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In this section
Your Hospital's Got Talent Entries
The Arts in York Hospital would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter this exhibition, your talents are truly inspiring! We've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know more about our colleagues within the Trust and hope you do too.
To see all the entries, please scroll down, or visit one of the exhibitions:
- Celebration of Achievement Awards (taster exhibition): 17th July 2014
- York Hospital: 23rd July - 1st September
- Scarborough Hospital: 2nd September
Alex Meek
Clerical Officer and Photographer
Scarborough Hospital
"I'm a Wildlife Photographer based in Scarborough capturing the wonderful wildlife around the area. Photography and Wildlife has always been a passion of mine since a child and combining them together brings me incredibly close to nature through a lens.
I'm fascinated by the hidden behaviours of animals and birds, with every encounter I have learnt something new about a species.
The most common of species can produce some of the most amazing images as you gain the confidence of the subject by studying and learning the habits, this can come quickly, several weeks or even over a couple of months.
Wildlife Photography for me is the perfect way to unwind and gives me great pleasure to capture very close encounters with stunning wildlife."
Ali Horton
Community Tissue Viability Specialist Nurse/Project Manager and Football Manager
Malton Hospital
"My career started in the Trust in1994 as an auxiliary nurse, career progression led to me being the first Level 2 HCA to qualify in Malton Hospital. I also qualified as a registered nurse and district nurse.
I've always loved football, playing at school, with family and relatives associated with Hull City FC. I wanted to improve my knowledge of the game so completed my FA referee exam, I was the first and only qualified female referee in Malton area in 1994. I am a FA Level 1 qualified coach.
I am now the Chairperson, secretary and current welfare officer for Heslerton Junior Football Club. During this time we have been nominated for Ryedale sports club of the year, which we won in 2012. I was overwhelmed when I was nominated and won Pride of Malton volunteer of the Year award 2012. I love Football."
Alison Woods
HYMS Administration Coordinator and Photographer
York Hospital
"Water is a fascinating element; it can be calm and still one minute and a boiling cauldron the next. It has the power to soothe and relax but can also be forceful and destructive and it is one of my favourite subjects when I am taking photographs. I don't have any specialist equipment and have had no training so I really am an eager amateur but love the fact we can now take numerous images and store them electronically where we once had to get films developed and fill albums with the results.
I joined Blipfoto last year but haven't managed to post a blip every day yet, I also have a Flickr account where I can share my images and look for interesting places to visit in the images posted by others. I like the idea that the images we make today may be viewed by future generations and a little bit of our today may be around when we no longer are."
Amol Gaikwad
Rotational Physiotherapist and Cricketer
Scarborough Hospital
"I am glad that I am in Yorkshire where people love and follow cricket. In our physiotherapy office, we have heated discussions on Ashes and ongoing cricket matches during break time.
I was introduced to Scarborough hospitals cricket club by one of my colleague in hospital. The thought of playing my favourite sport for a cricket club itself delighted me. I also thought that it would be a great way to make new friends, have fun and burn few calories. Now it's my second year for the club and I am enjoying it very much. As a player I am an all-rounder but bowling is my strength.
My hobby has helped me in my work life as well. It has improved my team-working skills and made me a more confident person. I feel more energetic while working on wards. A discussion about a recent cricket match with a patient takes their mind off their pain, illnesses and makes them feel good."
Andrew Thomas
Records Services Operative and Organist
York Hospital
"I started learning to play the organ when I was a library assistant in Manchester Royal Infirmary. The head chaplain was having difficulty finding someone to play for the Sunday morning services. I therefore started having lessons and played for services shortly afterwards.
The organ in the picture is my home organ and very similar to the organ I played in Manchester. It was built in 1979 and is one of first organs where sounds were recorded digitally.
The foot pedals enable the feet to play in the same way as the hands do on the two keyboards. The feet and hands together enable the organist to play 6 interlocking musical lines at once. Playing the organ is a good exercise in multitasking!
I certainly find practicing easier than when I was at school. It's never too late to learn a new skill."
Anna MacGladrie
Cancer Pathway Support Officer and Artist
York Hospital
"I studied Fine Art at College and then Jewellery and Silversmithing at University, so I have always enjoyed Art and Design.
Being creative is one of the best ways to silence your worries or stop yourself from stewing on your troubles. Getting into a piece of work can totally absorb your mind and before you know it hours have passed and you have something to show for it whether it's just for yourself or someone else.
I love to paint portraits as it's always a satisfying challenge to try and capture the emotions and personality in someone's face."
Avijit Datta
Consultant Respiratory Physician and Photographer
York Hospital
"My photographic heroes as a child were Henri Carter-Bresson, who coined the term "the decisive moment" and ultimately founded Magnum Photos, and Ansel Adams who captured images of the Americas. Both were mindful of composition, light and shade and made iconic images. The Chinese would write poetry for thousands of years with painting. Recently I took up photography again because of an interest in Art, different faiths and an inability to paint. Dr. Sanjay Gupta has supported and inspired this.
I would encourage anyone to take up photography (as opposed to "snapping") and to practice; digital photography allows you to reject the poor pictures with abandon. As Cartier-Bresson said:
"Your first 10,000 photographs are your worst."
I've got a long way to go…"
Barbara Steward
Immunisations Coordinator, Consultant Paediatrician and Poet
York Hospital
"As a child, even before I could read, I enjoyed the sounds of words: their rhythms and rhymes. This has evolved into writing poetry and is a way to listen. For me, I sometimes write for an audience and sometimes simply for me to listen to myself.
In Defence of Community School Nurses was written as a thank you after a vaccine campaign. My husband was an audience of one as I rehearsed the day before. At the end of the poem he asked, "Do you think they will find it funny?" Poetry requires boldness. To the audience of my school nursing colleagues it was funny, appreciated and team-building. For maximum effect this poem should be read with a Stamford-in-the-Vale accent.
Writing is there for everyone to try. Goethe suggests "Whatever you can do or dream you can do, begin it. Boldness has genius, power and magic in it. Begin it now.""
Benjamin J Snowden
Foundation Year 1 Doctor in Colorectal Surgery and Cyclist
York Hospital
"Inspired by Dr Smale's input, I'm also a cyclist and doctor, having beaten him up many hills in my time (it's because he's a triathlete).
I started cycling seriously while a student at HYMS and cycled for the University of York as attached, this was during a 10 mile time trial for Roses 2013 (University of York vs University of Lancaster).
I also that summer completed a 250 mile cycle ride with 10 other cyclists to celebrate the medical school's 10th anniversary, where we cycled from Hull - Scarborough - York - Goole - Scunthorpe - Grimsby - Hull, 252 miles in 23hrs 5 minutes with16 hrs in the saddle."
Chris Kendall
Security Supervisor and Professional British Voice Artist
Scarborough Hospital
"Along side being a security supervisor for Scarborough Hospital I am also a Professional British Voice Artist, Image Consultant also offering Production Services, Voice Over Coaching and the CEO / Founder of the World Famous Voice Artists United (VAU) Networks (Voice over resource, Support and Training Network!)
I have worked in commercial and community radio. My voice has been heard on Regional and National TV, Radio adverts, Telephone switchboard solutions, Audio Books, Online Videos, Explainers and much more.
I love what my career and do it well, with representation world wide for voice over and a huge fan base across the world with celebrity status within the Voice Over Industry due to my contributions and work."
Emma Robinson
Trainee Advanced Clinical Practitioner and Runner
York Hospital
"I have never been a runner, but in 2012 I set myself a challenge to do the Great North Run and in the process raise money and awareness for the British Heart Foundation. I previously worked in Coronary Care at Scarborough, working with cardiac patients and their families I saw the impact of heart conditions on their lives.
Since 2012 I have done another Great North Run and three 10K Bupa great runs across the country, I have also run for Cancer Research UK another charity close to my heart. It feels so rewarding and the sense of achievement is amazing. I have met many great athletes in the process such as; Mo Farah, Tirunesh Dibaba, Greg Rutherford and many more. I would encourage people to get involved it's an amazing experience.
My next challenge is the London Marathon 2015 for my 30th Birthday."
Esther Munday
Physiotherapy Assistant Orthopaedics and Fine Artist
York Hospital
"I always wanted to be an artist. Grown up in a Dutch down-to-earth family with hardworking parents, studying Fine Art was a no-no. Instead I trained and worked as a nurse for 20 years. In 1998 I decided to join my Yorkshire man and moved to the UK. Leaving everything behind, I decided to follow my long lasting dream. I studied Fine Art at Leeds Metropolitan University and graduated in 2003. I 'm still passionate about healthcare. Combining painting and my part time job at York Hospital worked out to be the perfect combination for me.
I grew up in Holland between greenhouses filled with flowers. They inspired me to paint because they have amazing properties. The beauty of flowers is temporary and reminds us to pay attention to the moment. In our busy and overwhelming world I want my paintings to be a moment of serenity, peace and joy."
Fiona Garden
G3 Midwife and Artist
York Hospital
"I'm a newly qualified midwife, started in York in January. I moved down from Scotland to start my career and I'm loving my decision.
My interest in arts & crafts started at a very young age, with my Grandmere (french side) teaching me how to use different paints, how to sow etc. Very much in to my abstract art, but it really is just a hobby of mine and tend to paint for friends and family when I get the time for presents/gifts.
I tend to use acrylic paints just now, using many bright colours and tend to prefer to paint in one sitting rather than going back to a piece. For me it is a very enjoyable way to relax and get huge amounts of pleasure when I do get the time!"
Grahame Wolfenden
Domestic Assistant and Artist
Scarborough Hospital
"I'm an ex-graphic designer who has always been interested in the visual arts and with redundancy forcing a change of job direction, as a domestic assistant I try to keep my talents up to scratch by practising the illustration and photography skills I've used for over 30 years. I've kept a photographic diary of wildlife and landscapes I've seen in and around Scarborough over the past 7 years and produce commissioned paintings and photographs of a wide range of subjects.
As a school kid, my art teacher said I'd never be any good at art so I like to think that this is one in the eye for him! It's not a relaxing hobby - both the painting and the digital post production of finished photos take quite a bit of effort and concentration - but there is a definite sense of achievement (and relief) when I finish a picture, and although I see myself as more of a craftsman than an artist, I get a great deal of satisfaction from it."
Heather Pickering
Deputy Directorate Manager and Knitter
Scarborough Hospital
"Last Christmas I struggled to find a present for my sister when I came across a pattern for a knitted Bernese Mountain dog, these dogs are her passion.
I have always liked sewing and trying various crafts but for some reason had never really got into knitting despite being shown when I was younger. I decided to take up the challenge and have a go.
The dog soon came together and started to actually look like one of her dogs. Once complete I made a collar with disc and finished with a Santa hat for a festive touch. Of all the gifts great and small this little dog got the most fuss. It just goes to show that something made with love and given with thought can be worth more. This little champion was placed on her mantelpiece for all to see. Her friends then started asking where he came from and how they too would like one and from there on my little creations grew including other breeds of dogs."
Jacq Whittaker
Cancer Pathway Co-ordinator and Clippy Rug Maker
York Hospital
"I made my first clippy rug over twenty years ago after hearing stories of how my father, as a child, was made to sit and cut up old items of clothing into thin strips, which were then threaded through used potato sacks. Times may have moved on but these rugs still have a real feel-good factor about them as some of you may remember from old. They can be created in any colour way from funky to traditional and from any fabric.
Making the rugs satisfies my creative streak, firstly by choosing from the endless palette of colour then the design - most of my rugs are planned but surprisingly some evolve and change completely between start to finish. I only use non-combustible wool fabric for warmth and hard-wearing properties ensuring these rugs often last a lifetime."
Jess Sharp
Art and Design Project Coordinator and Guide Leader
York Hospital
"Whilst studying for a teaching qualification I began looking for opportunities to gain experience in a leadership role. Having been a Rainbow, Brownie and Guide in my younger years I was familiar with Guiding and seized the chance to get involved on a different level.
I began volunteering last year at Christ Church Guides, a new unit in Heworth. It has been extremely rewarding to watch the girls grow in confidence as they develop within the unit and make new friendships.
Being a creative person, my skills are often utilised with craft activities and badges. I still get the same excitement from being awarded a badge as I did back when I was a Guide all those years ago."
Josefin Bengtsson
Domestic Assistant and Photographer
York Hospital
"I first started taking and developing photographs as a child, when I used to follow my mother to work at Ikea, and spend my days playing in the darkrooms with the other creative directors and photographers. After leaving Sweden at 19, I then didn't pick up a camera again until seven years ago, when I came to live in a caravan on a farm in the heart of Easington Colliery, County Durham. Living by the sea, and on top of the old coal mines awakened my imagination, I began to take photographs of the dramatic landscapes, and the people living in the village.
Nowadays, I prefer to take photographs of people and animals. This photograph is part of a larger series I have collated with my dog, Hugo. Although I am working as a Domestic Assistant at the moment, in the future, I would like to train as a clinical photographer, so I can put my photography skills to further use within the NHS."
Kat Hetherington
Art and Design Manager and Open Water Swimmer
York Hospital
"Swimming's always been one of my family's activities. My mum's from Tasmania and I remember loving swimming in the beautiful Tassie rivers as a kid.
A couple of years ago I decided to try and get a bit fitter and to be honest, swimming seemed like the easiest option. I loved it so much that I decided to enter the mile long Great North Swim. I wanted to give myself something to work towards and to train for.
Last year I took to Lake Windermere for my first attempt and loved it. This year we took on the Great North swim as a Hetherington team; my mum and my brother joined me. We even shipped in some Tassie support in the form of my Aunt and Uncle (who thought we were mad to swim in such cold water.)
I wanted to do the distance in 50 minutes, I came in at 49 minutes and 59 seconds. Let's see what time I can do next year!"
Lesley Pocock
Clinical Nurse Specialist in Stroke and Cake Decorator
York Hospital
"One of my hobbies is cake decorating. I started in my teens dabbling with decorating the odd cake for Christmas or a family birthday. I've taught myself as I went along, although I did do a short evening class in making Petal Paste Flowers when we first moved to York.
The cakes I make are mostly for family members or friends, although I have actually had two commissions to make birthday cakes for friend's children. The hobby is time consuming, as the cakes have to be made very close to the date they are needed, especially if they are a sponge cake. No one would appreciate the amount of time needed to make intricate decorations, especially flowers out of petal paste. I enjoy making them, and it's lovely seeing the pleasure that someone gets when they see their cake, especially if it's a total surprise."
Lynn Fitzharris
Health Visitor and Cake Baker
York Hospital
"My signature dish!! This is a cake which I have been making for 30 years. It is different to an ordinary carrot cake because it contains banana and walnuts and has cream cheese in the topping. This gives it a lovely texture and flavour. I have made it for numerous special occasions. It has recently been adapted, for convenience and easy transportation, into mini Passion Cakes to take each year to York Races to celebrate my daughters Birthday in July.
Recently I entered this cake at the Great British Food Festival at Harewood House. They had organised a "Cake Off" competition which was judged by some well known chefs from the TV programme the Great British Menu. I was delighted to gain runner up status, receiving a rosette and lots of lovely comments about the look and taste of my cake. My photos are from the event this year."
Patricia Hunter
Training Manager Domestic Services and Crafter
York Hospital
"I have always liked being creative whether cooking, gardening or my love for crafting. My mum taught me to sew and knit as a child and have carried it through to my adult life.
I used to make prom dresses for the girls at college and then moved to the USA where I took up card making before it hit the UK. I also used to make dog beds, toys, bandanas and natural dog biscuits which we sell for dog rescue.
I moved back to England and took up crafting and I make a range of gifts which I give to people for Christmas and sell at craft fairs. You may have seen the two quilted balls I made for the York Hospital Christmas tree.
It's the thought of giving something you have made that's different I enjoy the most."
Paul Carr
Maxillofacial Laboratory Manager and Badminton Player
York Hospital
"I have played the sport of badminton since I was 14, the distinctive 'crack' of a well hit feather shuttlecock is a sound I never tire of. My career in healthcare brought constant on-call commitments, this and other family factors meant I could only play local league badminton.
20 years on, a serious shoulder injury further restricted my playing, but the advent of keyhole surgery brought a successful repair. After 2 years of rehab, I was playing pain-free and with renewed enthusiasm. I was selected for the Yorkshire 'Veterans' team, and in 2012 was honoured with my first England cap. I was selected to represent England again at the 2013 World Senior Championships in Turkey, and for the forthcoming 2014 European Senior Championships in Portugal. So my message is… never give up on your goals. It may take you a while, but with determination and hard work, you can get there in the end!"
Paul Whittle
Revalidation Support Officer and Photographer
York Hospital
"I work in the Professional Standards (Medical & Dental) Team, assisting doctors to get through the revalidation process. I've been taking photos since receiving a self-build 110 camera (remember those?!) when I was 7, but started taking it seriously 10 years ago when I became a dad. Since then I have become a qualified member of the Royal Photographic Society, been shooting weddings and pet portraits (pawtraits!), producing stock photos, and indulging in my favourite genre of landscape photography. I also teach photography. It's highly rewarding to see the pride of pupils when they create something they though only professionals could do!
I'm a frequent visitor to Jersey, which has many great coastal locations. I chose this shot as my favourite recent image, and one which took many visits to this spot before the conditions were right."
Radovan Bolcar
Domestic Assistant and Artist
York Hospital
"I am an educated and well-travelled individual currently residing in York. I completed a degree in Contemporary Fine Art Practice at York St. John University and currently work part-time for the NHS in York. I have a strong work ethic and through my education and employment have gained good communication skills. My mother tongue is Slovakian, I also speak English, Polish and Czech fluently.
I have very strong drawing skills combined with good technical abilities especially (use of digital tablet, Final Cut Pro, Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign). I have a good eye and I am very skilful in portraying people. I have done a lot of life drawing sessions, commissions, and taught people how to improve their skills in drawing and painting. I can work with people and bring encouragement into the group."
Rashed Hossain
Speciality Registrar Cardiologist and TV Presenter
York Hospital
"In my spare time I volunteer as a TV presenter for a satellite channel programme entitled 'Health Issues'. This programme is run in many Asian languages. The core aim is to raise awareness of healthy living among the Asian population and other ethnic minorities; people from South Asian communities are more likely than the general UK population to have Diabetes and Coronary Heart Disease.
Through my show I try to highlight those issues affecting ethnic minorities in the UK by giving them the chance to ask questions in their own language via phone. I have created a broader network of clinical specialists in different fields of medicine who are invited onto my show and give their expert opinion on a particular topic. I enjoy this passion tremendously, not only because of the fame among community members but the satisfaction of the fact that this is my 'pay back' to society and to contribute to overall healthcare."
Rebecca Aspin
Communications Manager and Wedding Planner
York Hospital
"I love weddings. I love everything about them, which is why having planned my own in 2007, I decided to set up a website - an online marketplace - where brides could sell on their preloved wedding items and brides-to-be could get inspiration, ideas and DIY tips.
Through my website, www.sellmywedding.co.uk, I have developed a passion for sourcing vintage props and decor, and have had the opportunity to take part in a number of styled wedding shoots which have been featured on some of the leading wedding blogs as well as being booked to plan and style two 'real' weddings.
I am proud that over 7,000 brides-to-be visit my website every month and that as well as giving them inspiration and ideas we are helping them create their perfect day on a budget."
Samantha Jayne Roxanne Fawcett
Liaison Officer and Photographer
York Hospital
"I have always loved art, I started taking photographs in school and became fascinated by darkroom printing and making pictures. This evolved into travelling and photographing different cultures, as well as exploring my own background and environment. I went on to get a first class degree in photography, and I've worked with all sorts of people since, from creative workshops and photography tuition with the Refugee Service to props and photography for film for ITV. My real passion is using photography and creativity to help people. This drive brought me to the NHS. I've completed my foundation course in art psychotherapy and am studying psychology. I also run peer support groups with York MIND where we try to use creative approaches to facilitate peer support and explore mental health. In my spare time I do commercial photography, and work on my own fine art photography projects."
Sanjay Gupta
Consultant Cardiologist and Photographer
York Hospital
"Before photography entered my life, I was so caught up in walking a path that was not my own. It was the result of living up to certain expectations that were placed on me by others and that I placed on myself. I had always enjoyed taking pictures in my spare time. I held the camera in my hand; felt its weight and then as if by magic it summoned something wonderful in my heart & mind. I lifted the camera to my eye and suddenly the world started to take shape. I felt actively connected to the world that was taking place right in front of me. It went from a vision in my mind to being captured in a photo and just like that my pointer finger became the executor of my hearts imagination.
Photography gave me life that I didn't know I needed; it acted as a direct channel to my heart. My life had truly begun. Photography reacquainted me with my heart and for that I will forever be grateful."
Sue Benson
Volunteer in Chaplaincy and Knitter
York Hospital
"I began knitting again about 2 years ago to make a tea cosy for our 'More Tea Vicar' event in the Chaplaincy. Never having knitted writing before, needless to say my initial attempts were either mirror image or upside down! However I've progressed since then, and love knitting small, quirky items rather than huge Fisherman's jumpers, not knowing any Fishermen!
I find knitting quite calming as it's hard to knit angrily for very long, and it's fun to choose the right texture and 'flavour' yarn for, say, a woolly carrot cake. Mostly I enjoy the amusement and pleasure my kniterabilia brings to family and friends."
Tammy Green
Call Centre Clerk/Outpatient Receptionist and Bead Weaver
Scarborough Hospital
"Nobody taught me to do this, and I haven't seen this craft a lot in 'the real world' -- I first stumbled across bead-weaving accidentally on the internet, and decided to teach myself so that I could make snowflakes instead of Christmas cards for everyone that year. (And most subsequent years, too.)
There are many patterns available online, but I discovered it was easy for me to adapt what I saw, I didn't need detailed instructions laid out to follow once I had the basic idea. It's intricate and challenging as an activity. For flat weave, bracelets and mats and the like, it's possible to download special paper to work out patterns, or you can start beading and make it up as you go along. When I'm beading other styles, I end up drawing lots and lots of little circles on pieces of scrap paper. I don't wear a lot of jewellery, so I usually make things as presents. I had to scrape together the pieces I had and borrow back others to photograph."
Timothy Key
CT1 Surgeon and Skydiver
York Hospital
"I started skydiving shortly before starting medical school and now have coming up for 400 jumps. I am currently in a 4 person team (that is actually 5 with the all important camera-man) called TR4CK that trains at Target Skysports in Scunthorpe. The question I get asked most often is 'how do you compete in skydiving, is it who pulls the lowest?' Well no, fortunately low pull competitions went out of vogue many decades ago!
In my category, there are a set number of moves to be made, these are put into a box, and 4-5 are pulled out at random for each jump or 'round'. Most competitions have between 8 and 10 rounds. These 4-5 shapes have to be repeated as many times as possible in the first 35 seconds from leaving the airplane, and whoever gets the most wins!
Last year TR4CK won Gold at the UK National Skydiving Championships in our category, we're looking to defend that title this August, wish us luck!"
Tony Tinegate
Data/Electrical Engineer and Artist
York Hospital
"By day I'm an I.T installer after work I like to create mixed media compositions.
My favourite tool is the digital camera, but paint, stencil, tricks of the light, anything can be added to achieve the effect I'm after.
My other past time is electronic music, like the sound, my images intertwine. Like the tone in a musical note, I try to enhance my images using colour, and depth to add a variation of the norm, underlying images "the more you look, the more you see".
The composition entered " Nunmill rooftops" is a 180 degree image of the York skyline from the South bank area."
Uma Rajesh
Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist and Indian Dancer
York Hospital
"I have danced most of my life. In school in south India I performed regularly and trained under different teachers and groups. I rediscovered my passion for dance after a few years in the NHS in the late 90's when I met a friend and fellow dancer from Madras (now my best friend and dance partner, teacher). I now perform and choreograph for various charity events, festivals, programmes and have collaborated with artists across Yorkshire and Wales.
I particularly feel blessed in using my skills to perform free of charge for charity events. Through these events I have helped raise over £24000. I teach Indian kids in Hull and East Riding area to dance to routines and enable them to perform in various local events in East Riding of Yorkshire in any spare time of post night shifts where I can also organise Bollywood workshops for charity fundraising."
Vanessa Bradbury
Assistant Programme Director - Capital and Ukulele Player
York Hospital
"I often wonder how this happened - from being given a soprano ukulele as a bit of a joke Christmas present just over two years ago to joining a ukulele group who played at the Leeds Arena in July as part of the televised Tour de France Team Presentation event.
Described as the city's most vibrant ukulele collective, we rehearse once a week in York and play a host of gigs during the year including Grassington and Galtres music Festivals and we will be taking part in the York Rocks against Cancer concert at the Grand Opera House in October. I have to say that I am a bit of a "back row" player, there are multi talented folk in the group, but I thoroughly enjoy the camaraderie that comes from being a group member. The ukulele is an instrument when played that manages to make everyone smile. Who knows - Glastonbury next year??"


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Good time management skills are essential for maintaining a healthy work-life balance and keeping your stress level in check.
Improving your time management skills can help you raise your productivity, save time, and meet important deadlines without overburdening yourself.
Improving your time management skills
Here are a few valuable tips for enhancing your time management skills and managing your affairs more efficiently:
- Make a priority list for all your projects
Prioritizing your task list will help you cover all your important work first and give you enough time to deal with personal issues. Minor tasks can often waste a significant amount of your precious time. Tackle the low priority tasks when the important ones are out of the way.
- Maintain a proper schedule
The ideal way to organize your life is by creating a well-thought out schedule and sticking to it at all costs. Scheduling your tasks will help you streamline your efforts and avoid wasting time engaging in fruitless activities.
- Take a proactive approach
Procrastination will only make your work pile up and decrease your productivity. Always take a proactive approach toward solving problems. This will enable you to cover more work in a shorter period and allow you to pursue other interests.
- Stay away from multitasking
It is a common misconception that multitasking can speed up your work. On the contrary, it slows you down because your concentration is divided amongst the various activities you are undertaking. The end result of this is that you are not able to get anything done properly and your productivity suffers instead of improving.
- Avoid panicking or stressing out
Panicking in difficult situations will only make matters worse. Avoid panicking when confronted with tight deadlines and approach your work with a clear and level head. This will enable you to deal with work related problems in an effective way and avoid making unnecessary errors.
- Don't be afraid to delegate tasks
Never try to bite off more than you can chew. Always take on a workload that you can easily manage without stressing yourself out.
Delegating tasks can help you free up valuable time that could be spent on recreational activities to help you relax. Be sure to delegate minor and unimportant tasks to your subordinates. This will enable you to concentrate on more pressing matters and execute your duties more efficiently. However, you have to be careful while delegating tasks and ensure that each employee is given a task that they can handle.
- Respect deadlines
Accept challenging deadlines with a positive frame of mind. Attempting to push deadlines further down will only add to your headaches and require you to work overtime in future. Try to complete your projects on time to ensure that your work schedule is not affected.
- Don't be distracted
Unnecessary distractions can waste your precious time and throw your work schedule into disarray.
Block out all distractions and only focus on the task at hand. Social media networks, calls from friends and relatives, and instant messaging are some of the major sources of distractions at work. Avoiding these distractions can help you to manage your time better.
One of the most effective ways to improve the time management plan for your employees is by making use of employee time management software.
Chrometa is a user friendly mobile time tracking app that can greatly increase the productivity of your workforce. To learn more about Chrometa, call us at +1 916 546 9974, or send us an email at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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While one proposed stadium was dealt a death blow yesterday, another stadium moved one step closer a new deal with the county.
The Miami Dolphins and Miami-Dade Mayor Carlos Gimenez reportedly signed an agreement yesterday that would see the county pay the team money for bringing marquee events to Miami. In exchange the Dolphins will pay for the $350 to $400 million in planned renovations to Sun Life Stadium out of pocket.
The agreement will now head to the county commission.
Under the deal the county would pay the team millions of dollars if certain events are hosted at Sun Life stadium. The money would come out of the county's hotel tax fund, and be distributed like this:
- $4 million for a Super Bowl or World Cup finals match
- $3 million for a World Cup semi-final or a college football championship game
- $2 million for a college football play-off game
- $750,000 for an certain other international soccer matches or other sporting events as long as at least 55,000 paid tickets are distributed and they bring in a significant amount of tourists to the county (think something along the lines of a Wrestlemania).
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Noticeably, large concerts will not be part of the deal. Neither are college bowl games, like the annual Orange Bowl.
The payments would be capped at $5 million a year, and will not start until 2024.
Once approved by the city commission, the Dolphins would begin the process of renovating the stadium almost immediately. Improvements would include a rooftop canopy, new lower-bowl seating, high-definition lighting, and other improvements. Football season would not be interrupted, and work would be done before the 2016 season according to the Miami Herald.
Follow Miami New Times on Facebook and Twitter @MiamiNewTimes.


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Le Colonial, just minutes away from popular Union Square in San Francisco's downtown district, evokes the ambiance of French colonial Vietnam in a lush, romantic setting. The inner courtyard, which once housed legendary Trader Vic's, has been transformed into an oasis featuring mosaic-like tile flooring, a vaulted, pressed-tin ceiling, tropical plants and plush rattan furniture, all accented by the glow of candlelight. Diners enjoy a menu designed to showcase authentic Vietnamese dishes with...
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Breakfast is served ALL DAY Everyday 8am to 2:30pm
Eggs Florentine - spinach, bacon, mushrooms, onions, Monterey Jack cheese scramble.
The Classic - Two Eggs Any Style Made to Order with bacon, sausage patties, sausage links, ham or veggie sausage.
Corned Beef Hash — Two Eggs any Style served on our house-made corned beef hash.
Select a side with all of the above items: grilled baby red potatoes, cheese grits, fruit cup or sliced tomatoes. Select a bread served with all of the above items: homemade Cheddar cheese biscuit, sourdough toast, wheat toast, sourdough baguette or Wolferman's English Muffin. Egg whites and egg beaters are no extra charge.
Huevos Rancheros with sour cream, salsa fresca, avocado and a side of warm tortillas.
Huevos Rancheros with Beef Chorizo with sour cream, salsa fresca, avocado and a side of warm tortillas.
Extreme Sausage Biscuits and Gravy with two Eggs
Traditional Eggs Benedict: with smoked ham on a Wolferman's English Muffin.
Veggie Eggs Benedict: poached eggs and Hollandaise over spinach, tomatoes, avocado and mushrooms.
Turkey Benedict: poached eggs and Hollandaise over turkey, avocado and tomatoes
Sausage Benedict: poached eggs and Hollandaise over house-made sausage patties, grilled onions and mushrooms onf an English muffin
Served with "From Scratch" baby red breakfast potatoes.
Homemade Buttermilk Pancake
Blueberry Pancakes
Banana Walnut Pancakes
Granola Pancakes served with blueberries or bananas
Cinnamon Roll Pancades
Homemade Cinnamon French Toast served with Fruit and Sausage links or Bacon
From Scratch Skillet
The skillet starts with our famous baby red potatoes, topped with melted cheese and two eggs any style. Select any three From Scratch Selects. (additional selects $1.00 each)
From Scratch Breakfast Roll
Breakfast Burrito with scrambled eggs, with your choice of three From Scratch Selects, rolled in a flour tortilla, topped with melted Monterey Jack and Cheddar cheese, then baked. Served with salsa fresca and our famous baby red potatoes topped with a red or tomatillo sauce. (additional selects $1.25 each)
Omelette Mania! - French Style
ALL of our three egg omelettes are served with "From Scratch" baby red potatoes and choice of bread.
Denver Bell pepper, yellow onion, ham and Swiss cheese.
Carmel Mushrooms, avocado, bacon and Swiss cheese.
Monterey Beef Chorizo, green onion, tomatoes and Monterey Jack cheese.
Big Sur Green onions, mushrooms, zucchini and spinach.
Made-To-Order Omelette includes four From Scratch Selects (additional Selects $1.25 each)
Select a side for all items above: baby red potatoes, fruit cup or sliced tomatoes. Select bread for all items above: homemade Cheddar cheese biscuit, sourdough toast, wheat toast, sourdough baguette, or Wolferman's English muffin.
Vegetarian Sausage, Ham, Turkey, Bacon, Sausage, Jack Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Yellow Onions, Red Bell Pepper, Zucchini, Avocado, Black Beans, Tomatoes, Sour Cream, Chili, Jalapeno Peppers, Mushrooms, Beef Chorizo, Feta Cheese
The Triple D Sampler – "What did Guy and Robert eat??"
Extreme Sausage Biscuits and Gravy with Two Eggs any style Biscuit with sausage patties covered in gravy. Served with "From Scratch" baby red potatoes, cheese hominy grits, fruit cup OR sliced tomatoes. AND a cup of our Homemade Brisket Chili - topped with cheddar cheese, green onions and sour cream.
Lunch is served 11:00am to 2:30pm Everyday
Homemade Chili Served with sour cream, cheddar cheese and green onions.
Famous "From Scratch" Black Bean Soup
Bowl of Daily Homemade Fresh Soup (not available on weekends.)
All soups are served with a fresh side salad and sourdough baguette.
Cobb Salad chicken, avocado, tomato, blue cheese and bacon
Tuna Avocado Salad with Romaine lettuce, Albacore tuna, avocado and tomato.
Chicken Caesar Salad with Romaine lettuce, garlic croutons and Parmesan cheese.
Chinese Chicken Salad
Served with a choice of homemade Cheddar cheese biscuit or sourdough baguette. Homemade Dressings: Blue Cheese, Dill Ranch, Raspberry Vinaigrette, Asian Coleslaw dressing, Caesar or Balsamic Vinaigrette
SANDWICHES—With choice of side dish
Club Sandwich
The BLAT (BLT with Avocado)
California Dip
Grilled Hummus Sandwich on Pita Bread with roasted red bell pepper, hummus, avocado, feta cheese.
Tuna or Tuna Melt on your choice of Bread
Bacon Cheese Burger (add Chili, bacon or avocado)
WRAP With choice of side
Chicken Caesar Wrap
Barnyard Club Wrap
B.L.A.T. Wrap
From Scratch Side Dish Selection: Fresh Fruit cup, Side Salad with choice of dressing, Coleslaw,
"From Scratch" Baby Red potatoes and Kettle Cooked Potato Chips


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Automobile Title Loans in Coral Springs
Automobile title loans in Coral Springs are progressively coming to be a popular choice. Florida Title Loans assists thousands of locals in Coral Springs. We are a well-recognized and leading reference service working in various states to give financial help to our clients. Residents of Coral Springs are always coming to us for help, because auto title loans are an appealing choice for countless people in need of financial assistance. Coral Springs citizens in cities such as Coral Springs just require an income and a clear title of the automobile in their name. There are numerous variables that figure out if you are able to get a car title loan.
Do you have the Possibility to Qualify?
Are you a local of Coral Springs and trying to find an auto title loan? Numerous factors can stop you from being approved such as the car's title not being in your name, your car having no equity, not having adequate income to cover month-to-month payments, or your credit indicates that you may be at threat of defaulting on the loan. Sending your information and speaking with an agent is the best way to learn if you meet the necessary requirements. Generally our representatives are able to find solutions and help educate consumers about all of their available options. Submit the car title loan application.
Locals of Coral Springs need to have all the necessary documents, consisting of (but not restricted to):
- Proof of Residency– recent mail like an energy bill
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Funding can be as fast as the business day you submit your information if you certifies. Our loan agents will contact you and help take you through the loan process, along with educate you of the rates and terms of the loan. Most importantly, you get to keep your car and keep driving while making month-month payments. Find out what is a car title loan.
Florida Title Loans Helps Residents of Coral Springs Qualify for Car Title Loans
There are factors that could impede you from being approved for a car title loan. Some of these include: the car's title is not in your name, you are not able to supply sufficient evidence of income, or your credit suggests you are in credit therapy. For residents of Coral Springs, it is free to complete an application for an auto title loan from Florida Title Loans. Apply today to discover if you fulfill the needed requirements. It's easy to submit an online application. All residents of Coral Springs are urged to apply for free and learn how much you can qualify for a car title loan in Coral Springs. Look at our automobile title loans FAQ page to learn more.There is not points to locate on the map


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Confirmed! Riccardo Tisci Leaves Givenchy
After months of speculations, it has been finally confirmed! Riccardo Tisci is leaving Givenchy after a grand total of 12 terrific years as the French house's creative director.
The Italian designer's departure from Givenchy comes also after weeks of speculations regarding Tisci's possible appointment as Versace's brand-new creative director, as neither Tisci, nor Donatella Versace have concealed their mutual admiration for each other.
Speculations aside, Riccardo Tisci's possible departure from Givenchy became instantly more palpable as soon as sources reached out WWD, the journalist of which broke the news revealing Versace had actually started chasing Riccardo Tisci back on January 19th.
Riccardo Tisci's departure was then officially announced yesterday by Givenchy, the press released of which also stated that Tisci's fall 2017 men's wear and spring 2017 haute couture shows were his last lineups under the helm of the French mansion. If Tisci's decision to step down from his position as Givenchy's creative director could be regarded as unsurprising per se, the fact that those were his very last collections is kind of unexpected.
As we have seen with the many exits that broke the industry within the past twelve months, the fashion houses usually let the departing designers at least showcase one last collection, whether it is for the haute couture/ready-to-wear, men's or women's wear lines. According to WWD, which described the parting as "mutual and amicable', the upcoming Givenchy fall/winter 2017-18 collection will be designed by Givenchy's in-house studio teams and then will be sold to retailers in Paris as usual.
"The chapter Riccardo Tisci has written with the house of Givenchy over the last 12 years represents an incredible vision to sustain its continuous success, and I would like to warmly thank him for his core contribution to the house's development," Givenchy's chairman and chief executive officer Bernard Arnault explained.
Riccardo Tisci also took the time to explain his point of view regarding the issue, confirming that the "break-up' between the designer and the house was not a tough one. "I have very special affection for the House of Givenchy and its beautiful teams. I want to thank the LVMH Group and Monsieur Bernard Arnault for giving me the platform to express my creativity over the years. I now wish to focus on my personal interests and passions,' he declared.
Will Tisci take the helm of Versace's creative direction? Will he take a time off to concentrate on different projects? While we are waiting for the answer, let's see who is still available for a position as Givenchy's creative director.
Among the many designers who stepped down from their roles within the past months, Hedi Slimane, Peter Dundas, Peter Copping, Alber Elbaz, Clare Waight Keller, and Rodolfo Paglialunga are still left without a fashion house to design for, and all seem to be under Givenchy's radar. Whoever comes next, he or she will surely have big shoes to fill in, as Riccardo Tisci left one big, stable and acclaimed mark on Givenchy's history that won't go forgotten for sure.
Photo courtesy of @riccardotisci17


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In Un-Ashamed: Healing Our Brokenness and Finding Freedom from Shame , Heather Davis Nelson endeavors to bring both a biblical and psychological perspective to the issue of shame. Both the shame we lay on ourselves and the shame imposed by others on us are addressed.
I really appreciated that this book approaches so sensitively situations in which we turn guilt into shame and how to navigate life with more confidence and peace.
I highly recommend picking up a copy. It is a great resource for faith-based self help.


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At PC Pitstop, with the success of PC Matic and Super Shield, we now have a very large and active user base. On top of that, these cloud based applications proivde us with a unique look into how computers are being used. In this article, we share some of these amazing insights and take a closer look at the Microsoft applications that are being used the most.
4,336 total views, 1 views today


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Occasionally, as Paul Samuelson once noted, one is tempted to write something that one can't decide whether it's something important, or something completely obvious. So it is here – if in doubt, go with humility and bet on the latter.
Power, in general, is the ability to impose one's own preferences on somebody else, overriding whatever the person's own preferences are.
So how does that come about?
It seems that there are two main ways.
The most straightforward way is to have some attribute that the other person lacks – in other words, there can be inherent differences between people. You can be stronger, or smarter, or better looking, or trained in a specific skill. This is the simplest form of power – the bully. I am stronger than you, therefore I can impose my will upon you. This kind of power is readily apparent, and understandable instinctively even to small children.
But this only gets you so far. Think about Hillary Clinton. She came close to having the ability to annihilate most of the human race with nuclear weapons. On what personal attributes did this arise? She has a certain wily cynicism, and a will to power. But she is so frail that she could barely stand up. She is so unlikable that even those voting for her now admit that nobody really liked her. She's above average intelligence, but you could take a randomly chosen math professor from a top 200 college in the US and they'd be considerably smarter. So something is missing.
Indeed, there is a second, and broader way.
Most power comes from coordination.
Coordination at heart, is the power of other people's beliefs. The belief among the members of a group that they will all act together, or all act at the command of a leader. The belief of the dominated group that they will be punished severely for any resistance.
The simplest form is cooperation – an explicit agreement to help each other out. This can create power even if everyone is otherwise equal. A criminal gang combined creates much more power for each of its members than they would have if they were acting alone. Four people together can gang up on another person while taking much less damage than one quarter of what they'd sustain in a one on one fight. So they have a force multiplier –the gang of four can win more than four uneven fights.
With basic co-ordination, the equivalent of 'having inherent strength' is having the power of numbers –inherent attributes and coordination are complements, as people generally want to coordinate with the strongest person. But co-ordination can outstrip inherent differences in numbers quite easily. Four bullies in a schoolyard can terrorize the entire rest of the student body, even though the latter are much more numerous, and their combined strength is greater. This is just another way of saying that if everyone else could coordinate, they would actually hold the power. How do they do that? How do they agree to a plan, and get everyone to stick to it? It seems like such a trivial thing to surmount, but it is in fact the entire thing.
Or if that's trite, how did the ~35% Sunni population of Iraq rule over the ~65% Shiite population for so long? It could be that the Sunnis are better fighters, but the subsequent developments don't seem to immediately support this – the Iraqi government may or may not survive American withdrawal, but the Shiites successfully expelled the Sunni from Baghdad, and I doubt that ISIS car bombs are sufficient to reverse this.
Beliefs often create self-fulfilling prophesies. When everyone knows that Saddam is in charge, and that dissent is ruthlessly punished, it becomes very difficult for the Shiite to all know when and how to rise up at once (even the first American arrival in 1991 wasn't enough to generate this). The army will always be co-ordinated in their response, but the mob lacks the discipline and certainty to know that actions will be followed through. So everyone wonders if they start lobbing Molotov cocktails at the police, will the rest of the people join them, or abandon them to the tender mercies of Saddam and his industrial shredders? This uncertainty greatly benefits the incumbent government – that is to say, the better co-ordinated group.
As a result of this, smart leaders worry a lot about preventing opposition groups from organizing. Gary King's research about Chinese internet censorship reveals that the ChiComs understand this principle very well. Most people seem to think that it's risky to criticize the government, but this isn't what actually gets you censored. You can say that a governor is worthless, or corrupt, or a crook. You can say that he's having an affair, and give the name of his mistress. This kind of information is actually quite useful to the Communist party. Like any organization, they have to measure the performance of their subordinates, and promote the competent. Finding out which local officials are pissing off lots of citizens is something you'd like to know.
What you can't say, however, is "…and so let's go protest". That is what gets you censored. And it turns out this holds true even for positive statements that involve collective action. "Let's have a rally in support of the new environmental policy" also gets you censored. When lots of people turn up in the streets at once, moods can change very quickly. Remember, co-ordination (where we all think and do the same thing) doesn't need to be co-operation, where we all explicitly agree to help each other. It's enough if a single event makes a mob all get angry at once, there doesn't need to be a central controlling figure or an organized plan.
This paper finally explained to me why the Chinese government was so paranoid about Falun Gong. Aren't they just a meditation group? Probably, but it turns out it doesn't matter. If you can get 10,000 people to all turn up at once in Tienanmen Square, you are a potential existential threat to the government, even if all you're doing is meditating.
This is also the story of the Gulen movement in Turkey. As a mutual advancement society and cult of personality, they had strong loyalty to Gulen and each other. But so did Erdogan's supporters, and they had the advantage of both the incumbency of government, and a superiority of numbers. So how did the Gulenists come close to pulling off a coup? They held one considerable co-ordination advantage over Erdogan – they knew who all the key Erdogan supporters were, but Erdogan didn't know who the Gulenists were. This meant that even though Erdogan knew he was being undermined, and had the numbers to crush them, he didn't know who to strike. So he was strong, but blind.
The story I heard (though all such stories out of Turkey are speculation) was that the key development that took place earlier in the year was that Erodgan had finally cracked the communication system by which the Gulenists were able to communicate with each other. And suddenly the game changed very quickly. Once he knew who they were, the Gulenists were in a tight spot. The story goes that they had to rush forward plans for the coup, because they knew that Erdogan was planning a big purge of them. In some sense, this was obvious – why in God's name would you start a coup on a Friday night, rather than at 4am? Subsequent events bear this out too – within days of the coup's failure, there were long lists of people fired or imprisoned. This means that they had at least some of the lists in advance.
But even so, it was a near thing. Because beliefs are fragile, if one can decisively change everyone else's opinions, the Gulenists could have turned into the Baathists of Iraq, ruling over a much larger population. The key moment, as I wrote about before, was Erdogan's facetime press conference. By getting the message out to lots of people to take to the streets, suddenly the Gulenists had a much harder time, because the government supporters now had both numbers and co-ordination – the self-fulfilling prophesy of the coup succeeding starts to turn around, people desert, and you end up dead or in prison. Until the last few months, the Gulenists looked like a very savvy model of how to build power to subvert and overthrow a government with a smaller force. Usually, guerrilla movements appeal to the numbers of the people, and their discontent. Almost pulling off a coup without popular support, and without being the army itself, is quite an impressive feat, even if they ultimately failed.
Viewed from this angle, we can suddenly see why formal systems of government are so difficult to achieve, whether this is in the form of an all-powerful king or an all-powerful constitution. Saying that the king will have absolute authority is presuming the conclusion you're trying to reach. The king doesn't fight off armies single-handedly, he rules because his subjects believe that it's in their interests to follow his orders. Does this hold true for every possible order? If the order hasn't been given yet, it might be hard to say. But if orders stop being obeyed, either he stops being an all powerful king and becomes merely one center of power in the system of government, or stops being king altogether, most likely killed by the general who disobeyed him.
We thus have a basis for Maine's striking observation about the British crown – that some of its powers were probably lost through lack of use. If the nature of power is people's beliefs, these are hard to measure. And while past history is a good guide to what people think now, how do you know the world hasn't changed in the interim? Even the ruling flag must continue to be run up the flagpole from time to time in order to know that people will continue to salute.
Because cooperation requires us to agree upon a plan, it usually requires hierarchy. Somebody is at the top, and gives orders. This way, everyone knows what they need to do. And so gangs nearly always have a leader.
As I noted before, the first king is the king because he is a great leader of men, and able to upset the old order. And these traits get passed on to subsequent generations, giving them a fundamental advantage over other men. But still, subsequent monarchs are primarily the king simply because they are the son of the old king, and everyone believes that this is the basis for government, so orders get obeyed. In this regard, succession planning and institutional rules are very important in maintaining power. Monarchies make this process very simple, as rules of succession are familial and well-laid out. If they create bad incentives, it's for potential offspring of the king to kill each other, but at least the general populace is relatively well insulated from such issues. One-party states, like the Chinese Communists, sometimes are able to manage the process pretty well. But this usually involves handing over power before the leader dies. Otherwise there's uncertainty about who will take over, which can lead to infighting and difficulties when the leader dies, or mass purges in the leadup.
Moreover, the orderly handing over of power becomes incredibly important in getting leaders to step aside when the time is right. If there is a strong tradition of treating past rulers fairly, then current rulers will be more willing to step down when they get old and frail. If there is a history that rulers get killed and replaced, the incentive is a to pull a Mugabe, and hang on until they carry you out in a box. In this regard, the most important development of the American revolution was George Washington's decision to step down after two terms, as it encouraged the other leaders to follow suit, rather than setting up a dictatorship because they knew that if they didn't, the next guy would do it.
And finally, we have part of an answer to the puzzling fact that major political developments are often entirely unpredicted even a short period beforehand – World War I sweeping away the monarchies, for instance, or the fall of the Berlin Wall. Hemingway's observation about bankruptcy 0 that it happens gradually, then suddenly - is especially true of governments. It turns out that both 'The government is stable' and 'the government has collapsed' are self-fulfilling beliefs. As a result, discontent builds slowly, but can stay at a high level for quite a long time, because of the incumbency advantage of the self-fulfilling belief in stable government. These kinds of shifts will likely have a substantial degree of randomness to them –an East German official mistakenly announces that the border with West Berlin will be opened immediately, and this sets off an avalanche that brings down the whole system.
In other words, you could be years or months away from a seismic shift in government, and you probably wouldn't know it.
Change beliefs and you change the power structure, because beliefs are the power structure.
One pound of inference, no more, no less. No humbug, no cant, but only inference. This task done, and he would go free.
Thursday, December 22, 2016
On Power and Coordination
Posted by Shylock Holmes at 12:07 AM
Labels: Government, Psychology, Sketch of a Model
3 comments:
- AnonymousDecember 22, 2016 at 9:22 PM
Hi ShylockReplyDelete
Is there any way to get in touch with you? Email perhaps. Having read your Econs and a large fraction of your other writings, there is potential - it seems to me - for a mutually beneficial discussion. CheersReplies
Sure, you can email me at email@example.com. I don't tend to leave it around everywhere, which probably is silly, but I guess that goes with the pseudonymous paranoia. :)Delete
- AnonymousDecember 27, 2016 at 5:33 AM
Hi Shylock, have dropped you a note. CheersReplyDelete
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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Tidy Husband 3.0
I'm back.
After visiting family a few weeks back more than one lamented the fact that tidy husband was gone. So, I've decided to try again, with some changes.
The first change, is that I have changed the platform this site runs on (and my others). It's faster and more importantly, is it's free. Before I was couging up more than $100 annually for hosting and although it wasn't a lot, 100 bucks is 100 bucks.
The second change is the format. This time, it's microposts - small little updates of our lives. This could be anything and it's just a fun way to go back and revisit all the little things that happen in our corner of the world.
This will also allow me to share the photos I take. Otherwise, they get taken and sit on my computer and that's as far as they go. Again, these will be snippets and snapshots.
I might still write the odd larger post but our lives aren't like that. They're made up of little things that you share with your friends when they ask "what's new"?
Here's where the "what's new" will get recorded. Some of it will be pretty mundane - you have been warned. If you want to get updates on the death of my alarm clock and such than you will love it here. Otherwise, not so much.
For all 3 of my readers, thank you for taking the time to read what makes our little corner of the world go round.


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Troglobytes Games
About Troglobytes Games:
We love playing and creating video games. Our mission is to create innovatively highquality games on various platforms using the latest in technology, while primarily focusing on gameplay, storytelling and aesthetics.
Founding date:
March, 2018
+34 697947991
Press / Business contact:
Tenebrae – Twilight of the Gods
Tenebrae Official website: https://www.tenebraegame.com
"Tenebrae – Twilight of the Gods" is a modern, fast-paced Metroidvania for PC/Xbox One.
At its core, Tenebrae is a story-driven Action RPG – Metroidvania blend paying homage to 80's/90's classics and various other titles of the Metroidvania genre.
Its underworld is procedurally generated from a plethora of hand-crafted rooms that gradually unravels before the player's eyes, with its variety of traps, secrets and hidden treasures blended into larger, open and safe zones into the map.
Non-linear maps rely heavily on backtracking and re-playability with new moves , skills and weapons allowing access to previously inaccessible areas in the game's advanced stages.
Use both melee and ranged weapons empowered with obscure magic to fight against unique, huge bosses and their armies of demons and other eery creatures.
- Quality Visuals and Art
- Gripping motion-comic styled narrative packed with twists and turns
- Two separately playable characters that allow for two refreshingly different points of view, each with their own combat-styles and abilities that lead to alternate thought provoking endings.
Tenebrae will be released on Steam, Xbox One and Playstation 4.
The game is developed using Unreal Engine 4.
Team & Repeating Collaborators
Luciano Iurino
Programmer, Tech Artist
Luca Eberhart
3D Artist (Environments)
Nicola Loglisci
Additional Programming
Sergio Cosmai
2D Artist, Concept Artist
Saverio Caporusso
Game Designer
Press Release
April 2016 Teaser | (Download)
Selected Articles
Longer gameplay video
April 2016 Teaser
In-Game GUI
Basic AI
Dungeon Generator
There are far more images available for Troglobytes Games, but these are the ones we felt would be most useful to you. If you have specific requests, please do contact us!


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Made in England from natural mottled leather, this single gun slip is the ultimate accessory for the keen country sportsman or woman, offering maximum protection for shotguns while out in the field. Featuring a leather shoulder sling, a hand-sewn blocked muzzle end and a padded fleece lining as standard, this elegant style is a practical and elegant choice. The opening includes full-length zips, allowing for easy drying barrels. Please contact us to place your order.
Initial engraving is also available. Please allow an extra three days to three weeks for this personalisation service.
size & fit
Designed for 30" or 32" barrel shotguns.
Details & care
- Perfect for travelling and for storage
- 100% mottled leather
- Leather shoulder sling
- Small carry strap
- Padded fleece lining
- Perfect for train travel. The best and safest way to carry your gun
- For over-and-under and side-by-side
Delivery & returns
To find our more about our delivery options, please see our shipping information page.
We operate a no-quibble returns policy, so after trying our products at home, we will happily exchange them or issue a refund within twenty-eight days provided they are returned in the condition in which they were received.


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Fugro has been awarded contracts by Ørsted (formerly Dong Energy) to undertake geotechnical investigations at two large-scale offshore wind development sites.
Ørsted is pursuing the development of these two new projects - Bay State Wind, located 15 miles off the coast of Martha's Vineyard, Massachusetts and Ocean Wind, 10 miles off the New Jersey coast – to bring wind energy to American consumers and businesses.
Ocean Wind: Image credit: Ørsted
The marine site characterisation at both sites involves highly specialised sampling and in situ testing which Fugro will perform from its dedicated DP2 geotechnical drillship, Fugro Explorer. For laboratory testing and reporting services Fugro will draw on its expertise from Norfolk, VA and Houston, TX in the USA as well as Wallingford (UK) and Nootdorp (Netherlands), with the objective of providing fully integrated deliverables. Prior to the contract awards Fugro carried out geoconsulting desktop studies and geotechnical ground truthing for Ørsted.
Ed Saade, President of Fugro USA stated that the two contracts provide an opportunity to expand on the successful relationship Fugro has with Ørsted in Europe. "We strongly support the growing offshore wind development activity here in the USA. It fits directly with our overall strategy for coastal zone management activity and coordination between industry, government and academia," he added.
Site investigations commenced at the end of November and are expected to continue for three months. The projects will be conducted under Fugro's QHSSE management system, which is in accordance with industry leading QHSSE and operational standards.
Contracts Awarded in New Generation Ocea
Interior Announces First Offshore Renewa
Foundocean to Pile Grout the World's Lar
Offshore Technology Conference Elects Ne
Fugro, MacArtney and Edgetech Move Fast
Rolls-Royce Congratulates Island Offshor
New Exploration Opportunity - Offshore M
Ocean Specialists Inc. Achieves Major
Subsea 7 S.A. Awarded Two Contracts Offs
Uninett Contracts with Global Marine Sys
SBM Offshore Selects BMT for Stones IMMS
Research Into the Best Ways to Arrange O
Maine Marine Composites Wins Federal Gra
Minesto Wins International 'Industry Pio
Milestone Cleared for Second Wind Energy
Fugro Opens New Office in Mozambique
CGG and Spectrum Announce Large Multi-Cl
Willard Marine Wins Contract for 42 Sola
Secretary Jewell Announces Milestone for
Dudgeon Offshore Wind Farm Contracts to
Keppel Offshore and Marine Joins World O
OIL & GAS UK Discuss New Offshore Well I
Ashtead Technology Announces Two Key App
Fugro Innovations Recognized at the 2014
Hydro Group Kick off 2014 by Securing Mu
Expro Wins the Subsea UK Award for Globa
A Quantum Change in Offshore Oil and Gas
First Offshore Wind Project Proposed for
Chinese Build-Up in Offshore Wind Gains
CSA Ocean Sciences Inc. Project Wins Pre
ABS to Class Two Newbuild Offshore Const
Offshore Dispersant Data and Decisions
DeepWater Buoyancy Delivers Flotation Te
Fugro Upgrades Its Electric ROV Simulato
Offshore Wind Farms Could Tame Hurricane
BOEM to Conduct Environmental Review of
National Oceanography Centre Wins €1.8 M
BOEM to Assess Competitive Interest in S
BMT Nigel Gee Provides Advanced Windfarm
Two Global Leaders Join Forces in Brazil
Siemens to Construct Factory for Offshor
BOEM Publishes Environmental Analysis of
A New Cable Project for the Grid Connect
Total Discovers Oil in Deep Offshore Ivo
Tesla Offshore Marks 10th Year With BF-2
Sonardyne Wins Queen's Award for Enterpr
Bosch Rexroth Features Innovative Offsho
Pulse Successfully Delivers Fatigue Moni
Optech CZMIL Wins Geospatial World Techn
InterMoor UK Further Expands its Managem
DOF Subsea Wins Call-Off for MBE and AUV
New Chairman Introduced at Decom Offshor
MacArtney and Meyah Ich Ha Join Forces i
New Fanbeam Laser Radar Delivers High Ac
BOEM to Conduct Environmental Review of
ABB Wins Order for Arctic Ice-Going LNG
FoundOcean Completes Foundation Grouting
Nation's Largest Offshore Wind Energy Ar
Milestone Cleared for First Marine Hydro
AML Oceanographic Wins Innovative Excell
Aker Solutions Wins Five-Year Contract f
Green Light for Dudgeon Offshore Wind Fa
Another Cougar for Wind Power
Survitec's Offshore Mass Evacuation Syst
Dominion Using Research Vessel to Collec
Wärtsilä Wins Ship Design Contract for E
Maaskant Shipyards Stellendam delivers
BW Offshore has signed contract with Pre
Secretary Jewell Announces Milestone for
SMD Supply Bibby With Two Quasar Work Cl
BOEM to Modernize Financial Assurance an
XPD8 seals £2.25million contracts in Nor
Nakilat Damen Launches First Two Mooring
Wave industry leaders and Bosch Rexroth
Two International Commissions Select HYP
2H Offshore appoints Paul Hopkins to sup
Falcon Helps Japan Harness Offfshore Win
Northrop Grumman Wins US Navy CANES Ship
Van Oord Orders New SRI Vessel for its O
Orange Business Services Wins Strategic
Dudgeon Offshore Wind Awards Electrical
DNV GL Proposes Three New Joint Industry
Kongsberg Maritime to Provide Turnkey Of
Statoil Farms into Acreage Offshore Colo
JDR Wins Inter-Arrey Contract for the Du
Polarcus Receives Letter of Award for 3D
Offshore Survey 2015 Calls for Papers
Offshore Survey 2015 Calls for Papers
Walter Steedman Elected Chairman of IMCA
DONG Energy Concludes Another Framework
Second of Three Fugro Offshore Coastal S
iSURVEY Awarded Two Year Contract with I
Kongsberg Maritime Launches Innovative N
JDR to Deliver Inter-Array Cable Package
Sound Ocean Systems, Inc. Delivers Two M
Nautronix Secure Major Order for NASNet®
Onshore Wind Cheaper than Coal, Gas and
Licences granted for two new interconnec
Autonomous Technology Could Save Offshor
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text:
The USDA in their Amber Wages April 1 issue had a very interesting article on the make-up of beginning farmers using 2011 data. I naturally assumed that most of these "beginning" farmers were less than 35 years of age.
It turns out that this segment only comprises 14% of total beginning farmers. The largest segment was age 50-64 totaling 40%. After reviewing the article further, it became apparent that these older beginning farmers still had very active non-farm income that allowed them to become new farmers. The younger farmers, on averge had higher income and acreage from farming than older farmers. 11% of beginning farmers under age 35 had sales of more than $250,000 while only 6% of the 35-50 age group had this level of sales and only 1% of the 50 and over group were able to achieve this level.
With the rapid increase in land prices, younger farmers will need to get even more creative in beginning their careers in farming, but we know they will figure out a way. They have in the past and will do so in the future.
Hurting Farmers to Spite Biotech Companies
Soy-Sanity continues to be the theme of the Ag markets


text: Treehotel: Vacation In A TreeBy SP on January 19, 2012We have all heard, seen or played in a treehouse. But have you seen a Treehotel or let alone sleep in one? This Treehotel is deep in the forest of Sweden and it promiss to reconnect its guests with nature. Right now, there are currently five tree-rooms, but the owners Britta and Kent Lindvall, expect to build a total of […]Read more


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Publications & Articles
Collaborative Learning in Global Online Education Using Virtual International Exchanges
Beyond the Walls of the Classroom: Cultural Diversity Virtual Exchange on Intercultural Competency
Teaching Philosophy
Teaching may seem inherent in some aspects, but it is learned. In Teaching Philosophy, I present ideas on how to be a successful teacher as well as assess your students according to learning objectives and rubrics.
ILT Competency 10
Teaching Philosophy by Naomi Wahls is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 3.0 Unported License.
Based on a work at jolt.merlot.org.
Classroom Technologies: Social Media and the History of E-Learning
The Classroom Technologies: Social Media and the history of E-learning article is about the history of eLearning, Social Media, and other technologies. It was co-authored by Laura Marturano and Ashley Henson.
ILT Competency 10
ILT Competency 10


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Our result provides a new pathway to iO.
We use our technique to identify a simple function family for FE that suffices for our general result. We show that the function family F is complete, where every f in F consists of three evaluations of a Weak PRF followed by finite operations. We believe that this may be useful for realizing iO from weaker assumptions in the future.Category / Keywords: Date: received 21 Jul 2015, last revised 28 Oct 2015 Contact author: prabhanjan va at gmail com Available format(s): PDF | BibTeX Citation Version: 20151028:184618 (All versions of this report) Short URL: ia.cr/2015/730


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SquitoWay is an all natural mosquito spray borne from the need of a bug barrier without heavy chemicals. SquitoWay has a lovely scent of clove and will keep mosquitos away for at least 2-4 hours. Tested in the Bayous of New Orleans on a Gator Tour, SquitoWay kept the mosquitos away the entire time!
Try SquitoWay today and enjoy hours of mosquito free fun without all the heavy chemicals!
This listing is for one 3.5 ounce bottle of spray.
This product is VEGAN.
Ingredients:Alcohol, Water, Eugenia caryophyllus (Clove buds), Chamomile (Chamomilla Recutita Matricaria) Flower, Carapa guianensis (Andiroba) Nut Oil.
There are no reviews for this item. Be the first to review it!


text:
Do not take life for granted for granted it shall not stay, it will break you apart as though you are a puppet and your master is pulling on each string till you are no more than broken pieces on a master's table.
Into a small oblivion life shall always pass, for that is life in it's essence. Turmoil and agony and nothing better unless for a short period of time, when you are too blind to realise the horrid pain you will soon have to endure if you want to keep yourself sane in this world. This world is here to make you insane.
I heard a small wisdom the other day - what if all this is made only to be a hell of another world, there are a series of hells and we are in one of them. Which level of hell would this world be? The one for the greedy or malevolent? The one for the heretics? The deepest plunge of hell, the last ring, the last level where the fallen angels try to find their way out again from this chaos that is our world.
Time has passed, Time is a constant we all must endure for that is how our world has been constructed, but what it we would all just break away from those shackles of time and show the Lord above we are not to be messed with. What if we decide to live our lives in piece without the turmoil, without the agony, without the tyrant forces of hell that shake us to the very core of our existence.
But wait. We are human.We will all plunge deep into our own abyss.


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Bitexco - Hotel Management Company Limited is responsible for the website jwmarriotthanoilife.com X
Executive lounge access, 1 Bedroom Suite, 1 King
The spacious Deluxe Suite offers floor-to-ceiling glass windows, a separate shower and bath, mini-bar and both cable and wireless Internet.
Business Long Stay Package
At JW Marriott Hanoi, we help you take full advantage of your time with us while away on business. Book a minimum stay of 4 nights at JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi to receive our special rewards:
• Buffet breakfast at JW Cafe
• 15% discount on Best Available Room Rates
• 20% discount on Food and Beverage (exclusive of in-room dining and minibar), Spa treatments, Laundry service, and Transportation fee
Terms and Conditions apply
For reservation, please contact +84.24.3833.5588
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Website: https://goo.gl/YRQwxe


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Commercial Production for TV, Radio and Cable
At TransCast Media, We have professional approach for complete commercial production. We can do more than our show reel, We have more professionalism, some time we bound in budget provided by client, and some times client negotiate on Ideas which we create. So we have a capacity to create your Idea and also an approach to give you a creative concept.
When we say commercial production, We mean
- Script
- Story Board
- Audio Production
- Jingles
- Voice Overs
- Casting
- Video Production with latest equipment and professional Crew
- Studio facility
- Editing & Mastering
- Graphics & VFX
- 2D & 3D Animations


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SneakySex – Cassidy Banks My Mechanic Fucked My Wife (09.02.2019)
It was a regular day at the mechanic shop. I was working on a car for this busty chick named Cassidy Banks. She was in a rush and I was taking my time, seeing how I could grease this rich girl out of a few more bucks.


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My Cup Overfloweth
"You have anointed my head with oil; my cup overflows" Psalm 23:5b
Wednesday, December 22, 2010
Christmas Dessert...
with my girl...my sweet MIL, my precious SIL, and 2 of my adorable nieces...
Talk about FUN!
Tr. and her papa..our waiter for the night...he spoiled us for sure :)
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2 comments
Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Sweet baby girl needs to come home!!!!
I have got to share about one of the most beautiful, godly mama's that I have ever met!
Sweet Daleea
and her family are awaiting TA for their precious Isabella. Their story is so similar to ours. They have been working very, very hard to bring their baby girl home. I wanted to share with you a few opportunities to help this sweet family. Daleea is making
gorgeous bracelets. They are also hosting an
with new items being added daily. If you have an item you want to donate to her auction, that would be fabulous. Please SPREAD the word so we can see some bids on her goodies!!!! AND they are raffling an IPOD TOUCH
OOHHH and CHECK THIS OUT, you will get an awesome Orphan No More bracelet with your donation...no matter the size of the donation!! I have mine and I LOVE IT!!!
Here is the bottom-line my sweet friends...they NEED $4000 in the next 2-3 WEEKS or they won't be able to travel. YES...I'm saying that their travel will be delayed until they have their final funds.
Will you please join me in prayer for this sweet family...prayer that the funds will come...prayer that precious Isabella won't have to wait one more day for her mama and baba.
I can tell you first had that EVERY $5 helps significantly...that's how our boy came home!!!
Don't forget to stop by
Daleea's blog
and give her some bloggy love and let her know you are praying!!! Love you guys!!!!
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Monday, December 20, 2010
LAST Minute Christmas SHOPPING!!
Okay all you last minute Christmas shoppers OR "
I still don't know what to get that person...especially that teenager"
This is your
last chance
to get your Solomon Beads
in time for Christmas
. Below are pictures of what I have made and ready to ship. These will need to go out by TODAY using priority mail to get to you in time. Tuesday would be pushing it but would be a possibility. Priority mail states that it only takes 2-3 days. If you want to purchase a particular piece, you can leave a comment or email me at wearechinabound@ gmail.com. Shiping is only $5 for your ENTIRE order. Have fun shopping & feel free to spread the word...every order helps us with Solomon's medical needs.
I also have Solomon Bead gift certificates that I can email!!!!
Soooo, here you go (you can click on the picture to see a larger version):
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- Womo
- Clothing
- Underwear
- Grooming & Shaving
- Skincare & Fragrances
- Accessories
- New
- Promo
- Bullfrog
0 Products
On the Womo website and in Bullfrog stores, you can buy professional products such as oils, moustache wax, beard and hair shampoo or the beard-washing exfoliating paste that deeply cleanses the beard and gives it a shiny look. The legendary Agnostico All-in-One Balm is the barbers' secret to softening and taming even the toughest and most rebellious beards and stopping post-shave skin irritation. Traditional routines and unmistakable fragrances for Bullfrog shaving products.
Product prices shown are VAT inclusive and shipping costs exclusive.
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text:
make clean && make produces:/usr/bin/make
I have been using the example operating system on the downloads page (Example 01), but I've just tried it with the solution to the first lesson and I get the same result. But I assume neither the lesson nor the example OS would compile if there is an error when I run "arm-none-eabi-gcc --version"? From my limited understanding, the error i receive when running that command indicates the toolchain hasn't installed correctly, is that correct?rm -f build/*.o
rm -f build/output.elf
rm -f kernel.img
rm -f kernel.list
rm -f kernel.map
arm-none-eabi-as -I source/ source/drawing.s -o build/drawing.o
make: arm-none-eabi-as: No such file or directory
make: *** [build/drawing.o] Error 1


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Car Hire Frankfurt Airport
Opening times
Frankfurt Rhien-Main Airport Car Hire
Avis car hire from Frankfurt Airport
Frankfurt Airport, known in German as Flughafen Frankfurt or Rhein-Main-Flughafen, is a major international airport and is by far the busiest airport by passenger traffic in Germany. It is the third busiest in Europe after London Heathrow Airport and Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport and the 11th busiest worldwide in 2012.
The airport has been expanded several times since its opening in 1936 and has now two large terminals, with a capacity of approximately 65 million passengers yearly, and four runways.
Services and optional extras
Avis Preferred: Our customer loyalty programme rewards our loyal customers with a series of benefits. We know your time is precious and that's why we prepare your paperwork in advance. When you come to our branch, you just need to show your driving license – we won't ask for your autograph. Sign up online before you travel – the programme is completely free.
Optional extras
Breakdown assistance: A breakdown in one of our vehicles is highly unlikely but our breakdown assistance service means you can tackle any journey worry-free.
Child seats: If you're travelling with children, make sure you book child seats when you reserve your vehicle.
Satellite navigation: Driving in London can take a bit of getting used to, but with our satellite navigation system it needn't be stressful. Make sure you're on the right road from the word go by requesting this service when you make your booking.
Address & Contact DetailsFlughafen Frankfurt, Terminal 1+2 Hugo Eckner Ring, Frankfurt, 60549. Tel: 06969027771
24-hour drop-off
Opening Times
|06:00 - 23:59
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* Fair usage policy applies: 1GB of data per day
Invalid Link - Learn more about Avis Mobile Wi-Fi
How to book your Avis Mobile Wi-Fi
Reserve one online. Simply enter your pick-up location, dates / times, select your vehicle, and Mobile Wi-Fi can then be added under the "Other Extras" section.


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Lessons from Dr Sheldon Cooper on user friendly software
I really like this video extract from the Big Bang Theory. (A very funny and intelligent sitcom if you haven't seen it.)
Although it is designed to get laughs—and
My feelings on these issues can be best explained by telling you about the single most important piece of software that I use in my career—Microsoft Excel. Like many of my contemporaries, I started out with Lotus 1-2-3 in the late 1980′s. Then I used Joe Spreadsheet during university (hand's up if you've even heard of this one!). I dabbled with Quattro Pro out of interest (loved the tabs), then suffered through 20/20 at my first job with
Anyway, the rest as they say is history, and I've been a loyal and committed Excel user ever since. Right up until a few years ago that is, when Microsoft released Excel 2007. That's when I got burned. My loyalty and love was thrown right back at me! Excel 2010 then corrected some of the things that I hated with 2007, but nowhere nearly enough to win back my heart.
In my view Excel 2007 and 2010 are significantly worse products than the best version of Excel ever released—Excel 2003. Way, way worse. No comparison! Now you may totally disagree with me, but that's actually part of my point. Software is not used in the same way by everyone. People have different needs, different skill sets, different priorities. What's good for me as a serious financial modeller, whose career has been built around my spreadsheeting abilities, is not necessarily what's good for someone who uses spreadsheets as a fancy reporting tool, or even someone just starting out in their finance career. I don't envy Microsoft's job in trying to please everyone (by all accounts there are over 100 million active/licensed users of Excel) but let me tell you how they've stuffed this product up for me, just to give you an idea of my pain:
What's important to me as a financial modeller is: a) speed of modelling; b) accuracy of the end result; and c) ability to present results to end users in a nice enough way. That's it! I don't need a new fancy toolbar/ribbon, changes to my shortcut keys, a gazillion rows and columns, prettier charts, etc, etc. Not only do I NOT need these things, in many cases giving me these things—just in case I need them—actually takes away from the things I do need. Granted, none of these changes have negatively impacted either b) or c) above, but the effect on my speed of modelling has been monumental! And it's not like I haven't tried to learn how to use 2010 properly, it just does not function as well as 2003. Keyboard shortcuts—changed or missing, menus—hidden behind a daft ribbon, cell styles—slow and clumsy, options menu—complete mess. The list goes on. It's so bad that many people who are financial modellers like me won't switch away from 2003.
Far be it for me to say that Microsoft made a mistake here.
The take-away message for me is … if you're thinking of making changes to your product design and functionality, talk to your best users not your average users. When talking to your best users, ask them to think about less experienced users or users with lesser needs. Give them credit and assume they're intelligent enough to think things through.


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An explosion last week like a scene from Star Wars in the Texan town of West; a fertilizer factory (belonging to the well-known West Fertilizer Company) burst into flames causing 14 deaths, 150 wounded and a still unconfirmed number of missing people
On a quiet spring night in the typical Texan town of West the scene was like that of a bomb exploding. 2,800 inhabitants, a few miles north of Waco.
The rescue workers
A detonation, that was how the inhabitants of West described the sudden bang that ripped through the sky with a toxic cloud that gave rise to a full-scale evacuation. In the hours following the explosion the 2,800 inhabitants of West had to leave their homes for safer accommodation. The rescue operation was immediately set into motion bringing together all the necessary know-how to bring a very complex situation under control.
Working together, paramedics, fire crews and police officers in an attempt to contain a whole series of problems mainly concerning the high number of missing persons. Many volunteers made a huge contribution to the rescue operation, arriving in West from every large town in Texas. However, the most difficult task appears to have been for the fire crews, whose attention at this time was focussed on putting out the last few fires still smouldering amongst the remains of West Fertilizer, in a highly dangerous area due to the huge quantities of toxic and inflammable material. The fire workers, completely kitted out with anti-gas masks and protective jackets, ventured into the midst of the devastation in an attempt to contain several new fires.
The effects
The effects of the explosion were devastating: the authorities focussed most of their attention on the 25 tonnes of ammonium nitrate, a caustic substance capable of corroding human tissue; that were inside the factory. The explosion even registered a tremor equal to that of an earthquake, with a magnitude of 2.2.
The causes of the explosion are still unknown; however arson appears to have been excluded as a possible cause.


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1Drop will present at The Lift Conference.
Take the opportunity to see how 1Drop Diagnostics is saving lives through better and faster portable medical diagnostics.
We will give an invited presentation on Wednesday, February 4 at 10:00.
We look forward to meeting you in Geneva.
Event Details
Date: February 4, 2015
Venue: Centre International de Conférences Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
You can find more information here


text:
They're being told to keep it down in New Haven. On Friday night, police were out in force with noise meters silencing the sounds in downtown.
"Since this is now a residential area and not just entertainment, we use this noise level meter to make sure the bar owners are following the correct decibel levels," said Lt. Rebecca Sweeney.
The unofficial start to summer means outdoor events and music are back. At Bar Restaurant, police say the music was too loud coming in at 84 decibels when the legal limit is just 62. Normally, it would carry a $92 fine, but the owner opted to close his door instead. Some customers were frustrated.
"For the police to be focusing on a screen when there are people getting shot and mugged is ridiculous. There's nothing happening here," said Jorge Gomez, of New Haven.
The unannounced inspections were part of the city's effort to improve the quality of life in the downtown area. Some restaurant owners say they're on board.
"It greatly reduces the crime, especially after hours so I fully support what they're doing," said Stephen Deierlein, the general manager of the Wicked Wolf Tavern.
It goes to show, noise complaints in the Elm City don't fall on deaf ears.
"I think the residents appreciate our presence," said Lt. Sweeney.


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Secret Cabals and the Demise of the Dollar
On Tuesday, Robert Fisk of Britain's Independent reported that Gulf Arab states, China, Russia, Japan, and France have been holding secret meetings to end the pricing of oil in dollars. Instead of the greenback, the group has decided to use a basket of currencies for this purpose. Included in the basket will be gold, yen, renminbi, euros, and a new unified currency for the states of the Gulf Cooperation Council. The deadline for the move away from the dollar is 2018.
Does such a cabal exist? Fisk's article states the facts were "confirmed to the Independent by both Gulf Arab and Chinese banking sources in Hong Kong." Apparently, no official of any government talked to the reporter about the conspiracy and none of his sources went on the record. Fisk's story predicts that participants in the arrangement would issues denials, and the denials from Gulf oil officials in fact came swiftly. "We have never heard of this or discussed this, not even secretly," stated Abdullah bin Hamad Al Attiyah, Qatar's oil minister. Said Sheik Ahmed Al Abdullah Al Sabah, Kuwait's oil minister, "I didn't even dream about it."
Normally, smoke does not appear without fire, but the article alleging a currency conspiracy had a fantastical quality about it. For one thing, the renminbi is not convertible and, at the moment, is tightly pegged to the dollar. Although the Chinese say they will loosen their currency practices, Beijing's most recent move, evident since the middle of last year, has been to back away from reform, making the renminbi unsuitable for the basket. Moreover, the inclusion of a currency that does not exist yet stretches credulity, and it would be a minor miracle if Fisk's list of countries, which includes both oil producers and consumers, could agree on the basket's composition. The Gulf states rely on America for their security, so it is unlikely they would try to undermine the greenback while Iran is threatening them with its nuclear program. In any event, the price of oil moves up whenever the dollar declines, so producers are insulated from dollar weakness. Finally, as the astute Tom Holland of the South China Morning Post points out, New York and London oil futures, used as a benchmark, will still be denominated in dollars.