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Today Zapitano, the web-based Social TV-platform, closes an investment round of more than €1.7 million. Lead investor is Media Ventures from Cologne. Also participating in the funding is the program "Pro FIT" of the Investment Bank Berlin (IBB), as well as other private international investors including Guido Bolten the former MD of SAT.1.
The news prepares Zapitano for its anticipated launch in February. "We are confident that we will become the market leader with this funding," said managing director Marc Mogalle in an interview with VentureVillage yesterday.
Supplementing the traditional television experience with a web-based social companion, Zapitano not only lets you check into the program, but also invite friends to watch along, chat during the communal viewing, and admire your favorite soccer players or rate x-factor candidates through polls and games.
"We are very pleased with the support that our investors have shown in our vision to make television into a social and interactive event," says Zapitano initiator Jens Hegenberger.
German Social TV – who will lead?
Social TV is an exciting market in Europe and especially Germany, where minimal competition and wide open (user) fields leave the leading position open for takers. As more users become comfortable integrating social media into their TV ritual (currently 48% of Germans use mobile Internet while watching TV, versus 86% in the US), Social TV platforms will continue to germinate and diversity.
In Germany and especially here in Berlin, Social TV has found expression in a handful of companies.
So far "leading" is Bavarian-based company Waydoo, though with an uncompetitive userbase, it can hardly be intimidating to new companies like Zapitano cropping up with major funding. To its advantage, Waydoo bases its platform conceptually on U.S. services like Miso and GetGlue who integrate status check-ins (while taking into account television from Germany, Austria and Switzerland). It's not just for TV and film, either. It covers all entertainment media, including books and events, asking you to check-in, rate, comment and share your favorites with others.
Social TV – Zapitano's competition
"Social TV is huge internationally and will become much bigger in Germany this year," says Marcel Duee of Tweek.tv. "There will be broadcasters, publishing houses, tech companies, VoD services and content developers aiming for the same space which a bunch of innovative startups have identified." Berlin-based Tweek.tv is a content-discovery iPad-only platform building a groundbreaking service on the tailwind of Facebook likes.
Also in the running is Tape.tv, which takes a particular spin on social as Europe's only social music show, where users can send messages into the studio and talk to the artists via chat roulette. It currently has about 50.000 viewers LIVE and guests like The Wombats and Kasabian (so we like it). It is also the only German video platform already using Facebook's frictionless sharing. "Everyone of my friends sees what I am watching and is able to react to it," said Tape.tv's Fabian Heuser in an interview with VentureVillage yesterday, "It's a big advantage."
"Monetization is not a problem," said TunedIn's Sebastian Bartz, "People have been used to commercials on television since its beginning." As these platforms begin to explore, we're looking forward to platform-specific commercial content. MadMen anyone?
Social TV – Germany versus USA
In the US, the oldest social entertainment network GetGlue (2007) is the market leader. Yesterday, it announced a new funding round of $12 million, led by new investor Rho Ventures and joined by the company's existing investors, TimeWarner, RRE Ventures and Union Square Ventures. As comparison, over 75 major television networks work with GetGlue. It has a network of 2 million users.
And over the course of 2011, check-ins grew 1000% and crossed the 100 million mark by year-end. Behind GetGlue, there's Miso, which just announced its second funding round ($4 million) in early December. And don't forget IntoNow (also US based), which was acquired by Yahoo in April for over $20 million. For a Berlin start-up who's received only funding into the double and triple digits for a similar product, is this discouraging?
"It's the funding but also the time advantage that makes the US market so much more sophisticated," says TunedIn's Sebastian Bartz. "If your product's good for Europe, it's only so-so in America. And that's if you have a good product."
TunedIn – Social TV on iPad
In the US, the social TV scene is drastically different: more developed, more competitive, and better funded. With over 30 competing services, several of which have received double digit millions in funding, a German platform would need to be in peak shape to even set foot in this arena. Shortly after launching in Berlin in December, TunedIn opened an office in New York (co-founder Justin Scull is American.) They will not disclose their funding, indicating Zapitano's recent gain is a real threat.
"I'm curious to see if Zapitano's web-based platform will prove successful among young, mobile users," said TunedIn co-founder Sebastian Bartz. "We offer a similar concept and delivery, but TunedIn is an iOS native app so it's nicer to use. At least with other product analogies, users commonly complain that browsing web pages on tablets and iPhones ruins the experience." Zapitano is yet to introduce an iOS or Android option.
Social TV versus traditional TV
Also up against the social newcomers is the megalith television industry. "At the end of the day, this game is about the existing TV business, which brings in more than $150 billion a year in the U.S. in advertising and consumer spending on monthly TV subscriptions from cable, satellite and telecommunications companies," says Marcel Duee of Tweek.tv. "As a result, we will see very different approaches and service offerings around what people tend to call 'social TV'." Many of the traditional TV networks are also putting much of their content online.
It's not competition but rather bad timing that's caused some start-ups to drop out of the race. Israeli-based, Italy-launched Bee TV, for instance, came to a buzzing stop last year despite about 10 million in funding. "Buzz launched in 2007 which was way to early," says Bartz.
"There need to be enough mobile users and there needs to be awareness among corporations. Social TV a totally new use case. If you tried it too early, you can fail to acquire a userbase and consequently die off."
What do you think? Who will steal the lead in German social TV? Have your say below.


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2. Mention something they do right each day. How many times do we tell our kids what they do wrong each day? It's human nature to focus on the negatives and forget to mention the positives. But if you can make a mental note to pay your child a genuine compliment that doesn't end with a 'but,' then you'll be filling your child's bucket and making an investment into fulfilling his most important need. Just remember to be genuine. False flattery may seem like an oxymoron for parents who truly believe their kids are the greatest, but try to give unbiased compliments by thinking from the perspective of an outsider. 'What would aunt Megan have to say?' you might ask yourself. And where compliments are concerned, it's best to focus on the effort instead of the result. That way they can work towards something they have control over.
3. If you must criticize, start with encouragement. When a colleague, boss or your spouse criticizes you, does it inspire you to change? The answer to that question is a definitive never. Criticism never leads to change. Kids aren't any different. No matter how much a situation may warrant a stern reprimand, remember that harsh criticisms harden ears. They don't open them. It puts kids on the defensive, and they will remember the reprimand and not the lesson. Start instead with an encouraging word by saying something like, "Remember how you shared your toy with your sister the other day? That was great. But what you did right now, snatching a toy out of someone's hand, that makes someone feel sad." An encouraging word can do wonders for the psyche. The marked fine line to draw here is that criticism is not the same thing as discipline. Lack of discipline is a recipe for disaster tantamount to the constant drip of disparaging remarks. But there is a way to encourage your child and expose him to the consequences of bad choices.
4. Spend time doing something your child likes to do. My daughter loves to draw. The only other time she's happier, is when I draw next to her. Partaking in your child's interest shows, not tells her, that you are interested in her. And it's one of the best ways to spend time with your child because you'll be building your child's fondest memories. So find 15 minutes out of your day or the equivalent each week, schedule it in like you would any meeting, and give your child some undivided attention doing an activity your child is passionate about. You will learn more about your child spending 15 minutes engaging in an activity she likes to do, than asking her a million questions.
5. When you're wrong, admit it. Saying sorry is the right thing to do in any situation where you're wrong, but admitting fault does more than even the score when it comes to our kids. Saying sorry empowers our kids because believe it or not, they compare themselves to us. And it also teaches parents to let go of guilt and have more realistic expectations. If you regret your behavior (what parent doesn't?), simply tell your kids that parents aren't perfect creatures either. The next time they make a mistake, and feel discouraged, they'll remember that mommy or daddy makes mistakes too. And it will signal to them that it's okay for them to accept their big gaffe, and move on from it. In being able to relate on a human level, they'll begin to feel bigger too.
Deborah Song is the founder of travelbyword.com, a cruelty-free company committed to creating travel accessories that help travelers journey with ease, efficiency and elegance. She loves to travel the globe in pursuit of good food, wider life perspectives and great adventure stories with her kids. Deborah is a Canadian-born, mompreneur and Los Angeles-based writer, who obtained her master's in journalism from New York University. You can find her travel stories at www.blog/travelbyword.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Staying competitive in the market largely relies upon attracting and retaining quality employees. One method that isn't related to wages or pay rates is offering discount programs or workplace incentives. Though restaurants, retail stores and manufacturers will offer their employees some kind of discount on the product or services offered, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to creating these incentive programs.
Company-Based Discount ProgramsThe variety of discount programs has certainly grown over the years to move away from providing a typical percentage discount on the company's offerings. One company that offers a comprehensive discount program to its employees is Universal Studios Orlando Resort. The company provides its staff with discounts on almost everything that's found within the resort including hotel rooms, meals, merchandise, admission to theme parks and movie tickets. This program goes one step deeper in that it offers employee recognition programs, peer recognition awards and even a carpooling program. Employees will enjoy discounts that extend beyond the Universal family since the program also offers discounts at various local-area merchants. Southwest Airlines offers another exciting company-based discount program. The company offers flight discounts that are so good, they're actually free. Working for Southwest equates to free flights for you, your family and even a few flights a year for your friends. Staff also enjoy discounts at partner hotels, car rental companies and even with associated airlines.
Cooperative Discount ProgramsSome small- and medium-sized enterprises have partnered with other organizations to bring a wider variety of available discounts to their employees. Consider if you worked for a HVAC company that would provide its staff with a 25% discount on new furnace or air conditioning units. Seeing as these are products that don't require frequent purchase, it may not add up to a very appealing perk. However, knowing that the company is partnered with an electronics store, shoe store and a travel agency might make an employee discount program stand out to potential employees who are in the recruitment stage. Every company in the program benefits, and so do the employees. There are even third-party organizations that specialize in bringing companies together in these cooperative discount programs.
Concierge ServicesAs many people already know, time is money. A number of employers have made a move toward assisting their employees with coordinating everyday tasks like dry cleaning and car detailing. Among the companies offering these sorts of programs are Clif Bar, Universal Orlando Resort and Google. Though the services aren't typically free, there is generally some kind of discount provided to the employee, which helps to make them an attractive perk. Another perk offered by Universal Orlando Resort is on-site banking at a branch of Fairwinds Credit Union.
Spa ServicesThere's no doubt that many companies rely on the image of their employees to maintain the image of the company. Companies have embraced this idea by allowing their employees to have access to spa services. Staff can get discounts on haircuts, massages, eyebrow shaping and even acupressure sessions through site-based spa services. Companies that are offering these kinds of incentives include Google and Clif Bar, though many companies have also made it possible for employees to access these services through mobile spas that visit the office. A perk for employers is that their employees are more relaxed and free of stress, which has been identified as one of the leading causes of burnout and employee absenteeism in the workplace. Additionally, employees aren't having to leave work to access these services, which helps to reduce the amount of time that employees are away from the office for personal appointments.
The Bottom LineThe world of employee discount programs has certainly evolved over the years, moving from simple discounts to a wide range of incentives and discounts that extend far beyond the brick-and-mortar walls of the organization. In tougher financial times when salary raises may not be feasible, finding methods to attract and retain valued employees becomes of the utmost importance. Everyone wins when employees are more dedicated and eager to come to work. Believe it or not, employers love it when employees don't have to leave the workplace to take care of personal business.
Companies That Offer Unique Employee Discounts
Staying competitive in the market largely relies upon attracting and retaining quality employees. One method that isn't related to wages or pay rates is offering discount programs or workplace incentives. Though restaurants, retail stores and manufacturers will offer their employees some kind of discount on the product or services offered, the sky is truly the limit when it comes to creating these incentive programs.


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tion of prayers, homilies and
reflections from those weekly
His answer? "With eyes wide
open to the devastating times
in which we live. With lament."
Ebola in West Africa. Syria.
The Islamic State militants in
Iraq. The murders of Canadian
soldiers Nathan Cirillo and
Patrice Vincent. How do we
deal with all that is wrong
around us?
Sam Chaise is executive
director of Canadian Baptist
Ministries. His response, an
August 2014 blog post entitled
"So Then, There's Nothing I
Can Do," struck a chord. It
caused a 20 per cent spike in
visits to www.cbmin.org.
He wrote to suggest that
avoidance, fatalism and even
obsession (how many likes/
dislikes about today's tragedy
can one share on Facebook!)
are not the active responses
that faith demands in response
to these problems.
Joy in Lament
"There is a better way," he
wrote. "The better way is a biblical way – the way of lament."
By Renée James
diverse Christians from across
the campus. It still does.
"Lament is a crying out – in the
midst of a world tainted by sin,
sorrow, pain and confusion – to
a good God who has the power
to change a given situation,"
says Stacey Gleddiesmith,
program director of worship
arts at Columbia Bible College
in Abbotsford, B.C.
photo: www.dEsigNpics.com
Wi n e B e f o r e Break fast was born seven days after 9/11. Conceived by Brian Walsh, author,
theologian and Christian Reformed campus minister at the
University of Toronto, the early
morning gathering attracted
At that time, when almost
3,000 people were killed by
a series of terrorist attacks in
America, Walsh wondered,
"How do you celebrate resurrection life in the face of
such death? How do you
launch a new expression of
Christian worship and life
together in a world about to
launch into a never-ending
'war on terrorism'?"
He muses on these questions in the introduction to St.
John Before Breakfast, a recently self-published collec-
As most of the Book of
Psalms demonstrates, a true
lament complains loud and
long to God with honesty that
leaves no room for polite self-consciousness. The lamenter
doesn't stop there. He asks


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School and city races headline ballot
The most highly contested races in next Tuesday's general election appear to be among candidates seeking a spot on one of the local school boards. There is competition among candidates in five of the seven school boards in Barry County.
The race for city office also has attracted a few candidates as well. Contested elections will be held in the cities of Wheaton, Washburn, Exeter and Cassville.
In addition, local voters will be electing several road district commissioners.
On April 8, the polls open at 6 a.m. and close at 7 p.m. Ballots and candidate questionnaires are printed in this week's Cassville Democrat. The ballots appear on page 22 and the questionnaires can be found on pages 10, 11 and 12.
School board elections
As usual, the Southwest R-V School Board has attracted the most candidates of any school race. Incumbents Janet Dart Ballard and Angie Corn will face off against challengers Albert Pendergraft, Jerry "Pete" Rose, Danny Laney, John Banks and Jeremy Bernard.
In Cassville, incumbents Mike Carr and Danny Buchanan are running against Rachel Sheats, Becky Henningson and Rob Gripka.
Exeter voters will be picking three candidates from a four-person ballot that includes incumbents Sharon "Bobbi" Vanzandt, Jeston Scott and Doug Weston and newcomer Kerry Mattingly.
Wheaton district patrons have four candidates to choose from. They include incumbents Larry Prewitt and Lewis Royer and challengers Landon Brattin and Bob Brown.
In Shell Knob, voters will be filling one one-year term and three three-year terms. Candidates for the one-year term are Amanda Lawson and incumbent Bob Stewart. Those vying for the three-year term are incumbents Howard Trimble and Joan Tull and challengers David Steinmann and Roger Pinnell.
In each race, area voters will be selecting three candidates from the ballot list to serve on their local school boards.
City elections
The race for city office in Cassville features two contested races.
In the fight for north ward alderman, Jo Ellen Fielding, Samuel Harris and Dennis Baker are all vying for the post, which was vacated by Joe Cavness, who did not seek re-election.
For the south ward alderman's seat on the Cassville City Council, incumbent Herb Primrose is running against challenger Terry Heinz.
In Exeter, incumbent north ward alderman Brenda Adkins faces opposition from challenger Marilyn Erwin, and in Washburn, incumbent Ray Hayworth will go up against John Tiedeman for the open west ward alderman post.
Another strongly contested race can be found in Wheaton as incumbent Nancy Rosentreter faces off against challengers J.P. Hickman and Dave Harris, who formerly served as Wheaton's mayor.
Road district races
A few of the county's road districts feature contested races for road commissioner. These races are as follows: Robert Callahan and Gary Craig, McDonald County Road District; Joe Mark Stapp and Tom Van Derhoef, Pioneer Road District; Tony Washeck and Jerry Laney, Pleasant Ridge Road District; Junior Wolf and David Henry, Purdy Road District; and Derrick Friend and David Orshal, Sugar Creek Road District.
Several other road districts will be filling their expiring road district commissioner terms by write-in vote. These districts include: Mineral Road District; Roaring River Road District; Shell Knob Road District; and Wheaton Road District.


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The Beatitudes Part 3 - Blessed Are The Meek
My series of discussions on decoding the inner meanings of the Beatitudes of the Bible have proved to be very popular indeed, particularly among those readers who have been more used to the theological interpretation of the church.
For the benefit of new members, and to remind everyone else, these are the Beatitudes:
"And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying:
Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted.
Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth.
Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.
Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.
Blessed are the pure in heart: for they shall see God.
Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God.
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake.
Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you".
-- Matthew 5:1 - 12
Although the Beatitudes are among the most well known of Bible passages along with The Lord's Prayer, they are, as with The Lord's Prayer, almost completely misunderstood by orthodox religion.
The Beatitudes, as with prayer generally, as observed in last weeks newsletter, are usually recited mechanically and verbatim without any true understanding of the great significance of these teachings of Yeshua aka Jesus.
Taken as a whole the eight Beatitudes are a summary of the inner teachings of Jesus, and may be compared to the Eightfold Path of the Buddhists in that respect.
It is particularly crucial therefore to understand the true meanings of these eightfold teachings of Jesus in their true, higher and inner meaning.
This week we will discuss the third Beatitude:
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth".
Approached from a theological or literal perspective, this Beatitude would no doubt suggest that "meek", in other words timid, passive, submissive people will somehow gain control over our planet at the expense of those who typically seek power and control
- of which there are of course many. And of course this would not, understandably make sense to most, after all, how can such timid people with no ambition or drive take over the World?
The true, inner meaning of this Beatitude is of course very different indeed.
"Earth" does not mean the planet Earth, but rather our whole outer physical experience. To "inherit the earth" therefore means to gain complete mastery over our entire physical experience, therefore representing one of the most important cornerstones of why we are here on Earth in the first place.
More specifically,"earth" represents causation, outer manifestation as a causal effect of mental processes. As we know, the most fundamental and primary Principle of the Universe is Mind which influences the Energy of which all in creation is constituted.
According to the theological interpretations of the church, "meek", in this context means, and I quote:
"The meek are happy. The meek are those who quietly submit to God; who can bear insult; are silent, or return a soft answer; who, in their patience, keep possession of their own souls, when they can scarcely keep possession of anything else. These meek ones are happy, even in this world".
The word "meek" however, as used in the context of this Beatitude means something completely different, as taught by Jesus.
"Meek" is actually used to represent a mental attitude - a state of Mind. The word "meek" may not be the best, and was probably not the correct translation from the original Ancient Greek text, but the truth is there is no other word that can adequately express the true meaning in context.
The word "meek" represents a specific state of Mind consistent with attracting and experiencing great Abundance and experiential joy and health - this is why the "meek" "inherit the earth" - not the "Earth". "Inherit" may also be replaced with the more modern and better understood word "attract", most popularly recognised in the context of The Law of Attraction.
So meekness is a mental attitude or state of Mind that is devoid of Ego and all material desires, consistent with the expression of Abundance, Health and Perfection from within, which is subsequently expressed and experienced without.
Meekness also implies a willingness to allow Divine Providence, Universal Mind, God to express into physical manifestation by the most direct, perfect and appropriate means that are totally harmonious, and not in accordance with the demands and expectations of individual Ego or out of greed and/or materialism.
One major reason for failure with the Law of Attraction is due to the fact that the Ego of a person will, when attempting to use The Law of Attraction, dwell on where the wishes will materialise from thereby imposing the same limitations on God, Source, Divine Providence and also failing to recognise and realise our true Source of power - Source, God, Universal Life Energy within.
So in conclusion, the inner meaning of:
"Blessed are the meek: for they shall inherit the earth" is this:
Those who understand the true mental nature of the Universe, and can associate with the Universe with the correct "meek" state of Mind, shall easily manifest, i.e. "inherit" i.e attract Abundance, Health, Happiness and attract all they consciously wish for in to material, experiential expression, i.e. the "earth" - not the Earth.


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Learn from past training experiences and build an even better New Year
Taking stock in the previous year is useful when planning the next year. Reflecting on your personal and community fitness accomplishments can bring perspective for the New Year.
Like many runners I started out the 2016 year with a meaningful goal to qualify for the Boston Marathon at a race in Cleveland, my birthplace and where the 26.2-mile test was first tackled in 1977. A proven plan was followed: gradually build the endurance, work the hills for strength and dial in race pace runs up to a half marathon, and work longer intervals (anywhere from 1 to 2 miles or 8 to 15 minutes) at 30 seconds to a minute faster than race pace. The focus was there and I even endured a half marathon on the treadmill in two hours.
However, the best laid plans were foiled. Despite the adequate rest and a whole food diet, the race was derailed by adverse weather – snows that arrived on May 15. Still, I adjusted expectations, completed the race, and followed the words from the film "Field of Dreams": "Go the distance." Besides in a few months I'd be coaching cross-country and felt compelled to be a good role model.
The second reflection was sharing my knowledge of our sport in the community in three ways. First, I began volunteer hosting a local radio program, "Mid Week Wellness," an hour of music peppered with fitness tips on station KDLG 670 AM. The concept was to motivate folks to develop a healthy lifestyle. So the magic of music was shared almost every Wednesday night of 2016 at 7 p.m., just another way to share the gospel of running.
The next community activity was to rebuild the local fitness tribe by resurrecting the Rural People in Motion (RPM) fitness group in Dillingham. We organized a monthly event staged at different venues to seasonal themes, Turkey Trot, Jingle Bell Run, etc., where one runs or walks at their own pace up to an hour for free.
Coaching the Dillingham High School Cross Country Team was my favorite running-related activity this year. A "Bucket List" dream of mine, it was exciting sharing our sport with the next generation of runners, boys and girls striving to be their best on the trails, building stamina, discipline, teamwork and sportsmanship that will hopefully carry beyond high school. Each of these community opportunities served as a chance to plant a seed to cultivate a healthy lifestyle.
My final reflection dealt with helping locals fulfill another dream of establishing a trail system in Dillingham. A space dedicated to foot traffic only where everyone could experience the out of doors close to town. The trails can also serve as an excellent venue for educational and cultural activities. The tundra has abundant blueberries and the woods harbor rabbits, moose, woodpeckers and nuthatches as well, along with fitness activities of hiking, cross-country skiing and running. The terrain lacks substantial hills but provides a safe route off the roads on a true cross-country surface. The dream germinated for years, different sites where explored by various folks, but now the non-aeronautical land next to the airport appears to hold promise. The planned trails fits nicely into the Healthy Alaskans goal increasing physical activity as a means to address the obesity and diabetes epidemic in the region. Sometimes all it takes is just one more person asking a few more questions, and all stakeholders to make it happen.
Now what are the projections for 2017? Competition. Yes indeed I'm in a new age group and the Gasperilla Classic beckons with friends forged in the heat of the 1985 Hawaii Ironman. We're not grumpy old men rather Active members of AARP. My inspiration is to be like Bill Spinder a.k.a. Coach who is running at 83. Now that's a true champion; he embraced fitness for life.
The radio show hosting stint will continue but I want to polish the program content and playlist. RPM will continue – dates have been selected and more volunteers will be recruited. Cross Country Team development is dependent on whether a school teacher steps forward to assume head-coach duties, as they have priority over community members, which is fine with me. I'm still on board for a successful team and will assist with succession planning/knowledge sharing.
Hopefully, by the time you read this, the State of Alaska will have agreed to allow the City of Dillingham to sign a lease to use the non-aeronautical land next to the airport for the trail system and work on the site can commence in the spring. No permanent structures or bridges are permitted just improved footpaths for all to enjoy. These projections or goals are modest improvements to our own human condition in rural Alaska but as the sun tracks across the sky we think of what we can shared with others, how can we make a difference locally? Join your local school's booster club or contact your community's Parks and Recreation Department to offer assistance. REI even sponsors a Trails Day. The word of John Denver's song, "Poems, Prayers, and Promises" rings in my ears moreso now than it did 40 some years ago. Let's make the most of 2017.
— Keep Striding and Smiling.
Coach Mike
Better eating in 2017 Next Post:
Saving Serenity
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When the global brands of Champion International Corporation and International Paper merged, one of the results was Smart Papers, a 106-year-old "new" company. In addition to inventing the Smart name and brand, Nesnadny + Schwartz was responsible for virtually every aspect of the new corporate and marketing communications initiatives.
This complex project entailed rebuilding the visual "voice" of the company from the ground up, including a new corporate identity system and related electronic manuals. N+S also produced new trade show displays, signage, merchandise packaging, advertising campaigns, swatch books, and marketing communications materials.
As is often the case in highly competitive industries, the paper business is flooded with gimmicky, over-produced product samples. We elected to stand out by "keeping it simple"— bright colors, bold typography, and clean design to emphasize the consistently solid performance of the Smart line.


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Your source for SAP BI and BusinessObjects tutorials, best practices, and training content
Reading this article, you will:
Although an embedded SAP BW system in an ERP environment is not meant to replace an enterprise data warehouse (assuming there is a need for one), it can serve some enterprise analytical needs with limited time, effort, and cost.
A couple of years ago, an SAP professional that I hold in high esteem excitedly told me that when he had erroneously run transaction code RSA1 in an SAP ERP Central Component (ECC) system (running SAP NetWeaver 7.3) instead of the SAP BW system, he was surprised to find that he was able to access the Administrator Workbench in the ECC system. It really should not have been a surprise because inside every ERP system (running SAP NetWeaver 7.0 and higher) an SAP BW system resides. This person's apparent discovery led me to think that if such an SAP-savvy person had merely stumbled upon this, it is likely that not too many people are aware of it. My own experiences over the last few years bear testimony to the general lack of awareness on this topic.
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Anurag Barua is a principal at TruQua Enterprises. He has 23 years of experience in conceiving, designing, managing, and implementing complex software solutions, including nearly 18 years of experience with SAP applications. He has been associated with several SAP implementations in various capacities. His core SAP competencies include FI and Controlling (FI/CO), logistics, SAP HANA, SAP BW, SAP BusinessObjects, Enterprise Performance Management, SAP Solution Manager, Governance, Risk, and Compliance (GRC), and project management. He is a frequent speaker at SAPinsider conferences and contributes to several publications. He holds a BS in computer science and an MBA in finance. He is a PMI-certified PMP, a Certified Scrum Master (CSM), and is ITIL V3F certified.
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Where does a film find its origins? In a story that a filmmaker wants to tell, for which she or he will potentially look for protagonists? Or does an encounter with the protagonists inspire the director to build a story around them? At what point does one decide to resort to non-professional actors in order to broaden the spectrum of a narrative? Four filmmakers are invited to discuss the subject by talking about their own films (all part of the Festival's official selection) and their experiences.
Aurelio Buchwalder
Director of Isola (CH)
Pauline Julier
Director of Naturales Historiae (CH)
María Onis
Director of Insula (AR)
Alexe Poukine
Director of That Which Does Not Kill (BE, FR)
Céline Guénot
Selection comittee, Visions du Réel (CH)


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Mailing List
To keep up to date with all the news here at M6 and receive our quarterly newsletter, please fill in the form below. The newsletter will occasionally talk about how you can support us.
Your details will be held securely and we will never share your personal information with any third parties for marketing purposes. We will never sell, rent or trade your personal information.


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4 Super-Secret Snapchat Tips From A Snapchat Pro
Snapchat Influencer's are like magicians, they never give up their tricks. However, when they do, you take note. Here are four Snapchat tips from a pro.
Shaun McBride (aka Shonduras) is a Snapchat Influencer who has worked with brands such as Disney, MLS, and McDonald's. He is well known for the drawings he creates as part of the stories he tells on the mobile app. And people love them.
In this latest series of videos sponsored by Samsung, he shares some Snapchat techniques he uses when creating his content. These are Snapchat tricks for Android phones.
If you have an iPhone, check out these 10 Snapchat tricks everyone should know about.
1.) How to Draw Super Straight Lines
Most of the time when you draw a straight line, it either ends up squiggly or it is crooked. Using two fingers, you can tap on your snap with one finger, and then tap another part of the snap with your other finger to draw a straight line between your two fingers.
2.) The 50/50 Filter Trick
If you want to get creative with your snaps, you can apply two filters at one time. To do so, you pick the filter you want and slide the second filter to split the image.
Then, while holding your finger down, you can send the snap to your story and retain the split filter effect. It doesn't work with iPhone, and it didn't work fully with an Android version I tested out either.
3.) How to Draw Like a Pro With Opacity
This feature is only available in Android and is very easy to use. After selecting your preferred color, you can drag your finger to the left on the color selector while tapping the screen and pick a different hue of that color.
4.) The Long Distance Selfie
Watch this video and you will have one of those, "Why didn't I think of that" moments.
Follow me on Snapchat
This is a Snapcode. Reading this from a desktop computer? Turn on the Snapchat app and hold your phone up to this Snapcode as if to take a picture. If you are reading this from a smartphone, then have a friend open up Snapchat and hold their phone up to this picture.
Do you have any other Snapchat tips that you use? Share them in the comment section below. Or, share your Snapchat name in the comment section so others can follow you.


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Fort Croghan Museum in Burnet, TX
Review completed on October 11th, 2014. (Which was the Fort Croghan Day event for the year.)
Cleanliness of the facility- 1 2 3 4 5
Cleanliness of the facility- 1 2 3 4 5
Friendliness of the staff- 1 2 3 4 5 (I am not sure who was staff and who was volunteers for the event, so this is an overall rating for everyone there that day.)
Overall rating of the attraction- 1 2 3 4 5
Notes: During the Fort Croghan Day event, they had several volunteers stationed throughout the property to demonstrate how things were done in the 1800s. They demonstrated doing laundry, cooking on a wood stove, milking a goat, making lye soap, walking on stilts, blowing bubbles with wooden thread spools,blacksmithing, gunfight reenactment, etc. On a regular day at Fort Croghan Museum (not during the Fort Croghan Day event once/year) they do not have those volunteers doing the demonstrations. They do, however, have some interesting things inside and outside the museum for you to check out, information to read, etc. Be sure to check out the photos below to see some of the items that are on display there. =)
Would you recommend Fort Croghan Museum to others? YES.
Would you visit Fort Croghan Museum again? YES.
To view the photos we took during Fort Croghan Day, check out this album: FORT CROGHAN MUSEUM IN BURNET, TXP.S. Please take a moment to comment on this post and SHARE it! To share, just click on the red "share" button below or look for the gray facebook/email/pinterest/twitter/etc icons below (depending on what type of device you're on.) Thank you so very much for your support!!! =)


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Onshore wind energy
Scottish Natural Heritage supports onshore wind farms that are sited in the right locations.
Scottish Natural Heritage supports onshore wind farms that are sited in the right locations.
Our general advice on wind farm development highlights the many and varied potential impacts of wind farm proposals. Developers should use the guidance to design and assess schemes.
We support a plan led approach to onshore wind farm development. We've developed guidance to support planning authorities to deliver this: Spatial Planning for Onshore Wind Turbines – natural heritage considerations.
Birds can be badly affected by wind farm construction and operations. Death, direct habitat loss and displacement are potential impacts. Developers must carry out collision risk modelling and assess impacts on birds beyond the site.
Wind farms can also affect Scotland's landscapes. Developers should assess the potential impacts to ensure that wind farms are sited and designed to have minimal effects.
Good practice during construction will prevent pollution and avoid hydrological issues among other things.
Peat bog should be restored if a wind farm site is later decommissioned.


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New Masked Prosecutor stills give us our first look at Kim Sun Ah as a cop!
Kim Sun Ah's return to TV is an anticipated one. She's been absent for three years, and in her last drama, she played a very stylish shoe designer, but these days, her wardrobe's a bit limited to uniforms and clothes suited for a lieutenant working in the homicide division of the Gangnam PD. As Yoo Min Hee, she is very professional and dignified, but surely, she'll investigate her cases following her detective's instinct and with some passion and emotions involved.
This scene was filmed in a street in Hongdae, and it is said that the actress completely immersed herself in her character and never lost concentration while being in a crowded setting. (And if I'm not wrong, I guess Kim Sun Ah will be showing off her fluency in the Japanese language, too.)
Masked Prosecutor will be airing this May on KBS.
Source | Newsen


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San Diego Miniature Show, The Festival of New Trumpet Music West
Events February 2-February 5, 2020
Various Authors noon, Jan. 26
Have you ever driven down Interstate 8 east of Jacumba and, eyeing the immense boulder piles that rise on both sides, wondered what it would be like to clamber over them? Here's your chance. Follow these directions, and you'll be on your way into what is known as the Jacumba Wilderness. This rugged and picturesque high-desert area gets relatively few footprints from recreational hikers and quite a number of them from migrants heading north from Mexico. So -- a word to the wise -- it is better to travel in large groups. Also bear in mind that by May the desert heat may reach an oppressive level on some days.
Exit I-8 at Mountain Spring. At a point midway in the "island" between the eastbound and westbound lanes of the freeway, turn east on a rough dirt road. In 0.2 mile this road joins the abandoned concrete ribbon of old US Highway 80. Drive (or walk if the road is too rough) east for an additional 1.3 miles and park near the road's end -- just before the brink of a road cut made for the eastbound lanes of I-8. What lies ahead is a 4-mile loop hike, or a shorter or longer reconnaissance of the area according to your taste. Knowledgeable hikers will want to have a copy of the US Geological Survey 7.5-minute In-Ko-Pah Gorge topographic map with them.
Scramble down the slope about 100 feet to the sandy bed of Myer Creek. Pass under the lanes of I-8 through the large culvert to the west and continue 0.1 mile in the wash until you come to the base of a rocky gully on the left (east). Scramble up the coarse-grained granitic boulders in this gully; after 400 feet of elevation gain you join a sandy wash. Continue east, passing over a saddle and then on down into Myer Valley. The half-square-mile valley, thickly grown with creosote-bush and ocotillo, sheds water to the north. A maze of disused jeep roads (closed to vehicle traffic even before this area was declared a Bureau of Land Management wilderness) laces the valley.
Upon reaching the edge of the valley, you can turn south and skirt the west edge of the valley, following a minor wash. Pick up traces of an old jeep trail about 0.3 mile southwest of a peak labeled elevation 2033 on the topographic map. Follow this west-southwest to the top of a broad divide and then descend toward a ravine that leads west into a north-flowing tributary of Boulder Creek. After some moderate scrambling, you'll arrive at a beautiful palm oasis, complete with a year-round spring. A dry fall (perhaps streaked with moisture if rains have come) and some Indian grinding holes are nearby.
From the palm oasis, it's an easy 1.2 miles back to the culvert under I-8, via Boulder and Myer creeks -- downhill in wash bottoms all the way.


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As a little girl, I dreamed of traveling to far away places to meet new people and see new things. I made that dream come true for the first time in college, when I not only set foot on an airplane for the first time…I made my first flight an international flight to Paris for a summer study abroad class in Franco-American relations. While I was in college my father also had a job where he traveled across the country on a fairly regular basis. He always sent us souvenirs of the places he went, and I was rather envious of his travels.
Now, I travel both locally and across the country for my job on a semi-regular basis. As such I've gotten to be a bit of a travel pro. I've got another trip coming up so I thought I'd share some do's and don'ts of traveling for work.
Do: Pack Intelligently
This is code for Don't-Over-Fill-A-Huge-Suitcase-With-Useless-Crap-You-Won't-Use. I started out as a major over-packer; filling up a huge suitcase so full you have to jump on it to get it closed. But after several trips (and huge knots in my shoulders!) I've gotten wiser and now fit everything I need in a carry-on sized bag. It's easier to drag around, especially since I'll also have a purse and laptop bag with me as well. Need some inspiration? Search Pintrest for Capsule Wardrobe.
Don't: Arrive at the Airport wearing riding boots
You won't believe how many times I've seen this…and been stuck behind these girls in the security line. Anyone who has ever flow before knows the drill…the shoes come off for the security check. I don't care how cute you look in your leggings, boot socks and riding boots with all the zippers and buckles and bling. What I do care about is making my flight on time, which cannot happen if I'm waiting 10 minutes for you to get out of the damn boots before going through security.
Do: Arrive extra early for Monday & Friday morning flights
I learned this one the hard way after nearly missing my flight home from the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport not too long ago. 90 minutes before boarding time may be enough on other days, but it's no where near enough on those days. Unless you are a TSA Pre-Board, you'll spend nearly all of that time just trying to get through security.
Don't: Choose open seating flights
Until recently, I didn't realize that some carriers *cough Southwest cough* have a no-assigned seating option. This is a horrible idea; early group passengers pick the seats in front first, making it harder for those in the later boarding groups to board. And it doesn't matter how many times flight attendants remind passengers to fill up the rows completely; people will always pick the aisle and window seats first, leaving only middle seats open.
Do: Leave yourself rest time
Not only between flights (I always choose at least 90 minute layovers to rest and prevent missing connections), but while you are away as well. Being away from home is tiring, working in unfamiliar environments is stressful and eating healthy while traveling is near impossible. You may be somewhere awesome, but don't plan a bunch of evening activities after work is done. You'll need rest time to de-compress and prevent stress from building up.
I love traveling, but even at its best it is stressful. These are just a few ways I've reduced the stress on my trips. I hope you find these tips useful!


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CLIENT INFORMATION PHONE 612 3000 (Mon-Fri 8.00-19.00)
The contact information phone provides information on:
- Police Board and Border Guard Administration services and initiated campaigns;
- application forms and how to complete them;
- documents to be appended to applications;
- about the status of the identity document or residence permit and general information about the proceedings;
- locations of structural units and their hours of operation;
- contact information for public officials;
- the location of towed vehicles.
Client information phone 612 3000 receives information about high-risk traffic situations, which are impractical to pass on to the emergency call number 112. Police and Border Guard client information phone is working on Monday to Sunday 8.00-19.00 (the price is according to the selected operator price list).
Useful traffic information you can be found here.
NOTE! All calls made to the client information phone number are recorded. Information about other people will not be given by phone (for example staying in detention house).


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The theme is "Show Your Disney Side."
Has Disney released their theme for 2014? I think that's what you would call what I am thinking of, example 2013 was the limited time magic. I can't remember seeing anything about it.
The theme is "Show Your Disney Side."
2015-Beach Club, 2013-Old Key West & Vero Beach, 2011- Animal Kingdom Lodge-Kidani Village, 2009- Boardwalk, 2007- Saratoga Springs, 2006- Hilton Head, 2006- School Trip, 2004- Wilderness Lodge & Ft. Wilderness, 2003-Disneyland, 2001- Boardwalk, 2001- Vero Beach, 2000-Dixie Landings (Join DVC) 2000- Vero Beach, 1997- Dixie Landings
That makes sense now that I think about I have seen a few emails about twitter and social media contests to submit pictures etc.
Too funny I just went down a few posts and see that you posted about this topic. I guess I should have looked harder before posting ;-)


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The junior division of the BMFNC is an overflowing community that grows and grows with every year. Boys and girls can be involved with either football or netball, along with more avenues for girls wanting to play football being available. Ages ranging from 10 year olds right up to Under 17's football and Under 17's for netball along with the juniors girls being 13 - 17 age bracket.
Also another great program that is run is the AusKick that is run most Saturday mornings at Maddingley Park.


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Surrounded by the limestone mountain and the jungle, the Phong Nha Village Homestay (also known as Jungle Boss Homestay) is a great spot to watch the national park and immerse in the villagers' life and caves. Our homestay is located in Phong Nha village close to the Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park where guests can easily explore the caves and experience the tropical jungle of Vietnam as well as enjoy the daily life of local people in Phong Nha while learning how locals work in their rice field or peanut field.
Our homestay is a gateway to the Phong Nha-Kẻ Bàng National Park the word heritage to explore the Sơn Đoòng the world's biggest cave, hang Én cave, Paradise cave or Phong Nha cave
Phong Nha is an agricultural village. Our local people used to be hunters or loggers in the national park. However, it has been changed since they involved in working in tourism. You will have chance to talk to these people about their jungle life.
From and to Hanoi – You can easily take the flight, bus or train to Dong Hoi. The night train is a good option as it is cheaper than the flight but comfortable. Soft sleeper train should costs around 700,000 VND. The buses called Hung Thanh travel, Camel, Queen which depart for Phong Nha everyday from Hanoi at around 6:00 p.m. These buses will arrive quite early at around 4:30 a.m. Vice versus, the buses will leave at about 9:30 p.m in Phong Nha for Hanoi.
From and to Saigon (Ho Chi Minh city) – The best way is to take the flight with Vietnam airlines or Jetstar Pacific Airlines. It is about 1200 km from Ho Chi Minh (Saigon) to Quang Binh, thus train and bus will take about 24 hours. If you don't mind about the time limit, train is also a good option for seeing the coast of Vietnam.
Travel Advisory: October is not a good time to be in Phong Nha due to flood season


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More Popular Issues
See how voters are siding on other popular political issues...
Results from Yahoo voters
Last answered 4 minutes ago
31,737 votes
32,312 votes
Distribution of answers submitted by Yahoo voters.
Data includes total votes submitted by visitors since Mar 20, 2012. For users that answer more than once (yes we know), only their most recent answer is counted in the total results. Total percentages may not add up to exactly 100% as we allow users to submit "grey area" stances that may not be categorized into yes/no stances.
Choose a demographic filter
* Data estimated by matching users to U.S. Census data block groups via the American Community Survey (2007-2011)
a. Retired Police Captain Demolishes the War on Drugs
6 years ago by youtube.com
b. Republicans Slowly Embracing Marijuana
6 years ago by latimes.com
c. Kicking the Bottle: Why Gujarat's Prohibition on Alcohol Doesn't Work
6 years ago by firstpost.com
e. Legalizing Medical Marijuana May Actually Reduce Crime, Study Says
6 years ago by huffingtonpost.com
f. Marijuana Overdoses Kill 37 in Colorado on First Day of Legalization
6 years ago by dailycurrant.com
Data based on unique submissions (duplicates or multiple submissions are eliminated) per user using a 30-day moving average to reduce daily variance from traffic sources. Totals may not add up to exactly 100% as we allow users to submit "grey area" stances that may not be categorized into yes/no stances.


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Who am I? If you want to know that, read my blog. I've always held that it's impossible to summarize a human being in a few sentences. Nonetheless, it may be helpful to have a tiny bit of biographical information.
Ny name is Alex Popkin. I was born Sept. 8, 1982, in the city of Lexington, Kentucky. The central event in my life was when I was saved by Jesus Christ. I now endeavor, as best I can, to follow Jesus.
As of 2012, I teach high school math and physics at a private school in Virginia. I am engaged to the woman of my dreams, and we will be married in the summer of 2013. Currently, I am a member of the Episcopal Church USA.


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Crocheted Baby Washcloths
Photo Credit
Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies: 101 Projects for Infants & Toddlers(Storey Publishing, 2016), edited by Judith Durant and Edie Eckman offers 101 unique crochet projects using only one-skein of yarn. These projects include adorable baby clothing, toys, blankets, and accessories. These handmade baby items are quick and easy to make and will be treasured for a lifetime! The following excerpt is from Chapter 5, "Little Bibs and Washcloths"
Mercerized cotton is the perfect choice for washcloths — strong and mildew resistant, it will hold its shape through many washings. Here are two simple cloths with sweet stitch patterns.
Finished Measurements
Note: One skein will make three washcloths.
Each cloth is 6″/15 cm by 7″/18 cm
• Yarn: Classic Elite Yarns Provence, 100% Egyptian mercerized cotton, 205 yds (186 m)/3.75 oz (100 g), Color 2625 Rosa Rugosa 3
• Crochet Hook: US G/6 (4 mm) or size needed to obtain correct gauge
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 18 rows = 4″/10 cm in wave pattern; 16 stitches and 32 rows = 4″/10 cm in patchwork pattern
• Other Supplies: Yarn needle
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
st(s) = stitch(es)
FLsc = front loop single crochet
BLsc= back loop single crochet
Crocheting the Waves Washcloth
Chain 31.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each chain across, turn. (30 sc)
Rows 2–4: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn.
Row 5: Ch 1, sc in first 2 sc, *[skip 2 sc, 5 sc in next sc, skip 2 sts, sc in next 2 sc]; repeat from * across, turn.
Row 6: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn.
Rows 7–30: Repeat Rows 5 and 6 twelve times.
Row 31: Ch 1, sc in each sc across, turn.
Row 32: Ch 1, reverse sc in each st across.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
Crocheting the Patchwork Washcloth
Chain 25.
Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across. (24 sc)
Rows 2–5: Ch 1, *[FLsc in next 4 sts, BLsc in next 4 sts]; repeat from * across, turn.
Rows 6–9: Ch 1, *[BLsc in next 4 sts, FLsc in next 4 sts]; repeat from * across, turn.
Rows 10–33: Repeat Rows 2–9 three more times.
Fasten off. Weave in ends.
For more from Crochet One-Skein Wonders for Babies:
• Crocheted Baby Blanket
• Crocheted Baby Bath Set
Excerpted from Crochet One-Skein Wonders® for Babies, © by Storey Publishing, LLC, photography by Geneve Hoffman Photography, used with permission from Storey Publishing. This project is by Melinda Slaving.
DIY Hand Lotion
hand lotion recipe
Wild and Whimsical Wreaths
Learn how to bring nature indoors all year long with these fresh and festive wreath projects that reflect the changing seasons.
Wild Spring Wreath
Learn to use fresh flowers and a natural wreath base to create this spring-themed wreath that can be redone again and again.


text: SPOKANE, Wash. & PROVO, Utah, April 19 -- World Wide Packets announced it will provide metro access network equipment to the city of Provo for a phased buildout to begin immediately. The first phase creates the city's metro backbone, connecting government buildings, schools, and power stations to deliver high-speed data. This phase is expected to be completed by the end of May. Science Applications International Corp. will assist in this phase of building the network. "By deploying our end-to-end solution, Provo is creating a new model for the delivery of high-speed services and securing the city's future in the process," said Bernard Daines, CEO, World Wide Packets.


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It is the free mind and individual responsibility, the principles of the Renaissance that have brought us the wonders of modern health care through the free-market capitalist system and through the inventiveness of the free minds it has raised. It seems we are now going to harness the capitalist engine for rationing....
The world owes all its onward impulses to men ill at ease.
The happy man inevitably confines himself within ancient limits.
Nathaniel Hawthorne (1804-1864)
On Managed Care And Cutting-Edge Technology
The decade of rapid growth of the HMO embryo has now reached the turbulence of adolescence. Whether this brand of irrational medical financing will transform itself to rational adulthood or merely self-destruct is now open to conjecture. It is important however, if not critical, to understand the likely future of HMOs, as politicians, business institutions, and medical groups are currently making strategic decisions dependent upon HMO maturity and permanence. Decisions made upon such a premise are very likely to be ill conceived.
Managed Care (HMO) Dissatisfaction
Dissatisfaction with managed care and HMOs continues to grow. Readers of the Medical Sentinel should find of interest (but not surprising) the following aggregate of opinion polls conducted by The Wall Street Journal, Harris Polling, ABC, Newsweek乐动体育APP, and both political parties:
The percentage of Americans that believe managed care has hurt the following aspects of medical care:
Nurses, Doctors, and HMOs
In case you have not heard, the managed care industry has instituted another divisive measure that is bound to cause resentment within the ranks of medicine: Oxford Health Plans, Inc. and Columbia Presbyterian Medical Center have struck a deal to assign primary care status to nurse practitioners who will be paid at the same rate as physicians.
HMOs Are NOT "Free Market"
M. Stanton Evans, the prominent journalist, has vindicated AAPS and many of us who have (1) exposed managed care and HMOs for what they are: collectivist engines harnessed for the rationing of medical care; and (2) denied the contention that HMOs are "free market." Writing in Human Events乐动体育APP (12/6/96), he states:
Dear Editor,
Jan Malcolm, Vice President of Public Affairs for the Allina Health System, Minnesota's largest HMO, was appointed on January 19 as Minnesota's new Commissioner of Health. We question whether Commissioner Malcolm, a top-ranking HMO executive, can effectively deal with the problem of managed care.
Dear Dr. Orient,
HMOs have destroyed many long-term patient-physician relationships, they have created an ethical conflict of interest for physicians who must agree to withhold care to their patients for profit, and they have perpetrated the biggest scam of all time on patients whom they have promised "something for nothing." Managed care has unquestionably lowered the overall quality of medical care available today. But is this as bad as it gets?
As I picked up the front page of the USA Today in the doctor's lounge, an article caught my eye. The headlines read: "Health-Plan Cost to Soar This Year." Even though I was late to start my myelogram, I sat down to read this incredible headline. It reported that large health benefit plans' costs will go up 7 percent on average this year, almost twice the rate increase of last year. But, of even more interest, it is drastically higher than the 1.5 percent inflation rate.
Inflammatory HCFA Notices
乐动体育APPA new Republican health care proposal, spearheaded by Rep. Tom Bliley (R-VA), would greatly expand freedom of choice and control by workers and consumers over their health coverage and care. This idea would be far more effective in helping patients than federal regulatory proposals masquerading under the label of a patient bill of rights, which would actually reduce the freedom of choice of patients in some ways.
The Health Mart Proposal
Privacy Matters
Dear Editor,
As a physician my main concern is the health of my patients, and they are the ones who make the medical decisions for their care, treatment, drugs and consultations.
I came to this country because I wanted freedom of choice and the freedom to practice medicine in the best way possible. The first ten years I was able to work in my profession as I believed it should be done, but now I am very disappointed because of my inability to practice medicine the way it needs to be practiced, in the tradition of Hippocrates.
As Medical Sentinel 乐动体育APPreaders may know, particularly my Ob/Gyn colleagues, many insurance companies and HMOs have instituted "prenatal wellness programs" (PWPs). Typically, patients are called or induced to call the company and a company nurse records a detailed medical history including sexually-transmitted diseases, abortions, etc. These programs are represented to patients as being "in cooperation with" or "with the participation of" patients' physicians. But physicians received only a computer printout copy of the record generated by the insurance company.
Though several political hurdles remain, U.S. consumers could soon have new protections against alleged abuses of "managed care" and HMOs (health maintenance organizations).
At the forefront of the new developments are competing bills in Congress, passed by the House and Senate respectively, now scheduled to be reconciled in conference. Simultaneous with these proposals, state legislatures and the courts have also moved to impose new limits on managed care. Obviously, the national backlash against HMOs is having a significant impact.
乐动体育APPIt has been said that there is no such thing as coincidence --- that all happenings have their reasons. Several days ago, I was conversing with physician friends about the reasons for the current medical and professional dilemma, physicians and patients finding themselves hopelessly overwhelmed by the government and the insurance industry. On the following day, while purging files in my den, I came across an article on this very subject, which I had written in 1995. The article went like this:
As might be expected from the rave reviews by Physicians for a National Health Plan, As Sick As It Gets offers a single diagnosis and a single prescription for whatever ails any non-rich American.
With the definite resurgence of the medical liability crisis, a recapitulation of the AMA's campaign for the implementation of tort reform in the last several years is in order to better understand where we have been and where we are headed in our struggle for meaningful and substantive medical liability ("malpractice") tort reform.
Is the general practitioner being cast in the role of a medical reject or is there a holocaust of general practitioners?
"You cannot be on our hospital staff because you are not a board certified specialist," said the hospital. A holocaust maneuver by the hospital?
"You cannot be one of our physicians," said the HMO, "You do not have a specialty board we recognize." A holocaust maneuver by the HMO?
乐动体育APPYour March 3 editorial "Health Care Industry Wearing Blinders," brings to light much that is transpiring today in health care delivery - from "cowardly" public relations responses at the state legislature to "cynical" radio ads by the managed care industry.
The public outcry you described and the horror story testimonials aired in WMAZ's All About You乐动体育APP, managed care series - all support my contention that we are headed in the wrong direction, toward more corporate socialized medicine, to the detriment of patient care.
Although I agree with your editorial on unionization, I must ask why are physicians really forming unions? Why are editors of medical journals, such as the Annals of Internal Medicine (April 20, 1999), calling again for "universal coverage" and "health care as a right?" They are already anticipating the collapse of the "managed care free market system" under its own bureaucratic weight, and are hoping that the government will save us from the crisis with the single payer system.


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food science, technology &
The 'Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de alimentos' is a research centre oriented to food science, technology and biotechnology that belongs to the Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas.
IATA participates in R&D&i projects funded by national, European and International calls. Industry.
The Technology Transfer and Internationalisation Unit at IATA has the objectives of promoting and facilitating the collaboration of our researchers with industries and other external parties.
|Instituto de Agroquímica y Tecnología de Alimentos Presentation


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Conrad Ashton
Conrad Ashton, singer song writer, well-crafted, unique artist always gives an exciting performance, professional, electrifying and 'live' ; whether he is performing on his own or performing with one of his carefully selected backing bands. At the age of 10 he found himself watching The Who performing at Live 8 on television.
It was Pete Townshend's electric stage presence that made Conrad realise what he wanted to do with his life. Shortly after, he received his first guitar. He became obsessed with it and ended up practicing hour upon hour, day after day.
Singer Song Writer Conrad Ashton
During his mid-teens Conrad suffered with anxiety and depression. This led him on to writing poetry to help him overcome what he was going through. His poetry became lyrics. His lyrics became songs. Yet Conrad still wanted to broaden his knowledge of music. As soon as he could, he enrolled himself onto a 2-year music course at New College Durham. When his course at New College Durham came to an end, Conrad Ashton decided that he wanted to study for a BA (Hons) Degree.
This would further his knowledge of music and help him finally sell himself as an artist. He was accepted with open arms at one of the top conservatoires in Europe, Leeds College of Music. Alongside his studies Conrad was writing for other artists. After seeing them gain some success with the music he had written he decided to record his own EP called 'Zebra Crossing'. A short amount of time passed after releasing the EP and he decided to pull 'Zebra Crossing' as he felt it wasn't good enough.
One For The Road
It didn't truly portray the musical artist that he is. Instead of recording a new EP he went all out and recorded his debut album 'One For The Road' with producer Josh Hoggart. Conrad Ashton singer songwriter is available as a support artiste for major bands travelling through the UK. It is fair to say that the future is incredibly bright for Conrad. Shortly after the release of 'One For The Road' he aimed to complete a UK tour bringing his music to the current and new audience. Conrad is already aiming to record and release another album very soon. New venues are invited to contact him for booking details.
Conrad Ashton Enquiry
Office Tel No 0161 286 1041 or text line 07757 890 154


text: A SXSW Music Fest wristband guarantees you will not pay a cover charge to see official SXSW Music Fest shows at over 100 stages. Admission to all venues is subject to legal capacity and many shows will fill up. Admission to most venues will be subject to minimum age requirements.


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Tucson's own Klezmer band, the Klezmopolitans, will bring the lively dance rhythms, modal melodies and ornamental flourishes of Jewish and Eastern European folk music to the Arizona Senior Academy on Tuesday (Aug. 15) in a midday concert beginning at 11:30 a.m.
The Klezmopolitans chose their name to reflect the cosmopolitan nature of their repertoire, which spans beyond traditional Klezmer tunes to jazz standards, classical favorites and original compositions.
Klezmer music, traditionally performed at weddings and festive celebrations, originated in the Jewish villages of Romania and spread throughout Eastern Europe and Russia. The clarinet and violin are typically featured in Klezmer bands as they can expressively imitate the vocal sounds of laughing and weeping. Later additions to Klezmer bands have included trumpet, trombone, accordion and string bass.
With the emigration of many Eastern European Jews to the United States around the turn of the 20th century, Klezmer music began to be influenced by the popular American styles of jazz and blues. The success of the popular musical, Fiddler on the Roof, with its Klezmer-style score, helped spur widespread interest in Klezmer music in the 1970s.
The members of the Klezmopolitans are well-known Tucson musicians Jay Vosk (clarinet, flute, alto sax), Michael Fan (violin), Jeff Holsen (string bass) and Matt Mitchell (guitar).
Vosk is an established composer who teaches music theory at Pima Community College. Mitchell is well-known to Academy audiences as a member of Hot Club of Tucson and the Tucsonics western swing band. Holsen and Fan are both members of the Tucson Symphony Orchestra. Fan is also a composer in his own right.
Written by Leslie Nitzberg, Academy Village Volunteer


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editor- dotnet
This package is now obsolete and has been replaced by the GroupDocs.Editor package.
[Obsolete] GroupDocs.Editor is an UI/DB/platform agnostic engine that can be plugged in any of kind of HTML editor
and allows you to edit different document formats in your .NET applications.
Supported file formats include:
- Doc
- Docx
- Docm
- Odt
- Rtf
and many more formats.
The GroupDocs.Editor for .NET Library allows to get document html representation that can be loaded into any WYSiWYG html editor.
Edited html representation can be saved back to source format via GroupDocs.Editor.
The product has the following key features:
- Native API, allowing all application functionality to be programmatically controlled
- Translate document to html DOM for each document type
- Translate edited html to source document format
- Storage agnostic
For more details on the library, please visit GroupDocs website at:
Note: The library comes up with some limitations in the evaluation mode. In order to test full features of GroupDocs.Editor for .NET library, please request a free 30-day temporary license.
Install-Package groupdocs-editor-dotnet -Version 17.7.0
dotnet add package groupdocs-editor-dotnet --version 17.7.0
<PackageReference Include="groupdocs-editor-dotnet" Version="17.7.0" />
paket add groupdocs-editor-dotnet --version 17.7.0
This package has no dependencies.
GitHub Usage
This package is not used by any popular GitHub repositories.
Version History
|Last updated


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Grants to Help the Homeless
While many people experience America as a "land of plenty," with opportunities and creature comforts abounding, sadly nearly 554,000 people in our country do not have a home (U.S. News, 2017). Many different factors can lead to homelessness, including economic factors, mental health, and situational issues. Therefore, organizations that seek to combat homelessness must use a variety of techniques and offer diverse services to tackle this multifaceted problem. Whether your non-profit agency seeks funding for programs to support immediate basic needs for those who are homeless or to create long-term housing and solutions, a number of different grants are available to help finance this important work to assist some of our nation's most vulnerable residents.
Bank of America Economic Mobility Grants
For 2018, Bank of America is offering two different economic mobility-focused grant programs to organizations that assist vulnerable populations, including the homeless:
The first grant program supports non-profit agencies that assist homeless individuals and families. This grant funds a variety of initiatives that directly help the homeless, such as programs that provide the basic needs of food, clothing, and shelter or job-training programs. Applications for the Economic Mobility Grant are typically due in February of each year.
The second grant program focuses on broader community and social programs, including larger-scale programs whose trickle-down effect will ultimately help reduce homelessness rates. For instance, organizations that seek to build transitional or long-term housing specifically for vulnerable populations, including the homeless, are eligible for this grant opportunity. The application period for this second grant type is usually in the month of June each year.
Grants to Help the Homeless
Every day across the country a family is affected by drug dependency. According to Addiction Centers, over 20 million Americans over the age of 12 have an addiction (excluding tobacco). 100 people die every day from drug overdoses. This rate has tripled in the past 20 years.
Municipalities, first responders, health care providers, and non-profit organizations across the country are banding together to help solve this epidemic. Grant money can help address this reality. Below, find some hand-selected substance abuse prevention and treatment grant opportunities.
We are waiting patiently for the Community Oriented Policing Services (COPS) grant application window to open. The package of four grant programs includes the COPS Hiring Program (CHP), the U.S. Department of Justice's (DOJ's) largest and most popular grant program. CHP funds the hiring and rehiring of entry-level career law enforcement officers, including school resource officers. The other three COPS grant programs include: Community Policing Development, Anti-Heroin Task Force, and Anti-Methamphetamine Task Force. At this time last year, the deadline for 2016 had already been announced. We are continually checking on the status of the program so check back to this blog often to find out when this prevalent program opens up.


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Image courtesy ~ http://chicityfashion.com/
When monsoon arrives, all we need is a piping hot cup of coffee and endless hibernating mode on with some dreamy music in the background! But how we wish this could be true as that's rarely what we get to do. Often enough we have to step out in the blaring rains where we are either saving our umbrellas from flying away or ourselves from dropping in puddles.
So to save you from all those mishaps and lend a tip or two, here's how to be on top of the style game even in monsoons:
Image courtesy ~ http://newallphoto.blogspot.in
A Sturdy Umbrella
A sturdy umbrella is what you need so that it becomes your shield and warrior both. Choose a vibrant one because isn't it nice to have a hint of colour against the grey monsoon skies? A pretty floral amassment, contemporary checks or anything cutesy could be a perfect choice.
Image courtesy ~ https://www.moroccanoil.com
Frizz Control Hair Spray
Apart from the cool rain breeze, we all dread the soupy air that lends unwanted frizz to our hair. The dampness in the air combines with our unflinching tresses resulting in frequent bad hair days. But a good frizz control spray can keep them at bay and you should definitely have one in your bag at all times.
Image courtesy ~ http://www.thesolitarywriter.com/
Good Footwear
A pair which has a good grip and is comfortable both is what you need in the torrential rains. Slipping and falling is the last thing we want to do in these rains. So, avoid wearing heels and opt for footwear with flat soles and trendy prints to look chic. Rainy sandals and wellingtons would do.
Image courtesy ~ http://www.bestproducts.com
Waterproof Makeup
Because you don't want to look like a Goth princess on your way to work. Opt for waterproof makeup and the lesser the better. A flick of eyeliner or a hint of kajal with fruity lip balm will help you look good and pull through the rains easily.
Image courtesy ~ http://www.wilko.com
Hand Towel
Isn't carrying tissues a total waste in the rains? Always carry a hand towel at all times because getting damp in the rains is inevitable. One with an absorbent fabric is a must!
Image courtesy ~ https://www.jumia.co.ke
Protective Phone Cover
We are not saying don't click pictures of the ombre skies but shield your phone while you do that. Get a protective phone cover and save your phones from getting drenched in the rains.
Tell us what would you like to add more to this guide?


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|White Snakeroot
Eupatorium rugosumNative Woodland Wildflower - Poisonous
A poultice made from White Snakeroot was used to treat snakebite by Native Americans. Other medicinal uses included a root tea to treat various ailments.
Milk Sickness - When eaten by cows the plant's toxins are passed to the milk. Symptoms include weakness and nausea and possible death.
This was only hard to identify because I had a much better photograph than any 'reference' I found. The leaves were easy enough to match - toothed heart shaped. But the flowers gave me doubts.Snakeroot is a member of the Boneset family and as such has flat topped flower clusers. The flowers are very small and have a fuzzy appearance but I mamaged to get a good closeup photo of the flowers and it was nothing like I imagined. In fact I had to go back and photograph the plant again to make sure I had the right one.
Soil Type - Rich wodland
Height Average - 2 - 5 ft.
As you can see there is nothing 'fuzzy' about the flowers when you're up close and personal.


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I thought it was about time for another rose tutorial so, here it is! Click on the link to learn how to draw a pretty rose.
DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


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There are the options of exit to manual load, unloading on tray through a pneumatic gantry, unloading and flipping through a pneumatic gantry or an unloading, flipping and laying up on glass by means of a servo driven gantry.
The system is adapted to different customer production needs such us manual, semiautomatic or fully automatic lines. It has intelligent and automatic end of ribbon control, minimizing the reel changing time to less than 11 minutes.


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Wonders of Creation
The Fish Who is a Man's Best Friend
This fish always visits the diver that saved his life 25 years ago! Perhaps the power of appreciation is inherent even in creatures we thought weren't intelligent
Are We Alone in the Universe?
NASA found a few thousand planets beyond our solar system with 10 having conditions similar to earth
15 Astounding Facts About the Brain
No computer comes close to it in complexity and ability
Does G-d Care About an Insignificant Person Like Me?
5 thoughts for you to consider
Enjoy Israel's Natural Beauty
Here's a small collection of the wildlife, flora and fauna indigenous to Israel . The Talmud says even the animals in Israel become wise from Israel's holiness
If G-d Would Make Me a Miracle I Would Believe in Him
Why does a baby cry at birth? What about the beauty of a snowflake? What do eye lashes do for us?
Cold Fusion Actually Works!
Physicists created a cold fusion machine that uses just a few liters of seawater.
Environment: A Natural Way to Clean Military Waste
Genetically engineered grasses can clean up the mess left over from bombs
The Deep Roots of Cannabis in Torah
How does the Torah view cannabis and THC?
What Exactly Does Bee Honey Contain?
Why should honey from bees be permitted, even though bees are impure creatures? The fascinating answer to this reveals the Torah's incredible knowledge of chemistry – a knowledge only the Creator of the World could have known.
A Bomb Factory Inside a Beetle
There is a creature called the "Bombardier Beetle," named so because it fights and drives predators away using a very sophisticated bombing system, yet amazingly, inside this beetle's body, the substances are produced, without exploding and killing the beetle.
It's a Rock! No, It's a Fish
A fish that looks just like a rock?? "How great are Your deeds Hashem. All of them You have made with wisdom – the earth is full of Your creations."
The Miracle of Water
The only substance that contravenes the laws of nature; expanding rather than contracting in the cold, is the one most necessary for the world's continued existence - water
Our Planet's Position: Not Too Far, Not Too Close
It is frightening to think that if our planet were any closer to the sun, all humans, animals and plants would soon become burning splinters in a giant furnace. On the other hand, if we were any further away, we would all be ice cubes in a gigantic freezer.
Darwin's Greatest Fear - The Eye
According to Charles Darwin, knowledge of the eye's construction will debunk the theory of evolution. As he put it: "Until today, the eye always gives me a cold shiver."
The Ears; Ever Wonder About Them?
Why are there two small receivers on the sides of the head? Why do we need that strangely shaped lump of flesh called an ear?
The Human Body - A Serious Operation
Who planned and set up the powerful and sophisticated immune system? After looking into its greatness one needn't be a genius to reach the obvious conclusion
A Living Cell - The City of the Future
After discovering what takes place in every living cell on the planet, it is clear as daylight that the creation has a designer


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Make Your Getaway
Ideal for a narrow lot with a view, this charming cottage
from Visbeen Architects features a walkout lower level that can be finished for more space. On the main level, the island kitchen melds seamlessly with the open dining nook, the fire- place-warmed living room, and a bright sunroom that opens to the deck. A guest bedroom resides on this level. Upstairs, the master suite includes a private study (perfect for use as a nursery, a quiet reading spot, or perhaps even a snore room!), double walk-in closets, and a private bathroom with two sinks. Another generous bedroom suite sits across the hall. Both bedrooms easily access the laundry room.


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Monday, January 7, 2008
The DC Counter Culture Festival III
Happy New Year!!!
Lately, a lot of people have been saying "2008 is going to be great!" Well, I would like to think that myself~ starting with the first major show of the year. I am wicked excited about the annual DC Counter Culture Festival III. This latest installment of an artsy freakshow will be sure to impress, express and perhaps depress. Not only is this celebrating independent artists, designers, graphic novelists and performers (to name a few), it is saying goodbye to Dr. Dremo's. The neighborhood institution will be closing it's doors at the end of January.
The 411:
Whatcha talkin' bout Willis? The DC Counter Culture Festival III
Who goes there?? Crazy arse people- lots of talented designers, artists and comic creators, PLUS entertainment- a glass walker and several local bands
Where's it at? Dr. Dremo's, 2001 Clarendon Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201
Why do fools fall in love? Because there is nothing much better to do on a cold winter's night.
When's dinner? Saturday, January 19th, vendors from 4pm until 8pm, freakshow from 9pmish until late
Dough, a deer? Freeeeee!! Update- ***21+ only, sorry!***
Web-fright www.dcconspiracy.com
Looking forward to this very unique and cool show- hope to see you there-Jen
Posted by Jenafusion at 8:28 PM
Labels: Shows
1 comment:
- Arty4ever said...
I can't wait! See you there!!
- January 8, 2008 at 3:07 PM
Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)


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All correct! Your turn.1. What is a diuretic? Name three types.
2. What is creatinine used to measure and what is its molecular formula?
3. What is Einthoven's triangle and where is it?1. Diuretics help increase the production of urine and aid in micturition. There are three types: loop acting, potassium sparing, and thiazide diuretics. 2. Creatinine tests the ability of the kidneys to function and helps in estimating the GFR. It's formula is C[sub]4[/sub]H[sub]7[/sub]N[sub]3[/sub]O 3. Einthoven's triangle is used in EKGs, it's the triangle formed by the left arm, right arm, and left leg


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OSSIA has been a student-run ensemble at the Eastman School of Music since the mid-1970's. Chances are, even if you've heard of it or gone to one of its concerts, you haven't been behind the scenes to learn that it is more than just an ensemble — it's an incubator in arts management. With our eye on the state of the classical music economy, we met up with Matt Evans, this year's president of OSSIA, to ask him how to sustain a successful classical music organization in the most challenging of classical genres: new music.
Ask Eastman School of Music student Evans why he plays new music, and his argument is a slam dunk. "I play saxophone and I don't play a lot of jazz," says Evans. "The saxophone was a late bloomer. Since it came about in the late 1800's, all the repertoire is new. I am a new-music native based on the instrument I play."
Evans became involved in OSSIA when his quartet was asked to play in an OSSIA concert. It was an opportunity to cross over into the world of "new music" among classical musicians, a place where Evans hadn't yet explored. In just one OSSIA concert, Evans was hooked, and now, two years and several job descriptions later, he serves as the group's president.
"OSSIA is the only ensemble in the music school that is really completely student run," says Evans. In addition to performing, OSSIA's board members handle day-to-day activities, board development, recruiting student performers, the commissioning of student composers to write new works, an international composition competition, and other duties.
The responsibilities are a busy fit for Evans, who is currently completing his DMA in saxophone performance and literature and his MA in music theory pedagogy at ESM. Evans also performs internationally and throughout the US and is a founding member of the Zzyzx Quartet and the Project Fusion saxophone quartet. Evans says that the workload is "not unmanageable, but does give a taste of what I'll have to do when I venture out into the world and I'm in a community that doesn't have a new music scene."
One aspect of OSSIA that is enviable, compared to the vast majority of classical groups, is that OSSIA has foundation funding through the Eastman School of Music Howard Hanson Fund. OSSIA is required to prepare an annual budget and go through a budget-approval process with ESM, but students are spared the rigors of budgeting based on fundraising and ticket sales. All of OSSIA's concerts are free and open to the public.
OSSIA is in its 17th season, with a four-concert cycle that was determined last year, each concert having works selected around a theme. "If you have a theme or an idea for a concert, let us know," says Evans. "We're trying also to think about ways to engage the Eastman community. There are a lot of students not going to our concerts."
Even the advertising for OSSIA concerts falls to its members. Evans says OSSIA's marketing campaign usually involves social media, including Facebook and Twitter, and entries are posted on institutional and personal levels. "The feed gets filled up daily," says Evans. Indeed, when looking up credentials for Evans and others at OSSIA, "views" on YouTube is part of the modern bragging rights of post-performance advertising.
Evans also puts an interesting spin onto the public-relations side of running OSSIA. "We have an obligation to present why the music we select should be listened to, especially because we put on music that's not being heard anywhere else," he says.
Evans points out that OSSIA "does some pretty hard repertoire." There's a real purpose to those selections. According to Evans, OSSIA fills a niche at ESM. He says the name means "the musical alternative." Evans says, "OSSIA asks questions like, What is the alternative? What can we hear on a very high level in the halls of ESM that otherwise wouldn't get programmed? Are we reaching our audience? What can we bring to the community? And can we offer experiences for the students at the school?"
For board member Daniel Pesca, OSSIA has offered an opportunity not only to learn about the functions of a music organization, but also to work as a commissioned composer. Last spring, before Pesca became a board member, he responded to and won OSSIA's call for new works. Pesca's composition "Examples of Confusion" will be part of the December 2 concert.
"The title is taken from a short story by Lydia Davis, and its structure also reflects that the short story is actually a series of 15 interchanged miniatures, which are interconnected and mutually dependent on each other," says Pesca, who is in his second year of his doctoral studies at ESM.
"Examples of Confusion" is approximately nine minutes long, and is written for an ensemble of nine players of high-register wind instruments, piano, and percussion. Pesca says, "It has a clear, ringing, bright sound because of the range of the instruments. It is specific and unique instrumentation. I don't know of another piece with this kind of instrumentation."
And within the sliver of new music, there is an even smaller sliver of new-music scores that look anything but conventional, two-staff, five-line scores. "You get a score where there is immaculate detail; you get another that features a lot of improvisation and you have to make it into something rather than simply execute it," says Evans.
Look no further than one of the pieces on the upcoming OSSIA concert to make the comparison between Pesca's piece and the types of other scores new-music performers can encounter. Among the pieces on the program for the December concert is "Mikrophonie I" by Karlheinz Stockhausen (1928-2007). The score is written in German, and ensemble members had first to translate it before sitting down to rehearse and discuss it. In addition to tam-tam players, the work requires "an arsenal of people handling electronics and microphones," according to Evans. He says "it is meant to be a different listening experience every time it is performed."
Both Evans and Pesca consider OSSIA a vital part of developing their skills to advance within the new-music section of the classical-music world. Pesca says, "It's a very good way to start along that path to have experiences like this. With each ensemble you learn particular things. It adds to my craft as a composer. And it also adds to my experience on working with musicians in a collaborative setting on how to communicate with players and the conductor in a respectful and productive way, so that everyone feels valued."
As Evans puts it, "The very word 'musician' is synonymous with 'teacher' and 'entrepreneur.' As a musician, no matter where you go you have to create your own worth. You move into a community. You have to let people know that what you are doing is important and you have to draw them in. It's a thrill when you're on stage and it goes well."