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Sales Development Representative
CB Insights, New York
Software that predicts technology trends.
Drive CB Insights' growth as part of the Business Development team.
The CB Insights Sales Development Representative (SDR) will generate interest in CB Insights and drive prospects to demo. Specifically, this role blends high-intellect web prospecting with sophisticated phone and email communication. In this role you will be actively handling lead qualification and help convert leads into clients. While it is an entry-level sales position, it is a critical component of the CB Insights sales pod. As such, you will have the opportunity to be closely mentored and developed by more seasoned enterprise sales professionals.
Key Responsibilities:
- Prospecting for new clients via both phone calls and emails at high volume with an eye toward exceeding expectations
- Qualifying leads generated by marketing which includes content and demo requests
- Actively seeking out new potential client accounts and making the first contact with those accounts to generate interest
- Scheduling demos of the CB Insights platform for qualified prospects
- Working with Account Executives to ensure qualified leads convert into paid clients by getting them timely, conducive information about CB Insights' products
Requirements and Qualifications:
- BA/BS degree (In lieu of degree, 4 years relevant work experience)
- Less than 2 years of sales experience, with a history of overachieving targets, in new business acquisition
- Strong communication skills over both phone and email
- Shown creative problem-solving approach and strong analytical skills
- Strong desire and ability to move up within a sales organization
- 4H's: Happy, Helpful, Humble and Hungry
We know that diversity makes for the best problem-solving and creative thinking. We are dedicated to adding new perspectives to the team and encourage everyone to apply if your experience is close to what we are looking for.
Perks and Benefits:
- Subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401k with up to 4% match
- $1,000 yearly continuing education stipend
- Daily lunch stipend
Happy, Helpful, Humble, and Hungry: Check out more about our company culture here.
Equal Opportunity Employer: CB Insights is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
If you know someone who'd be perfect for the role,
submit here and you'll be eligible for $5,000!
About CB Insights
CB Insights has built a tech market intelligence platform that analyzes millions of data points on venture capital, startups, patents, partnerships and news media to predict technology trends.
Be a Better CB Insights Candidate
Learn skills and get an insider's look at CB Insights when you watch classes taught by their top employees.


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Bluefish444 IngeSTore Server 3G is a dedicated 3RU Server, able to capture 4 independent streams of HD/SD or 2 streams of 3G video from separate SDI sources simultaneously. Recorded files can be captured in Uncompressed, DV, and DVCPRO50/HD file formats free, and additional codec upgrades are available for purchase. IngeSTore Server 3G comes pre-configured with Windows 10 Pro operating system, Bluefish444 IngeSTore software, dual port 10Gb Network Interface to connect with existing network attached storage, professional NVIDIA Quadro GPU, and a Bluefish444 Epoch | 4K Supernova S+ professional SDI video capture card.
IngeSTore multi-channel capture is the perfect companion for multi-cam studio setups, ISO recording, archiving from HD/SD video tape, post-production, electronic news gathering (ENG), uncompressed capture for later encoding, and Edit-While-Record functionality.
Bluefish444 have developed IngeSTore as a multi-channel ingest tool enabling IngeSTore Server 3G to capture multiple independent format SDI sources simultaneously. Capture to QuickTime, AVI and DVCPRO50/HD codecs for free, with additional codecs available via licence upgrade. These additional codecs are available for purchase on the Bluefish444 Shop.

subset: commoncrawl


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Senior Members of the Japan-Oman Society
May 2016
|Honorary Member
|Honorary Chairman
|Shinzo Abe (Prime Minister of Japan)
|Prime Minister of Japan
|Honorary Advisor
|H.E. Mr. Khalid bin Hashil Al-Muslahi
|Ambassador of the Sultanate of Oman
|Keiji Omori
|Former Ambassador of Japan to Oman
|Executive Directors
|Masashi Nishihara, Ph.D
|President, Research Institute for Peace and Security
|Executive Directors
|Michihiko Shimazaki
|Ex-Sankei Shimbun News Reporter
|Noriyuki Maruoka
|General Manager, Sumitomo Corporation
|Koji Nagata
|General Manager, Toyota Motor Corporation
|Hirohisa Miyata
|Executive Officer, Marubeni Corporation
|Kiyoshi Inoue
|Senior Executive, Japan Industrial Partners, Inc.
|Mizuho Kajiwara
|The Asahi Shimbun GLOBE staff writer,The Asahi Shimbun
|Jiro Kondo
|Professor, Waseda University
|Toshiaki Nozue
|Japan Ad. Contents Production Companies Association
|Mikio Hayashi
|Managing Director, Office Badw
|Sadashi Fukuda
|Executive Senior Research Fellow,Institute of Developing Economies
|Hiroshi Maruyama
|Former Ambassador of Japan to Finland
|Hiroshi Yokokawa
|President, The Japan Commercial Arbitration Association
|Auditor (Corporate)
|Yoshihiro Shinhama
|General Manager, Tokyo Office,Osaka Gas Co., Ltd.
|Auditor (Private)
|Keizo Nozu
|Okasan Livic Co., Ltd.


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Fulton arrest raises questions about home-made firearm suppressors
JEFFERSON CITY - A Fulton man was charged Thursday with illegally manufacturing a suppressor for a firearm, according the U.S Attorney's Office.
When police searched the man's home on Wednesday they found two suppressors and a rifle threaded to fit a suppressor, as well as 13 other firearms and more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
One of the suppressors was made out of oil filters and adhesive tape, which is a common way to make a homemade suppressor.
Legally getting or making a suppressor is a relatively simple, if slow process, according to Larry Wayland, the manager of Modern Arms.
"It does require an application to be approved by the federal government, as well as the payment of a $200 transfer tax," he said.
Wayland said a suppressor does not totally silence a weapon, although many people think so.
"They don't really silence the explosion of the gunfire, it's a muffler, no more high tech than the muffler on your pickup truck," Wayland said.
Something that may deter an individual from buying a suppressor is that their money could be tied up for a year, he said. It can take up to 14 months to get an approval.
"Right now, the wait times are a limiting factor," Wayland said.
Even so, the number of registered suppressors in the U.S. has gone up to more than 1,300,000 from just over 900,000 in 2016, according to a study by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.


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Global Warming and Running
It's mid-December and it feels like late spring out. Today reached a high of 14 out, and it has never felt nicer to run in the "winter" even though I made the mistake of running in a winter long-sleeve which is still too warm to wear right now.
Although I enjoy running in the cold winter with a side of snow, this is a nice change. Especially since I just came back from a foot injury, and missed most of the best running season (fall).
And now that I'm back to my regular running routine, I did my sunday runday after a long and busy 8 hour shift at MEC which definitely affected my run as I felt pretty tired after the second kilometer. But even though I was tired, I thought it would be a good time to start scouting a nice 5-6k route to have down for the winter (when the cold temperatures actually hit us) so I don't have to go out running in the cold, looking for a route that has the perfect training distance.
I got a decent route down, but still not good enough. My next run will be finding a similar route, only with more hills and closer to 6k.
Anyways, just a little training update I thought I should share, and to also share my happiness with this with unusually warm weather we've been having.


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Former mayor David Heginbotham, 75, had been over the drinking limit when arguing with the pair.
He assaulted the two women, before later threatening to cut the £3,500 cycle in two with a "chainsaw".
Heginbotham was found guilty of two charges of assault and one count of drink driving following the assault at his home on July 4.
Burnley Magistrates' Court heard how Heginbotham, who was the Mayor of Burnley between 2011-12 returned to his home in Cliviger, Lancs., after a night of boozing in Todmorden, West Yorks.
He began arguing with his step-daughter Michelle Lord before striking her and his wife Joan Heginbotham when she tried to step in.
Magistrates were told how the Conservative councillor for Cliviger with Worsthorne drove "around 400 yards" home in his car after being dropped off at his vehicle by his son, who he had spent the night with, despite being over the limit.
Even when he was being led away by police in handcuffs, he kept up a tirade of abuse at his step-daughter, who he blamed for the whole episode.
Heginbotham insisted his step-daughter, who lived with him and his wife, had paid little or no board over the previous three-and-a-half years and had bought a new £17,500 car in September 2014.
The arrival of the £3,500 bike had been the 'final straw', the court heard.
Henginbotham, of no fixed abode, was ordered to pay fines totalling £2,460, banned from driving for 12 months, and given a 12 months restraining order towards the victims.
A Burnley Council spokesman said that Coun Heginbotham's conviction and sentence would not prevent him from serving as ward member for Cliviger and Worsthorne.
Councillors are only restricted from office if they receive three-month prison terms or longer.


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Lindsay Lohan has checked herself into jail for a 30-day sentence, but could be released within a few hours due to overcrowding.
Los Angeles County records show that the "Mean Girls" star was booked into the Los Angeles County Jail at 8:58pm PST on Sunday night.
Lohan had until November 9 to report for her term, which a judge ordered after finding the 25-year-old had violated her probation by being terminated from a community service assignment at a women's shelter.
According to the arrest report Lohan will be housed at the Century Regional Detention Facility in Lynwood, California.
The judge imposed the sentence, saying Lohan will have to perform all of her community service at the county morgue or serve additional 270 days in jail.
In an unusual twist, the judge also banned Lohan from using the social network site twitter while working at the morgue.
It will be Lohan's fifth jail sentence since being arrested twice for drink driving in 2007. She last served 35 days on house arrest on a four month jail sentence.


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You can count the Australian Opens I have not attended in the last 30 years on the fingers of one hand. I went through a bit of a flat spot when I thought it was becoming way too crowded and far too expensive and debated giving it a miss but I have regained my excitement for the day. Sure, I can no longer leave my seat and wander over to the other show courts to watch a more interesting match, there is no chance of encountering a star having a hit up and watching from the sidelines, it has become a Very Big Event. But I have seen some amazing battles on court, the cream of the sport passionately playing the game I love and I willingly hand over the money, pack my cooler bag with a picnic lunch, remember my sunscreen and hat, park half an hours walk away in the hot sun and settle into my seat with gratitude that I have this opportunity each year.
TWENTY: Thank you, umpires. Thank you, ball boys.•January 20, 2013 • 1 Comment
NINETEEN: It's all a circus, kid.•January 19, 2013 • Leave a Comment
Truly hideous traffic congestion on arrival and, at the end of the night, it took 40 minutes to travel the 50 metres from our car park to the gate. But that did not, in any way, dampen our enjoyment of Cirque du Soliel's performance of OVO. We've seen eight different Cirque programmes over the years and I have not been disappointed ever. Each has wowed me in its own amazing way and I always leave wanting to go straight back in and see it again. Tonight was no exception.
EIGHTEEN: Still eating fish on Friday•January 18, 2013 • 1 Comment
SEVENTEEN: Penguin Feet•January 17, 2013 • 3 Comments
When I was in the States last year I was determined to buy a pair of funky John Fluevog shoes. I bought two pairs but tried on more than a dozen, thanks to the persuasive salesman. When he brought a navy blue pair of these out for me to try on I almost shook my head – too high, too out there. On my feet, though, it was a whole different matter. They were as comfortable as sneakers. I decided I would save for a pair and buy them on line once I got home. It took a few months to do the first and when I saw them in turquoise while doing the second, it was all over.
SIXTEEN: Puppet Magic•January 16, 2013 • Leave a Comment
FIFTEEN: Flat, flatter, flattest•January 15, 2013 • 1 Comment
Exactly twelve hours before I took this picture, I took the phone off the charger and it was fully charged. When I went to get my camera out of my bag I was shocked to find the phone had become hot enough to also heat up the front of my bag. And that the battery, which previously lasted between 24 and 36 hours, almost totally flat. Think I need to get some technical advice.


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SABINA COVO: The odd choice of Russell vs.Russell
District 2 of the city of Miami is one of the most important at this time. All districts are important. But this particular one is leaving a lot of money in the city, and needs a lot of planning, analysis and approval or disapproval of relevant changes that are occurring. There are about 18 new skyscrapers in the district and is expected to come more than five. Giant buildings, condominium prices up $ 750.000. Imagine that is on property tax! Not to mention the necessary (police, firefighters, etc.) planning. To accommodate all these people.
If you are as confused as I am with this situation or my article, be sure to pay close attention to this election on Tuesday. (If that is done, there is nothing written in stone). For now, if you planned to vote, get out and vote, that if people do not leave because of the confusion that has been the surprise reaction Teresa Sarnoff, who wanted so much to be commissioned, but it does not want, will be worse. Strategies side policies?


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HAVERHILL, Mass. – After dropping its first game of the New England Collegiate Conference (NECC) series with Lesley University, the Southern Vermont College baseball team came back with a pair of stellar pitching performances to down the Lynx 2-1 in the eighth and then 5-2 Saturday afternoon at Trinity Stadium.
The Mountaineers garner their second league tiebreaker while improving to 4-2 in Conference play (6-15 overall).
SVC next hosts Daniel Webster College at home on Monday for a single NECC contest set to begin at 3 p.m.
GAME 1: Southern Vermont 2 – Lesley 1 (8 inn.)
The Lynx tacked up a solo run in the bottom of the first to grab the lead. That would be the final LU run of the game, however, as SVC kept the hosts from scoring the rest of the way. The Mountaineers knotted it a 1-1 in the fourth, and that score stood through the originally-scheduled seven innings.
Southern Vermont didn't take long to bring home the potential scoring run with one in the top of the eighth. The visitors then forced Lesley to strand two runners on base in the home half of the extra frame to tie season series.
SVC sophomore center fielder Zack Stacey (Saratoga, N.Y.) went 1-4 in the game as junior right fielder Niko D'Agnese (Mahopac, N.Y.) was 2-4 with a run scored. Mountaineer freshman Connor Pingitore (Amsterdam, N.Y.) tallied the team's only RBI with the go-ahead sacrifice fly to right in the top of the eighth.
Senior righty Dylan Angelo (Amsterdam, N.Y.) tossed a stellar eight innings on the mound—allowing just the one run on three hits and three walks while striking out four in the win (2-2).
D'Agnese was left at second after tallying a single in the top of the first, and Angelo then recorded his first 1-2-3 inning of the day. Lesley loaded the pond with one down in the second, and a sac fly to left allowed the first run of the day to come in.
D'Agnese began the top of the fourth with another base hit, and this time he would made it hurt after moving up to second on an LU error. With two outs, a Lesley miscue allowed D'Agnese to score from third and tie the game at 1-1.
SVC got two on with one out in the fifth but could not turn it into run support for Angelo; the Mountaineer captain would only see three batters in the home half, however, after sophomore catcher Dan Mason (Bloomingdale, N.J.) threw out his eighth runner trying to steal this year.
Angelo retired the Lesley side in order in the sixth, and a double play turned by the Southern Vermont infield in the seventh allowed the senior captain to face just nine batters in the last three innings of the scheduled seven-frame contest.
LU didn't do itself any favors in the eighth as a leadoff error allowed sophomore Joseph Braim (Schuylerville, N.Y.) to reach second. A balk by the Lynx pitcher moved Braim up to third with no outs, and that's when Pingitore tagged one deep enough to right for the Mountaineer runner to touch the dish and give his team the lead.
The next two SVC batters would go down, and Lesley then got some action by placing the tying run at second and the winning run at first in the bottom of the eighth. Angelo was able to notch an ensuing strikeout, however, to get out of the jam and tie the series at one game apiece.
GAME 2: Southern Vermont 5 – Lesley 2
Each team scored once in the first inning of game two before SVC tacked on a pair in the top of the second. Lesley answered with a lone run in the home half of the frame, and the 3-2 tally lasted through the end of the sixth.
Southern Vermont then scored twice in the seventh to go up by three, and the Mountaineers closed out the sweep with a 1-2-3 inning in the bottom of the box.
Stacey was 1-4 with an RBI—extending his hitting streak to 17 games. Junior left fielder Luigi Magliocca (Broadalbin, N.Y.) was 1-1 with a walk and two runs scored, and both freshman second baseman Noah DuBois (Barrington, N.H.) and sophomore designated hitter Cody Sullivan (Schuylerville, N.Y.) were 1-3 with an RBI.
Braim improved his season record from the hill to 2-1 as he allowed just the two runs on five hits while striking out four in the complete game.
With two down in the top of the first, SVC freshman Anthony LaBella (Exeter, N.H.) worked a walk to get aboard. He then motored around the diamond as Sullivan roped an RBI-double for the early lead. Lesley would answer with a run in the bottom of the frame to tie things at 1-1.
Southern Vermont got some two-out action going again in the second as a walk and a hit by pitch allowed Stacey to register a run-scoring single. D'Agnese notched an ensuing base hit for Magliocca to score from second and make it a 3-1 game.
LU got one back in the bottom of the second with a solo home run, but Braim ended the inning before getting Lesley to leave the pond loaded in the third. The SVC infield turned a double play in the fourth, and Braim then retired the Lynx side in order in the fifth.
After Lesley squandered a one-out double opportunity in the bottom of the sixth, the Mountaineers tacked on a pair of insurance runs in the seventh. LaBella tagged a two-out single to put a pair of runners on base, and SVC then worked a walk to load the pond. Another fourth ball brought Magliocca in for a run, and DuBois took one to the body for LaBella to score.
Braim finished strongly—getting the Lynx to go down in order in the home half of the seventh for his fourth career win.
– #LetsGoSVC –


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Supplies needed:
1 sheet whisper white card stock
Old olive card stock cut at 5 1/4×4
Real red card stock cut at 5×3 3/4
Heat tool
Clear embossing powder
VersaMark ink
Real red stamp pad
Gold ink pad
Paper trimmer
Star stamp set
Special seasons stamp set
Cut whisper white card stock in half so it is 8 1/2 x 5 1/2
Fold in half the long way
Layer on with snail, the piece of old olive card stock and then the real red card stock
With what is left of the whisper white card stock, stamp Christmas Greetings stamp from special seasons stamp set, with real red ink. Then cut it out.
Place aside
Take star stamp and ink up with versaMark ink, then with gold ink. Put your clear embossing powder onto the star, shake off extra powder and heat with your heat tool.
When cool, cut out the star and put onto real red card stock with dimensionals. Put dimensionals on sentiment and place on the star.
Wow! A quick and easy card.
Have fun with it.


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When all other things are equal, I try to plant by the moon. My husband is razzing me about this. He's a scientist and thinks it's all based on superstition. Because the people I talk to in nurseries and at farmers market are divided on the issue, I have tried to stay on the safe side. If there's nothing to it, I haven't lost anything. But to humor my husband without risking too much, I decided to plant the remaining three lemon cucumbers in a six-pack tonight (Actually May 22, since I'm writing this after midnight), not a great day for moon planting. These three plants were in dire need of planting, and were already beginning to yellow, so I felt they would gain more by being set into more nutritious soil than they would lose by being planted on the wrong day. Time will tell.
When I was at Farmers market this morning, one of my favorite vendors who supplies many of my tomato and pepper seedlings, Ralph Johnson, confirmed something I'd read about getting rid of gophers. He says he killed eight large ones by putting bubble gum down the gopher holes. I immediately went out to buy some, and put it in a lot of holes this evening. Time will tell whether this experiment will work.
Today my first borage seeds have sprouted and so did a couple of radish seeds. I knew if they are to remain, I would have to protect them from the hungry blue jay (See picture)who has been supervising my planting from the top of the fence. I contrived a way to prop an old screen door over the largest seed bed, and I propped a couple of flat gopher cages over the radishes about to sprout in the raised beds. I'm hoping these measures will insure that we will actually get some radishes this year.


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The Secret Service scrambles as President Elect Trump demands all female Secret Service bodyguard for the inauguration.
As guests and entertainers continue to bail on the Presidential Inauguration, P.E.Trump has decided to take things into his own hands. He is going to surprise everyone with an all female secret service bodyguard.
Everywhere I go people will see beautiful American women, it will be like the Miss America pageant every day.
Trump team insiders explained "He sees this as symbolic, giving American men something to aspire to and showing women they can equally work for powerful men. Also when he has these women in private it will hugely prove the women who said he tried to assault them are big liars."
This last minute demand has left the secret service scrambling to select and train agents.
It is a challenge because Trump's direction for choosing his personal agents focused on the "body" part of Bodyguard. "Everywhere I go people will see beautiful American women, it will be like the Miss America pageant every day."
Trump also wants them to dress more fashionable, "Everyone knows the president has bodyguards why hide them in plain suits?"
The inside joke is that they will change the agency's name to "Victoria's Secret Service." "The agents we choose look great in training but who knows what Trump will think of them? We are trying to delay until the agents are prepared but the President Elect wants to make a big impact at the inauguration."


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FIRST off,we here,in West Central Florida,Zone 9B,went straight from Winter to Summer.At least it feels like it.Every day this month has seen above average temperatures.Not to mention that the AC has been running…..alot! And any weeding I didn't get done….Well,those weeds are now life-sized and threatening to take over my life,not to mention the garden…..My own Little Shop of Horrors….
But the FIRST Plumeria inflo has emerged! You know that has me doing the happy dance,right?
This is the cream/yellow one that I got as a cutting from my Dad.And it's always the first to put out an inflo.But the red also has inflo's on it.They're still small,and numerous.So I didn't bother taking a photo of them. Sorry….Get over it.You know there will be plenty of photos to come.
The FIRST blooms on the Bird-of-Paradise…
This one has been in the ground since the new pool went in (3 years ago?),and it's the FIRST it has bloomed.
The FIRST inflo on the orange Plumeria has emerged!
Now,you know you are gonna be overwhelmed with photos of this baby when it blooms.So get used to it,okay?
The FIRST time this yellow African Iris Dietes Bicolor has bloomed.
It's been in the ground also about 3 years,and just when I was ready to rip it out,it bloomed. #toughlove.
And my most favoritest FIRST…
My FIRST Indigo Bunting!
That I've ever noticed,anyways…But it took me forever -they don't like to pose,I guess- ….like all morning….to get a decent photo of this guy.He seemed to be feeding on the seeds of the Lemongrass that I let to go seed.I've been meaning to whack it back,but now I'm glad I didn't.He never went near the feeders.He's just been there all day. #hoorayforlaziness
Any FIRSTS in your garden?


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When I come back from the shower, I hear M. and the boy engaged in some elaborate game to which I have no real point of entry. There are whole, complicated narratives at work that span days. Characters are introduced, imperiled, and rescued. Seemingly innocent figures turn villainous, to later redeem themselves. Choices are made. Fortunes turn.
I hear my son say with a certain solemnity in his tone: "Will the Legion of Doom put Nom-Nom to sleep forever? Tune in tomorrow for the next episode."
When Z. was little, these same games. Hours engrossed in the worlds they created together. If I joined them on the floor, they would patiently review certain bits of critical information. "This is Tiger Boy. He creates mischief." Or they would temporarily suspend the narrative so that we all could take turns launching tiny plastic cannonballs at our beleaguered cat.
Over the weekend, our friends come over and we all stand around in the kitchen while the boys strew the contents of their board games across the living room floor.
The adults hover while I work. I assign them tasks – slice the bread, arrange the cheeses, pour the wine, dress the table. They raise the possibility of moving out of state and I stop what I am doing, put my spatula down, scowl. "We are just looking," R. says, "there is nothing definite yet."
"We just need work - actual, steady work," N. says, "we can't keep going like this."
The boys rush in to update us on the progress of their game. They dance around us in their socks for a while before disappearing again.
"Didn't you think that by this time in our lives, there would be more certainty? That we'd have all this figured out?" I ask. I go back to blanching garlic.
"Maybe not all of it," R. says, "but definitely more than this."
At the table we talk about the high school production Z. performed in. A musical. R. and I wax sentimental about its story, the song lyrics we had memorized in our teens. Our husbands do not share our nostalgia. M. says, "I came away confused, I couldn't follow what the conflict was." I take this as my cue to fly into mock rage. "It is so simple, what is there to follow?" My voice is raised and I am waving my arms around. M. plays along. "But he sees her at the school after the summer romance, why isn't he happy to see her?"
R. and I take turns shouting explanations at him and now also at N., who has joined the fray. Battle lines have been drawn by gender. "It was the fifties!" "He's protecting his reputation." "She was in love." And so on.
The divorce is reaching its final stages for my friend K., and I check in with her to see how she is doing. She and her man – the one she is in love with – have agreed to only speak by phone until all the paperwork has been finalized and filed. "It's fine," she says, "it's good. We're both really busy." I nod my affirmation. They talk a couple times a week. He suggests that maybe she'd want to date other people.
She says: "I didn't say this to him, but the last thing I want to do is date. I don't want to meet anyone else. I like him. I want him. Why would I ever want to date other people, when I've already picked him?"
She is quiet for a moment, then asks: "Do you think he said that because he wants to date other people?"
There is no real way for me to know the answer to this, but I don't think she is looking for an answer. She is waiting for reassurance. I say: "I doubt it. Why would he, at this point? After all this time that you've waited to be together?"
She looks down at her soup. "I don't know. Maybe he does." She pauses, picks up her spoon, swirls it around in the soup that is now growing cold. "Well, he can do whatever he wants," she says, "but I'm tired. I don't want to date. I just want to get all this over with so I can get on with my life."
The waitress leaves the check, clears the plates. K. says: "It just gets so lonely sometimes, you know?" Again, I nod. She says: "I can't help it. I'm so lonely."
L. comes over to eat dinner with us while M. is at work late. I ask her about the man she made the four-hour drive to see, despite my admonitions. "It was lovely," she says. "We had a lovely time." She wipes at my counter with a sponge.
"I wanted him to come up this weekend, but he wouldn't." I say nothing.
"You know, it's all fine," she says. "I know it's not going to be a thing. It's just good to know where I stand." I let her go on.
"He's completely transparent about it. It's kind of refreshing. It's good to know where we stand."
Z. wanders into the kitchen and we talk about school, her classes, which temporarily suspends the conversation I realize I no longer want to have.
The fantasies develop early, blossom in adolescence. The idea that things will go one way or another. It is now, I think, in mid-life that one begins to recognize the fantasies for what they are. But the lure of them is still there, still driving us, even as we hold them up to the light, see them in all their gauzy impossibility.
It is not the details of the fantasies that I remember really – more the feeling of them. The sense of certainty that they engendered. The assurance that you have mastered a bit of the world, a bit of yourself. That you have arrived at a place of knowing – a static, unchanging place. How seductive the possibility of living without doubt.
I open my car door in the parking lot and there is a patch of ice – ice! – where I am about to put my foot. I am so cautious about my footfalls now, the physical therapist's mantra – softly, softly – in my head all the time. The ice patch seems a reminder that there will be things I cannot anticipate.
Everything is symbol and sign to me these days. Messages of encouragement from the universe coded in birdsong; warnings in the play of shadows across the kitchen floor. I see hopefulness in a bit of winter sunlight refracted through the stained glass window. And later, as I ready myself for bed, shaking off the day, I listen for the wind's mournful howl as I slip into dreamless sleep.


text:
Ship back the item(s) you would like to return per the instructions given to you by our Customer Care Department. To process your return quicker, please include in your return package:
We will reimburse the credit card you used to make your purchase for the price you originally paid for the returned item(s), less shipping. In most cases, the return credit will appear on your credit card statement in the next regular billing cycle. If the item(s) being returned was a gift, an online Shop.AutismSpeaks.org eGift Card will be issued in lieu of a refund. Returns made more than 30 days past the original purchase date will be honored with a Shop.AutismSpeaks.org eGift Card in lieu of a refund.
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Battle Creek, MI 49037
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2 Corinthians 5:16-21
Providence is a congregation blended from different faith backgrounds that include Methodist, Catholic, Episcopalian, Presbyterian, and many others. We are a Baptist church and embrace historical Baptist principles. We believe every individual stands before God without anyone in between — no priest, no minister, no church. We believe the Bible is the word of God we take seriously, but not literally. Each person has the right and responsibility to read and interpret Scripture for themselves without a larger group telling them what to do. We believe in the separation of church and state, and fight for religious liberty for all people.
We are a theologically progressive congregation and we support everyone — regardless of who you are — to discover who God is creating you to be. Questions are encouraged and we want individuals to think about their faith. We invite you to come see if you find Providence to be a loving, caring, inclusive community connected to God and to each other.
9:15am Sunday School for all ages10:30am Worship
Childcare available in the Education Building for all services.
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Providence ChurchDaniel Island294 Seven Farms DriveCharleston, SC 29492
843.971.5275 | Email Us


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Product Description
Linkin Park Concentric Logo Official New Black Beanie Hat, this one size fits most quality Ski Hat will keep you nice and warm in style. Be sure to check out our other great merch in our store.
- Officially Licensed Product
- one size fits most
- Quality Beanie Hat
- machine washable
- Great gift for any fan!


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Mother Nature takes care of our health. It gives us all we need to look good as well. Use natural oils if you want to improve your appearance.
Here are the benefits of argan oil:
1. Skin Moisturizer
Oils nourish and moisturize the skin. Argan oil is a great night moisturizer. A couple of drops warmed with your hands and then applied onto your face and neck area will keep your skin healthy and soft. argan oil can be safely used around your eyes.


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Low-Rental Housing Program
Additional information on the Low-Rental Housing program can be obtained by contacting either:
You can also refer to the Low-Rental Housing section of the Société d'habitation du Québec's website. To locate a housing bureau, housing co-op or non-profit organization, use the Répertoire des partenaires et des mandataires online service (in French only).
The application must be renewed every year.
Formulaire de courriel (in French only)
AccèsLogis Québec firstname.lastname@example.com


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Now that you've decided to book an educational or performance student tour, it only takes a few simple steps to prepare your students for traveling. Here are a few ideas of what you can be thinking about before you take off for your trip.
Heading a fundraiser can be a bit overwhelming if you don't know where to start. Download our free fundraising e-book to help jumpstart your efforts.
The earlier you start promoting your tour, the better. On top of starting early, here are our favorite ways to promote your tour, recruit students and get them excited.
Visit our FAQ page to help answer you student tour questions. Or call us directly at 1-877-545-0070.
Get ready to be inspired! Enjoy your student tour to the fullest by keeping these tips in mind.
View our various student tour options and get sample itinerary ideas for your custom tour.
Our Tour Directors keep groups engaged with their destination expertise, and they maintain a safe, flawless tour experience with the utmost level of professionalism.
With our 24/7 emergency hotline, on tour medical assistance, extensive vendor audits and Brightspark staff support, we go the extra mile when it comes to keeping students safe.
We thank you for letting us plan your student tour. Here are a few post-tour tips that we recommend.
Join our community of teachers, directors and group leaders and subscribe to the Brightspark Blog to receive free travel tips and teaching resources.
Share your amazing educational or performance travel with a fellow teacher that hasn't previously traveled with Brightspark Travel.
The sooner you book your student tour, the better. Why? Read these five important reasons in our infographic.


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In what will be his first visit to a UT classroom since graduating in 1978, Paul Finebaum is coming back to Big Orange Country.
The self-described "Oprah Winfrey of college football," Finebaum has emerged from Alabama as one of the top radio sports talk show hosts in the country; he's returning to his alma mater today to deliver a keynote lecture on the challenge to remain neutral in a social media age as part of the College of Communication and Information's annual Social Media Week.
He will also host his award-winning "Paul Finebaum Show" live from Neyland Stadium at 2 p.m.
The Daily Beacon caught up with Finebaum, a former Beacon sports editor who recalls the days when Pat Summitt's office was actually the size of a broom closet.
We asked him about the SEC Network (he'll be featured four hours each day); his upcoming book ("My Conference Can Beat Your Conference: Why the SEC Still Rules College Football"); and The Charge (for the record: he said it wasn't a charge.)
Q: What was The Daily Beacon like when you were here?
A: I sought out The Daily Beacon as a volunteer reporter and somehow found my lot in life – it was the center of the universe for me. It was like a bad movie that you didn't think would ever end: we worked together, we went out eating and drinking together, and our lives were intertwined. And in some respects, they still are. It's been a long time, but I still keep up.
Q: How did you get into sports?
A: I did a little bit of news, which I really liked and would bounce back and forth throughout my career. But I gravitated to sports. It was fun covering student government, but I never got the feeling that many people were really (inteterested) – I think really the early stages of my entertainment career were being born.
Q: What do you think the SEC Network will bring to UT?
A: To have a dedicated channel is something that's a long time coming. You're going to see a lot of interaction, things fans want to see. There are going to be thousands of events streamed, because every university will be equipped to do that once the network goes up. It's going to be an opportunity for students, both on campuses and the network.
Q: A lot of Beacon alumni have made it in big market sports journalism, including Woody Paige at the Denver Post/Around the Horn and ESPN's Gene Wojciechowski. How have your lives intersected?
A: I had never spoken to Woody Paige until the other day. We had him on the show because he was pushing his book ("I'm Almost Out of Cha: Woody Paige's Chalkboard Tales"). I reminded him of a line I'll share: As I was leaving campus, Bud Ford (former sports information officer) said to me, 'Finebaum, it took 10 years for the sports information and The Daily Beacon to repair the damages left behind for Woody Paige. You have now destroyed that for perhaps forever. We may never be able to reconcile the two."
Q: And as for Gene?
A: We spent a year together at the Beacon, I was exiting as he was becoming a star. And the day after The New Yorker magazine did a profile on me, I got a call from a literary agent that happened to be in New York. He said, 'You need to do a book.' WoJo's (Wojciechowski) publisher called him with the same thing almost simultaneously. So we sold the book about a year ago, and we were together every week during game day. Most of the heavy work was done right after the BCS championship game. We had about a six-week window before we had to turn it in."
Q: Do you have a clash of allegiances between Alabama and Tennessee?
A: ... I went to UT – that's my school. Yeah, you can't help but live someplace for 30 years and not care about what happens around you and lose a little bit of contact with your school ... but ultimately, I covered Alabama, I didn't go to Alabama. At the end of the day, I'm still a Tennessee graduate.


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Hugh Durkin is Emerging Partnerships Lead EMEA for the Preferred Marketing Developer (PMD) Program at Facebook. In this role, Hugh is responsible for managing the delivery and adoption of 3rd party PMD/FBX technology products and ad-tech solutions for agencies and clients across EMEA.
Prior to joining Facebook, Hugh spent 8 years publisher-side building various start-ups, including a market-leading price comparison website, voucher code aggregator and women's digital content network. During his fifteen-year career, Hugh has gained a vast amount of experience across display, SEM, affiliate, email/crm and social.
Hugh joined Facebook in June 2012, and is based in London and Dublin.
"This is a real chance to get recognition, not only in front of your peers but obviously in front of your clients or potential clients, and ultimately just having this as a benchmark and a way to celebrate just the quality things that actually go on within the UK performance industry for me is just a huge check box."John Myers, Commercial Director EMEA, – Marin Software
© 2019 PerformanceIN. All rights reserved unless stated. Images used with permission.


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If we're talking culinary attractions, Mexican food is San Diego's main calling card. While inexpensive fish tacos and French fry-stuffed burritos are readily available in this region, San Diego has much more to offer when it comes to traditional Mexican cuisine. Tacos made with freshly pounded heirloom corn tortillas, tangy ceviches, succulent lamb barbacoa, and redolent mole and carnitas are just the beginning. Whether you're walking up to a food truck or tucking into a loaded plate, you're guaranteed a good—and seriously authentic—meal. We've scoured San Diego's streets to bring you its 10 best South of the Border-inspired eats. Dig in!
Courtesy Puesto
Finding a sit-down Mexican restaurant with quality food might seem futile in grab-and-go San Diego, but Puesto is the exception. This bright, bustling restaurant is located in The Headquarters at Seaport Village, a one-time downtown police command post-turned-outdoor marketplace. Puesto's kitchen turns out modern takes on Mexican street food. You'll see it in their tacos, which range from traditional carnitas to zucchini with nopales (a type of cactus), in addition to snacks like chicharrónes and ceviche. The drinks menu is basically an homage to Mexico, and includes tequila and mezcal, plus beers and wines from Valle de Guadalupe.
Courtesy El Indio
The counter service at El Indio might make the place look like a fast food joint—but the vibe at this family-run Mexican restaurant is decidedly warm. Some say El Indio invented the taquito (the restaurant more judiciously claims they helped popularize the "little taco"). Veracity aside, theirs are worth trying. The crispy rolled tacos come in beef, chicken, or potato and can be topped with cheese, guacamole, or both. If that doesn't tickle you, there's an extensive menu of other dishes: enchiladas, tamales, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, chimichangas, beans and rice, and so on.
Think of this Barrio Logan spot as the Mexican food equivalent of The Soup Nazi: Your options won't be plentiful, but you won't really care. Want proof? There's always a line outside the no-frills, cash-only taqueria, so use that time to figure out what you want (don't worry, the menu isn't long). If we may make a recommendation: go with the rolled tacos slathered in sour cream and cheese, or the rice and beans with chorizo served with two flour tortillas.
Courtesy Tacos El Gordo
This is a taqueria with rules. The first mandate: Order, then pay. The second: What you order dictates the line in which you stand. You better be prepared to wait long as an hour, especially for Tacos El Gordo's famous adobada meat. The menu is short, with just a handful of taco varieties—carne asada, tongue, and chorizo among them—along with quesadillas, tostadas, sopes, and mulas. Note that everything is street-style, meaning portions are small; the average diner will probably need at least three tacos to make a meal of it.
Courtesy Galaxy Taco
Located in a less-trafficked section of tony La Jolla, this colorful, sunny restaurant is known for its non-traditional take on Mexican street food—you can add uni to your guacamole, and the Tres Leches cake is made of sweet potato. The drink list is heavy on Mexican spirits, like mezcals, tequilas, and Tijuana-brewed craft beer. The vibe is light enough for happy hour with friends, but still polished enough for date night, a work lunch, or a family meal.
It may look like every other marisco food truck in San Diego, of which there are about a million, and it may be permanently parked in a Target Express lot. But this restaurant on wheels serves some of the city's best and cheapest Mexican food, where tacos come in at just under $2—each. Come your turn, get an order of fried shrimp ones, plus the tostadas—crunchy corn tortillas topped with tangy, lime-doused seafood chunks, and find some curbside to park it on.
Victor Campos
This strip mall spot may have the easy feel (and more-or-less nonexistent decor) of a fast-casual joint, but its dining experience and cleanliness clock the same cred as a sit-down restaurant. Don't be food-shy here. Order as many of their fabulous dishes as possible right away, and worry later about how much your stomach can actually hold. Put in an order for of the house specialty, lamb barbacoa: it's a staple in the rural Mexican town of Texcoco. There's also an entire menu page dedicated to the restaurant's other tender, perfectly cooked meats, which are halal.
Courtesy Karina's Ceviches & More
The newest outpost from San Diego's family-run Karina's empire, located on busy India Street near the airport, is a modern, fast-casual restaurant that operates more like your average food stand. Order at the to-go window, and once you've claimed your goods, head out onto the small outdoor patio. The menu features the classics, like the fish taco, carnitas burrito, and signature ceviche—a blend of shrimp, avocado, cilantro, and cucumber topped with a spicy sauce.
Cantina Mayahuel blends a Mexican cantina concept with a dive bar—and a dash of saloon, for good measure. They whip up tasty chicken, sirloin, and fish tacos, but there are only two words you need to know: carnitas tacos. Diners come just as much for the tequila and mezcal as they do for the solid grub. Behind the bar are hundreds of varieties of blanco, añejo, and reposado tequilas, any of which can be combined with fresh, organic lime juice and agave to make a margarita.
Sam Wells
The newest location of this chain, set in hipster North Park, is more spacious—and, crucially, has a shorter wait time—than the original outpost. Order at the counter, then pick a high- or low-top table in the dining area, or head outside to the patio overlooking busy University Avenue. The food is indulgent, smothered in cheese, and heavy: Tacos and burritos take center stage. Prepare for a low-key, belly-busting meal—an ideal hangover cure.


text: Well, back at it. Another workweek ahead. This past week in addition to doing my regular strips for the Fargo Forum I also managed to draw a caricature of one of my brother-in-law's friends. (As you can see he is a golfer.) They're having a fundraiser for him and I was more than happy to be able to help.


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For many, Memorial Day weekend signifies the start of summer. Pool parties, family get-togethers and of course, warm weather! You might have started digging out your summer clothes or adding more to your wardrobe, so here are a few things to keep in mind when dressing for success this summer:
- No flip-flops – These shoes are great for the pool, but not for work.
- Appropriate hemlines – Ladies, avoid dresses and skirts that are shorter than knee-length.
- Add some color – Leave the black for winter and brighten up your summer days with more color.
- Watch out for lighter fabrics – Light fabric might feel better when it's hot outside, but it can also wrinkle easily and sometimes be a little see-through.
- Sleeveless shirts? – The straps of you shirt should always be an appropriate width. Never wear a spaghetti-strap shirt to the office.
- Think layers – It's hot outside, but the AC is on full blast. Bring a jacket or cardigan with you to the office, so you're comfortable with both.
- Jeans on Friday? No holes or frays – If you have a summer dress code that allows for jeans on Fridays, don't abuse it by coming in with holes and frays.
- Stay polished – Remember, you're coming to work, so you should always be ironed and tidy.
- When in doubt, don't wear it – It' always better to be safe than sorry!
People tend to relax more in the summer. However, it's not a green light to wear whatever you want to work, so keep these tips in mind this summer.
Have a safe and wonderful Memorial Day weekend!


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North Carolina Insurance Services
Whether you're searching for auto, home, life, motorcycle, or any other type of insurance, our independent agents can get you comparative quotes from several trusted providers and help you select an insurance product that meets your needs.
As an independent agency, we work for you, not the insurance companies. We want to help you find the best values on insurance in North Carolina.
|Select one of the following services to learn more
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Serving Goldsboro and all of North Carolina since 2008. We work for you. Call, email, or stop in today and let us help you!
502 NC HWY 581 South
Goldsboro, NC 27530


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Kashi Health
How does Billing Work?
When you set up a Provider account with Kashi you will provide a credit card to be kept on file. When testing is completed the card will be billed. Alternatively, a Provider can require the patient to submit payment with the sample. If payment is not received from the patient, then the provider will be billed for the testing service. All samples received at the lab must be accompanied by payment. Payment is collected prior to testing the sample. A credit card number with credit card release authorization can be held securely on file for convenience. Volume discounts may be available, please ask your account representative for more details.
Does Kashi bill insurance for testing?
Kashi Clinical Laboratories is developing an insurance billing program and will alert health providers when the program is ready. In the meantime, please ask your patients to submit their receipts directly to insurance for possible reimbursement, depending upon their health plan.
Are FSA/HSA accounts accepted for payment?
Kashi Clinical Laboratories does not accept FSA or HSA cards. Patients are welcome to pay their provider directly, or the provider can request a credit card authorization form.
International Providers: Payment via a credit card release authorization can be sent with the sample. The provider or patient may also contact the laboratory at 001 503 206 4989 to make payment arrangements.
International Return Shipment: Return the samples with the carrier of your choice to the laboratory at:
Kashi Clinical Laboratories, Inc.
10101 SW Barbur Blvd, Suite 200
Portland, OR 97219
Kashi Toxicology
Insurance Billing
With its increasing recognition as a valuable component of health care diagnosis and treatment, more insurers are now covering most of the cost of testing services. Most insurance providers, with some exceptions, require Kashi Clinical Laboratories (KCL) to bill patients for any applicable deductible, co‐insurance, and/or co‐payment, based on explanations of benefits ("EOBs") or similar statements furnished by the insurer. These amounts are determined by the insurance company.
When KCL is not contracted with a particular insurance plan, patients are billed for the amount designated by their plan as the patient's responsibility, including any balance remaining on the bill if the insurer pays less than the "usual and customary," "reasonable," or "allowable" charge (collectively the "Allowable Charge") for the services provided. The Allowable Charge will be determined by the insurer on the EOB. If the full Allowable Charge is paid to KCL by the insurer, patients will not be billed by KCL.
Patient Assigned Insurance Payments
In some instances insurers may send their portion of payment for KCL's testing services directly to the patient. Any patient that receives an insurer's check for services provided by KCL is responsible for forwarding this payment to KCL. Patients should write on the back of the check "Pay to Kashi Clinical Laboratories," sign the check, and then mail it to the lab at the address below:
Kashi Clinical Laboratories
Payment Processing Department
10101 SW Barbur Blvd., Suite 200
Portland, OR 97219
In cases where insurer payments to patients are not forwarded to KCL in a timely manner, an outside collection agency may be employed to recover payment.
Patient Billing, Non-insured Patients, and Payment Plans
KCL recognizes that in some circumstances cost may be a barrier to testing. It is important to us that patients receive the care they need for quality health outcomes. If cost is a barrier to testing, please call the customer service center at (877) 879-1815, to ask if your patient qualifies for a special payment option. These may include:
- Quick Payment Discount. KCL may offer prompt payment discounts covering co‐payments, co‐insurance, and/or deductibles for patients not covered by KCL's contracted health insurance plans. The rate shall be determined at KCL's sole discretion. Currently, KCL offers a prompt payment discount for balances paid in full within 30 days. The prompt payment discount does not apply to uninsured patients, or to patients with insurance who opt to pay for KCL 's services out of pocket.
- No Insurance Coverage. For patients with no insurance or if the testing is not a covered expense, KCL may offer an Uninsured rate. Please contact the customer service center at (877) 879-1815 for information.
- Payment Plans. KCL may enter into a payment plan for outstanding balances. Eligibility shall be individually determined.
- Patient Financial Hardship. Patients who are unable to pay for testing services performed by KCL at the billed amount can request a form to determine eligibility for hardship assistance. Please contact the Client Solutions team for more information at email@example.com.
All patients are encouraged to call the customer service center at (877) 879-1815 with questions or concerns about their bill. The customer service center is open Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (PST).
Approved Dec. 8, 2014. Updated: Dec. 17, 2015. All information on this page is subject to change without notice.


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Teachers and Homeschool parents love our high-interest, hands-on curriculum including Lapbook Project Packs and Notebooking Packs. With this unit study you will be able to teach your 3rd-6th grade classroom about reading and creating graphs. Graphs are great tools to use because they display information visually and it is important to know how to create and read graphs. Make your lesson planning easy with the Reading and Creating Graphs Curriculum from In the Hands of a Child. This pack includes a 5-day Planning Guide, Related Reading, 15 Hands-On Activities, a 7-page Research Guide, and an Answer Key. Students will be introduced to types of graphs, parts of graphs, reading graphs, creating graphs, and more.
Additional Information
|Grade Level
|3rd Grade, 4th Grade, 5th Grade, 6th Grade
|Sample Download


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Yi Wan
'Over the years, I tried to remember her face, the words she said the things we did together. I remember her ten thousand different ways. That is what Chinese people always say – yi wan – ten thousand this and that, always a big number, always an exaggeration. But I have been thinking about my mother for almost seventy years, so it must be ten thousand times. And it must be that she has changed ten thousand different ways, each time I recalled her. So maybe my memory of her is not right anymore.'
Amy Tan, 'The Kitchen God's Wife'


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Pitching for reopening of cinema's in Kashmir valley bollywood actor Salman Khan on Sunday said he would like to release his upcoming Bajrangi Bhaijan in Kashmir Valley besides other parts of India.
While addressing a presser in Sonamarg he said it is surprising that the theaters are not operational here and people have to watch bollywood movies through pirated DVD's. He termed it unfortunate that the people here are not enjoing cenima on 70mm screen.
Hailing the hospitality of the people of Kashmir he said he enjoyed his 40 days shoot in valley for his upcoming Movie Bajrangi Bhaijan with his scheduled to be released this Eid. Salman also thanked his fans in Kashmir who prayed for him during his recent days of this rest.
Salman said Switzerland has nothing better to offer by way of outdoor locales in comparison to Kashmir.
"If you haven't seen Kashmir, you have seen nothing. This is my second trip to Kashmir this year. I have spent 40 days here. We will now be leaving the Valley after the successful shoot of our movie. We shot in Pahalgam and Sonamarg."
Salman said he would appeal the people outside the state to visit the beautiful landscapes of valley an explore it as all weather tourist destination.
Terming last year's floods in Kashmir as unfortunate Salman mentioned that his being human organization has supported and will continue its support to put valley back on gear.
Film's director Kabir Khan Salman said whenever he has to shoot in landscapes, Kashmir would be his first preference.
"There is lot more needy to be done so that bollywood would make Kashmir its prime destination. Internet connectivity must get better besides the roads which are rough at various places," he added.


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Tell us about mobile technology in your business for a chance to win an iPhone 6s. Take our survey!
There isn't an investor in the industry, at least not one that has realized some degree of success, who would advise against a proper marketing strategy.
Marketing is an essential component to sustainable success. It is, for the most part, the foundation of your company. Without it, consumers won't even have the chance to see you as a viable option.
Skimping on marketing is one of the biggest mistakes a company can make. No matter how highly you regard your business, there will be no demand for what you have to offer if nobody is even aware of its existence.
To get the most out of your next marketing campaign, or even to simply increase your exposure, I recommend several steps.
The first step
Let's start with identifying your target market. The more people that are made aware of your company and what it does, the better off you will be. However, it is not enough to simply broadcast a message to the masses without a plan.
When marketing and advertising any business, you must first identify a target audience. The key is to get your material in front of the people you want to see it.
Identifying a target market is more about focusing your efforts than excluding those who don't fit your criteria. In fact, you aren't neglecting anyone; you are simply identifying those that are more likely to buy your product. You will quickly learn that marketing to a specific demographic is much more productive than the alternative.
Set aside some time to evaluate what it is you are offering, and who, specifically, would benefit from your product or service. You need to know exactly who your customers are and the demographics you hope to serve.
It's impossible to know where you are going until you know where you have been. Subsequently, your current customer base should give you a good idea of how to formulate any future strategies. Who are you currently doing business with? There are most likely common characteristics that exist among your clientele.
Identify the common threads and adjust your plans to cater to those needs. However, don't stop there. Dig a little deeper and identify the audience your competitors are targeting.
Although you might not want to target the same market as they are, what you learn might identify a niche that has yet to be served.
Betamax vs. VHS
Those who can recall the late 1970s might remember the marketing battle between Sony's Betamax and JVC's VHS. Each company spent years, and probably more money than they are willing to admit, fighting for market share.
As I am sure you are aware, VHS eventually won out. However, it's important to note that JVC's victory wasn't the result of a superior product — but rather a superior marketing scheme.
JVC understood the importance of directing their marketing efforts at a specific audience. Understanding who they were marketing to gave their strategy the upper hand. It was more cost-effective, efficient and effective. It is as simple as that.
To that end, your goal should be the same as JVC's: to understand your audience. Your product or service should be one of the first places you look.
It will provide insight into which demographic is more inclined to pick up on your marketing efforts. I recommend identifying the features your product has become synonymous with, and supplementing each feature with the benefits it provides.
Who has a need you can help meet?
Once you have identified said benefits, try to determine which demographic has a need that can be fulfilled by your benefits.
As the great management consultant, educator and author Peter Drucker once said, "The aim of marketing is to know and understand the customer so well the product or service fits him and sells itself."
Remember, it's catering to the needs of your specific market that will give you the upper hand.
Read part 2: "How to design your marketing plan."
Than Merrill is the founder and CEO of FortuneBuilders Inc. and CT Homes. Connect with Than on LinkedIn or follow him on Twitter @ThanMerrill.


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A how-to must for anyone who leads teens in discussion and faith-sharing. Includes: How to make a discussion work, skills for facilitation, asking questions, listening, handling typical group problems, and more.
Soft cover, 8″ x 5″ 84 pages $9.95
A plain-talking, faith-based approach to highly charged, sometimes difficult subjects, including: the wonder and power of touch, myths about sexuality, friendship and intimacy, unhealthy patterns of intimacy, and more. Third edition published in 2010.
Soft cover, 6″ x 9″ 128 pages
1-20 copies…$8.95 ea
21-99 copies…$7.50 ea
100+ copies…$5.95 ea
Challenge young men to consider their own soul energy and spiritual experience as they journey into manhood. Ideal for spirituality classes, youth groups, or father-son retreats.
Soft cover, 6″ x 9″ 128 pages
1-20 copies…$8.95 ea
21-99 copies…$7.50 ea
100+ copies…$5.95 ea
50 icebreaking activities save planning time and guarantee fun with a purpose — to introduce, challenge, energize, and reflect on diversity. Put Icebreakers in your teens' hands and let them be responsible for this part of your session time.
Soft cover, 8″ x 5″
55 pages $5.00
Contains classic prayers for teens from scripture and other religious traditions. Plentyof room and inspiration for journaling on all life's big questions.Perfect complement to the weekly issues of SPIRIT for teens . Ideal as a gift forteens in your school or parish.
Soft cover, 4″ x 7″ 72 pages
1-20 copies…$3.75 each
21-99 copies…$3.25 each
100+ copies…$3.00 each


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I'm not a big fan of denormalizing, nor of repeating redundant
redundant information in a database when those facts can already be derived from other information. A classic example of the latter is when I see questions on newsgroups, forums or StackOverflow that ask how they can update a table's rank column to reflect the current rank based on some other criteria in the table. The problem with this is that you have to run the update every time any DML operation touches any row in the table, and if you can calculate that rank in an UPDATE query, you can also calculate that rank in a SELECT query, so why not just figure it out in real time? An example of the former is when we want to maintain a second table with aggregates from another table. This is where I want to spend my time today.
In reality, many of us deal with OLTP systems that must also serve as the reporting source, so it's not always feasible to calculate aggregates in real time against a constantly moving target. In several of these scenarios I've used indexed views, where we have tables that are inserted often, read often for statistics, but rarely or never updated… sure, you pay a little hit up front on the insert, but the benefit achieved during real-time reporting was worth it. Let me give you an idea of what I was dealing with initially, and how I have fixed it over time to perform even better.
One of our systems is an SaaS e-mail platform, where we offer the ability for our customers to distribute messaging to their customers (mostly via e-mail, but we also support fax, SMS, widgets/gadgets, and social media). For brevity, let's call these people "recipients." If you stripped the schema down to the bare essentials for metadata, you'd see this (I'm going to leave out the foreign key and other constraints, as they are either obvious or irrelevant):
CREATE TABLE dbo.Domains ( DomainID INT PRIMARY KEY, DomainName VARCHAR(255) ); CREATE TABLE dbo.Recipients ( RecipientID INT PRIMARY KEY, DomainID INT, LocalPart VARCHAR(64) /* , ... other columns ... */ );
Obviously we store many other details about recipients, such as demographic information, preferences, opt-in status, subscriptions, etc. But for this discussion, the above is sufficient. Notice that for space savings we don't actually store the e-mail address of the recipient, though it is required and is enforced to be unique via a constraint on (DomainID, LocalPart); this information can easily be derived using a view (you can even make this an indexed view if you want quicker access to e-mail addresses, but I'll leave that for another day):
CREATE VIEW dbo.vRecipientDetails AS SELECT r.RecipientID, EmailAddress = r.LocalPart + '@' + d.DomainName FROM dbo.Recipients AS r INNER JOIN dbo.Domains AS d ON r.DomainID = d.DomainID;
RecipientID is the primary key because it is used in a lot of related tables, most importantly, stats tables. We record every single transaction for a recipient: when a message is attempted to be sent to them; when a successful delivery occurs; when a bounce occurs; when the recipient opens the message or clicks on a link in the message; when the recipient changes their preferences; or, when the user declines to receive further communications from our customer. The thought of storing LocalPart + DomainID (or the fully composed e-mail address) in all of these other tables that would grow and grow over time made a surrogate representation a very easy choice for the primary key. I didn't want to make the discussion revolve around this, but I've seen several raised eyebrows in the past about surrogate primary keys and wanted to assure you that, in this system, I think it is the best choice. (If you want to debate that, let's have a different discussion, as long as it doesn't turn religious.)
Okay, so I mentioned this is an OLTP system, and I mentioned that we record all of the individual transactions for a recipient in various stats tables. Let's take a quick look at how one of these stats tables looked for the first, oh, 5 years of their existence:
CREATE TABLE dbo.Deliveries ( MessageID INT, -- references a table dbo.Messages RecipientID INT, EventDate SMALLDATETIME /* , ... other columns... */ );
So a customer would send out a message targeted to, say, 50,000 recipients. During the next few hours we would fill up this table with successful deliveries (and other similar tables with bounces, opens, clicks, etc). Soon after inception of the system, we found that our customers wanted to pull real-time statistics on how the messages were going… mostly on the lookout for high bounce rates (well, low delivery rates too, I guess). Of course this was very contentious if they pulled reports while the tables were loading. So in order to give a much more satisfactory experience to the user pulling reports in our web UI, we created indexed views that would automatically maintain the number of deliveries, bounces, etc.:
CREATE VIEW dbo.vMessageDeliveries WITH SCHEMABINDING AS SELECT MessageID, c = COUNT_BIG(*) FROM dbo.Deliveries GROUP BY MessageID; GO CREATE UNIQUE CLUSTERED INDEX m ON dbo.vMessageDeliveries(MessageID);
So now the inserts were a little more expensive but, as mentioned above, this was much better for overall system performance (at least perceived performance) and, more importantly, customer happiness.
Then customers wanted more details on their statistics. They wanted to see how their messages were getting into, say, Hotmail compared to AOL. We have this information, but it was quite expensive to retrieve. Remember earlier I noted that we don't typically store redundant information, but this means that in cases like this, we need to do a lot of joins. So for example, to provide a responsive report that showed real-time message status per domain, we created indexed views like this:
CREATE VIEW dbo.vMessageDomainDeliveries WITH SCHEMABINDING AS SELECT d.MessageID, r.DomainID, c = COUNT_BIG(*) FROM dbo.Deliveries AS d INNER JOIN dbo.Recipients AS r ON r.RecipientID = d.RecipientID GROUP BY d.MessageID, r.DomainID; GO CREATE UNIQUE CLUSTERED INDEX md ON dbo.vMessageDomainDeliveries(MessageID, DomainID);
Of course this again added more strain to the insert process on the deliveries table, since it now had to maintain two indexed views. In isolation, this still yielded better overall performance than essentially expanding that view and trying to get at the domain aggregates in real time. But it introduced a new problem to the system: severe blocking. Picture the case where deliveries are being recorded while a recipient is trying to update their preferences or change their e-mail address. Since both processes need to lock and potentially update the index on the indexed view, one has to wait for the other. This can lead to a sad face on an end user.
What I ended up doing was to recant my disdain for storing redundant information, and store the domain information in the deliveries table. Yes, this was an extra 4 bytes, but as we were moving the whole system to a new 2008 cluster with a much faster I/O subsystem, we would get much more than that back with page compression. So starting over, we still have the same Domains and Recipients tables, but now domain-based reports are driven from objects that look like these:
CREATE TABLE dbo.Deliveries ( MessageID INT, RecipientID INT, DomainID INT, EventDate SMALLDATETIME, /* , ... other columns ... */ ); GO CREATE VIEW dbo.vMessageDomainDeliveries WITH SCHEMABINDING AS SELECT MessageID, DomainID, c = COUNT_BIG(*) FROM dbo.Deliveries GROUP BY MessageID, DomainID; GO CREATE UNIQUE CLUSTERED INDEX md ON dbo.vMessageDomainDeliveries(MessageID, DomainID);
The up-front cost of calculating the domain of each recipient during insert is likely very equivalent to the system doing the same lookup while maintaining the indexed view (except we can use snapshot isolation in our query, but can't really enforce the same during clustered index updates). And in addition to no longer causing blocking on updates to the recipients table, we also get a much more accurate representation of history: the delivery is marked with the domain the recipient had on that day, since their e-mail address could have changed 20 times since then. All in all it has turned out that storing the domain information multiple times has helped contribute to making a very busy system suddenly seem almost idle.
The primary lesson learned here: indexed views can be a very helpful tool in your arsenal, but they can bring you down if you try to over-use them. Another lesson learned: do not assume that redundancy is the devil. It can help out in many scenarios, even if it feels a little dirty.
I can identify with the "feels a little dirty" sensation. I always get a pang of guilt when I introduce redundancy into a model no matter what Ralph Kimball may have to say on the subject (that's not a sleight against Kimball by the way).
Just a question about the processing of the deliveries. I assume (perhaps wrongly) that its a more-or-less synchronous process; by that I mean a record gets inserted into [dbo].[Deliveries] as soon as an email is sent. I wonder if there is any scope to decouple those 2 activities e.g. An email gets sent and the insertion into [dbo].[Deliveries] is done at a different time (perhaps by employing a messaging infrastructure such as Service Broker). That way maybe you could batch-up more of the insertions and incur less strain on [dbo].[Deliveries].
Of course you then get into what exactly do the users mean when they say they want "real-time"? and that's another can of worms in itself!
Just a thought.
Too bad SQL Server indexed views can't be bound to synonyms.
Jamie, yes, the inserts are performed by batch. An external process actually sends the mail, and logs deliveries to a flat file. These logs are bulk inserted into a work table, processed there, then inserted into the main deliveries table on a schedule. This makes it very easy to schedule stats loading around periods of other activity, though for the most part this process runs every 10 minutes throughout the day.
Wes, since indexed views are schema-bound, I'm curious what you expect to gain from utilizing synonyms (other than, perhaps, simpler object names in the view definition). Even if synonyms were supported, it's not like you could magically point the synonym at a different object and expect the view to automatically "catch up"…
Gotcha. I figured you'd already be on top of that sort of setup.
I too am curious to see what Wes meant about synonyms.
Hey Aaron,
I think that for better concurrency instead of the indexed view we could log the relevant changes in a queue or insert them into a log table. Another process could read messages from that queue and modify the summary table manually. Service Broker could shine in this scenario. What do you think?
Alex, a lot of the changes are already processed in a queue pretty much exactly how you describe, and service broker is employed for those. However there are a few methods that need to be relayed back to the user immediately – instant feedback kind of things, like change this or that preference.
Comments are closed.


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If you thought memes were a creation of the Internet Age, then I hate to be a dick, but you're very far mistaken.
And if for some bizarre reason you needed proof – then here it is, as uncovered by archaeologists on the Turkish-Syrian border.
'Be cheerful, live your life:' Ancient mosaic 'meme' found in Turkey (sundial upper left) https://t.co/Fk8YDTkClJ pic.twitter.com/MCLKdLE8jK
— History of Astronomy (@HistAstro) April 24, 2016
According to the Hurriyet Daily News, the 'reckless skeleton' derives from the 3rd Century BC and simply means 'Be Cheerful, Live Your Life' – Yolo.
One of the archaeologists who uncovered the inspirational meme back in April explained:
In the middle scene, there is a sundial and a young clothed man running towards it with a bare-headed butler behind. The sundial is between 9pm and 10pm – 9pm is the bath time in the Roman period.
He has to arrive at supper at 10pm. Unless he can, it is not well received. There is writing on the scene that reads he is late for supper and writing about time on the other.
In the last scene, there is a reckless skeleton with a drinking pot in his hand along with bread and a wine pot. The writing on it reads 'Be cheerful and live your life.
This skeleton isn't attending supper. Instead, he'd rather 'be cheerful and living life', like some kind of ancient stoner who's rife with wisdom.
This week, what could be considered an ancient motivational meme which reads "be cheerful, live your life" in ancie… pic.twitter.com/pu5WJs9EIZ
— ELMENS (@elmensmag) April 23, 2016
Turns out even back in the old days people found skeletons and memes pretty damn hilarious as you can see below:
You guys…


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Sandeep Singh, a resident of UP, who works in a garment unit in Udyog Vihar, received his November salary entirely in old Rs 500 notes. Like him, Sukhram Kumar, a labourer in an industrial unit, was in for a rude shock. "I was desperately waiting for some cash. Last month, I had to visit the bank thrice to exchange old notes, wasting precious work hours. I send money to my family in UP on the 7th of every month. Now, I got salary in the old currency. It's total injustice," said Sukhram.
There are thousands of others like them — poor folk, who have travelled from far corners of the country to the city in search of work, mostly in the industrial units. "I'm a diploma holder in garment manufacturing. I did a vocational course and came to Gurgaon in search of a job, since it has so many garments units. In this industry, even salaries are not up to the mark. Now, we're badly hit by demonetisation. I got 25 old Rs 500 notes as my salary. Just to manage my daily expenses, I will now have to spend at least a day standing in bank queues to deposit the money, and another to withdraw. I will lose salary for these days," said Mulayam Singh, a supervisor at a garment factory.
But these are the luckier ones. There are others who still don't have a bank account. "I have got my entire salary in old notes. I can't even deposit it anywhere, as I don't have a bank account yet. I have to pay my rent on the 10th of the month, else, I'll be thrown out of my rented room. On top of that, I'll have to send money to my wife in Uttaranchal soon, otherwise my wife won't be able to feed the children. Having these old notes is as good as having no money," said Sachin Negi.
Some industrial associations said industrialists are helpless as nobody is accepting old currency, and they are not getting new orders. "I understand labourers must be facing severe problem in exchanging old notes. But they need to realise us industrialists too are also in crisis," said Praveen Yadav, president of Gurgaon Udyog Association.
R L Sharma, president of Guragon Labour Law Advisor Association, said, "Both sides (labourers and industrialists) are struggling to overcome the crisis. While earlier, industrial units had cash of Rs 40-50 lakh in hand to give salaries in cash, they can now have Rs 10 to 15 lakh. It's a tough situation, though, we're yet to receive any complaints from the labourers."
Many labourers were worried about their salary getting deducted for days they have to take leave from work to stand in bank queues. "Last month itself, some of us were deducted salaries for up to 7 days, when we were trying to exchange old currency or withdraw new notes. Isn't it the government's responsibility to direct industrialists and employers to allow a few days of leave for people like us to exchange notes?" said Rajesh Yadav, a leader of a labour union in Udyog Vihar.
"Paying labourers in cash has been the norm here. The old Rs 500 notes are still accepted at many places," said an industrialist, requesting anonymity, when asked about the legality of paying with demonetised notes, adding, "We've encouraged them to open bank accounts, and are planning to organise a camp for the purpose soon."


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As Export Week gets underway, it is estimated that thousands of companies will receive export help and advice, Trade Minister Lord Livingston has announced.
UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) are delivering their fifth Export Week, from 7 – 11 April. 70 events are featured for small and mid-sized businesses across the UK with organisations attending a variety of workshops, seminars, intellectual property and marketing workshops.
Dedicated events will be provided throughout all regions in the UK, with emphasis on mid-sized businesses. Based on CBI estimates, if mid-sized businesses reach their maximum potential, it will be worth between £20bn and £50bn to the UK economy.


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On Wednesday, March 5, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) Foundation hosted an investiture ceremony for three Endowed Chairs at NorthShore Evanston Hospital. Endowed Chairs represent the highest level of prestige at academic medical institutions and help ensure the continuation of excellence in care, research and medical education. More than 100 friends, supporters and colleagues gathered as NorthShore honored and celebrated the work of three highly esteemed physician-scientists and educators: Jason L. Koh, MD; Jorge F. Saucedo, MD; and Nancy Schindler, MD.
The ceremony commenced with the investiture of Dr. Jason Koh, Chairman of Orthopaedic Surgery and Director of the NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, in the newly created Board of Directors Chair of Orthopaedic Surgery. An internationally renowned orthopaedic surgeon and innovative researcher, Dr. Koh brought his talents to NorthShore in 2009, where he continues to maintain a busy clinical practice while conducting ongoing clinical trials. Currently the team orthopaedic surgeon for the Chicago Fire soccer team, Dr. Koh was previously the Medical Director for the Joffrey Ballet and formerly served as orthopaedic consultant to the Chicago Cubs. Dr. Koh has served as visiting professor at multiple institutions and has lectured extensively around the world. He is included on the list of The Best Doctors in America® and is recognized as one of "America's Top Physicians" by the Consumers' Research Council of America.
Dr. Jorge Saucedo, Division Head of Cardiology, was then invested in NorthShore's second oldest endowed chair, the Allstate Foundation/Judson B. Branch Chair of Cardiology. The gift establishing this chair in perpetuity was made by The Allstate Foundation in 1972, recognizing Mr. Judson Branch as he retired from his leadership positions of Chief Executive Officer and Chairman at the Allstate Corporation. Dr. Saucedo came to NorthShore in 2013 from the University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, where he served as Professor of Medicine and Vice Chief of Clinical Affairs in the Division of Cardiology. A prolific academic writer, Dr. Saucedo has authored more than 90 refereed publications and has been involved for many years in clinical trials and multicenter clinical research in areas such as antithrombotic and antiplatelet therapy for carotid implantations, as well as the development of coronary stents. Recognized as one of The Best Doctors in America® in the Cardiovascular Disease category, Dr. Saucedo leads NorthShore's team of cardiologists in advancing leading-edge research, high-profile clinical programs and expert patient care.
The ceremony concluded with Dr. Nancy Schindler, Vice Chair of Education in NorthShore's Department of Surgery, being invested in the E. Stephen Kurtides, MD, Chair of Medical Education. Created in 1998, the chair carries on the impressive legacy of the late Dr. Kurtides, who served as mentor to some 800 medical residents during his distinguished career at Evanston Hospital and St. Joseph Hospital in Chicago. NorthShore was honored to be joined by his children for this special occasion — Mrs. Pauline Kurtides Sheehan and Mr. John Kurtides. Dr. Schindler, who joined NorthShore in 1999, is recognized as both a consummate educator and an immensely skilled surgeon. Responsible for the coordinated integration of the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine Surgery Residency with NorthShore University HealthSystem, she was inducted as a Fellow of the Academy of Distinguished Medical Educators at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine — the academic institution's top honor. Dr. Schindler has given more than 50 peer-reviewed and invited presentations on topics as diverse as women in leadership, the implementation of faculty development programs, and vascular and arterial disease, and was recognized in 2012 and 2013 as a Best Doctor in U.S. News & World Report.
"The individuals receiving these Endowed Chair honors are the finest physician-scientists and educators in the nation," said Murray Ancell, NorthShore Foundation Executive Director. "We are very fortunate that they share their gifts and talents here in support of NorthShore's mission 'to preserve and improve human life.'"
For more information about ways to support NorthShore University HealthSystem, please call (224) 364-7200 or visit northshore.org/foundation.
About NorthShore University HealthSystem
Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 850+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.
The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the organization's primary philanthropic entity. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore's ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.
NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, NorthShore Orthopaedic Institute, cardiovascular care, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.


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CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER! Get Wild in the Cornell Natural Area! Discover your Inner Indiana Jones as you enter the "on the wild side" wooded work site in the Cornell Natual Area! Join Friends of Hallinan Heights Woods to restore the habitat and remove invasive species in this 3 acre natural area. Please carpool & park off of Larch St. (There is no parking on Cornell St. ) We'll meet at Larch St. & walk down to the work site in the woods. Terrain is a hillside and may be challenging for young children. Gloves, tools & snack provided. No experience necessary. Dress for the weather as we'll be out in the woods rain or shine!
Cornell Natural Area: 1185 Cornell St. (Please carpool & park on Larch St.)
Contact: Jim Fisher 503-636-3153 or firstname.lastname@example.com


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Latest News
Sign language: For the Merced College baseball team, the signal system has become a little more complex
Chris Pedretti wasn't sure he wanted any part of the radical change he saw sweeping through college baseball.
Instead of giving signs, coaches were calling out numbers to let their catchers know what pitch they wanted.
The idea seemed logical.
A simple numerical system that made it impossible for opposing teams to steal signs -- ideal, right?
But it wasn't traditional baseball.
After all, coaches have been using hand signals since the game's inception.
So Merced College's skipper resisted. But eventually, Pedretti's sense of tradition gave way to his baseball savvy.
"When I first heard about the system, I was like, 'I'll never use that,' " Pedretti said. "It wasn't how I thought of baseball.
"But the more we saw it, the more I realized how beneficial it could be."
Pedretti said the system was developed by current Modesto Nuts manager Jerry Weinstein while Weinstein was at Cal Poly.
It works a little like a quarterback receiving a play from his offensive coordinator.
In the Blue Devils' version, pitching coach Nate Devine calls out a three-digit number to his catcher -- from a sheet of paper.
The catcher finds the number on a wristband he's wearing and signals the desired pitch to the pitcher.
The wristband consists of six 5-by-5 grids filled with letters that represent a certain pitch.
Each row in the grid has a number above it, as does each line.
So if Devine calls out pitch 414, his catcher finds row 41 and counts down four lines to find the pitch being called.
Looking at the grid, the system seems incredibly intimidating, but MC catcher Wes Borba said it's easily picked up.
"At first it was kind of a mess," said Borba, who has been with the team since the system was implemented two years ago. "You'd look down at the wristband and see all kinds of things going on.
"I called for some wrong things in that first month.
"Once we got used to it, it kind of became second nature."
Pedretti said there are about 150 pitches on each sheet of paper and wristband.
The coaches never call the same number twice, and on good days one pitch sheet can last about three innings.
Pedretti makes up six sheets and their corresponding wristbands per game -- just to be safe.
A computer program is used to make sure the numbers are random, making each sheet unique -- and making it impossible for other teams to pick up any discernible patterns.
"Something we really try to do is steal other team's signs," Pedretti admitted. "If we see another team using this system, we won't even bother."
According to Devine, the system has done more than just improve communication with his catchers.
"I was reluctant at first, but I love it," Devine said. "When the catcher doesn't have to wait for me to signal in a pitch, the game goes much faster.
"Everybody stays on their toes. It's just much more effective."
Pedretti and company have improved the system a bit to make sure everyone's involved in it.
While Devine calls out a number to his catcher, assistant coach Steve Pinocchio is relaying it to the infielders -- who are also wearing wristbands.
"It's a big advantage for our infielders, knowing what pitches are coming," Pedretti said. "Even if they don't adjust their positioning, knowing that a change-up is being thrown inside can help them anticipate what's coming.
"We used to have our middle infielders try and peak in to catch the sign, but that could leave them out of position."
Blue Devils shortstop Ben Gorang has nothing but praise for the system.
"It's way better," Gorang said. "It helps with positioning, but more than anything else it keeps you mentally sharp.
"You stay more into the game when you're checking the wristband on every single pitch."
The infielders aren't the only ones following the pitches throughout the game.
Pedretti said the pitchers on the bench requested the wristbands so they could follow along with the action.
Eventually, the entire bench was equipped with them.
The bench's participation not only keeps the entire team focused throughout the game, but also allows players new to the program to learn the system quickly.
MC has made such strides in its second year of using the pitch system, Pedretti is beginning to expand how it's used.
The Blue Devils' skipper has incorporated pick-off attempts and pitch-outs into the equation -- and seeing big dividends.
"We've been very successful with calling pickoffs because of the system," Pedretti said. "You don't have to rely on everyone catching the sign.
"You just look at the card and everyone's on the same page.
"We're just starting to fine tune how we use this.
"But no-matter how unconventional it may seem, the system definitely works."
Sean Lynch is a Sun-Star sports writer. He can be reached at 385-2476 or via e-mail at email@example.com.


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Thank you for taking the time to visit our charity page. Each year we try to support and help raise awareness of a cause close to our heart; and this year we've been working with Meningitis Now.
Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many different organisms including bacteria and viruses and can strike at any time, regardless of health, gender, age, race or class.
Babies, toddlers and young children under five are the most at risk group, with over 50% of all cases occurring in this age group. More than three babies will be taken ill with meningitis every day. Meningitis Now exists to save lives, and rebuild futures by funding research, raising awareness and providing support.
What we've been up to:
So far we've taken part in the Bath Half Marathon, the London Triathlon, we've jumped out of an airplane and completed both the Great North Run and the Junior Great North Run... raising almost £3,000 along the way.
In our latest endeavour, Bryony and a group of friends (two of which have had small children contract Meningitis) took part in Gung-Ho, a 5k inflatable obstacle course. In the pouring rain it turned out to be a very messy, but fun day, raising over £300 for this great cause!
Next September, both Harry & Olivia (Bryony's children) will be following in their mum's footsteps and running the Junior Great North Run. Having only just turned 7 & 4, they will be aiming to raise money to help fight meningitis after Olivia contracted it when she was only nine weeks old. Their sponsorship page will be ready soon, so please check back if you're keen to support them!
We'd love it if you'd help us fight Meningitis too:
To donate or find out more about this fantastic cause, simply visit the Meningitis Now website: http://www.meningitisnow.org/
You can also now keep the Meningitis Now signs and symptoms card on your iPhone. Life-saving information at your fingertips. To download the app on iPhone or Android, visit: http://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-info/signs-and-symptoms/iphone-application/
If you like what we do and know an accountant who's looking for a new challenge, why not recommend them? When we find your friend the perfect job, as a thank you, you can choose from making a charitable donation to Meningitis Now or earning yourself £300.
Need help finding the perfect new recruit? Looking to make your next career move the right one? If you're interested in working together, getting in touch is the quickest and easiest way to see how we can help each other.


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Amsterdam RAI Enhances Its Exhibitions with the InnovationLAB
The InnovationLAB platform by Amsterdam RAI and its external partners TNO, 3TU Federatie and Accenture Innovation Awards recently was officially launched.
The lab is an environment designed to enable exhibitors and visitors to share their knowledge and experiences in the field of innovation.
In addition, it gives knowledge centres, research institutes, innovation partners and the like a platform to market their innovations, further enriching Amsterdam RAI's exhibitions.
"The InnovationLAB is a platform where visitors can see and experience the innovations in their market, both online and in real life. In addition, the medium of exhibitions is distinguished and profiled based on this crucial topic," said Ids Boersma, director of RAI Exhibitions. "The InnovationLAB is a generic concept that can be customised to suit any trade show."
Amsterdam RAI has now officially confirmed its cooperation with TNO, 3TU Federatie and Accenture Innovation Awards. "The InnovationLAB will make innovations visible and tangible to a broad audience," explains Esther van Zeggeren, Director of Marketing & Communications at TNO. "It will also serve as a bridge between people and knowledge, a vital precondition for more innovations. We call this 'Innovation for life'."
IJsbrand Haagsma, secretary general of 3TU Federatie, said, "We see the cooperation with Amsterdam RAI as an excellent way to bring scientific technological developments closer to the public. The government expects us to work on valorisation as well as teaching and research; that is, we should create practical applications for the knowledge we develop. This is what we showcase in the InnovationLAB."
"Improving brand familiarity is one of the main goals of Innovation Awards participants," added Pieter-Paul van Oerle, initiative taker and organizer of Accenture Innovation Awards. "Our cooperation with Amsterdam RAI lets us meet this need even better in the framework of various appropriate concepts."
The next exhibition where the InnovationLAB will be deployed will be the AutoRAI in April 2015. After that it will be the turn of Rematec, SSA and the BedrijfsAutoRAI, followed by the international exhibitions Aquatech Amsterdam and METS in November.


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Product Details
- beautifully hand made product
- metal and resin
- aged
- french
Product description
This extra large rectangular mirror is unmistakably French and is available with a silver or a gold frame. Perfect if you want a decorative mirror without a heavy swept frame. The frame itself is a mirror which is chunkily bevelled to match the inner glass, and the ornate decoration on the margin corners is echoed on the elaborate crown. This huge mirror is very impressive indeed and is the perfect partner for a gorgeous fireplace or large hallway. Simply amazing!
Questions about the Extra Large French Mirror in Silver
What is the depth of this Mirror please? Thanks
by Michelle 2017-10-05 14:55:17
Hi michelle, The depth of this mirror is 6cm. Kind regards Siobhan
Is it possible to get this mirror made to a different style? ie 140cm wide x 170cm high. We are looking for 2 the same.
by Steve 2015-02-17 15:58:32
Hi Steve, this mirror comes in this size and the slimmer size only I'm afraid. This one however is very close to the size you require: http://www.outthereinteriors.com/silver-square-mirror.html Let me know if I can help further.
We're here to help! Fire away.