text:
Laundry washed and put away. Sheets washed and beds made up.
Kitchen cabinets cleaned out.
Laundry room and laundry room closet cleaned.
Two chests in my bedroom were cleaned out.
I can finally see the seat of a chair in my bedroom. The first time in months.
My closet floor was cleaned out. Unfortunately my closet floor accumulates the majority of the "crap". It was a scary place. More clothes will be removed tomorrow. Typing for accountability.
All kitchen cabinets and pantry cleaned out and reorganized.
Microwave cleaned.
Oven cleaned.
Toaster oven cleaned.
All kitchen counters and counter stuff cleaned.
My bathroom was given a major cleaning. Even my shower which I loathe doing.
Garage (another scary place) will hopefully be the recipient of some time well spent tomorrow.
J worked like a soldier today. I was so proud. Working really hard and she had a blast.
She swept the whole driveway, sidewalk and front porch.
Vacuumed the whole house (even the carpeted rooms!).
Dusted the whole house.
Washed the windows on the door into the garage and the front door.
She swept the deck, raked the backyard and had tons of fun jumping in her pile of leaves. Earlier in the day I asked her why she was working so hard and she said, "so we can have a clean house and I want to do something really nice for you." Awwwwwww..... Then she went on to list all of the things above that she was going to do. I actually teared up. Asked her why she thought I was crying and she said, "they're tears of joy, mom." I thought her list was a really nice sentiment but never thought in a million years that she would actually do it. She did. Without any direction from me.
Tonight we celebrated all our hard work by watching the S o u n d of M*sic and eating chocolate cake in front of the TV. Unheard of in our house.
Right before bed she asked what could we do tomorrow to accomplish some more. I'm thinking sleeping late would be a good start. :) Late is 8 AM at our house. The garage and the rest of my closet can wait till the afternoon (or next month.....). :)


text:
Trying to get on the wagon with all this technical stuff, and as I work on having help on my blog, just wanted to pass along my Facebook page to you all. I am excited about upcoming themes for 2012!!
Late Dec to early Jan I will be showing you calendars, devotionals and planners to get your year started out on the right foot.
Mid Jan lets look at making some green resolutions. Starting small and looking at eco-friendly and reusable resources.
Then February is the Coffee Revue where we will have 2 weeks of all things coffee!!
I will have a coffee revue button shortly that you can put on your blog.
Lots of giveaways and fantastic products!!
For now though see if this link will take you to my FB page :)

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Beware of local scoping in .NET
Last week Jordan Parker and I were looking at a chunk of code that was evidently leaking memory. What we discovered wasn't obvious at first so I thought I'd share it with the world. The code looked something like this:
.cf1 { color: rgb(0,0,255) }
.bg1 { background: rgb(0,0,255) }
.cf2 { color: rgb(43,145,175) }
.bg2 { background: rgb(43,145,175) }
void BackgroundThreadProc()
while (true)
while (!WorkQueueEmpty())
WorkItem item = DequeueWorkItem();
The idea is that we have a thread that waits to get signaled then flushes a queue of work items and goes back to waiting. What could go wrong? Imagine the following sequence of events:
- a work item is queued and the background thread is signaled.
- the background thread processes the work item and goes back to waiting for a signal.
- a long time elapses before another work item is queued.
The problem we ran into is that after 2. the local variable "item" was still in scope. From the C# perspective, you may think that "item" is out of scope while we're blocked in "WaitOne", however this is merely a language notion. Local variables in .NET are scoped to methods, which means "item" is a GC root whenever we're executing this method. This caused the most recently processes WorkItem not to be garbage collected, and that caused anything the WorkItem referenced not to be collected and so on.
We can see this by looking at the IL:
.method private hidebysig instance void BackgroundThreadProc() cil managed
.maxstack 2
.locals init (
[0] class WorkerThingy/WorkItem item)
L_0000: ldarg.0
L_0001: ldfld class [mscorlib]System.Threading.AutoResetEvent WorkerThingy::_waitEvent
L_0006: callvirt instance bool [mscorlib]System.Threading.WaitHandle::WaitOne()
L_000b: pop
L_000c: br.s L_001c
L_000e: ldarg.0
L_000f: call instance class WorkerThingy/WorkItem WorkerThingy::DequeueWorkItem()
L_0014: stloc.0
L_0015: ldarg.0
L_0016: ldloc.0
L_0017: call instance void WorkerThingy::ProcessWorkItem(class WorkerThingy/WorkItem)
L_001c: ldarg.0
L_001d: call instance bool WorkerThingy::WorkQueueEmpty()
L_0022: brfalse.s L_000e
L_0024: br.s L_0000
Notice that IL declares the locals near the top of the method body. As far as the CLR is concerned 'item' IS in scope while we're waiting to get signaled. This is something to keep in mind if you find yourself writing a method that never exits.


text:
20 Things You Definitely Should Not Buy in 2018
It's a new year and you're probably dying to buy some of the hot new products on the market. However, the way the next big thing seems to change every week, you might be better off waiting before you splash out. Here are some of the things you should not buy in 2018, especially if you're trying to save money or make more money this year.
1. CryptocurrenciesWarren Buffett, one of the world's richest people on the planet and renowned as a savvy investor, is one of the many financial experts warning that the Bitcoin bubble will burst. When you invest in cryptocurrencies, you're really just speculating with your money and it could end up costing you dearly.
2. Smart LuggageHaving a bag that comes with USB ports, electronic locks and GPS tracking may sound like a travel must-have but you're better off sticking with a regular bag and the things you should always have in your carry-on. The reason is that airlines are now placing restrictions on smart luggage, as their batteries pose a fire risk.
3. Wired chargersSome tech companies are already introducing wireless chargers for devices like smartphones. This technology, which doesn't require an adapter or plug, is set to become more commonplace and you'll never have to struggle with tangled wires again.
You may also like: 20 frugal habits that'll make you a millionaire.
4. Smart AppliancesIf your fridge is on the blink, by all means replace it with a smart fridge but don't go and splash out on smart appliances simply because you want the cool factor. Unnecessary purchases are among the most common financial regrets people have. Besides, smart-appliance technology is bound to improve and become more affordable.
6. The Latest iPhoneApple updates its iPhone almost as often as a new scandal comes out of Hollywood. While the company is expected to release a new iPhone later this year, wait before you spend your tax refund money on it. First see if it is really that much better and can do that much more than the phone you currently have.
8. Smart SpeakersSmart speakers are among the most popular gadgets at the moment. But over the course of the year there will be more competition in this field, which means better products at lower prices by 2019. And don't forget that one of the simplest tips for getting rich is to avoid impulse buying.
9. LED LightsLED lights are great for saving energy and all but something even better has come along to replace them. OLED – organic light-emitting diode – lighting is more energy efficient and spreads light more evenly, making it even easier to save money.
10. Virtual Reality Gaming DeviceWe already told you not to buy these things, but if you buy one of the exciting new virtual reality gaming devices on the market, you'll have a very expensive gadget that you can't do much with, since your gaming choices are still very limited. It's better to wait until more companies have developed games for these devices and a wider range will mean lower prices too.
11. New CarUnless you live in the back of beyond or have a job that requires you to have a car, there's really no reason why you can't get around with public transport or a bicycle. If you do need wheels, spend less on a second-hand car in good condition rather than buying a new one with poor resale value.
13. CameraUnless you're a professional photographer who can work from anywhere, buying a camera is a waste of money. Instead, get a decent smartphone. Smartphone camera technology is improving all the time and if you combine it with a photo editing app, you're all set for Instagram.
15. Analog WatchIf you miss the days of simply glancing at your wrist rather than dig out your phone to tell the time, buy an analog watch only if you like vintage. Instead, invest in a smartwatch that looks just like a wristwatch but can do almost everything your smartphone does. Makes the perfect gift for Valentine's Day!
16. Plastic Sandwich BagsWe're including a couple of items that, while not brand new, are things that you should avoid buying anyway. For example: sandwich bags. They're terrible for the environment. Use once, discard. They're also a waste of money. Instead, buy reusable containers. You can get them for a song at the dollar store or pick some up at a neighbourhood yard sale.
17. Gym MembershipIf you really, really think you're going to use it, fine. But if you're like most of us, you won't. Instead of a yearly gym membership, buy daily passes to see how committed you are. Or, take the cost of a gym membership and invest it in a new bike or used (cheap!) exercise equipment found on the buy-and-sell websites. And with summer just around the corner, here are some fun ways to get fit outside.
18. Bottled WaterYou already know this one, although it can be hard to remember - especially if you're thirsty. But for the good of the environment, try to refrain from buying bottled water and carry your own refillable water bottle. Pick up a few used ones at a yard sale and keep them handy. It's also an easy way to save a few bucks every month!
19. New BooksNew books are quite expensive, even the electronic versions. Unless you're filling the shelves of your study, head to your local library. You'll find all the new releases (including ebooks) and the classics. Or be patient and hit the used bookstores a few weeks after a big title comes out. If you're looking for some ideas for your reading list, here are 10 books every female should read to get ahead.
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text:
Before my wedding on last Saturday, I have been searching through the forums and blogs for reviews of wedding at Marina Bay Sands. Unfortunately, most reviews are just 1 sentence e.g. Not bad, good food, had my wedding there and it's good, etc. So basically I couldn't get much info from there, except for 1 bride who is willing to share with me her experience in private message.
Therefore, I shall be nice and share my actual day wedding experience at MBS in this post.
First of all, please take into consideration that the followings are based on my personal experience and preferences. Also, there were a total of 6 wedding banquets at level 3 ballrooms (running concurrently), and Michael Bublé's concert at level 5 on my wedding day, 17 Jan 2015, Saturday.
1) Preparation (a few days before the wedding)
My MBS coordinator was Jennifer, but after she left, Aih Kim took over from her, which is probably why she is very busy. Despite that, she does reply emails promptly and answers to our queries. To be fair, promptly means within 1-2 days, as she has so many banquets to take care of.
So, Aih Kim called me to finalise the details of the banquet (number of bottles of wine with corkage waivered, time and venue of solemnization, venue of bridal changing room, hotel stay dates, total number of tables for the dinner, technical requirements for playing videos/music during banquet, banquet floor plan etc.). I was reminded to provide her a wedding photo (min. 5mb) to display on screens outside the ballroom, and a copy of the banquet event flow.
2) Actual Day Arrival at MBS Hotel
If you haven't noticed, the ballroom is at the convention centre beside the casino, while the hotel room is across the road in one of the 3 towers.
Before we set off to the hotel, we were supposed to call MBS to let them know. But due to over excitement, we forgot about it. On our way to the hotel, the MBS staff called me to check on our estimated time of arrival (ETA). Upon arriving at the drop off point outside Tower 1 lobby, the MBS staff (sorry that I forgot your name) greeted us cheerfully and helped me out of the car. They know it's us because of the bridal car and the informed ETA. Without any delay, the bellboys rushed to unload our barang barang from the bridal and groomsmen's cars.
Meanwhile, the MBS staff walked us to our hotel room in tower 3. Yep, this means we have been checked in prior to our arrival, and the bridal car will be valet parked. They made us feel like VIP. =)
So, the staff brought us to our hotel room (Orchid Suite) at level 52. We had the garden view room. After settling us down, she left us to rest in the room. Our wedding package came with a free deluxe room stay for helpers which is located at level 33 in the same tower.
I will write about the hotel room in a separate post.
3) Time for Bride's makeup
The complimentary champagne and chocolate praline (part of wedding package) were sent to our room. I only had time to drink a cup of nespresso coffee, remove my morning makeup, and a quick shower, then it's time for me to proceed to the ballroom area for evening makeup.
My makeup artist arrived at 3pm to do makeup and hair do for my mum and mother-in-law, and my turn is at 4+pm. So my mum and I made our way from the hotel to the convention center using the basement 1 linkway. I had changed into my casual clothes so that it's easier and less awkward for me to walk over. You can choose to take the bridal car over, but I walked to save the trouble and time.
Makeup and gowns changing is done at the bridal changing room beside the banquet ballroom. For me, I was given Angsana room 3E which is as big as my food tasting room. Inside the room, there are tables, chairs, sofa, bottles of water, power points, 2 small mirrors, 1 standing mirror, 2 clothes racks, and drapes to serve as changing area.
My husband stayed in the hotel room to rest until 4pm before calling the bellboy to bring my gowns and shoes from the hotel room to me.
4) Meeting of Banquet Manager & Solemnization
My banquet manager is Dexter. He is so helpful that I have nothing but compliments. He was already there overseeing the banquet tables set up when I went down for my makeup. My bridesmaids, groomsmen, and emcees met him at around 5pm for briefing and rehearsal.
At the same time, my solemnization room was already set up in Angsana room 3F. Since I did not top up to decorate the solemnization room, my reception table flower was brought to the solemnization table by the banquet staff. They automatically returned the flower to the reception table after the ceremony. The lovely assistant (very sorry that I didn't catch your name either!) even advised me to take a deep breath before marching in the room with my husband.
I did not top up for the audio system, but my guests were able to hear very clearly without the use of microphones. We just have to speak a bit louder.
5) March-in Rehearsal
Dexter coordinated with the A/V technicians (provided by MBS) and the groomsman to play the music and adjusted the lightings. We did both the first and second march-in, wedding cake cutting, and champagne pouring (not real) rehearsal. The assistant helped me with my wedding dress train when I was going up the stage. She is really very helpful and kind.
6) The Banquet
We started the banquet on time at 8pm. Some of our guests couldn't find parking lots and were late for the dinner.
For the VIP table, I felt that we were well taken care of. Food was nicely portioned and served. The chef had listened to all the comments which we provided during food tasting (I will write about food tasting in separate post).
But some of my guests feedback that the roasted pig skin was not crispy enough, steamed fish and soup were not hot enough. We feedback these to Aih Kim when we settle the final bill and she said that she will investigate. We were a bit puzzled because we have absolutely no issue with the food at our VIP tables and some guests do not have these problems too.
Portion wise, it's huge. All the guests compliment the generous serving of food. Especially the stir fried scallop with asparagus, the scallops were so big and juicy, and no fishy taste at all. Each guest had about 3-4 pieces of scallops. The steamed fish was very fresh, juicy and tender~ I finished my portion in the changing room. *Greedy Bride*
Overall the service is very good. Except for a few part timers who needed reminder for refilling beverages. Plates were changed timely and food was served promptly. My banquet went so smoothly that we ended at about 10-ish pm. Guests were very happy.
I chose June Florist to do my banquet decor. Previously I was praising them being so flexible about the choice of decor in my blog, but now I have to take back my words.
Here are the stuff that went wrong:
– Flowers were not fresh. When I was doing my march-in rehearsal, I noticed that some flowers had already browned. Like seriously? If only I had my phone with me, I would have taken pictures to prove my words.
– I repeatedly told June Florist that I do not want too many leaves in the aisle flower stands and VIP centerpiece. But, they did as per their usual template. I can only say: Leaves, leaves everywhere~
– Stage Canopy disaster. First I must say that the canopy is pretty and fills up my stage well. BUT, the hanging flower was slanted with the crystals entangled. I noticed the error the moment the I stepped into the ballroom. Seriously? It's so obvious that anyone who is not blind would have spotted it. They may have many banquet decors to do on that day, but that's not an excuse for it's my once in a lifetime wedding.
Also, the stage flowers were fake flowers.
– VIP table. I can only describe it as pathetic. I was assured by Lawrence from June florist over the phone that he will fill up my 20-pax VIP table with flower petals and big candles so that it would not be so empty. But on the actual day, my VIP table only had 1 Mega-top vase and 6 tiny side flowers.
I got my cousin to call June florist to rectify the problems. Guess what? They only came and put a few tealight candles on my VIP table. That's it. My pathetic looking VIP table and the slanted hanging flower on stage. I shall post the pictures when I received them from my photographer.
Banquet Manager
As mentioned earlier, my banquet manager is Dexter. I am very lucky to have him managing my banquet. He is so professional and friendly that I would definitely vote him for best service award.
Here's the stuff he did for us:
– Took good care of the banquet flow
– Pro-actively informed us of the number of bottles of wines opened throughout the banquet
– Pro-actively suggested to open the entrance door slightly for us to watch the morning highlights while we stand by for 2nd march-in
– Pro-actively suggested to do the dry-ice effect for our 2nd march-in as well
– Personally sent the food to our changing room when we have to change for 2nd march-in, and our dessert after the banquet ends
– He adjusted my wedding dress train for me before I march-in. This was really sweet of him.
– Lastly, he got the bellboy to bring our stuff back to the hotel room after the event.
Also, not forgetting the assistant (a Malay lady) who helped and took good care of me during the banquet.
That's about it for the banquet review. If you need more information, feel free to leave a comment.
I will write about the food tasting and hotel stay in separate posts, so stay tuned!
*Blissfully Married*


text:
Emergency Percutaneous Coronary Intervention in Post–Cardiac Arrest Patients Without ST-Segment Elevation PatternInsights From the PROCAT II Registry
Author + information
- Received September 9, 2015
- Revision received February 1, 2016
- Accepted February 2, 2016
- Published online May 23, 2016.
Author Information
- Florence Dumas, MD, PhDa,b,∗ (florence.dumas{at}cch.aphp.fr),
- Wulfran Bougouin, MD, MPHa,c,
- Guillaume Geri, MD, Scia,c,
- Lionel Lamhaut, MDa,d,
- Julien Rosencher, MDe,
- Frédéric Pène, MD, PhDc,
- Jean-Daniel Chiche, MD, PhDc,
- Olivier Varenne, MD, PhDe,
- Pierre Carli, MD, PhDd,
- Xavier Jouven, MD, PhDa,
- Jean-Paul Mira, MD, PhDc,
- Christian Spaulding, MD, PhDa and
- Alain Cariou, MD, PhDa,c
- aINSERM U970 (team 4), Parisian Cardiovascular Research Center–PARCC, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- bEmergency Department, Cochin-Hotel-Dieu Hospital, APHP & Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- cMedical Intensive Care Unit, Cochin University Hospital, APHP & Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- dEmergency Medical Services, SAMU 75, Necker Hospital, APHP & Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- eDepartment of Cardiology, Cochin Hospital, APHP & Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
- ↵∗Reprint requests and correspondence:
Dr. Florence Dumas, Emergency Department, Cochin Hospital, 27 rue du Faubourg Saint Jacques, 75014 Paris, France.
Objectives In a large cohort of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) patients without ST-segment elevation (STE), the study assessed the relationship between the use of an early invasive strategy and patient outcome.
Background Emergent coronary angiogram (CAG) and reperfusion are currently a standard of care in patients resuscitated from an OHCA with ST-segment elevation (STE). However, using a similar invasive strategy is still debated in patients without STE.
Methods In the absence of an obvious extracardiac cause, for many years our practice has had to perform an emergent CAG in all OHCA patients (STE and no STE) at admission, followed by percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) when required. All patients' characteristics are prospectively collected in the PROCAT (Parisian Registry Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) database. Focusing on non-STE patients and using logistical regression, we investigated the association between early PCI and favorable outcome (cerebral performance category 1 to 2 at discharge) and we searched predictive factors for PCI requirement.
Results During the study period (2004 to 2013), we investigated 958 OHCA patients with an emergent CAG. Among them 695 of 958 (73%), mostly male (76%), and average 60 years of age had no evidence of STE on the post-resuscitation electrocardiography. A PCI was deemed necessary in 199 of 695 (29%). A favorable outcome was observed in 87 of 200 (43%) in patients with PCI compared with 164 of 495 (33%) in patients without PCI (p = 0.02). After adjustment, PCI was associated with a better outcome (adjusted odds ratio: 1.80 [95% confidence interval: 1.09 to 2.97]; p = 0.02). The other predictive factors of favorable outcome were a shorter resuscitation length (<20 min), an initial shockable rhythm, and a lower dose of epinephrine during resuscitation (p < 0.001). An initial shockable rhythm (adjusted odds ratio: 2.83 [95% confidence interval: 1.84 to 4.36]; p < 0.001) was the sole independent indicator for PCI requirement.
Conclusions A culprit coronary lesion requiring PCI was found in nearly one-third of OHCA patients without STE. In these patients, emergent PCI was associated with a nearly 2-fold increase in the rate of favorable outcome. These findings support the use of an invasive strategy in these patients, particularly in those resuscitated from a shockable rhythm.
Current guidelines of the International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation highlight the need for a comprehensive etiological research, focused on reversible causes of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) (1). When return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) is obtained, finding and treating the cause of the arrest can prevent relapse and subsequent clinical deterioration. Acute coronary syndrome (ACS) is considered a frequent cause of OHCA, and emergent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) is associated with improved hospital survival in OHCA patients with ACS (2,3). Recent guidelines therefore recommend that resuscitated patients of presumed coronary cause should undergo emergent coronary angiography (CAG) with subsequent PCI if indicated (4).
In OHCA patients with ST-segment elevation (STE) on the post-ROSC electrocardiography (ECG), this invasive strategy is widely and routinely applied because an acute coronary occlusion is most often the cause of the arrest and because an early coronary revascularization is associated with a significant clinical benefit. However, patients without evidence of STE on post-ROSC ECG represent the vast majority, ranging from one-quarter to nearly two-thirds of resuscitated OHCA patients. Previous studies have reported variable rates of acute coronary occlusion in this group of patients, ranging between 21% and 53% (5–8). We previously found at least 1 significant coronary lesion requiring PCI in only 26% of patients without STE, as compared with 74 % in patients with STE (3). Whether it is useful to use an immediate invasive strategy in non-STE patients resuscitated from OHCA is debated, as it is associated with multiple logistical and organizational challenges, and because the benefit of emergent PCI on outcome is still debatable in these patients (9,10).
Using the PROCAT (Parisian Registry Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest) registry, we assessed the influence of emergent PCI on outcome in patients without STE on post-resuscitation ECG. In addition, we aimed to identify the characteristics of patients who would mostly benefit from this invasive strategy.
Study setting and population
In Paris (France), management of OHCA involves mobile emergency units and fire departments. They cover a population of approximately 6.5 million during the day. Upon witnessed call and in suspected cases of sudden cardiac arrest, the closest emergency unit is dispatched on the scene. Out-of-hospital resuscitation is delivered by an emergency team, which includes at least 1 trained physician in emergency medicine according to the European guidelines (11). Patients in whom ROSC is achieved are then referred to a cardiac arrest center with an intensive care unit (ICU) and coronary intervention facilities available 24 h a day, 7 days a week. According to the Utstein template (12), resuscitated patients with obvious extracardiac causes, such as respiratory failure, brain stroke, metabolic disorder, hemorrhage, or any other noncardiac causes, are explored and treated according to standard critical care procedures. In the absence of an obvious extracardiac cause, patients are admitted directly to the cardiac catheterization laboratory at hospital admission, regardless of clinical and ECG findings. An immediate CAG and a left ventricular angiography are performed using standard techniques. If indicated, a PCI is attempted. After the procedure, patients are admitted to the ICU for supportive treatment including targeted temperature management (13).
Data analysis
Patients' data were prospectively entered in the PROCAT electronic registry database that was previously described (3). All eligible cases entered in the database between January 2004 and December 2013 were included in the present analysis. OHCA data were collected according to the Utstein recommendations (12) and included age (according to its median), sex, cardiovascular risk factors (e.g., hypertension, diabetes mellitus, current smoking), location of cardiac arrest, and initial cardiac rhythm (presence of ventricular fibrillation or ventricular tachycardia). The delay between the onset of OHCA and ROSC estimated by the emergency medical service team and the cumulated initial epinephrine dose were classified according to their medians. The post-ROSC ECG pattern, the use of therapeutic hypothermia and occurrence of a post–cardiac arrest shock, previously defined (14), were also noted. Coronary angiographic data were prospectively entered in the database. A coronary lesion resulting in more than a 70% reduction in luminal diameter by visual estimation was considered clinically significant. Considering angiographic aspects, a PCI was attempted if there was an acute coronary artery occlusion or if there was an unstable lesion that could be considered as the cause of cardiac arrest. At the end of the procedure, PCI was deemed successful if it resulted in residual stenosis of <50% with Thrombolysis In Myocardial Infarction flow grade 3.
Study population and outcome
All consecutive patients with sustained ROSC without any obvious extracardiac cause and in the absence of STE on the post-ROSC ECG were included for analyses. An STE was defined as an elevation of 1 mm or more in 2 contiguous leads in standard leads and 2 mm or more in precordial leads. All other aspects were considered non-STE patterns. The primary outcome was the best level on the cerebral performance category (CPC) scale observed at hospital discharge by the physician in charge, considering CPC 1 or 2 as a good outcome (15).
Statistical analysis
Descriptive statistics were summarized as proportions for categorical variables and mean ± SD for continuous variables. The associations between categorical variables were assessed using a chi-square test (or Fisher exact test when appropriate) and continuous variables compared with Student t test.
We investigated the association between successful PCI and good neurological outcome using logistical regression including all the potential confounders (age, sex, cardiovascular factors, initial rhythm, location, witnessed status and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation, resuscitation length, epinephrine dosage, targeted temperature management, post-arrest shock). Additionally we performed a multivariable analysis identifying predictive factors for successful PCI performance, incorporating early and reliable parameters (age, sex, initial rhythm, resuscitation length, location and use of epinephrine). To refine the analysis in different categories of patients, we selected the variables found as significant in univariate assessment (age, sex, initial rhythm).
Because the study period covers a decade, sensitivity analyses were performed including the year of inclusion of the patients in the PROCAT registry. All variables of interest were exhaustively and carefully reviewed, in order to minimize potential bias. Furthermore, a supplemental analysis using multiple imputations (by 10 imputations multivariable normal regression) was also performed (16).
Odds ratios (ORs) are presented with 95% confidence interval (CI). A p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. All calculations were performed using STATA 12-1/SE software (Stata Corp., College Station, Texas).
During the study period, 1,430 patients were admitted to the ICU after OHCA. Among these patients, 472 of 1,430 (33%) presented an obvious extracardiac cause (sepsis, neurological, respiratory, trauma, asphyxia, hemorrhage, or other), a STE was observed on the post-resuscitation ECG in 251 of 1,430 (18%), and 12 of 1,430 cases had no available post-ROSC ECG. Finally 695 patients with no obvious extracardiac cause and without STE were investigated with a systematic and emergent CAG at hospital admission and were included in the analysis.
Among these patients, 66% were men (528 of 695), with a mean of 60 ± 13.7 years of age. An initial shockable rhythm (ventricular fibrillation or pulseless ventricular tachycardia) was noted in 62% of patients (431 of 695). Cardiac arrest occurred at home in 63% of patients (440 of 695), was witnessed in 90% of patients (611 of 677) and bystander cardiopulmonary resuscitation was performed in 51% of patients (342 of 674). The median interval delay from cardiac arrest to ROSC was 20 min (interquartile range: 14 to 32 min) (Table 1).
On post-resuscitation ECG, 39% of patients presented with nonspecific repolarization abnormalities (negative T waves and ST-segment depression), 26% presented with conduction disturbances, 20% had a normal ECG pattern, and 15% presented with other patterns (supraventricular tachycardia, atrial fibrillation).
The emergent CAG identified at least 1 significant lesion in 403 of 695 patients (58%). A culprit coronary lesion deemed responsible for the cardiac arrest was identified and treated by PCI in 199 of 695 patients (29%). The culprit lesions for cardiac arrest were localized on the left anterior descending (n = 93), left main (n = 13), circumflex (n = 44), and right coronary arteries (n = 51).
The overall favorable outcome rate at discharge was 251 of 695 patients (36%) (Table 2). Patients treated with successful PCI had a better outcome in 85 of 199 patients (43%) compared to 166 of 496 patients (33%) in whom the CAG was not followed by emergent PCI (p = 0.02) (Figure 1). After adjustment for potential confounders, emergent successful PCI was independently associated with a better outcome (adjusted OR: 1.80 [95% CI: 1.09 to 2.97]; p = 0.02) (Table 2). This association remained stable even after adjusting on the year of inclusion (adjusted OR: 1.80 [95% CI: 1.09 to 2.99]). After multiple imputations for missing data PCI was associated with a better outcome of adjusted OR (1.52 [95% CI: 1.0 to 2.29]). Besides a shorter resuscitation length (<20 min), an initial shockable rhythm and a low dose of epinephrine were also significantly associated with a better outcome (p < 0.001).
Table 3 summarizes the different baseline characteristics of patients with or without a successful PCI. Male sex, smoking, and initial shockable rhythm were significantly associated with PCI (p < 0.05). In patients >50 years of age, 166 of 549 patients (30.2%) presented a culprit coronary lesion compared to 33 of 146 patients (22.6%) <50 years of age (p = 0.07). After adjustment for early potential confounders, an initial shockable rhythm remained the sole predictive factor for successful PCI with an adjusted OR of 2.83 (95% CI: 1.84 to 4.36) (Table 4). In the whole cohort, 164 of 528 of male patients (31%) had PCI compared to 35 of 167 of female patients (21%; p = 0.01); 150 of 431 (35%) initial shockable rhythm patients had PCI compared to 49 of 264 (18.6%) nonshockable rhythm patients (p < 0.001). Among the latter, 125 of 264 patients (47%) who presented an initial nonshockable rhythm had finally at least 1 significant lesion diagnosed during the procedure (Table 4).
When focusing on subgroups of patients, we noted that male patients >50 years of age with an initial shockable rhythm required PCI in nearly 40% of cases. In contrast, only 13% of women older than 50 years of age resuscitated from a nonshockable rhythm required emergent PCI (Figure 2).
In this large cohort study, in which a systematic and immediate CAG was performed in all patients, "ad hoc" PCI was performed in nearly one-third of the population. This emergent invasive strategy was significantly and independently associated with an improved hospital outcome. A shorter resuscitation length (<20 min), an initial shockable rhythm, and a lower dose of epinephrine were also significantly associated with a better outcome. A shockable rhythm at emergency medical service presentation was the strongest predictor of the presence of an acute coronary lesion requiring early PCI. Focusing on subgroups, male patients of >50 years of age with an initial shockable rhythm seem to benefit most from this invasive strategy, with a rate of culprit coronary lesion of 40%. In this subgroup, when PCI was performed, the rate of favorable outcome was high (48.1%).
One important challenge in post–cardiac arrest invasive strategy remains the appropriate selection of candidates. To decrease the risk of inappropriate invasive procedures, an ideal strategy should restrict early CAG to OHCA patients with the highest probability of recent coronary occlusion requiring PCI (i.e., those with a definite ACS). Unfortunately eliminating the diagnosis of ACS after OHCA is difficult. In contrast to the usual presentation of ACS in non–cardiac arrest patients, both clinical symptoms (e.g., chest pain or dyspnea) and ECG findings suggesting myocardial ischemia are difficult to assess and lack sensitivity to rule out an acute coronary artery occlusion as the cause of OHCA. Several studies suggested that the incidence of acute coronary occlusion is high even when STE is not present on the post resuscitation ECG. Spaulding et al. (2) reported culprit coronary occlusions in 39% of patients without STE and chest pain. These findings were confirmed in several observational studies, which reported a high prevalence of recent coronary occlusion even in the absence of typical ischemic changes on the post-ROSC ECG, ranging from 25% to 57% (17–19). Our group reported at least 1 significant coronary lesion requiring PCI in 26% of patients without acute ischemic ECG changes (3). In more recent published reports, sensibility and specificity of STE on post-ROSC ECG were 88% and 69% to 84%, respectively (20,21). More recently, Hollenbeck et al. (6) conducted a retrospective observational study of a prospective cohort of 754 consecutive comatose patients following cardiac arrest. A total of 269 (35.7%) patients had cardiac arrest due to a ventricular arrhythmia without STE. Cardiac catheterization was performed in 122 (45.4%) comatose patients (early cardiac catheterization). Acute coronary occlusion was noted in 26.6% of patients treated with early cardiac catheterization compared to 29.3% of patients treated with late cardiac catheterization (p = 0.38). Patients managed with early CAG were more likely to survive to hospital discharge compared to those not treated with cardiac catheterization (65.6% vs. 48.6%; p = 0.02). In a multivariate analysis, early cardiac catheterization was independently associated with a significant reduction in the risk of death (OR: 0.35 [95% CI: 0.18 to 0.70]; p < 0.01). The relatively low number of patients and the selection criteria were important limitations. In our study we demonstrated that an immediate invasive strategy routinely applied in a large cohort is associated with a clinical benefit regarding outcome. This lack of negative predictive value of post resuscitation ECG in the absence of STE could be due in part to the global myocardial ischemia–reperfusion, and also to electrolyte and acid–base abnormalities that are very common in the post-ROSC period. On the whole, the poor predictive value of ECG for acute coronary lesions in resuscitated OHCA patients with a high prevalence of coronary artery disease emphasizes the use of systematic acute CAG as part of a standard post–cardiac arrest protocol.
Biomarkers of ischemic myocardial injury could be an alternative to discriminate between coronary and noncoronary causes. It has been hypothesized that an early measurement of cardiac enzymes could be an adjunct to pre-established risk factors to detect OHCA patients most susceptible to have a recent coronary occlusion, but this strategy is disappointing. Although Grubb et al. (22) reported good diagnostic values of creatine kinase-myocardial band fraction with very high cutoffs, several subsequent studies have been at variance with this study (23,24). The use of different cutoff values to discriminate groups of patients render comparisons between studies difficult. Recently, the additional value of high sensitivity troponin was evaluated in OHCA patients (24). The predictive values were also disappointing. We do not routinely use cardiac biomarkers to guide our strategy for invasive strategy, which is why we did not include this variable in the present analysis.
On the whole, clinical, ECG, and biological tools to assess coronary ischemia are clearly less efficient in this setting. They lack sensitivity and specificity to predict an acute coronary artery occlusion as the cause of OHCA. Taken together, our findings support the use of an invasive strategy in all OHCA patients without an obvious noncardiac cause of arrest. This is supported by a recent meta-analysis that included all ECG patterns, and reported a significant benefit of an invasive strategy for survival (25). Moreover we identified a large group of patients, which can be identified early with simple and reliable factors (e.g., age, sex, rhythm), who may mostly benefit from this invasive strategy. The high prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease in ventricular tachycardia/ventricular fibrillation cardiac arrest has been previously described (26). In centers where a systematic invasive approach at admission cannot be performed, patients could be triaged for emergent angiogram using these factors. Finally it can also be argued that even a negative CAG would provide useful diagnostic information because the absence of a culprit lesion is an important finding, which will prompt searching for alternative causes of cardiac arrest.
Our management strategy of OHCA includes an emergent CAG at admission in all survivors of OHCA with no obvious noncardiac cause of arrest, even if there is no STE on the post-ROSC ECG. Recently, a statement from the European Association for Percutaneous Cardiovascular Interventions/Stent for Life groups suggested immediate cardiac arrest in survivors of OHCA with STE and a short (<2 h) "emergency room stop" in survivors without STE to perform diagnostic procedures such as brain and thorax CT scan and an echocardiogram. If no extracardiac cause of arrest is found, a cardiac arrest is recommended and should be performed <2 h after admission (9). This is an interesting strategy that should be further evaluated.
The present study is obviously limited by its nonrandomized and retrospective design, precluding any conclusion regarding a causal relationship. Data coming from ongoing randomized trials are needed (NCT02309151). This current study aimed to assess the role of PCI when emergent and systematic CAG is performed. As a result, in our strategy all the procedures were performed at hospital admission. Unfortunately, due to the design of the study we cannot provide comparative information between early and delayed strategy. Additionally our findings are drawn from a single center and may not be applicable in all communities, though this single-center design is associated with a strong homogeneity in all other aspects of management. Finally, we used the CPC at hospital discharge as main endpoint although recent International Liaison Committee on Resuscitation guidelines encouraged the use of 90-day survival. However, the CPC hospital discharge score is known to be a good surrogate indicator for long-term survival in post–cardiac arrest patients (27).
Our findings show that an emergent PCI is associated with a better outcome in patients without STE on the post-ROSC ECG after OHCA. Older men (older than 50 years of age) resuscitated from an initially shockable rhythm mostly benefitted from this strategy. In the absence of randomized trials, the present results support the use of an emergent invasive strategy in this specific population and may help to select the best candidates.
WHAT IS KNOWN? Emergent CAG and reperfusion are currently a standard of care in patients resuscitated from an OHCA with STE.
WHAT IS NEW? Whether it is useful to use an immediate invasive strategy in non-STE patients resuscitated from OHCA is debated, because it is associated with multiple logistical and organizational challenges, and also because the benefit of emergent PCI on outcome is still debatable in these patients. An emergent PCI is independently associated with a better outcome in patients without STE on the post-resuscitation ECG after OHCA. Older men (>50 years of age) resuscitated from an initially shockable rhythm mostly benefitted from this strategy.
WHAT IS NEXT? In the absence of randomized trials, the present results support the use of an emergent invasive strategy in this specific population and may help to select the best candidates.
The authors thank Nancy Kentish-Barnes for critical reading of the manuscript. This study was presented in part at the American Heart Association Scientific Sessions, Chicago, Illinois, November 2014.
All authors have reported that they have no relationships relevant to the contents of this paper to disclose.
- Abbreviations and Acronyms
- acute coronary syndrome(s)
- coronary angiography
- confidence interval
- cerebral performance category
- electrocardiography
- intensive care unit
- out-of-hospital cardiac arrest
- odds ratio
- percutaneous coronary intervention
- return of spontaneous circulation
- ST-segment elevation
- Received September 9, 2015.
- Revision received February 1, 2016.
- Accepted February 2, 2016.
- American College of Cardiology Foundation
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We are officially booked to the wrappings in California until we leave in December. Thank you everyone who has shown interest in our photography! If you have any friends in the Rexburg, Idaho area tell them to look us up!
Monthly Archives: November 2008
We had so much fun with this family. Melanie had dressed them up in the cutest outfits and the boys were such charmers. Cole, in the above picture, didn't even have to be coaxed into these poses. He seriously is a natural. Baby Gretta and her adorable beanie melanie made. Gorgeous! There were so many […]
We finally updated our information to show our seasonal discounts for our portrait sessions. We also have recently made online viewing available for our customers. Our sessions are filling up fast so if you are interested please email us at either firstname.lastname@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com. Happy Holidays everyone!


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Experience the difference of all-natural,
farm-fresh, i-Shakti Dals which are sourced from reputed,
Tata-supported Indian farms, unlike most packaged dals available
in retail outlets, which are imported. Tata i-Shakti Dals
promise to be different from all other dals. Taste the difference!
Healthier dals | Goodbye to impurities | i-Shakti Dals | Quality control |
The range
Healthier dals
i-Shakti Dals are unpolished and have not been
damaged by artificial stone powder, colour or oil that are
used by others to polish dals. While processing i-Shakti
Dals we do not add marble powder (very harmful for intestines),
oil polish (added fat), water polish (source of water is unknown)
or leather belt polish (animal skin touch). The inherent quality
of pulses and the nutrient values of dals are not compromised
in i-Shakti Dals.
Our test reports indicate that the time
taken for cooking unpolished dals is the same as that for
polished ones. So why compromise on quality and good health?
Why not eat natural dals and experience better quality and
taste, resulting in a healthier you! In i-Shakti Dals, you
will get more dal per cup than before!
Goodbye to impurities
Every grain of i-Shakti Dal is 100% laser-sorted and graded
using modern technology to ensure that consumers get no impurities,
damaged, or weevilled grains - the dals are indeed, ready-to-cook.
It does away with the time-consuming process of cleaning grains
at home. A convenient way to good health!
Quality control
Our pulses are directly procured from reputed Indian farms
supported with Tata's Good Agricultural Practices,
or from NCDEX-associated farmers. Testing is done for seed
quality (at Tata-supported farms), packaging and post-packaging.
Our dals are processed and packed in the shortest possible
time and are farm-fresh. Care is taken right from procurement
of seeds or sourcing to retailing at the neighbourhood store.
We have also tied-up with National
Collateral Management Services Ltd (NCSML) an ISO 9001-2008
accredited agency, for testing of our dals.
The range
Tata i-Shakti Dals are being
launched in four basic popular varieties:


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B Cat Café and B Shady Restaurant are the two sides of the same coin. Located on Thepkasattri Road, between Dibuk and Thalang roads in the eastern side of Phuket Old Town, this unique venue blends the Taiwanese origin of the concept of cat cafés (the first one opened in 1998 in Taipei) and the charming vintage spirit of the historical district of Phuket City.
The cat café and the restaurant are set in two different rooms for obvious hygiene reasons. The former is, of course, the centre of attention. There are no less than 21 felines - most of them from rare breeds such as Persian and Siamese - waiting to be cuddled or played with, under pretty strict requirements and regulations. Aiming at attracting families and cat lovers, this cool venue serves drinks and pastries on the cat café side, and a good choice of Thai and western favourites on the restaurant side.
- Phuket FantaSea Cultural Theme Park
- Phi Phi Islands Tour with Express Boat
- James Bond Island Full-Day Tour via Big Boat
- Coral & Racha Islands Full-Day Tour
- Whitewater Rafting & 4-Wheel-Drive Adventure
- Sea Kayaking at Ang Thong Marine Park
- Flying Hanuman Ziplining Experience
- Canoeing Excursion in Phang Nga Bay with Thai Buffet Lunch
- Introduction to City Tour
- John Gray's Cave Canoeing Tour in Phang Nga Bay
Set in a two-storey Chinese townhouse typical of Phuket Old Town, the café and restaurant harbour a well-thought-out décor: the restaurant is dressed in pastel colours, and features comfortable contemporary seating and marble tables while the cat café shares the same colouring as the restaurant and features cosy colourful sofas, low tables, and a large space used as a cat playground, with stairs and bridges. The cat theme even follows customers to the toilets, which also feature cat-style toilet paper distributors, garbage bins, sinks and taps.
As mentioned above, B Cat Café has firm house rules intended to ensure the well-being of its furry lodgers. Guests must take off their shoes and wash their hands with an alcohol-based gel before they enter kitty kingdom, and then follow simple rules that may seem common sense to most people – do not carry the cats, do not wake them up, do not pat them while they eat, etc.
It is mandatory to take a drink or a cake on the cat café side. The menu features a great selection of coffee, tea, shakes, smoothies and juices, as well as adult beverages such as excellent cocktails (140 - 210 baht) and reasonably-priced local and international beers (from 85 baht for a Leo to 200 baht for a Hoegaarden). The B Cat Café menu also displays photos and names of the kittens living here.
B Shady Restaurant has an interesting menu, featuring a lot of Thai specialities (crab meat with yellow curry at 220 baht, fried-rice seafood at 100 baht, and stir-fried pork with basil leaves at 90 baht, just to name a few) and some western favourites such as spaghetti carbonara at 150 baht, salmon steak at 250 baht, and baked cheese mussels at 150 baht.
B Cat Café and B Shady Restaurant are really cool places to stop by for lunch, dinner or even just a drink while visiting Old Phuket Town. Children especially love to play with the beautiful cats, making this venue a trendy and cosy place to visit.
B Cat Café
- Opening Hours: Café: Tue - Sun 12:00-21:30, Restaurant: Tue - Sun 11:00 - 22:00
- Location: 33-34 Thepkasattri Road, between Dibuk and Thalang roads, Phuket Old Town
- Tel: +66 (0)89 471 7776
- Cuisine: Thai, western, desserts


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- The Cost of Corruption
- Armenia to surpass Azerbaijan and Georgia by GDP per capita. IMF
- A Facebook user detained on pretext of "endangering national security" in Armenia
- Record number of passengers in Yerevan airport; new, affordable flight routs to Armenia
- Armenia Issues A Statement on Developments in Baghdad
Beeline on the ground, underground and even 3G!
It seems the days, when I would remember Armentel (now rebranded as Beeline), only with curses and complaints are over. As a very mobile person (many think – too much), I carry two mobile phones with me at all times – this is a reminder of not-so-distant past, when Armentel mobile connection was so bad, that I had to buy a 'backup' Viva mobile phone, to make sure I have a working mobile at all times, but also had to keep the Armentel one, because that was the contact number printed on my business-cards, published booklettes and various other promotional materials I had at that point.
Today, as I decided to travel down the tube (subway or metropoliten or whatever else it is called), a phone-call came to my Beeline number, while I was on the way between Republic and Yeritasardakan metro-stations, somewhere deep underground. Wow! That was a pleasant surprise. Back in the office, digging further down I came across with this Beeline announcement, that all 10 Metro-stations in Yerevan now have Beeline connectivity.
On another pleasant note, David_Sand, a media layer, now working for Beeline, reports that 3G – the third generation of more advanced mobile network services, offering greater network capacity and data transmission capabilities able to deliver speeds up to 14.4Mbit/s on the downlink and 5.8Mbit/s on the uplink, are now available on Beeline network on the WCDMA range: tested – working everywhere in central Yerevan, on Baghramyan avenue, some places on Komitas and in Zeytun district. To take advantage of the service a 3G capable mobile device (phone, PDA) and willingness to experiment, as official information is still not available on the Beeline site. The launch of 3G connectivity is still in a testing stage, and prices are so far the same as for Beeline GPRS, but once the service is launched officially – the tarriffs will most likely change, I'd expect them to be much cheaper.
Adding to all of the above the internet connectivity services available on the Beeline fixed-line network: the Hi-line ADSL service in particular, which offers broadband connectivity to Armentel fixed-line subscribers for as little as 12,000 AMD ($40US) per month and you'll have a happy Observer – finally seeing things moving in the right direction with Beeline and internet in Armenia in general.


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There are so many ways to celebrate and marvel at the love in our lives. This year I made rainbow too many rubberband bracelets, bought small valentine bags of fish crackers, searched unsuccessfully for a Seattle Times Superbowl paper, spent a delightful dinner out with my husband & friends (slightly pre-Valentine's Day) and traveled to Leavenworth with one of my all time best friends. Pretty terrific if I do say so myself. Another love relationship to be treasured, admired and simply enjoyed? A brand new baby in the arms of loving parents. Only one for today, but the love is palpable. Happy Valentines Day!
Valentine's Love
no comments


text: Folks, having a nightmare of a time locating the Bosch WBO2 sensor upgrade for my Commander 950 534-188. Holley is telling me it's discontinued. I figured that would be the easiest way to go, but so much for that. What other options do I have that people have used? I'd rather not use my Innovate Motorsports LM1 and mount that under the hood. Any Thoughts? Or better yet, recommendations? I found this one but they are in Australia: http://wbo2.com/faqs/holley950.htm or would the Innovate Motorsports LC2 (replaced the LC1) be the better way to go? Thanks, Michael


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"Do you know how that's grown? YouTube 'rhubarb picked by candlelight.'"
This tip was given to me by a fellow Eataly patron. She was prompted into conversation, no doubt, by the small farm's worth of rhubarb I was buying. We do a lot of recipe testing at Food52, which can involve sourcing some out-of-season ingredients. This proves particularly challenging in January and February, when "in-season" options are pretty limited here in New York.
So when I finally tracked down rhubarb, the magenta stalks hard to miss in a sea of dark green brassicas, I bought a conspicuous amount. And then I YouTubed.
The rhubarb available in the dead of winter is, indeed, harvested by candlelight. Called "forced rhubarb," it's grown in sheds or hothouses at a warm temperature under a thin layer of soil. The aim is to starve the rhubarb of light, preventing photosynthesis from occurring. This means that the rhubarb crowns must turn to their own energy stores to kick out stalks, which struggle upwards in search of light. The leaves, robbed of chlorophyll-producing light, are yellow instead of green, and the stalks, similarly chlorophyll-free, are red all the way through.
If you stand outside one of these sheds, it's possible to hear a faint popping and squeaking sound. That's the rhubarb — it grows so rapidly the process is audible. "Our stalks are four inches today," Tim Richter, a fourth-generation farmer at EG Richter Family Farms in
Puyallup, Washington, told me over the phone. "Tomorrow they'll be eight inches."
Tim says his family has been forcing rhubarb since the 1940s, possibly even earlier. Tim and his crew plant rhubarb crowns in the fields outside for two summers, nurturing them to the point that, when they're picked from the ground the following autumn, they're bigger than a basketball and weigh roughly 100 pounds. Tim's crowns spend about a month in a 55º hothouse designed specifically for rhubarb. They root down into the shallow dirt floor, and are ready to be picked starting in January. They're picked three times a week until early April, when, conveniently, the field variety starts to come up.
Patrick Ahern, who goes by "Produce Pat," is the resident rhubarb expert at Baldor Specialty Foods, Eataly's produce supplier. He told me that the chief purpose of forcing rhubarb is to extend the growing season. Traditionally, rhubarb is a spring product, with a ten-week burst in April and a similar spurt around June or July. But forcing changes the rules of the game. "You can have rhubarb all year round now," Pat said. Baldor supplies all of Eataly's produce, and apparently the rhubarb I purchased was, in fact, forced.
Eataly's current forced rhubarb stock is from Holland. It's the U.K., however, that has the oldest claim on the practice: It was discovered in Chelsea, in London, in 1817. According to the Yorkshire Rhubarb Triangle Growers (a real organization), Yorkshire was the first place in the world to create sheds especially for the purpose of forcing, and Yorkshire farms have been the country's chief forced rhubarb producers for over a century. The "Rhubarb Triangle" consists of Leeds, Wakefield, and Bradford —three cities in the county of Yorkshire that boast optimal growing conditions. The soil is nitrogen-rich, and the weather cold and wet, which suits the Siberian-native rhubarb plant perfectly. Until the start of World War II, a nightly 'Rhubarb Express' train from Yorkshire delivered 200 tons of stalks to London markets, so prized and so profitable was the Yorkshire variety.
In terms of flavor, Pat says the forced rhubarb is sweeter, redder, and more tender than the hardier, outdoor variety. Ex-Californian Claire Ptak, owner of London's Violet Bakery, noticed a difference, too:
Beautiful forced rhubarb from Yorkshire seemed to be a real source of pride here in England. Indeed, this tall, thin, tender variety tasted worlds apart from the hefty, fibrous stalks I had tried to cook with one summer in Wyoming, when the only thing to do was to add strawberries to it and bake it into a pie.
While quick to insist that field rhubarb had its own merits, Tim concurred, describing forced rhubarb as a "delicacy":
The difference between hothouse and field rhubarb is apples and oranges. Hothouse rhubarb is a delicacy. It's filet mignon versus a chuck steak. The color inside [a hothouse rhubarb] is red, there's no strings, it's just flesh, versus the field rhubarb has got some chlorophyll in the stalk and it's quite stringy.
So given the extended growing season and the quality of the product, why don't more U.S. farms force rhubarb? Pat, who referred me to Tim, said he couldn't list many other domestic producers.
Well, it turns out, there are a couple of reasons. For one, conditions are important. While the stalks are grown indoors, the crowns need to develop in the fields, and they can't handle intense temperatures. Tim says Washington's wet and mild climate and nitrogen-rich soil are perfectly suited to the task, but knows of attempts in Michigan and California that have failed (too cold and too hot, respectively).
Secondly, it's quite labor-intensive. Documentary photographer Martin Parr profiled the remaining Yorkshire rhubarb farmers, and saw firsthand the effort required:
The romantic story of the rhubarb is about how they pick it by candlelight. But what people forget is that the labour is completely back-breaking. One of the guys I spoke to used to be a miner, and he said that rhubarb was harder work than being down the mine.
Forced rhubarb needs no explanation in the U.K.; it's an ingredient celebrated for its culinary and cultural contributions. And I mean celebrated. In Wakefield, there is an annual rhubarb festival, complete with rhubarb cooking demonstrations, master classes, and face painting by the "rhubarb team". Two-hour tours of the forcing sheds are open to the public. Photographer Martin Parr's exhibition on forced rhubarb farmers just opened at the Hepford Wakefield Art Gallery.
On this side of the pond, however, most of us are still in the proverbial forcing shed (that is, the dark) about this product. I would be, too, if not for my Eataly source and her knowledge of Internet rhubarb videos.
See what other Food52 readers are saying.


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This all-new 22 week full-time training course is designed to provide the construction industry with personnel who have the knowledge, skills and competencies to undertake a range of construction ground work tasks. It's a good starting point if you are thinking of pursuing a career as a skilled construction operative or if you are contemplating an apprenticeship in one of the construction trades.
You will gain the knowledge, skills and competence to construct concrete slabs and paths and to lay kerbs, flags and paviors under various conditions.
Participans will get the opportunity to develop the knowledge and skills required to work safely on construction sites without posing a risk to themselves or others. They will practice safe manual handling techniques and use the correct operating procedures for small plant and machinery.
- They will learn how to:
- Lay, fix and join a range of kerbs, flags and paviors.
- Mix concrete using a diesel concrete mixer.
- Transport, place, compact and finish concrete using hand and power floats and trowels.
- Plan and achieve realistic work goals.
- Demonstrate a broad range of occupational competencies in a real work environment.
This updated course will now include skill sampling in brick and block laying and plastering techniques.
On successful completion of the course you will achieve a QQI Level 4 Special Purpose Award in Construction Ground Work Skills and will be eligible to seek employment as a construction operative.
- What you'll study
- Delivery Methods
- Entry Requirements
- Job Opportunities
The course modules are:
- Induction – State the role of the Education and Training Board and the planned outcomes and conditions attached to the course, identify individual learning techniques and styles, describe and apply good safety, health and welfare practices, conform to the rules of the training location, state the basic principles involved in environmental issues, outline the emergency evacuation procedures and explain the meaning of equal opportunities.
- Safety and Manual Handling – List the various duties performed by construction operatives and other construction site personnel. Observe all construction site safety procedures and accident prevention measures including safe practice in the operation of small plant and equipment. State the statutory regulations relating to the manual handling of loads. Explain the anatomy and physiology of the spine as it applies to manual handling. Use correct techniques to lift, set down, push and pull a load.
- Safepass – Work on construction sites without being a danger to yourself or others. Promote a safety culture by understanding your duties and responsibilities at work, including accident reporting and emergency procedures, working safely at heights, safe working procedures in excavations and confined spaces, safety precautions when working with electricity and underground and overhead services, use of personal protective equipment, safety rules when using vehicles and mobile plant, correct lifting and carrying techniques, proper health and hygiene practices, and safe use of hand-held equipment, tools and machinery.
- Occupational First Aid – Provide and co-ordinate workplace first aid in compliance with the requirements of the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007. Describe the role and responsibilities of the occupational first aider, assess patients, deal with respiratory emergencies, act as a cardiac first responder using both CPR and AED, and deal with different types of injuries, altered levels of consciousness, musculoskeletal injuries, burns, scalds, chemicals, poisonings and electric shocks.
- Mounting of Abrasive Wheels – State the scope of the Safety in Industry (Abrasive Wheels) Regulations 1982. Use the proper methods to mount abrasive wheels. State the hazards arising from and the precautions to be observed when using abrasive wheels. State the methods used to identify the type, speed and function of different types of abrasive wheels. State the methods of storing, handling and transporting abrasive wheels. Inspect and test abrasive wheels for damage. State the functions of the flanges, washers, brushes and nuts etc. used in mounting abrasive wheels and carry out the correct assembly of all components in accordance with manufacturers guidelines. Correctly adjust, dress and balance abrasive wheels.
- Kerb, Flag and Pavior Laying – Discuss health and safety hazards associated with laying kerbs, flags, and paviors. State and demonstrate the correct techniques for lifting, handling and transporting them. Identify and explain the use of tools, materials and equipment associated with laying them. Working from drawings, prepare the ground work, lay and set paving flags, concrete kerbs and paviors to given datum levels for a range of patterns and uses. Working from drawings, calculate areas, volumes and material quantities required to kerb, flag and pave specified areas.
- Concreting – Discuss the relevant safety precautions to be taken when mixing, transporting and placing concrete. Prepare areas for concreting to include form work, footings and hard core bases. List and describe the purpose of the constituents of a concrete mix and explain the factors affecting its workability, curing and final strength. Mix and place concrete for steel moulds and timber form work to include safe and efficient use of plant and equipment for mixing, compacting, vibrating and screeding. Mix and place concrete for ground floor slabs to include screeding, vibrating, floating and finishing. Demonstrate the process for laying concrete paths to include preparatory work, colour applications and types of finishes. Calculate volumes of concrete for various applications.
- Career Planning – Plan and achieve realistic work goals. Outline the factors which underpin and influence the labour market and affect local job opportunities, identify the basic rights and responsibilities of employees and employers, identify and explore personal strengths, talents, goals and values linked to employment opportunities, conduct a job search, i.e. source and pursue potential employment opportunities, compose a letter of application, CV and application form and prepare for job interviews.
- Mobile Elevated Platforms – Use safe work practices to set up, operate and shut down plant or machinery for lifting and transferring loads using Mobile Elevating Work Platforms.
- In-Company Training – Work independently, while under general supervision, in a company or specific vocational context related to construction skills and carry out vocationally related construction tasks over a period of time. List the personal, work related and transferable skills acquired on the training programme which were practised and further developed on in-company training.
This is a practice based course. It offers a rich learning experience by combining periods of instructor led tuition with periods of supervised work practice that gives participants the time to acquire and perfect the variety and standard of skills required by industry. The training methods include instructions, presentations, demonstrations, supervised practice, simulated work environment, and giving and receiving feedback. Participants are required to actively participate in the learning process. They must complete a number of practical tasks and assignments throughout the course. A number of methods are used to assess the participants' progress and for certification purposes. These include project work and theory exams.
- Reached the statutory school leaving age.
- Junior Certificate or equivalent level of education.
- Demonstrate an interest in working in construction.
- Good hand-arm co-ordination.
- Good verbal English language skills.
- Ability to measure and calculate materials.
- Willing and able to work outdoors and at heights.
- Reasonable level of physical fitness.
The demand for skilled construction operatives, apprentices and craftspersons is increasing with the continued growth in the construction sector. The Construction Industry Federation estimates the sector has the potential to generate an additional 112,000 jobs in the 3 years leading up 2020. Graduates from this course will seek entry level positons with construction companies where they will receive further on-the-job training and gain experience to become highly skilled construction operatives. Many companies also offer apprenticeships in trades of Carpentry & Joinery, Brick & Stone Laying, and Plastering.


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EntLib 3.0: Strong Naming Guidance Package
I hope you all had a great Christmas, or whatever else you may or may not choose to celebrate at this time of year. (I've probably been in the USA too long, with this amount of political correctness showing through ;-). This was my first Christmas in the northern hemisphere - we went skiing in Whistler so we had the full-on "white Christmas" experience. It was great fun, but very different to what I'm used to. But I'm back in Seattle now, still taking a few more days off work but you should start to see more of me on the blogs and on the new EntLib CodePlex site [shameless plug].
One new Enterprise Library 3.0 topic I was planning on blogging about was the new Visual Studio-integrated configuration tool, and the other few bags and whistles we've added to the tool. However David Hayden has already done a better job than I was planning on doing, so you may as well just read his summary and tutorial!
So over to plan B, which is to tell you more about the Strong Naming Guidance Package. First, a bit of history about why we built this:
Long, long ago in the dreamtime, Enterprise Library's unit tests were contained in the same assemblies as the blocks themselves (although they were in #if blocks so you could compile them out). Because the tests were in the same assemblies as the code, it was possible to test internal classes and members as well as public ones. However, because of feedback from people who didn't want the tests to "pollute" the production code, as well as the fact that the new VSTS unit testing capabilities didn't support mixing production and test code in the same assembly, we moved the tests into separate assemblies for our .NET 2.0 release. This kept everything nice and clean, but it did prevent us from testing internal methods - until we discovered the awesome power of [InternalsVisibleTo]. This attribute can be applied to assemblies to designate which other assemblies are its "friends" and hence can access internal classes and members. So we applied this attribute on the core block assemblies to tell it that the unit test assemblies were its "friends".
So far, so good - until you try to strong-name the EntLib source code. While it is possible to combine strong-naming and [InternalsVisibleTo], it is necessary to do everything in precisely the right order (including the all-important goat sacrifice at step 22) in order to make everything work. Actually the [InternalsVisibleTo] attribute needs to be updated to include the full public key (not the 16 character token, but all 320 characters of the public key) before anything will compile - and until you get something to compile, it's pretty hard to figure out what the key is.
In our defense, we did realize that it was pretty bloody hard to strong-name Enterprise Library, and we provided a pretty detailed topic in the documentation explaining how to do this (look for "strong naming" in the index). But still, it's a lot of manual work, and since we recommend that most people strong-name Enterprise Library, we (quite rightly) have received a lot of negative feedback about this being too difficult.
Luckily v3 is giving us a chance at some redemption. A few months ago, I spent a bit of time creating a Visual Studio macro that automated the strong-naming process, although it was quite unpolished and there isn't a nice way of packaging and distributing VS macros, so it was never released. But when EntLib v3 kicked off, I converted it into a GAX guidance package, and Fernando cleaned it up to something worthy of public consumption - and the result has made it into the December CTP. Here's how it works:
- Ensure you have GAX and the Strong Naming Guidance Package (in the EntLib 3.0 December 2006 CTP) installed
- Open up the EntrpriseLibrary.VSTS or EnterpriseLibrary.NUnit solutions in Visual Studio
- In Visual Studio, choose Tools > Guidance Package Manager
- Click "Enable / Disable Guidance Packages"
- Select the "Strong Naming Guidance Package", and close all of the dialogs
- If you don't already have a .snk file you want to use, right-click on a project or solution folder and choose "Create a new strong-name key pair file". This will trigger a simple recipe that does exactly what its name suggests. If you already have a .snk file you want to use, you can skip this step
- To strong-name the projects, right-click on the solution root, or a solution folder (if you don't want to strong-name everything), and choose "Strong-name all projects in this solution or solution folder".
- This will launch a wizard that prompts for the key file to use. You can use the key file you created in step 6 or any other one. Also select the "Update InternalsVisibleTo" checkbox to tell the recipe to search for this attribute and add the public key
- Click OK, and watch the magic of guidance automation!
While we built this guidance package primarily for Enterprise Library, there isn't anything that will stop you using it on any other similar complex solutions. Also while it's included in v3, it should*** work fine on v2 as well, so this may save you a few hours of your life if you need to strong-name Enterprise Library for any current projects.
One final note - in the EntLib 3.0 December 2006 CTP, we are shipping pre-compiled, strongly-named assemblies for the first time - and we plan to do this for the final release as well. I'll discuss the reasons and implications of this more in a future post, but for now I'll simply say that even though we're shipping these binaries, you'll still probably want to use the source code and strong-name it yourself to provide the most flexibility in how you use and evolve Enterprise Library.
If you have any questions, suggestions or issues with this guidance package, please let us know. And a Happy New Year to everyone!


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Decorating your home or office can be overwhelming – there are so many factors to take into consideration! Colours, fittings, flooring, curtains, furnishings… the list is endless. Without professional guidance, interior decorating can become a costly exercise. At Anne Resplendino Interiors, our goal is to deliver professional design catered to your specific needs, anywhere across Sydney.
As Interior Designers, we deal directly with our suppliers, sourcing fabrics and furnishings directly from the wholesaler. We guide you to maximise your budget, ensuring that every dollar you spend delivers an exceptional result.
From the very moment we start working together, our goal is to provide you with affordable and achievable solutions to your interior decorating needs. We are flexible with our hours, working closely with you to ensure that your project is completed on-time, every time.
You are an individual, and it is important that your home or office reflects your own personal style. Regardless of your taste – from eclectic, through to French country, modern Victorian or contemporary (and everything in between!), we can create an environment as individual as you are.
For advice on colour matching, window treatments or soft furnishings, or for an entire decorative solution, Anne Resplendino Interiors will ensure that your environment is both functional and engaging.
Follow our blog to find out how to add zest, flow and atmosphere
I love what I do – I absolutely love it! I immerse myself in the industry – keeping my finger on the pulse and tracking local and international trends is second nature. Combined with my background, my love of design has undoubtedly been the catalyst for the development of my own unique style of interior decoration. I appreciate the diversity that design offers, and recognise that every client is different. My focus is very much on developing your individual style, while simultaneously ensuring functionality to create an environment that meets your living or work needs, suits your lifestyle, and reflects your individuality.
I was born and raised in Switzerland, where I first developed my love of all things visual. I've travelled throughout Asia, North America and Europe, and had the opportunity to live in beautiful and inspiring countries as diverse as China and Hong Kong, Canada, Switzerland and Australia. My cultural experience has very much shaped my style, and my understanding of various cultures has enabled me to embrace a diverse range of styles through my designs.
Join me on Facebook for tips, gorgeous design photos and decorating ideas!


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Create a beautiful setting for a celebration lunch with rose pink table linen and gold cutlery. White china is the perfect base for this look.
Romantic rose gold
- Linen tablecloth, £29.99, H&M
- Metallic placemat, £20 for a set of 2; Gold cutlery, £29 for 5 piece set; Textured salt and pepper shaker set, £14; all West Elm
- Rose linen napkin, £7.50, The Linen Works.
- Miss Etoile rose 'Eat Me' ceramic cakestand- small, £18, Amara.
- Lucca glycine small tumbler, £7, Designers Guild.
- Vienna white wine glass, £25 for six, Habitat
- Graded ombre glass, £4.50, RE
- Sophie Conran for Portmeirion White dinner plate, £10; side plate, £8.40; tea cup and saucer, £14.40; all John Lewis
- Family easter biscuit tin, £39.50 for 16 biscuits, Biscuiteers
- Salted caramel superior seagull eggs (pink), £9.95; Praline quail eggs (blue), £9.95; both Rococo.
- Ribbon, £1.99 for 3m, Gisela Graham
Styling: Kiera Buckley-Jones Photography: Agata Pec


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Carrot Amsterdam 2 Sweetheart - Seeds Growing Chart
- Jan
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- Aug
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- Oct
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- Sow Outdoors
- Harvest
Our products are all grown with the utmost care and to high standards of quality. We regularly check our nursery stock to determine exactly when they will be at the optimum time for despatch.
We despatch our fresh, nursery-grown live plants (including vegetables, trees and flowers) when they are at a stage of growth ready for you, the customer, to plant on at home.
The delivery period shown on your order confirmation indicates when you can expect to receive your order and we will endeavour to despatch your plants in this period within 7-14 days
Carrot Amsterdam 2 Sweetheart - Seeds
£2.49 each
- Slender roots
- Very early
Superbly sweet and very early, this variety has a great colour and is virtually coreless, especially when young.
Turns a meal into a feast!
- Quantity 1400 Carrot Seeds
- Row Spacing 25cm / 10in
- Sowing distance 2cm / 1in
Delivery: 5-7 working days
Stock Status: In stock


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Submissions open to community groups for $25,000 Playford Alive Initiatives Fund
Community groups in Adelaide's northern suburbs can apply for a share of $25,000 from the Playford Alive Initiatives Fund for projects and initiatives that protect and enhance the social, economic and environmental wellbeing of the community.
Grants are open to community groups and organisations located within or near the Playford Alive project area, including Smithfield Plains, Davoren Park, Munno Para, Andrews Farm, and Penfield.
The fund is an initiative of Renewal SA and the South Australian Housing Trust, and is supported by the City of Playford.
Since being established in 2009, more than $715,000 has been provided to benefit more than 50 community groups and individuals, as well as $1.25m for the upgrade of the John McVeity Centre and $2.25m towards the construction of the Stretton Centre.
Submissions close on 24 August 2017.
Visit the Playford Alive Initiatives Fund website for more information.


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The beansidhe alchemist is a non-profit educational organization, specializing in the technique, The Art of Dream Alchemy, a registered service mark with the Secretary of State, California (69391), which guides students in the process of using their intrinsic perception, as a Dream Alchemist. The beansidhe alchemist teaches students to perceive the dream image, as a motivational force of imagination to produce an artistic form.
The beansidhe alchemist offers an educational practice in The Art of Dream Alchemy, an integrative shamanic training within the following areas of study: Imaging the Mythical Tale, Imaging the Mythical Art, Imaging the Mythical Music, and Imaging the Mythical Somatic Movement, drawing from elements of the dream image, archetypal motifs, and mythology.
Each area of study is an educational technique provided for students to connect with their own intrinsic shamanic psyche. The Art of Dream Alchemy is an integrative shamanic educational practice that uses an alchemical approach to writing a poem, short story, and novel, while offering a unique technique in creating visual and multi-media images, composing music, as well as encouraging an imaginative method to choreographing somatic movements to music.
The beansidhe alchemist offers ongoing courses, workshops and private sessions in the technique, The Art of Dream Alchemy. A percentage of all proceeds from each course are allocated to a scholarship fund, awarded in December via our scholarship contest.
The beansidhe alchemist is committed to educational practices that honor imaginative techniques, which enliven the individual and collective psyche, as well as the wounds of the earth. As Dream Alchemists, we will continue on the path of researching and creating practices that engage the personal psyche with the soul of the world.
- Visit Gift Economy Websites for their inspiring and innovative work in the Gift Economy.
- Visit Dennis van de Rijke aka DigitalHyperGfx; a digital artist that loves to explore the depths of digital painting, illuminating the exquisite nature of his art and magnificent fantasy world.
- Visit Art & Healing Network for a list of conferences, workshops, grants, promoting art and healing.


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In: PRESS RELEASES
HORSHAM, PA.–Ancillare, LP's Joanne Santomauro, Chief Executive Officer and Founder, is being recognized by Marcum LLP and Philadelphia SmartCEO as a finalist for their 2016 Marcum Innovator of the Year award.
The Marcum Innovator of the Year award honors business leaders who have developed products and services that improve the quality of life and business practice in Philadelphia. Finalists are pioneering new advancements in the biotechnology, healthcare, business services, manufacturing, real estate and technology industries. The winners will be announced on October 26, 2016 at the Sugarhouse Casino in Philadelphia, PA.
"I am honored to be recognized as a Marcum Innovator of the Year finalist. This recognition shows the dedication, support, commitment and excellence of the entire organization." said Joanne Santomauro.
With Joanne's forward thinking, she was able to create the ancillary supply chain management industry. Prior to the company's launch in 2006, pharmaceutical, biotechnology and medical research organizations had little transparency and a lack of understanding of the associated costs, processes, regulatory and compliance requirements of the clinical supply chain. Over the last decade Joanne took the company to explosive growth around the world through dedication, innovative solutions including the Ancillare Turn Key Operative Model (A-TKO™) and cutting-edge processes.
About Ancillare, LP
Ancillare, LP has extensive experience delivering cost savings and efficiencies to supply chains, with a complete turn-key approach for managing the pharmaceutical, biotechnology, contract research and medical research organizations' clinical trial supply chains with a singular focus. Our turn-key global model (A-TKO™) centralizes supply operations which accelerates the processes, lowers costs and mitigates risk by making clinical supply chains more efficient, cost-effective and global.
Our capabilities include pre-protocol analysis and planning, contribution to overall program feasibility assessments and timeline development, product sourcing and procurement, forecasting and budgeting, large and small equipment and consumables management, patient retention and recruitment materials, customs clearance, import/export (including IOR/EOR), storage, kitting, distribution and returns management/disposition (including destruction, refurbishment/recalibration and redeployment) on a global level.
Ancillare has managed the supply chain for top pharmaceutical and CRO organizations and has successfully transported goods to 100 countries. Ancillare has master depots in United States, United Kingdom and Singapore, and strategic depots in Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Chile, China, Colombia, India, Israel, Japan, Korea, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Taiwan and Ukraine. To learn more, visit www.ancillare.com or contact us via LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook.


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South of France
23rd Mar 2010
Just back from another great trip to France. This time it was to slightly warmer climates for a spot of Rock climbing, Editorial shooting and generally hanging out with a great bunch of people i'd never met before! It was a short visit, only 6 days but we managed to pack in a different crag (sometimes two) everyday. We flew into Nice Monday morning and got picked up at the airport by our host Peter. He'd brought along his Jaguar Limo which proved to be the smartest "Cragging" car i've ever had the privilage to be driven around in. A short 15 min drive into the foothills behind Nice and we were at our (it has to be said) rather palacial accomodation which was to be home for our stay, again curtesy of my new best friend Peter! A quick change of clothes (i put my shorts on) and after some brief introductions to the rest of the team who had arrived back from the supermarket with the weeks food, we headed off to our first crag, La Turbie.
La Turbie (See Photo below : Lucy Creamer climbing the Second pitch of Dis Merci 5+, 6a) sits on the hillside above Monaco, with amazing views over the tiny Principality's 3 harbours and virtually into the Royal Palace itself. The climbing here is a multitude of all grades, easy through very hard, single and multi pitch. The sun shone for the afternoon and it was just what we all needed.
The Sun rose on day two and it was back to La Turbie. I'd seen a shot i wanted the day before, but the sun only hits this particular face in the morning, so the crew had kindly humoured me and agreed for a return match. I hung around on top of the cliff while the rest of the team headed down, an hour later Lucy emerged into the bright sunlight on the upper wall and after a lot of running around to change angles I got the shot i wanted.
After two hard days of constant pulling on your finger-tips its time for a rest. But once again our host Peter kindly agreed to show Lucy and I around some different crags while the other guys took a rest day. We headed over to an immense piece of rock (this is the huge dome of rock you can see in the distance as you fly into Nice airport) above the small village of St.Jeannet. The Cliff, also known as St.Jeannet is home to over 600 routes. Some routes are a maximum of 10m, by contrast the longest ones go on for roughly for 400 - 500m, thats about twenty pitches or at least a long day of climbing. We didn't really feel like "a grand day out" so we headed for "La Source" one of the many shorter sectors. We had another great morning exploring the area, did some climbing and was back in the carpark for a late lunch. I managed to persuade Peter to climb a classic route of the crag, La Mao 5+. The line caught my eye straight away, a soaring corner crack splitting the crag "who's up for a spot of offwidth" Peter and Lucy groaned, but pete agreed to be photographed (See below)
In the afternoon we headed over to Peters local crag La Colle Sur Loup, only 5 mins from the front door! It was a tired threesome who headed home that day.
"Its a long walk in" i dread those words. When you've got a camera bag weighing close to 25kg's, a climbing sac with all you're rigging gear, as well as a 50m static rope you know that the hour long uphill walk isn't going to be pretty! But like most of the places i "Sweat" myself into, the view's always worth the "Shlep" in there, and La Grotte (the Cave) at Peillon was no exception. A vast overhanging hole in the hillside, dripping in Tufa lines. Most of the routes here were put up by Axel Franco, a short powerhouse of a man sometime in the 90's and judging by the fact the finishing holds overhang the starting ones by anything up to 35m's you just knew you were in for a real fight on this Old School crag - non of us were disapointed - take a look yourself, Lucy Creamer in the horizontal, looking for something, anything! to pull on. The route is Batman 7c+.
Friday, the Penulitimate day and guess what, the sun was still shining, it had been very kind to us (we later found out it had also been gorgeous back home in Sheffield, typical) so to really take advatage we decided to take a slightly longer drive than usual and head to Chateauvert, 1.5hrs West.
I'd heard about this place from lots of people. Quality climbing in a beautiful river valley and only 10mins uphill walk - heaven! Chateauvert is another one of those crags developed sometime in the past centuary, bloody hell that makes it sound prehistoric! its not super steep compared to the previously mentioned crag Peillon, but gently overhanging. We had a great last day there, ticking off some easier lines before heading over to a large steep wall opposite the parking. The guys, Alex and Szymon set up base camp under a tasty looking 7b+ and proceeded to explode all over the wall with varying degrees of success. Amira and Peter found a few longer middle grade lines and Lucy headed for a really nice looking 7b+/7c which she onsighted. (Photo of Szymon going for the onsight on Sigma 7b+)
Saturday afternoon we flew back home, worn out but very content with our S of A trip and especially the new firends that we'd made. After all at least 50% of what makes a good trip are the people who's company you keep and ours was definately one of the best trips i'd ever been on. For whatever the reason the dynamics really worked. So its a great big thank-you to Alek, Szymon and Amira for making a great week into a special one and an especially huge "heads up" to Peter for being the perfect host, model/stooge, Chauffeur and all round great guy "THANKS PETE"


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I'm not quite sure if we have met yet or not. Your guess is as good as mine. I have no idea when you will come around, but I'm starting to hope that it is sooner than later. It would be nice if you would show your face. I should probably let you know ahead of time that I'm a little nervous for you. I may not have a dad, but I have a brother… and a boss by the name of Jerry Shirer… and 2 brother-in-laws… they are quite protective of me. However, if I know you like I think I do, you'll handle it all just fine.
Until then, I hope you are well my friend. Don't be shy.


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The nativeMsg platform was designed to handle many use cases. By building in features that work across industries, use cases, and multiple
messaging & voice channels, the nativeMsg platform is flexible enough to handle even the most complex digital customer journeys.
Conversational interfaces will drastically change the way we communicate with companies and brands.
Integrate one of these uses into your technology stack.
Providing a first layer of automated customer service allows customers to get their issues resolved 24/7 on the communication channel of their choice. Integrate with your current support system and contact center or use natveMsg standalone. Fall over to a live agent for high value tasks that require human intervention.
Today's contact center solutions provide robust platforms for managing your customer base. The nativeMsg platform can plug seamlessly into your current customer communication channels to provide an first level of automation on top of your existing contact center. This integration can reduce live agent seats, provide faster response times and open your contact center to 24/7 engagement.
Converting visitors on landing pages has never been more important for web-based marketing campaigns. Stale lead generation forms are being replaced with conversational interfaces that can engage a user to provide more relevant data.
You have the attention of that prospect. Now it is time to get an appointment and close that sale. By leveraging appointment setting tools integrated into the nativeMsg platform, you can book at time while they are excited about your offering.
Companies and brands have the ability to increase consumer participation and engagement by creating immersive customer experiences in messaging & voice channels. These experiences can include rich media (video, images, emojis, audio) to enhance the experience with branded content. Choose your own adventure scenarios are a great way to immerse a user into an experience with your company or brand that can be shared across social channels.
The ability to conduct commerce in any messaging channels opens up the reach of any business by magnitudes. Sell product and integrate payments all within the favorite channels of your customers. Online stores will be integrated within the conversations with your brand. Will you be ready to capture that business?
Moving from traditional data capture forms to conversational interfaces creates a more natural experience that can increase your survey completions rates dramatically. Working with UNICEF, we were able to realize a 70% completion rate for their World Children's Day Survey.
The nativeMsg platform can speak multiple languages. The ability to communicate with users in their native language increases the effectiveness of any digital customer journey and widens your audience.
Providing patients with access to personalized, on-demand medical resources across multiple messaging and voice channels increases patient satisfaction. Positive health outcomes are directly related to the decrease in friction between patients and healthcare providers.
Ensure your customers and employees get up to speed as efficiently as possible by incorporating the nativeMsg platform into your employee and customer onboarding. There will always be questions and resources needed when working with in a new role or with a new software or technology.
Loyalty and reward programs suffer from low engagement rates. You can increase participation and engagement of these programs by leveraging existing customers channels. Also, you can personalize the experience by showcasing products and rewards that are more likely to be redeemed by leveraging existing loyalty and reward data.
Studies show that B2B customers require a very high touch approach when first working with a new vendor. When the dust settles and they are a customer, they want speedy answers, the ability to place orders seamlessly and only require human assistance when absolutely needed. Conversational interfaces can handle all of these tasks and more.