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Season 11 Final Jeopardy! Round clues (55 clues archived)
|#2525, aired 1995-07-21
|EDUCATORS: In 1946 she published "Education for a New World" Maria Montessori
|#2524, aired 1995-07-20
|U.S. PRESIDENTS: 1 of 2 presidents who had military service in 4 wars (1 of) Andrew Jackson or Zachary Taylor
|#2516, aired 1995-07-10
|20th CENTURY PERSONALITIES: When he died in 1926, he was buried in the bronze casket he had toured with Harry Houdini
|#2515, aired 1995-07-07
|NOTORIOUS: Oscar Collazo, serving a life sentence for his assassination attempt on this president, was released in 1979 Harry Truman
|#2514, aired 1995-07-06
|FAMOUS PLAYS: Play that includes, "I was so mean as to kill this bird today... soon I shall kill myself in the same way" The Seagull
|#2513, aired 1995-07-05
|LITERARY OPERAS: Operas based on this author's works include "Il Talismano", "Il Templario" & "La Prigione d'Edimburgo" Sir Walter Scott
|#2512, aired 1995-07-04
|THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: 1 of the 3 things "we mutually pledge to each other" at the end of the Declaration (1 of) our lives, our fortunes, & our sacred honor
|#2509, aired 1995-06-29
|SHAKESPEARE & FILM: A poignant scene in "The Madness of King George" features George III reading aloud from this play King Lear
|#2501, aired 1995-06-19
|ARTISTS: He painted a "Crouching Marquesan Woman Seen from the Back" circa 1902 Paul Gauguin
|#2500, aired 1995-06-16
|THE WINTER OLYMPICS: In 1994 this country's 2 medals were won by women, one in figure skating, the other in the biathlon Ukraine
|#2487, aired 1995-05-30
|U.S. PRESIDENTS: 4 Republican, 2 Democrat & these 2 Whig presidents have died while in office William Henry Harrison & Zachary Taylor
|#2474, aired 1995-05-11
|AMERICAN LITERATURE: Chapter XI of this 1826 novel is prefaced by a Shakespearean quote: "Cursed be my tribe, if I forgive him" The Last of the Mohicans
|#2469, aired 1995-05-04
|POLITICAL TERMS: In a 1906 speech Teddy Roosevelt said he agreed with their aims but their methods were sensational & irresponsible muckrakers
|#2466, aired 1995-05-01
|SCIENCE HISTORY: In 1317 Pope John XXII called these people evil: "They present a false metal for gold and silver" alchemists
|#2464, aired 1995-04-27
|WORLD CAPITALS: Monuments & public buildings in this city line the wide Avenida Bernardo O'Higgins Santiago, Chile
|#2463, aired 1995-04-26
|BODIES OF WATER: The meridian of Cape Agulhas, Portuguese for "needles", is the boundary between these 2 oceans the Atlantic & the Indian Oceans
|#2453, aired 1995-04-12
|20th CENTURY PRESIDENTS: He said, "If you have not chosen me by secret ballot, neither have I gained office by any secret promises" Gerald Ford
|#2446, aired 1995-04-03
|MEN OF MEDICINE: This British physician introduced the term "vaccine" in a 1798 report Edward Jenner
|#2445, aired 1995-03-31
|ANCIENT EGYPT: The most common name for rulers of ancient Egypt was Ptolemy at 15; the next most common was this name at 11 Ramses
|#2444, aired 1995-03-30
|COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD: Part of the largest archipelago, it consists of more than 13,600 islands & is 3,200 miles long Indonesia
|#2416, aired 1995-02-20
|THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: At 70, he was the oldest signer of the Declaration of Independence Benjamin Franklin
|#2415, aired 1995-02-17
|ENGLISH LITERATURE: Set in Scandinavia, not in Britain, it's the longest surviving epic poem written in Old English Beowulf
|#2414, aired 1995-02-16
|AMERICAN HISTORY: This South Dakota community was the site of 2 clashes between the U.S. gov't & Indians, in 1890 & 1973 Wounded Knee
|#2400, aired 1995-01-27
|FICTIONAL CHARACTERS: He said "When you have eliminated the impossible, whatever remains...must be the truth" Sherlock Holmes
|#2387, aired 1995-01-10
|BOOKS & AUTHORS: Among his books are "About Zionism" & "The Evolution of Physics" Albert Einstein
|#2378, aired 1994-12-28
|ETYMOLOGY: Until 1946, this word usually meant a mathematician; since then, it's come to mean a machine a computer
|#2374, aired 1994-12-22
|COUNTRIES OF THE WORLD: With over 55 million visitors, this country is the world's most popular tourist destination France
|#2373, aired 1994-12-21
|U.S. ISLANDS: Mount Ada on this island is named for the wife of chewing gum magnate William Wrigley Catalina Island
|#2372, aired 1994-12-20
|HISTORY: The 7-year revolt by the Front de Liberation Nationale led this country to independence in 1962 Algeria
|#2371, aired 1994-12-19
|AMERICAN ARTISTS: His "Triple Self-Portrait" was put on a 29˘ stamp in 1994 Norman Rockwell
|#2358, aired 1994-11-30
|BUSINESS & INDUSTRY: 1 of the top 10 companies that operated food services in 1964, in 1994 its lunch counters ranked No. 264 Woolworth's
|#2357, aired 1994-11-29
|PLAYS: The title of a Sean O'Casey play refers to these symbols on the flag of the Irish Citizen Army a plow & stars
|#2355, aired 1994-11-25
|AMERICAN POLITICAL TERMS: This phrase first appeared in 1845, followed by "to overspread the continent alloted by providence" Manifest Destiny
|#2354, aired 1994-11-24
|SOUTH AFRICA: Province discovered by Vasco da Gama on Christmas Day, 1497 Natal
|#2353, aired 1994-11-23
|DEMOCRATS: When Grandma Moses was born, this man was president; at her death, JFK was president James Buchanan
|#2352, aired 1994-11-22
|HISTORIC NAMES: Though he spent most of his life in Europe, he was governor of the Bahamas for most of World War II Edward VIII/Duke of Windsor
|#2351, aired 1994-11-21
|PLAYWRIGHTS: In 1936 he wrote his last play, "The Boy David"; an actress played the title role James M. Barrie
|#2350, aired 1994-11-18
|OPERA: One-word title of the Verdi opera set in Windsor, England in the 15th century "Falstaff"
|#2349, aired 1994-11-17
|NAMES IN THE NEWS: This former U.N. ambassador is a co-chairman of the host city's committee for the 1996 Olympic Games Andrew Young
|#2348, aired 1994-11-16
|HISTORIC NAMES: A midshipman at age 9, he served in the War of 1812 at age 11, & became a Civil War hero while in his 60s David Farragut
|#2347, aired 1994-11-15
|AFRICAN LANDMARKS: Discovered November 16, 1855, its Makalolo name, Mosioatunya, means "the smoke that thunders" Victoria Falls
|#2346, aired 1994-11-14
|ROYALTY: The last king of the Hellenes, he was the second to bear this name King Constantine II (former King Constantine)
|#2345, aired 1994-11-11
|ANCIENT ROME: One of these commanded 100 of the 6000 men in a legion a centurion
|#2344, aired 1994-11-10
|FAMOUS SHIPS: It left Spithead, England December 23, 1787 & arrived in Tahiti October 26, 1788 the Bounty
|#2343, aired 1994-11-09
|DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE: Alphabetically, he was the first signer of the Declaration of Independence John Adams
|#2342, aired 1994-11-08
|U.S. PRESIDENTS: In his 1913 autobiography, he said "Do not hit at all if it can be avoided; but never hit softly" Teddy Roosevelt
|#2341, aired 1994-11-07
|U.S. LANDMARKS: James Hoban, who designed & built this, had to rebuild it after a fire in 1814 the White House
|#2340, aired 1994-11-04
|VICE PRESIDENTS: This Republican was the first V.P. to succeed to the presidency and then win the office by election Theodore Roosevelt
|#2339, aired 1994-11-03
|PLAYWRIGHTS: He's won 3 Pulitzer Prizes for drama--in 1967, 1975 & 1994 Edward Albee
|#2334, aired 1994-10-27
|1994: In July 1994 these 2 foreign leaders became the first to address the same joint session of Congress Rabin and King Hussein
|#2320, aired 1994-10-07
|ART HISTORY: In 1894 Alphonse Mucha began designing posters of Sarah Bernhardt that popularized this decorative style art nouveau
|#2307, aired 1994-09-20
|WOMEN IN SPORTS: With 5, she's won more Olympic gold medals than any other U.S. female athlete Bonnie Blair
|#2302, aired 1994-09-13
|TECHNOLOGY: The first commercial product to use the transistor; the radio came 2 years later in 1954 a hearing aid
|#2298, aired 1994-09-07
|AUTHORS: The novelist who wrote, "The beginning of the end of war lies in remembrance" Herman Wouk
|#2296, aired 1994-09-05
|THE OLYMPICS: Of all the cities that have hosted the Winter Olympics, this one is the farthest north Lillehammer, Norway


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Prop 8 ban dropped but California gays must wait to marry
Within an hour after a federal judge declared that gay people in California have the right to marry, Wendy Rae Hill gathered her partner, two children and mother and headed to the Sacramento County clerk's office.
Hill and Carrie Tedrick, who have been together for three years, hoped to officially tie the knot Wednesday.
They left disappointed. The clerk told them and other gay couples who wanted to take advantage of a window of opportunity to get married that no certificates would be issued for at least a day or two.
Despite the landmark decision that Proposition 8 wrongly deprives gays and lesbians of their constitutional rights, "we're sitting here in the clerk's office and we've been denied our right to get a marriage license," Hill said tearfully. As she spoke, heterosexual couples were welcomed by workers ready to help them fill out their paperwork to marry.
It was an emotional day for Hill, Tedrick and others like them in the Sacramento area. Outside the Sacramento Gay and Lesbian Center in midtown, people cheered, hugged and wept after news outlets announced the ruling. They started planning weddings and parties. They grabbed their cell phones and called friends across the country.
"Woo hoo! We won!" said Diana Luiz, who hopes to marry her partner, Nicola Simmersbach, as soon as possible.
Wednesday evening, celebrants filled the McMartin Realty parking lot at 21st and K streets as a band played on a balloon-festooned stage.
Many in the crowd carried red, white and blue signs sporting the slogan, "I do support the freedom to marry" in English on one side and in Spanish on the other.
"Hallelujah!" was Steve Skiffington's reaction to the decision.
To read the complete article, visit www.sacbee.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Sep 13, 2017
Saturday night, 9 September 2017 at the Bethanie theatre in PokFuLam, welcome drinks with Laurence Scofield, Chairman of FAMA
An evening watching the beautifully modern performance of Verdi's, Opera, La Traviata in combination with the Foundation for the Arts and Music in Asia Limited (FAMA). Michael Fabiano singing the role of Alfredo Germont.
Rebroadcast live in HD from the MET in New York, with an outstanding cast, stage and performance with Sonya Yoncheva as the sensuous Violetta Velery.
During the intermission, our guests enjoyed a delicious buffet dinner catered for us in the old Dairy Farm converted Cowshed


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Choosing Compressed Air Line Piping Materials
Forum Responses
From contributor J:
I'd agree with Contributor G that 1 1/4" tubing is way overkill unless you expect to have several employees using high-demand air tools at the same time. 1 1/4" pipe if you had a big shop and a 30 CFM compressor, then 1 1/4" line might be appropriate.
That said, after an afternoon of obsessive Googling and reading engineers' articles about air systems, I opted for 3/4" copper for the main run in my small, one-man shop. There is a little bit of benefit in terms of reduced pressure drop (which might, over several years, actually pay for the extra tubing costs by saving electricity), but the bigger reason is that the bigger pipe means that air moves through it more slowly. That slowness means that water vapor has more time to condense inside the tubing, and once it has condensed the air speed is not fast enough to carry the droplets through the line to my tools.
From what I read, the typical recommendation is to plan your system so that air moves through the main lines no faster than 20 feet per second, to avoid carrying droplets of oil or water vapor along. This suggests that, if your line pressure is 80 PSI, a 1/2" line is good for up to 9 cfm, while a 3/4" line is good for about 20 CFM. My Dynabrade uses something like 15 CFM, so I went for the bigger tube. It has worked beautifully - not a single drop of moisture has ever made it through.
From contributor S:
To the end that you mentioned it is more important to make a loop of pipe. This has two effects: it eliminates pressure drops because every drop is fed from two directions and it eliminates turbulence because the loop in effect becomes a storage tank so wherever you are in the shop you are essentially just tapping into the tank rather than having air surge to you through a pipe.
From contributor J:
Contributor S - I can't make sense of what you're saying. Looping the main tube back to the compressor would have an effect something like what you'd get from a larger-diameter, non-looped pipe. This would lower the air velocity and thus reduce both pressure drop and turbulence, but it wouldn't eliminate them, and also wouldn't be equivalent to connecting your tools directly to the tank.
From the original questioner:
All I could add is to design your air lines so that any condensation that does form will drain to a specific point, where it can be removed by opening a valve. Any feeder lines that branch off of your main trunk line need to branch-off in an upwards direction, and then come back down towards the air outlet. At each outlet, it always helps to have a simple condensate trap and a drain valve. 3/4" pipe can move a lot of air. Also, I'm curious to know if there is some advantage to using copper pipe over galvanized - please explain.
From contributor J:
I chose copper primarily because I'm comfortable cutting and sweating it, and I don't have the equipment to cut and thread iron pipe. It's also smoother inside, so there's a bit less turbulence.
From the original questioner:
Contributor J - the workability aspect makes sense. I suspect turbulence inside the airline would help force the moisture to condense, but I think we're splitting hairs. If protected from UV and other physical abuse, PVC pipe can be a cost-effective airline, though I'm not sure what OSHA would think of it.
From contributor S:
By a loop of pipe I mean a continuous pipe that goes around the shop and connects to itself. The compressor then connects to the loop and every branch comes off the loop. When we did the calculations for the loop it actually consumed less pipe than a straight run. Also it allowed us to use pipe of a smaller diameter and get the same results. Imagine you have a wide belt sander along the east wall of the loop and a spray booth on the south wall. When the wide belt is in use the spray booth will be fed with air from the opposite direction in the loop.
No matter how large a main line you make you will probably have a large cfm consumer like a widebelt before a spray booth. Also many jurisdictions require certifications for systems made with pipe above 1". A 1" loop is fine for a 15 HP compressor so this is all unnecessary if you just make a loop. Topring makes what has to be the best pneumatic catalogue in the world and they go through this in the front pages. The other strength of the loop is that with a few unions in the original system you can always open it up and add more drops.
There will always be some turbulence if air is moving down the line and your machines are consuming as much as you are putting out. That is why you have a refrigerated dryer. Also if you have some places that tap your system to its limits on occasions. You can consider installing surge tanks at those locations (a reason you never throw a burnt out compressor away even if it is not worth repairing the pump or motor).
I noticed the mention of galvanized threaded pipe: don't bother. The reason of course is to stop rust when water condenses in the pipe. But it doesn't work because everywhere you cut a pipe and cut a thread you are exposing steel and will have rust there. Better to use steel and keep the moisture out or use one of the aluminum or plastic systems specifically designed for pneumatics. I don't like copper for the purpose of pneumatics. If you have a leak in a threaded system it is not like the pipe is going to burst apart you are just losing in air. Soldered joints would do the opposite. Also the aluminum systems are set up with perfect mounts for air manifolds, they have pre-bent tubes for drops that come off the top of the pipe, the fittings are all reusable. The O ring fittings allow you to break a joint anywhere and put it perfectly back together. You save on cutting and threading, you don't have to worry about moisture and you don't need any unions because every joint is a breakable union. Why screw around? Buy this and have it for life. If you ever move you will either leave your iron or copper pipe or send it to the recycler. The pneumatic systems you would take with you.
From contributor J:
I'm glad you clarified that you ran the numbers for your particular shop before deciding to loop the line back to the compressor, and I can understand why it would make sense in your shop. Context is everything here. In my much smaller shop, which only has a couple of drops, both on one wall, looping the line around would be pointless. As to soldered fittings bursting apart, I don't think so, unless they're improperly soldered in the first place.
From contributor R:
We put a drier on our compressor and don't get any condensate downstream. I like the loop layout - just use a larger run to the point where it splits.
From contributor B:
Copper wouldn't pass code if soldered. The solder joints would fail during a fire, feeding lots of O2 to the fire. Same with PVC, plus the fact that you can easily shatter it. In a commercial shop you should look at steel pipe with threaded joints.
From contributor J:
I hadn't heard that when I was figuring out my system, but you seem to have a point. I just Googled and found a DOD facilities spec book that says copper fittings must be brazed using filler metals melting between 1000 and 1600 degrees. It looks as if the silver solder used for refrigeration equipment would be acceptable, though you might need something a bit hotter than propane to use it.
From contributor S:
It never fails to surprise me as to why people are willing to go to the end of the earth to make copper pipe work for compressed air and PVC pipe work for dust collection. They aren't to code. They aren't up to snuff. Here's an idea. Go to the Home Depot and buy 52 pancake compressors all with 5 foot hoses.
From contributor G:
The code is different in each area Contributor S.
From contributor JD:
Copper is good enough for the Dept. of Defense, so long as it's brazed, besides which it's workable with cheap, simple tools and functions beautifully. It's probably most appropriate for very small shops, but that covers a lot of us around here.
From contributor R:
I used PVC pipe years ago without any problems, it is cheap, easy and quick to install. Some years later I was installing a molder in an older building that had an existing PVC system. The new owner related an incident that had occurred with the previous business. In short, a maintenance man in the compressor room was struck in the back of the head by a fitting when the pvc joint burst- it killed him. There was some negligence on the part of the co. as there were some known problems with the system and the way it was being operated but PVC is somewhat brittle compared with copper and iron. An impact from a board or other material could cause a similar event. There is an enormous amount of energy stored in these systems.
When I plumbed my present shop I used iron pipe. It is not that hard to install with a little planning, particularly in a small shop. Pre-threaded lengths and fittings are off the shelf and the few custom lengths needed can be cut and threaded on the spot, I picked mine up at Lowe�s. I have been in hundreds of companies across the country and black iron pipe seems to be the standard. If I had it to do over I would take a look at the aluminum systems with the quick disconnect fittings as this seems to be the best of all worlds from what I have heard. I understand OSHA likes it as well. I would never use PVC again.
The comments below were added after this Forum discussion was archived as a Knowledge Base article (add your comment).
Comment from contributor A:
Would you like to add information to this article?
Interested in writing or submitting an article?
Have a question about this article?
Have you reviewed the related Knowledge Base areas below?
|Home » Knowledge Base » Knowledge Base Article


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Experts: Health care bills do nothing to lower costs
WASHINGTON — One of the White House's biggest boasts about the health care legislation now moving through Congress is that it should reduce health care costs for both government and society.
Many prominent experts are skeptical, however, and some say that the Obama administration's wrong.
"There are no provisions to substantively control the growth of costs or raise the quality of care. So the overall effort will fail to qualify as reform," Dr. Jeffrey Flier, the dean of the Harvard Medical School, wrote in The Wall Street Journal on Nov. 18. "In discussions with dozens of health care leaders and economists, I find near unanimity of opinion that, whatever its shape, the final legislation that will emerge from Congress will markedly accelerate national health care spending rather than restrain it."
Most Capitol Hill Democrats cheered last week when the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office estimated that the Senate bill, which lawmakers will begin to debate next week, should reduce federal budget deficits by $130 billion over the next 10 years and perhaps more after 2020, even as its costs are put at $848 billion over a decade.
Embedded in the CBO's analysis were a lot of blinking yellow lights, however.
The CBO figured that deficits would drop by $136 billion from 2010 to 2014, as tax increases go into effect but major health care changes don't. However, once the policy changes start kicking in, beginning in 2014, the CBO estimated that the deficit would rise by about $6 billion over the next five years.
From 2020 to 2029, while the CBO said that health care savings should cause deficits to drop sharply, it also warned that any precise forecasts "would not be meaningful because the uncertainties involved are simply too great."
As a result, "the honest answer is that nobody knows" whether meaningful savings are possible, said Robert Bixby, the executive director of the Concord Coalition, a bipartisan budget watchdog group.
Many of the same uncertainties cloud the nearer-term picture. Analysts ask how anyone can calculate patients' medical needs in the future. Will the bulging, aging baby-boomer population create new strains on doctors and hospitals? What kind of medical advances could bring down costs — or increase them?
Those are just the health-related questions. Who'll be president beyond 2012? Which party will control Congress? How will the economy perform?
"The problem is that historically, Congress has not been able to keep its word on constraining costs," said Amitabh Chandra, a professor of public policy at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government.
None of these questions is stopping the Obama administration and its supporters from insisting that health care costs can be brought under control.
Robert Greenstein, executive director of the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, a liberal research group, called the bill "a stark and welcome change" because of its attempts to balance spending and revenues.
Other analysts, though, say that supporters lack strong answers to the most vexing questions.
Foremost is the future of the government-run health insurance plan, or public option, that would compete with the private sector. The Senate bill would permit states to opt out of the program.
The CBO predicted that the public plan is likely to charge higher premiums than private competitors do, as it absorbs consumers that private insurers don't want. After the plan gets government start-up money, premiums are supposed to cover costs.
But, said Sen. Blanche Lincoln, D-Ark., "If in fact premiums don't cover the cost of the public plan, it is taxpayers in this country who are faced with the burden of bailing it out."
That begs another question: What if more people sign up than expected? How many people would need government subsidies, which are to go to those who earn less than 400 percent of the poverty level, or currently about $88,000 for a family of four?
If the economy turns sour, the cost of that aid could soar.
The Obama administration says that savings would come not only from tax increases, but also from a series of changes in how doctors, hospitals and other health care providers are reimbursed. The public option would negotiate rates with providers, presumably resulting in rates that don't grow more than the rate of inflation, rates that private insurers could be compelled to adopt.
The White House also cites four other major proposed changes in the way that doctors, hospitals and other providers are paid that could yield savings:
- More electronic record-keeping.
Among the administration's ideas: lowering Medicare payments to hospitals with high readmission rates and encouraging "accountable care organizations," such as health maintenance organizations, that pledge to treat Medicare patients in a less expensive, more efficient way.
Some experts view these changes as welcome — Greenstein called the Senate bill, which incorporates most of these changes, "a major step toward comprehensive, fiscally responsible health reform," but others voice concerns.
"As long as the payment process is tied up with the political process, it's highly unlikely we'll see the kinds of savings you expect to see," Chandra said.
Last month, a study by the Urban Institute, a Washington center-left research group, said that accountable care organizations are "no game changer in the short run because they require resolution of some challenging and complex issues," though it said the effort is "important to try."
Nancy-Ann DeParle, director of the White House Office on Health Reform, countered the political argument, saying that the Medicare commission, to cite one example, will be a "counterweight to pressure" to increase payments, and Congress will be subject to pay-as-you-go rules that should chill efforts to overturn commission decisions.
Nothing is guaranteed, the CBO warned.
"These longer-term calculations assume that the provisions are enacted and remain unchanged throughout the next two decades, which is often not the case for major legislation."
"Considering the dismal state of our budget, we need to do better," added Maya MacGuineas, the president of the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, another bipartisan watchdog group devoted to fiscal discipline.
Congressional Budget Office analysis of Senate Democrats' health care bill
Text of Senate Democratic health care bill
Congressional Budget Office analysis of House health bill
Dr. Jeffrey Flier's Wall Street Journal article
2009 Medicare/Social Security trustees' report
Urban Institute study of accountable care organizations
Health bills would raise taxes well before changes roll out
Senate health bill about to enter a political minefield
Senate votes to begin debate on health care overhaul
Reid includes public option in latest health care bill
Reid:Finish line on health care overhaul is 'finally in sight'
For more McClatchy politics coverage visit Planet Washington


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Celebrate the spirit of social entrepreneurship this year with by walking through the lives of individuals that have created social impacts in various ways. TEDxMerdekaSquare is a social initiatives platform where people from diverse backgrounds and interests come together to learn, design and use knowledge that focuses on facilitating communities to involve and assist the disadvantaged.
It is intended to inspire!
We need to unleash the potential of innovators to co-create, replicate and scale their projects. Find out what kind of ideas travel most effectively through the eyes of a nine years old changemaker or how poverty is the conscience of technology from the esteemed Prof Dr. Anil Gupta!
The chargeable event will be held on the 15th November 2011, 6.30pm – 11.30pm at the UNIRAZAK Auditorium, Capital Square KL.
For those who are not familiar, TED with the mantra, Ideas Worth Spreading is about finding interesting and inspiring ideas which help to change the world.
In addition, a mystery speaker will be featured, and TEDxMerdekaSquare promises to salivate you further with the lineups here.
To register or find out more, visit TEDxMerdekaSquare or kindly contact Ellyne at '[email protected]'


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Christian Speakers In Business (CSIB) is a professional public speaking education, training, and mastermind organization dedicated to train Christian Business Owners to develop and deliver their messages consisting of personal experiences, successes, Christian values and business ethics to a global community.
To inspire Christian Business Owners to use speaking to grow their businesses, expand their sphere of influence, and be ready when God calls them to speak.
Core Values of Members
- Is a Christian and believes Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
- Integrates their faith with their business.
- Desires to speak and to bring God to the stage.
- Knows it is time to speak their message and are ready to do so.
- Has a desire to make a significant impact in their sphere of influence and beyond.
Core Foundation
This organization has members from many Christian churches and denominations. These churches have many doctrines and views that vary from each other. We at CSIB understand these variations and respect our differences.
Its members are comprised of speakers in business with a multitude of diverse messages and gifts from our Lord. We support our fellow members in Christ and encourage them to speak up and share their message with the world.
Statement of Faith
We believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth and Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord and Savior who was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary. We believe Jesus died for our sins by crucifixion and on the third day He rose from the dead and now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty. After He ascended into Heaven we believe as proclaimed in Acts 1:8 that we now receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses to the ends of the earth. and now sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty.
We believe that salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone. It is not by good deeds, rituals, church attendance, or solely by keeping of the commandments.


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I never get tired of pasta dishes. So here's another one.
Boil penne in salted water. Drain, cool and set aside once cooked. In the meantime, start preparing arrabiata sauce with the following:
Heat olive oil and add chopped parsley and garlic. After a few minutes add half a chopped onion. Add red chilli, salt and black pepper. Add liquidized tomato. Optional: add sliced green chilli. Let it cook for a short while, until saucy.
Mix together with penne.
Serve with parmesan and ground black pepper.
Filed under: pasta, vegetarian | Tagged: pasta |


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Galaxy of Terror
I love Netflix, but I also miss the days of going to the video store. Inevitably I'd make my way to the horror, science fiction, and cult movies sections, looking at the lurid cover art and wondering if I'd be able to persuade my mom to let us rent some of these things (more often than not I was unsuccessful at this). Nowadays I'm finally getting to see some of the movies whose VHS cover art fascinated me so long ago, and while many of these movies have ended up as disappointments, I'm glad to say that Galaxy of Terror was a perfectly satisfying B movie.
Transmissions from the spaceship Remus, last known to have landed on the planet Organthus, have abruptly ceased. The vaguely sinister Planet Master, who I think is probably not a nice guy, immediately sends another spaceship, Quest, on a rescue mission. After a bumpy journey with some delightfully cheesy special effects, the rescue ship arrives to find the Remus in ruins (along with a lot of other ships) and no sign of the Remus' crew. And while there seem to be no inhabitants on Organthus, what the planet does have in an uncanny ability to tap into one's deepest fears, and use those fears to alter reality.
Galaxy of Terror is fun to watch for a variety of reasons. Though clearly an Alien ripoff (motley spaceship crew sent on dubious rescue mission and hijinks ensue) it uses the stolen premise as a starting point rather than trying to slavishly re-create the source material. The central idea of a force that can tap into the subconscious and use a person's fears against them is strong enough to make up for the weak screenplay. The characters are thinly sketched at best but the cast is game and for the most part put in good performances – an unexpected delight is seeing lots of familiar genre actors. Robert Englund, Grace Zabriskie, and Sid Haig are all on hand, along with My Favorite Martian himself, Ray Walston, future 9 ½ Weeks director Zalman King, and Erin Moran, best known as Joanie Cunningham from Happy Days.
The movie looks great. Though clearly shot on a low budget, the sets are effective and there's some truly striking imagery throughout – particularly the scenes inside the mysterious pyramid found on the planet. And if bits of the production design look hauntingly familiar, there's a good reason for that. The production designer and second unit director was a fellow called James Cameron – he went on to make a few movies you might have heard of.
Also of note are the special effects. These are old-school, practical effects and as such they have an organic quality that makes them all the more effective. There's some nifty (if briefly glimpsed) stop-motion animation, and some startling gore effects that pack a real punch. Probably the only effects misstep is a giant worm – the prop itself is well-made but it lumbers around like the Snuffulufagus from Sesame Street, which doesn't exactly terrify.
Galaxy of Terror's problem point is its screenplay, which is satisfactory while it's subjecting its characters to nastiness but weak in all other regards. The ending is particularly nebulous – frankly, I don't have a clue what happened. These quibbles aside, the movie does exactly what it sets out to do – give you an entertaining time. And those of you who may have been avoiding it because of THAT scene (the one with the giant worm that made the movie semi-notorious back in the day), rest assured that the whole thing is too absurd to be disturbing or even very offensive
Shout Factory has done its usual admirable job with the DVD release. A great-looking transfer comes with a set of extras that include a cast and crew commentary, trailers, stills, a PDF of the script, and best of all, a lengthy feature about the making of the movie. Including interviews with producer Roger Corman, actors Englund, Zabriskie, and Haig, and a large number of production people, it's an entertaining and informative look at low-budget film-making and all the special effects inventiveness, marketing strategies, and MPAA tussles that went on.
If you need a nostalgia fix for the good old days of B-movie ripoffs, look no further than Galaxy of Terror.


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For real, see?!
Yeah, I know it's a blurry cell-phone picture–it's still proof!
I did the first 4 pages of the Intro on Sunday. Unfortunately, 3.5 pages is all my hand wanted to do–I'm out of practice on the long inking sessions, I suppose. But, now I know. For the time being the cap will be 3 pages per session. Part of it, though, is my pesky insistence on things like details and backgrounds; silly artist, huh?
An illustration order came in this week, so as soon as that is taken care of I'll be back to racking up the inked pages! Wohoo!
And the recipe analysis continues, albeit a little slower but it's going. I also learned something from my little month "off" to work on that part: it didn't work so well. Turns out I need at least 2 projects going in order to get anything done, otherwise I fall into the I've-got-plenty-of-time trap and I don't like that! Another lesson learned the hard way, right?
But I've scheduled some time off from the day-job at the end of September/beginning of October so I'm still hoping to keep to my December release date. *crosses fingers and toes*


text:
There are a few simple ways to protect yourself from Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL). Small adjustments like turning down your MP3 player by a couple of notches and wearing hearing protection whilst at work will go a long way in the battle to keep your hearing safe.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has stated that noise levels above 105dB can damage your hearing if endured for more than 15 minutes each week.
However, even lower levels between 85dB and 90dB can cause permanent damage if you're exposed to them for long periods every day.
Here are a few tips that will help protect your hearing:
1. Wear ear protection
If you work in construction or around heavy machinery, chances are you will be exposed to loud noises regularly. The longer you are exposed to noise levels above 80dB, the greater your chances of developing NIHL. A simple way of combatting hearing loss is to wear hearing protection such as earplugs or earmuffs. If possible, get away from the loud noise as often as you can.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 protects staff who are exposed to loud noises in the workplace. The regulations state that workers must wear hearing protection if the daily average noise levels reach 85dB. If you use power saws, drills or any other type of noisy equipment, wear earmuffs or earplugs. If you are experiencing high levels of noise, speak to your HR department.
2. Turn your music down
Try not to listen to your music at high volumes. MP3 players and iPods have a maximum volume of around 110 dB which is extremely loud. If you are finding it uncomfortable to listen to your music, that's a sign your ears are telling you to turn it down.
The NHS recommends that you opt for the 60:60 rule. This means you should listen to your music at 60% of the MP3 player's maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes a day.
If you are listening to your stereo in the car at loud volumes, this can also cause hearing loss. By listening to loud music in a confined space, you are increasing the risk of hearing damage. Enjoy it, just turn it down a little.
3. Use noise cancelling headphones
If you can hear external noises whilst listening to your music, you may be tempted to turn the volume up. This could potentially damage your hearing. A good idea would be to use noise cancelling headphones or the old-school ear muff type headphones. These headphones block out background noise more effectively than inner ear style headphones, which means you can listen to your music clearly at a lower volume.
4.Use earplugs at concerts and gigs
If you enjoy live music, take earplugs with you. This way you can reduce noise levels anywhere between 15 and 35dB. Bar/venue staff may not always have free earplugs available, so it's a good idea to invest in a pair and keep them with you. Don't worry about not being able to hear the band properly – if you invest in a pair of good quality earplugs, they can actually make live music sound better by drowning out white noise.
5. Give your ears a rest
If you have been exposed to loud noise, give them time to recover. Your ears need at least 16 hours to recover properly after spending as little as 2 hours immersed in 100dB sound – for example if you have been to a nightclub or gig. The more you reduce this recovery time the more you put yourself at risk of hearing loss.
These are just a few tips on how to reduce the risk of hearing loss. Click here to see our great range of ear protection.
We use a medical grade of clear, soft silicon which is strong, smooth, non-sticky, and extremely comfortable, even when worn for prolonged periods. It is very easy to insert into the ear canal, and there is also some lubricant included with your ProGuard earplugs just in case you find you need it.
Due to the custom nature of these products it is not possible to refund payment once they have been manufactured. If you do wish to cancel your order you can use the contact us page or call 0800 626 427 within 48 hours of placing your order.
Providing the products ordered have not been manufactured we will give you a full refund of the amount paid.
In theory, your earplugs will last a lifetime if they are well looked after. However, our bodies change over time and this includes our ears, so we recommend that you have new impressions taken approximately every two years to ensure the integrity of the custom-fit, ensuring you get the right protection.
SNR stands for Single Number Rating. It is a rating system set up by the EU to show the amount of protection earplugs provide.
dB, or decibels, is the unit that sound is measured in, and gives you an indication of the pressure your ears are under. Every 3 dB added doubles the sound, but you may not even notice. Every 10dB added increases the sound energy by ten, and adding 20dB increases it by a hundred.
Many of the noises we are exposed to on a daily basis can contribute to hearing loss, so it's vital we take action to prevent damage to our ears.
Those who work in certain industries including construction, engineering, food & drink and entertainment are especially at risk of developing Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) as they are surrounded by loud machinery, the constant hum of crowds and loud music for extended periods of time.
Any noises that are very loud and last for a long time can damage your hearing.
Here is an example of decibel levels:
There are two factors that increase the risk of hearing loss: volume and length of exposure.
Any continued exposure to noises over 85 dB will cause damage to your hearing.
A sure sign that you have been exposed to noise that's too loud is ringing in the ears, or a feeling like you have cotton wool in your ears. If you are finding that these symptoms are becoming commonplace throughout your day, arrange an appointment with one of our Hearing Aid Audiologists as you may be suffering from hearing loss.
An increase in decibel levels, however minor, can have serious consequences. If you are listening to your iPod at full volume all day, you may cause irreparable damage to your hearing – turning it down just a few notches can make a big difference. In addition, if you operate power tools without hearing protection, you are also at risk of damaging your hearing.
For more tips on how to avoid Noise Related Hearing Loss see our FAQ page on how to protect your hearing.
Within the inner ear is an organ called the cochlea. Situated inside the cochlea are a number of tiny hair cells that receive the sound signals entering the ear and pass them on to the brain. Exposure to noises louder than 85dB for a prolonged period of time wears these hair cells down, causing the sounds they pick up to become muffled. The higher the dB of the sound, the quicker your hearing will be damaged. If you are exposed to noise that reaches 85dB, it takes 8 hours to constitute a danger to your hearing. The louder the sound, the quicker it takes. 95dB takes 45 minutes, 100dB 15 minutes, 105dB 5 minutes, 110dB under 2 minutes, and 115 dB can affect your hearing in less than 30 seconds.


text:
Ever since I can remember music has always been my hide-from-the-world outlet. I am the definition of someone who disappears as soon as my headphones are on. I've also gone through so many music phases. I listen to everything, but there are music bands that are my go-to for everything. Up until I was 16 or 17 it was Linkin Park. After Linkin Park's Minutes to Midnight, I kinda gave up on them (and I used to call myself a hardcore fan). I understand that they wanted to explore the various sides of them and eventually might make something that will sound back like Hybrid Theory or Meteora. After I gave up on them I felt like I had no favorite band. I then realized that around the same time I was listening to Linkin Park, I had found another band that I loved too and somehow I never got tired of that one cd they had come out with: Three Days Grace.
Years after, I was going through some changes in my life and at the same time Three Days Grace came out with One-X. I loved it and listened to it non-stop. The lyrics were simple, but they hit every right spot when I listened to them. Then I saw the little documentary that had come out about the lead singer and how he had been able to overcome problems in his life and that most of the songs that I had fallen in love with were written by him during his time in rehab.
Fast forward to my hardest year in college. Three Days Grace was there again. That year they came out with Life Starts Now. The timing couldn't have been better. I promised that one day I would go to their concert. Even though they offered Itunes versions of the CD, for this band I had to pre-order the hard copy of the CD. The experience you get when you open a CD box and see the design they picked for the CD and the booklet inside is something that no one can take away from you. It is pure happiness and excitement in that precise moment. Yes, I'm kinda old school.
There is a pattern in this right? Guess when Transit of Venus came out? The same year I graduated college and the same month I had decided I wanted to attempt to get into law school or I would regret it. My broke self- pre ordered one of the fan packages that came with the hard copy of the cd, a poster and t shirt. (yes, I also added my name to the back #nerd)
Disappointment knocks: a couple of months after Transit of Venus came out Three Days Grace broke up. The lead singer decided that he wanted to go solo because the band was no longer producing things from the heart. Alright before someone kills me, they said so many things during this time- but essentially I've come to the conclusion that this is what probably happened.
I'm just sad and disappointed that this happened and the way it happened. It was truly my first music related disappointment. Even though the rest of my relatives were thinking I was nuts for feeling like I was. I was sad for a couple of weeks. I was sad that I wouldn't get the chance to see them live, I purchased a shirt one of their old tours and listened to them non-stop.


text:
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
CatalogTenth Edition
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The world's best-selling advanced-level dictionary for learners of English
Diana Lea, Jennifer Bradbery
Language Level: B2-C2
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary 10e builds English vocabulary better than ever before.
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Think critically. Succeed academically.
Jenny Bixby, Meg Brooks, Nigel Caplan, Miles Craven, Debra Daise, Scott Douglas, Susan Earl-Carlin, Rob Freire, Margot Gramer, Tamara Jones, Joe McVeigh, Sarah Lynn, Kevin McClure, Charl Norloff, Jaimie Scanlon, Kristin Sherman, Mari Vargo, Colin Ward, Larry Zwier, Jenni Currie Santamaria, Susan Iannuzzi, Lawrence Lawson and Karen Hamilton.
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A six-level American English course that teaches English for the real world.
American English File
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Christina Latham-Koenig, Clive Oxenden, Paul Seligson, Mike Boyle
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Get everyone talking. In class. Everywhere.
Practical English Usage
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Michael Swan's guide to problems in English
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Still the world's most trusted adult English course – American Headway Third edition combines a perfectly-balanced syllabus with more conversation, assessment and digital teaching and learning resources than ever before.
Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary
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The world's best-selling advanced-level dictionary for learners of English
Margaret Deuter, Jennifer Bradbery, Joanna Turnbull
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Language Level: A1-C1
The second edition of the course that helps students to think critically and succeed academically.
Tactics for TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test
Authorized by ETS, this course will help develop the necessary skills to do well in the TOEIC® Listening and Reading Test.
Grant Trew
Language Level: Beginner (A1) to Advanced (C1)
Developed for the new TOEIC® Listening and Reading Tests. Content is authorized by ETS and contains official TOEIC test items.
IELTS Masterclass
Preparation for students who require IELTS for academic purposes.
Language Level: Upper-Intermediate to Advanced (B2 to C2)
Trains your students in broad academic skills and develops their thinking strategies. Includes online IELTS practice test.
Oxford Bookworms Library
CatalogThird Edition
Best adaptations of classic and modern literature
Series Editor: Rachel Bladon
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Bookworms are the World's Best Leveled Readers Series.
Practical English Grammar
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A classic grammar reference with clear explanations of grammatical structures and forms.
Language Level: Intermediate to Advanced (B1-C2)
The world's best-selling language reference book - the one teachers trust.
Oxford Business English Dictionary for learners of English
Learn 100 of the most frequent and useful phrasal verbs in the world of business.
Language Level: Intermediate-Advanced
A new up-to-date Business English dictionary, that gives learners all the help and information they need to do business in English.
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"In the time of the Renaissance, artists had to be practical and versatile. They had to make things people really used. That's what we do here at Artech Studios. We make art that people can really use. Funny, practical and all made by hand. From us to you.
We are a traditional glassblowing studio nestled in the Highlands of Ontario, Canada. We produce great upcycled glass tableware and handmade barware. We are known for our recycled beer glasses, a repurposed beer bottle that still holds a full beer!
Terry Craig and Jennifer Wanless-Craig are the designers, makers, owners and (honestly) the chief bottle washers."
How did you get into your art/craft?
Took glassblowing as an elective at OCAD (when they had glassblowing) and then went to Sheridan College in Oakville, ON
What do you like to listen to while you're working?
Podcasts, CBC or Netflix
Outside of your medium, what other types of art/design/etc are you inspired by?
Drawing, painting, sculpture, installation art
If you couldn't be an artist/craftsperson, what would you love to be?
A lounge singer
Where is your studio located?
We live in an old church in Tory Hill, On (Haliburton County). Our studio is in our backyard.
What's your favourite thing about your city?
It isn't a city! Our town is in the middle of nowhere. We get a lot done and enjoy the quiet.
If you could live anywhere else in the world, where would it be?
Anywhere in Europe...maybe France.
What do you love most about Canada?
The seasons
What's your favourite thing to do with your "down time"?
What down time?
If you could go to dinner with ANYBODY, alive or dead, who would it be?
My daughter and husband. On the couch watching a movie.
What brand/artist can you not get enough of?
I love anything handmade. We have lots of friends who are crafters and I love seeing their new work.
What's one thing you hope makes it big?
lol. Anything we make!
Do you have a favourite book?
Anything I have time to read. Tom Robbins, John Irving, Roald Dahl and Neil Gaiman are some favourites.
What's one goal you're working towards right now?
Making sure we get work made for 5 retail shows and all our wholesale buyers!
Lastly, what's your favourite thing to do over the holidays?
Chill in pjs and watch all the Harry Potters, Lord of the rings and Star wars!


text:
If all you care about at this point is NFL Draft positioning, here's who you should want to win as a Miami Dolphins fan this weekend:
- Buffalo Bills over Miami Dolphins (6-9), 4:25 p.m. ET (Bills are 3-point favorites)
- Oakland Raiders (6-9) over Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET (Raiders are 8-point underdogs)
- Cincinnati Bengals (6-9) over Baltimore Ravens, 4:25 p.m. ET (Bengals are 10-point underdogs)
- Denver Broncos (5-10) over Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET (Broncos are 3-point favorites)
- New York Jets (5-10) over New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET (Jets are 15.5-point underdogs)
- San Francisco 49ers (5-10) over Los Angeles Rams, 4:25 p.m. ET (No line at this time)
- Chicago Bears (5-10) over Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m. ET (Bears are 12-point underdogs)
- Arizona Cardinals (7-8) over Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. ET (Cardinals are 9.5-point underdogs)
- Washington Redskins (7-8) over New York Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET (Redskins are 3.5-point favorites)
- Green Bay Packers (7-8) over Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ET (Packers are 7-point underdogs)
• All odds courtesy of bovada.com
Other notes of interest:
• Miami has the fourth strongest strength of schedule in the NFL this season. This is bad for two reasons. First, they had to play a bunch of good teams. Secondly, the draft order tiebreaker for teams of similar record is that the team which faced a weaker schedule picks higher.
• With a loss, Miami can hope to catch six teams that are currently ahead of them. Miami is currently slated to pick 12th. If Cincinnati and Oakland lose, Miami is probably going to draft behind them. Chicago is a team that could possibly be surpassed if they win, so you should really root for the Bears.
• If Miami loses, they'll pick no worse than 12th. If Miami wins, they could fall as low as 15th.
• Technically, the Dolphins could draft as high as 6th. Realistically, they could climb as high as 8th.
• Here is an idea of the type of player that would be available in those spots, according to Todd McShay's first mock draft: 6th (RB Saquon Barkley), 8th (WR Calvin Ridley), 12th (CB Denzel Ward), 15th (LB Roquan Smith).
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text:
Paratransit, Inc. is a local public agency organized as a non-profit that for nearly 40 years has provided paratransit service and managed a very complex human service transportation network. Our team of over 100 talented transportation professionals have worked with public transit and government agencies, non-profit organizations and private businesses, crafting creative and innovative responses to transportation challenges.
Our team has experience and provided industry leadership in virtually every aspect of community transportation. From paratransit operations to federal funding and grants management, travel training to enrollment and eligibility, coordination plans to sales tax measures, few organizations can bring such a broad and experienced array of expertise and talent to the table to meet your organization's needs and elevate your program, partners and clients to new levels of success.
Ms. Tiffani Fink
Chief Executive Officer
Ms. Fink joined Paratransit, Inc. in 2012 working first in a consulting capacity and then as the Grants and Procurement Manager. She received her B.A. in Political Science from UC Davis and has a Certificate in Transit/Paratransit Management from Pepperdine University, Graziado School of Business and Management. Ms. Fink was promoted to Deputy Executive Director in 2015 and became the Chief Executive Officer in January of 2017.
Prior to joining Paratransit, Inc. Ms. Fink has developed an extensive background in transit and transportation management, operations and funding with 12 years' experience in key positions with state and local agencies. She is passionate about her work, Ms. Fink is an active member of CalACT, CTA and WTS and the past Treasurer of the Board of Directors for the California Transit Insurance Pool.
Dr. Lisa Cappellari
Chief Financial Officer
Dr. Cappellari joined Paratransit, Inc. in 2003 and has a Ph.D. in Economics from UC Davis with an emphasis in public economics and international economics. Prior to coming to Paratransit, Inc. she worked as an Assistant Professor of Economics at the Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, CA. She has also worked as an economics consultant for The Results Group of Santa Rosa, CA, a firm specializing in strategy, change management, and organization development.
Mr. Sean Powers
Division Chief
Mr. Powers joined Paratransit in 2007 and has 12 years of experience working with people with disabilities, including 8 years in the field of public transportation. He has a bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Washington State University. Sean has served as the Program Manager for both our Washington and Hawaii offices through our consulting division, Innovative Paradigms. These offices provide Travel Training and In-Person Eligibility and Assessments. He continues to manage Travel Training Programs through partnerships with human service agencies operating as subcontractors to Innovative Paradigms in its operation of the Mobility Management program in Honolulu. Sean has also been instrumental in the refinement of various computer based systems used to manage the range of services provided by Innovative Paradigms. These include proprietary systems used to manage all aspects of in-person ADA paratransit eligibility, travel training programs, and agency provided transportation.
Mr. Kevin Welch
Mobility Options Manager
With over 40 years of experience in the human service/transportation field, Mr. Welch is a nationally recognized leader in the travel training field. He is certified in Comprehensive A.D.A. Paratransit Eligibility as well as in Transit and Paratransit Management, has served as a member of the Sacramento County Developmental Disabilities Council and was chosen to be one of four faculty members to provide instruction for the "Introduction to Travel Training" curriculum provided by Easter Seals Project Action for cities throughout the United States. He is also a founding member of The Association of Travel Instruction, has presented at several local and national conferences including "The National Conference on Aging" in Washington D.C., the annual CalACT conference in Monterey California, and "The National Conference for Rural, Public, and Intercity Bus Transportation" in Salt Lake City, Utah, and has been published in the Transit Research Board's newsletter on the cost benefits of travel training.
Since joining our organization in 1984, Kevin has worked to implement or provided assistance for programs in Boulder, Colorado; Las Vegas, Nevada; Portland, Oregon; Spokane, Washington; Baltimore, Maryland; Santa Clara, California; Stockton, California; Honolulu, Hawaii; Salt Lake City, Utah; and San Bernardino County, California.
Ms. Delana Newell
Mobility Management Services Advisor
Ms. Newell previously served as Program Manager for our office in Spokane, Washington and now serves as a Mobility Management Services Advisor.
As a Program Manager in Spokane, Delana was instrumental in expanding the Travel Training operation into the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) Mobility Center. Delana managed the highly successful Travel Training program, the ADA In-Person Eligibility process for paratransit and the volunteer driven Mobility Mentor program. These Mobility Center programs have consistently saved STA approximately $1 million each year.
Today, Delana supports special projects and provides Mobility Management services to several of our clients across the country. Her undertakings have included ensuring contract compliance of human service agencies, analyzing data to ensure ADA compliance and improve operations, assist with increasing outcomes for various transportation programs and writing grants.
Ms. Newell has 12 years of experience in teaching, training and managing all different populations of people with nine of those years serving people with disabilities.
Delana's speaking engagements have included the ADA Conference for Washington State in Leavenworth and the Association for Travel Instruction's annual conference. Delana has a bachelor's degree in Sociology from Eastern Washington University.
Ms. Louise Friedlander
Mobility Options Supervisor
Ms. Friedlander joined Paratransit in 2013 and due to her dedication and skill worked her way through the ranks to presently serve as Mobility Options Supervisor. She takes inspiration from those who have the same level of commitment to serving individuals in need of transportation options in our community. Louise appreciates the challenges that are presented in creating mobility options for those that find themselves transit dependent. She enjoys her ability to support the community at large as she works to promote our Travel Training Programs and provide support to the Mobility Options staff while they are working in the field.
Louise has worked in various customer service positions before working at Paratransit where she gained experience in meeting customer service goals and billing reconciliation. Louise has volunteered for the City of Sacramento and for the Women's Empowerment Organization. In those roles, she has been involved in teamwork, networking, fund-raising, and public speaking. Louise believes in the power of positive thinking; of helping the dependent become independent, and of working together, to make a difference.
Ms. Sue Ellen Ash
Administrative Manager
Sue Ellen Ash is the Administrative Manager for Innovative Paradigms. She supports our corporate office and all field locations; providing assistance with accounting, HR, proposals, research, managing website content and serving as the main liaison between Innovative Paradigms and Paratransit, Inc.
Sue Ellen has over 10+ years of professional, administrative experience. She brings with her disciplined and strategic thinking; helping to create routine and structure, while also keeping in mind alternative ways to proceed should any obstacles arise.
Sue Ellen is certified in Transit and Paratransit Management through University of the Pacific, Eberhardt School of Business.
Mr. Ren Bean
Program Manager
Since 2013, Mr. Bean has served as the Program Manager at THE RIDE Eligibility Center (TREC) in Boston, MA. Operated by the Innovative Paradigms division of Paratransit, Inc. for The Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA), TREC provides comprehensive in-person ADA paratransit eligibility services for 60 cities and towns in the greater Boston area. TREC opened in Dec. 2012 and during its first three years of operation completed nearly 40,000 eligibility determinations. As part of the eligibility process, TREC refers individuals to the MBTA's travel training program and is the largest single source of referrals for the program.
Ren started with Innovative Paradigms in 2012, first as a Mobility Coordinator then Assistant Manager. As Program Manager, he supervises a team of 19 staff and works closely with the MBTA to ensure the highest standard of service for both the transit authority and the people it serves.
He has a background in the human services field with experience in job skills training, youth outreach and education. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from the University of Vermont.
Ms. Bianca Lightfoot
Assistant Program Manager
Bianca Lightfoot is the Assistant Program Manager for The RIDE Eligibility Center in Boston, Massachusetts. She initially joined Paratransit Inc. in 2016 as a Mobility Coordinator and has completed over 3500 interviews and functional assessments for ADA paratransit eligibility. She has previous experience in healthcare and human services, including conducting in-home functional mobility assessments.
Ms. Mary Borjessan
Program Manager
Ms. Borjessan is the Program Manager for the Innovative Paradigms' office in Spokane, Washington. The office manages a contract with the Spokane Transit Authority (STA) and provides an in-person ADA assessment process for paratransit eligibility, Traveling Training services, and operates a Mobility Mentor program.
Since 2011, Mary has held several positions with Innovative Paradigms including being a Travel Trainer, a Mobility Coordinator conducting in-person ADA assessments and as a Program Manager. As the Program Manager of the STA Mobility Center, Mary serves as the liaison between Spokane Transit and Innovative Paradigms. She conducts In-Persons assessments, trains individuals through Travel Training and provides support to the Mobility Mentor Program.
Mary has six years experience in public transportation and working with seniors and people with disabilities. She graduated from Eastern Washington University with a bachelors of arts degree in Recreational Therapy.
Ms. Kelley Campbell
Program Manager
Since April of 2017, Ms. Campbell has served as the Program Manager of the Travel Training program in Boston, Ma. Operated by the Innovative Paradigms division of Paratransit, Inc. for the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority (MBTA). The Travel Training program provides travel instruction to seniors and people with disabilities on how to travel safety and independently on the bus, train, and commuter rail. Travel training is individual based on the trainees needs and strengths, it can include 1 to 1 training, group training or general system orientation training. As Program Manager, Kelley supervises a team of travel trainers and works directly with the MBTA to ensure the highest quality of services for both the transit authority and the community.
Kelley has over 15 years' experience in human service management, including employment services, quality assurance, and training. She has developed and implemented programs for seniors and people with disabilities. Kelley is an advocate for Human Rights and volunteers her time on a Human Rights Committee.
Mr. Sean McGirr
Interim Program Manager
Mr. McGirr is the Administrative Supervisor for THE RIDE Eligibility Center in Boston, MA. Sean started with Innovative Paradigms in 2012 as an intern while enrolled in the Occupational Therapy Assistant Program at Kapiolani Community College in Honolulu, HI. Upon graduation, Sean joined the Innovative Paradigms team as a Mobility Coordinator/Administrative Specialist at the Eligibility Center in Honolulu.
In 2015, Sean relocated to Boston where he assists in the management of the daily operations of the In-person eligibility process. Sean has several years of experience working with in-person eligibility operations and has a wealth of knowledge from working in multiple locations. He has been trained in all aspects of the eligibility process from all administrative functions to interview techniques, functional assessments and determinations.
Ms. Stacie Morales
Program Manager
Stacie Morales joined Innovative Paradigms in August of 2013, as the Program Manager of MOVE, the designated CTSA in Stanislaus County, California. Stacie has over seven years' experience in the transit industry. In addition, she has over 21 years' experience in business, marketing and mobility management projects.
MOVE currently offers two programs, travel training and the BRIDGES Volunteer Driver Program. In addition, MOVE offers technical assistance to human service agencies in the Stanislaus region on such issues as veteran transportation, operating protocols, and strategic transportation planning. Stacie works closely with social service agencies to ensure that prospective consumers' needs are met. She has extensive experience creating partnerships with local human service agencies to proactively address issues with seniors and persons with disabilities.
Stacie is an active member of her community. She has recently served 8 years on local school boards. She is currently a member of the Commission on Aging and the chair for the Social Service Transportation Advisory Council (SSTAC).
Ms. Janine Pederson
Program Coordinator
Ms. Pederson first joined Paratransit, Inc. in2011 as a Travel Trainer then Mobility Coordinator and today serves as the Program Coordinator for Paratransit, Inc's services in Stockton California. The office manages a contract with San Joaquin Regional Transit District (SJRTD) to provide in-person ADA assessment for paratransit eligibility. As Program Coordinator, Janine works closely with SJRTD and oversees the day to day operations of the office and performs in-person assessments.
Janine has 17 years' experience working with people with disabilities and seniors, and seven years' experience in public transportation. She holds an Associate of Arts Degree in Human Services from the University of Phoenix, a certificate in Transit Paratransit Management from the University of the Pacific and is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business from the University of Phoenix.
Mr. Jesse Isaacson
Director of Information Technology
Mr. Isaacson joined Paratransit in 2010 after graduating from UC Davis with a B.S in Computer Science and Engineering. He is responsible for the development, procurement, security and maintenance of Paratransit's transportation, maintenance, accounting computer network, telephone system, facility monitoring systems and various other computerized and electronic systems essential to the operations. He manages Paratransit's multi-queue automated call distributor system, radio and telephone recording system, voice-mail system, and Automated Booking and Cancellation Telephone System. Mr. Isaacson and his programming team develop in-house software applications where inadequate or no commercial solutions are available to meet the needs of Paratransit.
Mr. Kao Saetern
Programmer Analyst Supervisor
Mr. Saetern has been with Paratransit, Inc. since 2012 and has 14 years of application development experience. He holds a bachelor's degree in Information Systems Management from University of California, Santa Cruz. He is responsible for in-house application development and serves as lead programmer and support for our data management systems (DMS).
Mr. Leon Nguyen
Senior Data Analyst
Mr. Nguyen has been with Paratransit, Inc. since 2012. He holds a degree in Information Technology with an emphasis in accounting from San Jose State University. His responsibilities include ensuring the accuracy of all agency and partner data for NTD reporting and special projects.
Ms. Chris Brown, SHRM-SCP, SPHR
Director of Human Resources
Ms. Brown was with Paratransit for 19 years beginning in 1994, returned to the organization in 2015, and currently serves as the Human Resources Manager. She earned her Human Resources Management Certificate from California State University, Sacramento in December 2001 and is a member of the National Human Resource Organization, Society for Human Resource Management, as well as the local chapter, Sacramento Area Human Resource Association. Ms. Brown has streamlined Paratransit's employment application process to ensure the efficient processing of applications and compliance with federal and state laws. She manages the benefits programs for bargaining and non-bargaining unit staff and has been a key factor in controlling the costs in these areas. Ms. Brown has developed procedures for the timely and accurate processing of all federally mandated leaves of absence requests as well as those governed by Paratransit policy. She and her staff partner with managers and supervisors in the administration of Paratransit policies, leaves of absence and recruiting. Ms. Brown ensures Paratransit's compliance with the provisions of the Collective Bargaining Agreement.
Mr. Julio Diaz
Maintenance Manager
Mr. Diaz graduated from the Skill and Business Education Center in Sacramento. CA. as a certified mechanic in 1994. He began his career as an entry level mechanic at Paratransit, Inc. In 1995. He is ASE (Automotive Service Excellence) Certified in Automotive and Medium heavy duty trucks. Working his way up through the mechanics position levels in the company increasing his knowledge and experience in the different areas of the automotive trade for the benefit of Paratransit, Inc. Maintenance program needs. From 2011 to 2015 Julio worked as Shop Shift Supervisor, coordinating and assigning shop daily vehicle preventive maintenance and work schedules overseeing shop crew production, quality and safety performance. In 2015 he was promoted to Maintenance Manager to oversee Paratransit, Inc. Maintenance Department daily operations, direct, implement, coordinate and supervise all activities, exercises, responsibilities for ensuring the safe and efficient operation of Paratransit's fleet and staff. Ensuring that compliance with the standards of the organization, and with California Highway Patrol vehicle safety operation and FTA requirements are met. He has obtained Certificates Transit/ Paratransit, FTA Procurement certificate program Management from University of the Pacific.
Ms. Mary Harding
Chief Operating Officer
Ms. Harding came to Paratransit in 1985 as a driver for the Senior Nutrition Program. Similar to other members of the leadership group, she worked her way through the ranks by assuming increasingly responsible duties within the transportation operations unit. She currently serves as a Transportation Operations Manager responsible for managing the Scheduling and Call Center. Ms. Harding manages the scheduling staff whose duties are to maintain subscription trip demand and to optimize the daily demand response routes to make them as productive and realistic as possible before the day of service. This entails planning and scheduling approximately 2,000 trips a day. She also oversees the call center. Ms. Harding has earned the respect of her peers and subordinates through her expertise, compassion for what we do, and her uniquely keen sense of humor.
Mr. Gary Vickers
Driving and Training Manager
Mr. Vickers came to Paratransit in 1993, an 11-year veteran of the United States Air Force, where he was responsible for a fleet of over 200 military vehicles and managed the overall function of Unit Administration serving 225 military personnel. He began in the Fleet and Maintenance Department and moved over to Operations and managed numerous start-up fixed route shuttle and alternative fuel projects. He currently serves as a Transportation Operations Manager responsible for managing the Dispatch Center, Training and the Driving Staff. He served as a board member for the Power Inn TMA. He has completed courses under the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Transit Administration in Fundamentals of Bus Collision Investigation and Safety Evaluations of Alternative Fuels Facilities and Equipment. He serves as the primary contact for all Bus and Passenger Accidents as a trained accident investigator. He is responsible for the Department of Motor Vehicles Employer Testing Program and is the Administrator of the Program ensuring we meet state and federal requirements under the program as well as the point of contact for the annual California Highway Patrol Terminal Inspection Program ensuring record accuracy, training requirements for all Vehicle Operators and vehicle compliance are all met yearly.
Ms. Kathy Sachen
Customer Service and Dispatch Manager
Ms. Sachen came to Paratransit in December of 2009. Her background includes working as a Child and Family Specialist in a mental health center in Lawrence, Kansas and in the court system as a judicial assistant and as a paralegal/librarian and Case Worker in New Mexico
She was first employed at Paratransit as a secretary in the Administration department and has worked her way through the ranks by assuming increasingly responsible duties within the Administration and transportation operations units. She currently serves as a Transportation Operations Manager and oversees the Safety in the Workplace program and maintenance of the facility on Florin Road in Sacramento. In September of 2013 she also became responsible for Customer Service. Coming from a background in social work this position has suited Ms. Sachen and Paratransit, Inc. most effectively. She enjoys working and advocating on behalf of people who otherwise may not always have a voice.
These are just a few of our over 100 transportation professionals whose talents we leverage to benefit our clients.


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Tucker L. Watson, PC is rated by his clients on Lawyers.com as a 5/5 in the areas of Communication, Responsiveness, Quality of Service and Value for Money.
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I received a reckless driving while visiting Hampton, Virginia for business during the Thanksgiving Holiday. I hired Attorney Tucker Watson to represent me at my trial which I couldn't attend due to the fact that I lived out of state. Tucker Watson charged me a reasonable fee, got my reckless driving (misdemeanor charge) reduced to improper driving (minor traffic infraction) and kept me up-to-date during the entire process. I highly recommend his services. –Lawyers.com, 1/13/18
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Mr. Watson gave me several scenarios as to which way he could represent me for my ticket. After being referred by a friend he followed through with everything he said and went to court for me and got the judgment I wanted. He was very professional and honest. Would highly recommend him to friends. – Avvo.com, 9/28/16


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Friday, April 25, 2008
This Week's Color Challenge!
Here is the card I made for this week's color challenge on Splitcoast. The colors were Certainly Celery, Chocolate Chip, and Pretty in Pink. I decided to make a baby card. I am pretty happy with how this card turned out. I also used MJ's lunchtime sketch challenge for this card! Sorry to keep this so short but my brother is visiting and I need to spend some time with him! Thanks so much for looking!
Stamps: Fun & Fast Notes
Paper: Chocolate Chip, Certainly Celery, Pretty in Pink, Whisper White, K-I Memories dp
Ink: Black StazOn
Accessories: Paper Piercer, SU! Markers, Blender Pens, Coluzzle, Punches, Dimensionals, Ribbon
2 comments:
- MJ said...
This is so so so so cute. I love it. It I never use that stamp either, great sample. Thanks for playing.
- April 27, 2008 at 5:30 AM
- Amy Sheffer said...
This turned out soooo sweet! I love the flower brads!
- April 27, 2008 at 7:12 PM
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It's going to be impossible to forget how MAGICAL Libby and Aaron's wedding was! I was so lucky to travel down to Pioneertown for their relaxed and joyous celebration. Rimrock Ranch was the perfect setting, surrounded by sandy mountains, Joshua Trees, and that beautiful desert light!
Libby and Aaron's RimRock Ranch wedding. A Preview!
Have I mentioned enough times that I was making a trip to the California High Desert? No? Well on Saturday, I traveled down through Palm Springs, into Yucca Valley, and out to the amazing Rim Rock Ranch for Libby and Aaron's amazing wedding. I had such a lovely time marveling at the scenery, laughing with many of the guests, and maybe dancing a little bit to Earth Wind and Fire. This wedding is definitely one for the books, and I have share SO many photos in the preview post, and it's only because I can't choose a favorite! Congratulations Libby and Aaron, and thank you for inviting me to document your magical day!


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Plug & Play Technology Garden (P&P) will be presenting an informational talk on 11th February 2009, Thursday, at Plug & Play Technology Garden, The Gardens South Tower, MID VALLEY CITY.
The Informational Talk, which covers Due Diligence and Corporate Governance is targeting audiences line-up from technopreneurs/start-up companies and some others who are also eyeing for the relevant details.
So come and join us! Admission is FREE, but seats are limited therefore confirm your attendance by returning to us the Registration Form attached on or before 10th February 2010 at 12.00 noon :-)
Let us help you jumpstart your business today!
Date of Event: 11 February 2010, Thursday
Time of Event: 2.30 pm – 5.30 pm
Speaker: Mohd. Hazani Hassan (Plug & Play Technology Garden)
Yeat Soo Ching (Cheang & Arrif)
Elaine Wong (Security Services)
2.30 – 3.00 pm Tea & Snacks
3.00 – 3.30 pm En. Hazani Plug & Play Technology Garden
3.30 – 4.00 pm Yeat Soo Ching Cheang & Arrif What is legal due diligence?
4.00 – 4.45 pm Elaine Wong Security Services Brief introduction to Corporate Governance
4.45 – 5.30 pm
contact [email protected] to RSVP
Related Posts
- What's Going On in Malaysia's Startup Community This Week
- This Week in Asia Episode 12: From Cracking Firewalls to Nexus One
- Disrupt with the Goliath – Malaysia's got creative talent, but is that enough?
- Technology Commercialization Program
- Vincent Tan As the Guest for the Next TeAM-DNA Disrupt this 16th Oct
- Connecting with Kauffman with YEM


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It's no secret that having a child with Autism can be difficult. Don't get me wrong, it is one of the most rewarding things I have ever experienced, but difficult nonetheless.
This picture pretty much sums it up. You have your good days, your bad days, and days that you think will never end. Yesterday was one of those days.
Nicholas' autism manifests itself in his inability to communicate. In fact, his developmental psychologist diagnosed him as non-verbally autistic.
While he has made some incredible progress in the year since his diagnosis and, at this point, would technically no longer be considered non-verbal, there is still so much that he cannot communicate.
The words that he does have are all basic, simple, single words. For example, he knows the word "milk" and will say it when he would like some. He knows how to use the words "more" and "help."
The problem? It is not always clear what he would like more of, or help with.
The problem is that he is getting older and he wants to be independent, he knows what he wants. He just can't communicate that with us yet.
Unfortunately, this results in numerous meltdowns and sometimes, a lot of screaming.
This is something I have gotten used to. I realize that no matter how hard I try to help him, to make things easier on him, there are times when he will struggle and there are times he will get frustrated.
Again, this is something I've come to accept. What I was not prepared for, was the day this would meet the terrible twos.
I've heard it said before that the terrible twos are at their worst right before the third birthday. Now that I have a toddler who is only a month shy of 3 (how did that happen by the way?) I believe it!
There is no rhyme or reason to the meltdowns. They can happen at any time of day, over the smallest of things. What didn't bother him yesterday could mean the end of the world today. And to top it off, I'm pretty sure that going into meltdown mode is like some sort of power up when it comes to toddlers. All of a sudden your tiny 2 year old has the strength and endurance of ten men.
Working with children in the past, I am no stranger to tantrums but nothing like I have experienced with Nicholas over the past few weeks. It is exhausting and I can't help but think about how much easier it would be on both him and I if he could just communicate his wants and needs.
Like the meltdowns wouldn't be quite so draining if only I knew what it was that he wanted.
Remembering that this is just a phase, that this too shall pass, has helped but there are still days that are just so draining, so difficult that you don't believe it. Days like yesterday where nothing made him happy, everything seemed to be wrong, and the meltdowns flowed so seamlessly together that you would have thought the entire day was made up of one giant one.
These days happen but, even though it may sometimes feel like it, they do not happen everyday.
I have to remind myself that there will be more difficult days but there will be many more rewarding ones. I have to remind myself that my baby won't be a baby much longer and even the difficult days need to be remembered.
I remind myself that there are many other parents out there that are going through the exact same thing and I am lucky enough to call a few of them my friends here in the blog world. So if you're struggling with the terrible twos yourself, maybe a little autism, or maybe just a bad day, please remember that you're not alone and that yes, even though it may not feel like it…
Thanks for letting me vent today friends! Sometimes that all a mama really needs 🙂


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Tuesday, 25 December 2012
The Christmas Experience
This Christmas I am working a lot. I have the big day off but that's pretty much it for like five days either side. I don't mean to moan, because I do love my job. But for me Christmas time means family time and now my brother and sister have moved away, the few days they are home are precious. Whining aside, one of my favourite things about Christmas (that I will miss this year) is spending a few days just reading. It was more or less tradition at one point that I received a book in my stocking which I would inevitably have read by lunchtime. Since my reading tastes have matured somewhat since the good old days of the Sisterhood of the Travelling Pants and everything by Jacqueline Wilson, I now like to choose a book as a Christmas treat. Some years I will reread old classics, others I will choose a book to read slowly and really savour. This year I am torn. I cannot decide whether to reread To the Lighthouse or Persuasion, or whether to discover something new. Maybe I will finally go and buy The Light Between Oceans. (I am sensing a water theme here...). Maybe I'll finally read The Old Curiosity Shop or Vanity Fair. Maybe I'll even take a step backwards in time and fish out some Jacqueline Wilson (Bad Girls, anyone?!).
Whichever book I choose I am looking forward to one blissful day of reading, relaxing with my family, and stuffing myself silly with smoked salmon on crackers. Yum.
Anyone else have any Christmas reading traditions? I'm intrigued!
Merry Christmas!
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Doug and I spent last weekend in sunny South Florida for a relaxing getaway. I've always appreciated escaping somewhere warm and filled with sunshine to restock vitamin D (which I sorely miss during the bleak months). Prior to becoming pregnant, I'd observed friends take babymoons, but I hadn't given much thought to this cultural phenomenon until my own pregnancy. Was it something we wanted or needed to do? I wasn't initially convinced that it was necessary but I was certainly open to the idea.
Doug and I both work demanding jobs and our free time is precious. New York City, for all the wonderful perks of living here, can quickly become a grind. It wears on you to varying degrees, depending on the month, the status of the subway (getting worse, by the way), the neighborhoods where you live and work, and what else is happening in the city on a particular day.
Against this background, we know that with the arrival of a baby that change is coming. We know, academically, that our lives will change, that we will have less free time, that our schedules will be less flexible, that we will go out to dinner far less often. I've heard that becoming parents will change each of us, that our perspectives and our focus (both jointly and separately) will shift, that how Doug and I related to each other as partners will change. But I have no idea what that is going to look or feel like. It's not something I'm anxious about but it is a great unknown. The future is going to be different, but I won't know how until we get there.
All of which increased the importance of taking babymoon as one way to focus now on our marriage. We have a lot going on in the coming months, much of which is wonderful and exciting but which also requires planning, and decision making, and a decent amount of stress. This past weekend was a welcome reprieve to step out of our to-do lists and to unwind, to be able to just enjoy time spent together on what will be our last getaway just the two of us before the baby arrives. The ability to travel, both to make the time and to spend the money, is certainly a luxury and I'm so grateful we were able to do it.
When we travel, we typically love to explore, to see and do lots of new things but for this particular trip we took a more low key approach. We were limited as to when we could travel (in part due to pregnancy-related travel restrictions) and we didn't want a very long flight from NYC (otherwise I would have been dreaming about something on the West Coast or even a return to Hawaii). We definitely wanted to go somewhere sunny and reliably warm (in March, which narrows ones options), preferably near the ocean. In the spirit of wanting to relax, and not to worry, we were also keen to find somewhere that was low risk for Zika, which ruled out most of the Caribbean (otherwise a logical destination for this time of year).
So we picked South Florida and mostly hung out at our hotel, luxuriating in the sunshine and in beautiful sunsets over the water. We really didn't do all that much. We ventured into nearby Naples for dinner twice, but that was it. I sipped virgin pina coladas on the beach, we ate local seafood, and we spent three nights just hanging out with each other. It was just what we were hoping for.