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I wasn't happy with they way I had things set up and wanted to make a change. I got a wonderful suggestion to move the large picture above the the sideboard. I thought this sounded great because I never even thought of that. I mentioned I wasn't sure I was going to keep the sideboard in this room. One thing I did was try out a different piece of furniture, which I really didn't like so I put the sideboard back in this room and then moved the picture.
The idea was to have the picture above the sideboard and to add additional pieces of art over the chairs. Artwork that could either be stacked or staggered was what I was envisioning. I even went out shopping but didn't find anything that really inspired me enough to make the leap.
I let this idea test out for a few days and over the weekend but then this morning I knew I just didn't want to give up my trusty mirror that I had here to begin with. I love mirrors and I especially loved having this one here. I felt even more compelled to keep this one here for last minute vanity checks (i know that's so bad to say, but true). You see I've made a few changes in my kitchen over the weekend and one of those changes included getting rid of a mirror I had in there by the coat rack.
Since I didn't want to be short two mirrors, I decided to move this mirror back where I had it. A girls gotta be able to check on that lipstick y'all. Mostly though, I really love this old bamboo mirror and I feel like it actually enhances the casual Mediterranean tropical look I lean towards.
I also swapped a few lamps around in this room to make things a little more balanced. I moved this crystal lamp over from the side table by the sofa, and that side table now has the large turquoise lamp. I decided this lamp looked really good here and balanced out the room a little better because it was still a bit too big to remain on the side table in between the chairs without blocking the picture. You'll see what I mean on that in a bit.
Next, I pulled out a few more pieces of seasonal type decor and was very pleased with the look. That's the beauty of having this sideboard in here. It gives me room to pull out those fun decor pieces and swap them around from time to time. I still want to replace the table runner shown here and have a few ideas on that.
This is the table where the large Turquoise lamp used to be between the two chairs. While I really liked having it here I knew it was just a bit too big after I made the decision to move the print back on this wall. So, I tried the crystal lamp here and decided it was still a bit too big and distracting from the print above. I decided to dig around upstairs and try out one of my smaller lamps. This was the ticket, and fit nicely without distracting from the print.
When I decided to put my print back on this side of the wall one thing I did that I hadn't done previously was I centered the picture exactly above the side table. Previously in last weeks post you can see the picture was more centered on the whole wall itself, more to the right of the chairs. It was centered there because that is where I use to have our old sofa when we had it on the wall on this side of the room. The other change I made, or change back in this case was I added the sconces back on each side of the picture. I say back because that is how I had them when the sofa was here but had moved them on each side of the mirror when I rearranged the furniture. I think that was what was bothering me the most as seen in last weeks post. I really didn't like the cluttered loof of the scones on each side of my mirror and really wanted them back on each side of the picture. The reason I moved the sconces in the first place was because the picture wasn't aligned above the side table and the sconces were in the way with the larger lamps. Little details like that drive me nuts. Why oh why I didn't just think to center the print above the table first is a mystery, but oh well. Maybe I was just being lazy or just being crazy who knows. LOL!
I am feeling so much more satisfied with the look on this wall now that I paid a little closer attention to the important details. I didn't want to have to find new artwork, I like what I have. I didn't want to loose my mirror in here. I didn't want to loose my palm sconces in here either. I know the look I enjoy is not a popular or trendy look, but it's what I love and what I enjoy.
And now finally, finally, this room again feels like home!
Today I will be joining the following two parties to share my changes;
Check out the links above to see more inspiring changes.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. I'd love to hear from you if you did, still hoping to reconnect and share a little home decor love with others.
Sending waves,


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Saturday May 2, 2011 was an quintessential spring day and because this Oregon girl who has been enjoying a very wet and grey spring, I was touched by the sunshine. I was in Freestone, California for the Third Annual Fermentation Festival. The day was especially sweet as I reconnected with one of my dearest friends. She and I navigated our first two years of college and dorm life together.
I introduced her to fermented foods on this visit. So it was with this friend, who before my arrival the night before had never heard of fermented foods, and our daughters that we embarked on the festival. We arrived at the school grounds and the primordial beat of music was wafting through the campus, it suggested a festive mood. I, for one, felt the groove, but instead of dancing got into the line that thickly moved from presenter to presenter.
Oyster Kimchi right off the bat, followed by a delicate cheese. Kefir water next, and then it is a blur of krauts, pickles and more kombucha variations than I can count. Our senses where sent batted back forth by textures, bubbles and flavors. I was into it, however I am seasoned by regular sauerkraut consumption.
At one point my friend looked up at me and said, "I am burping," as she patted her tummy. "But this is good for me right?"
It is, yes, but that was the first time it occurred to me that the entire array of fermented should perhaps not be taken in one day, especially one's very first day of culture. A week later, I was giving a group of farm interns from Santa Cruz a tour of the kitchen and farm. I mentioned the festival and some of them had been there. They also said that there were some stomach aches the next day. Part of the reintroduction of these age old important foods into our modern depleted digestive systems may be something we all can't just jump into willy-nilly. I realize that beyond the great flavors and the experience of the Japanese enzyme food soak, my take away, is understanding more about how much is maybe too much at one time? What is the best way to introduce our systems to these incredible foods.

subset: commoncrawl


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The coming crisis in US agricultural marketsFor those in love with real "corn porn" - I give you - the Market Journal. Very reminiscent of "Aamchi Maati Aamchi Manse" on Doordarshan-1 back in the day.
As things stand reports today morning suggest oil is due to rise after OPEC nears an agreement that will effectively cap the production at lower levels.
As Donald Trump talks about bringing down the TPP and NAFTA, US agriculture faces the prospect of disruptions to trade with the biggest purchasers of US corn, hog and steer - Canada, Mexico and Japan.
Most people who voted for Trump probably don't know that the oil, corn, dairy, beef, pork and chicken markets are all linked. You break one link in that chain and pandemonium reigns.
In March - South American producers are likely to bring added volume to the markets. March basically closes out the seasonal high that US corn (and hence pork and beef) enjoys.
Prices today for corn are roughly half of what they were last December.
Will Donald Trump give some new kind of subsidy to keep corn prices high? (He should do something like that - after all these people voted for him).
Or will he simply let his trade-tariffs-trumpeting screw them six-ways-to-Sunday? (Well, he is kind of known in the real estate business for screwing over small investors without big legal support.)
The price of corn essentially is deeply tied to the price of Beef and Pork. Beef and Pork production deeply affect the price of poultry - the livestock markets are interlinked.
As the price of oil rises - the low price of corn cuts into net farm income as operating costs. This deeply affects the ability of farmers to make any profit off the farming.
In a perfect market, the farmers would cut back on production in those scenarios and the price would go up. However in a global economy, if the US farmer lowers production, producers elsewhere (China, Australia, South America etc...) will step up to fill the gap created.
If most of the US market was only domestic - then a tariff would work well, it would insulate the domestic price of corn in the US from these international pressures.
But the bulk of the US market is international - almost 45% of all US agricultural production is sent to foreign markets.
Any move to raise tariffs on agricultural foreign trade (or any other foreign trade) would result in trade partners targeting agricultural imports from the US.
This would catastrophically hit states like Nebraska that voted for Donald Trump.
What is the saying? - Fool me once, shame on you... Fool me twice .. shame on .. err.. won't get fooled again.


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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
How I Made Sports Illustrated Magazine!
O.K. This is slightly old news, but it is a bit relevant as there are many American Olympians who were not born in America. Some started running after arriving in America (Abdi Abdirahman in the 10000m) and others have Olympic medals from other countries (Bernard Lagat formally of Kenya who will represent America in the 1500 and 5000 races in Beijing. Unless we are paying them to come run for us, I agree with many others-but not all, that they are American runners if they are American citizens.
Anyhow back in 2002 Sports Illustrated had a short one page article "Catching up with" on Alberto Salazar. I read it and while appreciating an article on distance running and Alberto, Sports Illustrated missed the mark and did not even acknowledge the fact that Khalid Khannouchi (an American who came from Morocco) had just broken the world record in the London Marathon with a thrilling race against Ethiopia 's Haile Gebrselassie and Kenya's Paul Tergat.
I sent off this letter (the only letter I have ever written to a publication):
Marathon Man
It was nice to revisit Alberto Salazar (CATCHING UP WITH, April 22). However, the article begins, " Alberto Salazar has no desire to be known as the last great American marathoner, but that's exactly what he is." Well, in case you didn't notice—and it looks that way—an American set a world record in the London Marathon on April 14. Khalid Khannouchi broke his own mark in a long-anticipated, epic race against two of the greatest distance runners ever, Ethiopia 's Haile Gebrselassie and Kenya 's Paul Tergat . The often overlooked Khannouchi is an American citizen who was born and raised in Morocco , but this does not make him any less an American. Just ask Alberto Salazar , who was born in Cuba . The greatest marathoner in the world today is an American!
JIM HANSEN, Nashua, N.H.
I remember receiving my issue in the mail and seeing a large picture of racing greyhounds. I held it up to show my son since we had a greyhound at that time and as I held it up I was startled when I saw my name and letter printed on the reverse side of the page.
I was even more surprised when I was reading the Jan/Feb issue of Running Times and an article called "Foreign Born Americans". Imagine my surprise to see my letter to SI quoted in the article.
Anyhow in the 2002 London Marathon Khalid Khannouchi set the World Record against two of the greatest runners of all time. It was a classic race. I remember getting up early that morning and listening to the race on internet radio. Here are the top three times.
I wasn't really in running shape that Spring but decided to run a marathon that same day to celebrate the London race and also to celebrate my first Boston Marathon 20 years earlier almost to the day in Boston. That race was the "Dual in the Sun" between Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley. My results there are another story but I died like I have never died in a race that day in Boston. I went out trying to run 2:42 and was on pace through the half, but it was hot and I dehydrated bad and stumbled in with a time of 3:23:58.
My school board was not going to let me run Boston in 2002 so I decided to do Fred's Marathon (a Boston alternative in Worcester, Ma). I had only run a couple hundred miles since the beginning of that year. My training was to do a 16 miler two weeks before the race and a 20 miler the week before. I ran Fred's in a time of 3:23:58. A week or two after the race I realized I had run the exact same time that I had run in Boston 20 years earlier. Fred's was basically an easy run on limited mileage. Boston 1982 was a dreadfully hard day when I was in the best marathon shape of my life. A week after that Boston I ran a 5 miler in 26:36 to break my 5 mile best PR set in college a year earlier. Two weeks after that Boston I broke my foot sliding into a base (sandbag) during a softball game and I have never run as fast.
Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley both suffered from that race in 2002 and never achieved the times or places in races that they had before that epic race. Here is a video of that race:
Here is Dick Beardsley talking about the "Dual in the Sun".
On a smaller scale, tonight the Gate City Striders had their Ultimate Runner workout. The Ultimate Runner consists of a 400, an 800, a mile, and then a 5k run. Then they age grade the times to find out who is the Ultimate Runner. It was a hot night like usual for this contest. I couldn't wait to get on the track because I really bumped my mileage up the week before. In the past 7 days I accumulated 64 miles of running and I feel like I am training for the first time in a long time. My times were 76 seconds for the 400, 2:44 for the 800, 6:00 for the mile, and 20:28 for the 5k. The heel lifts are helping although I still need adjusting. My left hip and adductor was tight all day today and during the races. My times were slower than normal but it was good to push and run for a change.
There are two good books on Dick Beardsley and the "Dual in the Sun" Boston Marathon race of 1982. I enjoyed reading "Staying the Course" by Dick Beardsley that talk about his running and what happened after with accidents and drug addictions. "Duel in the Sun" by John Brandt is another good read comparing Alberto Salazar and Dick Beardsley and their personalities as well as that great race and what happened afterwards to both runners.
Posted by Jim Hansen at 10:13 PM
Labels: 2002 Boston Marathon, Alberto Salazar, Dick Beardsley, Khalid Khannouchi, Sports Illustrated, Ultimate Runner
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You decided awhile ago that life is too short to not do work that lights you up. (I totally agree!)
So you made the leap and started your own business either full-time or as a side hustle.
You're struggling to make the kind of money you want in your business.
Maybe you've been in business for awhile and your sales and income have plateaued.
Or you're newer in business and you don't really know what you need to do to start making money consistently in your business.
Or you're pulling your hair out because you can't figure out why you're hearing so many no's and no one's buying what you're selling.
In the High-Growth Formula mini-course, you'll learn the crucial pieces you MUST have in place in order to get booked solid, rapidly grow your online business and crush your income goals, like:
- How to turn your brilliance and expertise into real money in the bank
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- How to move people from potential customers to paying clients
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- The steps to maximizing your time, effort and monetary investments so you can finally stop feeling overwhelmed, build a wildly profitable business AND be able to do more of the things that really matter to you
Plus, I'll be sharing mistakes far too many amazing entrepreneurs just like you are making that cost you clients, money and tons of wasted effort, regardless of whether you're just starting off in business or you've been in business for years. You absolutely have to AVOID these all-too-common pitfalls in order for you to not only thrive in business... but to even survive at all!
You've heard the statistics…
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And fewer than 20% of entrepreneurs ever make it to six-figures.
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The simple truth is that unless you're independently wealthy and started your business as a nice hobby, you have to make more money than you spend in your business… and that means selling more of whatever it is that you're offering and the quicker the better, so…
You can have what you started your business for in the first place:
- More freedom to do what's really important to you
- Unlimited earning potential
- Making your mark on the world
What you're going to learn in this mini-course is going to help you do exactly that.


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New figures released today by the Audit Bureau of Circulations for the second half of 2009 once again made grim reading for regional newspapers, with every morning title in England bar one recording year-on-year sales falls.
The Dorset Echo was the only newspaper to buck the trend, with a 2.1% increase in circulation to an average of 18,396. At the other end of the scale, Trinity Mirror's Liverpool Daily Post was the biggest circulation faller, down 20.8% year on year to average 10,222 in the second half of 2009.
The company's morning paper in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, the Journal, registered an average daily circulation of 30,147, a decline of 8.3% year on year.
Johnston Press's Yorkshire Post recorded an average circulation of 43,095 for the six months to the end of December, a year-on-year decline of 5.7%.
Archant's Norfolk paper the Eastern Daily Press had an average circulation of 59,145 in the second half of the year, down 3.3% year on year.
The paper's Ipswich-based stablemate, the East Anglian Daily Times, had an average circulation of 30,590, a drop of 9.7%.
Newsquest's Darlington-based Northern Echo slipped 7.9% on the second half of 2008 to 44,931.
In Bristol, Northcliffe's Western Daily Press recorded an average circulation of 34,109 during the six months to December, a 10.7% drop year on year.
• To contact the MediaGuardian news desk email firstname.lastname@example.com or phone 020 3353 3857. For all other inquiries please call the main Guardian switchboard on 020 3353 2000.
• If you are writing a comment for publication, please mark clearly "for publication".


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Fish bags for shipping and transporting fish in heavy gauge clear polythene.
Water tight fish bags in various sizes suitable for shipping tropical fish, marine fish, corals, goldfish, aquatic plants and koi carp.
Running a fish business? Bulk wholesale plastic fish bags available here.
All plastic fish bags are food grade polythene.
Fish Bag 6 x 15
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Fish Bag 10 x 20
Large water tight bag 10 inches wide, 20 inches long. A strong tropical fish bag in 200 gauge clear polythene for shipping aquarium livestock.
Fish Bag 12 x 24
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Fish Bag 18 x 36
Fish Bag 18 inches wide, 36 inches long. A strong tropical fish bag in 250 gauge clear polythene.


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Come Check Out Indie Game 'Pug Puncher'/
The developers behind Pug Puncher will be showing off their game at the RCC Institute of Technology June 16th at 2:30pm (that's at 2000 Steeles Ave. West in Concord).
"Okay, now a little about Pug Puncher. It's a 2.5D action platformer being developed in Unity 3D. You the player (AKA Pug Puncher) must fight your way through lots of evil super-intelligent pugs to bring JUSTICE to the ruined city now run by the pugs."
If you want to check out some of the updates on Pug Puncher make sure to check out their Twitter media page. You can also follow along on the games official blog.


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One of the ideas that came from Mondays presentation was to use something a bit more analog to show how hard a user was concentrating. The simplest suggestion was lights of some sort. I thought about using stage lights aaages ago that were controlled by concentration to set the mood of the game.
My current idea is to use LED strip lights around the inside of the booth and have them glow based on how hard the user is concentrating. So the harder you concentrate the brighter the booth glows. I think that would look pretty cool.
It turns out to be pretty simple to control the brightness of an LED, it's just a little bit of code to turn on an LED and then you just set how bright you want it to be. Shove it an enterFrame loop, set the brightness to be equal the attention values from the headset and viola.


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Friday, June 18, 2010
No more excuses
I made a quick tour though and realised things were the same. Take the discussion on that Priya Ramani's post on India for example. I first came across it on Google Buzz (yes, there are people who actually use it!!!!!) when an aquaintance had put it up as a 'fail post'. I completely agree with him and also think that girl(woman) is an idiot who doesn't know what she's talking about (no, seriously. Where in US did she go if she didn't have strangers on the bus pouring their heart out to her or find people spitting on the road?). But to actually defend the article...!!!
Or another famous blogger who thinks posting sensational stuff is what gets her readers.
Or the other one who dramatized death! The death of the person close to her was actually the punch line of her post!!! I mean, seriously.
Oh and the actually fun bloggers - like PI, Ess, Mads, Mathika, Sayuja, Nikita, DJ, etc.. - they blog no more. Or more rarely than me.
Anyway, those were my excuses until CL's recent post.
I dedicate my comeback to her.
4 comments:
- Roshan George said...
Keep posting. It's interesting stuff. Now if only I knew what the India fail-post was.
Here's a tip that will provide some amusement: When someone says, "Fail" or "Fail something" pretend you don't understand and correct them to "Failure" or "Failed something". Then enjoy.
- Chicken Little said...
- Anant said...
Hi Chitra,
After having written to you some months ago about your dying blog, the least I owe you a comment!
I enjoyed reading your dad's comments on one of your prior posts.
If you were to come back home like many of us, it would be a great thing. But the decision must be a sensible and rational one. In the meantime, enjoy the USA while you can!
I had another IITM student here with who we wrote, you guessed it, an article for Current Science.
Keep the blog rolling.
Best regards, Anant
- aarti said...
heeeyy, how come u dont mention me at all :P


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loving the usual pink 'n' gold 'n' brights, with a bit of black for some pastel gothy cred. (not too diff from last fall, although i like to think my photoshop skillz have improved.) drooling pastry-flavored saliva all over these (GROSS) and imagining i have a sugar mama (or maybe just a sugar cookie?). those gold and pink prada platforms!
ready for fall and stomping around in boots, reading depressing books, and drinking tea again. COME AT ME, RAIN! ❤


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Open Source Contribution
I' m looking to change the way the controller matches the incoming packets.I am aiming to develop the arbitrary match that other controllers already use which is much more efficient.Does anyone know where that process(the matching process happens?)
What do you mean by "matches incoming packets"? The packets will arrive at an entry point to your network, and your controller will have defined the behaviour rules for that device by a SB protocol like NETCONF or OpenFlow. The packets are matches by the routing table in the device.dneary ( 2015-10-28 09:41:34 -0700 )edit


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Habu - heavy metal distortion
The Habu is our heaviest distortion pedal yet. It's heavy. It rocks, and it even djents if you are so inclined. Our special MOSFETs round up a multiple stage distortion that can bring all the bark you need no matter how clean is your amp. Also, the 3-band EQ is simple yet extremely effective to shape the tone in any style you can imagine. As long as it's heavy.
FuzU - Muff-inspired hi-gain distortion
Our take on the venerable Muff circuit. We took two Muffs from different eras and made them work together. We also widen the gain range, added an independent MIDS controls for versatility, and rounded everything off with our special MOSFETs to give it ZenZero's signature crunch.
2KP - Pre-amp & booster
The 2KP is the only pre-amp / booster you will ever need. Sweet, clean and bright or aggressive, dirty, and warm, the 2KP does it all.
One Knob Pony - MOSFET pre-amp/booster
"Swiss Army Knife of booster goodness. Simplicity, broad function, great tones. Win, win and win again." - Brett Kingman
Red Crown vintage overdrive & hi-energy distortion
The Red Crown is a vintage overdrive & hi-energy distortion, designed in collaboration with Scotty Smith of ProAnalog Devices.
ZenZero's logo T-shirt
100% heavy cotton t-shirts, silk screened with black ZenZero Electronics' logo.


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The Vatandoust Sirrs Team Blog
Read what's happening in the local real estate market, get tips for home owners, buyers, and sellers, find out community news, and more.
Durham Region Housing Market Report on September 2016
During September 2016, there were 1,090 homes reported sold in the Durham Region. This was 11% more than the sales from September 2015. September was the first month in 2016 where the number of new listings entering the market was higher than the same month in 2015. For the entire Toronto Real Estate Board there were 9,902 sales reported for September, 21.5% greater than the month last year.
The average sale price jumped up 26.6% in the Durham Region for September 2016 compared to the previous September, reaching $555,054 and showing the largest year-over-year increase for 2016. For all of TREB, the MLS® HPI Composite Benchmark increased by 18% compared to September 2015. The average selling price was up by 20.4% to $755,755. It's important to note that the MLS® HPI provides a price growth measure for a benchmark home, thereby allowing for an apples-to-apples comparison from one year to the next. The average selling price can be influenced by changes in both the variety of homes sold and market conditions.
While the number of sales was still greater than the number of active listings in September, the percentage of sales/active did drop from the high levels seen earlier in the year (up to 172.5%) to a lower 129.5%.
"The Toronto Real Estate Board will be closely monitoring how the recent changes to Federal mortgage lending guidelines and capital gains tax exemption rules impact the housing market in the Greater Toronto Area. While these changes are pointed at the demand for ownership housing, it is important to note that much of the upward pressure on home prices in the Greater Toronto Area has been based on the declining inventory of homes available for sale," said Jason Mercer, TREB's Director of Market Analysis.


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Big News! Exposure of Apple's Official Design And Apple Design Tools
What is the exact design process of Apple? What are Apple design tools? Check out this article and see how Apple using design tools to achieve great designs.
Apple has long been leading the market for its advanced design idea and the unique innovation spirit. Not a single company with determination doesn't want to make achievement as huge as Apple. I guess you are also dying to know how Apple design a product. Actually, with only unique innovation is far from sufficiency. Moreover, acting out those fantastic ideas is key to achieve a great product. Jonathan Ive, Apple's chief designer, disclosed Apple's unique design process during the interview at New York Times. Meanwhile, I'd like to recommend the specific Apple design tools depends on the distinct design process.
Jonathan Ive, chief design officer of Apple
1. Idea generation stage: paper and pencil drawing
This stage is mainly for the senior executives to express their interest in creating a new product and discuss some basic information. The idea at this stage is not complete or doesn't hold a visual concept. With massive suggestions and discussions occurred in this stage, you'd better jot down ideas in paper or record with a quick sketch.
A sketch is to record inspirations quickly which doesn't need details or aesthetics.
2. Product launch
Once the product is defined, an internal design team will be set up especially for the new product. Moreover, this team will be separated from the regular office (and sometimes part of the whole building will be distributed to the group). This is to make the team could be close to work. This process allows the product team to be independent from the company's general architecture, thus focusing on the new product development.
3. Apple design tools of prototype design stage: Sketch + Principle/Flinto
Pixel - perfect mockups
Tremendous time and effort will be cost during this stage. Michael Lopp, the former senior engineer at Apple, says this process is to remove all the vagueness. So early in the stage, it may take a lot of time, but it will definitely save plenty time for error corrections later. For designers, this stage is recommended using Sketch for a high-fidelity prototype. Meanwhile, use Principle or Flinto to enhance the interactive design.
By the way, there are also plenty prototyping tools at hand nowadays, like Axure or Mockplus. It's alright if you are adopting other tools, designers should pick the best suitable one and master it. Have no idea about prototyping tools? Check out the well-selected 12 Design Tools & Websites for UI/UX Designers.
Using of Sketch for easy prototyping
What I like about Sketch:
Simple, easy-to-understand interface
You can export multiple pages within a project document
You can export multiple ICONS or elements independently
10 to 3 to 1
"10 to 3 to 1" is a concept for every new design of Apple. Designers have to put forward 10 completely different simulations. Besides, designers must take every simulations seriously. They must be fully aware that the 7 of them is not to make the remaining 3 look good. This is to encourage designers to expand their imagination. Then 3 of the 10 will be picked, after careful studying of the 3, adopting only the best one finally.
4. Apple design tools of new product development documentation (ANPP): Dropbox Paper
Once the design prototype and agreements among executives are determined, ANPP, a document describing the details and development phases of the product, will be the first to complete. ANPP is generally responsible for both product technical director (EPM) and global supply chain manager (GSM), but the specific task of those two is detailed with a complete document. ANPP can be done by online document collaboration tools such as Dropbox. In addition, mapping the stage details mentioned in ANPP can also be shown in a flowchart. Some mind mapping software, such as XMind, can do this.
Using Dropbox for document sharing and edit
XMind for a flowchart
5. Regular meetings twice a week
Apple design tools of brainstorming session: XMind
Every week, a brainstorming session is held for the design team and the development team, which focus on optimizing design. Everyone can come up with their ideas freely, sometimes even like "go crazy", as long as they can spark of inspirations. At this stage, it is best to use a tool with brainstorming capabilities, such as XMind, can quickly record, organize, and share the results to others.
XMind for brainstorm sessions
What I like about XMind:
Record brainstorming points of each group
Full-screen demo mode display
Easily share results with others
6. Perform team evaluation meeting: Mockplus
It's not enough to have a bunch of ideas and thoughts. Every Monday, the executive team evaluates the progress of the internal product development. By Studying each tiny step to ensure that the team is moving towards the expected ultimate goal. In addition, Apple will not evaluate multiple products or projects at a time. Usually, a meeting will only focus on a few products, which can also ensure the quality of the product evaluation. While on this stage, though the emphasis is on product development and progress, the team will continue to explore other potential possibilities. Therefore, maintain creative ideas and efficient communication is of great importance. Mockplus is recommended as a team collaboration tool during this stage.
Mockplus to implement team assessment collaboration
What I like about Mockplus:
Direct share prototyping design to others
Support teamwork and collaboration
Allow multiple people to add comments to any specific location in the design
7. Product testing and packaging
After the Beta version of the product is done, EPM and GSM will bring the product back to Cupertino for evaluation and feedback. If the company wants to get user feedback, I recommend Better design. This site allows companies to put some of the design details of disputable on top, allowing users to vote for what they think is a better choice.
8. Conclusion
The thing that Apple's design process worth learning is that the whole process is straightforward and eliminates unnecessary steps. Using these apple design tools can make you more productive and concentrate better on the job itself.
Also read:
The Best Mockup & Wireframing Design Tools & Apps for UI/UX Designers
Author: cyRotel
Translator: Trista
Original website: UISDC
roiginal link: http://www.uisdc.com/apple-design-flow-tools


text: Guacamole Black Bean Pasta March 12, 2015 AVOCADOS! Even if avocados didn't boast such magical properties (HEALTHY FAT! YAH! WHAT DOES THAT EVEN MEAN? ...WHO CARES!), I'd still put them in everything because they're nature's tastiest fruit. This dish is so easy and can be made in no time - as long as your avocados are ripe. Yeah, that's the thing. Unripe avocados are the worst. Even worse than making eye contact with someone through the crack in the bathroom stall door. But that's a discussion for another time. Onto the cooking! First, fry up some onions and garlic until they're browned and delicious, then add some black beans. Spice them up however you want. I suggest cumin, paprika, salt, cayenne, love. Not necessarily in that order. Then, blend up some guacamole...don't forget to squeeze in a ton of lime cause those suckers need some love and affection. I'm assuming limes love our hands bear-hugging them, otherwise why else would they be so difficult to extract liquid from? Chop up some tomatoes and cilantro, then sprinkle some salt over it (for some reason "sprinkling salt" makes me think of this.) Mix your pasta and avocado sauce together, then pile everything else on top. Splash on some olive oil if you're into that (I'm into that). Dig in, and enjoy the fact that you're being healthyfat! Recipe Here.


text: How gracious is this revelation of God's particular providence to those who seek Him! how gracious to those who have discovered that this world is but vanity, and who are solitary and isolated in themselves, whatever shadows of power and happiness surround them! The multitude, indeed, go on without these thoughts, either from insensibility, as not understanding their own wants, or changing from one idol to another, as each successively fails. But men of keener hearts would be overpowered by despondency, and would even loathe existence, did they suppose themselves under the mere operation of fixed laws, powerless to excite the pity or the attention of Him who has appointed them. What should they do especially, who are cast among persons unable to enter into their feelings, and thus strangers to them, though by long custom ever so much friends! or who have perplexities of mind they cannot explain to themselves, much less remove, and no one to help them; or who have affections and aspirations pent up within them, because they have not met with objects to which to devote them; or who are misunderstood by those around them, and find they have no words to set themselves right with them, or no principles in common by way of appeal; or who seem to themselves to be without place or purpose in the world, or to be in the way of others; or who have to follow their own sense of duty without advisers or supporters, nay, to resist the wishes and solicitations of superiors or relatives; or who have the burden of some painful secret, or of some incommunicable solitary grief!


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The Reluctant Master, Part 1
Every novel, like every movie, has scenes that don't fit in the final story. Henry Kaltenbach's journey from Savannah to his place in Cass County was like that for my book Slave and Sister. I'm glad to be able to repurpose it here.
After the auction that made him a slaveowner, Henry Kaltenbach had to arrange to transport his slaves from Savannah to his new plantation in Cass County. Mordecai Mannheim, who had lent him the money to buy the slaves and the plantation, told him, "My overseer McKinley can carry them up there."
Henry watched as McKinley oversaw the work of Henry's new man Zeke and his sons, who were packing the wagon that Mannheim had bought for him, loading it with the provisions to last them until they could stock up when they arrived in Cassville. McKinley yelled to Zeke, "Watch it, you lazy nigger! Don't jumble the stuff in there! Pack it careful."
Zeke said politely, "Yes, Massa."
McKinley turned his attention to Zeke's son Tom, who had reached to touch the mule on the neck. "Stop fooling with the mule."
Tom didn't move fast enough for McKinley. McKinley cuffed the boy on the head. "You do what I tell you, damn you!"
Henry was upset enough to say to Mannheim, "I don't want him abusing my people."
Mannheim shrugged. "You don't know how to handle them. He does."
The next morning, Henry sent his trunk to the station, intending to ride the train to Cassville, but he was uneasy enough to stop at the auctioneer's first.
Zeke, Luke, Tom, and Minnie stood next to the wagon, bunched together, not moving. Their shoulders were slumped, and their eyes were cast down.
They were shackled and chained into a coffle.
Henry had seen slave coffles in the streets of Savannah, slaves bound hand and foot. But seeing his shackles on his own slaves shocked him. Henry Kaltenbach, a Forty-Eighter passionate for freedom, a Jew who remembered liberation from slavery every year, now owned four people who were chained together.
He said sharply to McKinley, "They can't travel like that!"
McKinley said, "I know they'll stay put."
"Take those shackles off."
"They'll bolt the first chance they get."
Shackles were for prisoners. Not for servants. They kept their eyes down, as servants should, but he could see their worry and their fear. He took a deep breath. For all of them to hear, he said, "I trust they won't."
"I don't, and I'm the one toting them."
"I don't want you taking them anywhere." McKinley stared at him. Henry said, "I'll take them."
"Mannheim will have my hide if they bolt."
"I'll have your hide if you don't take off those shackles and those chains. Do it."
McKinley shook his head. He drew a heavy key from his pocket and made a show of unlocking the shackles, first from Minnie's ankles, in a parody of courtesy, then from Tom and Luke's, and at last from Zeke's. Tom bent to rub the skin where the metal had chafed it. "Quit that," McKinley said bitterly, picking up the shackles and the chains.
Henry said sharply, "Don't talk to my servant like that."
Holding the shackles in his hands, McKinley said to Henry, "They're your property, and you can do whatever you please with them. It ain't my lookout if you get to Cass County without your niggers." And McKinley left him alone with his four slaves.
He asked them, "Are you all right?"
No one spoke. The silence was uneasy. His slaves were afraid, and he could feel their fear. Where are we going? What will it be like? They were afraid to ask him. They were afraid even to look him in the face.
What have I done? Henry thought. He was deep in debt for an endeavor he knew nothing about. He would travel into a remote part of Georgia to a place he had never seen, in the company of four strangers he had just bought. He had been beguiled by Mordecai Mannheim, but he had been seduced by his own folly in yearning for a fortune.
He was responsible for these people. He was Massa, to whom they owed a respect heavily tinged with fear. They would watch and assess everything he did, because the conditions of their lives depended on his character. Or his whim. And he felt as frightened and alone as they did.
The provisions, the blankets, and the harness, purchased the day before, had been piled in the wagon's deep, flat bottom, and planks made into rough seats over the cargo. The mule had been hitched to the wagon.
The four of them climbed into the wagon, and Henry hoisted himself onto the front seat. He had never driven a mule before, but he figured it wasn't too different from driving a horse. Henry slapped the reins against the mule's flanks, but the mule didn't move. He waited, and slapped the reins again. The mule didn't budge.
Zeke said softly, "Massa?"
He turned around. "Yes, Zeke?"
Zeke kept his eyes cast down. He said, "The mule balking."
"Don't know, Massa. Might be scared. Or tired. Or just ornery."
"How do we get her moving?"
"We coax her along." He turned to his son. "Tom, help Massa with the mule."
Tom asked worriedly, "Is it all right, Massa?"
Henry thought of Tom's smile at the auction yesterday, when he realized that Henry was his new master. Henry said gently, "It surely is."
Tom said, "Massa, what's that mule's name?"
She was pretty, with a coat more brown than gray, and long-lashed brown eyes. When he got her for a hundred dollars, Mordecai said, "There has to be something wrong with that mule, if they're letting her go so cheap."
Tom scrambled down from the seat. The mule bared her teeth. Tom said, "Pretty, don't you bite me. I ain't going to hurt you. We're going to get acquainted, just a little, then we're going to start up and get going. Wherever we intending to go." He held out his hand. The mule stopped baring her teeth. She stood perfectly still as Tom stroked her neck, talking in a low crooning voice. "You're a good gal, Pretty. A good gal." Boy and mule looked at each other. Pretty flicked her ears. Tom patted her nose. "Good gal," he said again, and the mule nosed his palm. "You want an apple," he said. "Wish I had an apple for you."
Tom got back into the wagon. Using Tom's coaxing tone, Henry said, "Let's go, Pretty," and the mule began to move. They stopped at the depot for Henry's trunk, and then they were on the road that led north and west away from Savannah.


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Centrosolar Introduces Two New Products at the Intersolar Trade Fair
Ultra-light glass/glass module----- The Cenpilot energy management system: for clever household energy management
Hamburg, 17 April 2012
Centrosolar will present two new products at this year's Intersolar trade fair in Munich, Germany. The first is a glass/glass module, which combines the lightweight aspect of a glass/foil module with the durability of a glass/glass module. The second is a new energy management system that will reduce the barriers to entering the smart grid. Intersolar Europe is the leading trade fair for the solar industry and will take place from 13–15 June in Munich, Germany.
Glass/glass module
Centrosolar will be debuting its latest innovation in the area of glass/glass modules at the Intersolar trade fair. The newly developed module is equipped with a sheet of glass on both the front and the back. While the thickness of the glass used in conventional glass/glass modules makes them extremely heavy, Centrosolar uses a newly-developed thin glass pane in its new module. This glass is just 2.3 millimetres thick, yet it is extremely durable. The new glass makes the module highly robust and resistant to environmental factors. The lifespan of this module is also considerably longer than that of foil-laminate based modules. The module's higher degree of mechanical rigidity makes an aluminium frame unnecessary, which means that snow and dirt slide off more easily. With this innovative new glass technology, Centrosolar has managed to combine the benefits of a glass/glass module with the lightweight characteristic of a standard module.
The new module consists of 54 cells and generates an output of up to 225 Wp (polycrystalline) or 235 Wp (monocrystalline). The back of the new module was left grey, which lends it a highly aesthetic appearance and allows it to blend in nicely with the rest of the roof.
The new glass/glass module is an addition to Centrosolar's existing range of roof-integrated modules. Roof-integrated systems are in increasing demand in France and Italy, and Centrosolar also sees strong sales opportunities in Germany. The glass/glass module will be available starting in October 2012. The development of an on-roof module is planned for the second phase.
Centrosolar will introduce the newly developed Cenpilot energy management system at the Intersolar trade fair. This energy management system facilitates comprehensive household energy consumption management. Cenpilot also contains numerous functions for controlling and measuring electronic appliances within a household and for integrating a household itself into the smart grid, in addition to the basic functions of a data logger.
Cenpilot serves as the control and communication nerve centre for all household appliances. Some of the device's basic features include recording the yields produced by the photovoltaic system, generating a visual representation of this information and informing the system operator of malfunctions. Moreover, Cenpilot can also be linked up to electric household appliances. The device measures the individual appliances' power consumption and can manage them automatically. All energy flows within a household can be captured. The energy management system evaluates the yield and consumption data and reports back with the optimum operating times for each device. This intelligent management system allows the household to significantly increase its use of the homemade solar power generated. The system's time-based management of consumers makes it easy to meet the high self-consumption quotas mandated by legislators.
System operators can run Cenpilot either directly (the box is approximately 20 cm in length) or on a PC via the corresponding online monitoring portal, Cenview. Alternatively, operators can run the energy management system on a mobile device, such as a laptop or smartphone.
Cenpilot is manufacturer-independent and is capable with all standard inverters. The device will be available starting in September 2012. Centrosolar is planning additional applications for everything from heating systems to microgrids in the second phase.
Centrosolar at the Intersolar trade fair: Hall B4.210
About Centrosolar
With locations in Hamburg, Paderborn and Kempten in the Allg�u, Centrosolar AG is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Munich-based Centrosolar Group AG. The Centrosolar Group is an international company with over 1,000 employees and annual sales of nearly �300 million (2011). All of the subsidiaries offer products and solutions for converting solar energy into electricity. The product range includes photovoltaic (PV) systems, PV mounting systems, solar glass and project planning for multi-megawatt PV systems. The Centrosolar Group operates a module production facility in Wismar (annual capacity: 350 MWp) as well as a solar glass plant in F�rth, Germany, and Huzhou, China (total capacity: 8 million m� of glass). Further subsidiaries are located in Germany, Spain, France, Italy, Greece, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, the Netherlands, the United States and Canada.
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SuiteCRM / SugarCRM 6.5 add custom javascript field validation
If you need some custom validation for a field in SuiteCRM or SugarCRM 6.5, and dont find a solution. Its not your fault, its just not well documented. After some digging in code i found a very good solution.
If you want to do a custom javascript check before the EditView is saved, just add something like the following to your vardefs.php:
'validation' => array ( 'type' => 'callback', 'callback' => 'function(formname,nameIndex){if($("#" + nameIndex).val()!=999){add_error_style(formname,nameIndex,"Only 999 is allowed!"); return false;}; return true;}', ),
Then do just a "Quick Repair and Rebuild" and you are done.
I hope its easy to understand, so you can adapt it to your needs.
Easy? Yes! Easy to find out? No.
But now you know.
MD5 HMAC with VBA or VB. Visual Basic brought me back
Posted by gunni in programming, windows on August 28, 2015
Hi blog. Long time no see.
I searched some time for hmac md5 creation in VBA or VB, to be able to send hmac signed data with Excel,Access or Word. Eventually i found some code in the net and put them together, and now it works.
So if you want to connect to a REST webservice, that uses hmac with md5, from any Microsoft Office Program, this little functions may be useful to you.
For creating a signature the code first uses the cryptography functions of the system. The return value is a byte array, so if you want to see the md5 you have to transform that byte array in to readable md5. That is what the little helper function ByteArrayToHex() is for.
' Reference: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/8246340/does-vba-have-a-hash-hmac Public Function hash_HMACMD5(ByVal sTextToHash As String, ByVal sSharedSecretKey As String) Dim asc As Object, enc As Object Dim TextToHash() As Byte Dim SharedSecretKey() As Byte Set asc = CreateObject("System.Text.UTF8Encoding") Set enc = CreateObject("System.Security.Cryptography.HMACMD5") TextToHash = asc.Getbytes_4(sTextToHash) SharedSecretKey = asc.Getbytes_4(sSharedSecretKey) enc.Key = SharedSecretKey Dim bytes() As Byte bytes = enc.ComputeHash_2((TextToHash)) hash_HMACMD5 = ByteArrayToHex(bytes) Set asc = Nothing Set enc = Nothing End Function ' Referenz: http://www.vbforums.com/showthread.php?559398-Byte-array-to-hex-string Private Function ByteArrayToHex(ByRef ByteArray() As Byte) As String Dim l As Long, strRet, Val As String For l = LBound(ByteArray) To UBound(ByteArray) Val = Hex$(ByteArray(l)) If Len(Val) <> 2 Then Val = "0" & Val End If strRet = strRet & Val Next l ByteArrayToHex = LCase(strRet) End Function
Use it like this:
hmac = hash_HMACMD5("My Text i want to hash today", "MY_TOTAL_SECRET_SECRET")
Blender: cycles renderer and CUDA in Ubuntu 12.10 on nvidia GPU
If you want to run blender ootb in ubuntu with CUDA support you will make a sad face at first.
Maybe at first you search for the preference for CUDA like its stated in the internet under "User-Preferences->System", and dont find it. Then maybe you have a look at the addons for the cycles renderer and will see an error message stating "missing script files". If you then try the version from debian (Step 1 and 2 in this guide) and install CUDA (Step 3), as render result you will only get a black screen, and maybe you will find the error message "error — unsupported GNU version! gcc 4.7 and up are not supported!" so cuda kernel compilation failed. So this is what step 4 in this guide is for.
Maybe this is going to change as 12.10 is still in beta, if not, follow this steps. I dont know if it also works for other Ubuntu versions as 12.04 Precise Pangolin.
There the two problems as of now are:
- The blender in in current ubuntu packages does not support CUDA with cycles renderer.
- CUDA needs gcc version <4.7, but on Quetzal version 4.7 is default, so CUDA fails to compile.
You need to have the proprietary nvidia drivers and some additional Packages installed:
sudo apt-get install nvidia-current build-essential gcc-4.6 freeglut3-dev
1. Download and install blender 2.63a-2 from the debian-experimental repository. As it depends on 2 packages that are newer in debian experimental, you have to download two additional packages, namely libglew1.7 and libpng15-15. Choose the right .deb package for your architecture (i386 or amd64 would be the most common depending if you are on 32 or 64 bit) from the following sites:
Blender: http://packages.debian.org/experimental/blender
libglew: http://packages.debian.org/sid/libglew1.7
* Edit, libpng package changed, thx to majorkillsmurfsmrblurgle in the comments*
libpng: http://snapshot.debian.org/package/libpng/1.5.11-1/#libpng15-15_1.5.11-1
2. Install the packages with dpkg. For me the command is
sudo dpkg -i blender_2.63a-2_amd64.deb libglew1.7_1.7.0-3_amd64.deb \ libpng15-15_1.5.11-1_amd64.deb
3. Get CUDA toolkit from nvidia and install it by running the installer. Get the right package from http://developer.nvidia.com/cuda/cuda-downloads and install it to the default location (if you change the location consider this in step 3) For Quetzal you can use the CUDA toolkit for Ubuntu 11.04
Install the toolkit with:
chmod +x cudatoolkit_4.2.9_linux_64_ubuntu11.04.run sudo ./cudatoolkit_4.2.9_linux_64_ubuntu11.04.run
4. Link gcc4.6 to the CUDA installation, so it does not use the default 4.7
sudo ln -s /usr/bin/gcc-4.6 /usr/local/cuda/bin/gcc
So thats it.
mysql, umlauts and collation. Hey, o is not = ö
I came to a problem where mysql thinks that ö=o. So if your tables collation ist utf8_general_ci for example and you do
SELECT * FROM table WHERE some_field LIKE '%ö%'
You will get every row containing an "ö" but you also get every row containing an "o" (and vice versa btw).So if you really want to select the right rows you can go like this:
SELECT * FROM table WHERE some_field LIKE ('%ö%' COLLATE utf8_bin)
Now you only get the rows containing "ö".
jQuery.load does not work in Internet Explorer sometimes, check your HTML
Searched a while to find this. If you use jQuery.load("site") to add dynamic data, be sure you checked the response for html errors.
In my case i did not know exactly which little mistake made the Internet Explorer not load and insert the code to my DOM, but after tidying it up with the help of HTML-Validator in Firefox, now it works.
Now i know that it was one closing div tag too much in the dynamic loaded data. IE 8 is not tolerant at this and its hard to debug if you dont know this.
Disable the boot video with shaking hands on Nokia N900
I did not remember howto disable the boot video on my N900. I searched some time as most of the instructions were for using another video, not disabling, and i was not shure if just removing may end up in an unbootable device.
So to come to an end, i found how to disable the video here
You have to edit /etc/hildon-welcome.d/default.conf that it looks like this:
[hildon-welcome] # filename=Hands-v32-h264.avi
Like in most Linux config files the # is for commenting the line in Maemo, too.
Short note: Running git repo with gitosis on non-standard ssh port
Posted by gunni in programming on September 27, 2011
Just a short tip. If your ssh server is on a non-standard port other than port 22, maybe 8822 there are two ways if you manage your repositories with gitosis.
You can just add the port to yur git url like:
git clone ssh://firstname.lastname@example.com:8822/repo.git
(Note: git clone email@example.com:8822/repo.git without protocol specification wont work)
or create a file ~/.ssh/config containing
Host myserver.com Port 8822
Source: https://wiki.archlinux.org/index.php/Gitosis#Non-standard_SSH_port


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A collection of images from some of the commissions I had this summer for family and child sessions...
To learn about the sessions that I offer, my prints and pricing, please contact me. Families across Long Island have trusted me for many years to photograph their summer traditions. Our sessions are relaxed and children play freely in the sand, water and around the yard. We share a lot of laughs and fun new memories are made.
May through August is a great time for your family pictures. If you often have fall / autumn portraits, switch it up and schedule a summer documentary session. You will have meaningful art to warm your home all year and I promise you can still make a holiday card from your summer pictures. ❤
I begin booking summer dates in March. Would you like me to remind you? I send a newsletter out from time to time, typically only once a month. I will notify you of special session offers. If you are a client, I will notify you of print sales.


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Get Up-Close and Personal with Bugs
Bug Brigade Twice Monthly at the Museum
Sure, at first glance millipedes, cockroaches, and tarantulas can seem creepy. But, spend some time with these diverse creatures and you'll see just how incredible they are.
Learn about bugs' anatomy, behavior, and impact on the environment as they crawl on members of our Bug Brigade, our foremost bug experts.
Bug Brigade at Utah Museum Of Natural History
Second Friday and Third Saturday of Every Month
2:00 - 4:00 p.m
Bug Brigade is appropriate for all ages and is included in Museum admission.
CLICK HERE for more information, and museum admission prices.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Bug Brigade at Utah Museum Of Natural History
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Aperture • Shutter Speed •ISO
Self Paced Course
You've outgrown the auto function in your camera and want to make better images. The next step is to shoot in manual mode. You won't have to ask yourself "What does this do?" anymore. This course is designed to simplify shooting. During the course we won't be throwing around technical jargon and leaving you lost to pick up the pieces.
This is an easy to follow course which will give you a thorough understanding of your cameras manual function. You won't have to hide behind the automatic function of your camera anymore and you will be able to make the art you envisioned.
1. Aperture
2. Shutter speed
4. Exposure
- A wrap-up webinar to go over any lingering questions.
- Discussion board on each chapter.
- The step by step techniques so you never go back to shooting in auto.
- Easy to use strategies to use when shooting in manual mode.
- An exclusive community to discuss your issues where you will be answered.
This Course Is Designed For Success
These lessons will simplify shooting for you. You will be advised when you should be adjusting these settings and which scenarios will require adjustments. At the end you will be shooting in manual mode with confidence.
You will be notified in advance for the LIVE webinar. Log in from the comfort of your home.


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i'm procrastinating on the things i have to do -- interviews for next week's articles and typing down the prose that has worked its way into my head today. i've gotten sidetracked, attempted to take the boys to deliver their paper route (the papers aren't going to be there until tommorow), and came home with my schedule amuck and promptly got inspired by an old kitchen decor mag and started rearranging things. that's how my mind works so i just go with it. tommorow morning i will pay when i have to wake extra early to get my keyboard pounding done, but it's worth it to play house when i want to
Tuesday, January 06, 2009
Posted by Michelle Vandepol at 4:38 PM
Labels: distractions
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Peer Led Support Group
Forward Assist has over the last few years facilitated 'veteran specific' consultation /support groups in a variety of community and custodial settings such as: Newcastle, Gateshead, Sunderland, Northumberland and HMP Durham, HMP Kirkham and HMP Northumberland. So far over 3000 veterans have been referred to our organisation. As a result of research, evaluation and 'veteran centric focus groups' Forward Assist incorporated vocational based skills training into its repertoire of weekly activities. Since 2013 Forward Assist has continued to provide a drop in session for marginalised and isolated veterans from our Veterans Headquarters at the John Willie Sams Community Centre in North Tyneside. Specific 'needs led' services are developed in consultation with the veterans that access the service.
Forward Assist's 'Drop In' and Peer Led support groups provide a much needed forum that facilitates the opportunity to meet and associate with other veterans on a daily or weekly basis. The Drop In, led by Veterans, Employment & Life Coaches, assists individuals to navigate and access the multitude of organizations and services available to them in the civilian community. It also offers a safe environment and a chance to meet and be with others who understand the multiple and complex issues facing individuals that have served in today's Armed Forces.
Forward Assist Activity Groups also encourage group members to utilise the numerous transferable and existing skills they gained whilst serving in the Armed Forces and allow them the opportunity to get fit and healthy whilst reducing social isolation and loneliness.


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by Dr. Joseph Debé
Having extra fat around the midsection is much more than just an issue of appearance. It is the tip of a metabolic iceberg. What lies beneath the surface is altered metabolism in virtually all cells, tissues, organs and systems of the body. Abdominal obesity, as it's called, is the result of abnormal hormonal function, referred to as the metabolic syndrome. The same dysfunction of metabolism that spurs growth of fat cells in the midsection also contributes to poor health, degenerative conditions and premature death. The good news is the metabolic syndrome is reversible through safe natural approaches.
The January 16, 2002 issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association carried an article entitled "Prevalence of the Metabolic Syndrome Among US Adults". Roughly 1 out of every 5 American adults has the metabolic syndrome, as defined in this article. The definition used was the presence of three or more of the following: "waist circumference greater than 102 cm in men and 88 cm in women; serum triglycerides level of at least 150 mg/dL; high-density lipoprotein cholesterol level of less than 40 mg/dL in men and 50 mg/dL in women; blood pressure of at least 130/85 mm Hg; or serum glucose of at least 110 mg/dL." I believe the incidence of the metabolic syndrome is actually much higher because the definition used in this study is unrealistically narrow and stringent. It is like defining an elephant by its trunk. Elephants also have tusks and big ears and great memories. Likewise, the metabolic syndrome also has other characteristics. The findings in any given case of metabolic syndrome will be somewhat different due to genetic and environmental factors.
Some of the other findings in the metabolic syndrome include: increased waist to hip ratio (above .8 in women and .95 in men), body mass index (weight in kilograms divided by height in meters squared) greater than 29, elevated fasting insulin levels, elevated ratio of fasting insulin to glucose, elevated insulin and/or glucose after eating, elevated ratio of fasting triglycerides to HDL, abnormalities of stress hormone production (particularly cortisol), increased sympathetic nervous system activity, elevated testosterone in women and low levels in men, low levels of growth hormone, increased leptin, high uric acid, elevated lactic acid levels, high ferritin, high C-reactive protein, electrolyte imbalances, oxidative stress, and unfavorable alterations in blood clotting factors. Interestingly, one of the most important markers of the metabolic syndrome may be carbohydrate cravings. Again, any given case of metabolic syndrome can display various combinations of these. What's more, although most metabolic syndrome subjects are obese, some are of normal body weight. However, they do have increased body fat, particularly around the midsection.
The metabolic syndrome is an under-appreciated, under-recognized, and under-diagnosed epidemic responsible for more ill health than any other condition. It is also under-treated. Typically, only the manifestations of the metabolic syndrome are addressed. A perfect example of this is a patient of mine who was on one medication for lowering cholesterol, another for lowering blood pressure, another for obesity, and another for arthritic pain. High cholesterol is "treated" by poisoning an enzyme system. High blood pressure is "treated" by blocking calcium channels. Obesity is "treated" by blocking absorption of dietary fat. Pain and inflammation are shut off by poisoning enzyme systems. What I am talking about is the way conventional medicine gives medications to alter endpoints in metabolism - the results of the metabolic syndrome, rather than addressing its upstream cause. This approach can be likened to mopping up the floor without shutting off the running faucet that is flooding the house. Shortly, I will outline an approach to "shut off the faucet" in the metabolic syndrome.
The two key biochemical abnormalities that produce the metabolic syndrome are hyperinsulinemia-insulin resistance and activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis (the stress response system). Insulin resistance is a term that refers to the body's cells not responding efficiently to insulin's signals to transport sugar from the blood. The body compensates for this by producing more insulin. Hyperinsulinemia (high blood levels of insulin) and insulin resistance occur together and perpetuate each other. Hyperinsulinemia-insulin resistance produces harmful alterations in metabolism throughout the body. With regard to body composition, these include: increased appetite, increased triglyceride (fat) production, body fat storage, fatty infiltration of muscle cells and reduced burning of body fat.
The importance of the metabolic syndrome in human health was strikingly demonstrated by the results of a study published in 2001, which looked at the connection between insulin resistance and the development of age-associated diseases. 208 healthy men were evaluated for insulin resistance and followed for an average of six years. One out of every three men who had insulin resistance at the start of the study developed either high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, cancer, heart disease, or stroke within this short time period. All the men with good insulin metabolism remained healthy.
The primary feature of HPA axis activation is elevated levels of the stress hormone, cortisol. Cortisol opposes the action of insulin on glucose storage. When insulin lowers blood sugar past a certain point, cortisol levels increase to raise blood sugar. With fluctuating blood sugar levels, insulin and cortisol levels seesaw. Insulin resistance causes high levels of cortisol and high cortisol in turn causes more insulin resistance. The metabolic syndrome actually is characterized by many such self-sustaining vicious cycles interconnected in a web-like fashion. If targeted intervention to break the cycle of insulin resistance and high cortisol levels is not instituted, a downward spiral of declining health is inevitable.
Hyperinulinemia-insulin resistance and HPA axis activation are the destructive dynamic duo of the metabolic syndrome. The initiating dysfunction in many cases may be the HPA axis activation. Metabolic syndrome patients have been found to have a more sensitive stress response system-they get stressed more easily and produce more cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol receptors are found in virtually every tissue in the body. When cortisol levels are chronically elevated (as in the metabolic syndrome), the whole body suffers. Like insulin, cortisol increases hunger. High cortisol levels directly stimulate storage of body fat in the midsection and cause derangement in physiology of other hormones that result in intensification of this effect: high insulin along with low levels of growth hormone and altered levels of leptin and testosterone - all seen in the metabolic syndrome.
Fat cells in the abdomen are different than fat cells on the hips and thighs. The visceral or abdominal fat cells are more active in producing and metabolizing hormones. The large amount of abdominal fat, characteristic of the metabolic syndrome produces more cortisol, which further impairs insulin sensitivity, resulting in higher insulin levels. Insulin and cortisol cause the fat cells to produce more cortisol (and more estrogen in men). Thus, abdominal fat helps to sustain itself and worsens and perpetuates the metabolic syndrome.
Probably the most destructive aspect of elevated cortisol levels is its effect on muscle. Cortisol reduces protein synthesis while increasing protein break down. Cortisol breaks down muscle to be converted to glucose. Elevated cortisol causes a loss of muscle mass - a process one researcher has referred to as "autocannibalism". Loss of muscle mass worsens insulin resistance, which in turn causes further increases in cortisol. What exactly causes the metabolic syndrome? Genetics play a minor role. Acquired in-utero factors also play a role. These include prenatal malnutrition, toxin exposure and exposure to high levels of maternal cortisol. These conditions appear to produce "metabolic syndrome programming". For example, prenatal malnutrition, exemplified by a birth weight below 5.5 pounds, is associated with persistence of abnormal cortisol metabolism and insulin resistance into adulthood. Loss of a parent and poor care taking in childhood are also associated with lifelong excessive elevations in cortisol upon exposure to stress.
For most people, the metabolic syndrome results primarily from lifestyle factors. The three most important factors underlying most cases of the metabolic syndrome are probably chronic stress, inadequate exercise and excessive eating of refined carbohydrates. Other contributing factors include: overeating, under eating, eating too infrequently, imbalanced eating (with regard to protein, fat and carbohydrate), nutrient insufficiencies, too much exercise, inadequate rest, decreased muscle mass, inflammation, oxidative stress, toxicity, excessive caffeine, excessive alcohol, smoking, anabolic steroids, and certain medications.
An important facet of the metabolic syndrome is abnormal carbohydrate metabolism. Eating large amounts of refined carbohydrates (bread, pasta, cookies, cakes, muffins, crackers, bagels, soda, fruit juice, cereals, French fries, etc.) causes a rapid rise in blood sugar levels that cause the body to release large amounts of insulin. Chronically elevated insulin levels will result in cellular insulin resistance. The other contributing factors previously mentioned impair carbohydrate metabolism in various ways. With regard to carbohydrate metabolism, people are not simply either normal or diabetic. There is a continuum between normal glucose metabolism and type 2 diabetes. Largely due to the aforementioned lifestyle factors, metabolic changes occur in people of normal metabolism that gradually develop into the metabolic syndrome. The metabolic syndrome in turn can deteriorate into type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetes is the label that is used when the pancreas can no longer produce enough insulin to overcome the cellular resistance, resulting in elevated blood glucose levels. A significant minority of people with the metabolic syndrome eventually becomes diabetic. The importance of preventing diabetes is underscored by the fact that about 14% of all health care expenditures in the United States is for diabetes-related illness (including blindness, kidney failure and amputation of diseased limbs). Recognizing the continuum between normal metabolism and overt pathology is an important 21st century health care concept that applies to all degenerative conditions.
The list of health conditions caused (at least in part) or worsened by the metabolic syndrome is staggering. A partial list includes: stress, fatigue, inflammation, fibromyalgia, depression, increased appetite, increased fat around the midsection ("apple-shape" or visceral adiposity), sleep apnea, gout, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis, Alzheimer's disease, certain cancers, fatty liver, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, kidney dysfunction, parasympathetic nervous system dysfunction, type 2 diabetes, impaired wound healing, immune suppression, sarcopenia (age-associated loss of lean healthy body tissue), and reproductive disorders. Additionally, the elevated cortisol levels, typical of the metabolic syndrome, can also contribute to irritability, fluid retention, high blood cholesterol, insomnia, impaired detoxication, stomach ulcers, memory and learning impairment, skin wrinkles, arthritis, weakness, and reduced thyroid function, resulting in decreased metabolism, lowered body temperature, and reduced vitality. The combination of reduced R.E.M. (rapid eye movement) sleep and lowered growth hormone release at night diminishes mental and physical regeneration, which results in acceleration of the aging process.
The sex hormone alterations (primarily testosterone and estrogen) and reproductive disorders that often result from the metabolic syndrome deserve further discussion. Young girls with the biochemical alterations of the metabolic syndrome develop premature pubarche - appearance of pubic hair or breasts before age 8. One out of 7 Caucasian girls develops premature pubarche. The figure is nearly 1 out of 2 for African American girls. Premature sexual development happens in boys much less frequently. If a girl has premature pubarche, it's a safe bet that she has altered insulin and adrenal hormone metabolism producing biochemical changes that result in abnormally high levels of androgenic hormones. The androgens initiate the sexual development and can also produce male-pattern hair growth.
Premature pubarche is a precursor of the condition affecting adult women, called polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition is characterized by cessation of periods or infrequent and scanty blood flow, chronic lack of ovulation, ovaries with multiple cysts, weight gain and increased fat around the midsection, infertility, mood swings, fatigue, increased blood triglycerides and reduced HDL cholesterol, scalp hair loss, male pattern hair growth, and acne. Elevated insulin increases adrenal and ovarian production of androgens ("male" hormones like testosterone) and reduces the liver's production of sex hormone binding globulin. Lower sex hormone binding globulin results in increased levels of free (biologically active) testosterone.
Some women with the metabolic syndrome will develop increased levels of biologically active and disease-promoting estrogens. The end result can be premenstrual tension syndrome, painful periods, tender breasts, worsening of uterine fibroids, endometriosis, cervical dysplasia (abnormal pap smears), and increased risk of certain cancers.
In men, the metabolic syndrome leads to low levels of testosterone. The stress component lowers testosterone levels, and the abdominal fat cells that are so plentiful in the metabolic syndrome, produce enzymes that convert testosterone into estrogen. The effects of this altered testosterone-estrogen balance include: fatigue, depression, lack of motivation and aggression, anxiety, irritability, reduced strength, bone loss, prostatic hypertrophy and cancer, low sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Low testosterone in men contributes to heart disease. What's more, low testosterone in men contributes to perpetuation of the metabolic syndrome through alteration of body composition: decreased muscle mass and increased abdominal fat.
The good news is that the metabolic syndrome can be avoided and reversed in most cases. Interventions to improve insulin metabolism and stress physiology are needed. Weight (body fat) loss is both a treatment and a goal for metabolic syndrome patients. Many dietary variables have the potential to help. Eat small, frequent meals, containing a balance of protein, carbohydrate and fat. Don't over eat. The majority of the diet should be whole foods; limit consumption of refined carbohydrates. When you do "cheat" with carbohydrates, make sure it is part of (or at the end of) a mixed meal (containing fat and protein) in order to minimize blood sugar fluctuations. Limit saturated fats and partially hydrogenated oils. Eat plenty of omega 3 fatty acid-rich foods such as cold - water fish and flaxseeds. Eat avocados, olives, and raw nuts. Limit consumption of fructose. Eat your fruit rather than drink fruit juice. Engage in moderate exercise. Exercise can be overdone, contributing to the metabolic syndrome. Cardiovascular exercise can lower cortisol levels. Both cardiovascular and resistance training can improve insulin sensitivity. Weight training is probably the most important exercise for preventing or reversing the metabolic syndrome. Weight training is uniquely effective in building muscle, which is critical to improving insulin sensitivity. Get adequate sleep and practice some form of stress reduction (such as deep breathing, meditation, yoga, massage, herbs).
A list of natural supplements that can help in various ways to reverse the metabolic syndrome includes: whey protein, vitamins B1, B5, B6, C, D & E, biotin, inositol, magnesium, chromium, vanadium, calcium, zinc, copper, potassium, manganese, selenium, creatine monohydrate, arginine, glutamine, taurine, soluble fiber (such as pea, oat, guar gum, pectin, and glucommonan), HMB, 5-HTP, carnitine, DHEA, Co Enzyme Q10, reduced glutathione, N-Acetyl-L-Cysteine, fish oil, conjugated linoleic acid, alpha lipoic acid, green tea, cinnamon extract, Gymnema Sylvestre, Siberian ginseng, and phosphorylated serine. An especially effective supplement is a new one called Insinase. It is the result of extensive research and development. It combines extracts from hops and acacia, and has been demonstrated to improve blood sugar and insulin levels about as well as two diabetes medications: Metformin and Avandia. What's more, it lowers triglyceride levels about 45 points. Best of all, there appear to be no side effects.
What can one expect from a natural program to manage the metabolic syndrome? Let's take one of my patients as an example. "Joe" was under a lot of psychological stress. He had a previous diagnosis of sleep apnea. He had a history of elevated liver enzymes, which made prescription of medication to lower his elevated cholesterol problematic. In mid July, 2001 he developed a rapid pulse and heart palpitations. He went to a hospital emergency room and subsequently saw a private medical doctor. His blood pressure was elevated at 160/85. The medical doctor prescribed medication to lower the blood pressure and slow the heart rate. His waist measurement was slightly elevated, and waist to hip ratio was borderline. His body mass index was elevated at 32.5. On 7/28/01 he had the following abnormal lab values: Total cholesterol - 296, triglycerides - 133 (above what I consider optimal), HDL cholesterol - 33, LDL cholesterol - 236, Total cholesterol/HDL - 8.97.
I told Joe I was fairly sure what was going on with him and suggested we jump right into treatment. I believe the metabolic syndrome is the most common cause of elevated blood cholesterol levels; the high insulin levels characteristic of the metabolic syndrome stimulate the liver to produce more cholesterol. The simple-minded approach to lower blood cholesterol by reducing the amount of cholesterol one eats displays an ignorance for how the body actually functions. Only about 1 in 10 people experience significant elevations in blood cholesterol by consuming large quantities of dietary cholesterol.
Joe wanted confirmation for himself; so he opted to have the most sensitive test for identifying the metabolic syndrome - a carbohydrate challenge test. The carbohydrate challenge test is like an endocrine system stress test. It picks up subtle insulin resistance that can be missed with fasting glucose and insulin. The carbohydrate challenge test is performed at a blood drawing facility in the following way: A high carbohydrate meal, consisting of white bread, a banana, and orange juice, is eaten in the morning, after taking a blood and saliva sample. Over the next three hours, additional blood and saliva samples are taken. Glucose, insulin and cortisol are measured from these samples. Heart rate is also monitored during the test, as an indication of autonomic nervous system function. An abnormality in any of these parameters points to the underlying cause of the dysfunction in carbohydrate metabolism. Because the test uses whole food, it can point to delayed emptying of food from the stomach, impaired carbohydrate digestion, and malabsorption as root causes of abnormal blood sugar levels. Natural treatments are customized, based on the exact nature of the results. The carbohydrate challenge test can pick up problems early - before damage has been done - even before symptoms are present.
Joe's carbohydrate challenge test results revealed insulin resistance, reactive hypoglycemia and a pre-diabetic state. His fasting glucose of 103 was above what I consider optimal and his elevated fasting insulin of 14 was in the metabolic syndrome range. His blood sugar increased way too much half an hour after eating and his body had to continue to increase its insulin levels to transport the sugar into the cells. His sympathetic nervous system became activated in an attempt to avoid a reactive hypoglycemia. However, his adrenal glands, apparently weakened by chronic stress, were not producing enough cortisol to aid in regulating the dropping blood sugar.
I got Joe started on a comprehensive program of diet, nutritional supplementation, exercise and stress reduction. A blood test on August 22, 2001, showed significant improvement in his blood lipids. It also showed elevated liver enzymes: AST of 56 and ALT of 128. This caused his medical doctor to refer him to a gastroenterologist. I told Joe I felt the elevated liver enzymes might be a part of the metabolic syndrome and could improve with our program.
On 10/11/01, we did a blood test to see how our natural program had worked. His fasting glucose was now an acceptable 92 and his fasting insulin was a normal 5.4. Total cholesterol was down 103 points from 7/28/01 - to 193, Triglycerides were down to 61, LDL cholesterol was down 42% to 138, HDL cholesterol was up 30 % to 43, and the Total cholesterol/HDL was down to a safe 4.49. His liver enzymes were much improved: AST was 39 and ALT was 61. During this same period Joe lost 30 pounds. His blood pressure normalized and he discontinued his medication. His digestion improved and he reported more endurance. These results were accomplished through a natural lifestyle modification program of diet, exercise, stress reduction and nutritional supplementation.


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|Re: Emacs and C++ codesense
|Fri, 04 May 2007 23:04:41 +0200
|Gnus/5.110006 (No Gnus v0.6) Emacs/22.0.99 (gnu/linux)
Maciej Katafiasz <address@hidden> writes: > Den Fri, 04 May 2007 18:24:32 +0200 skrev Hadron: > >>>> http://mathrick.org/files/emacs-demo.gif >>> >>> Nice demo. How did you create this? >> >> Hmm I can get the page now. >> >> This is all good but how did you do these things? Do you have >> accompanying instructions/tutorial? > > Not in any organised manner, no. It's just a demonstration of some simple > (more or less) functions of several packages I use, amongst them semantic > and related tools. The tooltip completion you can see I posted not so long > ago to emacs-sources, it's called semantic-hover-completion.el. Version > 0.1 is very buggy, though, so it's not really very usable for anyone who > isn't me. Unfortunately, I won't have the time to fix that in the > immediate feature. ok, so it wasn't a demo of what semantic can do. It was a mish mash of different things not likely to be reproduced by anyone but yourself :-; Why did you do your own completion? What was wrong with intellisense? Have you used intellisense?
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Union workers at New York City's main electric utility have overwhelmingly approved a new labor contract.
Harry Farrell, President of Local 1-2 of the Utility Workers Union of America, said Wednesday that its membership voted by a margin of 93 percent to accept a new four year agreement with Consolidated Edison.
The 8,000 utility workers were locked out on June 30 after their contract expired and negotiations over a new one failed. About 5,000 managers were then used to keep electricity going before Gov. Andrew Cuomo intervened in late July and brokered a deal just as severe storms hit upstate and threatened power outages.
The utility has 3.2 million customers in New York City and Westchester County.
Get the latest from NBC 4 New York anytime, anywhere. Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Google+. Get our apps here and sign up for email newsletters here. Get breaking news delivered right to your phone -- just text NYBREAKING to 639710. For more info, text HELP. To end, text STOP. Message and data rates may apply.


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Masonite Forms Joint Venture with Laser Etching Firm
"This partnership truly has the makings of a breakthrough venture," adds Larry Repar, Masonite executive vice president and COO. "TechnoLines brings years of research, development and broad intellectual property. Coupled with Masonite's commercial wherewithal and heritage of innovation in the building industry, we make a stunning combination."
Darryl Costin, CEO, TechnoLines, says "We are most excited about this partnership which brings together the leader in high speed, high power, patented laser etching technology with an internationally renowned building products company."
Masonite has not yet determined how it will use the laser etching processes on its products, notes Keith Kometer, vice president of product management. "We'll use the technology in future projects–it's not in use anywhere yet," he says. "We haven't yet come down on what products will use it, and where, but we envision a broad range of potential applications."


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News / 25-year issue / 2016
Independent journalism - no exceptions for news on aid
Development Today has now been in publication for 25 years. Over this period, our mission has been to provide independent, fact-based news and analysis to decision makers and others working with Nordic development assistance. In an increasingly fragmented information society, we think this is more important than ever. News on aid is no exception.Read more >>
Top economists challenge free-market mantra
The Stockholm Statement, eight principles for policymakers issued by a small group of leading economists, holds that promoting unfettered markets and narrowly focusing on growth have contributed to the twin crises of global inequality and environmental degradation. An initiator of the statement, Kaushik Basu, former Chief Economist at the World Bank, says the election of Donald Trump as US president makes the statement "even more urgent."Read more >>
Common SDG agenda cannot hide differences in Nordic aid
Nordic development policies all claim allegiance to the Sustainable Development Goals. The SDG agenda is so broad that it acts like a one-size-fits-all suit for politicians of all stripes. Read Development Today's analysis of Nordic aid in 2017.Read more >>
A month as President of UN Security Council
The working climate at the Security Council has improved, according to Sweden's Ambassador to the UN Olof Skoog, who served as President of the Council during January.Read more >>
Norway launches two multi-million-dollar funds in Davos
Norway has launched two large aid-financed initiatives, one to support deforestation-free agriculture and the other to promote development of vaccines against deadly diseases.Read more >>
Donors lack credible strategy for increasing support to non-Western humanitarians
Nordic donors say they will use the UN-led country-based pooled funds as their main conduit for increasing humanitarian funding of local NGOs to 25 per cent of total funding. But the managers of these funds say this is unrealistic. The UN funds make up a tiny portion of the total humanitarian aid given by governments - just USD 700 million out of USD 22 billion in 2015. "The 3 per cent cannot deliver the 25 per cent," says Andrea De Domenico at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.Read more >>


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If you haven't joined us on a Hashtag Wednesday, let me explain: On Twitter, people tend to accentuate their chatter by adding a topic or a phrase to the end. You tie the topics together by placing a "#" (called a hashtag) in front of it. For instance, yesterday had a trending topic called #TshirtSlogans where people offered their ideas of what would be interesting/cute/vulgar on a T-shirt. It ranged from #TshirtSlogan: Stop Staring at my Chest (not bad) to #TshirtSlogan: I make one person happy a day, today's not your day (funny) to #TshirtSlogan: Back away slowly (cute).
Alright, so let's see what we've got today:
#LookingForwardto: Summer TV shows. Shallow, yes… but I am. Leverage, Closer, Drop Dead Diva all promise to be better than the nonsense I'm looking at now. With the exception of The Good Wife, Southland, and Treme; I have not been wowed by new shows this season. I did develop an addiction to TV One's UnSung. Who knew that the original dude from the Bar-Kays was on the plane that went down with Otis Redding on it? Not me. I had no clue.
#LookingForwardto: My next great date. Surely there's at least one good one out there in my future, right? I am SO looking forward to spending time in the presence of a good-looking, good-smelling, good-acting man (not related to me) who makes me laugh and not want to live tweet the pain or flee. That would be great.
#LookingForwardto: Finishing my short story. It's due to my publisher by June. Once I finish it, I start on Book Three. It's all creativity all the time.
#LookingForwardto: Football Season! I know I'm early but with the schedule coming out yesterday and the draft tomorrow, it's right around the corner. Oh, I guess I should wait for the NBA Playoffs to wrap before talking football? Either way, I know I can count on both the Mavericks and Cowboys to look great… right up until they choke in the playoffs. They kill me. Does any sports franchise in this city know how to close?
So tell me, BougieLand… What are you #LookingForwardto and why? The floor is yours.


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Leadership Greater Syracuse Holds Pay It Forward Day
robert englert
Leadership Greater Syracuse, a local non-profit dedicated to inspiring current and future leaders to make a difference in the CNY community, recently held a Pay It Forward Day. This event was both a celebration of the LGS Class of 2015's completion of the course, and also a time to take the things they learned and "pay it forward" to their communities and the next generation of LGS leaders. Among other inspirational and challenging events, LGS held a raffle of gifts for the 2016 class, with one of the prizes being a growler from none other than Orange Vessel Co.! We were glad to get to be a small part of this important day for LGS, and are grateful for their great work in and dedication to Central New York!