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Zandrea Ambrose, PhDView profile
541 Bridgeside Point 2450 Technology DrivePittsburgh, PA 15219
The Ambrose laboratory studies antiretroviral therapeutics used for HIV prevention and suppression, including the characterization of new drug targets against early steps of the virus life cycle, and the impact of drug resistance on HIV transmission, prevention, and treatment.
Understanding early HIV infection steps
We investigate the early post-entry events in HIV infection of different cell types as part of the Pittsburgh Center for HIV Protein Interactions. Specifically, we study HIV capsid uncoating, reverse transcription, and nuclear entry using molecular and cellular biology, including innovative imaging techniques. Understanding these cellular pathways and the host-pathogen interactions associated with them may provide potential novel therapeutic targets for virus inhibition. Previously we identified a capsid mutation, N74D, that disrupts HIV interaction with the host protein CPSF6 and uses a different nuclear import pathway for viral DNA. CPSF6 binds to the karyopherin protein TNPO3 for nuclear import through the nuclear pore complex, which contains two proteins, Nup358 and Nup153, required for HIV infection. We continue to study the processes of HIV capsid uncoating and its influence on reverse transcription, trafficking and entry into the nucleus, and use of host cell factors.
Transmission and prevention of drug-resistant HIV
Daily oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) using two antiretroviral drugs is effective at preventing HIV transmission in high-risk populations. We are currently evaluating long-acting non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors as PrEP. A concern in using antiretroviral drugs for both treatment of HIV-infected individuals and for PrEP for uninfected individuals is the potential for transmission of or development of drug-resistant HIV during PrEP. The Ambrose Lab studies the efficacy of long-acting PrEP in preventing transmission of drug-resistant HIV. In addition, we evaluate whether long-acting PrEP can lead to development of drug-resistant mutations, using single-genome sequencing methods. If resistant HIV develops or is transmitted, we investigate how this impacts subsequent antiretroviral therapy (ART).
Establishment and persistence of HIV reservoirs
The Ambrose Lab studies diversity of HIV/SIV that develops in the blood and in tissues before, during, and after antiretroviral therapy to identify the nature and dynamic properties of persistent viral reservoirs at different anatomical sites. We showed that viral evolution and compart- mentalization is unique in mucosal tissues, such as the gastrointestinal and female genital tracts that are sites of mucosal transmission, compared to the blood or lymphoid tissues. For example, the composition of the viral DNA population in the blood and lymph nodes is mostly wild-type over time. However, the viral DNA population in the gastrointestinal tract becomes dominated by mutant viruses, suggesting higher turnover of infected cells in the gut compared to the blood. Recently we started investigating the influence of M. tuberculosis infection and immunity on SIV replication during co-infection, focusing on the blood and lung and using MiSeq deep sequencing.
Douglas Fischer, MS, PhD - Postdoctoral Associate
Chandra Nath Roy, PhD - Postdoctoral Fellow
Austin Souryavong - Undergraduate Researcher
Youya Wang - Research Technician
Zhou Zhong - Graduate Student
Vaughn Cooper, PhDView profile
434 Bridgeside Point II450 Technology Dr.Pittsburgh, PA 15219
The primary goal of our laboratory is to understand how bacterial populations evolve and adapt to colonize hosts and cause disease. By studying evolution-in-action, both in experimental populations and in ongoing infections, and using the latest methods in genomic sequencing, we seek to identify mechanisms of bacterial adaptation in vitro and in vivo. We are particularly focused on how bacterial populations form complex communities within biofilms and how cells perceive cues to attach or disperse. We are also developing genome-based diagnostics for bacterial infections.
Our research on the ecology and evolution of bacterial biofilms has enabled our study of two very different topics that trace to a common evolutionary conflict: 1) the origins of multicellular life and 2) evolution within various forms of cancer. We are proud to be part of a NASA Astrobiology Institute that uses experimental evolution to pursue the goal: "To discover the laws that create Darwin's 'tangled bank' remains one of biology's grand challenges, one that requires understanding how differences among forms are selected for and how interdependence among forms is enforced."
It is also now clear in the post-genomic age that cancers evolve in crowded spaces that resemble the high variation and mutation rates often seen in bacterial biofilms. The same tension of remaining adherent to clonemates but being metabolically confined, or dispersing to pursue new environments is found both in biofilms and cancers. A long-range goal is to advance understanding of evolutionary dynamics in structured communities, relevant to biofilms, solid tumors, and transitions to multicellularity.
We maintain an active research program studying why genome regions evolve at different rates, and how the forces of mutation, selection, drift, and recombination produce these patterns. A major factor predicting this rate variation is replication timing. We are using experimental and comparative methods to improve genome legibility, understand speciation, and to guide more rational treatment of disease states.
Lastly, and perhaps most importantly, the fact that microbial populations evolve in real time and can produce conspicuous new forms has inspired a high-school curriculum for learning evolutionary biology, ecology, and biotechnology by simple experimentation. Not only do students learn better, they become more engaged in science. We hope to share this curriculum nationwide.
Alfonso Santo, Postdoctoral Associate
Eisha Mhatre, Research Scholar
Christopher Deitrick, Bioinformatics Research Specialist
Joshua Beatty, Research Assistant
Melissa Fritz, Research Assistant
Skyler Pergalske, Research Assistant
Nara Lee, PhDView profile
541 Bridgeside Point II450 Technology Dr.Pittsburgh, PA 15219
Noncoding RNA-mediated regulation of transcription
With the advent of deep sequencing technology, a plethora of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) with as yet unknown functions has been discovered. A subset of these ncRNAs is found in the nucleus and thus has been proposed to contribute to transcription regulation. How and which ncRNAs regulate transcription is the overarching question of the Lee lab.
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic gamma-herpesvirus with a prevalence of over 90% in the human population. It is best known as the causative agent of mononucleosis, but is also associated with several types of cancers, such as lymphomas and carcinomas. EBV expresses two highly abundant nuclear ncRNAs called EBER1 (EBV-encoded RNA 1) and EBER2. The function of EBER1 is poorly understood, while EBER2 has recently been shown to facilitate the recruitment of an interacting transcription factor, PAX5, to the viral genome. Intriguingly, the recruitment mechanism entails RNA-RNA base pairing between EBER2 and nascent transcripts that originate from the target site. Upon recruitment, the EBER2-PAX5 ribonucleoprotein complex affects the transcription of nearby genes, probably by influencing the chromatin conformation of this region of the viral genome.
Our lab is studying the RNA-RNA based recruitment mechanism utilized in EBV in greater detail with the goal to extrapolate our findings to the host cell. Since viruses often adopt existing mechanisms from their hosts, our observation suggests that cellular ncRNAs might exist that use RNA-RNA interactions to guide transcription factors to their target sites. Such in trans activity of ncRNAs could potentially enhance the binding specificity of transcription factors by providing an additional attachment site on top of the binding motifs recognized by transcription factors. Combining RNA techniques with chromatin methodology, our lab is focusing on elaborating on this novel mechanistic aspect of transcription factor recruitment. Our studies aim to further categorize the many ncRNAs that have not yet been ascribed an apparent function.
Belle Henry, Research Assistant
Jack Kanarek, Research Assistant
Vaishnavi Ganapathy Shankar, Postdoctoral Associate
Patrick Thibodeau, PhDView profile
537 Bridgeside Point II
450 Technology Drive
Pittsburgh, PA 15219
My lab is interested in the fundamental principles of protein structure and dynamics. The acquisition of native protein structure and the dynamics associated with the native state are critical for proper protein biosynthesis and the regulation of protein function. Specifically, we are interested in transmembrane proteins and their roles in human physiology and pathogen virulence. The majority of this work is focused on understanding the roles of the ATP-Binding Cassette (ABC) transporter family of proteins in regulating normal physiology and the virulence of bacterial pathogens.
There are two main focuses of our current research:
First, we are interested in addressing structure-function and physiological questions related to mammalian ABC transporters. There are 48 known ABC transporters in the human genome. Among these, we are interested in understanding the functional and physiological roles of two: CFTR and ABCC6. Mutations in CFTR are responsible for cystic fibrosis, while mutations in ABCC6 are causative of ectopic mineralization disorders and are associated with premature heart disease. Our studies of these proteins are focused on elucidating the folding pathways that promote the formation of native state structure, identifying the mechanisms by which disease-causing mutations impact these pathways, and developing strategies that might be useful in correcting these defects.
Second, we are interested in the physical basis of Type I secretion in gram-negative bacteria and the role of the Type I exoproteins in bacterial virulence. Multiple human pathogens, including E. coli, P. aeruginosa, and B. pertussis utilize Type I secretion systems to export virulence factors and toxins. The secreted virulence factors range in size between 10 kDa to 1 MDa and alter host-pathogen interactions by facilitating adherence and modulating host responses to the pathogen. We are focused on understanding the structural and functional regulation of the serralysin proteases, the physical mechanisms associated with their secretion, and their impact on host tissues during bacterial infection. Specifically, we are interested in the roles of these proteases in modulating host-pathogen interactions in P. aeruginosa infection of the airway. These studies focus on the role of both native and non-native proteins structures, the regulation of protease activity, and the effects of these exoproteases on host physiology.
All of our studies rely on a combination of biochemical and biophysical approaches to evaluate protein structure and dynamics in vitro, including spectroscopy, X-ray crystallography, NMR, and functional biochemistry. These studies are complemented by cell culture and in vivo models, which rely on microscopy, biochemistry, and electrophysiological approaches to evaluate changes in protein structure and function in cellular environments.
Aiping Zheng, Research Instructor
Gary Thomas, PhD
View Profile
534 Bridgeside Point II
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
My research program focuses on signaling pathways that integrate membrane traffic with the regulation of homeostasis and the onset of disease. These studies were grounded by our identification of the proprotein convertase furin, which is the first member of a family of secretory pathway-localized endoproteases that catalyze the activation of bioactive proteins and peptide hormones. While furin catalyzes the homeostatic activation of many growth factors, receptors and cell adhesion molecules, microbial pathogens frequently exploit the furin processing pathway. Indeed, furin has an essential role in the processing of viral envelope glycoproteins expressed by pathogenic viruses as well as in the proteolytic activation of many bacterial toxins. Although furin localizes to the trans-Golgi network (TGN), it can cleave such a diverse array of protein substrates because it moves between multiple processing compartments: the TGN/biosynthetic pathway, the cell surface and early endosomes. Our analysis of the complex intracellular trafficking pathway of furin led us to the discovery of the PACS family of homeostatic regulators, which integrate secretory pathway traffic and interorganellar communication in healthy cells with key steps in death ligand-induced apoptosis in diseased cells. Moreover, the PACS proteins have key roles in the nucleus where they regulate the transcriptional activity of p53 following DNA damage. Together, these findings form the basis for our current studies in cancer biology, viral pathogenesis and metabolism as summarized below:
Microbial pathogenesis:
Furin inhibitors: Using our determination of furin's cleavage site specificity, we generated the first potent and selective furin inhibitor, α1-PDX. We showed α1-PDX can block the furin-dependent processing of envelope glycoproteins from many pathogenic viruses as well as the activation of bacterial toxins that require furin for their activation. Our current studies are focused on generating small molecule furin inhibitors that block pathogen activation in vivo and then develop these compounds into potential therapeutics.
HIV-1 accessory proteins: HIV-1 Nef is required for the onset of AIDS and can affect cells in many ways, including alteration of T-cell activation and maturation, promotion of viral infectivity, subversion of the apoptotic machinery and downregulation of cell-surface molecules, including MHC-I. We discovered that HIV-1 Nef directs a temporally regulated program to downregulate MHC-I in virally infected cells. During the first two-days post-infection Nef binds the PACS proteins to assemble a multi-kinase complex that triggers endocytosis and sequestration of cell-surface MHC-I. By day three Nef switches to a stoichiometric mode that downregulates MHC-I by blocking the cell-surface delivery of newly synthesized MHC-I molecules. We identified small molecule inhibitors that block the ability of Nef to assemble the multi-kinase complex and thus downregulate MHC-I. Importantly, recent studies suggest the ability of Nef to assemble the multi-kinase complex is central to its ability to drive disease. Because of the key role of the PACS proteins in Nef action, we have mapped the sites on HIV-1 Nef and the PACS proteins essential for their interaction. Our future studies will determine to what extent assembly of the multi-kinase complex enables Nef to drive disease, identify small molecule inhibitors of Nef action and determine the structure of the Nef-PACS complex.
Cancer biology:
Mechanism of TRAIL action: We determined that the death ligand TRAIL switches PACS-2 from a secretory pathway trafficking protein to an apoptotic effector that promotes lysosome-mitochondria communication leading to cytochrome c release and death of cancer cells. Molecularly, this switch is manifest by binding of 14-3-3 proteins to a site on PACS-2 phosphorylated by the survival kinase Akt. We identified how cancer cells or an anti-apoptotic herpesvirus protein can block PACS-2 from inducing apoptosis, suggesting key role for PACS-2 in TRAIL-induced apoptosis. Our current studies are investigating to what extent PACS-2 mediates the ability of TRAIL to inhibit tumor metastasis in vivo and how TRAIL signals to PACS-2 to direct membrane trafficking events leading to mitochondria membrane permeabilization and executioner caspase activation.
DNA damage response: We found that PACS-2 is a key regulator of the DNA damage response in vivo. Specifically, following DNA damage triggered by ionizing radiation or chemotherapeutics, p53-induced transcription of the cell cycle inhibitor p21 is repressed both in PACS-2-/- mice as well as in PACS-2 siRNA knockdown cells. This repressed transcriptional activity correlates with the hypoacetylation of p53 bound to the p21promoter. Consistent with these findings, PACS-2 interacts with the class III histone deacetylase SIRT1, which blunts p53 action by deacetylating p53 following DNA damage. Our preliminary studies suggest PACS-2 mediates the p53-p21 axis by inhibiting SIRT1. Our future studies will identify the precise mechanism by which PACS-2 regulates SIRT1 enzyme activity, how PACS-2 traffics between the cytosol and nucleus, and how this trafficking is regulated by DNA damage.
Obesity: Consistent with our findings that suggest PACS-2 is a negative regulator of SIRT1 activity, PACS-2-/- mice are resistant to diet-induced obesity but clear glucose more efficiently than WT mice. Indeed, these findings parallel reports of the effect of SIRT1 activators in vivo. Our future studies will rigorously phenotype the PACS-2-/- mice and will determine to what extent PACS-2 regulation of SIRT1 controls endocrine homeostasis.
Lab Members:
You Jin Choi, Postdoctoral Associate
Sabrina Villar-Pazos, Postdoctoral Associate
Chen Kun, Visiting Scholar
Kathy H.Y. Shair, PhD
View profile
1.8 Hillman Cancer Center
5117 Centre Avenue
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an oncogenic γ-herpesvirus that is associated with human epithelial and B cell malignancies. The Shair lab studies the molecular mechanisms of cancer induced by EBV latency with the purpose of defining how these mechanisms contribute to the oncogenic and metastatic properties of EBV-associated diseases.
The oncogenic and cancer-associated properties of the viral latent membrane proteins (LMP) 1 and LMP2A are well established however, particularly for epithelial infections, the molecular interplay between these viral proteins and their function in EBV pathogenesis are largely undetermined. Furthermore, metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma remains the most challenging condition to treat.
EBV-associated cancers have a characteristic latent gene expression pattern. EBV immortalizes primary B cells and LMP1 is critically required for this process. In comparison, expression of LMP1 or LMP2A proteins in epithelial cells can promote growth and migratory properties, often resulting in increased tumor-forming potential in cell lines transplanted as xenografts in mice. Our studies in transgenic mice have shown that LMP2A complements LMP1 in tumor models, promoting carcinogen-induced carcinoma incidence and can also induce unique gene expression changes in B cells that are only apparent in the presence of both proteins. This provided the first in vivo evidence that LMP1 and LMP2A functionally co-operate to result in unique phenotypes. A major goal of the Shair lab is to elucidate mechanisms of LMP1 and LMP2A co-operation and to determine which interacting cellular pathways are most relevant to tumorigenesis and metastasis.
Current projects:
1. EBV mechanisms of genomic instability: This project investigates LMP1 and LMP2A mechanisms in nasopharyngeal carcinoma and pediatric post-transplant lymphoproliferative disease
2. Determinants of EBV pathogenesis and persistence in epithelial infections: This project involves developing polarized infection models to study EBV pathogenesis in respiratory epithelia
3. Small animal models of EBV oncogenesis: This project involves testing EBV oncogenic proteins in transgenic and humanized mice
4. Discovery of cancer biomarkers: This project screens human sera for EBV biomarkers
Dr. Shair conducts research through the University of Pittsburgh Cancer Institute (UPCI) Cancer Virology Program at the Hillman Cancer Center located in Shadyside. Learn more>
Amit Kumar - Postdoctoral Associate
Gabriella Zarkovic, Postdoctoral Associate
Elizabeth Caves – Undergraduate researcher
Akhil Reddy – Undergraduate researcher
James E. Bina, PhDView profile
545 Bridgeside Point II450 Technology Dr.Pittsburgh, PA 15219
The Bina lab studies mechanisms of antimicrobial resistance and bacterial pathogenesis in the gram-negative pathogens Vibrio cholerae and Klebsiella pneumoniae. The long-term goal of our studies is to define the underlying processes that allow bacteria use to cause disease and resist antibiotics. There are two ongoing research projects:
I. Function of the RND transporters in V. cholerae pathogenesis. RND efflux systems are ubiquitous transporters in Gram-negative bacteria and have critical functions in antimicrobial resistance. Independent of antimicrobial resistance, RND transporters also effect the expression of diverse phenotypes including virulence, metabolism, and environmental adaptation. Thus, RND transporters fulfil unknown physiological functions in addition to their role in antimicrobial resistance.
V. cholerae is an important human pathogen that causes ~5 million cases of the epidemic diarrheal disease cholera each year. V. cholerae is also a model enteric pathogen. Like most enteric pathogens, V. cholerae encodes multiple RND transporters that contribute to diverse phenotypes. Our previous studies documented that the RND systems were required for V. cholerae pathogenesis and antimicrobial resistance. Ongoing work is focused on characterizing the molecular mechanisms that link RND-mediated efflux to pathogenesis and identifying novel inhibitors of the RND efflux systems.
II. Antimicrobial resistance in K. pneumoniae. K. pneumoniae is an understudied gram-negative pathogen that causes a multitude of healthcare-associated infections including pneumonia, bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, wound or surgical site infections, and meningitis. K. pneumoniae has rapidly evolved resistance to all clinically relevant antibiotics. This resulted in K. pneumoniae being identified as a member of the ESKAPE pathogens and included in the World Health Organization's Priority 1 list of antibiotic-resistant pathogens for which new therapeutics are critically needed. We are working to define and characterize the intrinsic mechanisms that allow K. pneumoniae to resist antibiotics and persist in humans during infection.
Lab Member: Yuding Weng, Postdoctoral Associate
James Budnick, Postdoctoral Associate
Dillon Kunkle, Graduate Student
This year's Youngner Lecture will be on May 18!
Even easier than going to school in Pittsburgh
If you're bored, you're not paying attention
All the basics are right within walking distance
Within 500 miles of more than half of the U.S. population
University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine523 Bridgeside Point II450 Technology DrivePittsburgh, PA 15219
Maps and DirectionsShuttle Service Bridgeside Point II Parking


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Oh Joy.
A quickie.
After not sleeping the past two nights (4 and 4.5 hours respectively) I made a trip to the dentist today.
Was supposed to be the last one but turns out it's the next to the last one (dog willing).
What had happened was we got 3 of the crowns put in and the 4th is just temporary at this point.
One of the teeth was still damned sensitive and causing issues so he worked on it and I think drugged it up with some antibiotics.
Next Thursday I go back and as long as all is well then the crown becomes permanent.
What does this mean for you guys?
Well, I'll probably stop talking about my shitty teeth and turn my attention to talking about the 4-5 pounds I've gained over the past 3 weeks as I attempt to get back on the healthy eating bandwagon and lose it again.
Now - off to the comic book store :)
Thursday, March 07, 2013
Dental Update
Posted by grrouchie at 6:47 PM
Labels: dentist
4 comments:
Dealing with teeth issues sucks. Hopefully this will all be in your rearview mirror soon and let you get back to regular life.ReplyDelete
btw -- Still flying in the clouds with your love interest?Replies
Lightning - every day is better than the last.Delete
It amazes me how much I love this woman sometimes
Oh, Christ, is there nothing worse than dental hell. Dog bless you.ReplyDeleteReplies
nothing worse.... nothing at all....Delete
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subset: commoncrawl


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Jay Armsworthy - Host of "Bluegrass on the Bay"
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For nearly 7 years, Jay hosted "Bluegrass on the Bay" on 2 local radio stations near is hometown of California, Maryland. Today he is heard on 4 stations and produces the program from his home.
Bluegrass on the Bay
is currently heard on Bell Buckle Radio each Monday and Wednesday from 3pm to 5pm Central, with an early morning rebroadcast on Fridays at 2:00AM CST.
Jay started his radio career on January 17, 1993 on AM WPTX radio in Lexington Park, Maryland playing Bluegrass music for a 1 hour show he called "The Bluegrass Hour". Nestled off the coast of the Chesapeake Bay, he changed the name of his show to "Bluegrass on the Bay" when an additional hour was added as well as another radio station. It was then he was heard on its sister station FM WMDM. He has also been heard on FM WBEY in Pocomoke City, Maryland and World Wide Bluegrass.com.
In addition to radio Jay plays guitar and sings with his band, Jay Armsworthy & Eastern Tradition, throughout the East Coast. He has also been a part of other regional bands in the state of Maryland. Jay also traveled and performed throughout the summer of 1995 with Bluegrass Artist: David Davis & the Warrior River Boys as well as the Paul Adkins Band in his later years. To date, Jay currently has 4 CD's recorded with his latest being an all gospel release on Tom T. & Miss Dixie Hall's record label, "Blue Circle Records", titled "I Couldn't Make It Without Him" which has gained high recognition. He also promotes and produces his own Bluegrass concerts at a local area American Legion Hall, an annual fundraiser for the Hospice of St. Mary's County, Maryland, and more [recently an annual Bluegrass fundraiser for the Hollywood, Maryland Volunteer Rescue Squad bringing in some of Bluegrass music's top acts.
Jay Armsworthy is a lifetime member of IBMA and a member of the Class of 2005 Leadership Bluegrass and is dedicated to preserving Bluegrass Music in his community. He eats, sleeps, and breaths traditional Bluegrass Music and is always up for a conversation of just about anything and at times may have a corny joke or two.
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If Oratory is your scene, then you must not miss the Springtime performances to be heard at the Birkenhead High School Academy under the auspices of the Wirral Festival Committee.
Performers of all ages clear their throats and present their well practised pieces before an appreciative audience and under the guidance of carefully selected and authoritative adjudicators to guide and encourage, and of course to present the well earned Trophy to the class winner.
You will see that classes range from recitations by younger entrants, to dramatic interpretations in appropriate costume on the stage and larger groups compete for a Trophy for Choral verse.
2019 Speech and Drama Timetable
Download the latest speech festival syllabus


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Movie House Cinema Glengormley and Abbey Centre have teamed up to host a fundraising event in aid of the Northern Ireland Children's Hospice.
The 'Dirty Dancing Cinema Spectacular' will take place on June 21 at 8pm at Movie House Cinema.
All proceeds raised will go towards providing essential care for life-limited babies and children.
Catherine O'Hara, NI Hospice regional fundraiser, said: "A huge thank you to Clare Beswick (Abbey Centre marketing manager), Annette McAdam (Movie House Glengormley manager) and everyone who has generously supported this Dirty Dancing Spectacular.
"Please do come along and have the time of your life!
"Purchase your tickets at Abbey Centre customer services desk now and join Baby and Johnny in the ultimate summer romance."
For further details contact Catherine O'Hara, regional fundraiser on email@example.com
Tickets are on sale from Abbey Centre customer services desk, priced at £30 per person.


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Miniature art is fine art that complies with specific rules.
Kathy works in many medias, painting and sculpting.
World traveler, Kathy Pollak, records her adventures while they are happening. Kathy Pollak travel journals are available to you.
Kathy Pollak Artist
Art and Words from around the world
While teaching her students how to write, Kathy started with a picture and added a sentence. Some of her examples to her class inspired her books.
Kathy Pollak
Kathy Pollak © 2016 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
(727) 738-9132


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Believe it or not 30-goal strikers are a rare breed in these parts.
That is why the achievement yesterday of Sneyd Green's finest – Tom Pope – is worthy of such high praise.
As I write this the Pontiff, as he is affectionately known, has scored thirty goals and – with six games remaining – has every chance of setting a new post-war record.
Since 1980 only two players – one for Port Vale and one for Stoke City – have reached the heady heights of 30-plus goals.
Before that you have to delve deep into the history books for names like Wilf Kirkham (three times for Vale between 1924 and 1927) and, for Stoke, Charlie Wilson (1927/28) or the great Freddie Steele (1936/37 and 1946/47).
Since 1980 the only Stoke City player to score more than 30 goals in a season (in all competitions) was Mark Stein.
The pint-sized marksman hit 33 goals, including 26 in the league, to fire the Potters to promotion during the 1992/93 season.
I was a cub reporter at the time and was covering all Stoke and Vale home games and even I, as a Vale fan, had to acknowledge I was witnessing something special at the Victoria Ground.
Stoke went on a 25-game unbeaten run that season and Stein's partnership with Wayne 'Bertie' Biggins was prolific.
At Vale Park it was a unheralded Welshman who was to set a new post-war goal-scoring record in the mid-Eighties.
Andy Jones joined the Vale from non-league Rhyl in May 1985 – manager John Rudge having paid the princely sum of £3,000 for the man who had failed to make an impact at Wrexham.
He was only at Vale Park for two and a bit seasons but his impact during that time was astonishing.
He was Vale's top scorer in his first season with 18 goals and his strike partnership with Robbie Earle, which fired Vale to promotion from the old Third Division, was unforgettable.
But it was the following season when Jones really hit the heights. He scored 37 goals and 27 of those came in the league – making him the top striker outside the top flight.
As Vale's penalty-taker, he scored 12 of his goals from the spot.
But he also scored twice in eight games, scored a hat-trick against Fulham at Craven Cottage, and managed to score five against Newport County.
Andy Jones had scored six goals in eight games at the start of the 1987/88 season when he was transferred to First Division Charlton Athletic.
Ironically, his time with the club wasn't a success and he probably looks back ruefully at the fact that Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson just missed out on signing him.
Tom Pope may not be on Sir Alex's radar just yet. Perhaps it's because he isn't taking Vale's penalties at the moment.
However, having just been named the League Two Player of the Year, the lad who was born just a few months after Andy Jones signed for the Vale and grew up supporting the Valiants has emulated a club legend made in the Eighties.
Whatever happens between now and April 27, our Popey has had a terrific season and deserves all the plaudits he's received thus far.
But I am sure all football fans can see the romance in him scoring a few more goals this season and firing his boyhood club to promotion after the most turbulent of periods.
Pick up a copy of The Weekend Sentinel every Saturday for 12 pages of nostalgia.


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Cyber security firm McAfee reports that ransomware attacks have increased by 128% over the past year, with one attacker netting $120m in just six months.
Despite these stats, the story has a heart-warming element. On underground forums some of the usually rather more unscrupulous hackers have condemned their peers for preying on hospitals. There seems to be a code of conduct of sorts which prohibits attacking healthcare facilities even if they're in countries which are otherwise acceptable targets for cyber attacks.
Health care institutions have become popular and profitable targets due to their need for immediate access to patient information, allied to weak security in their systems. Legacy systems and less awareness among staff further compound the problem.
CFC's cyber insurance for the healthcare industry was partly designed to specifically tackle these vulnerabilities. Find out more by emailing us at email@example.com
Read more at http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/one-ransomware-gang-raked-over-120m-just-6-months-says-mcafee-labs-threats-report-1581801


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As of January 1, 2016, Gapers Block has ceased publication. The site will remain up in archive form. Please visit Third Coast Review, a new site by several GB alumni.
✶ Thank you for your readership and contributions over the past 12-plus years. ✶
Sunday, December 15
The Museum of Science and Industry's logo is the latest transformation for the museum during its $205 million Science Rediscovered campaign. Here's the old logo for comparison.
GB T-Shirt $12
I ✶ Chi T-Shirts $15


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Luna Designs
Construction, Contractors & Home Improvement
By Appointment Only
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Whether you are building a new home or remodeling your current one, it can be an overwhelming process. Let Luna Designs in The Dalles help create your dream space without all the hassle. Luna Designs works with contractors, vendors, and brands we know and trust to find the best design and price to fit your taste and your budget. Meeting with Luna Designs before you begin any project will allow us to develop a well prepared plan. Being prepared before you begin the project will make the construct


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Phocuswright is the most credible and quoted source for data, information and analysis in the travel, tourism and hospitality industry. Every day around the world, senior executives, marketers, strategists and research professionals from all segments of the industry value chain use Phocuswright for competitive advantage. But they leverage more than our research – they take advantage of our multiple consultancy partnerships to help them make the right strategic decisions. They hire our experienced executives and analysts to present at their events. Access our full portfolio of products and services for the best industry knowledge and decision-making tactics that will push your company to the next level.
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Phocuswright's travel industry experts speak at conferences and events around the world. Check out the list of upcoming speaking engagements.


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We deliver reliable and professional tree services with pride.
Stump Grinding
We are experenced stump removalists catering for any size or location on your property. We use specialised stump grinding equipment and know how to deal with even the trickiest stumps with damaging surrounding flora and infrastructure.
Tree Trimming & Removals
We offer a full range of trimming and removal services, from regular maintenance to large-scale catch-ups. We can handle any type of tree or height, including palms, with both crane and climber services available.
Land and Fallen Tree Clearing
We are skilled with storm damage removals and storm season preparation. We also offer land clearing for construction or maintanence of fire breaks. Both residential and commercial services available.
Mulching & Mulch Sales
We offer on-site mulching for removals or any other purpose. Residential and bulk mulch also available.
We have been in the industry for more than 10 years. Our family run business prides itself on being reliable, offering the highest quality service and superior workmanship.
We offer flexibility and a quick turnaround regardless of the size of your project. We are available 24 hours a day, 365 days per year for customers who need emergency tree assistance or want help with the foliage on their property.
The health and safety of our employees, customers and the public is top priority in our daily business. We are fully insured and proudly claim free.
It's also important to us that animals are treated with respect on the job, so in the event that we encounter wildlife we will always try our best to manage the situation carefully. In most circumstances we can relocate the animal close by, but if this is not possible we will liaise with you to ensure that the animal's welfare and your safety is maintained.
We have no hesitation in recommending T&M Tree Services for any job and look forward to continuing our professional relationship with them for many more years to come." Nat Munsie, Manager Integra Building Services


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Remember the two ashcan editions referred to in the As Mentioned post for Episode 01 of the podcast – the ones Fawcett printed before they realized they couldn't copyright Flash Comics or Thrill Comics?
In an excellent example of post-Great Depression frugality the art from those covers shows back up (quite quickly) in Whiz Comics #3 (of March 1940 as opposed to the Whiz Comics #3 of April 1940 – you can find both #3s HERE) on page 14 in the bottom left corner.
I've since taken those ashcan covers and treated them like a coloring sheet. My digital coloring skills, as you can see, are quite rudimentary.
Want to give it a try for yourself? You can find the highest res copy I have HERE. If you take up the challenge please send it in; I'd love to show off the best submissions.
One last thing – if you are interested in buying the ashcan for the 1939 series which beat Fawcett to the copyright on the title Flash Comics and you have approximately $5,000,000 dollars you aren't doing anything else with you're in luck! At the time of this writing eBay has one available for purchase.


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Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Wordless Wednesday ~ Yumminess
13 comments:
Yum - orange soda + cream soda?! That sounds fantastic. (and like it would go good with vodka)ReplyDelete
It looks amazing! Does Hank's make other flavors, too?ReplyDelete
I can't say I'm a fan of cream soda, but then again I probably like things you don't like too! Hope it was delicious!ReplyDelete
Oh yum Yum YUM! I haven't had a Hank's in forever, I like the Birch Beer!ReplyDelete
I love cream soda but I have never heard of an orange one before. I m ay have to hunt some done. :)ReplyDelete
Yum! I agree with Rachel lolReplyDelete
Hanks makes a lot of different good flavors. This one that you had sounds pretty good also.ReplyDelete
Happy WW!
never heard of this company.ReplyDelete
Looks yummy! Plus I'm thirsty so it didn't help matters lolReplyDelete
Mmm, orange cream!!ReplyDelete
I used to make orange floats so that's what I'm imagining it tastes like.ReplyDelete
I am not a huge orange fan, but if that was cherry, I would be all over it!ReplyDelete
Is it bad that I've never tried either? Like TheSurbubanMom, I'm not much of an orange-flavored fan. I'm quite curious about what other flavors Hank's offers though.ReplyDelete


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We shall not cease from exploration
And the end of all our exploring
Will be to arrive where we started
And know the place for the first time.
– Verse V from Little Gidding (1942) – T. S. Eliot
TEFAF is the occasion at which we introduce our most exquisite artworks, which in many instances are collected over years, enabling us to contextualise and often premiere these as groups at the fair. In introducing unique or previously unrecognised photographic objects to the public, our experience and research-expertise distinguish us as a gallery.
Daniel Blau is pleased to present an extraordinary selection of 19th and 20th century photographic masterpieces. This year's program ranges from the magical era of the medium's origins in 1839 to the rise of photojournalism a hundred years later.
We are delighted to present one of the earliest pictures ever made by the photographic pioneer Hippolyte Bayard (*1801 – † 1887) who began investigating light's chemical reactions as early as 1830. In 1839 he publicly announced his direct paper positive invention which created the magical, unique picture of Héra Barberini that allows us today to see the very same radiant light he captured in 1839. Bayard's brilliance can be further admired in a group of seven prints, each displaying a different tonality and contrast, which are the beautiful survivors and some of the earliest examples of monochrome "colour" photography. Bayard's masterpieces are exceedingly rare on the art market as most of his work was left to the Société Française de Photographie, which he co-founded in 1854. It is thanks to the illustrious Duc de Luynes, whose patronage and passion for photography, which saw his family's fortune dwindle as his collection expanded, allows us to still admire these spectacular examples of early photography today.
Our 20th century selection premiers a group of vintage Weegee prints, which were recently discovered in the American "Newspaper Enterprise Association" (N.E.A.) archive. For most of his early career Weegee relentlessly captured New York's untold stories. From the grandiose halls of the Metropolitan Opera House to the unsophisticated sanctuary of Sammy's Bar, the congregation of inquisitive spectators to the abrupt silence of a gangland murder, Weegee found the sensational, the scandalous, the melodramatic and the newsworthy – and he certainly covered it all! We offer these vintage prints for affordable prices beginning at 5,000 Euros.
Furthermore it is our pleasure to present a group of vintage colour prints of atomic bomb testings from the 1950s, which are not only impressive in their quality but also extremely rare. Most of the photography published in the 1950s was still in black-and-white as there was only very limited use for colour. Large pictures of American nuclear tests in colour (Daniel Blau's long-standing specialty) are among the great rarities of 20th century documentary photography. Today, we treasure these objects as works of art in their own right.
A special exhibition at TEFAF, stand 443
Opening (by invitation only): 10th March, 12 – 9 pm
Exhibition: 11 – 20 March, 11 – 7 pm
MECC, 6229 GV Maastricht, The Netherlands
Please click here to download our Flyer for the world premiere of these recently discovered Weegee prints.


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Q&A with Daniel: The Melbourne Property Market
Here at Axis Property, we get asked a lot of questions. So this month, our fearless leader Daniel Liberman is going to answer the hot topic across everyone's lips – the Melbourne property market.
Is the Melbourne property market finally slowing down?
Not at all. In fact, the market is going from strength to strength. Property values are on the rise and demand is at an all-time high.
This continued growth is evident across the board – with buyers from all sectors and categories looking to take advantage of the low interest rate environment.
Why the growth?
Right now, Melbournians are ravenous for property. And this is exacerbated by the limited supply hitting the market. Investors, developers and owner-occupiers – you name it, everyone wants it!
Simply put, we're witnessing an insatiable appetite that cannot be satisfied.
So how should we respond?
At Axis Property, we're seeing a lot of property investors 'cash-in' with astounding results.
For example, we recently sold a development site in Hawthorn Road Caulfield that had been in the same family for 40 years. It was bought by a developer off-market for over $4.2 million.
Furthermore, just last week, we sold a two-storey shop in High Street Armadale for $3 million – representing a yield of 3%. This is typical of the return investors are now achieving. And we have more buyers ready to purchase.
To discuss all things commercial property, contact AXIS Property today – or call us on (03) 9523 7888.


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Ready hand draw Sketch Logo design template with a Female Model woman wearing a sexy dress. Logos of this type are suitable for branding a women's fashion, dresses or Clothes designer.
- Exclusive design rights to the buyer – sole ownership
- This brand also comes with double sided business card
- We Customize your Name & Info Free of charge


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Home is where the love flows. And at Falling Waters, you'll definitely love the tranquil yet sophisticated Mediterranean feel created to welcome you. Our spacious residences and life-affirming amenities such as fitness center and pool offer daily enrichment in this pet-friendly community. Nearby shopping includes Trader Joe's, Whole Foods, Christown Spectrum, and Metrocenter Mall. Centers of higher learning include ASU, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, Wayland Baptist University, and many more. Major employers in the area include Phoenix Children's Hospital, Valley Hospital, St. Joseph's Hospital, and Arizona State Hospital. Enjoy the peaceful Desert Botanical Garden and Japanese Friendship Garden. Challenge yourself to a hike at world famous Camelback Mountain and South Mountain Park & Preserve. Venture downtown and discover creativity, award-winning dining, prestigious golf, upscale shopping, eclectic boutiques, and nightlife at Roosevelt Row. Savor historic dining at Heritage Square and Old Town Scottsdale. Live the ultimate metropolitan desert life at Falling Waters today.
- Fitness Center
- BBQ Area
- Laundry Facilities
- Carport Parking
- Pet Friendly
- Swimming Pool
- Paid Utilities
- Furnished and Unfurnished Available
- Air Conditioning
- Heating
- Range
- Refrigerator
- Carpeting
- Vinyl Flooring
- Full Size Kitchen
- Microwave
- Basic Cable


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Guide & Tips
Tips for caring for your washing machine
Avoiding bad smells and residue
- Regularly use a washing cycle with a temperature of at least 60°C, or run the appliance hygiene main programme
- Use powder laundry detergent at least once a fortnight (approx.).
- This contains bleaching agents (disinfecting) that achieve their full effect at temperatures of 60°C or higher
- Remove washing as soon as possible after the programme ends
- Clean and dry the rubber around the door, the glass and detergent dispenser drawer with a damp cloth at the end of your laundry day
- Leave the appliance door and detergent dispenser drawer open between laundry days
- Use the recommended amount of detergent
- Clean the foreign body trap every four months
- Use washing machine cleaner if needed
- For hard water (>15°dH or >27°fH) use water softener
- Follow the universal rules of housekeeping
Guide for your dishwasher
Tips to keep your washing up gleaming
The unassuming appliance is operated 280 times a year in the average Swiss household. This means plenty of opportunities to wash up correctly or incorrectly. Plastic items tend to discolour when used with foods containing colouring, such as tomato juice. Cauliflower can cause dark tarnish spots on cutlery and hydrogenated fats in beer glasses prevent proper foam formation. And what about wine glasses? They can be clouded by corrosion and the accumulation of limescale. However, the answer to this is to choose and use your dishwasher correctly.
This guide is intended to help you.


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Merlin Paddock '40
Date of birth: March 15, 1917
Date of death: April 16, 1945
Age: 28
Lucky Bag
From the 1940 Lucky Bag:
Merlin was lost while flying a combat mission with Fighting Squadron (VF) 23 near Kagoshima, Japan on April 16, 1945.
His wife was listed as next of kin.
From Find A Grave:
Navy Lt. Commander Merlin Paddock, World War II, son of Rev. and Mrs. John A. Paddock, was born on March 15, 1917. He is a 1934 graduate of Osmond High School and a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Md.
Lt. Commander Paddock was officially declared missing in action and presumed dead following a bombing attack on units of the Japanese Navy near Kagoshina, Japan, on April 16, 1945. His carrier plane was shot down over Kyusha Island. Lt. Commander Paddock was seen bailing from his plane after it was hit.
His body was returned to the United States in 1948 and he is buried in Osmond City Cemetery. He was survived by his wife, Marjorie, two daughters, his parents, brothers John and Irving and sister Ruth Voorhees.
From Hall of Valor:
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Navy Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Merlin N. Paddock, United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commander of an Air Group, Fighting Squadron TWENTY-THREE (VF-23), attached to the U.S.S. LANGLEY (CV-27), during action against major units of the Japanese Fleet off the southwestern coast of Kyushu, Japan, on 7 April 1945. Ordered to strike an enemy light cruiser after escorting our torpedo and dive bombers to the area through extremely adverse weather, Lieutenant Commander Paddock flew in over his assigned target in bold defiance of the enemy's concentrated anti-aircraft fire. Courageous and determined, he promptly maneuvered for maximum striking power and, despite the low visibility, pressed home his attack with devastating speed and skill, scoring a direct bomb hit to neutralize the shattering gunfire and enable our torpedo bombers to complete the destruction of this vital hostile Fleet unit. By his superb airmanship, daring tactics and cool courage, maintained in the face of tremendous odds, Lieutenant Commander Paddock contributed materially to the success of our aerial offensive against the Japanese and his brilliant leadership and valiant devotion to duty throughout the fierce action reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.
Action Date: 7-Apr-45
Rank: Lieutenant Commander
Company: Fighting Squadron 23 (VF-23)
Division: U.S.S. Langley (CV-27)
Memorial Hall Error
The only evidence Merlin had a middle initial or name is in the Navy Cross citation above; it is not included in the US Naval Academy Register, any Officer Register, his headstone, or even on the killed in action panel. "N." is included in his name on the Class of 1943 panel.
Class of 1940
Merlin is one of 91 members of the Class of 1940 on Virtual Memorial Hall.


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The Halos of Pearls Professional Women Community Sorority is committed to participate in community service and philanthropic efforts.
Our organization will help support Sapphire International School of Performing Arts/Sapphire Butterflies Organization and Susan B. Komen's Breast Cancer awareness. We will also adopt a local park and work together to empower our community in which we live and our lives.
Mission: Our mission statement is to be a Beacon Light to others and to help promote cultural education, foster personal development with those of similar purposes and ideals. We are commitment to a lifelong dedication to one another and help develop a sisterhood that will help each one of us overcome any negative obstacles that may come our way. We will always help each other by lifting our members up in prayer and encouraging each other with positive words through good times and even during the difficult times. We will stand on the every word in Proverbs 31; for we are the Virtuous women GOD intends for us to be. Our mission is also to network with each member and help each one of us to build our businesses together. The Halos of Pearls is an organization to build each other up and not tear anyone down. We are here to build trust and respect among us and work hand in hand with our in our community.
|Board Development Children & Youth Community Faith-Based Gender


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Argumentative Essay Topics On Hamlet: 8 Brand New Ideas
Maybe one of Shakespeare's most famous and longest plays, it has been performed by many famous actors and companies since its creation and continues to be performed even today. It is a tragedy, like most of his plays, involving the murder of king Hamlet by his brother, who then returns as a ghost and instructs his son, Hamlet, to avenge his death. The story goes on the show the events that happened after, including the widow of the former king being married to the murderer causing her son to shun her. The story ends with the death of all main characters and the crown being assumed by the long standing enemy of the kingdom, Prince Fortinbras.
Here are 10 argumentative essay topics on Hamlet:
- The entire plot to kill the king and marry his brother was constructed by the queen who had been secretly in love with him all this time and only married the elder brother to enable them to steal the crown eventually.
- Hamlet would have been better off had he not believed the ramblings of an old lady making claims of which she had no proof or reason.
- The character hamlet was not fit to lead since he was so easily deceived into killing a man whom he did not have any knowledge of and also because he was so easily led by two strangers.
- The concept of the story of Hamlet is an impossibility that could never occur in real life since the idea of fortune tellers is bound in lies and deception.
- The king's brother had every right to kill him and assume the throne for himself since the law of survival of the fittest is the only true law in nature, every other law simply a result of whoever is the strongest at any one time.
- The queen only acted in self defense to protect herself and her unborn child by marrying the brother of the deceased king, had she not done this she and her child may have been murdered as well.
- The young prince showed ingratitude to his adopted parents since they went through the trouble of raising and caring for him as their own, only to have their son go on a suicidal journey because of a vision he received which he could not prove to be true or not.
- The oracle that instructed the young prince on his perilous mission was under instruction from Prince Fortinbras.


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This page will be devoted to spotlighting some of Ace's outside interests. Though the Extra Page will evolve over time, it will begin by shedding some light on classic film star Jean Harlow — who tragically died in 1937 at the age of just twenty-six. Look for more additions on not just Harlow, but music, collecting Coca-Cola and interesting bits of trivia down the road.
Click on a box to be taken to a new page dealing with the subject presented in that box!


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Mercury in Cancer goes direct at 1:22 p.m. CST on July 20, and just a little warning: this could be somewhat of a miserable station.
Mercury is tightly square Uranus, smoking hot coming out of its July 17 retrograde station in Aries, and this creates an erratic and manic effect on our minds. Ideas bop around in our brains relentlessly like exploding popcorn kernels. Our minds can race from one subject to another, to another, to another, seemingly with little continuity. We catch glimpses of lightning-flash insight (Uranus) that can be very challenging to translate into our everyday conversations (Mercury). The urges toward sweet tones and emotional closeness (Cancer) butt up against urges for freedom, independence, and shock value at all cost (Uranus). The desire for the familiar (Cancer) is coming into frictional contact with a body that basically likes to destroy familiarity (Uranus). This is a mental overload/emotional burnout combination.
Warning: people will be crying more easily than usual under this station.
Mercury is also opposing bad boy Pluto in Capricorn, kicking up the possibility of rage, paranoia, verbal triggers, mental pressure, detrimental thinking, and general anxiety. We can fixate on certain subjects now - especially subjects that make us feel bad. The general state of "hell in a handbasket" is preying on our minds - personally, collectively, or both.
"Mentally and emotionally difficult" sums up the positioning of our messenger planet Mercury right now, stationing within cardinal t-square. We've been thinking about how we really feel and what that means during the retrograde period (June 26 to July 20), and, as Mercury drags its heels to a stop in the zodiac and turns direct, uncomfortable conversations and challenging realizations related to that could be on the docket.
From a previous post, Mercury in Cancer Retrograde Within Cardinal T-Square: On Alert, Breaking Out of Mental Comfort Zones:
"People are more sensitive to conversations, tones, and opinions when Mercury is in a water sign, as it is now. We're very aware of our words and how our words can hurt the feelings of others, and this can keep us from having conversations we know we need to have. We may find we have to withdraw from interaction and discourse at times during the Mercury transit of Cancer, drawing our heads back into our crab shells to deal with the sensitivity and maintain emotional stability...
During the Mercury in Cancer transit, we'll be required to have conversations that unnerve us and to participate in interactions that make us or others uncomfortable. There is initiatory movement required here (cardinal energy), and we have to talk about it in order to keep things moving in the right direction...
Cancer involves emotional conditioning, especially from the early upbringing. With Mercury retrograding in Cancer within cardinal t-square, we are breaking out of communication patterns that involve manipulation, emotional blackmail, or guilt - all possible Cancer territory. We are intellectually coming to understand how our emotions can be used against us, how our fear can be used against us, how our desire for comfort can be used against us, and we're working to disengage from those sources of manipulation - personally and on a societal level."
Communicating honestly now without those layers of emotional manipulation - even the subtle ones - is our challenge.
Mercury will be slow in the zodiac for the remainder of this month, re-gaining full speed direct and leaving the retrograde shadow degrees by August 3. This keeps the squiggly-squirmy pressure on us for the rest of July. Any necessary conversations or connections previously avoided will be coming up now.


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The geneabloggers had a quick tour of the Expo Hall before the official opening. Here's a photo of Paul Nauta of FamilySearch showing Geneabloggers part of FamilySearch's own highly interactive display where visitors can record a personal story or phone home and record someone else's family story.
The 'recording history' section of the FamilySearch interactive display, Rootstech 2014. Photographer, M. Diane Rogers
It was amazing to see how fast the Expo Hall displays took shape in the short time till the Hall opened. Lots of opportunities then to ask vendors questions, and in many cases to actually try out websites like Ancestry, Find My Past and My Heritage, Mocavo and the like, getting search tips from staff. It's really true 'you never know what you might find', it seems. I use these sites regularly, and while checking out the Mocavo booth, I entered a few of my (better) names and found something I never noticed there before. It may be really new as Mocavo is adding thousands of records a day apparently; I made a note to check that out further later.
If you know me, you'll know I was heading for the books pretty quickly and I did buy a few over at Maia's Books, including the newly released Board for Certification of Genealogists Genealogy Standards manual. Like many, she was offering conference deals, something to remember if you attend next year. I'm angling for a sale priced FamilyTree DNA test for Valentine's Day!
Maia's Genealogy and History Books booth, Rootstech 2014. Photographer, M. Diane Rogers.
Randy Seaver is keeping a list of all the Geneabloggers' Rootstech articles here at GeneaMusings. Do check those out. Everyone has a different perspective. Of special interest to many, will be the Ancestry Insider's report from the intimate Ancestry.com breakfast that he attended. (Yes, the Insider is a real, and not an always invisible, person.)


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Select It All In Windows
Have you ever wanted to highlight a complete document or page all at once instead of dragging your mouse all the way from the bottom to the top of the page just so you can copy and paste it somewhere else? Are you tired of holding down the shift key while arrowing down line by line? If it is two pages or more, it can get redundant to use your mouse or arrow keys for all of the text. Sometimes your finger slips off the mouse or shift key and you have to start all over again. You've had that one happen more than once I'll bet.
If you're tired of all that nonsense, you can select all of the text on a page all at one time. All you have to do is select it all!
There are two ways you can do this. One is going to the Edit menu in whatever program you're working in (a Web page, MS Word, etc) and choose Select All. That will highlight the complete page of text, pictures, etc. Then you can just copy and paste the material wherever you want it. The job will be done much faster than using your mouse or arrowing down the page!
The other way to select it all is by using Ctrl + A. This keyboard shortcut will do the exact same thing. Just click once on the page you want to copy, press Ctrl+A at the same time and poof, it's done! People who use a screen reader simply hit Ctrl+A and everything is selected.


text: Story from Politics5 Things To Know This AM — May 24 2011Gina MarinelliSlither into this season's newest snakeskin nail trend. Hint: It's actual snake's skin. (Vogue)The good, the bad, the '90s. Check out how Oprah's style evolved through the years. (The Cut)Scar-Jo makes for an uncanny Marlene Dietrich as she channels iconic film stars in June's W magazine. (Racked)Is cheeseburger hand modeling the next biggest trend? These folks seem to think so. (MTV Style)In an unlikely artist collab, "The Simpson's" creator teams with Comme des Garçons. (Fashionista)Advertisement


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Psychic Pets.
Don't we just love our pets; they give us, unconditional love, companionship and loyalty. And for many people who live alone, having a cat or dog to love and care for, can make a big difference to their mental health and well being. Our pets are very much an important part of the family, and when they eventually die, we experience grief every bit as real as we would for a human family member. And yes they do come back to visit us after they die its happened to me twice now, I have been woken up by them jumping on the bed when I turned the lights on there was nothing there.
Have you ever noticed your pet showing signs of being psychic, or maybe you feel that they are just more sensitive than us seeing, hearing and sensing things before we do, because some of us are not as aware. Yes they can sense when a spirit is present our dog often growls and looks at what seems an empty space to us.
More than once I have had the feeling that my cat or our family dog was trying to send me a message telepathically. I could be in the middle of doing something when suddenly, I would find myself stopping what I was doing and going to the back door to let the cat in, or I'd be reading or on my laptop I would look up to find my cat staring at me and I'd just know she wanted to be fed.
The most common kinds of response by cats and dogs is that they know that their owners coming home, also knowing when you're going away, the anticipation of being fed, not to mention cats disappearing when you intend to take them to the vet, or dogs knowing when you are planning to take them for a walk. They also seem to know when you're feeling unwell or upset.
There was also a story of women whose cat kept on trying to bite her near her breast. It was totally out of character and she was completely at a loss to know why. While checking the area the cat had been trying to bite she noticed a very small lump. It turned out to be malignant. Her doctor told her, that if it had not been for her cat, she might not have noticed it until it had grown and probably spread. She really does believe that her cat saved her life.
There is no doubt that our animals are much more intelligent and sensitive then we often think and yes, I believe that they do have psychic abilities. Of course they will vary from pet to pet, just as they do with us. It could also be that the stronger the bond we have with our pets, the more likely we are to see some evidence of psychic abilities.
Animals tend not to be bothered by self doubt, nor do they over analyse everything as we do. They always act on and follow their instincts. Maybe we humans could learn a thing or two from them!
# psychics # mediums # magic & glitter #


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Friday, May 16, 2014
Ombré Gradient
11 comments:
Nice!! I love the FP topper too - really adds to the effect :-)ReplyDelete
That is a pretty ombre gradient! That flakie glitter really added a nice finishing touch to it too.ReplyDelete
This gradient is stunning! I love the subtly of the flakie glitter topcoat too! :)ReplyDelete
Your gradient turned out so well. And I love that you used that particular flakie. I know that whole set of Finger Paint flakies did not get the love that flakies usually do. I think people were expecting the colorful flakies that the previous FP flakie collection had. (And I'm not lying - it would be wonderful to see those come out again!) But I do think these flakies have their own subtle beauty to offer, as you have shown. I do really love that you made the mani matte. It really brings out the presence of the flakies over that pretty gradient.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousMay 17, 2014 at 4:30 AM
I love your mani every step of the way! I prefer the flakes matte, actually, and they add the little something to the gradient. Very, very cool!ReplyDelete
Perfect ombre!ReplyDelete
This is testament to the fact that a simple gradient that is well executed is art by itself. Love it!ReplyDelete
gorgeous gradientReplyDelete
your gradient is perfect!ReplyDelete
I'm loving the ombre look at the momentReplyDelete
Life,beauty and random things
Gorgeous! Absolutely. I prefer it without the flakies but with them still looks great :)ReplyDelete


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Service Description
If you have a package that needs to change because the content is reduced or enlarged, or want to make improvements in packing, we can do it, using as a starting point the original packaging to be provided. Remember that you can also create new packaging for new products or products that have changed their image and require a new packaging solution, of course this requires a quote. Thank you very much for your time. We can do it!


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Our Colfax
Life Walks
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Small Teaching: From Minor Changes to Major Learning
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Taking a questionable legal approach to federal election regulations, Florence Wagman Roisman, a professor at Indiana University's School of Law in Indianapolis, was reported to have used university resources to spam law students and faculty with a message opposing the confirmation of Judge Charles Pickering. Her use of campus e-mail to lobby against President Bush's nominee to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals two years ago appeared to be in violation of federal election law, not to mention university policy.
Rather than being disciplined, however, Roisman has in fact been promoted since Campus Report first covered the incident. The month following the story, Roisman was one of four faculty members to receive the Trustees' Teaching Award for 2002, and in March of 2003, she was named Michael D. McCormick Professor of Law.
Roisman's original message included contact information for members of the Senate Judiciary Committee and a condemnation of Pickering's record by the Society of American Law Teachers (SALT), a group founded in 1972 to "champion liberal causes." The message encouraged students to "exercise your right to be heard!"
The dean of the law school at that time, Norman Lefstein, said that he would review the incident to determine whether Roisman's behavior had violated the law or university policy. The law school recently declined to tell Campus Report what ultimately became of the investigation, saying only that Lefstein "spoke with Professor Roisman regarding the appropriate use of the e-mail system." Lefstein did not return calls seeking comment.
As it happens, Roisman is not the only one to have received a promotion. This January, despite Roisman's and SALT's efforts, President Bush appointed Pickering to the Fifth Circuit during a Senate recess, bypassing a filibuster of the nominee by Democratic senators.
Roisman, meanwhile, generated controversy again at IU when she complained about a 12-foot Christmas tree that had been put on display in the law school's atrium last November. Although the artificial tree was decked with globe-like ornaments and folded world maps rather than religious decorations, Roisman considered it "exclusionary."
"The tree is placed there to celebrate a Christian holiday—it is not put there in the middle of summer," said Roisman, who is Jewish. "To honor one religion and not honor others is exclusionary. This is unacceptable at a place that presents itself as inclusive of all people."
Dean of Students Tony Tarr agreed with Roisman. On December 4 the school removed the tree and replaced it with two smaller trees accompanied by a poinsetta-filled sleigh.
"That was a denominational tree," Tarr explained. "It is now a normal Indiana scene."
Some of Roisman's colleagues praised the dean's decision to remove the tree.
"Dean Tarr acted thoughtfully," said Law Professor Jennifer Drobac. "Because ours is a state school and, to a great degree, a majoritarian society, Dean Tarr quietly replaced the Christmas tree rather than further discomfort those non-Christians who felt excluded. Under Supreme Court precedent, the tree could remain, but we are a moral community as well as a legal one, an inclusive society. Dean Tarr gave life to the concept of equal protection, as well as to the First Amendment. I agree with the prophet who said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers.' I hope we can now rejoice in our peace and new understanding."
Roisman, however, was still not satisfied. She said that the new display also represented the Christmas holiday and asked that it too be removed from the law school. But this time the dean did not accede to her request; the two smaller trees and the sleigh remained in the atrium until January.
Most students at the law school wondered what all the fuss was about, according to the Indianapolis Star, which covered the story.
"This is [political correctness] gone crazy. It's beyond ridiculous," commented student Matt Nicholson.
Himka Shergill, a student who was raised in India, saw nothing offensive about the tree. "I am not a Christian, but I like to hear Christmas songs, and my schools all had trees when I was a kid," she said. "The students want the tree here. It is exam time, and it helps us relax."
An editorial in the Indiana Daily Student, the university's student newspaper, gave a sarcastic response to the law school's explanation that the new display was "a neutral winter scene" inclusive of all students.
"While it may be in the school's best interest to portray, albeit idealistically, the Indiana woodlands during winter, we can do nothing but think of the countless other ecosystems that are being ignored and treated with disrespect," the editors wrote.
"Those from out of the state, you may as well enjoy your holiday in the annals of the law library, because it seems that the school has no interest in your seasonal experience if you hail from desert climates, tropical forests, the wind-blown tundra or the marshy swamps of the southeast," the editorial continued. "So much for diversity. So much for inclusion."
Sean Grindlay is the managing editor of Campus Report Online.


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Join us for the Botanical Ball – the official Kemptown Carnival 2018 Launch party!
A night of incredible live music and tropical mischief, with:
Pollito Boogaloo
Maracatu Cruzeiro Do Sul
Mango Disco
DJ Eggs Legs
Pollito Boogaloo
Raw Afro-Colombian roots music drawing from classic 60s Cumbia, Vallenato, and Puya, mixing in a little electro/dub and with a sprinkling of Haitian voodoo!
Mango Disco Live
Tropical delights ahoy! Mango Disco are in the house with their vibrant mixture of vintage African and Latin American grooves with modern electro-cumbia, reggaeton and drum n' bass. Fronted by the flamboyant Alex Del Mango, this brilliant and ridiculous 4 piece mango machine are a spectacular feast for world music lovers out there!
Maracatu Cruzeiro Do Sul.
Thunderous and soulful music from the northeast of Brazil…Maracatu Cruzeiro Do Sul are a Brighton based troupe that perform traditional roots samba and folk.
DJ Eggs Legs
Spinning all the tropical omelets with a delectable mix of highlife, afro-funk, soukous, chicha, samba, cuban styles, shangaan and non-stop stomping grooves.
£10 Tickets are available from the Komedia
All proceeds go towards helping to fund the Kemptown Carnival 2018


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Now that spring is in the air, round about now we inherently start thinking about having a complete wardrobe edit, declutter and scrubbing the house from top to bottom as spring cleaning gets underway. I'm desperate to get into my wardrobes at the moment and strip them of the clothes that aren't my style or that I haven't worn in such a long time, there will be plenty of charity bags being filled this weekend that's for sure.
If like me, the winter months leave you lacking energy, tired and generally a bit 'meh' transitioning into spring and the upcoming spring equinox could be the perfect prompt for you to kick start your self care routine again and really nourish yourself mind, body, and soul. I spoke about easy ways to reset your self care routine previously in this post.
When all of our attention is turned to our homes, I think it's a nice idea to also think about ourselves too. I just love the idea of giving our wellbeing a spring clean as a form of self-care. We often get stuck in a rut and this season of renewal is a fabulous time to refresh our habits and lifestyle to benefit our health and wellbeing.
Here are 8 self care ideas to feel good this spring
Make Self Love A Priority
Working on your relationship with yourself is an important step to health and happiness. Embracing who you are and loving yourself is when the real magic happens and is at the very core of living a balanced life. At this point, you've realised that you are worthy of kindness and joy and looking after yourself reaches the top of your to-do list.
Take Some Time Out For Yourself
Putting some time aside each week to forget about everything and clear your mind of any negative thoughts is a great practice to feel less stressed and anxious. Carrying a heavy mind can in the long-term be harmful to your health, general happiness and how you deal with things in your everyday life. I find that meditating and practicing yoga are great for taking some time out and forgetting about the world and focus on me for 10 minutes.
Now that the weather is slightly warmer, I've loved getting out for long walks in the countryside. There are lots of ramblers walks and planned routes in your local area that are worth checking out. Walking is a lovely gentle form of exercise and there are lots of races throughout the summer months if you're into running. I just love doing my exercise outdoors when the weather is gorgeous, it's much more enjoyable and it doesn't really feel like exercise.
Make More Space For Things That Bring You Joy
Bringing joy into your life is all about doing the things that you love that make you happy. Create more space in your life for the things that bring you joy. I know life is busy, but this doesn't have to be an all-day job a simple 10-minutes of joy every day is all you need. Here are some self care ideas that you can practice in under 10 minutes flat.
Have a Social Media Detox
Every so often, I like to have a social media detox and remove people from my social feeds that have a negative effect on me. Of course, this is nothing personal, but perhaps they're broadcasting something that I can't handle right now or makes me feel not deserving. As a preservation technique, I like to unfollow these people for a while and let my feed fill up with people who make me feel inspired and fabulous.
Swap Screen Time for 'Me' Time
I'm making a massive effort to try to be more intentional about cutting down my screen time and making more time for 'me' time instead. I do find myself mindlessly scrolling through my feeds sometimes and this time could be better spent reading a book, journaling and spending time with my family.
When we officially hit British Summer Time, your sleeping patterns may need a bit of a spring clean. With the lighter mornings and later sunnier evenings, your night-time routine for the winter may not be as effective now. If you are sleeping badly now that the longer days have arrived trying something different may just be the thing that you need to get a better night's sleep, which long-term is going to benefit your health.
Healthy living isn't just about exercise and diet, but also how we feel about ourselves and our lives. Most of the time, we get stuck in a rut and that is a definite road to losing your glow. Finding a new hobby is a fantastic way to rejuvenate your routine, meet new friends and indulge yourself for a couple of hours a week.
I hope this post has given you some ideas on how you can turn spring cleaning away from your home to focus on yourself and practice self-care. I've created a FREE Self Care to Feel Good This Spring bundle that includes a Daily Mindfulness Practice Worksheet, over 50 ways that you can practice self care, spring journal prompts and 3 of my most popular springtime blog recipes to help you feel good this season. Click the link below and it will be sent straight to your inbox!
>>>>>Download your free bundle here<<<<<
Also, if you want to get deeper into your self care practices there are still spaces available for our Balance Day Retreat in April taking place at the luxurious Crowne Plaza Hotel in Stratford Upon Avon – all the details and information to buy tickets are here.


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The Role of Tablets in the Enterprise
Tablets may one day soon take their place alongside PCs and smartphones as standard-issue IT equipment.
The inevitable move of communications technology from consumer to enterprise is under way for tablets. Of course, it has been for a while: Research In Motion's PlayBook and Cisco's Cius both are aimed at business. The move is gelling, however, according to recent research.https://o1.qnsr.com/log/p.gif?;n=203;c=204663295;s=11915;x=7936;f=201904081034270;u=j;z=TIMESTAMP;a=20410779;e=i
Indeed, four pieces of research were recently released that put the drive to give tablets to workers - as well as the ongoing growth in popularity of the devices in general - into context.
eChannel Line reports on the international study, which was conducted for the company by Redshift Research. The story says that employees still make three smartphone requests for each tablet for which they ask. The most valuable paragraph from the piece:
Of the countries surveyed, the US and France are tied for tops. Each report a tablet is requested by 21% of the workforce. Senior executives are most likely to be issued a tablet in the US (38%) and least likely to be issued one in the UK (27%) Tablets are significantly more prevalent among salespeople in Germany (31%) than in all other countries (21% on average).
The story offers a tremendous amount more information on a number of issues, including IT concerns, access to applications, access to servers and desirable features. The bottom line is that enterprises are taking tablets seriously - as well they should.
An overlay to this is the dominance of Apple in the enterprise, something that wouldn't have been thought likely just a few years ago. Apple Insider reports on Good Technology research revealing that during the fourth quarter of 2011, just about all enterprise tablet activations - 96 percent - were iPads. The study, which assessed its 2,000-plus company user base, found that 53 percent of smartphones rode on iOS. Thus, Apple accounted for 71 percent of enterprise mobile device activations during the quarter.
Those are interesting assessments of the high-level trends in the enterprise. It makes sense to juxtapose them with research on how tablets are progressing in the general population.
Strategy Analytics found a higher percentage of tablets among consumers riding on the Android operating system. PCMag reports on the finding that, on a worldwide basis, iPad's market share dropped to 58 percent during the fourth quarter of 2011, a 10 percent dip from the year-ago quarter. Android, meanwhile, rose from 29 percent to 39 percent during the same timeframe. In raw numbers, iPads outsold Androids 15 million to 10.5 million during the more recent quarter.
Finally, Pew Research found tablets making fast strides. IT Portal reports on the results, which say that 19 percent of American adults own a tablet. The stunning fact is that as late as mid-December, the percentage of ownership was 10 percent. The growth clearly was driven by e-readers.
There are four surveys here: two based on enterprise and two on consumer users. The bottom line is that tablets are growing more popular in both venues and that Apple is king. While it clearly won't lose its crown in the enterprise, its days of overwhelming dominance seem likely to fade.


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Good solution for hosting your videofiles in web is to use YouTube Web Hosting. No doubth, that great videos offer excellent opportunities to illustrate texts and enliven the pages. There are many cases, when information, like product introductions, testimonials, instructional materials etc., which look really great and are usable in video format.
To insert YouTube videos to webpages, follow these steps:
Embedding videos is a great way to enliven your pages. A good thing about embedding videos, which are originally hosted in YouTube, is that even with increasing popularity you do not need to worry about possible limitations on your server disk space or bandwidth use.
Videos are great way to live your website up. Sometimes your web hosting disk space and network bandwidth limitation doesn't allow hosting of large videofiles. Good solution would be to host large videofiles to YouTube video portal and use simple videoplayer frame code in your website.


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Christina has spent the past twelve years serving non-profits in the Merrimack Valley. As longtime development director for Community Giving Tree, she raised operating funds to provide clothing, cribs and other essential items to 10,000 local children annually. As co-founder and current president of Masconomet Education Foundation, she helped raise $300,000 to build two STEM labs at Masconomet. She also serves on the board of the town of Boxford's Recreation Committee and its Council on Aging, is past director of the Boxford Park Program, and past president of the Boxford PTO. Christina holds a B.A. from Harvard and an MFA from UCLA. She was an Emmy Award-winning television writer before starting a family. She and her husband are raising their three sons in Boxford, Mass.
Christina can be reached by email at [email protected], or by phone at 978-655-4742.
John Macone joined the MRWC in November 2017. He spent 25 years working as a journalist, most recently as editor of the Daily News of Newburyport. Having grown up along the Maine and Massachusetts coast, he's long had a fascination with the ecology of local rivers and coastlines. In 2009 he won a national award from the Inland Press Association for an eight-part series on erosion issues facing Plum Island and Salisbury Beach. Prior to working at the Daily News, John was a reporter, and later city editor, at The Eagle-Tribune, where he covered the New Hampshire presidential primaries, the New Hampshire Statehouse and the Massachusetts Statehouse. He has also worked as a park ranger for the National Park Service and the State of Maine, and authored three books on greater Newburyport's history. John holds a bachelor of arts degree in American history from Union College. He operates a small organic farm in Amesbury, and enjoys boating and fishing along the Merrimack and the local coast.
You can reach John at [email protected], or by phone at 978-655-4742.
Dan has spent nearly twenty years in benefits consulting working with some of the largest companies in the world. He has expertise in sales, marketing, general management, and strategic business consulting. He now works as an independent business consultant helping early stage healthcare companies in a number of areas. In addition, Dan works as a coach for the Boston Children's Hospital marathon team and runs marathons himself while raising money for the hospital. Dan holds a B.A. in Biology from the University of Rochester and a master's in Health Services Administration from the University of Michigan. He is a resident of Plum Island, an avid outdoorsman, and an amateur photographer.
Sarah is an educator with experience in classroom teaching and outdoor environmental education. She resides in Methuen, Mass. and currently teaches science at the Community Day Charter Public School in Lawrence. Sarah studied biology and geology at Colby College and holds a masters of education from Antioch University New England. She became a volunteer with MRWC in 2010 as part of a water quality sampling initiative, and has been active with the organization ever since.
Ryan works for a international renewable energy company on real estate acquisitions and the development of new projects. He formerly served as the strategic projects manager and director of easement stewardship at the Society for the Protection of New Hampshire Forests. He also is a licensed real estate broker and holds a master's degree in environmental law and policy from Vermont Law School, as well as a bachelor's degree in environmental science from Bowling Green State University. Ryan, his wife, and two boys live a stone's throw from the Merrimack in Concord, N.H. They enjoy recreational activities on and in the river as often as possible.
Rich is a Massachusetts Professional Engineer with over two decades of experience working with clients and conservation commissions to protect acres of open space while designing dedicated public trailhead parking and access to miles of walking trails within the Merrimack watershed. Rich holds a bachelor's degree in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts Lowell. He has a strong understanding of the Rivers Protection Act as well as the use of low-impact development techniques to mitigate stormwater pollution. Rich enjoys biking along the Merrimack in Lowell and spending time with his family at Lake Winnipesaukee. He is a resident of Tewksbury, Mass.
A graduate of Harvard College (B.A.) and Harvard Business School (M.B.A.), Maurice is retired from a 45-year career in the business world. He worked as a financial executive and turn-around business consultant, spending his early years in mainframe computer sales for Honeywell, Inc. He migrated to internal financial management, serving as division controller for the Dennison Manufacturing Co. in Framingham, Mass. He then advanced through a series of executive positions, which included controller at Malden Mills, Inc. in Lawrence, Mass., corporate controller at the Jamesbury Corp. in Worcester, and vice president for finance and administration at the Phalo Corp. in Westborough, Mass. During the second half of his business career, Maurice served as president of Maurice Balboni & Associates, a consulting firm specializing in business turnaround and crisis management. He is a former member of the MIT Enterprise Forum and the Financial Executives Institute. Until 2014, Maurice was a trustee of the Lawrence General Hospital, and during his 25-year tenure there served for two decades as its treasurer and, at intervals, chair of its Finance Committee, Audit Committee, and Investment Committee. He currently sits on the Board of Trustees of the nonprofit Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, where he is a member of its Finance Committee. Maurice is keenly interested in the theory and practice of conservation—an idea that includes rivers and other natural resources, as well as pretty much everything else. He lives in Andover, Mass.
Cathy Crumbley has dedicated her career to promoting environmental health and human dignity. As program director for the Lowell Center for Sustainable Production at the University of Massachusetts Lowell, she worked for nearly two decades to advance the development of safer alternatives to hazardous products and practices. Before that, Cathy organized environmental education programs for mid-career professionals from developing countries. A resident of Lowell, Mass., she holds a B.A. in biology from Pomona College and an M.S. in environmental science from UMass Boston.
Josh is a Geoscience and Natural Resources major and recent graduate of Southern New Hampshire University, located in the heart of the Merrimack River Watershed. In his final research capstone for his program, he sampled surface water for nitrogen pollution in streams. His program has prepared him well for work in conservation. Growing up an avid fisherman, Josh has a great passion for water conservation. His roots are firmly planted in the Merrimack Valley, as his hometown is Haverhill, right on the banks of the Merrimack River. Now residing in Newmarket, N.H., Josh began his association with the Merrimack River Watershed Council in January, 2019.


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The S45C trail that had a downed bridge is now open again for general traffic. Many thanks to our volunteers who sprung to action and repaired this damaged bridge.
news >
news >
S45C Bridge has been repaired! Trail Open for full use again.posted Feb 5, 2015, 10:07 AM by Admin Account


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Legal tech priorities: the three things firms need to do to reap the benefits of technology in 2017
Professional services firms face an uncertain future in 2017. Many predictions for the legal sector in 2016 proved inaccurate. Some widely forecast changes did not happen as expected. A high level of competition from entirely new 'Tesco law' legal services firms competing on a platform of agile technology has perhaps not materialised, whereas the threat from accountancy-based firms remains very present.
At the same time, continuing M&A activity is leading to consolidation in the sector, which is challenging many professional services firms. Innovative technology, from data analytics to enhanced time recording facilities, helped some law firms improve productivity and efficiency to compete in a fast-changing marketplace, but many continued to struggle with issues such as IT security and email management.
Getting ahead of the pack
Most forward-thinking law firms have begun seeing real efficiencies from technology but for many, there is still a way to go. Legal software and solutions need to work just as seamlessly on mobile devices, from tablets to smartphones, as they do in the office. Cloud computing offers anytime, anywhere access from mobile devices to the firm's data and systems but many firms are still at the beginning of the process of making this a reality. Here are the top three actions that will need to be addressed if law firms are to reap the full benefits of technology in 2017:
1. Take cloud computing to the next level.
Cloud computing offers undeniable benefits, ranging from 24/7 access to company information from all locations, through to controlling the IT support and security overhead. In recognition of this, law firms have started to shift a number of solutions, such as email archiving, to the cloud but technology issues around system integration and contractual issues affecting how and where client data is stored have stalled progress towards greater use of cloud technology.
These are all issues that may be addressed in future, even if that means waiting for the next round of contracts, and it is important to continue to plan for cloud computing. It is a good idea to tap into specialist law sector cloud computing suppliers' knowledge and experience. It is likely that you will need to ask them difficult questions about how exactly they store data and deliver services.
2. Make mobile work for you.
The new generation of lawyers use their smartphones and tablets almost constantly to keep in touch with people, share images and video and carry out tasks, from making payments to ordering their weekly shop. They will expect the same functionality when it comes to work tasks. Business processes that are restricted to desktop computers at work are increasingly feeling very old school. Firms looking to attract hotshot young lawyers will need to do a lot better than that. This is a real challenge for some firms but it is one that must be addressed.
A good starting point is to do a thorough audit of all the firm's technology systems and how they work together, accompanied by a clear view of all the data that is held in the firm and where it is. That might well include data that is held by individual lawyers. Only then can work begin to centralise access to data and provide integrated solutions that operate across a wide range of mobile solutions. It is no longer acceptable to specify only Microsoft solutions. Many people use iPhones and iPads and in fact, Microsoft has become one of the major developers for the Apple operating system. Similarly, law firms that fairly recently decided to go for native apps may want to rethink. Even within the past couple of years, multinationals and major social media platforms have switched allegiance from native apps to HTML5 on account of its flexibility and high performance.
3. Review your data security.
Most professional services firms are still wide open to risks resulting from international working and a reliance on professionalism and trust when it comes to the security of the firm's systems and data. These may be addressed as part of the review of security all law firms should be carrying out in response to the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR), which come into effect this year and carry hefty penalties for data breaches. The GDPR focus on compliance by design, in other words embedding compliance into business processes. Many firms will need to work on ensuring these processes adequately protect privacy too, and this is a good opportunity to address all risks.
Smashing the crystal ball
Following a year when the UK voted to leave the EU and Donald Trump was elected president of the US, against all predictions and polls, punditry has earned itself a bad name. However, it is key to keep on looking to the future and considering how best to develop the business and keep abreast of technology changes to stay ahead of rivals.
Crispin Passmore, executive director for policy at the Solicitors Regulation Authority, says: "IT has a lot of power to drive innovation, competition and growth. The firms we regulate are increasingly using technology to inspire and support new ideas and ways of working."
He adds: "The legal services market is ever changing and firms need to adapt in order to meet demand and grow their business. Using and adapting new and best practice from cutting-edge IT is a clear way of taking advantage of technology while innovating for the good of clients."
Firms that make the best use of technology to attract and retain the best lawyers and provide the highest service levels are those most likely to succeed in the turbulent times of 2017.
About the author
Simon Elven (pictured above) is commercial and marketing director and a founding member of Tikit. He has been influential in the development of the company during the past 19 years. Previously, he was the director of professional services at Tikit and brings a vast knowledge of CRM, business development, project and document management to the marketing function.
For interesting legal tech insights, follow Simon:
Twitter: @Elvenator
LinkedIn: Simon Elven