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Backup audio media (BAM) is the term used for any audio recording and can include the audio synchronization tool built into a court reporter's computer-aided transcription (CAT) software.
Below are three best practices related to audio backup:
- It is the obligation of a professional court reporter to stop the proceedings when the speed of testimony presents an issue, if you didn't hear a word, or when speakers are talking at the same time.
- One must never rely on the audio backup to create an official record. Readbacks occur often during the proceedings, and you don't want to play back the audio for your client when a readback is requested.
- If audio backup is requested by a client, check with your specific state rules in regard to your obligation to do so. If you do, however, provide a copy of the BAM, be sure to offer the same service to opposing counsel. Ensure that no off-the-record discussions are included in the recording.
The National Court Reporters Association has additional guidelines to help court reporters regarding best practices related to audio recordings.
There are several options in the marketplace for good and reliable microphones with great sound quality. Each reporter will definitely have an opinion on their preferred product of choice. Below are the steps to follow when you wish to enable your default microphone using Windows 8.
- From the Start screen, type in "Control Panel" to open the Search charm.
- The Control Panel window will open.
- Select Hardware and Sound.
- Click on the Manage Audio Devices under the Sound tab. The Sound window opens.
- Next, click on the Recording tab.
- Select the microphone you wish to utilize as your default microphone., right-click and select Set as Default Device, and then click OK to apply your selection.
- If the device you want to use contains a small circle with an arrow pointing down, the device is disabled. To enable the device, right-click the device name and select Set as Default Device and a checkmark will appear in a circle. Click OK to apply your selections.
- If you do not see your preferred device in the Sound window, place your cursor anywhere in the blank area of the window and right-click. Select Show Disabled Devices. Then proceed as above to select it as your default microphone.


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The real scandal of the Bush administration
By Art Goodtimes
GOD BLESS US … The real scandal of the Bush administration won't be cured by impeachment, though accountability is indeed called for. What I have trouble believing — as a man who spent several decades as an Old World Christian, who even went so far as to study for the Roman Catholic priesthood (1959-1965), graduating from jeans and tennies, to suit and tie, to cassock and biretta – what I have trouble believing is the Christian Right. How could televangelists and their crusading champions have failed so miserably in bringing this nation peace or justice? Just the opposite. The political leaders they support have given us war, torture, the loss of civil liberties — spilling over into partisanship in our most treasured national institutions, murders in our schools, and a fastincreasing gap between the red haves and the blue have-nots … Truth is, I have trouble believing that this administration has acted in anything resembling a Christian manner. And that's a much deeper scandal in my mind … If our religious leaders are lying to us, whom can we trust?
WORLD'S OLDEST RITUAL … Our understanding of human history just changed with a startling archaeological discovery this past summer in an area of Botswana known as Ngamiland. According to the Research Council of Norway, Associate Professor Sheila Coulson, of the University of Oslo, uncovered a cave where Homo sapiens were performing advanced rituals 70,000 years ago – 30,000 years earlier than was thought to be the dates for the earliest manifestations of culture among our human ancestors … In searching for Middle Stone Age artifacts in the Tsodilo Hills of the Kalahari Desert (an area renowned for having the largest concentration of rock paintings in the world), Coulson found a cave sacred to the San people in which a rock sculpture of a python was clearly evident, along with workings and tools that established the site's date. Combined with other cave features, the cave yielded some 13,000 artifacts, almost entirely spearheads that had been brought from some distance away … "Stone Age people took these colorful spearheads, brought them to this cave, and finished carving them there," said Coulson. "Only the red spearheads were burned. It was a ritual destruction of artifacts. There was no sign of normal habitation. No ordinary tools were found at the site. Our find means that humans were more organized and had the capacity for abstract thinking at a much earlier point in history than we have previously assumed. All of the indications suggest that Tsodilo has been known to mankind for almost 100,000 years as a very special place in the pre-historic landscape." … As the Research Council of Norway noted, "It was a major archaeological find five years ago that made it possible for Sheila Coulson to date the finds in this little cave in Botswana. Up until the turn of the century archaeologists believed that human civilizations developed in Europe after our ancestors migrated from Africa. This theory was crushed by archaeologist Christopher Henshilwood when he published his find of traces from a Middle Stone Age dwelling in the Blombos Cave in Southern Cape, South Africa."
Send me a poem. Send it tonight.
Above me, the squawking arrows
Only the drunkest spirits guard
I'll hoist this wine tonight,
then set them loose, and go
A working from Kenneth Rexroth's Tu Fu
Gabe Heilig, Maryland
COLO PROGRESSIVE COALITION … I was honored when this statewide social-justice non-profit invited me to join their board, as a representative from the Western Slope. Recognized nationally for their work (USA Today, LA Times, and more), their accomplishments for 2006 include helping lead the campaign to Raise the Minimum Wage statewide, cleaning up the raw sewage dumped into Pueblo's Fountain Creek, leading a health-justice project that helped pass a state prescription-drug affordability law and convinced Sen. Ken Salazar to help defeat a multi-billion dollar asbestoscorporation bailout bill, sponsoring Colorado Unity network and working to protect civil rights in the juvenile justice system and for immigrants, turning back a deficitbusting move to repeal the federal estate tax, seeing one of its own staffers (John Kefalas) win a Fort Collins representative seat in the state legislature, and hosting new grassroots leadership academies in Aurora and Pueblo … CPC does great work in this state. If you're interested in social justice, consider joining. Go to the web site www. progressivecoalition. org.
FIRST TAKE … Got a couple interesting publications in the mail recently … Meena 2 is a bilingual Arabic/ English arts and literary journal out of New Orleans, published by friend Andy Young and her partner Khaled Hegazzi … Meena means "port" in Arabic and the mag seeks "to create more, and varied, dialogue as it is clear that we need ports-of-entry now more than ever." Their second issue sports fine work by Charlie Simic and Nobel Prize winner Naguib Mafouz, who passed away this past summer. Go to their website to get a copy, www.meenamag. com … And another old friend, Padma Thornlyre, has come out with a marvelous little chapbook of poems by his young daughter, Circe Morganna, and himself, Sometimes, Grace Goes Cuckoo (Mad Blood Editions, Evergreen, 2006). Both of their poems resonate for me, the father of several children. This is the perfect book to give to someone starting a family. And it's a very affordable $5 … For info, email firstname.lastname@example.com
POT STOPS ALZHEIMER'S? … That's the latest headline coming out of the science community. Of course, the report says it's the chemicals they're isolating, not the natural substance ingested, that gives the benefit. Of course, in a society where drug cartels are among the most profitable of corporations, and where most research money comes from these tainted sources, what else would you expect?
Art Goodtimes is a San Miguel County commissioner.

subset: commoncrawl


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HOUSTON – A security guard has filed a class-action lawsuit against a Houston company over allegations that he was not properly compensated for all hours worked.
Earl Davis Jr. filed a complaint on behalf of himself and all others similarly situated on Nov. 14 in the Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas against against Ricky Lee Flakes, doing business as Champion Security Agency, alleging violation of the Fair Labor Standards Act.
According to the complaint, the plaintiff alleges that during his employment with defendant, he worked approximately 70 to 80 hours per week without receiving overtime compensation. The plaintiff holds Flakes responsible because the defendant allegedly failed to pay the statutory overtime for all hours worked in excess of 40 per week, failed to compensate him at the minimum wage rate for off-the-clock work and failed to keep payroll and time records.
The plaintiff requests a trial by jury and seeks an order for defendant to pay him and all others similarly situated the difference between what they should have been paid for overtime hours, attorney's fees and costs, post-judgment interest and all other equitable or injunctive relief. He is represented by Taft L. Foley II of The Foley Law Firm in Houston.
Houston Division of the Southern District of Texas Case number 4:16-cv-03348


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WestPark Wireless
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This is the easiest thing in the world to make, but still, it's cute, I think. I have oodles and oodles of old sheets in my fabric stash, this did not even make a dent on it.Just grab a few different prints, cut out some squares and sew them together. This is backed with a piece of flannel sheet, a very well worn flannel sheet which makes it so super soft and snuggly.
That's it. It's simple and adds a bit of cute to your day.
It's not exactly scarf wearing weather here yet, so I was sweltering a little taking these pictures.
It will be perfect for autumn.
I have another one cut out and ready to sew up, I want to add a teeny little pocket to the end of it, just big enough to pop in a sprig of lavender so I can squish it up and enjoy the smell of lavender all day long.


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Negative behavior patterns That Are Ruining Your Health
Its a well known fact Americans all in all settle on some weakness decisions. It feels like an obsolete idea, obviously, on the grounds that we invest our energy investigating and finding out about feel-great exercise and self-mind hones (with specialists and science to back them up). As evidence, an investigation distributed in BMJ Open recommends the greater part of what Americans eat is ultra prepared. "Hyper-prepared nourishments are those that are plans of a few fixings that, other than sugar, oil, salt, and fat, are not by and large utilized as a part of cooking," says enrolled dietitian Rachel Berman, head of substance for About.com Health. Also, under 3% of Americans meet the fundamental capabilities for a "sound way of life," as indicated by a recent report distributed in Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
The primary concern is we have to improve the situation. good personal habits To see precisely what that implies, I contacted Amy Lee, MD, who rehearses inner prescription in Los Angeles as boss medicinal officer of Lindora, with an accentuation on nourishment and weight administration. As a component of her central goal to enable her customers to lead sound, cheerful lives, she established Nucific.com—a wellbeing site and supplement organization. Obviously, she knows her stuff. Continue perusing to discover what botches she says you're likely making and how to determine them rapidly.
Disregarding your toothbrush
Eating treat and snacks after supper can include upwards of 1000 calories to your day—you know this. Be that as it may, this is one propensity we as a whole experience considerable difficulties breaking. So here's a tip: "Brush your teeth directly after you eat your primary course at supper," proposes Lee. "This will help shield you from eating more for two reasons. Initially, your inspiration to eat will go down once your mouth is spotless. What's more, second, that minty toothpaste will overwhelm your sense of taste and make dessert far less tempting." FYI: The Philips Sonicare DiamondClean Rechargeable Electric Toothbrush ($190) is an existence changer.
Concentrating on what you SHOULDN'T do
"Concentrate on what you ought to do rather," suggests Lee. On the off chance that you picture eating that donut throughout the day, you will fantasize about it a considerable measure. "Concentrate your consideration on eating something solid rather," she proceeds. Set up a plate of mixed greens; cook your own particular chicken and veggies—transform it into an occasion. It'll help control enticement and change the way you communicate with your sustenance. "This is a basic trap, however it works ponders," says Lee.


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I am a crocheter, so winter weather is kind of my thing. Everyone loves the idea of a soft, handmade scarf to keep you warm on a chilly day.
It's not chilly here at all! 73°F and RAIN! We are under a flood watch! Winter, WHERE ARE YOU?! The holidays didn't feel like the holidays at all considering I had to run my AC.
I make lots of stuff. I love it all, but, I want to be whipping up scarves and gloves and stuff, but also pet stuff. Because now through December 31st 1/2 of the proceeds from all sales of pet items benefit South of the Bully Rescue. That's good stuff.
So shop here.
Save Puppies!


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Included in our tuition are enrichment classes in Mandarin Chinese, Tennis, Art, Music, and Fit Kids. Extracurricular activies available for an additional nominal fee are Tumble Time Gymnastics, Playball, and Ballet.
Mandarin Chinese with Ms. Mei Lee
Ms. Mary Wells, whose given Mandarin Chinese name is Gho Mei Lee, was born in Taipei, Taiwan, where she attended the Mandarin Chinese School until she was 13 years old. She was then adopted into the United States and moved to San Antonio, Texas. She graduated from Alamo Heights High School in 1979 and joined the United States Air Force. After 20 years of service, she retired from the Air Force, and her family moved to Georgia in 1999. Ms. Mei Lee has been teaching for over nine years; she truly enjoys and is passionate about making learning fun. Her goal is to plant a seed in each child's heart for the love of learning not only Mandarin Chinese, but all languages.
Music with Ms. Jane
Ms. Jane has worked in Early Childhood Music for about 25 years. She has been a Kindermusik Educator since 1993 in addition to directing Children's Choirs and leading summer camp programs. She also teaches Simply Music piano and voice lessons. She is the Director of Dunwoody School for the Arts at Dunwoody Baptist Church. Ms. Jane has a Bachelor of Music from Converse College and a Master's of Music from Winthrop University.
Art with Ms. Katharine
Ms. Katharine earned her Master's Degree in Fine Arts from the University of Kentucky. In addition to teaching art to our preschool, pre-K, and after-school students, we are lucky to have Ms. Katharine as one of our Clubhouse assistant teachers.
Tennis with Coach Chris
Coach Chris has been teaching tennis at every level of the sport for over 20 years and specializing in Kids 10-and-under tennis since 2011.
Chris has held various Head Tennis Professional positions as well as Head High School Coaching positions before joining East Roswell Preschool. Coach Chris is a USPTA tennis professional and was voted 2012 GISA Division 1-AAA High School Tennis Coach of the Year.


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Saw Kenny Gernander today for the first time since his return to town, and the Whale head coach reported that summer at Shallow Lake, his offseason hideaway on Minnesota's Iron Range, was idyllic. He had the dark tan to prove it too.
Under ordinary circumstances, Gernander and his staff would be on the cusp of departing for the opening of business, which would be the pre-training camp NHL rookie tournament in Traverse City, Michigan. This is hardly a normal year, however, and the NHL labor situation has already prompted the cancellation of the Traverse City tournament and imperils the start of NHL training camps, which would follow immediately on the heels of Traverse City.
More negotiations are scheduled for Tuesday, but positive indications have been almost nonexistent. And the official date on which the current CBA expires is September 15, right around the time training camps are supposed to open, after which there would be a lockout if no agreement has been reached.
So the Whale coaches know they aren't going to Michigan, and aren't sure whether they will be taking the ice for the scheduled start of Ranger camp or will be holding off until closer to the end of the month for an AHL-only camp.
One thing seems certain, and that is that the AHL will play as scheduled whether or not the NHL is locked out. League president Dave Andrews reiterated that in an interview Friday on "Hockey Today", an NHL Home Ice Sirius 207 Xm 92 hockey talk show. To hear the entire interview, in which Andrews discusses a wide range of topics, click here.


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Great oaks from little acorns grow...
For over 20 years Birkdale have been manufacturing a range of roller shutters and garage doors. Over this period we have been making changes to our products in order to remain at the forefront of British industry. We believe we are producing some of the top products in the UK owing to quality materials and innovative designs. Within the last few years we've extended our range of home improvement products to embrace window blinds, awnings and pergolas.
Increased business has meant that we have outgrown our previous premises, necessitating our relocation to larger factory and office space on Queensway Industrial Estate, Scunthorpe.
Within our offices we have a large ground-floor show room area where our product range is on display for our customers and those within the trades to visit and view. You don't need to make an appointment to see what sets Birkdale apart from the rest!
Working with numerous countrywide independent installation companies, we're exploring methods of growing Birkdale's reputation within the industry as we firmly believe that we make and supply superior products within the marketplace.
100% customer satisfaction is our aim and we subscribe to the view that keeping a customer demands as much skill as winning one. Therefore, please do not hesitate to raise any queries you may have. You may even wish to pass comment about our range of products and services.
Remember, our national network of approved installers will happily carry out FREE onsite surveys and valuations, followed by professional installation, if required anywhere in the United Kingdom.
Please contact Birkdale on 01724 282171. Alternatively, email via our contact form and we'll reply as soon as possible.
Your valued enquiry is extremely welcome.
Having waited more years than I can remember, I decided to approach Birkdale about having an awning fitted to the front of my house which is south facing and which gets exceedingly warm. Simon from Birkdale initially visited my home to measure everything up. Then a very nice, caring and polite gentlemen called Mark who was ably assisted by Carl, came to fit my brand new awning. I'm very pleased with the job that they've done and I'm really looking forward to sitting in a cooler living room! The lads cleared up after themselves and can take pride in an efficient job really well done! Thank you once more.
I honestly can't think of anything negative I could say about the level of service we have been given. From the offset we agreed a cost and a fitting time. Both of these points are always the most important and you came up trumps. The product was exactly as described. Your fitters were excellent. The canopy covering was temporarily overlooked, but this was dealt with promptly and without question.
I'm not an easy person to satisfy - indeed I usually end up frustrated and disappointed with quality and service levels on certain supplies. In business, when you get the feeling that it's all about the money, professionalism is compromised and I find relations become strained. That's a sad situation. I never felt that with your company at any stage.
It has been a pleasure to deal with you and I would have no hesitation whatsoever in using your services again.
Birkdale's team delivered exactly what you said you would and I was more than happy to make immediate payment as promised. I can see there are similarities between our businesses in terms of how we wish to be perceived. As a solid, respected business, ContainerKing would be very pleased if your customers thought of us first if the services we offer were required.
Many thanks for such a prompt, professional and excellent service - AGAIN! This is the second garage door that we've had from Birkdale. We had the first for many, many years. Your company has always been absolutely superb with us. Extra thanks to Beth in the office for chasing things up for us! Thank you.
Your fitter James recently fitted a replacement Classic Maxi 78/20 roller door at my home. I was really pleased with James who performed the work. It really does look so much tidier, neater and clean - exactly what we were looking for. Thank you.
I'd just like to put on record my appreciation for the job that Mark Roberts did for me. I had seven blinds fitted throughout my house. They were a mixture of Venetian, Roller and Vertical blinds. I'm extremely happy with the quality of the blinds and the fitting job. Even when there was a little problem the day after fitting, Nina at the office arranged for Mark to come back straight away on the same day to rectify. Nina had already called on the day of fitting to check that I was happy as a matter of courtesy which I was impressed with. The service given and the after care I received was absolutely bang on. I'd be more than happy to recommend you and your services to anybody who asked. Thank you.
Thank you for your quick response on the day and sending Adie out who was a real character. He not only knew what he was doing but was also great company and a huge credit to himself and the company. We had a worrying situation to deal with, namely making secure our depot. We are very well satisfied with Adie who did a brilliant job. We would definitely use you again should the need arise. All the best.
On Friday 29th May 2015 I had a new Birkdale sectional door fitted at my home after a previous appointment for measuring up. I am very happy with the quality of door and service and extremely impressed with James, the fitter who did a very good job. Thanks very much.
Thank you very much for the efficient way in which the problem with my garage door was sorted. The issue was diagnosed and rectified by two nice young men (James & Fharone) in no time at all. Thanks also to Nina in the office for arranging.
Thank you. You are so efficient and it is really appreciated.
We have been working with Birkdale Roller Shutter Company Ltd for a few years now and over that time have found them to be one of the most professional and forward thinking companies within the industry. With products manufactured to exacting standards, short lead times and a nationwide delivery service they consistently meet our expectations. Couple the above benefits with the fact they have a broad portfolio of products to select from including commercial and residential shutters, garage doors and many other physical security products means we will continue to work closely with them to serve the needs of our customers and therefore cannot recommend them highly enough to any future customers.
Thank you. Once again you are always courteous in your service provision. I keep on recommending your company to friends and family who ask.
Just a quick note to thank you the very quick delivery of the of the full box on the above. Much appreciated.
Many thanks for getting back to me regarding trims and box. Your response to this issue has been exceptional and you've made it easy to deal with your company. I always find that you can judge how decent a company is by how they deal with things when they go pear shaped. Many thanks.
Kind regards.
Good job on the garage door. Your fitter arrived on time and worked efficiently, completing the installation in under 3 hours.
Thanks very much.


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Characters Confirmed for Upcoming "Justice League Action" Animated Series
At a panel for the Kre8tif! animation conference in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, new artwork was showcased from "Justice League Action" that revealed a number character designs for heroes and villains likely to appear on the animated series.
The artwork, spotted by Batpedia (via ComicBook.com), reveals designs for (left to right, top to bottom) Blue Beetle, (what looks like) The Riddler, Doctor Fate, Shazam, Doctor Light, Mr. Terrific, The Joker, Killer Croc, Firestorm, Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman, Martian Manhunter, Big Barda, (probably) Zatarra, Ra's al Ghul, Harley Quinn, Hawkman, Lobo, Satan Girl, and (likely) Black Mask.
Imagen de baja calidad del diseño de los personajes de Justice League Action. pic.twitter.com/1cRdKhMQio
– Batpedia (@Batpedia) June 5, 2016
Previously revealed concept art included Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman, with the addition of Hawkman, Green Arrow, Zatanna, Shazam, The Flash, Blue Beetle and Plastic Man, among other characters.
RELATED: Conroy, Hamill Return for "Justice League Action" on Cartoon Network
Set to be released in 11-minute installments — in the vein of Cartoon Network's "Teen Titans GO!" — "Justice League Action" sees the return of Kevin Conroy and Mark Hamill as the voices of Batman and the Joker, respectively. Also confirmed for the series is James Woods as Lex Luthor and Diedrich Bader as Booster Gold.
Check out the official description for the series below:
"Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman lead the DC Comics Super Heroes against their most infamous foes in adventures packed with relentless thrills, fun and action. No need to wait for the good stuff to start, each eleven-minute episode jumps in with lightning-paced action and heroics. Whether defending the Earth, facing invaders from space, or battling the bizarre forces of magic, the always-rotating team of Justice League heroes, are up to any challenge.
Executive produced by Warner Bros. Animation president Sam Register, and produced by DC animation vets Butch Lukic, Alan Burnett and Jim Krieg, "Justice League Action" is expected to debut this fall on Cartoon Network.
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text:
2 1 1
Tidy two bedroom unit, renovated with new paint, tiles and kitchen in arguably one of the best parts of Sherwood, close to Shops, Train and public transport. For those seeking a tidy unit and for a great price.
Features include;
- Two bedrooms, main bedroom with built in wardrobe.
- Plenty of storage to kitchen, electric appliances.
- Eat in kitchen, room for a small dining table.
- Air conditioning to lounge room.
- Secure glass balcony,
- Single garage with laundry.
- Front loader washing machine and fridge.
Free up your weekends, no yard or lawns to maintain, quiet complex situated close to Train, Woolworths and Sherwood Road Shops. Ideal for CBD commuters, short drive to City or park your car and catch the train.
SPECIAL TERMS: Sorry no pets. Body Corporate ByLaws apply.
***ARRANGE AN INSPECTION ONLINE - Details Below***
Valid Photo Identification must be presented prior to viewing the property.
Note: RENTPAY is one of our preferred methods of payment. This should be considered before applying. All fees and conditions are available online at www.rentpay.com.au.
IMPORTANT: Whilst every care is taken in the preparation of the information contained herein, we will not be held liable for any errors in typing or information. All information is considered correct at the time of printing. Any interested parties should satisfy themselves in this respect.
Arranging inspections is easy.
Simply go to our website: www.springfield.com.au and click the BOOK INSPECTION button.
Then enter your details and choose an appointment time that suits YOU.
Alternatively, you can access the appointment page by clicking the VIRTUAL TOUR link which is located below this properties availability date.
You will be INSTANTLY informed of any updates, changes or cancellations for your appointment.
If no one registers for an appointment time - then that appointment may not proceed.
So DON'T MISS OUT book for an appointment today.
Get in touch with our team at First National Real Estate Springfield


text:
Steve Smith Sr. won't be retiring as a Panther anytime soon, but he can still bring joy to the good, hungry people of the Carolinas.
The former Ravens wide receiver, who worked at Taco Bell during high school and in junior college, recently went back behind the counter at a store location in Charlotte to promote his new role as an analyst for NFL Network's "NFL GameDay Morning."
"The drive-through at rush hour is really just like a two-minute drill," Smith told USA Today's For The Win. "You're going to make some mistakes. You're going to mishear the order, or mishear the play, and you've just got to shake it off, man. You've got to get to the next customer or get to the next play."
It's tough when you're getting noticed as Steve Smith, though.


text: South Bend Police Chief Thomas Fautz is set to retire Dec. 28 after serving as chief for five years. He spoke last week with staff writer Tom Moor about his 34 years with the department. This interview was edited for length; for a more in-depth interview, see www.southbendtribune.com. When you got on the force in 1973, was it what you expected? It's a job you certainly can fall in love with. In those days, we had two-man cars. I was usually paired with an older officer. I learned a lot about the history of the department. And sometimes that's a little something missing these days. Certainly we didn't have take-home cars back then. We didn't have portable radios. If we got into trouble at a house, you either learned to talk to people or run out to your car to get help, because help was in the car. It's certainly more dangerous on the streets today. However, fairly early in my career, Tom DeRue was killed. Tom was a police officer that really made an impact on the younger officers. Let's face it: When you're a rookie, not everyone welcomes you with open arms, wants to ride with you and help you. Tom was the exception to that. He was really a great guy and somebody a lot of the younger officers really bonded with. When he was killed, it really devastated this department. Go through your progression as an officer. I was lucky because I always had good partners on the police department. Brent Hemmerlein and I came on together and were partners in the car. Tim Corbett and I worked together and were also car partners. A fellow you didn't know was my undercover partner, Dick Badics. And Dave Shock was another undercover partner of mine. I had some outstanding partners and really good people to work with, and we really learned from each other. Fairly early on, in 1975, I was part of Metro Special Operations Section, kind of the original drug unit. That's kind of when it was founded. I worked undercover a lot. Did you like undercover work? Yes, absolutely. Working undercover really teaches you, for one, how to think on your feet. But the other thing is it really teaches you how to treat people and talk to people. And I think that was a great experience for me and probably one of my favorite jobs. You enjoyed being out there where the action was? We had a great time. Dave Shock and I to get established in another area and city to meet people and get embraced in the criminal world, we would get ourselves locked up in jail under fake charges and spend some time in jail and meet people in there. Do they do that anymore? This is old school. That would be a little dangerous now. How long were your stints in jail? A couple days. Did it help? Yeah. In fact, we cleared a bank robbery while in jail. What jail? LaPorte County. What about St. Joseph County Jail? No, no. They would recognize you there, right? That would be a problem. Just little stuff like that, trying to work with informants and get the job done. I can think of another time Dick Badics and I got a limousine and automatic weapons. There was a big burglary where a lot of guns were taken, and we posed as gun dealers out of Missouri with this limousine and went into a bar to make the deal to buy these other things and the rest of these weapons. My name was W. Patrick Zingalo. We had business cards and all this. The next day the whole city was onto it. The FBI was called about these Mafia guys coming into town. (Later,) I was promoted in to be uniform supervisor. Then I became a sector lieutenant working in uniform, and then eventually became a captain of the west sector. About that time, in 1990, I helped develop the NEST unit, the original NEST unit. I was commander of NEST up until 1995, when I went to work over in the Special Crimes Unit. Is being chief what you thought it would be like? In some ways, it's a very enjoyable job. Yes, it's very stressful. I really had no idea the demands on a chief. And I certainly take my hat off to all the previous chiefs. As you're riding around in a patrol car doing other things, you have no idea what the chief has to deal with and the decisions that are made. I think we're really fortunate here, we have good people ready, willing and able to step up and lead this department. My advice to them is have thick skin, and do what you think is right, and not worrying about making people happy and remaining popular. It's about accepting responsibility and doing the right things. How has the feuding with the Fraternal Order of Police this year affected your job? You really have to keep things in perspective. For the most part, several years working with the FOP we've been able to solve a lot of issues and work through problems. These last few years have been difficult on everyone here, with the deaths of our officers. (Cpl. Scott Severns died two days after he was shot during a robbery attempt in April, 2006, while protecting a friend; Cpl. Nick Polizzotto was shot and killed this past April while responding to a call at the Wooden Indian Motel.) Certainly that's something where there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of that. It's difficult for everybody. It's been difficult on this department. And I'm really extremely proud of the men and women on this department that have continued to function and have continued to do what's expected of them despite those things. And that really speaks of the quality people we have on this department. And certainly with the FOP, there's always some friction between management and labor. And especially when you're looking at the amount of changes I've tried to make here. But I stand by we're making positive changes, and I think the department will be better overall in the end when our duty manual is written and we have a promotion system. Our officers today, they're facing extreme danger out there. The number of guns on the street, which we've tried to formulate a number of programs to reduce. The amount of scrutiny they're under. It's very tough for them. Talk about dealing with the deaths of two officers. Your heart goes out to their families. In Nick (Polizzotto's) case, he had a son. I mean, just standing at his funeral and speaking in front of everyone was probably the toughest thing I've ever had to do. And I certainly hope no one ever has to do that again. You ask yourself the question, is there anything else we could have done differently? It's something that is certainly with you every day. And that's why I've always tried to really push the training. It's important because there are people out there that can hurt you. What would you like to be remembered for as an officer? I think the people that worked alongside me always knew I was never afraid of work and that no job was too dirty for me and that I certainly did the best I could. Plans for retirement? Nothing concrete yet. Looking at a couple opportunities. Certainly, I'm going to miss it. Maybe not the chief's job as much as I will other parts of the job. It's a very rewarding, fulfilling job. And there's something to being on the trail of a criminal and getting them to confess and catching them. I guess people really don't realize how serious officers take this job. I've seen our officers do some tremendous things helping out victims and staying in touch with them and working with them. A lot of people believe the police are uncaring. I've seen countless examples of just the opposite, how our officers go out of their way to help people.


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Comments 5
I let the sports talk wash over me. I used to play more arcadey sports games a lot. I'd like to give Power Pro Baseball a chance if we ever get a fresh version of it in the US. I feel like liscenses (MLB, NBA etc.) and the business decisions involved have really hurt sports games for me.
If there are menus and customization options, it's an RPG for me.
I wish there was another sports game out there that could tap into the same thrill and satisfaction I got out of Camelot's Mario Tennis for Game Boy Color.
I'm not sure I touched the exhibition mode with all of the Mario characters more than once or twice; I just had so much fun building up my character and rising up the ranks in the story mode that I just kept replaying it.
I love blitzball. It's a shame that it was an afterthought in FFX-2.
Fun listen! Thanks for the great show as always


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The Golden Globes air live from the Beverly Hilton on NBC starting at 5 pm PT/8 pm ET Sunday. These kudos honor both the best of both film and TV in 2015 and are decided by the 93 members of the Hollywood Foreign Press Assn. After a three-year break, British bad boy Ricky Gervais returns to emcee this awardsfest which will dole out 14 film awards and 11 TV trophies. Denzel Washington is to receive the Cecil B. DeMille Award for life achievement.
Subscribe to Gold Derby Breaking News Alerts & Experts' Latest Oscar Predictions
The Golden Globe Awards will spread the wealth according to the predictions of Expert film and TV journalists we've polled, along with Gold Derby Editors who cover awards year-round, the Top 24 Users who got the top scores predicting last year's Golden Globe winners and the more than 2,000 total Users who make up the largest (and often savviest) bloc of predictors. (Click here for our complete predictions by category.)
Among the movies in contention, we predict "Spotlight" and "The Martian" will win two each, including the top prizes of Best Picture on the drama and comedy side respectively. On the TV side, we expect "Mr. Robot," "Transparent" and "Fargo" to dominate.
Golden Globes film predictions:
'Spotlight,' 'The Big Short,' Leonardo DiCaprio, Brie Larson, Matt Damon …
Among those expected to present are: Amy Adams, Jaimie Alexander, Patricia Arquette, Melissa Benoist, Kate Bosworth, Sophia Bush, Jim Carrey, Viola Davis, Chris Evans, Will Ferrell, Tom Ford, Jamie Foxx, Morgan Freeman, Lady Gaga, Mel Gibson, Grant Gustin, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Kevin Hart, Amber Heard, Taraji P. Henson, Jonah Hill, Bryce Dallas Howard, Terrence Howard, Kate Hudson, Ken Jeong, Dwayne Johnson, Michael Keaton, John Krasinski, Eva Longoria, Jennifer Lopez, Helen Mirren, Julianne Moore, Eddie Redmayne, Kurt Russell, J.K. Simmons, Jason Statham, Channing Tatum, Mark Wahlberg, and Olivia Wilde.
Golden Globes TV predictions:
'Mr. Robot,' Rami Malek, Taraji P. Henson, 'Transparent,' Julia Louis-Dreyfus …
Beginning at 3:00 pm PT/6:00 pm ET, join our team of editors on the home page for a preview of the awards. Throughout the evening, be sure to join the live discussion in our message boards. And then come back to the home page after the show to see us eat crow about what we got wrong (and celebrate those wins that we predicted.)
Make your Golden Globe predictions starting with Best Drama Picutre to the right or at the bottom of this post.
You'll compete to win our contest prize for best picks — a $100 Amazon gift certificate — as well as a place of honor on our leaderboard and a starring role in next year's Top 24 Users (the two dozen folks who do the best predicting this year's Golden Globe winners). Be sure to read our contest rules.
As some of our Users turn out to be our smartest prognosticators, it's important that you give us your predictions. Your picks influence our Users racetrack odds, which also factor into our official combined odds.
Photo Credit: Golden Globes logo: HFPA


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related: events, europe, euroeco, wildeuro
facebook: EuropeanEcotourismConference
flickrgroup: Ecotourism Europe
slideshare: ecotourism europe (4,000+ views)
editing: European Ecotourism, #EuroEco17
September 10-12, 2018 5th European Ecotourism Conference - Tbilisi, Georgia
Organizer : Georgian Ecotourism Association
Facebook: GeorgianEcotourismAssociation
April 17-19, 2017 4th European Ecotourism Conference - Safranbolu, Turkey
The 4th European Ecotourism Conference will be held in Safranbolu, Turkey April 17-19. The conference will bring together 300 professionals. Karabük University Safranbolu Tourism Faculty (@krbkuni) hosts the conference with the partnership of Ministry of Forestry General Directorate of Nature Conservation and National Parks and the Municipality of Safranbolu. With a focus on promoting the role of ecotourism in sustainable development, the three-day conference aims to contribute the UNWTO's 2017 International Year of Sustainable Tourism for Development.
The main objective of this conference is to provide a platform for industry stakeholders; researchers, academicians, practitioners, as well as industrial professionals throughout the continent and beyond to present their research results and development activities on ecotourism. This conference will also provide opportunities for the delegates to exchange new ideas and application experiences in person.
Host City
Safranbolu is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city was declared as a heritage site in 1994 because of its key role in the caravan trade over many centuries.
⚡ "#EuroEco17"
- To the organizers and participants – Will the conference have live and recorded video?
- Is there a directory of participants? Bonus points for a directory with bios and social web links
- How can remote participants and superfans of European Ecotourism amplify and interact with the conference?
- As a media partner, how can Planeta.com assist?
- To the public – What would locals like visitors to know about their corner of Europe? Paint a picture of the kind of tourism you'd like to see.
- In this #YearOfOpen, are any of the related publications and online resources focusing on European Ecotourism open access? Bonus points for OER.
- What is the difference between ecotourism and sustainable tourism?
- What should we learn about Turkey?
Previous EventsApril 26-29, 2015 3rd European Ecotourism Conference (poland)
Organizer - Social Ecological Institute (SIE)
hashtag #EuroEco15
8 lectures/presentations:
1. 25 years of ecotourism movement - Michael Meyer - Ecological Tourism in Europe Germany
2. Ecotourism in global challenges - Anna Pollock - Conscious Travel UK
Ecotourism and Global Challenges -Presentation to European Ecotourism Conference, Poland. April 2015 from Anna Pollock
3. Certification in Europe and GTSC standards - Mary Mulvay - Ecotourism Ireland
4. Key factors for profitability of ecotourism - Jeppe Klockareson - Swedish Ecotourism Society
5. How to communicate ecotourism - Chris Milnes - Hellenic Ecotourism Society
6. IT tools and social media - Aivar Ruukel - Estonian Ecotourism Association
7. How to develop ecotourism in Poland/East European countries
8. Local communities in sustainable development - Rafał Kurczewski PhD
4 discussion panels:
I panel Positive change through ecotourism
II panel Euro Eco 2015 and ESTC 2015
III panel Climate changes and ecotourism challenges for next 25 years
IV panel Ecotourism in Poland chances and challenges
Guidelines for remote participants: tk
#EuroEco15 Q: Paint a broad picture please - how aware are Europeans of European #ecotourism? @Fair_Travel_Swe @Ruukel @nuttisamisiida
— Ron Mader (@ronmader) April 27, 2015
2013October 23-25 2nd European Ecotourism Conference
Organizer - Association of Ecotourism in Romania
The 2nd European Ecotourism Conference will be held in Poiana Brașov, Romania
Declaration of the 2nd European Ecotourism Conference
Following the deliberations and discussions of the participants of the 2nd European Ecotourism Conference,
We recognise these common needs:
- to bring sustainability and nature conservation to the ecotourism destination regions;
- to develop a common understanding of ecotourism in Europe as a conservation and development tool;
- to co-ordinate communications for ecotourism destinations in order to attract guests; and
- to communicate the benefits of ecotourism to policy and decision makers.
We agree with the following ecotourism destination concept.
Ecotourism destinations in Europe should have:
- A protected area associated with the destination.
- A critical mass of local ecotourism businesses.
- A sustainability plan under implementation, in developing ecotourism.
- Nature and local culture as the main ingredients in product development and marketing.
- Active participation of local communities based on shared values, empowered through education and awareness raising.
We, the 80 participants from 20 European countries, including ecotourism and sustainable tourism associations and networks, ecotourism businesses, education institutions, experts and consultants on ecotourism, have endorsed this statement and committed ourselves to use it as a guide for future action
Contact: Association of Ecotourism in Romania, Andrei Blumer,
email@example.com, tel. +40723 18601 +40723 186016
See Andrei Blumer reading the declaration of conference:
Ustream: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/conferinta-europeana-de-ecoturism
Tuesday, October 22
|15.00 –
|Arrival and registration
|19.00 – 20.30
Wednesday, October 23
|07.00 – 09.30
|09.30 – 10.00
|Official opening
|10.00 – 11.30
|Main presentations: European standards, destinations and businesses
1. Ecolnet project: the European Ecotourism Labelling Standards (EELS) and European Ecotourism Network
2. Ecotourism certificates in Europe: transparency on standards, verification procedure, sustainability issues.
3. PAN Parks Network of wilderness destinations.
4. Europarc – Charter Parks.
5. AER – Ecotourism network of products and destinations.
|11.30 – 12.00
|Coffee break
|12.00 – 13.15
|How European standards can be integrated into tourism businesses and destinations and how these
standards can be better understood by consumers;
Round table/talk show facilitated with public interactions
|13.15 – 14.30
|14.30 – 15.30
|Facilitated Workshops – Part 1
Topic 1: Improving the Benefits provided by Certification Programs and Standards
Certification schemes and quality assurance standards as networking and marketing tools for ecotourism
businesses and destinations"
Topic 2: Multi-Stakeholder Approaches to Developing Ecotourism Destinations
The role of local, national and international stakeholders in developing and promoting ecotourism
destinations (ecotourism businesses, protected area authorities, government, international organisations
Topic 3: Practical Tools for conservation and local development
Effective solutions (e.g. financial mechanisms) to maximize ecotourism's benefits for nature conservation
and local development"
Topic 4: "Product Development Strategies for Better Visitor Experience
How to create quality ecotourism experiences and achieve sustainable destinations"
|15.30 – 16.00
16.00 – 17.30
18.00 – 19.30
|Coffee break
Facilitated Workshops – Part 2
Side event
|19.30 – 21.00
Thursday, October 24
|07.00 – 09.00
|09.00 – 17.00
|Field tripswildlife tracking, medieval culture tour)
|18.00 – 19.30
|Panoramic walking tour of Brasov
|19.30 – 22.00
|Dinner in Brasov and concert
Friday, October 25
|07.00 – 09.00
|09.00 – 11.00
|World cafe based on the four topic discussions (part 1) - discussions
|11.00 – 11.30
|Coffee break
|11.30 – 13.00
|World cafe based on the four topic discussions (part 2)
|13.00 – 14.30
|14.30 – 16.00
|Conclusions for the four topics
|16.00 – 16.30
|Coffee break
|16.30 – 17.30
|General conclusions
|19.30 – 21.00
|Festive dinner and concert
Background of 2010 EventMore than 200 people from 27 countries participated in the 2010 Europe Ecotourism Conference September 26-29 in Pärnu, Estonia
Ron Mader's assessment: "Having attended dozens of tourism conferences, the 2010 European Ecotourism Conference set the benchmark for a tourism event -- it was great on the ground and transmitted in real-time using live streaming and free wi-fi. Inspiring! The work of Aivar Ruukel and his friends and colleagues in Estonia should be noted as one of the high points of 2010. Aivar asked us to turn on our smartphones!"
The video channel was viewed in several dozen countries, including (in order of number of visitors): Estonia, Spain, Norway, United Kingdom, Finland, Ireland, Lithuania, Netherlands, Germany, Russia, Czech Republic, USA, Vietnam, Turkey, Sweden, Hungary, Latvia, Austria, Brazil and Australia. The real-time webcast was looked from more than 50 countries and some 837 visitors. These statistics can be accessed online
Ron's ReflectionAllow me to climb onto my virtual soapbox and make the following assessment: Having attended dozens and dozens of tourism conferences, the 2010 European Ecotourism Conference set the benchmark for creating an event that was great on the ground and transmitted in real-time using live streaming and free wi-fi. The work of Aivar Ruukel and his friends and colleagues in Estonia should be noted as one of the high points of 2010.
Traditional conferencing behind closed doors in which participants read at one another should no longer be permitted. We have options, beautiful, lovely sustainable options!
The September 2010 European Ecotourism Conference should be considered THE BENCHMARK for all tourism conferences. There were fine presentations, good networking and opportunities for dialogue. More than 200 people participated and everyone had something to contribute.
The conference took place in lovely Pärnu, a coastal city, but tours before and after the event showcased local actors elsewhere in the country of Estonia.
The big hit of the event was Open Space Technology making the event as much of a fun conference as it was an unconference. Kudos to organizer Aivar Ruukel and his partners and friends. This was a superb introduction to Estonia and a fantastic re-imagining of the challenges of ecotourism in Europe. OST Reports are linked below.
I spoke the second morning of the event and for friends in the Americas, it probably was not the most convenient time to catch my talk – Upgrade Your World – around midnight, so I'm pleased to announce that Aivar has uploaded this and a dozen other presentations. My major thesis is that we need to find the strategies ASAP in which we can improve (aka 'Upgrade') our technical and sustainable practice skills. Storytelling Now!
Now if we want to opt toward sustainable practice, such aspirations need to take place in our travel and I'd argue in our travel conferences. Come on folks, live streaming is a no brainer! We need to broaden and widen the circle. In the video of my presentation the room is set up for the Open Space event, itself a large circle. What I tried to imagine as I roamed the inside of the circle was to think of those who were watching in real-time and those (perhaps yourself) who watch at a more convenient hour.
Engaging EventsThere are frugal and fun ways in which people NOT attending the Pärnu conference were engaged real time during conference.
We would encourage friends to share photos of ecotourism on Flickr, videos on YouTube and tweets on Twitter. Conference participants are encouraged to upload presentations online before conference. We plan to webcast some of the sessions during the event. Keep an eye on the official site -- http://www.european-ecotourism.com -- which will feature a window with real-time webcast.
European Ecotourism Conference website has transmogrified into casino propaganda! http://european-ecotourism.com
OST Reports on SlideshareMore about OST
Ron's presentation: Upgrade your world: How to integrate Web tools in promoting European Ecotourism
Upgrade your world: How to integrate Web 2.0 tools in promoting European Ecotourism from Aivar Ruukel on Vimeo.
Upgrade Your World! Making the most of old-school allies and the expanding social web universe from ron mader
Buzzword BingoAuthenticity - Baltic - Biodiversity - Climate Change - Destinet - Estonia - #euroeco - Europe - Islands - PanParks - Parks - Pärnu - Sailing - Skype - Wildlife
youtube: playlist
2010 - This year, the first European Ecotourism Conference (EETC) is starting a new tradition in the European travel scene – an annual gathering of experts, business leaders, and public and private stakeholders to encourage ongoing conversations about the current state of ecotourism development and future challenges and opportunities.
Monday 27 September 2010
Pre-conference Experiences
19.00 Get-together including dinner in Pärnu Yacht Club
Tuesday 28 September 2010
in Strand SPA & Conference Hotel
09.00 Opening of European Ecotourism Conference
Welcome to Pärnu and Estonia!
Conversations start
10.00 Global perspectives on Ecotourism in Europe – Mr. Richard Denman, The Tourism Company
10.30 Ecotourism and Climate Change – Prof. Dr. Wolfgang Strasdas, Eberswalde University for Sustainable Development
11.00 Networking and mapping of Ecotourism in Europe – Mr. Herbert Hamele, ECOTRANS, Germany
11.30 Conversations in form of World Cafe
13.00 Lunch
14.00 The Experience Economy needs Ecotourism. And the other way around… – Mr. Paal Knutsson Medhus, Norway
14.30 Local Travel Movement – Mr. Luke H. Ford, WHL Travel
15.00 How to Market to Green Traveller? – Mr. Richard Hammond, greentraveller
15.30 – 17.30 Conversations in form of World Cafe
19.00 Social Event and Dinner in Strand SPA & Conference Hotel
Wednesday 29 September 2010
in Strand SPA & Conference Hotel
09.00 – 11.0009.00 – 11.00 Parallel Sessions
Theme – Ecotourism and Biodiversity Conservation
- PAN Parks Tourism Model as a tool to protect Europe's Wilderness – Mrs. Barbara Mayer, PAN Parks Foundation, Hungary
- Ecotourism in Protected Areas of Armenia – Mrs. Zhanna Galyan, Armenian Ecotourism Association
- Proposals for environmental policy based on demonstration of environmental, social and economic benefits from tourism in the Slitere national park – Mrs. Asnate Ziemele , Lauku Celotajs, Latvia
- Developing a sustainable tourism destination with the help of the principals of ecotourism – Ms. Anna Martinez, Sweden - Anna Martinez
- The Onion Road – one region, two nations, three cultures! – Ms. Triin Akkermann, Estonia
- Creating an Eco Experience at the Edge of the World – Mr. James Macletchie, Scotland
- Marelisi - how to establish a new ecovillage – Mrs. Marta Tudela Sanchez, Spain – Georgia
- How to set up a European Ecotourism Knowledge Network: opportunities and benefits from local to European/global level – Mr. Herbert Hamele, Ecotrans, Germany
- Ecotourism Development and Certification in Norway – Ms. Lone Lamark, Ecotourism Norway
- Eco-Romania, integrating certification within destination management – Mr. Andrei Blumer, Association of Ecotourism in Romania
- Estonian Ecotourism Experience – Mr. Mart Reimann, Estonian Ecotourism Association
- Business Success and Constraints in the Swedish Nature Tourism Sector – Mr. Peter Fredman,
- Tools, tactics and tips for communicating in a digital world – Mr. Robin Gurney, Altex Marketing, Estonia
- Upgrade your world: How to integrate social web tools in promoting European Ecotourism – Mr. Ron Mader, Planeta.com, USA/Mexico
13.00 – 14.00 Lunch
14.00 – 16.00 Conversations in form of Open Space
16.00 – 17.00 Closing of the conference
Thursday 30 September 2010
Post-conference Experiences
Elsewhere on the Web (Links!)Ecotourism Conference plus: a real wild Estonian eco experience from 250 euros
European Ecotourism Conference Poses Tough Questions
Síguela en vivo: European Ecotourism Conference 2010
European Ecotourism Conference 2010, Conclusiones y Preguntas difíciles
Flickr GroupsEcotourism Europe
My thinking - All tourism conferences should have free wi-fi and when possible live-streaming of the event and the September 2010 European Ecotourism Conference should be considered THE BENCHMARK
SlideshareEstonia on the Web (2010)
Upgrade your world: How to integrate Web 2.0 tools in promoting European Ecotourism
European Ecotourism Conversations,
ecotourism europe
October 4 - TweetReach for #euroecoReached 9,704 people via 50 tweets


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Your kids need an engaging, active and safe way to spend their P.A. day!
Looking for a fun day for your children while you're at work? We're here to help!
The P.A. Day Martial Arts Camp is designed to give you an option for your children on their scheduled day off from school. We provide quality care while giving them something they can learn…the martial arts! A great camp day will consist of Training Martial Arts, Arts – Crafts and Games, Character Development through virtues activities and, weather permitting, outdoor activities, etc…
Don't miss out! Space is extremely limited, book now to reserve your spots.
2018 Dates:
January 26th, March 2nd, June 8th, June 29th
Camp Hours:
9am – 3pm
FREE extended care (optional):
7am-9am, 3pm-6pm
Day Camp Fee:
P.A. day camps are offered for both members and non-members. Classes will accommodate all levels of ability.
Concerned about possible Teachers Union Strike Action? Contact us for possible Day Camps during this time and sign up for our mailing list so you don't miss out on information about our Summer Camp, March Break Camp or any PA Day Camps as spaces fill up fast!
Be sure to reserve your spot by registering in advance for the PA day camps of your choice. You will not be billed until the actual day of camp. If you wish to cancel your camp registration we require one week notice.


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I created this blog as a way to remember my friend Marilyn and initially talk about how and why I made Marilyn's quilt.
What am I hoping to include?
- Marilyn's Quilt this category will include all the posts about how and why I made the quilt and it's submission to the Festival of Quilts 2012
- Dates for Diaries this page will have dates and links for shows / exhibitions which myself and Janet (M-in-L) are going to attend or like to follow, plus details of any events I will be organising.
- Blog page will have posts about the above, sites and blogs I visit regularly, workshops I attend, books I have bought, magazines I subscribe to, tutorials I would recommend……..
- Contact Me includes my email address which you are welcome to use to contact me.
Thanks for stopping by…. Tracy


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It's been one hell of a long weekend. Though the days were mellow the nights kicked ass.
Friday night, July Fourth, was insane. The traffic was massive. Roads were blocked off, literally blocking me in my house. T and J couldn't get close enough to pick me up , so I walked over a block to met them. Crazy.
Most of the people had been drinking since early that day, not me. but it was a great night of fun and dancing.
Saturday I was up early. Mom and I headed over to the Main Street Fest. It was okay. We were there early, but I'm sure it picked up considerably later.
They had a petting zoo. The animals were rescue animals. Saved from the bad lives that they were living.
I loved that. I will say the animals may have been recently rescued. Some had ointment on them and were looking a little rough. Hopefully they are on their way to being better and healthy.
Goats and a Llama.
Then we checked out the European Barn Owl and the Golden Eagle.
They were both very pretty. The eagle was huge. It weights 14lbs.
European Barn Owl.
Golden eagle and his handler.
On the way home snapped pictures of lavender.
It smelled awesome!
Then it was home for a nap and then out again.
traffic was the same nightmare as Friday. It was a slow night, but fun. Ang and B came out.
T and A get frisky.


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The Accreditation Standards 2015 – Laboratory Medicine document has been reviewed and accredited by the International Society for Quality in Health Care (ISQua).
- Accreditation Standards 2015 – Laboratory Medicine (effective February 1, 2019)
- Accreditation Standards 2015 – Laboratory Medicine Revision Record (effective February 1, 2019)
- Accreditation Standards 2015 – Laboratory Medicine (effective until January 31, 2019)
- Accreditation Standards 2015 – Laboratory Medicine Revision Record (effective until January 31, 2019)
- Guide to Fulfillment of Laboratory Results Comparability Requirements
- Guide to Fulfillment of Measurement Uncertainty
- Guide to Fulfillment of Metrological Traceability Requirements
- Guide to the Fulfillment of Validation and Verification of Examination Requirements
- Guide to Quality Management Systems and Quality Manual
- Frequently Asked Questions
Medical laboratories in the province are required to participate in proficiency testing (PT) programs and alternative assessment procedures that reflect their range of accredited services. The DAP maintains its own records of laboratory PT performance, including the outcomes of investigations and subsequent corrective actions. PT performance history will be a factor considered when determining the overall accreditation award. Medical laboratories are required to investigate and comment on unacceptable performance in writing to the DAP within a designated time-frame. Corrective actions that are initiated by the laboratory require monitoring to ensure they are effective.
What is proficiency testing?
Proficiency testing (PT) is an evaluation of participant performance against pre-established criteria by means of interlaboratory comparison. A PT program is a quality assessment tool that provides a retrospective measure of technical quality. To be most effective, PT must be used in conjunction with the laboratory's internal quality control program and be a part of the quality management system. The objectives of the PT program for the DAP are to:
- provide objective evidence of laboratory competence through continual monitoring
- identify trends in acceptable PT results and flag unacceptable PT results requiring investigation
- monitor the outcomes of investigations and subsequent corrective actions
- provide laboratories the opportunity to identify issues related to systemic error, imprecision, or human error; potentially unrecognized issues if PT is not fully incorporated into the quality management system
- consider laboratory PT performance during the assessment and accreditation process using a combination of data collected through the PT monitoring process and evidence provided during onsite assessment
Forms and resources
- Laboratory Medicine Proficiency Testing Manual
- Available Proficiency Testing Providers
- Reportable Measurands by Service (effective January 1, 2018)
- Reportable Measurands by Service (effective January 1, 2019)
- Proficiency Testing Attestation Form
- Proficiency Testing Enrolment Form
- Proficiency Testing Investigation Response Form
- Proficiency Testing Investigation: Sources of Error Form
For new laboratory medicine facilities
All new facilities and services within an already accredited facility must proceed through the initial assessment process prior to service delivery or patient testing.
- Accreditation Standards 2015 for Initial Assessment – Laboratory Medicine
- Facility Information for Initial Assessment Form – Laboratory Medicine
- Accreditation Agreement
- Notification of Significant Change in Service Form – Laboratory Medicine (for facilities/services that are accredited but are undergoing significant changes in service)
For relocating laboratory medicine facilities
All facilities relocating to a new address or within their existing building (e.g. facility is rebuilt on the same site) must proceed through the relocation assessment process prior to service delivery or patient testing. Please note that the DAP is currently in the process of developing relocation accreditation standards.


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This month for my article in MediaPost's Email Insider I write about some all new challenges facing email marketers. Actually they're not exactly new but they don't get the airplay that deliverability and engagement metrics do. Instead, I focus on some of the internal challenges that could hamper your email program – internal perception, budget cuts, and management issues. But don't worry – if you made it through the SPAM crisis of 2005 and you've integrated into mobile devices without missing a step, you'll tackle these in stride as well.
Skeptics, Scourges And Scallywags: Marginalizing Your Email Program's Internal Challenges
by Mike May
published on 6.1.11 in MediaPost's Email Insider
We all know email is hard. Deliverability challenges, narrowing windows of attention, increased clutter, multiple platforms and devices all conspire to drive even the most seasoned email marketers to MediaPost and other trade pubs to read advice on how to make a little bit easier. The truth is that even with increased expertise, email doesn't get easier; you just get better results.
And all of those challenges are just the external ones – what is going on in and around your subscribers' inboxes that makes it more difficult to connect with them. Email marketers face a litany of internal challenges as well, each of which can create obstacles as aggravating as deliverability hiccups and waning engagement metrics. Internal perception, budgeting and resource allocation, staffing and management all can have as significant an impact on your email program as the size of your house list or the results of your A/B testing.
You probably already have goals in place to measure the improvement of your email program against external metrics, whether it is to boost the readership of your primary newsletter or generate a greater percentage of transactions from email. Consider adding these internal goals as well, to make sure your email program has the support it needs to meet all its objectives:
1. Communicate email's achievements. Your email program does a lot of good that goes largely unheralded. Because it is not as expensive as search, as visible as print or TV advertising, or as sexy as social, it doesn't enjoy as much attention from the corner office. But consider a marketing campaign without the use of email — how much additional the budget for other channels would need to be, the fewer points of contact your brand would have with your customers, how attribution and metrics would trail off precipitously – and suddenly email's true value to a communications program becomes clear. If your email program is taken for granted, it may be time for an internal PR campaign around it. To shore up perception among senior management, create a regular report touting some of email's unsung metrics: total points of customer contact per month, number of new subscribers, percentage of transactions attributable to email. How do you share this report with senior management? With an email newsletter, naturally. (At the very least, you can study the analytics to see who is paying attention and engaged, in advance of the next budget request.)
2. Set realistic expectations. There is a danger in the perceptions of email leaning too far in the other direction as well. Just as slashing resources allocated to email can compromise your program's performance, relying too heavily on email instead of an integrated pan-channel communications program can likewise hamstring your results. In some organizations, the budget for email is protected while other more expensive channels are subject to frequent and even radical trimming. But email can't do everything by itself, and it's the email marketer's responsibility to manage expectations within the company. For example, I often hear marketers decide they're going to send an email when they want to "reach everyone." But "everyone" you want to reach is probably not already subscribed to your email list. And unless you consistently enjoy 100% open rates, you're not even reaching everyone who is. When you communicate your email program's achievements internally, be balanced in your approach and help set expectations. Your email program works better as part of an integrated communications strategy, when the burden is distributed across several channels.
3. Marginalize mavericks. Almost every organization has some email users who are a little cavalier with permission, and fast and loose with frequency guidelines. While going rogue can result in strong individual results, permission and frequency infractions can have long-term ramifications on the rest of the organization's email program. Unexpected or too much email can result in higher unsubscribe rates, lower engagement metrics and even spam complaints — all of which can make it harder for any of your company's messages to get through, even those sent by the marketers who stick to the straight and narrow. A little internal education on the deliverability big picture can go a long way toward reining in offenders. If that doesn't work, consider implementing sender controls, restricting access to certain lists for some senders.
4. Institutionalize restraint. There are probably two or three times per day I would like to send an email to our entire house list. That number is easily double for each of our salespeople. But I don't, and they don't. If we did, our email program would be crushed under its own volume. The lure to send just one more reminder message is great — for you, and for everyone else in your company who uses email. The great challenge of email is to balance what the business wants out of email today, with what the business needs from email in the future. To achieve this goal, institutionalize restraint by tracking how key metrics (deliverability, engagement metrics, unsubscribe rates) trend over three, six and 12 months, and share these with everyone who sends email at your company. Pay attention to subscriber frequency as well. Even though each person who sends email might be sending a message every week or two, there may be some subscribers who are everyone's list, resulting in 4 or 5 times the email volume of your average subscriber. If that happens, putting frequency caps on subscribers is a quick fix. Supplement it with revised processes for how each marketer's lists are created or — better yet — a preferences center.