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Leadership in Innovation and Science
The Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science is sponsored by CSIRO.
On this page...
The CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science is awarded to an Australian individual who has demonstrated an outstanding role and impact on science.
Leadership is defining objectives, harnessing, motivating and mobilising talent, and achieving results.
Australia has many gifted science leaders, who integrate their science talents with the management skills necessary to make a difference. They can be found in universities, research laboratories, government, the media and in schools.
Australia's success as a nation depends on its leaders. Science leadership continues therefore to be of prime importance.
The CSIRO Eureka Prize for Leadership in Innovation and Science acknowledges and celebrates the role and impact of great leadership in science.
As Australia's innovation catalyst, CSIRO collaborates with universities, government and industry to harness the power of science and technology to solve our greatest challenges. We're proud to recognise leaders in science and innovation who blaze new trails of discovery, solve wicked challenges through the power of their research, and inspire future generations of leaders.
Judging criteria
Entries should specifically address how the work entered meets the following judging criteria:
- A demonstrated track record of results achieved through inspiring others for success, via excellent leadership in science and innovation
- Evidence of innovative approaches to delivering for the benefit of the environment, economy and society
- Evidence of how the personal leadership style has had a transformative effect on others
- Specific examples of leadership achievements in research, both nationally and internationally
- Quality of Assessor reports
General conditions of entry - Leadership prizes
This prize is open only to individuals. Entries consisting of more than one individual are ineligible.
Entrants can either enter themselves or be nominated by others. If an entrant is nominated it is important they have the opportunity to provide input to the documentation in support of their nomination.
Activity entered for this prize must have been undertaken in Australia or its territories (as defined by the Australian Government) by a) an Australian citizen, b) an Australian permanent resident, or c) a New Zealand citizen who is a resident in Australia, at the time the activity entered was undertaken.
To be eligible, entries must contain at least two (2) Assessor reports. Assessor reports must be signed and dated by the assessor (electronic signature is acceptable), and include name, position and full contact details of the assessor (a letterhead including these details is sufficient).
NOTE: Judges rely on Assessor reports to provide additional perspective and informed opinion on entries. Therefore, Assessors should not be personally or directly involved in the activity entered in this prize.
Entry forms must be submitted online and include one attachment containing all supporting documentation by 7pm AEST Friday 3 May 2019. Any entries received after 7pm AEST Friday 3 May 2019 will not be eligible for consideration. Entries with incomplete sets of supporting documentation, as per the 'How to Enter' section, will not be considered. Submitted material will not be returned. Hard-copy applications will not be considered.
The activity entered or nominated for this prize may not be entered or nominated for another Australian Museum Eureka Prize in the same year.
The deliberations of the judging panel remain confidential. All recommendations and decisions taken are binding and final and no correspondence will be entered into on such matters.
The judges reserve the right not to award the prize if, in their view, the quality of entries is insufficiently meritorious.
Finalists will be asked to provide photos and a film outlining the work nominated for promotional purposes.
Information provided by the entrant(s) in relation to the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes (including photos and films), may be used by the Australian Museum and/or CSIRO for promotional/publicity purposes. This may include, and is not restricted to, the information being used on websites, social media, printed material, advertisements, press releases etc. Entrants may also be asked to be involved in additional promotional activities.
Personal information provided to the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes can be used by the Australian Museum and CSIRO, however such use will only be in connection with the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes.
No entries will be received or considered after the close of entries. If you experience problems uploading your entry or have concerns about what has been uploaded, you must contact the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes on (02) 9320 6230 or email@example.com before the close of entries. The Australian Museum Eureka Prizes cannot modify or add to an entry (including Assessor reports) after the close of entries.
Failure to meet all conditions of entry will automatically disqualify an entry.
How to enter
Prepare a single document [Microsoft Word (.doc or .docx) or Adobe Acrobat (.pdf) format] containing the following information:
a. Personal profile: a brief personal profile on the entrant (two page maximum)
b. Activity summary: a brief description of the entrant's activity, including objectives and results to date (two page maximum)
c. Judging criteria: a brief description of how the entrant's activity addresses each of the judging criteria (two page maximum)
d. Assessor reports: a minimum of two (2) and a maximum of four (4) written reports addressing each of the judging criteria from assessors who are familiar with the entered work (two page maximum per report).
NOTE: Entries with incomplete sets of supporting information will not be considered and judges will only consider what has been provided within the parameters (e.g. two page maximum for each).
Submit an online entry form including uploading your supporting document by 7pm AEST Friday 3 May 2019.
When you have successfully uploaded your entry, you will receive confirmation via email. If you do not receive confirmation, or if you require further information or assistance, contact the Australian Museum Eureka Prizes on (02) 9320 6230 or email firstname.lastname@example.com


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I've worked with people who have drunk themselves to death. Men; but no doubt there are women too. When there isn't a war to fight, you fight yourself, your circumstances and your problems. They can't be defined, but a pint of beer or a glass of scotch can. It's a challenge to life itself. If life is getting at you, you fight back and challenge the alcohol to get the better of you, or else. You fight the alcohol and ignore the real reasons for needing to fight. That's my take anyway. The alcohol got 'Dave' in the end, and he was a hero only among his drinking friends.
March 25th, 2014 by Colin Reed Book News No Comments »

subset: commoncrawl


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JC Penney Who's Your Santa?
JC Penney, the US department store chain, is inviting customers to personalise their Christmas season giving with the use of QR tags and mobile phone technology. "Santa Tags", in the form of QR codes, enable shoppers to record a personalised gift message for each of their gifts. The QR Tag project, online at jcpsanta.com, is part of the "Who's Your Santa" campaign, including "Who's Your Santa" gift cards, a Facebook game and catalogue themes.
Click on the image below to play the Santa Tag introduction video.
The Who's Your Santa campaign was developed at Saatchi & Saatchi, New York.
Filed under: Christmas, Interactive, JC Penney
Tagged: Saatchi & Saatchi
Location: USA


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sharp is experimenting of late with hybrid notebook/pda devices. the actius mm10 is just such a device: an ultra-thin, crusoe 1ghz-powered notebook that comes with a docking station and synchronization software. unfortunately, "synchronization" is probably not the best description. this is pdageek.com, and you have high expectations of the word "synchronize." in this case, the software merely synchronizes files between your desktop and notebook, but it's a start. interestingly enough, the notebook must be off to synchronize. it carries a maximum of 256 mb ram and comes with a 15 gb hard drive, so it's not a powerhouse. seems like a disappointingly anemic offering to kick-start a new genre, but i wonder if the design will find a market anyway. software that synchronizes two pcs is a great idea, and is long overdue. read more at pocket pc thoughts.
user comments 3 comment(s)
|my last notebook was a sharp. (12:18pm est mon may 19 2003)
$300 off lease.
$300 pii 600mhz thinkpads
off subject, is it just me or did you run this story about a week ago? i remember checking this notebook out and comparing it to others, but maybe it wasn't this blurb.
|interesting (2:02pm est mon may 19 2003)
the main reason i got rid of my laptop and opted for a palm and desktop combo was the pain involved in synchronising my files between my desktop and laptop.
i would always forget to download a file unto my laptop or vice versa etc…eventually it was too much of a pain.
this would be of interest if it flawlessly synchronised the complete contents of "my documents" folder quickly. – by zippy
|new genre? (3:19pm est mon may 19 2003)
how is this a new genre? the sony picturebook and fujitsu lifebook p series have been around for quite some time. i like the fujitsu best, but that's just me. – by petronius the arbite


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The coming five decades promise to change our lives beyond the wildest imaginings of science fiction. Clearly, the road to this vision winds around unknown, and possibly even dangerous turns, but strong public interest suggests that this positive future could become your reality by 2063.
2013-2023 – More people become techno-savvy in a fully-wired world. Smart phones, the Internet, global trade and automatic language translators give birth to a humanity focused on improving healthcare and raising living standards. Stem cell and genetic engineering breakthroughs emerge almost daily.
Technologies that recognize voice, gestures, and predict our thoughts are replacing the keyboard and mouse; and by decade's end, simulated holograms, indiscernible from reality will appear as interactive characters, bringing friends, relatives, and associates into our get-to-gathers without need to travel.
Read more>>
Follow me on Twitter. Please subscribe to our news feed. Get regular updates via Email. Contact us for advertising inquiries.


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The Chicago Fed has created a new indicator that more accurately predicts the onset of financial crises and recessions — and there's good news: we're nowhere close to either one.
The index is actually just a distilled version of the Chicago Fed's weekly National Financial Conditions Index, which tracks 100 indicators of risk, credit, and leverage in the U.S.
This new indicator takes the combination among those 100 that best align with previous periods of financial distress and separates them out.
They call it the "nonfinancial leverage indicator" (which we'll abbreviate as the NLI).
They then plot the NLI (in black) against a two-year-ahead threshold point at which, on average, the probability of a crisis became inevitable (and add a reference line showing a basic private-credit-to-GDP ratio indicator, in blue).
Here is the result.
The indicators creators, Scott Brave and R. Andrew Butters, write:
Instances where nonfinancial leverage falls above both thresholds are characteristic of the run-up to many of the most severe crises and deepest recessions (e.g., those in 1973–75, 1980, 1981–82, and 2007–09), while instances where nonfinancial leverage falls in between the two thresholds are generally more consistent with less pronounced periods of financial stress and shallower recessions (e.g., those in 1990–91 and 2001).
As you can see, the NLI is at very low levels relative to its historical average — it's about where we were in the mid-90s.
Those were the days.
SEE ALSO: Jeff Gundlach's New Presentation, 'The Polarization Express' >


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Here is the Highlights of Dell Inspiron 3558 Notebook
If you're looking for budget laptop, Latest Web Technology News is there with the review of Dell Inspiron 3558 Notebook. Let's just have a look at few amazing features of this laptop:
- Cost of this Dell Inspiron 3558 Notebook laptop is 27,590 Rs.
- This laptop is coming up with 5th Gen Intel core i3 processor.
- RAM of this laptop is 4GB and when we talk about hard disk this laptop is having 1TB hard disk.
- Weight of this laptop is 4 Kg.
- Product dimensions of this laptop are 26*38*2.2 cms.
- Display resolution of this laptop is 1366*768 pixels.
- This laptop is available in black variant.
Few Major specifications:
- Performance of this laptop is really good. We have checked opening so many apps and laptop was working really well.
- Display quality of this laptop is amazing as well, as this one is coming up with 15.6 inch true-life LED-Backlit display. That's really easy to watch your favorite programs on your screen.
- There are 3 USB ports and coming up with the Bluetooth 4.0 (Dual Band 2.4&5 GHz). Wi-Fi connectivity of this laptop is really good.
- Sound quality of this laptop is really good and you'll experience a amazing effects once you'll hear the sound. As this one is coming up with 2 tuned speakers with waves Maxxaudio processing.
- When we talk about battery backup, so this Dell laptop is having lithium battery with 4 cells.
If you're looking forward to buy a budget laptop with good features you can go with Dell Inspiron 3558 Notebook. We are giving this laptop 4 star (****/ 5) ratings as per our reviews.
Stay tuned for more updates on this Dell Inspiron 3558 and other Latest Web Technology News Updates.
Here is the list of few quick links:


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At the core of any good casual wardrobe is a great pair of cotton trousers. Truly the definition of a staple, they can handle anything from relaxing on the weekend to working in the office or going out to dinner. Our oxford trouser, is the ideal warm weather trouser. The soft, washed cotton has a wonderful hand, however don't be fooled, it can take a beating. The wash gives them a slightly broken-in feel and makes us want to wear a pair of these every day. The regular fit isn't too trim or too loose and combined with a medium rise it creates a well-balanced silhouette Once you try a pair of these, we're sure you'll be back for every color. The best part? The more you wear them, the more you'll love them.
Regular Fit - We recommend ordering your usual size.
98% / 2% Cotton/Elastane
Style No. M6061-400
While we like to consider ourselves traditionalists, we strive to offer a wide range of products to serve the needs of our variety of clients.
The following are our guidelines for the fits that we offer. Of course, feel free to contact us if we can provide you with additional sizing information.
Regular Fit: Our standard fit. The majority of our product is sized in this manner. It's not too trim nor too full. This fit is what most of our customers have purchased throughout the years and what our business is built upon. Classic.
Contemporary Fit: Our modern-classic fit. We took opportunities to fine-tune the fit of these garments and present an overall well-balanced, elegant silhouette with a slightly trimmer look. In these garments we recommend taking your typical size for a cleaner, timmer, more updated look. If a more Regular fit is desired, size up one size.
Fit Guide by Product Category:
Dress Trousers - Click Here
UPS Ground
UPS Expedited Shipping:
2-Day UPS
Overnight UPS
Please Note: Orders containing multiple items may arrive in separate packages from our Atlanta area H. Stockton stores. Shipping times above do not reflect holiday delivery schedule. Shipping times may vary due to availability of merchandise. Contact Glenn at 404-249-7002 with questions about shipping and delivery.


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A Great Place to Live, Visit, Work, Learn and Play!
October is a very busy and exciting time to be in Waterloo. The city is alive and there is a buzz in the air. The students are back, the harvest has begun, and Oktoberfest is on!
The world's second largest Oktoberfest event, second only to Munich, Germany, runs in a variety of locales across the region for two weeks in October. This Bavarian party attracts thousands of people every year to enjoy a taste of German culture and partake in the many fun activities the festival has to offer.
Aside from Oktoberfest, October is also harvest season. St. Jacobs Market is a popular year-round venue for fresh and local produce, as is the UpTown Market. Held in the Waterloo Public Square, this market brings local farmers, artists, and live entertainment to Waterloo every week, from May through to the end of October.
But October isn't the only time of year that the City of Waterloo shines. The city hosts vibrant festivals and events throughout the year. In July, the Sun Life Financial UpTown Waterloo Jazz Festival draws music fans of all ages, while the Sun Life Financial Waterloo Busker Carnival is a hit in August. In fact, this festival has been entertaining huge crowds with wacky street theatre for 25 years.
Not only is Waterloo alive with dynamic festivals, events, and ongoing community programs; Waterloo is a thriving and growing urban center. Waterloo is home to many diverse businesses and has numerous high profile developments in the works, including the region's largest shopping centre — The Boardwalk Centre which spans both the cities of Kitchener and Waterloo; the Barrel Yards — an uptown development complete with boutique hotel, conference facilities, residential and retail space; and the Waterloo Corporate Campus — a 35 acre multi-use site located on the LRT route in north Waterloo with plans to include a transportation hub, office space, data centre space, retail and restaurants.
With three world-class, innovative post-secondary institutions — University of Waterloo, Wilfrid Laurier University and Conestoga College within its boundaries, Waterloo is the epitome of innovation, technology and creativity; creating the perfect environment to support and grow business. The City of Waterloo has a thriving start up culture as a result, with many tech businesses launching and growing from the Accelerator Centre.
Waterloo is the perfect place to live, visit, work, learn and play. We hope to see you here soon.


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The GuideStar Blog retired September 9, 2019. We invite you to visit its replacement, the Candid Blog. You're also welcome to browse or search the GuideStar Blog archives. Onward!
Lindsay Nichols, on 11/29/13 4:00 AM
Mazarine Treyz, on 11/27/13 5:13 AM
Below is a follow-up by Mazarine Treyz to a handful of questions submitted by participants during the November 5, 2013 webinar "Crucial Year-End Giving Strategies for Your Nonprofit Appeal," and a cross-post of our Tumblr post here. To view the presentation or listen to the recording of the webinar, please click here.
Nancy Schwartz, on 11/26/13 4:30 AM
Lindsay Nichols, on 11/25/13 5:53 AM
rootcauseorg, on 11/22/13 9:32 AM
Shonte Riddick, on 11/21/13 10:19 AM
Andy Robinson, on 11/21/13 8:00 AM
Andy Robinson, author of How to Raise $500 to $5000 From Almost Anyone, recently spoke with his publisher about major gifts fundraising. GuideStar has published an excerpt from the book, and we're pleased to be able to share Mr. Robinson's additional thoughts with you.
You started in fundraising as a door-to-door canvasser. In what ways did that serve you later?
Canvassing is fundraising boot camp—most people don't last more than a day or two. Because we were expected to recruit about one donor for every eight doors we knocked on, the first lesson was to not internalize rejection. Indeed, I was often grateful for the person who said no quickly and clearly—because that moved me to the next door and the next prospect. To quote my friend and colleague Kim Klein, "Fundraising is a volume business." There's no better proof than canvassing.
The one quality a fundraiser needs the most is ...?
Bravery—though it would be hard to argue with persistence. If you don't ask, you don't receive.
Faith-based organizations attract more money than any groups. What can schools, museums, and civic organizations learn from them?
First, don't make assumptions about who has money and who doesn't—ask everyone, ask often. Second, engage your constituents as deeply and as regularly as you can. I often ask my secular clients, "Do you know your people as well as a church knows theirs?" The answer is usually no.
Tell us the top two or three motivators for why people give.
They were asked. They were asked by somebody they know. It's a way to participate—to belong—without investing time, which is even harder to get than money. Having said that, I'd be careful about generalizing. As a colleague likes to say, "If you know one donor, you know one donor."
In your book, you cite a woman who enrolled in your workshop because she was "Trying to get over myself." Tell us what she meant.
As solicitors, how we feel is secondary. The more important question is, "How does the donor feel?" People generally feel good about giving. So to paraphrase, the woman at the workshop was saying, "I want my ego out of the way so I can be of service to my organization." For a fundraiser, that's the sweet spot.
Friendship and fundraising: is that a volatile mix?
Of course—but so is friendship and a dozen other things, including politics, social class, sports teams, religion, whether your friends approve of your spouse, and so on. None of these things prevents us from making or keeping friends.
In my experience, solicitors tend to fall into two camps: people who prefer to ask people they know, and those who prefer to ask strangers. The first group tends to have greater success.
If you're uncomfortable asking your friends, try this: "Our organization is doing great work, which is why I support it. Giving a gift is one way you can participate. If you choose not to give—for any reason—that's OK. You and I will remain friends regardless. But I hope you can help."
You say that fundraising boils down to two jobs—the asker who asks for the gift, and the decider who says, "Yes, I'll give," or "No, I'll pass." You stress how it's important not to confuse these two jobs. Clarify that if you will.
We make assumptions about the people around us: "She can't contribute, she's broke. He won't donate, he has other priorities." Consequently, we don't ask a lot of people. We take a decision that should be theirs—to give or not to give—and make it for them, based on these assumptions. Remember, the number one reason that people give is because someone asked. By NOT asking them, we disempower them.
One of fundraising's conventional beliefs is that economic peers have to be involved in the solicitation. You disagree, don't you?
The peer-to-peer concept shouldn't be based on wealth, but rather how strongly you both support the mission. As an asker, you can talk about your own gift in this way: "Our organization is among the top three I support each year. I hope you'll consider making it one of your top three." Using this model, it's less about the money and more about the level of commitment.
Toward the end of your book you say this: "Ask for the gift and wait with your mouth shut. If you take nothing else from this book, please remember to ask and then be quiet." Elaborate a bit.
When you ask and be quiet—"We were hoping you would consider a gift of $10,000. That would be so significant for us"—you have all the power you'll have in that conversation. As soon as you start apologizing and backpedaling—"I know this is a bad time, any amount would be great, we're so sorry to impose on you"—you end up in a submissive position. Effective solicitors are proud of their organizations and feel honored to be asking for support. When you ask and wait—in silence—you reinforce that message.
You hear a lot these days about retaining donors and how it's much more cost-effective to nurture a long-standing relationship than continually uncover new donors. Give us your best advice for building donor loyalty.
There's a famous fundraising saying: "If you want advice, ask for money. If you want money, ask for advice." Engage your donors, as appropriate, in giving you feedback on both your programs and how well you treat your supporters.
It seems more and more organizations are turning to staff to solicit gifts rather than volunteers. What are your feelings about this?
Mixed. Recently, I've been leading a workshop called "Give Up on Your Board," which emphasizes using all staff to help with fundraising. You can adjust employees' job descriptions, supervise them, mandate appropriate training, and even reward them for successful fundraising campaigns with all-staff bonuses, professional development funds, and paid days off.
On the other hand, board and volunteer fundraising training continues to be the largest component of my practice. The demand is endless. Because I have experienced boards and other volunteers who embrace fundraising and do it well, I haven't totally given up. At least not yet.
© 2013, Emerson & Church Publishers.
Andy Robinson, also the author of Great Boards for Small Groups and The Board Member's Easier Than You Think Guide to Nonprofit Finances (with Nancy Wasserman), has been raising money for social change since 1980. As a trainer and consultant, he has assisted nonprofits in 40 states and Canada, leading workshops on fundraising, grantseeking, board development, strategic planning, marketing, leadership development, and earned income strategies.
Lindsay Nichols, on 11/20/13 4:09 AM
Technical development of the first Basic Registry of Identified Global Entities (BRIDGE) release is currently about a half-way to completion. If you have been following the project you will know that BRIDGE aims to revolutionize data interoperability in the global social sector by uniquely identifying all the world's NGOs in one database. Read on to find out what's new.
Lindsay Nichols, on 11/19/13 6:15 AM
Pamela Grow, on 11/18/13 4:47 AM
Disclaimer: The following is a true story and is intended for mature audiences only. This writing contains strong language and graphic scenes of lack of regard for donor rights. Those who are faint of heart should refrain from reading further. You have been warned.
Chuck McLean, on 11/15/13 9:13 AM
Giving season is upon us, so this seems like a good time to review these guidelines. Organizations that do not follow these guidelines can be fined $10 per donation, up to $5,000 per fundraising event or mailing. In any case, it shows lousy business sense not to acknowledge gifts (think of it as a thank you note); further, donors generally cannot deduct gifts of $250 or more on their tax returns unless they receive an acknowledgement from the organization.
Karen Addis, on 11/15/13 5:20 AM
In last month's blog post, Is Your Nonprofit Prepared for a Crisis?, I wrote about the need for organizations to develop a crisis plan. I wrote the article in response to the September shooting at the Navy Yard in Washington, D.C., an event caused by external factors.
Lindsay Nichols, on 11/14/13 4:40 AM
Michael, 25, flew from Germany to the U.S. this summer to put his accounting background to good use at a non-profit focused on homelessness and housing in New York City.
Lindsay Nichols, on 11/13/13 6:14 AM
We love email. If you're like most of the nonprofit organizations that we work with, your email list has been an important source of community, action and donations. It's part of the heart and soul of your organization. In numbers: it's still has the best ROI of any digital communications tool – almost a $40 return per $1 spent in 2012.
Amy Eisenstein, on 11/7/13 8:00 AM
This year is almost over and, if you're like most fundraising professionals, you're starting to think about your year-end report to your executive director and board of directors.
Will you be able to tell them that your fundraising this year was as successful as it could have been? Or, as you review your fundraising results, are you disappointed in what you see?
If your answer is the second one, I'm pretty sure I know the cause—you didn't ask as often as you should have. Not because you lacked the will or desire, but because you allowed yourself to become overwhelmed with (admittedly) urgent—but ultimately less important—day-to-day tasks.
Believe it or not, it doesn't have to be like this. Over the last few years I've developed a simple, easy-to-follow method that will get you on track to raise much more money. The best part of this system is that anyone, even someone with your crazy-busy schedule, can use it!
The plan is called "50 Asks in 50 Weeks." That's it—an ask almost every week.
I was recently at a seminar where the speaker compared fundraising to baseball. He reminded us that, in baseball, players who make a hit just once every three times at bat end up in the Hall of Fame. In other words, Hall of Famers actually fail two-thirds of the time they're at bat! Players don't put off going to bat until they're sure they'll get a hit, however—if they did that, no one would ever take a swing!
Fundraisers, on the other hand, are frequently afraid to ask unless they're sure the answer will be "Yes," and the result is pretty much the same as it would be for a baseball player who refused to bat unless he felt sure of getting a hit. To put it another way—the one absolute certainty you face as a fundraiser is that if you don't ask, you won't get the gift.
With my 50 Asks in 50 Weeks planning tool, though, you'll probably find yourself "at bat" more often than ever before—and the more you ask, the more money your organization will receive. Of course, it's not just about quantity; it's about quality, too.
Here are the three simple steps you need to take to raise more money:
First, assess your current fundraising efforts—and the results of those efforts—and create a baseline. This step is about knowing where you are and where you have been, which will allow you to set effective goals for the coming year.
Now it's time to create your plan. I've included a sample below. Print it out or re-create it on a whiteboard in your office, and then fill in the names of individuals, corporations, foundations, bulk mail campaigns, and other solicitations you already know you'll be doing next year.
An important part of step 2 is identifying prospective donors who are ready or almost ready to be asked. Use your database to identify your best prospective donors by searching for those who have given large gifts or have given repeatedly over the recent past.
Step 3 is about implementation. How will you carry out your plan, and how will you stay on track in the face of all of the inevitable requests to do other urgent (but less important) tasks?
As part of my Major Gifts Challenge, I've written a post with two important tips to help you stay on task with your asking.
One of them involves eating a frog. (No, not literally!) Take a quick look at that post for details if you'd like, but it basically boils down to two important points: holding a monthly meeting to keep everyone involved on task and accountable, and combating procrastination.
The monthly meeting is a great way to keep your board and executive director apprised that you're up to something fantastic—and to enlist their help and support in respecting the time you've set aside to prepare for and make your 50 Ask goals. As for the frog, you'll have to check out the post to get the whole story.
No matter what your current year totals look like, don't worry—very soon you'll be a fundraising star and enable your organization to do more than ever!
Check out Amy Eisenstein's GuideStar webinar on this topic.
Amy Eisenstein, MPA, CFRE, Tri Point Fundraising
© 2013, Tri Point Fundraising
Amy Eisenstein, MPA, CFRE is a leading fundraising consultant, speaker, coach, and author of 50 Asks in 50 Weeks and Raising More with Less. Her talent for simplifying the fundraising process yields big results for her clients and readers.
GrantStation, on 11/7/13 8:00 AM
Excerpted from State of Grantseeking Fall 2013 Report
Excerpted from The State of Grantseeking Fall 2013 Report. Excerpted with permission.
The State of Grantseeking Fall 2013 is the seventh semi-annual informal survey of nonprofits conducted by GrantStation and PhilanTech to help illustrate the current state of grantseeking in the U.S.
Note: The views expressed in this excerpt are those of the sponsoring organizations and may or may not represent GuideStar's opinions. GuideStar is committed to providing a range of topics and perspectives to our users. We make every effort to obtain articles from knowledgeable, trustworthy sources, but we make no warranties or representations with regard to content provided by persons outside GuideStar.
GuideStar Newsletter, on 11/7/13 8:00 AM
GuideStar is excited to announce a new partnership with Eventbrite, which will provide GuideStar Exchange participants with a major reduction in Eventbrite service fees so that they can manage their events and ticket sales with less impact on their own budgets.
Eventbrite is an online ticketing and registration platform that enables people all over the world to plan, promote, and sell out any event—from fundraisers and seminars to sold-out concerts and conferences. The standard Eventbrite service fee is 2.5% + $0.99 per ticket (credit card processing fees also apply). Yet, through this partnership, Eventbrite is offering a special incentive discount exclusively to Gold, Silver, and Bronze GuideStar Exchange participants! (Eventbrite has no other program of this kind.)
We encourage nonprofits to take advantage of this benefit, especially as organizations plan their end-of-year fundraising events.
The GuideStar Exchange gives nonprofits a chance to tell their own stories, in their own way. It is the only national program that allows nonprofits to supplement the public information that is available from the IRS.
The GuideStar Exchange is made up of Bronze, Silver, and Gold participation levels that reward nonprofits based on the amount of information they share with the public via GuideStar. The GuideStar Exchange is free; open to nonprofits of all sizes, locations, and missions; and designed to connect nonprofits with donors, funders, and other stakeholders through information sharing. The program was recently revamped to benefit all nonprofits regardless of experience, impact, or revenue and to reward all participants that are committed to nonprofit transparency.
If you are already a Gold-, Silver-, or Bronze-level GuideStar Exchange participant, log in, visit our Manage Nonprofit Reports page, and click the Benefits link. You'll go to your organization's GuideStar Exchange Benefits page, from which you can access all of your benefits, including your new Eventbrite discount.
*Standard Eventbrite Service fees are 2.5% + $.99 per ticket. Please note that standard credit card processing fees still apply. Eventbrite offer valid only for new customers through December 31, 2014.
© 2013, GuideStar USA, Inc. and Eventbrite
Lori Larson, on 11/7/13 6:06 AM
Yesterday we cross-posted a blog article from Greater Kansas City Community Foundation (GKCCF) celebrating and reflecting on the 10th anniversary of DonorEdge, originally created by GKCCF. As our CEO, Jacob Harold, stated, GuideStar is excited about continuing its investment and commitment to helping community foundations achieve their organizational strategies and unique potential of positive social change for their communities. Today's blog post extends this conversation and presents highlights about the community foundation sector's progress, challenges, and trending opportunities from a national perspective.
Lori Larson, on 11/6/13 4:00 AM
Kansas City's nonprofit search made its debut on the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation's website on October 20, 2003. As we celebrate 10 years, we thought we'd look back at the history of the tool, previously known as DonorEdge.
Attentive.ly, on 11/5/13 4:20 AM
The significance of personalization is something nearly 94% of social marketers can agree on. But only a small sliver of businesses successfully take advantage of it, and vast amounts of data is left untapped. A whopping 40% of businesses pass up on creating a meaningful connection using segmentation and personalization.
Mazarine Treyz, on 11/4/13 5:35 AM
One person asked me recently, "As the single employee of a small nonprofit, how do I prioritize the daily issues of running a nonprofit before they become 'fires.'"
Digital Partner, on 11/1/13 9:11 AM
Santa has his sleigh and reindeer, but you are going to have to come up with some more unique ideas to reach all the good little boys and girls (your audience) this holiday season. Time to plan out your strategy. Yes, strategy. It is not all about spreading holiday cheer. According to fundraising123.org, December accounts for 33.3 percent of all donations. Here are several tips to reach your audience.


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Every day we have opportunity to make choices for our life and others around us. Some choices are small and of no consequence, however othere choices can be life changing. Today God invites us to choose Him and His ways!
In Deuteronomy 30: 19-20, we have an example of the calling that is set before us each and every day, "I call heaven and earth to record this day against you, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life, that both thou and thy seed may live: That thou mayest love the LORD thy God, and that thou mayest obey his voice, and that thou mayest cleave unto him: for he is thy life, and the length of thy days: that thou mayest dwell in the land which the LORD sware unto thy fathers, to Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob, to give them. So, with the decision before us and phrased this way, it doesn't appear to be much of a choice, but is this easy?"
We can look to the book of Joshua 1: 7-8, "Only be thou strong and very courageous, that thou mayest observe to do according to all the law, which Moses my servant commanded thee: turn not from it to the right hand or to the left, that thou mayest prosper whithersoever thou goest. This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success."
And another passage from the book of Jeremiah 29: 11-13, "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the LORD, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end. Then shall ye call upon me, and ye shall go and pray unto me, and I will hearken unto you. And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart."
This is no small decision, it is certainly a determination, and is not something where we simply happen to choose God. This is an all-in choice, a forsaking of other gods, which can be viewed as anything that would come between us and the one true God.
The final passage that comes to mind on choices and daily living and choosing God can be found in Proverbs 3: 1-6, "My son, forget not my law; but let thine heart keep my commandments: For length of days, and long life, and peace, shall they add to thee. Let not mercy and truth forsake thee: bind them about thy neck; write them upon the table of thine heart: So shalt thou find favour and good understanding in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths."
Remember to choose God this week in every little thing.
Bro. Terry Clelland


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Royal Welsh Winter Fair 2012
- Details
- Created: Saturday, 01 December 2012 14:13
- Written by Charlotte M
Great night out at the Winter Fair at Builth Wells ending with meeting Jules Hudson from Countryfile!
To be honest my head was a bit sore the following morning, but the results in the Section C Class made it seem a lot better: Abergavenny Hetti was champion section C! Well done to the Wayman family..


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Danger while bathing in the sea.
Marine life can spoil the holiday for any vacationer. To avoid this, stick to certain rules.
Experts of the tourist market suggest that you, first of all, to learn from sending you company, is not expected any invasion, for example, jellyfish. You can find this out themselves, for example, in mass media periodically there are such messages.
So, the Italians in the midst of the bathing season predict an invasion of jellyfish and toxic algae. In the Maldives need to avoid encounters with electric ramp. In Israel and the UAE need to be wary of pink jellyfish on Cuba – blue, Tunisia – black. In Egypt you may suffer from jellyfish physalia, and the storm of Croatia bears the name Pelagije nocticulice and is often found near Pools and in the Limski canal.
To fight dangerous flora and fauna formed squads of rescuers. They monitor the cleanliness of the water and in the case of a threat to warn tourists about the dangers as well as clean the waters from poisonous animals and plants.
You will be confronted with this scourge during his vacation or not is unknown. In any case, the enemy must know in person. So, the risk for you can imagine jellyfish, fish, seaweed, shellfish, sea urchins and star corals. Continue reading
On the Black sea be afraid of a sea dragon
As reported by Snews.bg, biologists are sounding the alarm: nearly previously harmless fish under the formidable name of "sea dragon" has suddenly become poisonous to people, rather the prick of thorns on her back.
The more it is dangerous, because its population in the Black sea over the last few years has grown in 10 times.
On the Bulgarian coast during the summer season, there have been about 100 cases of people defeat sea dragon. In Burgas was a case where the hospital brought the British teenager vacationing in Sunny beach, which was swollen with numb hands and feet, could not speak, around the lips foam. At first, doctors thought that a teenager alcohol poisoning, but alcohol in blood was found. When a guy is able to speak, he told the doctors about the strange fish and the prick of its thorn.
In General, that the fish was poisonous and in addition the population has increased also and toxicity in fish. So here is a small article about this Sea dragon for those who are going on Black sea: Continue reading
Fishing in the Red sea
In the Red sea according to different sources there are more than 1250 species of marine fauna. Local fishermen since the days of Ancient Egypt go to sea and catch fish from the sea, which for many on the coast of Egypt is the most accessible food. The price of fish in Egypt is significantly lower than for meat animals. So, the prices at the fish market of Hurghada range from 10 to 35 pounds per 1 kg. Especially popular are tuna, mackerel, Wahoo (king mackerel), Barracuda, grouper, bongos (red snapper), bahara (mangrove snapper), flounder, Gar, squid. Delicacies are considered to be the heavenly Emperor, Dorado, Jack, Napoleon, and others.
Daily fish market Hurghada local fishermen bring their rich variety of marine catch. Mostly fish they catch networks specifically permitted for commercial fishing places. The catch of sea fish is not only dependent on luck, right place, quality fishing tackle and baits, but also on the time of day and season of the year. Best sea fishing trips start at sunrise and continue till midday. Most good bite from 7 am to 11 am local time, then the activity of fish is reduced to total absence of the strikes, which resumed in the afternoon, towards evening. Porosimetry biting on the Red sea from 16.30-17.00 to sunset. Continue reading


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The UK has reiterated its call for Sri Lanka to cooperate with the international investigation mandated by the UNHRC in Geneva this year.
John Rankin, the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, made this comment at an event hosted to mark the birthday of her Majesty the Queen Elizabeth II. British High Commissioner to Colombo John Rankin said that as Commonwealth Members, Sri Lanka and the UK have both committed to the values set out in the Commonwealth Charter which includes commitment to democracy, respect for human rights and rule of law, commitment to sustainable development, good governance and gender equality.
Rankin also noted that following the Summit in London last week co-hosted by UK Foreign Secretary William Hague and UN Special Envoy Angelina Jolie, UK also continue to encourage Sri Lanka to endorse the Declaration to End Sexual Violence in Conflict and to ensure that there is no impunity for acts of sexual violence in conflict in Sri Lanka as elsewhere.
And together with our colleagues in the European Union we reiterate our concern over the recent outbreak of communal violence which has resulted in the loss of lives in Sri Lanka and trust that clear steps will be taken to deter incitement, protect communities and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We welcome the Government's assurances to that effect. We say all this as a friend of Sri Lanka.
We believe that by such steps, Sri Lanka will enhance its stability, prosperity and reach its full potential," Rankin said at an event to mark the birthday of the Queen.
Rankin said that in his remaining time as British High Commissioner, he looks forward to engaging further with the Government and people of Sri Lanka on several issue.


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The Amazon Business account isn't very well known, even though the program is more than three years old. But now that Amazon has pretty much ironed the kinks out of the program, they are encouraging Continue reading Do You Have an Amazon Business Account? Get one here!
Category Archives: Products
Amazon's 12 Days of Deals!
In case you weren't satisfied with your shopping haul from Black Friday and Cyber Monday, well you're lucky because Amazon just relaunched 12 Days of Deals, a holiday sale madness that will roll out limited-time deals and specials from new departments daily, at midnight Pacific Time. Continue reading Amazon's 12 Days of Deals!
The Fitbit Holiday Gift Guide
The wearable tech market is still on the rise. In fact, it is expected to grow to around 6 Billion US dollars more by 2018, according to Statista.com. Fitness trackers in particular are the most popular wearable device used and coveted by many.
If you're in the market for a fitness tracker for yourself or a loved one, Fitbit, which is among the most popular brands in the market today, just came out with Continue reading The Fitbit Holiday Gift Guide
Monitor Your Home with the Cloud Cam and Echo Show (Save $50!)
Together with the official launch of the controversial Amazon Key, was the introduction of the Cloud Cam, Amazon's first ever security camera that works with Alexa. Although it was advertised to work with the Amazon Key to allow "in home" deliveries, which earned a lot of criticisms, the Cloud Cam is useful on its own or paired with your Echo Show or Echo Spot.
For a limited time, you can get $50 off if you purchase Continue reading Monitor Your Home with the Cloud Cam and Echo Show (Save $50!)
Non-Traditional Advent Calendars for Kids & Kids at Heart
Well, Advent Calendars have changed a lot over the years. Back then, it was just a simple paper calendar with windows containing bite-sized chocolates or candies.
You don't really need an Advent Calendar to know that Christmas is coming, but isn't it exciting to get daily treats as you count the days leading up to Christmas day? Now that it's 2017, it's time to swap the traditional Advent Calendar to a more unusual kind like the ones below: Continue reading Non-Traditional Advent Calendars for Kids & Kids at Heart


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The Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art is much more than a place for artists like you to come and express yourself. We're your support team. We encourage you to explore your talents and push your limits. By offering you a place to meet, work and share, we help you bring the focus back to your art. By introducing you to other artists in Kelowna, we help create a community you can relate to and grow with.
Types of Membership
- $50: Individual Membership (standard)
- $35: Student/Senior Membership
- $90: Family/Cohabitation Membership
- $150: Institutional Membership
- $0: UBCO Visual Arts Course Union Membership
- $0: Volunteer Membership (upon completion of 12 hours of volunteering)
All memberships are annual.
Membership Benefits
Members get the exclusive opportunity to develop a solo or group show in the Members' Gallery. You develop a show and we help you execute it. This is an incredible for opportunity for artists to get a show under their belt and on their CV, to test out new ideas and take creative risks, and to learn practical gallery skills like installation, documentation for your portfolio, and networking at your opening reception. Staff members are here to help as much or as little as you'd like.
Other benefits include:
- The ability to show and sell your work in our annual RedDot Members' Show and Sale
- Reduced admission to Alternator ticketed events (workshops, performances, etc.)
- One-on-one access to staff to solicit feedback on exhibition proposals and your art
- Direct invitations to all Alternator events (openings, networking events, professional development opportunities, artist talks, musical/dance performances, discussion forums, screenings, etc.)
- Voting privileges at our Annual General Meeting
- After-hours access to facilities as needed (based on a formal application)
- Ability to stand for election to the Board of Directors
- The opportunity to become more involved and integrated in Kelowna's arts community
- The knowledge that you're directly supporting your local artist-run centre!
How to Become a Member
In Person
Come on into the gallery, fill out the membership form and pay by cash, cheque, or credit card.
By Mail
Fill out the membership form (PDF) and mail it with cash or cheque to the Alternator Centre for Contemporary Art (#103 – 421 Cawston Ave., Kelowna, BC, V1Y 6Z1).
You can click on the appropriate membership below to get more information and/or purchase it right from our website (credit card needed).


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Temperature for January 1951
In January 1951 the average high temperature in Seattle, WA was 43.2°F, and this was 2.9°F cooler than the average of 46.2°F. The hottest day in January 1951 was 24 January when the temperature reached 54.3°F. Overnight the average temperature in January is 34.7°F and in 1951 the average overnight temperature was 2.7°F cooler at 31.9°F.


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Mobula Rays: Brilliant or Insane?
Today, we debut our Brilliant or Insane posts. We're curious if you believe the picture, video and/or post is Brilliant or Insane. Just say which in the comment box and explain why. By the way, if you add your blog to the website field, we'll show posts from your site on our popular blog. Add your gravatar, we'll even show your face. It's like creating a community. So, please join the conversation.
Mobula Rays
This strange gathering of Mobula rays in the Pacific is a remarkable site. With wing spans of up to five meters, the rays leap from the water and appear to take flight. They gather, mysteriously, in gigantic schools; then, just as mysteriously, they vanish.
Okay, Keep an eye out for our "Brilliant" and "Insane" posts. You decide. Are Mobula rays brilliant, or are they insane? Cast your vote below in the comentluv section below.
Latest posts by Mark Barnes (see all)
- Mission-Minded Learning Makes the World a Better Place - September 28, 2017
- 5 Coping Mechanisms for Bouncing Back from Your Bad Teaching Day - March 8, 2017
- Boomerangs, Inspiration Boards and Seven More Simple Solutions for Teachers and Leaders - January 31, 2017


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About Thailand Retirement Helpers
We're here to help you retire in Chiang Mai as smoothly, quickly and inexpensively as possible. Aside from being your resource for all things about living and retiring in Chiang Mai, our Concierge Service can handle your move from beginning to end – from organizing your visas and insurance, to finding your housing and transportation, and doctors and dentists – so when you land in Chiang Mai you'll be in good hands and can hit the ground running.
I've lived all around the world: growing up in Australia, moving to Japan, getting my doctorate at UMass, Amherst and settling in California. After 30 years there as a butler, moving a family around the world at a moment's notice, I set up a business in California's Napa Valley and, 8 years later, lost it in the financial crisis. I'd been visiting Thailand since 1967 and loved it so, when I found myself with only a $1200 monthly Social Security check, I moved there.
To my delight I found that it was possible to live comfortably on that tiny budget in a beautiful environment. Which led to my first book, How to Retire in Thailand and Double Your Income (in reality, my buying power tripled when I moved to Thailand). The second book, Making Money in Thailand came from my efforts to double my cash income which, I'm happy to say, I managed within 12 months. Now I'm enjoying life more than ever….
In Thailand my Social Security check allowed me to rejoin the middle class and I am living more happily and comfortably than I ever thought possible just five years ago. But it wasn't an easy move. I made a lot of mistakes and wasted even more time and money trying to get settled in a foreign country by myself. Now, I've created an invaluable network of contacts, services and shortcuts to help you retire in Chiang Mai quickly and painlessly!
As a trained cultural guide and Chiang Mai native, Khun Aom – Aimie to her Western friends – knows the city like no one else. Add to that her experience as an accountant, temple dancer, professional driver and mother of two and you'll soon realize there's no better person to have on your side as you move to Chiang Mai. She's also one of the funniest people you'll ever meet.
Aimie wears many hats and wears them well. When you want to know where to find a certain shop, what to bring as a gift to a Thai wedding or how much you should pay for a new silk outfit, Aom will tell you – and accompany you herself.
She single handedly helped me build my life here in Chiang Mai and now I'm proud to have her on the Thailand Retirement Helpers team to make your move as easy – and fun – as possible.


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(Posted Fri. Feb 10th, 2017)
Members of the National Corn Growers Association's Freedom to Operate Action Team met in Tampa, Florida last week to review programs, budgets and policies associated with the association's work in areas such as crop inputs, data and biotechnology. While there, the team met with representatives from across the value chain to explore upcoming challenges and opportunities.
Looking at a variety of issues, including goals set out in NCGA's strategic plan can be achieved, the team used their in-depth knowledge of the subject matter to develop the nuanced, strategic suggestions needed to help the Corn Board guide NCGA policy effectively.
"Over my years working with both NCGA and our Illinois state corn association, I have come to truly appreciate the breadth and scope of the multitude of issues facing farmers today," said Team Chair Don Duvall, a farmer from Illinois. "By developing teams with specialization in major areas of opportunity and taking the time to analyze the issues in a critical, thorough manner, we are able to most effectively provide input on how, in our area, the Corn Board can shape NCGA policy and, subsequently, maximize the effectiveness of farmer-funded activities to increase profitability."
The team also delved deeply into the state of data rights, including grower access to data. Additionally, they explored the challenges facing farmers in terms of crop protection in a changing regulatory environment. Through these discussions, the farmers gained up-to-the-minute information that they will scrutinize and, as events unfold, incorporate into future recommendations.
Meetings included a tour of the Mosaic phosphate mining facility nearby.
In addition to Duvall, team members include Vice Chair Brandon Hunnicutt, Corn Board Liaison Chris Edgington, Deb Gangwish, Morris Heitman, Roger Maurer, Ronnie Mohr, Jim Raben, Bob Timmons, Chad Wetzel and affiliate state staff representative Shane Kinne of Missouri.


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Studies: EHR implementation falling prey to health IT labor shortage
In a health IT labor shortage, IT leaders need to think long term for successful EHR implementation.
The key to overcoming a health IT labor shortage and creating availability and preparedness among health care IT workers for electronic health records implementation lies in being prescriptive, not reactive, two new studies suggest.
In the first, workforce planner TEKsystems Inc. teamed with HIMSS Analytics to survey health organizations' EHR readiness and success. The results mirrored other reports of poor adoption rates: Currently, fewer than half (43%) of the 300 single and multi-hospital organizations and health professionals that HIMSS Analytics interviewed have successfully completed EHR implementation. What's more, nearly two-thirds (64%) believe achieving adoption is a roadblock to implementing EHR effectively.
Their entire focus goes toward just getting the implementation done. Their changes are reactionary. They need to start with a development plan and decide how they're going to make it a reality.
Allen Kriete,
vice president of healthcare services, TEKsystems
Allen Kriete, TEKsystems vice president of health care services, said health IT leaders struggle with adoption because they become fixated on deadlines instead of on training programs that ensure the meaningful use of EHRs.
"Their entire focus goes toward just getting the implementation done. Organizations expect their people to adapt quickly, yet many do not plan for end-user training until late in the effort," Kriete said. "Their changes are reactionary, whether they're to requirements -- new ICD-10 regulations, shifts to [accountable care organizations], EHR adoption -- or market changes due to the labor shortage. They need to start with a development plan and decide how they're going to make it a reality."
Meanwhile, TEKsystems joined employment services organization CareerBuilder for a second study that addressed the overall shape of the IT labor market. A sort of health care IT "state of the union," the survey found two-thirds of health care CIOs experiencing labor shortages, despite training efforts like the ONC's $116 million health IT workforce development program. Moreover, 85% worry about staff retention.
Findings from the HIMSS Analytics and CareerBuilder surveys will be presented at the HIMSS 2013 conference in New Orleans.
As Kriete and data from the HIMSS survey confirm, the two studies are linked. Two-thirds of respondents said finding the right workers with the right skills is the hardest part of successful EHR implementation. More than half struggle with finding the right people to build a training program (57%) or to lead classroom discussions (53%).
"First, organizations have to know what they not only need now, but what they want in the long run. Once this hiring cliff is over, what do they need to be able to do? Do they want to acquire resources from outsourcing or build competencies in-house?" Kriete said. "Then they have to understand what viable candidates want. And ultimately, all that ties back to their ability to train -- how to use those resources effectively."
Kriete said the importance of effective training can't be overlooked, as more than three-quarters of health IT respondents cited these problems as the results of poor EHR training: rework (85%), lack of applicability to real-world scenarios (84%), low levels of user adoption (84%), long learning curves (82%) and inability to leverage the system for meaningful use (77%).
"The studies came back with the majority of people saying, 'I need more information; I'd like training to start earlier; I need more specific training; I'd like to be involved in the building of this curriculum, and I'd like to make sure it maps back to the things we do in our organization day to day,'" Kriete said.
Kriete added that more advanced integration, for example, cloud storage and advanced data analytics, will "definitely become a major factor" in successful EHR implementation as well, but not until deadlines and penalties start kicking in.
"Organizations that don't have the time or resources already in place are going to start sliding toward the back end as we get closer and closer to mandate dates," he said, adding that the work doesn't stop once implementation is complete. "Providing post go-live support is also critical to ensure that end users fully adopt the system."
Let us know what you think about the story; email Jean DerGurahian, editorial director, or contact @SearchHealthIT on Twitter.


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Inquire about services and references, or just say hey:
Inquire about services and references, or just say hey:
Cyber security is our passion! We love helping people understand where they can be more secure. Our offerings include penetration testing, consulting, training, and vulnerability assessments.
Penetration testing is our specialty. When we say penetration testing, we really mean it. We stay up to date on the very latest techniques, ensuring no new vulnerabilities go unidentified.
Consulting on matters of any size. We understand your needs and can advise on the best solutions to shrink and harden your attack surface, while fitting your budget. We can help you gain confidence in your information security posture.
Training is fun! At least it is when conducted by Capitol Security. We are dedicated to helping others learn about cyber security. We take pleasure in designing custom training tailored to fit your needs.
Vulnerability assessments are a great way to get a handle on your risk analysis, providing the vulnerability portion of risk = threat x vulnerability. We can expose your hard to find vulnerabilities and show you the best mitigation practices.
If you'd like to ask us about any other services, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Based in Washington, D.C. with services offered internationally.
Start-ups. We understand your biggest priority is getting your minimum viable product to market. We can help you build in the right security from the start, so your investors will be confident in what you are delivering.
Small businesses. Giving you piece of mind with our budget-friendly consulting and assessements, you can rest assured as you continue to grow.
Corporations. With experience in the largest Active Directory Domain in the world, we understand the complex challenges that you face in keeping a large enterprise secure.
Government. As former government and military employees, we appreciate the importance of keeping critical systems running secure. With an intimate understanding of your networks, we're ready to hit the ground running from day one.
Cyber security fanatics.
Capitol Security was founded by two former United States Air Force Cyber Warfare Operators. We have experts in web application security, network security, and risk management. Coming with experiences in different areas, our diverse team draws on their vast expertise and knowledge to give you truly customized service.
Our small team is genuinely passionate about helping people protect what is important to them. Integrity, dependability, and service are at the core of what we do. We take pride in these values showing through in everything from our pricing to our reporting.
Find out today why we are not your average security experts.


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Yes, minister, you have a big portfolio - Times Online, originally uploaded by ioanvickdrag.
From The Sunday Times
December 27, 2009
Yes, minister, you have a big portfolio
A row is brewing over the decision to appoint Elena Udrea as Romanian cabinet minister responsible for regional development
Bojan Pancevski
Recommend? (132)
EUROPE'S aid budget for Romania, one of the poorest countries in the European Union, has been placed in the hands of a minister who poses for glossy magazines in her underwear and was embroiled in corruption allegations.
Elena Udrea, a 36-year-old MP who is married to a controversial local businessman, has been appointed cabinet minister responsible for regional development in the former communist country.
Udrea, who has posed in a bikini as well as for professional photoshoots, will control a £3.3 billion budget for the development of Romania's housing, infrastructure and tourism.
A parliamentary inquiry into her work as tourism minister recommended opening a criminal investigation into her use of public funds. She rejected the claims as politically motivated and prosecutors decided the allegations were unfounded.
She rose to prominence as a protégée of President Traian Basescu amid claims that companies connected to her husband were in receipt of public money during her time in office. Romanian papers have speculated about her closeness to the president. She insists that the relationship is "strictly professional".
"It's outrageous to give her control over the bulk of EU funds in Romania," said Professor Alina Mungiu-Pippidi, the founder of a transparency watchdog. "She has a special relationship to the president and her husband's companies' profits soared under the current administration."
Businesses associated with her husband, Dorin Cocos, include a former monopoly of Bucharest's car parks and extensive interests in publicly funded construction projects. Udrea resigned as adviser to the president after allegations that public money had gone to her husband's business associates.
A monitoring system has been put in place by Brussels to fight corruption and embezzlement in Romania and Bulgaria, which joined the EU in 2007.


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About our Company
Based out of Nashville, Tennessee, The Barbell Spin is the leading digital publication for breaking news, analysis and coverage of the CrossFit Games, competitive fitness, weightlifting and the NPGL.
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Professor Grant Morahan, Director of the Centre for Diabetes Research at the Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, is working with Dr Joey Kaye, Director of the Diabetes Clinic at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, to develop a test that could indicate a person's chances of developing type 1 diabetes.
The test, could also predict the risk for those with the condition developing diabetic complications.
"A test that can be applied at the time of diagnosis and predict someone's lifetime risk of developing diabetic complications – which range from diabetic coma to kidney failure – will be a great help to the children affected, their families, and the clinicians caring for them, as well as saving vital health dollars," said Professor Morahan.
"Likewise, a test that gives us the ability to be able to say that brothers or sisters of a child with type 1 diabetes will likely remain unaffected will also provide relief to anxious families."
Professor Morahan said this project would build on his team's recent breakthroughs in identifying particular genetic signatures that define six different genetic subtypes of type 1 diabetes.
"We've discovered that the specific genetic signature a person with type 1 diabetes has indicates the type of health complications they may develop. For example, those with subtypes 2 and 4 are more likely to have kidney damage while those with subtype 3 seem to be more protected from that complication," he said.
"Knowing what subtype a person has can give doctors more accurate information to manage treatments that suit that person."
Professor Morahan's team has also discovered that if brothers or sisters of a person with type 1 diabetes have a different genetic signature to their affected sibling they are significantly less likely to develop the condition.
"It is very important to confirm these results and then design a test to make use of our powerful new knowledge," said Professor Morahan.
It is hoped 400 people with type 1 diabetes that are cared for at Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, together with their unaffected siblings, will volunteer to be part of the new study.


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Planning Before Planting
A beautiful landscape owes its success to many types of care and considerations. Chief among them is a keen assessment and understanding of the particular conditions of the landscape site. No matter how attractive and healthy when chosen, or how well tended once in the ground, if the plant is not suited to the site it may be a serious disappointment. When choosing plants for your home landscape, it is important to consider the following factors: the planting site's climate and micro-climates; the amounts of direct and indirect sunlight received throughout the day; exposure to wind and, in coastal areas, salt; various characteristics of the soil and the underground environment; and of course, man-made components like utility lines, signs, fences and buildings. In the long run, proper planning will help give your trees a longer life.
Climate: The plants you select should be cold hardy in the appropriate climate zone. The country is definedin a series of zones, based on the average minimum winter temperature. A plant that is adapted to your hardiness zone is one that can tolerate the lowest winter temperature your zone usually experiences. Refer to Figure 1 to determine the zone for your county in South Carolina.
Along with cold winter hardiness, plants need to be able to tolerate maximum summer temperatures. Trees and shrubs that are not adapted to these temperatures may have poor vigor and decline over time. If you have questions about a specific tree or shrub for your area, contact the Home & Garden Information Center at 1-888-656-9988.
In addition to the larger climate that governs the planting site, plants will be affected by micro-climates (little pockets of weather specific to certain parts of your property). In general, minimum winter temperatures occur on the north side of a house and maximum summer temperatures are reached on unshaded western exposures. Southern exposures will be the warmest during the winter. On the south side of a house, temperature changes in a given day in winter can be dramatic and may predispose plants to winter damage by stimulating new growth that cannot tolerate a sudden drop in temperature.
Tree canopies protect neighboring plants by reducing their radiant heat loss. In winter, the microclimate beneath a tree may be several degrees warmer than the surrounding air, and this small increase in temperature could keep some plants alive. Furthermore, the tree's shade during the early morning slows the rate of thaw and can reduce the amount of cold damage to some species. Building overhangs, arbors and fences may provide similar kinds of protection.
Above-Ground Site Analysis
Exposure to Sunlight: All plants require some amount of sunlight, but some species need many hours of full sun while others do best largely in shade. Before choosing plants for your landscape, observe how many hours of sun and shade various parts of the site receive. Remember to take into account that the angle of the sun changes with the time of year and that you will probably have more hours of direct sun in summer than in other seasons.
Plants requiring full sun usually need at least six hours daily of direct sun and often produce the best form and growth if they receive sun all day. Plants that can tolerate full sun to partial sun/partial shade will need around three to four hours of direct sun. Trees and shrubs that tolerate shade will perform best in filtered/partial sun rather than full shade. Shade-loving plants adapt to sites with less than two hours of direct sun in early morning or with filtered sun/filtered shade. Shade-loving perennials and groundcovers are better suited for heavily shaded locations with less than two hours of morning sun.
Wind: Wind increases the amount of water loss from a plant to the atmosphere. The root systems of plants growing in confined situations dry out the soil quickly, and the plants are then susceptible to further drought stress from the wind. Plants in very sandy, well-drained soils are likewise vulnerable. Well-managed irrigation can partially overcome such water deficits but may be difficult to accomplish in highly urbanized sites. The best way to manage water loss on a windy site is by selecting species tolerant of drought. If soil on such a site is poorly drained, select a species that can tolerate both dry and wet soil.
Salt: Airborne salt can affect plant twigs and leaves or, after being deposited on the ground, their roots. Plants within a quarter of a mile of saltwater coastlines should possess some degree of tolerance to salt spray. Those exposed to direct spray along the dunes will need to be highly salt-tolerant. Salt-tolerant plants are often deformed by direct exposure to salty air, but they can survive and grow. Salt-sensitive plants grow poorly or die when exposed to salty air.
Overhead Power Lines: To provide unobstructed tree growth, only trees that are small at maturity should be planted directly under or within 6 feet of overhead lines. Refer to Figure 2 for planting distance recommendations around utilities. Be aware that even a 50-foot buffer may be too close for trees with a large canopy. Check the mature canopy size of the tree species before you plant. By choosing appropriate species, one can avoid having trees topped by the utility company, as well as damage to overhead power, phone or cable lines.
Buildings: If planting under the eaves of a building, be aware that plants will receive little or no rainfall if the building has gutters. The soil may then become too dry to support good root growth unless irrigation is regularly supplied. If a building has no gutters, water running off the roof may supply plants in the immediate vicinity with several hundred inches of rainfall every year instead of the usual 50 to 60 inches. Locate plants so that water cascading off a roof will not land directly on the plants.
Most perennials and vines can be planted to within a foot of a building, as their roots will not grow large enough to damage the foundation. However, trees and shrubs planted near the house foundation should have enough room to reach a mature width, leaving a 12- to 18- inch air gap next to the wall.
This will allow adequate air circulation for house foundation vents and helps prevent mildew. Proper spacing also prevents shrubs from becoming one-sided and appearing jammed against the building when mature. See fact sheet HGIC 1702, Foundation Plantings for more information.
Trees are most stable when they develop a uniform root system distributed more or less evenly in every direction from the trunk. The unbalanced root system that develops when roots meet a building wall can reduce the wind firmness of the tree. Large-maturing trees planted within 10 feet of a one- or two-story building can blow over, especially if wind comes from the building side of the tree. In most cases, planting a tree less than 15 feet from a building is not a good idea. As a general rule, trees develop very extensive root systems, spreading two to three times the width of the tree or more.
Existing Trees: When young trees or shrubs that require full sun are planted under or near the canopy of established trees, they will bend in the direction of the sunlight and become deformed. Choose shade-tolerant plants for planting in the shade of established trees. Avoid planting close to the trunk of an established tree. Tree roots spread outward two to three times the width of the canopy. Severing one major root when digging around a tree can cause the loss of 5 – 20 percent of the root system.
Below-Ground Site Analysis
Soil of good quality is precious and should not be wasted. When deciding to build on a site, advanced planning (before construction starts) enables you to identify and preserve good soil. Make provisions to save and store high-quality soil for use when construction is completed. Do not permit this soil to be taken away or buried. Work with contractors to prevent excessive soil compaction in areas where trees will be planted. Isolate these areas with heavy fences.
More frequently one must select plants for a site where construction has already been completed and the soil and ground have been modified by heavy equipment. Simply layering soil over compacted soil will not promote good plant growth. Break up compacted soil and mix with loose soil. Examine soil throughout the planting site and test each different type you find. Have the soil tested through the county Extension office.
Soil pH: The pH level of the soil is the most important component of a soil test, so do not try to guess the level. Never apply lime without testing your soil first. Conduct soil tests in several areas of the planting site. The pH may be lower or higher next to a building because of sand or other materials used near the footings.
Soil Texture: While soil texture is not in itself a growth-limiting factor, it does indicate other soil attributes that influence plant growth. Clay with its dense texture may drain poorly if the terrain is flat or the soil has been compacted by heavy equipment. When planting in clayey soil, you must know whether drainage is poor or good to select plants that are adapted to the level of moisture that will prevail. On the other hand, many sandy soils drain quickly and, if irrigation cannot be provided on a regular basis after plants are established, drought-resistant species should be chosen for the site.
Nitrogen, potassium and other essential elements are leached more quickly through sandy soils. A controlled, slow-release fertilizer is recommended for sandy soil because soluble, fast-release nitrogen fertilizers leach quickly. Consider choosing a species native or adapted to a sandy soil type. Such plants may be more tolerant of soils with a lower nutrient content.
Soil Drainage: Soil drainage is determined by soil type, compaction, and distance to water table. There are two types of drainage to inspect at the planting site: surface and internal. Proper surface grading will allow water to penetrate the soil evenly and direct run-off away from unwanted areas to prevent pooling. Clay soils and compacted surfaces will cause more water run-off than sandy soils. To redirect run-off, construct swales or gentle slopes in the landscape to direct water to a desired location.
Internal soil drainage is an important factor for optimum root development. Most plants prefer a well-drained soil. Well-drained soils provide adequate water and oxygen to plant roots. Poor drainage can result in poor root development due to low oxygen levels.
Compacted Low-Oxygen Soils: Compacted and poorly drained soils contain little oxygen, which plant roots need in order to survive and grow. Though some plants tolerate soils with low oxygen, most grow poorly or die. Although any type of soil can become compacted, clayey offers plants the most difficult challenge.
To check for compaction and drainage of the planting site, dig a hole at least 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide in each section of your planting site. Soil that is difficult to dig may be compacted; if a pickaxe must be used, soil is probably too compacted for planting without taking corrective measures. If the soil is fairly easy to dig with a shovel, it is probably not compacted. Fill the holes with water. If water stands in the hole for 6 hours or more, the site has poor drainage. Improve compacted and poorly drained soils by tilling. Do not till under the dripline of trees and shrubs or you will cause serious damage to their root systems.
If plants that cannot tolerate wet roots must be planted on a site with poor soil drainage, a mound known as a berm can be created to elevate the plant's root systems (see Figure 3). Although its use may be the only option, making a berm is not an ideal solution because of the various problems it entails. Successful use of this landscaping technique requires intelligent advance planning. The right plant in the right space is the ultimate key to success.
Subsurface Compacted Layers: Soil that has been loosely spread over a compacted soil creates special challenges. Roots often grow only in the loose soil and fail to penetrate the compacted subsoil. The resulting shallow root system can create unstable and potentially hazardous large trees. Consequently, only small and medium-sized trees are recommended for planting where less than 2 feet of loose soil will be spread over compacted subsoil.
In landscapes with subsurface compacted layers, the lowest areas are likely to be wet during certain times of the year. Within a day or two after a significant rainfall, evaluate the site and decide if choosing plants tolerant of wet sites will be necessary. If this kind of evaluation is conducted during a drier time of the year, you may mistakenly conclude that your drainage is fine.
Soil Salinity: Some soils in coastal areas have a high salt content. If you are unfamiliar with the area or suspect that salts could be a problem, have the soil tested. Be mindful that irrigation water may also be salty. When using well water along the coast, have it tested. If good water is not available, choose salt-tolerant plants or those that have been growing well in your area with the same irrigation water.
Soil Depth: In the ideal planting site, the layer of soil above bedrock would be at least 5 or 6 feet deep. Dig a hole to learn the depth of your soil layer. If bedrock comes close to the surface or if for other reasons there is little soil, plant trees that are small to medium-sized at maturity. Large maturing trees planted in shallow soil are likely to form large surface roots, which can disrupt foundations, drive-ways, sidewalks, curbing and gardens. Further-more, large trees with shallow root systems can topple over in storms.
Distance to the Water Table: Below-ground variations of a planting site and the surrounding terrain affect the distance between the soil surface and the top of the water table in a given locale. The distance to the water table often varies throughout the year; you may find that the water table that was within inches of the surface in one season has dropped several feet below it during another season. For the purposes of plant selection, sites with water within a foot or two of the soil surface during part of the year should be treated as poorly drained.
To determine the distance to the water table, use a shovel, four-inch auger, or backhoe, to dig several holes two to three feet deep around your planting site. Wait two hours. If water appears in the hole, the water table is high, suggesting a need to select plants that tolerate wet sites. See fact sheet HGIC 1718, Plants for Damp or Wet Areas for more information.
If the distance from the soil surface to the surface of the water is less than 18 inches, only small or medium-sized wet-site trees are recommended. Large maturing trees will adapt to wet sites by developing shallow root systems and can then become unstable in storms. The possible exceptions are trees that grow with submerged root systems, such as baldcypress (Taxodium distichum) and black gum (Nyssa sylvatica). If no water appears in the hole, you will not have to consider the water table in choosing plants for that site.
Underground Utilities: Before any digging or planting, determine the location of underground electric, telephone and television cables as well as water, sewer and gas lines. In South Carolina, call 811 (SC811 [http://www.sc1pups.org/]). Member companies will mark underground lines within 3 business days (not including the day of the call). Once the utilities have been marked, you will know their approximate location and can dig safely. Digging holes without regard for underground utilities risks serious personal injury as well as damage to the lines. The person(s) causing the damage must pay for repairs.
Trees that are large at maturity should be planted at least 12 feet from major underground utility lines; the rule-of-thumb is to plant as far away as possible. No tree should be planted directly on top of a utility line because it might be damaged or need removal if the line needs servicing.
Medium- to large-maturing trees planted near septic tanks and drain fields can cause damage with their roots. Although the roots of small-maturing trees and shrubs can also invade septic tanks, they seldom cause extensive problems. To be safe, plant a tree at least as far from a potential underground trouble spot as the diameter of its canopy at maturity. For example, a tree expected to produce a canopy 40 feet in diameter should be planted 40 feet from a septic tank or drain field.
Site Preparation & Soil Amendments
Many planting sites need to be prepared before planting begins. Preparations may include grading, tilling compacted soil, installation of irrigation or other utilities, the addition of gutters to a roof to control runoff during heavy rains, terracing to retain runoff, amending soil or other projects that will affect the nature or viability of the planting site.
The first step to take in preparing the site is grading the soil to achieve the desired landform. It is important at this stage to create adequate surface drainage that directs water flow away from structures and planting beds and into an appropriate water path for the area.
Loosen compacted soil by plowing or tilling, increasing the rate of root growth and root penetration into the landscape soil. This speeds up establishment time and reduces the period of the tree's vulnerability to pests, disease and drought. Loosen the soil 15 to 20 feet or more in diameter around the area where the tree will be planted.
Most landscape soils are not modified with soil amendments prior to planting, and the plants grow well. However, amendments may serve to adjust the soil pH to a desirable range (although the effect is usually temporary), to add nutrient elements or to temporarily increase organic matter. Because it promotes rapid root growth, composted organic matter is a good amendment for large planting beds containing groups of shrubs. However, individual planting holes for trees and shrubs usually do not need amendments.