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Dealing with Returning to the Drawing Board
People who have playtested Mythender will be familiar with the first part of this post.
When I came up with the "stat subsystem" for Mythender, I was reacting the the concept of a "dump stat." I liked the idea of quantification & relative competence (and still do), and wanted to avoid a situation akin to Charisma in classic D&D — a place to put your worst stat and ignore it.
So, when I drafted up the stats for Mythender, I wrote down seven words — I can't recall all of them, but "Guile," "Fortitude," "Nimbleness," and "Prowress" where four of them. The idea was that you would pick four of these seven essential hoeric qualities, and you would rank them something like 2, 3, 3 & 4 — the number of dice you would roll when you use that stat. The core system is "dice pool, individual success" style, so rolling more dice is always good.
Now, with nebulous terms like "guile," any half-creative player could come up with a way that anything they do is "with guile." This was intentional in the design. Mythender is, in some ways, my answer to high-level D&D 3/e — demigods walking the earth should be nigh-limitlessly badass. But, this means the dump stat problem exists, because anyone creative enough could avoid using the lowest stat (as opposed to games that are more rigid in their quantification, and can present problems to characters that require the use of said stat).
My "brilliant" solution: require the use of every stat for a bennie. You would check off when you used a stat, and when you used them all you got Mythic Power — the powerful supercharge currency in the game that fuels special, rule-breaking abilities. (Which is to say, yes, they're the feat fuel of the game.) I thought this was elegant and inspired and awesome. I was eager to show it off.
I explained this idea to my game group, and they found it intriguing. So, in our first few playtests of Mythender, back when the stats were set terms, it seemed to work (if a little flat). I later switched to a "you come up with your own stat" method that I loved with I first discovered Unknown Armies (and seen in many indie games), to make it more interesting to the players. And we played this way for months.
Did you know that sometimes your playtesters can be too nice to you? Sometimes they'll play along with your pet idea because they're trying to test it out mechanically rather than play as they might truly do? Yeah, sometimes your playtesters may accidentally lead you astray, if you let them and give them reason to.
There was this issue with human nature: given two options, you'll want to pick the better one. So, do you roll your best stat or your worst with facing down a dragon? I was trying to encourage using everything to be awesome and breadth, but critical situations caused players to question the "I'll get a bennie later if I totally hose myself now, but I might die if I don't do well enough now" mechanic that I apparently devised. Rob Donoghue brought this to head at GenCon, when he completely ignored the bennie element and completely destroyed the system in doing so.
I have to thank him so very, very much for that. That was the kick in the ass that I needed, to see what someone would really do with the mechanic and how it didn't work.
So, I came up with others ideas within the same vein, because I had spent so long with this "you have stats and they have numbers" idea that I couldn't really see a way out. Then recently, and I can't remember how I got such inspired, I found a way to divorce stat & number, which keeping numbers which were important to the "so, how many dice do I roll right now?" element of the design.
This meant going back to the drawing board and trying something new, which I was scared of because Mythender was something people were looking forward to, and at the time I couldn't mentally handle another huge delay. I mean, yes, if the game's no good it needs to go back to formula before publication, and intellectually I understood this, but emotionally I was frustrated as all hell and avoided the drawing board after Rob's revelation for months.
"Sometimes, you just have to suck it up and press on," I had to remind myself. I seem to be in need of reminding myself of that a lot.
The concept I have is that all Mythender have a single, base rating, their Storm stat. It defaults to 3, but there are reasons and times when it'll go up or down. (Why "Storm" is something you'll have to wait for — the central mechanic of the game is a complicated dice exchange.)
A Mythender has (currently) four stats, in the "you describe it yourself with some guidance from the text" style. Instead of separate numbers, each stat has three boxes: +3, +2 & +1.
To start off an encounter, each box is clear. On a roll, a Mythender (and I should preface with: this is also how it works for Myths, so the system is finally more unified and non-crap for the GM) either "charges" or "discharges" (for lack of a better term) a trait. If they charge, they put a slash through one of the boxes on that trait and just roll their base Storm dice along with their Thunder dice. If they discharge, they put a cross slash through the charged boxes on a trait and roll Storm + charged box bonuses, again along with their Thunder dice. Once a box is discharged, it's used for the encounter.
Let's show this visually. Say you have the trait "Ancestral lance."
Ancestral Lance [+3] [+2] [+1]
On your first turn, you charge Ancestral Lance, talking about how you bring it to bear on the valkyres charging. And you roll your base 3 Storm dice.
Ancestral Lance [+3] [+2] [+1]
Now, on your second turn, you could choose to discharge it for a +3 bonus to Storm, totalling 6. Or you could charge the +2 box, so you can get +5 next turn. We'll say that you're not feeling the pressure at the moment, so you'll charge. (Yes, you could also use another stat, but let's not overcomplicate this for the explanation.) That means rolling another 3 Storm dice only.
Ancestral Lance [+3] [+2] [+1]
It's your turn turn, you just got hit hard. Your Thunder pool is almost depleted (seriously, there are maybe 40 people out there who have any idea what I'm talking about at this point — I should talk about Storm, Thunder & Lightning later). It's time to discharge your Ancestral Lance. That's +5 on top of your 3, for 8 Storm.
Ancestral Lance [+3] [+2] [+1]
And those boxes are done and unusable for the rest of the encounter. Since I haven't yet had a battle that's taken longer than 8 turns (and I've had a lot of battles), having two open traits should be no problem.
Now, I want a sense of breadth in Mythender, but also fiery focus. So the solution I came up with (that is yet untested) is that you get to use two traits for free in an encounter, but if you want to open up your third or fourth, it'll cost Mythic Power. Playtesting will see if that works.
Luckily, my playtesters and I have learned how to better playtests — when to play around with my half-baked ideas and when to punch them in the moneymaker.
– Ryan
Edit: To answer Fred Hicks' Twitter comment on "Can I charge the [+2] on my Ancestral Lance without having charged my [+3] yet? I want the answer to be yes." Yes, Fred, you totally can. An intentional part of the design.
7 Responses to Dealing with Returning to the Drawing Board
I am looking forward to giving Mythender another shot. As you talk about it, I begin to see what it was I wasn't getting when we played before (my failing, not yours. As a semi-gamer at best, I was wed to the idea of stats and numbers, which ME is not so much…).
That being said, I can seee what youre saying here. A good example would be to look for Mythic figures of history. Hercules was always strong, no questions asked, but when the time came he could call upon God level strength to do some of his mightier feats. So in a normal encounter, he's using his freebie pretty liberally, but when the time comes to throw some lightning (so to speak) he has to invoke the extras to build that thunder pool.
Or am I getting something wrong in my translation?
So by using my Ancestral Lance and rolling three dice, I tick off a box so that next time I can use it and roll six dice?
Maybe. I'm not sure what you mean by a "normal" encounter. And I'm not sure what a "normal" encounter will be in terms of Mythender. I mean, if you aren't potentially risking your own mortality, it's not really worth dice time to me.
Yes. It sounds so much less interesting when phrased as such, though. The narrative elements needs more talking about, what it means to charge or discharge, need more talking about. Which means I need to write them.
– Ryan
Howcome they get charged +3, +2, +1 and not +1, +2, +3? The latter would seem to incent the player to hold off for longer when charging. Is that not desirable in this case?
The short answer is: for Mythender, it's not desirable. But, it's a good question and deserves a longer answer. I'll post one up, either today (which is pretty busy) or tomorrow.
But that you for asking! It got me thinking about a way to play with charging the +1 box in my scenario.
– Ryan
Oh, man, I can't wait to give this a shot tomorrow.
[…] In my previous post, Marhault asked: Howcome they get charged +3, +2, +1 and not +1, +2, +3? The latter would seem to incent the player to hold off for longer when charging. Is that not desirable in this case? […]


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Sony Computer Entertainment Europe president Andrew House has clarified that Sony's recently unveiled Next Generation Portable will offer models with and without 3G data support, much like Apple's iPad. The first thing to clarify, which I'm not sure the presentation did a perfect job of doing today, is that all of the devices will have Wi-Fi capability; a separate SKU will have 3G, House told Eurogamer.Addressing whether the 3G model would allow for synchronized online play over a cellular connection, House said it would depend very much on the degree of data traffic that's being driven by that online game, hinting at potential limits on unannounced mobile data plans for the device.House also confirmed that 3G data access will come with some sort of additional cost to consumers, and that the company is still looking for partners to provide the mobile data service.House was much more definitive on the existence of separate NGP models than SCEA President and CEO Jack Tretton, who told Engadget we haven't made any determination on models yet. But Tretton did confirm that Sony's PlayStation Suite of downloadable Android- and NGP-compatible games will also include non-gaming apps. Tretton initially told Engadget that these apps would be available on the PS3 as well, but quickly backtracked, saying he had misspoken.Tretton went on to say that the holiday 2011 NGP release date discussed at the recent PlayStation Meeting would apply to at least one territory, but that not all regions would necessarily get the system this calendar year. [We were] ambiguous for a reason, Tretton told the site..
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subset: commoncrawl


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Friends of Kings Norton Nature Reserve
FKNNR is registered as a charity (number 1122293).
The Friends include an active group of
volunteers who work to improve the amenities and ecology of the
site. In collaboration with the City's Parks Rangers they
organise and participate in:
Please meet on site (the letters in brackets in the Location column refer to meeting points on the Map).
The Tuesday WorkOuts are from 10.30 to 13.30
Hrs. Please meet on site and
wear stout footwear and old clothes. The appropriate equipment &
materials will be provided and training when required. Please spare
one or more hours of your time to assist us in implementing the LNR
Management Plan.


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Hi everyone, I hope you're all having a great weekend so far! I'm sorry I've been a little MIA this week--I've been a little preoccupied with planning mine and Ruben's upcoming camping trip next month in Washington! It's been a bit over a year since we've been back to Ruben's home state, so it'll be really nice to see and spend time with his family. It's also going to be my first time camping since 2002, so I've been doing a bit of research on what to wear, what to bring, what to expect, etc. But I digress.
Our latest foodie adventure takes us to Tomo, after we saw a girl on MTV eating sushi using a knife and fork, and decided that we also felt like eating sushi. I don't know why she was eating it like that, (it's actually just as acceptable to eat sushi with your fingers as you would with chopsticks), but I can assure you that we only use chopsticks when we eat Japanese food!
Whenever we go out to Japanese restaurants, we hardly ever deviate from ordering sushi. I don't know why that is, but that's how it's always been. Tomo was no exception. We ordered six sushi rolls to satisfy our larger than life appetites. And to go with our sushi rolls--a little bit of Sapporo, a Japanese beer, and Yamazaki, a Japanese whiskey (which tasted just like American whiskey).
My favorite roll of the night (hands down) was the Squid Ink Roll. I know, I know, it sounds a little gross, but the squid ink was just in the sauce, and it brought another dimension to the flavor that you just can't get with just a roll.
We also ate the House, Garlic Yellow Tail, Spicy Tuna, Eel Cucumber, and Negitoro Rolls.
We (more like I) finished off the evening with the Japanese Cheesecake, a much lighter version of its American counterpart. I can confidently say that this is the kind of cheesecake you won't feel guilty eating after eating a slice or two!
Have you ever been to Tomo? And do you have any good camping tips that you'd be willing to share with me?


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Alcohol may be involved in up to 640,000 hospital admissions in England and Wales each year, new figures suggest.
In addition, nearly two million visits to accident and emergency (A&E) departments are thought to be linked to alcohol consumption.
The figures, which are published in Emergency Medicine Journal, are based on an anonymous survey of 774 adults who sought emergency care at Bristol Royal Infirmary in June 2009.
Researchers at the hospital found that almost one in five patients (19 per cent) had consumed between 0.5 and 50 units of alcohol before arriving at A&E, with 10.6 units being the average amount.
Fourteen per cent thought their attendance was linked to alcohol and 11 per cent had sustained an injury because of their own or someone else's drinking.
Of the 111 patients who said their attendance was related to alcohol, one in three were subsequently admitted to hospital.
When doctors were asked for their opinion, they said that around 21 per cent of hospital attendances were related to alcohol and that eight per cent were due to alcohol-fuelled violence.
The study authors observed: 'If these figures are extrapolated, the number of patients presenting with alcohol-related injury [exceeds] 7,000 attendances to the [Bristol Royal Infirmary] annually, or nearly two million patients every year in England and Wales.'
The research follows a new report from Alcohol Concern Cymru which says that local licensing authorities need more powers to regulate the availability of alcohol.


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Rob Hare and Iza Trapani-Hare donated an agreement on 26 acres of farmland and ponds in 2005. This was the first of their two easements on their nearly 140-acre property in the Swartekill Watershed in Esopus. Rob and his family have been involved with land conservation in Maine and Connecticut.
Rob Hare is also a Board Member for the Wallkill Valley Land Trust, and is active in the WVLT's Conservation Committee.


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Glockner MFS
For years a very popular and proven hunting boot, especially in cold and wet weather and in rough terrain. Designed for mountaineering and well suited to high country mustering and hunting, the boot has a rubber tip, a reinforced front cap, a soft flap closure, side clip hooks on the instep, as well as the shaft and DiGAfix® lacing. Thanks to the MFS® system (Memory Foam System) developed by Meindl, this boot offers an even more optimal fit in the ankle area and prevents pressure points. The generous upholstery and a soft cuff at the end of the shank provide for a very good wearing comfort. The Meindl Multigriff® sole from Vibram® with a high, hand-held rubber belt as weather protection provides very good grip and support, even on difficult surfaces. The boot is conditionally cramp-resistant, therefore peak and heel overhang for light climbing irons are incorporated. The GORE-TEX® lining is waterproof, breathable.
Suitable for crampons,
- Colour - Brown
- Category C
- Upper Material - Sil-Nubuck Leather
- Lining - GORE-TEX® Performance Comfort Footwear
- Footbed - Air-Active® Soft Print Drysole
- Sole - Meindl Multigrip® by Vibram®
- Grip Profile - 9
- Weight - Approx 1800g per pair


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I had the privilege to go on an Ellel Ministries mission in Northern India last year. We visited a church high up on the beautiful foothills of the Himalaya mountains. This scripture reminded me of a few Nepalese Sherpas carrying their huge, heavy loads on their backs, slowly making their way down the well-trodden footpaths of the steep mountain slopes. The pack on their backs was tied with a broad linen band around their foreheads. Whenever they came to a village they had to bend down to off load their heavy packs after a long day's walk.
You may fill your time with activity which appears to be very admirable yet it might not be what God has asked you to do. The load you are carrying can either be a burden and a strain or can be a joy and an adventure with God. Someone once said: 'Not everything that's good is necessarily godly. A lack of love and affirmation in our childhood may leave an empty void which may result in a feeling of being overlooked. To compensate you may find yourself driven and overloaded. This leaves you empty on the inside, far from God the Father - even to the point where you may see the effect on your body, tiredness, constant headaches or a lack of peace.
Today the Father invites you to take a moment to kneel like the camels in Israel, so as to allow their owners to unload their heavy packs. This enables them to enter through the small space in the city walls of Jerusalem into the place of protection. It takes humility to be real, trust your Father to take off your load, commit ALL that you are doing to him and allow Him to nurture your spirit with His everlasting love. So shall your plans be established and succeed!
Prayer: Thank you Lord that you only want me to carry the loads that you have equipped and prepared for me to carry. If I am carrying things for the worng reason, help me to lay them down, come to you for healing and only take up those things that you give me to do. In Jesus' name, Amen
Roll your works upon the Lord (commit and trust them wholly to him; He will cause your thoughts to become agreeable to His will, and) so shall your plans be established and succeed.
Proverbs 16:3, AMP
Ronel Geldenhuys serves on the full time team at Ellel Ministries in Africa. Ronel's passion is to see the body of Christ in Africa equipped, restored and reaching their full potential in God. She trained as a pharmacist, worked in the UK and joined Ellel South Africa team after being equipped on the Ellel Luke Nine Eleven Training School (NETS). She's involved in a Kingdom Business, Just Cards Direct, selling hand-made and printed cards to support Ellel missions in Africa.
This website is owned and operated by Ellel Ministries International. Registered in the United Kingdom as The Christian Trust under charity number 1041237 and company number 02883771. Registered in Scotland under charity number SCO 38860. Registered office Ellel Grange, Bay Horse, Lancaster, LA2 0HN, United Kingdom.


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Replaced Proximity sensor cable no power
My iphone power button had worn out and had become very stiff to press so I took it apart, and identified the power button was missing the black nub. So I ordered a new power and proximity sensor cable.
I followed the guide on Ifixit to replace the cable and put the phone back together carefully making sure all the cables were in correctly. I tried turning on the phone and there was no power at all, even with the charger in.
I tried charging the phone for a few hours and still got nothing. I then took the phone apart again and looked at the cables at the top, as soon as I unplugged the new proximity sensor cable the phone randomly powered up and worked fine apart from the sleep/wake button and proximity sensor. Every time I plug the proximity cable in I get nothing the phone will not turn on but as soon as I unplug it the phone powers up every time.
Does anyone have any ideas what is wrong?


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Local outreach
Outreach at its simplest is going out and doing something that shows we care for our community. We have opportunities to make a positive impact on a community wide scale. But sometimes the largest impact we can make only affects one soul, and it changes them for a lifetime. That's why no matter how grand or how seemingly small the act, we want to get out there and do something. Our challenge is that we all get out, once a month for at least two hours.
We are looking for people to lead Outreach teams. If you are interested, please contact Doug Hodges at email@example.com.
Click events below for more information:
LCC Food Ministry
The last Tuesday night of each month we will be serving meals at CrossRoads Baptist Church in Partnership with Tree of Life. We need help preparing food, delivering food, serving food and engaging with people who need a hand. Help for the evening or or only part of it. Sign up for an upcoming Tuesday and we will help you get started sharing a meal and the goodness of Jesus. Click Image to sign up.
The LCC Pantry
At LCC we take Jesus' command to love others and to care for those in need very serious. One of the ways we will do that is through The Pantry. Many times people find themselves in difficult situations where it is simply hard to make ends meet. The Pantry Ministry will be available to help fill that gap.
learn how you can help:
global outreach
Reaching Our World
There is a world waiting on us to bring the hope and love of Jesus to them. So find your trip, sign up, and let's get going! Your life will never be the same.
Leesburg Community Church's Missions includes international and domestic mission trips. Our church has a strong conviction that God has a desire for us to reach out and teach that we are all made to love God, love others, and serve the world as Christ's disciples. So find your trip and sign up! Your life will never be the same.
If you would like more information about Global Outreach, email Bill Anderson at email@example.com.


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East Cambridge Fire -- Support Your Neighbors
You may already know that CAAS provides comprehensive preschool and wraparound services to hundreds of families each year through Head Start.
You may not know that CAAS acts as a safety net for these and other families when they are in crisis -- whether that's the threat of homelessness or a disaster taking everything.
A Head Start family of four lost their home and all their belongings in a massive East Cambridge fire that destroyed or damaged 16 buildings over the weekend.
CAAS Family Advocates have been working tirelessly with the family to provide shelter, clothing, food and transportation assistance. They are also working with the City and other agencies to coordinate supportive services.
Your low-income neighbors need your support now and throughout the year in order to emerge safely and securely from these types of events.
Your donation today will support our ongoing efforts to serve and advocate for families in their times of need.
We know you share our belief that no family should face these crises alone. Thank you for your support!


text: The interview continued with Mr. Waverly and his two agents gaining some useful insights into the IK Doll's life with Patti and her family. Although Mr. Waverly was fairly certain the woman was harmless, and actually did care a great deal for the IK Doll, he was not yet ready to turn his small agent over to her. "You say the IK Doll has been very happy living with you and your family, but isn't it possible that he actually ran away from you? He was, after all found at a flea market by Mr. Solo here. That doesn't say much for your ability as a caretaker." "Mr. Waverly" replied Patti "I really don't think he ran away. As I've said over and over, we were having work done in the house and I was trying to protect him from all the dust and dirt. Believe me, most people would envy his lifestyle". Napoleon had to agree with that as he thought back to the cars, suana, hot tub, etc.,. "Perhaps, but the final determination will rest with the IK Doll. He's quite intelligent and certainly able to decide his own future in this matter." Illya had his own reasons for wanting to insure the IK Doll's happiness and felt the woman still hadn't adequately convinced them that she had the IK Doll's best interest at heart. Perhaps she just felt as though she'd lost a favorite toy and wanted it returned. Or perhaps she used the IK Doll in other ways, like making him work all the time, or conduct various dangerous experiments, or taking photos of him doing dangerous things to amuse her friends. "If we are to return the IK Doll to this woman, I think we should insure that he really wants to go with her. It's possible he may not even remember her." said Illya somewhat hopefully. "I quite agree Mr. Kuryakin, but if she is indeed the IK Doll's caretaker we can scarcely prevent her from taking him from here. Unless of course he doesn't want to go with her." "Look, I take very good care of him and want him to come back home with me. Not only do I miss him, but so do my husband and children. My husband doesn't have anyone to watch basketball with anymore, and my daughters have no one to buy Ken clothes for." "What about your son?" asked Solo, "doesn't he like to hang out with the IK Doll too?" "Sometimes. Once in a while he takes the IK Doll with him to band practice but he doesn't really pay as much attention to him as the rest of the family. Which is kind of strange because I think the IK Doll actually likes him best." Napoloen thought he'd probably like the person who paid the least attention to him in that family as well. They sounded like a bunch of lunatics. Illya could also see how being ignored in this family would be a pleasant experience. No wonder the IK Doll liked the boy. He probably never removed IK's clothes or hung him upside down. "I think we should let the IK Doll decide if he wants to return with you" Mr. Waverly said to Patti "that way there is no chance of coercin. "I'll have the IK Doll brought here and he can decide what he wants to do", said the boss with a sigh. Really, this matter had taken up his entire day. It was time to settle the IK Doll question once and for all. A few minutes later the IK Doll drove into the office. This time in the pickup truck. Solo leaned down and put him on the table, then addressed the Action Figure. "IK, this woman claims to be your "caretaker" and we'd like to know if you remember her and if you want to go home with her." The IK Doll stared at the blond woman for several minutes before responding. "She looks somewhat familiar, you say she's my "caretaker"? asked IK. "Of course I'm your caretaker" the blond spoke up. "Don't you remember? You live in my house, in a closet. Well, not really a closet, it's more like a small condominium. With a sauna, hot tub, furniture...remember?" she asked somewhat plaintively. "As I said, you look somewhat familiar. You're not the person who tied me up and took those pictures are you?" he said accusingly. "Yes, I am, but you agreed to it. It was for your website and no one forced you to do it. Remember my daughters the cute blond and the cute redhead? They're always buying you clothes and things. They even bought you a guitar and a violin. And my husband, remember him? You two always have pizza on Friday night and watch the Nets together. He even gave you your own remote for the TV." "Yes, Yasha! I do remember him. You call him Jack though. And the girls, I remember them as well. One of them is a photographer, and the boy, He is a musician?" "That's them! Listen IK Doll everyone in the family really misses you and wants you to come home. Jack has spent the last three weekends searching flea markets and collector's shows trying to find you. The girls have your entire summer wardrobe ready, plus some new things for your pool, including a beach umbrella so you won't get sunburned. Please IK? Come home it's no fun without you." "I will return with you, if it is so important to all of you. What about the boy? Doesn't he miss me?" asked the IK Doll. "Ah, of course, he's just not as verbal as the girls. In fact he had a gig the other night and mentioned how he'd wished you had been there, you know hanging out in his guitar case, tuning the guitar like you usually do." The IK Doll pondered his situation. Although he had certainly enjoyed working with Illya and Napoleon, and everyone here, especially all the shapely and well-armed secretaries, had been extremely nice to him, he wanted to go home. "I will return home with you, but would like to have the option of returning here, when I'm needed by U.N.C.L.E. for missions that only my particular talents are suited for." Everyone, including Mr. Waverly agreed to that, and all the parties concerned were satisfied that the IK Doll had made the right decision. As the IK Doll said his goodbyes to his friends at Headquarters, Sharon, Barbara and Janet presented him with a Harley Davidson motorcycle. "We wanted you to have this IK. Now remember to ride it carefully and always wear your helmet." said Janet as she wiped a tear from her eye. The secretaries were really going to miss the little guy. Napoleon and Illy, being guys, were less emotional but promised to call the IK Doll for any mission that required his special talents. Soon the IK Doll was headed for the Jersey Shore and his happy family.


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In 1997, I served as Program Director for the AIGA's Biennial National Design Conference, which took place over three days in November, in New Orleans.
Working with AIGA director Ric Grefé and its National Board of Directors, and with invaluable support from Program Assistant Alana Cowan, I developed the structure of keynote and breakout sessions and secured over 100 speakers — a Who's Who of graphic design at the time — for this design extravaganza, which attracted more than 2000 delegates.
Among a bevy of printed matter created to publicize the conference, the "Headless Chicken" poster (above), created by Stefan Sagmeister, quickly became notorious, drawing angry mail from a few AIGA members, despite the disclaimer that "no animals were harmed in the making of this poster" (unless you count mutilation via Photoshop). Speakers were asked to make a self portrait on a sticky label and send it back to Sagmeister, for inclusion on the poster, which featured his trademark handwriting and custom "chicken-leg" typeface. The conference brochure — which came in its own die-cut slip-case — was also memorably designed by Alexander Isley.


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It's probably too early considering the minute amount of rehab innings he's played, and it's definitely seems more like another desperation/panic move influenced by the team's dwindling division lead, but no matter the reason, the Yankees have decided to bring Alex Rodriguez back and insert him into today's starting lineup.
I am very nervous, and very surprised, that the Yankees made this move after only 2 rehab games, neither of which are enough to draw a definitive conclusion on the condition of A-Rod's hand. He DH'd in one game, played the field in the other, and did some side drills yesterday instead of playing a third game, which to me suggests that the hand is still not fully healed and nowhere near able to handle the stress of playing every day, be it in the field, just at the plate, or both. But with the way the Yankee offense has looked lately, I guess the decision makers are thinking that even the presence of A-Rod in the cleanup spot is a better option than Andruw Jones or Eric Chavez at this point. And you know what, even if the hand isn't fully healed I would have to agree with that logic.
Here's hoping this quick comeback doesn't lead to a follow-up DL stint.
Monday, September 3, 2012
The A-Horse Returneth
1 comment:
- Kip Raymo said...
We were led to believe the break in his hand was NOT a separation brake, which means it heals quicker!
I agree, the short time in rehab games is going to be a problem but, not too much of a one!
- September 4, 2012 at 5:47 PM
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Level 1 / Level 2 / Level 3 / Recall Distractions
Your dog will learn to come immediately when you call him.
This is your dog's most important skill. It's valuable during emergencies when your dog is about to cross a busy road; when he's about to disappear from the other side of the field in pursuit of a squirrel; or when he has been frightened by something (e.g. a loud noise), and is on the verge of running away. A good Recall will interrupt your dog's thought or emotional response to something and have him coming straight back to you.
1. Never call your dog for anything unpleasant such as nail clipping, bathing or having his leash clipped on to go home from the park. In short anything that might give him pause the next time you call him.
2. Never call your dog if you are not sure he will come. All recalls should be successful recalls. Work at your dog's level. If he has a kindergarten recall, don't give him a graduate assignment like being called away from a cat in a tree.
3. If you call your dog and he doesn't come, you must make it happen. Run over to him and put a treat in front of his nose, backing up as you get his attention so he follows you.
4. Never repeat the cue. Resist the urge to call over and over and over. It only teaches your dog to tune out the cue. Call once and, if necessary, use rule 3. Make the recall happen.
5. Fabulous rewards get fabulous recalls. If you want your dog to stop whatever interesting doggy thing he is doing and come running to you, make it worth his while. Use extra yummy treats—no dry biscuits here!—or a well-thrown ball, if that is your dog's fancy. Give a minimum of 5 treats for every single recall.
Level 1
- Inside your house, call your dog to you. Always use a cheerful tone of voice, and make sure you are loud enough to be heard. Remember to actually give the cue ("Fido, here"); your dog's name by itself is not a recall. The dog doesn't have to come from a great distance away. Even three feet away from you that first time is good enough.
- When your dog comes to you, give him a minimum of five very yummy treats. Actually 30 treats would be better. Give the treats to him one after the other so that he doesn't just swallow them in one go.
- Practice this just once a day for the next two weeks. Every day. Inside your house. No distractions.
Helpful Hints:
- Use extra yummy treats: pecorino romano cheese, thick sliced ham, last night's beef roast. Cut the treats small as always, and give them to your dog one at a time. This prolongs the excellence of the reward and thus reinforces the behavior even more strongly.
- Use a special word for the recall. Many people have burnt out the word "come" for their dogs through overuse.
Level 2
- Gradually start to increase the distance that your dog has to come to you.
- Always give him a minimum of five very yummy treats. You will do this for the rest of his life.
- Now lure your dog with that first treat to sit directly in front of you, close enough that you could reach out and touch his collar (but don't touch it yet). Also, do not verbally cue the sit; we want the sit to be a part of the recall cue.
- Once your dog is confidently sitting in front of you to receive his treats, start to reach out your other hand towards his collar. Gently take hold of his collar.
- Practice again, but this time, add clipping the leash on to your dog's collar.
- Now introduce mild distractions such as toys lying around, people standing nearby, etc.
Helpful Hint:
- If your dog flinches away from you when you reach out to take hold of his collar, then you have proceeded too fast too quickly. Back up a step, and work at desensitizing your dog to having his collar taken a hold of (speak to your instructor if you're not sure on how to do this).
Level 3
- Whenever you ask your dog to come to you for the next 10 – 15 years of his life, make sure that you have some yummy treats to give him. Occasionally remind him of the fabulous reward of 30 treats.
Helpful Hints:
- It's important to keep reminding your dog that the recall really means "cookies" for the rest of her life. This is your dog's emergency recall, and the stronger and more ingrained the behavior is in her repertoire, the easier you will be able to save your dog's life should you ever need to.
- Concentrate on Recall as a good thing.
Recall Distractions
Start indoors. Each dog/handler team are connected to each other using their usual 6 foot leash. Progress to the next stage or back up to a previous stage depending on the dog's progress. Working with individual teams at a time:
- The handler asks the dog to wait or stay (handler's choice), then walks to the end of the leash leaving their dog behind.
- The instructor will stand to the side of the handler/dog team forming a triangle, but outside of leash length so that the dog can't reach the handler. The instructor holds a small canister containing food.
- The handler will call the dog to come to them.
- As the dog returns to the handler, the instructor will wave the canister in front of herself.
- Reward with the dog with a minimum of 5 treats for a successful recall.
- Repeat, the instructor drops the treat canister to the ground.
- Repeat, the instructor drops a toy (ball or squeaky toy) to the ground.
- Repeat, the instructor throws the toy into the dog's path.
Go to a new location, preferably outdoors, and put the dog/handler teams onto an extra 10 foot long line. Repeat the above exercises.
Repeat on a 20-foot long line.


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Feedback and Parent View
Parent View gives you the chance to tell us what you think about Hebden Green School.
Parent View asks for your opinion on 12 aspects of the school, from the quality of teaching, to dealing with bullying and poor behaviour. Where applicable, it also asks for your opinion on five aspects of your child's residential experience. Ofsted will use the information you provide when making decisions about which schools to inspect, and when.
By sharing your views, you'll be helping us to improve. You will also be able to see what other parents have said about Hebden Green School. Or, if you want to, view the results for any school in England.
Feedback from everyone who is part of school is vital to us. We make sure to listen every day to feedback from pupils, parents and staff and work with them to continually improve our offer. We also do it formally through our lively Pupil Council, through suvey and questionnaires and during observations.
Pupil Feedback 2019:
· 'I love doing circle time.' (KS2)
· 'I like it when we do role play-when we get up and act.' (KS3)
· 'I enjoy mathletics, wheelchair rugby and computer club.' (KS3)
· 'I need to work on my reading.' (KS3)
· 'I know my targets and how to work hard.' (KS3)
· ' I enjoy school because we get to do reading.' (KS3)
· 'I enjoy school because of my friends and teaching assistants.' (KS3)
· 'I like R.E. and Mathletics.' (KS3)
· 'I like school because I get to be with my friends. I like the opportunities that it provides me.' (KS3)
· 'I like I'm progressing, especially in Maths.' (KS3)
· 'We have curriculum targets which are in our books and IEP targets on the desks.' (KS3)
· 'I feel like I can speak to all the staff.' (KS3)
· 'I like it because I get better at stuff like writing and spelling.' (KS3)
· 'I enjoy lessons linked Science, Drama and also Art.' (KS3)
· 'I am learning stuff every day.' (Post 16)
· 'I enjoy Bronze work and the allotment project.' (Post 16)
· 'I can talk to Mrs Parkes about safeguarding.' (KS3)
· 'My target is to use teacher and peer feedback to improve me work by adding more content.' (KS3)
· 'I know I am making progress in English as we are learning about Macbeth.' (Post 16)
· 'I do enjoy school because I like learning new things and improving on skills I already have.' (Post 16)
· 'I do feel safe in school and the Residential flats.' (Post 16)
· 'I enjoy school because the staff and pupils make the school what it is.' (Post 16)
Parent Feedback 2019:
'They (staff) know my child's limitations and strengths well.' (KS2)
'He has had many challenges and is making good progress to overcome these.' (KS4)
'(Residential) is very well organised and effectively managed.'
'She knows who she can talk to if she has any worries.'
'My son struggles with lots of things but he has improved socially, emotionally and academically since moving to Hebden Green.'
'The commitment of the teachers is exemplary.'
'(Progress is) Amazing because of the love and care.'
'My son is confident and safe.'
'I definitely always recommend this school to other parents.'
'The staff are always there to help when I contact them with any concerns.'
Staff Feedback 2018:
'I build relationships through conversations and mutual respect.'
'The provision is outstanding thanks to streaming via Pathways.'
'My knowledge and understanding has improved over the last 12 months through sharing knowledge from colleagues and training.'
'I think my own knowledge and understanding has improved through staff training, meetings and applying my skills and understanding in every day practice.'
'I have worked to build strong relationships through good communication – verbally, communication books and meetings.'
'Professional relationships have been built through team work to understand each child's needs.'
'My knowledge has improved greatly due to the help and guidance of my class teacher and class team.'
'I build strong relationships through talking and listening to parents.'
'All pupil's needs are met via IEP targets.'
'We adopt a number of strategies and approaches to promote learning for every pupil. We find strategies that meet the individual needs of children and provide challenge.'
'Pupils receive personalised learning and approaches. The approaches are positive and build on achievement and progress.'
'All aspects of pupil wellbeing are considered. Support at pupil and family level is given.'
'I have ongoing development opportunities both within HGS and externally.'
' I have worked professionally with staff, parents and pupils in order to safeguard myself and others.'
'The curriculum is personalised to include every child and work is differentiated to suit the needs of each child. Pupils and staff are valued and the right leel of support is given.'
'Hebden Green provides outstanding education because it pays attention to the pupil's needs and scrutiny of strategies and approaches. Constant evaluation is visible. The pupils are valued and reminded of that fact. They are at the centre of the learning process.'
'In my last 6 months I have experienced great personal growth.'
'I have a good, reciprocal working relationship with all professionals and open dialogue with parents.'
'I have a lot of knowledge and experience which has been built up over many years.'
'I have learned a completely new set of skills in working with pupils with ASC.'
'I am willing to take and share information at all levels. When I need assistance I have the confidence to ask.'
'I am enjoying the in house training on a Monday night which is covering lots of relevant training for particular pupils I am currently working with.'
'We make sure we work within all school policies.'
'I am so pleased to be part of such an effective, warm and forward thinking school.'


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Entrepreneur of the Year
Douglas Foo
Chairman, Sakae Holdings Ltd
Woman Entrepreneur of the Year
Claire Chiang See Ngoh
Senior Vice President, Banyan Tree Holdings Ltd.
Young Entrepreneur of the Year
Ivan Teh
Managing Director, CEO, Fusionex International plc
Industry Champions of the Year
Megamas Training Company Sdn Bhd
Robert Bosch Sdn. Bhd.
Top Outstanding Leaders in Asia
Dato' Tony Looi Chee Hong, Chairman & CEO, Ban Lee Hin Group
Khoo Gaik Eng - Grace Liu, Co-Founder & Managing Director, East Wellsum Industries (S) Pte Ltd
Georg Johann Chmiel, Managing Director & CEO, iProperty Group Limited
Francis Lau Choo Yew, Managing Director, LCY Development Sdn Bhd
Marco Francesco Righi, Regional President Asia, Monier Malaysia Sdn. Bhd.
Louis Tan Leong Chuin, Executive Director, Saudee Group Berhad
Dato' Seri Dr. Derek Goh Bak Heng, BBM, Executive Chairman, Serial System Ltd
Top SMEs in Asia
Asta Chemicals Sdn. Bhd.
Cho Thavee Dollasien Public Company Limited
Esquel Garment Manufacturing Vietnam Co., Ltd.
Most Socially Responsible Company of the Year
The Bangchak Petroleum Public Company Limited
Green Company of the Year
HP Inc.
Community Care Company of the Year
PT. Hero Supermarket Tbk
Best Company to Work for of the Year
SPi Global
Top CSR Advocates in Asia
Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited
Digi Telecommunications Sdn Bhd
DHL Express International (Thailand) Ltd.
Manila Water Company, Inc.
Philex Mining Corporation
Top Green Companies in Asia
PT. Great Giant Pineapple
Airport Authority Hong Kong
Top Community Care Companies in Asia
Bharti Airtel Limited
Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad
PT. Trakindo Utama
Samsung Electronics (Southeast Asia & Oceania)
TMB Bank Public Company Limited
Top Companies to Work for in Asia
FrieslandCampina (Hong Kong) Limited
Merck Ltd.
RHB Banking Group


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Haile and her little sister Nia started their adventure with a web show called Kids Can Cook. This idea was seeded in a Girls Making Media session when Haile was 9. In the session she learned how to edit this video of her and her friends talking about the importance of Literacy.
Girls Making Media, as an entity, has come to a close in 2012, but the lessons, learned and shared, linger. This great news of Haile's next step has brought to mind some ideas about success, support, and media that can be helpful to anyone.
Key Ingredients for Dream Building:
1) Notice what you are good at, and that feels good to do. Find a way to do more of it :)
2) Recruit at least one person around you who can hear your ideas and encourage/guide you.
3) Connection with a loved one (family or otherwise) who is absolutely supportive of you.
4) Inner persistence and faith in oneself, even when it is hard or seems like your Dream isn't happening.
5) Use the tools you have available to you. Do not think you have to have 'the best of ' tools to move forward.
6) Resiliency comes from being open to where your Dream takes you, even when it changes, and brings things beyond your wildest dreams!
7) The power of these times is that your message can get out in the world because of social media.
All of us can achieve so many things! Trust yourself and your Dreams!
Here is the promo Haile, Nia, Mom and Quin created in 2010. If you watch the State of the Union address, look for Haile sitting with the First Lady! So cool!!!


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Hurricane Hugo
Hurricane Hugo: Its fury, its legacy
MCCLELLANVILLE — A shrimp boat chugged its way up Jeremy Creek on a recent Monday afternoon as a flock of seagulls shrieked overhead, hoping for scraps.
This symphony of boat motor and bird is a fading sound along the South Carolina coast.
Listen long enough and another noise punctures the air. The whack of a hammer building another expensive home is the new sound of South Carolina.
It's an ongoing story of the state's coast, one that has been evolving — even as a recession lingers — for 20 years since Hurricane Hugo blasted its way into the state's history books.
"Hugo brought us into the 20th century even though it was almost over," said McClellanville Mayor Rutledge Leland. "The whole coast has seen some sort of revolution. Whether it's good or bad, I don't know."
When Hugo made landfall overnight Sept. 22, 1989, South Carolina was a sleepy Southern state just beginning to emerge as a destination for tourists, retirees and golfers. Its politics still had a Democratic influence. Charleston's reputation as a world-class center of culture, food and history was in its infancy.
People who lived through the storm aren't sure how much credit Hugo should get for the way things have changed since then. But it would be impossible to survive such a devastating event without coming out different on the other end.
Since the storm, South Carolina has become a destination for retirees and those who enjoy high-end beach vacations.
The state has added a million new residents.
Republicans rule the General Assembly and hold every constitutional office except one.
"In 20 years, we've gone from what was pretty much a Democratic majority in the General Assembly and in constitutional offices to one that is predominantly Republican," said South Carolina historian Walter Edgar.
Building codes have evolved, and evacuation plans are more thorough.
While Hugo does not deserve sole credit for many of the changes, Charleston Mayor Joe Riley said disasters accelerate trends that already are in place. In Charleston, the city was well on its way to revitalizing downtown and inviting people to soak up its Southern charm.
"If you're on the skids and have a natural disaster, it could hasten the downward path," Riley said. "If you're on the rise, it can accelerate that path."
After the storm, Riley and other officials capitalized on the optimism that already existed.
"We accepted the responsibility to get the community rebuilt as quickly as possible," he said. "We gave it all of the energy and determination we had."
Reconstruction after the storm gave people a chance to follow through on ideas they already had, he said. For example, a family considering an addition to its home would add it after rebuilding from Hugo's destruction.
Charleston's revitalization efforts worked. Since 1989, the city's population has grown 25 percent to nearly 350,000 people.
It's that growth along the coast that has been the most dramatic change since 1989. But growth has not been limited to the coast.
In 1989, South Carolina had 1.4 million housing units, which includes houses, apartments and mobile homes, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
By 2008, that number had grown to 2.1 million.
Twenty years ago, McClellanville claimed about 333 residents. Most had lived there for generations, and their families worked on shrimp boats or in fish houses, said Mary Duke, the town administrator.
Today, the town's population is about 450.
But Mayor Rutledge Leland estimates half of the houses are owned by nonresidents.
And the fishing industry has dwindled.
"South Carolina shrimpers are almost an endangered species," Edgar said.
When McClellanville's last crab processing house closed 10 years ago, it was replaced with a waterfront development where homes cost nearly $1 million.
That crab house was the last in the state, Leland said.
Still, McClellanville is a sleepy town compared with other coastal communities.
Just 30 miles down the road, Mount Pleasant is a hustling and bustling suburb of Charleston.
At 5 p.m., traffic streaks down U.S. 17's four-lane blacktop. Cars and trucks pass shopping centers filled with national retailers such as Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble and upscale subdivisions with names such as Ivy Hall.
It wasn't always like this.
Twenty years ago, U.S. 17 was more narrow, and the traffic was slower. The community was filled with wood-framed houses and mobile homes.
Many residents were descendants of slaves who worked on the Lowcountry plantations. They lived on land passed down through generations.
Remnants of that culture remain in the rickety wooden stands along U.S. 17 where the residents sell sweetgrass baskets.
"You see this traffic?" asked Robena Blake as she sat in her stand weaving a basket. "Everybody from up North came in."
Blake and other family members blame Hugo for the growth.
"People came here to help with Hugo," Blake said.
"And they stayed," said Althea Washington, who also works in the stand.
The women said Hugo cleared the path for the community to build anew.
For example, I-526 was paved to connect North Charleston with U.S. 17 in Mount Pleasant, carving a quicker path to the beach.
"They thought after all those pine trees fell back there and they had all that land, that they might as well put a highway on it," Washington said.
Blake and Washington say the only way they can afford to live in Mount Pleasant is because of land that has been passed down through the family.
"You can't afford to eat in Mount Pleasant unless you go to your mama's house," Washington said.
The entire coast has become more expensive.
"Beaufort was just a sleepy little town a few years ago," Edgar said. "Now, the housing prices are close to Charleston prices."
It's nearly impossible to ask people about how the state has evolved since 1989 without listening to the tales of Hugo's wrath.
At the time, most people in the state hadn't endured such a severe storm since Gracie blew through in 1959.
In McClellanville, people stayed in their houses but regretted that decision when the 17-foot storm surge sent them scrambling to their second stories in the middle of the night.
"We had never experienced a storm surge, and no one we talked to in McClellanville ever had," said Duke. "That started about midnight, so you could see outside. We watched the water slowly coming up, and we didn't know when it was going to stop."
Hugo showed people that they need to evacuate. Hurricane Floyd taught them how not to do it, Duke said.
When Floyd threatened in 1999, Duke took a three-car caravan out of town. They sat for hours in traffic with adults, teenagers, dogs, cats and a mouse.
"Which was worse, Hugo or the Floyd evacuation?" Duke said. "It's a bad joke in our family. Of course, Hugo definitely was worse because of all the destruction."
South Carolina is more prepared than ever for hurricanes, she said. The 2009 South Carolina hurricane response plan, which fills a thick, green binder, sits on a top shelf by her desk.
That binder rests near another manual in Duke's office. This one contains the city's building ordinance.
"Of course, when we went to rebuild, we had to comply with federal laws to get the grants," Duke said.
That meant adding a city building department and an inspector.
It's the same story up and down the coast, where building codes were "loose," Edgar said. He recalls seeing a beach house on Pawleys Island where a visitor could see water below cracks in the floor.
"That all washed away with Hugo," he said.
Houses today are built higher to avoid storm surges. And their structures can withstand stronger winds.
Most of those changes have been for the better, Duke said. And McClellanville not only survived but has prospered.
So has South Carolina.
"I remember the day after Hugo, I thought it would never be the same again," she said.
"It's beautiful again."
Reach Phillips at (803) 771-8307.


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Reading Italy's inability to implement reforms and mainstream communication tactics from an organizational point of view.
The downgrade objective facts
About two weeks ago, Standard & Poor's downgraded Italy's long-term credit rating to BBB-, one-step far from the chasm. The below charts show a constant rating decline during the last 10 years, which corresponds to a recent sharp increase of the Debt/GDP ratio up to the latest 2014 IMF estimate of 136.7%.
The reason underlying this clear objective decline is mainly the lack of growth. The purpose of this post is not to drill down into the recession dynamics and therefore I will just briefly mention some relevant facts. Italy's economy is stagnant after years of recent recession interspersed by a feeble recovery flash (see the below GDP chart – source: ISTAT).
After Lehman Brother's crack in 2007, the very unstable Italian economy never managed to recover stably. The below chart clearly shows a Debt/GDP trend inversion in 2007 which led to a currently unsustainable level of debt, unless real credible unlikely reforms will be implemented to unleash the country remarkable potential.
The subjective house of cards
The above charts (based on widespread available public data) do not leave doubts: no signs of clear positive inversion and long-term sustainability. However, why did Italians get surprised and outraged by S&P's recent downgrade? What is it that is shaping their wrong perception of objective facts? The recent succession of downgrades has always triggered pages of newspapers and politicians commenting each episode as the nth attempt to undermine an Italian economy which, according to them, considering the "black" GDP (the one out of the fiscal authority radar), is one of the most robust in the Euro area. The consequence is a moderate polarization of the audience against the European Union (and the Euro currency) as the reason for Italy's decline.
Is the international conspiracy theme enough to justify the exploding unemployment rate and the consumption level back to the 70's? Probably not.
There is a crisis, there is a consequent recession, there are clear root causes, and there is a Government with the potential to make the structural reforms needed to jump-start the value-creating machine. Why does not this happen?
A pinch of historical background
After the moderately "risk-seeking" Berlusconi's government strategy was annihilated by the 2007 crisis and finally the rigid European Union could get rid of an inconvenient player, elections took place resulting in an ungovernable situation where "revolutionary" populists (Movimento Cinque Stelle) gained nearly 25% of the electorate. At that point, the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, was obliged to step in and institute a technical government to avoid bankruptcy in a period of frequent speculative attacks in the debt market. From that moment on, Italy changed three different non-elected Prime Ministers: Mario Monti, Enrico Letta and ultimately Matteo Renzi (still in charge supported by a bipartisan broad coalition) but the country does not have the needed reforms yet and macroeconomic indicators keep getting worse with recovery forecasts punctually revised downward by national and international institutions. Where does this inability to implement reforms come from?
Diversionary communication strategy
In spite of numbers, the messages that the Government uses to convey are positive, announcing changes and reforms that rarely take place in the way they are stated, but rather become subject of sterile discussions within the slow Parliament, aiming at maintaining the status quo.
At the same time, national media impose topics such as gay marriage, femminicidio (female murder), illegal immigration and more, which appear secondary when compared to the unemployment emergency or the huge number of companies closing or relocating abroad. Is there an attempt to defocus people's attention from numbers? What is the Government trying to achieve?
Well, someone might say there surely is a desperate need for growth, which could not be easily achieved within the EU financial constraints. Is the Government trying to regain economic momentum by leveraging on perceptions rather than implementing actual reforms? Perception is an important variable, especially when read within an electoral context. An example was reducing taxes to push consumption, right before the European elections, by EUR 80/month for lower incomes, leading to an unperceivable macroeconomic effect but generating an outstanding electoral result for the governing party (Democrats – share about 40%).
The final backlash?
Italy has always been characterized by a clear rivalry between political class (often referred to as "the caste"), accused and several times found to be colluded with the various mafias, and the rest of the people. Such a contrast has considerably worsened with the recent crisis, which allowed populist movements made of "normal people" to thrive. Even the young and energetic Renzi's Government, which is trying to implement sometimes questionable reforms, has a hard time digging into the "public machine" and uncovering bipartisan mafia-like organizations where important politicians, half of which belonging to the governing faction, collaborate with well-known criminals to get a hold of public money. See the recent Rome example.
From the caste preservation perspective, it is not surprising the President of the Republic, Giorgio Napolitano, a week ago talked about the "subversive threat of anti-politics", indirectly referring to populist movements such as Movimento Cinque Stelle and the rapidly-growing renovated Lega Nord. However, aren't these populist movements taking political actions? Aren't such actions anti-party rather than anti-politics? May this sentence be seen as contradictory? Could we see Napolitano's statement as a way to protect the current Government, a sort of backlash before his resignation expected by the end of this year?
Let's try to give a possible explanation of the above phenomena from an organizational point of view.
Leveraging control over GDP to remove the barriers to growth
GDP, by far, is the fulcrum of the raising Public Debt issue: one of the few figures Italy may really work on to recover. Currently, the Government controls around 65% of the Italian GDP and this means nearly any decision affecting this big chunk of the overall value creation passes through politicians. How about the remaining 35%? Well, lawmakers who belong to the political class regulate businesses and markets, as almost everywhere happens. Historically, the peculiarity of Italy's overstaffed public machine was the almost total lack of control and transparency, being a resource pool for political parties and their clients, as it turns out from several well-known investigations (e.g., Mose project, Mani Pulite, and many more), which discovered the existence of innumerable black holes absorbing public funds. This means 65% of the value created is highly inefficient and the rest of the policies to rule the private world may look conceived to create favorable conditions for the political class to thrive.
Would economic reforms be effective in an environment characterized by such a highly negative public influence?
For sure, we know that places where the public control over GDP is around 30% or less, like the United States, economic dynamics are governed by the market, which is able to react faster than a much slower legislator. However, the price to pay to have a quick recovery is a welfare system that is necessarily more iniquitous and governed by economic principles. Wouldn't it be possible for the government to lower control over GDP from 65% to 45-50% and still being able to provide high welfare standards? Considering what belongs to the public machine and the huge amount of resources wasted, this could be a possible option; private providers might more effectively manage plenty of possible services without political meddling, positively affecting the final users.
However, the achievement of that result is hindered by an organizational problem that looks unsolvable, at least by the current Government.
The higher the influence over the GDP, the higher the reach of the political class, the higher the opportunity for clientelism, the higher the power to shape people's electoral preferences (insuring caste sustainability), the higher the resources politicians can rely on to finance political parties and their members, the higher the level of unnoted and unpunished corruption.
Who would be able to erode public control of the GDP? This would be a type of radical change that could not be triggered endogenously. The current Government is made by apparently "rebel children" of the traditional caste; however, given the fact they grew up and became successful within the caste rules and their political identity is strictly tied to their past, would they be determined enough to get rid of their "parents" and all their bipartisan interlaced interests? The child of a dinosaur is always a dinosaur, only smaller.
According to Cognitive Science, change is typically triggered by an external painful episode that initiates the process (a cognitive process that should have changed the caste organizational identity). The raise of populist movements might have had the potential to trigger real genuine change, but their impact was not big enough, unfortunately. The great broad governing coalition proves that left and right wing, which lately turned out to be colluded on several affairs, joined together to hedge against political innovation.
If Matteo Renzi wants to make the difference, given the lack of available financial resources, he should focus on releasing control of the public machine over the GDP and fostering market dynamics rather than reforming the way the public machine handles that high percentage of value creation. Lowering the interference of the State would be one of the enabling factors to amplify the effect of growth-oriented measures by contrasting the public machine inertia. Releasing control, along with a strong reduction of tax rates, would be a shock and a risk and poses feasibility questions, given the EU rigid financial constraints; are we sure the Government would be able to sustain the caste conversion costs? Is the Government focusing on other topics because such reforms are not implementable by the same parties that sustain themselves and their clients through the inefficient system they have created?
If we believe the statement whereby real change can never be endogenous, populism might not appear that bad, after all.


text: Loading... Estates of Lakeshore (Please Select) Community Information Site Plan Driving Directions Photos Local Interests Home Features Finance Your Dream Sales Center: 3914 Clearwater Ln Nevada, TX 75173 Driving Directions Print Page Sales Contact: 469-207-9075 469-252-2306 Make an Appointment Request Information Crawford From $425,990 | 4,001 Sq. Ft. | 5 Bedrooms | 4 Baths | 2 Garage | 2 Stories The Crawford impresses with elegant design features around every corner. Soaring ceilings in the front foyer and living room provide a grand entrance for guests and family alike. A stunning curved staircase marks the entrance to the open-concept kitchen, breakfast nook and family room. An optional bar with pass-thru window connects the kitchen to the formal dining room off the front foyer and makes entertaining a breeze. Beautiful tray ceilings in the master suite create an elegant retreat at the end of a long day. The second floor is home to three additional bedrooms and two bathrooms as well as a game room and an optional media room. The Crawford is a great choice for the family that doesn't want to sacrifice style for livability.FEATURESStunning curved staircaseSoaring ceilings in foyer and living roomBeautiful tray ceilings in master suiteSunny breakfast nookFireplace in family roomTake A Virtual Tour FLOOR PLAN PHOTOS LOCATIONS OPTIONS BROCHURE Personalize This Home


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From creating content to media coaching, I offer 20-plus years of experience and expertise in media to my clients around the world. Whether an individual client, small business or media outlet, let's work together to take your brand, and your message, to the next level
Do you have an idea for a book?
Are you uncertain where to begin?
Are you ready to get your thoughts on the page and share your story with the world?
Do you need an accountability partner to hold you to your deadlines?


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On May 11, 2011, Abyei town, the historic capital of the nine Dinga Ngok chiefdoms in Southern Kordofan, was ransacked by Sudan Armed Forces aided by Janjaweed troops and Misseriya militias.
The army brought in bulldozers and leveled the town. The local church was looted, desecrated and destroyed by soldiers. Every Bible, book, pew, pane of glass, and metal sheet was either burned or stolen. The state hospital was also ransacked and looted of all its equipment and inventory.
The town's population of more than 50,000 Dinka residents was emptied as residents fled south to Agok. An estimated 300 civilians were killed on that day -- mostly the elderly who could not run.
Last year, on the anniversary of this attack, paramount Chief Kuol Deng Kuol (a.k.a. Kuol Adol) was assassinated near Abyei town in a place called Difra.
On May 11th of this year, a raiding party of Misseriya tribesmen attacked a community inside Abyei town. They killed Chan Mayom Deng and stole 1,500 head of cattle. A PPF team had the opportunity to attend part of the family funeral.
Today, Abyei is mostly a ghost town. Very few remaining buildings and bare power poles mark where the town's streets used to be. A few people have moved back, but most residents have been displaced to Agok, about an hour's drive south, across the Kiir River.
The area of Abyei has been largely neglected by the international community due to other regional conflicts all around the area. This neglect has allowed the terrorist government in Khartoum to loot the area of its natural resources (including its oil) without providing any compensation to the inhabitants. One community leader told us that the only things Khartoum sends to pay for the oil is bullets.
In May, PPF delivered an important consignment of medicine to serve the 14 primary health care facilities in the Abyei administrative region.
The arrival of these meds is very timely considering the onset of the rainy season -- which means an increase in the cases of malaria and other diseases.
Our goal is to send in at least six Emergency Medical Flights during the rainy season to help communities like Agok and Abyei.
Your generous giving will make this goal a reality. Please get active for the persecuted today by using your community to serve their community.


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My Life Is A Beautiful Mess
My life is a beautiful mess. The messy part is my life; and you guessed it the beautiful part is art.
Despite the messy condition of my life in today I continue to work toward my dream life. My life may be more complicated than some but probably a lot less complicated than most. My life is the only life I have and I want to make something of it. Art guides me with each piece of the puzzle as I create the visual for my dream life.
I have had a very longstanding dream one which I am determined to materialize in real life. Here's my dream: To celebrate Christmas with a house full of people enjoying scrumptious homemade food made by Mel and me and creating art during the holidays non-stop. To be a guest in our house the holidays would be only about food and art. What a beautiful mess that would be! This is my dream. Art would not be compulsory of course but I would have the space available to expose our guests to anything creative of their choosing.
Creativity and art make my life manageable during the messy day to day construction of building and rebuilding my dream life. Creativity grounds me and ties me to the place where I am most at home - inside me. Creativity reveals to me that the best is yet to come!
I won't give up on art just as I won't give up on me or my dream life. I am so involved in living life creatively I simply can't imagine what life would look like without it now. I have no plan and I am probably a fool, by many standards, to trust in art as I do to get me to that dream. The only control I have is showing up and accepting the process of my life and the process of creating an artful life. I can't control much in this life I have realized and that is why I let go completely in faith that I will collide my process with my dream and one day I will arrive at the dream life I have been designing for 26 years now.
At the beginning of 2016 I decided to keep all of my Christmas crafting materials out in plain sight. I wanted to get rid of the piles of materials accumulated over time and by creating finally have something to share. And maybe, just maybe by clearing away the Christmas themed paper and glitter I might just clear the path to my ultimate holiday dream (as described above). With this experiment I learned I am very determined to commit to my creative goal and I have produced many great Christmas designs while simultaneously working at other projects. I also had to learn to make peace with having Christmas stuff around me all of the time. There were times when I just wanted to throw it all out (that would be similar to giving up on my dream) or stuff the pile, the big messiness (my day to day life) back into a drawer, but my goal mindset combined with my determination and commitment to creating had me focused all year. I might just be completely finished with my Christmas stash by the 24th and it may be just what my art life needed in order to clear the path to my dream life realized, in 2017.


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Staying Regular
Here's what I'm thinking for format and schedule of this blog:
I'd like to post twice a week. One post will feature my own work and the other will contain references to other works I like, with commentary.
So in the spirit of post type number two, I wish to introduce John Kricfalusi
For those of you don't know, John K. is the creator of Ren and Stimpy, among other things, and runs a fine blog. He's kind of credited with the revival of animation that began with Ren and Stimpy at Nickelodeon and has been carried on by many outfits all the way over to the Cartoon Network.
His blog includes really interesing commentary and theories on animation, and great samples of his own work and other artists he admires. Plus, he's a funny guy.
Make sure to check out his Beautiful People posts.
Now, just a sample of things I've found on his site that have had me in stitches:


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Russ, Mike, Neil And James bring you another packed show full of talking points this week.
- The Big One, Graham Buttle from Hampshire in the UK announced as the winner.
- More competitions coming soon.
- More deals coming soon.
Talking Points
- The Peoples's Choice Award will be announced very soon.
- New Mac Pro on sale
- Pro Tools 11.1 & 10.3.8 released
- RTAS and AAX Wrappers
- Is The Prospect Of A New Operating System For Your DAW Appealing?
- AAX Plug-Ins That Got Our Attention In 2013 Russ, Mike, Neil
- Should You Use A Sub In Your Home Studio Monitor System? Poll
- What are we looking forward to in 2014


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In the wake of publishing this story in the Atlantic, about how I reached out to the man who raped me on the night before my graduation from college and received an immediate apology, I've been inundated with requests from women (and men!) asking if they could read the letter, to use as a template for their own. I want to be extremely cautious about paying heed to my promise to this man to protect his anonymity—he did not ask for anonymity, I offered it—so I went through the letter sentence by sentence and redacted out all names, places, and other identifiers. But if it helps you (or someone else) in your own quest for restorative justice, feel free to steal any words you'd like.
September 18, 2018
Dear [redacted],
You may not remember me from college. We didn't even meet until the night before graduation. But I have never been able to forget that night or you. The memory, over these past 30 years, comes and goes, but it always pays a visit whenever I hear or read stories of sexual assault between acquaintances. As you can imagine, that's pretty much all the time these days, and this latest Kavanaugh hearing is no exception. In fact, it's been the straw that finally broke this aging camel's back. I realized I could not go on with my life until I finally wrote this letter. I'm shaking, even as I type it.
You were extremely drunk that night, so part of me wonders if you have any idea what I'm even talking about, but overcoming the trauma of that night has been the hardest and most painful work of my adult life. Also its leitmotif. Let me state it as simply as possible, for clarity's sake: you forced yourself on me and pushed yourself into me as I kept saying no.
I have never spoken your name publicly, and I never will. I spoke privately to one of my college roommates, [redacted], and to my friend, [redacted], the next morning, after the assault. I didn't even tell the psychologist at Harvard University Health services when I visited her the next day, between graduation and lunch with my family. [redacted] I just needed to speak with someone to ease the pain of it. To talk it through. To figure out what my rights were. To make a plan. What was I supposed to do, I asked, with this act of violation?
I've asked myself that same question nearly every day since.
The point of this letter is not to frighten you or hurt you or shame you or threaten you with exposure, but rather it is, selfishly, the obvious next step in my own battle to heal. If [redacted] holds any accuracy, you have lead a noble life, and I admire what you've done with it. You have [redacted], you have served your country [redacted] honorably, you have married a smart woman, you [redacted], and I'm assuming you've been a good father to your kids as well, should you have them. There's no way on earth I'd want to hurt any of your loved ones, and you have my solemn promise I never will. [redacted.]
I saw you one time after the assault, ironically at a pro-choice march [redacted] maybe a year or so later. I was living in Paris at the time but had been sent by my photo agency back to the States to cover it. You were [redacted], handing out pro-choice leaflets [redacted.] You saw me and gave me a warm hug hello. We spoke briefly about our work. I was so flummoxed, I mumbled something about having to get back to shooting the march and sank back into the crowd, shaking.
A few years ago, as an exercise, I tried to get into your head that night. I might have mangled it. I might have gotten some of it right. But the idea of this intellectual exercise, which I later published in The Nation, was to see the world from your perspective. To try to have empathy.
I don't hate you. I really don't. I don't hate anyone in general, but I want you to know I don't hate you specifically either. I don't even know what I want from you, in writing this letter, other than to relieve myself of this 30-year burden and to let you know that this thing has haunted me ever since. I recently saw this video, and I found it hopeful, the idea of a perpetrator and his victim finding a place of forgiveness, publicly, together. Perhaps we can privately find ours. Or not. It's up to you, and I will respect whatever choice you make.
Tonight is the beginning of Yom Kippur, so I feel particularly bad sending this email today, of all days, as I imagine receiving this letter might be painful for you, and I'm sorry about that. But I just read Brett Kavanaugh's yearbook entry, which someone published online, and it once again triggered all the hurt from that night long ago, and as I sat frozen in front of a blank page that needs to be filled by the end of today for my work, I realized that if I didn't finally write and send this, I would never move forward or forgive myself. In fact, I nearly died last summer, after complications from a trachelectomy, and one of my thoughts as I was bleeding out and drifting into oblivion, my daughter weeping at my bedside, was my cowardice at not speaking up and lack of closure about that night. Will this email provide it? Maybe. Maybe not. But I hope it will at least provide a few stitches of mending.
Deborah Copaken


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VBAM Minis: Terran Carthage and Monitor
More for VBAM's mini range.
VBAM Minis: The Chouka Fleet
Painted for VBAM. Tricky to paint, some of the details where hard to pick out. And crazy me does them NMM style..
Vbam Minis: The Circassian Fleet
Something different. Part of the fleet of minis I painted for VBAM.
Bad Weather
Bit of an Oldie, but an online SciFi Mag used it as a cover.
ZetaII Reticuli
Nice bit o' Backdrop art. Vue Render.
Probably the wrong star type for that star system..


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This post was written by Boston Content Co-Executive Director Devin Bramhall, marketing manager at Alignable. Follow her, @devinemily.
A necessary prelude to the creation of marketing content is — as all successful content marketers know — planning. But even before you can plan, you need the tools to organize, create, measure and report on performance. There is no shortage of apps, strategy and tips available to content marketers these days. This seems great, but the vastness can be paralyzing.
To help you launch this year from a solid foundation, we centered our Q1 event on the tools content marketers need to plan strategy, measure success and produce work that keeps people coming back for more.
We focused on five topics:
- Design
- Analytics
- Interactive Content
- Coding
Here are the key takeaways from each session. You can use them to fill your toolbox with all the skills and advice you'll need to make 2016 a success!
What Content Marketers Need to Know About SEO
Led by: Rebecca Churt, Marketing @ Openview Venture Partners
Content and SEO go hand in hand, which means neglecting one while focusing on the other could result in your hard work falling on deaf ears. Learn how to get your amazing content found on the web while debunking some common misconceptions about SEO.
DIY Design for Content Marketers
Led by: Todd Stewart, Marketing Manager @ Hourly Nerd & '15 Boston Content Marketer to Watch
Gone are the days of "designed content" meaning "built in Photoshop or InDesign." There are more tools than ever to help content marketers own the full production cycle, from building wireframes to hand-off to designers, or to creating social sharing graphics. Find out which tools savvy content creators are using to get their content noticed.
Interactive Content: New Content Formats for 2016
Led by: Lena Prickett, Senior Content Marketing Manager @ SnapApp & Boston Content Committee Member
You've probably heard about interactive content on several "trends & predictions" lists for 2016. But what is it exactly and how can you use it? Here's a rundown of the most common types of interactive content and strategies for using them.
Crash Course: Google Analytics
Led by: Jess Owen, Digital Strategy Manager @ PluralSight
A strong grasp of the fundamentals of Google Analytics has become table stakes for content marketing in many companies. All the more reason why, as a content marketer, you need to know how to use it to measure your content efforts. Learn the most important features included in this powerful analytics tool, and some hacks for making tracking and reporting easier than ever.
Coding for Content: Sharpen Your Tech Skills
Led by: Christine Warner, Content Marketing Manager @ Uber & Boston Content Committee Member
It's critical for content marketers to have technical chops. From developing dynamic emails to formatting editorial content, what are the need-to-know coding skills for content marketers? Time to bring your tech skills to the next level! These tips will help you craft compelling content and better segment and target your customers and audience.


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30 Jun 2017
Food and Sports Stuff: Episode 03 – Would You Like Fries With That Bat Flip?
Chris and Joe Recap their breakfast together. Then they analyze a list of the best type of French fries and read your FB comments. The guys follow up by discussing celebrations in baseball (specifically Yasiel Puig's vs the New York Mets last week and finish up nerding out about Spider-Man: Homecoming and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Oh, and they find a way to talk about avocados again.


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Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland says she's deeply concerned about recent videos that appear to show Canadian-made armoured vehicles being used by Saudi Arabia in a crackdown against its own citizens.
Freeland says she's instructed her officials to urgently investigate the matter and determine whether the vehicles in the videos were in fact armoured personnel carriers made by Terradyne Armoured Vehicles of Newmarket, Ontario.
Armoured vehicles have appeared in news and social media posts from Saudi Arabia's Eastern Province, where the Saudi government is trying to stamp out unrest among the region's minority Shia population.
Freeland is not saying what action might be taken if the vehicles are proven to be Canadian-made, other than to say the government will respond accordingly.
Almost from the moment Justin Trudeau's Liberals took office, his government has been under fire for allowing arms exports to Saudi Arabia, which is widely denounced as one of the world's worst abusers of human rights.
سایت تابناک از انتشار نظرات حاوی توهین و افترا و نوشته شده با حروف لاتین (فینگیلیش) معذور است.


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Šiaulių bankas is increasing interest for deposits in litas and euros
Starting March 26th 2008 Šiaulių bankas has increased annual interest for time deposits, time deposits with variable interest rate and accumulative deposits in litas and euros. Šiaulių bankas pays 6.71 per cent of annual interest for one-year time deposits in litas and 5.9 per cent for deposits in euros. The interest paid for deposits in dollars remains the same, i.e. 4.7 per cent.
The maximum deposit interest of 7.21 per cent shall be paid to those depositors who place a time deposit with variable interest rate for five years. The higher interest is also paid for those clients who place deposits via the Internet using the e-banking system "SB linija". They are entitled to 0.1 per cent higher interest than it is valid at the bank on the agreement signing day. And even by 0.2 per cent higher interest is applied to the depositors who acquire "Visa Electron" or "Maestro" payment card.
Since today Šiaulių bankas changes not only interest rates but also the longest term of time and accumulative deposits. The bank has extended the maximum term of 21 months (630 days), which was applied for a long time, to 24 months (720 days).
We would like to remind that the Easter Deposit Campaign is still going on in Šiaulių bankas and shall last until April 17th 2008; during the campaign the depositors placing time deposits may choose the interest payment time. Placing deposits for six months or longer period of time, the clients may take interest immediately or at the end of the term receive by 0.2 per cent higher than it is valid at the bank on the agreement signing day. The campaign terms are applied to both - private and corporate customers.


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WHAT: A midcentury modern with three bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms
SIZE: 4,014 square feet
SETTING: This house is on a ridge overlooking downtown Boise in a neighborhood called the North End, where developed land gives way to foothills. Much of the area's housing stock is midcentury modern, on winding roads with broad views.
Nearby is Military Reserve Park, a 479-acre expanse where hiking and biking trails wind through hills and flats with sagebrush and cottonwoods. Downtown Boise is about two and a half miles away.
INDOORS: The two-story house was completed in 1951. The interior is open and airy, with massive windows overlooking downtown Boise from the great room and master bedroom. Floors are a brownish-orange fiberboard joined by aluminum seams, and many of the rooms have original birch veneer paneling and cabinetry. The bathrooms feature the original colorful tile.
The great room is 900 square feet, with a pitched ceiling and a wood-burning fireplace. Sliding glass walls open to a balcony that runs along the entire western face of the house. French doors on the eastern side open to the pool and patio, and clerestory windows at the room's highest point let in extra light. In the kitchen, there are newer stainless-steel countertops and appliances along with the original wood paneling and cabinetry.
The master bedroom is on the main level; its section of the western balcony has a hot tub. The other two bedrooms are downstairs, as is a family room and billiards room. The family room has an entertainment center with a vintage phonograph and radio. It opens to a breezeway, which in turn opens to a stone patio.
Adjoining the family room is a wet bar with an original Murphy Cabranette, a one-piece kitchenette with a stove and sink. There is also a two-car garage.
OUTDOOR SPACE: The house is on four-fifths of an acre.
TAXES: $8,984 a year
CONTACT: Holly Tastad-Pozel, Group One Real Estate, (208) 850-6062; groupone .com
WHAT: A penthouse with two bedrooms and two-and-a-half bathrooms
SIZE: 3,015 square feet
SETTING: This penthouse condominium is in downtown Madison, the city center and hub of state government. Built in 2002, the building was one of the first developments of its kind in the city. Wisconsin's capitol building is a half-block away; restaurants, bars and shops are within steps.
Downtown is on a narrow isthmus with lakes on either side: Lake Monona to the southeast, Lake Mendota to the northwest. Both have waterfront parks and trails for walking and biking. On weekends, a farmers' market unfolds in Capitol Square, and in summer months the Madison Symphony Orchestra plays outdoor concerts that can be heard from this building's shared terrace. The University of Wisconsin and attendant arts and culture are about a half-mile west.
INDOORS: The two-story penthouse is at the top of a 14-story building, with views of the isthmus and lakes from every room. Ceilings are 10 feet high, floors are Brazilian cherry and the unit is outfitted with surround sound.
The living room, dining room and kitchen are part of a 1,200-square-foot great room with a full wall of windows. Off the great room are two small terraces. A three-way gas fireplace separates the living and dining area and a sitting area. Also on the entry level is a corner study with built-in bookshelves.
A steel staircase leads to a second level, where there are two bedrooms, a hallway library and a 280-square-foot terrace. The master bedroom has a wraparound glass wall affording panoramic views of the isthmus and lakes. Three garage parking spots convey with the unit. Building amenities include concierge service and the shared terrace.
OUTDOOR SPACE: Three terraces.
TAXES: $21,916 a year plus $872 a month for condo fees
CONTACT: Debby Dines and Katie Jo Schmitz, Dines Incorporated, (608) 217-6974 / (608) 556-4400; mydowntownlife.com
WHAT: A duplex with two bedrooms and one-and-a-half bathrooms
SIZE: 1,119 square feet
SETTING: The South End is a residential area in Boston, just south of the riverfront downtown and the affluent neighborhoods of Back Bay and Beacon Hill. Known for its brick townhouses and tree-lined streets, the South End contains the largest concentration of urban Victorian architecture in the country, according to the National Register of Historic Places. This unit, in a rowhouse built around 1900, is within a few blocks of shopping, dining, bars and the M.B.T.A. subway. Farther south is a district of converted lofts, many of them now restaurants and galleries.
INDOORS: The building is a two-unit co-op. This duplex features wide-plank pine floors, a marble fireplace and an original staircase. The common areas are on the first floor; the living room has a bay window and the kitchen has stainless-steel appliances updated about five years ago. The large windows at both ends of the apartment lend the unit plenty of natural light. Both bedrooms are upstairs. The master has a wall of windows and a closet with sliding wood doors.
OUTDOOR SPACE: A spiral staircase in the second bedroom leads to a private roof deck with an unobstructed panorama of Boston.
TAXES: $6,413 a year with a residential exemption, plus $330 a month in association fees
CONTACT: Jim Glennon, Keller Williams Cambridge/Somerville, (617) 515-6343; kw.com


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A trusted and family run English language school with over 35 years' experience.
SUL provide world class academic and immersion programmes in facilities throughout the UK. We're pleased to share our expertise as a PON provider, understanding the requirements of each student that travels with us as well as the multiple agencies we work with.
With facilities in over 15 locations across the UK, schools and students can choose which part of the UK they study in.
Why choose SUL?
With over 35 years of experience, we have mastered language courses for students of all levels from beginners to business, including exam preparation and fully interactive conversational lessons.
World class teachers with a good choice of host family and residential centres combine to help our students make the most out of their stay. Students gain skills and knowledge that benefit them long after they leave SUL, giving them better chances of employment and better university opportunities.
SUL appreciates the Italian culture and we ensure that all our students are comfortable whilst staying with us, mixing two great cultures through the English Language.
The Course
- 3 or 4 week programme
- Standard 15 hours of teaching per week or intensive 20 hours.
- Course materials that students can take home are given together with course completion certificates.
- Results show that our students leave with increased knowledge and confidence in their English.
- Trinity GESE exam
- Personalised teaching available, including exam preparation and business.
- Suitable for students of all levels
Activities and Excursions
Tailor made activity and excursion programme
Round the clock support for students, group leaders and teachers
One full day excursion and 2/3 half day excursions per week
Examples of excursions and activities you can choose from:
Example Programme
Arrival and Orientation
- 09.00 - 17.00
- 09.00 - 13.00
- 13.00 - 19.00
- 09.00 - 13.00
- 13.00 - 19.00
- 09.00 - 13.00
- 13.00 - 19.00
- 09.00 - 13.00
- 13.00 - 19.00
- 09.00 - 13.00
- 13.00 - 19.00
Accommodation options:
Home Stays
- Full board accommodation
- Live in the UK with a family
- Full cultural immersion
- The best opportunities to speak English
- Students can be placed in small groups or placed individually
Residential stays
- Full board accommodation
- Live in a residential centre or British boarding school
- On-site sport, leisure and classroom facilities
- Collaborative learning with peers
- Students accommodated as a group
School Integration
Ever wondered how different an English school is to your own?
We offer students the opportunity to experience what a real British school is like, from academic lessons to socially mixing with students that live in the UK.
We have accommodation all around the UK and connections with several schools in each area.
We also cater to different levels of students.
Personalised after school activities based on the students' needs and extra teaching available.
Why not integrate this into a week or two of your stay?
Contact Us
For over 35 years we've been creating the best courses for you, meeting your needs and exceeding your expectations.
Contact us for more information or to tailor the perfect course for you.
or use our contact us form here


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Day 1. Arrive (did I tell soandso I was getting in? eh, just cab it to the city, I'll find her later.) Wander. (I was sure I took down her phone number before leaving... Shoot.) FIND INTERNET CAFE (Read most recent Modern Love column. Find the number--or more likely send a panicked email to said friend with an approximation of my location). Reunite with old friend. Nap. Eat.
Day 2. Find a cafe. Order a cappuccino and baguette. Read... Isn't there a good shopping street or something?
Day 3. (Repeat "Day 2" schedule)
Day 4. Ditto.
Day 5. OMG I LEAVE TOMORROW AND HAVEN'T DONE ANYTHING! (Repeat "Day 2" schedule.)
Day 6. Depart.
Suffice it to say, planning is not my forte. Premal on the other hand thrives on programs. Everyday of a trip with him is a meticulously mapped-out adventure. Days start early, agenda in hand, and end not too late. We took a little trip to California over the new year, and put more than 700 miles on our little rental car over 5 days! We did basically everything you'd expect someone to do in NoCal. We hiked in Muir Woods, drank wine in Napa, meandered up Route 1, ate a sundae as big as my head at Ghirardelli Square and saw tons of friends and family along the way. It's great, but it can also be exhausting, and I'll admit to longing for my old aimless way of vacationing every once in a while.
What about you? Are you a planner or do you tend to be a bit flighty?
My solution for our next vacation? I'm going to plan a day of casual meandering. BOOM. Marital oneness achieved!


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Developing fair and effective wage-fixing practices
Wages are a critical component of any factory's strategic plan. However, managers often find it challening to balance the company's financial restraints with workers' expectations – which is why wages are one of the most controversial issues in labor relations. Undoubtedly the manner in which reward structures are designed has an impact on the general working environment. Despite that, many factories are reluctant to tackle the topic due to the complexity and difficulty of creating a well-designed compensation scheme that is able to attract and retain quality employees. This training introduces managers to the Fair Wage framework, which is a comprehensive approach that includes 12 dimensions of wages, including minimum wage and living wage. The training also encourages the involvement of multiple stakeholders to create a mutual understanding of the remuneration system.
You will learn:
- Objectives and methods of wage fixing
- How to create a wage policy in the enterprise
- How to ensure perceived fairness in the remuneration system
- The differences between minimum wage, living wage and "fair wage"
- Principles that must be ensured in wage administration
- How to create pay grids
- What to include in wage slips
Who should take this course?
- Factory owners/general managers
- Production managers
- HR/CSR/administration manager or staff
- Brand representatives
Upcoming Sessions
|October 23, 2013
|Registration Closed
For further details please contact [email protected].