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Valmont websites
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Supporting growth around the world. It's what we do.
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Regardless of the space or purpose of the lighting, we provide standard or custom-made light poles, lamp posts, high-mast light towers and accessories in a range of designs and materials that exceed all governing design codes.
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We offer classic, modern or historic decorative light poles and lamp posts that reflect any environment, culture, or history. If we don't have a design that reflects you, we'll create one.
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High activity areas—merging expressways, airports, heavy-industry zones, shipping ports—require an extra emphasis on safety and security over a large space. That's why we created our high mast lighting towers.
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As outdoor sports and sports television broadcasts become more widespread, the need for high quality sports venue lighting is vital.
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Whether it's a family trying to find their vacation destination, a truck driver navigating to a loading dock, or a homeowner returning home from work, a well-lit street is essential.
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We have a wide variety of light pole options, whether you're refreshing a downtown area, lighting new residential streets, or updating a major arterial highway.
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Our commitment to both highway safety civil and infrastructure motivated us to create some the world's most trusted fire hydrants.
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From safety barriers to redirect vehicles, to composite markers and accessories, to attenuation barriers, count on us for industry-leading safety solutions.
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We design and create overhead catenary poles, signal structures, transition poles, lamp posts, light poles, wayfinding and other structures to modernize and grow your mass transit infrastructure.
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Bolstered by engineering expertise, modern manufacturing, durable design, and (if desired) galvanizing, we work to make sign structures that remain long after the original sign is gone.
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The right solution doesn't just reduce noise; it's also lightweight, simple to install, and is as resistant to vandals as it is the elements.
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Whether it's a family trying to find their vacation spot, a truck driver navigating a loading dock, or a homeowner returning from work, a well-lit street is essential.
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Whether traditional design or decorative, you need traffic control structures that deliver for you, and the motorists you serve, every day.
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By supporting your power line, each distribution pole carries with it the trust that you'll provide power all day, every day.
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Substations are the backbone of any power grid. And we create the infrastructure that is the backbone of the world's substations.
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When it comes to getting power from generation facilities to the distribution grid there are many unknowns that are worth your time and attention. We don't think your transmission poles should be one them.
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As an industry leader, Valmont® Utility is helping shape the impact that renewable energy has on our industry today, as well as tomorrow.
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Anodizing transforms an aluminum surface, hardening and strengthening the outer layer against external stressors. And, it does so while providing options for color and design.
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We offer CorroCote for those products that need protection against the corrosive effects of soil and underground moisture. It's environmentally friendly and extends the useful life of the ground-based structures they protect.
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Hot dip galvanizing is a great rust and corrosion inhibitor. Powder coat/paint offer also offer outstanding protection. Put them together, and you get a level of combined protection that stands up to the most extreme elements.
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E-Coat ensures that any small holes, deep recesses, or other areas inaccessible with conventional sprayers are evenly covered. It's so effective, it is often used as a primer prior to powder or liquid coating parts.
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Hot-dip or Spin galvanizing is more than one of the most cost-effective ways to protect steel from corrosion, it's your way of saying that you're creating something that's meant to last.
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We offer urethanes, enamels, epoxies, lacquers and water-based paints, as well as CARC and EMI/RFI shielding.
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We work with manufacturers like you every day to powder coat their products, increasing their durability, aesthetics and value.
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From oil wells to factory floors to rooftop catwalks, you need to know the grating is going to support your people while standing up to whatever punishment man, machine or nature has to dish out.
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As finding and tapping into the world's oil and gas reserves gets more complex, having partners who understand the challenges you face becomes more vital.
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From standard sizes and configurations to customized apertures, we create solutions that are built around your efficiency, longevity, and profitability.
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We work with the world's wind energy leaders to supply wind turbine towers and direct-drive generator rotor houses.
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We believe that today's growers can have it all, and we're always going to be re-inventing the control technologies that assure it.
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We provide an ever-expanding storehouse of online guidance garnered from field and product testing, decades of experience in the agriculture industry and capturing real-life experiences from growers around the globe.
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We have worked alongside growers to innovate real-world solutions for center pivot and linear irrigation that consistently drive up productivity and profitability for growers around the globe.
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We are experts in land based treatment systems to reuse wastewater. These systems are more environmentally friendly, and conserve water, nutrients and financial resources, compared to conventional treatment methods.
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Though smaller in size, the panels, accessories, equipment and tools required to ensure tower functionality are big to us.
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Often, the customers who demand reliable wireless service are the same ones who don't want a tower hovering over their home. We pioneered Minimum Visual Impact (MVI) or disguised towers with those customers in mind.
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Our guyed towers are engineered for antenna/transmission lines and climbing safety specs today, and future loading.
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Our monopole's sleek design, simple construction and small footprint continue to define the industry.
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Sometimes the best way to get more from your existing network isn't adding more towers. It's finding ways to better use towers already in place.
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To ensure your network remains robust, we offer portable monopole towers to supplement your existing infrastructure.
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Our towers are designed to carry nearly any type of microwave or wireless communication equipment loads. They can be finished to meet the most demanding visual expectations, zoning laws and corrosive climates.
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We combined our industry-leading experience in lighting, traffic and wireless communications to create the ideal supplement for traditional wireless towers.
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Knowing that no two drainage systems are alike, we offer custom manufacturing that meets your specifications, protects your drains, and simplifies access.
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We can provide a bulk handling system that is designed for your specific needs and engineered to deliver productivity day-in, day-out.
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We handle the biggest steel constructions from design to finishing and every step in between.
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Our commitment to both highway safety and civil infrastructure motivated us to create some the world's most trusted fire hydrants.
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From oil wells to factory floors to rooftop catwalks, you need to know the grating is going to support your people while standing up to whatever punishment man, machine or nature has to dish out.
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We offer a complete package of stanchions, rails, bends, gates, kick plates, grating, and stair treads.
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Whether it's round, square, rectangle or a custom shape, you need one company that has proven they can deliver carbon steel tubing that exceeds your specifications and expectations. Valmont is that company.
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From machine guards and acoustics that help factory workers, to the filtration of raw materials, to security doors and screening for entire facilities. Our perforated and expanded metals can help.
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You understand that when pressure and heat are applied, the planet's raw resources can be transformed into something functional and powerful for use in today's world. But pressure and heat are not something you should feel when you work the partner who supplies your pressure vessels.
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We offer a variety of conveyor belts that keep things moving at your speed and under the conditions you require (extreme heat or cold, aerated, etc.). On the other hand, if you're more inclined to want to stop or contain things, our industrial wire and gauze are ideal for flooring, fencing or filtration. Stop or go. Either way, you can count on Valmont.
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Architects, structural engineers and contractors are always looking for new ways to enhance the identity and visual appeal of the structures they create.
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Optimizing sunlight while minimizing heat is an ongoing challenge for any architect or contractor.
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Our HSS SuperStruct brand is built on partnerships with architects, structural engineers and fabricators who need innovation and design flexibility built into tubes for their largest projects.
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When it comes to structures, we help you redefine cool. If you're trying to keep cool the people inside, our expanded metal façade is not only ideal for shade, it can provide one-way vision.
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When it comes to your vision, you want partners who show you what's possible, not tell you what isn't. We're that partner for wire curtains.
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Valmont began in 1946 when founder, Robert B. Daugherty, combined his $5,000 savings with a wholehearted belief that business could be done better. Today, Valmont is a global leader of engineered products and services for infrastructure, and water-conserving irrigation equipment for agriculture.
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Every day, Valmont Industries, Inc. makes the world better by providing the infrastructure that emerging global economies need to sustain growth. At the same time, we're leading the world in the management of the fresh water needed to produce the food that feeds a growing population.
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While Valmont has 10,500 employees spread across six continents, we are all united under one distinct vision and driven by one set of time-tested values. View our vision and value statements by clicking the link below.
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Valmont's reputation is one of our most important assets. Our reputation needs to be managed and developed with the same care we extend to our products. This means all of our dealings must be legal and ethical and must not in any way compromise Valmont's interests, its policies or its reputation.
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At Valmont, we're continually seeking new and better ways to create the infrastructure that helps agricultural operations and thriving economies prosper. To grow responsibly, we need governance that is principled, transparent and sets the standard in our industries and among our peers.
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Like most every great company, Valmont began with one man who had a vision, an entrepreneurial spirit and strong desire to create something of lasting value. That man was Robert B. Daugherty. In 1946, he founded what was to become the company we know as Valmont Industries today.
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Our commitment to Conserving Resources and Improving Life is delivered around the world through our five key business segments: Engineered Support Structures, Coatings, Irrigation, Utility Support Structures and Energy and Mining. For most companies, the story stops there. At Valmont, it's just the beginning.
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Our company's founding was based on the stewardship of fresh water. And our mission to improve lives isn't truly fulfilled unless we're also finding new ways to maintain the health of our entire planet.
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Find links to quarterly results, past reports and proxies, SEC filings and IR events.
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Get the most current financial overview as well as quarterly reports for the last five years.
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View the most recent proxy statement and 10-K Annual Report, along with annual reports for the past decade.
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Plan ahead using our annual calendar that provides dates for upcoming quarterly releases, conference calls and our annual meeting.
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View or download any of our Financial Reports or SEC filings using our searchable archive.
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Get all the contact details required for our Transfer Agent.
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Subscribe to our investor email notifications, and you will receive alerts when we post certain new company information to this site.
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Passion. Integrity. Continuous Improvement. Results. These are the values that drive us, and the foundation upon which we offer a variety of opportunities
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We like to reward the hard-working members of our Valmont family with new opportunities that are not only a chance to expand their worlds, but to also recognize and reward their dedication.
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At Valmont, we take care of you, your family and your future.
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If you were to ask anyone employed at Valmont to describe what's it like to work with us, you'd hear the same word time and again—family.
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Whether you want to more fully develop your leadership potential, hone your management capabilities, deepen the expertise in your craft or develop new skills, we can help you develop no matter your path.
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We all bring different histories, experiences and points-of-view to the table. To be a dynamic company we must build on these individual strengths.
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We're confident that the unique skills and experience you gained in the military will be rewarded as you help shape the next chapter of the Valmont legacy.
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Here's what we look for in the people we hire. Does this sound like you?
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Passion. Integrity. Continuous Improvement. Results. These are the values that drive us, and the foundation upon which we offer a variety of opportunities
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Passion. Integrity. Continuous Improvement. Results. These are the values that drive us, and the foundation upon which we offer a variety of opportunities
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New opportunities are being created daily at Valmont. Sign up for our email alerts, and we'll contact you when the ideal opportunity arises.
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Valmont Reports First Quarter 2016 Earnings
OMAHA, Neb., April 20, 2016 /PRNewswire/ -- Valmont Industries, Inc. (NYSE: VMI), a leading global provider of engineered products and services for infrastructure development and mechanized irrigation equipment and services for agriculture, today reported first quarter results.
"The positive impacts of cost savings associated with last year's restructuring, productivity improvements beyond restructuring, and lower input costs contributed to improved profitability despite challenging end markets," said Mogens C. Bay, Valmont's Chairman and Chief Executive Officer. "We remain committed to delivering solid earnings growth this year."
First Quarter
Summarized Financial Info.
13 Weeks Ended
Net sales
$ 596,605
$ 670,398
Operating income
Operating income as a % of net sales
Net earnings - GAAP
Net earnings - Adjusted *
Diluted EPS - GAAP net earnings
$ 1.45
$ 1.28
Average Shares Oustanding - Diluted
Diluted EPS - Adjusted net earnings *
$ 1.49
* Please see Reg. G reconciliation table on last page.
First Quarter Segment Review
Engineered Support Structures (30% of Sales)Poles, towers and components for the global lighting, traffic and wireless communication markets, and highway safety products.
First quarter sales of $177.0 million were comparable to last year, despite negative currency translation of $5.6 million. Improved sales in Asia Pacific were more than offset by lower project sales in Europe.
In North America, sales of lighting and traffic products were comparable with last year, with stronger U.S. sales in the commercial lighting market offsetting lower sales in Canada. Wireless communication product sales remain subdued in the US.
In Europe, Middle East and Africa, lighting and traffic structure sales declined year-over-year on difficult comps as the prior period reflected an export project in the Middle East. Sales in Europe were similar to last year.
In the Asia-Pacific region, wireless communication structure sales rose significantly amid the continued rollout of 4G wireless technology over broader regions of China. Other highway and pole businesses in the region remained comparable to last year.
Operating income rose 50% to $14.2 million or 8.0% of sales compared with operating income of $9.5 million or 5.3% of sales in 2015. The increase was driven by restructuring and cost reduction efforts, lower raw material prices, improved operating performance in North America, and volume leverage in the Asia Pacific region.
Utility Support Structures (24% of Sales)Steel and concrete structures for the global electric utility industry.
Sales of $144.5 million decreased 18% year-over-year due to lower volume and lower selling prices per ton, reflecting the impact of lower steel costs and mix shift toward smaller structures. International sales were lower than last year.
Operating income was $14.8 million compared to $15.4 million in 2015. Operating income as a percent of sales increased to 10.2% from 8.7%, reflecting the positive impact of restructuring and ongoing operational improvements.
Coatings Segment (12% of Sales)Global galvanizing, painting and anodizing services.
Sales of $68.6 million were 8% lower than last year due to reduced sales in the Asia Pacific region; half of the decline was unfavorable currency translation. In North America, sales were comparable with 2015, including the revenue contribution from American Galvanizing, acquired in the fourth quarter of 2015.
Operating income of $11.4 million grew 4% over last year's $11.0 million. Operating income as a percent of sales rose to 16.6% from 14.8% as a result of the favorable impact of 2015 restructuring initiatives and lower natural gas and zinc costs.
Energy and Mining Segment (12% of Sales)Offshore structures, engineered access systems and grinding media.
Sales of $72.5 million reflect declines in all product lines leading to an 18% decrease from last year. Sales of wind tower products were firm, while other offshore structure sales were lower, negatively impacted by continued depressed oil prices. Weak energy and mining markets weighed on Access Systems results in Asia Pacific, although sales in civil and architectural markets improved. Grinding media revenues softened amid continued sluggish mining activity in Australia and also reflect the impact of lower-cost steel.
Operating income was $1.9 million compared with $4.4 million last year, a 56% decline. Operating income as a percent of sales was 2.6% reflecting the influence of lower oil and energy prices and reduced mining activity in Australia on segment performance. Last year's restructuring dampened the impact of the weaker markets on operating performance.
Irrigation Segment (27% of Sales)Agricultural irrigation equipment, parts, services and tubular products.
Irrigation Segment sales declined 9% to $158.5 million mostly due to reduced North America irrigation equipment and tubing sales. Irrigation equipment sales in North America were pressured by a reduction in net farm income. International irrigation equipment sales decreased due to the impact of currency translation. The international irrigation markets are highly diverse and benefitted from increased project activity in Eastern Europe and the Middle East that more than offset declines in other markets. Tubing sales were significantly lower due to reduced demand from agricultural equipment manufacturers and continued low steel prices.
Operating income of $28.8 million was modestly below last year's $30.2 million due to the weakness in tubing markets. Operating income as a percent of sales improved to 18.2% from 17.3% last year mainly due to cost management, improved productivity and lower raw material cost.
"The result of the restructuring activities of last year are manifested in our improved profitability despite lower first quarter revenues," Mr. Bay said. "For the balance of the year, we expect revenues more in line with last year and are reaffirming annual guidance."
"We continue to operate in a challenging external environment but continue to control what we can do to drive improved profitability. The positive long-term, global drivers for our businesses remain in place. Efficient use of water for food production will only increase in urgency and economic growth cannot be sustained without investments in the world's infrastructure. We believe we are well positioned to participate in these opportunities."
An audio discussion of Valmont's first quarter results will be available live by Telephone by dialing 1-877-493-2981 and entering Conference ID#: 15295782 or via Webcast at 8:00 a.m. CDT April 21, 2016 at https://engage.vevent.com/rt/valmontindustries_ao~42116. A replay is available through the above link or by telephone (877-493-2981 or 404-537-3406, Conference ID#: 15295782) beginning April 21, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. CDT through 12:00 p.m. CDT on April 28, 2016. The Company's slide presentation to be used by management for the call is available on Form 8-K filed April 21, 2016 with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Valmont is a global leader, designing and manufacturing highly engineered products that support global infrastructure development and agricultural productivity. Its products for infrastructure serve highway, transportation, wireless communication, electric transmission, and industrial construction and energy markets. Its mechanized irrigation equipment for large scale agriculture improves farm productivity while conserving fresh water resources. In addition, Valmont provides coatings services that protect against corrosion and improve the service lives of steel and other metal products.
This release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that management has made in light of experience in the industries in which Valmont operates, as well as management's perceptions of historical trends, current conditions, expected future developments and other factors believed to be appropriate under the circumstances. As you read and consider this release, you should understand that these statements are not guarantees of performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties (some of which are beyond Valmont's control) and assumptions. Although management believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, you should be aware that many factors could affect Valmont's actual financial results and cause them to differ materially from those anticipated in the forward-looking statements. These factors include among other things, risk factors described from time to time in Valmont's reports to the Securities and Exchange Commission, as well as future economic and market circumstances, industry conditions, company performance and financial results, operating efficiencies, availability and price of raw material, availability and market acceptance of new products, product pricing, domestic and international competitive environments, and actions and policy changes of domestic and foreign governments. The Company cautions that any forward-looking statement included in this press release is made as of the date of this press release and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement.
(Dollars in thousands, except per share amounts)
$ 596,605
$ 670,398
Cost of sales
Gross profit
Selling, general and administrative expenses
Operating income
Other income (expense):
Interest expense
Interest income
Earnings before income taxes and equity in
earnings of nonconsolidated subsidiaries
Income tax expense
Net earnings
Less: Earnings attributable to non-controlling interests
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc.
$ 32,969
$ 30,739
Average shares outstanding (000's) - Basic
Earnings per share - Basic
$ 1.45
$ 1.29
Average shares outstanding (000's) - Diluted
Earnings per share - Diluted
$ 1.28
Cash dividends per share
$ 0.375
$ 0.375
(Dollars in thousands)
Engineered Support Structures
$ 176,971
$ 177,904
Energy & Mining
$ 72,449
Utility Support Structures
Infrastructure products
Less: Intersegment sales
Operating Income
$ 14,208
$ 9,450
$ 62,365
$ 57,683
Valmont has aggregated its business segments into five reportable segments as follows:
Engineered Support Structures:This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered metal structures and components for global lighting and traffic, wireless communication, and roadway safety.
Energy and Mining: This segment includes the manufacture of access systems applications, forged steel grinding media, and offshore oil and gas and wind energy structures;
Utility Support Structures:This segment consists of the manufacture of engineered steel and concrete structures for the global utility industry.
Coatings:This segment consists of global galvanizing, painting and anodizing services.
Irrigation:This segment consists of the manufacture of agricultural irrigation equipment, related parts, and services worldwide as well as tubular products for industrial customers.
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents
$ 387,714
$ 318,366
Accounts receivable, net
Prepaid expenses
Refundable and deferred income taxes
Total current assets
Property, plant and equipment, net
Goodwill and other assets
$ 2,399,862
$ 2,584,129
Current liabilities:
Current installments of long-term debt
$ 1,110
$ 1,070
Notes payable to banks
Accounts payable
Accrued expenses
Dividend payable
Total current liabilities
Long-term debt, excluding current installments
Other long-term liabilities
Shareholders' equity
(unaudited) and dollars in thousands
Cash flows from operating activities
Net Earnings
$ 34,171
$ 31,507
Depreciation and amortization
Contribution to defined benefit pension plan
Change in working capital
Net cash flows from operating activities
Cash flows from investing activities
Purchase of property, plant, and equipment
Net cash flows from investing activities
Cash flows from financing activities
Principal payments on long-term borrowings
Purchase of treasury shares
Dividends paid
Net cash flows from financing activities
Effect of exchange rates on cash and cash equivalents
Net change in cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents - beginning of year
Cash and cash equivalents - end of period
$ 387,714
$ 318,366
The schedule below details the non-cash after-tax loss/(gain) recorded to adjust the shares of Delta EMD Pty. Ltd (Delta EMD) to its quoted market price (fair value) at each quarter-end. It also discloses the after-tax restructuring expense recognized in fiscal 2015. Earnings per share for each item are calculated separately. Therefore the sum of earnings per share amounts for each item below may not agree with the total. We believe it is useful when considering company performance for the non-GAAP adjusted net earnings to be taken into consideration by management and investors with the related reported GAAP measures.
Quarter endedMarch 26,2016
Dilutedearnings pershare
Quarter endedMarch 28,2015
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. - as reported
$ 32,969
Fair market value adjustment, Delta EMD - after-tax
Restructuring Expense (pre-tax $785 in 2015)
Net earnings attributable to Valmont Industries, Inc. - Adjusted
$ 33,954
$ 1.49
$ 30,649
SOURCE Valmont Industries, Inc.
One Valmont Plaza
Omaha, NE 68154 USA
© 2020 Valmont Industries, Inc.


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Three Years of 'Science GIFs' on Google+
Three years ago, Google announced the Collections feature on the Google+ social network. It offered a way to group posts by topic so that others could follow their specific interests rather than your entire profile. I created two collections, Data is Beautiful and Science GIFs, the latter of which I've maintained for almost three years now. Every week I post a science-related GIF and an accompanying explanation of the finding, physical phenomenon, or chemical reaction. I try to feature recent research publications and announcements whenever possible to avoid reposting content seen elsewhere online.

subset: commoncrawl


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Episode 001: France with Mark Repasky
Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in Paris, France? American expat Mark Repasky explains "the American Yes and the French No" and shares what it's like to live in one of the most visited cities in the world as well as navigating visas, "french rudeness" and other cultural collisions.
Listen on iTunes OR Google Play
[00:06] The "American yes" and the "French no"
[02:39] Taking the leap
03:35 Navigating visas, PACS for domestic partnership
[04:26] Difficulty of obtaining a work visa
[04:52] Proving financial sustainability
[05:34] Securing a place to live via the French bank account waltz
[06:56] Proof of residence courtesy EDF bill
[07:37] The importance of having YOUR name on the EDF bill
[09:30] Securing a job
[10:00] Getting out of Paris
[10:30] No place feels like home
[11:07] Feeling out of place
[12:27] Thoughts on learning language
15:25 NBC Nightly News Special Report with Lester Holt
[15:50] Terrorist attacks and French resilience
16:03 music: Si tu n′étais pas là performed by Fréhel, published 1935
18:04 US Healthcare ranking
[18:23] Health care and social programs
19:45 Tourism figures. Rude Parisians? Do You Speak Touriste?
[22:45] What's the deal with not accepting 20 Euro bills in the south of France?
[23:33] Normalization of little oddities
[24:00] The art of the queue
27:15 Book: All the Light We Cannot See by Anthony Doerr
[27:55] Things missed about the US
[29:05] Things missed about France
[30:21] The effect of having moved to France
[31:00] Preparation for getting a haircut
[31:30] Parting advice for those wanting to move to another country
NOTE: This episode features the story of one individual's experience. Experiences of a country and its culture will obviously vary from person to person and it is important to do your own research from a multitude of sources. In addition, immigration rules and regulations are subject to change at a moment's notice–always check with a country's official embassy for the latest updates.
Complete guide to French Visa types
French Consulate offices in US
How to get US-France dual citizenship
Want to learn French? I highly recommend Alliance Francaise USA. It's a live classroom and it's a little intimidating at first because it is mostly immersive except for questions, but you get used to it after the first class. I have found this to be THE best way to really train your EAR, which is a HUGE part of learning a language.
In addition, I've used a few different online courses to supplement my live classes. Check out FrenchPod101. I listen to their podcast on my iphone so I can practice speaking when I'm walking the dog, or doing mundane chores. Here's why I think it's great: on their website you get online videos, worksheets, tests, and vocabulary with pronunciation and spelling. The podcast is entertaining as it's not same old dull "Hello, call a taxi please." It features conversations in english and french between a french woman, a french man, and an american man that is fluent in french. They are in their 20s or 30s so the conversation is lively and fun. It's WAAAY more conversational, entertaining and practical. You get the social aspect of the conversation noting different cultural customs.
Here's another online language course I am currently trying out. Rocket French. It has audio lessons, vocabulary with audio and text. I'm a visual learner so it helps me to SEE the text to understand the pronunciation and vice versa. It also has a voice recorder which can check your pronunciation. So far, I'm liking it– it's pretty comprehensive. I think it's helpful to have supplemental learning to see what works best for you. It also has a free trial to test drive.
And for simply overall word memorization and vocabulary building I use the free program at DuoLingo.com
Check out the Expat Sandwich Spotify playlist for a curated selection of 60s and 70s French pop.
and….LOVE LOVE this recent musical discovery:
If you haven't tried or heard of La Beurre Bordier, check out this video of France's most famous hand crafted butter.
Marty Walker: You're listening to the very first episode of Expat Sandwich. I'm Marty Walker.
Mark Repasky: There's like the American Yes and then there's the French No. And the American Yes– Whenever anybody asks as sort of a yes or no question we always want to say yes. You know if somebody says "oh, I don't have anything smaller than a 20 is that ok?" we tend to say yes. In France, it's completely the opposite. They have what's called the French no. So even if it's OK they're going to say no. And somebody told me that you have to get them to say no three times and then they'll change it to a yes.
Marty Walker: At the time of this recording, Donald Trump was elected President of the United States. Hours before the election results were called, Canada's immigration website crashed due to a massive surge in web traffic. Americans on both sides are trying to figure out how to move forward in a deeply divided country. But it's not just Americans thinking about moving. British citizens are wondering how Brexit will play out for them, while millions of Syrians have fled their war torn country to seek peace in another land. At the same time the threat of terrorism is causing countries across the globe to tighten their borders. So it's always good to have a plan B, right? Many of us are thinking about this a little more in depth, you know, how hard would it be to live in another country. Well there's a ton of information about visas and immigration policy out on the internet. But that's not what we're really about. Expat Sandwich is where cultures collide. You'll hear personal stories from folks that have taken the leap, for whatever reasons– school, job, politics– even a new spouse. They share their stories on the best, the weirdest, and the worst of living abroad.
Mark Repasky: So I'm Mark Repasky. I'm an expat. I've been living in Paris for the past four and a half years now.
Mark Repasky: I wasn't somebody who went to study abroad in college so I feel like I had always been missing that sort of experience.
Mark Repasky: Four years ago my partner had been studying in France and we got to the point where we needed to decide whether he was going to come back to the States or whether we were going to try to make it go for it abroad. And my career at the time, I was working in journalism. I was a television reporter and kind of thought well if I ever want to do this now is the time. So I kind of said "all right, I'm going to go for it." And if if nothing else kind of live here and then go back to the States and kind of get our careers going. But as things turned out I ended up getting a contract here for a long term position and we kind of stayed.
Marty Walker: It turns out there are a lot of types of visas.
Mark Repasky: You know a lot of people come over here, their job brings them over here. Matt's case was a little bit different because he came over as a student and got a student visa and then was hired by a French company and his company sort of helped him through the whole visa process. I came over on a student visa and then we ended up doing what's called PACS which was a domestic partnership over here so that I could then attach myself to Matt's visa.
Mark Repasky: Living abroad you hear all of these different experiences and especially in France. You know people coming over in different ways you can get a visa to live here but that doesn't necessarily give you working rights and you can also sort of get a visa with working rights. But that's a little more difficult because of the job market here. Unemployment is so high here they're very reluctant to give working rights to somebody that's not a French national. They're afraid you're going to ask to be put on the Social Security system over here having never worked. But if you can show that you have enough money in savings to be sort of self-sustainable, they'll be much more lenient with letting you in. What that won't do though is give you working rights or give you the opportunity to come in here and find a job.
Marty Walker: You know, it's almost impressive how difficult they make moving here. It's like some never ending waltz.
Mark Repasky: There are the rentals, like even the long term rentals are geared towards people that are going to be staying here for a shorter time, you know maybe like a couple of months or a year. But if you're actually looking to rent an apartment you need to have a French bank account. And that's difficult because in order to get a French bank account, you need to have a French job, and in order to get a French job you need to have a French address.
Mark Repasky: So it's kind of like this cycle that you need to have one piece but you can't get that piece unless you have the others. It's kind of a game in a way that you have to play. One exception to that is if you know somebody who has a French bank account they can recommend you to a bank and then you can get a bank account that way.
Marty Walker: So you know how in the U.S. when a company or institution ask for proof of address? You can give them a recent bank statement or a credit card statement– almost any kind of bill and you're good to go–no questions asked right. Well in France, uh, not so much.
Mark Repasky: Here in France, you need to have an EDF bill, which is the gas and electric company. So that is the only thing that they accept as a certified proof of address, even if you have your residency card that has your address on it. They won't accept that as a proof of address, they'll say oh we need to have your EDF bill.
Marty Walker: So if you're a student or you find yourself in a roommate situation, Mark has this insanely valuable piece of advice for you.
Mark Repasky: And so if you're just kind of moving over here and you decide "oh I'm going to get a get a room with somebody that's already over here– rent a room for a long term" and you start thinking "OK now I sort of want to establish residency here." And your name's not on that gas bill– not on the EDF bill, all of your time here has been in vain because they're not going to recognize that you are resident here because your name wasn't on the gas bill. And that's something that happens with a lot of students– people that come over here for three months to study abroad and say "oh you know what afterwards I want to live in Paris. It should be pretty easy since I already have the visa and I've been established here." But France wouldn't necessarily recognize that they've been in France all that time unless they have that piece of paper.
Marty Walker: You know how sometimes the really big things in life turn out to be not so big or you know not as glamorous as we had thought. Reality tends to have this funny way of colliding with imagination.
Mark Repasky: Some of the things I thought initially would be– you know, that I would learn the language quickly, that I would be able to get a job, and that I would be able to sort of integrate into French life.
Mark Repasky: And none of those three things happened the way that I thought they would. You know, I think the language thing –language takes time it's kind of a work of art learning the language. Every year I feel like my French is getting better and better but it's still not where I thought it would be. It's still not that great.
Mark Repasky: Getting getting a job was sort of another challenge you know. Originally I was looking for jobs in journalism. And those are tough to come by especially full time jobs in a country where you don't speak the language. And I thought there would be opportunities here. But there weren't so I ended up looking for another line of work, and that's how I ended up working in travel and tourism industry leading bike trips and hiking trips around France and Europe. I've always said I don't know if I would have stayed in Paris as long as I have if it wasn't for being able to get out of Paris and get into the French countryside and just other parts of Europe, because as much as I like Paris there's something about having the proximity to explore all of these other amazing places that really, for me, it makes living here totally worthwhile.
Mark Repasky: One of the challenges I feel as an expat is that you sort of lose a sense of home. France doesn't feel like home. But when I go back to the States that doesn't quite feel like home either. And it's a real eye opening experience in one way but it's also kind of–it's a challenge because you feel like both places are a part of you. If that makes sense. One of the other things I was thinking about was just it can be difficult being an expat and it ties in to the same thing because when you're living in a foreign country, you still sometimes feel out of place. And one of the ways that I see that now, even being over here for four and a half years, is when you're meeting friends. It's difficult to make friends with the locals. Or to have those types of friendships that you would have if you were French. There's just sort of a cultural barrie–you can still have friendships but it's not the same thing. Making friends with expats is great but it's also a challenge because of the expat life. A lot of times people are moving around. They'll be here for a kind of a set period. So if your time frame here doesn't line up with theirs, you might only be in the same city or that proximity for a short period of time.
Mark Repasky: One of my best friends who is French who I met here is somebody that I do a language exchange with and we spend 30 minutes talking in French and 30 minutes talking in English every week. And over a couple of years we've sort of developed this friendship but it's been based on the desire to help each other with language. When you're starting out, when you're learning a language the first time, when I was learning French I think the classroom really helped. I sort of just needed to build up my vocabulary, I needed to learn how to conjugate verbs. But when you are having a conversation with somebody that's when you're really sort of putting all of that stuff you learned in the classroom into real practice and you know I had a big problem I think just with with confidence when it came to French. I was afraid of saying something wrong so I wouldn't say something. And that took probably at least 18 months to two years to kind of break through and say "Okay, I know my French isn't perfect I know it's not anywhere near perfect but if I want to get better I need to start–just talking. And if people correct me or if they say they can't understand me then I'll just have to get through that. And when you have that sort of confidence in that–when you change and you just allow yourself to speak, you sort of open up the possibility of getting better. I think going out into less metropolitan areas in France, like the countryside or into parts of Provence or into parts of Brittany/Normandy where I was forced to use French a little bit more than I was in Paris was really helpful. In Paris, people speak English or they have some English. So they're more-they'll use their English more readily. Whereas when you go out into the country, people don't speak English as as much or they might not have any sort of English background. I'm just trying to think when I started coming over here eight years ago, like nothing, nothing at all was in English. It's becoming much more common especially with sort of the next generation,like Millennials. I think they grew up learning English in school and they sort of recognized it as a more international language because if you come over here from Italy you're using English. You know, if you come over here from the Netherlands, you're using English. It's sort of the language that connects all of Europe as well so it's not just an American thing. It's really sort of the international thing.
NBC Audio: We're coming on the air to tell you about a situation unfolding right now in Paris where there have been a number of apparent attacks. Police are calling them incidents involving (fade) .
Marty Walker: France has tragically become the target for numerous terrorist attacks over the last couple of years. I asked Mark to weigh in on how terrorism is affecting French society as well as his own security.
Mark Repasky: [00:15:47] You know, my chances of being involved in a mass shooting in the States are probably higher than being involved in a terrorist attack here in France.
Mark Repasky: I think what's happening in France right now is kind of scary. But I think,you know I've really been impressed by sort of the resilience of the French when stuff like this happens– how they're able to kind of get back to daily life and how after the attacks in November, there was this whole movement to go back out on the terraces. And they tried to close Paris down the next night and Parisians said –no, like we're not going to let this affect the way that we live our lives we're going to go back out on the terraces and show these people that we're not afraid or that we're not scared. And I really sort of admire that resilience to be able to do that so quickly. And the same thing happened the previous January after the Charlie Hebdo attacks when there was this Je Suis Charlie movement. When I was talking with Parisians about that or just talking with my friends, there was kind of the sense like Charlie Hebdo was not a magazine that people particularly agreed with or were in line with or respected, but it was this idea of the freedom to express yourself- the freedom of speech that they felt came under attack in that January attack. And there was the Je Suis Charlie movement just saying–you know this might not be what we agree with. We don't agree with what the magazine has done or the types of cartoons that they publish. But it's bigger than that. And we're going to be with them and be in solidarity with them because of a larger ideal or larger concept.
Marty Walker: If you're like most Americans you're acutely aware that the health care system is badly broken according to a recent article in Time magazine, the U.S. ranks worst among 11 wealthy nations in terms of efficiency, equity and outcomes, despite having the world's most expensive health care system.
Mark Repasky: I mean I have to say, man it's nice to have health care and not worry about it and not worry about medical procedures or being bankrupted by an accident or an illness. You know, I've had really good experiences with the French health care system. There are really good social programs here. And I think that there is an idea in France that everybody sort of deserves a certain quality of life. A little bit earlier I was talking about how I didn't necessarily recognize the differences between kind of French culture and American culture. And one of the things that I don't think I fully recognized was still how socialist France is when it comes to ideas like social services and making sure that there's education for all and that education is affordable and health care for all and that that health care is affordable. And I– you see both ends of it here. You see that it makes it really hard for businesses to add jobs because of the requirements. But you also see that French citizens have this quality of life and they don't have to worry about things that we worry about in the States.
Marty Walker: Not surprising, Paris is one of the most visited cities in the world. In fact, Paris' Office of Tourism reported 36.5 million tourists came to the city of light in 2016. As Americans of a certain age, we've all heard the stories about the rude French waiter. So much so that it has just become cliche. But it's interesting to note that recently in 2013, the Paris Tourist Board and Chamber of Commerce launched a citywide campaign to educate Parisian businesses. It's called "Do You Speak Touriste?" It's designed for those in the service sector so they can better understand foreigner's customs and expectations. There's a brochure which is entertaining and enlightening in understanding how Parisians view foreigners. For example, Americans are described as "enthusiastic and demanding and eat dinner earlier and much faster." The Chinese are considered serial shoppers while Spaniards eat absurdly late. I asked Mark to provide more context and insight around the reputation of rudeness.
Mark Repasky: If somebody asks me about "oh do you think Parisians are rude." My first response will typically be– well, not any more than New Yorkers. And it's just something, I think, when you live in a large city that is so heavily populated and the population concentration is so high, you sort of create your own space and you lose some of those common everyday pleasantries, like, looking people in the eye or you know, saying saying hi or hello. And you become a little more abrasive maybe. And I think that has more to do with it than Parisians being rude. One thing that I've noticed living over here now is something that I really like. And it's how the French are very polite and where I notice it is when you're getting on a bus, you have to say bonjour or hello to the bus driver when you put your ticket in. There's no way getting around it. Or when you're paying at a cash register, you know it's not just saying oh thanks– you really have to say thank you or have a nice day or goodbye–there's sort of these extra pleasantries that they really expect from people. And you know that may be part of it too– as Americans or just foreigners people might not recognize that. And if you don't do some of those common pleasantries you might get a rude look or something and maybe that plays into that idea.
Marty Walker: Last summer when I was hiking with Mark in the south of France, I kept getting into this odd issue. Every time I wanted to buy something small, like a Coke or a pack of Band-Aids, I'd hand the cashier at €20 bill. And they'd shake their head and ask for a smaller bill or change. The onus would be on me. I either had to find a bank to make change or buy much more from the shopkeeper so they would take my bill or scrounge it up from my friends which never worked because they were hoarding their small bills and change for the very same reason.
Mark Repasky: I don't know– isn't that– of course like what do the ATMs give you? They give you 50 euro. You're lucky if you can get 20.
Mark Repasky: When you move over here, those little things that you notice all the time when you first come– they slowly start to become normal. There's like this normalization period where, because I remember that was the same same type of thing. I was super reluctant or to pay with like a large bill and I was really nervous about you know are they are they going to take my 20 for 4 Euro sandwich. And now, now I don't even think about it. France falls, it sort of falls like between Southern Europe like Italy, I don't know if you've ever tried to board a plane in Italy but it can be a really chaotic experience. I hate to generalize or I don't want to be seen as being somebody who has all these stereotypes, but there's like no line and it's just kind of a blob that moves. And then to the north. you know in England and even the Scandinavian countries and in Germany of course, there's like this very precise line and idea of order. And France kind of falls somewhere in the middle. And I remember when I first moved here. If you're not paying attention when you're in a line people will notice and they'll cut in front of you. So one of the things I learned at the beginning was you always have to be paying attention in line. And then you kind of have to stick close to the person in front of you and you're probably if somebody is going to cut you off or cut you in line it's probably going to be like a little old French woman. And how do you handle that? Like what are you supposed to do, right? Like are you supposed to be like "no, go to the back of the line" or do you just kind of let her do it? It's a very confusing thing for other cultures I think.
Mark Repasky: It's like being at a bar you're trying to get the bartender attention and you you know there's kind of a sense of line or order but there's also not really and you just have to be hyper aware of, I was here before that person. I still worry a lot at a French market,when it's really crowded and people would just kind of go up to the counter and sometimes there's not a good sense of line or order. So you kind of have to mentally take note of who came in front of you and who came behind you. And if somebody starts to kind of cut in front of you and try to get service before, you because, that's pretty common– they'll do that. You have to defend yourself like "no, I was here first." Nine times out of 10 they'll totally be like "Okay yeah, no problem. You were here first. Okay."
Marty Walker: You know, I'm always interested to know what books expats are reading. Some read history or historical novels to get a better sense or understanding of culture and place, while others are finding comfort in reading fiction, which can serve as a needed respite from the daily struggles of being a foreigner.
Mark Repasky: I just downloaded a book I've been trying to read forever is All the Light You Cannot See. It's a book that takes place in Saint-Malo, which is in Brittany during World War II. And it's something that as I've worked in Brittany and have had guests come to Saint-Malo, they have all said "oh, have you read this have you read this have this read that have you read this and I keep having to say no. So I finally downloaded it and that's what I'm starting right now.
Marty Walker: When expats are asked what they miss the most about their native country, it often comes down to three things: Food, family and the ease of daily living.
Mark Repasky: It's funny, like the things that you miss. We subscribed to French Vanity Fair a couple of years ago but it's just not the same. I mean it's in French so it just takes so much longer to read. When I came over here in 2012, anytime I went back to the States my suitcase would be full of all of these things that I would bring back. And usually it would be like toothpaste and deodorant and English magazines stuff from Trader Joe's and, now, I've either found the French equivalent or I don't even care. There are very few things that I would say I really miss. The biggest one is probably Mexican food though. Like the first thing I usually do when I land in the States is go get Mexican food.
Marty Walker: I asked Mark what he would miss if he had to leave France and move back to the United States.
Mark Repasky: Oh my gosh. The bread. The pastries. And I know that sounds cliche but just having fresh bread around the corner or the baguettes. The food would definitely be a big big part of it. The cheese. The fish. The wine. Definitely all those things.
Mark Repasky: France one of the things I have learned about it is that it is just incredibly different in each region. I don't know if I was expecting that but it's one of the things I really love. Or one of the reasons I really love exploring France is to see both those differences and you see it kind of in the food, you see it in the culture. You see it in the buildings but it's a pretty incredible country that way.
Marty Walker: [00:30:05] One of the byproducts of leaving your native country is that it seems to accelerate personal growth. It's something that's difficult to explain to people who have never traveled or who've never left their native country for long periods of time.
Mark Repasky: It's made me a more adaptable person for sure. And to be able to not worry about the small things. I think it's given me a sense of how to how to be in the moment and live in the moment better. It's sort of broken me out of a routine and sort of a day to day life and having to struggle everyday especially when you're new. I remember how exhausting that was to kind of wake up and be in an unfamiliar place, and, something as trivial as going to get a haircut became a challenge that I had to spend the entire week thinking about– "oh do I have the vocabulary, like do I have to make an appointment, what sort of place am I going to go to? How am I going to find the right person?" And then just going in and doing it. But, when you're done, then you have this sense of accomplishment that is, it's pretty amazing.
Marty Walker: And for those of you who are thinking about making the leap, Mark leaves us with a little bit of advice.
Mark Repasky: I think it's really difficult to have the experience that you think you're going to have. There's always going to be surprises along the way. And the best way is just to kind of take them as they come and figure out how to deal with them. You know, do your planning but also be prepared for things to go in a different direction or not as expected. And that's part of the challenge. But it's also part of the fun of living in a different culture, living where things are less familiar.
Marty Walker: That's going to wrap it up for us. Check out the show notes on our website at expatsandwich.com.
Marty Walker: I'd like to thank everyone that has helped out with the initial launch of our Patreon campaign so far. You can show your appreciation by supporting the show and making a small donation at Patreon. You can donate as little as two dollars a month or a million dollars a month. It is totally up to you. A special thanks to Louise Walker, Tim Hurst, Jay Shinn and @HonorableHusband. Thanks for your generous support. And if you have a minute we'd love it if you can leave us a short review on iTunes. That's how you can give us a boost in the iTunes rankings so more people can discover us. And as always many many thanks for listening. We really appreciate you.
Expat Sandwich is produced by Marty Walker.


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There are many ideas for Christmas crafts. Christmas is a very joyful time of year when the
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More Christmas craft ideas coming soon!
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Technology Use to Increase Student Achievement Dissertation
Pages: 34 (10313 words) · Style: APA · Bibliography Sources: 0 · File: .docx · Level: Doctorate · Topic: Teaching
for $19.77
students in grades 6-8 in the local school are not achieving in their music classes.
The proposed area of study is to determine the effects of integrating Audience Response systems (ARs) into music classrooms, with a goal to increase student achievement in secondary music programs. Generally, present-day music classrooms are not well equipped with 21st century technology; yet simultaneously, students have become more reliant and dependent on technology to provide them with information, learning tools, and social communication. The lack of classroom computer resources continues to affect how the students are performing on their music assessment tests; this also affects their testing in Science, Reading, and Math subjects (Milner, 2012).
Audio response system technology has many new products, such as the Apple iPad and the iPod. These devices use animated visual illustrations as well as providing a better audio experience in music classrooms (Criswell, 2011). This research will provide information that could effectively provide a sequence of instructional strategies for improved integration of music and technology in the classroom. Subsequently, it will also address how to engage students in the classroom. As well, this research is intended to provide music teachers with a sequential order of effective steps for the integration of technology, and will address how technology could enhance and/or improve music instruction. Research by Banister (2010) demonstrates how music instruction could improve the learning process; it shows higher gains for the student-learners when iPod and other technology devices are used consistently as an integral part of the learning process.
According to Moss and Lapp (2009), 21st century instructional leaders use Web-based education, multiple texts, hip-hop, virtual activities, practical examples, audio and visual technology, math problems, and even advertisements to improve the delivery of instruction. Using modern technology in the classroom for instruction may be useful in future classes, functioning to: change the curriculum, improve computer literacy, improve testing skills, and lead to evaluation of, and appreciation of the different levels of musical expression that are inherent in many communities and cultures (Moss & Lapp, 2009).
This work will focus on creating project-based learning (PBL) lessons using AR devices in a manner such that students are likely to be intellectually engaged in significant learning. As well, it will provide structure that could allow for student and teacher reflections, and will create lessons that can be readily adapted to the individual needs of learners at various levels. In 2010, Chiong and Shuler's study of children between the ages of three to five demonstrated that using iPod devices in the classroom lead to gains in vocabulary and phonological awareness. Furthermore, outcomes from these types of learning experiences can provide added value to the literacy and curriculum goals in the classroom. As well, they are likely to increase participation in question and discussion activities, provide inspiration for creation of music study guides, and provide essential fundamental components for education in music notation (Chiong, Shuler, 2010).
When technology is properly integrated into classrooms, with the addition of computers and hand-held devices along with visual technology, this will provide intrinsic motivation for students. It is expected that such technology will motivate users to explore as they begin to create, build, and develop their own original music selections and attach their own melody lines and rhythms to already created material or original songs (Chiong, et al., 2010).
As shown by this research, there are various struggles within music classrooms concerning the effectiveness of music achievement. This is due to the lack of music creativity, weakness in interpretation of musical notations, and using visual, digital, acoustic means for performance values, and kinesthetic musical elements (VCS, Music curriculum Mu. 5F.1.1, 2013).
In the 21st century, music created using a variety of modern technologies is a vibrant part of the American culture. The music classroom is disappearing in some states, where there have been attempts to take music technology out of the classroom, and/or to eliminate music classes. Simultaneously however, Roach (2013) found that in other classrooms, technology is transforming the way that the delivery of instruction is presented, ranging from the increased use of video presentations to a classroom use of modern technology.
This transformation could retool and reshape the manner in which teachers deliver instruction. As well, use of technology could ultimately, blend enhanced learning styles into science, math, and other classroom subjects, which could provide a more rigorous learning experience to students. This experience of integrating music technology will enhance forward thinking. It will also provide faster processing and provide much needed feedback to improve creative thinking skills (Roach, 2013). During the music instructional time there is generally not enough engagement to challenge young musicians to think at a higher level. Clearly, with such technology, students who have a deeper comprehension could be encouraged to become able to demonstrate and perform at increased levels of achievement; this is likely to improve assessments and result in higher test scores (Ru-De, 2010).
Background and Justification
This study will take place in a middle school in Southeastern United States and will measure the impact of Audience Response Systems on Net Generation Learners (NGL). Eighty percent of the students enrolled at the test school site qualify for free or reduced-price lunches; two of the three schools qualify as Title I schools. The school's attendance rate is 90%, with 14% of students being absent more than 20 days. The student population is divided as follows: Asian -- 7%; Black -- 55%; Hispanic/Latino - 7.8%; and Caucasian -- 31.1%. There were 45 faculty members employed during the 2013-2014 school year. The school is surrounded by low-income and two-story subsidized housing.
According to Tang and Austin (2009), Net Generation Learners are engulfed by digital media; an increasingly number of devices are being developed because of the high demand from this generation. However, many challenges arise for NGL. For instance, the amount and type of technology used in the classroom could affect how the NGL accept feedback and faculty-driven instructions (Nelson & Hauck, 2008). Higher educational standards, increased student achievement, and technologies for teaching and learning have been identified as particularly challenging for education in the digital age (Rose & Meyer, 2007).
According to Rose and Meyer (2007), the flexibility of new media is a strongly positive learning tool for a diverse group of learners. The digital capacity that has been used to combine and transfer text, speech, and images leads to a more varied palette for communication, one that can accommodate the diverse capabilities, strengths, and weaknesses of the brain (Rose & Meyer, 2007). Incidental, but equally important, factors in using the new digital media educationally are that these methods support teachers in the areas of math, music, geography, physics, and physical education (Sunshine State Standards, 2007).
According to Voiogt & Pelgrun (2007), research data demonstrates that there is a significant gap between the reality and potentials of today's digital instructional classroom technology (ICT) and the availability of such technology in the classroom. Teachers consistently express their willingness, desire, and ability to integrate technology into the classroom (Voogt & Pelgrun, 2007). Promoting effective long-range educational technology planning at both the state and local levels will help ensure effective implementation of new technology. It will also lead to the development and maintenance of accountability measures and tracking procedures that are used to evaluate teachers with respect to: [1] improved technology integration within curricula and instruction; [2] increased ability of teachers to communicate and teach; and [3] improved assistance to enable students to achieve Florida's Sunshine State Standards (Florida Department Of Education, 2011).
In many schools, principals and administrators collaborate with teachers in classrooms, libraries, and computer labs to handle the difficult task of planning for technology integration; these administrators and staff also support distributed and uncoordinated efforts by enthusiastic teachers (Poddar & Rohde, 2012). Music technology that is purchased by district administrators may be limited, given that budget concerns likely supersede any decision by these leaders to provide more technology and professional development to core classroom teachers (National Endowment for the Arts, 2012). Specifically, the choice of the technology should be well thought out and discussed with all stakeholders involved. However, it is important to remember that without an educational focus, the technology in question is only an additional device or tool -- the utility of ARS depends on training educators as well (Gyberg & Hallstrom, 2011).
Referring to integrating technology, Ward (2009) showed that when Instructional Classroom Technology was used, students were more motivated, more creative, and performed at a higher level in all of their core courses. For example, students using a musical instrumental digital interface (MIDI) could use the computer to write their original compositions through a music keyboard, guitar, iPad, and additional midi capable devices. The research showed that students became self-motivated; as well, their interest in their music courses impressed many new students to join music programs that include technology (Campbell, 2007). The increase of the integration of technology and resources from the Internet into the students' learning experiences goes beyond the educational environment in terms of impact… [END OF PREVIEW]
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For The Foodie
Soda Samplers
The foodie's palate is a palate that's always eager to try the newest restaurants and the hottest food trends, but no one can resist the classic flavors of yesteryear. There's something so satisfyingly simple about the flavors of blue pop and orange soda, and one cannot deny the classic fizzy tingles of sweet vanilla root beer rolling over their tongue. Take your beloved foodie back in time with these 10-12packs of vintage sodas!
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If there's one thing we know foodies like, it's flavor, and lots of it. This Sour Cherry Spoon Fruit from American Spoon will have them digging in straight from the jar. Bursting with tart flavor and full of natural juice, it's like spooning out the filling from a freshly-baked pie. Its juicy fruit flavor comes to life when spread over toast, waffles, and even warm muffins.
Grounds & Hounds Coffee
The perfect gift for the person who always has a cup of piping hot coffee in hand. Not only are they coffee-addicts, they seem to know a lot about it too, like whether it's an artisan roasted or single origin, hand crafted cup of Joe. We found just the treat for your coffee connoisseur, a few bags of Grounds & Hounds Coffee Co. These beans are always 100% Fair Trade Organic and each bag bought helps save rescue dogs around the country. From the Humane Animal Rescue and the One Tail at a Time Dog Rescue to BAPBR and many more, your gift will give the gift of life to shelter dogs around the country. After all, isn't that what this time of year is all about? Give the gift that keeps giving.
2014 Orin Swift Papillon Bordeaux Blend
Food and wine is the perfect harmonious marriage. This year, give your foodie their perfect pairing. The Orin Swift Papillon Bordeaux blend consists of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Petit Verdot, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc. Notes of forest floor, graphite, blackcurrant, blackberry fruit and spring flowers followed by a full-bodied, unctuously textured, deep, rich pure. It's the perfect accompaniment to fine dark chocolate, rich and robust meats, and their favorite winter comfort recipes.
Plum Market Gift Card
Give the gift that everyone on your list will appreciate. Whether it be the Aged Steak Enthusiast, Fine Wine Collector, Ingredient-Conscious Beauty Junkie, or the Hardcore Foodie, a Plum Market Gift Card will get them exactly what they want, when they want. Available at the Guest Relations desk in your favorite location.
For The Sweet Tooth
Sugarfina Holiday Bento Boxes
Send sweet wishes to the sweet tooth on your list this holiday season. Sugarfina's Luxury Candy Bento Boxes are the perfect sweet treats for grownups. The Merry Christmas Candy Bento Box comes with Gingerbread Cookies (mini gingerbread cookies covered in white chocolate and infused with cinnamon & sugar), Reindeer Noses (sweet, raspberry-flavored gummies dressed in nonpareils), and Sugar Cookies (teeny, tiny sugar cookies are dipped in white chocolate, then sprinkled with superfine sugar). The Sweet & Sparkling Candy Bento Box proves that the best things in life are indeed, sweet & sparkling. This shimmering bento box is filled with the always-popular Champagne Bears (made with Dom Perignon Vintage Champagne), Sparkle Pops (crunchy chocolates filled with popping candy), and Bubbly Bears (made with Dom Perignon Vintage Champagne and dusted in sweet and tart sugar crystals).
Parkers Maple Cotton Candy
This whole "candy is for kids" thing seems totally unfair (and false!), so we decided to find the most sophisticated sweets we could. Treat your favorite candy lover – big or small – to a childhood favorite that's packed full of mature flavor – Maple Cotton Candy. Parker's Organic Maple Cotton Candy has quickly become a family favorite. This sweet and healthy snack is only 114 calories per serving (half the tub!). Made with real cane and real maple syrup, this gift is one you're going to want to treat yourself to, too!
Kelly's Karamels
The hunt for perfect stocking stuffers seems never ending. Make this the last year of filling fuzzy socks with boring travel sized products and whatnots and fill them up with exciting goodies like Kelly's Karamels. These rich, chewy, buttery bite sized caramels are melt-in-your-mouth decadence that comes in a variety of flavors to please palates young and old.
Dave's Sweet Tooth Toffee
Let us start out by saying that we have never found someone who didn't find Dave's Sweet Tooth Toffee irresistible and almost impossible to put down. This is a gift that everyone on your list should receive, including you. Dave's made-in-the-mitten light, buttery toffee is perfectly layered between a balanced coating of rich chocolate and crushed almonds with flavors like Vanilla Bean, Coffee, Peanut Butter, and even Pumpkin Spice.
For the Heart-Warmer
Thymes Frasier Fir Candles
Shopping for the perfect gifts can seem daunting at times, that is until you find the Frasier Fir aisle in the Apothecary. Frasier Fir is consistently reigns as the most gifted item year after year. The collection by Thymes is a tradition that feels right at home. Bring the hostess this festive multi-wick candles to fill their home with that crisp, just-cut Christmas tree fragrance that evokes seasonal celebrations.
PPD Holiday Mugs
Warm their hearts with the Oliver Gift Boxed Mug from PPD, while giving them a gift that will keep their hands (and beverage) warm all winter long.
Thieves Essential Oil products are the perfect gift for the one who finds time to relax and values nature's de-stressors. Young Living's amazing Thieves essential oil blend is inspired by the legend of four fifthteenth-century thieves in France who formulated an aromatic blend composed of cloves, rosemary, and other botanicals to use —believe it or not— while robbing graves. Their aromatic blend was so admired that when captured, the thieves were offered a lesser sentence in exchange for the secret recipe.
For The Beauty Enthusiast
Pacifica Native Flower Nourishing Hair Oil
Help protect her hair with the gift of the number one selling hair hydration serums. This small, but mighty, gift will have her saying goodbye to damaged, split ends as it smooths and calms her locks with a natural, lightweight, and silicone-free, formula that works double time to add shine and softens fried ends.
Rustic Maka Exfoliate Purifying Mask
What better gift is there for a beauty enthusiast than the latest trend in face masks? When we say this is the royalty of face masks, trust us. This powerful water-activated purifying mask utilizes the highly-sought after benefits of Activated Charcoal, plus Kaolin, and beauty guru favorite, Bentonite Clay to remove dead skin build-up and promote the natural skin renewal process. This mask is truly for anyone, at any age, that would love the gift of beautiful, clear, radiant skin.
Deborah Lippmann Nail Polish Set + Deborah Lippman The Cure
Bold, seductive, and captivating, she's sure to fall in love with the new six red hued colors included in this gift box. Whether she's classic, vivacious, or sophisticated, these reds will help her make the ultimate statement this season, while using good-for-you products. Deborah Lippman is rapidly taking over the nail color industry with new healthy alternative to gel polish. Give this gift with The Cure Ultra Nourishing Cuticle Repair Cream, Allure Best Beauty Winner 4 years in a row.
Butter Plush Rush Lipstick
Treat her to bright and beautiful color and soft pillowy lips this holiday! She'll fall head over heels for this brilliant lipstick that's proven to instantly show fuller lips and provide long-wear moisture. Whether you choose a tube in every color, or slip her favorite one in to her stocking, this is a gift she'll wear far longer than just the holiday season.
For The Busy Bee
Gaia Golden Milk
Help keep your busy bee in tip top shape by gifting them Gaia Golden Milk. This delicious mix is full of turmeric, dates, and herbs that, when mixed in a hot beverage, will start their mornings and end their nights on a glowy note. The powerful beverage also serves as an excellent pick-me-up. We know the last thing they want is to be slowed down, so give them a gift that will help them go!
Hydro Flash Coffee Tumbler
Caffeine lovers will rejoice when we unwrap a Hydro Flash Coffee Tumblr. From snow-filled trails and streets to secluded vacation cabanas, this is tumbler is sure to keep them fully caffeinated every step of the way. It's made with a professional-grade stainless steel and TempShield double wall insulation to keep cold drinks cold for up to 24 hours, and hot drinks hot for up to 6.
For the Host & Hostess
Cellar Door Bath Supply Co. Candles
These 100% plant based candles are the perfect gift for the host or hostess to help them keep the mood right with festive holiday scents made by a brand that everyone has on their wishlist. Our favorites include Pomegranate Hot Toddy – for it's pomegranate base dusted with orange zest, cinnamon bark, and just a dash of bourbon leaving your nose intrigued – and Santa's Cookies – snickerdoodles, pralines, buttercream frosting, and nutmeg spice – will have you saying "Oh, my!"
Veuve Clicquot La Grande Dame
Let's be honest, who doesn't want Champagne? Now that you know Champagne is always a hostess go-to, go a step further and shine as the best gift giver when you walk in with Veuve Clicquots La Grande Dame 2006 Vintage Champagne draped in a bottle designed by Charlotte Olympia. To celebrate inspirational women, Veuve Clicquot and Charlotte Olympia came together for an exclusive collaboration that sees the designer put her unique stamp on Veuve Clicquot's prestige cuvée, La Grande Dame. Charlotte Olympia is known for her quirky shoes and accessories. A perfect tribute to La Grande Dame, Madame Clicquot for this limited-edition bottle and a thoughtful tribute to the wonder woman of a hostess.
Chiostro Limoncello
Surprise the special host or hostess with a holiday classic that's sure to show your appreciation by offering an extra treat to feed the hungry mouths of their guests. This Panettone isn't your ordinary dried fruit cake. The Chiostro Limoncello is filled with luxurious limoncello cream and exquisite candied lemon peels and hand wrapped in an elegant rustic paper. On second thoughts, we think they may want to stash this lush pantone away for themselves.
Stocking Stuffers
Walkers Shortbread Cookies Scottie Dog Tin
Feridies Peanuts
Belfine Chocolate Santa & Reindeer
Mr. Stanley's Candy
Frasier Fir Triple Milled Soap
Sugarfina Holiday Candies
Vosges Choclate


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June 2018
Healthier. Less harmful. More environmentally friendly. Increasing numbers of consumers are aspiring towards a sustainable lifestyle. As well as organic food and ecologically and fairly produced fashion, natural cosmetics also play a very big part in this. In Germany – its strongest European market – the segment reached a market share of 8.8 percent with a turnover of more than one billion euros in 2017; and together with near-natural cosmetics, this figure rises to 17 percent.* So around one in six consumers in Germany is using natural or near-natural cosmetics. This huge change that has taken place in the cosmetic market is illustrated very clearly by the increase of three quarters of a million consumers who used natural cosmetics for the first time in 2017.** But it's not only German consumers who are increasingly opting for more environmentally friendly products – this trend is noticeable all around the world. For the global organic cosmetic sector, US-based market research and consulting firm Grand View Research, Inc. is predicting an annual growth of 9.5 percent to 25.1 billion USD by 2025.*** So it is hardly surprising that natural cosmetics have developed into an established segment of the big drugstores. Perfumeries and department stores are also following the trend with special natural cosmetic counters and even discount chains are launching their own natural cosmetic brands.
During the upcoming Berlin Fashion Week, Messe Frankfurt will be launching a 'Beauty' area for the first time at the tradeshows Ethical Fashion Show Berlin and Greenshowroom. Whether vegan nail polish, moisturising hydro serum, nourishing body oil or scented hair balm – from 3 until 5 July, cosmetic labels Benecos, Ringana by Tina Feller, Ella Brante and Biosfair will be presenting natural make-up, as well as hair, skincare and styling products. "Sustainable from head to toe – the new 'Beauty' area is rounding off the range of fair fashion at Ethical Fashion Show Berlin and Greenshowroom. So, in addition to the outfits, visitors can now also find the appropriate styling products here too," says Olaf Schmidt, Vice President of Textiles and Textile Technologies at Messe Frankfurt.
#Natural cosmetics #Sustainability #Ethical Fashion Show Berlin #Greenshowroom #Berlin #Germany
Find out more here:
*Source: Naturkosmetik Jahresreport 2017 (published by Naturkosmetikkonzepte Elfriede Dambacher)
**Source: GfK Consumer Scan 2017
***Source: Organic Personal Care Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product (Skin Care, Hair Care, Oral Care, Cosmetics), By Region (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, CSA, MEA), And Segment Forecasts, 2018 – 2025 via MarketResearch
Image source: RINGANA - ringana.com
- Sustainability
- Trends
- Trade Show


text: AMETEK MRO is a division of AMETEK inc, a leading global manufacturer of electronic and electro-mechanical devices. The MRO Division offers an extensive range of services and capabilities via multiple worldwide locations. There are many global brands within the Division's portfolio of companies, click on a link on the left for further details.


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An author without a publisher
What's a girl to do?
Due to the recent death of our publisher, Linda, her partner in the publishing company has decided to shut the doors on L&L Dreamspell. Amidst all the grieving that all of us are experiencing we have to decide what to do with our manuscripts. All rights have been reverted to me, including my sixth novel (At Face Value) that had yet to be printed.I'm extremely saddened over the death of a friend and now have to grieve over the loss of publishing company that cared for its authors. Where else could you offer the publisher a bunch of chocolate if she printed your book a month earlier than planned? Who else would call you out of the blue just because you fell off the face of the earth for a month? Lisa and Linda took such amazing care of us and our books from the words to the covers, to the moral support and guidance. Even now, Lisa is focusing on her dream team of authors and making sure they get what they need to make their decisions and move forward.
So here I am, without a publisher and I have no clue what to do. I, for one, never thought I would be here. Here I am, asking, "What do I do?"Should I submit to other publishers? Do I look for an agent? Or do I take a gigantic leap and self-publish?
If I submit to other publishers or an agent, do I submit only the book that hasn't been put in print yet? Do I mention the other five books that now need an avenue to get to readers? Are there any publishers or agents that you think might best fit me and my romantic-suspense genre?If I go self-pubbed is that riskier than traditional publishing? What is all the work I would have to do myself? And do you as a reader like to read self-published?
My biggest issue is making sure that the books are available in both print and ebook format.In the back of my mind, as difficult as this situation is, and when I get past all the tears, I think this is an impetus to push me. It's a sign. Here is an opportunity to take the bull by its horns and turn my writing career into what I want. The question is, "How?"
Whether you are a reader, a writer, blogger, etc., what are your thoughts?


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Brahms Symphony No. 2
Brahms Symphony No. 2 tickets schedule and inventory. The Kind Tickets has great Brahms Symphony No. 2 tickets for all performances. If you need help with any of your Brahms Symphony No. 2 ticketing needs please give us a call and a representative will be happy to assist you at (800) 289-8425 or click here for live help.
THE PRICE YOU SEE IS THE PRICE YOU PAY WHEN ORDERING TICKETS! Unlike many of our competitors who add fees and service charges during the ordering process, The Kind Tickets does not. So you always know what you are paying up front. Always check for added fees on other websites. We appreciate your business!
Thanks for visiting The Kind Tickets for all of your concerts, sports and theatre ticket needs. We appreciate your business!


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SOUTHEND, LEIGH & DISTRICT AQUARIST SOCIETY OPEN SHOW 2014 videos of the show are on youtube at:-
The prize giving
Various still shots at the show
Open Show 2015 see https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZDFQ6vgnuiU
Having held yet another successful show last year we again welcome you to visit our OPEN SHOW the only one in Essex in 2019
Open Fish show to be held on the 20tht of May 20167at Temple Sutton School, Southend, Essex.There was no entry charge to the public, the fish were viewed after judging at about 15.00 but other attractions were open earlier. Exhibits are came from a wide area in the past we have had competitive entries from as far as Port Talbort in Wales, Sheffield and Corby. You do not have to be a member of a club or Society to enter your fishes, the fish will be judged to FBAS standards. As usual there will be worthwhile prizes in addition to the usual place cards.
Southend Society has held Fish Shows almost every year since the War, even in 1938 they held a Show in the Kursaal on Southend sea front (the famous pleasure area which is now virtually closed)
More information can be had on websites http://www.facebook.com/southend fish club http://howardpreston.weebly.com www.youtube/southendaquarist
We look forward to meeting you at the SHOW along with your exhibits
In memory of Howard Preston (see http://howardpreston,weebly.com ) we are having a Special Memorial trophy in his honour at Southend, Leigh & District Aquarist Society`s Open Show what class? - well it had to be FBAS Class R Platys !!


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Decorations are going up, the weather is getting cooler, stations are playing more holiday specials and music… It must be the holidays! This is by far our favorite time of the year. Which is why we are happy to spread the holiday cheer to our beloved customers again this year with our annual 12 days of free bids and giveaways! Keep reading to learn more.
This promotion has ended. Scroll down to see all the winners. Thank you to all who participated. Happy holidays, QuiBidders!
12 Days of Giveaways + Promo Codes
We have been doing huge giveaways every December since 2012. And like previous years, you won't be disappointed with the 2016 lineup of awesome prizes to give away. Additionally, we will also be giving away promo codes for free bids every day, so even if you don't win the giveaway, you still can use your free bids for a chance to win thousands of auctions happening on QuiBids every day. This way everyone will have an opportunity to do some holiday bidding with us.
How to enter
Every morning between 12-1-2016 and 12-12-2016, we will post the contest and promo code on our Facebook page. All you have to do to enter is comment and like the contest post each day. The winner will be chosen the next day using a random number generator and will be announced in the comments of that particular contest post. Make sure you like us on Facebook too so you don't miss these free bids coupons codes or other opportunities to win great stuff. We want to help you with your holiday shopping so you can get your loved ones the perfect gifts this year. So make sure you take advantage of this special opportunity!
Past winners:


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Click here to see more photos
Plenty to do
During the afternoon there were several craft activities around the theme of Easter - decorating eggs, Easter nests and slate tiles.
Easter Nests
Easter nests and eggs symbolise new life. Jesus brings new life to each of us if we believe in him.


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Jul 12, 2019 (AB Digital via COMTEX) — Hongkong – Jul 12, 2019 – In the process of implementing the holographic calls, 5G transmission technology will play a crucial role. It is precisely because 5G has high bandwidth, low latency, high reliability and other excellent features that we have the confidence to image the practical feasibility of holographic calls. As one of China's largest 5G holographic AI vision, WiMi Hologram Cloud publicly submitted IPO application to NASD in the United States, making people full of longing for the future visual world.
WiMi Hologram Cloud's holographic cloud published its IPO prospectus globally on June 27, 2019 in the United States. Its net profits exceeded 89 million yuan in 2018, making profits for two consecutive years. The IPO of WiMi Hologram Cloud was listed at NASDAQ Global Board, and as the first share of global holographic AI vision, the profit growth space has been opened. With the development of 5G holographic communication, WiMi Hologram Cloud's holographic cloud, which was established only four years ago, is expected to be explosive in the future.
As an emerging market, the global holographic AR market has tremendous growth potential and has attracted a large amount of investment since 2016, making a great contribution to the growth of the industry. Several organizations including the R&D labs are investing heavily in this technology to develop solutions for enterprises and consumer groups. Over the years, the mobile augmented reality market has been widely applied in applications such as games, media and marketing. Its range of applications in different industries, including advertising, entertainment, education and retail, is expected to drive demand during the forecast period.
The income of WiMi Hologram Cloud mainly comes from holographic advertising and holographic entertainment. The probability of WiMi Hologram Cloud is outstanding, and the net


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Monday, July 20, 2009
Bad teewee commercials.
No worries. There is a discount furniture establishment here, complete with teewee ads, with the lovely schizophasic name of "The Schoolhouse of Educated Wicker".
8 comments:
What isn't on youtube.com?
Shootin' Buddy
- 7:42 AM, July 20, 2009
- pdb said...
One other thing I miss from Canada were the creepy ass ads for "Igor's Discount Game Warehouse" in Rochester NY.
Sadly, not on youtube.
- 7:52 AM, July 20, 2009
- Ish said...
"The Schoolhouse of Educated Wicker" would be an excellent name for an album by a 1960s psychodelic british rockband...
- 8:03 AM, July 20, 2009
- Fuzzy Curmudgeon said...
Personally I'd prefer a Glass of Educated Ice.
But I'm funny that way.
- 8:17 AM, July 20, 2009
- Boyd said...
I'm not sure which is making me laugh harder, the name of the Indy furniture store, or Tam's pitch-perfect descriptive term.
- 9:56 AM, July 20, 2009
- Old Grouch said...
Check out the ones for "Martin Fine Furniture" that run on Skytrack.
- 12:28 PM, July 20, 2009
- og said...
My personal favorite is "Jones big ass truck rental, BBQ and foot massage"
- 3:36 PM, July 20, 2009
- mts1 said...
Oh, no, Chicago has a whole cadre of bad tv ads from time immemorial. Harry Schmurler, the singing Ford Man, Fencl Tufo with the wierd monsters, Lincoln Insurance running now. The worst are probably Eagle Man. Those are on YouTube.
One that was so bad it was genius was Freedom Auto, which had a huge black man who was a ton of fun to watch, a wonderfully likable lug, and who had a midget sidekick named Half Off. And he kept himself surrounded by pretty women. It was like watching a Mexican comedy, except in English.
wv: blimpn - hey, blimpin ain't easy. I know. I'm quite a blimp myself.
- 8:10 PM, July 20, 2009


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Hosting a New Year's Eve party comes with pretty high expectations. This is great if you can actually live up to those expectations, but most of us are only human and don't have the time or resources to do so.
Need some help hosting your next New Year's Eve party? Here are some of my tips for success:
1. Stock Up
A successful New Year's Eve party and chamagne always go hand-in-hand, so make sure you have the perfect place to stock up on bottles! Using a server with built-in storage is perfect for holding all of the necessities including drinkware so no one has to go rummaging through your cabinets.
Want to get crafty? DIY a champagne bottle and cover it in glitter to match the vibe of the event! Get the directions here.
2. Plan Games
No one likes to just sit around and do nothing at a party; get some games together that can be played in groups like Apples to Apples or create your own like Fishbowl (my personal favorite)! For more game ideas, check out our New Year's Eve Pinterest board here.
3. Get Extra Seating
4. Prepare Snacks
Appetizers and fingerfoods are preferable here. It's too much of a hassle to having to find a plate and then worry about carrying your plate and drink at the same time. Keep it simple and easy. No one's really expecting a four-course meal here, anyway.
5. Add Festive Decor
The best kind of New Year's Eve decor is the kind that can last throughout the rest of the winter season. Go for gold and silver metallic accessories when looking for the best pieces. Adding something even as simple as a new set of pillows can really help your home look party-ready!
6. Have an Entertainment Center
I bet that you're going to have about half of your guests watching Dick Clark's New Years Rockin' Eve while the other half won't be paying attention to the TV until the last minute of 2015. Either way, you should have your living room set up to appease both types of guests. Make sure your entertainment system will hold a TV large enough for everyone to watch.
Think you have everything you need now to host the best New Year's Eve party? Let me know in the comments if I missed anything else!


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Filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki famous adapted Eiko Kadono's fantasy novel series "Kiki's Delivery Service" into Studio Ghibli's beloved 1989 film adaptation.
Now, the first teaser has arrived for an upcoming live-action Japanese feature based on the property with FÅ«ka Koshiba in the role of Kiki.
Filmed earlier this year, it is currently slated to open in Japan in March.