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PRIMETIME - Watchmaking in the News - October 2017
Well October has definitely been a rather intense month on the watchmaking planet and get prepared for a dense edition of PRIMETIME: from many product launches to some business news and what to expect in November, because this will again prove to be pretty rich!!
But we also take this opportunity to announce that we will make much better use of our Patreon campaign to reach out to our great audience and naturally help us better finance our activity. This is something we realise we didn't leverage enough in the past and we are simply a bit too Swiss to ask for anything! But when we see how this great platform is used by successful content creators, well it is time for us to use a tool that goes with the evolution of mindsets and how anyone can contribute in helping projects happen and develop.
We love the idea of having active support by our engaged community, reason why we will start to produce special contents directly available to our patrons and increase the level of interaction with them. We will soon come back to you with further details on how we want to make this happen and are naturally very open to any suggestions coming from you.
A huge thank you to all of you already supporting us, this really goes straight to our heart and we have plenty of ideas on how to take TheWATCHES.tv to yet another level and share with as many people as possible our passion for watchmaking.


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In this workshop, we introduce one of the most engaging features of the Amazon Sumerian service: Sumerian Hosts. Hosts are animated, interactive, digital avatars that can be integrated into your 3D and augmented reality applications. We currently have four Hosts available: Cristine, Preston, Grace and Luke. In this workshop, we walk through the capabilities of the Hosts and show you how to create custom speeches. After this workshop, participants will be able to start creating dynamic scenes that include Hosts.

subset: commoncrawl


text: Chicken and waffles is officially a food option on the historic 4th Avenue in Tucson as of last month! The Drunken Chicken offers a simple, one-page menu with beer infused waffles and fun drunken syrups. Chelsea Blatt, Head Cook of the new restaurant, sits down with us and shares her favorite dish on the menu, as well as answers the five "Chef's Pick" q's!Read More


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Faux fur throws, fur and printed cushions, handmade tables, doorstops and footstools, can all be found here in our online store. We don't have thousands of products, but instead concentrate on making a select range of quality items with care that we know our customers will love. Cut out the middle men and buy your faux fur throw, rustic coffee or lamp table, or fur cushions direct from us at the best possible prices.
No products
Light grey, medium length plain faux fur cushions or pillow covers. Perfect for both bedroom or chair and sofas. Can be used independently or combine with the darker grey Badger faux fur cushions.
Warning: Last items in stock!
Availability date:
Whether traditional or contemporary decor these will create that finishing touch, and being a light grey will go with almost any other colour. Our cushions and covers are available in 3 standard sizes, and with a choice of either the main fur on both sides or faux-suede backing. But as we produce all of the items here ourselves in the UK, we will be happy to quote you for other sizes if you wish.
If the cushions are intended for use on white or very light leather furniture, please either purchase the main fur each side option, or request ivory faux-suede for the backing.
All cushion pads/inners supplied with the cushions are polyester fibre.
Because shipping to destinations other than the UK is based on volume and not weight, it is not possible to provide cushions/pillows complete with inners to non-UK addresses. In those instances please order covers only as it would be far cheaper to obtain inners locally than to pay excessive delivery costs.
|Aftercare -
|May be machine or hand washed with care. Wash separately on cool temperature. Do not use bleach, do not tumble dry, do not ring. Brush to restore pile/fur before totally dry. May also be dry cleaned.
|Lining/Backing colour -
|Length of fur -
|approximately 1" (2.5cm)
|Fur composition -
|84% Acrylic, 16% Polyester
|Faux suede composition -
|100% Polyester
|Super soft fleece -
|100% Polyester
Having spent many weeks looking for specific cushions for my sofa I managed to find this website and placed an order for various designs - all I can say is that both my wife I are really really pleased with the texture and quality of product, I highly recommend this company and its products from price to delivery, 1st class.... well done Faux Fur, you got a happy and contented customer with us!!


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Ft Bridger Public Schools
The 50States Ft Bridger school directory. Find Ft Bridger , Wyoming school addresses, phone numbers and other school info.
Go To: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
Fort Bridger Elementary
Students/Teachers: 134 / 11
Grades: 3 - 5
436 N Main Street
Ft Bridger, WY 82939


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Upcoming Decision May Impact Role of Arbitrator
The Lawyer
May 23, 2011
The arbitration clause in the joint venture agreement between Nurdin Jivraj and Sadruddin Hashwani stated that the arbitrators must be members of the Ismaili community. The Court of Appeals said the arbitration agreement was void because the clause was discriminatory in contravention of the regulations.
The Court of Appeals held that arbitrators are employees for the purposes of the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003 because they act under "a contract personally to do any work." Although this seems like a small issue divorced from the mainstream world of commerce, "the logic and language of the CoA decision have broad implications for arbitration agreements, well beyond attempted restrictions on the religion of arbitrators."


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Syria ceasefire agreed between army and rebels as Vladimir Putin announces start of peace talks
The Russian president has said Bashar al-Assad's regime and rebels have signed a truce deal
VLADIMIR Putin has announced a ceasefire in Syria starting from midnight and also promised a reduction in Russian forces in the war-torn country.
The Kremlin strongman said an agreement was reached between Bashar al-Assad's regime and rebels.
Turkey's foreign ministry also confirmed the news, but said it excludes groups the UN considers to be terrorist organisations.
This includes ISIS, the ex-Nusra Front and all groups linked to them.
All other relevant parties are said to have agreed the deal, which comes after a bloody battle for rebel-held Aleppo ended with Assad in control.
BOMBED TO OBLIVIONIncredible satellite images show the staggering scale of destruction in Aleppo after four years of brutal street fighting and air strikes
BURNED ALIVEISIS barbarians burn two Turkish soldiers alive in horrific new execution video after capturing them in Aleppo
SNOW FOR SYRIA'S YOUNGKids in war-torn town close to Aleppo enjoy a snowball fight as struggle to survive goes on
'WE DIE IN ALEPPO, YOU DIE HERE'Off-duty cop shouted 'don't forget Aleppo, don't forget Syria' after assassinating Russian ambassador to Turkey
VLAD'S BATTLEWhy is Russia bombing Aleppo and which side is winning the battle for the Syrian city?
Russia has said all parties are ready to start peace talks in the troubled region.
At a meeting with Russian foreign and defence ministers, Putin said: "This agreement we've reached is very fragile, as we all understand. They require special attention and patience, professional attitude, and constant contact with our partners.
"The first was signed by the Syrian government and the Syrian opposition to stop hostilities in the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic. The second one is a complex of measures to control the ceasefire. The third document is a declaration of intention for Syrian settlement."
After the Kremlin announcement, Syria's army said it would halt all military operations from midnight, and the opposition National Coalition also said it backed the truce.
Putin also said he would reduce Moscow's military contingent in Syria, which has been flying a bombing campaign in support of President Bashar al-Assad since last year.
But the former KGB agent said that Russia would continue to fight "terrorism" in the war-torn country and maintain its support for the government in Damascus.
Russian Defence Minister Sergei Shoigu said that the seven opposition groups, including the powerful Ahrar al-Sham, that have signed up to the agreements after months of talks comprise some 62,000 fighters and control a large portion of territory in central and northern Syria.
He warned that any groups that did not abide by the ceasefire would be considered "terrorists" alongside the Islamic State group and the former Al-Qaeda affiliate previously known as Al-Nusra Front, now rebranded the Fateh al-Sham Front.
All foreign fighter troops will have to leave Syria if the truce holds.
Speaking before the announcement on Turkish TV, Turkey's foreign minister Mevlut Cavusoglu, said: "We are on the verge of an agreement with Russia.
"If everything goes alright, we will make this agreement. Russia will be the guarantor of the regime [Syrian government]. Russia and Turkey are guarantors in the agreement being worked on in Ankara."
Earlier this month Moscow and Ankara negotiated a ceasefire in Aleppo, which led to tens of thousands of rebel fighters and civilians being evacuated.
Previous truce attempts this year brokered by the UN or the US acting with Russia have quickly collapsed.
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at email@example.com or call 0207 782 4368


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As 2018 comes to a close, I've heard people buzzing about their New Year's Resolutions- sleep more, take more vacation days, lose weight, use social media less, etc. I'm not against making resolutions or setting goals but I'd like to reframe the way we talk about resolutions. In my mind, resolutions are lofty, abstract goals that are often hard to follow through with and leave people feeling bad about themselves. What's fun in that?
I once had a student who came back from winter break and said, "I've made a resolution not to gossip anymore." My response went something like this, "Wow, it sounds like you have a desire to be more mindful of how you talk about others. I wonder what your 'no gossip' resolution looks like. What's your first step towards that resolution?" This student just sat and stared at me. I think she was hoping I'd say, "Congrats, what a great resolution."
Why setting an intention is different? An intention encompasses many different situations and I think doesn't leave someone feeling "less than" if their goal is not achieved. For example, let's say your intention for 2019 is to be more present. Some days you might focus your intention to be more present at work, other days it might be with your family or yourself. You can also notice when you forget about your intention. "Man, I really zoned out at that parent meeting today. Next time I need to jot down more notes to help keep my mind from wandering." I also like using the word "intention" because it's flexible and adaptable and I think that's important. No one can predict what 2019 might hold so by setting an intention you allow yourself that flexibility to accept what you cannot control.
Here's to wishing you a healthy and happy 2019 and may your intentions for the year guide you to take care of yourself and others.


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Exercises for Sciatica and Sciatic Nerve Pain http://PainFreeInstitute.net/sciatica-launch
In this short video you'll learn the top 3 exercises and stretches for sciatic nerve pain and its causes so you can finally get sciatica relief.
Knowing the cause of what's causing your sciatic pain is extremely important because it will decide what sciatica treatment plan you'll be using.
When you have a pinched sciatic nerve, you'll have sciatica symptoms such as sharp pain in the low back that shoots down the leg, causes numbness and tingling, and also weakness.
The main causes of sciatica are herniated disc or disc bulges, lumbar spinal canal stenosis, and problems in the pelvis such as piriformis syndrome.
You'll learn the top 3 sciatic nerve exercises for sciatica pain relief and each cause of sciatica over at http://PainFreeInstitute.net
Once there you'll find plenty of exercise videos to learn how to cure sciatica from the convenience of your home. Sciatica home treatments are a convenient way to save time and money.
You can also see the sciatica exercises and stretches on this blog post http://painfreeinstitute.net/best-3-sciatica-home-exercises/
If you liked this video, make sure you connect with me on social media so you don't miss any future uploads.
Here's what some patients had to say:
Terms mentioned in this video:
herniated disc
disc herniation
bulging disc
sciatic nerve pain
sciatica exercises
exercises for sciatica
sciatica relief
sciatica treatment
sciatica pain relief
sciatic nerve stretches
slipped disc
pinched nerve
Exercises for Sciatica


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Register to reserve your spot!Learn about registration pricing, and which package is right for you.
The Conference Program is Live!
Start planning your 2019 conference experience.View the more than 40 sessions we have planned for you. The 2019 program will cover the hottest topics affecting the dental hygiene profession today. CLICK HERE for details.
Who We Are. What We Do.Want to know who attends, what topics are discussed, which companies exhibit - or just how last year's event performed? This is the place.
Put your products and services in front of the people that matter.CLICK HERE to learn more about becoming an exhibitor.
The Right Place At The Right Time.At RDH Under One Roof, hygienists learn valuable skills and tools to enhance their daily job performance, AND they HAVE FUN! To view networking opportunities, CLICK HERE.
Want to be the first to hear about event news and updates?Join our mailing list to make sure you never miss details about promotions, unique conference sessions, etc. CLICK HERE to enter your info.
Get #RDHUOR updates!Join our social pages and stay posted on the latest #RDHUOR news.
RDH Under One Roof is All About Dental Hygienists!RDH Under One Roof is a three-day action packed event offering quality dental hygiene education. Dental hygienists learn from leading speakers in the industry during the educational courses. All attendees are also invited to visit the exhibit floor to view the newest dental hygiene products and dental equipment from the exhibitors.


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"The most thoughtfully designed ski boot bag we have ever used, this durable backpack has a solution for stowing everything you'll need." – Men's Journal.
The best ski boot bag and backpack available. Others try to imitate but can't match its quality, design and features. Boot Trekker is premium quality, fully-featured ski boot bag for alpine ski boots, helmet and gear. Designated compartments organizes and allows for easy access to your ski equipment.
Can the Boot Trekker be carried on an airplane or does it have to checked as luggage? The Boot Trekker has been carried on and checked as luggage for airline travel. The Boot Trekker has removable straps and does not contain a solid internal frame, therefore it can be compacted down in size, restricted mainly by the items placed in the bag. The manufacturer cannot, however, confirm whether the Boot Trekker will meet the requirements of any particular airline for carry-on or checkable luggage as these specifications vary by airline as well as internationally.
Where may I store my helmet when checking the bag for airline travel? When checking the boot bag for airline travel, helmets should be stored in the large Front Pocket.
Showing reviews 1-10 of 32 | Next
Posted by Esa on 5th May 2019
This bag is exactly what I've been looking for! It has all the storage compartments you could dream of and more. There's probably a pocket I haven't discovered yet. Most people think I "over-pack" with gear for day trips etc, I just like to be prepared for all possible conditions/situations and share any backup gear with those that didn't bring it all. I can easily pack my sb boots, jacket, pants, helmet, knee brace, 2x gloves, mid-layers, 2x goggles, hats, socks, water, snacks, & smaller personal items. This bag is durable and well designed! Highly recommended, you'll be happy!
Posted by MRE57 on 26th Mar 2018
Great bag with tones of room. Easily holds all my gear with ease plus a lunch if need be. Very well made. Only thing I wish was different was that dual zippers were used, then it would be perfect. Highly recommended.
Posted by Bob H on 29th Jan 2018
This is a great boot bag. It holds all the stuff I don't usually wear to the ski area. It's got lots of room to hold ski pants, gloves, socks, goggles, hat, fleece pull-over etc. In other words it holds all the stuff I need for a day of skiing. All I have to do is grab this bag and I know I've got what I need. Wish the top opening was a little bigger but other than that the bag has lots of storage pockets and the helmet sling on the outside of the bag is a real nice feature as it allows me to pack more into the bag. All in all this is a great boot bag. I highly recommend it!
Posted by Unknown on 27th Jan 2018
I really like this bag! It holds all of my "go to" stuff for hitting the slopes! I know that when I pick up the bag to go skiing that everything I need is in it, no more searching for stuff or getting to the slopes missing something. It could use a larger top access panel. All in all I"m very happy with this bag
Posted by Unknown on 2nd Jan 2018
I just got this for christmas and I couldn't be happier with it. I have already used it twice for skiing and it is perfect and definitely worth every cent. It is so sturdy, aethetically pleasing, and just holds everything in just the right place. Love it!
Posted by Unknown on 29th Dec 2017
Our son and daughter-in-law were delighted with boot bags. They were impressed with the craftsmanship and design!
Posted by Unknown on 28th Dec 2017
Couldn't be more pleased. Outstanding value. I'd pay more! The bag has plenty of room and pockets for my gear. Lots of flexibility to pack the bag as I see fit based on the gear I carrying on any given day. Easy to unzip the boot pockets , at the end of the day, and install my electric boot warmers. My only knit is that the top opening could be larger so I can easily stuff the helmet in the bag if I don't want to use the helmet sling on the outside of the bag
Posted by Sharon on 11th Dec 2017
I've been looking for a bag with the right features and compartments that wouldn't break the bank...$200 for a boot bag is excessive. The I saw this which I was able to purchase at a discount. I studied it online then decided to go for it. It's bigger then it looks and holds everything: pants/jacket, 2 hats, 2 sets of gloves, multiple neck warmers, snowboard boots, heaters, down jacket, goggles with spare lenses, accessories such as sunscreen, hand warmers, tool, etc and of course the helmet. Fully loaded it weighs nothing on my back. A daisy chain on the outside would be nice for the wet stuff after a powder day but I managed to remedy that. This bag is a winner.
Posted by Caite Z on 7th Nov 2017
I recently started using the Boot Trekker and LOVE it! It is a bag that is well thought out with a pocket for everything. The bigger compartments are perfect for all the bulky stuff and anything fragile you might need to bring along will have a safe place to be stored as well. Perfect pack for the on the road skier looking for a one and done boot bag!
Posted by Kevin Joudrey on 4th Nov 2017
I'm finding that after 5,000 miles, 20 hotel/condo transfers, 500 loads into the bed of the truck and more than a few drops ... The Boot Trekker its getting a little scuffed up but she hoses off well and never leaked, and always had enough room for the primary and the secondary/backup gear. And no we are not going to talk about the time she fell our of the truck at 40mph... all goods were fine. Hard to kill this one lol
Showing reviews 1-10 of 32 | Next
All prices are in USD Copyright 2019 Best Ski Boot Bags Store. Sitemap | Privacy Policy


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Allie at "Allie Photography blog" is hosting a weekly Monday photo challenge here.
Since I normally do not care much for Mondays, (it's a whole another week until the weekend comes again!) I've decided to add this challenge to my weekly photo challenges I participate in.
The others are:
A very Merry Christmas Link up here hosted by Sereina every Sunday.
Wordless Wednesday here hosted by Hannah every Wednesday.
What's your Focus? Daily photo challenge here hosted by me everyday (except Sundays)
And now.....
Happy Monday Photo Challenge hosted by Allie every Monday.
The goal for this week was to add a picture that made you happy.
This one, makes me happy. =D
|My handsome brother and adorable sister


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What a GREAT day!!! Mom and I got into the car. We were taking mom's homemade potato salad to my sister who has been under the weather for several weeks. Afterwards we were going to tackle mom's list of things she wanted to get or do. Somewhere in that plan was taking her to lunch. As we drove eastward toward the Sandia Mountain, I mentioned how much fun it would be to take the tram to the top and have lunch in the clouds that were embracing the top of the mountain. She said, "Let's do it!" We did.
Whew!! Wonderful! Thanks for sharing.


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'The French Paradox' information
C'est l'éte! Enjoy a night of French art, food, and fun.
Presented by Servco Lexus.
Museum members: Admission is free for museum members. You do not need a ticket. For a speedy entry, use your digital member card in the HoMA mobile app—or check in at the event through the members' line.
Non-members: General admission is $25. You can purchase tickets at the event, or online using the button below. Or, for the same price you can join or renew a membership to get into ARTafterDARK for free all year.
Become a museum member for a chance to win a Servco prize pack! The prize includes:
• A black leather catchall tote bag
• Leather luggage tag
• Stylus pen
• Journal
• Chocolea chocolate
• $50 Honolulu Museum of Art Gift Card
Contest rules:
Join or renew your Honolulu Museum of Art membership (any level) and you will automatically be entered into a drawing to win a Servco prize pack (includes black leather bag, luggage tag, stylus pen, journal, chocolate, and a HoMA Gift Card). By enrolling as a member, you agree to share your email address with our sponsor, Servco. Contest starts June 26, 2017, and ends at ARTafterDARK on June 30, 2017, at 9pm. Winner will be announced on Friday, July 14, by phone or email.
• French cabaret band L'Escargot will serenade you throughout the evening with très magnifique live music.
• DJ Jem turns Luce Courtyard into a bumpin' discotheque.
• Fall in l'amour with classic French cinema, projected inside the museum.
• Servco Lexus, the evening's sponsor, offers guests a chance to turn their Instagram posts into a custom hard-copy reality with a #hashtag printer from Hawaii Events Unlimited. Simply use the hashtag #LEXUSafterDARK, and your Instagram post will be printed out in the Palm Courtyard. Instagram accounts must be public in order to print the tagged images. Happy snapping!
SERVCO Lexus Mocktail Contest
Want a museum membership and a VIP ARTafterDARK experience for you and four friends? Servco Lexus is holding a contest to name June's signature mocktail. To enter, post a délicieux drink title to the Servco Lexus Facebook page.
To win, posts must be French themed and incorporate the word "Lexus." The mocktail will be a mix of blackberry, lime, agave, and ginger ale. Posts must be submitted before noon on Friday, June 16th.
Winners receive a membership for themselves and four guests, seats at a VIP table in the HoMA Café during ARTafterDARK, and a gift bag from Servco Lexus! For full rules, go here.
• Specialty Cocktail: The J'adore Lexus, a blend of champagne and St. Germain elderflower liquor.
• Specialty Mocktail: The Ooh La La Lexus, which combines blackberry, lime, agave, and ginger ale.
Food provided by EAT Honolulu.
Drinks by Free Spirits Mobile Bartenders.
You can find parking at the following locations:
• Street parking on Beretania and Kina'u streets from 6pm. FREE
• Lot behind the Honolulu Museum of Art School (1111 Victoria St.), enter from Beretania or Young street
NOTE: Lot closes promptly at 11pm


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Harlem 4 Drawer Chest
CONTEMPORARY ECLECTIC STYLE: With a unique design featuring long upper and lower drawer and two short drawers between with open shelves beside them for display, this chest adds a dramatic accent to any room
OPEN SHELVES: Two open shelves, in solid Black, create a dramatic display area for makeup, photos, accessories and collectibles
TWO-TONE COLOR: The 4-drawer chest is available in a two-tone Brooklyn Oak woodgrain veneer, accented by solid Black in the niche shelves and chest legs
PRACTICAL STORAGE: Roomy drawers provide ample storage space for clothing, crafts, games, linens, or whatever you envision for organized storage in your home
STURDY CONSTRUCTION: The Harlem chest is made from top-quality MDF boards, joined with heavy-duty steel hardware, including drawer rails, so it will support the contents of the drawers without splitting or sagging, and will stay on the rails when drawers are opened and closed
The Harlem 4-drawer chest, by Parisot of France, has a unique design with full-width top and bottom drawers and two shorter central drawers with two open shelves lined with solid Black. The black shelves provide the perfect backdrop for photos, collectibles, and décor, adding interest and dimension to the dresser. Each shelf is roomy and deep, providing ample space to store clothing, even bulky items like jeans and sweaters. The chest is finished in beautiful Brooklyn Oak woodgrain veneer, a premium finish that stays lustrous while resisting scratches, stains and fading from UV rays. It is built from top-grade MDF boards, put together with heavy-duty steel hardware, so drawers stay on the rails and won't sag or split from the weight of their contents. Elegance and practicality adds up to the Harlem 4-drawer chest!
|Product Details
|Product Dimensions
40.4" H x 30.9" W x 15.7" D - 77.2 lb
|Assemble required
|Assembly instructions
|Particle Board


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How to do a Reference Check and What Reference Check Questions to Ask
A reference check takes a few minutes and could prevent you from making an extremely expensive, painful mistake. A candidate's past colleagues are your single best source of information. Because no-one knows how well a candidate can work better than the people who have worked with your candidate before. Having said that take all references with a pinch of salt because the reference provider isn't an objective source. Plus be aware of how your role is different to the prior role.
Note: Using a set of tried and tested reference check questions is the best way to make sure you cover what you need to. If you'd like a free download - click here.
Where Does a Reference Check Fit into the Hiring Process?
A reference check is done when you've decided to hire someone as a last check. You don't do a reference check to decide whether you want to hire someone or not. You do a reference check as the last check to see if you've missed anything.
Sadly many companies don't supply references anymore. Some firms will not supply anything more than the most basic of factual information such as employment periods and job title. But if you build some rapport you will be able to glean some additional information. So start off with factual information and build up from there. This is also why you must call on the phone. Speaking over the phone gives you a better chance to get off-the-record feedback.
Top Tips For Doing a Reference Check
Reference Check Tip #1
Don't write for references, do a personal phone call Opening:
- Thank the referee;
- Explain that you are about to hire their past employee and;
- Build a rapport with the referee.
Reference Check Tip #2
Start off with easy factual questions.
Reference Check Tip #3
When you encounter blockages:
- Ask for off the record responses;
- Ask what information you can be told.
Reference Check Tip #4
Listen carefully for unspoken communication.
Reference Check Tip #5
Move to more substantive questions including:
- Results;
- Colleague relationships;
- Strengths;
- Development areas.
Reference Check Tip #6
Don't forget to ask the most important reference check question. The most important question is "If you were me would you have any concerns is hiring them?".
Hiring mistakes are costly. A reference check only takes a few minutes and could prevent a bad hire. If you find hiring difficult then the www.boss.camp program will show you more proven hiring techniques to make managing easy.
Do you have any questions, comments or suggestions for doing reference checks on job candidates? Help the rest of us out by sharing in the comments below.
The Hiring and Interviewing Series
This is part of the Interviewing and Hiring Series. This series covers how managers can increase employee performance through hiring better employees. And how managers can avoid common hiring mistakes.
Topics in the Series Include:
- The Interview Process & Interview Checklist,
- How to Save Hiring Time,
- The Best Interview Questions and Answers to Ask Job Candidates,
- Hiring for Culture Fit,
- Interview Tips,
- Matching Personality Profiles,
- Avoiding Bad Hires,
- Reference Checking and,
- New Employee Onboarding.
Other Relevant Resources:
Power Interview Pack: The complete set of interview questions to get the best candidate for the job. Increase employee performance through hiring the best staff and avoiding bad hires. Link here.
Hiring for Performance: How to hire the best employees and improve employee performance, engagement and retention. Link here.
Employee Onboarding for Performance: If employee onboarding goes wrong, your new hire may leave you in the lurch or become a demotivated low performer. But motivate and integrate your new hire well and you will have a happy, productive team member. Link here.
Boss Camp
Many people study MBA's to advance their careers. And in MBA's you learn about things like marketing, finance, operations and commercial law etc which are really important in business. But what you don't learn is practical people management techniques like what to do and what to say to your employees. To progress in your career the skill that will do more for you than anything else is the ability to select, motivate and retain employees. That's why WWW.BOSS.CAMP was invented - to show you what they didn't teach you in school about managing employees. The program includes topics such as:
- Ho to hire for performance,
- How to motivate employees,
- What are bad employee motivators,
- What you must do as a manager but isn't on your job description,
- How leaders get power,


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Attendee Registration
Pre-registration Deadline:
June 15, 2018
This is my first time attending the FMEA Annual Conference
Attendee full name:
Nickname for badge:
Job title:
Attendee Mailing address:
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Attendee City:
Attendee State:
Attendee Zip (+4):
Attendee Phone:
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Attendee E-mail:
Confirmation E-mail (if different):
Membership Type
FMEA Municipal Utility member: $575 before June 15, $600 after June 15, $625 on-site
FMEA Associate member: $650 before June 15, $675 after June 15, $700 on-site
Non-member: $925 before June 15, $950 after June 15, $975 on-site
Additional Conference Functions:
7/17/18 • 3:00 - 4:30p Pre-conference Seminar: State & Federal Legislative Process
7/18/18 • 4:45 - 5:45p Special Mid-Conference Seminar Responding to Crisis Situations: Tactics for the Public Power Executive (FMEA Municipal Members ONLY)
Payment Information
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Bill me (FMEA members only)
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Cancellations and refund requests are subject to a nonrefundable 15% administration fee and must be requested in writing and received by FMEA before July 6, 2018. Because of hotel guarantee requirements, refunds of registration fees, tickets and special events will not be made after this date. No-shows will not be refunded. Special accommodations: If you require special accommodations at this conference, call the FMEA office at (850) 224-3314, ext. 3.


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Some things seem unreal. Like me sitting here and writing this blog post right now, it feels like a dream. Is this my life? Am I really announcement this to the world?
In November, we found out we are having a baby! I am 21 weeks as of this moment, and we now know that baby J is a baby BOY! Somehow, even more than 5 months in, and 2 weeks into having an actual bump… it still just somehow doesn't seem like real life. I guess some things are just too much for a person's brain to handle. I am going to be a Mom! I am going to have a son. My husband is now going to be a Father. I pretty much always thought that one day I would have kids (except for maybe a few times here and there after marriage where I questioned if I did want to be a Mother). But I can still imagine myself as a child, and even telling my parents that I never wanted to move away and live without them. And they assured me that one day I would want to live with my own husband and family. Even in imagining having children, I don't think you can really wrap your mind around it, and I probably own't until that baby it earth-side.
Life can just be so crazy. I do not remember feeling THIS overwhelmed with newness or unfamiliarity when Nick and I got married. I suppose that being pregnant and birthing a child, and forever being someone's Mama is just something that truly changes everything in a way that nothing else has before.
I have found myself wondering about who this person will be so many times. Now that we know it's a boy I feel a little more familiarity to this human being inside my body. But what will he look like? Who will he become? What will he love, be interested in, be good at, be passionate about? What will his personality be like and who will he one day fall in love with? I pray for health, for blessings, for a child who I can raise to know and love his Savior. I pray for my husband and I to be good parents, by loving each other well, by following the Lord, and by being a team. I don't think I've ever been so overwhelmed with emotions in my entire life. And even though there's some fear and even anxiety about what is to come, the joy is overwhelming.
My dear friend Julie of Julie Wilhite Photography came to our home to take a few images of Nick and I together to announce that we are expecting our baby boy in July, and although we really only needed one, I love these images so much that I felt like I wanted to share more than just one and give them place to live. Thank you to Julie for being there to photograph so many monumental moments in my life.
Julie also photographed our wedding and engagement photos in 2015… and we have known each other for at least 10 years now. I've photographed countless moments in her life as well, like the birth of her first son, as well as maternity and newborn photos, family photos, birthday parties, etc. We've kind of both been there for a lot in each other's lives. We still photograph each other and also shoot weddings together. Here is a favorite image from both our wedding day and our engagement photos with Julie from 2015.
Oh, and of course, we also did a session for our 2 year wedding anniversary just in 2017, which seems like yesterday, but clearly is not! Here is one favorites from that, and that entire session is still some of my favorite photos of us ever.
One thing you might be wondering is… what does this change for you? Absolutely nothing! Other than a little time off once baby arrives, business will go on as usual. I may just have an adorable little studio assistant now. My time off will start in July and most likely conclude in September, pending any unforeseen or unknowns. Meaning I'll be back just in time for the Fall Season. I can't wait to work with you soon!


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Ramadan Series - Day 25
"The most beloved actions to Allah are those performed consistently, even if they are a few."
When in the high points of being motivated, what sweeps past us swiftly and quietly is the idea of being realistic. Your heart is full and ready to take on the day, whatever it throws at you, invincible almost. While the feeling is empowering, it is short lived and barren. It doesn't matter much in the long run because those few moments were followed by a long tumble down. Those high points aren't a problem if they come between points of doing work consistently because by themselves they aren't sustainable goals. You might feel motivated to read many pages of Quran one day, but find it difficult to open the mushaf the next. Instead, keep it small and simple, maybe half a page or more depending on your reading level. Then do that everyday for a week, month, year. Until you are comfortable enough to add another half and let it settle into your daily life. Then, another. The same can be applied to du'a and praying sunnah, just one a day until that becomes your norm, then grow from there. The most beautiful thing about this is that it will help grow your strength to complete your obligatory actions, many which we fall short of. Adding extra good deeds then builds a shield around your must do's, locks them in place so it is difficult to not complete an obligatory action. Of course a human fails from time to time, but this mindset helps elevate your spirituality and adds to your productivity. However, it all starts small and consistent.


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Remember the panic when the first computer worm hit? We're going to have a crisis like that next year when we get the first data center meltdown, predicted Subodh Bapat, a vice president in the eco-computing team at Sun Microsystems.
"You'll see a massive failure in a year," Bapat said at a dinner with reporters on Monday. "We are going to see a data center failure of that scale."
"That scale" referred to the problems caused by the worm created by Cornell grad student Robert Morris Jr. in 1988. His worm infected about 5 percent of the Unix boxes on the Internet, freaked people out, and helped jump-start the security industry.
Of course, it's just a prediction, so there is no guarantee that it will happen. But it does seem possible. Data centers have mushroomed with the flood of processes and jobs being turned over to the Internet. Companies have built up their data centers, but even with technologies like virtualization it's been tough to keep up. At some point, a data center is going to crash and people are going to go spastic.
On a more cheery note, Bapat and other Sun executives said that the IT industry is also on the verge of a construction boom that, if it happens, will lead to big orders for equipment for makers of servers, storage systems, and other data center equipment.
The typical life span of a data center is only about 10 to 12 years, said the Sun executives. Thus, a lot of those data centers built at the beginning of the dot-com era need to be rebuilt. Other companies like Facebook are expanding rapidly as well. (Sun CTO Greg Papadopoulos mentioned Facebook several times, so it sounds like maybe Sun is working with, or trying to work with, them. Just a thought.)
National labs and universities are also looking at new centers. Next year, one of the national labs has plans to build a data center that will take up 500,000 square feet and consume 50 megawatts. (Big data centers now take up 400,000 square feet and chew up 40 megawatts, Sun executives said.)
Other organizations are looking at 50-megawatt to 70-megawatt data centers.


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"Exit polls are usually [quite reliable], but of course in 1992 they were wrong – the exit polls said a Labour victory, it was actually a Conservative victory" – so said elections expert Anthony Foley at the start of the BBC's 2005 General Election coverage. The problem is he was utterly wrong. The exit polls in 1992 actually suggested a hung parliament, with the Conservatives as the largest party – they were out (as the Conservatives actually had an overall majority), but nothing like as far out as retrospective "expert analysis" often claims. Indeed, no polls at all in 1992 pointed definitely to a Labour overall majority.
ESPN, in its coverage on English top-flight football's "last day dramas", started in 1968 with Manchester United needing to beat Sunderland to secure the title, but crumbling to a narrow defeat and thus handing it to City. This certainly counts as drama – but, upon checking, it's not actually true. Even if United had won, City would still have taken the title on goal average.
There is, of course, a natural tendency to dramatise and exaggerate. However it does, when taken to this extent, give us often a significantly erroneous view of the past, and of the motivations of people acting in that past. In this age of instant information – both given and taken – it pays to be a little more careful.


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Do you realize how influential you are?
Your words matter. Your conversations are important.
The best way to make a difference is to start where we can't: in your homes, your businesses, and your classrooms.
YOU have influence I will never have. This week, consider one person whom you can share the PEOPLE LIKE US stories with. That's where change for Jimmy, Ryder, Brittnie, and the others will begin.
To help you facilitate conversations for change, we've created a custom Discussion Guide that can be used in collaboration with the PEOPLE LIKE US doc. These are the perfect questions to evoke and transformational discussion at your dinner table, in your workplace, or at your school.
For our younger advocates, check out our Discussion Guide for Kids.
Who will you share with? You never know how your conversation will impact a life and shape the world.


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i don't think i ponder motherhood as much as i should, or at least as i think i should. it's difficult at times with the messy, busy, grinding days to take a breath and fully absorb the magnitude of raising a child, carrying a child, and what that role means - to you, to the one/s you are raising, to your spouse, to the general public. it's something i've come to realize is different for us all. when amesy was first born i was very hard on myself. i was scared, and exhausted, and i often felt guilt for these feelings. instead, i thought i should be feeling euphorically in love with my little human 100% of the time like i had seen in movies, or on TV, or on various social platforms. it took me a while to be comfortable with the idea that not everything about motherhood is rosy (even if you are blessed with the sweetest little baby). and as i've spoken to friends and colleagues over the years, it's become more evident to me that this is a common trait with a lot of women, regardless of whether you have children or not. the permission to be honest, to not go along as if everything is perfect. to embrace the messy, to talk about it, and most importantly to share in it and grow from it. i see this popping up more and more in some circles, and it's very so refreshing.
rhubarb is something that will forever remind me of my mom. she grew a bushel of it in the garden just outside her kitchen. we would wait for it to pop up from the ground each spring, and usually by the time mother's day rolled around we had enough stalks to harvest to make a pie or crumble. i love rhubarb for so many reasons. its blush-y hues, and tartness, and the variety of ways you can use it. it's strong and hearty, and soft and fragile all at the same time. and for those sweet memories its provided me with.
in this recipe we use it in 2 different ways. the first is chopped small and folded in the cake batter. it bakes up moist, adds a bit of tartness, but is enveloped with enough cake that you get both the sweet and tart altogether in one bite. the second way we use it here, is to saute it a bit, blend it with some blood orange juice (just to punch up the color a bit), and use the juices to make the most beautiful shade of pink for a tart-but-sweet glaze. there are a couple different gluten-free flours used for the cake to give it a light and tender crumb. while it's in loaf form, don't be fooled, this is all cake - just the way it should be :)
here's to being kind and patient with yourself, and to cake! xo
rhubarb cake loaf w/ rosy rhubarb glaze | gf & df
| makes one 9x5-inch loaf |
1 cup fine brown rice flour
3/4 cup almond flour
1/4 cup arrowroot powder
2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup sugar (i use monkfruit sweetener or coconut sugar)
zest from 1 lemon
2 large pasture-raised eggs, room temperature
3/4 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 cup coconut oil, melted and cooled
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1 cup chopped rhubarb, cut evenly into 1/4-inch pieces
poppy seeds, to top (optional)
3 teaspoons coconut oil, for cooking
1 1/2 cups chopped rhubarb, cut evenly into 1/2-inch pieces
juice from 1/2 blood orange
2-3 tablespoons unsweetened almond milk
1 1/2 cups powdered monkfruit sweetener
1 tablespoon vegan butter, melted and cooled
preheat oven to 350°F. grease a 9x5-inch loaf pan. line with parchment paper, leaving enough paper to overhang on each side.
in a large bowl, whisk together the flours, arrowroot, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. set aside.
in another large bowl, use your fingers to rub the sugar and lemon zest together, letting the zest oils release. whisk in the eggs, almond milk, oil, and vanilla.
slowly add the dry ingredients into the wet until combined, then fold in the rhubarb. pour the batter into the prepared pan. bake for 55-70 minutes, until a cake tester inserted into the middle of the cake comes out clean. let the cake cool on a rack, then use the parchment wings to remove it from the pan.
while the cake is cooling, make the glaze. heat a large saute pan over medium heat. add the coconut oil and rhubarb, cook for about 3 minutes; until soft. transfer the rhubarb and juices to a high-speed blender. add the almond milk and a few teaspoons blood orange juice and whiz everything together on high, scraping down the sides as needed until everything is smooth. add another teaspoon blood orange juice if you want the glaze a deeper pink. place a fine mesh colander over a large bowl, pour in the the rhubarb mixture in, and use a rubber spatula to work it through, discarding any solids, and preserving the liquid.
sift the powdered into another large bowl, start by whisking in 3 tablespoons of the rhubarb liquid, adding more if needed to get your desired consistency (i used about 6 tablespoons to achieve a spreadable glaze). spread over top of your cake, use an offset spatula to evenly cover the top. then sprinkle with poppy seeds, if using. slice and serve :)


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Hi. My name is Cady, and I have arthritis and cataracts.
Oh, yeah, and I'm only 31 years old. I've always said that I'm an 31-year-old trapped in an 80-year-old's body, and now I'm feeling it more than ever. As you all probably know, I have rheumatoid arthritis. I was diagnosed when I was 20, and I'm on a cocktail of meds to help keep it under control. And, because of my arthritis, I get to go take water aerobics classes at the senior aquatic center — as in senior CITIZEN aquatic center. Sigh.
Last Friday, I had my annual eye exam, and, since it was my first time seeing this optometrist, I told him that I had been told last year that I had cataracts. He told me that was highly unlikely given my age but, when he looked at my eyes, he confirmed that I do indeed have cataracts. Right now because of them, I'm barely seeing 20/20 with correction. He told me that if it gets to the point of seeing 20/30 or worse with correction, I'll be looking at cataract surgery. Seriously. At 31 years old. Oh yeah…and guess what caused my cataracts — my arthritis meds!
See? I'm a freaking 80-year-old. I hate to think of what will happen next.
Latest posts by Cady (see all)
- Giveaway – Pictures on Gold Photo Locket - January 28, 2019
- Giveaway – Zoku Stay Hydrated & More - January 28, 2019
- Do You Want to Build a Snowman? Lucy Turns 5! - January 6, 2015


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The Dip, the Messiness and the Creative Process/
I come from a legal background, over 20 years of studying and working in the law. With hindsight and an expansive view, I can see that some of what I was doing in the law was creative, but it's a stretch, the language and concepts of 'creativity' were not used or understood let alone explored, in the realm of law. Creativity was for artists, advertisers, writers, the other people who lacked order in their working world - and the law definitely sees itself as being about order.
So for me the transition from law to telling stories, was as if I had moved to a strange and foreign land. I did not understand the creative process at all, but I eventually discovered, from personal experience, that in the course of crafting a story to tell, there was a dip, a low point, where nothing could be seen but the sides of the deep hole I found myself in. In the bottom of that pit the 'story' I was sitting in seemed like nothing more than an unformed and unformable mess that would never amount to anything. There was no clarity, order, sense of cohesion, let alone compelling narrative. The original vision I had begun with was lost.
Often this point, when I am overwhelmed with the mess, is so late in the process that I can't pick up another story and begin again. Time is against me and the best, indeed only option, apart from giving up, is to push through and with effort, craft, piece by painstaking piece, the bits I hold in my hands that I had hoped would form a story.
And so I put the mess on my tongue and once again seek to speak my mess as story. And again and again I speak, and like a photo under the developing fluid, shapes slowly begin to form in the words, scenes and phrases, a boundary begins to appear around the chronology, to contain it, ideas come, showing where to move parts to make better sense and flow.
And when that happens it is one of the most satisfying feelings in the world. It is a moment of creative achievement, of satisfyingly getting all my ducks in a row, like fitting the pieces of a jigsaw, of landing something. It is not that the work is over, but the central part of getting the structure right has been done.
Next, the story needs tightening, polishing, heightening some parts, getting rid of others, fixing the ending, smoothing the beginning, adding in sensory details, a few flourishing evocative metaphors, adding in dialogue and remembering all the parts.
But its going to work, I like it, its important to me.
Actually believing in my story is another layer not to be taken for granted. The story in my head about the story of my voice can, with the worm of self doubt, undermine a perfectly good and innocent story, but that is a topic for another Monday Muse.
What about you? Any of this familiar? Or do you go through a different process?
If you want to think and learn more about creativity and storytelling, sign up for the next Story Wise Webinar, which I have pushed back a week, to give me some school holiday breathing space (apologies for any inconvenience). It is now on Friday 20 April, 1.15pm.https://www.storywise.com.au/webinars/
Photo by Jez Timms on Unsplash


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Last night I achieved my first 10 minute set. And I think I had a little left in the tank. It was kind of a fluke. I went in with a goal of a solid 6 minute set, but I just kept going.
I switched hands at 5 minutes, from right to left and I think I could have gone a little longer on the right if I needed to.
I paced the whole set at 12RPM (1 snatch every 5 seconds) so I ended up with 120 reps, 60R/60L.
My hands handled the set fine, a little rubbing on my left palm towards the end. My hand was so fatigued I couldn't rotate the bell properly.
Not sure where to go from here, maybe back down to 6 minutes and I'll up the pace to 15RPM and work back up to a 10 minute set.
After the snatch set I banged out a set of one handed swings. All my KB sets where done with a 16kg bell.
5 sets of Double Clubbell Swipes w/ the 10lbs clubs and some quick mill practice rounded out the session.
I'm very pleased with the progress so far, it's always more fun when you progress faster than expected!
- My Training Journal and some thoughts on Strength Training, Kettlebells, Nutrition, Whatever I feel like…..Blog -
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
A 10 minute set!
Posted by BJ Bliffert at 9:44 AM
4 comments:
- Joe Sarti said...
Congrats, that is a step in the right direction for you.
- January 30, 2008 at 11:36 AM
- BJ Bliffert said...
Thanks Joe. I have a feeling my number will jump as I increase the pace. It may even get easier...it's so hard to go slow.
- January 31, 2008 at 11:58 AM
- Jordan Vezina said...
Great job. Hitting your goal and knowing you've still got some left is a good feeling. There is definitely a fine line between the lockout being a benefit and becoming a negative.
- January 31, 2008 at 11:34 PM
- BJ Bliffert said...
Thanks Jordan, now I just have to try to go faster to up the numbers.
- February 1, 2008 at 8:38 AM
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The folks who brought us Wallace and Gromit, Chicken Run and Shaun the Sheep are back with their claymation magic! In this stop-motion animated comedy set in prehistoric times, a tribe of primitive hunters are displaced from their homes by emissaries from a distant empire that has mastered bronze-making. However, a tribesman named Dug (voice of Eddie Redmayne) tries to win his home back by challenging the invaders to a game of soccer. Tom Hiddleston, Maisie Williams, Timothy Spall, and Richard Ayoade also lend their voices. Rated PG. 89 minutes. $7 for adults. $5 for those 18 and under.
*Shown in open caption for the hearing impaired.


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Laurie's Trip to Malawi
September 27th was, as they say, the first day of the rest of my life. Trite though the expression may be, I finally understood what it meant firsthand. As I boarded the first of many planes that would take me through New York, to Johannesburg, then finally on to my final destination, Lilongwe, Malawi, I remember thinking that I had absolutely no idea what my life would look like for the next eight days. As a well-seasoned traveler and someone who naturally tends toward routine, this was a rather unsettling thought. What was I getting myself into? As I crossed the equatorial line somewhere in the middle of the night, I knew Kansas was far behind me.
Fortunately, my nerves were for naught. I landed at the Lilongwe national airport around noon on Saturday (the short flights take about 27 hours), grabbed the suitcases full of equipment and sailed through customs. As you read from Kristen's experience, we had some trouble clearing bags through Burkina Faso's customs and I was expecting to encounter the same issues. For my first trip to Africa, however, I got off easy.
"Do you have anything to declare?" asked the customs agent sitting at a desk in the middle of the exit of the airport.
"Uhm, no."
"Okay, go on that side."
She pointed to the other side of the desk, and I walked out of the airport. Not bad though, knock on wood, I have a feeling next time won't be so easy!
I was met by CARE International's driver, Felix, who drove us around the rest of the week in a very cool Land Rover (now think I need one!). We were so fortunate to have CARE arrange transportation and were especially lucky to have Felix, who was one of the most incredible drivers I've ever met. A former mechanic, he knew the ins and outs of driving the car through back roads and rural areas and was an expert at dodging goats (they're everywhere), bike traffic and generally oblivious pedestrians.
We stayed in Lilongwe, Malawi's capital city, for an evening to get acclimated and then headed out to Salima, where we'd be holding the workshop from Monday through Thursday. Lilongwe was fairly developed and easy to find places to eat or shop but Salima was much more rural. We arrived at a cute little lodge called the Avon Gardens where we met our Local Video Trainers and prepared them for the week ahead. If you ever run into Harris, Henry or Golden, be sure to give them a high five because they were a true joy to work with and clearly experts in their field.
Felix and our LVTs were also really instrumental in helping me learn about the culture of Malawi. I wanted to know all about traditions, customs and language. Although everybody educated in the cities speaks English, here are a few of the gems I learned in the more commonly-spoken local language, Chichewa:
Muli bwanji?: How are you?
Ndiri bwino: I am fine.
Mwadzuka bwanji?: Good morning
Zikomo kwambiri: Thank you very much.
As for the workshop itself, the days flew by. About 20 people attended the workshop, most of them CARE staff but also a handful of Malawi government officials. On the first day, the participants were a bit reserved and quiet during the lecture portions of the day (which we later learned was a cultural normality-- - they're all a bit shy in big groups!) but they were much more animated upon breaking into smaller groups and working together to create the scripts and storyboards for their videos.
The second day was where the true passion of all the participants came to life and was, hands-down, my favorite day. Malawi is called "the warm heart of Africa," and that day proved the truth of those words. The focus of day two in a workshop is going into a local community and filming footage to be edited later in the workshop so at around 10 a.m. we piled at least 18 people into the Land Rover (driving laws seem to be more suggestions than rules in Malawi). 15 minutes later and we arrived at a very small village made of buildings crafted from straw, mud and stones.
The women in the workshop helped me tie a wrap around my waist out of respect for the local culture. In the cities, most women wear regular dresses and skinny jeans and tops but out in the communities, a wrap--a large rectangle of colorful cloth--is extremely important for all women to wear. It's typically worn over a t-shirt and shorts or tied on over another dress and not usually worn alone. The rest of the women in the Workshop had them stuffed into their bags and had just pulled them out for the trip into the community.
Once there, we filmed our video with community members participating and it was such a joy to see them eager and willing to be a part of the video. It was a very unique experience for me as well as I was the only American in the group and pretty tall as well! I was expecting to garner a lot of looks but nobody minded me being there and all the CARE and government staff took me under their wings, translating throughout the day, explaining the traditional culture I was seeing and telling me when it was okay to take pictures.
On the third and fourth day, participants edited their videos and were able to share them with the whole group. It was amazing to see everybody sharing the responsibilities, offering ideas and contributing to the projects. I was especially happy to see the women who had been nervous at the beginning be empowered to take the helm of editing and filming. By the end of the workshop, we had three full-length (5 - 7 minutes) videos created by the Workshop participants (you can see one here). They created videos on handwashing, proper breastfeeding techniques, and infant nutrition.
Everybody was really excited and proud of the work they'd done and we were so thrilled with the progress they had made. CARE Malawi was definitely one of the most prepared and interactive groups we've ever had and we feel confident that they will be making incredibly impactful videos in the future that will really benefit the lives of the kind and compassionate people they work with.
A few other highlights of the trip included a quick visit to Lake Malawi (which takes up ⅓ of the country!). It's home to the Chambo fish, found only in Lake Malawi, which was a common meal (note to all vegetarians/vegans: it's actually quite easy to get plenty of delicious food without eating meat or animal products in Malawi and nobody objected! Don't let it hold back your travels!). On our last day in Malawi, we were also able to walk around Lilongwe and see some more residential areas and establishments visited by locals including a huge flea market. Nobody minded us walking around and it was eye-opening to experience life as a local for a few minutes.
Overall, our trip was incredible and we can't wait to see the videos that are created to help the the beneficiaries of Malawi break the cycle of poverty and live happier, healthier lives. Personally, it was a trip that really forced me to step back from the comfortable obliviousness of life in America and open my heart and mind to be a part of something much bigger and more important than me. I can't imagine what it's like to have to pump my water out of a water station each day or live without a microwave for my morning coffee and, honestly, I'm embarrassed that I take these things for granted. It's a gift and a privilege to live where we do and I will never forget that after this trip.


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28 Margaret Street, SydneyLISTNG space type: Coworking Desk $1382 $1151 per week AUD | 8 Person
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Workspace Overview
Modern and inviting shared office space in a prime spot opposite Wynyard Station in Sydney CBD. This large office is home to a great group of innovative businesses and its amazing corner position allows abundant natural light and great views of the tree-lined Margaret and Clarence Streets. The workspace comprises a huge open plan coworking area rent (approx 300sqm). With 32 desks in total you will be sharing with only a few companies giving the feeling that it is more conventional than shared.
There is also a light-filled 10-person boardroom as well as a relaxing breakout area, a fully-equipped kitchen and onfloor bathrooms/showers. This shared office harbours a welcoming, warm and collaborative atmosphere that any business will love. You will all enjoy very spacious desks, brand new ergonomic chairs, fast commercial internet, 24/7 secured access and regular cleaning. If you're a small or large team looking for a ready-to-move-into workspace with a fun atmosphere in a prestigious location, book a tour as we'd love to show you around this contemporary Sydney CBD office space.
About the Building
28 Margaret Street is a beautifully presented, energy-efficient office building in a fantastic location close to Wynyard Station. Its 14 storeys comprise a basement car parking floors, a ground floor with a recently refurbished cafe and lobby and 12 floors of office space filled with great natural light thanks to the enviable corner position at the intersect of Margaret and Clarence Streets. The commercial building is just steps from Wynyard bus and train station and it's a short walk to Sydney's financial core, the new Barangaroo precinct and Town Hall – every client, meeting or leisure pursuit is within easy reach! The Wynyard locality is home to a wide range of established and startup businesses, top restaurants and cafes geared at the professional workforce and great bar and pub options, as well as fitness centres, metro supermarkets and food courts. Choose this shared office space if you're looking for a Sydney CBD office address that's both convenient for your team and well regarded by your clients.
The advertised office space is perfect for a team of 8. If you need more or less space, we have over 30,000 furnished workspaces all over the world suitable for a team of 1 to 200+. Our award winning team offer a free service that will help you find the perfect solution for your needs, so reach out if you need more help.
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· 24/7 Access
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· Access to internal breakout areas
· Access to kitchen facilities
· Building outgoings included
· Electricity usage included
· Flexible terms
· One simple bill for everything related to your workspace
· Plug and play furnished workspace
· Regular cleaning
· Secure high-speed Internet
Building features
· Abundance of natural light
· Air conditioning
· Car parking - in building (Paid)
· Company branding in foyer *
· Disabled access and facilities
· End of trip facilities e.g showers, bike racks
· Gym and fitness centre close by
· Onsite Cafe / Restaurant
· Professional working environment
· Taxi / Uber stand close to building
Location Features:
- 100m to Wynyard bus and train station
- 450m to Martin Place financial core & train station
- 900m to Circular Quay
- 300m to Barangaroo
- Surrounded by restaurants, bars, shops, cafes and gyms
Workspace Features:
- Bike Racks: Yes
- Showers: Yes
- Internet Grade: Fiber
- Reception Services: No
- Meeting/Boardroom: Included in Price
- Disabled Access: Yes
- Natural Light: Window
- Office Space Type: Coworking Desk
- Cafe: Yes
- Parking at Building: Yes
- Parking Spaces: 15
- Number of Floors: 14
- Lift: Yes
- Air Conditioning: Yes - Business Hours Only
- Concierge: Yes
- After Hours Security: Yes
- Location: CBD North
- Internet Connectivity: Cable and Wifi
- Electricity Included: Yes
- Building Outgoings: Included in Rent
- Cleaning Included: Yes
- Meeting Room Available: Included in Price
- Kitchen Available: Yes
- Industry Specific: No
- Unique Space ID#: S-6804
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We have the largest collection of shared spaces, coworking and serviced offices in Australia & New Zealand, perfect for 1 - 100 employees. Let us take you on a tour of all the spaces that fit your needs and budget. Our service is complimentary and we work for you and the landlord to negotiate the most competitive deal in the market. Let us show you how shared and serviced offices can be the perfect solution for your business.
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text: mika. June 27, 2015 Mary Hopper In April, we lost our pup Mika. She was 12 years old and had been Dave's best friend for all those years. This picture is one of the last pictures Dave took of Mika, and it sums up her personality. Proud of her trouble. She was the best.


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Voices: On Greek Life
We've just returned from our first trip back to the States in a year (and our final trip of the summer—more on this to come). Part of the trip was celebrating my Big's wedding in San Francisco, where I reconnected with so many of my Greek life friends who I hadn't seen for quite some time. It didn't register until recently that all of my best girlfriends who write for this monthly series were involved in Greek life throughout university—B and L in the same sorority and G and K in a coed fraternity (K and I were in the same class).
So for August's Voices, I was inspired to prompt them on all things Greek. I hope that this is insightful, particularly for those of you heading back to school and possibly contemplating becoming involved.
why did you decide to be involved in greek life?
G: I joined Greek life to become part of the college community. I thought that Greek life was the definition of the college experience and seemed like it would be a great way to meet people and have a memorable experience.
L: I decided to get involved in Greek life because it would give me an opportunity to network, meet new people, and get out of my comfort zone.
B: I didn't even think I was interested in Greek life when I first started college. It wasn't until I met some intelligent, fun, and warmhearted women that I realized I wanted to be part of a lifelong sisterhood. I realized that it wasn't so much about the partying that you see in movies and on TV shows, but actually about succeeding in life and becoming the best version of yourself while helping your sisters grow and become stronger women as well. It's a support system of people who reinforce the good qualities you have and teach you about other things you are less familiar with.
K: One of my good friends was telling me about a professional coed fraternity he wanted to check out. I ended up going with him and realizing that I loved the concept of Greek life, a bunch of otherwise unacquainted kids, coming together with different life goals, trying to accomplish them as a force! This led to the realization that as a college kid living at home, I needed a way to meet like-minded (or not) individuals, make friends, and have a network. Living in a dorm gave everyone else that opportunity, and this was my personal way of breaking in. That's really why I did it.
describe (your unique experience with) the process of becoming involved.
G: I was sitting in my dorm room when someone walked by handing everyone fliers. I took a flier for a professional business fraternity. It seemed like it would be fun to check out their first event since it was close to my dorm and I could get a feel for what Greek life was really about. I was a total introvert back then and the people I met at the event made me feel very comfortable and excited to join. I was selected to join and went through eight weeks of an assessment process known as pledging. It was an overall crazy 8 weeks. We were given an overload of projects and tasks that pushed us physically, mentally, and emotionally. I learned to manage my time, become open to criticism, and punch the introvert right out of me. The experience really shaped who I am today and was a cornerstone of my life journey of learning to believe in myself.
L: I pledged two very different Greek organizations during my undergraduate years. The first had a very intense pledging process where hazing played a large part. I ultimately withdrew because I could not see myself as a good fit in that group. One year later, I pledged another Greek organization where the new member process consisted of very little hazing.
B: One of the most nervewracking parts of Greek life was rushing. You meet so many different and unique women and try to find where you fit in best, which group will make you feel the most comfortable and strengthen your best qualities. It's terrifying because you aren't sure what they think of you or if you'll get to be part of their organization. It's a lot like dating, except instead of getting to know and see how you vibe with one person, you're joining a whole family. Pledging is what most people see as the dramatic, traumatic experience in films and on social media. But honestly, I loved my pledging process. It was definitely hard because you were expected to learn about the organization and build relationships with all of the members and other pledges in the sorority. It was also a lot of fun. I formed so many new friendships and learned the history behind what made my sorority what it is today.
K: I had no idea what getting involved was going to be like. I attended the first week of rush events thinking it was a breeze. The second week was invite only—psh, I got this! I didn't know that there were going to be two months of actually trying to get in after that. And in those two months, man, I learned so much. I learned about people, how they work, their psychology and the positives and negatives, you name it. Those two months of balancing school, home (parents and my older brother), and the personalities in and responsibilities of pledging almost killed me. And, mind you, I didn't stay on campus. All I can say is, do your research on Greek life, initiation processes, what it takes to be involved, and make sure that the time and effort you put in will be well worth it.
how involved were you once you became a member?
G: I was super involved. You could argue that I was the most involved member in the organization. I loved the sense of community and purpose the organization gave me and I was very gung ho about it. I was very proud to wear my sweatshirt with Greek letters.
L: I was very involved once I became a member. I moved into the chapter house and became a member of the executive board the semester following my new member process. I would say Greek life consumed about 75% of my social time, while the other 25% was spent with friends from work and classes and visiting my mom.
B: I was quite involved throughout my time as a member, serving on the executive board and then as a Panhellenic team member (across all sororities). I really enjoyed working to better the sorority and keep our mission and purpose going. I also enjoyed working to help our members improve in school and get more involved across campus. The events that we were able to organize and participate in, mostly for charity and community awareness, were the most fun for me. We were able to make a difference while spending quality time with our sisters, other Greek members, and community.
K: Very! I wanted to come in and change opinions, do things differently. I had my eye on leadership positions and committee chairs. I had the coolest executive board title, Master of Rituals, and I also competed with one of my best friends for President (she, rightfully, got it). I participated in every weekly meeting and event. It was exciting for me, especially since I had sacrificed a lot of sleep and peace of mind to get there, haha. However, I was the most excited to get to know other people and learn from them.
what (if anything) surprised you about greek life?
G: The more I got involved with Greek life by taking on board positions, the more I learned about what it takes to make an organization work. It was an incredible experience learning how to motivate others, manage difficult times, and lead by example.
L: It was eye-opening to me just how much Greek organizations can vary from one to another. From the outside looking in, it seemed like there were two types of fraternities and sororities: the "cool" ones that thought they owned the entire campus and the more "laid back" ones that accepted anyone who would pay monetary dues. Once I became a member, I realized that there are vast differences. I also realized that Greek life takes work even after the pledging process, and that you aren't granted whatever you want once you cross or become a member. Your experience is what you make it, as it is in life.
B: I guess I wouldn't really say I was surprised since I'd heard people say this so much, but I personally didn't expect to experience how much Greek life can change you. I had always been a very timid person, maybe a little insecure, which made it difficult to show my personality and confidence. Being surrounded by strong and supportive women throughout my time at college really made me feel more comfortable being me. It helped me get out of my shell and express myself in front of other people more.
K: I think how the concept is sold and what the actual product is are two different things. Greek life is sold as the cool thing to do. You'll automatically be part of the cool crowd, you'll have to break your back to get there, you'll have relationships that last for your lifetime, etc. While some of these things may be true, that isn't how it actually is. Eventually, you discover people are people, you can't hold onto friendships forever, and you won't be more attractive because you have a bunch of Greek letters on your shirt. BUT! What you do pick up are life skills—how to manage time, accomplish objectives, carry out events, navigate different personalities, and work with people you may not like. And if you can do all of that while having fun, it's the icing on the cake.
can you address any of the stereotypes/rumors/assumptions about greek organizations?
G: Greek life is associated with partying, binge-drinking, and rape culture because some organizations take their traditions and hazing to dangerous and irresponsible levels. I was lucky to have been part of an organization that focused on personal growth through meaningful projects. I do have female friends who were part of Greek organizations that would force them to lose weight, offer their company to male Greek organizations, and drink heavily. Before joining a Greek organization, definitely do your research. It's fun to have a crazy college experience, but it's important to know what crosses the line and how to stay responsible.
L: Although you pay monetary dues in order to stay an active member, you aren't just paying for friends. You will get what you make of it if you are willing to put in the work while pledging and serving your duties as an active member.
B: One thing I have to address is that sorority women are extremely bright. Academics and hard work were things we valued in our sorority. We had study groups, library dates, and tutoring, and tracked our overall GPAs and academic success. As a whole, we wanted to make sure everyone was successful in school so they could be successful in the working world as well.
K: Hazing is the first thing that comes to mind with partying being a close second. I think Greek organizations have a bad reputation of being crazy, wild, and full of drugs, alcohol, and sex. Much of this comes from how things are portrayed in the media, but much of it is also very real. There were quite a few instances that were reported on the news, which saw organizations get banned from universities. I've also heard many stories of certain organizations having incoming members perform ridiculous tasks. However, I do think there are organizations that are helpful, educational, and well balanced. There are a lot of benefits to being part of a balanced Greek organization—if you find the right one, it can enhance your college years in so many ways.
did being involved in greek life impact your academics?
G: During the eight-week pledge process, my grades tanked. I struggled to juggle my Greek workload with my school workload. I had to retake a few classes over the summer break to make up for it.
L: Yes, but not sure if in a positive or negative way. Some Greek organizations help you form study groups and leverage different resources to get your grades up. Mine did not. However, being involved in Greek life did indirectly help me with my studies. Having a Greek social life as well as a part-time job while juggling my studying forced me to learn how to manage my time and prioritize my studies over my social activities. It taught me how to study smart and ultimately improved my grades.
B: I think when I was first pledging, it took a little toll on me because it forced me to learn how to manage my time better. I wasn't very good at time management when I first started college, and being in a very time-intensive organization will force you to improve this skill. Once I was a member, however, my academics always came first and I had a huge support system of intelligent women to help me through it.
K: It certainly, certainly did. Lack of sleep, having other priorities (projects with people I didn't know), and never being home took a toll on my GPA. I was a straight-A student throughout most of school, and boy did that change. I managed to get by that semester...some people don't. Please prioritize your academics! I know the glitter and glow of Greek life are enticing, but keep it in perspective. Your life is much more than an organization!
how did it impact your social university experience?
G: My social university experience was amazing. We had a large organization that was very close and I would be constantly running into other members everywhere. I always had someone to study with, party with, do nothing with, go on adventures with, drive to the beach in the middle of the night to see the sunrise cause why not with.
L: Being in a Greek organization shaped a large portion of my overall social experience. However, I made a conscious effort to not let it become my entire social life. I'm a believer in diversifying your portfolio just in case something happens, so I also spent a bit of time with friends I made through classes and my work study program.
B: As a member of Greek life, I participated a lot more on campus and in the community. We were always updated about community service and inter-organizational social events. It was a great way to meet a lot of people and get to be involved and show your face or represent your organization for good causes.
K: It gave me everything I was looking for in terms of friends and a network, especially for somebody who was commuting to and from university every day. I'm very appreciative for the people I met as some of them are my best friends to this day.
what (if any) opportunities did your involvement in greek life provide?
G: It made me a more polished and goal-oriented person. It taught me to aim for higher achievements and surround myself with motivated people. Overall, it helped to shape a hardworking mindset that led me to a successful career path.
L: Being part of a Greek organization provided me with a small professional network during my undergraduate studies as well as post graduation. It gave me opportunities to volunteer and be a mentor to younger members. I learned the intricacies of throwing an event and the behind the scenes and logistics that go on leading up to an event.
B: Being part of Greek life gave me a chance to participate in many campus and community events I otherwise wouldn't have. Just being part of a group or team made it easier to sign up for events. It was also a good networking opportunity for me and helped me find good work experiences while I was still in college. I knew that I wanted to work in the health field for example, and two sisters helped me find doctors' offices where I could get some experience.
K: I think a professional business fraternity gave me insight into the corporate world, hearing about application processes, internship experiences, etc. through my seniors. It was a way to learn how I should be going through those processes and what kinds of jobs I would be interested in. It definitely gave me a leg up on the competition in business school. I was poised, well put-together (I think, haha) with a decent looking resume, and ready to tackle all the interviews! These skills take time and guidance to develop and the fact that I had the time and guidance of so many others who had gone through it made it a great learning experience.
what did you enjoy most about greek life?
G: I loved the sense of community.
L: Getting dressed up for various events.
B: My favorite part of Greek life was always having a home away from home at school. I still miss our old sorority house sometimes. I remember on the most difficult days, when I was feeling homesick or down or like school was kicking my butt, I could walk into our sorority house and be surrounded by family—my sisters. It was the best support system I could've had while away at school for years, and some of my sisters remain part of my strong support system and family to this day.
K: The social aspect of course! Found my best friends, saw life through a different lens, learned a lot of soft and hard skills. It really shaped me as a person.
what did you enjoy least/find challenging?
G: Since we were all so close in the organization, everyone was in everyone's business (like a giant family) and it would drive me nuts sometimes. As a board member, I got to see the good, bad, ugly, and omfg wth is going on ugly. Dealing with the ugly was never fun and very draining over time.
L: I hated having to pay dues because I was a broke ass college student.
B: One of the most challenging parts was definitely time management. We needed to maintain good status in order to be "active members." This meant that we needed to contribute enough community service, academic, and organizational hours to the sorority every semester. Of course these were all important and good causes, but they really force you to prioritize and be as efficient as possible with your time. It was especially difficult because I was involved in other organizations at the university as well.
K: Haha, hm. Life is high school and people are high schoolers at any stage. It can get a little difficult navigating friends, relationships, and romantic interests. I honestly couldn't make conversation with some people while I could spend hours of doing nothing with others. It was challenging to work through things with people I didn't get along with or, simply put, didn't care about. Those were the parts that were prickly for me.
if you could go back and do it again, would you? what would you change (if anything)?
G: I would definitely do it again because I met so many of my closest friends that way. I think this time around, I would be slightly less involved. I was at a constant 110% energy in the organization. I would bring it down to 70%.
L: To be frank, if I could do it all over again, I would have done more research on the different organizations. I don't really think the benefits paid off for either of the groups I joined (one social and one academic). Although I had a great time and it helped shape my overall undergraduate experience, it didn't provide me with adequate resources to set me up for success in the working world. I don't attribute my success in my career to my involvement in either of the Greek organizations I belonged to.
B: I would absolutely do it all over again. If I could change one thing, though, I would've dedicated a little more time to my sorority during my last year. It is a common pattern and makes sense that once you're looking for jobs and trying to graduate, you lose a little bit of the passion you started with. I still loved my sorority and attended the required events, but I didn't spend the extra time getting to know our newest members and really enjoying it while I was still living at school. Now that I'm in the working world and living on my own, I realize just how much I miss being there and being an active member of my sorority.
K: Absolutely and without changing anything. I believe things happen for a reason. You live and you learn. Everything must've taught you something so why change it? I do wish I dormed, though...
to what extent are you still involved with your organization?
G: Now that I've graduated, I still have close friends from the organization. I keep in touch with my family tree and my littles.
L: None at all.
B: Now that I'm an alumni member, I'm not as involved. I still keep in touch with many of my sisters and try to go to our reunion events when I can, but since I live further away, I don't get to visit as often. The best way that I stay involved is through our online groups where we share information for more professional and career-oriented purposes.
K: I only keep up with my close friends at this point in life.
what effect (if any) has your involvement in your greek organization
had on your life post-university/professionally?
G: Greek life helped me to become a more mature and hardworking person. That's helped to push me into many opportunities that I never would have thought to pursue before.
L: It didn't and hasn't really helped or hindered my post-university life. Although many Greek organizations offer a network of professionals who can help you get a leg up in entering the workforce, I don't attribute any of my work successes to my involvement in Greek life. Maybe one day down the road I might.
B: Greek life has made me a much more confident and outgoing person. I'm not afraid to advocate for myself because my sisters taught me and made me realize how perfectly okay it is to be you and let people know who that is. It's helped me not only in my personal life, but also in my professional life. I've been told that I'm much more personable in interviews and when networking because I can show my personality and stand out among a crowd. I'm also not afraid to go for tougher or more intimidating roles and positions because I'm not afraid to fail. I know I can pick myself back up and keep trying.
K: As I previously mentioned, it definitely gave me professional skills in terms of stepping into Corporate America (resume writing, dressing for success, interviewing, etc.). However, it taught me more about the human psyche. Meeting and interacting with so many personalities gave me exposure to "real life." You'll come across coworkers, work friends, out of work friends, managers, etc. and automatically know how to approach, work with, and maintain a relationship with each of them.
would you recommend being involved in greek life to others?
G: Absolutely.
L: Yes, but it's not for everybody. If you're looking to get involved and meet new people, then I'd recommend going Greek.
B: I would definitely recommend Greek life to anyone who wants to work to better themselves and build a family of peers. Like I said though, it is work and you have to want it. It isn't the unconditional family you have at home where you can be a bum and still feel loved. You have to work to get to know people, they will challenge you and force you to better yourself. But it is incredibly worth it. It will make you the best version of yourself and will give you something you'll value for the rest of your life.
K: Of course! I think all of my responses indicate that while it was gruesome to break in, I picked up a lot of life skills on the way.
what tips or advice do you have for someone who might be interested in greek life?
G: Do your research. Make sure you like the organization's culture. And at the end of the day, your academics are your number one priority. No amount of friendship and partying is going to get you a diploma or employed after college. You have to keep your grades up.
L: The experience is what you make it. It's not for everyone. If you're already a social butterfly and like to make friends and network on your own, then Greek life might not suit you. But if you're looking for another outlet or something to give you a nudge, then going Greek may be good for you. I would also recommend doing your research and seeing what kind of group may interest you. If a particular philanthropy resonates with you, this may be a priority when looking into which organization to join. If you're looking for one that will give you lifelong friendships, then that is also something to consider. If you're looking for one that will develop you professionally and prepare you for the "real world" outside of college, then you might look into a professional organization instead.
B: My biggest tip is to find the right fit. It took me more than one try before I found the right place for me. At first, I was devastated after I realized the first sorority I rushed wasn't the right group for me. I thought that meant I was done, that there was nothing for me in Greek life. I was so wrong. Every sorority is different, has a different personality, different focus, different people. You have to search until you find where you belong and where you'll be happy.
K: Go to involvement fairs, try out different organizations during rush week, talk to as many involved members as you can, and then make an informed decision. Knowledge would be your best weapon—be sure to Google/Facebook/Instagram as much as you can as well. In today's age of technology, it's a lot easier to find information that you wouldn't otherwise obtain through word of mouth. See how organizations carry themselves, what events/causes they're involved in, what their social media presence is like, and make sure you'd like to associate with that. Work hard, have fun!
Read more of our Voices series below!