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Opening the Door for Inclusion on the Playground
To promote inclusion on the playground, take your cue from the children.
We were at the park on a beautiful spring day, and though I looked engrossed in my book, I was listening intently to my boys' conversation with another boy on the playground. The third little boy took the lead in their play, and he was busy organizing the group when he paused. He leaned in, looked Alex, my older son, right in the face and said, "I can't understand you, can you understand me?" I took my cue and hopped up to help.
My boys have Down syndrome, and their speech is often unclear. I explained that to this boy, who asked if they were speaking English. After assuring him that they were, I returned to my park bench with a promise to help him understand.
The boy on the playground continued to pepper me with questions here and there. He was curious about his new friends. His mother and I exchanged frequent smiles at the dialogue, which kept an earnest and sweet quality throughout. Once she got a feel for how we roll, she chimed in, helping her young son acclimate to his new friends. This went on for a while until they left, and as all good things do, our fun afternoon outing came to an end.
Sometimes other kids just don't know how to play with children who have less independence or unclear speech, like my boys.
Our family outings are a toss-up. Ben has autism in addition to Down syndrome, and is prone to meltdowns. Sometimes other kids just don't know how to play with children who have less independence or unclear speech, like my boys. We have gone to that park and many others numerous times throughout the years, and our boys will play with anyone, from toddler to teen. Most of the time, there's a tense inclusion on the playground, where the other kids don't quite know how to roll with mine. I suspect that one child with Down syndrome would be enfolded, but since mine come in a pair, the dynamic can be different. Though I wish it weren't the case, they have received silent exclusion; sometimes the other kids, without saying a word, join together and keep them on the periphery.
I often find that if I offer little tidbits of help for the other kids on the playground that I can often demystify any confusion other children have about my boys
It has been said that a child will lead them, and I have since taken my cue from the child who was bold enough to ask about the communication challenge. I often find that if I offer little tidbits of help for the other kids on the playground that I can often demystify any confusion other children have about my boys and recreate the idyllic scene from that Spring day. That sweet, inquisitive, unafraid little boy created his own path to inclusion on the playground and paved the way for others by showing me how to get it started.
I realize that I cannot expect others to enjoy playing with my kids when they haven't spent time with people who have different abilities before, but if I give them just that small crack in the door, it's enough for them to charge right though, and everyone benefits.
Alethea Mshar is a Special Needs Mom and Blogger.
Read her blog, Ben's Writing, Running Mom
Follow her on Facebook

subset: commoncrawl


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Are you starting to plan your wedding in New Jersey, anxious to learn about all of the choices you have available for décor and flowers, along with the various locations where you could hold the ceremony and the reception? Planning a wedding is a large task, and it takes proper planning for everything to go off as smoothly as possible. You will likely have to work with a range of wedding vendors to accommodate all of your needs for the wedding.
Know Your Budget
First, you need to be aware of how much money you have available to spend on your wedding. This money needs to be budgeted toward all of the different vendors for the wedding, along with the location, and all of the other expenses.
Know the Number of Guests
Certain vendors are going to need to know the number of guests you will have arriving, as well. This would include the caterers, for example. You will also need to know the number of guests, so you can be sure you have enough tables and chairs, perhaps with a few of them left over, just in case.
Know the Date
While it might seem obvious that you need to know the date of the wedding, many people start to plan their wedding without a firm date in mind. The vendors need to know the date, so they can add you to their schedule and make sure they are free on your wedding day.
Know Where the Wedding and Reception Will Be Held
Additionally, you should know the location of the wedding, and the reception. If they are in two different locations, this is something that vendors, such as your photographer, will need to know.
Know the Style of the Wedding
While it might be too early to know all of the details of the wedding, having at least an idea of the style of wedding you will be having, along with the colors, can be helpful. This is true when it comes to décor, along with flower arrangements, for example.
You will find wedding vendors that can help you with a range of different needs for your wedding. Some, such as Limelight Entertainment, can offer multiple services, including photography, along with the DJ and entertainment. Get in touch to see how we can help.


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How will South Korea recover post-COVID-19? The answer is simple, through entrepreneurship and startups. Some might remember the film, Forrest Gump. After a massive hurricane, the whole shrimping industry was crushed, however, one small fishing boat survived and ended up dominating the market. The same is happening now. Businesses in Korea are having to shut down, especially those that have not been able to transition into the digital space. Every month hundreds of businesses in South Korea are shutting down for good. Those that work for Korean companies are not safe either. Some Koreans have had their hours cut or even worse lost their jobs. As major companies in Korea are in a wait and see mode, this is a great opportunity for startups in Korea to flourish. There are many examples of super-successful businesses that were started during a downturn. Entrepreneurship is about innovation and COVID-19 has shown the need for innovation in all industries. This is why it is the perfect time to start a startup in Korea as soon as possible.
First, before we even talk about why it is the perfect time to start a startup in Korea. We first need to answer the question of why start a startup in the first place. Startups are unique in that when you start you are on an equal playing field with other new businesses. You don't have to be young and straight out of grad school, basically, anyone can start a startup. All you need is an idea and a drive to make your dreams a reality. In certain cases being unknown and lacking in funds is seen by investors as a good thing…let me explain.
What are Korean Investors looking for?
An investor in Korea wants to find that diamond in the rough. A startup that no one knows about but them. Most might not think it but Koreans, in general, like to gamble. There is a reason why the Korean government has outlawed gambling in Casinos for its citizens. Korea's desire to gamble is also what drove the Korean cryptocurrency craze back in 2017. Their passion for gambling can be found in investing as well. Their goal is to invest in 10 unknowns in hopes one becomes big. As long as those unknowns are cheap it is worth the risk. Instead of investing 500 million won into one company, most Korean investors would rather invest in 10 companies for 50 million won each. This is why early-stage (seed funding) is easy compared to the later stages in Korea. How do you find these angel investors in Korea? it is all about networking and knowing the right people.
There is a lot of material online, especially during COVID, to teach you how to bootstrap your startup. However, not a lot of information can be found on how to do it in South Korea. However, the process is the same except most angel investors are not fluent in Korean. Therefore it is crucial to have a Korean partner when looking to raise funds from angel investors in Korea. So the question becomes, what kind of startup would get Korean angel investors interested. South Korea will need new and innovative ideas as consumers and businesses adapt to this new environment caused by COVID-19. Across all industries, changes need to be made from remote working to finding new business models. Angel investors in Korea will be very active to search for these early-stage startups that have the potential to take off post-COVID. The potential is the key. If they feel the startup can gain some traction with other investors who are looking for businesses that can take off post-COVID…it really doesn't matter if the startup is generating money…as long as they can gain traction among investors, initial seed funding will be easy.
When Should You Start a Startup in Korea?
Don't start a startup unless you first have an idea or solution to an existing problem. Granted, ideas can change and the execution of the idea is way more important than the idea itself but you need an idea to first start the startup. In Korea, the timing is right because of the increase in the desire of investors to jump back into the startup market. Remember their interest levels when it came to Blockchain and cryptocurrency. Investors in Korea are always looking for the next big tech trend. The trend now is businesses that can survive post-COVID. Delivery services, biotech companies, and digital content are the next hot trends at the moment. So focus on these sectors first.
The Korean government has funds that support startups and are continuing their efforts to support new and innovative tech startup companies in Korea. South Korean President Moon has promised to cut through red tape and provide financial incentives for young entrepreneurs, promising to support small and mid-sized businesses, which also encompasses startups. This will be taken into overdrive as Korea slowly looks to recover from COVID. They are actively pushing government contracts that aim to put money back into small businesses in Korea. To help Korea's post-COVID economy, the Korean government will roll out the "Korean New Deal". The Korean New Deal will inject a massive amount of money (Over $150 billion by 2025) to create 890,000 new jobs by 2022 and 1.9 million new jobs by 2025. The Korean New Deal will focus mainly on digitalization and eco-friendly solutions.
How do you know if your idea is any good?
Simple. Does the idea solve a problem? If so will it solve it for the next 10 plus years? Keeping in mind that automation is on the rise. Video chatting, gig work, and medical innovation are issues brought up by COVID. Long-term thinking in startups is very underrated but crucial because you are trying to build a lasting company. Remember it takes many many years to build a great startup. Don't expect big results in the first few years. This is a grind and payoffs might not happen until the next decade.
Also make sure that the idea is something you really care about, love, and most importantly something YOU can use. That is the perfect way of understanding your customers because you yourself ARE the customer. It would be a waste and defeats the purpose of starting a startup that you are not passionate about or don't need. The best ideas are usually the ones that sound crazy. This means that no one is probably working on your idea and probably no one will think twice about stealing it. An app that makes regular drivers into taxi drivers?? Sounds crazy right? Renting out your room to strangers?? Get out of here…
Why Start a Startup in Korea?
So why South Korea? Target a small market and expand from there. There is no reason to think big right from the start. The startup will be more successful if you focus on the small picture before you tackle the big picture. That is why many startups first test their product or service in Korea before expanding out into the global markets such as Southeast Asia and beyond. The market evolves over time, what the market looks like now will be completely different in 10 years. So there is a huge risk going global right from the start. Start small and expand from there. Korea might be considered a small market compared to the US or China but it is a fast and expanding market and that is what you should be looking for.
Is Getting Funding in Korea easy?
Again it depends on your project. Korean investors love the new hot craze. 2018-2019 was all about blockchain and cryptocurrency. 2021 and beyond will be businesses that can survive further COVID-like outbreaks. Korean Investors are craving for the next big South Korean Unicorn. They are even willing to invest in imperfect startups just for the chance to hit it big. Korea is becoming more globalized than ever. Young entrepreneurs are learning English and getting experience abroad and Korean investors are taking notice. The growth does not seem like it will stop anytime soon. That is why in 10 years the possibilities in Korea are endless.
Seoul is now the prime location to start a startup in Korea
The late Seoul Mayor Park Won-soon once said during his opening speech at NextRise 2019, that the Seoul city government would nurture 10,000 workers to prepare for the 4th Industrial Revolution. His aim was to combat the unemployment crisis in Seoul through startups. He was a major figure that pushed for innovation in Korea. He called for support centers like, Seoul Startup Support Center that helps the unemployment issue in Korea. Seoul plans to double the number of spaces for tech startups by 2022. Currently, there are 1,000 of these spaces. An extra 1,000 will be available to foreign businesses. This means that any entrepreneur whether you are foreign or Korean can join the Seoul Startup Membership where they will be able to receive customized support from specialized organizations.
Seoul has also cooperated with the justice ministry to introduce a startup visa fast track program for young foreign entrepreneurs looking to start a startup in Seoul. They will also work with these young entrepreneurs to find affordable housing in Seoul which can be expensive.
With all this support, Seoul is the perfect city to start a startup. Startups have the ability to constantly change depending on consumer needs. Larger more established companies in Korea can't do this. Startups will be crucial in filling the gaps where bigger companies can't post COVID. Consumers in Seoul are ore open to new ideas and technology. Buying online is no longer a novelty. Sure consumers in Korea will have less money to spend at the moment, they will be smarter consumers looking for new businesses that offer better/faster service. As more and more businesses in Seoul are playing it safe, the right startup can become a new fresh voice in this vacuum created by COVID.
John is the Co-Founder of Seoulz. He has covered the Korean startup & tech scene for over eight years and has written over 700 articles regarding the Korean startup ecosystem. He has brought global attention to Korea's tech scene using Google SEO. Email him at firstname.lastname@example.com
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More poll results about the positions of readers – have you taken the poll? Since about July 15th, 81 readers have taken my little poll about positions. As of Aug. 11th, poll takers from law departments rose from 58% to 63%; those from law firms dropped from 22% to 16%; and service providers stayed close, 14% to 16% (See my post of Aug. 3, 2009: first results from the poll.).
Wikipedia as a source of information about legal department vendors. I discovered this resource when someone clicked through to this blog from the Exari entry. How many other vendors have a Wikipedia page (See my post of Dec. 31, 2007: Wikipedia has no entry about legal department administrators.)?
Kenneth Arrow's impossibility theorem torpedoes collective evaluations of law firms. Take a deep breath: "Arrow's disturbing impossibility theorem has implications for the entire process of aggregating choices. In effect, one cannot achieve collectively rational choices by aggregating the individual choices of people with diverse values and preferences." I quote this snippet from William Breit and Barry Hirsch, Lives of the Laureates – Twenty-three Nobel Economists (MIT 2009) at 216 (Douglass C. North speaking). If in-house counsel differ in their values and preferences, and they do, then their choices of outside counsel as expressed in evaluations, let alone collective evaluations, can never be reconciled (See my post of June 9, 2009: collective, shared evaluations of firms.).
Catallactics, a praxeological theory. Catallactics describes "the way the free market system reaches exchange ratios and prices." To quote this blazingly obvious point does no more than confirm what we all know: law departments and law firms drive Cadillacs. William Breit and Barry Hirsch, Lives of the Laureates – Twenty-three Nobel Economists (MIT 2009) at 138 (James Buchanan speaking). As for whether catallactics are praxeological, well, that's obvious if you are Nobel laureate.
Translate only key provisions of contracts in a foreign language. A lawyer I interviewed mentioned how she handles important contracts that are not in English. If a contract is in a foreign language, she asks for bullet-point summaries of the main points (See my post of June 5, 2009: translating documents with 7 references.)


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"Don't let the simplicity of this proven system deceive you. The SECRET to Boosting your Immune System in 5 Simple Steps is to take consistent action to apply what you learn. Be patient, follow the guide explicitly, and I'm confident that you'll be delighted with what you accomplish."
– Rose Ragan
Here's the Guide…
"How To Boost Your Immune System in 5 Simple Steps"
Boost Immune System in 5 Simple Steps>> (right click and 'save target as')
Please come back and comment about the guide on our blog home page. We want you to share with us so let's hear your comments.
Required Software
Most computers already have this program installed, but if yours doesn't, you will need to download and install the following:
Adobe PDF Reader…


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What are Acanthosis Nigricans?
Acanthosis nigricans is found in all breeds and ages of dogs. There are two types. In both types, this disorder causes an increase in the dark pigmentation of the skin. It is usually found in the folds of the skin, and other areas where there is friction. Classic symptoms are typically present, making the diagnosis easy. Type one always is hereditary, being found most commonly and almost exclusively in Dachshunds. This type is incurable. Type two is typically a result of another condition. Once the condition is identified, the acanthosis nigricans can be cured.
Acanthosis nigricans is a disorder in dogs, presenting itself as a dark hyperpigmentation to the skin. There are two different types, one breed specific, and the other occurring in all breeds, ages, and genders of dogs.
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Symptoms of Acanthosis Nigricans in Dogs
With both types of acanthosis nigricans, the following symptoms may be found in the "friction" areas of the dog, such as armpits and groin areas:
- Brown-pigmented, raised wartlike areas on skin, particularly in body folds
- Darkening of skin, becoming thickened, leathery, and hairless
- Greasy, crusty, foul smelling areas on darkened skin
- Itchiness
- Pain may be present in inflamed areas
- Patchy, lace like pattern of inflammation on skin
There are two types of Acanthosis Nigricans. Primary acanthosis is primarily found in Dachshunds (usually one year old or younger), but although rare, it can occur in any breed. This type of acanthosis is not curable but manageable. This type does not necessarily become inflammatory, and usually develops uniformly on the dog.
Secondary acanthosis (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) is found in all breeds and all ages of dogs, especially in Cocker Spaniels, Pugs, and Dachshunds. This type of acanthosis is inflammatory and patchy, but curable once the cause is identified. It often begins with a lace like pattern.
Causes of Acanthosis Nigricans in Dogs
Primary form
Hereditary is the primary form of acanthosis nigricans. The way that it is inherited is not completely known, but there is a theory that a recessive abnormal gene or multiple genes are inherited from at least one of the parents of the dog. This form is almost exclusively found in Dachshunds.
Secondary form
The secondary form is usually a result of an underlying condition such as:
- Yeast infection
- Bacterial infection
- Hypothyroidism (overactive thyroid)
- Allergic dermatitis (skin disease associated with allergies)
- Mange (mites)
- Obesity (causing excessive skin folds due to fat deposits)
Diagnosis of Acanthosis Nigricans in Dogs
Your veterinarian will review your dog's history and perform a physical examination. Skin scrapings will most likely be taken from the affected areas to rule out any underlying conditions which may be causing symptoms. Impression smears may also be taken and examined under a microscope. Conditions such as malassezia dermatitis (dermatitis caused by a specific yeast) and staphylococcal pyoderma (Staph infection), as well as other bacterial and yeast infections may be discovered. Testing for adrenal disease and thyroid dysfunction may be performed in older dogs.
Treatment of Acanthosis Nigricans in Dogs
Primary acanthosis is not curable in Dachshunds. If the disorder is caught early enough, simple treatments may be sufficient to manage the condition, thus stopping progression. If there is progression of the disorder, more aggressive therapy will be necessary. In secondary acanthosis, once the underlying cause is identified, it will be treated and the condition will improve, curing the disorder.
Shampoo therapy
Your veterinarian may suggest the use of an anti-seborrheic shampoo for frequent bathing of the dog. This regimen will be followed until the condition is resolved.
Topical ointments
Corticosteroid ointment may be prescribed. This ointment can relieve inflammation and itchiness of the affected areas.
Vitamin E
Using Vitamin E orally has been successful when combined with other treatments. It may help to decrease itching and inflammation in the dog. Since Vitamin E can be toxic in doses too large, also follow your veterinarian's advice when using Vitamin E therapy.
Antibiotic therapy
Sometimes in severe cases, a bacterial infection will develop and an oral antibiotic will be prescribed. Sometimes injectable antibiotics are used as well.
Weight loss
Weight loss in the dog will be recommended if the acanthosis is related to obesity. This will reduce the size and amount of skin folds your dog has, which will make it more difficult for the yeast or bacteria to grow.
Worried about the cost of Acanthosis Nigricans treatment?
Pet Insurance covers the cost of many common pet health conditions. Prepare for the unexpected by getting a quote from top pet insurance providers.
Recovery of Acanthosis Nigricans in Dogs
Depending on the type of acanthosis nigricans your dog is diagnosed with will determine the type of recovery and management you can expect. The primary type requires special bathing and topical ointment therapy to manage the condition, since there is no cure. Making the decision not to breed your affected dog is recommended, since primary acanthosis is hereditary. If your dog is diagnosed with the secondary type, the cause will be determined and the necessary treatment that your veterinarian recommends should cure the condition. Always follow your veterinarian's instructions when treating your dog if you are using antibiotic or topical ointment therapy. Not using the medicines as indicated may cause a reinfection of the affected area.
Acanthosis Nigricans Average Cost
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Acanthosis Nigricans Questions and Advice from Veterinary Professionals
12 Years
0 found helpful
0 found helpful
Has Symptoms
Is it possible for a senior dachshund (~12 yrs) that suffers from both type 1 and 2 of acanthosis nigricans to grow hair back in affected areas? My dog had back surgery almost 2 years ago, and the hair on his back where he was shaved hasn't grown back (it's very patchy) and the skin has darkened. What are some things I can do to help with hair re-growth?
June 19, 2018
Oscar's Owner
0 Recommendations
Dachshunds are prone acanthosis nigricans and it may occur as a post inflammatory reaction, normally once the inflammation is controlled the condition improves but there may be permanent markings. It is important in secondary acanthosis nigricans that the underlying cause is treated or managed to see any improvement; you should discuss this all with your Veterinarian. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM www.msdvetmanual.com/integumentary-system/acanthosis-nigricans/overview-of-acanthosis-nigricans
June 20, 2018
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Bull and Terrier
8 Years
1 found helpful
1 found helpful
Has Symptoms
Cannot pee and when she does there is blood
Aug. 30, 2017
Passion's Owner
1 Recommendations
If Passion is having urinary problems and is producing blood when she does pee this may be due to a few different causes including infections, urinary stones, tumours, neurological conditions among others. Urinalysis and x-rays would be required to narrow in on a diagnosis. The article name is acanthosis nigricans; in human medicine there is a relationship between acanthosis nigricans and transitional cell carcinoma of the urinary bladder but no evidence in dogs; it would be best to visit your Veterinarian as soon as possible to determine a cause and start treatment. Regards Dr Callum Turner DVM
Aug. 30, 2017
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Acanthosis Nigricans Average Cost
From 392 quotes ranging from $300 - $1,200
Average Cost


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Marijuana is a mind-altering substance that�is unsafe for driving. Consuming cannabis can lead to a similar fate to driving while intoxicated from alcohol – a DUI from cannabis, accompanied by plenty of hefty fines and needless regret.�
Public Opinion�
Many people don't see weed as harmful when they get behind the wheels of their cars. In an attempt to survey Coloradans on how they perceive smoking and driving, CDOT conducted a study. Based on their research,�69�percent of�cannabis�users said they've driven high within the past year.�
Here are the initial statistics, based on responses from more than 11,000 anonymous cannabis users and non-users across the state:�
27 percent admitted to driving high almost daily�
40 percent of recreational users and 34 percent of medical users don't think their driving ability is affected by cannabis�
10 percent of all users think marijuana helps them drive better�
CDOT's numbers�also speak quite clearly: 2016 recorded 51 fatalities involving drivers with active THC in their blood above the legal (five nanogram) limit.�The state aims to use this data to facilitate more conversations educating users about cannabis use when driving. CDOT hopes this will limit the number of people who will say they've gotten a DUI form cannabis.�
THC Impairment�
Impairment due to any substance is dangerous. When it comes to cannabis, there are adverse effects. Marijuana, according to the�Center for Disease Control�(CDC), can affect a number of skills that are required for safe driving. Cannabis causes:�
- Slow reaction times and a longer amount of time it takes to make a decision�
- Poor coordination��
- Distorted perception�
- Temporary memory loss�
- Reduction in problem-solving abilities�
While it's been noted that combining weed with other substances like alcohol heightens the danger, smoking pot before driving can lead to dangerous outcomes all on its own.�
DUI From Cannabis
In states with legalized marijuana, there are laws to ensure the safety of both users and non-users alike on the road. In states like Colorado, a driver is considered under the influence of cannabis if the THC level in their blood is equivalent to five nanograms or higher, according to the�Colorado Department of Transportation�(CDOT).�
Five nanograms? While that might seem like a hard amount to quantify (it is, especially compared to alcohol's BAC measurement system, which translates very literally into the amount of booze ingested), many law enforcement professions have a simple way to test: If you have any weed in your system, you probably should not drive.�
Regardless of the blood's�THC�level, police officers are able to base their arrests on observed impairment. If they see a driver who they think is acting high, they are well within their rights to bring them in and place them under arrest.��
While it may be 100 percent okay for you to smoke, apply, or eat your weed both medically and legally (depending on where you live), it is illegal for you to be impaired while driving in every single state.�
How Can They Tell?�
When someone is pulled over, there is a specific procedure in place for police officers to tell if the driver�worthy of a DUI from cannabis.�There are two ways for the police to judge: observed impairment and chemical testing.�
In Colorado, officers are trained specifically to look for�impairment caused by drugs, often through an�advanced roadside training program�(ARIDE). Additionally, legalized states also have facilitated training for Drug Recognition Experts (DRE) to spot those that shouldn't be driving, with a large focus on cannabis. Essentially, they are looking for the signs, observing the driver's behaviors to make their call.�
After an initial analysis of the driver's behavior, law enforcement officers are then able to test their blood for additional proof.��
The Test�
Many states, including weed-legal Colorado, have implied consent. This means that when drivers enter their car, they automatically comply to breath, blood, and chemical tests when asked by a police officer. If there is reasonable cause, a driver can't dispute without facing serious consequences. Immediately they are considered a high-risk driver, which will lead to license suspension, alcohol education, and therapy, effective upon refusal of taking the test.�
These�impairment�tests are chemical, looking at blood, breath, or�urine. With marijuana, a blood test is the best way to test for�active�THC and is more reliable to prove in court than observational testing.�It tests the blood throughout the entire body, and if there's more than that 5 nanograms of THC, the driver faces impaired driving charges – aka, a DUI from weed.��
A DUI from weed has consequences. In Colorado, the first offense leads to a minimum five days in jail, between $600 – $1,000 fine, between 24 and 48 hours of public service, and a probationary period of up to two years.�
As the number of offenses increase, so does the punishment. Someone can be imprisoned between 60 consecutive days and a year, with a hefty $600 – $1500 fine.��
The Bottom Line�
Don't risk getting a DUI�from cannabis –�do not consume and drive. Instead, stock up on your�marijuana�and plan an evening in. Get your weed delivered, arrange for a ride, or call a sober friend before getting behind the wheel high.��


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NEW YORK (MarketWatch) — It was 6:30 in the morning Tuesday and I was shuddering.
Don Imus, the venerable host of "Imus in the Morning," was telling his radio audience on WABC and his viewers on the Fox Business Network simulcast who would be appearing on the show. When he mentioned my name, as the author of the new book "Forget About Today: Bob Dylan's Genius for (Re)invention, Shunning the Naysayers and Creating a Personal Revolution," he couldn't resist asking:
Who is he? Or, were his exact words: Who invited him? He might have even muttered: Why is he here? You see, I was too freaked out to think of taking notes at that moment.
I had been well aware of Imus's crusty reputation and his disabuse of guests — and there it was, on display. (Fox Business, like MarketWatch, is owned by News Corp.)
By the time I got on the air, about 80 minutes later, "The I-Man" still hadn't quite warmed up to me or my book — or, as it turned out, my job. When he proceeded to read my biography and noted I write this media column, he dismissed it by saying it sounded "like a made-up job."
But it's all in good fun. Imus, I sensed, likes to push his guest's buttons because it's entertaining for the audience and it re-establishes the notion that the folks who are lucky enough to come on his show are, indeed, his guests, and we had better act accordingly. He is the host. He is The Man.
Besides, give the I-Man his due. He has been a major presence on American radio for almost as long as Dylan has been a force in popular culture and music.
He sure has the juice in the book-selling business. Before I appeared on his show on Tuesday morning, my book's ranking on Amazon was something like 35,000. After? I was ensconced in the 5,000 range. Thank you, I-Man.
My seven or so minutes on the air with him went OK. I was nervous, but I acquitted myself pretty well for a rookie. It's hard not to be impressed or even overwhelmed with Imus the first time you come on his show. I knew that, once I had finished that interview, I was ready for anything.
And about 23 hours later, I appeared on CNBC's flagship "Squawk Box" program, with anchors Joe Kernen and Andrew Ross Sorkin. They were terrific to me.
I have chided Sorkin in this column for not appearing more animated on the air. But now, I have a better appreciation of what it's like to be a "Squawk" anchor.
It's a little like being a short-order cook, with orders flying all the time and the hosts' preoccupation on getting prepared for the next interview. Sorkin won my respect when I saw what he goes through. He is a class act, too.
CNBC, as I found out, also has weight in the books marketplace. The business-TV network has its fair share of rabid followers, and the "Squawk" team is a major reason for the enduring success of the channel.
The frowning Sorkin and the smirking Kernen strike me as the Odd Couple of CNBC
Kernen seems to get a kick out of winding up his on-air partner. Either by design or sudden inspiration, he enjoys throwing "Kernenisms" — unexpected comments — that are sure to throw Sorkin off balance for a split-second, which is enough. When I was talking with them on camera, Kernen suddenly shifted the topic to Bob Dylan's religious beliefs, which Sorkin probably hadn't counted on pondering.
The lesson wasn't lost on me. That's why Imus and Kernen have achieved longevity in their respective fields. They take control of the moment. They are clearly in charge of the interview. They decide when it will begin and end and what the guest will talk about — and for how long.
These are valuable life lessons. Take control of the situation. Act as if you're never at a loss. Show confidence in yourself.
I'll try.
MEDIA WEB QUESTION OF THE DAY: What do you like or dislike about both Don Imus and the Squawk Box team?
What do you think? Feel free to post your comments here.
Jon Friedman is the author of "Forget About Today: Bob Dylan's Genius for (Re)invention, Shunning the Naysayers and Creating a Personal Revolution."


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Or maybe not. I've always admired the home of the late Henry Flagler, and marveled at the American royalty that is the Kennedy family. And if we're branching out, it would be incredible to be the daughter of a President or a member of the Royals just across the pond.
But really, I love the Vanderbilts. The University is powerhouse with students of elite rankings, the professors are phenomenal figures, and the school itself has connections with massive companies across the nation. The estate in North Carolina is breathtaking. The family name carries power, wealth, and business savvy. Not to mention, I'd love to be related to Anderson Cooper (who doesn't love the Silver Fox?!).
My parents had a wedding to attend at the sprawling estate. They had asked if I'd like to tagalong. I answered with a resounding yes, quickly echoed by my brother and sister. A trip to the charming Asheville, North Carolina couldn't be denied, especially with the promise to stay on the Biltmore Estate.
We flew into the Charlotte airport and took the two hour drive to Asheville. I napped most of the way. I roused at my brother's urging once we'd rolled through the gates. We wove past three miles of forest and field before pulling up at the Inn. It was decadent, but charming.
A baby bunny nibbled on grass roots as if we were in a Disney movie. I was enamored, requesting for the rest of the weekend that we all please keep our eyes on the lookout for any other baby bunnies. We did spot one more.
It was nearing dinner time, so we took a quick stroll of the grounds near the Inn.
And hopped down to Antler Village for a bite to eat.
Antler Village is a built up town with a spattering of shops, restaurants, a small farm area, and some historical teaching sights. It's also the home base for their estate excursions, segway tours (!!!) being among the offerings.
We patted our full bellies on the stroll back up to the Inn, when we were stopped suddenly by flashing lights. Not the kind you're imagining. There were fireflies! Everywhere! I felt like I was living life in a country song. With great sadness I tell you that fireflies don't photograph very well; a lesson not learned without many attempts.
We ambled up the winding path and peered at the softly lit Inn from over the small vineyard.
The next day held our trip to the grand home, as well as a round through the gardens, but I'll save that treat for next time! The delay will be made up for with boatloads of pictures.


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From that pew, our parents watched their little girls grow in years and faith. As toddlers my sisters and I crawled around that pew with our church shoes on, scuffing everything in sight. As we grew into little girls, we stood proudly that pew when the congregation stood up to sing. Our parents even sat there proudly as we butchered one arrival song after another when we were first learning to play piano.
It was to that pew that I glanced to my parents for support during Christmas pageants, scripture readings, and even my post-mission trip testimonial. That very pew is also home to my favorite church tradition of singing Silent Night in the dark on Christmas Eve with candles in our hands. Singing that song in the special pew always takes me back to a more innocent time, when we were just little girls in dress shoes, scuffing everything in sight.
On the rare occasions that someone else sat in our pew before we arrive, I wondered if they noticed those scuffs. If they did, did they think of them as yet another project in an aging church, or did they view them with wonder and think about their story? I always dreamed it would be the latter because that pew has left an everlasting mark on my heart.
Over the years, the congregation of our church has dwindled away and the pastors have encouraged everyone to sit together at towards the front of the church. This change has been easier for some members of my family than others. Collectively we have hundreds of special memories in that pew, but for my sister and I that pew encompasses our lives in that very church. And that is why, without end, you'll always find my sister and I sitting in the second pew from the back, on the right.


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Population of Newry and Mourne to 'grow and age', research reveals
Monday, April 30th, 2018
The population in each Local Government District (LGD) in Northern Ireland is projected to grow and age.
This is one of the findings of the statistics published by the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency (NISRA).
Over the 10 year period from mid-2016 to mid-2026, Northern Ireland's population is projected to grow by 4.2 per cent (i.e. 77,600 people), reaching 1,939,700 people in 2026.
Population growth is projected for each LGD over the decade, ranging from 0.1 per cent (200 people) in Derry City and Strabane to 8.9 per cent in both Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon LGD and Lisburn and Castlereagh LGD (18,600 and 12,500 people respectively).
The projections between mid-2016 and mid-2026 also highlight that ageing of the population is set to continue, with the Northern Ireland population aged 65 and over projected to increase by 25.0 per cent (i.e. 74,500 people) over this period.
Increases are projected in each LGD, ranging from 15.2 per cent in Belfast to over 30 per cent in Newry, Mourne and Down and Mid Ulster (31.4 per cent and 32.0 per cent respectively).
Growth of over 40 per cent is projected among those aged 85 and over in five of the 11 LGDs, with Mid Ulster set to experience the highest percentage growth in this age category (1,200, equating to growth of 48.1 per cent).
The number of children in Northern Ireland is projected to rise by a modest 0.1 per cent (600 children) up to 2026. The largest increase is projected in Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon LGD (4.9 per cent, equating to 2,300 children).
Six out of the 11 LGDs are projected to see a reduction in the number of children, with Causeway Coast and Glens experiencing the largest reduction at 4.6 per cent, equating to 1,300 children.
In contrast, the number of pre-school children (i.e. those aged 0-3) in Northern Ireland is projected to fall by 7.8 per cent (i.e. 7,700 children) over the decade. Decreases are projected in all of the LGDs, with the largest decrease projected in Causeway Coast and Glens LGD (13.7 per cent, equating to 1,000 children).
Modest growth of 0.2 per cent (i.e. 2,500 people) is projected among the working age population (i.e. those aged 16-64) of Northern Ireland over the decade to 2026. Six of the 11 LGDs will however experience a reduction in their working age population, most notably in Derry city and Strabane LGD (4.5 per cent, equivalent to 4,300 people) and Causeway Coast and Glens LGD (4.3 per cent, equivalent to 3,800 people).
In 2016, Ards and North Down was the only LGD where the estimated population aged 65 and over exceeded the estimated number of children.
At the Northern Ireland level, the proportion of the population aged 65 and over is projected to overtake that of children by 2028 (20.1 per cent and 19.6 per cent respectively).
By this time, this will also be the case in six out of the 11 LGDs, with the remaining five falling into this category by 2035.


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When people ask me what it is I do for a living I am always in doubt wether to say I am an architect. When I reckon that these people have seen at least one of the 'the architect' titled movies (did you know there's nine(!) when counting 'der' and 'my' architect(s)?), I would rather just say I am a bartender. Do not get me wrong, when I started my study on architecture I have to admit the Fountainhead (1949) was my favourite movie for some time. But as I progressed I found that what I believe I am doing, to be a bit different. Since an architect can be explained in more than one way, I am looking for a definition that can better represent my views of the profession.
I am an architect. Master builder, director of works. One who plans, designs and reviews the construction of buildings. Ever since the phenomenon of civilisation there has been a need for someone who can oversee and guide the process of structures. As art and craft enter the domain of the built we can trace buildings in history as a part of culture. A part of their own time.
'To practice architecture means to provide services in connection with the aesthetic design of buildings and the space within the site surrounding the buildings, that have as their principal purpose human occupancy or use.' This definition leans towards an understanding that an architect is only responsible for what a building looks like and that and the contractor is actually the one making the building happen. We are left with an image of a somewhat corbusier-esque dandy in all black clothing sporting glasses twice his head size dropping models on inner-city Paris like Kanye dropped the mic.
It is precisely this image that I wish to address. 'Especially at a time when the role of the architect and the urban planner changes continuously in the building process due to external factors, when the role of the architect and urban planner can no longer be unequivocally defined…' As the profession has grown more complex the lone architectural genius has become a thing of the past. Through placing the educational chairs that make up my masters degree among the current debate I find a position for my own thought on the role of the architect.
Swiss Army Man
'Architects are divided amongst themselves as to the role and tasks of the architect.' Some only focus on the preliminary design and conceptualisation others take on the part of master builder, the confidant of the client, the project manager. An image that has dominated our minds is that of the creative genius. In time of the renaissance, after anonymity ruled the middle ages, focus shifted to the individual. The accreditation of efforts and permittance of unquenchable curiosity allowed for the coming of the polymath, such as Leonardo Da Vinci. A polymath is a person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas; such a person is known to draw on complex bodies of knowledge to solve specific problems. In time the role of architect has grown from master builder to include artist, inventor, engineer. Not only the designer of the totality of the building but moreover prime in control of the building process.
As buildings became more complex the profession became more difficult and the architect would appoint assistants who would aid in the work of drawing and calculating these structures. It was a time of architect's like Behrens, including his office of workmen. Amongst them even Van der Rohe. This changed in the 1930's when companies like SOM believed in a cooperation of architects over the individual, a corporate representation of their work. As our structures gained more specific requirements the profession of master builder has slowly been split in specialisations. Currently we graduate in architecture, urbanism, real estate or building technology and find our profession accordingly. '…the lone architectural genius from the past no longer exists and has been replaced by a team of specialists.' Asselbergs even notes we must 'be aware of sapping powers of the architect and turning him or her into a stylist.'. So if the role of one person has been split into parts and is now being filled by specialists I am left wondering what it is that an architect, more than a stylist, should do.
The Specialist
Kaan and Asselbergs both reference Buckminster Fuller as a source in their position on the role of the architect. Bucky is known for stating 'I would describe myself a comprehensive anticipatory design scientist…an emerging synthesis of artist, inventor, mechanic, objective economist and evolutionary strategist.' Yet both Kaan and Asselbergs argue that the time of the creative genius is over. If we look more closely at the image of the architect genius that they discuss we can see they have the same person in mind. Howard Roark, misunderstood futurist, making all decisions from his chieftain role of master builder. Both Kaan and Asselbergs agree that there is need for a team of specialists that come together in order to formulate an answer to the growlingly complex task that is currently our built environment. This train of thought aligns with the movement of architectural firms as opposed to the individual.
Straus and Doyle argue there is, and will continue to be, one role for the architect. That of creative problem solver. 'Given a program, the architect uses his or her problem solving skills to design a workable and aesthetically pleasing environment.' They continue to state that there is however, a change rising in the way of problem solving. A change more critical to the succes of the planning process as a whole. They argue a shift from problem solver, to facilitator of problem solving. This places the focus more on process shaper and manager as apposed to just presenter of definite and final results.
Rebel Without a Cause
The role of the architect is also affected by what he is accounted for. The profession of the architect is concerned with our built environment and thus public safety. As such there are several professional requirements. Related to this are legal responsibilities for failures in aspects of the building proces and result. This draws the architect into a role where he does what he is accountable for. In reverse, defining what it is an architect does can help describe what it is he is responsible for. Then can be noted how responsibility differs from accountability in that there are no legal effects.Current debate
The Big Short
When asked what it is an architect does I suggest that he creates value. As any problem solver, the architect formulates an answer to the task of the client. 'The creation of value encompasses two elements: economic value and cultural value… Economics and cultural life are interwoven…' Culture is more of an all encompassing term I admit, but it captures the shared experience of activities that take place in our urban environment. It is the part of the assignment that requires insights in society, and the future of our development as urban man. An understanding of the complex relations that make up our use of the urban fabric. These characteristics are a thing less measurable, things of no legal accountability yet precisely that which I believe proves the quality of an intervention over a passing of time. 'Cultural value can lead to sustainability or longevity, but that need not always reflect economic value.' Economic value is somewhat of a more practical approach where choices can be weighed on the scale of the budget and feasibility. This value is something I place more in line with accountability and the side of the profession that requires an acknowledged professional degree.
Band of Brothers
How we realise these qualities has changed in the past decades. Da Vinci would conceive his buildings almost entirely by himself, Mies might give some advice to Behrens but Skidmore, Owings & Merrill were among the first to equally collaborate in praxis. As our cities grew bigger, the task was not simply to make a new building anymore. Society demanded more of our structures. We are growingly able to do more with our structures. Architectural practices now employ or consult a number of specialist in order to correctly address this growing demand of our built environment. The architect is no longer in an independent position. Every specialist is better informed in their area of expertise than the architect. This gives them the opportunity to inform the architect of thorough research and just decisions in their jurisdiction. It is the architect who combines, organises and complements information from multiple areas of expertise to a whole. The person whose expertise spans, though perhaps less specialised, a significant number of different subject areas and can not only draw on but can moreover combine, relate and balance these epistemes to solve complex challenges we currently face in our built environment. A critical thinking that works all scales and requires an understanding that transcends linear roles such as planning, construction and urban design. Perhaps more of a critical type communicator or facilitator in a process where 'Synergy between all parties involved in the design and construction is essential…' to lead to problem solving. To inform and be informed by a team of specialists in a process oriented method towards creating value.
A New Hope
'The current architectural debate is characterised by the threat of a split between proponents of change and renewal as the motive and motor of progress and the advocates of the tried and tested, and therefore timeless, skills and qualities in architecture.' With this freedom, our building design industry has fallen to a level of mere instruments of marketing. A problem in contemporary developments is that our gaze on change and renewal is blurring our appreciation for quality assets of the built environment. As our building industry has become greatly market effected 'Many architects are desperately striving for originality, but this is leading to an environment glutted with an artificial range of miscellaneous shapes.'. As a building is inevitably but a tool to facilitate human activity we lose a great deal of deeper significance to a careless culture where '…we tire quickly of products as well as buildings; we want to be continually surprised.'. This is exactly why an architect can never act merely as a stylist.
The complexity of our built environment has become too great to bear alone. When embracing this stance of the architect amidst a team we can move towards the opportunities that lie in collaboration. 'Creativity is the adding of value. Cultural value, use value and economic value shape the trinity for architectural quality.' Integrating, combining and even customising these many specialised aspects allows for the creating of unique circumstances. To serve the community, the users of architecture, as one who designs for social impact more than buildings. Shifting towards adding cultural value as a long term sustainable asset.
Modern Times
The age of the lone architectural genius is over. But we would be wrong as to see an architect merely as a stylist among specialists. The role of the architect is that of the facilitator polymath. The person whose expertise spans a significant number of different subject areas. Able to combine, organise and complement a multitude of information. Not one man knowing all, but enough to act as a spider in the web of expertises. Every specialist is better informed in their area of expertise than the architect. This gives them the opportunity to combine their knowledge to create a greater body of work than any of the separate parts would be able to create. The combination of these specialisations allows for a greater innovation in collaboration to occur. This innovation that can add value well beyond the level of problem solving that was originally required.
Adding to this I believe an architect is needed to take account for less measurable aspects of the interventions. Things of no legal accountability. The part of the assignment that requires insights in society, and the future of our development as urban man. The one to ask: 'How can you make something with your architecture that escapes the issues of the day, the zeitgeist?'. The 21st century architect is an applied philosopher weighing cultural values towards a social impact.
- Asselbergs, M.F. (2008). Balancement. Delft: University of Technology.
- Asselbergs, M.F. (2016). Is architectuur nog van de architect. Interview architectenweb. [online] available at: http://www.architectenweb.nl/aweb/redactie/redactie_detail.asp?iNID=39482 [accessed 16 Dec. 2016].
- etymonline.com, (2001). Online Etymology of the term 'architect'. [online] available at: http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?term=architect&allowed_in_frame=0 [Accessed 15 Dec.2016].
- Fuller, R.B. (1963). Ideas and Integrities, a Spontaneous Autobiographical Disclosure. New York: Macmillan Publishing Company.
- Kaan, C.H.C.F. (2008). The choice. Delft: University of Technology.
- Kaan, C.H.C.F. (2009). Value in Architecture. Interview De Ontwerpmanager n. 4.
- Kahn, R.H. (1979). The changing role of the architect. ST. Louis: U.L.J. 216.
- Kamphuis, W.A.P. and Kaan, C.H.C.F. (2015). How to spend time, interview in CP InChicago magazine.
- merriam-webster.com, (2016). Online definition of the term 'polymath'. [online] available at: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polymath [accessed 15 Dec. 2016].
- nslegislature.ca, (2016). The Nova Scotia Legislature. [online] available at: https://web.archive.org/web/20110731123641/http://nslegislature.ca/legc/bills/60th_1st/3rd_read/b115.htm[Accessed 15 Dec. 2016].
- Straus, D. & Doyle, M. (1978). The Architect as Facilitator: A New Role. published in Journal of Architectural Education, Volume 31(4), p.13-17.
- Image from: http://www.legosaurus.com/post/127549999522/le-corbusier-lego-edition-image-by-bauhaus


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Australia's largest community festival, Moomba, returns over the long weekend on 8-11 March. The Moomba Parade is always a highlight, but what other (mostly free) fun should be high on your list? Here are our tips for a wonderful day or night with family or friends.
Moomba Carnival
The Moomba Carnival delivers scary rides for kids and kids at heart on both sides of the Yarra River in 2019. Are you brave enough for the XXXL? This triple-action extreme flipping ride will have you spinning upside down 30 meters above the fairground!
Moomba's youngest visitors will love the Little Land zone's rides, like Cup and Saucer and Happy Kangaroo. The opening night $37 Friday Ride Pass is amazing value for anyone into carnival rides. This golden ticket to three hours of excitement can be purchased in advance. Going as a group? Upgrade to a four-pass pack and save.
Food and Fireworks
Whether you're strapped in for the full four days or just want a one-day adventure, you'll need your sustenance. Try out heaps of yummy stuff throughout the festival, from fairyfloss and hot dogs to Greek and Jamaican street food. With all that great food around, you'll be more than ready to stay on into the evening to catch the excellent fireworks display, kicking off around 9.30pm every night.
Music, music, music
Day and night throughout the festival, Moomba comes alive with music at the Star Lawn stage. From festival opener DJ Soju-Gangs' dance beats to Monday night's final Afro-Latin electronic beat by Amaru Tribe, it's all free. The music stage at The Green also hosts live music just for kids, like Woody's Ukulele Workshop and the Teeny Tiny Stevies.
Dance Zone
A big hit when it made its debut at Moomba last year, the Dance Zone returns with cultural dance workshops and performances. Whether you have two left feet or can two-step with the best, let yourself go and learn a new dance style. There are more than 30 to choose from, including Jamaican dance hall, flamenco, ballroom and hip hop.
New in 2019 are Guru Dudu's Silent Disco Walking Tours. The crazy commentary and uplifting hits from the 70s, 80s and 90s will soon get you doing more than walking though. Think spontaneous flash mob dancing and interpretive dancing around local landmarks for starters!
Kids activities
Did you know that every Moomba Parade features floats designed by children at the previous year's festival? Let their imaginations run wild at the Design Pavilion, 11am-7pm Saturday-Monday. Other fab fun just for little ones ranges from yoga classes to meeting loveable Minions Stuart and Kevin. There's also art and craft workshops, face painting, skateboarding lessons, a Lego playzone and more.
Outdoor cinema
Summer may be over, but there's still time for an alfresco movie or two. Every night Moomba's big screen will light up with shorts from Little Big Shots, Australia's only film festival for junior movie makers. Then it's time for a favourite family feature: ET The Extraterrestrial (Friday), How to Train Your Dragon (Saturday), Trolls (Sunday) and The LEGO Movie (Monday).
Birdman Rally
Invention and silliness join hands and try to fly at perennial Moomba favourite, the Birdman Rally. Daring participants don costumes and contraptions to help them soar across the Yarra. Will they fly or flop? No matter, it's all in the name of charity and a ridiculously funny Sunday spectacle.
Moomba Masters Championship
Watch waterskiers and wakeboarders from 19 countries gather on the river for the spectacular Moomba Masters Championship. Girls, boys, men and women compete in slalom, jump, trick and wakeboard categories, as well as twilight night jumps. This year, barefoot water ski amputee-athlete Sam Bell and sit skier Jason Sleep add another dimension to this high-flying program.
Visit the Moomba Festival website for the full program.


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Battle-scarred veterans often spend more time waiting for decisions from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on their disability claims than they spent at war. At least 500,000 veterans have waited an average of six months for a decision on a disability claim and another 200,000 have waited an average of five years for a decision on an appeal. New VA Secretary Eric Shinseki — himself a disabled Vietnam vet — vows to unblock the huge claims backlog, but it may take until 2015. That's partly because the VA has expanded the number of compensation-worthy illnesses from the Vietnam War. Veterans' organizations laud Shinseki but disagree over how deeply VA changes should run. Meanwhile, lawmakers in Congress are close to passing legislation to compensate relatives and friends caring for veterans with catastrophic, lifelong disabilities such as traumatic brain injuries arising from improvised explosive devices — the devastating homemade bombs that are the hallmark of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan.
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10 Common Mistakes by the First Time SUP Racer
- Written by Erin Blunt Robbins
- Published in Tips
- Comments::DISQUS_COMMENTS
The Hanohano race in Southern California is an example of what is typically a good location to race for the first time.
SAN DIEGO, California - Sometimes as individuals become familiar with stand up paddle, they are very excited about the idea of racing and can get a little ahead of themselves as they venture out into their first event. Unfortunately this can take the excitement and fun to levels of frustration and fear. Below are 10 common mistakes that are made by the first time SUP racer which will help you avoid them!
1. Not enough training:
Sometimes paddlers jump into a race with little to no training. This might be fine for some very fit individuals, but even for them, it is hard to know how the body will react to using specific muscles that may not be well conditioned. For those who come from other paddling backgrounds this could be a non issue, however, those who come from more traditional sports may be in for a big surprise.
2. The wrong water conditions:
First time SUP racers should be careful to consider the water conditions of their first race. It is safe to say that most first time paddlers will have a better experience in flat water as opposed to open ocean or choppy water. Unless a person comes from a strong water background, it is recommended that a nice flat water race be the first one to tackle.
3. Drafting without etiquette:
Once in a while a first time racer will think that they understand the concept of drafting and may have even practiced it a little prior to the race. However, without having had good communication and sufficient skills this could become a nightmare for both the new racer and others participating in the event. It is suggested that if drafting is a part of your race plan, make sure that you are sufficiently schooled, prepared and have a game plan that works with the other competitors and is within the racing rules.
4. Choosing a race that is to long:
Make sure that the race is the proper distance. For most who are new to the scene a race that is between 2 to 4 miles might be a good suggestion. This may not seem like a long distance but considering all the other elements one deals with on the water, this should provide plenty of mileage for a first attempt.
5. No safety equipment:
New racers across the country have been seen time and time again to not have any safety equipment with them. It just makes sense that if someone is attempting something for the first time that common sense would tell us to prepare for unexpected situations. Perhaps more racers should have a personal flotation device somewhere on board or at least use a leash.
6. Little to no technique:
Once in a while paddler will race with no idea how to hold the paddle or where to stand on the board. While this can be funny at times and make for some good stories, it can also lead to injury and a negative experience. Getting some sound advice and taking the time to talk to a few experienced paddlers can make a world of difference.
7. Getting trapped at the start:
This is a challenge not only for new racers but also for elite racers. There is an interesting combination of strength, conditioning, mindset and race strategy that make for a smart race start. Only you can know what will work best for you but there is definitely a skill to mastering this moment and learning how to deal with the masses and choppy water. Sometimes it's hard to simply get your paddle in the water but most importantly try to just stay on your board!
8. Using the wrong equipment / clothing:
Of course racing on a SUP surf board or SUP race board is just fine, but make sure that the size is a good fit. This is especially true of the paddle being used. Often time injuries occur because the paddle length is not appropriate for the racer. Remember that generally speaking racers use longer paddles and larger blades for longer distances but use shorter paddles and smaller blades for shorter races. Proper clothing can also make a big difference. Try to determine how hot or cold you will be and consider that your body temperature will change with the length of the race and with external conditions.
9. Missing the pre-race instructions/start of the race:
This happens all the time! Believe it or not the pre-race meeting can be critical. This is where any last minute instruction will be given about the course (which can change minutes before racing) and what competitors need to do to fully complete the contest. Believe it or not races can be very different especially when it comes to the type of start and finish. It is also very important to know how many laps to complete or if drafting will be allowed or not. Make sure and attend the pre-race meeting which will also ensure that you make it to the start on time.
10. Not racing at all:
Having said all of this, the biggest mistake any first time racer could make is simply not racing at all. Sure we all make mistakes and the first SUP race could be a little nerve racking, however, once you have a foundation definitely get out there and have some fun. Who knows, you may even find a new passion and become a great champion.
What other SUP race mistakes can you add to this list?


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Izzo doesn't just build great vignettes — he's also quite the mecha builder. Lately he's been on a power-suit-building kick:
Here's my favorite, a Batsuit:
(By the way, in addition to his legostyle Web site, Izzo has a new blog, legostyle-LOG. If you want automatic updates of his latest creations, be sure to subscribe to his feed.)
Technorati tags: LEGO Mecha Batman Minifigs Brickshelf


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In the winter months as the days become shorter, people are forced to spend more time outside when it is dark. For many people, the commute to and from work may be without much sunlight. For pedestrians, a few hours without daylight can be dangerous. Even in a large city like Seattle, where street lights and store fronts provide some light, it can still be hard for motorists to see pedestrians in the evening and early morning hours. Sometimes, that causes deadly consequences.
Recently in Washington, a 76-year-old woman was killed after being hit by a car. According to reports, this pedestrian accident occurred in Shoreline around 7:30 p.m. Initial reports indicate that the woman had been crossing a road when she was hit. However, at the time of the accident the woman was not in a crosswalk. Furthermore, the woman had been wearing dark clothes.
Police say that the driver did stop following the accident. While police are still investigating the accident, they have said that they do not believe that speeding, alcohol or drugs contributed to this auto-pedestrian accident.
Accidents — like this one — between a car and a person are often very serious. While pedestrians can protect themselves some by staying in crosswalks and by wearing light colored clothes, they are still no match for a car, truck or motorcycle. Therefore, the injuries — and subsequent costs — associated with these accidents is very high and fatal accidents are common.
When negligence plays a role in an auto-pedestrian accident, the negligent driver can be held financially responsible for the accident. Negligence can take many forms including drunk driving or speeding. However, negligence also includes dangerous behavior such as texting and driving, talking on the phone, not paying attention to the road or violating other traffic laws.
Source: The Seattle Times, "Pedestrian killed in Shoreline accident identified," Bob Young, Nov. 16, 2013


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Book Marketing and Publishing Tips for Authors–
eZine Issue
#26 July 04, 2018
Publisher: Judi
th Briles
Practical Publishing Advice and Guidance for Authors
In This Issue
Get ready to pitch … to a literary agent OR woot: win a complete publishing package.
Updates on The AuthorYOU Extravaganza!
Another great tool that is a no-brainer …
Hot podcasts for the month coming …
Webinars slated for Summertime…
Question of the Week …
7. Book Shepherd "Fun" of the Week …
This Week Under The Book Shepherd's
Hello and Good Publishing Day
to all of you.
Today is the 4th of July. A time to celebrate the freedom you have as an author; the freedom you have as a writer. The freedom that your ideas and words can make a difference for others. And that you have the freedom to express them.
Sit back and think about that freedom—one that most of us take for granted. Don't. There are so many who can't say or write what they feel; they think; or dream about doing.
It's a day that many gather family around them; fire up the BBQ; oooh and awwww at fireworks that flare in the evening skies. I'm one of those … but I always begin my day with my freedom acknowledgment. And thank you.
I love revisits. This past week found me in Vancouver, British Columbia and the Salmocapitalal of America—Ketichan, Alaska. This time, my travel mates were my 14-year-old grandson Ryan and my two daughters, Shelley and Sheryl. Taking them to favorite places—little stores on Granville Island and the wonder of Stanley Park—we also spent an afternoon in Capilano Park, something I recommend for all. If, heights and suspension bridges don't hold you back. Hours were spent crisscrossing roadways amongst trees hundreds of years old.
Removing computer time from my daily agenda, it became a love of nature as we watched birds dive for fish; the swooping of bald eagles; and the breadth of nature's landscape.
We spent five hours in Capilano, and mega thousands of steps that were up and down, even Ryan said, "My legs are screaming." Yep, all of us agreed. And none of us regretted it.
Ketichan is an island and opened their eyes to what a rainforest is. Gathering over 200 inches of rainfall a year—it's lush with a combination of calming with the surrounding waters. Snow visible in July in the low mountains, all got a lesson in "life in a forest range". Wait until they get to experiencing glaciers.
MEET me when I'm on the road.
I'm looking forward to traveling this year to work with Texan authors at the July 27-29 event in Dallas, TX; authors from Colorado and multiple states in Breckenridge, CO August 23-26;
Michigan authors at the Booktoberfest in Dexter, MI on September 8; Alaskan authors in Anchorage, AK September 20-22; and Florida authors in
Altamonte Springs, Florida October 18-20.
Are you in Colorado on July 21?
Come to our annual BBQ.
will be helpful in the afternoon at CADA—the Colorado Automotive Dealers Associations facilities with terrific schmoozing rounds; fire pit for toasting marshmallows and just a fun and relaxing afternoon. All you bring is yourself—family members welcome.
Details are posted under Events on the website.
If you are thinking of a crowdfunding campaign
The CrowdFunding Guide for Authors & Writers
was created just for you.
Amazon has copies—get your copy here. I promise—it
explain step-by-step the how-tos along with the whys. The section on Timelines and Essentials will set you up. Crowdfunding is free money … but there's work and a gameplan that needs to be followed.
l here:
You can pick my brain …
time is 30 minutes.
If you need one-on-one-time with me, I'm always open for a few minutes to give you some quick input. But, and it's a BIG BUT, many call and expect far more than a few minutes. This is called a "consult" and I would be delighted to schedule time with you for "just you and your many questions" that need answers. You can book time with me it at:
Author Friendly Friday this week …
9 Eastern time and again at 2 pm ET. It's a full hour when you can ask questions—any question.
Starting now, it's for paid subscribers ONLY and we do it on Skype.
I loved the comment last week when one of my participants said that she really liked doing it this way—when I see others at events—the Extravaganza—we are already friends. I like it too!
Here's the link to take advantage of it and subscribe
And, what, there's more. We have all new webinars set up through June and planning July. This month covers LinkedIn on June 12 and How to Create a 7-Figure Income via the FIVE steps to persuasion on June 19. Details below.
AND … How's your week going?
Get ready to pitch … to a literary agent OR woot: win a complete publishing package.
Oh boy … don't miss out on this one. Want your book picked up to be published. We have two options at the Extravaganza this year.
Option #1:
Jeff Herman and Deborah Herman of the literary agency, the Jeff Herman Agency will be on site to hear pitches from Extravaganza attendees. Jeff also represents foreign rights and will be doing a session on getting your share. He and Deborah created the bestselling Write the Perfect Book Proposal: 10 that Sold and Why plus Jeff produces the annual edition of Jeff Herman's Guide to Book Publishers, Editors, and Literary Agents 2018.
Option #2:
This is awesome-sauce and already half full:
This year at the Extravaganza, we will have the first every Book Pitch Fest in Colorado. Thanks to the vision of Thomson Shore's team, up to 15 authors will "pitch" their books in less than THREE minutes to our panel.
JUST ONE attendee/pitcher will walk away with a full publishing packaging—
editing; cover and interior design; and printing—how cool is that. You must be there … it all happens late Thursday, August 23 at 5.30 … I'll be there cheering for YOU!
All info here:
It's rolling in fast … and I do mean FAST.
Happening in 50 days, you don't want to miss out.
In just 50
Get ready for all-new Author YOU Extravaganza in 2018. Get ready for Education—the deep dive type. Get ready for entertainment— laughing is the perfect way to end a jammed-packed day of information. Get ready to meet the Who-Who's in Publishing Service Providers in our Exhibit Hall—your village to create an awesome book, publicity campaign, uncovering sponsors, promotion and much more. And get ready to change your book and authoring life
Click Here to Register
Does Amazon bug you? How about confusing you? Or, downright irritate you?
Welcome to the crowd. And, if you are in the crowd, we are doing a session that will be
a not to be missed one:
What the Hell is Going on with Amazon?
Sigh … you think you've got it figured it. Then the Amazon gremlins change "the rules". Figuring it out is beyond the beyond. We've got he
lp coming your way in one
of our not to be missed sessions at the Extravaganza.
The Question is: will you?
Register—early bird ends on June 30
More Great Tools
What: Free, high-resolution photos.
All photos published on Unsplash can be used for free. You can use them for commercial and non-commercial purposes. You do not need to ask permission from or provide credit to the photographer or Unsplash, although it is appreciated.
Unsplash grants you a nonexclusive copyright license to download, copy, modify, distribute, perform, and use photos from Unsplash for free, including for commercial purposes, without permission from or attributing the photographer or Unsplash.
What: GetHuman helps people to find customer service / company numbers when you need to talk to a live person at a company. Last year, roughly 1 in 8 Americans used GetHuman to save time or money on a customer service problem.
Hot podcasts slated for
- August
In JULY
How to Get Associations to Hire Speakers
with Ed Rigsby
Publicity How-tos from a 70-Year Pro
with Irwin Zucker
Pitching You and Your Book
with Joan Stewart
What the Hell is Amazon Doing?
with Amy Collins
In A
How to Propel Your Book Launch
with Kimberley Grabas
Discovering the Anatomy of Fiction Writing
with Barb Wilson
Discover the Latest Strategies for Advanced Book Marketing
with John Kremer
Insider Tips on How to Market Author as Speaker to Meeting Planners
with Tonya Hoffman
Are You Branding You … Really?
with Kathy Meis
In SEPTEMBER
Revising and Repurposing What You've Already Done
Anne Janzer
Here's the master link for iTunes:
And, if you have listened, support our podcast and post a review. Thank you!
More Webinars are coming … more Webinars are coming
How to Create a Caviar Audiobook on a Tuna Fish Budget
Did you know that audiobook sales revenue is up 32% so far for the year 2018? Do you have an audiobook to take advantage of this growing market?
Don't miss this opportunity to join the Audiobook Revolution!
Find out:
What's brand new in the audiobook world
The new audiobook creation competition for Amazon and Audible
How to independently publish your audiobook yourself or with help
How authors can make more from their audiobooks than their eBooks
The key steps to set your audiobook up for success
Planning your next audiobook (key decisions)
You can have an audiobook version of your book created (with help!) for hundreds, not thousands, of dollars. Here's how!
YES, there will be a REPLAY. Please register to make sure you get it if you can't attend live.
Wednesday, August 19, 2018. Time: 4T, 5 MT, 6 CT, 7 ET
June 19th
One of the highest content webinars I've had – here's the replay
If you're tired of webinars that are all hype and no substance, then you'll be thrilled with the one I just did with Tom Antion. He promised high content that was immediately usable and WOWSA, did he deliver! And we had fun to boot!
Here's what one attendee said:
"This is the best and the most fun webinar I've ever been on and I've been on a lot of them."
Count me in as, "Me too."
The replay is ready right now and I suggest you jump on it immediately because the info Tom presented can increase your business dramatically and quickly. I loved, LOVED the idea he rolled out on making big bucks with PDFs. Immediately, I called out live to three individuals who were attendees ideas that they could do—like in tomorrow—to create a fast, no-brainer, easy-peasy push out to their fans and email contacts. I'll bet when you hear them on the replay, you will also say, "Hey, me too."
Here's the link:
And the magic website to pick up all the elements he revealed is:
Go for it …
Did you know that library buying is up—way UP? Over 70% of the U.S. population uses libraries every month. In the area I live in—Denver, Colorado, libraries have a $9,000,000 budget for new books, ebooks, audiobooks. Wherever you live, your community has a budget as well. How cool is that!
even if your book is not ready yet–maybe the end of the year or early next year—jump in. You will be "grandfathered" at the reduced rate (guaranteed, the price will increase significantly the next go around).
"Left Out" means the awesome PITCH TO 8,000 LIBRARIES for only $399 disappear soon … you, of course, can get it for $399 until Amy Collins and I pull it. As always, it's a choice. I'm doing it … I want my audio, eBooks and print books to be reintroduced to 8,000 libraries, just like you do.
Reminder … here's what you get:
Get your book in front of 8,000 libraries around the country who have requested information about books to acquire.
Your cost is 5 cents per library pitch.
A full-color listing designed and laid out showcasing your book.
Having someone (that means not you) do the follow-up to determine if there is interest in acquiring your book for the library.
A detailed report after the mailing and follow-up calls that includes the number of librarians who actually clicked on the order button for your book.
Here's the link for the REPLAY. Don't miss out on this one … there were 12 slots available for the JULY mailing—several were taken during the live presentation last night:
NEXT, here's click on the link to participate:
Questions of the Week:
I write nonfiction. Why do I need stories in my book?
My answer:
Listen my author, and you will hear. If I had only one word to use, it would be
Too many nonfiction authors slip into a world of factoids and telling. All good, but at times, downright boring. Storytelling takes your reader "there"—whatever/wherever there is. It connects them with where you are leading them to. Opening a chapter with a "setup" of someone/something that your reader can immediately connect with via an event they did or experienced or someone that they know who did, opens a wavelength of truthiness.
Sometimes the story setup is light; sometimes heavy; sometimes even on OMG moment. Many times, when I'm working with an author for the first time and they've presented a book that is a "tell" or a "fix it" book, I'll say, "Tell me about a time that you've experienced or known someone who has experienced about what you are trying to solve …" It changes the "feel" of the book. It makes it more personable.
The reader connects with you. You are writing about them. About what they need and want. When it's more personable, you sell more copies.
Book Shepherd "Fun"
or an "Uh-Oh
the Week
Love it when I find a fun shorty—a quick smile, a laugh out loud, a sip of tea … and back to work—perfect. Calling all dog lovers ... have you thought about having a private chef for your pooch?
This is amazing:
That's my author and publishing news for today … what's yours?
About Judith Briles, The Book Shepherd
Book Publishing expert Judith Briles, aka The Book Shepherd
has shepherded more than 1,000 authors and created 500 best-sellers and award-winning books. She knows publishing inside and out from both the traditional and independent sides. Judith is an advocate for authors within her blogs, podcasts and speaking engagements. What's her pet peeve? Two words: publishing predators.
She hosts the podcast
AuthorU-Your Guide to Book Publishing
that generates over 100,000 downloads a month.
Her website is
, email:
and phone: 303-885-2207.
The Book Shepherd
Sent to:
The Book Shepherd, 8122 S. Quatar Cir. , Aurora, Colorado 80016, United States
Email Marketing
by ActiveCampaign


text:
A 20-year-old lady and a young man have been shot in Ajegunle area of Lagos.
Police identified the girl as 20-year-old Ada Ifeanyi, and her beau as 32-year-old Emmanuel Akomafuwa.
This is contrary to the social media claim that the murdered lady was one Jessy Gold whose photographs have been uploaded on many social media handles such as Twitter and Facebook, with accompanying RIP messages.
Police gave the address of Ada Ifeanyi as No. 4B, Amusa Lane, Off Ojo Road Ajegunle; and that of Emmanuel Akomafuwa as No. 52, Babatunde Street, Olodi Apapa, at Akpiri Street, Olodi Apapa.
"The incident happened on Saturday, April 13, 2019 around 7am," Police said; contrary to social media allegations that they were shot at night while they were returning from a club.
According to reports, Ada died as a result of the shooting, while Emmanuel, suspected to be her beau, sustained grievous injuries and doctors are currently battling to save his life.
Operatives from the Trinity Police Station in Ajegunle, Lagos, were alleged to be responsible for the attacks.
In a tweet via his verified Twitter handle at midnight, Nigerian rapper and actor, Ruggedman @RuggedyBaba, alleged that "Men of the Nigerian Police have killed another innocent Nigerian youth.
"They killed a 20-year old girl in Ajegunle, while the boy that was with her was also shot and is fighting for his life."
The tweet was accompanied by gruesome images of the victims.
[READ ALSO] Widespread insecurity: Military, police, others plan special joint squads to stop killings, kidnappings
Another individual, VyralClips, tweeted that operatives from the Trinity Police Station in Ajegunle were responsible.
The policemen reportedly chased and caught up with them, leading to their shooting by the policemen.
Editors' Note: This is a developing story, and it will be updated as necessary.
READ ALSO: Lagos policewoman assaults pregnant woman, allegedly rips off own uniform as alibi


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It turns out it was one of the wettest years on record in the Pacific Northwest, and in early February, the water finally breached the house.
Our house is situated at the bottom of a pretty big hill, so we end up seeing quite a bit of water. Here's the sidewalk in front of our house during one of the longer spells of rain. Continue reading "Water, water, everywhere, a recurring theme"


text:
Quality Product
Order On-line Tracking
Timely Delivery
Credit Rating
Credit Services
Credit Purchasing
Casing is a large-diameter pipe that serves as the structural retainer for thewalls of oil and gas wells, or wellbore. It is inserted into a well bore andcemented in place to protect both subsurface formations and the wellbore fromcollapsing and to allow drilling fluid to circulate and extraction to takeplace. The following diagram illustrates different types of casing used in theextraction process.
● Surface casing
Protect the well from contamination in shallow water and gas layers.
Support the wellhead equipment and sustains the weight of the other layers ofcasing.
● Intermediate casing
Isolates different layers of pressure to facilitate normal circulation ofdrilling fluid and protect the production casing.
Intermediate casing facilitates the installation of blow-out preventers,anti-leakage devices and tailpipes in the well.
● Production casing (oil string)
It is the conduit, through which oil and gas pass from a below surfacereservoir.
It protects the well and separates fluids into various layers.
For the manufacture of tubing, green pipes undergo an "upsetting"process to thicken the walls of the pipes. Apart from this step, themanufacturing of tubing and casing is identical. First, green pipes arethreaded on each end. The threading is then inspected and, if necessary,rethreaded to ensure that the thread accurately connects to the coupling. Thetubing and casing are strengthened by surface treatment and are subject tovarious inspections, including drifting and hydrostatic tests before they arecoated and packaged into tubing and casing.
1. Manufacturer Overview
|Year Established
|Annual Output Value
|Main Markets
|Company Certifications
2. Manufacturer Certificates
|a) Certification Name
|Validity Period
3. Manufacturer Capability
|a)Trade Capacity
|Nearest Port
|Export Percentage
|No.of Employees in Trade Department
|Language Spoken:
|b)Factory Information
|Factory Size:
|No. of Production Lines
|Contract Manufacturing
|Product Price Range


text:
Telecom News
Show your 4G Enabled Smartphone & Get a Free JIO 4G SIM Card from Today
Today we at PhoneRadar have received a confirmation from a Reliance store that from today onwards anyone who has a 4G Enabled Smartphone can get the Jio 4G SIM Card for free with the Jio Preview Offer that gives them 90 days of free Internet & Calling. From our prolonged tests we have found that the network speeds are pretty consistent but the voice calling fails most of the times.
This new offer can be availed at any reliance digital or their authorised stories, though the details are not yet shared with all the stores. It is better to wait till it is officially confirmed because you may end up with getting denied that happened the last time when Reliance started offering SIM Cards to a selected Samsung owners.
List of Samsung, LG, ASUS & Panasonic Smartphones eligible for Reliance Jio 4G Preview Offer
JIO Preview Offer with Unlimited 4G available on Micromax and YU Smartphones
TCL Corporation & Alcatel Smartphones now Eligible for Jio SIM with unlimited 4G for 90 days
Gionee, Xolo, Karbonn & Lava 4G Smartphones Eligible for Jio SIM with unlimited 4G for 90 days
JIO Preview Offer with Unlimited 4G available on Sony, Videocon and Sansui Smartphones
HTC, Intex and Vivo Smartphones Eligible for Jio SIM with unlimited 4G for 90 days
We did visit a Reliance Store & Here's our detailed experience on the same. Click on the below tweet for the complete chain. Also if you have any questions let us know in the comments section below.
1/ We are now at the Reliance Store to get the JIO 4G SIM Card. You just need a 4G Supported Smartphone & they are asking ID Proof & the
— PhoneRadar (@phoneradarblog) August 20, 2016
10/ local friends contact details for verification & the SIM Card would be issued to you. Let us know if you have got the SIM Card & Do RT!
— PhoneRadar (@phoneradarblog) August 20, 2016
Earlier Aug 10: Last week, we got confirmation that Reliance Jio might be launching their much awaited mobile services to the public on the August 15th, which marks the Independence day of the country. This was pretty exciting news, as we believe almost everyone in the country is looking to get the Jio SIM cards on their handsets. But since the company services are in beta stage, the reliable option to get the SIM is to buy a LYF handset.
Well, if this new confirmation is any indication we might actually don't have to wait much longer. As per the new report popped up online, it is believed that anyone who is purchasing a brand new smartphone priced above Rs 10,000 can get a free Jio 4G SIM with their handsets. The interesting part is that they would be getting the Jio Preview Offer as well.
If you were living under the rock up until now and didn't know what Jio Preview Offer is all about. Well, you shall now know. In brief, under the Preview offer a JIO SIM owner is entitled for 90 days free of cost service that includes unlimited 4G Data, VoLTE calls, as well as access to premium eight Jio apps ranging from movies, On-demand video content, music, storage, security, etc.
Tizen Powered Samsung Z2 to Launch with Free Jio 4G Preview Offer
With Jio extending it's service to selected Samsung smartphone owners as well as offering the JioFi 2 Hotspot device at a discounted price, which can be used to get benefit of Jio Preview Offer. As Reliance Jio takes these steps, it all point towards that company might be finally getting ready to launch their Prepaid service as latest as August 15.
if you are in market to buy the next smartphone and have a set budget of more than Rs 10,000. Well, then you could be the lucky owner of Jio SIM card for free. Note that the SIM cards would be available at Reliance Digital stores. So, now would be the right time to identify the nearest store near your locality. Moreover, you should also check out the list of JIO VoLTE capable devices; it should make your decision easier to purchase that new smartphone.


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Metro Bike Share Expands to Pasadena
This morning, the city of Pasadena celebrated the arrival of Metro Bike Share. In the city of Pasadena the system includes 375 bicycles at 34 docking stations. The system is operated by Bicycle Transit Systems.
Bike-share docks are located in the greater Old Pasadena area, including City Hall, the Rose Bowl, Pasadena City College, Caltech, and five Metro Gold Line stations: Fillmore, Del Mar, Memorial Park, Lake, and Allen. To view all locations visit the Metro Bike Share website.
Pasadena is the first expansion of the Metro Bike Share, which debuted in downtown Los Angeles a year ago. This year will see two more bike-share expansions. The Port of Los Angeles communities of Wilmington and San Pedro bike-share will open on July 31, and Venice bike-share will open in "late summer", likely August or September. The combined system will include approximately 1,400 bicycles at about 125 stations.
Today's kick-off celebration featured live music, speeches, a ribbon-cutting, and volunteers riding bikes from City Hall out to stations. Pasadena mayor Terry Tornek emphasized that the city's goal is for people to get around without a car, proclaiming "streets are for more than just moving cars."
San Gabriel Valley livability coverage is supported by Foothill Transit, offering car-free travel throughout the San Gabriel Valley with connections to the new Gold Line Stations across the Foothills and Commuter Express lines traveling into the heart of downtown L.A. To plan your trip, visit Foothill Transit. "Foothill Transit. Going Good Places."


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This went up today on The Times' online science section and so I'll shamelessly reproduce it here in a vague attempt to get a bit more interest in the site. Thanks to all of you who have promoted AAB and please continue to do so!
Growing up as a child I was, I strongly suspect, quite an irritant to my teachers and parents. The problem was that I would see an animal in the zoo, or museum, or on one of the wildlife programs on TV, and be left with a question about the animal that could not easily be answered. Family, teachers, and whole shelves of books would all be consulted, but rarely would they know about the evolution of giraffe tongues, or anteater claws or the reason naked mole rats were hairless. I'd learn a lot, but I'd rarely get the answer I was looking for, despite the best efforts and intentions of the people I pestered. I always knew (well, blithely assumed) that the information was out there, but the problem was how to get at it. Now I am privy to that kind of information as an academic and I want to be able to pass it on. Thus was born the website 'Ask A Biologist'.
The website was intended to provide the service my childhood self wanted, but never had available. The very short version is that anyone can leave a question on the site, and one (or more) of a team of professional biologists will provide the answer. Despite the huge wealth of information on the internet, ensuring that it is correct, accurate and comprehensible is quite another matter when one is not an expert. AAB hopes to provide something that is – while far from infallible – authoritative, accurate and accessible.
The site has trundled along over the three years since its creation and has racked up a good half million hits and an archive of nearly 2500 answered questions. I'm quite proud of this given our initially limited resources and reliance on a disparate group of biologists, palaeontologists and medics spread across the globe, giving up their spare time to answer questions that often quite bizarre, intricate, but definitely interesting. However, several new grants have allowed us to expand and improve the service greatly, and we are now hopefully in our second phase – newly designed website with many new features and increased usability.
While the initial goal of the site was to try and inspire schoolchildren and nurture their interest in science, our mandate expanded in a rapid and unplanned fashion. We have had questions from kids, teachers, students, Joe Public, and even other academics. The feedback has been wonderful and we genuinely seem to be doing what we set out to do – spreading enthusiasm about biology.
Science communication is, I feel, central to my job as an academic. We as researchers should want people to understand what we do, why we do it and why it is important. It's genuinely critical that we try and educate and excite people in our work – after all the young ones will be our next generation of scientists, teachers and engineers and the less old ones are supporting our work through their taxes. We really do have a duty to them and to ourselves to get the message out. AAB provides one of many outlets for effective science communication, but critically it also gives people direct access to scientists who are actually doing the science they are talking about. There's no filter of the TV produce or the journalist or book editor, it's all from the horse(researcher)'s mouth. We're not locked away in our 'ivory towers' but out in the open.
The effects are not one-way either. Those working on the site find it genuinely rewarding to engage with the public, and we are also learning ourselves. The questions we receive make us think about our work and what it means to others, and I find myself constantly learning when doctors answer questions about titanium plates and HIV treatments. At the same time, the doctors are picking up information on dinosaur evolution and biogeography. So if you want to know why zebras have stripes, why you sneeze when you look at the sun, if plants can get cancer, or even what a dead echidna smells like, then hop over to AAB and ask us a question or check out our archives.
Oh, and one final point to ease the potential concern of some, we make it a specific policy not to help kids with their homework. We want to help them learn, not remove the need for learning.