text:
ne of the first jobs for the chief information officers currently being installed at 27 federal agencies is to analyze information technology projects and determine if adequate returns are being made on investments. Tight budgets and personnel shortages have caused government organizations to heartily embrace new computer and telecommunications projects in recent years. But the papers are full of stories about failed systems strung together willy-nilly without strategic planning, budgeting and performance measurement.
Some agencies, though, are getting it right. Though they have received considerably less media coverage, these IT shops have crafted innovative, cost-effective solutions that are making significant differences in the way government serves its citizens.
The Federal Technology Leadership Awards program is designed to recognize these groups and their accomplishments. Created five years ago, the awards serve as inspiration to all aspiring to excellence in information technology. This year's 24 winning projects, selected from a field of 157 nominations submitted by government and industry, show what agencies can achieve if they are willing to scrap conventional work methods and try something different.
Programs were judged on their degree of difficulty, innovative use of technology, real cost savings and cross-agency impact. The winners range from a biometric identification system that "reads" hand prints and a magnetic source imaging technique that creates maps of brains to database management systems, bar-code scanning devices and networking efforts. Many of the projects involve making information available over the Internet. Project costs ranged from $210,000 to $26.5 million, with most falling at the low end-indicating, perhaps, government downsizing and acknowledgment that smaller plans are more manageable.
For the first time, five Federal Technology Leadership Awards went to state information technology projects. These were nominated by the Intergovernmental Enterprise Panel (IEP) in partnership with the National Association of State Information Resource Executives. IEP was chartered by the Government Information Technology Services Working Group, a federal interagency group, to improve intergovernmental service delivery to the public.
Judges for this year's Federal Technology Leadership Awards were: John B. Arthur, assistant director for administration at the Office of Management and Budget; David Borland, the Army's vice director of information systems for command, control, communications and computers; Timothy B. Clark, editor and publisher of Government Executive; Cynthia Kendall, research director at International Data Corp.'s government division; Alan Paller, president of the CIO Institute (a nonprofit organization); Anne F. Thomson Reed, acting chief information officer at the Agriculture Department; and Robert J. Woods, commissioner of the General Services Administration's Federal Telecommunications Service.
Special thanks for prescreening the nominations goes to the 1996 Executive Potential Program Cluster Group 1. The program trains promising people at the GS 13-14 level for management posts. Group members were Sharyn M. Abbott, management analyst at the Education Department's Literacy Foundation; Gary M. Campbell, civil engineer at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; David Eisenstark, financial analyst at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation; Rebecca M. Dean, telecommunications management specialist at the General Services Administration's Federal Telecommunications Service; Robert P. Gordon, contract specialist at the Energy Department; Nicholas Leivers, meteorologist at the Commerce Department's National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration; Sheryl L. Mears, contract specialist at the Transportation Department; and Lurrie V. Pope, budget analyst at the Interior Department's National Park Service.
The teams who worked on the 24 winning projects were honored at an awards ceremony on Nov. 6 at the Washington Convention Center. Following is a summary of the 1996 Federal Technology Leadership Award winners.
The Winners: Federal Aviation Administration
Three years ago, the Federal Aviation Administration's Academy for Flight Standards Service embarked on a project to provide standardized, cost-effective technical training to aircraft inspectors at decentralized locations. The goals were to reduce travel expenses associated with centralized classes and increase the flexibility of training so that inspectors could schedule it when convenient and, once involved, could proceed at their own pace.
The result was a computer-based instruction program that can be accessed via FAA's wide-area network, which is maintained by a program office in Oklahoma City. In addition to saving more than $4 million since 1993, the program has reduced training time by 30 percent and significantly raised test scores. (Deborah Wilcox, program manager, Programs & Contracts Management Branch, FAA Academy; 405-954-6790)
The Winners: Year 2000 Interagency Working Group
On Jan. 1, 2000, six-digit date fields in computer programs will read 01-01-00-causing machines to interpret the date as Jan. 1, 1900, instead of Jan. 1, 2000. This misinterpretation could cause computers to crash or, at the very least, to make costly and potentially dangerous miscalculations.
Nowhere will the so-called Year 2000 problem be more prevalent than in the federal government, where thousands of mainframes are operating on COBOL computer code written in the 1960s. The inability of that code to recognize the new millennium will affect all time-sensitive computer programs. If not addressed immediately, the Year 2000 (commonly known as Y2K) problem could have disastrous consequences.
The Year 2000 Interagency Working Group, chartered by the Office of Management and Budget, is raising awareness of the problem and helping federal organizations find the right approaches to analyzing source code, converting date fields and testing applications. The year-old group has recommended adoption of a standard for interagency date communication and has written contract language for acquiring Y2K-compliant technology. The group has sponsored several conferences in which best practices for addressing the problem were shared. (Kathleen Adams, chairperson, Y2K Interagency Working Group; 410-965-6294 www.itpolicy.gsa.gov)
The Winners: Energy Department
Within the last two years, the Energy Department's Office of Environmental Policy and Assistance has released two innovative information technology products for helping government agencies, businesses and the general public comply with environmental laws. Development costs for both were about $250,000.
The first product is RQCalculator, a user-friendly computer program that provides a fast way to calculate the "reportable quantity" of hazardous substances released into the environment. The software, which was developed using hypertext programming techniques, is available free over the Internet at www.eh.doe.gov/oepa.
The second product, EnviroText, is an on-line environmental library (available at tamora.cs.umass.edu/info/envirotext) containing more than 3 million pages of federal laws and regulations pertaining to the environment. This resource, which uses search-engine technology, has enabled the Energy Department to cancel costly contracts with private information vendors. (Gerald DiCerbo, environmental protection specialist, Office of Environmental Policy and Assistance; 202-586-5047 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Environmental Protection Agency
The mission of the Environmental Protection Agency's Office of Underground Storage Tanks is to protect the nation's groundwater from more than 2 million underground storage tanks containing petroleum or other hazardous substances. The office is responsible for giving information, training and technical assistance to states on effective tank-management programs.
EPA became aware that downsizing had seriously affected states' ability to manage millions of pieces of data, such as names of tank owners and contents, leak detection methods, tank construction materials, contamination details, cleanup technologies, types of permits issued and fee calculations. Last summer, the agency spent $580,000 to develop and implement a user-friendly relational database system called UST-Access, which has 982 data fields in 103 tables.
The system helps states manage data on tanks efficiently and cost-effectively by integrating information, eliminating redundant data entry, simplifying reporting and analyzing data. It has made it easy for states to determine levels of compliance with requirements for leak detection, corrosion protection and overflow prevention. (Lisa Lund, acting director, Office of Underground Storage Tanks; 703-603-9900 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Veterans Health Administration
Responsibility for determining who is eligible for medical benefits under the Veterans Health Administration's CHAMPVA program used to be divided among more than 200 VA medical facilities. This decentralized system led to inadequate eligibility and authorization controls, mainly because data was not being shared between facilities. Consequently, beneficiaries who no longer qualified for entitlements were rarely purged from enrollment files.
Administrative costs escalated because commercial firms were performing all claims processing. In 1987, VHA moved to centralize CHAMPVA functions by spending $7 million on integrated information systems designed to maintain program integrity, boost service and cut costs.
VHA created a database that incorporated an applications processing system supporting automated reviews and updates. It was designed to interface with VA's Master Veteran Record File and the Defense Enrollment Eligibility Recording System database. Enrollment soon was trimmed from 230,000 to 90,000, saving $62 million.
The agency integrated a document-imaging and distribution subsystem, and used artificial intelligence to create a sophisticated benefit-calculation module. These systems have saved an additional $53 million. (Charles DeCoste, director, Health Administration Center; 303-331-7500)
The Winners: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Since 1986, the Labor Department's Bureau of Labor Statistics has spent $3 million employing new technologies to collect monthly payroll data from 400,000 companies. The information is used to compile the Current Employment Statistics survey, which provides information about the U.S. economy.
Instead of collecting data via paper forms mailed by employers each month, the BLS now uses several automated data collection techniques. A data entry/voice recognition system enables company representatives to call a toll-free number and respond to recorded questions using their keypads or voices. Electronic data interchange technology enables large multi-unit firms to reduce their reporting burdens by filing directly from corporate databases. Responses also may be filed on-line via the Internet at www.bls.gov.
These automated data-collection techniques have cut BLS mailing costs and freed agency employees from labor-intensive mail handling and keypunch activities. Response rates have increased from 50 percent to 80 percent and revisions (as a result of late reporting) have been reduced by 39 percent. (Richard Clayton, branch chief, Monthly Industry Employment Statistics Division; 202-606-6520 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Immigration and Naturalization Service
In order to streamline the inspections process for people entering the United States, the Immigration and Naturalization Service developed the INS Passenger Accelerated Service System (INSPASS). The $7 million program provides speedy, automated inspections for frequent travelers considered low security risks.
Under the program, information from traveler application forms is entered into a database and checked against a multi-agency lookout system. Each applicant's hand print and fingerprint is electronically captured and stored. Approved travelers are issued INSPASS cards, which may be used to conduct automated inspections at kiosks located at ports of entry. Passengers can run their cards through a computer, which will open the gate if they are cleared to leave the airport. Immigration inspectors do periodic compliance checks on passengers.
Almost 80,000 travelers have enrolled in INSPASS since it began three years ago. The program has reduced the average inspection time from one minute to less than 30 seconds, giving inspectors more time to spend with high-risk travelers. In addition, the program has eliminated long immigration lines for many travelers. (Stacey Day, INSPASS Technical Manager; 202-307-6106)
The Winners: Veterans Affairs
In order to verify each veteran's eligibility status, the Veterans Affairs Department has to compare reported income to IRS and Social Security Administration records. Four years ago, in an attempt to improve the integrity of VA databases, the agency began using customized software and electronic data interchange technology to check reported earnings against government records.
The $26.5 million project, which consolidates two of the agency's income verification programs, centralizes collection of income data. A sophisticated imaging system places bar codes on all incoming correspondence, which is then scanned and stored on optical disks. Demographic and eligibility information is constantly updated and sent electronically to all VA medical facilities.
Results of the program have been dramatic: More than 40,000 veterans were found to have higher eligibility status than entitled. Subsequent downgrading of their positions resulted in a savings of $23 million. Approximately 24,000 veterans were identified as having insurance coverage equating to more than $26 million, which the government could collect from insurance companies. Almost 5,000 deaths were discovered and shared with other databases, and nearly 415,000 incorrect Social Security numbers were identified and are being corrected. (Alan Begbie, director, Income Verification Match Center; 404-235-1300 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Immigration and Naturalization Service
In early 1995, the U.S. Border Patrol instituted its Intelligent Computer Assisted Detection system, which automatically tracks those suspected of illegally crossing into U.S. territory. The system uses seismic, magnetic and infrared sensors to detect movement at U.S. borders. Alarm signals generated by the sensors automatically notify agents and provide information on where suspects are located. Sensor path analysis incorporates artificial intelligence to help identify and track intruders.
The system also collects information about the name of the responding agent and whether drugs or other contraband were seized. A real-time database provides instantaneous graphical analysis of illegal border crossings.
Within the last year, the system has helped INS agents apprehend 1.2 million people illegally crossing U.S. borders. (Fernanda Young, INS Assistant Commissioner for Data Systems; 202-514-4517)
The Winners: Veterans Affairs
The Magnetic Source Imaging Facility of the Joint Imaging Service at the Albuquerque Veterans Affairs Medical Center, in conjunction with the University of New Mexico and private industry, has created a new technique for measuring the magnetic signals generated by the brain's electronic activity. Magnetic source imaging (MSI) helps create a map of a patient's brain that shows where activity occurs. Such a map enables a neurosurgeon to remove as much unhealthy tissue as possible without compromising a patient's functions.
MSI is used before operations for brain tumors and epilepsy, and in the treatment of strokes, Alzheimer's disease, multiple sclerosis and other disorders. It costs less $2,000, compared to as much as $75,000 for other techniques. MSI results in shorter hospital stays, reduced physical therapy and fewer follow-up visits.
The technique is performed with a biomagnetometer, which looks like a large hair dryer and contains 122 superconducting sensors for performing analysis of brain functions. The Magnetic Source Imaging Facility is the only center in the country with a biomagnetometer. Since the facility was created as a joint venture, roughly a quarter of the $7.7 million required to develop MSI was obtained from outside of government. More than 1,500 brain studies have been performed at the facility during the last five years. (Dr. Michael Hartshorne, chief, Joint Imaging Service, Albuquerque VA Medical Center; 505-256-5711)
The Winners: Veterans Affairs
To prevent errors in administering medications to patients at the Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center in Topeka, Kan., a group of nurses, pharmacists and computer programmers teamed up to develop the Wireless Point of Care Medication System. The $350,000 system automatically checks that the right dosage of medicine is being given to the right patient at the right time.
Nurses now use lightweight, hand-held wireless terminals containing bar-code scanners to read identification badges on both patients and medications. Warning sounds and "alert" messages on computer screens indicate when medicine is about to be given to the wrong patient, or if some other mistake is about to be made.
Since implementing the system last year, the medical center reports that overall medication errors have been reduced by 60 percent. (Edgar Tucker, director, Colmery-O'Neil VA Medical Center; 913-272-3111)
The Winners: Housing and Urban Development Department
With the help of public housing authorities across the country, the Department of Housing and Urban Development set out two years ago to create a communications system that would make community planning and housing project information readily available to city planners, community residents, architects, builders, schools and libraries. After consolidating four major programs into one, HUD spent $300,000 to create a software package that handles complicated data and arranges it on maps so that it can be easily understood.
The maps, which are available on the World Wide Web at www.hud.gov, show where local governments plan to make investments using HUD funds. More than 150 data elements are included, such as income levels, unemployment rates and the number of homeless people.
The project has eliminated duplication of effort by various governments and neighborhood organizations. It also has reduced paperwork and increased efficiency at HUD's Office of Community Planning and Development. In 1995, for instance, the office administered 82 percent more program funds with 20 percent fewer staff members. (Richard Burk, director, HUD's community connections division; 202-708-2504)
The Winners: Internal Revenue Service
One of the most innovative sites on the Internet's World Wide Web belongs to the IRS (www.irs.ustreas.gov). Developed in just four months with a budget of about $400,000, the site offers an easy way for taxpayers and tax preparers to get information 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
The home page looks like a retro tabloid newspaper and offers electronic links to regulatory information, tax publications and IRS press releases. About 600 different kinds of tax forms are available, in addition to a section on frequently asked questions and summaries of more than 150 tax topics. Net surfers can obtain everything from disaster-relief assistance to tax kits for new businesses via the Web site. E-mail queries are answered quickly by IRS staffers standing by at the other end.
The IRS Web site was developed last year using SGML (standard generalized markup language), a powerful data format available with three types of customized user interfaces. Within its first six months of operation, the site had more than 66 million "hits," or visitors, and about 2.5 million forms were downloaded. (Linda Wallace, IRS electronic information services team leader; 202-927-4288 email@example.com)
The Winners: Defense Mapping Agency
Three years ago, the Defense Mapping Agency set out to provide integrated, electronic views of battle spaces that could be shared in near-real time by war fighters, planners, policy makers and supporting groups. The agency accomplished this goal by standardizing the geospatial data required to mount joint military exercises.
Using IDEF (integrated CAM definition languages) methodologies, DMA created data models that were consistent with all databases in the DoD community. The result was a suite of standard data elements that describe significant geospatial objects. Such standardized data helps minimize confusion, errors and casualties during military operations. (Jacob Teller, project manager, interoperability division, Acquisition and Technology Group; 301-227-2771)
The Winners: Navy
The Naval Oceanographic Office (NAVOCEANO) at Stennis Space Center in Mississippi is responsible for collecting and interpreting a vast amount of data about the world's oceans. The information is used for navigational purposes and to predict the effects of oceans on naval weapons systems.
Four years ago, NAVOCEANO began developing an $11 million integrated database management system to store and analyze 150 years worth of ocean information. A collection of commercial, off-the-shelf networked servers was combined with database management software to produce a repository of digital information that is used by all the military services. Data categories include gravity, water depth, geomagnetics and acoustics.
Data requests that used to take weeks now can be answered in hours. In addition, the database management system has enabled NAVOCEANO to save about 90 percent of the money it used to spend on software development. The system is the cornerstone of the Hydrographic Source Assessment System being developed to couple NAVOCEANO's data with information from the Defense Mapping Agency and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (Robert Starek, IDBMS program manager, NAVOCEANO; 601-688-5189 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Interior Department
In response to a National Performance Review initiative to consolidate networks and meet increasing demand for more interconnectivity and bandwidth among federal agencies, the Interior Department established the Alaska Regional Telecommunications Network (ARTNet) last year. The wide-area network project, which thus far has cost $210,000, enables organizations to eliminate expensive and redundant dedicated data-communications lines and modem connections.
ARTNet, which is open to all government agencies in Alaska, connects Juneau, Fairbanks and Anchorage to each other with the Interior Department's DOINet high-speed connections. Participants include the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Bureau of Land Management, the Forest Service and the U.S. Geological Survey.
Communications costs for participants have been cut an average of 44 percent as a result of bandwidth being consolidated on a large backbone network. Network capacity and interconnectivity, meanwhile, have improved substantially. (Daniel Healey, ARTNet project coordinator; 907-271-4444 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Federal Supply Service
As part of its reinvention program, the Federal Supply Service opened an Internet site designed to make it easy for federal purchasers to buy goods from GSA schedules. The 1-year-old GSA Advantage site (www.gsa.gov) is an on-line shopping mall offering 4 million products from 7,000 vendors on 130 government schedules. Buyers can use the point-and-click ordering system to purchase everything from copiers to cars.
Shoppers can quickly search for products, compare prices, obtain billing history and document all transactions. Many products ordered electronically can be shipped within 24 hours, thus enabling agencies to keep low inventories and eliminate warehouses. Customers can pay for purchases with GSA Activity Address Codes, IMPAC credit cards or EDI purchase orders.
GSA Advantage has reduced the average cost to issue a purchase order from $30 to less than $9. In addition, Federal Supply Service employees no longer have to deal with orders submitted with illegible handwriting, transposed product numbers or out-of-date catalog data. (William Gormley, assistant commissioner, FSS Office of Acquisition; 703-305-7901 firstname.lastname@example.com)
The Winners: Defense Department
The Defense Department's Computer/Electronic Accommodations Program (CAP), started six years ago, procures adaptive computer and telecommunications gear for employees with disabilities. Such equipment includes voice-recognition systems, Braille printers, screen-magnification software and scanners with voice output.
Before 1990, Defense agencies had to purchase adaptive equipment with their own money. But now that the equipment is centrally funded, DoD says costs of accommodation are no longer a factor in deciding whether to hire disabled workers.
CAP's large-quantity purchasing has significantly reduced DoD spending on accommodations equipment.
CAP has fulfilled more than 9,000 requests for accommodations. Workers' compensation claims have dropped because fewer disabled employees are taking time off. The program even has helped employees avoid disability retirement. (Dinah Cohen, CAP director; 703-681-3976 firstname.lastname@example.com http://www.ha.osd.mil )
The Winners: Agriculture Department
More than 25 million people are eligible for $2 billion worth of food stamps each month. These coupons must be printed, placed in booklets and distributed across the country. In the process, some are lost and others are stolen. Food stamp recipients redeem them at one of 200,000 participating food retailers. After that, the coupons are processed by more than 10,000 banks and then destroyed by the Federal Reserve.
The process is time-consuming and cumbersome. To streamline the Food Stamp Program, the Agriculture Department's Food and Consumer Service has been working for the last decade to replace paper coupons with an electronic benefit transfer program. Using a subset of electronic data interchange technology known as electronic funds transfer, USDA links communications networks to point-of-sale terminals, retailers, financial institutions, automated clearinghouses and government offices.
Such links enable food stamp recipients in five states to redeem benefits electronically. All states will participate by 2002. The collaborative effort between USDA, state governments and the private sector is relieving administrative burdens and reducing fraud and theft. (Joseph Leo, deputy administrator for management, Food and Consumer Service; 703-305-2030 email@example.com)


text:
As If I Held The World
There's a game I recall playing with rubber bands as a kid. It involved holding one end between your fingers, and giving the other end to a friend. We would then alternate taking steps backwards, flinching as the band stretched tighter and tighter. The thin strip of rubber would quiver under the pressure, until finally, it snapped.
Faith can feel a lot like that at times. Circumstances stretch us, painfully so. And like some medieval torture device, we feel as if we are just one step away from being ripped apart.
My own journey of faith has recently had me feeling the tug, particularly in the area of finances. The strain of financial pressure had created an uncomfortable tightness in my chest. Now God's Word tells us to find our security in Christ. Mentally, I agreed with that statement. After all, Jesus says not to worry about what we eat or drink – that if he provides for the birds and flowers he will meet our needs as well. In theory it sounds nice. Yet in reality, my security was only as deep as the balance of my bank account. Unfortunately for my faith, I have pretty shallow pockets.
This unavoidably resulted in a Christianity that was stunted in growth and limited in power. I did not realize my malady for a long while. It took a financial crisis to expose the true source of my dependence. God recently used this circumstance to teach me two lessons. On the first occasion God exposed the disease of my heart. On the second, he provided a cure.
I tend to be a level headed person. Patient, not easily ruffled. But when I saw the status of my bank account not long ago, I am embarrassed to admit I kind of lost it. Yahweh had to put up with a bit of a tantrum for a while as I vented my stress, frustration, and doubt. Then, once I was completely spent, he spoke to me. He asked only a single question, but it was deep enough – personal enough – to shake my whole reality.
"So, Mark, you only trusted me when you had $_____ amount of money in the bank?"
Just like that I was face to face with what Jesus calls Mammon, the false god of money. I realized that lately I had been talking a big game about trusting in God and putting my faith in him. But when my resources dipped below a certain limit, my "faith" began to unravel. Of course God's words exposed the truth: if such was the case, my faith had never been in him at all.
I wonder how many Christians bow down daily at the alter of Mammon, while claiming with their lips to honor God. It is such an easy trap to fall into. Yet ask yourself this, if you woke up tomorrow and your funds had evaporated, would you then doubt God's providence? If you had no material resources whatsoever, would you question his plan? Would you deny his ability to supply your needs?
Jesus' stories of the Rich Young Ruler and the rich man's storehouses can lead us to a dangerous assumption: that only the rich idolize money. In many ways, the poor are just as enslaved to it. Why else would the New Testament writers warn us so often of the snares of wealth and greed? Recently I heard a pastor say that the best attitude to have towards money in light of God's Word is that it is a stick of lit dynamite! I think he's right. Consider these passages:
"But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs."
"Come now, you rich, weep and howl for your miseries which are coming upon you. Your riches have rotted and your garments have become moth-eaten. Your gold and your silver have rusted; and their rust will be a witness against you and will consume your flesh like fire."
Paul says that by foolishly pursuing financial gain, there were Believers who abandoned their faiths and were pierced by countless sorrows! And James has sobering words for those who place their comforts in material wealth and prosperity. In fact, the majority of those Scriptures in the New Testament that talk about money, when they are not focusing on its destructive, addictive nature, focus primarily on one thing. Can you guess? Giving it away. And why not? What better way to show that it does not own us? And Scripture is clear that all Christians should give generously, whether rich OR poor! (2 Cor 8,9)
Oddly, Scripture does not seem to leave much room for middle ground. There are those who hoard their wealth, worshiping it and putting their trust in it, and there are those who use their resources to bless others, in obedience to God's Word. Biblically speaking, God does not provide us with money so that we can bless ourselves.
At any rate, I'm getting side tracked. I already explained that God clearly showed me this idolatry of heart. After a few days of letting that revelation sink in, he provided the remedy.
I was standing at my kitchen sink, looking out the window, and talking to God about my current situation. I expressed that I genuinely wanted to put my trust in him, not my shallow resources, but I was still feeling anxiety. I did not know what sort of attitude to take towards my dilemma either. Indifference? That seemed foolish. Then Jehovah asked me another question.
"Mark, how would you feel if instead of $____, you had twenty thousand dollars in the bank? How would you feel if you were set financially for the next 10 months?"
I admitted that I would feel much better if that were so.
"Do you forget that in me, you are provided for, not just for the next ten months, but for all the years of your life? Your resources may be limited, but mine are limitless, and if you are in me, then you have access to all the riches of the world, which belongs to me. Have I not said I will supply all your needs?"
It was as if I had been carrying a sack of rocks that was suddenly lifted from my shoulders. I felt lighter. Most importantly, I felt a surge of confidence and trust in God. I was reminded of the words of Paul, that we should not put our hope in money, "Which is so uncertain, but… hope in God, who richly provides us with everything." In Christ I have access to untold riches, not only materially, but spiritually as well, and yet for so long I have failed to take God at his Word and believe what he says! If the roots of our faith are only as deep as our pockets, we will have a shallow faith indeed. If instead we recognize the truth that Christ has put all things into our hands, why then we will become immovable, unshakable, dauntless; as our roots dig deep into the heart of the world.
In closing, I share some incredible thoughts on this matter from George Müller, a mighty warrior of faith.
"God's way leads always into trial. The Lord was saying by this poverty, 'I will now see whether you truly lean upon me.' Of all seasons I had passed through I never knew any period in which my faith was tried so sharply…"
Faith, with every fresh trial either increases by trusting in God, and thus getting help, or it decreases by not trusting Him; and then there is less and less power of looking simply and directly to Him, and a habit of self-dependence is begotten. One or the other of these will always be the case. Either we trust in God, and in that case we neither trust in ourselves, nor in our fellow-men, nor in circumstances, nor in anything besides; or we DO trust in one or more of these, and in that case do NOT trust in God…
The believer should not shrink from situations in which his faith may be tried; but should cheerfully embrace them as opportunities where he may see the hand of God stretched out on his behalf, to help and deliver him, and whereby his faith may be strengthened.
* Mark Zellner is a friend of mine, fellow writer, and an inspiring poet. He posted this up on his facebook a couple of weeks back and I was really challenged and wanted to share it with you. If you want to read any more of his writings hop on over to his blog: http://forestinabottle.blogspot.com

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Ace filmmaker Shankar has unveiled the first look of Amy Jackson from his upcoming magnum opus "2.0", and she truly looks like a fierce and sexy character. Amy has completely nailed the look. She is said to be playing a Robot in this 'out of this world' film.
Shankar has given an update that they have just commenced the shoot of the last remaining song, a special dance number in the sci-fi film.
It is known that the sensational first looks of both Rajinikanth and Akshay Kumar were unveiled earlier.


text:
OXFORD The Oxford Village Board discussed concerns regarding sewage and water movement between the east and west sides of the village last week.
Currently, the sewer line runs directly below and parallel to the Main Street bridge, which is undergoing a complete reconstruction. Plans have now been made to put the sewer line under the river as the new bridge is being built.
Wastewater Commissioner Greg Ross stated that there are potential risks having the line run below the river, such as sludge settling at the bottom, although he does not expect them.
The village isnt driving this train, said Mayor Terry Stark, in reference to the countys involvement. But if it doesnt work, well have something saying that theyll be back to fix it.


text:
LTF, which stands for Live To Fight, is working with martial arts, combat sports and the entire MMA community to combat those hit hard by cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.
Kristen Brown, president and CEO of Live To Fight, Inc., is featured in the video below, along with stories of survival that the charity has worked with.
MMA notables Chris Weidman, the reigning UFC middleweight champion, and Jim Miller are also part of LTF team. Both are set for action next Saturday at UFC 168.


text:
The Pentagon and the NSA are in a fury over the growing independence movement in Cascadia. Cascadia which is regarded by many as the Scotland of North America.
Cascadia is nestled in the Pacific Northwest from the redwoods of California and northward to Oregon and Washington, crossing the U.S. border into British Columbia in Canada. The region is a hot bed of independent thought, resistance to the oil and coal industries as well engaging avidly in the un-american sport of Soccer. They even have the gall to call their teams FC's or Football Clubs. Cascadians also display and wave their blue, white and green Douglas Fir emblazoned flag instead of the U.S. flag. Anne Coulter would be rolling in her grave if she was actually dead.
Other un-American activities Cascadians engage in include participating in highland games, ecological activities, drinking micro-brew beer and abstaining from corporate owned fast foods and GMOs.
The crux of the problems is that many young Cascadians refrain from watching corporate owned news,they prefer reading independent sources of media. The fact they have become resistant to corporate media is of great concern to the NSA and the Pentagon. The Cascadian Independence Movement has even crossed generational lines and is fostering support from many segments of society in the Pacific Northwest.
The growing estrangement between Cascadians and the U.S. government has been over multiple issues such as a disproportionate military presence in the region, ecological issues, sustainability, the growing trend of the Cascadia Region divorcing itself from fossil fuels,and it's budding green energy sector which will harm oil company profits.
Other issues include devaluation of the U.S. Dollar, lack of representation in the U.S. Government as well as resentment towards a corporate owned government. The Cascadians prefer a grass roots democracy where the people are represented equally without regard for corporate sponsored politicians.
The Pentagon has vowed to crush the Cascadian insurrection but they army has yet to figure out how to crush a resistance of non-cooperation or how to assassinate ideals .


text:
Associate Professor
Stuart Gilmour is an Associate Professor at the Department of Global Health Policy in the University of Tokyo. He graduated with a degree in mathematical physics from the University of Adelaide, Australia before pursuing postgraduate studies in public health and statistics. Stuart has worked in public health and health policy research in Australia, the UK and Japan. He joined the University of Tokyo in 2011, and has been active in research into the health impact of the Great East Japan Earthquake since then. His research interests also include monitoring progress to universal health coverage, aging and non-communicable diseases.


text: Hi All I'm having a problem with playing a NTSC game on my PAL Wii. I have a Drivekey modchip and ran regionfrii on the ISO before burning it. But when I insert the disk in the Wii I get a error screen 'Please remove disk and turn off console' Am I missing a step here or something? TIA


text:
PLC Skills Assessments
using the PLC Test Device (PLCTD)
Our PLC Test Device (PLCTD) is engineered to test and evaluate hardware technicians and PLC programmers. It will identify the troubleshooting skills of industrial equipment maintenance personnel. Much more than a written aptitude test, the PLC Testing Device is hands on, providing direct feedback from a test panel.
There are varying degrees of assessment difficulty. The assessment protocol used is a function of the skill set you need to identify.
The PLC Testing Device simulates an industrial control panel running a packaging line. It runs a Siemens motor starter circuit, uses an Allen-Bradley MicroLogix 1200 PLC Test Panel, and employs a Laptop computer running an RSLogix 500 control program.
The testing device evaluates job candidates and incumbents in the positions of maintenance personnel, technicians, and programmers responsible for the upkeep and troubleshooting of automated production lines and automated production equipment. It provides a clear indication of candidates' PLC troubleshooting strengths and weaknesses.
Lower the Risk & Cost of Hiring by Identifying Skills Prior to Hire
As the skills shortage grows more acute each year and margin pressures mount, it's more critical than ever before to make the right hiring decision. Our validated Manufacturing Skills Assessment Program, using portable assessment machines and a Hands-On, Performance-Based methodology, identifies the most skilled, most capable, and most trainable candidates and incumbents.
Hands-On, Performance-Based
Identifying and quantifying skills prior to hire is the single most effective means to insure a quality, highly productive hiring decision. This solution provides a Return-On-Investment over 100% the first year of implementation. These industrial skills assessments have been administered over 1,000,000 times generating savings in excess of $10 billion for our manufacturing clients.
The efficacy of the assessment program has been confirmed by over three dozen validation studies conducted by Industrial/Organizational PhD's and by over forty-five years of success driving productivity in the field.
In addition to the uses / capabilities listed above, the PLC Assessment Program can be used to issue college credit for participants based on the assessment score achieved.


text:
Find a study and commentary on Psalm 27 at WhatChristiansWantToKnow.com, BibleStudyTools.com and IVPress.com. BibleStudyTools.com features analysis from "The Matthew Henry Commentary of the Whole Bible." The websites also offer interpretation of many other biblical passages.Continue Reading
Psalm 27 is a declaration of belief in God's greatness and provision. Christians and Jews believe that King David wrote the psalm. What Christians Want to Know is a Christian ministry for people who want to grow in their faith. BibleStudyTools.com is a for-profit corporation that seeks to support the Christian church. IVPress.com is the website for InterVarsity Press, a publishing company with headquarters in Westmont, Illinois.Learn more about The Bible


text:
I've mentioned my love for Klorane shampoos before on this blog. They have a wide range of shampoos and they'll most definitely be one to suit your hair type. These two I find to be perfect during winter.
Klorane Mango Butter Shampoo
This rich formula is well suited to dry hair. Mango is traditionally used for its nourishing properties which makes this shampoo perfect for tresses which are parched. The shampoo is gentle yet manages to restore glossiness back into hair. As you can imagine the scent is divine and really awakens the senses. My hair can get quite oily so I only use this shampoo a few times a week. However I have noticed that even though this is aimed at dry hair, it doesn't make mine any oilier any quicker. If your tresses have a tendency to become tangled this is a perfect shampoo for you. An all round effective product that would be perfect for all members of the family.
Klorane Citrus Pulp Shampoo
When the weather gets colder my hair can get drier. Probably down to central heating, the hairdryer and a whole host of other reasons. I notice the it can lack the usual shine and vitality. This is why I love this shampoo. It cleanses gently so it's kind to the scalp but contains a slightly acidic pH, in return adding shine back into hair. Citrus pulp is revitalising and you will notice the glossy shine restored in your hair. If you haven't tried Klorane yet I highly recommend it, the formulas are so gentle yet effective.
Klorane will continue to be a staple in my bathroom cabinet.
Have you tried Klorane products?
Get The Gloss- Klorane Shampoo
Powered by Blogger.


text:
AstraZeneca pays $68.5 million in Seroquel marketing case
Pharmaceutical giant AstraZeneca on Thursday agreed to pay $68.5 million to settle allegations that it inappropriately marketed the drug Seroquel for off-label uses, multiple states' authorities announced.
The settlement will be split among 37 states, making it the largest multi-state settlement from a pharmaceutical company in U.S. history, according to the Bureau of National Affairs. States had charged AstraZeneca with marketing the drug, which is approved to treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, for use on elderly patients with dementia, among others. In the lawsuit, states also claimed the company hid the nature of the drug's side effects from healthcare providers.
AstraZeneca has denied any wrongdoing. A company spokesman said that the settlement was paid in order to "bring these matters to a close and move forward with our business of providing medicines to patients." Last year, the company paid the U.S. a $502 million settlement in a separate case involving the marketing of Seroquel.


text: Poll: Americans Hate Syria Intervention Even More Than Congress A Reuters/Ipsos poll released on Saturday showed that the American people are even less enthusiastic about intervention in Syria than they are about Congress. While Congress continues to maintain its brutally low 15 percent approval rating, just 9 percent of Americans think that the Obama administration should get involved militarily in the quagmire that is Syria. Even if Assad used chemical weapons, the number of Americans approving military action rose to just 25 percent. The White House has already signaled this week that military action against Syria is imminent, despite a lack of any Congressional authorization.


text:
Snow chances grow stronger
Snow is a 50-50 proposition in Montgomery County this week, and the final odds depend on where an upper low winds up.
After an Arctic front blew through the area early Tuesday - and lowered the temperature by almost 30 degrees in a matter of hours - The National Weather Service office in Dickinson adjusted its forecast by increasing the chance and amount of the winter precipitation.
As much as three inches of snow could accumulate in parts of the county, said NWS Meteorologist Paul Lewis. Just 24 hours earlier, the weather service forecast a 30-percent chance and no more than an inch of snowfall.
Flurries could begin Thursday afternoon, and gradually increase throughout the day. The chance of snow could reach 60 percent by midnight, Lewis said.
Whether that scenario develops depends on an upper low streaking in from the west.
"If it stays to the north, the chance for snow stays lower," Lewis said. "But if it comes right on top of you, the amount of snow could be much greater."
A 50-percent chance of snowfall with light accumulation is forecast Friday. The chance should drop to 20 percent after midday.
With lows expected to remain in the lower 20s through Friday night, the Texas Department of Transportation will spray magnesium chloride on all the bridges in the county, starting at 8 a.m. today. The chemical helps prevent ice from forming on bridges and overpasses.
"With two trucks it takes us all day," said David Jeffreys, assistant maintenance supervisor for TxDOT's Montgomery Area office. "We've got nine trucks with the crystal magnesium chloride and sand, if we have to hit any hot spots."
Texas Department of Public Safety troopers will provide escort for the TxDOT trucks to expedite the spraying today. Trooper Erik Burse with the DPS Conroe office is recommending residents keep driving to a minimum if the snow arrives.
"If you have to travel, take the most direct route," he said. "Travel in groups and not in individual vehicles."
School may be affected by adverse road conditions. Police officers with the Conroe Independent School District will hit the roads at 4 a.m. each day to see if they are safe and passable, CISD Director of Communications Kathy Clark said.
The school district tries to make a decision by 5 a.m. on whether to have classes, she said.
"We need the time to notify parents and media," Clark said. "But, right now, the plan is to have school."
However, before schools, cities and other agencies worry about snow, they have to deal with freezing temperatures. While today's high is expected in the mid-30s, north winds of 10-15 mph will contribute to lows around 20 degrees.
Clark said school custodians will report to work two hours early to make certain students find a warm classroom.
"All the pipes have been protected, and the sprinkler systems on the athletic fields have been drained to protect them," she said.
The Salvation Army at 304 Avenue E in Conroe plans to use almost every available space - including the chapel- to accommodate anyone seeking refuge from the cold. The Army opened its doors earlier than normal Tuesday because of the cold conditions. About 25 people were in the building by 3 p.m., said Nora Tatum, the Salvation Army's office manager.
The cold front that slashed through the area between 4-6 a.m. Tuesday knocked down trees that interrupted service to more than 1,000 Entergy Texas customers.
Fallen trees outside the utility's right of way were the reason for the largest two outages. At 6:33 a.m., more than 500 customers in the Riverwalk subdivision near Porter lost power. Twenty minutes later, another 435 customers in Shenandoah were in the dark.
Except for a few, power was restored to Entergy Texas customers by 6 p.m.
The Beaumont-based utility has contracted 20 electrical workers as a precaution to the forecast conditions.
"It's just in case we get hit really bad the next couple of days," said Renee Powers, Entergy's customer service representative in Conroe.
High winds were responsible for knocking over a power line in Precinct 1. Commissioner Mike Meador said his employees removed five trees blown over into the roads.
Howard Roden can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
We are a small team from germany who loves playing
and creating games. We are doing casual mobile
games playable just with the tips of you thumbs.
We hope you like our games
and have a lot of fun with it!
Please follow us on Facebook or Twitter.
If you need support for our games
or just want to contact us, please mail to:
ThumbFire . Rainer Michael & Thorsten Diessner GbR
Hedwig-Bollhagen-Str. 18 . 30519 Hannover . Germany
VAT number: DE266723084
Company registration number: 26/232/85300


text:
Nelson Crest is now ready for the Summer Patriotic Holidays too!!!
I will be linking up to these Patriotic parties!!
Yankee Doodle Party
Celebrate the USA Linky Party
Blooms on my Forsythia that we keep trimmed back.......
Even though we have signs of Spring.......
We also had some of this on Sunday morning!!!
But this is actually not unusual for April in NEPA!!
And this is what our weather will look like for the next week!!!
Spring in NEPA!!!
Gotta love it!!!
We got spoiled in March!!
I hope you will come by and visit again!!
And thanks to those who took the time out of their busy day to spend a little bit of time with me!!
If you do not have a blog, PLEASE give me some way to reply to your comment, maybe by including your email in your comment. If I can not find a way to reach you, I will reply on the post where you commented so please check back......
Wake Up Wednesdays
Ducks in a Row Wonderful Wednesdays Blog Hop
Wow Us Wednesday
Sizzle into Summer Party
Talk of the Town Party
Party in Your PJ's
Dream Create Inspire Link
The Homemaking Party
It's a Party
Share Your Style Thursday Link Up Party
Home and Garden Party Thursday
Share Your Cup Thursday
Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop
Inspired Creations Linky Party
My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday
Idea Box- Thursday Linky Party
Thoughts of Home on Thursday
Grace at Home Party
Vintage Charm
Simple and Sweet Fridays
The Creative Exchange
Home Sweet Home Friday
Friday Features Linky Party
Foodie Friday and Everything Else
Home Matters Linky Party
Funtastic Friday
Friday Favorites
Welcome to the Weekend Blog Hop
What To Do Weekends
Friday's Five Features Party
Flaunt It Fridays
Five Star Frou Frou Party
Pink Saturday
Best of the Weekend Party
The Creative Collection Link Party
Simple Saturdays Blog Hop
Saturday Sparks
Share It One More Time Sundays
DIY SHowcase
Snickerdoodle Sunday
Sundays at Home
Share It Sunday
Bouquet of Talent Linky Party
Silver Pennies Sunday
Happiness is Homemade Linky Party
Inspiration Mondays
Busy Monday
What'd You Do This Weekend?
Cooking and Crafting with J & J
Metamorphosis Monday
Make It Pretty Monday
Blue Monday
Tea Time,Cottage and Garden Blog Party
Show and Share Party
No Place Like Home Party
Please take some time to visit these terrific hosts and all those joining in on the fun!


text:
|Page (1) of 1 - 10/18/11
|email article
|print page
North Africa Oil & Gas Summit: region ready for new business and investmentsMadrid meeting end October unites key stakeholders (October 18, 2011)
With oil flows in Libya resuming soon and as well as security levels and operations across the region, the annual North Africa Oil & Gas Summit will gather more than 350 leading stakeholders in the region's industry in Madrid from 25-27 October.
The director of the North Africa Oil & Gas Summit, Sladjana Franovic says: "timing of the event is perfect for the industry as this is very important period for Libya and the whole region. For the first time since the crisis in North Africa, international oil & gas operators and service providers with large interest in the region will have the opportunity to meet the new leaders of national oil companies (NOCs) and discuss investment potential, upcoming licensing rounds and challenges facing the region's oil and gas industry."
Main themes in the North Africa Oil & Gas Summit programme include:
* The changing dynamics of the Post-Arab-spring region - resuming oil flows in Libya and setting the scene for regional recovery
* North African oil and gas investment environment; discussing market trends, growth opportunities, price forecasts and future industry prospects
* Looking at NOC-IOC relations in the MENA region and assessing sustainable and profitable ways forward
* Operational challenges, safety and risk management in North Africa
* Latest regional developments - technology showcases, new projects and future licensing rounds
* Unlocking renewable energy potential in North Africa
* LNG and CNG as competitive solutions to develop and commercialise natural gas reserves
* Global oil and gas market dynamics and the role of North Africa: understanding implications of the global market on the North African region
Speaker highlights include:
* Mohamed Akrout, President and CEO of the National Oil Company of Tunisia (ETAP)
* Nemesio Fernandez-Cuesta, Executive Vice President Exploration & Production, Repsol
* Luis Travesado, Managing Director Exploration & Production, CEPSA
* Mohamed Ould Bahiya, General Manager, Societe Mauritanienne des Hydrocarbures (SMH)
* Mounir Bouazis, VP Commercial MENA region, SHELL
* Zalmay Khalilzad, Former US Ambassador to the UN, IRAQ AND AFGHANISTAN, Counselor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies
Event dates:
25 October: Shale and tight gas workshop
26-27 October: Conference
Event location: Hotel Melia Castilla, located near to the Paseo de la Castellana, Madrid
Event website: www.northafricasummit.com
For more information, interviews and media accreditation:
Communications manager: Annemarie Roodbol
Tel. +27 21 700 3558
Fax. +27 21 700 3501
Mobile: +27 82 562 7844
Email: [email protected]
Page: 1
Related Keywords:North Africa Oil & Gas Summit, Madrid, Spain, Libya, Arab Spring, ETAP, Tunisia, CEPSA, Repsol, oil & gas industry, upstream, downstrea, licencing rounds


text:
It's not really a complicated project. I decided to do some weekend clean up of my office desk before I went home last Friday for the weekend. And while a mug is usually seen in the kitchen for your morning dose of caffeine (I have a separate one for coffee), I use this for a different purpose: something to hold pens, markers and other desk supplies. Yeah, I am a paralegal-slash-human bookstore!
|Yeah, I might be working as a paralegal, but I was and
still am a writer first prior to that. This is the proof.
The project was just easy-peasy. I just wanted to transform my ceramic mug from being plain, boring white to a lively one. And the trick was accomplished by using the stash of washi tapes that I have in my craft box. I bought those from an online store, Paper Blush. I've used those materials for other do it yourself projects (particularly with scrapbooking) but last week was my first attempt at using it for something fragile (READ: breakable).
It was kind of a struggle the first few tries especially that I am a bit OC when it comes to the alignment (shallow, I know!) But after an hour of trial and error (I just realized afterwards that I should have bought a mug with an even cylinder shape), it was worth the struggle because the end result looked good. I just ended up getting the look that I wanted. Not to forget, the project was a good stress and boredom reliever too.
I tried locating more DIY projects using washi tapes on the internet and found a lot. I just have to select a few though and see for myself what I can produce out of those colorful things -- and it will also be posted here :-)
Follow Paper Blush on Instagram: @paperblushph
Follow Paper Blush on Instagram: @paperblushph
You can also check out available designs and other products on their website: www.paperblushph.com


text:
SPLASH into Savings!
- 10% off Orders over $55 . Use Promo Code P10
- 15% off Orders over $169 . Use Promo Code P15
Arte Italica Chianti Collection
There are no products matching the selection.
The Chianti Collection by Ate Italica is popular for its authenticity and delicate looks. This collection is inspired by Tuscan countryside crockery and its stunning wine harvest. Every single piece is hand-painted with great detail and is handmade in Italy. This arte italica chianti collection houses dinnerware like plates, cereal bowls, mugs, serving bowls, salad bowls, platters and rectangular trays. Every single piece reflects the true culture of the Tuscan countryside and will reflect greatly on your dinner table. You can assemble the whole collection or blend them with other Arte Italica products, to create an unmatchable combination of dinnerware for your beautiful home.


text:
This creamy, garlicky spaghetti squash may not taste anything like actual spaghetti. But after you've had some, I doubt you'll miss the original. The mild goat cheese adds creaminess while the acidity of the lemon nicely cuts through the garlic and olive oil. This delicious spaghetti squash is a great sidekick to any main, but it plays especially well with meatza, for the classic pizza and pasta pairing.
- 8-10 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 bunch parsley, chopped
- 3 Tbsp butter
- 3/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp pepper
- juice of one lemon
- goat cheese (approx. 11 0unces – 1 large log or 2 small ones)
- 1 large spaghetti squash
1) Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
2) Pierce the entire squash several times with a fork to create small holes all over (helps release steam while baking).
3) Place the squash on a baking sheet and bake whole for 1 hour (for a large squash).
4) While squash is baking, heat a pan over medium high heat and add butter.
5) Once butter has melted, turn down the heat to low and add the garlic. Sautee for approximately 10 minutes.
6) Add the parsley, olive oil, and salt and pepper and heat for another 3 minutes.
8) Take pan off heat and set aside.
9) Once the squash has finished baking, remove it from the oven and cut it in half lengthwise.
10) Scoop out all seeds with a large spoon – either reserve for roasting or discard.
11) Use a fork to scrape the inside of the squash, creating strands of "spaghetti.".
12) Leave the spaghetti strands inside the squash (alternatively, you could scoop them all out and place them in a baking dish).
13) Pour the butter and garlic sauce over each half of the spaghetti squash (or over your baking dish).
10) Pour the lemon juice over the two halves, and crumble the goat cheese over top. Stir the spaghetti strands just to combine.
11) Return the squash to the oven and broil for 5 minutes, or until the goat cheese softens.
12) Serve.


text:
There has been a lot of speculation about the contract talks of running back Ray Rice and quarterback Joe Flacco, but there should be just as much concern about the players who will block for them in 2012.
It all begins with left guard Ben Grubbs, an unrestricted free agent who is the team's best offensive lineman.
If Grubbs returns, the Ravens might waive left offensive tackle Bryant McKinnie. If he doesn't, McKinnie could stick around for another season.
With both Grubbs and center Matt Birk unrestricted free agents, the Ravens can get by with two new offensive linemen, but they don't want three new faces in the starting group.


text:
Peoples Bancorp Inc. ("Peoples") is a diversified financial services holding company with $3.9 billion in total assets, 81 locations including 71 full-service bank branches and 77 ATMs in Ohio, West Virginia and Kentucky.
Having been in business for more than 116 years, we have a strong record of financial stability and growth that has remained unshaken in these uncertain economic times. As a well capitalized company, we have a proud history of shareholder dividends.
Peoples' financial service units are Peoples Bank, with its Retail, Commercial and Trust & Investment services, and Peoples Insurance Agency, LLC. Peoples' common shares are traded on the NASDAQ Global Select Market under the symbol "PEBO" and Peoples is a member of the Russell 3000 index of US publicly traded companies.
Our mission is to be the primary financial resource for our target clients. We grow these relationships by delivering trusted advice, extraordinary personal service, and a seamless, integrated suite of services that meets all their needs. Our target clients are businesses and clients who value us as true financial partners.
Our vision is to be the leading financial services provider to the clients and markets we serve.
The Peoples Bancorp website links to third-party websites on the Internet. Peoples Bancorp provides links to these web sites only as a convenience. The inclusion of these links are not endorsements by Peoples Bancorp. The linked sites are not under the control of Peoples Bancorp, thus Peoples Bancorp is not responsible for the content of any linked site or any link contained within a linked site. Adobe Acrobat Reader 5.0 or above is required to access all PDF documents. Insured deposit products and services are offered through Peoples Bank,Equal Housing Lender, Member of FDIC.
Peoples Bank (w/ logo)® is a federally registered service mark of Peoples Bank.
Insurance and Investment products are: NOT FDIC Insured • NOT GUARANTEED by Peoples Bank • NOT a deposit • NOT insured by any federal government agency • Subject to risk and may lose value.
The website you have selected is an external one located on another server. Peoples Bank has no responsibility for any external website. We neither endorse the information, content, presentation, or accuracy nor make any warranty, express or implied, regarding any external site.
Your privacy is very important to us. We would like to advise you that Internet email is not secure. Please do not submit any information that you consider confidential. We recommend you do not include your social security or account number or other specific identifying information.


text:
It looks like you're using an Ad Blocker.
Please white-list or disable AboveTopSecret.com in your ad-blocking tool.
Thank you.
Some features of ATS will be disabled while you continue to use an ad-blocker.
Flying dreams fall under a category of dreams known as lucid dreams. Lucid dreams occur when you become aware that you are dreaming. Many dreamers describe the ability to fly in their dreams as an exhilarating, joyful, and liberating experience. If you are flying with ease and are enjoying the scene and landscape below, then it suggests that you are on top of a situation. You have risen above something. It may also mean that you have gained a new and different perspective on things. Flying dreams and the ability to control your flight is representative of your own personal sense of power. Having difficulties staying in flight indicates a lack of power in controlling your own circumstances. You may be struggling to stay aloft or stay on set course. Things like power lines, trees, or mountains may be obstacles that you encounter in flight. These obstacles symbolize something or someone who is standing in your way in your waking life. You need to identify what or who is trying to prevent you from moving forward. Difficulty flying may also be an indication of a lack of confidence or some hesitation on your part. You need to believe in yourself and not be afraid. If you are feeling fear when you are flying or that you are flying too high, then it suggests that you are afraid of challenges and of success. Perhaps you are not ready to take the next step. In reality, we cannot really fly, of course. Thus, such dreams can be representative of things that are beyond your physical limitations. In your mind, you can be anybody and do anything. Another way of interpreting flying dreams is that these dreams symbolize your strong mind and will. You feel undefeatable and that nobody can tell you what you cannot do and accomplish. Such dreams are sure to leave you with a great sense of freedom.
People who have consumed ayahuasca report having massive spiritual revelations regarding their purpose on earth, the true nature of the universe as well as deep insight into how to be the best person they possibly can. This is viewed by many as a spiritual awakening and what's often described as a rebirth. In addition it is often reported that individuals can gain access to higher spiritual dimensions and make contact with various spiritual or extra dimensional beings who can act as guides or healers. It's nearly always said that people experience profound positive changes in their life subsequent to consuming ayahuasca and it is often viewed as one of the most effective tools of enlightenment. However, during an ayahuasca experience, people sometimes report nausea, diarrhea, and cold flashes. Additionally, vomiting often follows ayahuasca ingestion; this purging is considered by many shamans and experienced users of ayahuasca to be an essential part of the experience as it represents the release of negative energy and emotions built up over the course of one's life.
I was in a large space and saw what seemed to be thousands of the entities. They were rapidly passing something to and fro among themselves, and were looking intently at me, as if to say "See what we are doing!" ... I noticed what seemed to be an opening into a larger space, like looking through a cave opening to a starry sky. As I approached this I saw that resting in the opening was a large creature, with many arms, somewhat like an octopus, and all over the arms were eyes, mostly closed, as if the creature were asleep or slumbering. As I approached it the eyes opened, and it/they became aware of me. It did not seem especially well-disposed toward me, as if it did not wish to be bothered by a mere human, and I had the impression I wasn't going to get past it, so I did not try.
Originally posted by AkumaStreak
Prepare to have a mod pillage your thread, unfortunately.
Upon entering hyperspace I perceived myself falling through a tunnel in zero gravity at light speed then once again I penetrated a 'bubble/membrane' and was in what I refer to as 'The Dome' or 'The Control Panel' only this time instead of a perceived 'octopoid' redirecting my awareness to various structures there was this huge gelatinous-hexagonal-rubix-cube type machine that would reform itself into structures according to these progressive harmonic tones that permeated my reality causing various emotions to emerge in addition it was redirecting my attention to various intersections of it's restructured embodiment. Each time my attention was pointed to one of these intersections/nodes a vision followed by a revelation, would envelope me along with an emotion I can only describe as pure elation and awe. The only vision/revelation that I vividly remember was one of humanity's history. I recall seeing many people in positions of power from ancient civilizations from all around the globe. I could see a distinct spectrum of colors for each spirit that belonged to each of these kings/warriors/ thieves/martyrs/prophets and shamans. I saw their entire lifespan from birth to death and then saw how each of these kings/warriors etc. subconsiously chose the exact moment they were going to die as well as how they died and as result of their choices their spirits were reborn into the bodies of the leaders/warriors/shamans of the next generation in order to continue their spiritual development were it left off in addition to being catalysts for events of novelty that were yet to unfold (ie some warriors reborn as leaders etc). This process of reincarnation continued generation after generation up until the present day.
Do we (without knowing it, and unless it's a lucid dream) create what we're dreaming as we're dreaming it? Or, is each dream more like a movie that's already scripted from start to finish that's just being played out within our sub-conscious?


text:
by Richard Biby
(Wichita, KS, USA)
Available for parades, fairs, daycares, hospitals, nursing homes, store openings, holiday events, church and charity, birthday parties, art and craft shows, and family reunions. Willing to travel up to 100 miles out of Wichita, Kansas. For booking information call or text 316-305-2806, email@example.com.
Join in and write your own page! It's easy to do. How? Simply click here to return to Kansas Vendors.


text: We asked our friends for feedback on our initial idea. And on one end, it was great! They were very willing to try things out and were patient with us. We knew all the people, and we could be comfortable asking them for advice. However, they had a friendly bias that they wanted to say nice things to us. They were what friends were for, but they were not people who had a reason to be very very honest with us."


text:
It can also be important to have a clean traffic record in case of getting pulled over by the police.
Past News ReleasesRSS
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) January 23, 2013
As a new resource for traffic and driving records online, TrafficTicket.us.org is an all inclusive stop for motorist needs. Whether someone is applying for a new job or just looking to make sure their record is clean for posterity, a traffic ticket record can help any situation.
Before applying for a driving job it can be important to know what a possible employer will see when they run a background check. Don't get scammed out of a job when a traffic record can easily be found on this new online resource. Searching any name will turn up a number of results like the following:
Points on License
DUI Records
Speeding Offences
Accident Reports
Driving History
Chargeable Accidents
Public Records
Accumulation of Points
It can also be important to have a clean traffic record in case of getting pulled over by the police. An unknown number of points on a license can cause big trouble if you are stopped for an additional traffic violation. A motorist can be arrest and put in jail for a suspended license or too many license points. This can damage a career and possibly even put family in jeopardy if they depend on this person for income.
TrafficTicket.us.org is a steadfast way to be certain about traffic records. Applying for jobs or taking care of a household is no joke so make sure a clean driving and traffic record is intact. This valuable resource will make sure traffic records are verified and give details from state and nationwide databases to be sure all information is sufficiently provided.
About TrafficTicket.us.org:
TrafficTicket.us.org is the best choice for traffic records online. With access to thousands of driving records online, any criminal driving infractions, speeding offenses, chargeable accidents and more can be found in only a few minutes.


text:
Complete NEC Release (PDF)
2011 SHU Softball Quick Facts
Two years removed from a Northeast Conference championship the Sacred Heart softball team has been picked to finish fifth in 2011 by a vote of the league's head coaches. The Pioneers return seven starters from a team that finished the 2010 campaign in fifth place in the NEC with a 10-8 record. Long Island received nine first place votes in the poll and is the preseason favorite to capture a fourth conference title in five years.
Senior Taylor Froelich (Garden Grove, CA) paced the Pioneers with a .327 batting average last season and earned her second straight appearance on the All-NEC second team. Classmate Jen Russell (Seymour, CT) picked up 13 wins last season while compiling a 1.86 ERA as she also was named to the conference second team. Liz Tsipouras (Simi Valley, CA) saw her innings on the mound cut down in 2010 but became the squad's top power hitter last season posting team highs of eight homeruns and 24 RBI. Sophomore Nicole Sidor (North Vancouver, BC)
Monmouth garnered a pair of first place votes en route to being picked second behind the Blackbirds. Robert Morris and Quinnipiac, who each reached the NEC tournament in 2010, were selected third and fourth, respectively. Central Connecticut State and Wagner are slotted just behind the Pioneers in sixth and seventh. Mount St. Mary's, Bryant, Saint Francis (PA), and Fairleigh Dickinson round out the bottom portion of the 2011 NEC preseason coaches poll.
The SHU softball team opens the season March 4 against Northern Illinois in the first game of a tournament hosted by Colorado State.
2011 Northeast Conference Softball
1. Long Island (9)


text:
Midway during the holiday the terrible realisation that war was actually going to happen became obvious. I caught a train back to London and shall always remember the atmosphere of apprehension as, at each stop, more and more uniformed men boarded the train.
Next thing was standing in our living room, by the Radio, as Neville Chamberlain stated that we were now at war. My mother burst into tears. One has to remember, her's was the generation that only twenty one years before, had been overjoyed at the Armistice following the first World War. My father had fought on the Western Front from 1914 to 1917 before being discharged having had a hand shattered by shrapnel. Now with two teenage children it was all happening again. The pain ,suffering and worry. Of course,for me at my age then I had no idea of the pain that generation, with memories so fresh, would be going through. Not until I had my own children did I understand.
The next thing, on that Sunday morning was the sirens sounding. My father had reinforced the cellar of our old Edwardian house in the manner of the trenches in the earlier war. Great solid pillars of wood supporting the walls and ceiling. We went down there and I clearly remember my knees shaking, uncontrollably, due to my fear. I don't believe this ever happened again I'm glad to say! Anyway, it was only a false alarm and for a period this lack of the expected air raids continued.
Initially my parents suggested I should go to New Zealand, to stay for the duration of the war, with relatives there. I thought this a very bad idea. I even opted out of evacuating to Brighton, with my school. So the summer of 1939 saw the end of my schooling. What to do with me? (My brother, being four years older had already applied for service in the R.A.F.) It was decided I should attend Pitmans College for a course in shorthand and typing. When I became seventeen a career change. I was given a job in Barclay's Bank in the City Road. This was rather fun. I was the first female to ever darken the walls of 146 City Road and the staff did not quite know how to deal with me. I was, of course, the lowest of the low in terms of office hierarchy, but I was "female" and as such was treated with great respect. At that time the day-light raids over London had begun and often, as the sirens sounded we would descend to the Strong Room below the Bank.
During that period of my war-time experience I would travel daily by bus from my home to the Oval Tube Station, then complete the journey by tube. Invariably there were many people still lying on the platforms after seeking sanctuary there from the night' air raids. We stepped over them to the carriages. One particular day, after the notorious big incendiary raid during the night there were no buses running from my house to the Oval so I set out to walk. l remember vividly stepping over the great hoses which bisected the road thro' Brixton, and the acrid smell of the burning which was still going on. Once at the tube station all was well, I was a little late for work that day but the reason given was accepted by my Manager.
My next career change took place when I became eighteen.
I started on the three year training of a Physiotherapy student, at Guy's Hospital at London Bridge. Again travelling from my home in Dulwich each day, that period, working in one of the great London hospitals was inspiring and strengthening spiritually. I felt it a privilege to be part of it and still, at the advanced age of four weeks short of seventy nine have a few remaining dear friends alive who were students with me.. Even one of our Tutors, ninety in a few months time, who has already arranged her birthday party and invited those of her students still around to attend.
Certain incidents I remember of this period involved Rockets and Flying bombs. On one journey by train to the hospital a rocket landed a little ahead of the train beside the track. The train was perched perilously on the bank and we were.not allowed to vacate it. Houses had been hit and the heart rending vision of people being rescued from the debris, some alive, others dead, will stay with me forever. We were at last allowed to leave the train and walked the remainder of the journey to London Bridge, along the track
On another occasion we students were working for a while at a unit of Guy's at Orpington where badly injured service personnel were sent. As I left West Dulwich station a Flying bomb passed in the opposite direction I heard the engine stop, prior to it falling and exploding. I knew it was heading for the home I had just left I phoned directly I arrived at Orpington and to my relief found our house had been missed. Sadly, however, the bomb had fallen and demolished the house of good friends. The mother of the family was killed, the rest of the family had not been in the house at the time and came and lived with us until they could be housed elsewhere.
There. were, of course, happy memories as well. My New Zealand cousins had given their various boy-friends our London address which they made their base during the war. They were all in the Navy and left all their gear at our house when they were off on operations. We never knew., when they would return but there was always the fun when they were back on a spot of leave. The house would ring with merriment and we would have dancing and songs round the piano. To to-days young this would seem boring in the extreme, but to us, in those times it was all we could wish for. That these young men were back again, unharmed, at least for a while.
Further thoughts of a teenager in war-time London.
Memories now pouring back. The nights spent down the cellar. During one raid our house was straddled by a stick of bombs. Two landed, luckily, in gardens on either side. The shaking and vibration was, I imagine, as an earthquake would feel. There were a number of us sleeping in the cellar that night, including one of our New Zealand friends. The whole house juddered and we were covered in layers of plaster from the cellar ceiling, our naval friend slept peacefully thro' it all. We teased him afterwards but decided it was his life on the ocean wave in wartime. Being depth- charged and bombed at sea he was immune to a mere air raid on land.
Also, down in the cellar during night time raids I would often be studying. When the subject was anatomy I would have a skeleton with me. The real thing in those days, not the plastic jobs I believe they use now. I remember my father once commenting "It's bad enough having that racket going on above without seeing you surrounded by human bones" He said it with a smile, really quite pleased that I was taking my work seriously.
I remember a charm bracelet I had to have with me on these occasions. If the raid started and I had left it upstairs I to go and get it before I could concentrate again: I used to pin it to my underclothes when I took exams. It was a powerful source of comfort and support. Anyway, I survived the war and passed my exams so perhaps it worked. I still have this bracelet although it is not worn any more.
I recently found a diary I had kept between Jan.1st and June 10th 1943. It interesting to remind oneself how life just went on in those extraordinary times. Lots of comments about patients I was treating and my concern for them. Then, off to the cinema or theatre, to a world of make believe. Comments about air raids as just another routine in the day. Worries about a lecture I had not fully understood. Occasionally, for instance on May8th a note saying "Marvellous victory in Egypt! Bengarzi and Tunis captured!!"
One item in my diary is of the visit of a young Canadian. A Sergeant Observer in the R.C.A.F.. He had the same surname as us and so was interested in meeting us. (My surname stayed the same after marriage, rather a coincidence considering it was a rather unusual name) The entry read, "He arrived, a young and very pleasant Observer in the R.C.A.F.quiet of manner but I fear rather overawed by the crowd of strangers. (We had a number of friends in our house at the time)..He is stationed at Bournemouth and returns there to-morrow. Just as we were settling down to a meal the sirens went. Planes were over soon after and the Ack-Ack barrage was particularly heavy.We heard three bombs drop, that is three we were certain,of, or may have been more. I hope we see some more of Grant, I liked him."
We never did hear anymore of our visitor and recently, via a family web-site in Canada I found the information I had often wondered about. Sergeant Observer Grant Leatherdale had been shot down over Germany just a few weeks after visiting us.
One further diary entry of interest "Mat 19th. In the evening we heard Churchill's speech from the U.S.A. It was splendid and the Americans gave him such a terrific reception that I felt so proud of being English. This may sound sentimental but it really did stir me enormously"
Glennis Leatherdale, Bradford on Avon (written in 2003)


text:
"I'm going to have a baby!"
This short sentence signifies dramatic change in your life. Becoming a parent is an exciting experience. But how do expectant parents prepare for this lifetime challenge? St. Peter's Women's & Children's Services staff understand common concerns and are ready to help during this wonderful time. To ensure a truly special parenting experience, preparations begin early in pregnancy and continue well after a baby is born. St. Peter's offers a variety of community education programs to help promote a healthy pregnancy, prepare for the baby's birth, and get off to a good start on the road to parenting.
Whether this is your first pregnancy or another addition to the family, St. Peter's offers an educational program specifically designed to meet your needs. Take a look at the programs we offer and design your own individual education plan.
For more information, contact St. Peter's Women's & Children's Health Education office at 518-525-1388.
Click here to Find A Physician.
STEP ONE:You must first pre-register by going to the St. Peter's Events Calendar. Select an event title and click "Find." Next, select a date from the list of available classes that will appear. When the details for this class appear, click the "Register Online" button at the bottom of the page. Completing the simple online registration form that appears will reserve a place in this class for you.
STEP TWO:Once you have completed the pre-registration form online, see below for payment and cancellation guidelines or contact Women's & Children's Education at 525-1388 with any questions.
Forms of Payment: Personal check, money order or credit card, Blue Shield of Northeastern NY health insurance and Medicaid only.
Important Payment Information: Payment must be made within 15 days prior to the class date. This will secure your placement in the class. If payment is not made within 15 days of the class, your name will be removed from the class roster. Call Women's & Children's Education at 518-525-1388 for further information.
To make a Payment: Click here to download a printable Registration Form. You may send your payment in with the completed Registration Form or pay by phone by calling Women's & Children's Education at 518-525-1388.
Our Address is: St. Peter's HospitalWomen's & Children's Education315 South Manning Boulevard, Room 3511Albany, NY 12208
St. Peter's Hospital - 315 S. Manning Blvd. - Albany, NY 12208 - 518-525-1550Nondiscrimination Notice - Free Language Assistance - Notice of Privacy Practices - Disclaimer


text:
SiteMaster – Overview
Maximize your efficiency and minimize the time on-site surveying any building. Trust Graebert iSurvey, a leader in the building surveying industry, to provide the software and services to meet your unique needs:
- Professional building surveying services with sophisticated data collection capabilities
- Fast and accurate 2D and 3D digital floor plans
- Complete line of SiteMaster™ "as-build" building surveying software with mobile deployment, object modelling,
3D building measurement and fully compatible 3D BIM/ICC building models
- 360-degree photography services for real estate portfolio management and marketing
- Google Business Photos trusted photographer
- Creation of energy performance certificates
- and much more!
The next generation of SiteMaster software integrates 3D viewing of floor plans and connects IFC data to your drawings allowing the creation of BIM models while surveying:
- SiteMaster
- 2D solution for capturing building information onsite with the enhancement of 3D viewing. It utilizes modern Bluetooth Laser Distancemeters to create as-build floor plans easily in an object-orientated software environment, allowing the user to model and manipulate smart objects representing walls, windows, doors and more.
- SiteMaster BIM
- More enhanced full 3D, IFC-enabled and object-oriented version of SiteMaster. The software enables the quick creation of BIM models and provides data to import directly into modern 3D architectural modeling packages. True for all our solutions: The mobility and flexibility with on-site surveying grants fast and accurate working. The solutions – optimized for all platforms running on Windows, Windows CE and Android – are especially designed for mobile devices with limited processing power.


text:
See for yourself why your #1 college choice needs to be Hastings College! Our Bronco Visit Day on Friday, April 14, will make it clear that you need to be a Bronco!
You'll meet current students during your visit, plus have an opportunity to interact with professors, coaches, activity sponsors and admissions staff in a larger group setting. There is also time to learn more about financial aid and scholarships.
Registration is closed for this event.
Please consider scheduling an individual visit.
Schedule for Friday, April 14, 2017
9:45 am – Registration
10:00 am – Welcome and Financial Aid 101
10:30 am – Campus tour
12:00 am – Lunch with faculty
1:00 pm – Activity Fair with coaches and activity sponsors
Questions? Contact our Admissions Team at 402.461.7315 or firstname.lastname@example.com.


text:
IHTM: I Tried a Skincare Product That Jacked Up My Skin Barrier So Here's How I Handled It
I basically called my mom for help. Except when I say mom, I mean an esthetician.
Growing up, my mom would always try to avoid the mall. Not because of the crowds or the high cost of parking or the stress of too many options, but because of the scents.
My mom was and always will be part of a large constituent of people now labelled as "scent-sensitive". She would walk by a store like LUSH or through the cosmetics section of a department store and literally have to hide her face.
"It's just so strong," she'd say, complaining of headaches and nausea. Maybe this is the reason as a teenager I became so completely obsessed with fragrance.
I have a different sort of hypersensitivity to scent. Some people make memories visually, or by taste or sound, but I log away my nearest and dearest moments with a signature smell. Theme parks reek of sugar and artificial waterfalls, Halloween has a strong haze of smoke and rotting leaves, my parents' home smells like laundry detergent and stainless steel, etc.
This philosophy of scent and memory also carries into my personal scenting practices. I can't stop collecting perfumes, and in doing so, I tie each new bottle to a particular feeling or emotion, something it comes to represent to me forever.
Over the years I've acquired over 14 "signature scents" to help shape my life. They're just as important to me as the photos in my phone or the songs in my iTunes, which is why when I started hearing about the fragrance free movement here in Toronto (and elsewhere) I felt so sad.
Here's the gist of the movement: scents are chemicals, and many people have sensitivities to those chemicals that can cause side effects like headaches, nausea, and dizziness, so there is a push for (and some successful implementation of) a scent-free policy in public spaces. So far this mostly means hospitals and offices, but it's quickly spreading to schools, transport vehicles like planes and trains, and even parties and dance events. The policy isn't just limited to perfume and cologne either, it also includes:
You get the idea: anything scented.
I don't doubt the chemical toxicity level of artificial scents is staggering and terrifying; in fact, some of my favorite scents from over the years have had a deadly chemical poison smell under all the rose and vetiver, and one even turned into some horrible green sludge when I left it in the sun too long.
But still, I love them. My horror at the idea of a scent-free world probably mirrors what heavy smokers felt when laws against public smoking were first put into place. It's a sort of cosmetic-related existential crisis: what would my experiences and memories be without scent?
But after reading about the endless dangers of scented products, I started to believe that maybe I didn't really want to be spraying a cocktail of unpronounceable ingredients directly onto my skin everyday either. That being said, I was so not prepared to give up the joys of that freshly cleaned laundry scent on my sheets, or pass up on my favorite compliment ever: "You always smell so good!"
So I searched frantically for a compromise.
Every guide to fragrance-free policy-making I have come across not only demonizes artificially scented products, but insists shoppers research to make sure their products aren't labelled "unscented" but have in reality been chemically de-scented, or that the scent is being masked by an unscented-scented scent. Yeah, it's intense.
Personally, I think these expectations are a bit extreme. Obviously the guy with a whole canister of Axe sprayed on every inch of his body in the elevator is a problem, but is it really so dangerous to use a small spritz of scent here and there? What if the hospital you need to rush to for your baby's birth is scent free and you don't have time to shower? Or your scarf is holding onto the remnants of last night's musky going-out-dancing fragrance and you're on your way to a meeting at a no fragrance office?
So I'm sorry if it's selfish, but I like to smell like roses and violets and cedar sometimes, and I feel better when my clean hair reeks of marshmallows and not nothingness. But I don't feel great poisoning myself and others either, so I've made a different sort of switch. I am no longer buying artificially scented products, but instead, replacing them as they empty or expire with all-natural fragrance.
Though organizations like the Canadian Center for Occupational Health and Safety and the David Suzuki Foundation warn against this route because some people are allergic to natural plant-based scent extracts too, I think this borders on too touchy. After all, lots of people are allergic to all sorts of foods, but we don't remove them from the diet of the world. We adapt, compromise, and respect one another's wishes and sensitivities. And me, well I find new ways to smell pretty, even when my Chance by Chanel is outlawed.
What do you think of fragrance-free spaces? Are you for or against them? Am I being an ignorant jerk?


text:
Every other year, biologists from the Seattle Aquarium go to Hawaii to collect new warm water animals for our exhibits. This blog post is the second in a series that highlights the biologists' experiences and gives readers a behind-the-scenes look at a collection trip.
Day 5—August 21: Lest you think a business trip to Hawaii is all glamour, here's a look behind the scenes at our office. Note the non-existent chair, overturned bucket desk, and stunning view of concrete and colleagues' feet. It's not fancy, but work is still getting done. The spreadsheet you see is where we keep track of the fish and invertebrates we've collected.
Day 6—August 22: At the end of each day, we place our collecting totes in the shallow water and work together to transport fish and water to our van where coolers keep the water the same temperature the fish are used to living in. It was another good collecting day in Haleiwa. We collected cleaner wrasses, coral banded shrimp, yellow tangs, and raccoon butterfly.
Catch from August 22.
Day 7—August 23: We had hoped to dive in a different location today. The entrance and exit from this particular dive site is difficult on a flat water day. Today the conditions were too rough to safely enter the water. So, we got back in the car and drove an hour back to the north shore where the conditions were calm enough to be safe.
August 23: Andy and Bryan diving on the calmer north shore.
Day 8—August 24: Unlike our own carry-ons, we pack the fish with great care to ensure their safe travel. Each fish is placed in a double bag and newspaper cushions are placed between fish bags. The small bags go into a big bag, which sits in a cooler that is nestled inside a well-taped packing box. It took us about two hours to pack nine boxes of fish. It's a very hot and sweaty process! Once the fish are all packed up, they are shipped to Seattle on an overnight flight. Due to the care we take selecting, packing, and transporting the fish, their survival rate is high.


text:
IRI software and solutions are inherently horizontal, or cross-industry by nature. Domain-centric applications are typically the purview of subject matter experts (consultants) who put our tools to work for their clients.
Click on the tabs above for details on the use of IRI software, and named customers, in specific industries.
The IRI data management platform Voracity, and its constituent software products like FACT (Fast Extract), CoSort, and NextForm tackle high-volume data warehouse extraction, transformation, loading, and legacy sort and data migration. Those big data challenges exist in any industry with large transaction volumes. That is why the banking and financial services industry, as well as telco and travel/transportation are the most prevalent customers.
IRI data protection software like FieldShield and CellShield discover, and then mask, encrypt, or otherwise de-identify people and other sensitive data in financial, healthcare, and other sensitive systems. RowGen creates safe, intelligent test data for databases, files, and reports without requiring production data. And, Chakra Max provides robust, low-impact firewall capabilities (monitoring, auditing, and protecting) for multiple, high-traffic databases at once. These products help data governance professionals comply with the data privacy regulations applicable to their industries and jurisdictions.
Our professional services division or independent expert partners you already know can help address your data-related challenges using IRI software ... the IT industry's most price-performant technologies with proven methodologies that can meet SLAs today, and will adapt to changing data volume, variety, velocity, or veracity issues tomorrow.


text:
Just wondering because I was reading the 6D manual and it states to not touch your lens contact points or they may corrode, but does that apply to SD cards as well? I am not as cautious with handling my SD cards as I am when handling my lens, so I do come in contact with the contacts from time to time. I would just like to see if I should start cleaning my SD card with alcohol after touching the contacts.
Thank you,


text:
O'Maddy's Bar and Grille in Gulfport, Florida is a classic beachside pub that serves well-prepared, eclectic food along with more than a dozen draft beers, an extensive wine list, and the full variety of beach cocktails.
Ample Bites visited on a Tuesday, which is the day that Gulfport holds their Fresh Market along Beach Drive. The market features local artists, handmade Florida trinkets, a few food tents, and fresh fruits and vegetables. The stores along Beach Drive are packed with art and souvenirs appealing to most any shopper. Because the market was being held O'Maddy's was packed and we had about a 30 minute wait to be seated. The wait was worth it!
Two of us enjoyed the Lobster BLT and we concurred that it was like a Lobster Roll on steriods. The sandwich had a ton of lobster in it. It had just enough mayonnaise on the lobster salad but not too much and the applewood smoked bacon was a perfect accompaniment for the ripe tomato slices. It was served with a side of perfectly crispy french fries.
Others in our party enjoyed two different fish sandwiches. The Triple-Tail Sandwich featured a flaky white fish that was served on a hefty marble rye bread with a pesto aioli and provolone cheese. The other was the Florida classic Grouper Sandwich.
While we dined we noticed that that burgers looked amazing and their was even a Lobster and Bacon Pizza, which is likely to be sampled by Ample Bites on a return visit.
If you ever venture to Gulfport make sure to walk down Beach Drive to the old casino on the end of the street, take a left and go the block and a half to O'Maddy's and enjoy the experience. Finally, just a quick tip, make sure to bring a hat and sunglasses because most of the tables are right out in the beautiful, warm Florida sun.Copyright secured by Digiprove © 2013