text:
CSS StylingMay 01, 2003
When using CSS, the one thing that almost no thought is given to is how to format the file itself.
Most CSS examples use the verbose format, with each attribute on its own line. Like so:
p { text-align: left; font: 12px/16px verdana, sans-serif; color: #333; }
This seems to have caught on as a standard method, and while it looks nice, it's horrendously unusable for larger style sheets. A couple of columns of text on each line fill up only the first portion of the editor and leave the rest of the window empty. Scrolling to find any given element takes far too long, and wastes too much time. There's a better way to use that space.
I've started using a more compact format recently that works wonders. Depending on the size of your site, almost your full CSS definition fits on one screen, and a quick glance is all it takes to find the element you're looking for. The above example would look like so:
p { text-align: left; font: 12px/16px verdana, sans-serif; etc. }
Not much different on the first glance, but compare these two files — verbose and compact — and you'll see how the space savings start to add up with larger CSS definitions.
A bit onerous at first glance, I suppose, but it doesn't take scrolling through seven screens to find the element you need to edit. It even saves a trivial few dozen bytes of line breaks and spaces, if you're into that kinda thing.
Just a recommendation to make your life easier. You're welcome.
Reader Comments
the verbose format tends to be a stronger selling point for ppl who write their own code because javascript has a similar format. as well, unless the CSS is viewed by an application that colour-codes everything, you're left with one big line of code that wont necessarily be easily understood 2-3 months down the line. (always expect the client to want the coders to make changes)
the verbose format along with smart comments and an organized method of writing the CSS tags will leave you in a position where you wont need to worry about coming back and scrolling thru the CSS file.
let's just face it, we can write an entire html page on one single line, but we dont do it because we've found methods to give the code structure and order. same goes for a good file-naming convention, folder tree, and even CSS tags.
I like the 'verbose' method for the reason of scanning. I can spin my mousewheel and scan down line by line really easily. However, if there's more than one thing on a line, I actually have to read the line, long CSS files or not. It's a little like reading SQL queries, which I tend to do a lot of. While I could easily write it on one line, I'd much rather elongate my page and split it out one item per line. When rapidly scanning pages later on, it's much faster to find what I'm looking for.
Finally, I also (and this may be a bad thing in and of itself) tend to split my CSS files up. I have 'tag definition file', wherein I put default styles for existing tags. I then have (if neccessary - sometimes this is merged in with the tag def file) a 'typography' file, wherein styles affecting copy & images are defined, and finally, a layout file, wherein I define, well, layout-related styles.
Addressing scanning: notice in the compact mode how easy it is to scan for #buttons, for example. Then scan for #linkorama in the verbose. This is the way I work - I care far more about quick access to the individual elements than I do about the attributes to each. I have no problems scanning a line for the padding, for example.
If it's a personal preference issue, there'll be no consensus here. Either you like it or you don't. I find it far more usable to do something about the ridiculous amounts of white space in the right of the window when I'm editing. You may be perfectly happy not to.
A more practical concern – shorthand declarations can trigger bugs in some browsers. Go figure…
I definitely see the benefits in using the compact format for larger CSS files. When I'm developing a site, however, I find the verbose format much easier to manage. Quicker to triple-click to select an entire line containing a single rule and copy or move to the beginning of another line, than to precisely align the cursor where the highlighting needs to start/end, then again precisely click where you want it to go. Also the verbose format helps me quickly compare rules for two selectors, for troubleshooting and coding efficiency. After the CSS's developed, though, I see the benefits of converting it to compact for quicker overall scanning later on. Both modes work for me at different points in the development cycle.
George - true enough. Haze pointed out to me recently that padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; does bad things on Mac IE. But shorthand and the compact mode are two separate ideas.
Alannie - I think you've hit on it. It's easier for me to work with the verbose mode during development; all the white space is a luxury and I don't mind scrolling as much since each element is fresh in my mind. But maintaining it afterwards is a huge pain, which is where I find the compact mode shines.
If you've ever had to redesign from an existing CSS file — I mean an extensive, no-holds-barred all-out redesign and not just shuffling a few elements around — you'll probably be with me on this.
I have tried both methods discussed here. I usa the verbose style in Bradsoft's Top Style Pro. The Selectors window allows me to 'jump' to whichever selector I need to work on. However, on a large project, I prefer to break up the styles into a number of sheets labelled according to their function (eg Page, Divs, Links, Text & Images).
I cannot stress enough the importance of commenting the code, particularly if certain broweser workarounds are employed or a certain approach is used where another would have been just as good. A commented note will save hours of head scratching later. Good practices in programming should apply here to design … don't leave the comments to the end, do them as you go and they will actually mean something, and they might actually help you later!
Congratulations on the CSS Zen Garden by the way, I found the link from Eric Meyer's site and I was as impressed as he was!
I personal use a version of the compact method – but waste horizontal space. To make for greater readability, I tab a few times before I open the bracket. Seems more readable, to me, with it all lined up …


text:
Pilgrim senior stages play for graduation project
Pilgrim High School student Elizabeth Bierenday shook things up for her senior project. As someone who's always been passionate about the arts, Bierenday decided to take a leap and meet graduation requirements by directing her first play this fall.
Richard Dennigham, Pilgrim's drama teacher, said in his seven-year tenure at the school, no other student has done something like this for their senior project.
Over the summer, Bierenday contacted Denningham to see if her directorial debut would be possible. He said it would. Together they pored over scripts and discussed the best way to go about making Bierenday's idea a reality.
Eventually, Bierenday and Denningham settled on "You Can't Take it With You," a Kaufman and Hart comedy about a young couple and their vastly contrasting families.
Bierenday said she chose "You Can't Take it With You" because it fit the means of Pilgrim's theater program. Normally the school stages a musical in the fall, but this year they swapped it with a play so Bierenday could finish her requirements on time.
Fortunately, Bierendey and Denningham completed their mentor hours together before the citywide changes to the senior project went into effect. Because of this, Bierenday was prepared to take the reigns of the show, something that Denningham said she did with flying colors.
"She took charge of it," said Denningham. "She put her own spin on it."
No stranger to the stage, Bierenday said it was exciting to have the opportunity to cast a show, something she had always been on the other side of the table for. Bierenday said she had to let go of her preconceived notions on casting day – she couldn't rely on what she knew about the actors' abilities and instead had to hone in on what they showed her that day. Still, though it wasn't entirely easy, she said she liked the responsibility.
Once the cast was in place, Bierenday began running rehearsals. She met with the cast three times a week for seven weeks, starting in mid-September.
"The whole thing was pretty challenging," she said, explaining that making so many decisions and finding the right ways to get the actors to do what she envisioned was tricky.
But all of her hard work paid off last month when the play had three successful performances.
"The most rewarding thing was seeing it come together in the end," she said.
Bierenday said the actors' energy during the performances surprised her, and that she was proud of them.
"They were fantastic," she said.
Denningham said Bierenday's solid work as a director showed during the performances.
"The show came off well," he said. "The kids had a good understanding of their roles."
Although Bierenday enjoyed directing and has dabbled in performance, her true passion is visual art.
"I am just in love with art," said Bierenday, who is busy completing a mural at Pilgrim – the same mural that caused a swirl of controversy earlier in the year for depicting a traditional marriage and wedding rings.
Bierenday said she plans to study art in college, while continuing to pursue drama and the performing arts in the future.
Excellent play............Great work everyone..........Bravo!!!!!!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Thank you for visiting our past auction result archives. If you have an item identical (or similar) to this auction lot, please call, write or contact us to discuss. We will be able to help you.
Lot # 1137 (of 1641) < Previous Lot | Next Lot >
Rare Ty Cobb Limited-Edition 1990 Hartland Statue (1 of only 45 ever produced)
Starting Bid - $200, Sold For - $1,067
Exceedingly rare Ty Cobb Hartland statue issued in 1990, one of only forty-five ever produced!
In 1963 Hartland Plastics was purchased by the Revlon Cosmetics Company, which resulted in an immediate cease of production of the company's highly collectible line of sports and Western figurines. While collectors forever after lamented the end of the series, their spirits were brightened in 1990 when a Dallas attorney by the name of William Alley purchased the rights to use the company's original molds to produce commemorative issues of all eighteen baseball Hartland statues produced between the years 1958 and 1963. While the original plan was to issue only commemorative editions, Alley became ambitious and subsequently produced six brand-new baseball-player designs. The new figures were authorized for a production run of 10,000 for each new design, but only two of the figures ever reached that mark: Whitey Ford and Roberto Clemente. Lou Gehrig and Dizzy Dean each reached a production of approximately 600. Ty Cobb had a finished run of only forty-five, leaving Bob Feller, with twenty-five units produced, as the scarcest of the modern Hartlands. (An "Umpire" figure was also produced in limited numbers.) The main reason for the limited production of the new Hartlands was the mysterious (and still unsolved) disappearance of company owner William Alley while on a business trip. Another firm later bought the rights to finish the existing agreement's production allowances. However, they stopped after completing the runs for Ford and Clemente, never attempting to produce additional statues of Gehrig, Cobb, or the others. Offered here is one of the forty-five Ty Cobb Hartland statues produced in 1990. Cobb is featured in a classic sliding pose, and is complete with the separate base. In Near Mint to Mint condition. The piece is housed in its original box (6.5 x 5 x 9.5 inches), which is also a desirable collectible today as well. The box, made of heavy cardboard, displays light handling wear and is in Excellent to Mint condition. This is an outstanding example of this modern rarity and one seldom seen offered at public sale. Reserve $200. Estimate $400/$800. SOLD FOR $1,067
(Click the smaller thumbnails to the left and right (if any) to cycle through each photo in the gallery of images for this lot.)


text:
Music box: A classic demonstration on vibrations
Wind the handle and watch the small metal keys pluck away at the rotating cylinder spokes - creating the Australian tune 'Waltzing Matilda'. Place it on a solid table, the vibrations are amplified throughout the table... thereby the sound is louder.
Take it off the table and the sound is quiet. A great starter on the speed of sound through solids vs gases or just another way of demonstrating a simple machine.
For children aged 5 and up.
Choking hazard: Not suitable for children 3 years and under.
*Subject to item availability. Please leave your contact phone number where possible*
Delivery times are dependent on your location.
International orders please contact us prior to ordering
For your security and peace of mind all postage is registered through Australia Post and is a flat rate of $12 inc. GST throughout Australia.


text:
After 31 years as an English professor at Suffolk University, Fred Marchant's influence lives large across campus.
In addition to teaching and publishing four books of his own poetry, the emeritus professor wrote the lyrics to the university alma mater and started Suffolk's Creative Writing program. He also founded the Poetry Center, an endeavor to encourage the study and practice of poetry at Suffolk that is home to the Zieman Poetry Collection, a collection of poems about Boston by philanthropist Irving Zieman.
Friends, colleagues, and former students gathered to pay tribute to Marchant at "Day One: A night of readings, remarks, and riffs to launch the Suffolk University Poetry Project."
More than 30 people appeared on stage at Suffolk's C. Walsh Theatre in front of a packed house and Marchant himself. They shared their fond memories of Marchant's tenure in the classroom at Suffolk, as well as some good-natured roasting of their favorite professor. Some read Marchant's own poems, others read works of their own, and there were even a few video contributions from afar.
The overwhelming theme was how much each person owes to the support and encouragement of Marchant.
- Marilyn Plotkins, the longtime chair of the theatre department, gave an introduction at the start of the evening, crediting Marchant with encouraging her to apply for a position at Suffolk. "I owe my professional life here at Suffolk to Fred."
- Audrey Mardavich '06 recalled her initial foray into poetry in Marchant's class. "Fred introduced me to the world of poetry, and I wanted to be a part of that. I realized that this is my world, these are my people, and I wouldn't have discovered it without him."
- Chris Siteman BA '03 JD '13 told Marchant, "You showed me how to sharpen my pen," before delivering a poem he wrote in honor of the occasion to rousing applause from the audience.
- Marchant inspired Beth Woodcome Platow '98 to become a teacher herself. Looking back, she says, "Every good thing in my life, I can trace back to Fred Marchant. You get a sense simply from knowing Fred that everything is going to be all right."
- D. Quentin Miller, Chair of the English department, wrote a haiku in his colleague's honor:
Haiku Never Finished (For Fred)
How am I to say
In seventeen syllables
How much you mean to…
The Poetry Project
Though Marchant is now retired, that does not mean he is reducing his involvement at Suffolk. CAS Dean Kenneth Greenberg announced at the Day One event that Marchant will be the inaugural director of the newly launched Poetry Project. The event also served as a fundraiser to support the Poetry Project.
The Poetry Project will amplify the already vibrant place that poetry holds at Suffolk. The project will provide a platform for poets in both the Suffolk and greater Boston community through readings, conversations with writers, writing retreats, conferences, and symposiums. Marchant is also gathering a world-class, digital collection of poetry, which will be housed in the Poetry Center.


text: Conflict & Justice Mexico faces problems of its own with undocumented people PRI's The World January 07, 2013 Mexico requires parents to register their children when they're born in order to get a birth certificate. It's not done automatically, like it typically is in the United States. But many of Mexico's poorest people don't bother, which can leave those children disadvantaged for life.


text:
Already a member? Log in.
Member Dues
30 day free trial
30 day free trial
No credit card required
After the trial you must pay dues to be a member of this Meetup.
Cancel dues at any time.
Dues are billed each year.
Seeking beginning and experienced photographer to learn to create high fashion images with the assistance of Models, MUA, Designers, and Hair & Fashion stylists. We will be offering workshops, one-on-one assistance to members needing assistance. Our purpose is to enhance the skills of our members, to enable members to be more marketable in the fashion industry, and to network, fellowship and have fun doing what they love to do in the world of fashion and photography.
Or sign up with email
Already a member? Log in.
Meetup members, Log in
Powered by reCAPTCHA.
audio refresh
image refresh
Enter the characters from above:
Enter the numbers you hear:
This helps us fight SPAM.
By clicking "Sign up" or "Sign up using Facebook", you confirm that you accept our Terms of Service & Privacy Policy


text:
Hexagons at Home: Softly Geometric
Hexagon, honeycomb, hive or geometric. Regardless of how you want to describe it, hexagonal shapes are beautiful. Less angular than its cousins the triangle and square, hexagons are a softer way to add geometric elements to your space.
Shown above from left to right:
1. Felt Modern Doily, $120.00 from Ply Textiles (Eco-friendly!)
2. Honeycomb Glass Pendant Shade, $69.00 from Urban Outfitters
3. Modern Honeycomb Throw Pillow (brown & blue), $59.95 from Koncepts
4. Big Hex Wine Rack in Oak - 7 bottle capacity, $50.00 from Steric Design
5. Hive Vases, $24.00 - $34.00 from West Elm
• Honeycomb Pendant Lamp from BoBo's Intriguing Objects
• Honeycombs & Hexagons: A Roundup of Geodesic Inspired Design
(Images: As credited above.)


text:
Only 20 minutes to cross to the US
SEDENA donates two aircrafts to UABC
Not Going to Comic-Con? Go to Any of These Events in Tijuana!
Technology promises to accelerate border crossings
Nirvana Unplugged Will Be Screened at CEART Tijuana
IL DIVO to Perform in Baja California for the First Time
Beyoncé and Jay-Z Announce 'On the Run II' World Tour. Here Are...
Guillermo del Toro Will Visit Guadalajara To Open a Cineteca Room...
7 TEDx Talks to understand the relationship between Tijuana and San...
Baja California will be positioned as an international tourist...
Tijuana opens first museum in Mexico to prevent addictions
Far-right candidate in Brazil leads despite being racist,...
#AMLOFEST Is Happening, and Here are the Artists that are Going to...
Can Lopez Obrador Win the Presidency of Mexico? And if So, How?
Tijuana Project 'Food Not Bombs' Calls the Community to Help...
Mexico Wins Artistic Swimming Gold Medals in Greece
Mexicans Party Hard in Russia and Drink All the Booze
Rarámuri Wins Ultramarathon in Spain
Get a Free Tequila Shot and Enjoy the Mexico Vs. Germany World Cup...
Mexican Students Win Five Gold Medals in Robotics Competition
Voting Online Could Be Possible Thanks to Blockchain
Why Should We Hire You? Here's How You Ace One Of The Most...
Over 40? 5 Strategies To Combat Ageism And Land A New Job
Leadership Lessons From Birds: Are You A Seagull Or A Goose?
4 Powerful Lessons You Learn From Having A Bad Boss
Cancer Treatment in Tijuana Mexico: Alternative Treatments South of...
6 Tips To Help You Land Your Next Job
4 Leadership Lessons From 25-Year-Old Thai Coach Trapped With...
4 Things To Ask Yourself Before Accepting The Job Offer
2016 A November to Remember in Tijuana
The Search for the Authentic Self
Mentally unprepared to understand democracy
Well Known for Addiction Relief, The Hitt Wellness Center in Tijuana
Be Proud Without Borders at This Binational LGBTQ Event in Tijuana
Taste the World Without Leaving Tijuana
A Look Into Murals Transformation in Tijuana
"Juno" Blizzard Destruction Was Less Than Thought
No black magic, of course
By SDUT2018-03-12T23:49:00+00:00
6.14% of adults with negative beliefs about aging developed dementia, compared with 2.7% of those...
By L.A. Times2018-02-07T21:14:00+00:00


text:
February 21, 1928 - March 26, 2014
New Windsor, NY
Irvin James Roller, 86, of New Windsor, entered into rest on March 26, 2014. He was the son of the late Irvin and Helen (Yablonsky) Roller and was born on February 21, 1928 in Highland Falls, NY. He married Stephanie Cuccia on June 27, 1954 in Madera, CA. They were happily married for 39 years until her death in 1993. She was the love of his life.
Irvin was a graduate of Newburgh Free Academy, class of 1945. He served in the U.S. Navy and was awarded the World War II Victory Medal. He served in the United States Air Force from 1950 to 1954 as a Staff Sergeant at Hamilton Air Force Base in California.
Irvin's entire career was in the telecommunication field working for New York Telephone, AT&T, and Rotelcom. He retired in 1991 after 37 years of employment. He was a member of St. John's Church in Cornwall, NY and an active and respected member of the Men's Bible Study.
He is survived by his three loving daughters and their husbands: Lisa and Steve Fisch of Poughkeepsie, NY, Linda and Bruce Partington of Clintondale, NY and Lizabeth and Alexander Averin of Poughkeepsie; four siblings: Arthur Roller and his wife, Joyce of Florida, Joan Granieri of New Windsor, Carol Bottjer and her husband, Albert of Texas, and Shelia Walton and her husband, James, also of Texas; two brothers-in-law: John Smith and Gary Salese; his uncle, Frank Poffley; seven grandchildren: Tara Sauber and her partner, Bryan Kubin, Erica Aulogia, Dana Aulogia, Madeline Maher, Cody Maher, Michael Averin and Nikolai Averin; and three great-grandchildren: Paige, Jaycie, and Weston Kubin.
In addition to his parents and his wife, Irvin was predeceased by his daughter Laura Aulogia, his sisters, Jean Smith and Donna Salese; his brother-in-law Vincent Granieri and his aunt Pauline Poffley.
He was a loving husband, devoted father, beloved grandfather and wonderful friend. Irv's love and commitment to his family will be cherished forever.
Visitation will be held 2 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, March, 30th at Brooks Funeral Home, 481 Gidney Ave., Newburgh. A Funeral Service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday, March 31st at St. John's Church, 66 Clinton St., Cornwall, NY. Burial will follow with military honors at Cedar Hill Cemetery in Newburgh.
Arrangements under the care of Brooks Funeral Home. To send a personal condolence, please visit www.Brooksfh.com or call 845-561-8300.


text:
The Psychology Club, the Psi Chi Honor Society and, and AGASP are hosting a food drive for less-fortunate families in Miami-Dade County.
Please consider donating non-perishable food items to help a needy family have a wonderful Christmas. Items may include:
- Canned hams
- Boxed mashed potatoes
- Macaroni & Cheese
- Canned vegetables
- Boxed stuffing
Donation boxes are located in the library, rooms 152 and 122. Monetary donations are also accepted and can be delivered to Analia Suarez in library 152.
Donations will be accepted through Wednesday, Dec. 12.


text: Nitrate film was the first motion picture film stock which was manufactured in 35mm, a gauge standardized by Eastman Kodak. Made of cellulose nitrate, it was highly flammable and was replaced by a cellulose acetate film stock, aka safety film, ca. 1951 for theatrical films. As early as 1919, 35mm acetate film was used in educational and community settings and for all 16mm, 8mm, super 8mm film. Nitrate film, although remarkably stable under the right environmental conditions, deteriorates becoming brittle, sticky, and finally disintegrating into a brown powder. It is unlikely that you will find nitrate motion picture film but if you think you have, contact an archives for advice.


text:
Follow RFF News on your cell phone. Text follow rff to 40404 you will receive txt messages with RFF News
0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.
Uh, a promo with three non-revealed teams? I don't understand what they're saying either http://www.youtube.com/v/8D3Hk-3IkJE?hl
Jet and Dave have posted their audition video online:http://www.youtube.com/v/BdctLoLfJL4
Page created in 0.101 seconds with 34 queries.


text: For outstanding versatility and reliable performance, we recommend the Marineland Maxi-Jet PRO. This multipurpose unit can be easily reconfigured as a powerhead or an aquarium water pump. Use as a high output powerhead for running undergravel filters or to provide vital water movement in reef aquariums. Great as a return pump, salt mixing pump or for creating a fountain.


text: Our yoga straps are 1.5'' wide, providing maximum comfort and preventing constricted circulation. The 6' belt is our most popular length, and is ideal for most uses. For taller or less flexible yogis we also have 8' and 10' lengths. Our yoga straps are available in your choice of d-ring, cinch buckle, pinch buckle, or even no closure at all (available only in 10' length).


text:
OCZ Technology has been one of the front runners in the DDR3 memory market and today I will be taking a look at their 2GB 1600MHz Platinum Series performance memory kit. This kit will be very popular in upcoming months once the Intel X48 Express chipset hit the market as this chipset will support 1600MHz Front Side Bus (FSB) processors and 1600MHz memory clock frequencies from the get go. The kit that OCZ Technology sent out for review is the 2GB DDR3 PC3-12800 (1600MHz) Platinum Series Kit that is part Enhanced Bandwidth Edition. Since that is hard to remember, the part number is OCZ3P1600EB2GK.
Before we get into the details of this new OCZ memory kit, be sure to read our previous DDR3 memory articles to make sure you know what the changes in DDR3 are and how it performs compared to DDR2.
If you feel you have a firm background on DDR3 modules and what the performance level was on various kits, then let's take a look at what OCZ has been up to since we looked at their 1333MHz DDR3 kit a couple months ago.
OCZ let us know that each memory kit in this series is 100% hand-tested for quality assurance and compatibility, which means they should work when you plug them in! If they by chance don't, they are covered from the time you purchase them thanks to the lifetime warranty that comes on all OCZ DDR3 memory modules. From the outside, the modules look familiar since they clad OCZ's proprietary platinum-mirrored XTC (Xtreme Thermal Convection) heatspreaders for the enhanced heat dissipation.
The 1600MHz dual channel memory kit comes rated with 7-6-6-24 at 1.9V and it was able to run either a command rate of 1T or 2T with no issues at this clock frequency. This is due to the fact that OCZ's 1600MHz memory kits use highly screened Micron ICs that have been found to offer great timings and high clock frequencies. This memory kit was specially designed and optimized using the ASUS P5K3 series of motherboards with the Intel P35 Express chipset, so if you own this board you are in luck.
Comments are closed.


text:
Unconventional Spring Break Ideas to Consider
When you think of spring break, you think of partying at the beach with a bunch of other college kids, right? It doesn't have to be that way though. There are a ton of other options for you to do during spring break. From volunteering to road trips to learning a new skill, you can do more than drink and party over spring break.
We've put together a list of some unconventional spring break ideas for you to consider.
Go on a Humanitarian Trip
Rather than travel for your own benefit, benefit other people. Book yourself a trip to another country who needs your help over spring break. There are opportunities all over the world where you can go and help rebuild a community, educate children and parents on certain topics, or help build new schools or homes. The possibilities are endless!
Not only will you still be traveling and learning a new culture over spring break, but you will also be helping people. That's a feeling you just can't describe.
Go on Day Trips in Your State
We get it, going on a full week trip can be expensive. Save money by exploring different cities and towns in your own state. Taking simple day trips can save you a ton of money because at the end of the day, you'll get to go home and sleep for free!
Get your friends together and plan something for every day of the week. Now you can check out that winery you've always want to go to. Or spend the day in a major city near you. Get creative with it!
Take a Cooking Class
An essential skill everyone should have is cooking. Find a cooking class in your area to take over spring break. Learn how to cook an impressive meal to show off to your friends and family next time you see them.
When you learn how to cook, you can save money by cooking for yourself instead of eating out. You can impress future dates by cooking a meal for them at home. Cooking is a skill that you will use all throughout your life. Start learning sooner than later!
Host a Themed Party
Host a themed party one night for you and the friends who decided to stay behind during spring break. Just because you aren't down in Daytona Beach doesn't mean you can't still party.
Pick a theme for your party and go crazy with it! Maybe you want to host a pajama party. Lay out pillows everywhere for people to sit or lay on. Find some boozy hot chocolate recipes to cozy up with in your PJs. Or put together a Harry Potter party! Have the movies play in the background as you and your friends mix together some drinks. Abracadabra! You have something to do over spring break!
Go Somewhere Other Than the Beach
If the beach isn't really your style, go somewhere else! It's always fun to travel with your friends during spring break. Go to another country and discover its culture. It's amazing how cheap you can travel for nowadays.
Destinations such as Peru and Thailand are extremely affordable. The most expensive part of the trip is the plane ticket. Due to their weak currencies, Americans can enjoy traveling without breaking the bank.
Go on an Unplanned Road Trip
Grab your best friends and your car keys for an unplanned road trip! Get in the car and drive without any destination in mind and see where you end up. This is a great way to make a ton of memories and enjoy spring break with your friends.
Plan the trip as you go. There's no harm in getting off at an exit just to check out the town. Who knows, maybe you'll find your new favorite place!
Take a Photography Tour
Get a little artsy and take a photography tour of a new city. Whether you are an amateur photographer or have a business, this is a great way to practice your skills, grab some amazing photos, and experience a new town. You'll also be bound to make some new friends.
Have a Staycation
There is no time in taking the week off of school to just relax. Catch up on your favorite show or clean your apartment. Watch your favorite movies or read a new book. Just because other people are going on crazy adventures doesn't mean you should feel bad about just staying home. It's important to take time to yourself, relax, and reenergize.
What Will You Do This Spring Break?
So, how will you spend your spring break? Will you go to another country to volunteer your services or go to an unconventional destination like Peru or Thailand? Maybe you'll just stay home and relax or take day trips. Or maybe you'll hop in the car and go on a road trip. It's up to you!


text:
Fall 2011 and Spring 2012 Graduates: The Alumni Association is your home for Commencement 2012!
Your official commencement ceremony will take place Sunday, May 13, 2012 at 2:30 PM at the UIC Forum, 725 W Roosevelt Rd., Chicago, IL 60608. Please watch your kentlaw.edu email for announcements and updates throughout the year. For more information, including FAQs, please visit the Commencement Portal online.
If you've been to the 3rd floor, you've seen the composite photos of the most recent class as well as classes all the way back to 1893. Now it's your turn!
Photo sittings will be held:
Tuesday, February 7-Thursday, February 9, 2012
Fifteen minute slots, 11:00 a.m.-7:00 p.m.
Room 325
Sign up online at http://www.wejoinin.com/sheets/nvclo by Friday, February 3.
Slots are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you are able to take a daytime slot, we ask that you reserve the slots from 5:00-7:00 p.m. for evening students. Please direct questions to email@example.com or (312) 906-5240.
If you will not be in the Chicagoland area during Spring 2012 and are planning to participate in the Commencement ceremony, please email firstname.lastname@example.com to arrange for tickets, cap and gown, and other graduation information as soon as possible.
Please visit the Commencement Portal for other details about your Commencement ceremony.
The Chicago-Kent tradition of Alumni Legacy Hooding allows a graduate to be hooded by an alumni relative during the ceremony. If you are an immediate relative of a Chicago-Kent alumnus/a and would like him/her to hood you at the ceremony, please email firstname.lastname@example.com for additional details.
Please note that this person must be both an alumnus of Chicago-Kent College of Law and an immediate relative of yours. Unfortunately there are no exceptions to this rule.
All Alumni Legacy Hooders will participate in the graduation processional and recessional and therefore will be sitting on the stage throughout the ceremony. Legacy Hooders do NOT need a graduation ticket. Legacy Hooders will wear caps and gowns and will pick up their regalia in the Faculty Robing Room on graduation day.
Save the date for the
Class Gift Kick-off Party!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
4:00-6:30 p.m., Lobby
Stop by for free pizza & beer, and learn more about the Class of 2012 Class Gift!
For more information, visit
Many thanks to the Class of 2012 Class Gift Committee for their work on this year's project!
Committee Chair: Katsie Calhoun
The IIT Chicago-Kent Office of Institutional Advancement is seeking an individual to support the efforts of the development and alumni relations teams.
Key Responsibilities:
• Provides general office support to various staff members in the office
• Assist office staff with assigned projects
• Provides superior customer service to both internal & external customers
• Data Entry
• Filing
• Run campus errands
Desired Skills:
• Strong verbal & written communication skills
• Strong organizational skills
• Attention to detail
• Critical thinking skills
• Excellent customer service skills
• Winning attitude
• Sense of humor
• Knowledge of The Raiser's Edge preferred
If you are interested, apply through Symplicity: https://law-kent-csm.symplicity.com/students/?s=home. Contact Ali Titus at email@example.com or (312) 906-5238 with any questions.
In an effort to help you connect with a strong network of Chicago-Kent alumni, the Chicago-Kent Alumni Association and Office of Career Services encourage you to take advantage of the law school's "Alumni Career Advisor Network."
Alumni from around the world are available to discuss issues such as practice trends, legal markets in specific geographic areas, and other career-related topics. This is an excellent opportunity to start building your personal network with Chicago-Kent alumni!
To search for an Alumni Career Advisor, all you have to do is log-in to the Chicago-Kent Alumni Online Community:
First Time Login Instructions:
During your first time login you will create a username and password. Afterwards, you may log in directly at www.alumni.kentlaw.edu/advisorsearch using the username and password you created.
If you need assistance with your first time login, please email email@example.com.
Main Chicago-Kent event
Academic calendar
CLE calendar
Alumni event calendar
Admissions calendar


text:
This promotion is for Rewards members only. To take advantage of exclusive offers like these, join Office Depot® OfficeMax® Rewards now!
- Home /
- Paper /
- Copy & Printer Paper /
- Cover & Card Stock /
- Product Details
Neenah Extra-Heavyweight Exact® Index Card Stock, 8 1/2" x 11", 110 Lb., Green, Pack Of 250 Sheets Item # 160267
was removed.
Thank you, you will now be redirected to comparisons.
Just a moment while we prepare the page
Check In-Store Availability
You want to make your report look as finished as possible. Heavyweight Neenah card stock is perfect for printing on to create your ideal report cover or to use as a folder for files. There are endless uses for this Neenah extra-heavyweight card stock; just add creativity!
- Superweight 110-lb card stock is designed to last. Heavy card stock is bulky enough for your report covers, menus, file folders and more. Erases easily.
- Hard, smooth finish provides stable printing surface. You'll love the way this paper's superior surface enhances ink holdout and improves printing results. You can use it in your inkjet and laser printers — and it accepts pen, pencil and typewriter applications.
- Great color selection allows for variety. Unleash your creativity with a range of lovely colors. Available in pastel blue, soft green, canary yellow and more.
- Index card stock, 110 lb, in a green pack of 250 sheets.
Product Details
|Item #
|OfficeMax #
|Manufacturer #
|acid free
|brand name
|Neenah Paper
|Leadership Forestry
|FSC - Mix
|machine compatibility
|inkjet printer; laser printer; typewriter
|Neenah Paper, Inc.
|paper finish type
|paper weight
|110 lb
|sheet size
|letter (8 1/2" x 11")


text:
Browns Windsor
The Promenade, Barry Avenue, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1QX 01753 831976
The Promenade, Barry Avenue, Windsor, Berkshire, SL4 1QX 01753 831976
Join us for a meal you'll fall in love with
Treat that special someone in your life to a meal they truly deserve this Valentine's Day, with a delicious three-course set menu including a glass of Perrier-Jouet Champagne from £34.95.
Sit back and soak in the atmosphere while we spoil you with our specially crafted menu including our delicious Duo of lamb and our stuffed guinea fowl, as well as our range of divine drinks. You can also share our tender Cote du boeuf for two, perfectly accompanied by grilled asparagus, fries and béarnaise sauce.
Our exciting Valentine's Menu is available from Saturday 10th to Saturday 17th February. Choose your local Browns from the link below to book your place and find out more.
Please note: all Valentine's bookings for 14th February are subject to a £10 per person deposit, which one of our team will be in contact to collect


text:
MILWAUKEE — Dr. Ken Lee lives every day with reminders of a suicide car bombing: a crescent-shaped scar on his temple, thumbs that don't work correctly, constant headaches, and legs and arms that always feel like they're on fire.
The attack in Baghdad nearly killed the Wisconsin National Guard's chief medical officer, leaving him with a brain injury and post-traumatic stress disorder so severe that the slightest provocation sent him into a furniture-smashing rage — even as he worked to diagnose and heal fellow veterans back home.
Lee eventually learned to live with his nightmares. Now as the last American troops leave Iraq, he's using his unique experience — as a doctor, patient and combat veteran — to wage a new battle to call attention to the effects of combat trauma that will be with veterans for years to come.
"I can tell my son that his dad was right in the middle of it," Lee said. "I was part of the process to make it better."
Lee, 46, emigrated from South Korea with his family when he was a child. After graduating from medical school in Milwaukee, he became a physician in the Wisconsin National Guard and landed a job with the Department of Veterans Affairs, working as a spinal cord specialist in Milwaukee.
He had just been promoted to head of spinal cord treatment when he got the call in November 2003 to head to Iraq. He left his wife and two young children and shipped out in command of Company B of the 118th Medical Battalion.
Lee treated high-value U.S. prisoners that included Saddam Hussein. He visited the deposed dictator twice to treat a sore wrist. Lee described Hussein as an educated, pleasant man who spoke decent English — but probably understood more than he let on.
The worst moments came during the Fallujah offensive as exhausted medics tried to save badly wounded Marines.
"We're seeing death in front of us," he said. "We kept absorbing it until it wasn't healthy. Some stopped eating. Some cried. I would lock myself in my room. I couldn't get hold of this feeling of despair."
Then, in September 2004, Lee made the mistake that changed his life.
He was leading a convoy when he spotted soldiers removing a bomb up ahead. Rather than speeding around them, Lee felt safe enough to stop the vehicles, climb out and help guard the rear.
Suddenly, he heard the screech of rubber on pavement. A Buick was bearing down on them. As Lee raised his rifle, the driver detonated his explosives. An orange ball of flame rolled toward him in slow motion and knocked him backward under a car.
When Lee came to, the world was red. His head was split open, and blood was pouring into his eyes. Medics performed life-saving surgery.
During months of rehabilitation back in Washington, he thought about how medical teams could better detect PTSD and traumatic brain injuries, the wounds that have defined the Iraq War. Lee offered ideas to a group at Walter Reed Army Medical Center, suggesting that screening begin as soon as the first symptoms appeared.
When he finally returned home, nothing felt right. He sat alone while his wife went to work and children went to school. For one miserable year, little things like the sound of one of his kids dropping a toy enraged him. He often retreated to the basement, where at one point he smashed the family's extra dining set. He drank himself to sleep in hopes of blocking out nightmares.
But at work, he dealt with everyone else's problems with a smile, and he excelled. He became the Wisconsin National Guard's state surgeon in 2008.
At home, Lee was on the brink of divorce. One day, while playing with his 10-year-old daughter, she commented that he never smiled anymore. Lee cried.
"I just didn't want to believe I had" PTSD, he said. "Nobody does."
Since then, he has resolved to be happy. He started thinking of the day the bomb went off as his "alive day," the day he didn't die. He celebrated it with his family by going out to eat or doing some other fun activity. At work, he continued to spread the word about detecting PTSD and brain injuries.
The Defense Department estimates that nearly 213,000 military personnel have suffered traumatic brain injuries in Iraq and Afghanistan since 2000.
An earlier report by the Rand Crop. estimated that 300,000 veterans of both conflicts suffered post-traumatic stress disorder or major depression. Less than half had sought treatment for PTSD over the preceding year, and nearly 60 percent of those reporting a probable brain injury weren't evaluated by a physician for one.
Army protocol requires soldiers returning from overseas to undergo a health assessment when they get back and again after they've been home for several months. Lee took that a step further in Wisconsin, sending medical teams to demobilization points to check on returning units as soon as they hit the ground.
"When you come home, it's hidden," said Lee, bespectacled with dark hair mowed into a crew-cut. "Why don't we do all these guys when they come back, instead of doing it when they walk into your office?"
He's also traveled the country lecturing on how combat trauma can be mental as well as physical, displaying photographs of his wounds and sharing his struggles.
As a spinal specialist, Lee doesn't treat PTSD or brain injuries directly, but he's earned a new level of respect from veterans. Many who aren't even his patients seek him out to talk.
Gus Sorenson of Sturtevant, Wis., lost the use of his legs in a 1970 car crash just days after returning from Vietnam. He has seen Lee for years and noticed a change after the doctor returned from Iraq.
"I think the word is 'empathy,'" Sorenson said. "He was the patient. That experience helped the learning process. Other vets can relate to that."
Lee still can't remember appointments unless he emails them to himself. He can walk, but he has almost no feeling in his legs except a constant burning. His thumbs don't bend properly because the blast apparently jammed them against his rifle grips.
Sometimes he wakes up to find bloody spots on the sheets as tiny shards of shrapnel work their way out of his body. He's worried that his kids are still terrified of him, and he still suffers from flashbacks and nightmares.
Even after the U.S. withdrawal is complete, the U.S. will spend decades dealing with psychologically scarred veterans, Lee said.
"We have a product that comes back from war," he said. "We have to have a system to take care of it."


text:
LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) Mississippi State coach Dan Mullen was slightly concerned about his team's focus against Kentucky coming off a bye week.
Not only did the No. 20 Bulldogs ease his mind on that issue, they did it effectively.
Tyler Russell passed for two touchdowns and Mississippi State held Kentucky to just 228 yards on offense, leading to a 27-14 victory Saturday.
``We lost our focus a couple of times with a couple of people, but overall I'm real pleased,'' Mullen said. ``I think our defense played very well over the course of the game.
``I would've liked a couple more scores.''
LaDarius Perkins carried 25 times for 110 yards, including a 31-yard score, and Devon Bell kicked field goals of 20 and 37 yards as Mississippi State moved to 5-0 for the first time since 1999. The Bulldogs are 2-0 in the Southeastern Conference.
Russell was 23 of 39 for 269 yards, hitting Adrian Marcus and Chad Bumphis for touchdowns of 10 and 27 yards, respectively.
Bumphis, who finished with 9 receptions for 104 yards, also broke the school record with his 17th career TD.
``It's a big deal to get it (the record) out of the way, finally,'' Bumphis said.
Mississippi State finished with 158 yards rushing and 427 overall, splitting its season-high 78 plays evenly running and passing.
Freshmen quarterbacks Patrick Towles and Jalen Whitlow both led scoring drives for Kentucky (1-5, 0-3), which lost its fourth straight. Whitlow played the second half after Towles sprained his ankle just before halftime.
Whitlow finished 10of-21 passing for 73 yards, adding 26 rushing yards on eight carries. Towles was 5 of 6 for 71 yards.
``I thought both of them competed hard,'' Kentucky coach Joker Phillips said.
But it was all about the Bulldogs, who showed no rust from a week off. The defense allowed its second-fewest yards this season, 12 more than it allowed in a 28-10 victory over Auburn last month.
``It's good to get a win even though we didn't cause any turnovers,'' cornerback Darius Slay said. ``We at least had about seven or eight 3-and-outs, so it put the offense in good field position a lot.''
Offensively, Mississippi State converted 10 of 18 third downs and one fourth down.
The offense started deliberately in taking the opening kickoff and driving 85 yards in 13 plays. Russell's mix of quick slants and short out patterns accounted for 57 yards on 6-of-8 passing, including a screen pass to Marcus for the first score.
Marcus was helped by a collision between Kentucky defensive end Taylor Wyndham and safety Martavius Neloms as they appeared to have him hemmed up in the backfield. That cleared his path to the end zone.
The Bulldogs had an easier time taking a 14-0 lead, moving 61 yards in six plays with little resistance from the Wildcats, especially on the final two snaps. After Russell's fourth-down run for 4 yards to Kentucky's 31, Perkins broke through the right side virtually untouched for his sixth touchdown this season.
``We wanted that kind of fast start, playing on the road against a team with freshman quarterbacks,'' Mullen said.
Kentucky stumbled to consecutive 3-and-outs totaling 3 yards with Whitlow starting at quarterback. The Wildcats had suggested alternating him and Towles from play to play, but the switch didn't happen until the third possession.
Towles entered the game to cheers, and he drew even more in leading a 10-play, 80-yard scoring drive.
The highly touted freshman was 5 of 5 for 71 yards, completing it with a 32-yard TD pass to wide-open La'Rod King. But the Wildcats couldn't sustain anything else, and Towles sprained his ankle on a second-quarter sack and did not return.
Neloms left the game with a hamstring injury.
Bell's field goals made it 20-7 for Mississippi State, which outgained Kentucky 172-17 in the first quarter and 278-90 for the half. The Bulldogs' first two plays of the second half culminated in a 27-7 lead as Russell found Bumphis for his second TD pass, a 40-yard drive helped by defensive holding on Wildcats cornerback Cartier Rice.
Whitlow returned to help Kentucky back into the game by making it 27-14, finishing a 46-yard drive with a 3-yard scoring run in the third quarter.
That score resulted from a shanked Mississippi State punt. The Bulldogs also lost two fumbles.
Those were the only mistakes on an otherwise complete day. The Bulldogs rarely allowed the Wildcats inside the 40 in the second half and ran out the clock after taking over on downs at Kentucky's 33.


text: Hola, and welcome to Latina Ass Porn, the place which never runs out of curvy, delicious big latina booty. If you're after for some big ass latinas, we have all the free latina porn pics galleries you may want. From softer stuff to hardcore big latina ass pounding, Latina Ass Porn is the thing. With us you'll never run out of nice ass to eye. Throw yourself into our ocean of free big ass porn pics right now and guess what, tomorrow it'll be all new! That's right, we at Latina Ass Porn add more free big ass pics every day, all with that hot latina flavor!


text:
In the June-July issue of Fiscal Notes, we examine the critical role of working women in the Texas economy. We also discuss how billions of dollars' worth of state contracts are awarded and managed.
- Sales Tax Permit Application
- Ag Timber Exemptions
- Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL)
- Texas Direct Deposit
- eSystems/Webfile
Holiday Notice
Our office will be closed July 4 in observance of Independence Day. We will reopen on July 5. For your convenience, our online services are available 24/7 at Comptroller.Texas.Gov.
Fraud Alert
Cybercriminals are sending emails appearing to be from the Comptroller's office. Learn more.
GovDelivery Emails
The Comptroller's office often communicates with taxpayers via a service called GovDelivery. These messages, which are informational in nature only, are sent from the GovDelivery.com domain.
- State Revenue
- State Spending
- State Budget
- Key Economic Indicators
- Open Data
- Data Visualization
- Sources of Revenue
- Expenditures by County


text:
Red Colorant R4122-U
Guangdong Keytec New Material Technology Co., Ltd. 广东科迪新材料科技有限公司目前只在以下作出标识的区域展示其产品资料:
Red Colorant R4122-U is a high performance organic solvent-based pigment dispersion with very high transparency, bright color, low viscosity, no color bleeding, good fluidity, and good storage stability, high tinting strength with excellent weather fastness and compatibility with other resin systems. Keytec universal solvent-based colorants U series are made from selected domestic and overseas high quality pigments and additives with excellent compatibility resins, which can be compatible with other resin systems.
Guangdong Keytec New Material Technology Co., Ltd. specializes in the production of pigment dispersion and the provision of tinting services. Their products can be used for various industrial coatings, architectural coatings, wood stains decorative paints, floor paints, automotive coatings, printing inks, cosmetic products, paper coloring, and more. The company is a leading enterprise for excellent product performance, stable quality, and perfect supporting services.
Guangdong Keytec New Material Technology Co., Ltd. 广东科迪新材料科技有限公司
希望在赛百库经销商/贸易商板块进行展示推广?请立即联络我们 !


text:
Moderator: Cartographers
edocsil wrote:i am having a problem with my antarctica map im using inkscape but i might be able to use gimp (learning how to). the problem is impasible borders rivers aren't a problem in inkscape its mountains that r tough because u have to import a pic into inkscape and then edit it , so it has a box around ur image i can color that box but it takes a while.
how can i put in impassible borders preferable mountains?
edocsil wrote:.... ok got all that done but now i cant figure out how to change the size of my mountain in gimp
idealy if u could tell me how to download the help files for gimp i wouldnt need to bother u
natty_dread wrote:I was wrong
Telvannia wrote:im using gimp 2.2.11
i need to know if anyone has a way to rotate something with out it blurring, for my map i want to rotate buildings to fit the area i want them in, at it is easier to make them as a rectangle then rotate than make it on a angle.
Telvannia wrote:Does anyone know a good quick way to make animations using gimp?
FirefoxRocks wrote:Sorry if this isn't the correct subforum to post this in
On the US Senate map, any idea how to make the area of Democrats/Republicans where there is a semi-circle of sub-divided sections? I have a map drawn on paper that has something similar, but instead it is an entire circle and sections are divided evenly.
I tried using the GIMP to draw circles, but GIMP doesn't even have a shape-drawing tool. I do not have Adobe Photoshop, although my school has Photoshop and I could ask if I could use it for "extra-curricular" projects.
I downloaded Inkscape but I have to spend some time learning that.
Is there a premade image of circles placed inside of circles (not a spiral). It would make the job a whole lot easier. Even if I can make a circle, I need circles inside of circles inside of circles (a total of 5 or 6 circles).
Can anyone tell me how to get started on this?
hey gnome, how do u get the pictures into the background anyways???
Is this what is happening?Kaplowitz wrote:Whenever i try to type more than one line in Photoshop, the text overlaps. How do you type more than one line?
DiM wrote:never underestimate the power of personalized brushes. create a shape of how you think a tree looks from above. let's say a star shape. now take that brush and set the background and foreground to 2 foliage colours (dark green and yellowy green) then do the following:
shape dynamics>
> size jitter 100%
> minimum diameter 0%
> angle jitter 0%
> roundness jitter 68%
> min roundness 25%
scatter> adjust as you please dependng on what you need
colour dynamics>
>fore/back 100%
> saturation 50%
the rest at 0%
and check smoothing.
then go ahead and paint what you need adjusting the brush size according to the height of the viewpoint.
after you paint put on some drop shadow and even bevel if it suits your need. but keep the bevel at a minimum.
here's a quick example. i didn't bother making a custom shape so i used a flower one. it looks rather bad on large trees but it works for small ones as the details are hard to spot.
and here's the file http://www.sendspace.com/file/9g965g
RjBeals wrote:MrBenn wrote:I want to redraw the territory borders, as I want them to look fresh and crisp. At the moment I think they look a bit jaggedy and distorted (as well as inaccurate in 1 or 2 places like N Ireland).... I think this will be a major major task, as my couple of attempts at redoing the border have taken ages, and not been overly successful... Any suggestions on how to do this quickly, easily and efficiently would be warmly received.
I like to use a solid black 2-pixel brush with a hardness of 100% (Opacity 100% & Flow 100%). This gives a good well defined smooth border. I will sometimes outline the entire bonus region in a 3 or 4 pixel brush also, just to keep it separated even more. Zoom in close on your original map and trace the borders. Yes it will take a while, but most likely not as long as you think. How accurate you keep it is up to you.
Users browsing this forum: No registered users


text:
A small group of employees from the Mid-Columbia Council of Governments spent the noon hour on Wednesday standing in a picket line along 12th Street.
The workers gathered in front of the Hood River office while their counterparts in The Dalles assembled near the entrance of MCCOG headquarters on Kelly Avenue.
"The number one message that we want to convey is that with a fair contract we'll have the security of knowing we're going to be here for another day and our clients will also have that security," said Eric Profitt, a member of the collective bargaining unit for the Service Employees International Union Local 503.
Last spring, a majority of MCCOG workers in the employment and transportation services voted to unionize because of "inconsistent and unfair treatment by management." For example, MCCOG recently paid a $58,000 settlement to one adult foster care provider who had her business illegally shut down by a former administrator. When that case began developing almost four years ago, 17 out of 18 MCCOG employees also filed a formal complaint over the "hostile working environment" created by that same manager, who is no longer employed with MCCOG.
Profitt said the union workers believe that last spring's layoffs of 10 employees was done in direct retaliation for the vote to unionize. He said because of the many problems that have occurred between labor and management during the past few years, the employees want some protection. He said one of their demands is that a provision be inserted into their contract which prohibits them from being fired without proof of "just cause." Currently, Profitt said the personnel handbook states that the employees serve "at will" and that allows them to be dismissed at any time.
"We are looking for some standard and fair language that is the pillar of any contract — if someone is going to be terminated we'd like it done justly," he said.
John Arens, MCCOG director, refuted Profitt's assertion about the layoffs, saying the staffing reduction took place solely because of a $935,607 deficit in operating capital. He said that move followed the loss of three staffers last year in addition to across-the-board service and program cuts. Arens said the agency does not want the "just cause" language because it already follows a "due process" for all disciplinary actions. He said these procedures include an investigation into the incident, discussion with the staffer, arrangements for further training if necessary, and an appeal process both before and after dismissal.
"A true 'employment at will' would mean that someone could make a decision to have someone terminated and not even have to give a reason," said Arens.
In addition to the dispute over "just cause," MCCOG is objecting to a union demand that layoffs be implemented solely on seniority instead of factoring in productivity and other qualifications. The agency opposes a union move to have all workers pay dues whether they are members or not, and disagrees with binding arbitration, which Arens said typically goes against management about 50 percent of the time.
"Essentially, if I terminate an employee for what I consider a legitimate reason and the executive board agrees that is a legitimate reason, the arbitrator could come back and overturn it and then we're right back to square one," said Arens. "It takes all of the final decision of management out of the hands of management."
He said in these tough economic times MCCOG cannot afford to give the union workers the 3 percent pay raise they are demanding. He said a 2 percent cost of living adjustment was already enacted in July and each worker qualifies for an annual increase of between 2.5-5 percent on their employment anniversary.
Profitt said the current recession is creating a greater caseload of dislocated workers, at-risk youth, needy seniors and individuals with disabilities, among others. He said MCCOG could have retained some of the employees it let go by cutting its administrative overhead, which is running at 10-15 percent. Arens said that MCCOG is funded by about 70 grant streams for which it must provide separate accounting to various federal, state and local entities. He said that money is channelled through four separate departments and into five different counties. He said the majority of this funding is allocated for specific programs and that the average overhead of between 10-11 percent is well within the allowable limits.
Comments are subject to moderator review and may not appear immediately on the site. A user's first several comments must be manually approved by a moderator.
Please read our commenting policy before posting.
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.
Information from the News and our advertisers (Want to add your business to this to this feed?)


text:
Malaysia Airlines Flight 370: Contractor Will Get 300 Days to Complete Search
Tender Documents Highlight Uncertainty About Terrain, Area to Be Scoured
The private contractor that is hired to find Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 will have 300 days to complete an undersea search for the missing jetliner in the southern Indian Ocean.
Tender documents released by the Australian government outline for the first time the requirements of this phase in the search, the largest of its type in history. They also highlight continued uncertainty about the operation, including the seabed's terrain and the area to be scoured using sonar equipment....


text:
Resources companies will have to pay their next instalment of the mining tax after a government bid to repeal the impost was foiled by the Senate.
While the Senate voted to abolish the tax, it wanted programs funded by its revenue to remain in place.
That wasn't acceptable to the government which used its numbers in the lower house to reject Senate amendments.
"It would be nice to live in a magic pudding world ... but when you're in government you've got to try and make things balance up," government Senate leader Eric Abetz told parliament on Friday.
The government says retaining the schoolkids bonus, low-income superannuation contribution and the income support bonus will cost the budget $9.6 billion over four years.
Palmer United Party senators joined Labor, the Greens and other crossbenchers in opposing the government.
"If you choose to let the big miners off the hook ... (don't expect us to) take the money off the poor," Greens leader Christine Milne said.
Family First senator Bob Day, who supports repeal of the mining tax, doesn't believe the low-income supports should be abolished just because the tax would no longer be in place.
"That ain't no way to run a railroad. We can have both," he said.
The next instalment of the tax is due on Monday.
The government can re-introduce its legislation at a later time but is unlikely to do so without first getting more support from the cross bench or Labor.


text:
From July 2010 to December 2011: 18 months of pages to plan, week by week. The new 18 Month Planners combine the function of a diary and a notebook: days on the left, ruled note pages on the right.
For those whose new year starts in September.
Available with hard and soft cover, black or red, in different formats, with all the Moleskine features: rounded corners, acid free paper, a bookmark, an elastic closure and an expandable inner pocket.


text:
Persona 4 has been branded a "symbol of immorality" by Japan's top TV watchdog, after daring to show a scene in which minors are present at an establishment "resembling a nightclub or love hotel."
The complaint was published by the BPO (although in the post-Ishihara world of anime, almost all the complaints they publish are now about TV drama and variety shows):
In one anime, despite the fact they are going on a field trip there is a scene where minors enter an establishment resembling a night club or love hotel.
Even for a late night broadcast, just what kind of expression is this?
Common sense suggests it would not even be possible for minors to enter such an establishment legally.
Is this a symbol of the moral deficiency of the producers and stations?
This was swiftly pinpointed as being a less than oblique reference to episode 15 of Persona 4:
"They mean episode 15 of Persona 4 then!?"
"I can't believe we have people complaining even about P4A…"
"Didn't they have this stuff in from episode 1?"
"I can see a strip service scene getting complaints, but not something like this?"
"Surely there are lot more dodgy anime for them to get worked up about and complain against?"
"Shin Megami Tensei had a nuclear missile striking Tokyo and even tsunami for good measure – no way could they ever make an anime out of that now!"
"Atlus always has Tokyo being destroyed and the world ending in its games. I wonder which is the harshest…"
"Persona 3 had love hotel encounters and some of the games had the protagonist turning into a demon and eating human flesh…"
"There was a woman being eaten alive in one:"
"Come on, there are all kinds of saucy ero-anime about and they pick on Persona? Somebody must have a grudge against it or something."


text:
Gathered in the Local Harbor. Steps have been taken to have the papers of the Pewaukee changed from a steamer to a towbarge, which will obviate the necessity of government inspection. The boiler and machinery were taken out of the Pewaukee last summer.
The Maritime History of the Great Lakes site is managed by Walter Lewis
Since 2005 this site has been the prototype for the digital collection management tools built for the Our Digital World (formerly the OurOntario project of Knowledge Ontario.)
As a prototype it is subject to occasional, unexplained interruptions in service ... because we keep trying new things.
My favourites lets you save items you like, tag them and group them into collections for your own personal use. Viewing "My favourites" will open in a new tab.
Login here or start a My favourites account.


text:
First comes love, them comes marriage then comes carrot cake banana bread in the baby carriage. Carrot cake met banana bread, fell in love and together had a sweet baby.
A decadent loaf cake speckled with the bright orange of grated carrots sweetened with banana and cinnamon spice then topped off with cream cheese frosting.
It has the perfect dense texture with just the right amount of moistness. Chewy golden raisins are nestled in the batter and a garnish of chopped walnuts add a touch of crunch.
Every bite screams of carrot followed by subtle banana chased by tangy cream cheese. In one word. Heavenly.
Trust me. You need this in your life. It's easy to throw together and won't fail to please.
It's already a favorite, among many, in my house and repeats are already promised.
Carrot cake meets banana bread and falls in love.
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Flour and butter a standard loaf pan.
- Into a large mixing bowl sift the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt and cinnamon together.
- In a medium bowl whisk together the eggs, oil, vanilla, sugar and banana. Pour the wet ingredients over the dry and mix until just combined.
- Fold in the carrots and raisins just until combined.
- Pour the batter into the prepared pan. Bake 50 minutes or until a toothpick in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 15 minutes then turn out and cool completely before frosting.
- Beat the cream cheese and butter on medium speed 2 minutes. Add the confectioners' sugar and beat on medium speed until thick and fluffy 4 - 5 minutes. Slather over top of bread and sprinkle with walnuts.
- Refrigerate leftover cake up to 5 days.
Adapted from The Back in the Day Bakery Cookbook
Copyright ©2013 Cinnamon Spice and Everything Nice by Reeni Pisano All Rights Reserved.


text:
Peter Hans, chairman of the board that oversees the UNC system, advocates putting the brakes on tuition increases.
It is refreshing to read that the chairman of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors has said he opposes an undergraduate tuition increase for the system next year. Rising costs may not have knocked UNC-Chapel Hill from its spot atop Kiplinger's annual "Best Value in Public Colleges" list, but they threaten to put the cost of a four-year state university out of reach for many students.
The Triangle Business Journal reported on Thursday that Peter Hans, chairman of the board that oversees the UNC system, advocates putting the brakes on tuition increases that have been imposed to offset a portion of the state cuts to public higher education in North Carolina.
"Tuition in North Carolina is still low compared to other states, but I'll say it again, the middle class needs a break," the publication quoted him as saying. "As such, we need a combination of continued public investment and more efficient university operations to keep tuition low and the quality of education high." Let's hope that Hans can persuade his fellow board members
Hans noted that where state money once made up about 80 percent of state university budgets, it's now down to about two-thirds.
Kiplinger, a publisher of business forecasts and personal finance advice based in Washington, named UNC-CH its top public university value for 2014, besting a competitive group that includes the University of Virginia, the University of Florida, the University of Michigan and California's two best-known state universities, UCLA and UC-Berkeley, among other contenders. Low cost and financial aid to help students afford college were two of the numerous factors considered. Also making the top-100 list were UNC Wilmington, at No. 28; N.C. State University, the School of the Arts and UNC-Asheville.
That's good representation, and a testament to the state's long history of striving to put higher education within reach of more students. But over the past couple of decades the N.C. General Assembly has funded a smaller percentage of university operations, leaving the UNC system to raise tuition to cover the gap. In doing so, the state has pushed aside its constitutional mandate to make access to public universities free "as far as practicable."
At UNCW, in-state students will get a slight break next year. Trustees voted to increase student fees slightly and raise room and board rates, but no tuition increase is expected for residents of North Carolina. The story is not the same for out-of-state students, who will pay considerably more, courtesy of a legislative mandate.
So far, financial aid has filled the gap for many UNC students, but many have dropped out or reduced class load, which in turn delays graduation. Hans knows the system cannot sustain itself if this trend continues. Universities have been forced to rethink much of what they have done for years with an eye on efficiency, and that is a positive development. But students and their families cannot continue to shoulder the burden.
One reason North Carolina's universities rank as "best values" is the philosophy that a college education should be accessible to anyone who meets admission standards. We hope that lawmakers will take Hans' advice and work with the board of governors to keep costs low and to improve our well-respected state universities.


text:
Uploaded: Saturday, June 02nd 2018 11:18:26 AM under Form by Cerise De Jong.
Dimension: 794x1024 pixels.
Resolution: High Resolution.
Category: Form.
Total: 45 image Form Design.
Provide examples and guidance and notes at the point of need. Have you ever got half-way through a form and suddenly come to a question that asks you about something you do not understand or have no idea about where to find the answer? It is even more infuriating if the question says something like See our Guidance notes, page 6, paragraph 2. When filling in your forms people want the information they need there and then. Put yourself in the form users position and think about which questions they might have a problem with. Provide examples of the sorts of answers you are looking for, and where appropriate, provide guidance notes as near as possible to the question they relate to (i.e. in the actual form).
Use appropriate response mechanisms. Paper forms have the disadvantage that users can miss, or simply disregard, an instruction. For example, only tick/check one box from a list of 15 or 20 options. In this context interactive forms can be programmed so that the user can only tick/check one (known as a radio button as distinct from check-boxes), or presented with the options in a drop-down menu from which the user can only select one. When designing forms make sure the response mechanism is appropriate to each question.


text:
threeThursday, January 10, 2008
Have you seen it? The pay it forward exchange? I love this idea. Spreading a little hand made love just a sprinkle at a time.
A couple of months back (has it really been a couple?) I was one of the lucky three to comment on Magnusmog's blog. And now, I would like to pass it along.
So, here is the deal:
I will send a handmade gift to the first 3 people who leave a comment on my blog requesting to join this PIF exchange. I don't know what that gift will be yet and you may not receive it tomorrow or next week, but you will receive it within 365 days, that is my promise! The only thing you have to do in return is pay it forward by making the same promise on your blog.
I also forgot to tell you a couple of things. The wine is delicious. I purchased it from our local wine store. I haven't been back for more, but need to put that on my list of things to do: buy more wine.
And, the yarn I am using for my tangled yoke is the Rowan Felted Tweed, color 147. I have started the sleeves, thus, at a boring spot again. I just have to try to talk myself into pretending it is fun. Yes, ribbing is fun. Yes, ribbing is fun. I love to rib!
33 comments
I can't wait to try Felted Tweed, I'll be anxious to see how your TYC comes out!ReplyDelete
casting on the tangled yoke tomorrow.....i am sure i will be bored to tears.ReplyDelete
Shoot - I missed the PIF. Sounds like a great thing though! Maybe I'll make it in time for the next one.ReplyDelete
- Amy1/11/2008
Hey! I'm participating in PIF! I'm so excited to see you found one too! When I saw this I immediately thought that you would be a great person to participate! :) I'd love to see what you end up sending out!ReplyDelete
*If anyone else wanted to participate here but is too late, I still have 1 (or 2) spots open for Pay-It-Forward over at my site (www.amypenrose.com)
I love that PIF idea! I see that I am way too late to be one of the receivers here, but I can definitely begin it on my blog. How fun!ReplyDelete
Shucks, I missed the first three, ugh. Oh well, I love the idea of PIF, Leslie, I also love the pairing of pears!ReplyDelete
on my way to check out your flikr...


text:
Furman basketball coach Jeff Jackson resigned Friday, creating a third vacancy in the Southern Conference and sparking speculation that Charleston Southern's Barclay Radebaugh might be a fit for the Paladins.
Jackson resigned after seven years with Furman, with an overall record of 85-131 capped by a 7-24 season in 2012-13.
Radebaugh's name immediately surfaced in Internet reports, including the website hoopdirt.com.
Radebaugh told The Post and Courier on Friday that he had not been contacted by Furman, and would have no other comment on the job.
Radebaugh was an assistant at Furman from 1990-94, and led CSU to a 19-13 record, a Big South regular season title and a berth in the NIT this season.
Just two years ago, Jackson took Furman to a 22-win season and a berth in the CollegeInsider.com tournament, the Paladins' first postseason bid since 1991.
But the injury-plagued Paladins struggled to a 3-15 record in the SoCon this season, and were 22-40 the last two years overall.
"We respect Coach Jackson's decision to resign and pursue other career opportunities, whether in coaching or other areas," Furman athletic director Gary Clark said in a statement. "We appreciate the manner in which he has represented Furman University and Furman athletics. He has recruited quality young men who have performed in the classroom and represented Furman with class on the basketball court. We wish Coach Jackson all the best in his future endeavors."
Two other SoCon schools are seeking coaches. Georgia Southern fired Charlton Young, and Chattanooga parted ways with coach John Shulman. Shulman had one year left on his contract, and the school refused to offer him an extension.
David Shelton contributed to this report.


text:
You are here
How to Make a Tic-Tac-Toe Bento Lunch Box
Here's how to make an easy tic-tact-toe bento lunch box using veggies, mashed potatoes and mini omelets
- prev
- Next
- 1 of 6
- Anna Yamamoto
Make lunch a fun game of tic tac toe! Fill your squares with fun mini cupcake liners filled with mixed veggies, mashed potatoes, meatballs, pasta, mini quiches, mac and cheese, sliced fruit and veggies and dip—anything you have at the ready.
Antichoking warning: Remember to remove toothpicks and cut up blueberries, grapes, carrots and other food for children under 4. See our Antichoking guide for more information.
- Anna Yamamoto
A sprinkling of carrot flowers makes the squares pretty and adds veggies throughout. Here's our step-by-step photo guide on making carrot flowers.
- Anna Yamamoto
Cut out X and O shapes from carrot and cucumber slices. Use cookie cutters as a guide, or leave whole for a checkers shape.
- Anna Yamamoto
Grape halves on toothpicks make great fruit kabobs, but you can skewer any fruit your kid loves. Have her help and make her own if she's old enough.
- Anna Yamamoto
If you're using mini meatballs, stuff them with cheese to make a mini sandwich. Use a scallop-edged or flower mini cookie cutter to give the cheese slice extra flair.


text:
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. – King Women's Wrestling opened the 2012-13 season this weekend at the Cliff Keen Oklahoma City Duals. The Lady Tornado, ranked No. 1 in the country by the WCWA, advanced to the gold bracket finals to meet eventual tournament champion and host, Oklahoma City University. Emily Martin won all six of her bouts to lead the team over the two-day tournament.
No. 1 King breezed through pool play on Friday, Oct. 19, defeating their opponents by large margins. They opened the tournament with a 36-7 victory of Missouri Baptist before nearly shutting out Northwest Kansas Tech. by a 46-1 count. They finished their Friday showing with a 36-4 win over Wayland Baptist.
Saturday marked the end of pool play and King's advancement to the championship final match. They opened Saturday morning with a quarterfinal bout with Jamestown. Shannon Constantine (Haverhill, Va.) and Emily Martin (Frisco, Texas) began the match with back-to-back falls against their opponents to help King jump out to a 10-0 lead early. Sarah Hildebrandt (Granger, Ind.), Katarina Perez (El Centro, Calif.), Stacy Martin (Frisco, Texas), and Krista Revelle (Meriden, Kan.) all earned victories by decision in succession to help seal a victory early for King. To add to their 27-1 advantage, Julia Salata (Canton, Mich.) defeated her opponent by technical fall and was followed by Lorrie Ramos' (Orlando, Fla.) win by decision helping them to a 34-5 victory.
In the semifinals, King cruised to a 35-9 win over Missouri Valley, placing them in the championship bout. Constantine and E. Martin once again gave King an early lead, 8-1. Missouri Valley drew within three points but Perez recorded a pin to put King ahead by eight, 17-9. The Lady Tornado broke away at that point benefitting from a forfeit, a decision by Julia Salata, and consecutive pins by Lorrie Ramos and Kerri Bumpers (Hampton, Va.).
The championship round of the dual tournament pitted the matchup many were waiting for with No. 1 King facing off against four-time national champion and tournament host, No. 2 Oklahoma City University. Emily Martin registered a big win by decision over Kristi Garr, 2-2, 4-3, but early loses by Constantine and Samantha Klingel put King in an 8-4 hole. Sarah Hildebrandt went three rounds with her opponent before earning a win by decision, closing the gap to two points. OCU earned two straight wins by decision before Krista Revelle defeated Stephanie Geltmacher (1-0, 1-0) to bring King back within reach, 15-10.
The five-point deficit was as close to the defending team champions as King would get. The Stars won the 155, 170, and 191-pound bouts to run away with a 26-10 victory in the championship round, crowning them tournament champions.
Defending national champion Emily Martin went a perfect 6-0 in her bouts, tallying three pins and two technical falls over the two-day tournament. Fellow national champion Krista Revelle went a combined 5-1, earning one fall, one technical fall, and two wins by decision.
Sophomore Sarah Hildebrandt also went undefeated over the weekend, going 5-0. Three of her five victories were done so by decision. She registered one fall during the weekend.
Sophomore Julia Salata and junior Katarina Perez also each went 5-1. Salata earned wins in each of her first five bouts on the weekend, including one fall and one technical fall. Perez followed the same course, winning her first five bouts while recording two pins and one technical fall.
King dressed two teams at the OCU duals, allowing many young faces get a taste of major competition, for many, their first. Picking up their first victories of their collegiate careers were Tori Degginger (Port St. Lucie, Fla.), Hanna Martin (El Reno, Okla.), Vanessa Gomez (Baldwin Park, Calif.), and Evalyn Reyna (Austin, Texas). Degginger went 3-0 in the tournament to lead the Scarlett team, tallying a pin in her first collegiate bout 1:32 in the second period.
Victoria Nguyen (Johnson City, Tenn./Science Hill H.S.) had a flawless day with the Scarlett team, going 5-0 with a pair of technical falls to her resume.
King (5-1) will host two duals on Nov. 3 in their next action. The Lady Tornado will bring Missouri Baptist and No. 5 University of the Cumberlands to the Student Center Complex with bouts beginning at 9 a.m.


text:
Charlotte Gayle Stewart
Charlotte Gayle Stewart, 61, of Wister died Wednesday, March 6, in Tulsa. Charlotte was born June 28, 1951, in Fanshawe to Paul Wesley and Dorothy Lou (Byrd) Watkins. She was a pharmacist. Charlotte was preceded in death by her father; and grandson, Wesley Shearer of Oklahoma City.Survivors include her son and daughter-in-law, Chad and Chrissy Webb of Wister; daughter and son-in-law, Brooke and Tony Shearer of Oklahoma City; granddaughters, Gabrielle Colwell of Oklahoma City, China and Kendall Cranfield of Fort Smith, Ark., Cassie Shearer of Oklahoma City; mother, Dorothy Watkins of Poteau; sisters and brothers-in-law, Paula and James Alfred of Tulsa, Sally and Brian Vincent of Poteau; other relatives and loved ones; many beloved friends including the special ones who cared for her at Heavener Nursing Center.A memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 9, at Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, with the Rev. Scott Watkins officiating. Burial will be in Oakland Cemetery.In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Myatonic Dystrophy Foundation. www. myatonic.org/donate.You may leave an online message at evansandmillerfuneralhomes.com.Arrangements are under the direction of Evans and Miller Funeral Home.


text:
BOSTON, Mass. – Senior Jamie Karraker (Morgantown, W. Va.) set a new Institute record, making nine three-point field goals en route to a career-high 27 points, as the nationally-ranked No. 7 MIT men's basketball team cruised to a 90-47 win over UMass-Boston in non-conference action Tuesday night. The Engineers, who have now won three straight by at least 40 points and are outscoring their opponents by 31 points per game, improved to 9-0 on the season, the second best start in program history.
The Cardinal and Gray shot over 55% from the field (32-58) and connected on 12 shots from long range. Senior Noel Hollingsworth (Salt Lake City, Utah) finished with 20 points to go along with five assists and four rebounds while senior Billy Bender (The Woodlands, Texas) also finished in double figures with 13.
After the teams traded buckets to begin the game, the Engineers canned trifectas on four straight possessions with Karraker draining three shots, to lead 14-4 just 3:30 into the contest. After a pair of free throws by freshman Vinny DeLucia (Miami, Fla.) made it 16-6, MIT would score the game's next 16 points to take a commanding 32-6 lead at the 12 minute mark.
The Beacons (4-5) did not hit the 10 point mark until DeLucia's three-ball with just over six minutes to go in the half and trailed 51-19 at the break.
UMass-Boston scored on three straight possessions early in the second, to cut the gap to 52-25, but that would be the extent of the host's offensive momentum. At one point during the second stanza, the Cardinal and Gray reeled off 14 straight points, pushing its advantage beyond the 40-point plateau.
Three different Engineers recorded five assists, as Hollingsworth, Bender and junior Mitchell Kates (Colts Neck, N.J.) contributed to MIT's total of 27 helpers, just three shy of the program record. Junior Will Tashman (Atherton, Calif.) paced the squad with 11 rebounds,
Tech controlled the glass all evening, outrebounding the Beacons, 41-28, and grabbing 14 offensive boards despite missing just 26 field goals.
Cody Edmond (Plaquemine, La.) led the hosts with 12 points on four-of-six shooting while DeLucia contributed nine for the youthful Beacons, who started four freshmen and have just one senior on their roster.
MIT will return home on Thursday, December 8 to host Salem State University at 7:00 p.m. in Rockwell Cage. The Vikings are receiving votes in this week's D3Hoops Top 25 and present one of the stiffest tests for MIT thus far in 2011-12. UMass-Boston hosts Lesley University on Thursday at 7:00 p.m. also.


text:
Next Episode of Pocket Monsters is
Pocket Monsters is the Japanese version of Pokemon. The show is about a 10 year old named Satoshi who is aiming to be the best Pocket Monster Master in the world. Along with his pals Kasumi, Takeshi, Haruka, & Masato. He journies threw the Kanto, Orange, Johto, Hoenn, and Battle Frontier Leagues trying to be the best.
Looks like something went completely wrong!
But don't worry - it can happen to the best of us,
- and it just happened to you.
Please try again later or contact us.


text:
11 Blogging Best Practices for IT Teams
Thanks to blogs and the ubiquitous nature of social media these days, everybody is a writer, right? And that also extends to your IT department staffers as they seek to impart their wisdom about technologies and industry trends to existing and new audiences. In many cases, this kind of profile serves a multi-beneficial purpose. It positions your team members as informed professionals--possibly even respected authorities--in their fields. It can also cast a favorable light upon you and your organization, if simply through association. But these efforts can backfire too, especially if there are no company guidelines to help employees understand what constitutes appropriate and inappropriate online behavior. Given this, Janco Associates has produced the following best practices for CIOs and other tech managers. Clearly, the intent here isn't to discourage workers from expressing themselves. Instead, the guidelines try to steer them in the direction of posting content that advances your organization's mission, as opposed to distracting from or damaging it. These best practices are part of an extensive report from Janco titled CIO IT Infrastructure Policy Bundle.


text:
SOURCE: Xtime
January 29, 2013 13:06 ET
Delivers a Consistent, Upgraded Digital Experience to Customers
Delivers a Consistent, Upgraded Digital Experience to Customers
REDWOOD SHORES, CA--(Marketwire - Jan 29, 2013) - Xtime, the leading cloud-based customer relationship management (CRM) and scheduling platform for the automotive service industry, announced today it has entered into an enterprise-wide agreement with Volkswagen of America, Inc. ("VWoA").
VWoA is deploying Xtime's ServiceCRM™ to all 600+ dealers in its US network. ServiceCRM promotes a consistent and improved customer experience, is a potent source of new customers and provides a meaningful lift in appointment show rate and customer satisfaction. Currently, more than 200 Volkswagen dealers use Xtime with tremendous success, generating an average 20 new customers per month and seeing an ROI of 8-to-1.
"As a global automotive leader, the Volkswagen brand is always looking to utilize best-of-class technologies to benefit our dealers and customers," said Steven Rufo, General Manager, Service Operations, Volkswagen of America. "Xtime's online service menus and scheduling platform will help our dealers gain new customers and better retain their existing ones, all while driving increased revenue and profits. We believe that Xtime fits into our future vehicle strategy and will be an integral part of our redesigned digital ownership experience as we move forward."
"We absolutely love Xtime," said Patrick Collins, service manager at Minuteman Volkswagen in Bedford, MA. "With just a few key strokes, Xtime's scheduling and history features make it simple for customers to book services instantly, as well as review past maintenance history and costs, all online. For us, Xtime means more happy customers which grow dealership revenues in the long haul."
Volkswagen dealerships and their customers will benefit from the following:
"Volkswagen of America has a leading edge vision of the automotive ownership experience that dovetails perfectly with our products," said Neal East, CEO of Xtime. "With ServiceCRM in every VW dealership, their customers will have a convenient network of service facilities just a few clicks away."
About Xtime
Xtime is the leading cloud-based Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and scheduling platform for automotive manufacturers and dealer service departments. Xtime counts more than 5,000 dealerships as customers and has registered almost 2 million consumers. It processes more than 1.5 million appointments each month and has scheduled almost 50 million in total. Xtime is the exclusive or preferred provider for leading global automotive manufacturers in North America, including Hyundai, VW, Nissan, Lexus, Infiniti, Toyota Canada, Toyota US, BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Audi, and Chrysler. Xtime is also the trusted choice for many of the industry's leading dealership groups including AutoNation, Group 1 Automotive, Penske, Sonic Automotive, Asbury, Luther, Ferman and Checkered Flag. Xtime is based in Redwood Shores, California and can be reached at (650) 508-4300 or www.xtime.com.
About Volkswagen of America
Founded in 1955, Volkswagen of America, Inc. is headquartered in Herndon, Virginia. It is a subsidiary of Volkswagen AG, headquartered in Wolfsburg, Germany. Volkswagen's operations in the United States include research and development, parts and vehicle processing, parts distribution centers, sales, marketing and service offices, financial service centers, and its state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee. Volkswagen is one of the world's largest producers of passenger cars and Europe's largest automaker. Volkswagen sells the Beetle, Beetle Convertible, Eos, Golf, Golf R, GTI, Jetta, Jetta SportWagen, Passat, CC, Tiguan, Touareg and Routan vehicles through approximately 610 independent U.S. dealers. Visit Volkswagen of America online at www.vw.com or media.vw.com to learn more.
Media Contact:Lisa Copass
Diboll & Associates
Marketing and Public Relations(925) 550-1885Email Contact
Media Contact:Lisa Copass
Diboll & Associates
Marketing and Public Relations(925) 550-1885Email Contact
See all RSS Newsfeeds


text:
Wheatcroft grabs lead at Houston Open
Humble, TX – Steve Wheatcroft posted his second straight 5- under 67 on Friday to grab a 1-stroke lead after the second round of the Houston Open.
Wheatcroft, who got into the field via the Monday qualifier, finished 36 holes at 10-under-par 134. This is not only his first tour start of the year, but it is also the first time he has had the lead after any round on the PGA Tour.
"Oh God, no. I led at some point in Puerto Rico a few years a ago," said Wheatcroft, when asked if he has had the lead in a PGA Tour event before. "It was a goofy round. We played 18 holes, and then I don't think I played again for 48 hours or something. We had to play 27 on Sunday and 27 Monday, and it was just a continuous -- we stayed in the same groups. I was leading at some point in those rounds."
First-round leader D.A. Points managed a 1-under. He dipped into a share of second place at minus-9 with Jason Kokrak (69).
Stewart Cink fired the low round of the day, a 6-under 66 on the Tournament Course at Redstone Golf Club, to jump into a tie for fourth. He was joined at 7-under-par 137 by Brian Davis (70).
Rory McIlroy (70) and Phil Mickelson (71) both made the cut on the number at 1-under 143. McIlroy mixed three birdies and a single bogey in his round of 70. Mickelson had five birdies, two bogeys and a double-bogey in his round, and made the cut despite a bogey on his final hole, No. 18.
Wheatcroft played the back nine first on Friday and opened with three straight pars. He converted a 6-foot birdie chance at the par-5 13th and made it two in a row with an 8-foot birdie effort on the par-3 14th.
The 35-year-old, who has one win on the Web.com Tour, ran off five consecutive pars from the 15th.
Wheatcroft moved to minus-8 as he poured in a 27-footer for birdie on the second. He followed with birdies at three and four, from 18 and 16 feet respectively, to move into the lead at 10-under.
"Excited with where I'm at obviously. Got off to a decent start. I hit a good shot on 10, a decent shot on 11, but made a bad mistake on 12," Wheatcroft said. "I hit it in the fairway bunker and hit an awful shot. Actually hit the TV tower behind the green. Just lucky I got it up and down. Saved a little momentum, birdied the next two holes. So I was off and running. I knew I was swinging a little better today. I just needed to play smart out there."
Points fired a 64 on Thursday, but struggled to get anything going in the second round. He ran off 11 consecutive pars to open his round. After carding his lone birdie of the day at the par-4 12th, Points parred the last six.
"I was maybe a little bit cautious, but I didn't have a lot of green lights today, and when you don't have that, you know, when you're in the position of lead or close to the lead, you can't really squander them," Points admitted.
Kokrak chipped his third to the 13th to five feet and dropped that in for his first birdie of the day. He chipped in for birdie on the par-5 15th, but gave both of those strokes back at 17.
The two-time winner on the Web.com Tour missed the green with his second, then dumped his third into a greenside bunker. Kokrak chipped to six feet, but 2- putted for double-bogey.
Kokrak started his climb back up the leaderboard with a birdie on the fourth. He rolled in an 18-footer for birdie at No. 6 and got within one of the lead with a 5-foot birdie effort on the eighth.
"Last year at the Frys, I was hitting the ball really well, as I am here, that there is a lot of experience I can call upon," Kokrak said of last year's Frys.com Open, where he tied for second place. "There's still 36 holes to go here. I'm looking forward to a solid round on tomorrow, then we'll worry about Sunday."
NOTES: The cut line fell at 1-under 143 with 72 players making it to the weekend ... Among those that missed the cut were 2012 champion Hunter Mahan and Brandt Snedeker as well as former major champions Retief Goosen, Lucas Glover and Trevor Immelman ... Sean O'Hair (back) and Thorbjorn Olesen (whiplash) withdrew on Friday. Olesen was in a car accident on Wednesday and doctors advised him to withdraw ... Carl Pettersson had a hole-in-one on the par-3 seventh.