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Rumors of Upcoming Microsoft Cut-Backs
Rumors. Microsoft layoff and cut-backs and Reduction In Force rumors. That's all I have for you. Rumors and second-hand speculation and the comments left by the fine, good-looking folks who participate in the conversation here. So pour yourself some holiday cheer and dive in.
What have those fine folks been sharing over the past couple of posts here? Bad news on the rise and with perhaps January 15th 2009 as an interesting day for Microsoft news. Bad news. 15 Jan is a week before FY09Q2 quarterly results and it's better to share as much news, good and bad, before the results are released vs. surprising Wall Street (something I think we've learned).
It all starts with...
Just heard on the finance grapevine. MSFT layoffs are coming on January 15th.
They are substantial.
And then some curious meetings:
they lost 12 people in STB [...] looks like "feedback" reviews are underway to get the a-10's out of the picture as well.
What kind of meeting? Perhaps like:
I got invited into one of those special "manager" meetings on thursday which resolved to absolutely zero activity other than asking opaque questions for which the answer was already known.
"fact" finding in order to dismiss an argument OR dismiss me :)
shall find out 1/15
In Live Meeting:
Live Meeting is one of the worst places to be right now - and it has gotten downright hostile and strange in recent times. People are pulled into meetings with management where they get interrogated about what they are working on ("We want to hear what you think you know about XYZ, this is not a knowledge-sharing session..."), people are given impossible tasks like coding things not yet designed, automating things not get coded, documenting unfinished ideas (all subject to being cut next week too). On top of that they must account for their time by the hour. Live Meeting is in its death throes.
Breaking-up when you have no budget is another tactic (in STB):
Our 120+ person org has just been broken up due to lack of budget. About 1/2 the team is staying, the other half is going to a number of different teams within the larger org. So far, we all appear to have jobs, but man, what a shocker, I thought ours was one of the more stable teams.
Not sure what happens to our Director, he seemed a bit shocked himself when he delivered the news today. I also don't know if this is the first step towards a lay-off, but for now, it seems we'll have jobs for a few more months.
Ugh, not good, not good at all.
I got pulled into a lunch 2:1 today and got given good news on "you have 4 weeks left"
STB - > Server
Rumors! Like the following that I've heard wandering around chatting with folks before the holidays:
I've been hearing some stealth layoffs around the SQL and BOSG groups, around 70+ people were given 6(?) weeks to find another position within the company, otherwise they are laid off.
Anyone know others?
Is the following a list of head-count cuts or expected percent cuts?
- 3 in omps
- 9 in stb
- 12 in msd
- 7 in devdiv
- 18 in UA
- 5 in MSX
Beyond product groups:
Finance is cutting 10% of work force.
I will agree that we'll be casting a hard eye at consistent 10%-ers during MYCD:
If you have to 10% an employee who was in this bucket last review you may well find yourself showing them the door. This means that we can meet VP goals of no lay-offs (we are pruning poor performers) yet be seen to be reducing OE
But who is taking the cut?
The news is in. All the money making groups cut 10% of the work force. The money losing groups hires.
Vendors get it, too:
Vendors are also having it bad. The funding for our project stopped and our vendor team of 28 people have been asked to leave immediately. All of us have been asked to move to India by our parent company. [...]
Who should be taking a cut? One commenter points to GFS:
Do you know who was killing Microsoft economically from past several years- think think think? Being one of the 65 level in this organization and spending most of my career here - I can tell you that this group was living lavish life from past many years (thank god – we have some economic crisis now and people are asking some tough questions from the managers here). I know many of you have already guessed and you are right - this group is called "GFS - Global Foundation Service" and DebraC is leading this group. (Did I use the word leading?) If you want to know how capable she is to lead this group, I encourage you to watch her latest all hands streaming that you can find on MSW. [...] There are billions of dollars hardware purchased every year across this group without any planning and I can assure you that 50% of them are not even used or required at first place. Most of the hiring in this group is not for getting things done or being innovative in datacenter world but each manager here trying to build their own empire by just hiring whether they really need it or not.
Local impact? One commenter muses:
As someone whose product was recently whacked, I sure hope there are some RIFs before there are out-and-out layouts (at least in my area!) Scary... 'cause in this climate, it's going to be darn tough on the economy to dump a bunch of talented folks to the curb and have them competing for slim pickings out in the rest of the world. The ripple effect on the Puget Sound economy alone (assuming the layoffs are substantially here) would be staggering. :-(
Okay. So first I'd love to hear what you have heard or know as well, though I realize some of you might want to stir the pot with made-up fluff sprinkled with schaedenfruede - please don't.
Second: you have to realize that the upcoming 2009 Mid Year Career Discussion review process is one of the most important career inflection-points for you that we've had in a long, long time. Already my team is being asked to review people on the HR Watch List deeply and especially look at any two-time-plus 10%'s, no matter whether they are Situation I (eh, should be fired) or Situation II (effective but have reached their career maximum - again, a horrible, horrible concept). The upcoming Stack Rank for Mid-Year is going to be super-important for determining who has to go first if your team is given an n-percent budget to cut-back on. And yes, if we fire the current 10%'ers we drop down the lower 70%'ers into the 10% bucket. So just because you don't end up in the 10% bucket don't get all happy about yourself unless you're well into a high Achieved / high 70% bucket.
My suggestion to you: know when your team's Stack Rank (aka Calibration) meeting is and be very aggressive about enumerating your accomplishments this past year with your manager and asking your boss where they believe you rank within the team. Hey, I hate this system too, folks, and by me giving you advice I'm trying to prescribe some preventative medicine, not endorse the lifeboat drill that is Stack Ranking. And if you have Skip Level meetings with your upper management, you'd better figure a way that you walk out of that room with them loving you.
And if you get your six weeks, you're going to have to depend on your existing Microsoft networks. Folks I know with open positions have really ratcheted up their choosiness about who they want to bring into their group and are exceptionally uninterested in unknown RIF'ed people wanting informationals, assuming that they are 10%-ers.
Third: let's say we are having intensive cutbacks and/or RIFs and layoffs. It is absolutely essential that Microsoft steps back and asks, "Whoa, how did we get here and who was leading us?" How did we go on a drunken hiring binge and continue it even though a year ago most of us realized we were dropping into a recession? It's irresponsible leadership. It's especially irresponsible to the people we've hired and to the people incoming with recent offers. If you don't think too deeply, it's easy to be sipping on your Starbucks in Crossroads Mall typing away at how Microsoft needs to mass fire people so that it can refocus on essential business. But when you do it at a time when the economy is in the crapper and job openings at Microsoft is near nil is unforgivable.
An important consequence is to ensure we never do this again. The first step is to cut out the people who got us here, especially by making weak hires. Everytime someone who you said "Hire" to on an interview loop gets a 10% review your ranking on hiring goes down. If they become good attrition you get dropped from interviewing. You obviously aren't a very good judge when it comes to hiring for Microsoft. Likewise, if you said "No" to someone with a bad review or "Yes" to a star performer, your ranking goes up. And all of this is made very clear to you, versus you wondering one day, "Hey, how come I haven't been on an interview loop in a while?"
Next, if you've been in the way of quickly load balancing within your division according to needs vs. empire building: *poof* you're either gone or demoted.
Come 22 Jan 2009 Microsoft will be asked by the analysts what it is doing to contain costs. And I believe Microsoft will have an answer. I think this is one solution that you don't want to be a part of. I'm all for cutting back, but it should have been done long ago, responsibly, vs. forced upon us. Because I believe when things turn around, groups will be lighting the sparklers and cracking open the Kristal and hiring madly again.
(Edit #2: added links to all the comments I quoted so that readers - especially first time visitors - understand the source material. Edit #1: fixed a double paste.)


text:
You have a Single-User Node-Locked license if your serial number is:
xFxxx-9xxx-70/71/72/73xxxxx, or xFxxx-6xxx-70/71/72/73xxxxx.
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If you want to replace the licensed Origin computer, you will need to deactivate the license before you can get a new one for the new computer.
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Watch the video tutorial - Licensing Node Locked Origin
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If you newly purchase the product, Or, upgrade your Origin (2016 or earlier version) to a newer version (2017 or higher) during Maintenance
You can always check the product keys by clicking Manage My License(s) under your portal and selecting the serial number link. You can then check the product key information on the Origin Product Registration|License request history page that opens.
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You are always recommended to upgrade your Origin to the latest version during Maintenance.

subset: commoncrawl


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Your safety and that of our providers is critical to ensure you receive quality medical care.
Featuring a monthly dose of information and inspiration for living well.
Free, convenient online check-in services.
Access your medical information on demand.
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Recognizing the symptoms of a heart attack can help save your life.


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Iakovos III (Vavanatsos) of Athens
His Beatitude Iakovos III (Vavanatsos) of Athens was the Archbishop of Athens and All Greece and primate of the Church of Greece for less than two weeks between January 13, 1962 and January 25, 1962. His short tenure as archbishop was the result of political divisiveness during the Greek constitutional crises of the 1960s.
George Vavanatsos was born in Galaxidi Parnasidas on June 22, 1895. He attended primary and Galaxidi boarding schools and participated actively in the worship life of the local church served by his uncle, the priest Nicholas. After completing his education at the School of Piraeus, he entered, initially, the Theological Faculty of the University of Athens followed by the law school. George was ordained a deacon in 1918 by Bishop Iakovos with the name Iakovos and was assigned as a deacon within the office of the Grand Archdeacon. In 1921, he was ordained a priest and elevated to archimandrite by Bishop Panteleimon. He was then appointed Secretary of the Archdiocese of Athens, including the Metropolitan Council and the Diocesan Court. In 1931, he was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese.
On January 11, 1935, Fr. Iakovos was consecrated Bishop of Christoupoleos, an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Athens, while remaining in the position of chancellor as "Great Protosyngelos." During the following years from 1923 to 1935, Bp. Iakovos administered the organization of the Archdiocese, a task in which he distinguished himself. He also emphasized the education of the clergy and the effective functioning of the parishes.
On September 30, 1936, Bp. Iakovos was elected by the Holy Synod of the Church of Greece as the first Archbishop of the newly established Diocese of Attica and Megara. The diocese was formed by splitting off a portion of the Archdiocesan District. After the death of Archbishop Chrysostomos on October 23, 1938, Bp. Iakovos supported the candidacy of Metropolitan Damaskinos (Papandreou) of Corinth over that of Metropolitan Chrysanthos (Philippidis) of Trebizond. However, the election was annulled by the intervention of John Metaxas, then dictator of Greece, who dismissed Abp. Damaskinos and elevated Metr. Chrysanthos to the archbishop's see. Bp. Iakovos was considered by the regime, and the new church leadership, as undesirable and reduced the limits of the Metropolis of Attica. The limits of the metropolis were restored after the deposition of Chrysanthos and restoration of Abp. Damaskinos in 1941.
The pastoral policies established by Metr. Iakovos for the Metropolis of Attica and Megara became the standard administrative, organizational, and intellectual policies for all metropolitan districts of Greece. He, also, founded a preparatory school for training priests and instituted annual assemblies of priests. In 1953, he produced a guide of pastoral practices. He, also, established youth clubs that through teaching and dialogue aimed to help young people to attain one clear national and religious identity. As proof of the success of this program, in 1947, the Apostoliki Diakonia of the Church of Greece made the youthful work of the Metropolis of Attica a template for its programs.
On January 8, 1962, Archbishop Theocletos II (Panagiotopoulos) died, which raised the issue of succession. Metr. Iakovos, who was on good relations with the Palace, having been honored with the Grand Cross of the Royal Order of George, emerged as a member of the principal candidates, although some newspapers made comments about his private life and various organizations circulated insulting notices aimed at defeating his candidacy although he had never been accused of any moral or pecuniary wrong during his priestly and episcopal career. The government pushed for an early election of the new Archbishop and a date of January 13, 1962 was set. However, Metr. Iakovos had expressed an intention that the Church create a kind of ecclesiastical bank that would manage the property of the Church of Greece. This caused the government to oppose him as the implementation of such a project would seriously damage the interests of the National Bank which held the deposited ecclesiastical capital. Thus, on the day of the election of the new archbishop, January 13, 1962, the nation was in turmoil.
After the two step election Metr. Iakovos was declared the winner, and he was enthroned as Archbishop of Athens on January 18 under heavy police guard. Political turmoil ensued as pressure increased to annul the election even as Abp. Iakovos received congratulatory messages from Patriarch Athenagoras of Constantinople, Patriarch Benedict of Jerusalem and other top Greek Orthodox prelates. Under strong political pressure, Abp. Iakovos finally submitted his resignation on January 25, citing his strong belief that the involvement of the State in the internal affairs of the Church would be disastrous and that the likelihood of such mixing led him to submit his resignation.
After his resignation Abp. Iakovos returned to leading the Metropolis of Attica and Megara and to pastoral work there. A Conciliar Court was convened to deal with the complaints against him and examined 70 witnesses before giving an unanimous decision, accompanied by 135-page finding, that absolved the Abp. Iakovos.
When the military dictatorship was imposed on Greece on April 21, 1967, the rebel General Iakovos Spantidakis informed the Holy Synod that Abp. Iakovos had to resign from the see of the Metropolis of Attica because relations between Church and State were contrary to those of the "revolution." Abp. Iakovos refused to resign, after which the junta condemned and removed him from the pastoral care of the province by promulgating a law that provided for imprisonment in monastery in the country.
In 1974, after Abp. Seraphim became Archbishop of Athens, attempts to restore Abp. Iakovos to the Metropolis of Attica were thwarted by the military who remained in power. Abp. Iakovos remained at the Monastery of Our Lady Revealed in Salamis until his repose on October 25, 1984. He was buried at the monastery. His funeral, officiated by Abp. Seraphim of Athens, took place at the Metropolitan Cathedral in Athens.
Iakovos III (Vavanatsos) of Athens | ||
Preceded by: ? |
Bishop of Christoupoleos auxiliary of the Archdiocese of Athens 1935—1936 |
Succeeded by: ? |
Preceded by: — |
Metropolitan of Attica and Megaridos 1936—1962 |
Succeeded by: ? |
Preceded by: Theocletos II (Panagiotopoulos) |
Archbishop of Athens 1962—1962 |
Succeeded by: Chrysostomos II (Hadjistavrou) |
Preceded by: ? |
Metropolitan of Attica and Megaridos 1962—1967 |
Succeeded by: Nicodemus (Gkatziroulis) |
- The Archbishop of Athens and All Greece Iakovos In Greek
- Αρχιεπίσκοπος_Ιάκωβος In Greek


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Become a CPSD™
As demographics continue to change, organizations increasingly need experts to implement or oversee their supplier diversity programs. Leading companies realize the competitive advantage that supplier diversity can provide. With a CPSD™, you can become the expert they need and guide them to make intelligent and profitable supplier diversity decisions. Discover how a CPSD™ can make you indispensable.
The Steps to Achieving Your CPSD®
Step 1: Know the Criteria (Eligibility Requirements)
You will need the following professional experience and/or education:
- Three years professional (non-clerical, nonsupport) or supply management experience and have a bachelor's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, -OR-
- Five years of professional (non-clerical, nonsupport) supplier diversity or supply management experience (which does not need to be your primary function)
Step 2: Get Help Preparing for Exams
There are two exams to prepare for with the CPSD. They include:
- Supply Management Core (180 Questions — 3 hours 15 minutes*)
- Essentials in Supplier Diversity — CPSD Exam 2 (150 Questions –2 hours 45 minutes*)
* This time allows 15 minutes extra for tutorial review when factoring the exam seat time at the testing center.
We offer a self-study CPSD Learning System, where you can study at your own pace for the Supply Management Core and Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exams. This digital learning system provides study reading material and practice exams. For candidates who hold an active CPSM or C.P.M., you only need to study for and take the Essentials in Supplier Diversity Exam, as you took the Supply Management Core Exam while earning your CPSM or C.P.M. certification.If you hold an active CPSM or C.P.M., select the Essentials in Supplier Diversity Learning System. If you do not hold an active CPSM of C.P.M., select the CPSD Learning System.
Exam Specification Preparation
Step 3: You're Ready! Now Purchase and Schedule Your Exams
You are prepared and now it's time to purchase and schedule your exam. Exam testing facilities are located throughout the world or we offer proctored exam options that you can take from the comfort of your own home.
Supply Management Core exam available in English, Chinese or Korean.
Essentials in Supplier Diversity exam available in English.
- Supply Management Core - Purchase Exam
- Essentials in Supplier Diversity - Purchase Exam
To schedule your exam, go to our partner, PeasonVue's website at: https://home.pearsonvue.com/ism
Step 4: You Passed! Submit Your Application
You completed the toughest part. Congratulations! Now it is time to complete and submit your application. Here are the items you will need to complete and process your certification application:
- Proof of education (Copy of diploma, transcripts)
- Work background/experience
- Complete and pass all required exams
- Payment information for processing fee
Ready to Begin Your CPSD® Journey?
Get Started Today!CPSD™ Frequently Asked Questions
What are the criteria to obtain the CPSD™?
3 years full-time, professional supplier diversity or supply management experience (non-clerical, nonsupport) and have a regionally accredited bachelor's degree1 OR 5 years of supplier diversity or supply management experience (non-clerical, nonsupport) without a degree.
Pass 2 CPSD™ Exams.
1 Regionally accredited means that your bachelor's degree was earned from a college or university that is recognized by one of the six U.S. accrediting organizations listed with the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). Please email the Certification Department if you have questions regarding your degree.
What is considered acceptable work experience?
Full-time professional experience where supply management, procurement or supply chain is the primary job function. Clerical and support roles do not apply. Candidates can submit a Work Experience Evaluation if they are unsure if their experience qualifies. This evaluation is optional and a fee will apply. You can find the work experience review form and instructions here.
Do I have to have the required experience before I can take the exams?
No. Exam scores are valid for 4 years from the test date. You can take the exams as you work towards your experience and/or degree.
What is the average cost to obtain the CPSD™?
The average cost for ISM members ranges from $840 - $1,470 USD. The average cost for nonmembers ranges from $1,280 - $2,180. ISM membership is not required to become a CPSD™, however significant savings, along with a host of member benefits are enjoyed by ISM members. Click here for information about joining as an ISM member.
Do you offer reimbursement through the GI Bill?
The United States Department of Veterans Affairs reimburses for CPSM® Exam fees.
Our exams are specifically approved for the GI Bill. The VA can pay only for the cost of the tests and not other fees connected with obtaining the or CPSM® (study materials, application fees, etc.).
The Montgomery GI Bill (also called the MGIB or Chapter 30)
- VEAP (also called Chapter 32), or
- Dependents Educational Assistance (also called DEA or Chapter 35) (DEA is a benefit for children, spouses, and surviving spouses of veterans with 100% service-connected disability or who died in service or due to service-connected disability.)
You can receive up to $2,000 per test (but not more than the cost of the test). There is no limit to the number of tests you can take.
For more details please visit http://inquiry.vba.va.gov/weamspub/buildSearchLCCriteria.do. When using the search feature, keep in mind that ISM is located in the state of Arizona.
How long will it take to get my CPSD™?
Timeframes vary based upon candidates' study program. For those who are self-paced learners, the average is approximately 6 – 12 months to completion, depending on experience and time available to study.
What content is covered in the CPSD™ Exams?
There are two CPSD™ Exams. Below is a break-down of the exam by sections, with the number of questions and time allowed. See the Exam Specifications for further details.
Section Name # of Questions
Developing Business Case/Obtaining Executive Support 16
Developing a Supplier Diversity Program 27
Project Management for Supplier Diversity Professionals 3
Influencing and Partnering with Internal Stakeholders 16
Establishing Diverse Supplier Certification Process 2
Establishing Diverse Supplier Qualification Process 12
Developing Diverse Suppliers 8
Managing Relationships with Diverse Suppliers 13
Financing and Budgeting 10
Establishing Metrics and Reporting 15
Performing Advocacy and Market Outreach 16
Sustainability, Social Responsibility and Ethics 12
for the Supplier Diversity Profession
150 questions
All Scored
2 Hours 30 Minutes
How are the Exams scored? What is passing?
ISM maintains multiple versions, or forms, of the exam. While the content of the exam remains constant, the actual questions used in the exam will change. Different forms of the exam use different questions, the level of difficulty will vary slightly from test to test. To compensate for these variations, a statistical procedure known as equating is used to account for differences in test difficulty. The passing score is not calculated based upon percentages.
For example, let's suppose we have two test forms of an exam — Test A and Test B. Now suppose it is established that in order to pass Test A, a person must answer 32 out of 60 questions correct. Furthermore, suppose that Test B is somewhat easier than Test A. To compensate for this difference, the passing score for Test B is adjusted to prevent any "bonus" being given to the candidates taking Test B. Thus, it may be established that a candidate must get a score of 34 out of 60 on Test B in order to pass. This is test equating. It holds candidates to the same standard in terms of difficulty, regardless of which version is taken.
Due to this method of equating the percentage of correct answers varies from exam to exam. Then, to maintain consistency in scoring, a second statistical procedure called scaling is used. Scaling converts all scores to a scale ranging from 100 to 600 with a passing score set at 400. Thus, the scores you receive from ISM are actually scaled scores. If the scaled score on the Supply Management Core Exam ranges from 100 to 390, this means you failed that Exam. If the scaled score is in the range of 400 to 600, you passed that Exam. Scaling on the CPSD Essentials in Supplier Diversity exam follows this same methodology.
What do I do if I fail an exam?
If you fail an exam, you should use the score report that you receive from the test center to re-focus your study effort on any task area(s) where you did not answer approximately 75% of the questions correctly. Then revisit the study material you used to prepare for the exams and purchase additional sources if more in-depth studying is needed.
To re-test, you will again need to register with ISM and pay the appropriate member or non-member fee.
ISM has a 30-day retake policy for the CPSM® Exams. If you are unsuccessful on an exam you must wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that specific exam.
Do I have to pay to re-take the exam?
Yes, you will again need to register with ISM and pay the appropriate member or non-member fee. There is no discount on re-tests.
ISM has a 30-day retake policy for the CPSM® Exams. If you are unsuccessful on an exam you must wait 30 days before you are eligible to re-take that specific exam.
Am I able to see the questions that I got wrong on an exam?
Specific exam questions and answers are not made public. A score report for each exam is provided upon completion. The score report provides detail about the task areas where questions were missed. Task areas that you answered less than 75% of the questions correct is an area that requires more study.
How long are my CPSD™ Exam scores valid?
CPSD™ Exam scores are valid for 4 years from the date they are taken. If an exam score is more than 4 years old, the exam must be taken and passed again before applying for the CPSD™.
How do I register for CPSD™ Exam(s)? How do I know where the closest test center is located?
Your exam registration is valid for six months from the day ISM processes your registration. Payment is required in advance. You must test by the expiration date to avoid forfeiting your exam fees.
Individual candidate testing is done at Pearson VUE Testing Centers and can be scheduled at your convenience.
What kind of identification (I.D.) will I need in order to test?
For your exam, you must bring one valid photo I.D. with signature that exactly matches the name on your exam registration.
Your I.D. MUST be one of the following:
- Driver's License*
- Passport*
- Military I.D.*
- Official State, Government, or National I.D.
- Employee I.D.
- Student I.D.
- Photo credit card
No other forms of I.D. will be accepted.
*Driver's License, Passport and Military IDs that have a digital signature encoded will only be accepted as valid ID if accompanied by another valid ID with signature.
Note: On the day of your exam, if you are unable to produce a valid I.D. matching the name in ISM's database, you will not be allowed to test and all registration fees will be forfeited.
Note: Pearson VUE uses biometrics in all test centers. Biometrics are automated methods of recognizing a person based on a physical characteristic and are primarily used to combat identity fraud. One such method involves the examinee placing a palm on a scanner, which results in an electronic palm print.
What else should I know about taking my exam at a Pearson VUE Test Center?
- Plan to arrive 30 minutes before your appointment. If you are late, you will be considered a "no show" and your exam fees will be forfeited.
- You will be required to leave all personal belongings in a locker. This includes bags, cell phones, watches, wallets, notes, books or other materials not authorized for this exam.
- An erasable note board and pen will be provided for the exam. They will be collected at the end of the test.
- Calculators will be also be provided.
- Wear comfortable, layered clothing. Test center temperatures vary.
How do I reschedule or cancel an existing appointment?
To reschedule or cancel your test appointment, you must contact Pearson VUE at least 24-hours prior to the scheduled local testing time. For example, an 8:30am appointment on Monday must be rescheduled by 8:30am on Sunday (all times are local). If you do not reschedule or cancel your appointment in time, all funds are forfeited.
Fees may apply if any changes or cancellations are made within 48 hours of the scheduled appointment time.
Please DO NOT call your local Pearson VUE test center to make appointments or cancel or reschedule appointments.
How can I take CPSD™ Exams at my company?
ISM offers onsite testing for groups. To request more information regarding on-site testing, please contact us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
How can I schedule CPSD™ Review Courses at my company?
ISM offers onsite training and review courses. To require more information, please contact our Corporate Services team at email@example.com.
How do I apply and check the status of my application?
After you have met all requirements, you will need to apply for certification. You can apply online here.
Application processing may take up to 4 weeks. We offer a rush service for an additional fee. If rush service is purchased, we guarantee that your application will be reviewed within 2 business days.
I am having issues getting my work experience documentation, do you have any suggestions?
Remember to use employer letterhead, have a current or previous supervisor or human resource department sign each letter, and include each title, and the length of time the title was held (from mo/yr to mo/yr).
Titles referenced in the samples are representative only and do not cover the range of titles held or used in the field.
Questions? Call ISM Member Services at 1.480.752.6276, opt. 8
Some of the more common situations encountered when documenting experience, and recommended solutions, are covered below:
Contact a previous supervisor, or other individual you worked with, who can certify your employment history and have them write a letter for you. Have them explain the situation briefly and identify their previous relationship to you within the company.
Consider researching information at your public library or local government entity for documents of incorporation. You may be able to find the entity holding the personnel/employment records. You may also want to ask your present employer if they verified your previous experience, job titles, dates held, and so on. If this was done, your current employer can certify previous experience.
If you have a title that is not normally associated with professional purchasing, supply management, or supply chain management, and you are not sure if you qualify, you may get your experience approved upfront for a nominal $25 fee. Experience must be documented on an official job description or letter on company letterhead. ISM does not allow self-verification. Letters should come from your current or previous human resources department or supervisor, explain your responsibilities in detail and list job duties. Please make sure they specify the percentage of time spent in each area/job function. ISM will review the material and notify you of the decision.
Ask your commanding officer for a letter documenting your experience. In most cases we have received the DD 214. In some cases military review or discharge documents may also help document your experience.
Once earned, how do I maintain my CPSD™?
CPSD's are required to recertify every 3 years with 60 Continuing Education Hours (CEHs). CPSD's are encouraged to recertify within the 60 days prior to the expiration date. Once your certification has expired, you will be given a one-year grace period in which you can recertify with no penalty. Candidates in their grace period will not be recognized as a CPSD™ nor will they be allowed to use the designation. Certificate dates will appear on the certificate as if the recertification had been completed prior to the expiration of your previous certificate.
Please notify the Certification Department when you move or change jobs to keep your records current, as we may attempt to notify individuals when their designation has expired. You can also update your contact information by logging into ismworld.org and going to My Account to update your contact information.
What are the requirements for online exams?
In order to ensure the proper environment for proctored exams, you must have a quiet, private location, a reliable computer with a webcam, access to one of the approved internet browsers, and a strong internet connection. It is your responsibility to verify your computer meets the technical requirements to take the online proctored exam. Please review the technical requirements on the Pearson Vue Online Exam page under Additional Information. It is also your responsibility to run a system test BEFORE registering for an online proctored exam. Visit the Pearson Vue online exam page to run a system test.
How do I purchase an online exam?
Whether you decide to take your exams at a testing center or online, the purchase process on the ISM website is the same. After purchasing your exam, your purchase confirmation email will contain details about how to schedule your exam through Pearson Vue. After you've selected the exam you want to take, choose the "home or office" option. Follow the remaining prompts to complete the scheduling process. Once you have successfully scheduled your exam appointment, you will be sent a confirmation email that will provide you with your appointment details and important things to know for your exam.
Are the online exams proctored?
Like the exams taken at a Pearson VUE testing center, online proctored exams are also live proctored. The only difference is that with online proctored exams, you are monitored by a remote proctor, along with enhanced security features and artificial intelligence technology.
What languages do the proctors speak?
The proctors speak English. In order to take an online proctored exam, you must be able to communicate verbally in English with the proctor. If you are unable, or not comfortable doing so, please schedule your exam at a local Pearson VUE testing center.
Are there any geographic limitations for taking online proctored exams?
Online exams are currently not available in the People's Republic of China, Japan, Slovenia, Cuba, Iran, North Korea, Sudan or Syria.
How can I obtain a replacement certificate?
You can find the replacement certification request form and instructions here.


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Designing a kitchen is a special task in your home: it's the place that brings warmth and great memories of special meals marking holidays and meaningful moments. An inspired culinary space will produce delicious results, with color schemes just as rich as the flavors created through the years. Different kitchen flooring materials will produce different feels and also lend different performance attributes.
Many flooring options work for kitchens, but open-concept kitchen and living room setups require a unique approach. While carpet is ideal for living rooms, it's not recommended for open-concept living room and kitchen combos due to the moisture and likelihood of accidents in the kitchen. Instead, consider water-resistant luxury vinyl, waterproof vinyl, or water-resistant hardwood for your open-concept space. Tile is another excellent hard-surface flooring option for kitchens and living rooms, as it resists water, scuffs, and stains. These flooring choices ensure durability and style for your open-concept kitchen and living room.
These kitchen floor ideas are surefire recipes for completely satisfying results:
Tile Kitchen Flooring Ideas
Ceramic tile is timeless and allows you create a completely unique kitchen space. You can literally use tile to design a kitchen that gives you a sleek, retro, modern, chic or one-of-a-kind feel. Not only is tile water resistant, easy-to-clean and durable, it's a great kitchen floor option as far as pattern and color is concerned. In addition to kitchen floor tiles, you can coordinate with your counters, walls and backsplashes to create an unforgettable room. So if you thought of tile as only small squares, think again: Today's tile options come in large planks with wide widths and longer lengths for even more design capability. Pro tip: Keep your grout lines as small as you can to making cleaning more effective.
Luxury Vinyl Kitchen Flooring Ideas
The vinyl floors of today are not the same as your Grandmother's kitchen, they are incredible. While sheet vinyl and vinyl tile are still great options for resilient, moisture resistant kitchen floors, Luxury Vinyl Tile has been a complete game-changer in terms of fashion and durability. Today's LVT planks are available in the hottest plank sizes and have more realistic texture than ever. On the performance side, you can select LVT with maximum water resistance or supreme durability. With LVT, you can capture a wood or stone visual on a surface that is more budget-friendly and tremendously easy to install. If you have an active home with kids and pets, this quick installation may be a great selling point since it won't limit access to one of the most popular rooms in the home!
Laminate Kitchen Flooring Ideas
Among all of the flooring ideas that you consider for your kitchen, laminate flooring is a must as well. With a sweet spot between vinyl and natural wood, laminates floors are popular for their enhanced realism, durability, easy maintenance, easy floating installation and decent resistance to water. With a wide variety of styles to choose from, there is a good chance that you will find a laminate product in contention for your kitchen. However, all laminate products are created differently, so look for a product that has higher moisture resistance. Plus, it may be wise to install a thin foam padding underneath to help insulate noise and add comfort. Remember that laminate cannot be refinished like actual wood so choose a product with the longest warranty possible, a 25 year guarantee is preferable. And as we always like to mention, choosing a laminate with the NALFA (North American Laminate Flooring Association) Certification Seal will ensure that the durability you need in your kitchen will be delivered as advertised.
Installing hardwood floors in a kitchen combines timeless elegance with practical functionality. Hardwood flooring brings a warm, inviting look that fits various interior design styles, from rustic to modern. For your kitchen, choose durable and water-resistant hardwood to handle high traffic and moisture. Proper sealing and finishing make them resistant to moisture and spills, ensuring long-lasting beauty. We recommend an engineerd hardwood floor or a waterproof hardwood floor for flooring installation in a kitchen. If you want a cohesive and sophisticated kitchen, hardwood floors are an excellent choice.
Cork & Bamboo Flooring in Kitchen
When it comes to designing your kitchen, explore all of the options that you have available. If you want an eco-friendly floor made from natural materials, investigate cork flooring and bamboo flooring for fashionable, sustainable styles that will serve your kitchen admirably. The key is matching your needs, desires and budget on one excellent floor. You can always add an area rug to make any hard surface kitchen floor feel softer underfoot, add pattern and texture, as well as alleviate stress on your back from cooking or washing dishes.
So what are you waiting for? It's time to cook up the kitchen floor that you've always wanted at Carpet One & Home! Contact Us Now to talk to your local flooring expert.
Thank you for contacting Carpet One Floor & Home. Your local flooring expert will reach out to you regarding your inquiry.


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About The Book
As the top-ranking official at the U.S. Department of Defense in charge of economic rebuilding, Brinkley and his organization of hundreds of business volunteers struggled against bureaucratic policies to revolutionize foreign aid by leveraging America's strength—its private sector. In doing so, his team demonstrated success in the midst of failure, and created hundreds of thousands of jobs in areas long written off by the civilian bureaucracy as hopeless.
Reporting directly to Secretary of Defense Robert Gates, Brinkley spent five years overseeing economic improvement in Iraq and Afghanistan.
The lessons learned in these two nations were soon extended into the war-torn nations of Pakistan, Rwanda, and Sudan.


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A new governance model is being proposed for B.C. high school sports and if it passes, it will change the way secondary school sports operate.
And at its heart is a power struggle.
On one side, there are 15 high school sport commissions that want to keep the status quo. On the other side, there is the governing body of high school sports—B.C. School Sports (BCSS) and its board of directors—along with one commission, girls volleyball that want the current model to change.
As power struggles go, it's an unconventional one: neither side has any power to keep the status quo or to upend a governance model that's been around for decades. Instead, the decision to go forward or not lies in the hands of the province's 460-plus high school athletic directors (ADs).
Currently, most high school sports are run by BC high school sport commissions under the direction of BCSS. A few, such as girls high school rugby and high school hockey, are run outside of BCSS.
If the BCSS's governance proposal passes at the AGM May 1, the 20 high school sport commissions would cease to exist, some of which have long and storied histories that pre-date BCSS's formation in 1970. (In the case of high school boys basketball, 75 years of history.)
In the proposal, BCSS seeks to create a new legislative assembly that would replace the commissions with a ruling body of 55 appointees. Three reps from each of the province's nine school sport zones would make up the first 27 members (one has to be a school administrator—principal or vice principal—and one has to be a female). Nine members of the BCSS board, committee chairs from 10 subcommittees, and nine appointees from "partner organizations" would make up the final block of 28 appointees. Partner organizations would be groups such as the BCTF, the high school superintendents union, and others. Each of those groups would appoint their own person to the legislative assembly.
Below that would sit 20 Sport Advisory Committees, or SACs. Each SAC would be made up of 10 people: a chair plus one rep from each of the province's nine sport zones. This would add up to another 200 people layered underneath the top tier.
Except the SACs would be advisors only. In essence, they'd be a replacement of the commissions but stripped of any type of decision-making power. They would also not have any control over sponsorship money anymore.
They'd still be expected to work at the grassroots with the schools, coaches, and athletes, but the SACs would be able to only make suggestions to the subcommittees. The subcommittees would then present anything they felt should go forward to the legislative assembly. The assembly would then vote on any changes/proposals they felt should go forward.
And if the ADs do vote for change at the AGM on May 1, they will also be voting themselves out of the democratic process, as all decision-making power would then sit with the legislative assembly.
Walter van Halst |
"The BCSS sees the commissions as a threat because they have a lot of autonomy under the current governance structure," said Walter van Halst, a teacher at Lord Tweedsmuir high school in Cloverdale. "The focus of our work is organizing the provincial championships, but we see ourselves as guardians of our sport throughout the year, who want our sports to grow and be inclusive."
Van Halst is also the commissioner of boys high school rugby and he's leading the opposition to the new governance proposal. Recently, van Halst sent out an open letter on behalf of 15 high school sport commissions, including boys high school rugby, to every AD in the province urging them to vote "no" on May 1.
In the letter, van Halst and 14 other commissioners say they "strongly oppose the proposal" for a few reasons.
They say the experience for student-athletes will deteriorate.
"Those who are closest to and most familiar with each sport will no longer be making key decisions regarding the organization and play of each sport," the letter says. "Instead, all decision-making authority would rest with a legislative assembly,which does not include any representation from these sports themselves.
"There is simply no way that people who have never coached in or organized any of these provincial championships can provide better guidance for our student-athletes than dedicated teacher-coaches with a lifetime of experience."
SEE ALSO: Softball B.C. urges provincial health officer to lift ban on gameplay for kids in organized sports
The letter also argues that valuable expertise will be lost.
"Sports commissions consist of many volunteer individuals with a great deal of knowledge and passion for student participation in their sports … BCSS simply does not have the staff or experience to take their place."
In the letter, van Halst also says provincial championships will suffer as some of these events involve "more than one thousand participants" and require "the continuing engagement of volunteers who are empowered to make decisions and feel valued for their commitment."
Van Halst told the Cloverdale Reporter, the whole system relies on relationships. He doesn't see how the BCSS will get the buy-in from the corps of volunteers that are needed to make championships successful.
According to van Halst, the proposed legislative assembly would be like the "British House of Lords." He said the "elected representatives of each sport are not included and it's full of appointed special interest groups which have never coached anything or run a provincial championship."
Rick Thiessen |
Rick Thiessen, president of the BCSS board of directors, and AD at Abbotsford's Mennonite Educational Institute said the new governance proposal is exactly what high school sports needs right now.
"It became evident, as our new executive director talked to more and more people, that there was a desire for change," said Thiessen. "In talking with many athletic directors throughout the province, the governance of B.C. School Sports was their biggest concern."
Thiessen said the new governance model will be better for student-athletes because it will be better for athletic directors and coaches. Both will find a more consistent approach in organizing sports. And he said there'd be virtually no change for most involved.
"We believe we are going to streamline the work of athletic directors and provide a more consistent set of resources for coaches that will be systematic and not really vary from one sport to another as they do now."
He said BCSS also wants to see a more "consistent feel" at the various provincial championships. He said centralizing some of the decisions will allow for a longer-term approach to consistently move championships around the province.
He said they haven't talked about moving the basketball or football finals around the province though.
"They are massive championships. It would be really hard to pull it off at a school," said Thiessen. "There isn't any plan at this point to move some of the bigger championships around."
Thiessen agrees, there are a lot of subcommittees in the proposal.
"Of the 55 members of the legislative assembly, 27 of them will be representatives from each zone (three each). And then committee chairs from the policy committees: that includes championship committees, rules committees, and a couple of other committees."
He said the SACs would sit below those committees, supporting the subcommittees and the BCSS staff.
SEE ALSO: Baseball returns to Cloverdale after players lost entire season last year
"For example, boys basketball would have a sport advisory committee (SAC). They would have a chair. There would be representatives from throughout the province. They would also be able to place people on … the Winter Sports Rules Committee." He said there would be a rep from each winter sport on that committee.
"That sport advisory committee then would place people on the championship committee as well as the rules committee and so they would have an opportunity to discuss ideas at their sport advisory committee and then … that recommendation would be taken by their rep to the championship committee or the rules committee. And then that committee would discuss it and then bring a recommendation to the legislative assembly."
Thiessen said governance is only half the reason for the new model. He said BCSS also wants to improve "equity" on two fronts, geographical equity and gender equity.
"Many of the commissioners are from the Lower Mainland, in almost every sport. They tend to make decisions that reflect concerns of people in this area rather than throughout the province," he said.
"And the second form of equity that's really missing, and that we hope to correct, is gender equity. Where is the voice for women? For people involved in sports in Fort St. John or Cranbrook, where is their voice?"
He said that is one of the greatest strengths of the new proposal. "We should hear from more voices than the ones we currently hear."
"When I hear some of the opponents—boys basketball is probably the most vocal—it's' amazing to me that the voices you hear are the ones from Vancouver and the Fraser Valley. There isn't acknowledgment that maybe their concerns are not reflective of what everyone is thinking on the Island or in Kelowna."
Ken Dockendorf |
Ken Dockendorf has coached boys' high school basketball for more than 50 years. He worked within the framework of the boys basketball commission to create the AAAA division. He also helped restructure how provincials are run, creating the current system where all four divisions compete for championships at the same time at the LEC.
He said he's heard all the arguments in favour of the new proposal and he's still against it.
In an email to the Cloverdale Reporter, he said the sheer number of committees concerns him.
"This new model … is so immense that decision making will be very difficult," he said. "Each former commission would now need to be involved in at least 11 committees and there is no guarantee that our coaches' voices would be respected."
Dockendorf, the current president of the BC High School Boys Basketball Association said his commission has called on all basketball coaches to ask their ADs to vote against the proposal on May 1.
"This is the most significant change in the history of high school sports in this province," Dockendorf said. "It is simply not appropriate to be trying to push this through during this extremely difficult time in education dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic."
PHOTOS: John Cena films jump scene in Cloverdale for new series Peacemaker
If the commissions are disbanded, Dockendorf also worries about the loss of volunteers (including coaches) who the commissions rely on for "expertise, leadership, passion and personal commitments to their sports."
He also opposes the new model, because he says coaches will be removed from the decision-making process.
"Retaining our volunteer coaches and trying to encourage new, younger coaches is difficult at the best of times," Dockendorf said. "Coaches need to know that they have a voice—including our community coaches—or we will continue to lose volunteers from the most important group (after our student-athletes) in our system."
He added, under the current system, all schools have a vote. "This new model will take that vote away from schools and replace it with only three representatives per zone."
Girls Basketball Commission |
The girls basketball commission is also opposed to the governance proposal. The commission posted a statement on their website noting their concerns.
"All future decisions regarding BC Secondary Schools Girls Basketball will be made by BCSS committees." They note the committees can only be composed of teachers/admins that are currently working.
"Retired teacher-coaches and community coaches are not permitted to be on these decision-making committees. We value the input, expertise and dedication of many individuals who will no longer be welcome in this process."
The girls' basketball commission also notes all rule changes and decisions for girls basketball going forward will be made by committees that they will have limited, or no, representation in.
"Only one person per sport. After two years, that one person may be a representative from boys basketball leaving girls basketball with no representation."
The girls' basketball commission also thinks the SACs will not "provide adequate representation or expertise in the decision-making process for the best interest of girls basketball."
Jordan Abney |
Jordan Abney is the executive director of BCSS. Although he doesn't have a vote, and won't be part of the new legislative assembly, he's still hoping ADs vote for change May 1.
Abney said his office completed a strategic planning process back in 2017-2018 and the number one request from schools was a change in governance.
He said if the proposal passes, it will be business as usual for the kids.
"Ideally the student-athlete experience, from an event standpoint, is not going to change. Our goal is to continue championships looking and feeling very much like they do now."
He said longer-term this puts BCSS in a position to enhance the student-athlete experience. He doesn't think that will get better immediately, but he said it will change over time.
"We'll be in a position to look at all sorts of different programs—not just championships, but far beyond that—that will continue to help athletic directors, help coaches, help student athletes, and provide a stronger and better experience over time."
Abney said the proposal has been crafted in a way that addresses a bunch of different issues. He also mentioned the lack of diversity and a lack of geographic representation.
"I've been at meetings where, for all intents and purposes, there are three people at the meeting that control the entire organization and there's very little voice given to those that are outside the Lower Mainland area."
He said the new legislative assembly will enable BCSS to better engage stakeholder groups around the province through better communication and a transparent decision-making process.
"We have a lot of commissions that have done really good jobs with events and stuff, but the governance, the transparency, and the decision-making are all over the map. That's a big challenge for our member schools."
Abney said he understands that some of the commissions have unique histories and that is the reason for some of the pushback.
"Boys basketball celebrated their 75th anniversary," Abney said. "We recognize they've got a rich history and they celebrate it. We honour that and we'll hope to continue to do that."
He thinks if the proposal does pass, it'll also be business as usual for the army of volunteers that are the backbone of high school sports in B.C.
He said he's also aware that many of the commissioners may not come across the new model. (Each commissioner has been offered to chair their respective inaugural SAC, should the proposal pass.)
Ultimately, he thinks most volunteers, coaches, and commissioners will respect the new model.
"I think people will say, 'Okay, let's get to work and make it successful.' Because that's the type of people that work in school sports.
"Most people volunteer their time because a.), they love seeing kids succeed and b.), they're passionate about their sport. And neither of those things is changing."
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text: While adding an RJ-11 connector to his digital calipers [BadWolf] slipped, shorting out a pin and accidentally discovered new features. He intended to add a port for reading measurement data electronically, but after the slip-up an 'H' appeared on the LCD screen and the measurement was frozen at the same number. At first it seemed like he may have killed the device, but this is actually a hold function. A little bit more playing around and he discovered that a combination of button presses can also enable a fast function which speeds up the rate at which the display changes its reading. There is even a max function that only updates the display if the reading is higher than any previously displayed measurement. These are nice features which he uses by connecting a momentary push switch between two of the output pins, details we gleaned from the annotated video after the break. He doesn't say which pins work for him, but we'd bet one of them is the ground pin on the port, and the other is one of the two data pins. Do some investigating with your own calipers and let us know what you find in the comments.


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Like rings from an ancient tree, two ice cores drawn from the tropical Peruvian Andes reveal Earth's tropical climate history in unprecedented detail—year by year, for nearly 1,800 years.
Researchers at The Ohio State University retrieved the cores from a Peruvian ice cap in 2003, and then noticed some startling similarities to other ice cores that they had retrieved from Tibet and the Himalayas. Patterns in the chemical composition of certain layers matched up, even though the cores were taken from opposite sides of the planet.
In the April 4, 2013 online edition of the journal Science Express, they describe the find, which they call the first annually resolved "Rosetta Stone" with which to compare other climate histories from Earth's tropical and subtropical regions over the last two millennia.
The cores provide a new tool for researchers to study Earth's past climate, and better understand the climate changes that are happening today.
"These ice cores provide the longest and highest-resolution tropical ice core record to date," said Lonnie Thompson, distinguished university professor of earth sciences at Ohio State and lead author of the study.
"In fact, having drilled ice cores throughout the tropics for more than 30 years, we now know that this is the highest-resolution tropical ice core record that is likely to be retrieved."
The new cores, drilled from Peru's Quelccaya Ice Cap, are special because most of their 1,800-year history exists as clearly defined layers of light and dark: light from the accumulated snow of the wet season, and dark from the accumulated dust of the dry season.
They are also special because of where they formed, atop the high Andean altiplano in southern Peru. Most of the moisture in the area comes from the east, in snowstorms fueled by moist air rising from the Amazon Basin. But the ice core-derived climate records from the Andes are also impacted from the west—specifically by El Niño, a temporary change in climate, which is driven by sea surface temperatures in the tropical Pacific.
El Niño thus leaves its mark on the Quelccaya ice cap as a chemical signature (especially in oxygen isotopes) indicating sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean over much of the past 1,800 years.
"We have been able to derive a proxy for sea surface temperatures that reaches back long before humans were able to make such measurements, and long before humans began to affect Earth's climate," Thompson said.
Ellen Mosley-Thompson, distinguished university professor of geography at Ohio State and director of the university's Byrd Polar Research Center, explained that the 2003 expedition to Quelccaya was the culmination of 20 years of work.
The Thompsons have drilled ice cores from glaciers atop the most remote areas of the planet—the Chinese Himalayas, the Tibetan Plateau, Kilimanjaro in Africa, and Papua Indonesia among others—to gauge Earth's past climate. Each new core has provided a piece of the puzzle, as the researchers measured the concentrations of key chemicals preserved in thousands of years of accumulated ice.
A 1983 trip to Quelccaya yielded cores that earned the research team their first series of papers in Science. The remoteness of the site and the technology available at the time limited the quality of samples they could obtain, however. The nearest road was a two-day walk from the ice cap, so they were forced to melt the cores in the field and carry samples back as bottles of water. This made some chemical measurements impossible, and diminished the time resolution available from the cores.
"Due to the remoteness of the ice cap, we had to develop new tools such as a light-weight drill powered by solar panels to collect the 1983 cores. However, we knew there was much more information the cores could provide," Mosley-Thompson said. "Now the ice cap is just a six-hour walk from a new access road where a freezer truck can be positioned to preserve the cores. So we can now make better dust measurements along with a suite of chemical analyses that we couldn't make before."
The cores will provide a permanent record for future use by climate scientists, Thompson added. This is very important, as plants captured by the advancing ice cap 6,000 years ago are now emerging along its retreating margins, which shows that Quelccaya is now smaller than it has been in six thousand years.
"The frozen history from this tropical ice cap—which is melting away as Earth continues to warm—is archived in freezers at -30ºC so that creative people will have access to it 20 years from now, using instruments and techniques that don't even exist today," he said.
Coauthors on the study include Mary Davis, Victor Zagorodnov, and Ping-Nan Lin of Byrd Polar Research Center; Ian Howat of the School of Earth Sciences at Ohio State; and Vladimir Mikhalenko of the Russian Academy of Sciences. Funding was provided by the National Science Foundation's Paleoclimatology Program and Ohio State's Climate, Water and Carbon Program.


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7 Cost-Effective Ways to Reduce Heating Bills
Many homeowners think big when trying to find effective solutions to sky-rocketing heating bills, like replacing the furnace or installing new windows, but there are plenty of smaller projects that can make a difference when it comes to your energy savings this winter.
Consider these tips to keep your home cozy without your energy bill putting a damper on the season:
Take advantage of solar heat.
Installing solar panels is one sure way to capture the sun's energy, but there are other ways to harness that heat. Unobscured windows and skylights can let the rays in, and with them comes some heat. Leave curtains open during the day and trim foliage outdoors to provide a clear path for sunlight. Just be sure windows are well-sealed so you're not offsetting any heat gain with a cool draft.
Install or upgrade your heat pump.
Heat pumps work differently than traditional cooling and heating systems. They recycle heat found in the air and ground, moving thermal energy between indoors and outdoors instead of generating it from scratch by burning fossil fuels. When properly installed, an air-source heat pump can deliver one-and-one-half to three times more heat energy to a home than the electrical energy it consumes, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. They can save electricity costs by 30-40 percent.
In particularly cold climates, technology is making it possible to reap energy-saving benefits. An option such as the Hyper-Heating Inverter® from Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating offers a significant advancement in heat pumps. This technology uses an intelligent compressor system to deliver heat even when outdoor temperatures are as low as -13 F, and a quick-start feature provides warm air instantly.
Move furniture away from vents.
Free air flow is an important component of efficient heating and obstructed vents interrupt that process. Not only can furniture be damaged from the continual air flow of a vent, it can block the circulation patterns that were intended when your home's ductwork was installed. For optimum efficiency, avoid placing furniture on top of vents, and if it's impossible to avoid, close those vents so the airflow is directed elsewhere.
Reverse your ceiling fans.
Your ceiling fans can play an important role in air circulation. Leaving them off will obviously make rooms warmer, but some circulation can be a good thing. Most fans offer a switch that lets you reverse the fan direction, which pushes air upward instead of down. This makes for less of a cooling effect while still moving air for better temperature distribution.
Install a programmable thermostat.
A degree or two may not feel like much of a difference, but it's a change you'll definitely see on your energy bill. Just a small adjustment in your standard thermostat setting can result in reductions of 5 or even 10 percent of your overall bill. Another potential big-impact strategy: adjust temperatures when you're away from home. A programmable thermostat will let you turn temps down when no one is there to benefit from the warmth, then bring them back up shortly before you're scheduled to return home. When you're away unexpectedly or need to adjust your typical schedule, an option like the kumo cloud® mobile app offered by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating allows control of your home's cooling and heating system from your smartphone or other connected device.
Adjust your hot water heater.
Not only can keeping the air comfortable add up, so can heating water for basic household functions. In fact, the U.S. Department of Energy estimates that water heating is the second largest energy expense in most homes. However, you may have your heater set higher than necessary. For every 10-degree drop, you can expect to reduce energy costs by 3-5 percent.
Insulate the attic.
A poorly sealed or insulated attic can be among a home's largest energy drains. Warm air naturally rises, but rather than recirculating throughout the home, it may be wasted if it's just escaping out of the attic. Sealing cracks and adding insulation can help reduce this loss. Don't overlook the access door, which can allow warm air to escape if it fits poorly or isn't well-sealed.
Busting Myths About Electric Heat Pumps
Like any technology, ductless heat pumps need to be used properly, and under the right conditions, in order to achieve maximum value. Learn how to get the most benefit from a ductless heat pump by debunking four of the biggest misconceptions about these devices.
- Myth: They are more expensive to run than oil or gas heaters.
- Fact: Multiple studies show that electric heat pumps save between $1,000-2,000 annually in energy costs, depending on the system's efficiency, condition of the original equipment and climatic region.
- Myth: They collect and distribute bacteria.
- Fact: All split-ductless heat pumps have filters to gather and capture bacteria before it has a chance to grow. In fact, many indoor units include anti-allergy enzyme filters designed to reduce germs, bacteria and viruses in the space.
- Myth: They are only suitable for new construction.
- Fact: Ductless and hybrid (short duct run) heat pumps can provide superior efficiency levels and improved comfort in all homes, new and old.
- Myth: They don't work in cold climates.
- Fact: Some systems, such as those offered by Mitsubishi Electric Cooling & Heating, offer a Hyper-Heat boost for especially cold climates. These systems deliver 100 percent heating capacity at 5° F outdoor ambient temperature and offer performance down to -13° F outdoor ambient temperature.
Find more options for managing your energy expenses this winter at mitsubishicomfort.com.
Mitsubishi Electric


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With years of experience providing packaged/combined and split unit repairs in the New Hope, PA area, Drew's Crew Heating & Air is ready to handle any hvac issues you're facing.
Reasons to Call Drew's Crew Heating & Air for Gas Furnace Installation
How long it takes depends on the furnace's age and condition, as well as the size of your house. For a thorough inspection of your heating system and to determine if your furnace is running as efficiently as it can, contact [company,data=name] today.
We recommend your gas furnace be professionally serviced at least once a year. Annual maintenance, including an examination and cleaning of the parts that usually malfunction, can prevent problems down the road.
We'd love to help you with any of your gas furnace repair or maintenance needs. Please contact us today to schedule an appointment!


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General Aviationfor Specific Needs
If your growing business demands additional travel, if you're interested in purchasing aircraft, if you've always dreamed of learning to fly - these specific aviation needs, among many others, all have the same answer: Albatross Air. Our information and ability spring from practice, as we have serviced southern West Virginia and surrounding states for over 25 years.
At our company, we don't confine aviation to just our business. We think about it, talk about it and dream about it. We enjoy aviation. And we enjoy using aviation to enrich your business, our community and your life. Since we know general aviation, we'd like to know your specific need.
Fly Albatross
Airline flights typically require you to arrive an hour or two ahead of time. Security may delay you or seize your toothpaste. The airline may cancel your flight at the last minute for reasons unknown to you. You may sprint through three terminals to catch your connecting flight. And you might not even receive any peanuts for your trouble. When you fly with Albatross Air, you'll find swift departures, flights tailored to your schedule, and a variety of complementary snacks and drinks. In addition, we can fly into airports which airlines do not service. Tell us where you want to go, and we'll find the closest airport to your destination. If you prefer, we gladly arrange transportation at your destination.
Various Destinations
While we typically fly to locations along the East Coast, your needs can take us across the United States. And remember, your itinerary can include smaller airports commercial flights do not service.
Prepay and Fly
Save by purchasing a group of hours and splitting them between multiple flights. Block time enhances the flexibility of charter services.
Request a Quote
Your flight will include multiple options, such as aircraft selection and co-pilot services, so contact us for exact pricing.
Be Alone...
2000 Feet Above Ground
Does a beautiful day make you itch for the freedom of the skies? You can transform those dreams into reality, at your pace and on your own schedule. Unlike flight schools, we will not cram the entire learning process into a few weeks. You won't have to give up your vacation to complete the training. Also, paying for flight lessons as you go means you don't have to furnish the whole cost of your education up front. No one else sits in class with you. You have the one-on-one attention of your flight instructor. And when you fly solo, you'll know you have made a good choice.
A flight lesson may include ground instruction before, after or on both ends of the flight. The instructor flies with you and teaches you as you go. Throughout the process, you will learn the physics of flying, safety, emergency landing techniques, flight preparation tips, and of course, how to fly an airplane.
The Federal Aviation Administration requires a minimum of 40 training hours in order to issue you a private pilot certificate. However, most students require around 60 hours of training in order to be ready for the FAA examination. Currently the cost ranges between $5000 and $5500, which includes materials and an examination fee.
At present, we do not offer multi-engine training, but we do offer instrument training.
And if you've had lessons in the past, know this: You do not need to complete your training within any specific timeframe. However, if you have forgotten what you learned or are rusty on your skills, your instructor may need to spend a little extra time brushing up on what you have learned in the past. Call us and resume or begin your flight instruction today!
Dependable and Affordable
For more than 20 years, we have offered our customers reliable and inexpensive maintenance. Whether you fly out of convenience, necessity, or just plain fun, we want you to spend less time and money keeping your flying machine airworthy. Our FAA-certified inspector oversees a variety of jobs including 100-hour and annual inspections, airframe work, engine repair, propeller balancing, avionics installation and pre-buy inspections.
Make a Soaring Investment
We can buy, sell or manage your asset
Maybe this is your first airplane. We can help you find and buy an airplane that fits your needs. Maybe you have outgrown your first. We can help you sell one and buy another. We certainly hope it's not your last, but we can help you find a buyer when you're ready to say goodbye.
Use our experience to your advantage; let us manage your aircraft. We coordinate hangar space, maintenance schedules, pilot service, and more. You won't need to hire a salaried pilot. When we manage your aircraft, you only pay for the pilot's services when you actually fly. We could be your new flight department, no assembly required.
You buy, and we operate. This turnkey solution can even produce revenue. By adding your aircraft to our charter certificate, we generate income with your asset when you're not using it.
A New View of Your Life
Plan your next adventure today. Check out your neighborhood or survey the New River Gorge from the sky. You don't have to be a bird to get a bird's-eye view
Max Occupancy
The pilot may take no more than three passengers on a sightseeing ride at a time. The price does not rise if additional passengers accompany you on your sightseeing ride.
Flight Length
Where you go depends on how long you want to fly. Rides typically run from 30 minutes to 1 hour, but you may fly for any amount of time up to 1 hour. A sightseeing ride out to the New River Bridge and back takes about 30 minutes.
Bad Weather
If the weather is not good for sightseeing, we may reschedule your sightseeing flight. We will not charge you in advance, and you will not pay a penalty for rescheduling. Please provide us a valid telephone number to contact you.
Albatross Air, Inc.
Because "A" Comes First in the Phonebook
Recognizing a growing need for aviation service in southern West Virginia, Tim Kearns saw his business idea take flight in 1985. At first, Albatross Air strictly provided maintenance. Now, in addition to maintenance, the company offers charter service, flight instruction, pilot service and aircraft management.
In a December 2007 article for National Geographic, Carl Safina observed, "An albatross is the grandest living flying machine on Earth." But Tim Kearns, who remains the company president, simply chose the name since "A" came first in the phonebook. Employees found humor in the name after Walt Disney Pictures released The Rescuers Down Under (1990). In this animated film, John Candy provided the voice for Wilbur, an albatross who ran his own company—Albatross Air.
In its beginning, Albatross Air employed one maintenance technician. Shop space increased dramatically in 1998 when the company moved into the old terminal building at Raleigh County Memorial Airport. An additional hangar enlarged the company's square footage again in 2007. Sandwiched between these acquisitions, Albatross Air entered its first arrangement of aircraft management. And as the family-owned business grew, the family owning the business grew, as well. To date, the company has employed all but one of Tim's immediate family, and through the second generation, Albatross Air continues to expand.
Call Us
We know general aviation. Please tell us your specific needs. Via phone, email or a personal visit we want to communicate with you.
Whether you need a charter flight or want to view the New River after rafting it, our services will accommodate your budget and schedule. A quick email to us is your first step in learning to fly. And if you already possess a pilot's license, we're your avenue to purchasing aircraft. Contact us, because we know general aviation.
Email Addresses
Charter Flights: email@example.com
Flight Instruction: email@example.com
Sales: email@example.com
Tim Kearns, President: email@example.com


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Graham Scott Studio Ltd registration number 04901758 runs a photographic studio and wedding photography business.
The website privacy policy describes how Graham Scott Studio Ltd makes use of the information you give our company when using the website and its marketing. If you are asked for personal information when using our marketing services or website, it will only be used in the ways described in our privacy policy.
Please note that our privacy policy is updated from time to time. The latest version is always published on this page. The website privacy policy was updated on May 16th 2018.
What do we use your personal information for.
We gather and use certain information about individuals to provide products and services and to allow certain marketing functions as well as online sales on this website. We collect personal data from marketing and site registration. Any data you provide can only be used with your permission. We will maintain our records for online, telephone and offline contact with you.
When running competitions:
We usually ask for the following when we are running competitions, or anything related to our online or at event marketing.
Name, Address, Contact Email, Contact Telephone number, demographic postcode and at times preferences.
Other information in relation to specific competitions may be asked for like children's ages and pet breed.
If you do not win any competition prize your details will be be removed within 30 days of competition end date and we will not contact you regarding any other matter
When buying a gift voucher, we will also ask for the recipient's name and address details to contact them to redeem their voucher.
Any other information requested will be in connection with your enquiry, any special offers and as stated competitions.
Your Choices
You may opt out of receiving information from us by email or post at any stage by either contacting us or by clicking unsubscribe on our emails. If you would like to speak to someone directly please call 01622 683868 or email is firstname.lastname@example.com
Data Processing
We process data at our studio and registered address, Chatham Road, Sandling, Maidstone, Kent ME14 3AY
We apply UK data protection law to our processing.
Data Security
We take appropriate steps to maintain our contact information in a secure format and environment to prevent unauthorised usage. Our staff are bound by contract to our GDPR policy.
Use of your information
Your personal details that you have provided are only used by us to improve our services as well as to contact you in relation to your enquiry, special offers, online order processing, online and event registration. Also, to contact you in connection with our own business development, market research and gifting service.
Cookie Policy
How we use Cookies:
Cookies are very small text files that are stored on your computer when you visit some websites.
We use cookies to help identify your computer, so we can tailor your user experience, track shopping basket contents and remember where you are in the order process.
You can disable any cookies already stored on your computer, but these may stop our website from functioning properly.
The following is strictly necessary in the operation of our website.
This Website Will:
Remember what is in your shopping basket
Remember where you are in the order process
Remember that you are logged in and that your session is secure. You need to be logged in to complete an order.
The following are not Strictly Necessary but are required to provide you with the best user experience and to tell us which pages you find most interesting (anonymously).
Functional Cookies
This Website Will: Track the pages you visit via Google Analytics
Allow you to share pages with social networks such as Facebook (If available) Allow you to share pages via Add This (If available)
To view the 'Add This' Privacy Policy or to opt out of any online behavioural advertising, please visit Add This and click on the 'Opt Out' button.
This website will not
Share any personal information with third parties.
If you experience any queries or problems, please contact support who will aim to respond to your query within 24 hours. If during office hours support may be contacted call 01622 683868 or email us email@example.com
Controlling cookies
When you first visit our website, you will be asked for your consent to use cookies. You can choose not to accept cookies but please be aware that services you request may not be available. If you delete your cookies or clear your cache, you may be asked to give your consent again. This is because a cookie is usually used to remember the choice you made the first time.
If you wish to revoke your consent to the use of cookies on this website you can either delete the cookies in your browser's memory or clear your cache.
If you wish to prevent cookies being set before you visit this website, or most other websites, you can set your browser to block cookies. Most browsers allow you to do this in their settings.
If you would like to know more about cookies, please visit the ICO website
Links on website
If you follow links to other sites from our website your data will be subject to the privacy policies of those sites. You should refer to their privacy policies before providing your data.
Controlling information
When you fill a form or provide your details on our website, you will see one or more tick boxes allowing you to opt-in to receive marketing communications from us by email, telephone, text message or post.
If you have agreed that we can use your information for marketing purposes, you can change your mind easily, via one of these methods:
Send us an email to firstname.lastname@example.com
Write to us Graham Scott Studio Ltd Rosary Chatham Road Sandling Maidstone Kent ME14 3AY
We will never lease, distribute or sell your personal information to third parties unless the law requires us to. Any personal information we hold about you is stored and processed under our data protection policy, in line with the Data Protection Act 1998.
We will always hold your information securely.
To prevent unauthorised disclosure or access to your information, we have implemented strong, physical and electronic security safeguards.
We also follow stringent procedures to ensure we work with all personal data in line with the Data Protection Act 1998.
Policy changes
Changes may be necessary to this policy to reflect legal or data processing developments. If we change the policy, we will provide information on our website so that users can review the changes. Any significantly different use of your data will be communicated to you and you will be able to choose whether you agree to the new use.
Contact us
If you have any questions about this policy, please email firstname.lastname@example.com
or write to:
Graham Scott Studio Ltd
Rosary Chatham Road
01622 683868
Last Updated 16 May 2018


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The way we work is changing dramatically. It's more connected, collaborative, and often done remotely. Organizations need tools to help everyone infuse data into every decision. We're excited to announce new Power BI integrations for Microsoft Teams to make it easier to discover and use data within your organization.
Update 10/2/2020: The Power BI app for Teams is now available to commercial cloud customers. Try it out by pressing "…" on the Teams Left Navigation and searching for Power BI.
These capabilities enable you to:
- Find and view data faster without leaving Teams
- Collaborate with your colleagues and share insights
- Foster a culture of using data to make better and more agile decisions
Using the Power BI app for Microsoft Teams to view a report, find an insight, and start a chat about the data with a colleague.
Let's start with a quick overview of all the capabilities and then then go into details below.
New capabilities we're announcing today
We're expecting to these capabilities will arrive in your organization in the next week or two.
- New Power BI App for Teams that helps you view and work with Power BI content
- New Teams Search experience to find and open Power BI content
- New Teams Chat experiences to quickly find and share Power BI content
We'll take a little longer to release the item below, but it's too cool not to mention here:
- New Dataset Discovery experience to help find data to create reports and Excel workbooks
These capabilities add to tools we've previously released:
- Start a Chat in Teams when viewing reports and dashboards: Send links to channels and chats, including the specific filters / views to speed up conversations
- Add a Power BI Tab to your channel and group chats: Make it easy to find reports your Team uses frequently
The new Power BI app for Microsoft Teams (preview)
The new Power BI app enables users to quickly discover, search and discuss data without ever leaving Teams. This central, personalized home for data in Teams will ensure that insights are always just a click away from where conversations are happening and where decisions are made.
The Power BI app for Microsoft Teams showing the home tab for the user with access to favorites, frequents, recently used, and featured content.
Now you can view and access all your Power BI content without leaving Teams. You can view reports, dashboards and apps right from Home. It includes pretty much everything that you can do in Power BI in a browser.
To use the app, search for it in the Apps experience in Teams.
- Click on "…" in the Teams Left Navigation
- Search for "Power BI"
- Select the Power BI app.
This opens the Power BI app in Teams. You'll get access to all the Power BI reports, apps, and dashboards you have access to in Power BI.
To help you keep the app available, pin it to the Team left navigation bar:
- Right-click the Power BI icon on the left navigation of Teams
- Select Pin
Find your reports faster with Power BI in Teams Search
With the new search experience in Teams, you can quickly find recent reports, dashboards, and apps and open them within the Power BI app for Teams.
Here's how to give the search experience a try:
- In Teams Search bar
- Type "@Power BI"
- Pick from the list or type something to search for
- Select the item
- Press Open
The first time you use this capability you'll need to sign-in.
Mention @Power BI in the Microsoft Teams search bar to find reports, dashboards, and apps.
Initially the item will open in a web browser, but when the roll-out completes the links will open in the Power BI app for Teams.
You'll need to sign-in to use the search capability and the message extension capability below. Just press the sign-in button and go through the wizard to start using the capability.
It is easier to share reports in chats, channels, and meeting chats
It's easier than ever to send links to Power BI reports, dashboards, apps, and workspaces without leaving Teams.
Here's how:
- Find the Power BI icon at the bottom of the conversation
- If it's not there, open the "…" and search for Power BI.
- In the menu that opens, search for the item you want
- You'll see items you recently used in the list ready to be shared
- A rich preview card is added to the message for you
- Type your message or just press send so your colleagues get the link.
The first time you use this capability you'll need to sign-in.
Finding and adding a Power BI report to a conversation using the Power BI app.
Until the roll-out has completed, you may see a very basic settings experience. Don't worry, the new improved experience is on the way, so hold tight.
You can do this in meeting chats, too, here's how:
- Open the meeting chat
- Select the "…" menu
- Select "Messaging extensions"
- Search for or pick "Power BI " from the list
- Now you'll see the Power BI search and picker experiences as shown above.
In the meeting chat windows you can use messaging extensions to find and share Power BI items.
Now you'll see the search and picker experiences as shown earlier in the blog.
Start a Chat in Teams from Power BI
With Chat in Teams you can send links to reports and dashboards directly to specific people, channels, or meeting chats. The links keep all the filters and slicers you apply in your Power BI report, so that when recipients open the link, they see the exact data points you want them to see.
This capability has been available in the Power BI service since May 2020. Now, the links open directly in the Power BI app, so users don't have to leave Teams to view the item.
Here's how:
- Open a report, app, or dashboard
- Press "Chat in Teams"
- In the Share to teams dialog, enter a channel, one or more people, or a meeting name.
- Press send.
- Recipients can then open the link.
Note: you may need to press 'share' first to give the recipients permission to the item so they can see it or grant them access afterwards.
Start chats or respond to questions with insights by pressing the Chat in Teams option in Power BI.
Pro-tip: The Chat in Teams button is also available on the "…" menu of a visual. When you use it, the visual will be spot lighted when users open the link. Another neat trick is to place the visual in focus mode and then press Chat in Teams. When your colleague opens the link, they'll see the specific visual you wanted them to.
New dataset discovery experience for Power BI in Microsoft Teams
Lastly, we also announced a new dataset discovery in Microsoft Teams experience that will be coming a little later than the first release of the personal app.
It helps users discover available datasets from across the organization directly from the Power BI app in Teams. Power BI datasets are secured and governed, with permissions-based access, row level security, the ability to certify, and with full support for Microsoft Information Protection.
From there, users can quickly generate a Power BI report or choose to analyze and explore the data in Excel.
Add a Power BI report to your team channel
While this capability isn't new, it's worth a mention since adding a report as a tab to a channel helps your team keep data top of mind and makes it easier for everyone to use the same data when decisions are made.
Here's how:
- Open the channel in a Team
- Press the "+" button at the top of the channel
- Pick Power BI
- Pick the report
- Press Save
- Now your report is in the channel as a tab
Remember to give everyone permission to the report in your channel.
Add the Power BI app as a tab to a channel to keep reports handy.
Organizations can proactively roll out the Power BI app for Teams to users
Many organizations need to ensure users can quickly find the data they need. However, it's often hard to teach users where to go to find the data that's available to them. Now with the Power BI app for Teams, organizations can pin the app to the Teams left navigation by default for their users.
To do this, in the Teams Admin center, update the policies for the organization to pin the Power BI app for users.
- Go to the Teams Admin center and add or update an app setup policy
- In Pinned apps, press Add apps
- Search for Power BI and add the app to the policy
- Save the policy
- On the Setup Policies page, Manage Users for the policy to apply it to the desired users within your organization
Adding the Power BI app to a policy in the Microsoft Teams admin center.
Apply the policy using the manage users option to the people in the organization who need the Power BI app by default.
Learn how to use Teams app setup policies
Learn about assigning policies in Teams Admin Center
Tip and Tricks for helping your organization use data in more decision making
Teams work together in channels, chats, and meetings to achieve their objectives. There are several steps individuals and teams can take to foster a culture of using data in decision making to increase agility.
Add reviewing reports and dashboards to meeting agendas. Teams can spend time in meetings reviewing key metrics. By relating work being done by individuals to how the work affects key metrics you encourage the team to prioritize the actions with the greatest likelihood of the desired results. Keeping this top of mind and consistently reviewed in meetings helps the team work effectively with data.
Add reports to channels as tabs. Since individuals work and discuss in channels, adding reports to the channels helps everyone in the team quickly find the data they need. This is especially helpful when onboarding new team mates or stakeholders.
Leverage chat in groups and channels with Chat in Teams. It is hard at times to find the reports you need. However, it's often easier to remember discussions you had about data. By sending links in chat during meetings and in group chat, it helps everyone access data and dig deeper to find their own insights.
Remember data is easy to find. The Power BI message extension lets you share links in chat with the press of a button. The search integration lets you mention "@Power BI" in the search bar to find your recent reports and open them.
We're eager see how you use these new capabilities. Head over to https://ideas.powerbi.com to offer your suggestions on what we should work on next.


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As far as I know, my work has a very strong claim of being unique; as far as I know from reading the literature and attending international meetings in my field, there is no one else capable of working with these organisms and producing these types of images from them. My images regularly elicit a very strong positive reaction from people.
"Unique"? Or "Unusual"?Big difference...what you can technically accomplish, while perhaps impressive (and unique) in the field, may not translate directly to "sales" from a gallery perspective...Don't confuse different with desirable. It's "desirable" that equates with valuable...different tends to run it's course (but make hay while the sun shines).Outside of your peers, nobody really cares about the uniqueness of your imagery...only the desirability.