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Fluoride Treatment
When it comes to preventing tooth decay, few things are as effective as fluoride. You have probably heard of fluoride before—certain kinds of toothpaste and mouth washes contain it, and it is a word commonly used in relation to dentistry. Many people tend to be surprised that you can get fluoride "treatment", however, and they do not ever take advantage of this procedure. It's an important one to keep in mind, because if you take in less fluoride than you lose, you are putting yourself at great risk for tooth decay. At Kooning Family Dentistry in Lake Oswego, we can help you determine if you are in need of fluoride treatment.
How do Fluoride Treatments Help?Fluoride is an important part of the battle against tooth decay. It works to prevent decay by protecting your teeth from the acid that things like sugar and plaque bacteria can introduce into your mouth. In fact, fluoride is so good at this particular job that it can even work to reverse tooth decay in its early stages! This is one of the reasons why young children are often instructed to use products enriched with fluoride, as it can be an important part of the development of healthy permanent teeth. When used early enough and in sufficient quantities, fluoride can help make children's permanent teeth stronger and harder to be demineralized.
Fluoride isn't only useful for children, of course. Adults can benefit from additional fluoride, too! You can get fluoride treatments at Kooning Family Dentistry at our Lake Oswego office, which will include higher concentration of fluoride than what you might find in over the counter toothpastes or mouth washes.
How is Fluoride Applied?When it comes to fluoride treatments, there are a few different options. In general, you can get treatments in a foam, varnish, or gel. Fluoride varnishes in particular tend to be highly effective for fluoride treatments, and work by being painted on a patient's teeth. One of the benefits of choosing a varnish over other forms of treatment is that you can drink or eat immediately after your procedure is over, while you might have to wait awhile with some of the other options. If you need even more fluoride in your life, there are supplements you can take to help boost your levels. These have to be prescribed by a doctor or a dentist, however, so you will need to come in for an appointment in order to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for them.
What can Extra Fluoride do?If you have certain conditions that put you at an increased risk for tooth decay, you will benefit from fluoride treatments that work to counteract them. Things like dry mouth, gum disease, frequent cavities, poor diet, and deep grooves and pits in teeth all increase the risk for tooth decay. If you deal with any of the above, then fluoride treatments can help protect your teeth from demineralization.
Are you interested in learning more about fluoride treatments? Give us a call at (503) 675-4594 today and schedule an appointment at our Lake Oswego office to come in and speak with one of our experts!


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The largest auto insurance companies are racing to offer driver-tracking discount programs in a high-stakes effort to lure new policyholders and retain existing ones. These programs, such as Progressive's Snapshot or Allstate's Drivewise, require installing tracking devices into the vehicles of policyholders. The trackers monitor driving habits, including speed and distance driven, along with turning and stopping habits.
The upside for safe drivers is the companies offer discounts for good road behavior. Most recently, Allstate boasted average savings of 14% for policyholders that participated in Drivewise. Meanwhile, in 2012, Progressive announced it was able to draw conclusions about drivers' habits that could save the company money as it alters actuarial practices to reflect the new data.
Privacy has always been a concern with these programs, even though most of insurers stress that they don't collect GPS data. Here's what Progressive's Snapshot FAQ says on the matter:
"The Snapshot device doesn't track your location or whether you're speeding, and it doesn't contain GPS technology … We won't share Snapshot information unless it's required to service your insurance policy, prevent fraud, perform research or comply with the law. We also won't use Snapshot information to resolve a claim unless you or the registered vehicle owner permits us to do so."
Despite those assurances, some drivers and privacy advocates still have lingering doubts about insurers' ability to track where participants in these programs drive. And according to a team of four researchers at the University of Denver's Colorado Research Institute for Security and Privacy, those doubts have some credibility.
Finding location without GPS
The problem, according to the researchers, is that you don't necessarily need GPS data to determine where a car's being driven. As the University of Denver's Rinku Dewri explained to Online Auto Insurance News (OAIN), it's possible with just three data points.
"Just by tracking the speed, the distance and the point of origin," Dewri said, "we can find the exact location where the driver ended the trip more times than not."
According to Dewri, he and his team created an algorithm using these three data points and map information to predict the destination of a driver with accuracy 60 percent of the time in their study. A total of 15 trips were used in the study.
It's important to note that the researchers assumed insurers would already have one of the three data points: the point of origin. But the team says insurers are aware of where the insured car is parked overnight and could use this as the assumed starting point.
"The assumption of a known start-location is not unrealistic," the team wrote in the paper. "Start-locations in subsequent trips can be obtained from the destinations of previous trips."
Data as currency
The concern of Dewri and his fellow researchers at the University of Denver is not that insurance companies will share data, or use driving destinations to increase rates. Dewri notes that many insurance companies currently take strong stands to guard the privacy of their policyholders. Dewri, an assistant professor of computer science at the university, said his concern is that people don't know that the data they allow insurance companies to access could result in the companies' knowing details about their lifestyles, such as whether or not they see a therapist or attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
"We want the consumers to know that location tracking can be done," Dewri explains. "Most consumers are not educated that when they give away data they are really giving away an insight into their lives."
"Many drivers might not care that their insurance company can figure this out," Dewri said. "But they should know it's possible. What this is about is transparency, and if you read any of the companies' policies it would seem that this is not possible."
While all the major companies have stated safeguards against sharing the information collected by the driver-tracking programs, Dewri said that doesn't prohibit the companies from sharing the information in the future.
"We've seen it with other companies, such as Netflix, where massive amounts of data are collected, and shared later down the road," Dewri said. "In this day and age, people need to know that data is money, and that it will most likely be shared with other companies or governmental groups at some point."
An issue of transparency
At least one insurer is concerned that the University of Denver's research could slow the growth of the driver-tracking market, according to Dewri. The researcher would not name the insurer, as the talks between the groups were private. But the insurer, Dewri said, offers a driver-tracking program and believes that emerging privacy concerns in the public could lead to a blowback against the technology.
OAIN was able to confirm that a major insurer contacted the University of Denver to inquire about the technology, although they did not make other details publicly available. Calls and emails to other insurers for comment were not returned by OAIN's deadline.
Dewri said his team will make the algorithm public in the near future as a way to educate consumers. He also said his team is very interested in why the algorithm was wrong 40 percent of the time. In the published study, the team said the inaccuracies were most commonly attributed to long periods where the car was at rest in traffic, excessive speeding, and times when drivers did not take the shortest route to their destination.
"That could hold a key to protecting [motorists] participating in the program in the future," Dewri said.
But ultimately, Dewri said motorists will have to decide themselves whether they want to trade privacy for potential savings on their auto insurance premiums.
"And if they do, fine," Dewri said. "But they should know what the potential costs are. Privacy is very important, and so is transparency. And that's really all we want, is for the insurance companies that administer these programs to be as transparent as possible."

subset: commoncrawl


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This beautifully designed glass is elegantly hand painted & designed in Australia. It is an award winning design and it is a perfect gift for that special 21st birthday. The main features of the glass flute include a long elegant stem full of swarovski crystals.
Height of Glass is 24cm.
Available in the following Colours: Pink/Purple/Turquoise/Blue/Black
Perfect gift for a milestone birthday
Crystal Stem
Hand Painted & Designed in Australia (award winning design)
Presented in a quality gift-box
Pink, Purple, Turquoise, Blue, Black
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Functional Fitness
How functionally fit are you? Do you know? Can you handle everyday life and its requirements on your body? Tacfit prepares you for daily life and events that may occur whether you are a first responder or an office worker. When Mens Health named Tacfit, the smartest workout in the world, they were not joking. Come see how Tacfit can assist you to grow to your full movement capacity without injury. Come test your skill with recovery time and see your technique flourish.
What can Tacfit do for you?
1- Strength vs Power
First off, seems many don't understand the difference.
You may be strong, lifting heavy things...but if you can not translate or rotate that Strength over distance or range of motion, then you don't have Power. Power is Strength applied.
2- Mobility
Following on 1, mobility is the only way of regaining that lost ranges of motion, to use your Strength to create power of distance or range of motion. If you have lost mobility in your joints, you are aging faster. Look after your joints, ( you will miss them when they are gone) by moving each joint through its entire range of motion before every workout you do.
You are literally leaking power by not recruiting all the relative joints to performs the action. A stuck joint doesn't contribute to the accumulation of forces.
Think of a whip, if the one part of the whip cant move or is immobile, the whip wont crack.
3- Recovery
How fast do you recover in between sets, and in between reps?
Did you know your breathing has adverse effects on your performance, if not done correctly?
Do you know your Heart-rate is affected by breathing, and this impacts your ability to correct technique deep into a set, which we all know prevents injury??
4 Discomfort vs Pain
Get to know the difference ......
Rate your "pain" on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst pain you have ever felt)
NEVER venture above 3 out of 10.
Discomfort happens outside your comfort-zone, and where the "gains" happen. Pain happens when you pushed it too far and injury occurred.
Know the difference!!!
No pain no gain is false and misleading
No discomfort no gain is better.
Circular Strength Training & TACFIT addresses all these issues.
Come and experience it for yourself! Sign up for our FREE Trial week now!


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I came to Koenig Delhi for CCNA Routing & Switching v3.0 V3.0 AND CCNA Security for Beginners course.
The course was very interesting,the Instructor was good and all the learning facilities were marvelous I have really enjoyed the stay and study at koenig in NewDelhi. May almighighty God bless you all. Regards Nyangusi Teveli.


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Galactic Combat is a space shooter game with both single player and co – op modes, developed for VR. In the co-op mode the player has the choice of being either a fighter pilot, engaging waves of enemies in highspeed dogfights or an engineer who keeps the ship function in the heat of battle. Throughout the game, you need to defend Earth from a hostile invasion from a mysterious and horrifying enemy.
Earth's Forces
The Dual Operator Striker (DOS)
The ultimate fighter jet, it's able to be customized to the crews' needs, to make super buff shields and bangin' guns. It can be operated by a single person but is really built for an ace pilot and an engineer with nerves of steel.
Invading Forces
"We've lost contact with bases on the outer rim. I need to know whats going on, what ever is happening out there is getting closer. None of the scouts sent out have reported back, all good men and women, lost to something. My only option is to send those two trigger happy, explosion causing, no-good scoundrals to get me the info I need. God help us all" – Admiral B. Connors


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Fae tha Han o a Low Country Lad is intended as a celebration of the Ulster-Scots language. A repository for aul sayins, colloquialisms, proverbs, yarns and maybe even a wheen of rhymes. In short all of those elements which add to the richness, colour and humour of the hamely tongue. © the author; contact me for permissions: email@example.com
Monday, 2 May 2011
A wurd o thanks
An tae aa them that said they whur gye sorry tae hae missed it. Yer no gettin aff that easy. Ye can still fin it at
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- The GOST Apparition Security & Monitoring with GPS Package includes everything in the GOST Apparition package (below), adds extra layers of protection for even more peace of mind, plus the award-winning GOST Nav-Tracker GPS Tracking!
- With Security & Monitoring capabilities in one convenient package, the GOST Apparition SM package not only helps protect against intrusion and theft, but also monitors shore power, low voltage, smoke, and high water.
- The added benefit of the GOST Nav-Tracker uses the 8th generation GOST Nav-Tracker website and the ultra-reliable Inmarsat Satellite Constellation for communication and control.
The new GOST Apparition takes GOST's award-winning product line to the next level. Designed with large yachts in mind, the GOST Apparition is the most powerful GOST system ever released. The Apparition is controlled via interactive touchscreen keypads (available in 5" or 7"), which can be uploaded with actual interior/exterior photos with sensor locations marked right on the photo, allowing the viewer to see the exact location of the sensor in alarm. The Apparition is also the most modular and customizable GOST system to date. With the ability to control up to 192 sensors, access control for up to 32 external/internal doors & hatches, and the ability to check the status of each one by simply touching any of the (up to) 16 touchscreens installed throughout the vessel. Users can program different rules for different doors, limiting or granting access as they see fit. Additionally, users can program up to 8 partitions – security systems within the security system. Crew's quarters, bedrooms, even a liquor cabinet can be assigned as an individual partition, offering owners complete control.
The GOST Apparition can utilize both wireless and hardwired sensors, made possible by the innovative design of the system's digital comm bus architecture. This 4 wire comm bus forms the backbone of the system, connecting various areas of the vessel to the main Apparition control unit.
With the additional ability to install a Wireless Expansion Module (WEX), wireless signal strength limitations on larger vessels can be virtually eliminated. For example, a WEX installed in the engine room of a large vessel would allow for deployment of up to 32 additional wireless sensors, where previously the signal strength was too low to do so. With GOST's wide array of sensors (high water, low voltage, smoke & heat detectors, intrusion detection, etc.), the system is truly customizable to meet every vessel's layout, and every customer's priority.
Package Includes
1 each GAP-TSK5* GOST Apparition 5" Interactive Touchscreen in piano black
1 each G4G-LTW-WiFi-Octo-Deuce Ultra-Fast 16LTE Band Rugged M2M Data Communicator with built in WiFi & 5 port switch with LTE Advanced (LTE 2) Technology**
1 each GOST Nav-Tracker with Battery Backup and 30' cable


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Also known as confidence trick, a scam is an attempt to cheat or take advantage of a person or group by earning their trust first. This has stained the MLM industry's reputation over the years where fly-by-night companies that have proliferated tricking people into instantly earning four to five figures a week when they sign up for a corresponding fee. Typically, these schemes don't have corresponding merchandise or services to offer in exchange for the signup fee. Members earn through the enrollment fees of new members, which is not allowed in a legitimate network marketing company.
Two of the most popular scams in network marketing are illegal Ponzi scheme and pyramid scheme, which are scams intended to make money solely through recruiting, without offering a product. An MLM scam is simply cheating other people's money for the personal interest of the organizer of an illegal network marketing company.
Shared Leg:
This involves sharing the dominant leg to the sponsor or people above a member. While the sponsor continues to place new members on a distributor's right leg, you, as the distributor, build your left leg which is then shared to your sponsor. This is designed give assistance to members on the downline from members on the upline.
Leg is basically the downline in a particular team, which starts from a sponsor's recruit and subsequent recruits under him. Every new recruit is placed one below the other. In a network marketingbinary plan, there are two legs involved, the left and the right leg.A sponsor can choose where to put a new member – either on the right or left leg. The system goes on creating a pyramid shape organization. This type of system is considered to promote team work and effort.
This refers to a "member" in a network marketing team but not in a particular distributor's sponsorship. Also called crosslines, these don't earn revenue from one another's sales or efforts as they are not associated structurally. However, they may work as a team since they are on the same group; they are a part of the same company with a primary goal to promote the company's products or services.
Sidelines are someone else's downline and perhaps in one of the upline's team. One can have as many sidelines as one member can get. In this case, a leader or distributor will constantly have more crosslines than downlines and uplines. Hence, team work is a crucial step to keep the business in the forefront.
In the network marketing industry, this term is widely used to validate or confirm membership in a particular company. This is a process a prospect or lead must go through when he or she agrees to join an MLM company. Before one can be called a member, he or she has to sign-up first. Typically the enrollment, or signing up, comes with a fee equivalent to a product kit or services the member will receive upon enrollment. While there are schemes that sign up members for a fee without any goods in return, this is not acceptable in a legitimate MLM business.
Spillover refers to a part in the binary pay system where an upline can place his or her new recruits under a particular member in the group. Since an MLM binary plan entails leg building to form a pyramid-type organization, every member has two members below him or her. If a certain upline or member signs up 3 recruits, these new recruits are assigned to other members in the team with no pairings. This is referred to as "spillover." Members who cannot recruit a person on their leg can benefit from this system since an upline will assign almost all of his new recruits to members under him to build a balanced group/leg.
1. Noun. This refers to an individual who has personally recruited or signed up a prospect to join an MLM business he is a part of. The newly recruited member becomes part of the sponsor's team and form part of the downline. A sponsor may either be a leader, distributor or member of the company.
2. Verb. To recruit someone into an MLM business. "I sponsored 2 people last month."
Stairstep Breakaway:
This is a type of network marketing compensation plan that consists of representatives (usually group leaders) responsible in boosting up sales volume, whether for group or personal sales. This is done by product retailing and recruitment of new members. Once the target volume is realized (individual and/or team volumes), a group leader or representative moves one step up. This process continues until the group leader breaks away from his upline. A representative can be someone with one or more recruits in his team. Once this representative and his downline "detaches" from their upline, they no longer form part of their upline's team, thus the term "breakaway." This type of compensation plan is based on the highest earners. What is perceived as the drawback in this Stairstep Breakaway system is the members' tendency to stockpile inventory just to earn ranking in the organization.
Strong Leg:
The network marketing industry consists of a weak leg and strong leg (left and right leg). Leg refers to the team/downline of a particular distributor, which may be formed simultaneously by a single leader or distributor. This is usually used in an MLM binary plan where strong leg is longer because all the members above a certain member are continuously adding new members under the said member. This particular member then gets free paying members below him or her. For a networker, being part of the strong leg is an advantage because as the name implies, it is stronger than the other leg. Commission wise, all the members in the strong leg will benefit from new members enrolled by the uplines of this particular leg.


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Shopping can be a lot of fun – even we Germans talk about "shoppen". Sometimes however shopping is a duty e.g. when the family is hungry and supper has to be on the table at a certain time. And shopping can be an unhappy experience e.g. if you are in a foreign country with foreign supermarkets and shops…
To help you relax and get on with what is important to you in your new surroundings here are a few tips and tricks: In general the shops in Germany are open between Mondays and Saturdays. On Sundays and public holidays they are closed.
However bakeries are open on Sunday mornings – opening hours are decided on an individual basis. But fresh "Brötchen" (rolls) are guaranteed.
Every supermarket has trolleys to help move goods from shop to car. To use these trolleys you have to pay a deposit of € 1, € 0,50, 2 € or use the so-called shopping trolley chip. In Germany no-one packs your groceries for you but shopping packets are for sale at the till.
Opening times
Most supermarkets:
Monday –Saturday: 08h00 – 20h00
Sunday & public holidays: closed
You can pay either in cash, an EC-card (in smaller shops only if the value exceeds a set amount) and credit card.
Special shopping facilities – Wolfsburg
In spite of the many shopping facilities that Wolfsburg and its surrounds have to offer, we are sure that from time to time you just long for food from home. Luckily in your new surroundings, in addition to German supermarkets and discounters, there are shops that are dedicated to country-specific food. Whether Italian, Spanish or Asian foodstuff – there is a big selection of country-specific supermarkets and delicatessens right under your nose.
Asian supermarket
Asiatische Lebensmittel Thi Ha u. Doan
Kaufhofpassage 8
38440 Wolfsburg
telephone: +49 5361/3869338
Italian supermarkets
Pagano G.
Kleiststraße 49
38440 Wolfsburg
telephone: +49 5361/24822
Gigo Uomo
Schillerstraße 43
38440 Wolfsburg
telephone: +49 5361/8906503
Russian supermarket
Saarstraße 33
38440 Wolfsburg
telephone: +49 5361/293449
Special shopping facilities – Gifhorn
Russian supermarket
Handwerkerring 1
29386 Hankensbüttel
telephone: +49 5832/979893
Special shopping facilities – Braunschweig
Asian supermarket
Anh Linh Asia Markt
Rebenring 6/7
38106 Braunschweig
telephone: +49 531 / 3495514
business hours:
Monday – Friday: 09h30 – 20h00
Saturday: 09h30 – 18h00
A-Chau Lebensmittel
Karrenführerstraße 1
38100 Braunschweig
telephone: +49 180 / 5115152
business hours:
Monday – Friday: 9h30 – 19h00
Saturday: 9h00 – 18h00
Brazilian supermarket
Mercearia – Brasil
Schlosspassage 21
38100 Braunschweig
business hours:
Monday – Friday: 11h00 – 19h00
Saturday: 11h00 – 23h30
Spanish supermarket
El Rocio
Steinweg 14
38100 Braunschweig
telephone: +49 531/3569499
business hours:
Monday – Friday: 10h00 – 13h00 & 14h00 – 18h30
Saturday: 10h00 – 13h00 & 14h00 – 15h00
Special shopping facilities – online
Brazilian food
Indian food


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Louis Dornier et Fils Brut
A light, fresh, vigorously youthful Champagne with a fine, elegant, slightly lemony nose, lively mousse and long, crisp palate. Outstanding value and consistently good. There is a high percentage of Pinot grapes (both Noir and Meunier) in the blend.
- Type: Champagne White NV
- Country: France
- Region: Champagne
- Vintage: NV
- Producer: Louis Dornier
- Primary grape: Pinot Noir
- Secondary grape: Pinot Meunier
- Bottle size: 75cl
- Code: 11079
- Abv: 12%
- Expression:


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|Fixed star: SADALACHBIA
|Constellation: Gamma (γ) Aquarius
|Longitude 1900: 05PIS19
|Longitude 2000: 06PIS43
|Declination 1900: -01.53'
|Declination 2000: -01.23'
|Right ascension: 22h 21m
|Latitude: +08.14'
|Spectral class: A0
|Magnitude: 4.0
from p.52 of
Star Names, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889.
[A scanned copy can be viewed on this webpage]
Gamma (γ) Aquarius, Sadalachbia, is a 4th magnitude greenish star in the right arm of the Water Bearer, and the westernmost star, at the inner edge of the Urn (on the Urn in this Olcott drawing).
Sadachbia, from Al Sa'd al Ahbiyah (now called Sadalachbia) which has been interpreted the Lucky Star of Hidden Things or Hiding-places, because when it emerged from the sun's rays all hidden worms and reptiles, buried during the preceding cold, creep out of their holes! But as this word Ah'biyah is merely the plural of H'iba', a Tent, a more reasonable explanation is that the star was so called from its rising in the spring twilight, when, after the winter's want and suffering, the nomads' tents were raised on the freshening pastures, and the pleasant weather set in. This idea renders the 19th American philologist Professor Whitney's "Felicity of Tents" a happy translation of the original.
Zeta (ζ), eta (η), and pi (π) are included with gamma (γ) Sadalachbia, under this designation by the 15th century Tartar astronomer Ulug Beg —zeta (ζ), in the centre, marking the top of the tent; the 13th century Persian astronomical writer Al Kazwini, however, considered this central star as Al Sa'd, and the three surrounding ones his tents.
All these stars; Gamma (γ) Sadalbachia, zeta (ζ), eta (η), and pi (π), with alpha (α) (Sadalmelik), formed the 23d manzil (Arabic Moon Mansion), bearing the foregoing title [Al Sa'd al Ahbiyah].
Gamma (γ) Sadalbachbia, zeta (ζ), eta (η), pi (π), and tau (τ) were the Chinese Fun Mo, the Tomb.
[Star Names, Their Lore and Meaning, Richard Hinckley Allen, 1889].
Robson includes this star in the 23rd manzil, or Arabic Lunar Mansion Al Sa'd al Ahbiyah, The Lucky Star of Hidden Things or Hiding Places. The mansion included; alpha (α, Sadalmelik), gamma (γ, this star Sadalbachia), zeta (ζ), eta (η) and pi (π), Aquarius.
*, P.74.]Favorable for besieging and revenge, destroys enemies, causes divorce, helps prisons and buildings, hastens messengers, hinders childbirth and hinders the action of the body. [Robson
*, P.74.]unfortunate for everything except taking medicine. [This is "The Lucky Star of Hidden Things or Hiding Places"; it should be good for finding things; see what Eric Morse says below] [Robson
Aquarius is said to represent Ganymedes, son of Callirhoe, the most beautiful of mortals, who was carried to heaven by an eagle to act as cupbearer to Jupiter. According to other accounts, however, it is Deucalion, son of Prometheus, who was translated to heaven in memory of the mighty deluge from which only he and Pyrrha were saved. [Robson*, p.28.]
*, p.28-29.]Ptolemy makes the following observations: "The stars in the shoulders of Aquarius operate like Saturn and Mercury; those in the left hand and in the face do the same: those in the thighs have an influence more consonant with that of Mercury, and in a less degree with that of Saturn: those in the stream of water have power similar to that of Saturn, and moderately to that of Jupiter." By the Kabalists Aquarius is associated with the Hebrew letter Nun and the 14th Tarot Trump "Temperance," over which virtue the constellation appears to have some rule. The beauty of Ganymedes and his flight through the air also link it to the ideas of personal charm and aviation with which it is certainly connected. [Robson
"The youthful Waterman, who from upturned pot pours forth his stream, likewise bestows skills which have affinity with himself: how to divine springs under the ground and conduct them above, to transform the flow of water so as to spray the very stars, to mock the sea with man-made shores at the bidding of luxury, to construct different types of artificial lakes and rivers," and to support aloft for domestic use streams that come from afar. Beneath this sign there dwell a thousand crafts regulated by water. Why, water will even set in motion the face of heaven and the starry habitations, and will cause the skies to move in a novel rotation. Never will the sons of Aquarius grow tired of the works which come in the wake of water and follow springs. They who issue from this sign are a gentle sort and a lovable breed, and no meanness of heart is theirs: they are prone to suffer losses: and of riches they have neither need nor surfeit. Even thus doth the urn's stream flow" [Astronomica, Manilius, 1st century AD, book 4, p.243.]
"The Lucky Star of Hidden Things". In horary it indicates the ability to discover that which is hidden or lost. 'The Lucky One for Hidden Things, or for Tent dwellers'; Abhbiyah is the plural of a word once common for a tent but also meaning a place of seclusion. It is said that, when the Sun rises conjunct this star, about 25th February, then all the worms and insects come out of their winter holes and tent dwellers can move to their Spring pasture-lands. That is the warmer climes of Arabia, of course, not London or New York. The meaning we find in this star is, as an indicator of the right time for making moves, entering upon new ventures, a likelihood of general success in enterprises if Sadachbia be well placed and aspected on the horoscope. [The Living Stars, Dr. Eric Morse, p.111.]
*[Fixed Stars and Constellations in Astrology, Vivian E. Robson, 1923].


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Swinton said she realized the importance of garment longevity after going through her late mother's wardrobe. "Clothes outlive us very, very often," she told the magazine. "You know, body's gone, clothes still here. There's a tradition of people inheriting clothes—certainly in Scotland, people tend to wear their grandfather's kilts. There's a feeling that clothes are to be passed down from generation to generation. It's only relatively recently that we have a fetish for newness."
VIDEO | Artist Protests Unethical Fashion With Live Street Performance
Whether you anthropomorphize your sweaters or not, people can't help but develop emotional attachments to certain things, Swinton added. We're only human, after all. "All of us, wherever we are placed in relation to clothes, are drawn to fewer articles than we might care to admit, because you have a natural relationship with them," she said. "We all have relationships with an old jersey that people have told us to throw out, but we're not going to because you know what? You've got a very strong relationship with that thing."
Modern consumption trends, however, don't give garments the opportunity to develop inner lives. They're reduced to merchandise, and disposable ones at that.
Swinton understands that clothes should have intrinsic value—even if the terminology eludes her. "I don't even really know what [fast fashion] is," she confessed. "I'm pretty slow in every department."


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Sunday, July 31, 2011
real food farm mobile market is real!
coming to a neighborhood near you (coldstream/homestead/montebello, darley park, belair-edison, south clifton park, 4x4, to name a few) full of fresh food! working with real food farm to develop their mobile markets was one of last year's center for design practice projects (http://www.micasocialdesign.com/real-food-farm/). it seems like forever ago that we were at this stage of the design process... so it's awesome to see everything actually come into fruition. and, word on the street, real food farm bumper stickers and totes are out and about as well.
for more about real food farm, go to realfoodfarm.org
Posted by becky slogeris at 1:54 PM No comments:
Thursday, July 7, 2011
one type orgasm after another
unbelievably beautiful work from the master of type design students at the royal academy of arts in den haag - including mica's own, colin m. ford.
Posted by becky slogeris at 7:22 PM No comments:
Saturday, July 2, 2011
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10 July 2009
New Blog
Please update your bookmarks!
20 April 2009
Focused Fear
Neal Leininger
I've written on our other blogs in the past about some of our more momentous airline incidents, well this story stuck me as very compelling :
A gentlemen who had some flight experience with single engine propeller planes was on a flight, and by sheer luck, noticed the pilot become unresponsive behind the wheel of a 10,000lb turbo propeller airplane :
"The only thing I knew how to do up there was talk on the radio," White told WINK. "I've only been up there (in the cockpit) one other time. I made it a point to ask the pilot -- not Joe, but another one -- 'How do I talk on the radio?' and they showed me what button to push."
While he spoke to the air controllers, they actually called someone who knew how to operate the airplane and were able to walk him through landing safely.
So why do I mention this article? I think a few points are very important.
1 - Being aware and curious of our surroundings, even though it may not be "your job" ; never stop asking those around you questions. Someday those little tid-bits of information will come in handy
2 - Trusting those with knowledge to guide you safely in an emergency; it's sometimes quite apparent when we are out of our realm, know that moment and embrace the fact that by trusting those around us, we can make it back to solid ground in one piece
3 - In those moments of peril, be personally or with a project, focus that fear. Sometimes it's the fear of failure, the fear of budget overuns, or the fear of personal impact; Focused Fear is an asset. Embrace it.
Copyright (c) Veris Associates, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Comments contents are the opinions of the person posting the comment (commenter) and not necessarily those or endorsed by Veris Associates, Inc. Veris Associates, Inc. reserves the right to remove any and all comments it wishes without any recourse of the commenter. Decision of Veris Associates, Inc. is final.
30 March 2009
Shuttle Launch Perspective
Neal Leininger
In Project Management, perspective is everything.
When an event occurs, on the surface it may appear to be a "deal breaker" or something that will drastically change the quality of the product to be delivered.
It's at times like that, an overall perspective can turn that issue into an advantage.
Speaking of perspective, these folks decided they weren't content watching the space shuttle launch from the ground, so what does one do in this situation?
Jump out of an airplane and video tape it.
Never forget to look for other people's perspective too, sometimes it takes a truly radical independent consultant to help develop a fresh perspective!
Like Veris.
Copyright (c) Veris Associates, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Comments contents are the opinions of the person posting the comment (commenter) and not necessarily those or endorsed by Veris Associates, Inc. Veris Associates, Inc. reserves the right to remove any and all comments it wishes without any recourse of the commenter. Decision of Veris Associates, Inc. is final.
16 February 2009
New Obama Pick
Neal Leininger
Hard to believe we are almost through February already!
Today it was announced that Obama picked Google Vet Katie Jacobs to head up the "Citizens Participation" post.
I think we have the opportunity to do a lot of things right with this situation.
It also reminds me how important requirements gathering is for any project, how else will we know we've achieved the desired outcome?
Along that same line, there were several articles on how Google kills projects, also a topic from previous Blog posts found HERE
The article talks a little about the projects that Google is working on, but also how previous incarnations were killed due to lack of interest, or not living up to expectations. LINK
My favorite quote was : "Perfection closes off the process," Mr. Jarvis said. "It makes you deaf. Google purposefully puts out imperfect and unfinished products and says: 'Help us finish them. What do you think of them?' "
Like it or not, that's Project Management in a nut-shell, sure we talk about the triple constraint of "Time, Cost, Quality" ; but we all know in the real world it's about getting the product or project out the door so we can find the flaws and fix them, some flaws will never be discovered "in the lab."
Comment below or visit us on LinkedIn
you can also find me directly for feedback at : http://www.linkedin.com/in/neall
Copyright (c) Veris Associates, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Comments contents are the opinions of the person posting the comment (commenter) and not necessarily those or endorsed by Veris Associates, Inc. Veris Associates, Inc. reserves the right to remove any and all comments it wishes without any recourse of the commenter. Decision of Veris Associates, Inc. is final.
16 January 2009
IT Governance: Bridging the gap between Gatekeeper & Innovator
Maryanne Pilson
Veris Associates, Inc.
Today the race for Sarbanes Oxley compliance has all but reached the final lap. So does your organization continue to sponsor IT governance initiatives or has sponsorship hit the proverbial "wall" in the final lap?
One way to ensure funding for your next IT governance initiative is simply leveraging all IT governance components as intended. In doing so, IT governance becomes more than an operational expense; it becomes an asset. Over time your IT governance program is strategic to the future of your organization.
There are two distinct IT governance roles, both equally important, but not always apparent during the early phases of implementation.
For the sake of this article, I will give each role an assumed alias (Table 1) and will refer to each by alias through the remainder of the article.
Table 1
IT Governance Role
(a.k.a. IT expense)
"IT governance practices aim at ensuring that expectations for IT are met, IT's performance is measured, its resources are managed and its risks are mitigated."
(a.k.a. IT asset)
"To enable the enterprise by exploiting opportunities and maximizing benefits."
In the early stages of implementation, it is easy to limit yourself as the Gatekeeper, focusing on identifying and mitigating risks. However, if you want to drive IT governance to new levels and continue making contributions - you must evolve!
As business needs are constantly changing, IT governance can lead the way as Innovator. IT governance controls and procedures need to be periodically reviewed to ensure they are still fit for purpose. You should have no problem obtaining IT governance sponsorship if you (the Innovator) take advantage of everyday opportunities to maximize benefits. An Innovator understands the benefit of being first in bringing new ideas and technologies into the organization and the Gatekeeper knows the consequences of implementing poor processes. By recognizing and promoting opportunities for improvement, the "Gatekeeper" transition to "Innovator" becomes effortless.
Listed below are common IT governance activities. We have traditional on the left and forward-looking on the right.
On the other hand, as we bridge the gap from Gatekeeper to Innovator, defining procedures is very much the same as developing solutions.
Define procedures
Develop solutions
Let's look at an example figure 1, to help make the connection. This example is a proposed proof of concept (POC) for developing a new solution for recently defined procedures. The solution uses the concept of "reuse" by customizing an off-the-shelf web application. The objective is to improve productivity after it was decreased by Sarbanes Oxley (SOX) implementation. SOX resulted in too much time being spent on administrative tasks to create new user accounts, which took time away from core responsibilities.
In the example above, the current process objective was to ensure compliance with Sarbanes Oxley regulatory requirements for requesting new financial user accounts. The current process (defined and implemented by the Gatekeeper) met all requirements; however, it had a negative impact to productivity. Obviously, productivity was overlooked during the requirement phase. Manual processes are time consuming and without additional staff, your service levels will likely take a hit.
In this case, the pain was short lived. It was quickly recognized we had an opportunity to implement a process improvement/solution. In the example above, the new process would automate the user account request with minimal development effort, thus improving productivity by eliminating Helpdesk tickets and manual processing. Finally, the new process would be accomplished without compromising SOX compliance status and accessible via the web 24X7.
Later the following additional benefits were identified as result of the new process.
· Reduce end to end turn-around time by 30%
· Reduce the number of errors caused by missing or incorrect data given to the Helpdesk by 10%
· Reduce amount of manual effort spent on SOX quarterly reviews by 40%
As Gatekeeper and Innovator, you also motivate others to exploit opportunities and maximize benefits. If not, perhaps it is the next "gap" worthy of remediation!
Copyright (c) Veris Associates, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Comments contents are the opinions of the person posting the comment (commenter) and not necessarily those or endorsed by Veris Associates, Inc. Veris Associates, Inc. reserves the right to remove any and all comments it wishes without any recourse of the commenter. Decision of Veris Associates, Inc. is final.
07 October 2008
Building the IT Process Framework – Part 3 – Blending Culture Before It Curdles
Neal Leininger
As the Fall season approaches, we are all reminded of the never-ending changes that life brings. The cycle of life if you will. It also reminds me of the ways we adapt to change and embrace it in our daily lives.
The last few sessions we reviewed some PMO Pitfalls and Process Framework Highlights. In this article we will be discussing key strategies to introduce IT Service Management (ITSM) into your culture, and to ensure continual commitment and momentum.
As with change in any culture, it often is met with resistance. In my opinion, there are a number of ways to re-direct and harness that energy:
- Leading by Example
- Mentoring / Consultative Actions
- Employing Top-Down Leadership
For those un-familiar with the term "curdle,"curd is a dairy product obtained by coagulating or curdling milk with an edible acidic substance, such as lemon juice or vinegar, and then draining off the "whey," or liquid portion. It is essentially cottage cheese or paneer; an unaged, acid-set, non-melting farmer cheese. Milk that has been left to sour (raw milk alone or pasteurized milk with added lactic acid bacteria) will also naturally produce curds, and sour milk cheese is produced this way.
This brings the question:
Q: Is "Curdling your culture" a bad thing? It does, in fact, yield a useful product.
A: I think in some examples, there comes a tipping point, where a cultural decomposition is necessary; as it is said in our Declaration of Independence "But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security."
Call me a patriot, but there comes a time when the "long train of abuses and usurpations" of a company's right to a good process requires throwing off the old, and establishing new guards for their future security.
I don't think it's a bad thing, but to obtain curd, you must practice patience and deliberate precision in its preparation. This is no going back after you've made the curd, so before you go down that road ensure you've exhausted all other alternatives.
Let's take a step back and look at ways to prevent unplanned curdling in your culture.
Q: How do I instill change in a culture?
A: There are a number of approaches for enacting change.
First, leading by example will show people that you're serious, and more importantly, successful at what you're doing. By adopting a "Lead by Example" approach, those key members of your staff will see the vision and direction, and will feel more comfortable walking outside their comfort zones, which is a large part of the battle.
Secondly, by mentoring and taking active consultative actions, you'll demonstrate you are confident in the direction you are leading, and will also begin to add value at a very tactical level. Maybe it's helping someone put an action plan or continual improvement plan in place. Or perhaps it's taking a leadership role in building a communications tour, or helping someone put together a presentation and being his or her sounding board. Either way, it demonstrates that you're serious, and you don't mind "getting your hands dirty."
Lastly, show them the vision. The best way to do that is to have it come from a high visibility and known-quantity leadership individual or body. It is one thing for you to have a vision, and to drive it; it's another thing entirely if they hear it from an Executive Leadership figure driving the direction of the company. Everyone wants to feel connected to their company, and by knowing that the path you're paving is the same as Executive Leadership, it will help alleviate fears of being left in the cold.
Q: How do I ensure continual commitment?
A: Engage your experts. Seek out Subject Matter Experts (SMEs), whether consultants or full-time employees. Don't be afraid to be mentored or to solicit the help of experts. The key is to trust that knowledge and expertise.
Understand this is part of delegating responsibility and letting go of those "pieces," when things don't go as "planned" according to your view; give those experts a wide berth. Even if you feel they are truly failing, or not achieving a particular bullet-point on a particular roadmap, you must demonstrate that they are truly empowered.
We learn best by our mistakes. Encouraging those experts to lead, for others to grow wings and fly on their own, will also reverberate in your organization. If others see the first misstep is a "Career Limiting Move" (CLM) for that person's upward mobility, they will surely avoid every aspect. On the other hand, if they see those "experts" being given the support and latitude to empower experts of their own, those key individuals will seek the same. Those are the "Future Experts" that will help take your wonderful "Process Garden" and translate it into bountiful profits.
So to answer the question at hand, "How do I ensure continual commitment?" I say, show them continual commitment; not commitment that dries up during a hiring freeze, tough market conditions, or an unpopular presidential candidate. Nay, you must foster the roots of your organization and the roots of your experts, so that they can withstand the fiercest of storms and droughts. Dare I say, they may serve as an oasis for you and yours when the time of need arrives.
Q: How do I keep momentum?
A: Understand that this is not an easy task; leading change will often challenge you to re-evaluate everything you know about Business, Technology, and Life at large. Keeping momentum is so very important because without it, all your vision, your hard work, and sweet "milk" will succumb to the acid of the old guard. Whether or not you like cottage cheese, it will be the only thing on the table.
Momentum can be felt in several areas.
- Tactical change: The day-to-day changes; both from what is worked on to how work is done on those things.
- Strategic change: The horizon will change for those leaders and future experts. They will realize your organization is heading to a new place, and will exhibit renewed fervor.
- Communal change: The self-imposed status-quo will be lifted and redirected; those around your "area affect" will recognize a change in the tempo and tempest of your organization.
So the important piece to this is recognizing those three areas, and addressing them in a methodical manner. By enacting steady tactical changes -- not too fast, not too slow, and at the right time -- it will be in their faces, undeniable proof that change is happening. For them, not to them.
By enacting Strategic change, they too will recognize the change in the tone at the top. By knowing and seeing how they tie together, it will reinforce changes are necessary and important, and subsequently, they will feel a connection unlike anything they've felt before.
Lastly, I feel Communal change is one of the most important and influential aspects. It is palatable at the water cooler and at lunch tables. It's that sense of belonging to something bigger, and also the sense of being accountable to your peers -- that if you don't get behind this change, it will let your peers down.
Q: So what does culture change have to do with Curd?
A: Nothing, and everything.
Curd is a by-product of milk standing still and spoiling, the milk would be wasted, so the cycle of life takes over; it makes something useful from something useless; in this case, perhaps an IT department, in a town not too far from your own. In a business sense, when an organization stagnates, and spoils, there rises to the surface these "clumps," which when strained and repurposed, makes a wonderful new product.
However, if it's unintentional, it's disastrous.
So my advice is this: When you're blending change into your culture, don't put your precious resources in the position to spoil. Frequent communication checkpoints with your Subject Matter Experts will keep you in tune with the process. Also, ensure proper precautions are in place to let you know when you're reaching a resource's "expiration date." Lastly, if your intent is to let it curdle, make sure you have good recipes for that curd, and of course; make sure the executive branch likes cottage cheese.
To Recap:
- Curd isn't a bad thing, but it's an acquired taste, and requires some careful planning;
- Change keeps your culture from spoiling, tune for desired results;
- Communication keeps you in tune with the process, regardless of the desired end product;
- Continue to lead by example, and to build executive leadership's buy-in; and,
- Commitment and Momentum will keep you on track.
Thanks for your time; I look forward to your feedback firstname.lastname@example.com, or in our blog's comment section at http://veris-pm.blogspot.com/
Copyright (c) Veris Associates, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Comments contents are the opinions of the person posting the comment (commenter) and not necessarily those or endorsed by Veris Associates, Inc. Veris Associates, Inc. reserves the right to remove any and all comments it wishes without any recourse of the commenter. Decision of Veris Associates, Inc. is final.
02 September 2008
Building the IT Process Framework – Part 2 – Translating Alphabet Soup into Satisfying Results
Neal Leininger
In Part 1 of "Building the IT Process Framework," we covered some of the common PMO Pitfalls, and a few suggestions on how to improve "Everyone's PMO."
In this article we'll discuss some common "Alphabet Soup" methodologies seen in Project Management Offices (PMO) today; how to best leverage their advantages, and explore some of their weaknesses. This article provides information about:
· Six Sigma
Vegetable Soup?
As I was planning my garden this year, I was contemplating some of the "Companion Plants" to compliment my tomatoes and peppers.
For those un-familiar with the term, Companion Plants are combinations of different vegetable, herbs, and spices. They benefit from each other's flavors, but also provide other benefits of their natural characteristics, such as:
· Attracting Butterflies and Bees for pollination
· Repelling pests and other detrimental insects
· Enhancing the flavor and aroma of surrounding vegetation
· Providing nutritional and structural support.
I use this analogy to illustrate an approach that I've used numerous times with PMO implementations, as well as multiple process improvement efforts. By combining different methodologies, the overall process becomes stronger and more vibrant than any single framework could ever possibly attain.
For those unfamiliar with the alphabet soup of IT acronyms, I've summarized a few of the methodologies which have strategic relevance in today's information technology industry.
ITIL – Information Technology Infrastructure Library
A framework which defines how IT delivers services to the business. It is often the basis on which the organization begins to define IT's role to the business as a set of services delivered to customers (the end users). ITIL's strength identifies "what" should be delivered, but it is not prescriptive about "how" it should be delivered. Often cited as a deficiency, ITIL best delivers a customized solution based on the business' initiatives. There are no "out of the box" process improvement frameworks that effectively deliver services congruent to the business. By defining the "what," companies can align their solution to business needs. Technology is fitted to the business, not the other way around.
SDLC – Software (or Systems) Development Life Cycle
A framework designed for managing the development and deployment of applications or systems, typically using a Waterfall, Spiral, Rapid Deployment or "Tinker Till It Works" methodology. As disparate programming languages and the methods in which they were developed matured, this methodology adapted accordingly.
Six Sigma
Six Sigma, originating from the manufacturing industry, focuses on removing defects or errors in manufacturing or business processes using the DMAIC methodology cycle - Design, Measure, Analyze, Improve and Control.
COBIT - Control Objectives for Information and related Technology
COBIT, a control framework, concentrates on definition, implementation, auditing, measurement, and improvements of controls across a specific process. As you can tell, it is very pertinent to the auditing and compliance world. In fact, auditors created it to place measureable controls on processes. A control measures the performance of a process or method against its defined objective or goal. For many, it means, "It makes sure your garbage is certified garbage, it doesn't necessarily mean your garbage is good."
Q: So what makes the best methodology?
Good question, however the answer requires some due diligence, research and dare I say, soul searching.
A: No super seedlings here. The methodology of choice varies with the maturity of the organization, the level of IT governance, the integration of matrix organizations, the complexity of the IT solutions deployed, and the Regulatory restrictions of the business – Just as the soil pH balance and water sources must be carefully accounted for in planning a garden, all of these aspects will help you determine the appropriate size and complexity of your "Process Garden."
Here is what I've learned:
ITIL is a process oriented framework. Seriously consider it if you're deploying SDLC or Six Sigma methodology. Both require massive amounts of data. Without a firm process framework, you will quickly outpace your staff's availability and willingness to change. The scalable ITIL process framework allows you to tackle the age old question of "How do I eat an elephant;" and the answer is "One bite at a time." Its scalability makes it a perfect choice for organizations that are planting their first "Process Garden."
Q: Which comes first, the process or the controls?
A: Should I plant the garden, then put up the fence, or vice versa? As silly as these questions appear at first glance, it's a discussion that warrants attention. Controls are typically seen as detrimental knee jerk managerial decisions. They seem to only benefit the receiving end of the control, and not the user. At first glance, that is.
By utilizing a process-based approach, we can see the critical path, and thereby determine the best place to "put up fences." Without a comprehensive process plan framework, we have increasing difficulty illustrating the overall picture to our neighbors, not to mention the tangible benefits of putting controls in place.
Process engineering can leverage any methodology you throw at it, whether it's SDLC, Six Sigma, or COBIT for that matter. So long as the process comes first, you will always win.
Control methodologies, like COBIT, use metrics and measurements to ensure control. Without a process methodology first, where these data points are identified as viable, and then collected and evaluated, the control points are empty. You may build the perfect fence, but to the determiment of your garden's health and prosperity.
Q: How does a methodology differ from a framework?
A: Quite simply, a methodology systematically approaches the measurement of quality against a framework. A framework provides governance and overall accountability to a process. Without a framework, measurements typically fall out of focus and lose their context. Without a methodology, a framework is simply a picture on the wall, without the context of "how does this help me?" A framework keeps you on track, and helps explain why you are tilling the ground and researching fertilizer, instead of just throwing seeds on the grass; and hoping for the best.
Q: Which combination do you prefer?
A: As my career has evolved, I've found a correlation between the number of methodologies available and my propensity to utilize less of the "whole" and more of the "pieces." I think that without a PMO, process improvement frameworks become almost useless. Without project prioritizations and clear connections between the business and IT, executive support withers faster than a garden fed by saltwater. Define your "water supply" and irrigate accordingly.
Secondly, depending on the maturity of the PMO, some methodologies must first be introduced to facilitate that preliminary PMO framework, such as SDLC or Project Management. These methodologies typically help the PMO, and IT as a whole, simply because they help everyone "DO" a lot better.
Thirdly, at a critical threshold, as the PMO's portfolio has started to take root and the framework you have chosen has reached it's breaking point; it is best to re-invest through an overall process improvement framework such as ITIL. It helps build the continual improvement plan across all disciplines, regardless of the methodology. It's best to realize the weakness of the organization and the frameworks or methodologies early. Without organizational self-awareness, the propensity for day-to-day interruptions will turn a tool into a self-destructive force of its own.
Lastly, a governance model is an important piece to the puzzle. Without a fence, varmints and well wishers alike, will trample your garden.
So to recap:
· Keep it simplePick framework and methodology "companions" that compliment your organization
· Be self-awareUtilize a process based approach, so your controls don't starve or saturate your organization
· Just start doing it, within your meansCareful planning will foster a bountiful harvest of efficiencies and profits
· Don't forget to re-evaluate your executive "water sources" and lessons learned after the first "harvest." What may work one season, could ruin your "soil" the next.
I look forward to hearing about how these strategies affected your organizations, please give me feedback by way of the comments section on this blog.
In the next article of this series, we will address how to blend methodologies, and more importantly, how to do it without being tarred-and-feathered. Until next time, choose your companion plants carefully!
Copyright (c) Veris Associates, Inc. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited. Comments contents are the opinions of the person posting the comment (commenter) and not necessarily those or endorsed by Veris Associates, Inc. Veris Associates, Inc. reserves the right to remove any and all comments it wishes without any recourse of the commenter. Decision of Veris Associates, Inc. is final.


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The Rock Deluxe Mens Mask
- Mask
- The Rock Deluxe Adult Mask
- 100% latex
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Can you smell what The Rock is cooking?
So The Rock, aka Dwayne Johnson, has moved onto to bigger things from WWE fame. (Well, blockbuster movies might not necessarily be bigger than starring on Monday Night Raw to some, but being a movie star and a household name goes a long way in celebrity cred.) But the fact remains, if you're wrestling fan, you've probably always wanted to give an opponent The Rock Bottom and the People's Elbow.
But short of being born with a striking resemblance to Mr. Johnson, you might not have been ever to pull off a The Rock costume quite right. Well, with this mask, now you will be able to! This detailed latex mask captures his face to a tee, right down to the People's Eyebrow! All you'll need to complete the costume is a pair of trunks and a temporary (or real!) Brahma Bull tattoo, and you too will be ready to check people into the Smackdown hotel. Layeth the smacketh down with this mask on, and the millions and millions of Rock fans will be glad you did!
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text:
A few weeks ago my pals in Silk Flowers trekked up to Montreal one unseasonably cold November evening (the 22nd, I think). They were on a northeast tour with No Age and Soft Circle and played Club Lambi. If you're paying attention, Avi and Peter might already be familiar to you from their previous band Soiled Mattress and the Springs, though in additional claim to fame, the former was also my roommate on Orchard Street.
Silk Flowers formed shortly after the No Age/ Soiled Mattress tour in the UK when the latter decided to call it quits. Unsatisfied with not playing in a band, Avi and Peter started jamming with a fine fellow named Ethan (who sports a Neanderthal sticker on his synthesizer), and morphed SM's staccato "soft-jazz" concoctions into heavy, rhythmic synth-driven territory. They set up their three stations of keyboards, drums, boxes, and noisemakers facing each weave some noisy tapestries. Much too raw to veer into synth-pop territory, there's shade of Psychic TV in their sound. Keyboards are often used to percussive effect, and despite some of the harsh sounds cultivated, there's an imposing catchiness to the tunes. One song struck me as Human League's Being Boiled meets Agnostic Front's Fascist Attitudes. The band was psyched on the comparison. Good stuff!
One man band Soft Circle was great that night, as was No Age.
Silk Flowers had just picked up their self released 7" whilst on tour, which is a winner. A subsequent record is coming out on Dean Spunt's PPM Records. Be on the lookout.
Silk Flowers on myspace
Silk Flowers blog
Labels: no age, silk flowers, soft circle, soiled mattress and the springs


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Product IDTD-36 LV
Data/specs DOWNLOAD PDF
Westermo Dial-Up / Leased Line RS-232 Telephone Modem, 33.6 kbit/s, DIN-Rail Mount, 12-36 VDC, -25 to +70 C.
The TD-36 is designed to function reliably within industrial environments and in areas of high level interference. The modem has an RS-232 interface supporting terminal data rates up to 115 kbit/s. The TD-36 is a V.34 modem meaning that it can support bidirectional data rates of up to 33.6 kbit/s on the PSTN or leased line side. Fast connect ensures that leased lines can re-establish connections in the range of 5 seconds.
The modem is equipped with transient protection on the line side and a "watchdog" that monitors and automatically resets the modem in the event of a fault. These functions together with remote configuration make the modem perfect for installation at unmanned sites and prevent the need of costly service trips.
The modem also has password protection, dial-back security and caller ID answering to ensure that only authorized users can communicate with the modem and any connected equipment.
The TD-36 is ideal for industrial applications as it mounts easily on to a 35 mm DIN-rail, has screw terminal connections and is tri galvanically isolated. For ease of setup the modem is supported by the Westermo TD-tool configuration software but also has DIP switches to assist configuration. Drivers for Windows setup are also supplied.
All fields mandatory.
Puls Compact MiniLine Single Phase Power Supply, 30W, 24VDC/1.3A Output, 100/240VAC Input, DIN-Rail Mount Plastic Housing, -10° to +70°C, Class 1, Div. 2 Rated.
Westermo Dial-Up / Leased Line RS-232 Telephone Modem, 33.6 kbit/s, DIN-Rail Mount, 20 - 264 VAC / 14 - 300 VDC, -25 to +70 C. (Article #3618-0101).
DINSpace 19" Rackmount DIN-Rail Adapter with cable management, 5U.