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One of the first decisions you will make as a new small business owner is to determine your business strategy. Ultimately, you have to settle for one of three business strategy options. And it is important that you are clear on what one you are going for.
Your business strategy choices are, at the end of the day, very simple. The big question is, how do you want to position yourself in relation to your competition. Basically your options are :
- To be the cheapest
- To be the best
- To dominate a market niche
Many small businesses go for the first option, in the mistaken belief that it is only way to survive. The problem is, there will always be someone who can do what you do, more cheaply than you can.
To Be the Cheapest
A cost leadership strategy is only really suitable for big businesses. Businesses that have substantial economies of scale. They are able to spread their overheads thinly over large volumes, and charge low unit prices. So if you are running a small business, this strategy probably won't work for you.
If, as a small business, you build your business reputation on being the cheapest, you are operating from a position of weakness. Even if you can survive with your low prices, you will not be able to withstand a price war with a bigger competitor. So why take the risk?
To Be the Best
The second strategy, being the best, can be used to build a powerful competitive advantage. It means, however, that you have to have a unique product. Otherwise, you will have to spend a lot of money on R&D to stay ahead of the competition.
You need deep pockets to win with this strategy. Unless, of course, your product is so specialized that no one else is producing it. And big companies, for whatever reasons, don't want to produce it either. That would give you dominance over a niche of your own.
But generally speaking, a product leadership strategy is only for the big boys. Like, Nokia, Sony and Mercedes Benz. While being the best in a category, and staying that way, can be a powerful strategy for highly specialized small businesses, it is just not sustainable for most. Which brings us to our third option.
To Dominate a Market Niche
Dominating a market niche in your industry. It is the most suitable business strategy for most small businesses. By adding value in a way that attracts a particular kind of customer, you can steadily build your business success. You are able to charge a premium. And you don't have to be the "best".
The trick, of course is to clearly identify your niche market, and convince your target market that you provide the best solution to their problem. For nearly all businesses, finding a niche and dominating it provides a solid foundation for building a business on.
It is very important that you are absolutely clear on what generic strategy you are relying on. Your business strategy, by definition, is supported by a number of strategic tactics. Whether you are aware of using them or not.
If you aren't clear about your overall strategic direction, you may end up using conflicting strategies. For example, focusing customers on your low prices at the same time as you introduce best of class products. Doing this means that your profitability suffers and you fail to attract the customers you want : not good!
Deciding on the generic strategy that will create the business success you are looking for, clarifies your thinking. And it helps you see clearly what tactics you need to use.
For more information on How to Position Your Business, read the following:
- Three Business Strategies for Small Business Entrepreneurs
- Changing Your Position When There's Competition
- Marketing to the Right Audience
- How to Position Your Online Retail Business When the Economy is Down
- Focus on a Niche: Factors to Consider
Recommended Books on Business Strategy:
- Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works
- Developing Business Strategies
- Understanding Michael Porter: The Essential Guide to Competition and Strategy
- What I Didn't Learn in Business School: How Strategy Works in the Real World
- Business Strategy: A Guide to Taking Your Business Forward (The Economist)
About the Author:
Similar Posts:
- How to Create a Profitable Niche for Your Business
- How to Create a Strategic Vision
- How to Create an Effective Marketing Plan
- 7 Home-Based Business Ideas
- How to Build Strategic Alliances


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Official trips often take me to different parts of South India, outside Kerala. If a Sunday falls in between during the visit, I generally look out for places of historical interests.
Last month, I was among the ruins of Hampi, in Karnataka on the Anniversary Day our wedding and after a fortnight when my birthday came, I was at the Salar Jung Museum in Hyderabad. Obviously, these were taken with a pinch of salt by Sindhu, my wife of 28 years.
This time it was my turn to visit various places in Trichy-Tiruchirappalli- and Tanjore –Thanjavur- in Tamil Nadu. While the full fury of the south west monsoon lashed across Kerala, I was in the hotter climate of Tanjore on the summer solstice day of 21st June when the rays of the sun were perpendicular heralding the summer in the northern hemisphere.
Sri Ranganatha Swamy temple, Srirangam:
Its history dating back to millennia, Srirangam temple is one of the most ancient and great Vaishnava temples of India. Finding a mention in the great Tamil epic, Silappadhikaram, which dates back to 2000 years, this great Vishnu temple is the largest functioning temple complex in the world, spread over 156 acres.
Over centuries, the temple had been patronized by the Pandyas, Cholas, Nayaks, Hoysalas and other royalty. It has also withstood many invasions over centuries.
The mandapa with 1000 pillars and the Dasavatharam temple are some attractions of this large complex where you can get lost if not guided properly. There are 21 gopurams around the complex with 7 concentric walls and over 60 temples of various deities. Some fine examples of ancient architecture could be seen here which shall indeed be an astounding experience.
Legend has it that the Orlov diamond in Kremlin, Moscow was originally one of the eyes of Lord Ranganatha, stolen from the temple around 1750 by a French deserter and smuggled out of the Country. Later, it came to the market in Amsterdam and was bought by Count Grigory Grigorievich Orlov of Russia after whom it came to be known.
A closer look will show a snake swallowing an elephant under his right foot.
Rajarajeswaram, the Great temple of Tanjore:
Often called the Brihadeeswara Temple, Rajarajeswaram was built by the great emperor Rajaraja Chola I (r. 985-1014) around AD 1010. Presently declared as a UNESCO world heritage site under the Great Living Chola Temples, this temple amazes everyone visiting Tanjore, the ancient city known as the rice bowl of Tamil Nadu.
Though I have been fortunate to visit the Eiffel Tower in Paris and the Great Pyramids off Cairo in the past, I was more awe-stuck on seeing the great temple which is maintained in pristine condition. I was also much delighted to see the old Tamil inscriptions on the granite walls of the temple from which we presently know about the construction and maintenance of the temple and about the offerings to the temple made by the great emperor.
These inscriptions tell us of the great army which protected the temple as also about the people who were entrusted to manage the affairs of the temple. It informs us of several gold vessels and jewellery gifted by the great Chola for use of the temple. We also learn about Krishnan Raman his military commander as also about Esana Sivapandita, the Rajaguru. Many villages were gifted to the temple for its upkeep and the temple had 400 dancing girls as also 50 singers of hymns. 100 musicians played various instruments there and Sanskrit dramas used to be staged. Special arrangements were made for the monthly and annual festivals. The engravings were supervised by a high ranking royal officer. We learn that Adithyan Suryan alias Tennavan muvendavelan, a high ranking royal official was in charge of overall administration of the temple. The chief priest was Bavana Pidaram.
Designed to represent a cosmic structure, the Mahameru, the temple's superintending architect (Thacca Karyam) was Kuncharamallan alias Rajaraja Perumthacchan.
One of the two gopuras, a five stage one, in front of the main structure and depicting various forms of Shiva is called Keralantaka Tiruvasal, obviously to commemorate Rajaraja's victory over the Kerala King Bhaskara Ravi Varman Thiruvadi (AD 962-1019). The defeated Bhaskara Ravi Varma accepted the Chola suzerainty and started paying tributes from his capital at Mahodayapuram.
The Darasuram temple is just 3 km from the temple city of Kumbhakonam and is situated in a small sleepy village. The famous Eiravatheswara temple dedicated to Lord Shiva here depicts the finest of Chola art and architecture and is a place anyone remotely interested in our heritage, culture and history must certainly visit. Built by Rajaraja Chola II in the 12th century, the site is presently a UNESCO World heritage site. The mandapam here is in the form of a huge chariot drawn by horses. Very delicate and detailed artwork on stone could be seen here depicting various facets of daily life of those bygone days.
Here too, many inscriptions could be found. In one inscription it mentions the renovation of the temple by Kulottunga Chola III. Elsewhere, there is mention of an idol being brought to Darasuram after Rajadhiraja I Chola's defeat of Someshwara I, the Western Chalukya king.
The stone carving of Rishabha Kunjara (Ox-Elephant) seen here is an interesting piece of artwork in that the head of these animals is common. From the left, you can see the head of the Oxen facing right whereas the elephant facing left also has the same head, so dexterously carved. Salutations to the unknown artist!
While returning home after my official visits, I decided that my next visits to these amazing destinations are to be exclusively reserved for living in the past and are not to be meddled with mundane chores of daily life and its' demands on us.
Tripunithura, South India,
30th June 2011.

subset: commoncrawl


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A Unifying Model of How the Tax System and Generally Accepted Accounting Principles Affect Corporate Behavior
Douglas A. Shackelford, Joel Slemrod, James M. Sallee
NBER Working Paper No. 12873
---- Acknowledgments ----
We are grateful for comments from Alan Auerbach, Dhammika Dharmapala, Jana Smith Raedy, Leslie Robinson, Terry Shevlin, Ryan Wilson and participants at the Conference on the Intersection of Financial Accounting and Tax Policy, held in Washington, D.C. on December 6, 2006 and at the NBER in Cambridge, MA on December 7, 2006 and the NBER pre-conference meeting held in Cambridge MA on July 27, 2006; we thank Joanne Hsu for research assistance. The views expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.
Contact Us


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By Shaila Kotadia
It's a huge honor to receive this
award. I'm thrilled to be coming to
D.C. to help remind Congress that
science funding and education must
not be politicized.
Zack Kopplin, science-education advocate, is the winner of the American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology's 2014 Howard K. Schachman Public Service Award.
The award recognizes an individual who demonstrates dedication to public service in support of biomedical science as exemplified by the award's namesake, who served as chairman of the ASBMB's Public Affairs Advisory Committee from 1989 to 2000. The award, instituted in 2001, is given annually by the society's Public Affairs Advisory Committee. Jeremy Berg, president of the ASBMB and director of the University of Pittsburgh's Institute for Personalized Medicine, said, "Zack has been a true champion of science education, which has become all the more important in these times where educational standards are being debated. Zack has tirelessly fought for the teaching of evolution in classrooms."
As a high-school student, Kopplin, a native of Baton Rouge, La., was infuriated to learn that the 2008 Louisiana Science Education Act had passed. The act allows supplemental teaching materials to be used to critique or objectively review scientific theories. Kopplin's upbringing with a political influence (his father was the former chief of staff to Louisiana governors Mike Foster and Kathleen Blanco and was recognized nationally as a political activist) taught him the power of using his voice to effect change. Thus, Kopplin used his voice to raise concerns about the act. "All the Louisiana Science Education Act does is create an unconstitutional loophole to sneak the teaching of creationism or intelligent design in public school science classes," he said.
After writing a research paper on the act for an English class, Kopplin launched a campaign to repeal the act. Though the law was not overturned, Kopplin did succeed in rallying students and scientists throughout the country, including 78 Nobel laureates, in his campaign.
Now 20 years old, Kopplin continues to speak out against the teaching of creationism, often appearing on such shows as HBO's "Real Time with Bill Maher" and MSNBC's "Hardball with Chris Matthews." Kopplin also wrote an open letter to President Obama, saying, "Denying and misteaching evidence-based science like evolution and climate science will confuse our students about the nature of science and stifle future American scientists and scientific innovation."
Benjamin Corb, director of public affairs for the ASBMB, said, "Zack is an impressive young advocate for science. He exemplifies how his generation can begin a larger discussion on issues important to the teaching of science. We applaud Zack's continuing efforts to protect the integrity of science education."
Kopplin has received multiple awards for his efforts as a science-education advocate, including the Friends of Darwin Award and the Hugh M. Hefner First Amendment Award in education. Kopplin received the Schachman Award at an ASBMB Public Affairs Advisory Committee reception on April 1 in Washington, D.C.
More from the current issue


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Prerequisite: Alchemist 16, greater mutagen discovery
Benefit: The alchemist's mutagen now grants a +6 natural armor bonus, a +8 alchemical bonus to one ability score (Strength, Dexterity, or Constitution), a +6 alchemical bonus to a second physical ability score, and a +4 alchemical bonus to a third physical ability score. The alchemist takes a –2 penalty to his Intelligence, Wisdom, and Charisma as long as the mutagen persists.
Section 15: Copyright Notice
Advanced Player's Guide. Copyright 2010, Paizo Publishing, LLC; Author: Jason Bulmahn.


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Evenflo Generations 65 Combination Booster Seat
I received the Evenflo Generations 65 Combination Booster Seat. I was thrilled to be able to review this new car seat and put it in my car as soon as it arrived. The installation was really easy and the seat was secure (no wiggling). I have a large SUV and I am short ( little over 5 foot) and one thing I noticed right away about the Generations 65 Combination Booster is it low profile. With my sons old seat I had to stand on my running boards make it easier to buckle him in, but with this seat I was able to stand on the ground and buckle him in! I also love that the arm rest move up and down which make it a breeze getting him in and out. I also has a great cup holder on the side for him to use to make his cup assessable to him. I really which I would have had my video camera on me the first time I put him in his seat, when I asked him how he liked his new seat he replied "love it" PRICELESS! He has said " I love my seat" more than once.....music to a mom ears LOL.
What makes this seat different ? With the Evenflo Generations 65 Combination Booster it can be used with the Internal 5-Point Harness with children 20 - 65 lbs and also your vehicle seat belt only with children 30 - 100 lb.
- Increased Weight Rating! Internal 5-Point Harness for use with children 20 - 65 lbs.
- Vehicle seat belt only for use with children 30 - 100 lbs.
- 5-point harness provides security for your child
- Soft and luxurious ComfortTouch™ head and body pillow give your child the ultimate in comfort.
- PostionRight™ headrest adjusts to 5 heights to grow with your child and maximize safety and comfort.
- TensionRight® easy adjust harness tightening system and Central Front Harness Release allows parents easy access for quick, convenient harness adjustment
- Pivoting armrests which improves ease of entry and lap belt position
- 2 recline positions for better vehicle fit
- Removable head pillow and body pillow insert for extra cushion
- Flip out removable Cup holder included; can be used on either side or removed entirely
- 3-position adjustable harness to accommodate your growing child
- 2 crotch buckle adjustment positions
- Removable, washable cloth pad
- All Evenflo Car Seats are Side Impact Tested
Price: $99.99
November 17, 2009 9:05 PM
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2019 Summer Tour Offerings
2019 Summer Schedule (July 1 – September 30)
Our 2019 summer schedule is under development. Please check back after the first of the year for more information.
* In the Great Plains, the weather can change quickly. Therefore, be prepared for outdoor tours with sun glasses, hats, umbrellas, jackets and a comfortable pair of walking shoes. If a tour is cancelled due to weather, we'll do our best to notify you in advance and provide a full refund.


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DELRAY BEACH, Fla.—The hot topics in the industry—drones and robotics, cybersecurity, the Internet of Things, big data and data mining—all impact monitoring centers, as well as integrators and end users.
LAS VEGAS—With the 2017 edition of the Consumer Electronics Show wrapping up on Sunday, it is always fun to see what technology trends are coming out of the show and how these will influence the security industry.
Over the past few years, the smart or connected home has made its way into the fabric of the show, growing in size and presence each year. Many prominent companies in the industry made big announcements at the show this year, including some notable unveils from ADT, Vivint, Alarm.com, Nortek Security & Control, Bosch, and Z-Wave Alliance, which featured its Z-Wave Experience Smart House demo area.
Vivint CMO Jeff Lyman told Security Systems News, "The show was marvelous for us—we doubled the size of our presence there this year having learned a lot from doing it last year for the first time in 2016. We were really pleased with how the show turned out. There is a large smart-home presence at CES, and it is a growing section of the show."
Lyman also talked about the company's big announcements at CES, most notably Vivint Sky, the company's new smart home assistant that uses artificial intelligence, or AI, to manage all of the devices in a connected home. Vivint Smart Home also announced a new Flex Pay option with Citizens Bank, as well as partnerships with Airbnb and Vivint Solar.
Steve Connor, director of product marketing for Nortek Security & Control, like Lyman, pointed to the growth of the smart home at CES, telling SSN, "The Smart Home section had solid traffic and this time we saw a lot of our dealers, which was nice, and different from past years. The show went very well for us and we had some big announcements."
Most notably, Nortek Security & Control unveiled its new 2GIG Vario Hybrid Security System, which Connor said is the culmination of "a lot of hard work and innovation." The complete Vario system consists of a security control panel with on-board hardwire inputs and outputs, which can add wireless capabilities to take advantage of 2GIG's existing wireless solutions. [Note: An article on this is coming soon, so check back on the site over the next few days for my full interview with Connor.]
Another top provider on the residential side, ADT, made a big splash at CES this year as well, making several announcements including expansions to its Canopy platform, which brings the company's professional monitoring to various smart device partners in an on-demand offering, as well as new integration partners and ADT Anywhere. ADT also announced that its Canopy offering will be available with the launch of LG's Smart Security product—an all-in-one security and home automation device with video capabilities. Also at CES, ADT announced integrations with Samsung's Gear S2 and Gear S3 smart watches.
CES also offered glimpses at the future, with self-driving and autonomous cars, including one unveiled by Bosch with biometric capability, as well as drones and robotic technology as part of an overall security system solution.
Speaking of drones at CES, Alarm.com announced at the show plans to develop autonomous, video-enabled drone applications to extend the capabilities of smart home and business security systems. Alarm.com's multi-sensor awareness and property intelligence, together with the Qualcomm Snapdragon Flight drone platform, will deploy drones to investigate unexpected activity. The drones will be designed to autonomously navigate through the property and provide a high-resolution video feed to the property owner. Alarm.com also unveiled at CES its Insights Engine, a multi-sensor learning capability that recognizes and proactively responds to unexpected activity around a property.
I look forward to speaking with Alarm.com's chief product officer Dan Kerzner later this week to get more on this interesting development for the company.
And while we are on the topic of new and emerging technologies, I would be remiss if I did not get in a shameless plug for SSN's TechSec Solutions show, where we will be looking at how to leverage new technology over a day and a half of educational sessions, networking and product displays. Click here to register and get the early bird discount!
Hope to see you at TechSec in Delray Beach, Fla., Feb. 27-28!
Security Systems News is excited to announce this year's TechSec Solutions educational program and keynote speaker—Jack Wu, co-founder and CEO of Nightingale Security, an innovator in the area of robotic aerial security.
In his keynote, Wu will look at the current and future role robotics has in security and potential applications across many different verticals. Wu co-founded the company with John Hsu, whose vast experience in aeronautics and astronautics, Ph.D. from Stanford University and work at SpaceX on Falcon's navigation system provide the technological vision and know-how that helps drive the company's advancements in aerial robotic technology. Come see the company's latest security drone up close and personal in Delray Beach, Fla., Feb. 27-28.
Beyond the keynote, we are tackling some of the bigger technology trends that are impacting the security industry today and will continue to shape the industry in the future, from IoT and big data to biometrics and mobile access. And, of course, cybersecurity and the cloud will make it into many of the conversations as well.
As a new and emerging technologies conference, the underlying theme for the educational program is looking to the future of technology—where we are and where we are going and how the industry can leverage these advances. We will also be looking at where the industry is in terms of standards and best practices.
For example, this year's session entitled, The Future of IoT: Taming Security's Wild West, will delve into how the Internet of Things or IoT is a virtual wild west, and is transforming into the Internet of Everything (IoE). This session will try to make sense of it all, looking at what is being done in the area of standards, best practices, interoperability, cybersecurity and more, led by panelists Neil Lakomiak, director of business development & innovation, UL; Mitchell Klein, executive director, Z-wave Alliance; Jon Lewit, communication committee chair, ONVIF, and director of technology leadership, Pelco; and integrator Jim Coleman, president, Operational Security Systems, Inc.
For more details on TechSeec Solutions and to register, click here.
© 2019 United Publications ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.


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Waters of the United States (WOTUS) Rulemaking
About Waters of the United States
Frequently Asked Questions
Learn more about the rulemaking process, waters of the United States, and other related topics through Frequently Asked Questions.
An official website of the United States government.
We've made some changes to EPA.gov. If the information you are looking for is not here, you may be able to find it on the EPA Web Archive or the January 19, 2017 Web Snapshot.


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An Open Access Journal
Chiasma Announces New Data for Investigational Octreotide Capsules Two studies presented at ENDO 2015 contribute to growing body of knowledge about acromegaly treatment Newton, Mass. and....read entire story.
Findacure launches Online Toolkit for Rare Disease Patients UK charity Findacure is pleased to announce that this week it has launched an innovative online toolkit- a series of interactive....read entire story.
An International Research Team is Developing New Methods for Therapy Evaluation in Rare Diseases Aachen, 9/2/2013-In the EU diseases that affect 5 in 10,000 people or less are defined as....read entire story.
The Journal of Rare Disorders is a quartery, open access, online journal that provides a forum for original research, open-label studies, regulatory issues, review articles, case reports and....read entire story.
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As we approach the holy season of Easter, let us contemplate the pelican, a most unlikely looking bird with an enormous bill that waddles on land but glides gracefully through the air, and whose name is derived from an ancient Greek word pelekys, meaning axe.
Fossil evidence for the pelican dates back at least 30 million years. Of the eight species of the genus Pelecanus alive today, the great white pelican would have been known to the ancient Greeks. So too would have the Dalmatian pelican, the world's largest freshwater bird, which makes its nest in eastern Europe.
During the breeding season, the Dalmatian pelican's pouch turns blood red, and the birds often press their bills against their chest to empty them of the water scooped up as they fish before allowing their young to reach into the pouch for food. This likely is the source of the myth that pelicans pluck feathers from their breast until they bleed and use the blood to feed their young. St. Thomas Aquinas referred to this belief in his hymn "Adoro te devote:"
"Lord Jesus, Good Pelican,
Wash my filthiness and clean me with your blood,
One drop of which can free
the entire world of all its sins."
Another version of the myth has the mother pelican in a fit of pique killing her young then, struck with remorse three days later, resurrecting them with her own blood. The Physiologus, a Christian work from second-century Alexandria, tells the story this way: "The little pelicans strike their parents, and the parents, striking back, kill them. But on the third day the mother pelican strikes and opens her side and pours blood over her dead young. In this way they are revivified and made well."
Here, then, is an explanation for the depiction found in many Catholic churches of a pelican feeding its young with its own blood, and it is fitting, too, that Corpus Christi College in both Cambridge and in Oxford have pelicans on the coats of arms.
On our side of the ocean, the brown pelican is featured on the seals of Louisiana State University and Tulane University. Although Louisianans attach no religious connotations to their state bird, the brown pelican has in a sense been resurrected, for in North America the species was nearly killed off by pesticides – in 1963 Louisiana, the Pelican State, had not one recorded sighting of a brown pelican even though 25 years earlier 5,000 breeding pairs were reported. However, after DDT was banned in 1972, the brown pelican was reintroduced into Louisiana, and the species was removed from the federal endangered species list in 2009.
Also having recovered from the devastation of DDT is the other species of pelican in the United States, the American white pelican, a stately bird whose squadrons can be seen soaring south and west from Minnesota. While Australian pelicans have the largest bill in the avian world, of birds in North America the white pelican has a wingspan second only to that of the California condor, and it competes with the trumpeter swan for the title of the longest native bird.
Notable, too, is that the white pelican often fishes cooperatively, swimming in a line with others of its kind to drive fish to shallow water where they can be scooped up more easily. They also continue to care for their young for up to three weeks after fledging.
Yet the white pelican is not an entirely laudable species: they are known to steal fish from other pelicans in their nesting colonies as they disgorge their food for their young. We can find another Biblical parallel as well, for if the white pelican female lays more than one egg, a rivalry on the scale of Cain and Abel causes one chick to harass to death or outright kill its sibling.
Likewise, we Christians have our noble qualities as we seek to follow the risen Lord, but often we are found to have "struck God by serving the creature rather than the Creator," as the Epiphanius Physiologus states. And yet unlike the mythical pelican that struck back at its young, our Lord "deigned to ascend the cross, and when His side was pierced, blood and water gushed forth unto our salvation and eternal life."
This is the Easter mystery we contemplate as we seek the grace to, in the words of Dante, lean upon the breast of Christ, our pelican.
Marie Mischel is editor of the Intermountain Catholic.


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April 14, 2011
Brain Awareness Month: SickKids improves care for critically ill children
Critically ill children admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) often have multiple health issues that put them at risk for brain injury, which can have a significant long-term impact on their health. The brain is a vital organ that controls movement, thought and neurological functions which control blood pressure, heart rate, body temperature and organ function.
Although continuous monitoring of the heart and lungs has been part of standard ICU care for many years, continuous brain monitoring has not been routine. Recent advances in digital technology have made it possible to use electroencephalograms (EEGs) as a continuous brain monitoring tool.
Researchers at SickKids are currently studying the use of EEG as a way to continuously monitor the brain of critically ill children in real-time. Neurologist Dr. Cecil Hahn and a team of neurophysiologists, EEG technologists, ICU physicians and nurses have integrated continuous EEG (cEEG) monitoring into the care of these children and are evaluating the benefits of this non-invasive bedside test.
The study has found that among 194 critically ill children monitored with cEEG over a six year period, 50 per cent had seizures and 32 per cent (or 62 patients) had seizures that would have gone undetected without continuous monitoring. A routine 30-minute EEG would have detected only nine per cent of the seizures. "Our findings demonstrate that seizures are quite common among certain critically ill children, and that continuous EEG monitoring provides much more insight than short intermittent EEGs," says Hahn. Seizures are caused by an abnormal over-activity of the brain, which can place additional stress on the already vulnerable brain of critically ill children.
Children in the ICU are often sedated or in a coma, which makes it difficult for caregivers to tell when a child is having a seizure, particularly nonconvulsive seizures that occur without any outward signs.
"Right now we are only monitoring children with EEG when there is a suspicion of seizures, however other children in coma may also be at risk for seizures," says Hahn.
In another clinical research study currently underway. Dr. Hahn and colleagues are examining the problem of nonconvulsive seizures among comatose children in the ICU. The study is funded by the SickKids Foundation, the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, and the PSI Foundation. Dr. Hahn hopes to answer questions such as how many children in the ICU are actually experiencing seizures? Which children are at greatest risk for seizures and would most benefit from EEG monitoring? How do these seizures contribute to brain injury, and what is their impact on long-term outcome? These qestions and others will be the focus for Dr. Hahn and his team for the next three years.
"Continuous EEG monitoring is a significant investment on the part of SickKids, both in terms of equipment and personnel," Dr. Hahn says. "Ultimately, our goal is to harness the technology and the expertise of our multidisciplinary team to prevent brain injury in critically ill children and improve their long-term outcome."


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Managing Director KPMG Nunwood
KPMG in the UK
Tim co-manages KPMG Nunwood's customer experience management practice. An ESOMAR speaker and MRS award recipient, Tim is responsible for the design and implementation of the group's largest CEM programmes. Having previously worked across marketing, strategy and consultancy roles, Tim's focus for the last five years has been creating an organisational capability for 'full-service CEM'. This has resulted in KPMG Nunwood's uniquely integrated approach to CEM Strategy, Journey Mapping, Insight, Measurement and Voice of the Customer Software.


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The Magnet School for Environmental Science, Technology and Community Wellness strives to help our students develop academic and social skills to become the leaders and achievers of tomorrow…
PS 54 is an innovative pre K – 5 school honoring each child's individual gifts and learning style through a collaborative student/teacher community.
Environmental Science
Environmental education and community action are important parts of the every-day lives of P.S. 54 students. Continue reading "Environmental Science"
The goal of technology at the Magnet School is to help all students live, learn and work successfully and responsibly in an increasingly complex, technology driven society. Continue reading "Technology"
Community Wellness
At the Magnet School for Environmental Science, Technology and Community Wellness, students study the connection between physical activity, nutrition and health as components of well-being. Continue reading "Community Wellness"


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A Fixed IP SIM card is a data SIM with fixed or static IP address. A Fixed IP SIM's IP address can be used to locate the SIM in order to initiate communication from an external device or to identify the SIM as being valid for authentication purposes to a firewall or restricted service. This way it provides a secure and reliable 2-way connection between an external device and your device from any location.
Our 4G Fixed IP SIM Cards are ideal for use in an M2M 4G Router that will provide you with a reliable, high speed mobile broadband connection with a Fixed, PUBLIC IP address so you can easily connect to your 4G router from anywhere and using standard router features like Port Forwarding you can connect to your devices on the LAN such as CCTV IP camera's and DVR's as well as upload new content to your Digital Signage / Remote Media installation or quick and simple remote management and monitoring for your Wind / Solar Energy installation. Fixed IP SIM's IP SIMS and a reliable Router can both be pre-configured and dispatched in unison to provide a 'plug & play' service.
Our 3G/4G M2M Fixed IP data SIMs on a comprehensive list of established network operators and application specific tariffs. UK – EE, Vodafone, O2, Three UK and UK roaming SIMs.
Fixed IP SIM Applications
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How Does It Work?
Regardless of the nature of business, being connected at all time has become most important in today's era. Fixed IP SIM enables you to have swift and effective two-way connectivity at all times.
A fixed (static) IP data SIM allocates the fixed IP address externally to the main network operator. The SIM will be linked to Private APN (Access Point Name). The traffic is passed on wards into a private carrier network, where fixed IP address works as SIM's identity and allows both inbound and outbound connectivity across the internet.


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The automotive industry continues to prove itself as the strength of the economy, producing jobs and strengthening its ecosystem with new fuel saving initiatives. June's U.S. auto sales further prove my point – making the whole space a buy – but one company is the most attractive.
Above & Beyond Expectations
For the month of June, sales more than tripled expectations with a 6% year-over-year gain to 264,843 units. Of course, crossovers remain top performers with gains of 9%, but trucks/SUVs with an 8% gain also impressed.
When we think of U.S. sales, the two major players that automatically come to mind are General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F).
For General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), sales rose 6% as a 38% rise in Cadillac and a new all-time best for the Chevy Volt led the company to beat expectations. Yet, strangely, despite these strong numbers, shares still traded flat to modestly lower on Tuesday. The reason: Strong performance by Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F), as it shows that it is currently the best performing company in the space.
Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) saw its stock rise by 2.6% on Tuesday, coming behind a 13% year-over-year gain in monthly sales. Much like General Motors Company (NYSE:GM), cars were strong, contributing a 12% gain as the largest segment. However, it was the continuation of strength among trucks that really impressed investors, as the segment rose an inspiring 20%.
Is It Time to Buy Auto Makers?
In this economy, we simply don't see massive segments of the U.S. growing at such rapid rates, nor do we see the largest of these companies leading the way with year-over-year growth. Yet, this has been the trend for the better part of four years, as General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) have rapidly recovered from the recession.
Most people look at the past year for these auto makers and see fairly strong periods of performance. Both stocks have gained approximately 75%. Yet, what very few realize is that both are actually underperforming the market on an extended chart period.
Since January 2011, General Motors Company (NYSE:GM) has traded with a loss of 2.45% and Ford Motor Company (NYSE:F) has lost 3.7% of its valuation. During the same period, the S&P 500 has produced gains of 28%. With the auto industry being the fastest growing of the large economic industries, I find this as a reason to buy.


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Cheryl has reportedly agreed to share a dressing room with Will.i.am during her tour with his band the Black Eyed Peas.
Cheryl has grown closer to Will.i.am since her split from husband Ashley Cole, and the pair are said to have asked concert organisers for a private and shared dressing room.
Will.i.am is said to have requested that the room be filled with white roses and that no expense be spared in making it comfortable for heartbroken Cheryl.
The pair who have worked together since their duet on Will.i.am's 2008 single Heartbreaker have openly expressed their feelings for each other professionally.
Cheryl has revealed Will.i.am to be "inspiring" and "fantastic" and said: "He's everything that you would want from a producer and also from a person."
The pretty singer has flown to LA to spend Easter with American Will.i.am fuelling rumours that the pair are romantically involved.
Source: OK!


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Arizona United SC played its best game to date as it defeated the Charlotte Eagles 2-1 Saturday night at the Peoria Sports Complex.
Arizona United controlled play for most of the first half with its ball-possession game, and it finally paid off in the 42nd minute as Kadeem Dacres scored off a pass from Brandon Swartzendruber after a great cross from Matt Kassel. For Dacres, it was his first professional goal.
"It's definately huge, it was a long time coming," Dacres said. "It took me a while to realize 'Wow, that was my first professional goal, I was excited.' "
Arizona United coach Michael Dellorusso challenged his guys at practice this week to take ownership of the game, and Dellorusso saw that from his players.
"A lot of questions got answered tonight, I challenged them quite a bit, I told them I wanted to sit down all night and I didn't want to say a word," Dellorusso said. "I told them 'It's their team and I wanted them to make their identity. I thinkt hey did a pretty good job of that today."
Arizona United (2-1-1) continued to keep control of the play in the beginning of the second half, and got the second goal in the 64th minute as Bradlee Baladez found a ball at his feet after defender Scott Morrison kept the ball alive in the corner, crossed it to Bryan Gallego, who got it to Baladez and got it past Charlotte keeper Brock Duckworth for the 2-0 lead.
"It was huge getting that goal," Baladez said, not knowing at the time it would end up being the game-winner. "I was in the right spot at the right time."
From that point, Arizona United went defensive, making substitutions to solidify the back line, but Charlotte (2-3-0) did not relent, and in the 76th minute, forward Jorge Herrera scored his third goal of the season on a defensive breakdown as he slipped past two defenders and put it past Evan Newton to cut the Arizona United lead to 2-1.
"We made a couple of adjustments, but they did well," Dellorusso said of the defensive core in the final 20 minutes. "We let one come through, it was a little disappointing to give that one up, because obviously we deserved the shutout, but it's OK.
"I thought the adjustments we did make, the guys came in a did a great job. I was pleased."
Arizona United now heads out on its first road trip of the season, playing three games ina span of five days, with the first two being back-to-back league games against Richmond and Harrisburg. They conclude the road trip with a second round U.S. Open Cup game against the Portland Timbers U-23 team.
"It's another challenge," Dellorusso said. "Every day is a new challenge with this club so now we're going to have to see how we do it on the road. They're going to have to manage their bodies well, mentally and physically, so it will be a challenge for all of us, but we all look forward to it."


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Japan "I Love Anime" Tag
Make your baggage easier to locate with this stylish luggage tag. It's a double sided, high quality woven tag, with a stainless steel ring that you can attach to your keys, luggage, bag and jacket.
5 1/8" x 1 1/8"
Shipping and handling
1 week within Canada
2-3 weeks within the United States
3+ weeks on all international countries


text: Want Warriors news in your inbox? Sign up for the free DubsDaily newsletter.OAKLAND — Before anyone even asked the questions, Warriors coach Steve Kerr knew what was coming.The Warriors (41-13) enter Thursday's game against the Dallas Mavericks (17-37) at Oracle Arena with three losses in the past four games. Kerr also saw the hordes of reporters standing by the interview table following Wednesday's practice. So, the Warriors coach put the two things together."Is Ted Koppel going to have a special?" Kerr jokingly asked. "'Crisis in the Bay: Warriors in Peril.'"Kerr would not say the Warriors are in peril. The Warriors still boast the NBA's best record. They have also gone 13-5 since Warriors guard Stephen Curry returned from a right ankle injury that sidelined him for 11 games. Yet, Kerr believes the Warriors are "in a rut" after subpar play eventually caught up to them in recent bottom-line results."We have enough talent to win without playing at our best. But we developed some bad habits," Kerr said. "Those bad habits are starting to be exposed. Now we've got to get rid of those habits. No easier way to say it than we have to compete like crazy."To subscribe to the Planet Dubs podcast, click here.Some of those bad habits trace back to the Warriors' unwillingness to compete like crazy.The Warriors committed 25 turnovers in losses this past week to Utah and Oklahoma City. But the Warriors have ranked 29th out of 30 teams all season with 15.6 turnovers per game because Kerr believes the team has become intent on hitting home runs instead of singles. In the past 18 contests that have coincided with underwhelming wins and ugly defeats, the Warriors also have ranked 25th out of 30 NBA teams in defensive rating. And for most of the time, the Warriors had any combination of Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, Klay Thompson and Draymond Green to camouflage such issues.The Warriors have since realized top-heavy talent does not cure every ill. So, Kerr said the Warriors will have to rely on another remedy, even against a Mavericks team that ranks last in the Western Conference."It's not going to be easy. We're not going to come out and score 140 [points]," Kerr said. "I know these games well. You have to win with competitive desire, defense and toughness. That's what we have to bring."Kerr cited the Warriors' previous worst stretch of basketball for some perspective.The Warriors lost five out of seven games last season that included a three-game losing streak. Some of those reasons stemmed from playing eight games in eight different cities in 13 days, punctuated with a final stop in San Antonio where Kerr sat his star players at ABC's dismay. Some of the other reasons, though, traced back to the Warriors struggling to find purpose in regular-season games in the winter when they have become conditioned to thrive in playoff games in the spring.When the Warriors returned home, they clinched a two-point win over Philadelphia at Oracle Arena. That marked the beginning of a 15-1 record to close out the 2016-17 regular season."Sometimes that's all it takes, a game or two where you really have to dig deep and defend at a high level," Kerr said. "Competitive desire is the best medicine when you're in a position like this when you're taking some lumps."The Warriors may have already received some of that medicine. Thompson noted on Tuesday night that the Warriors need to start winning games so to stay ahead of the Houston Rockets (39-13). Houston matched the Warriors' loss totals and holds a regular-season tie breaker after beating Golden State two out of three times this season."Klay knew the standings?" Kerr joked. "That's awesome. He's come a long way. Does he know what conference we're in? Just kidding."Kerr then turned serious."I look at the standings every day. But I don't obsess over them," Kerr said. "I'm much more interested in our play and high level of play and reaching our standards, which we haven't done in quite a while."And to reach that standard, the star-studded Warriors might have to do something that much less talented teams often have to do to win games. As Kerr said, "If you want to get out of it, you have to fight, scrap and claw.""As long as we show the fight that I know we have in us," Kerr said, "that stuff will be corrected."


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|June 10, 2014
33 Summer St
Bath, Maine 04530
On Tuesday, June 10 at 6:30pm, Patten Free Library in Bath hosts Brian Daniels, author of Thoughts of an Average Joe (Islandport Press 2014). In 2009, Daniels created Joe Wright—a clueless, middle-aged, thick-around-the-middle man hopelessly stuck in the twentieth century. Thoughts of an Average Joe is the hilarious rambling of a man whose commentaries voice the confusion and angst of a simple, old dude trying to make sense of life in the modern world.
In the book, Joe offers his thoughts about the many issues that confuse or annoy him: "I'm Not Ready for the Wireless World," "Poachers Are Not Hunters," and "I'm Comfortable in My Old Skin," are just a few examples. He, like many men, struggles to understand his "little woman" and others of her gender in several essays, including "I'm Afraid of the Little Woman," and "I've Noticed That Women Are Not Like Men."
You'll meet Joe, Smalltown (his beloved northern New England hometown), his fascinating friends and family members, Dan's Market, Small-Mart, Blake's Esso Station, and the Smalltown News. He hopes his stories will bring a smile to your face and warm your heart. Maybe you'll even agree with most of his Thoughts. If not, he'll be quick to tell you . . . well . . . you are just wrong.
Brian Daniels is an avid outdoorsman, a newspaper columnist, novelist, musician, and songwriter. Many of his songs, including four title tracks, have been recorded by eight different artists. His first novel, Luke's Dream, was released in January 2011. For several years, he has written a humorous column, Thoughts of an Average Joe by Joe Wright, which is featured in newspapers throughout northern New England. Daniels and his wife Laurene live in Brunswick where he has practiced optometry since 1984.


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My doctor changed my medication 10 days ago - upped the dosage - and now I have to take one pill in the morning with breakfast and two with dinner. Before it was just at dinner time. Thing is I never eat breakfast because I'm not hungry until afternoon. Today is the earliest I've taken it, at 9:40 am, usually it's not till 1:30 pm or so.
This medication can cause some serious and permanent side effects and my doc thinks spacing out the dosage will help with that. I fear that I'm taking them too close as I normally eat dinner around 6 pm. I will need to be on this med for at least 4 more months so need to figure this out.
The question I have for you guys is portion size. The meds I'm on are best absorbed taken with food and my doc said the more food the better, also the more fat the better.
What would you consider a generous sized breakfast?


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Wednesday, June 23, 2010
A shipping agent's best friend
First: I'm gearing up for my linocut demo this weekend at ArtWalk* and workshops in July at the Crested Butte Wildflower Festival. The latest box of goodies for my classes arrived today.. this time it's the cheap-and-simple starter supplies for beginning relief printing. Oooooooooooh!
Second: My good friend Tony (now my VERY good friend Tony) visited last week from the east coast and brought with him a "loaner" digital SLR camera body! I've been longing for something other than my little point-and-shoot for a long time, but haven't been in a position to bite the bullet and invest in new equipment. But with a camera body in hand, I had to buy a lens... so at least the process is started. The new lens was box #2 today....
And finally.... WOOT! WOOT! Friend and colleague Carla Sonheim has a new book on the brink of release, and my "contributor copy" arrived! You'll be hearing more about "Drawing Lab for Mixed Media Artists" in July, which is not that far away! Congratulations, Carla! The book looks fun and inviting. (And yes, I received a contributor copy because a couple of the exercises use my drawings as examples!)
The DM is off in the morning to collect his friend Matt from the airport (a 2-hour jaunt each way from here) and I'll be staying home to ensure Matt has a clean guest room to sleep in. In between playing with art supplies, a camera, and a new book, of course.
*I''ll be at the Book Haven, venue #41 on the map.
Mystery countdown: Three.... (the drumroll is starting...)
3 comments:
Parcels! Woo hoo!ReplyDelete
Sorry. I'll compose myself.
But I've got some books and field equipment heading my way, so I'll borrow some of your excitement until they arrive.
Drum rolls are always so exciting. :-DReplyDelete
Camera - can you tell us more about it? The trouble with cameras is - point-and-shoot will fit neatly into a pocket or handbag, etc. Cameras that really capture the image are always larger, heavier, and require extra "carrying space". However, I am really tired of my terribly unsophisticated point-and-shoot. I am no where near anything resembling a photographer and have no reason, earthly or otherwise, to invest in something more expensive but . . .
We shall see. Perhaps you can tell us what this new camera body is - brand and model please? :-D
I expect a full parcel inventory report, Snail. Share the wealth, as they say.ReplyDelete
Lindy, it's a Canon 20D body, and I just bought a 75-300mm lens for it. My primary plan for this camera is to be able to take my own reference images for artwork. Once upon a time I put a lot more wildlife in my prints than I have been lately. When I lived near Denver I had ready access to zoo and museums for life drawing and reference but here, not so much. It will definitely be a more cumbersome system, but hopefully it will inspire some new ideas.
Assuming, of course, I ever figure out how to use the darn thing. So far I can take pictures with everything set to "auto"!


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What Does a Compensation Analyst Do?
Compensation analysts study salary statistics in order to develop appropriate compensation structures. They play an integral role as part of a corporation's human resources team and ensure that employee salaries are both competitive and reasonable. Applicants usually need a bachelor's degree as well as previous compensation experience in order to obtain employment in this role. This position requires applicants who are able to communicate effectively with people of all job levels and personalities.
|Required Education
|Bachelor's degree
|Voluntary Certified Compensation Professional credential
|Projected Job Growth (2018-2028)*
|6% (compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists)
|Average Salary (2019)**
|$63,470 (compensation analyst)
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, **Payscale.com
Comp Analyst Job Description
Compensation analysts conduct analysis on internal and external salary statistics. Based on the information collected, they recommend, develop, and implement an appropriate employee compensation structure. This structuring involves configuring pay grades, evaluating new employee titles, and ongoing reclassification of these pay grades.
Compensation analysts also might create and apply employee incentive plans to maintain and attract talent. They usually work in partnership with the rest of the human resources team to ensure that compensation and bonus programs can compete with other businesses.
This position requires applicants who are able to communicate effectively with every level of employee within their company, along with a variety of different personalities. Compensation analysts must have good evaluation skills and the ability to convey information in legible reports to their human resources and executive groups. Since most compensation analysts assist in writing job descriptions, writing skills are also valuable.
How to Become a Compensation Analyst
Compensation Analyst Training
Compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists need a bachelor's degree in a field such as human resources, business administration, or finance. Common course topics in human resources bachelor's degree programs include compensation, benefits, management, ethics, communication, and economics.
Compensation Analyst Work Experience
Most prospective employers also require applicants to possess relevant work experience. Aspiring compensation analysts can gain experience by working in entry-level human resources positions before applying for analyst positions. This training will ensure that the applicant has some experience working with employees in a human resources environment.
CCP Certification
Certification is available for those who wish to demonstrate their knowledge and potentially advance their careers. World at Work offers the Certified Compensation Professional (CCP) exam. The International Foundation of Employee Benefit Plans offers continuing education opportunities and designations in compensation management, group benefits, retirement plans, and total compensation.
Compensation Analyst Salary and Job Outlook
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects average employment growth of 6% for compensation, benefits, and job analysis specialists from 2018 to 2028. According to Payscale.com these professionals earned an average annual salary of $63,470 in 2019, while the BLS reports that compensation managers made an average annual salary of $99,973 that same year.
Compensation analysts develop compensation structures by analyzing salaries and job responsibilities. They create employee compensation structures, which often include pay grades and titles. Many compensation analysts have a bachelor's degree and some obtain certification to advance their career.


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There are two different charge models for Amazon Elastic Container Service (ECS).
Fargate Launch Type Model
With Fargate, you pay for the amount of vCPU and memory resources that your containerized application requests. vCPU and memory resources are calculated from the time your container images are pulled until the Amazon ECS Task* terminates, rounded up to the nearest second. A minimum charge of 1 minute applies.
See detailed pricing information on the AWS Fargate pricing page.
EC2 Launch Type Model
There is no additional charge for EC2 launch type. You pay for AWS resources (e.g. EC2 instances or EBS volumes) you create to store and run your application. You only pay for what you use, as you use it; there are no minimum fees and no upfront commitments.
See detailed pricing information on the Amazon EC2 pricing page.
For on-premises deployments on AWS Outposts, ECS tasks run on capacity you have ordered. Please refer to AWS Outposts pricing page for details.
Get started using Amazon ECS


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It is possible to resolve the most contentious of disputes with the assistance of the right mediator. The ideal Milwaukee mediation attorney possesses a thorough understanding of the local legal landscape, as well as the communication skills necessary to convince seemingly opposing parties to cooperate. Susan K. Scott brings these essential qualities to the table, as well as a clear sense of compassion for her valued clients. For the ultimate in mediation, look to Susan Scott of the Ivanovic Law Offices.
Approaches To Mediation: Why Choose An Education-Based Mediation Lawyer?
A variety of approaches to mediation are available, with many individuals working with lawyers who focus on facilitative mediation. This traditional mediation approach involves a facilitator responsible for organizing the mediation process. Although this mediator is not able to provide advice regarding the ideal outcome of the dispute, he or she can ask questions designed to help both parties reach a mutually beneficial resolution.
Facilitative mediation has its merits, but it is not the approach preferred by all of those in the midst of significant disputes. Many individuals prefer to opt for an alternative approach that involves targeted feedback from a trusted legal advisor while still giving them them a sense of control. This education-based approach to facilitation can prove quite useful in a variety of contexts, and, as such, is the mediation style Susan K. Scott has decided to pursue at the Ivanovic Law Offices. Through education-based mediation, Susan Scott is able to provide detailed feedback for her valued clients, all the while ensuring that they are free to make their own decisions. This is an ideal approach for those who desire some level of independence but also require more specific feedback than what they might be able to achieve through other forms of mediation.
Susan K. Scott: A Compassionate Mediation Attorney
Susan Scott understands the pain and frustration experienced by those requiring mediation services. She strives to ease this burden by providing caring and compassionate legal assistance. Always willing to listen to the concerns of her valued clients, Susan Scott prides herself on her ability to build and maintain strong attorney-client relationships. Ultimately, these trusting relationships help even the most anxious of mediation clients arrive at satisfactory case resolutions. If you are in need of legal assistance from a mediation attorney who has your best interests at heart, feel free to get in touch with Susan K. Scott.


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Jennifer Alpert has more than 12 years' experience in product management, business analysis, technical sales, settlement administration for multidistrict litigations, software design for financial advisors, and portfolio accounting for investors. She is known for successfully designing well-considered systems and processes for complex business–to–business transactions in mass torts, finance, and wealth management. She is based in Washington, DC.
Since joining Ankura in 2014, she has served as a settlement administrator for a large medical device mass tort, where she is responsible for the design and implementation of improved structures, systems, processes, documentation, and communication strategies required to meet the needs of the client, as well as required when following the terms of the Master Settlement Agreements.
Prior to joining Ankura, Jennifer was a product manager at LPL Financial, focused on improving the advisor experience for financial advisors and investors. Jennifer previously worked at Fortigent as a senior business analyst where she was a portfolio accounting analyst for operations and a data conversions coordinator responsible for reconciling investment accounts and onboarding clients.
Jennifer's professional experience includes:
Jennifer received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of Maryland, where she received departmental honors and department achievement. She is a Certified Scrum Product Owner and a member of the Scrum Alliance.


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CycleSafe, Inc. has been awarded a GSA Advantage contract and takes pride in our Made in USA and ISO quality, and environmental standards. CycleSafe designs and manufacturers a complete line of secure bicycle parking products: bicycle lockers, bike shelters, and commercial bike racks to promote alternative transportation, community fitness, and global sustainability through conservation of natural resources.
For over 30 years, CycleSafe has provided secure bicycle parking products to municipalities, transit agencies, colleges and universities, veterans hospitals, and military bases to promote fitness and improve air quality. Our products are built for extended product life, with products still in service over 30 years.
Read about CycleSafe bike lockers in our Military Bases Case Study and in a featured article in Defense Communities magazine.
GSA Advantage Procurement
Contract Number: GS-03F-0030W
Schedule Title: Federal supply schedule 78, Sports, promotional, outdoor, recreation
Term of Contract: November 2014 – November 2019
For GSA product codes and NAICS codes, please see CycleSafe Government Line Card 1 and CycleSafe Government Line Card 2.
Order Online at gsaadvantage.gov.
CycleSafe's Commitment to American Products and Green Building
CycleSafe, Inc.
5211 Cascade Rd. SE, Suite 210
Grand Rapids, Michigan 49546
Phone: 616-954-9977
Toll Free: 888-950-6531
International: +1 616-954-9977
Fax: 616-954-0290


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Member of the Board, ČEPS, a.s.
Since August 2006 Zbyněk Boldiš has been working for ČEPS, as a member of the board responsible for Energy Trade & International Relations. He is also a member of the ENTSO-E Board, and a certified broker with EEX Power Exchange. He has been involved in various market integration activities. In the past he worked for E.ON Sales & Trading GmbH as a senior trader with Trading Central Eastern Europe from July 2003. In 2002 and 2003 he worked for ČEZ as a senior trader with the Spot Trading Department. Zbyněk studied at the University of Economics in Prague and holds a master's in international business.


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Organic Granular Fertilizers
Organic Granular Fertilizer
Organic Granular Fertilizers are products Omaha Organics uses to stimulate growth and add slow release nutrients to the soil. Our Organic Fertilizer program consists of 4 applications spaced throughout the year. The organic matter in our fertilizer feeds microorganisms in the soil, improving the foundation upon which plants grow. Healthy soil is the long term key to lawn and garden success. Without fertile soil, plants cannot thrive.
Early Spring (April/May)
The first application is granulated 9-0-0 Corn Gluten Meal or CGM. Our Corn Gluten Meal will help with dandelions and crab grass, and will help build a healthy turf foundation. This application is designed for slow release of nutrients for continuous greening, and resistance to heat, drought, and heavy foot traffic.
Late Spring (May/June)
The second application contains important Micronutrients and Amino Acids not present in synthetic fertilizers. This application promotes seed germination and root development as it nourishes poor soil. It helps grass absorb Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Potassium, encourages Chlorophyll production for intense green grass. This application also contains Kelp.
Summer (July/August)
The third application is a 5-1-5 natural fertilizer made exclusively of Alfalfa Meal, Soy Meal, Molasses, Kelp Meal and Sulfate of Potash. The Alfalfa Fertilizer is an excellent fertilizer providing protein and carbohydrates that encourage microbial activity in the soil. The microbial component increases the biological activity in the soil structure and provides a healthy foundation for growth.
Fall (September/October)
The final application (CGM) not only feeds the plant and prevents weed seeds, but also provides organic matter for the soil to break down and store for later use. This application maintains and rejuvenates the soil's healthy foundation for healthy growth.
The 4 step fertilizer program listed above is also available in a Do It Yourself program.
To sign up for our organic services please contact Omaha Organics Lawn Care.
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Advice for winter boaters
Sailing during the colder months isn't for everyone, but for those that do brave the weather, the rewards are plenty, not least of which is a lot more room out on the water. The joy of a cool, crisp morning is hard to beat even as you remember the highs of cruising around during the hot summer we've just enjoyed.
But in order to make winter boating a truly pleasurable experience, there are some adaptations to be made to keep your boat running at peak capacity, and yourself safe.
1. Stay warm. A well-insulated jacket is a must, as are gloves or battery-operated pocket warmers. Buy a marine heater that will not only keep the crew comfortable but also prevent mould and mildew caused by damp clothes and fittings. Fill up flasks full of revitalising soup to take with you when you set off, and always pack a set of spare clothes to change into if needs be.
2. Remember that cold weather is a major cause of flat batteries, so invest in a trickle-charge device to keep it ticking over, but at minimal cost. Worth it in spades because a dead battery can ruin your weekend boating plans.
3. They may not be the most stylish of eyewear, but ski goggles are a lot better for your visibility, and preventing pain, than standard sunglasses. Out at sea the cold wind bites and whips at your face, so a pair of goggles is definitely the way to go, and of course no-one can see you out there so it doesn't matter.
4. Store your boat well. If you're not going to be using it for a while then you want to ensure it is covered to prevent build-up of water or snow, and distribute moisture absorbers around the vessel.
5. Remember your regular sailing gear isn't necessarily appropriate for winter. You'll need a thick, warm hat to prevent heat loss, and thick rubber-soled boots for coping with a wet deck.
6. Double-check all communications equipment, flares and fire-extinguishers. If you have a major problem at sea you're going to need help to respond immediately.