Conservation Centre' (TRCC) is a nongovernmental organization which focuses on sustainable agriculture, environmental resources conservation, community livelihoods and indigenous resources preservation. | 653 |
good causes Mar. 4, 2019
The Bar World Is Rallying Around One of Its Own After ALS Diagnosis
An illustration of Christopher Reed at Bar Goto. Photo: Daisy Dudley
If you've been known to wile away nights at Bar Goto, you have almost certainly had a conversation or two with Christopher Reed. As gregarious<|fim_middle|> behind the bar anymore and the cost of his medical expenses is growing by the day. watching first hand how this disease has slowly been robbing him of his gift has been heart-wrenching, to say the least. Chris needs your help. below is information for a gofundme set up by Bar Goto to help with getting him the care he needs. if you can donate, please do. it would mean the world to one of the kindest, warm hearted and genuine individuals I have ever had the honour to work with behind the stick. if you cannot donate, we ask if you could share the information on any and all social media platforms available to reach as wide an audience as possible. link in bio. #als #alsawareness #liveanotherday eternally grateful, -me.
A post shared by Mathew Resler (@drink_smith) on Mar 3, 2019 at 12:05pm PST
Eat like the experts.
Sign up for the Grub Street newsletter.
bar goto
christopher reed
The Bar World Rallies Around Bartender Diagnosed With ALS | as he is tall, Reed has been the bar's floor server most nights, helping make the Lower East Side spot feel like one of the city's most fun, easygoing bars. What many patrons may not know is that last May, Reed was diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease ALS, and his condition has rapidly deteriorated since.
In order to help Reed pay his medical bills, Bar Goto's owner, Kenta Goto, and his staff, have started a GoFundMe that has already raised over $30,000. (However, that's only out of a total $250,000 that Reed needs.) On that page, they've included some words from Reed, who somehow manages to be heartwarmingly cheerful and charming despite his situation. He introduces himself as "a chatterbox by nature" and someone who is "lucky, blessed and proud to be a bartender at Bar Goto in New York City." As a result of the condition, he now walks and talks "like I'm drunk," wearing leg braces and walking with a cane. It's likely he'll be in a wheelchair by this May, his doctors tell him, and his life expectancy has been estimated at three more years. However, he says, "I'm going down swinging, but swinging costs a lot of money."
The issue for Reed is that he hasn't had any luck with western medicine (two drugs his doctors gave him only made him feel worse, he says), so he's looking for other solutions. But those solutions aren't covered by insurance, and the bills are racking up. (Along with B12 shots two times a week, he's taking various supplements he's found through his other doctors and others who have lived with ALS long-term.) That Reed can't work as much as he used to, and eventually won't be able to at all, only makes this more financially difficult. In the meantime, he says, he's going to keep working at Bar Goto for as long as he can, and hang out with his wife, their four cats, and loved ones. If you're inclined to donate, you can do so here.
Some of Reed's colleagues in the hospitality industry have taken to social media to show their support:
this is Chris Reed. if you've ever visited Bar Goto, you've probably shared a smile, a laugh, and most certainly a hug with him. (he's the hugger of our family) I have worked with Chris nearly every day for close to 4 years now. Chris is a chatterbox. when we first met, Kenta informed me "his weapon is his mouth." as it turns out this was a slight understatement, the man can talk to an empty room and still find joy in the moment. last May, Chris was diagnosed with ALS. the doctors basically gave him 1 year to continue working the way he has been. May is rapidly approaching and his health has started to catch up with the diagnosis. very soon Chris will not be able to work | 622 |
Molly Harp is a Vice President of Client Relations at DDC. In her role, Molly works to provide counsel, execute strategies, and manage advocacy<|fim_middle|> Studies. | campaigns at the local, state, and federal level as needed for clients. With these efforts, Molly ensures that all clients' company objectives and public policy needs are met efficiently and effectively.
She believes that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to engagement and advocacy, instead fine-tuning and customizing each client's efforts led by a variety of factors including a comprehensive understanding of their goals, as well as their competitor's impact on the industry.
She brings to DDC years of expertise in political campaigns, grassroots advocacy, strategic communications, and policy research. Prior to her time at DDC, Molly worked as the Regional Research Director at the Republican National Committee, where she managed a team dedicated to developing local messaging and research for target states. She also worked for the National Republican Congressional Committee on Capitol Hill and Mitt Romney's 2012 presidential campaign.
Molly is a graduate of the University of Virginia, where she studied History and Religious | 190 |
Q: ReSharper To-Do Explorer regex pattern for pragmas In our code-base, there is the convention of placing warning pragmas to indicate<|fim_middle|>I've tried several combinations of the 'In comments', 'In strings' and 'In identifiers' options, but nothing is ever found.
Is my regex wrong (though I based it on existing regexes, and putting 'PMO' in the normal code somewhere isn't a problem)? Or maybe ReSharper ignores pragmas? I'm guessing it 's the latter. If so, does anyone have a decent alternative (besides 'Find in solution')?
A: ReSharper doesn't currently parse preprocessor directives for its To-Do manager, so chances are what you're trying to achieve is impossible right now.
There's a feature request to implement this, so you might want to vote and watch.
| certain pieces of code (e.g. todo items, remarks, etc.):
#warning PMO 2012/04/19 Some remark here
var t = 1;
// and other pieces of code...
Is there a way to let ReSharper's To-Do Explorer find these pragmas? I've added an item with this as search expression:
(?<=\W|^)(?<TAG>PMO)(\W|$)(.*)
This would search only items for me (my initials being 'PMO'). I've also tried:
(?<=\W|^)(?<TAG>warning)(\W|$)(.*)
and
(?<=\W|^)(?<TAG>#warning)(\W|$)(.*)
| 152 |
CHEMTROL Finishing Compounds by Precision Finishing, Inc.
For over <|fim_middle|> as 5-gallon containers to as large as 275-gallon totes. Let our experts assist you in selecting the exact formulation for your unique process. | 50 years, Precision Finishing Inc. has committed to developing Chemtrol® Finishing Compounds by adopting a total solution approach to addressing your mass finishing needs. With the Chemtrol® Advantage we have the unique ability to create, craft and then test our compound formulations in our production contract shop. We not only develop and manufacture the compounds – we USE them! This experience and dedication to the vibratory and tumble finish process has enabled us to create over 100 formulations.
Chemtrol® Finishing Compounds are developed and manufactured by us in our ISO 9001:2008 Certified Facility. From acid to alkaline and the choices of powder, concentrate, or liquid forms, each formulation affects the surface preparation process differently. Based on your needs, our solution is available in as small | 167 |
It's tempting to get your product "just right" before shipping. I mean, why produce (publish, manufacture, create) something if it's not the best it possibly can be?
Well, because you will never improve it fast enough until you actually ship it.
Each time you complete a phase of your product's evolution, your ability to refine it also improves. Said differently, you will improve your product much better the more iterations (cycles) of develop-and-release you complete.
The key to bettering, therefore, is not huge phases of development. Instead, the key is more, shorter, development cycles.
Remember the Rev Dash concept?
It's important to ship Rev Dash so you can get started on the next revision, Rev A. Then B, then C, until you eventually get to Rev K or so. That's when your product really starts to become great.
There's no other way to refine your product. But let's imagine it anyway.
You could develop your product for a decade, then have it on the shelves for a decade. But that's still only one iteration of your develop-and-release cycle!
The goal is to get over being afraid of shipping something that isn't perfect. It will happen every time, so just accept it! Instead, realize "done" is the goal.
This is what I do with Leadership Vacuum. It forces me to ship three times a week, whether great or awful. But this way I'm getting better at the creating, editing, and shipping process — three times every week.
Once you<|fim_middle|> after the tenth time you revise and ship it? | have shipped your idea, you can process feedback about it. People can't try out your product until it is in their hands. Mentors can't read your book until you send them a draft.
And until you are done, you don't really know what problems your product has. Why?
Because you only use the product how you intended it to be used. Others will use it a hundred different ways than you imagined. They will expose the product's strengths and weaknesses.
As a software engineer, I experience this constantly. I write an app that works perfectly, but only when it is used like it was designed. When I "test" my software, I use it the right way and it works. When the customer uses it, they ignore my intentions and make up their own rules. They are not limited to my "ideal" test case.
It is difficult to fully test your product as the designer. That's what users are for!
Ship already. Then your users can give you feedback. So you can better your product.
And use short develop-and-release iterations to help you get rid of bad ideas and find good ones quickly.
Extra Credit: Read this article.
How awesome would your product be | 242 |
Carroll Engineering Corporation (<|fim_middle|> services we provide these counties, please visit www.carrollengineering.com. | CEC) attended the County Commissioners Association of Pennsylvania (CCAP) Annual Spring Conference on March 25th in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. It was an opportunity to network with officials across Pennsylvania such as county commissioners, council members, county executives, and administrators.
CCAP strengthens the counties' abilities to govern their own affairs and to improve the well-being and quality of life for every Pennsylvania resident. It advocates for favorable state and federal legislation, programs and policies on behalf of counties. CCAP is committed to service excellence through education, information, insurance, technology and other programs that support effective county government.
CEC has served or is currently serving counties such as Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, Northampton and Lehigh. For more information about CEC and the | 152 |
Here at Norcross Community Market, we want to encourage a sense of community that will spread to other area residents. We'd like for you to "know your farmer" in such a way that you're aware of what makes them each unique before you ever set foot in the market.
By reading what each farmer is most proud of, where they come from, why they choose to be here, and lots more, you should gain a sense of each of the farmers being a friend by the time you actually say hello and see their products.
Before you meet the first farmer, we'd like to introduce ourselves . We are Pam and Sara, and we're local residents (Pam lives in Norcross, and Sara in nearby Clarkston). We are also a mother-daughter team of food bloggers at Biscuits and Burlap.<|fim_middle|> educational way to fight childhood obesity. The new outdoor kitchen at Gilliam's is the first step in making this dream a reality.
· Certified to participate in Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program – a USDA program which provides coupons to low income seniors to be used for eligible foods such as fresh fruits and vegetables.
· One of three 2017 recipients of the Atlanta Emerging Market, Inc's Civic Impact Loan designated for making a greater impact in the local community.
In wrapping up our visit with Farmer P. and Lovey we asked what made them choose to come to Norcross Community Market. The answer? The diversity of the shopping community here in Norcross was a real draw to them. The visitors to the market come from all walks of life and many backgrounds. That is not only part of what makes our market unique, but makes it a true community market.
Lovey Gilliam answered this one without a second's hesitation. She is most proud of her husband, Farmer P. He has worked hard to achieve his goals, and together they have taken a small backyard garden and built it into a full time urban farm.
We invite you to come over to Biscuits and Burlap for this outside-the-box recipe made from Gilliam's okra and tomatoes. Just click the recipe title or photo above to be taken straight there.
Be sure to look for Farmer P. and Lovey and tell them you read their story. They look forward to meeting you at the market, and they would love for you to visit their website at Gilliam's Community Garden. To schedule a visit and tour call 678-949-8530.
Keep your eyes open for the 2nd installment of the Know Your Farmer series coming soon! In the meantime, we would love to have you sign up to receive weekly Southern recipes from Biscuits and Burlap by clicking this link.
Special thanks to AgSouth and the ladies of Biscuits and Burlap for this ongoing series. We hope you will "Know Your Farmer" and shop weekly from them at Norcross Community Market. | We are huge believers in buying local to support our community and cooking with the freshest food possible. We invite you to visit our blog and try some of our recipes!
Our team is proud to be bringing you the series, "Know Your Farmer." So, let's begin!
Many of you will recognize Gilliam's Community Garden, because their farm has been represented at Norcross Community Market since the very first market in 2016.
Husband and wife team Farmer P (left) and Lovey (right) are the head honchos over at Gilliam's Community Garden. Farmer P is Gilliam's Farm Manager and Lovey is the Event Coordinator.
One unique thing about Gilliam's is their location. Situated very close to the center of Atlanta, Farmer P and Lovey are true urban farmers and the soon-to-be new name "Gilliam's Urban Farm" will more accurately describe where they are located and what they're all about.
That urban location puts them in a unique position to host school groups, including those from inner city schools. These children might not otherwise get to witness first-hand the process of growing and producing fresh foods.
Gilliam's also welcomes other groups, such as for church, civic or family outings. For a nominal fee, they promise an educational, hands on, urban farm experience like no other.
The core of Gilliam's products are vegetables, with an emphasis on beans and peas, but there is a wide variety, with something for everyone.
A personal favorite of ours, is a pea that we cherish from our home in north Florida. Have you ever heard of white acre peas?
Gilliam's has been saving the seeds for these acre peas through three generations and we were thrilled to find that they had them.
Besides the vegetables, there is also livestock at Gilliam's. Where else in the city would you find goats, sheep, chickens and hogs? They also carry jellies and preserves and (new this year) medicinal teas.
Lovey Gilliam has a definite plan in mind. She wants to see Gilliam's sponsor and host "cook offs" for kids. She has a vision of helping children learn to cook and eat healthier options, and she sees her plan as a fun and | 458 |
<|fim_middle|> | On March 17, Horst Köhler, then speaking as nominee for the post of Managing Director of the IMF, met with the press. Following are edited excerpts of that press conference. The full text is available on the IMF's website (www.imf.org).
Köhler:I have come to Washington to introduce myself to the Executive Directors of the IMF. Yesterday, I also met with Stanley Fischer, the Acting Managing Director, and I had a talk with the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Larry Summers. It is now important for me to listen carefully before making any specific statements on the role of the IMF, to listen to the IMF shareholders and its staff, but also to outside experts.
I do think that in a globalized world, the IMF, with its universal membership, is a cornerstone for promoting growth and stability. I am fascinated by the expertise of the IMF, its staff, and management. I do think that with regard to the future work of the IMF, the focus should be even more on crisis prevention, and we should make the best use of the strengths of this institution. It also remains important to combine financing with adjustment and to stay engaged in all member countries.
Question: You have dealt with Russian President [Vladimir] Putin when you were at the EBRD [European Bank for Reconstruction and Development]. Do you feel you can deal with him now at the IMF? And what is ahead for Russia and the IMF?
Köhler: Indeed, I met and talked to Mr. Putin in December last year. We had a very frank exchange of views. I noted that the reform process in Russia is not strong enough and that is the main cause of the difficulties in Russia. Mr. Putin clearly admitted this was right. And he said that in his view Russia needs to have a strong state.
I confirmed that was right in terms of bringing more predictability to this state and country. But at the end, we will have to wait on concrete deeds and not just listen to words, because deeds count. But I would think that we should give Mr. Putin the benefit of the doubt and work together, and I am open to a constructive dialogue with him.
Question: The IMF, as you are probably aware, is viewed in some parts of this country as the devil incarnate. In the U.S. Congress and elsewhere, there's been a lot of criticism of the IMF. How would you plan to address that and what directions would you see as priorities?
Köhler: Well, first, we should all know—management and shareholders—about the direction of changes or reforms in the IMF. Second, I am fully committed to an open discussion and dialogue with the U.S. Congress. We are meeting in a discussion about reforms. I have a good feeling that out of all these contributions and comments it will be possible to sort out structures and conclusions that will strengthen the IMF to do a good job in the future.
Question: Could you tell us a little bit more about your conversation yesterday with Mr. Fischer and whether you obtained assurances that he will stay on for the short or the long term?
Köhler: We had, indeed, very good and long discussions. I appreciate very much Stanley Fischer's intellectual brilliance and his experience in working and guiding the IMF. I clearly told him that I would be interested that he stay, and he at the same time told me that he would like to stay. I am sure that he and I will work together very closely for some time.
Question: Mr. Köhler, the process that led to your selection as the next Managing Director has come under heavy criticism—in part because developing countries felt left out, in part because it gave new ammunition to the IMF's critics, and in part because it was probably unfair to some people involved. As the IMF's new leader, would you recommend that the process of selection of the Managing Director be reviewed, discussed, and changed?
Köhler: I agree that this process was really not the best and I have no hesitation in saying that it should be reviewed and improved.
Question: Could you talk a little bit about your meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury Larry Summers and what was discussed? The United States finally came out in support of your nomination but at first it didn't seem wholehearted. Did that come up at all?
Köhler: Well, before I met with Larry here in Washington, he called and told me that he would look forward to working with me. Here in Washington, we reviewed the work of the IMF and had an exchange of views about reform priorities. We agreed on most of these items. Of course, we couldn't touch on everything in detail, but the talk was in substance very friendly. I know Larry Summers from one year of cooperation in 1993. He knows my working style is open, speaking candidly, but our experience is that it is the best way to find the best solution. I am really looking forward to working together with Larry Summers in more concrete terms.
Question: You had said you wanted to focus more on crisis prevention and would like to see the IMF focus more on crisis prevention. How is the IMF preventing crises today?
Köhler: Well, many items come into this. The most important axis for crisis prevention activities is the surveillance activity of the IMF's Executive Board. And surveillance operates in two ways. First, macroeconomic stability surveillance gives advice to countries. But, second, structural issues underpin macroeconomic stability and sustained growth. And the work done, or in the process of being done, in the Financial Stability Forum is very important for bringing this critical discussion about the international financial architecture to very concrete conclusions. Here I would think is the main priority for the IMF to enhance its activities for crisis prevention.
Question: Will you be in office for the [April 16] spring meeting [of the International Monetary and Financial Committee]?
Köhler: I must say that the time between when I first talked to German Chancellor [Gerhard] Schroeder and today is less than two weeks. I have not yet even had a chance to organize my work in the EBRD. Going to Washington after the election is, of course, fascinating and challenging, but I would also go to Washington with a bit of a sadness, because the EBRD is a good and efficient institution. I don't want to give the staff of the EBRD the impression that this represents a downgrading of their institution. So I am very interested in organizing an orderly transition, and I am urging shareholders of the EBRD to decide very rapidly on my possible successor.
Question: Would you support the cancellation of debts owed to the IMF by developing countries as was advocated last week in the Meltzer Commission?
Köhler: I don't want to go into details today, but I can address a point of principle. Debt reduction, or debt relief, is and can and should be an element of a global strategy to secure global growth and fight poverty. But debt relief or debt reduction without growth, macroeconomic stability, and structural reforms makes no sense. It has to be combined with reforms and with macroeconomic stability.
Question: There is a discussion going on about how the IMF should use the information it gathers during the surveillance process. Some say that this is privileged information that should be communicated directly from the IMF to governments. Others say that perhaps the market should be used to bring influence to bear on governments via the IMF making this information more public. How much information should the IMF provide to the public and to the private market?
Köhler: The IMF should release information that enables markets and the public to better judge a country, its economy, and its problems. There is an area of information that has to be confidentially treated—for instance, in the context of private involvement—because these people want to keep their information. But, in principle, more disclosure of information and of IMF policy and IMF activities and approaches is the right direction to go at the beginning of this century.
Question: How are you going to approach the issue of developing countries in terms of their role in the global economy and their place in organizations like the IMF and the World Bank? How will you consult with and involve them in your new role?
Köhler: We are so often—and even maybe too often—talking about globalization. But if we are serious about globalization, we must understand that the developing countries are part of this globalized world. We are really one world. I not only met with the full group of IMF Executive Directors yesterday, I also met with the Executive Directors for the constituencies of the developing countries. We have to give more attention to developing countries to find strategies that are sustainable.
Question: There are probably going to be very large protests during the spring meetings. How will you approach public skepticism about the IMF's intentions and its abilities?
Köhler: My intention is to have more open dialogue with the public and with NGOs [nongovernmental organizations]. It is our obligation to explain IMF policy and activities better maybe than we have done in the past. And we have to have a dialogue. But I also hope we are not embarking on a process where dialogue with the NGOs is weakening the democratic institutions in our societies and countries. There has to be a process of openness, more public disclosure, and more attention to these concerns and contributions to the discussion, but there must also be an awareness that our institutions have been given responsibility by elected officials, and this should not be weakened.
Question: What would you do to prevent the misuse of IMF funds?
Köhler: Experience reveals the need to be even more careful, and if something happens, to draw conclusions and to organize our own work so that it will not be repeated. | 1,988 |
Sheratoons: fun to the fullest!
Beach vacations were never so fun for the little ones. In Sheratoons we have activities for children from 5 to 12 years. Our facilities are equipped to enjoy the most.
For those who like videogames, you cannot miss consoles like Xbox and Wii. For the more active ones, we have ecological walk and mini-disco where they will be able to hang out with other children from the same age. We encourage learning in our kitchen workshops where<|fim_middle|> for the minor are their parents and / or relatives, so they must be pending at all times. | they can prepare mini pizzas, popsicle and decoration of cupcakes. The Batik workshop will allow them to explore their artistic side and express themselves through textiles.
On special dates, we have activities according to the season, such as Easter eggs or the traditional Mexican "posada". At your arrival ask for your schedule of our Sheratoons activities. Remember that children under 5 years may participate under the supervision of their parents, and from the age of 5+ are in charge of our team.
* Terms and conditions apply: Open 365 days a year, at a time of 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sheratoons is a space for children from 5 to 12 years old.
Children should play and participate in activities always under the supervision of an adult.
Sheratoons does not offer day care. The minors are not in the custody of the animators.
Parents must record the complete information of the children legibly in the registration form, which must also be signed by the person responsible for the child.
If the participation of a minor is problematic or risky, the responsible of the minor will be immediately notified.
Those responsible | 243 |
<|fim_middle|> and Belonging
4 Ways to Break Through a Career Plateau
A Lesson in Medtech Innovation and Value Creation
The Advantage of Choosing a Research-Intensive University
Application Tips from the MBA Admissions Committee | Wharton Stories » How this Wharton EMBA Student Used a "Mr. Miyagi" Approach to Study for the GMAT
How this Wharton EMBA Student Used a "Mr. Miyagi" Approach to Study for the GMAT
Malcolm Minty, WG'22, kept his eye on his goal and took a structured approach to focus on math and verbal basics.
Malcolm Minty, WG'22, approached the GMAT as a "litmus test." He explained, "If I couldn't make time to study for the GMAT and obtain a competitive score, then how would I be able to manage doing an MBA for two years with a job and three kids? The GMAT gave me the confidence to know that I could handle all of that."
Malcolm began studying in November for a February test date. He used official GMAT study materials as well as practice exams.
"I was a physics major in college, so I didn't think it would be that hard. But my score from the first practice test was a giant shock. I had to change strategy, as I only had one chance to take the test before the application deadline," he recalled.
Malclom created a structured strategy around a clear goal. "I saw that the median score the prior year was 690, so my goal was 700. That kept me from going down the rabbit hole of online courses that focus on achieving scores of 750 or above."
His strategy also focused on the basics. He said, "I took a very Mr. Miyagi/Daniel-San 'wax on, wax off' approach. This meant drilling down on basics like memorizing prime numbers, common factors, and exponent rules to avoid simple mistakes and to free up more time to spend on the more challenging problems."
Malcolm set aside two to three hours every night to study as well as a full day on the weekend for six weeks. He also took a full practice exam every weekend and practiced timing to ensure he could finish all of the questions.
He noted that attitude was part of his strategy too. "I set a goal and worked toward it. I only applied to Wharton. I was going to take my best shot and see what happened."
That approach worked and Malcolm's practice test score went up 100 points, which got him in the range where he felt ready to take the test.
The night of the test, he went over a review sheet and made sure to get a good night's sleep. "This isn't the sort of test you can cram for. You need your brain to be rested," he said.
On the day of the test, Malcolm approached it like arriving early at the airport for a flight. "I got to the test center early with a large bag of snacks. I also cleared my desk that day so I could be completely focused on the test and not feel stressed by anything else."
Looking back, Malcolm said that the value in preparing for the GMAT went beyond achieving a certain score. "Getting into a study routine for the first time in 20 years was useful, and I continue to use what I studied for the GMAT in the EMBA program."
He added, "I'm glad that I took the 'hard route' and dusted off my brain with studying for the GMAT. Achieving my goal helped prove to myself that I am capable of keeping up with my classmates, and that gives me the confidence to push through this rigorous EMBA program."
— By Meghan Laska
Malcolm Minty, WG'22
Vice President of Product Development, Gener8
University of Sussex, BSc Physics
University of Essex, MSc Laser Physics
Veterinarian Formalizes Business Education at Wharton EMBA
Why These Students Say the Value of Wharton's EMBA Program Starts in Week One
A Management Consultant Gives His Strategies for Balancing Work, Wharton, and a New Baby
6 FBI Negotiation Lessons from a McNulty Leadership Program Workshop
How Prof. Nicolaj Siggelkow Helps Learning Teams Bond During Orientation
How this Mom Balanced School, Work, and Having Another Baby in Wharton's EMBA Program
How this Alumnus is Merging People Analytics with Diversity, Inclusion, | 877 |
Each year, weather and climate-related issues require more consideration and preparation from meeting professionals. Now add water conservation measures, enacted by California to ease a four-year-long drought, to the increasingly severe tornadoes (already happening) and hurricanes expected this spring and summer in Tornado Alley (north from Texas) and sweeping north and east from the Gulf of Mexico. Here's some information to help you plan ahead.
Water. Hotels and lodging account for about 15 percent of total water use in commercial and institutional facilities in the United States, cites the Environmental Protection Agency. Bathrooms use about 30 percent of hotel water, landscaping and laundry 16 percent each, and kitchens 14 percent. The EPA estimates that water-efficient practices can reduce operating costs at hotels by as much 11 percent.
• Drinking water for client meeting rooms via "Water Stations," using 5-gallon dispensing units.
• Testing its first hydration station to cut down on bottled water usage.
• Drinking water for banquets and catering provided to clients upon request.
• Kitchen dishwashing set on high pressure, low volume.
• Restrooms using low-flow toilets and ur<|fim_middle|> situation. Customer advisory procedures are typically spelled out at the very beginning of the planning process, along with evacuation procedures to get attendees to safe and secure areas. | inals.
• Washroom sinks with automatic on/off faucet sensors.
• Drought-tolerant landscaping, and rock replacing flowers, where applicable.
• Exterior sidewalks broom swept (no power washing).
Tornadoes and hurricanes. Balko learned important lessons years ago from back-to-back board meetings in Key West that were interrupted by a hurricane. The good news is that "today's weather prediction systems can give at least a week's notice of hurricanes to allow a different set of conversations to take place" with facilities. Still, he said. "if a venue's geography, access and market are right for attendance, we need to be there," whether or not it is prone to severe weather. So his answer has been to buy convention cancellation insurance for big meetings — even though earthquake riders for West Coast meetings can be "horribly expensive. If an event is a significant part of an organization's revenue, you buy the cancellation insurance and riders," he said.
• Work closely with the local CVB. The ACVB activates a process in emergencies, and also created a page on its website on which local suppliers can list good and services available for visitors and hours they are open.
• Know your point of contact before you get into an emergency | 249 |
Dr. Nicholas Camp specializes in both pain management and anesthesiology. He is board certified through the American<|fim_middle|>. He listen to everything I had to say and did not try to solve any of my issues with pain medication. I am blessed to have found this Clinic that uses different techniques!
Dr. Nicholas Camp is board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management through the American Board of Anesthesiology. He received the Del Burkey Fellow of the Year award from the University of Pennsylvania and served as chief resident during his training at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Dr. Camp is an Arkansas native, and completed medical school at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences in Little Rock. | Board of Anesthesiology.
The reviews listed below were collected independently of Camp Interventional Pain Associates through rater8. Each review represents an authentic and verified patient experience.
Excellent to work with. Listened well and explained everything very thoroughly.
I wish I could have Dr. Camp for my doctor of EVERYTHING! Wonderful bedside manner. He explained my issue in a way I can understand and was very concerned about how to alleviate my pain. I am VERY impressed.
This was absolutely the best experience I've ever had with a doctor | 106 |
You are here: Home / Entrepreneur / a Conversation With Jon Bon Jovi
a Conversation With Jon Bon Jovi
December 3, 2018 by Asif Nazeer Leave a Comment
These days, Jon Bon Jovi is livin' on a vine. Grape vine, that is.
The rock icon launched Hampton Water Wine along with his son Jesse Bongiovi and acclaimed French winemaker Gérard Bertrand earlier this year, and just last week, it was named the Best Rosé of 2018 by Wine Spectator in their Top 100 Wines ranking. "It's an incredible honor," Bon Jovi tells Entrepreneur.
Sounds like his wine is, indeed, wanted dead or alive.
Image credit: Hampton Water
The idea to create a wine came about during time spent in the Hamptons, and its grape blend is distinctive of the French region of Languedoc. "It represents that sense of enjoying life and making memories with the people you love most," Bon Jovi tells us. "For us, when we enjoy a glass,<|fim_middle|> and told me that no one refers to rosé as "pink juice" anymore; it's now Hampton Water. I said right then and there what a great name that would be on a bottle, and Jesse lit up.
The next morning he came downstairs, still fired up from our conversation the night before. He started rattling off all of these ideas for his new rosé, Hampton Water. I could see how passionate he was about this, and I said to him, "Look if you're serious, do your research. You know a lot of successful people, talk to them and educate yourself on how to start a successful business, study the wine industry, specifically rosé, then put together a legitimate business plan, and come back to me." And here we are — a Wine Spectator rated 90-point rosé listed in their Top 100 Wines of 2018.
Related: Need a Business Idea? Here are 55
How does your partnership with Jesse and Gérard Bertrand work?
Once Jesse had put the business plan together, it was time to do our research. French rosés were always our favorite, but we did our due diligence and explored rosés from all over the world. The verdict? French rosés were still our favorite.
We were introduced to Gérard Bertrand, and we quickly bonded over our shared vision. Essentially, we wanted to bottle up the relaxed lifestyles of the Hamptons and the South of France.
Were there any lessons you learned in your incredible music career that have translated to running a wine company?
Oh, absolutely. Teaming up with Jesse and Gérard to create Hampton Water isn't too different than collaborating on a song. Everybody's one line is what brings it together.
What was your alcoholic beverage of choice when you and the band were touring in the '80s? Are there any epic drinking stories you'd like to share?
I'm taking those to the grave. But there was a lot of tequila involved.
Related: Mark Cuban Shares the Best Advice He Ever Got
What advice would you give entrepreneurs looking to get into the wine industry?
This is pretty general across all entrepreneurial endeavors, but my advice is, if you're passionate about something, do it, but really do it. Do your research, develop a sound business plan, and don't launch your product until it is completely ready to be introduced to the world. Once you put something out there, you can't take it back.
What do you say to men who give drinking rosé "a bad name."
Real men drink pink. I proudly drink my rosé. | those feelings are evoked, and we hope that when anyone sips some Hampton Water, they too share that sentiment."
Related: From MMA Champ to Whiskey Entrepreneur: a Conversation With Conor McGregor
Read on to learn how he was able to make his first foray into a hyper-competitive business a "runaway" success.
What made you decide to get into the wine game in the first place?
My son, Jesse, deserves all the credit in regard to us getting into the wine business. One summer night, about two and a half years ago, I was drinking some rosé, a staple in our household, with Jesse. It was getting late, so I offered him one last glass of "pink juice" before calling it a night. Jesse sort of laughed | 156 |
News > Idaho
Kindergartners now have their own school
Coeur d'Alene district opens kinder center
Tue., Sept. 8, 2009
Five-year-old Morelia Gonzalez tries to keep her mother from leaving her at Hayden Kinder Center on the first day of school on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2009. (Kathy Plonka / The Spokesman-Review)
By Alison Boggs alisonb@spokesman.com(509) 459-5314
Ryley West got into a little scuffle with older kids on the playground while registering for kindergarten recently. That experience made his mom, Tina, happy to have her 5-year-old in a school just for children his age. "I really like that there's no big kids," Tina West said Tuesday, her son's first day of kindergarten in the Coeur d'Alene School District. Ryley was among the children starting school in the district's first kinder center since the 1980s. The former Hayden Lake Elementary School, on Government Way in Hayden, was renovated to welcome 268 kindergarten students from three other elementary schools. Hayden Kinder Center will draw students from Ramsey, Skyway and Atlas elementary schools, which were all at or above capacity with about 600 students each, district officials said. The new center was necessary due to the rapid population growth in the northwest section of the district. The kinder center will free up eight classrooms in the other school buildings, said Principal Sharon Hanson. "Those schools were just full," Hanson said. "It's also a great way for teachers to collaborate." On Tuesday morning, volunteers offered coffee to parents and welcomed backpack-toting children. Parents showed their children how to open and close lockers for the first time and snapped their pictures in front of an animal mural near the entrance. Children found their classrooms, identified by different animals, including giraffes, polar bears and monkeys. "Welcome to our bird's nest!" teacher Cherish Hansen said on her section of the school's Web site. Her classroom's "crit<|fim_middle|> in Idaho
Guess what Chobani's making now (Hint: It's not yogurt)
Transgender athletes look to changing of White House guard …
Stolen backpack, gun may have led to murder …
Idaho State Police investigating Post Falls hit-and-run …
Tree falls onto Coeur d'Alene's oldest church: 'We can't even get the doors to open' …
Then and Now: Ace Concrete gravel pit | ter" is a quail. The kinder center also offers a before- and after- school program and will bus students to school beginning Monday, said Pam Pratt, the district's director of elementary education. Kindergarteners attend either a morning or an afternoon session. Though some parents expressed dismay that their children would not attend elementary school with older siblings, they also were pleased to have a school just for the smallest children. "I love it," said Pamela Gaylor, whose daughter, Johnna, 5, will attend the kinder center, instead of Skyway Elementary with her big sister, Sierra, 6. "No competition. They're the same level, the same height. She's so excited to finally have her own school." Hayden Lake elementary was closed as a school in 2005, when Skyway opened. Since then the building has been used for administrative purposes. The idea of using it as a kinder center that could alleviate crowding at other schools came up following the failure of a 2006 levy that would have built a new elementary school. Other districts that use the kinder center model include Post Falls, which has operated the Frederick Post kindergarten center since 1995, and Central Valley, which opened one in 2006.
Top stories | 267 |
On today's whale watch, we headed near the SW corner of Stellwagen to find an estimated 17-18 humpbacks kick<|fim_middle|> its fluke quite quickly!) and headstands, and even a few tail breaches! | -feeding and bubble net feeding! Among the scattered groups, we spent some time with a trio of humpbacks that joined, Crisscross, Jungle, and Vault, who were working over and over again to corral fish together using spiral bubble nets. At the same time, another humpback whale Kickoff was stealing our attention – doing a style of kick-feeding that involved slamming its head first in the water to gain momentum for its tail-kick. Kickoff would also start to bobble over after filtering, sometimes coming belly-up to the surface while doing so, giving us great looks of its pleats.
We then found a playful calf for the latter half of our trip, and with the help of fall interns Laura and Carolyn we ID'ed this calf as Palette's 2016 calf. We did not see this calf's mom during the sighting, but there was a good chance she was feeding with the other adults, or perhaps this young whale may have begun to wean and fend for itself. This calf put on quite the show, doing many lobtails (often slapping | 224 |
Audley Honour Roll
Audley, New South Wales, Australia<|fim_middle|> days the park was home to settlement and use by the military for training purposes during the Boer War and the Great War. The memorial was originally unveiled on June 21, 1919, but because of increasing traffic at its location on Farnell Ave. it was relocated in 2009 to Allambie Flats on upper reaches of the Hacking River at Audley. It commemorates those from the National Park service and their sons who served during the Great War (WWI).
Another view of the Audley Honour Roll.
The back side of the memorial with a group of Sulphur Crested Cockatoos in the background.
Close-up of the Honour Roll.
(All photos and text courtesy of Peter F. Williams)
© 2011 Peter F. Williams all rights reserved
Page published June 6, 2013 |
The Audley Honour Roll located at Allambie Flats, Audley within the Royal National Park, Sydney, on the banks of the Hacking River. Note the Honour Roll is headed as "National Park". The park, established in 1879, is the world's second oldest (after Yellowstone) area set aside and designated as a "national domain for rest and recreation" for public use as a national park. The "Royal" prefix was added following the official visit in 1954 by Queen Elizabeth II. The concept of a National Park was very different in those days and in it's early | 127 |
"Let's take a walk." This has been our standard response for many years when an organization asks us to talk about lean thinking. The firm's managers usually want to meet in the conference room or the CEO's office. But we know from long experience that value is only created on the gemba—the Japanese word for the place in the office or factory where the real work is done.<|fim_middle|>—the car actually worked properly.
On the next page we have listed the steps that Bob needed to take to complete what appeared to him to be a simple act of consumption. None of the 16 steps was by their nature complex, and each took only a small amount of time. However, when they are added up, the magnitude of effort and time required is striking. Bob expended three hours and 30 minutes of his own time to solve his problem.
Step lists of the type we have just created can be constructed for any consumption process. They are designed to help managers learn to see the process and its implications. However, we find that many managers and employees are more visual than verbal, so we also draw simple consumption maps to show a process at a glance.
In the consumption time map (The Long and Winding Repair Path) depicted on page 24, we've arranged the steps involved from upper left to lower right to illustrate the flow of the process from start to finish, with a back-flow loop of Step 10 through Step 16. We have also drawn the boxes for each step in proportion to the time taken.
So far there is nothing right or wrong about all this activity. It's just a fact. These are the steps, conducted in a specific sequence, that were required of Bob to get his car fixed. If we were making a list of steps and a process map only for what happens to the car during the repair cycle, we would be done. That is, we would have a very useful map if we were treating this only as a production process of the type we might find in an office or factory.
But we are not focusing on the vehicle and the repair process from the standpoint of the provider. We are focusing on the consumer as he experiences this process. So some additional dimensions are needed for our step list and map.
First we need to consider the "value" of each step, where value is defined simply as an activity that the consumer pays for willingly because it seems to be truly necessary to solve the problem.
When we look at the list and the map in this light, we note that the activities described are quite different. The drive to the dealer is unavoidable, unless Bob is willing to bear the extra cost of having the dealer pick up the vehicle. (In Chapter 10 we will discover that in the future this may not involve an extra cost.) And few consumers would dispute the necessity of telling the dealer what's wrong with the car and picking up the repaired vehicle at the end of the day.
But the last seven steps, which were required to get the car repaired correctly as it should have been the first time, are unlikely to be considered valuable by any consumer anywhere. Indeed, why isn't the dealer compensating Bob for these steps by refunding some of the cost of the repair to offset the value of his wasted time?
And even for the first nine steps that seem on their face to create value, what about all the waiting involved: The "please hold for the next available service representative" message when calling the dealer to inquire about the cost and to make an appointment? The wait at the service desk to describe the problem? The time needed to fill out the forms with information the dealer could have obtained beforehand? The wait for the loaner car? And the wait at pickup time, both at the service desk and for the repaired car to be fetched?
Anyone observing the queues at the dealership could easily see the waste of time in waiting. And any dealer even casually analyzing this process could challenge the repairs that aren't really repairs by installing a more robust, first-time-quality process. So why do these waits and wastes persist? The simplest answer—which we believe is almost universally true in consumption processes—is that providers ignore the customer's value of time. They either don't see it, or they choose to ignore it because they think that doing so saves them money. And as long as all providers think this way, and consumers fail to demand a better process, this logic goes unchallenged.
To help raise managers' consciousness, we find it useful to enhance the consumption map by shading the fraction of value-creating time in each step. This consumption-time waste map (Many Steps, Mostly Waste) reveals activities that create value and those that do not.
The clear and simple message of the completed map—with only a small portion of the available space shaded to indicate value-creating activities—is that even simple consumption activities involve many steps and significant consumer time. And most of this time is wasted.
So far we have been listing steps and drawing maps as if time is time, and we all measure it the same way. But is this true?
Early in our careers, one of us worked on transport planning projects in which it was important to measure the value of the time saved for travelers by building a new highway or opening a new commuter rail line. This was the key benefit for the cost/benefit analysis used by governments to decide which projects were worth the investment.
Analysts of these projects learned a long time ago that in many instances, time is not time and that value cannot not be accurately estimated by simply using the clock. For example, time spent waiting for a commuter train late at night on a dark platform in a dangerous area is usually reported by travelers to be much longer than it actually is. By contrast, time spent in the train, reading or dozing while en route, is often reported to be shorter than it actually is. Therefore, shortening the frequency between trains or increasing the security of the waiting area was actually a better way to "save" time as perceived by the traveler than increasing the cruising speed of the train. Yet the latter step was typically advocated by public officials who were not themselves involved in the process of traveling.
Extending this concept to other consumption activities, like repairing your car, we can easily see that steps that seem unnecessary, such as waiting in lines, or with an uncertain outcome ("Will the appliance service man actually show up during the two hour window I've agreed to wait at home for him?"), seem to take longer and be more onerous than steps requiring the same amount of "clock" time that do seem to actually create value and where a successful result is assured. We call the former "hassle time," or time that seems longer than it is. The successful consumption process always seeks to minimize this form of waste.
This insight gives us one final way to enhance our map, this time with the steps adjusted to take account of perceptual time as shown on the consumer's face. The consumption experience map (Was My Experience Really that Bad?) on the next page illustrates the hassle level for the consumer.
What the consumer really wants and what providers should be offering is a much shorter map with all areas shaded and every face smiling. That's the signature of lean consumption.
You may think that fixing your car or successfully buying and installing a computer are irritating tasks, but that problems of this sort don't happen very frequently. After all, products like cars actually are getting better, as we noted in the Preface, and surely computers will work better some day as soon as the industry matures.
Then, once you've had these latest problems solved, along with a few others on your list at the moment, everything should be fine and you can get on with what you really want to do. But this is rarely the case. New problems just keep popping up as quickly as you slay the old ones, like the plastic monsters in the arcade game that our kids smacked down with a mallet.
Was My Experience Really that Bad?
time (sleeping, dressing, personal hygiene, and eating), paid work, leisure, and—a wonderfully suggestive category—unpaid work.
Personal time is known to have been constant at about 540 minutes a day (or nine hours) for more than 200 years. And time expended on paid work has fallen steadily over many decades in the advanced economies, except for some senior executives and technical specialists.
The real contest for our time, as it turns out, is between leisure and unpaid work. Leisure is easy to define. It's activities we enjoy and that we perform paid work in order to afford: sports and exercise, entertainment (including pastimes like hobbies and reading), travel for pleasure, and just sitting around relaxing, alone or with friends and family. But what is "unpaid work"? It is the bothersome tasks we don't want to perform and aren't paid to perform, but that are necessary to solve our daily problems and conduct our lives. This includes cleaning up, doing routine chores, and obtaining, installing, maintaining, and disposing of the goods and services we need.
Despite the introduction of labor-saving devices, and in many cases because of these labor-saving personal capital goods, unpaid work has been rising in advanced economies in recent years at the expense of leisure. The growth in unpaid work mostly involves the management of consumption—shopping trips, medical visits, bill paying and financial management, home repairs, motor vehicle maintenance. This is not only by the consumer for his or her personal needs, but in many cases on behalf of the consumer's parents and children.
If the amount of unpaid work needed to operate our households and conduct our lives is rising and if this work is often stressful, what can managers in a wide range of organizations do to make it less time consuming and more satisfying? Even better, what can they do to make this a business opportunity that reduces their costs while increasing their customers' satisfaction? To begin the escape from the world of unpaid work, we now need to go to the other side of the equation and look at the value-provision process. | So that's always the place we insist on starting, to learn what the true situation is.
Consumers have a gemba, too. It's the path they follow to solve their problems. And most managers seem to have a very hard time seeing it, even when they follow the path themselves, once they take off their provider hats and put on their consumer hats. So, in recent years, we've spent a lot of time walking the consumer gemba, dragging along managers whenever we can.
Our objective is simple: We aim to teach managers to see all of the steps a consumer must perform to research, obtain, install, integrate, maintain, repair, upgrade, and recycle the goods and services needed to solve their problem. We then challenge each step, asking why it's necessary at all and why it often can't be performed properly. Once worthless steps are eliminated, we can talk about flow and pull, heading toward perfection.
To make this method clear, let's take a walk right now, putting ourselves in the position of a consumer. Let's experience a simple car repair, following the path of Bob Scott, a prototypical consumer whom we first encountered in Lean Thinking when he bent the rear bumper of his pickup.
This time the process started when the mysterious "check engine" light began glowing on the instrument panel, and Bob needed to search for a repair outlet. The choices were the new car dealer he felt victimized by the last time he needed service, other dealers within driving range who sell and service the same type of vehicle, and several local garages, which may or may not have the latest equipment and knowledge about the specific vehicle.
After several phone calls describing the problem and inquiring about the likely cost, Bob decided to go to a new car dealer he had not visited previously.
The next step was to schedule an appointment—the equivalent action to placing an order in the case of a product, for example, Dan's computer. Bob then took the car to the dealer at the appointed time.
At the dealer, the problem needed describing. Because Bob was a stranger, the dealer knew nothing about the history of the vehicle and no information had been collected prior to his arrival. This circumstance required a wait in a queue at the service desk to fill out and sign the appropriate forms.
The vehicle couldn't be fixed immediately, and Bob needed to get to work, so a "loaner" car was provided. This caused another wait while the replacement vehicle was transferred from its storage area. Fortunately, the actual commuting time was no longer than Bob's normal commute, although in many cases it would be.
During the day, the dealer's service department made the dreaded call to Bob to describe the problems found and to reveal the cost of the repair. Later, Bob received a second call sharing the bad news that the vehicle would not be ready until the next day because of a lack of parts. As we will see, this is a typical experience when the consumer and the provider are strangers who fail to discuss the nature of the problem up front or share any data on the product's "as is" condition. As a result, parts have to be ordered and shop time can't be scheduled accurately.
The next evening, Bob returned to the dealer to pick up the vehicle. This required a short wait in line to fill out the paperwork—reviewing the statement, providing the credit card, collecting the keys. After paying, he encountered a second wait, while the vehicle was brought around from the remote parking area used to store vehicles once repaired.
With the addition of the trip home—counting only the travel time in addition to the daily commute time necessitated by the need to get the car serviced—the consumption process was seemingly complete. However, on the drive home the problem recurred. The mysterious "check engine" light that instigated the initial service went on again.
This is actually a common outcome, as documented by the International Car Distribution Programme (ICDP).1 The chances in North America and Europe of getting a vehicle fixed right the first time are only about 80 percent. And the chances of getting it fixed right the first time and on time are only about 60 percent.
Because the dealer had failed to fix the problem but the repair had already been paid for, the search process moving forward was very simple. Bob made another appointment at the same dealer, the vehicle was returned to go through the check-in and checkout steps, and—two times lucky | 901 |
footnotes in essay
road safety essays
http://www.friaryschool.com/graphic-design-essay/
http://www.friaryschool.com/a-modest-proposal-essay/
Attendance Remains High
<|fim_middle|> the vast majority of students are managing just this." | In News / 30th October 2017
Last year saw the school set up our Attendance Action Plan and it successfully took school attendance from below national averages to above national averages.
This means that students are more likely to attend school when they are at The Friary School than at most other secondary schools.
We have continued this hard work this school year and at the end of our first half-term we have an attendance figure of 95.28% which remains above most schools. This figure is all the more impressive so early in the school year when a single absence counts far more than it does at the end of the academic year.
We are continuing with our rewards – such as Silverblades vouchers, free breakfasts with senior staff and rewards in assemblies – but are also maintaining our sanctions including Attendance Clinics, attendance reports and parental meetings.
Naturally, attendance plays a big part in our House system so every day in school counts towards the House Cups and the big end-of-year rewards.
Ian Rose, Deputy Headteacher said: "It is true to say that your chances of being happy and successful at school reduces as your time out of school increases. There is a clear link between under-achievement and absence. Naturally, there are occasions when students (and staff) can be unwell, but our expectation is that everyone should be in each and every day. It is great to see that | 287 |
Tag Archives: ECOT Scandal
Cleveland Plain Dealer Cuts Experienced Education Reporter and Eliminates Full Time Education Beat
Posted on April 13, 2020 by janresseger
Late Friday afternoon, Advance Publications, the corporation that owns the Cleveland Plain Dealer, along with the separate newsroom at the cleveland.com website, finished purging the experienced beat reporters at the Plain Dealer. Patrick O'Donnell, the newspaper's longtime education reporter, was one victim of the mass action. His loss will leave education policy, central to O'Donnell's beat, to be covered by cleveland.com's statehouse reporters if education policy, primarily a children's issue, rises to a level that will attract their attention.
Here is what has happened to the Plain Dealer in the past week.
The reporters at the Plain Dealer have long been unionized; the reporters at cleveland.com are non-unionized and less experienced. Everyone agrees that Advance Media used the pandemic-driven decline in advertising revenue as an excuse to break the union.
Covering this week's staff reductions at the Plain Dealer as part of an article about the implications of the pandemic-driven collapse in advertising revenue across America's newspapers, the NY Times' Mark Tracy makes a careful distinction for Cleveland. He points out: "The near-collapse of this venerable Cleveland daily, owned by Advance Publications, coincided with the economic downturn." (Emphasis mine.)
The Cleveland Scene's Vince Grzegorek describes the two week purge at the Plain Dealer: "Fourteen Plain Dealer journalists were left after last Friday's massive layoffs that saw 22 staffers depart. Those who remained were subjected, on the very next business day, to the cruelest and perhaps final installment of local union-busting by Advance Publications and the Newhouse family. They were told… that they could keep their jobs but not their beats, or even their geographic coverage areas. They would be dispatched to cover the hinterlands of Cleveland, not Cleveland itself. Should they remain they would serve as a bureau covering Cuyahoga's surrounding counties, but not Cuyahoga itself, and not so much of those counties that the news could be considered statewide in importance."
After 10 reporters resigned on Friday, an editor brought in two weeks ago to accomplish the staff reductions, Tim Warsinskey spun the story: "Today, 10 of our reporters and photographers made the decision to voluntarily ask to be laid off. This comes a week after we regretfully parted ways with some (22) talented journalists… Over the years in any newsroom, there are waves of personnel changes. Folks who cover beats for decades move on. New and sometimes younger journalists step in and usually wind up surprising us all. "
In a statement late Friday afternoon, the Plain Dealer News Guild contradicted the new editor's spin: "Tim Warsinskey… said the 10 journalists leaving today made voluntary decisions to be laid off. That couldn't be further from the truth. It was the Plain Dealer who decided to lay off these union workers. The Plain Dealer and its out-of-state owners put dedicated and seasoned journalists in an impossible situation earlier this week in a blatant attempt to embarrass them by banning most of them from reporting on Cleveland, Cuyahoga County and the state. For many, that meant being kept from covering the topics they know best and in many cases are regarded locally and nationally as experts."
Here's why the loss of education reporter, Patrick O'Donnell, will matter to Northeast Ohio.
In 2016, Cleveland's alternative paper, the Cleveland Scene named Patrick O'Donnell as that year's best Cleveland news reporter: "O'Donnell has guided Clevelanders through the data-rigging by state superintendent Richard Ross of low-performing online charter schools. He's also kept CMSD (Cleveland Municipal School District) CEO Eric Gordon on his toes, reporting on the botched collection of E-rate rebates. He's a crisp, prolific writer and a dogged reporter. And, much like the PD's Brie Zeltner and Rachel Dissell, who reported on lead poisoning, and Michelle Jarboe, who reports on real estate, O'Donnell represents the value of hard-hitting, in-depth beat reporting…" (All of these reporters have now been purged from the Plain Dealer newsroom.)
O'Donnell has kept readers in Northeast Ohio well-informed about the fraught policy environment for the state's public schools over recent decades when Ohio's Republican-majority legislatures have expanded charter schools, instituted five different statewide voucher programs, and pursued standards-based, test-and-punish school accountability.
O'Donnell doggedly tracked the 18 year, Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow scandal in which William Lager scammed the state by more than $1 billion by extravagantly inflating the enrollment numbers at his online school. O'Donnell drove a hundred miles to Toledo in January of 2018 to the meeting where ECOT's sponsor, The Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West formally shut down the school. O'Donnell broke the story before any other reporter tracked down the news.
And in the months after the notorious ECOT was shut down, O'Donnell covered the legal efforts by the state to recover some of the money. He described, for example, an Ohio Supreme Court hearing in which the state charged that masses of so-called ECOT students were never logging in to the school's website. ECOT's attorney Marion Little "claimed that it should be paid by its enrollment, not by how long students spend in their online classes… Chief Justice Maureen O'Connor had pressed Little, after he argued that state law requires the school to be paid regardless of how little time students spend online. 'How is that not absurd?' O'Connor asked."
In 2014, economist Margaret (Macke) Raymond, a fellow at the Hoover Institution and wife of prominent, far-right economist Eric Hanushek, stunned the audience at the Cleveland City Club by confessing that marketplace choice doesn't really work in education, O'Donnell was there to cover it: "Her reasons for why states need to exert more control raised a few eyebrows. A self-described supporter of free markets, Raymond said a totally free market is not appropriate for schools. 'It's the only industry/sector where the market doesn't work…Parent's can't be agents of qualify assurance.'"
In June of 2015, O'Donnell punctured Ohio's claim that the state was cracking down on some of its charter school sponsoring agencies, which had been known for years for their lax oversight: "It turns out that Ohio's grand plan to stop the national ridicule of its charter school system is giving overseers of many of the lowest-performing schools a pass from taking heat for some of their worst problems."
Later that summer, he extensively covered the Legislature's surreptitious takeover of the Youngstown City Schools, a move made without hearings in the middle of the night. O'Donnell has also exposed the Plain Dealer's readers to research demonstrating that the theory of school district failure—on which the state takeovers are based—is itself flawed: "State test scores continue to rise right along with a school district's affluence, and fall as poverty rates increase."
And in the past two months, as the Ohio Legislature has refused to address the secretive expansion in last summer's budget bill of EdChoice, a private school tuition voucher program, O'Donnell has reported on the confusing implications as school districts are being forced to pass school levies just to pay for private school vouchers. EdChoice vouchers are funded not by the state but instead out of local school district budgets. As the pandemic shut down the state and legislators determined merely to freeze the program, as it is currently operating, for another year, O'D<|fim_middle|> brick-and-mortar public schools… Despite these negative outcomes, most states distribute funding to virtual charter schools as they would to brick-and-mortar schools. And yet, there is limited information on how operators allocate those public dollars to educate students and manage company operations. This is especially problematic as the majority of virtual charter schools are either explicitly operated by or connected to for-profit companies that have perverse incentives to minimize the cost of instruction and student supports in order to boost their bottom line. Accountability models, funding formulas, and attendance policies were created for brick-and-mortar schools, and yet, state funding and accountability policies have not kept pace with the growth of virtual charter schools. States and districts have yet to identify models that will effectively measure student participation and attendance rates in online schools. As a result, it is difficult to determine how many students these schools are serving and how much funding they should receive. For example, in Ohio, (the) Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) concealed attendance numbers as well as student participation and graduation rates for years before the state and local regulators acted."
Posted in Danger of Privatization, Equity & Opportunity to Learn, Keeping Public Education Public / Tagged Dave Yost, ECOT Scandal, ECOT scandal remains issue in November 2018 election, Eddy the Eagle, Mike DeWine, Ohio Kids Not Corruption website, Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown, Steve Dett, Steve Dettelbach / 3 Comments
News Continues to Seep Out About How ECOT Cheated Ohio Taxpayers
Posted on May 9, 2018 by janresseger
Presumably now that yesterday's primary election has occurred, Ohio State Auditor Dave Yost will release his long-awaited audit of the now-defunct, mega-online-charter school, the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT). In yesterday's primary election, Yost ran unopposed for the Republican nomination for Attorney General, and Mike DeWine, the current Attorney General, became the Republican nominee for Governor. Some time will pass before the November general election—time perhaps for voters to forget about what they learn in the audit about the way Ohio's trifecta (House, Senate, Governor) Republican supermajority has handled the outrageous ECOT scandal.
Here are some of the revelations about ECOT that have recently seeped out.
We learned on Monday that, when ECOT was caught using a quarter of a million tax dollars to pay for television ads attacking the Ohio Department of Education for trying to crack down on ECOT for grossly inflating its attendance figures, ECOT quickly had one of its for-profit contractors pay the bill. Of course, ECOT's only source of revenue—and the only source of revenue for the privately held for-profit corporations that managed ECOT and the communications company that handled its public relations—was the tax money paid to the school from the state as part of the school's per-pupil tuition.
The attack ads represented an illegal use of tax dollars. As the Columbus Dispatch's Jim Siegel reports, "Although charter schools can legally run ads in an effort to recruit students, no public school—charter or traditional—is allowed to spend taxpayer money on political–type ads…." You will remember that ECOT launched the television advertising campaign after the state began trying to claw back $60 million the state calculated it had overpaid ECOT in the 2015-16 school year because the online school had over-reported its enrollment by 60 percent. Here is how Siegel characterizes the television ads : "ECOT took to the airwaves, launching a string of television ads attacking the Department of Education, urging it to keep ECOT open and accusing it of wanting to end school choice and not caring about ECOT students."
Siegel describes the transaction: "Using private companies owned by Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow school founder Bill Lager, plus a media-production company run by his daughter, ECOT tried to hide the source of payment for nearly $250,000 worth of TV attack ads aimed at the Ohio Department of Education. That is the conclusion reached by the office of state Auditor Dave Yost, who, in a draft finding for recovery obtained by The Dispatch, lays out details of a plan designed to avoid the appearance that ECOT illegally used taxpayer money to pay for political ads. As a result, Yost is ordering a pair of Lager's ECOT-affiliated for-profit companies, Altair Learning Management and IQ Innovations, along with Third Wave Communications, where Lager's daughter Jessica Harris is an owner, to repay ECOT a total of nearly $250,000 for illegally spending public money."
ECOT was shut down by its sponsor, the Educational Service Center of Lake Erie West, in January, and a receiver is using the school's assets to repay ECOT'S creditors including the state, which has not yet been able to recapture the tens of millions of tax dollars overpaid to ECOT for the 2015-16 and 2016-17 school years alone.
We learned this week that an auction has been scheduled for Friday. Among the items scheduled to be auctioned off were ECOT's administrative computers, although the Dispatch reported late yesterday that the Columbus City attorney is trying to block the sale of computers, in case they may contain evidence needed in a future trial. Earlier in the week, State Auditor Dave Yost sent investigators to copy data from the computers to be kept potentially as evidence if criminal charges are ultimately filed against the school and William Lager, who owns Altair Management and IQ Innovations, the for-profit operators of the school. The Plain Dealer's Jackie Borchardt reported: "A Franklin County judge last week ordered Ohio Auditor Dave Yost to issue a subpoena for the information. A Yost spokesman confirmed Monday that the unit that deals with cyber technology and fraud was onsite 'mirroring' data from computers and information ahead of the sale."
Last week we learned that ECOT paid hush money as severance bonuses to several ECOT employees if they would sign a non-disclosure agreement promising not to compromise ECOT by sharing information that might be used to prove that the school was intentionally fraudulent in its over-reporting of student enrollment. Ohio's Plunderbund reported: "Stormy Daniels isn't the only one who has been offered hush money. Some past employees of ECOT were offered some, too…. News that several past employees were offered public money in exchange for agreeing not to disparage the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) follows an Associated Press story that quoted a whistleblower saying the Department of Education was informed last August that ECOT manipulated software to garner unearned money from the state… The whistleblower turned down two weeks of severance pay by refusing to sign the agreement—a decision that freed him to tell the public about ECOT's attendance padding."
WCMH-TV reporter Jason Aubry adds: "According to Sandy Theis, a member of Ohio's Charter School Accountability Project, six individuals have confirmed with her they were provided non-disclosure agreements… to sign when they parted ways with the charter school. At least two of the six individuals signed the NDA as part of their severance package where they were provided some money as part of a layoff."
The Toledo Blade recently editorialized about the ECOT scandal: "The Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, an online charter school now shuttered, is becoming a millstone around Republican necks this election year. And rightly so. The online school, chartered for nearly the last two decades in Lucas County but based in Franklin County, was forced into bankruptcy when state officials, after dragging their feet for years, went after ECOT's exaggerated attendance claims… It sits in the lap of Republicans who accepted large donations from ECOT's founder, William Lager, and then looked the other way for years as ECOT's founder and chief vendor became rich with the state's per-pupil funds… From the start, anyone could have known that an online charter school would not require the same level of per-pupil reimbursement that a regular bricks-and-mortar school would need. And yet, ECOT received that money, and Ohio's lawmakers went along with this baloney… The state of Ohio failed miserably… and the children of Ohio are the victims."
Posted in Danger of Privatization, Equity & Opportunity to Learn, Keeping Public Education Public / Tagged Altair Management, ECOT hush money, ECOT Scandal, ECOT's illegal TV ads, ECOT--now-closed--still owes Ohio taxpayers millions, Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow, IQ Innovations, Ohio auditor tries keeps records of ECOT administrative computers, Ohio's ECOT, William Lager / 1 Comment | onnell explained: "For public school teachers, school boards and school officials, keeping the status quo on vouchers continues a drain on school district budgets… School districts… which saw a large increase in voucher use this school year, will have no relief….Their costs could even increase…."
It is devastating when a newspaper rids itself of a reporter like Patrick O'Donnell, whose background includes in-depth knowledge about complex public policy. And it isn't just the purging of a more expensive unionized reporter. The Plain Dealer, it appears, is entirely eliminating education as a specialized beat. The change will leave Northeast Ohio less informed. Education policy is nuanced and politically fraught. Expert and experienced education reporters matter.
Posted in Addressing Child Poverty & Inequality, Education Is Not a Race, Equity & Opportunity to Learn, Keeping Public Education Public, Policy Should Improve, Not Punish / Tagged ECOT Scandal, Ohio EdChoice vouchers, Ohio public school policy, ohio state takeovers, Ohio's unregulated charter schools, Patrick O'Donnell out at Plain Dealer, Plain Dealer eliminates full time educaton beat, Plain Dealer purges unionized reporters / 4 Comments
ECOT Scandal Simmers Along as Ohio Election Issue this November
Posted on October 16, 2018 by janresseger
The surprise really ought to be that the 17-year, billion dollar ripoff of tax dollars by the Electronic Classroom of Tomorrow (ECOT) has remained among high profile election issues in this 2018 election season. After all, when USA Today profiled 28 American cities which have not yet recovered from the 2008 Recession, 9 of them were in Ohio: Warren, Youngstown, Mansfield, Marion, Lorain, Middletown, Sandusky, Akron and Dayton. Besides the economy, the opioid crisis is devastating parts of the state and healthcare more generally is an issue.
But the ECOT scandal hasn't died as an issue on voters' minds. Partly this is due to clever work by public education advocates and Democrats. When ECOT's property was auctioned off, an anonymous purchaser paid $152 in taxes and fees to buy the costume of ECOT's mascot, Eddy the Eagle. You can watch Eddy on twitter, @EddyEagleECOT, traveling to political events across the state carrying his "Ask Me About Mike DeWine" sign. DeWine, running as Ohio's Republican candidate for governor, has been Ohio's attorney general since 2010 but only filed a lawsuit to recover tax dollars lost to ECOT last winter as the school was being shut down.
Because of the way Ohio distributes state aid and the way its charter school law works, over its 17-year life, ECOT ate up local school operating levy dollars in addition to state aid. A tech-savvy opponent of Ohio's entrenched Republican majority has now set up https://www.kidsnotcorruption.com/ , an interactive website which describes ECOT: "ECOT THE SCANDAL: Wondering just how bad is the ECOT scandal? Well, you should be angry because ECOT is the biggest taxpayer ripoff in Ohio history and Republicans are responsible. Sadly, it's our kids who were hurt." At this website it is possible to track how much each Ohio school district has lost to ECOT over the years: for example, from Cleveland's schools, $ 39,405,981; from Columbus' schools, $591,000,000; from Cincinnati's schools, $ 14,648,988.
Several local school districts have now initiated legal action on their own against ECOT to recover lost funds, and three other school districts so far have filed in court to argue that they do not want Attorney General Mike DeWine, who earlier this year filed to recover funds from ECOT, representing them. The Dayton Daily News' Josh Sweigart reports: "Springfield City Schools is joining Dayton Public Schools and the Logan-Hocking School District in arguing in court that they don't want the state representing them in getting money from ECOT. The school districts argue that Attorney General Mike DeWine—the Republican candidate for governor—is soft on charter schools and has received campaign donations from ECOT founder Bill Lager… DPS and Springfield are both working with the Cleveland-based law firm Cohen, Rosenthal and Kramer. The firm is working on a contingency fee, meaning it gets paid only if the districts succeed… (T)he districts are skeptical that DeWine would be as aggressive as their attorney."
William Phillis, executive director of the Ohio Coalition for Equity and Adequacy of School Funding, notes, in his October 11, Daily E-Mail, that Attorney General Mike DeWine has filed a memorandum opposing the intervention of local school districts in this case on their own because their interest is "substantively remote from the claims" in the Attorney General's lawsuit. Phillis notes that William Lager, ECOT's founder and operator has made "essentially the same arguments" to oppose the intervention by specific school districts on their own behalf. Phillis comments: "It is curious that both the Plaintiff and Defendant in this case are on the same page. That accord might validate the importance of intervention by the districts. If they agree on this matter, maybe they will agree on more substantial issues."
On October 8, the Cleveland Plain Dealer endorsed Cleveland attorney, Steve Dettelbach for attorney general in the fall election over his opponent Dave Yost, the current Republican state auditor. Yost was elected to that post in November, 2010. He has been accused of moving too slowly against ECOT, and the Plain Dealer's endorsement reflects this concern: "There is a tiebreaker in this decision however, and it comes in the form of the long-running ECOT… scandal that has hung like a millstone around the neck of a number of Republicans on the Ohio ballot this year who took large campaign contributions from those connected to the now-shuttered online school. That includes Yost, who announced he's given more than $29,000 in ECOT-related contributions to charity but denies the campaign donations impacted his actions… But the fact remains that the whistleblower's warning came in 2014 and Yost's office did not start investigating with gusto until 2016."
Meanwhile, on October 10, Ohio's U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D)—running for re-election in November, joined the ranking member of the Senate's education committee, Patty Murray (D-WA) to request that the federal Government Accountability Office investigate the operation of online charter schools across the United States. In his re-election bid, Brown already leads his Republican opponent in November by an enormous margin, and perhaps Brown's distant, Washington, D.C. request for an investigation of e-charter schools will barely ripple across Ohio. But the request puts Brown, Ohio's only statewide elected Democrat, on record as someone aware of the 17-year online charter school scandal in his home state, where Republicans have controlled the statehouse and all elected state offices since 2011.
In their letter requesting an investigation by the GAO, Senators Murray and Brown explain: "Research on virtual charter schools shows that students attending such schools perform much worse than their peers receiving in-person instruction in traditional, | 1,532 |
Ever since I worked on my Fall Wreath Tutorial I've become a little obsessed with wreaths. I always thought of wreaths as a floral craft, which I have yet to tackle, so making them never appealed to me until I spotted the yarn wreath…then inspiration struck! Suddenly I saw wreath possibilities in everything, not only yarn, but burlap, twine, paper, ribbon, Christmas cards for that matter, the possibilities seemed endless!
I started working on some winter wreaths with the intention of eventually selling them on Etsy. They still haven't made it to an online shop but I wanted to share them here with you along with some links to all the wonderful tutorials I used to make the various wreath details. Once I started pricing out all the accoutrements to add to a wreath I determined it would be less expensive and allow me more creative control to make everything myself. Yes, it's more time consuming but the result is so much more appealing. I didn't make the birds or pinecones, though, that would<|fim_middle|>elt Poinsettia I started with this tutorial from Better Homes and Gardens with some modifications. I used hot glue so I skipped the clothespin step. Since I was pinning these to a wreath I also elected to make the center dots out of pearlized pins. And as I did for my felted leaves I sewed some contrasting details to the poinsettia leaves for a little more oomph!
My favorite wreath is the one made with the white yarn; it looks so snowy!
These are beautiful! Thanks for the tutorials.
Thank you for stopping by Janet! | be insane!
Here are the online resources I used for making felt leaves, acorns, poinsettias, as well as burlap flowers and thickening felt. May you be inspired to try some of them!
Burlap Flower Tutorial on Snug As A Baby. I wrapped my flowers around a pipe cleaner and then cropped the end of the pipe cleaner since I pinned and glued them to the wreath instead of creating a bouquet.
How to Thicken Felt Thickening felt for the flowers and leaves was a great idea! It gives them a softer, aged look. Thanks Chickpea Sewing Studio for the great tutorial!
Felted Acorn Tutorial Mrs. Polly Rogers has an awesome tutorial on making felted acorns. Just be sure to wear rubber gloves when making them or your hands will end up cracked and wrinkled, trust me I speak from experience, OUCH!
Felt Leaves For the felt leaves I used a combination of online tutorials including the Felt Leaf Template from Martha Stewart, drastically downsized, as well as Dana from Made's Fall Felt Leaf Tutorial on adding the sewn leaf details.
F | 231 |
Jack Boyd | Project Manager of the Year |<|fim_middle|> W.B. Homes. | W.B. Homes, Inc.
As Project Manager and V.P. of Operations, Jack has earned himself a substantial amount of responsibility in his 20+ years with W.B Homes, which he manages with great care and proficiency. Currently, Jack is overseeing two active neighborhoods and the beginning phases of two brand new communities.
As a local, hometown builder, our homeowners have always been our #1 priority. This core value is whole-heartedly embodied through Jack, who spends a significant amount of time with homebuyers and prospects. He can frequently be found on site conducting extensive lot walks where he, in detail, describes the construction process and answers any additional questions that may come up. Afterwards, he offers his personal contact information and tells them he is always available as a resource, even if they decide to purchase elsewhere. This level of care and expertise puts people at ease during the home building process, an otherwise overwhelming and daunting task.
Jack also believes a homebuyer's new home should have its own personal stamp, which is why he does his best to accommodate any custom request a buyer is envisioning for their new home.
His additional responsibilities include custom pricing, product design, and assisting in the day-to-day function of the company. Overall, Jack is a master of his craft and thoroughly enjoys helping people build their new home. He truly is an irreplaceable asset to the continued success of | 280 |
SEO sounds complicated and, it is (sort of). SEO is broken down into two parts generally; Onsite SEO & Offsite SEO.
Onsite SEO involves all the optimizing your text, your meta data (code only search engines see), it involves adding additional code that helps search engines understand your content. Basically, onsite optimization involves making your website understandable and crawlable by Google, Bing and the likes.
Offsite SEO is the marketing aspect. It's called offsite because it occurs off of your website. This is what marketers do when they talk about link building or PR releases. We are promoting you across the web!
But it's not just about improving websites for search engines. SEO is also about making it your website better for your customers too! Making changes on your site to make it easier for customers to find the information or products they need isn't just good for your bottom line but Google likes it also. Google takes into account hundreds of factors when ranking<|fim_middle|>Onsite optimization refers to making changes on your website to help search engines like Google understand what each page on your website is about and make it easier for your visitors to view, navigate and experience your website.
Search Engines LOVE content. The more the better for your website. Writing targeted content about your industry is an important way to boost your visibility.
No one likes a slow website. Search engines are no different. In their view a slow website is a website that people won't like. If people aren't going to like it, they won't send them there. Speed MATTERS.
Schema is special code developed by search engines to help their web crawlers understand a website. Adding this where possible can really help!
Broken links are no fun. Your visitors don't like them and so neither does Google. We've all had this happen to us when trying to find stuff online though. Fortunately it's an easy fix and easy brownie points with Google!
Analytics won't help your SEO but it'll help you help your SEO. It lets you understand how visitors are engaging with your website and then optimize it to make it better.
Meta content is code only search engines see normally. They love it when you update this with relevant information as it helps clarify what your webpages are about.
Offsite Optimization for SEO is all about marketing your business on other peoples websites. The most common form is securing a link (link building), but that's not all. Below are some examples of offsite optimization tactics that can help your website get more love from search engines.
Links on the internet to your website are like votes in a school election. With a lot of them you still don't have any real power, but Google knows you're popular and will tell people to come hang out on your website.
Google loves consistency. If your business is mentioned on the web it expects the Name, Address & Phone number to be the same everywhere its mentioned. It lets Googles know that you are who you say you are and to send visitors to you.
You should be writing interesting, engaging content in your niche. Then promoting that to people who might find it useful. The more you do that the more links (votes) you get and the more search engines love you.
It depends. Asking what does SEO cost is the same as asking, what is the price of shares on the stock market? Or how much does an accountant cost?
Baseline figures are possible but in the end it all depends so many other factors. For our part Singulartie's SEO efforts start at $660 per month for small businesses and scale from there.
It takes at least 6 months. That's the short answer.
The more in-depth answer is that SEO really is an investment in every sense of the word. Just like the stock market there are no real shortcuts. Most SEO companies will tell you that from the the time of signing to the first results it's going to take roughly 3-6 months to start seeing a return.
The good news is that the longer you stick with it, the better it becomes. The return on SEO increases exponentially the longer you continue to engage in it. Just like investing you start small and you build up. Eventually the traffic you are gaining from SEO (and subsequently the revenue) dwarfs your initial investment.
For our part we make the most of this initial 6 months of work by following a framework for success that we have developed and applied for businesses big and small check it out below!
We get to know you, your business and your industry. We assess your website for weak areas and decide on our keyword targets. This lays a strong foundation for your SEO and gives us a road map for the future.
We start addressing all the issues from your website assessment. We start to fix any techinical errors like broken pages & links, meta tags and schema markup.
Its time to start giving google something to index and rank! We build a strong content plan based on our keyword research and the opportunities in your industry then get to work developing that content.
By now we are developing regular content for pages or a blog. We are targeting keywords your customer use and building links to your content and pages to move them up to the front page asap.
You should be seeing results, including more traffic. We now take a closer look at Google Analytics and test strategies to entice your customers to purchase/request a quote or contact you. Increasing both traffic and conversions!
Here we take a look at our progress for the past 5 months, reassess our strategy and compare all of our results. We start to build a list of what keywords we should start targeting next and how we should improve your website to go to the next level. | your pages in their SERPs.
| 7 |
East Bay Express
Oakland, Berkeley, And East Bay News, Events, Restaurants, Music, & Arts
EBX Web Services
Best Of Search
Search By Cover
eBlast Search
eDeals Search
Browse Your Profile
Times & Tickets
Nightclubs & Bars
Food & Wine Listings
Culture Spy
Legalization Nation
Events & Attractions
Theater & Dance Listings
Lectures & Lit Listings
Browse Special Reports
Taste, Spring 2018
The Beer Issue 2018
Fall Arts 2017
Queer and Trans 2017
Taste, Fall 2017
Music Xchange
July 01, 2019 News & Opinion » News
Richmond's Keller Beach is a Hidden Gem. But You Might Not Want to Swim There
Lesser-known beach near Richmond-San Rafael Bridge receives failing scores on a recent assessment of bay water quality.
By Camryn Sanchez
Photo by Camryn Sanchez
Keller Beach was judged to have the ninth worst water quality in California.
Beach water may cause illness.
Vanessa Schell and a friend sat on the pebbly shore at Point Richmond's Keller Beach on Saturday, watching their two children playing in the murky gray water. A<|fim_middle|> model.
Last week, the nonprofit environmental advocacy group Heal The Bay released its own score card. This year, Keller Beach made Heal the Bay's "Beach Bummer" list for the very first time, with a ranking of the ninth-worst water quality in California. It gave the southern end of Keller Beach a grade of D and the northern stretch of beach an F. Crab Cove at Crown Beach did not make this year's report, but last year it was called out as a "beach bummer" for receiving a summer dry weather grade of C and a wet weather grade of F.
So what accounts for Keller Beach's consistently low scores? Given the multitude of possible sources, it's always hard to speak with certainty about such matters. However, it is less than a half mile away from the Richmond Sewage Treatment Plant, which discharges treated waste into the Richmond Harbor on the other side of a fairly large peninsula. When the tides are coming in, that discharge eventually reaches Keller Beach, albeit in a diluted form.
Because it is all but impossible to test for every dangerous bacteria, agencies in California test specifically for three indicator bacteria — total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and enterrococci — often found with harmful bacteria. All water contains bacteria, but some are more dangerous than others, such as certain strains of E. Coli, a bacteria that comes from the feces of warm-blooded animals and could be said to resemble microscopic Cheetos. Ingesting E. Coli and other similar pathogens can cause gastroenteritis. Most people do not actually die from E. Coli, but according to the EPA they can get very sick from one or more of the following symptoms: "nausea, vomiting, stomachache, diarrhea, headache or fever."
From April to October, parks district employees test East Bay water each week, and from November until March it is tested twice a month. The weekly testing overlaps with the April 1 to October 31 swimming season. District Water Management Supervisor Hal MacLean said water quality is usually tested at the beginning of the week, with testing taking about 24 hours to complete. The district tries to get the results out as soon as possible thereafter, he added. So the signs at the beach go up within about three days of the original sample being taken and stay there for a week.
The good news is that bay water is typically at its cleanest in the summer when most people want to going swimming. When it's not raining, waste treatment facilities are typically capable of handling the complete volume of wastewater that they encounter, leaving the tides to dilute whatever substances are left in the fully treated wastewater.
But not so in the rainier months of winter and spring. Heavy rains can swamp the capacity of treatment plants, forcing treatment officials to spill untreated sewage into San Francisco Bay. Runoff also sweeps up any contaminants found on the streets, from pesticides to motor oil to dog poop. Scientists call this non-point-source pollution because there is not one single source to identify and eradicate. Or as the cartoon fish Gill put it in the movie Finding Nemo, "All drains lead to the ocean." That is why the wetter winter and spring seasons are more dangerous.
The low grades recently awarded to Keller Beach by Heal the Bay were so-called "dry grades." Heal the Bay scientist Luke Ginger explained that a dry grade is collected during dry weather, whereas a wet grade is issued within three days of significant rain. "For the vast majority of beaches, wet grades are worse," Ginger said.
Most sewage spills tend to occur during the wetter days of winter and spring. According to the Heal the Bay report card, some 71 sewage spills were reported to have reached Alameda or Contra Costa County's waters during the past 12 months. The report card recorded 2.5 million gallons of sewage spilled in the two counties.
Sadly, however, even Keller Beach's dry grades have been abysmal. In Heal the Bay's 2018-2019 beach report card released on June 26, only 2 percent of beaches in California received a D or an F in the summer dry season. Keller Beach was one of them.
State law sets limits for maximum bacteria content of 10,000 total coliforms, 400 fecal coliforms, and 104 enterococcus. For two weeks in a row in early June, Keller Beach exceeded 24,000 total coliforms, with 120 enterococcus on June 17. Is this dangerous? MacLean said not necessarily. "It's the overlying law that kind of tells what we are supposed to do," MacLean said. "So we're supposed to test for total coliforms, fecal coliforms, and enterococcus bacteria ... it's too bad because we don't think it's really reflecting on what the conditions are."
Swimmers also must ingest contaminated water to get sick, and the district takes its water samples in only about 18 inches of water, which is shallower than that in which most adults will swim — although not so with young children. Deeper water tends to produce lower test results, so water depth is another important factor to consider for swimmers who are worried about their safety.
But few swimmers at Keller Beach appear to be concerned in any case, although it could be because no one sees the signs. On a recent Saturday afternoon, Stephanie Galeana was visiting the beach for the first time and planned to enter the water with her son and family friends. She had not checked the water quality and asked a reporter nervously whether she should be concerned.
Other visitors said they knew that the water is tested, but admitted that they don't check its quality before swimming. Vanessa Garcia said that she was not concerned about the safety of her swimming children because they rarely visit that beach. Diana Sanchez said she'd heard about the Heal The Bay report card results on the radio, and warned her children, but then let them play in the water anyway because they wanted to.
"There's always room for improvement," MacLean conceded. "We do have the information on the web and we do have the sign next to the primary steps that go straight to the beach."
While this is true, those signs are not particularly close to the main path to the beach, and many people use other paths to get there. In interviews with thirteen random people at Keller Beach on a recent afternoon, no one had checked the water quality, but all had either gone swimming, planned to, or came with someone who did.
Senior Scientist David Senn of the San Francisco Estuary Institute believes the signs at Keller Beach are not enough of a warning. "People need to know that they should look for it so there's a public outreach component," he said.
Still, because the yellow light from the East Bay Regional Parks and the D and F grades from Heal The Bay only reflect the presence of indicator bacteria and not necessarily harmful pathogens themselves, maybe swimmers don't have to be afraid. But just to be safe, people may want to check that water quality before packing up their cars.
Contact the author of this piece, send a letter to the editor, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter.
Grand Jury Faults Behavior of… The Next Generation of Cell To…
Anonymous and pseudonymous comments will be removed.
Oakland's Black Artists Make Space for Themselves
Responding to gentrification and the political climate, artists are creating work reflecting an increasing urgency to preserve the local legacy of Black culture.
by Janelle Bitker
How to Navigate the New World of Cannabis
At 7 Stars Holistic Healing Center in Richmond, it's all about educating customers.
by John Geluardi
Oakland May Welcome Hoteliers Who Violated Labor Law
The planning department's failure to update city rules could let hoteliers who committed wage theft to expand in Oakland.
by Darwin BondGraham
The Next Generation of Cell Towers Has a Next Generation of Deregulation
A 2018 FCC rule that weakened the power of cities to regulate 5G networks could end the ability of cities to even notify their residents about forthcoming installations.
by Erin Banks Rusby
Santa Rita Inmate Suffocated From Restraints Used by Deputies
A district attorney's report contradicts initial statements from the Alameda County Sheriff about the jail death of Dujuan Armstrong.
by Scott Morris
This Is Not An Emergency — It's Just Oakland 911
The city's 911 system can leave callers waiting for more than 120 seconds before an operator ever answers.
by William Lazarus
On its tenth anniversary, Burger Boogaloo reaches out to the residents of Mosswood Park.
City Audit Yells Fire in Crowded Berkeley
Inquiry convened in response to Ghost Ship fire reveals that Berkeley Fire Department is not living up to its inspection guidelines.
News - July 16, 4:00 AM
Tuesday's Briefing: PG&E recently identified 10,000 problems with its equipment; Kamala Harris raised nearly $12 million last quarter
Monday's Briefing: ICE raids have yet to materialize in the Bay Area; 2,200 acres of open space coming to Concord
Friday's Briefing: Gun stolen from FBI vehicle in East Oakland; Immigration attorneys believe ICE raids have already begun
Thursday's Briefing: Report: ICE raids to begin on Sunday; PG&E long ago knew about its aging transmission lines
Wednesday's Briefing: New search policy approved for Oakland Police; Ghost Ship founder says landlord told him to lie
More from the Blogs
That Old Gas Stove Is Not Your Friend
Berkeley to consider another environmental first with proposed ordinance banning new natural gas hookups.
Fires, Refugees, Traffic, Gentrification ... So Why Isn't Anyone Talking About Population?
Even though population trends lie at the very heart of our national politics, the topic is oddly absent from our contemporary conversations.
Oakland's Bold Investment to Address Displacement
The city's new fund to help preserve affordable housing is the type of bold investment that is overdue.
Don't Assume Your Cannabis Conviction Has Been Expunged
District Attorneys now have the power to write off that pot bust. But nothing is forcing them to follow through with the law.
Outsourcing Perpetuates Economic Inequality
The University of California has pioneered replacing employees with contractors. It's a cancerous trend.
A guide to this holiday season's gifts, outings, eats, and more.
By Robert Gammon, Amy Burke, Nick Wong, Daniel Lempres, Sannidhi Shukla, Katherine Hamilton, Darwin BondGraham, Michael Berry, Express Staff, Azucena Rasilla and Janelle Bitker
Our Picks for the Best Events of the Fall Arts Season
By Nicole Gluckstern, Janis Hashe, Madeline Wells, Montse Reyes, Lou Fancher, Azucena Rasilla, Janelle Bitker and Amyra Soriano
The People Issue
Newsletters & eLerts
Check Out Food, Music and Arts in Other Cities
© 2019 East Bay Express All Rights Reserved | girl about the age of 3 and a boy of about 5 each scooped up handfuls of sand as they happily splashed in the waves. About 100 feet away from the two families, the image of a yellow traffic light bore the following warning, "ADVISORY: Weekly testing for bacteria has exceeded state health standards. Beach water contact may cause illness. Do not swallow water. Shower after water contact."
Schell confessed that she was somewhat concerned about the beach's water quality, and said she didn't plan to swim herself, but she admitted that she hadn't taken the time to check the water quality information when she first arrived.
Along with Alameda's Crown Beach, Keller Beach is just one of two designated swimming beaches monitored by the East Bay Regional Parks District, although people also swim at smaller stretches of the coast such as Albany Beach, where the water quality is not tested. Despite the importance of beach access to East Bay residents, surprisingly few seem to know about Keller Beach. This so-called "hidden gem" (per Yelp) is immediately past the Point Richmond arch on Dornan drive, obscured from the road behind a line of trees.
Yet perhaps it is for the best that Keller Beach is not well known. Although the water there is regularly tested, the beach usually flunks the test. Often it receives a yellow or red light from the East Bay Regional Parks district, which scores all Bay Area swimming areas with a traffic light | 295 |
Winter presents more diverse and severe safety challenges than any other season. Our homes, cars, and other machinery are less efficient in colder temperatures. Here are a few tips that can help you survive the winter safely.
Dress for the worst expected conditions: Dress using the multi-layer technique of several thinner layers as opposed to a single bulky layer. Start with garments that provide a wicking action to pull perspiration away from<|fim_middle|>iper fluid reservoir with full-strength mixture; don't thin it with water. Always carry an extra gallon in your trunk in case you need it when you're on the road.
With proper preparation and precautions you can help ensure that you stay winter safe and sound this winter. | your skin. The second layer should for insulation. Your top layer should provide protection against wind and moisture. Don't forget to use the same layering approach with your hands and feet, as they are most likely to sustain severe damage from exposure to the elements. Contrary to popular belief, it's not true that you lose most of your body heat through your head; however, it is still important to protect your head and face from the cold.
Inspect and clean your heating system and fire place: Have your heating system inspected and cleaned each year; the same goes for your fireplace. If you use space heaters to supplement your normal heating system, do so with extreme caution. Space heaters are the 2nd leading cause of house fires. Turn your space heater off and unplug it when not in use.
Take care of your vehicle: Make sure your tires are properly inflated and have plenty of good tread before facing winter road conditions. Check the coolant level and make sure that anti-freeze is at the concentration recommended by your vehicle's manufacturer. Having too little anti-freeze will quickly leave you stranded on the side of the road! Don't forget to check your windshield wipers; replace them if they leave streaks. Make sure to top off your windshield w | 253 |
Buffalo Bills Vs Houston Texans: Week 4 NFL Betting Preview And Odds – October 3, 2021
Written By Staff on September 27, 2021 - Last Updated on November 7, 2021
The Houston Texans (1-2) are massive 16-point underdogs on Sunday, October 3, 2021 against the Buffalo Bills (2-1). An over/under of 48 is set for the game.
Bills -16 -110 -110 48 -110 -110
The betting insights in this article reflect betting data from DraftKings as of September 27, 2021, 12:00 AM ET. CLICK HERE to find current betting odds and place a bet at DraftKings Sportsbook.
Bills Leaders
Josh Allen has thrown for 807 yards (79-for-127), with<|fim_middle|>0 overall and 2-0 against the spread when it scores more than 25.3 points.
Houston is 3-3 overall and 2-1 against the spread when it allows fewer than 31.3 points.
The Texans are conceding 116.3 yards per game on the ground, compared to the 127.3 rushing yards the Bills are accumulating.
Bills Schedule
Steelers L 23-16 Home -6
Dolphins W 35-0 Away -3.5
Washington W 43-21 Home -7
Chiefs – Away –
Titans – Away –
Jaguars – Away –
Jets – Away –
Colts – Home –
Saints – Away –
Patriots – Home –
Buccaneers – Away –
Panthers – Home –
Falcons – Home –
Jets – Home – | seven touchdowns and one interception (269 yards per game). He's also carried the football 18 times for a team-high 88 yards and one touchdown, averaging 29.3 YPG.
Devin Singletary has run for a team-best 180 yards (60 YPG) and picked up one touchdown.
Cole Beasley has 23 catches (30 targets) and paces his team with 194 receiving yards (64.7 ypg).
Allen is fifth overall among all players and fifth among all quarterbacks with 71.1 fantasy points (23.7 per game).
Emmanuel Sanders has racked up total 31.4 fantasy points this year (10.5 per game), which make him the 65th-ranked player overall and the 19th-ranked receiver.
Bills Injuries
Bills: No Injuries Listed
Bills vs Texans: Last 2 Meetings
Texans 425-360 BUF 22-19 HOU
Bills Insights
The Bills have averaged six more points scored this season (31.3) than the Texans have allowed (25.3).
Buffalo is 3- | 257 |
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.