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QLab provides live show control for your Mac. Create media designs for theatre, dance, composition, installation, and more. Play back audio, video, and MIDI from a single workspace. QLab 4 includes an all-new Light cue, a huge update to QLab Remote for iOS, and over 40 other new features.
Design Tools
- Unlimited Cue Lists with unlimited cues
- Unlimited Cue Carts with 1 to 64 buttons per cart
- Design in Edit Mode and run your performance in Show Mode
- Non-destructive design tools never modify your media files
- Undo any edits
- ôAuditionö cues locally without sending audio, video, or lighting output to the stage
- Cue templates and Workspace templates
- ôRecord cue sequenceö tool, to capture timing and play it back again the same way later
- ôPaste cue propertiesö tool, to selectively paste properties from one or more cues onto other cues in your workspace
- Text search of cue lists and cue carts
- Extensive AppleScript and OSC APIs
- A comprehensive Status Window to guide troubleshooting
- Powerful and painless remote editing via QLab Remote
- Control unlimited Art-Net DMX universes.
- Create unlimited light instruments (like channels, but can be named anything, not just numbers).
- Create unlimited light groups to collect related instruments together, like "all", "stage right", "LEDs", "floor", or "floor front left".
- Use both conventional dimmers and more complex lights with multiple parameters (includes support for percentage-based parameters, as well as both 8-bit and 16-bit direct DMX parameters.)
- QLab-style levels fading: it's simple to build looks and effects that you can layer and reuse. A Light cue changes only the levels you set in the cue, and leaves the rest unchanged.
- Build sophisticated lighting designs by chaining Light cues together to build complex cue sequences out of simpler parts, then trigger the sequence with a single ôGOö like a chain of dominoes.
- As with all cues in QLab, Light cues can be copied, pasted, reordered, paused, resumed, and stopped at any time
- All QLab fade curves are available for Light cues; including linear, s-curve, or totally custom shape fades.
- See and manipulate the current levels of all your lights using the Light Dashboard.
- If you need to sneak in live edits from the Dashboard, you can optionally tell QLab to apply the new values "over time" so they'll fade in smoothly.
- Open the Audition Window to view the effects of light cues ôblindö in the dashboard. Close the Audition Window, and the dashboard will instantly revert back to show the live state of your lights.
- Adjust your lights in the dashboard, then:
-Create a new cue with just the changes,
-Create a new cue with all instruments,
-Update the last-run light cue with the changes, or
- Trace back the edits to each cue that most recently modified each instrument.
- Map your favorite MIDI controller to light commands, for editing either the light dashboard or individual cues.
- For motorized MIDI hardware, QLab supports MIDI ôfeedbackö from the light dashboard and individual light cues. (Aka ôflying fadersö.)
- Use QLabÆs powerful light command language, with autocompletion, instrument or group parameter addressing, ranges, ad-hoc groups, and command history, to efficiently edit both the light dashboard and individual light cues.
- View light cues as sliders, tiles, or raw command text at any time.
- View the Light Dashboard as sliders or tiles.
- Edit lights via keyboard entry (on the command line) or with the mouse (via clicking and dragging.)
- Easily delete individual light commands from any cue, and of course undo any edits.
- In slider view, expand group commands into all the individual instruments currently in the group.
- In slider view, indicators show the current live value of each light in a cue.
- In slider view, select multiple commands to temporarily ôgangö them, so you can adjust them up or down together.
- Quickly see when a group of instruments is set to all the same level or a mix of different levels.
- Batch-edit multiple light cues by selecting them and then simply editing any light command they all share. (Or adding a new command to all of them at once.)
- Use AppleScript, either externally or via Script cues, for advanced programming techniques like algorithmically generating a series of Light cues.
- Control both the Light Dashboard and individual Light cues via OSC messages.
- Support for up to 64 channels of audio output
- Support for up to 24-channel audio files
- Support for up to 24 channels of live audio input
- Audio waveform view
- Unlimited slices of your media files for looping and vamping
- Sample-accurate playback synchronization across multiple cues
- Audio panning and volume fading
- Customize output channel names
- Edit audio device routing
- Audio effects on any cue
- Audio effects on cue outputs
- Audio effects on device outputs
- Fade audio effects dynamically
- Full-screen or custom geometry for Video cues
- Fade and animate videos
- 1000 layers of video
- Masking and edge-blending across multiple projectors
- Warping and keystone correction
- Basic video effects
- Live camera input with the Camera cue
- Syphon input output
- Blackmagic input output
- Text titles with the Text cue
Show Control
- Send OSC or UDP messages using the Network cue
- Fade your OSC messages over time, in 1D or 2D
- Inject live values from your workspace into outgoing OSC messages
- Send all MIDI and MIDI Show Control messages with the MIDI cue
- Send MIDI messages by playing MIDI files with the MIDI File cue
- Run your own AppleScripts with the Script cue
- Generate LTC or MTC output with the Timecode cue
- Trigger cue lists from incoming LTC or MTC timecode
- Remote control via OSC and MIDI
What's new in QLab 4.0.1
FIXED: Several bugs with the new license system, for example that required a license for features that were intended to be free, or didnÆt flag cues as broken that needed a license to function, etc.
FIXED: DonÆt hard-stop a group cue (including cue lists or carts) if it is triggered when one of the cues inside it is panicking or tailing out.
FIXED: A bug that caused notes in the top notes field to wrap to a new line too soon.
FIXED: A small bug with the inspector when multiple cues were selected.
Requirements: Intel, 64-bit processor OS X 10.10 or later
|QLab Pro 3 1 17 MacOSX
|QLab Pro 3 1 19 MacOSX
|QLab Pro 3 1 20 MacOSX
|QLab Pro 3 1 22 MacOSX
|QLab Pro 3 1 23 MacOSX


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|Road Safety Statistics
The road can be a dangerous place, find out the latest road safety statistics and see how many accidents there are on the roads.
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Find out all you need to know about speed limits and the consequences of breaking them.
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FTQA 054 – What Three Things Are Your Parents Passionate About?
Download this episode (right click and save) Emma and I have a father-daughter discussion including Emma's response to the question, "What three things are your parents most passionate about?" Your actions and words clearly communicate what is most important to you. We also share a couple of underdog stories related to my service in the … Read more


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Why this is not the standard line about education in the US
The truth is that it is inequality and poverty that drive educational issues, not the other way around. You can't fix society by fixing education, and the only way to fix education is by fixing society. Unfortunately, too many people have too much at stake in the way things are done now for anything to change. In particular, no one wants to admit that we should directly tackle poverty, because that would probably entail, for the powerful, higher taxes and less power. This may seem obvious, but when it plays out in real life the denial and dissonance it produces can be frustrating and confusing.
Forthright denial (a personal anecdote)
A couple of years ago, before I had thought much about this stuff, I went to a talk by Harvard's Tony Wagner at the MIT alumni club. Wagner screened a film he had made about Finland; his argument seemed basically to be that American schools were terrible because we didn't focus on creativity and critical thinking, while Finnish schools led the world because they did focus on those things. In the Q&A after the screening, I asked him about the role of poverty, and I specifically asked whether rich schools in the US scored as well as Finland. To my very clear and specific question he answered a forthright and definite "No."
When I followed up by email, citing the same 2009 PISA scores that the new EPI report analyzes, Wagner backtracked, claiming that he had misunderstood my question--but then he asserted that tests didn't tell the whole story, and that Finnish schools, like certain progressive schools in the US (he loves the Parker school, for instance) are "worlds apart from even our best suburban high schools." (Oh snap! Take that, Leafstrewn!) Still, I couldn't help but wonder why he had denied what was after all a pretty basic fact (in correspondence he said he was familiar with the data I'd cited).
Maybe frozen circumstances won't dance to any melody?
Wagner and I had an interesting correspondence for a while, and he was always polite and generous with his time, but I came to think that the way he answered, wrongly, my specific and clear question at the screening of his movie was a symptom of a deeper problem. Basically, I found that while he was eventually able to acknowledge, in private correspondence, what was after all indisputable (poverty and social class are overwhelmingly important in academic performance), and while he was subtle enough to quote Karl Marx to support his rhetorical strategies, he simply could not have the kind of successful career he has enjoyed (appointment at Harvard, best-selling author, educational "leadership" guru, etc.) without downplaying the role of social factors like poverty and highlighting, instead, things like "creativity", "leadership," and "innovation."
Wagner himself more or less acknowledged this dynamic in the line he quoted from Marx. I had told him I liked a lot of what his book said about how to make schools better, but that insofar as the book imitated Thomas Friedman, I didn't like it (after a nod to Friedman's influence in the Acknowledgments page, Wagner started off the book, believe it or not, with an anecdote about a conversation with a CEO he happened to sit next to on a plane, and went on to couch its argument in Friedmanesque blither-blather about changing America's education system in order to compete in the 21st century global economy, etc.). In response, Wagner wrote the following:
My favorite quote from Marx is: "To make the frozen circumstances dance, you have to sing to them in their own melody."
... Unless and until we have an alliance of business and education leaders advocating for the kinds of profound changes that are necessary, I don't think we have a prayer of a chance.
This is depressing, and not just because the Marx line is quoted out of context (the whole passage is about publicly shaming the powers that be, not letting them have even "a minute for self-deception and resignation," and making them "terrified"--all of which is very far from the aims of people like Tony Wagner and Thomas Friedman (1)). Wagner was basically saying that he can't acknowledge the truth about education, because that won't move the people who are really in power--"business and education leaders." So in effect his position at Harvard, and his speaking at places like MIT, means that he cannot speak the truth--probably can't even remember the truth until some persistent naif like me sticks it indecorously in his face like a piece of soiled paper. The event I attended was held, appropriately enough, at the Broad Institute--funded by the same Eli Broad who has spent some of his billions on educational "leaders" (like Joel Klein) who are trying to institute a corporate, test-driven take-over that couldn't be further from the Parker school.
Where are our schools of educational public health?
All this is why we need graduate schools of educational public health--and why we probably won't get them. But I'm happy to see the Economic Policy Institute, like many others (the BBA, David Berliner, Stephen Krashen, Diane Ravitch, and thousands of lesser known teachers and parents) stepping in to fill the void.
(1) Here's the Marx passage that Wagner quoted: "Criticism dealing with this content is criticism in a hand-to-hand fight, and in such a fight the point is not whether the opponent is a noble, equal, interesting opponent, the point is to strike him. The point is not to let the Germans have a minute for self-deception and resignation. The actual pressure must be made more pressing by adding to it consciousness of pressure, the shame must be made more shameful by publicizing it. Every sphere of German society must be shown as the partie honteuse of German society: these petrified relations must be forced to dance by singing their own tune to them! The people must be taught to be terrified at itself ..."
(from "Towards a Critique of Hegel's Philosophy of Law")


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have been selling this inventory file for quite a while now,
and wanted to offer it here for all my stamping & blogging
Don't have Excel? You can use an MSExcel reader [downloadable for free from Microsoft's website], or I can provide the same file in Adobe PDF format. While you won't have the same tools available in MSExcel, you still get a complete list of all stamp sets and all data. I can also provide paper copies via USMail for an additional fee. Contact me for details.
The list includes information about the release of each set [which catalog it was released in], and if it is retired [and if so, which year]. Additionally, columns allow you to identify which sets you own, when you purchased them, and what price you paid [but only if you really want to track it ;)]. Individual stamp set records include the number of stamps in the set, the latest retail price and item number, and indicates which catalog it appeared in [with page numbers from the annual catalogs], and if it was first released in a mini catalog. This is a great tool for the recreational stamper or demonstrator!
I have spent many hours personally compiling the data, confirming codes with catalogs, and ensuring the accuracy of each record. That makes this file perfect for your inventory needs and provides accurate value data for insurance records.
A small sample of the file is shown here. [Click on image to enlarge]
Have you ever wanted to know what you paid for a set of stamps, but just can't remember? Have you wondered just how old that one stamp set is, but don't know what catalog it was released in? Were you checking out an eBay auction, but didn't know the retail price of the stamp set you were interested in? Did you see a set at a garage sale, but didn't know if it included all the stamps? Have you wanted to sell your old stamp sets, but didn't know their value, or how many stamps were in the original set?
If so, then this comprehensive Excel file may be just what you're looking for!
Best of all, buyers receive ABSOLUTELY FREE UPDATES
which includes newly released sets for as long as I continue to purchase SU! products!
The SU! Stamp Inventory and Tracking File retails for just $9.95 USD
[the file is emailed so no shipping charges apply! ]
Purchase Details
If you're interested in the data, but don't have MSExcel, please contact me to discuss alternatives; I've converted the data to Lotus for some users, and can provide a PDF version as well. Paper copies can be provided for an additional nominal fee.
Please email me with any questions.
Cat's Creations >


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I'm typing away in my hut when the sound of beating drums summons me outside. At first I think it is our girls praying in the front yard, but then I realize it's actually coming from behind the huts, in the village. Hard to tell how far away…the intensity of the drums makes me think it's not so far…yet it's so very dark. I can barely see the tops of the huts against the night sky. In another direction I see the glow of a fire in the distance. Another sound added to the music…something I can't quite distinguish. It's not familiar, but it's pleasing nonetheless. There is wooping, clapping and the high-pitched Acholi woman celebration cry (ayiyiyiyi!!). I wish I could capture that sound and replay it on those days that it starts to fade from my memories. For now, I'm grateful that it is so familiar.
I stand all alone surrounded by the darkness, just listening and appreciating the beauty of the seemingly limitless stars across the sky, some blinking more brightly than others. There is a brief flash of lighting…heat lighting. The crickets chirp and remind me of summer nights spent outside star gazing with my Dad, waiting to catch that rare falling star. I always seemed to miss them, but Dad never did. The drums bring me back to the present…pounding in unison…there are several playing simultaneously now. I envision the people sitting around a fire, the men banging the drums and the women dancing along to the beats.
I fight the urge to dance along, coyly swaying my hips back and forth the way I've seen the Acholi women do so many times before. I thank God for music, singing, dancing, beauty, joy, resilience and contentedness. I take it all in, recognizing the moment of peace that God had granted me. A woman laughs heartily which makes me smile…it's contagious. I wish I could see her face as she laughs. It sounds like the kind where you grab your belly and cry…I love those kind. They chant too. I wish I knew what they were saying, yet I feel I know everything I need to at the same time.
I wish my family and friends could experience more moments like this with me, maybe then they could understand better. But you can't transfer a feeling can you? The chills you get when you have an inspirational conversation, hear the beat of an African drum like its beating in your heart, or feel the very presence of God in a small child, in a neglected person, in a moment….no, you can't. Those things are not transferrable; they must be felt from within. How will I ever be able to make anyone understand this with words? Will I ever be able to share it in a way that makes sense to people?…in a way that makes people want to know God more?…in any way at all? Will I lack the words, or perhaps worse, sense the corresponding lack of genuine desire to know, to learn, to feel that is so often poorly disguised in the form of polite small talk?
…"It was great, thanks."


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Where's My Interruption Manager? Not In One Place, I'm AfraidMarch 1, 2010 at 1:31 pm | Posted in Attention Management, email, interruption science | 1 Comment
Larry Cannell pointed me to a good posting by Daniel Tunkelang called "You Can't Hurry Relevance". Mr. Tunkelang obviously believes in the idea of attention management. I especially like the way he states the holy grail of attention management: a system that understands what is important to the user and dispositions messages accordingly. Well, I'll let his own words shine here:
As an information consumer, I'd appreciate an interface that explicitly and transparently adapts to my priorities, and that manages interruption of my workflow accordingly
Here's what I commented back on his entry regarding the statement above:
There will not be one tangible "thing" that manages interruptions based on priorities. But there will be a collection of technologies and capabilities that, taken together, can be used to manage attention. I call this collection of technologies and capabilities that manage attention the Enterprise Attention Management conceptual architecture. I posted this architectural model on the KnowledgeForward blog in 2006. You can find it here:
Since it is not one, purpose-built, tightly integrated set of pieces, it takes a walk-through to apply it to any particular problem. The problem you mention in this posting is e-mail, and you've provided 3 good suggestions on how to take advantage of urgency. I applied the EAM model to e-mail as an example and yielded 15 examples where technology could help, many of which are indeed available in some e-mail systems (although often buried or cludgy). You can see my list and how the EAM architecture helped derive it here:
I really like your thought that urgency should be taken into account in the e-mail process. You have some good ideas for the receiving end of e-mail. I still wouldn't give up on the sender's side too. When sending letters and packages, people don't mind picking between a number of options (ground, express, signature required, etc.) that indicate urgency. If we can do a bit of behavior change (or possible force people via a token system), it's interesting to think about how much e-mail could be improved. Easier said than done though.
Information Overload as Evolutionary MaladaptationFebruary 10, 2010 at 7:30 am | Posted in Attention Management, interruption science | 7 Comments
I've noticed much that's written about information overload starts from an assumption that a root cause of the problem is with humankind (or a particular sub-species known as "information workers" that lives in fuzzy cubes and whitewashed caves) and its inability to adjust to the rapid increase in content. This type of argument is known as evolutionary psychology. And it has proven to provide overly simplistic answers to behavioral questions. The WSJ article "Evolutionary Psych May Not Help Explain Our Behavior After All" referred to the book "Adapting Minds" and stated that "as Prof. Buller, a professor of philosophy at Northern Illinois University, dug deeper, he concluded that the claims of evo psych are 'wrong in almost every detail' because the data underlying them are deeply flawed."
Information overload also adds the idea of evolutionary maladaptation, even though I haven't seen that term used explicitly. But that's clearly the argument being used – that the response of information workers to the proliferation of information is an evolutionary maladaptation, like that of humans being designed to seek and store fat to prepare for times of famine that never come in the developed world. The evolutionary maladaptation assumption silently underlies many of the studies, articles, and books related to information overload, e-mail overload, dangerous multi-tasking, and information stress.
But maybe it's not true. And that matters because it changes where one looks for solutions.
If you believe information overload is a maladaptation than solutions – fancy and detailed as they may be – really just boil down to resisting destructive urges. Or, as Lee Gomes of the WSJ worded it "I don't have much to offer in the way of solutions, save to nag everyone about steely self-discipline." If this is an example of humans being wired for self-destructive behavior, then it leads to lots of "protect you from yourself" advice.
But if, by chance, information overload is within the realm of consciousness and under rational control, different solutions apply. Process change becomes feasible since people can be be told what to do and have as much chance as any other process change of succeeding. No subconscious, caveman instinct ("Ugh, more information always good! May help me kill sabre tooth tiger or mate with woman!") will get in the way of altering people's behavior. Providing technology that enables new functionality (not just for putting blinders on you, locking you out, etc.) has a chance of working too.
I don't have the definitive answer, and I'm not sure there is one. But I do think that the same answers to "the information overload problem" (in quotes since I take a different angle on the issue) keep popping up because the same evolutionary maladaptation assumption is used. Trying a different assumption – one that puts the issue within the realm of higher reason to manage – can yield some different answers that should be explored.
Shooting at Information Overload: Right Target, Wrong WeaponDecember 9, 2009 at 9:06 am | Posted in Attention Management, Information Work, interruption science | 2 Comments
Tom Davenport's "The Attention Economy" is the best information overload/attention management book I've read so far (despite several flaws). For that reason alone I avoided obvious, snarky rebuttal titles for this blog post such as "Why We Don't Care What Davenport Thinks About Information Overload" or just "Why We Don't Care About Tom Davenport".
But I don't agree with his posting yesterday about "Why We Don't Care About Information Overload". Like a good writer, he summarizes his point best at the end:
the next time you hear someone talking or read someone writing about information overload, save your own attention and tune that person out. Nobody's ever going to do anything about this so-called problem, so don't overload your own brain by wrestling with the issue.
I'm guessing his goal was to agitate and get people thinking by presenting a stark point of view. He succeeded. His post brings up a number of issues
I too have written that there are often better things to focus on than information overload, such as attention management in general. "How should I make the most of the ever-increasing amount of information at my fingertips?" is the correct, attention management question to ask. Not "How do I reduce information overload?" or "How do I deal with the avalanche …".
But I have also written in opposition to the nihilism that Mr. Davenport presents here and that is frequent in the hand-wringing treatises of the information overload crowd. There are key people in any organization that can take real action that improves the information abilities of many information workers.
He also makes the point that people won't take the time to tune their information channels:
We could if we wanted to. How many of us bother to tune our spam filters? How many of us turn off the little evanescent window in Outlook that tells us we have a new email? Who signs off of social media because there's just too much junk? Who turns off their BlackBerry or iPhone in meetings to ensure no distractions? Nobody, that's who — or very few souls anyway.
In the presentations I've given on this topic, I devote a slide to this question and make the point that people will act when the cost of action exceeds the price of inaction. That may take a while, but if people are indeed annoyed enough they'll figure out how to do something. And here's my post on how to turn off the new email window in Outlook.
A final quibble: While attacking information overload, he adopts the same guru-tense "we" that his targets use. I'm not sure why so many people on both sides of this issue feel the need to speak for all of society when they talk (as I mentioned here). Do "we" care about information overload? Speak for yourself or those you know, but it is inappropriate to imply "it's all of us (we) against just you".
There are some good comments to his posting. One accuses him of misstating the audience member's question so he could rant about information overload. Funny, but, if true, all too common. Once someone has a rant, it's hard not to twist topics to hit it.
Another commenter (Lonny Eachus) wrote "Information overload is not spam. Spam is spam. Information overload, as it has been defined for decades now, is simply the vast amount of information that you have to deal with, in order to be successful in today's world. It has little or nothing to do with spam." I have studied this field for quite a while and haven't actually heard that redefinition of information overload. I can see a slippery slope with the redefinition in that the large proportion of that vast information that doesn't lead to action or insight can be defined as a kind of spam, so it's turtles all the way down. Besides, I'll let Basex and the Information Overload Research Group define information overload, which certainly does include interruptions, banal messages (if not spam), and other messages that get in the way of insight.
Interruptions: Meh, but Distracted Driving: DeadlyOctober 1, 2009 at 3:57 pm | Posted in Attention Management, Information Work, interruption science | 1 Comment
Great article in the New York Times about distracted drivers: "At 60 M.P.H., Office Work Is High Risk" (part of an ongoing series). I've shown a bit of skepticism in past entries about the extent of the cost of interruptions for information workers and the intractability of the problem. I've said many of the interruptions fall into models that are either a net positive for the organization with closed-loop analysis, required by social contract, or better classified as social interactions and distractions.
But that doesn't mean I don't think distractions are a major issue. Just that the cost, causes, and solutions are different for interruptions and distractions so it's best not to blend them together. For example, the messaging inbox is the most classic information worker distraction, but it can be dealt with by turning off toasts (for wired workers) or mobile devices.
I have also assumed that the task one is being distracted from is important, but not life critical such as performing surgery, disarming a bomb, sneaking up on an insurgent safehouse … or driving. Distracted drivers are, in my opinion, a serious issue.
I think this issue decomposes into several parts and the NYT article is the first I've seen that does a good job of addressing most of them:
Shaking and shaming users: The 'ol shake&shame is a one-two punch. Start with horrifying anecdotes, articles, stats, and videos on how bad your behavior is without you knowing it. Then follow with shaming by describing how inconsiderate these drivers are, how dumb it is (if it's an editorial), how you're not that important that you need to respond immediately, and end with its effects on the people and family of those injured or killed.
Legal: Can you successfully outlaw texting while driving? It's symbolic and, like seat belt laws, something that adds a slight risk of penalty after the fact if something happens (like tracing text messages to a conductor seconds before a crash). Hey, it's worth a shot for those extreme cases when something tragic results.
Psychological: How distractable are people? Can they really multi-task? Is it an addiction, ADHD, etc? It certainly seems to me the majority of SUVs veering into my lane, driving real slow and then making a quick move, or running red lights slowly are on a mobile device. And the research confirms my suspicions that technology like handsfree interfaces don't solve the problem. And while I think multi-tasking can work for information workers with coarsely grained, long-running tasks, I think it's deadly for drivers. There's a fun game to test this at the NYT site.
Expectations: To what extent do the expectations of employers, customers, family, and other message senders drive the apparent need to respond immediately? To what extent does an expectation of productivity later require culling messages now? This is the part I've spent the most time thinking about and the NYT article finally sheds some light on. No employer admits to requiring these responses (duh), but the plumber example shows how competitive pressure provides informal expectations. I was in a cab going home from the airport on Friday and the taxi computer had popped up that a van was needed in zone 776. My driver, since we were in a van, spent the next 10 minutes trying to rapidly respond to accept the pickup. One time we came close enough to rear-ending another car that I was bug-eyed for a few seconds. It seems the computer was smart enough to not allow him to claim the pickup for some reason, whether it's because we were moving or the GPS noticed we were too far for him to promise a pickup (which would explain why my taxis always take twice as long as promised to arrive for pickups).
Success at getting people to stop texting while driving will depend more on managing the expectations of message senders for quick responses than it will on shaking&shaming, laws, or better research. This goal is difficult to impossible depending on each situation. "Feeling important" may be solvable with shaking&shaming, but for the plumber or taxi driver whose livelihood depends on picking up a job before the next guy gets it will be nearly impossible to reach.
Still, there may be some hope if the Domino's Pizza example applies. Domino's advertising set an expectation for 30 minute delivery, but some large settlements for accidents prompted them to water down the expectation (to "satisfaction guaranteed"). I haven't seen statistics on whether the settlements have decreased, but the goal was certainly that eliminating the expectation would eliminate the reckless driving behavior it caused. Over time the same may occur to some extent with distracted driving. For example, if a plumbing company anywhere in the US has to pay a multi-million dollar settlement and it goes viral on the news, you could see plumbing companies change their process to round-robin assignments or select randomly from all responses within the next 2 hours.
Cold Turkey Help for Digital DistractionsSeptember 17, 2009 at 1:46 pm | Posted in Attention Management, Information Work, interruption science | Leave a comment
Great article in the New York Times on "Taming Your Digital Distractions". While it does follow the "e-mail and social networking = useless distractions" narrative that I find passe, so do most other articles, presentations, books, and studies on information overload. So I can't blame Farhad Manjoo for that.
Besides, what I like is that it gets away from the empty pondering of what we're doing to our lives and simple time management tips and, instead, provides a slew of actual technologies to try out. I hadn't seen these. Here are the ones in the article and I've added links to each. (Note: I haven't tried them, so this isn't an endorsement).
- WriteRoom (full-screen, single-tasking, simple word processing)
- Dark Room (full-screen, single-tasking, simple word processing)
- RescueTime Solo (attention shielding and metrics)
- LeechBlock (attention shielding for Firefox)
While some information overload evangelists would hope these cold turkey tools would demonstrate to someone how addicted they are, I actually would hope for the opposite: that after an hour or so of getting work done they realize they didn't really miss those distractions and that their social networks didn't come crashing down because some responses were delayed.
Once people realize that poor decisions cause their information stress rather than bad evolutionary wiring in their brains or addiction, I think they are more likely to make useful changes to their work processes to improve their efficiency.
Study Finds Multitaskers Poor Performers Since Easily DistractedAugust 31, 2009 at 7:24 am | Posted in Attention Management, interruption science | 2 Comments
From the Stanford University News (8/24/09)
Nass and his colleagues, Eyal Ophir and Anthony Wagner, set out to learn what gives multitaskers their edge. What is their gift?
"We kept looking for what they're better at, and we didn't find it," said Ophir, the study's lead author and a researcher in Stanford's Communication Between Humans and Interactive Media Lab.
Nass used 3 tests that involved noticing changes in short term abstractions, such as whether two rectangles changed position, whether a letter had previously appeared in sequence, and attending to attributes of letters or numbers in a mixed set. In all cases multitaskers did worse than non-multitaskers since they were easily distracted.
From the little I've read of this study (I could certainly have missed important details) I don't think the study goals were aimed properly. If one assumes for the moment that multitasking is an intentional activity meant to achieve a purpose, the natural question is: what is that purpose? The study seems to look for side effects of multitasking behavior, but without a hypothesis about what the purpose is. I believe the purpose may be better handling of multiple tasks that have each have intermittent stimuli. In other words, tasks where there are many gaps when your attentiveness is not needed. For example, building a piece of furniture requires long stretches where one must wait for glue or varnish to dry. Likewise, staring at an email inbox for 8 solid hours would not reward the user since there are gaps of many minutes between messages. Multitasking – checking email while waiting for a coat of polyurethane to dry – enables both tasks to be completed more effectively. I did a blog entry on "Mandatory Multitasking" back in 2006 on this multitasking pattern.
I think a more accurate test would be a long-term writing assignment (say, summarizing a set of three twenty page papers into a 10 page paper in 4 hours) while playing an investment game that rewards reaction to events (such as payoffs for noticing trends that decreases rapidly over time). Add some random interruptions as well for an extra element. Quality of the summary and final investment tally would provide a weighted score. The participant would have to be good at interrupting themselves and resuming their long-running task ("scanning the horizon") in order to excel at the financial part of the score.
As designed, the Nass test tested attention shielding (a capability for pushing unimportant messages and content further from the observer's focus). The test I propose above evaluates interruptability instead. The study's abstract confirms this as it defines multitaskers by attention shielding rather than self-controlled task switching ("heavy media multitaskers are more susceptible to interference from irrelevant environmental stimuli and from irrelevant representations in memory.")
That said, I'm not positive or convinced that multitasking is intentional and purposeful. But I think the possibility must be considered. In this case, considering its purpose can guide development of experiments that test its value against its intended purpose. It also reframes the issue. The issue may be that some multitaskers miscategorize some tasks as intermittent (such as driving or air traffic control) that they shouldn't rather than all multitasking on all tasks being suboptimal. Or maybe some multitaskers have difficulty breaking long-running tasks up into smaller tasks that provide interruptible boundaries. But I don't think that multitaskers are some sort of dysfunctional species.
What to Do The Day After Information Overload Awareness DayAugust 13, 2009 at 8:45 am | Posted in Attention Management, Culture, etiquette, Information Work, interruption science | 2 Comments
So, you've survived Information Overload Awareness Day. Your eyes were opened to the stress, poor decision making, and cold hard cash being sacrificed on the altar of our always-on, always-connected, go-go-go culture. Now what do you do?
Well, first I'd recommend coming down off the mountain a little bit and taking a view of the issue from the ground. Consider that the proliferation of information and communication channels should not be seen entirely in the negative (the "overload" problem). The implication is that if you don't feel the problem, someone must not have shaken you hard enough with studies on stress, the difficulty of finding things, or put a big enough number on the cost.
Some exaggeration (or, to be more accurate, exclusive focusing on the negative) may be useful to shake people awake and scare them straight. But there's a risk they will become hysterical or stare into space. After all, once one can see the information apocalypse is neigh, one has to figure out what to do about it. Those who do little gain only a sense of futility; they can see what is happening but do nothing about it. While those who do too much risk vast unintended consequences. Social bonds and efficiency suffer when people behave selfishly to shield themselves from interruptions that are unnecessary (to them). Short lived attempts to change etiquette result in long-term feelings of bullying and reduce the effectiveness of future attempts. Once-a-week time-outs (of e-mail, meetings) just shift the burden to other days while avoiding a root cause of the inefficiency: messages maintaining their channel without being pulled forward or pushed back as needed.
I believe that an organization-wide, systemic, balanced approach that aims to improve efficiency for all workers is preferable to defining the situation in negative terms which start a war in response that can have vast unintended consequences. You can do take a balanced view by starting to think about:
- A model (enterprise attention management) to organize, elicit (as an intuition pump), and communicate potential improvements that can increase the efficiency of a large number of workers (a systemic fix) rather than just personal tips on how any one person interested can help themselves
- Who are the couple of people in your organization that can have a positive impact on the attention management abilities of everyone in the company? What can executives and owners of communication systems do that is more than what any one individual worker can do?
- "Closed loop" rather than selfish view of interruptions. Consider each interruption as an interaction between the interrupter and those interrupted and determining, as a whole, if it was useful to the organization. So what is a real interruption in your business? What is "interrupted" versus "distracted" and what is an "unnecessary" interruption (does the person doing the interruption ever think their interruption is unnecessary and if not, who gets to judge)?
- How social contracts and organizational structure influence interruptions and information flows in ways that aren't captured in overload calculations and may result in unintended consequences if disrupted
- How technology can help. Technology is not the answer, but it's certainly a lot of the problem and, accordingly, can be a participant in an improvement approach. With a model in place, attentional capabilities of tools can be enumerated and used to their fullest extent to address known problems
- Teachable moments. Much of the information overload is due to etiquette and culture, but browbeating people to change their ways has little effect. It's been said that you can't force changes in culture, but yet there are certainly cases where culture has been drastically changed. Part of the answer lies in exploiting teachable moments to make positive changes in counterproductive communication and information management behaviors
- Pacing. Try to get a realistic idea of how much improvement you can actually target. Even if 28% of workers' days are wasted, 0% isn't the proper target. Step back and think about what the real target should be to get a realistic picture of potential cost savings. By all means, use the Basex number as an example of one extreme way of estimating it, but follow up by talking about the importance of determining a realistic goal for improvement. Once you get executives to buy into a strategy based upon dollar savings rather than quality and speed of decision making and employee retention, you'll be expected to prove how much you've saved in hard dollars later. Don't use a sum of personal observations (rather than closed-loop), depend on colloquial and self-determined definitions, or build overall angst into your number
So, it's a good thing if IOAD created an awareness that wasn't there. But the real value comes now – the day after – when organizations struggle with how to approach something described as such an enormous problem with tendrils in sociology, psychology, physiology, technology, and business. My recommendation is to leave the negative framing ("overload", "problem") and self-helpy, guru-talk aside. Now is the time to recast the issue in terms of systemic efficiency that can be analyzed with a conceptual model and target improvements that are both reasonable and achievable.
Note: This is a cross-posting from the Collaboration and Content Strategies blog.
Four Key Points About Enterprise Attention ManagementJune 22, 2009 at 4:09 pm | Posted in Attention Management, Information Work, interruption science | 1 Comment
I'm just putting the finishing touches on a new document on Enterprise Attention Management. This one will be a short primer on our view of the subject. It's been over two years since my main document on EAM was published and my thinking has evolved as I've hit questions from people at presentations and in private conversations. It's also been shaped by the press coverage of information overload and e-mail overload – often by encouraging me to put warning signs in front of some slippery slopes that they wander into: Counting all distractions as interruptions? Lumping interruptions into information overload? Using 100% focus and efficiency as the benchmark to compare "cost of overload" to? Assuming only tips and tricks for individuals can chip away at it? Yeesh!
After a brief description of what enterprise attention management is and its business context, I describe 4 points that are key for my position on EAM:
1. Not Everyone Feels Overloaded
As strongly as you and a few like-minded people may feel about the impacts of information overload, a lot more people just don't notice or care. But improving efficiency and reaction time: that's something everyone can get behind. Get away from having to shake everyone awake about the "problem" and its a lot easier for others to get on board with your efficiency argument.
2. Key People in an Organization Can Take Action to Improve Efficiency of Information Workers
You can try to organize your little information garden and give tips to your teammates to do the same and one small portion of your company will breathe a little easier. But there are a few people who select the gardening tools and set expectations for everyone's gardens – they have a different set of things they can do to help everyone in the organization.
3. Use EAM as a Lens to Understand Impacts of New Information-based Technologies
Enterprise attention management can be used as a lens to analyze how various technologies and programs will impact the attention of information workers. One recent example of applying this architecture is the "EAM for e-mail" posting I did here.
4. Influence Process and Culture Selectively
An evangelical approach to "information overload" starts with declaring it "bad" and then figuring out how to force people not to overload each other. A more practical approach does not see lots of information as good or bad, but rather focuses on efficiency and looks for key moments when processes and culture can be influenced. These include teachable moments, such as new hire training or rolling out a new technology. They do not include an e-mail blast or interoffice memo out of nowhere telling everyone how they should now behave.
Silence Would Be An Interruption HereJune 3, 2009 at 3:34 pm | Posted in Attention Management, Audio, Information Work, interruption science | Leave a comment
I'm writing this blog post from a nice Japanese tea house near my home office. While it's nice, the real reason I'm working here has to do with the truck-mounted jackhammer tearing up the alley right outside my window. The noise was shaking things on my office bookshelves. Even putting on headphones didn't help as my feet kept picking up pounding vibrations.
There is a lot written about the impact of interruptions in the workplace and their cost on productivity. I have written that much of what is lumped into "interruptions" is really a set of different problems and solutions better known as distractions and social interactions. Still, today's experience has emphasized that attention can be difficult to focus (and productivity lost) for other reasons as well. The jackhammer and bulldozer don't really count as interruptions. Indeed, the noise was quite constant for hours. It's hard to lose focus when you never have it in the first place! I simply had a noisy environment that made it difficult to concentrate. No amount of focus on keeping out interruptions would have helped. The only solution was my Ceylon tea and scone haven.
I remember a situation when I was a management consultant where I worked for a few months on one floor of an office building where it was so quiet people had to whisper on the phone. I then had occasion to visit a consultant working in a department on another floor and was shocked at the cacophony he worked in. Same basic roles, same cube layout, but it was all noisy from loud conversations, hustling and bustling, and difficult to concentrate. It seemed to be just a cultural difference in terms of expectations and etiquette between the departments. A new employee sinking into their cube for the first time would naturally assume a conversational volume in line with those around him. Maybe some people would prefer one or the other? I was happy to retreat back to my quiet cube to work. And put on my headphones.
WSJ Offers Information Overload 101 AgainMay 22, 2009 at 8:16 am | Posted in Attention Management, Information Work, interruption science | 1 Comment
The WSJ published another article on information overload, which they generally do when Basex releases a new number on information overload, unnecessary interruptions, or interruptions (it's evolved over the years). You can see the comment I entered in the comments tab on the article (click here and look for Craig Roth). Now that I re-read it, my comment sounds more harsh than intended. It's not a bad thing that this issue gets more attention. There's something to be said for the Basex approach of shaking people awake and getting them to see the danger in their current path. The $900 billion number is like the "you won't live to see your kid's graduation" pronouncement that physicians sometimes trot out if an unhealthy patient is ignoring his more measured advice to lose weight and exercise.
Still, I'd like to see some of these articles getting past the "information overload 101" template: observation on how we're overloaded, quote from overloaded person, "woe is me" pronouncement, attitudinal survey stat, latest Basex figure, quote from an organized executive, personal time and attention management tips.
Get people to think about:
- "Closed loop" rather than selfish view of interruptions (treating each interruption as an interaction between the interrupter and those interrupted and determining, as a whole, if it was useful to the organization)
- Pacing (even if 28% of workers' days are wasted, 0% isn't the proper target; step back and think about what the real target should be to get a realistic picture of potential cost savings)
- What they really mean by interrupted versus distracted and what people call "unnecessary" interruptions (does the person doing the interruption ever think their interruption is unnecessary and if not, who gets to judge?
- How social contracts and organizational structure influence interruptions and information flows in ways that aren't captured in overload calculations
- By all means, use the Basex number as an example of one extreme way of estimating it, but follow up by talking about the importance of determining a realistic goal for improvement. Once you get executives to buy into a strategy based upon dollar savings rather than quality and speed of decision making and employee retention, you'll be expected to prove how much you've saved in hard dollars later. The Basex number – from what I can tell – doesn't serve that purpose since it's a sum of personal observations rather than closed-loop, depends on colloquial and self-determined definitions, and is more an indication of overall angst than a number to actually target as waste.
- How technology can help. Technology is not the answer, but it's certainly a lot of the problem and, accordingly, can be a participant in an improvement approach
- Teachable moments. Much of the information overload is due to etiquette and culture. It's been said that you can't force changes in culture, but there are certainly cases where culture has drastically changed. Part of the answer lies in exploiting teachable moments to make positive changes in counterproductive communication and information management behaviors.
- If you're in a business publication, talk about systematic changes that can improve the efficiency of a large number of workers rather than just personal tips on how any one person interested can help themselves. What can executives and owners of communication systems do that is more than what any one individual worker can do?
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Lindos – Golden Dawn
Hi guys,
As ever I'm always very conscious of the fact that I need to maintain diversity and ultimately visual stimulas within the blog so i thought that a nice colourful landscape shot would be beneficial to this aim.
I don't know if you can remember, but I have just recently returned from a well deserved holiday to Greece. I stayed in a small picturesque resort called Pefki, which is on the island of Rhodes and very close to the historic town of Lindos.
As soon as I arrived at the apartment, I was itching to get out with the camera and so i began going through my 'just arrived on holiday routine' which is working out where sunset / sunrise will be, where the sea is, what other interesting photpgraphic locations are in the area, what time sunset / sunrise is, checking all my camera gear, cleaning lenses….you get the picture!
So, at four am on the first morning, whilst nursing a hangover (too much Pernod) I make my way to the taxi which I've booked to take me accross to the other side of the island where I will wait for the sunrise….and once there I wait. And wait. And wait. And then realise that I'm still on UK time and have arrived two hours early. And the headache continues….
There I am sat on top of this massive cliff, in total darkness waiting for the sun to rise. As bad as this sounds it was really cool, as I had some really nice ballearic house music on the mp3, and so i lay back and watched the stars…awesome!
As dawn began to break I carefully negotiated my way down to the cliff edge, which required scrambling over razor sharp volcanic rock in nothing but my converse, but after 30 minutes of grazed flesh I made it to the bottom and captured this shot:
A nice big version can be viewed HERE
In hindsight, I'm really annoyed with myself for not taking more photos which could be used as a story board, illustrating my little adventures. I'm off to Weston-super-Mare this afternoon to shoot backgrounds for an upcoming portrait session and so I'll take more photos to capture the day in general….
Until next time!


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Brian Papson Attends Festival Screening Of His Popular New Film, "The Other Side"
The Film Was Warmly Received At The Cleveland Film Festival, Just Weeks Removed From Garnering "The Audience Choice" Award At The Taos Film Festival
Friday, April 3, 2015 — Harris Management client Brian Papson just returned from Cleveland, Ohio and his appearance at the screening of his latest film, "The Other Side," at the Cleveland Film Festival.
The film, which is also screening at Cannes and was a selection at The Athens Film Festival, The USA Film Festival in Dallas and The Taos Shorts Festival, has been hugely popular. It won the Audience Choice Award in Taos.
The film sysnopsis reads:
Work is hard, love is tough, and bullets are cheap. At a perilous crossroads in their relationship, Kate and Abby find themselves embroiled in a botched burial job in the desert. Pitted against each other, a bloodthirsty gang of meth-heads, and bodies that just won't stay dead, our lovers must face the ultimate trial to prove themselves worthy in the face of imminent danger, death... and chicken.
"I am so very proud of this film and it means so much to see how audiences are responding to the work," said Papson, who plays the leader of a gang of meth-heads in the movie. "Everyone involved gave their all and it is so cool to see your work recognized and impacting audiences. This is certainly one of the best parts of being an actor."
Papson is represented theatrically by Artistic Talent and commercially by Cunningham Escott Slevin & Doherty (CESD).


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continued from: http://newsnviews.online/news-n-views/the-golden-hour-supreme-court-steps-in/
- It is not that the Government has not been concerned. Steps are being taken, though implementation is tardy. Fifteen years after the Supreme Court directives in Parmanand Katara's case in February 2004, the Ministry issued circular letters to Transport Secretaries and Commissioners of all States to take the required steps, and to help build confidence in the public for helping road accident victims. Till date (2014), however, public confidence remains low.
- Then, there is the 201st Report (Aug 2006) of the Law Commission of India on Emergency Medical Care to Victims of Accidents:
Though the life and liberty of a person is very much protected under Part III of the Constitution (under Art. 21), and though there is a Supreme Court direction that in all accident cases irrespective of the police complaint, it is the fundamental duty on the part of the hospitals (where the injured were taken) to attend on the patients, unfortunately nothing is done in the matter. As a result, many people have been dying without any care or attention.
After a deep analysis, necessary and welcome proposals for legislation and schemes have been included.
- The National Road Safety Policy states:
The Government will strive to achieve its target that all persons involved in road accidents benefit from speedy and effective trauma care and health management. The essential functions of such a service would include the provision of rescue operation and administration of first aid at the site of an accident, the transport of the victim from accident site to an appropriate nearby hospital.
Continuing the effort, the Ministry of Transport and Highways appointed a Working Group, which gave a 22-page report7 in 2012. Some of their proposals and suggestions are good. They need to be implemented.
- In so far as post-accident medical response is concerned, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) has established trauma centres in State Government hospitals to the extent possible and during the 11th Plan, the MoHFW had identified 140 government hospitals in 16 States along the golden quadrilateral highway for establishing trauma care facilities. The scheme is proposed to be extended to another 85 government hospitals during the 12th Plan and such facilities will be located near or on the national highways.
- In order to achieve an efficient and cost effective Inclusive Trauma System, the National / State Trauma Plan must specify how the various components will operate and interact to achieve specific goals.
- EMS in India is at crossroads and much needs to be done to achieve global standards and provide timely optimal care to victims. As recommended by the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC Annual Report 2004-05), emergency healthcare facilities should be present at every 50 kms along the National and State highways.
- As per the guidelines of the National Highway Authority of India, it is mandatory to set up trauma centres every 100 The government's move to establish a trauma centre at every 100 kilometres alongside the highway system, and parking ambulances 50 kilometres apart, is welcome.
- There is also, by the Ministry, an 80-page 'Synthesis Report' (in December 2011) of four Working Groups on Education, Enforcement, Engineering and Emergency Care constituted under the National Road Safety Coucil.
- It also needs a T to T centre (see sub-topic 10 infra) at every 10-20 kilometres. An ambulance can be parked next to a TtoT, which will also operate as an information counter for trauma and related services. A standardised 'advance' signboard (as on the previous page) could be useful.
- While the Government has come up with the Report by a Working Group (2011-12) and other schemes, particularly the September 2014 Bill, two issues remain: (1) their implementation; and (2) further continuing innovation. In short, the Government has a lot to do.
Next Topic: Trauma Centre


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Many years ago an automobile dealer I knew said the secret to being happy with a new car purchase is selecting the right options – starting with the dealer. He went on to explain that the joy of owning a new car could quickly be dimmed if you do not enjoy your experience with the dealer, before, during and after the sale.
The same applies when buying new windows and doors for your home. Like a new car, a home renovation can be a big investment, with many decisions to be made and options to consider. Unlike a new car, you can't drive off the lot – we get to come to your home to install your new windows and doors. Unfortunately, that's where many window replacement companies in Massachusetts fall flat.
We've heard horror stories of window installers arriving late, tracking dirt and mud through a home, smoking, playing loud music, ripping out old windows carelessly, leaving huge gaps open for hours, and leaving the scene a mess after they leave. Or a homeowner who decides to save some money by doing the installation themselves, only to find that properly sizing, seating and sealing a window is a task beyond their skills.
That's why it is important that you are comfortable with the window company you choose to manufacture and install your replacement windows. And another reason to work with Rescom Windows.
Over the past 20 years we've developed a step-by-step process that makes the window replacement experience smooth, easy and – dare I say – enjoyable. And it should be! You are making a huge improvement in the safety and comfort of your home, and should be proud of the decision.
Here are five reasons why Rescom is your best "option" when shopping for new replacement windows:
1. We don't oversell.
Our attitude is that you want new windows and we can help you better understand your choices, the products available, and how to go about making the right decision based on facts. We think our company and our products are good enough to stand up on their own.
2. Our windows and doors are the best.
In partnering with Bristol® Windows we've selected a U.S.-based window and door manufacturer who is as persnickety about quality and value as we are. The advanced technology that Bristol puts into its products are balanced by an old-fashioned sense of craftsmanship. They work well together.
3. Every window, every door is custom fit for you.
We don't have any "off the shelf" solutions, or try to force one size window into your home by creating a larger hole in your wall. We measure carefully, manufacture precisely, and install for a perfect fit.
4. Our installation process is a breeze.
We are most proud of our installation crews and they way they perform. Our team will arrive on time and get right to work. They minimize the time between removal of your old windows and installation of a new one. They are neat, courteous, and focused on doing their job quickly and efficiently. And we always clean up after ourselves!
5. We stand behind everything we do.
Bristol Windows has a fantastic product warranty in case there is ever an issue with your windows or doors. But we take the additional step of guaranteeing our installation work as well. And, with 20 years in business, serving our neighbors, you know we'll be here for you if there is a problem or concern.
Now do you understand why my friend said the dealer was the most important option? If you'd like to explore what we can do together, call Rescom Windows at (866) 410-5884 to schedule a free, in-home consultation on our smoothly gliding, energy-efficient patio doors.


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So a few weeks ago TV3's The apprentice was filming in store. This store is Penneys or to some in Europe it is known as Primark. To those who don't know what Penneys/Primark is, it is a giant discount clothing retailer that was established in 1969 in Dublin Ireland. I myself work in the very first store. Penneys is not known for their advertising. They don't need to spend millions on it as they are such a well known retailer. They had a Christmas advert which had the slogan "Penneys do a whole lot of things for Christmas" and they occasionally publish newspaper ads but they do not spend millions on television adverts.
So here's the part I found interesting. With TV3 filming in store, obviously our bosses want our best standards shown, for all staff to look their best incase we are shown on film. There was a trick to this though. The store I work in was recently renovated and is a modernised Penneys. So the appearance is not what people remember in Ireland, as all the shops did look the same at one point. So the staff have been asked to wear t-shirts that say " I ❤ Penneys Mary street." Whether this is on purpose as product placement for the company or whether they just want to show their staff being proud to work in this company I think it is very clever and free advertisement for a specific store of a specific company.
It was safe to say we all felt like idiots wearing the t-shirts.
If you've any questions or want to be heard leave us a comment!
Suggestions are always welcome!
Courtney x


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On Sunday, my beloved Philadelphia Eagles lost their quarterback for the season when Carson Wentz tore his ACL. Good news; we're not done by any stretch, and I have some more thoughts for my son about perseverance in the face of adversity. Enjoy!
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Recurrence of prostate cancer detected earlier with innovative PSMA-ligand PET/CT
- May 06, 2015
- Comments
- Viewed: 4190
A recent study reported in The Journal of Nuclear Medicine compared use of the novel Ga-68-PSMA-ligand PET/CT with other imaging methods and found that it had substantially higher detection rates of prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) in patients with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. Discovering a recurrence early can strongly influence further clinical management, so it is especially noteworthy that this hybrid PSMA-ligand identified a large number of positive findings in the clinically important range of low PSA-values (
According to the CDC, prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men in the United States, after non-melanoma skin cancer. While many men with prostate cancer die from other causes, prostate cancer remains one of the leading causes of cancer death among men of all races. Treatment and survival after recurrence depend on many factors, but early detection of the recurrence is certainly key.
Matthias Eiber, MD, corresponding author of the study, noted, "
The study is the first to examine this highly promising PET tracer in the use of a homogeneous patient collective consisting of only those with biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy. It found superb detection rates compared to other tracers, like choline, or imaging modalities, like MRI. For patients, this means that the referring urologist can receive earlier and more precise information about the site and extent of metastatic disease. Physicians will also be better able estimate whether a PSMA-PET scan might be useful in a specific setting."
The study evaluated 248 patients with biochemical recurrence (median PSA level of 1.99ng/mL and a range of 0.2-59.4ng/mL) after radical prostatectomy. All were given contrast-enhanced PET/CT after injection of 155±27MBq Ga-68-PSMA-ligand. The detection rates were then correlated with PSA-level and PSA-kinetics. Influencing factors that were assessed include anti-hormonal treatment and primary Gleason score, as well as the contribution of PET and morphological imaging to the final diagnosis.
For 222 (89.5 percent) of the patients, the test detected higher than normal levels of PSMA. Whereas detection rates increased with higher PSA-velocity, no significant association could be found for PSA doubling-time.
In addition, the exciting news is that Ga-68-PSMA-ligand PET (compared to CT) exclusively provided pathological findings in 81 (32.7 percent) patients. In 61 (24.6 percent) patients, it exclusively identified additional involved regions. And, for those with a higher Gleason score (?7vs.?8), detection efficacy was significantly increased (P = 0.0190).
Dr. Eiber stated, "These findings will certainly enhance the use of PET in the diagnostic workup of patients with recurrent prostate cancer. When regulatory hurdles and reimbursement issues are overcome, this tracer might gain significant acceptance beyond Europe."
Authors of the article "Evaluation of Hybrid 68Ga-PSMA-ligand PET/CT in 248 Patients with Biochemical Recurrence after Radical Prostatectomy" include Matthias Eiber, Tobias Maurer, Michael Souvatzoglou, Ambros J Beer, Alexander Ruffani, Bernhard Haller, Hubert Kübler, Uwe Haberkorn, Michael Eisenhut, Hans-Jürgen Wester, Jürgen E Gschwend, and Markus Schwaiger.
About the Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging
The Society of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging (SNMMI) is an international scientific and medical organization dedicated to raising public awareness about nuclear medicine and molecular imaging, a vital element of today's medical practice that adds an additional dimension to diagnosis, changing the way common and devastating diseases are understood and treated and helping provide patients with the best health care possible.
SNMMI's more than 17,000 members set the standard for molecular imaging and nuclear medicine practice by creating guidelines, sharing information through journals and meetings and leading advocacy on key issues that affect molecular imaging and therapy research and practice.
Also in this section
- New PSA test examines protein structures to detect prostate cancers
- A better way to image metastatic prostate cancer
- Newly discovered protein may protect kidney cells from injury
- A person's diet, acidity of urine may affect susceptibility to UTIs
- Award-winning agent developed for prostate cancer diagnosis and treatment
- New treatment for polycystic kidney disease
- Kidney failure impacts survival of sepsis patients
- Urine-based test improves on PSA for detecting prostate cancer
- Unemployment linked to rise in prostate cancer deaths
- Advanced viral gene therapy eradicates prostate cancer in preclinical experiments
- Recurrence of prostate cancer detected earlier with innovative PSMA-ligand PET/CT
- Treating gum disease reduces prostate symptoms, CWRU researchers find
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(Reuters) - Enbridge Inc, Canada's largest pipeline company, said it would buy Murphy Oil Corp's Tupper Main and Tupper West gas plants in northeastern British Columbia for C$538 million ($382 million).
The deal includes the sale of plants capable of processing up to 320 million cubic feet per day, Enbridge said on Wednesday.
The assets would boost its natural gas footprint in Montney, one of the most attractive gas plays in North America, the company said.
The transaction, which is between Murphy Oil's Canadian unit Murphy Oil Co Ltd and Enbridge unit Enbridge G&P Ltd Partnership, is expected to close in the second quarter.
Murphy Oil said that, in a separate deal, it would buy working interests in some of Athabasca Oil Corp's assets in Alberta for C$475 million.
Murphy Oil will buy a 70 percent working interest in Kaybob Duvernay lands and 30 percent non-operated working interest in Montney lands, which would expand its presence in the North American unconventional shale business.
Reporting by Anet Josline Pinto in Bengaluru; Editing by Kirti Pandey and Savio D'Souza


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Preparing for the inauguration with community service
Jan. 19 - U.S. President Barack Obama begins inauguration weekend by participating in a nationwide day of community service. Deborah Lutterbeck reports
U.S. President Barack Obama kicks off his inaugural weekend joining volunteers remodeling an elementary school. The First Lady joined in as part of National Day of Service. As the President prepares to launch his second term he spoke of his hopes. . (SOUNDBITE) (English) PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING: "This is really what America is about. This is what we celebrate. This inauguration we are going to be, it is a symbol of how our democracy works and how we peacefully transfer power, but it should also be an affirmation that we are all in this together." The U.S. capital is gearing up for the inauguration ceremony. Security is tight with organizers expecting 800,000 people. While crowds are expected be less than his first inauguration, there is excitement in the air. (SOUNDBITE) (English)UNIDENTIFIED WOMAN SAYING: "I really do think he is a great president. I think his family is delightful and again just to be here for this historic occasion, I just want to pinch myself. I mean how great is this?" For weeks, workers have been building viewing stands along the parade route for visitors. The Obamas will lead the inaugural parade and later view it from in front of the White House. The hard work will come soon enough -- but for now it is all about getting the details right for an occasion that comes once every four years.


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The XSL WG took a look at the http://www.w3.org/TR/xmldsig-core/ draft, especially at the XPath and XSLT transformation sections, and had some serious concerns. The section on XPath Filtering provides a capability that has often been requested - the ability to take shape a nodeset returned by the XPath query into an XML result. We feel the model you provide will be a valuable contribution. However, as consituted, the current formulation does not use XPath in a way consistent with the XPath recommendation. We recommend a substantial redesign of this section. Notes on particular issues follow. [6.3.3 XPath Filtering] "The XPath transform output is the result of applying an XPath expression to an input string." Conceptually this is odd. XPaths is designed to be applied to XML documents, not to strings. Serious problems arise from this later on. "The XPath expression appears in a parameter element named XPath." No examples of this are shown; I assume the syntax is: <Transform Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/TR/1999/REC-xpath-19991116"> <XPath>expression/goes/here</XPath> </Transform> But the XPath element does not appear to be in the DTD. An example would be useful. "The primary purpose of this transform is to omit information from the input document that must be allowed to vary after the signature is affixed to the input document." Despite this claim, the mechanism uses an XPath to describe the information that is to be retained, instead of the information that is to be omitted. Either the mechanism or this description of what is going on should be adjusted for consistency. [22.214.171.124 Evaluation Context Initialization] "A context node, initialized to null." Without a context node, the XPath cannot be applied against an XML tree. We suggest that an XPath transform parses the document in all cases (not just when the parse() function is called), and the context node be set to the root of the parsed XML document. The context size and position can then be initialized to 1, consistent with XPointer and XSLT. "(Typically, $input is passed directly to parse(), but if $input does not contain a well-formed XML document, XPath functions such as concat() can be used before passing the result to parse())." The need for this functionality is unclear, but seems to be a motivating factor in XPath abuse throughout this section. If indeed this need must be fulfilled, it should be accomplished by a separate mechanism prior to application of XPath to the parsed (thus guaranteed well-formed) document. "An empty set of namespace declarations. (Note: It is possible to address a node by its qualified name, even though the evaluation context has not been initialized with a declaration of the namespace. The XPath language provides the functions namespace-uri() and local-name() for this purpose)." It appears quite easy in this syntax (being XML) to allow the user to declare namespaces for use within XPaths. XSLT and XLink both provide this capability. Using namespace-uri() and local-name() hinders readability and impacts performance significantly. This workaround should only be used as a last resort, and even then many feel that this mechanism is too unwieldy. We strongly recommend that a syntax for passing author-declared namespace bindnigs to the XPath evaluation context be developed. [22.214.171.124 Function Library Additions] "Function: node-set parse (stringInput, boolean LexOrder)" This function will not work as intended. The XPath BNF prevents functions from being used as a location step - they can only appear within predicates. Thus parse()/x (which appears to be fundamental to your design) is an illegal use of a function. We recommend that the parsed XML be provided to an XPath processor through the context node instead, with any necessary parsing controls specified on the XPath element (for example) and applied prior to XPath execution. "Function:string serialize(node-set); This function converts a node-set into a string by generating the representative text for each node in the node-set." Under what circumstances would the serialize function NOT be called on a node-set return? Since it appears that the vast majority (if not the entirety) of XPath Filtering operations will need to call this function, this capability should probably be built in instead of requiring the author to call it explicitly. Are the serialization constraints consistent with canonicalization? Is it inappropriate simply to say that the output is canonicalized instead of defining the exact representation here? [126.96.36.199 XPath Transform Output] "serialize(parse($input, "true")/descendant-or-self::node()[ not(self::SignatureValue and parent::Signature[@id="S1"]) and not(self::KeyInfo and parent::Signature[@id="S1"]) and not(self::DigestValue and ancestor::*[3 and @id="S1"])]" If this is the intended usage scenario (omitting descendants), perhaps a mechanism based on XSLT match patterns (a subset of XPath) should be pursued. Combined with an omission semantic instead of a retention semantic, the above might be simplified to: Signature[@id="S1"]/SignatureValue | Signature[@id="S1"]/KeyInfo | *[3][@id="S1"]//DigestValue [6.6.4 XSLT Transform] "Identifier: http://www.w3.org/TR/1999/REC-xslt-19991116" Why is this identifier used instead of the XSLT namespace? All XSLT stylesheets contain version info already. "The Transform element contains a single parameter child element called XSLT, whose content MUST conform to the XSL Transforms [XSLT] language syntax. The processing rules for the XSLT transform are stated in the XSLT specification [XSLT]." This seems quite underspecified after the XPath Filtering section. For instance, are similar parsing controls needed? If not, why are they necessary in the XPath case? Are similar serialization constraints needed? If not, why are they necessary in the XPath case? Are certain output methods required (they are optional in XSLT). [188.8.131.52 The Transforms Element] "<!ELEMENT Transform (#PCDATA)>" The definition of the "Transform" element is #PCDATA. This will not allow an XSLT stylesheet to be included. The XML Schema defines it as "element only" but does not define the content. This definition would not allow a naked XPath if that is your intent. In addition, the section mentions that the sequence of transformations can be XPath, XSLT, or some custom Java algorithm. It seems rather underspecified how this sequence of transformations interact (e.g. XSLT and XPath operate on nodes and the Java operates on ???). We look forward to working with you to resolve these issues in a way that meets your needs and is consistent, implementable, and interoperable. - Jonathan Marsh Microsoft (With contributions from Alex Milowski.)Received on Tuesday, 14 March 2000 14:42:39 UTC
This archive was generated by hypermail 2.3.1 : Tuesday, 6 January 2015 21:21:33 UTC


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More than 700 teachers, business owners, and lawmakers from across California have been in Sacramento for the past two days. They are meeting with the goal of increasing the number of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math or STEM classes offered in the state.
There are two conferences going on at the same time.
Project Lead The Way is a non-profit group that provides STEM curriculum for kids of all ages. The organization is hosting a statewide conference.
The Sacramento Metro Chamber of Commerce is hosting a local event. Dave Butler with the Chamber's education advocacy arm called NextEd says the Chamber is working to get more state funding for STEM programs.
"Project Lead The Way was established in California about ten years ago," says Butler. "But, it's grown exponentially since then. It started with about ten programs in our region. Now we have over 70 throughout the six counties. So, it's just grown like wildfire, because it works."
Annie Clegg teaches at Antelope High School in Sacramento and is the Project Lead The Way biomedical teacher of the year. She says the STEM program brings benefits beyond math and science.
"Students learn to advocate for themselves, they're effective communicators, and they're problem solvers," says Clegg. "That's what our workforce needs and that's what our world needs -students who are able to solve problems."
Attendees have made it a priority to increase the number of girls who take science and math classes. The Chamber says about one-third of STEM students are female.


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A unique folding cover that allows for full bed access. No more sacrificing bed space for security, you can get both with the Flex.
The UnderCover Flex is a hard folding truck bed cover that gives you the ultimate control of your truck bed, offering three secure riding positions. The cover is easy to remove, requires no drilling for installation, and is mounted flush with your trucks bed rails making it the most watertight hard folding cover on the market. The Flex is constructed with heavy-duty FRP panels providing more strength, durability and dent resistance than aluminum panels.
Each Flex has a bed rail mounting system equipped with rubber seals and drain tubes that carry water away from and out of the bed, keeping your gear dry and secure. The Flex is backed by a 3-year warranty making it America's favorite hard folding tonneau cover.
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Three Secure Driving Positions
100% Bed Access
Heavy-Duty Construction
FRP Top Skin Panels
Easy, No-Drill Install
Weather Resistant
UV Protective Black Finish
Made in the USA
3-Year Warranty


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Welcome to The Property Care Association » Flood Protection
The risk of flooding is growing and those who have experienced it will know it has devastating effects with long term consequences for all concerned.
Check if your property is at risk of flooding:
Members of the PCA Flood Protection Group will be able to undertake a comprehensive survey to list all the vulnerable openings and weak points within a property, and deliver a number of flood protection solutions that will protect buildings from the effects of future flooding.
The PCA has developed bespoke training for those who want to understand the process involved in the assessment of flood risk and the delivery of flood resistance and resilience. Full details here.
Further information is available for both Homeowners and Property Professionals.


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NOTE This post is one in a series on Hadoop for .NET Developers.
Hadoop is implemented as a set of interrelated project components. The core components are MapReduce, which handles job execution, and a storage layer, typically implemented as the Hadoop Distributed File System (HDFS). For the purpose of this post, we will assume HDFS is in use.
Hadoop components are implemented across a series of servers referred to as data (or compute) nodes. These nodes are where data are stored and processed.
A name node server keeps track of the data nodes in the environment, which data are stored on which node, and presents that data nodes as a singular entity. This singular representation is referred to as a cluster. If you are familiar with the term cluster from RDBMS implementations, please note that there is not necessarily any shared storage or other resources between the nodes. A Hadoop cluster is purely logical.


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I love St. Patrick's Day, so I wanted to create some special treats. For this, I headed to Pinterest to see what was out there! I was amazed at the selection. As you know, my artistic ability only goes so far, so I knew picking these three I could handle making them! I choose to create a fruit platter rainbow with a pot of gold, four leaf clover chips and for the sweet tooth, "Leprechaun Snacks." I love them all so much! I am bringing the "Leprechaun Snacks" to Caden's school for their party!
Here is my shopping trip for everything to create all three snacks!
There is something for everyone in these easy to do St. Patrick's Day treats! I have broken them down for you below so you can try themselves. If you need a last minute party idea, these together only took me an hour to create!!
Ingredients: Strawberries. Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple, Green Grapes, Blueberries (I used blackberries, just for price reasons), Rolo's, Popcorn (I used from the "leprechaun Snack) or mini marshmallows.
Instructions: Cut and arrange fruit in rainbow. Place Rolo's on the right side of the rainbow and popcorn/Marshmallows on the left side of the rainbow. Serve and enjoy.
Ingredients: Green Wraps, Spinach Dip, clover cookie cutter, salt
Instructions: On a cutting board, cut wraps into clovers. Place them on a cookie sheet and salt. Bake at 400 degrees for 6 minutes on each side. Put Spinach dip in bowl and serve on a platter!
Ingredients: Microwave Popcorn, White Chocolate, Rainbow Sprinkles, Green M&M's, party bags, tag (I printed mine from the internet, you can get as creative as you want with that)
Instructions: Pop Popcorn. Place non stick foil on cookie sheet. Hand pour popcorn onto cookie sheet making sure not to ass kernals. Melt Chocolate. Pour Chocolate popcorn and mix it together. Add Sprinkler and M&M's. Let sit about 45 minutes. Break up pieces and add them to the party bags. Add tag (I stapled the tag and put clover stickers over them to hide the staple) and deliver for a yummy snack!
Here are the finished products together!
They make any party table festive and guests will LOVE Them! Share pictures of you St. Patrick's Day treat on our facebook or Instagram page!
Happy St. Patrick's Day!


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The Mayor is the elected leader of Watford. The Mayor represents the interests of Watford residents and leads Watford Borough Council and its full range of services. The role of elected Mayor replaced the previous role of Council Leader.
Elections take place every four years. The next election will be in May 2018.
What about local councillors?
Each ward is represented by three councillors. Local elections for councillors take place independently of the Mayoral election process.
Decision making
The elected Mayor decides on which kind of decisions are taken by:
- the Mayor
- the Cabinet (known as the Executive)
- individual Cabinet members (also known as Portfolio Holders)
- officers
All key decisions must be made in public unless the matter is confidential.
Most decision making of the council is delegated to officers because of the large number of decisions that must be made.


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Chicago Medical School, Illinois
Chicago Medical School is a school located in Cook County, IL at N41.87225° W87.67783° (NAD83) and at an elevation of 593 ft MSL.
It can be seen on the USGS 1:24K topographic map Englewood, IL.
You can view this location or feature in our Topographic Map Viewer now.
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Here are some other places near Chicago Medical School that may be of interest:
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Farmstead Kitchen- Preserving the Harvest
Things are simpler on the farm this summer, without trying to fill CSA boxes each week. I cannot lie, it's a relief. When you cannot do something extremely well, it is better to let the ones who DO, do that! Hopefully you are supporting your favorite local farmer by participating in a CSA this season, or going to the farmer's market near you and patronizing your most treasured local farms. Buy as much as you can from them! They depend on this short window of the growing season to make their living. Don't just buy what you want to have for dinner- put it up! Eating local year round by preserving the summer's bounty is just so rewarding, frugal and lower carbon-footprint.
Here on the farm, the garden is growing amazingly well. I have previously done canning and freezing and drying of single ingredients, to allow for flexibility in their eventual use – like canning tomatoes, drying herbs, or freezing chopped garlic scapes. I am still doing that too, but also trying something new- freezing "leftovers." This is a very simple way to put things up- make your dinner in a slightly larger fashion with your fresh local goodies, and then freeze some of it in dinner sized portions.
Not all leftovers freeze and the reheat perfectly, and this will be a learning curve to be sure, but many leftovers do freeze extremely well. Use up all those reused plastic cottage cheese containers, label what's inside, and then mark down a "monitor freezer inventory" on your December/January calendar to remind yourself that you have all sorts of ready to use meal ideas already stockpiled. Just an idea for you as you deal with mounds of cherry tomatoes, zucchinis, peppers, green beans, kale and chard, etc. I have made and then portioned and froze giant pans of roasted herbed cherry tomatoes and zucchini chunks, braised greens (yummmmm, and this reduces the space they take up in the freezer,) and curries with all sorts of veggies. I also want to remind you this is the time of year to make a batch of herb salt which I posted here last winter.
I just started a big pan of it today and added slices of fresh garlic too, it will be divine! And it is so EASY! You can make it in any quantity, it's a great way to put those abundant summer herbs to use (and also makes a fantastic gift!) other than boring old dried herbs in the cupboard.
Don't forget fermentation as a means of preserving. You can ferment many combinations and end up with an absolutely delicious probiotic-rich condiment that will keep in the fridge for over a year!Many of the co-ops offer classes on fermentation but you can also go your own way by utilizing the DIY spirit of Sandor Katz, he has written a most inspiring book called Wild Fermentation, and there is also tons of info on his website. I hope you have a great summer full of enjoyment and the reward of capturing the season by putting up food using many methods for eating local through the year!


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"Green," "eco," "conservation," "environmental stewardship," & "sustainability" have all gone mainstream. Green is finally a force that fits our budgets, & has always fit our faith.
Momentum Bay's GREEN [BOOT CAMP] course is a fun, practical, interactive, intensive & customized overview green training course of today's most important "green" topics for individuals & families, providing relevant context for endless content.
The GREEN [BOOT CAMP] course simplifies & personalizes seemingly complex green issues so they're replicable. This sustainable living training class translates green lifestyle choices into real, relevant benefits. And, our instructors speak from a very local, personal perspective.
Momentum Bay's GREEN [BOOT CAMP] course is led by primarily Mark Alan Robinson, MBA, LEED® AP, CEM®, one of the nation's leading sustainability & strategy consultants who enjoys sharing his own & others' stories about practical, genuine, abundant & significant green living.
GREEN [BOOT CAMP] is designed by & primarily for real, everyday households -- individuals & families, as well as leaders at apartment communities, businesses, schools, churches, & other civic or social organizations. Green enthusiasts, innovators & early adopters also find that the course serves as an efficient & informative way to stay up-to-date & in-the-know.
After just a few hours, you'll come away equipped with a broad & deep understanding of the ways you can go green at work & at home, profitably & practically.
Momentum Bay's GREEN [BOOT CAMP] courses are 30-minute to 16-hour environmental boot camp courses that help individuals & households go green & become healthier physically & economically at home.
For example, when our green energy division GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS installs solar powered attic fans, solar photovoltaic systems or vertical axis wind turbines, our energy & sustainability experts offer a solar-intensive or wind-intensive GREEN [BOOT CAMP] as a value-added service, i.e., for FREE and at no additional charge to clients, because building occupants - people - and conservation are the key to unlocking a rapid payback on all green initiatives.
This "GREEN [BOOT CAMP] for Apartment Communities: A Solar Intensive" was hosted at a low-income multi-family apartment complex in Houston, Texas Saturday, November 19, 2011.
Example of course flyer:
Relevant links
Headquartered in Houston, Texas but serving clients worldwide, MOMENTUM BAY ASSOCIATES LP is a full-service management consulting firm focused on sustainability since 2002. The firm equips executives and their teams to plan green strategies and execute specific projects, primarily related to green business, green building and/or green power from strategy to procurement to messaging.
Momentum Bay is also an approved provider of mandatory continuing education (MCE) credit courses with the Texas Real Estate Commission (TREC; provider #0515).
The firm's business unit GREEN POWER 4 TEXAS is also Texas' most economical aggregator (PUC #80247), broker, consultant & distributor of offsite, onsite and managed renewable energy – from Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) and carbon offsets to utility green electricity (PUC #80247) to wind turbines and solar photovoltaic systems.