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In this episode, Mitch explores the various types of hospice organizations, the benefits to each and how you can determine which is right for you.
"All licensed hospice programs are required to provide certain services, but the range of support service is offered can differ from hospice to hospice. "
hello and welcome to another episode of Living With Hospice. I'm Mitch Ware I'll be your host today. As you know, I'm a long term hospice volunteer. I am actually a bedside musician. I'm not a doctor. I'm not a nurse or social worker or therapist. But I do have a lot of experience with several different hospice organizations, and that experience comes as a client as well as a volunteer. Also, I am not sponsored by anyone in this podcast is not affiliated with any particular hospice organization. So you could say we're not beholding to anyone and we can speak openly and freely about any issue relative to hospice without bruising anyone's ego or stepping on any corporate toes. So today we're gonna talk about probably the most interesting question I've ever been asked. How do I go about selecting the right hospice? How do we know what's the best hospice for me and my family? And the answer is simply. Shop around. Hospice organizations are identical in their mission to provide comfort that's physically, emotionally and spiritually to all of its clients. But how they go about that well, that's often a little different from hospice. The hospice. See what service is each hospice has to offer. Don't be concerned about money. Just find out what resource is each one has and go from there. You may be thinking, How do I know what to ask? Who do I ask? What should I expect to hear from these folks? Now? That's a great place to start. Because of the Medicare law, all hospices have to provide what's called palliative care. If you aren't sure about what that means, you can refer back to an earlier episode where we discuss in detail what palliative care is. All licensed hospice programs are required to provide certain service is, but the range of support service is offered can differ from hospice to hospice. Like other medical care providers, business models vary some programs or community based. Some are non profit and actually summer for profit hospices. We discuss the differences between for profit and nonprofit in Episode five, So if you want to go back and look at that, feel free. One big consideration for many people is faith, and they're quite a few. Faith based hospice is available, especially in larger communities. Faith based hospices are typically non profit and run with a faith component in their tenets of providing care. We have several faith based hospices in our community here one is nondenominational and one I believe is Roman Catholic. There may be other, smaller, faith based hospices here that I'm not aware of. Each of these, though, incorporate a faith element in the caregiving approach. End of life often brings people back to their faith, like that old World War, saying there are no atheists in foxholes. Well, whether or not this rings true, there's no question that faith based hospice census are growing. This may be something that you want to look into when you start your search for a hospice. So ask yourself what is important to you as you ponder selecting a hospice for you or your loved one. You want to be in good, reliable hands. Ah, hospice that has a good track record. You want to know that the doctors, nurses and aides and volunteers are going to arrive on schedule and that they're 100% committed to you when they're there? You want to know that they are your advocate for better care. You want to know they are advocating for you at every single turn. Did you know that many hospices have a lot of resource is for you and and also for your family, and these range from the obvious, like medical care. And in that sort of thing to such things is someone walking through your house and finding ways to make your life and that of your loved One's easier and more comfortable. The order up accessories. They order equipment. They bring in tools to help your life be easier. And this is all at no charge to you. And they even have those things installed if they need to be again and no charge to you. Most have someone again, a volunteer who is trained and vetted, who will come in and sit down with you or your loved one and and take down, for example, their life story. Seriously, I've heard some fabulous life stories that the family actually had no idea about. One in particular was when a hospice worker picked up on the fact that lady she was attending to was a single parent during the Great Depression. Wow, the stories she told about how rough and yet how wonderful life could be when you really don't have anything except each other. The hospice worker asked the lady if she would like to have Ah, her stories written down for her family to read one day a journal of sorts so that her grandchildren, her great grandchildren, her great great great grandchildren, all of them could have insights into her life in the era in which she grew up in Well, the woman replied, Cash never thought about that. Sure, that sounds like a good idea. And so she began just telling her story, and the hospice volunteer recorded it and transcribed it. Hospices can provide many service is that enrich the lives of patients and caregivers? A few of those air, well, things like housecleaning. Keeping a clean house is often hard to do when you're taking care of someone you love, and especially if you're worried. Well, there's a whole bunch of different types of volunteers, for example, someone that would handle the hassle of a crowded grocery store and do your shopping for your someone to pick up your dry cleaning, run other errands for you. Another is having a trained and vetted volunteers stopover to visit for a few hours every week. Sometimes those visitors can give the caretaker's a break and actually allow the caregiver to leave the house or home to go do some shopping or attend to some appointments. Other service's include Raiders. That's someone to come in and read a patient's favorite passages from their favorite book to them. They're also bedside musicians like me, people that come in and play the music your loved ones just loved to hear. I've had to learn a lot of music from the thirties and forties, but ah, I love every minute of it. There's also a pet therapy, and there's Ah, cosmetology. This would be by a licensed cosmetologist, and there's just a host of other service is available. One very common but very important service is what most hospices call 11th hour. It is a service provided for patients whose loved ones can't be with them at the time of their passing. Hospice provides, especially trained and vetted, volunteered to come in and be with your loved one, so they're not alone. Another is grief counseling in that counseling can extend not only to the family but to friends. Most all hospices offer this for up to a year after the loved one passes away. Other consideration is how often the staff really is available. If you pick up a particular hospice organizations literature, it will probably say something like Service is 24 7 Well, I have entered a guest that it's it's true almost all the time. This is perhaps the time to go online and check out the reviews on Hospice is that you're considering. Check to see if they're living up to the claims for excellence that they espouse. Check with friends to check with people on Facebook and other social media and see what their experiences have been like with the hospice that you're considering. Smaller hospices, especially those in rural communities, simply do not have. The resource is of those in the larger cities, but that doesn't mean that they aren't worth your consideration. Hospice focuses on family, smaller communities air very in tune with that concept of family, you could have a very good experience with a smaller hospice in spite of a lack of resource. Is the number one consideration in my mind for selecting a hospice? Is that particular hospices culture? Check it out. Do they live up to their claims for timely and appropriate care, given with love and compassion for the patient and the family. Then, of course, there's a whole non profit versus for profit question, and we just talked about that in an earlier episode. That's really not a big deal either way. Oh, hey, Did you know that hospices air, typically chartered to cover one county? Also did you know that you don't have to choose the hospice that is in your community? I see a woman every week that it's from a community over 100 miles away, but she resides in assisting living facility here in our community. She's a permanent long term resident, but she is living appear in assisted living facility in our county, and so is in our service, and I'm glad she is. I love her positive attitude, her bright, cheerful disposition and her timely sage advice, especially at holiday time. So, in summary, how do I know what hospice to choose? Well, shop around. Ask questions about service's and resource availability that are important to you, read reviews left on hospice organization's websites and social media. Ask around in your circle of friends about different hospices and the experiences that they've had with, um, check with the Better Business Bureau. You'd be surprised how many businesses that advertise and present themselves a squeaky clean, polished professional are really far from it. Always check out hospice you're considering with the B B B and finally, if possible, take your time. Do a good job in your due diligence. This is, ah, super important decision you're making here. In most times, this is a family decision. Be inclusive. Don't add to your drama by creating hard feelings with other family members by excluding them if you don't have to. As we wrap this episode up, let me leave you with this little story. We had a lovely woman moved to our community from down South someplace. Her name was Edna, and in spite of her advanced years, she was fully independent, ran her own errands, drove her own car, worked her way into serving on the Deaconess board of her new church, as well as being a grandmother for reading time at the local elementary school. She even volunteered at the local food pantry, which is where I got to know her as a violent is I volunteered there also, and she was first to arrive Every time I was there. She had a smile on her face. She always had encouraging words, and everyone just loved her. Edna went to her new primary doctor for some medical care is she had trouble breathing. Her stamina wasn't quite what it usually is in. Her chest would hurt, and she'd often feel nauseous. Well, they ran some tests and determined that she had some heart issues. And so they want to run. Some are tests, and as they did that, they also discovered that she had a terminal disease. She was diagnosed with Stage four pancreatic cancer, very short prognosis with this form of cancer, and it took it on stride, though said she birth and raised four boys. Two girls married and buried three husbands. How much more difficult could this battle be? The next day, a woman arrived. That was a spitting image of Edna. They accept 25 years younger or so. It was Edna's daughter, Jeanette Jeanette, upon hearing the whole story from her mom about the chest pains and the nausea and the pancreatic cancer. Somehow she was able to set up a meeting for her and her mom with an oncologist than a radiologist bushwhacked in the doctor's cafeteria. I might add the feet that I have yet to get my mind around as those places were locked up like Fort Knox, and she even arranged a meeting with an internist. I guess the apple didn't fall far from the tree with Jeanette. Like her mom, she was a take charge type of person. After meeting with all these people, she called a therapist that her mom knew from church and have become pretty close friends with. And I'm sure you wouldn't be surprised to hear that. At this meeting, Edna and Jeanette laid their cards on the table. The final decision was that, given her short prognosis combined with her heart issues, it was just better to go into a pallet of care situation as opposed to more of a curative care situation, which would involve chemo and radiation and all that goes with that. The therapist suggested it was time for hospice care. She gave them some literature for four different hospices and in their community to our faith based to or not. In typical Edna fashion, they set up interviews and invited each of them to come over to Edna's condo and chat over two days. They met with four hospice representatives, one in the morning, one in the afternoon, another the next morning and the last one in the afternoon. Man, I'd love to be in the fly on the wall for those meetings. These two ladies turned on their Southern charm, I'm sure, and and went at the's four hospice reps with a vengeance. They actually had them all, but bidding against each other from what I've been told anyway. When the dust settled Animator Choice, the hospice she chose was a perfect fit for her because of going into hospice care of palliative care is opposed to curative care. She continued to live a full life. She was at the church getting the all purpose room, ready for wedding receptions and birthday parties and such, she continued working at the pantry, making meal bags for the school kids to take home after school, some of which actually, she'd worked with as a volunteer in the reading program is the weeks went on. Hospice came in and installed grab handles in her bathroom. They installed a shower seat for her. They brought in a hospital bed for her and put it right there where she wanted in the family room by the window. That way she could watch the birds at the feeder and occasional dear to walk through or wild turkey. She asked for and received hospice volunteers to come in and sing with her. She told stories of raising her four boys and two girls and embarrassing them with her own dance moves with When they would play their records, Edna would fill out thank you notes, and she made sure that all of her volunteers got one. And when I got Point where she just didn't really feel up to writing anymore, she would dictate thank you notes to staff at the school and send personal notes to kids that she'd helped with reading. And she would pick words that were small enough so these kids could actually read her notes. As she entered into her 11th hour, Oliver Children in a few grandchildren gathered at their grandma's house. When the last of her Children arrived, she greeted him and thank him for coming Very shortly Later, she passed away at peace. Her family went out of their way to thank everyone at Hospice for their genuine care and in concern for their mom. They were so thankful that Edna had made that decision to go into a hospice care when she did so that she could live her last few months doing exactly what she loved to do and living her life the way she wanted and that was carrying for others. Jeanette in Edna set a good example for all of us in end of life care. Do your due diligence Explore all of your hospice options, see who's the best fit for you and your family, then lived the life you have left seeking and finding physical, emotional, spiritual comfort and live your life. Do the things you like to do as best as you can. Thank you for spending your time with me today. As you can tell, I'm very passionate about making sure everyone has a positive journey in their end of life experience. All of us that hospice are that way. We want you to be informed. We want you to be armed. We want you to have timely and accurate information in an effort to help you make the best possible decisions regarding hospice care for you or your loved one. As always. If you have questions about hospice or ah, hospice situation, please drop us a note at email@example.com. We may cover your question on a future episode. Who knows again? Thanks for spending time with us and until next time I'm Mitch Ware for living with hospice. Have a blessed day.


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GPS tech has revolutionized how we fish. Not only does pre-season scouting pay off like never before, but the ability to mark waypoints and critical features like docks or hazards also makes GPS a must-have game changer.
For 2022, virtually all the high-end fish finders incorporate GPS, allowing you to network with your motor to maintain position or navigate via waypoints. For pros and charter captains, that's something that can really pay off.
But even anglers on a budget can take advantage of GPS, and there are reasonably-priced units that bring the power of way pointing and marking within reach of pretty much everyone.
If you're in the market for a fish finder with GPS capability, we've got you covered. Below, you'll find reviews of some of the best fish finder gps combos on the market, as well as a complete buying guide.
- Awesome screen
- Very easy to use; excellent UI
- Excellent depth and range
- ClearVü and SideVü
- CHIRP and standard sonar options that cover a very wide range of frequencies
- Excellent networking options
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Built -in maps and GPS
Display Size: 12"
Resolution: 1280 X 800
Frequencies: CHIRP (83/200kHz) as well as traditional 455/800kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 150'
Maximum Depth: CHIRP 1,000'; DownScan 300'
Transducer Angle: ?
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Display Size: 12"
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Frequencies: 70/83/200 kHz CHIRP; ClearVü and SideVü 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 500'
Maximum Depth: Traditional: 800 ft freshwater; ClearVü: 400 ft
Transducer Angles: Traditional CHIRP: 24-16; ClearVü 0.52 x 52 @ 1000 kHz, 0.64 x 35 @ 800 kHz, 1.1 x 52 @ 455 kHz; SideVü 0.52 x 52 @ 1000 kHz, 0.64 x 35 @ 800 kHz, 1.1 x 52 @ 455 kHz
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Display Size: 9"
Resolution: 800 x 480
Frequencies: CHIRP (50/83/200kHz) as well as traditional 455/800kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 150'
Maximum Depth: CHIRP 1,000'; DownScan 300'
Transducer Angle: ?
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Humminbird HELIX 10 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
Display Size: 10.1"
Resolution: 1024 x 600
Frequencies: CHIRP Full Mode (150-220 kHz), Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200
kHz; soA Downar 50/83/200/455/800 kHz and 1.2 MHz)
Side Scanning: 800 ft. (455 kHz), 250 ft. (800 kHz), and 400 ft. (MEGA) (up to 800')
Down Imaging: Yes; MEGA Down Imaging+
Maximum Depth: 1,200' (3,500' with an optional 50 kHz transducer)
Transducer Angle: 20°, 42°, 60°, (2) 86°, and (2) 55° @ -10dB
Target Separation: no less than 2.5"
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Display Size: 3.5"
Resolution: 320 X 480
Frequencies: CHIRP 50/77/200 kHz
Side Scanning: No
Maximum Depth: 1,600' freshwater; 750' saltwater
Transducer Angle: ?
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: No
Table of Contents (clickable)
- 1 Best Fish Finder GPS Combo Reviewed
- 1.1 Lowrance HDS LIVE 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter - Best High-End Fisher Finder GPS Combo
- 1.2 Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv - High-End Fisher Finder GPS Combo
- 1.3 Lowrance Elite FS 9 - Best Mid-Range GPS-Equipped Fishfinder
- 1.4 Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 Fish Finder/GPS Chartplotter
- 1.5 Humminbird HELIX 10 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
- 1.6 Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv
- 1.7 Garmin Striker 4 - Best Small GPS-Equipped Fish Finder for Kayaks and Canoes
- 2 Fish Finder Basics: Frequency Demystified
- 3 Fish Finder Basics: Sonar Pings or CHIRPs
- 4 What We Consider When Selecting a GPS-Capable Fish Finder
- 5 Final Thoughts
- Best Fish Finders in 2024
- Best Humminbird Fish Finder
- Best Lowrance Fish Finder
- Best Garmin Fish Finder
Best Fish Finder GPS Combo Reviewed
Lowrance HDS LIVE 12 Fish Finder/Chartplotter - Best High-End Fisher Finder GPS Combo
Display Size: 12"
Resolution: 1280 X 800
Frequencies: CHIRP (83/200kHz) as well as traditional 455/800kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 150'
Maximum Depth: CHIRP 1,000'; DownScan 300'
Transducer Angle: ?
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
A trusted name in marine electronics, Lowrance's high-end fish finders rival, and in some cases surpass, the performance of the outstanding Humminbird Helix and Solix series.
The Lowrance HDS Live 12 is clearly designed for anglers who make a living on the water, whether that's tournament fishermen or chapter captains. A head-to-head competitor with the Solix 12, this Lowrance features remarkable bleeding-edge tech.
In short, feature for feature, it meets or exceeds the performance of the Solix 12, with the exception of overall image quality. There, Humminbird reigns supreme.
The HDS Live 12 sports a 12-inch diagonal screen with awesome resolution. Crisp and clear even in bright sun, it's touch-capable and augmented by the usual keypad, enabling accessibility no matter the conditions.
Powered by the amazing Simrad Active Imaging 3-in-1 Transom Mount Transducer, expect CHIRP, traditional sonar, and side-imaging. Offering a bit more range in side-scanning than the Solix, it probably surrenders the ultra-high frequencies to Humminbird, perhaps explaining why its image quality can't quite compete.
That's not saying the HDS Live doesn't provide good images - they're amazing!
Some specifications are not available from either Lowrance or Simrad Yachting (the same company since 2006), such as transducer beam angle or target separation. Normally, that would give us pause: if you're proud of a product's performance, you're going to offer that info! But real-world performance has demonstrated the HDS Live 12's abilities beyond doubt, and we wouldn't hesitate to use this fish finder.
In CHIRP mode, water penetration is awesome, punching down to 1,000 feet. DownScan is a very-high-frequency mode, roughly analogous to Humminbird's MEGA system, providing incredible crisp, clear images at the cost of depth.
But where Lowrance kills its competition is the integration of GPS and mapping tech. Here, their experience in marine navigation is more than evident. The excellent C-Map US Inland mapping and US/Canada Navionics+ card make GPS plotting and charting a breeze. And like Humminbird, Lowrance offers a real-time mapping feature, Genesis Live. Capable of creating ½-foot contour maps, it's tournament-winning and customer-pleasing tech at its best.
And of course, the HDS Live series offers outstanding connectivity options, including SmartSteer control for the Xi5 trolling motor and Outboard Pilot, an aftermarket course-plotting system for single and dual outboards.
Does the Lowrance edge out the Humminbird, recapturing the top spot in our reviews?
We think it does, and if you can afford it, it's simply the best fishfinder on the market this year.
- Awesome screen and image quality
- Good depth and range
- CHIRP and standard sonar options
- Powerful GPS and maps
- Lake mapping feature
- Pairs with your mobile
- Powerful connectivity options
- Expensive!
Garmin ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv - High-End Fisher Finder GPS Combo
Display Size: 12"
Resolution: 1280 x 800
Frequencies: 70/83/200 kHz CHIRP; ClearVü and SideVü 260/455/800/1000/1200 kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 500'
Maximum Depth: Traditional: 800 ft freshwater; ClearVü: 400 ft
Transducer Angles: Traditional CHIRP: 24-16; ClearVü 0.52 x 52 @ 1000 kHz, 0.64 x 35 @ 800 kHz, 1.1 x 52 @ 455 kHz; SideVü 0.52 x 52 @ 1000 kHz, 0.64 x 35 @ 800 kHz, 1.1 x 52 @ 455 kHz
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Garmin's ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv is marketed as a direct rival to Lowrance's HDS Live and Humminbird's Solix, offering competitive cutting-edge tech, awesome networking, mapping, and chartplotting.
And in shallow water - less than 60 feet - its very high frequency sonar offers better, crisper images than the competition, no question about it!
Garmin equips its flagship fish finder with a 12 inch diagonal screen that's big, easy to read, and easy to adjust for any conditions. Expect awesome and a vivid color palette supported by powerful back lighting. In short, not only are the images it displays very nicely drawn, but they're also completely legible even in direct, bright sunlight.
It makes us slightly nervous that Garmin doesn't report its maximum viewing angles, buyt real-world use relieves this fear. Whatever the actual numbers, standing off to the side or sharing the view with a buddy won't cause any problems.
As we've come to expect from Garmin, the UI is incredible: intuitive, clean, and easy to learn. Especially iIn comparison to Lowrance and Humminbird, you'll find you're up to speed much, much faster.
The touchscreen's controls are functionally identical to those on your smartphone, too, so if you're used to scrolling and magnifying with the swipe of your fingers, you'll know exactly what to do.
Garmin equips the ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv with the awesome GT56UHD transducer, probably the best option for "shallow" water. At the depth that its 1200 kHz penetrates, roughly 60 feet or so, it's unrivaled in its detail.
That's a big deal.
Images and detail are first rate on the ECHOMAP Ultra.
And the GT56UHD transducer is "LiveScope" capable, meaning that it can provide video-like images in real time. That's game-changing tech that rivals the HDS Live, and it really can change the way you fish.
SideVü and ClearVü are supported as well, and we're pretty impressed with what each of them has to offer, especially given the supported frequencies. "Impressive" is the best word for them.
Networking options for the ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv are powerful and easy to pair, allowing you to link your trolling motor or other supported electronics, including a smartphone, via the ActiveCaptain app. This unlocks some powerful chartplotting, planning, and navigation options, and is among the best in the business.
Garmin's Quickdraw Contours is an exceptional addition to the ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv. Capable of contour mapping in 1-foot intervals, and sharing these maps with the Garmin community, you'll always know where to fish. Add to this preloaded BlueChart and LakeVu maps, and you're covered pretty munich anywhere there's water deep enough to float your boat.
Taken together, the features of the ECHOMAP Ultra 126sv are impressive, and there's little question that Garmin has closed the gap with Lowrance and Humminbird.
- Awesome screen
- Very easy to use; excellent UI
- Excellent depth and range
- ClearVü and SideVü
- CHIRP and standard sonar options that cover a very wide range of frequencies
- Excellent networking options
- Quickdraw Contours mapping
- Built -in maps and GPS
- ???
Lowrance Elite FS 9 - Best Mid-Range GPS-Equipped Fishfinder
Display Size: 9"
Resolution: 800 x 480
Frequencies: CHIRP (50/83/200kHz) as well as traditional 455/800kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 150'
Maximum Depth: CHIRP 1,000'; DownScan 300'
Transducer Angle: ?
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Lowrance's Elite FS series is a direct competitor for Humminbird's Helix series, and in our opinion, it's a very worthy rival. Essentially similar to the HDS Live, minus some of the more advanced connectivity features, it's an excellent buy for serious anglers who demand superb sonar and screen detail, great UI, and options like Active Target.
I think the 9-inch screen is the better buy of the two options. Of course, it's more affordable, and while not as readable as the HDS Live 12 - nor blessed with extreme-angle legibility - the Elite FS 9 is remarkable in its own right.
Screen and image quality are excellent, falling a tad short of the Humminbird Helix, and legibility suffers a tad in direct, bright sunlight while using features like Active Target. But Active Target is itself an awesome feature that Hummibird doesn't offer, providing live, full-motion video produced by sonar.
Nothing short of amazing, it's only available on the HDS Live and, now, the Elite FS series.
Active Target is maybe the most incredible addition to fish finders that I've seen.
This fish finder is powered by the same awesome transducer as the HDS Live, and image quality, target separation, depth, and range are just as good. In the real world, that makes it an awesome choice on lakes and rivers, inshore and offshore.
Moreover, Lowrance includes the same excellent mapping, course charting, and GPS software, making this a very full-featured option for every serious fisherman to consider. And with access to the C-Map Genesis website - where you'll be able to download tens of thousands of accurate topo maps of water near you - well, that's a game-changer!
So is the Elite FS 9 really outgunned by the HDS-12 Live?
For anglers who make a living on the water, yes. Many pros run more than one unit and need networking, including trolling motor and outboard control. Especially for charter captains running inshore and offshore trips in big boats, this tech really pays off.
But for 99% of anglers, the Elite FS 9 is an impressive, capable fish finder with the features that matter. And now that it sports Active Target, too, it'd be the fish finder I'd reach for myself.
Check out our full review: Lowrance Elite FS 9 Review
- Excellent screen and image quality
- Good depth and range
- CHIRP and standard sonar options
- Powerful GPS and maps
- Now with Active Target!
- Lake mapping feature
- Pairs with your mobile
- ???
Humminbird SOLIX 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 Fish Finder/GPS Chartplotter
Display Size: 12.1"
Resolution: 1280 X 800
Frequencies: Dual Spectrum CHIRP, MEGA Down Imaging+, MEGA Side Imaging+; Full Mode (28-75 kHz), Narrow Mode (75-155 kHz), Optional Deepwater (28-250 kHz), Wide Mode (130-250 kHz
Side Scanning: Yes (up to 200')
Maximum Depth: 200'MEGA Down Imaging+; 1,200' CHIRP (3,500' with an optional 50 kHz transducer)
Transducer Angles: 20°, 42°, 60°, (2) 86° & (2) 55° @ -10dB
Target Separation: no greater than 2.5"
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
The new Solix series may be the most powerful fish finders Humminbird has ever offered.
Loaded with ultra-high-end electronics, the Solix 12 CHIRP MEGA SI+ G3 Fish Finder/GPS Chartplotter is a mouthful, but it really helps Humminbird position itself as a constant innovator.
Head-to-head, the Solix's only real competition is Lowrance's excellent HDS Live series, which, in our view, maintains a narrow lead with its GPS and mapping edging out Humminbird.
Humminbird is well known for its screen and image quality, and this Solix sports a 12.1-inch diagonal that's simply outstanding, even when the sun does its best to make the screen illegible. Crisp and clear, it makes the most of the Solix's sophisticated electronics, providing sharp graphics and unparalleled images. And even the awesome Lowrance HDS Live gives up some ground to Humminbird on this front.
There is a larger screen offered in the Solix series, and for pros who make a living on the water, that might be a sound investment. For serious anglers with day jobs, the 12 is about right, offering plenty of screen and saving considerable cash over the larger model.
As I mentioned above, image quality is one of the Solix's selling points, and with the MEGA upgrades, you get ultra fine-grained detail created by very high-frequency sonar. Now, this will reduce the Solix's range a touch, but that's a trade I'll take any time, given that you're still looking out to about 200 feet with any MEGA-equipped feature.
This particular Solix is just as capable of unbeatable image quality in side imaging, as indicated by the SI+ abbreviation.
Just take a look:
Much of this performance is due to the top-notch transducer Humminbird uses in tandem with the Solix, and you'll find that its beam angles are tailored to its tech offerings. For instance, this Solix offers a sweeping feature called "Mega 360" that provides side-scanning in full 360 degrees while sitting still.
That's a feature every high-end fish finder should offer.
As you'd expect at this price point, the Solix uses CHIRP as well as standard sonar, providing both high and low frequencies as well as hitting all points in between. That spectrum provides the amazing image quality we've already covered, as well as plenty of depth penetration.
That transducer delivers 2.5-inch target separation as well, and with great range, fantastic imaging, and easy fish identification, it's easy to see why pros choose the Solix.
And while the user interface is a bit complicated, Humminbird is working to correct that flaw. For example, at the push of a button, you can switch viewing modes, giving you the information you want without the distractions of things you don't. But learning the complete UI will be time-consuming, so be prepared to sit down and study the manual.
That time will pay off, as the Solix series provides charts for no less than 10,000 lakes, as well as the coasts of the U.S. And with two SD slots, it's easy to add even more. Its powerful GPS system enables chartplotting as well as marking points of interest like honey holes, dangers, and docks, so this fish finder has you covered from the beginning to the end of your angling adventure.
Add to this the powerful AutoChart Live system that lets you map the bottom in detail, accounting for everything from hardness to cover and structure, and you've got a winning combination driven by GPS tech.
It really will make a difference in how you fish - and how successful each trip is.
That said, I think Lowrance offers better mapping tech. Their amazing C-Map and Genesis Live features are simply the best in the business.
- Awesome screen and image quality
- Fantastic depth and range
- CHIRP and standard sonar options
- No greater than 2.5" target separation
- Powerful GPS, maps, chartplotting, and autopilot features
- Lake mapping feature
- Pairs with your mobile
- Expensive!
Humminbird HELIX 10 MEGA SI+ GPS G4N
Display Size: 10.1"
Resolution: 1024 x 600
Frequencies: CHIRP Full Mode (150-220 kHz), Narrow Mode (180-240 kHz), Wide Mode (140-200 kHz; soA Downar 50/83/200/455/800 kHz and 1.2 MHz)
Side Scanning: 800 ft. (455 kHz), 250 ft. (800 kHz), and 400 ft. (MEGA) (up to 800')
Down Imaging: Yes; MEGA Down Imaging+
Maximum Depth: 1,200' (3,500' with an optional 50 kHz transducer)
Transducer Angle: 20°, 42°, 60°, (2) 86°, and (2) 55° @ -10dB
Target Separation: no less than 2.5"
GPS: Yes
Maps: Yes
Until the arrival of the Solix and Apex series, Humminbird's Helix was top dog in its lineup of fish finders. And despite newer, more powerful options, the Helix is still outstanding fishing tech for anglers who don't earn a living on the water.
Priced to sell, I think the Helix is perhaps the best fish finder for the money, offering what was until last year or so the best tech on the water without rivaling a new outboard in price. For the vast majority of avid anglers and weekend fishermen, this fish finder is a great option, and I wouldn't feel under-gunned at all running the Helix.
As you'd expect from Humminbird, the 10-inch diagonal screen provides brilliant resolution and image quality, even in direct sunlight, thanks to 1500 nits of brightness. In its price range, nothing else comes close.
Armed with the MEGA and SI+ image upgrades, it provides game-changing details.
I don't say that lightly.
To my eye, the Helix 10 supports imaging that's as good as the Lowrance HDS Live for a fraction of the cost.
That's not unearned praise. Just take a look:
Game-changing: that's how good the Helix SI+ is.
Powered by the incredible XM 9 HW MSI T transducer, the Helix 10 offers powerful CHIRP sonar with ridiculously high-frequency side scanning. That's why the image quality is so high, and it's just ridiculous on a fish finder at this price.
To make our shortlist, every fish finder had to be equipped with GPS, and of course, the Helix makes the most of this tech. Detailed maps are built-in, and you'll have access to AutoChart Live, allowing you to create and share your own contour maps.
Those are game-changers, and increasingly, basic demands from serious fishermen.
The standard fishfinder view is great for locating schools of predators and prey.
As with all advanced fish finders, you'll want to spend some time with the manual learning the ins and outs of its abilities, and Humminbird isn't known for the friendliest user interface.
Finally, as you'd expect from a unit that used to be the cream of the crop, the Helix 10 MEGA SI+ G4N offers robust networking options, including navigation and accessory units. While not every angler needs or wants these, if you run more than one control head or want the option to operate a compatible trolling motor from your fish finder, this is a very cost-effective way to get hold of these high-end features.
Check out our full review: Humminbird Helix Review
- Powerful CHIRP sonar
- Awesome down and side imaging
- Amazing image quality
- Offers a wide range of transducer angles
- Excellent screen
- Excellent target separation
- Powerful GPS and mapping options, including pre-loaded maps
- Solid networking options
- Complicated UI
Garmin Striker Vivid 9sv
Display Size: 9"
Resolution: 800 x 480
Frequencies: 50/77/200 kHz CHIRP (mid and high); ClearVü and SideVü 260/455/800 kHz
Side Scanning: Yes, 500'
Maximum Depth: 800 ft.; ClearVü: 500 ft.
Transducer Angles: Traditional: 24°-16°; ClearVü/SideVü: 2.0°x50° @ 455 kHz and 1.0°x30° @ 800 kHz
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: No
Garmin began as a GPS tech company, and it's no surprise that they incorporate satellite location in their line of fish finders. Known for budget pricing, the question is whether Garmin can deliver the kind of full-featured performance that rivals the Humminbird Helix and Lowrance Elite, offering serious anglers a reason to give the Striker Vivid 9sv a closer look.
Featuring a 9-inch diagonal screen, expect reasonable resolution and a bright, seven-color palette. But image quality can't rival either big-name competitor, something that comes as no surprise when you consider that the Helix and Elite are about twice as expensive.
Sonar performance is acceptable, and the Striker Vivid 9sv makes use of CHIRP as well as standard sonar, providing excellent range and depth for both bottom-scanning and side-scanning applications. The transducer is actually very nice, providing ultra-high frequencies that match the Helix number for number in side imaging, but that performance never really translates to Humminbird's awesome image quality.
Garmin is pretty hush-hush about what the Vivid 9sv's actual specs are, and we can only assume that its electronics just can't do the transducer's high frequencies justice.
That said, the old and much-maligned "calculated" ClearVü is gone.
Garmin's initial downward-facing system was ruled a copyright violation of Lowrance's DownScan, and rather than purchasing the license to the tech like most other companies, Garmin chose to use side-scanning to simulate a downward-facing image.
Now, Garmin uses a true down-scanning system. The problem is that it's nothing to write home about.
Shadows plague the Vivid's side-scanning, and overall image quality is the poorest of the Big Three, a reality of the price of this fish finder.
To be clear, the Striker Vivid 9sv has a very readable screen, even in bright sun, and its controls are perhaps the easiest to master. It's also quite affordable for CHIRP-enabled sonar.
But in terms of overall performance, Garmin simply isn't trying to keep up with Humminbird or Lowrance, as is clear by the absence of pre-loaded mapping. The onboard GPS is excellent, however, and you can mark waypoints and locations of interest with ease.
- Very easy to use
- Excellent depth and range
- CHIRP and standard sonar options
- Good screen
- Screen and image quality suffer greatly in comparison with high-end Humminbird and Lowrance
- No maps
- High-tech options are limited, and this unit is in no sense a competitor with Humminbird and Lowrance
Garmin Striker 4 - Best Small GPS-Equipped Fish Finder for Kayaks and Canoes
Display Size: 3.5"
Resolution: 320 X 480
Frequencies: CHIRP 50/77/200 kHz
Side Scanning: No
Maximum Depth: 1,600' freshwater; 750' saltwater
Transducer Angle: ?
Target Separation: ?
GPS: Yes
Maps: No
We can't recommend the Garmin Vivid as a rival for Humminbird and Lowrance, but we love the Striker 4. For kayak and canoe anglers and fishermen on a very tight budget, the Striker 4 is a great buy and definitely worth considering.
And unlike the larger Garmin units, the Striker 4 is a true rival for Humminbird.
Let's start with the screen.
The Striker 4 offers a 3.5-inch diagonal that's a touch smaller than its Humminbird rival. And without question, the Humminbird's down imaging provides a clearer image.
So why do we like the Striker 4 so much?
CHIRP and GPS.
Powered by an excellent CHIRP-capable transducer, broadcasting on frequencies ranging between 50 and 200 kHz, the Striker 4 provides great depth and range. Target separation is pretty good, and actual fish finding is excellent, in no small part because of the CHIRP tech.
Yes, image quality isn't top-notch - but then this is a small unit that's only a fraction of the price of the Helix or Elite.
And the Striker 4 works like a charm, is easy to navigate, and provides excellent budget-priced GPS features. GPS is nothing to scoff at, and if you're willing to give up image quality to the Humminbird, this Garmin might be the best budget fish finder for you.
- Awesome price!
- Acceptable screen size
- Good depth and range
- No side-scanning
- No maps
- Image quality is lower and suffers in comparison to the similar Humminbird
Fish Finder Basics: Frequency Demystified
Sonar is just sound. It's beyond the range of human hearing, but in principle, no different than any other noise.
Sound takes the form of a wave, with crests and troughs or peaks and valleys. Higher frequencies pack more of these oscillations into a given span of time than do lower frequencies.
Low frequencies - penetrate water better than high frequencies. Fish finders with very low-frequency transducers can "see" through the water better, allowing them greater depth.
The weakness of low frequencies, however, is that every oscillation provides data, and with fewer crests and troughs per second, they can't provide as much information as high frequencies.
Think about your mobile phone for a second. It works much the same way, which is why 4G can carry more information--more data per second--than 3G. Higher frequencies equal more information.
High frequencies - offer greater detail, allowing your fish finder to "find" fish and tell you their size and location.
They can't penetrate much water, however, and they can't tell you much about the bottom, including details like structure and cover.
Dual sonar - Most fish finders use dual frequencies, pairing a high and low frequency to provide the best features of both. For instance, when you see a fish finder that lists two frequencies, such as 77/200 kHz, that means that its transducer broadcasts at both 77 kHz and 200 kHz simultaneously.
The low-frequency signal reads the bottom, while the high frequency finds the fish.
Fish Finder Basics: Sonar Pings or CHIRPs
"One ping only, please."
The Red October's sonar used "pings," bursts or pulses of noise that it sent into the water, striking objects and returning to its transducer for analysis. When the sonar was active, it wasn't constantly transmitting sound.
Most fish finders aren't much different. They use dual frequencies in pulses: short "pings" like the one you heard in the video. These short pulses are transmitted together, providing enough data to give the fish finder's electronics a picture of the bottom and anything suspended in the water column.
But military tech has advanced a long way from the Cold War, and modern sonar systems use something called CHIRP, or Compressed High-Intensity Radiated Pulse.
CHIRP sonar uses much longer pulses than standard systems, starting at the low frequency and moving quickly to the high frequency. These longer bursts, and the range of frequencies between the lowest and highest, provide much more information than standard sonar systems.
As you can see, there are many more peaks and valleys in the CHIRP signal, and each and every one carries information. The military uses CHIRP sonar because it's simply far more effective than dual frequency sonar, and the good news is that so can you!
Some fish finders now offer CHIRP sonar. It provides better imaging, greater accuracy, and more information.
This isn't a marketing ploy--it's real, it's a fact, and in our opinion, it's worth paying for.
What We Consider When Selecting a GPS-Capable Fish Finder
GPS and Mapping
Satellite location tech does a lot more than let you know where you are on the water - though that's nothing to sneeze at! With the right maps and charts, and with mapping, chart plotting, and way pointing software, GPS enables game-changing opportunities.
Not only can you scout and mark ideal spots to fish, you can note hazards like shallows or rocks, locate docks, and create contour maps that revolutionize how and where you fish.
GPS and mapping aren't gimmicks - they're tournament-winning tech that's within reach of every budget. But especially at the high-end, the software is simply amazing, offering contour map sharing that can get you up to speed in new locations quickly or turn you on to the best spots in no time.
Target Separation
Target separation is simply a measure of how precise the fish finder's sonar is at distinguishing individual fish from one another. Smaller numbers mean better performance.
Transducer Beam Angle
Often a selling point, this is not nearly as important as marketing leads you to believe.
All other things being equal:
Wider angles let you see a greater area below your transducer.
But, and this is a big but, the "specified cone" isn't the actual area the fish finder reads. Instead, it's shaped more like this:
Moreover, for a specified beam width, the structure of the bottom can greatly affect performance. And the greater that width, the more likely this problem is.
As a general rule, the shallower the water you fish, the wider the transducer beam angle you want. Too much will create problems, and if you fish in deeper water, you want a tighter, more focused beam angle.
Side Imaging Sonar
This is exactly what it sounds like. Some advanced fish finders offer specialized transducers that transmit and receive off the starboard and port sides of your boat. The result is a 2-D image of the water column to either side.
Some brands sport a range of as much as 800 feet in either direction!
Obviously, this can be incredibly useful for locating fish, and it's an increasingly popular option. Be aware, however, that the depth of these side-facing transducers is limited. Side imaging sonar won't be penetrating the water column very far, though it's an awesome compliment to a traditional transducer.
Maximum Depth
You want a fish finder with good maximum depth, and you want to match this rating to your actual use. Especially if you fish deeper water, like the Great Lakes, or if you're a saltwater angler, this is something to consider carefully.
Display Size and Resolution
Larger displays are easier to read and use, but of course, they cost more, too.
And bigger isn't always better.
Resolution is a measure of how much detail a fish finder's screen can provide, and a small screen with great resolution can be easier to read than a large screen with only average resolution.
Final Thoughts
Which GPS-equipped fish finder is best for your needs and budget is only something you can decide, but we're confident that you'll be happy with whichever Humminbird or Lowrance model you choose from our shortlist.
For the pros out there, the Humminbird Solix and Lowrance HDS Live are simply excellent, with the overall performance - especially the mapping software - of the Lowrance really impressing us.
For serious anglers, the Helix and Elite are very hard to beat, and unless you need networking to control your trolling motor and outboard, the Elite FS 9 is impossible to beat.
Finally, if you're looking for a budget-priced, small fish finder, Garmin's Striker 4 is impressive, offering GPS features that no competitor does.
As always, we'd love to hear from you if you have a question or comment. Please leave us a message below!

subset: commoncrawl


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Referred to as the eccentric sister to jasmine, Ylang Ylang is a perfume heaven in its purest form. It is the most sought after fragrance and is well-known for its healing nature
WHEN YOU walk past a perfume lounge, have you ever felt the urge to go back and try that one note that triggers your senses? The one that takes you back in time and reminds you of a moment you simply can't forget?
As a woman, you would have the tendency to pick any fragrance from the category of white flowers because of its sweet and sensational floral notes. The one that tops the list is Ylang Ylang. The lush tropical essence is highly appreciated in perfumery and aromatherapy.
Sit back and relax as we transport you to the stunning world of this big white floral note, taking you on a journey you would want to traverse regularly.
History of the perfume tree
Like the warm wind off a tropical island with a tinge of spice and verdant richness, Ylang-Ylang has an exotic history. It's long and narrow yellow-green, six-petal blossom arranged in beautiful swirls with its intensely floral and earthy sweetness and creamy scent is often associated with feminine beauty.
Ylang Ylang, pronounced as 'ilang ilang' meaning 'wilderness', also commonly known as the flower of flowers, is derived from Tagalog. It belongs to the family of Cananga species of trees and is indigenous to the rainforests of Burma, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea and Pacific Islands, and the Philippines. It is now naturalised and cultivated in other tropical countries such as Africa, other parts of Asia, the Caribbean and the Americas.
The extraction of the oil, which is carried out through steam distillation, is done at different levels to get four grades: extra, first, second and third.
The extra grade is extensively used to prepare high-quality fragrances. In perfumery, Ylang-Ylang is a great standalone fragrance for its complexity and appeal but is also blended with others to produce beautiful tropical and earthy notes, especially for women's perfumes. It is also used in men's perfumes to tone down the sharper notes.
You can't be confused when you want to pick a fresh Ylang Ylang fragrance. Let's give you a quick list of what we adore.
Bold and sensual
For those days and nights where you want to stand out in the crowd, where you know there is no comparison to who you are, try out these exotic fragrances.
Topping the list is the all-time favourite Chanel No.5, for now and forever. The perfume's top notes include aldehydes, lemon and Ylang Ylang, with middle notes of jasmine, rose, lily and base notes of sandalwood, amber, vanilla and patchouli.
If you are having a special night out, you have to try the Absolue Pour le Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian for men and women. It is wild, intense and is the complete opposite of gentle. It has an explosive blend of rose, honey, incense and benzoin with Ylang Ylang, cumin, Atlas cedar and sandalwood.
An equally captivating alternative, to make a grand statement or leave a potent memory, is Exotic Ylang Ylang 40 Notes Perfume for women, which is sensual, sexy, feminine, and seductive. Its top note is Ylang Ylang and is enhanced with white gardenia, animalic musks and a hint of indole.
Divinely poetic and soft
For a more summery, gentle and alluring feel, do not miss trying
out one of these fragrances. Gold M. Micallef for women is all about Ylang. The name is descriptive of its characteristic: when you apply this perfume it leaves a pearly golden hue on your skin. This summery fragrance has a balanced floral bouquet warmed by sunny tropical notes of Ylang Ylang, sandalwood, coconut and vanilla.
Continuing its expeditions on the Ylang Ylang trail is the house of Givenchy. Amarige Ylang Ylang by Givenchy for women has a fairy-tale feel to it. The notes are classy and has accentuated the sunny Ylang Ylang with exotic aromas that are like the scent of flambeed banana.
If you like the oriental floral fragrance, then Deux Amours by Jean Patou for women is apt for you. Its top notes are bergamot and neroli, middle notes are rose, jasmine, tuberose and Ylang Ylang and base notes are sandalwood and styrax. Wear this when you have a silent and cosy brunch with your beau.
Love and all that
Poet Kahlil Gibran rightly describes the connection between love and fragrances. He said, "Life without love is like a tree without blossoms and fruit."
When you talk about love, it has to be everything that is sweet, dreamy and full of surprises. Topping this list is Passion Annick Goutal for women, specifically devoted to passionate love. This soft, warm and velvety floral bouquet has united the notes of tuberose and jasmine with a blend of Ylang Ylang and vanilla. The surprise element is fragrant tomato leaves, which brings in a green freshness into the composition, followed by base notes of patchouli and oakmoss.
If you want to go for one of the newest kids in the block, go for Ylang Ylang Nosy Be Extrait by Perris Monte Carlo, a floral fragrance for women and men. It has a fruity flavour with its top notes including pear, middle notes being a beautiful blend of Ylang Ylang and rose and base notes of vanilla and musk.
From the house of Dior is this enigmatic and romantic fragrance Les Creations de Monsieur Dior Diorissimo Extrait de Parfum by Christian Dior for women. You will instantly fall in love with this floral choir of Ylang Ylang as its top note with the middle notes
of lilac, lily, amaryllis, boronia and rosemary and base notes of jasmine, bergamot, sandalwood and civet, giving it the perfect harmony.


text:
A big fire broke out at a power generation unit at Istanbul's main Ataturk Airport at around 22:00 local time (2000 GMT) Sunday, media said.
Firefighters were called to the airport to control the blaze, Reuters reported. The cause of the fire was not known and no other details were immediately available.
Turkey's TAV Airports Holding operates the airport, which is the hub of operations for Turkish Airlines.


text:
What to do During a Dental Emergency
Sometimes a toothache can hit us at the worst possible time. What should you do if it is the weekend and there is not a single dentist office open?
Dental pain is usually due to inflammation, so over the counter anti-inflammatories like ibuprofen may be helpful in decreasing the pain.
Warm salty water rinses can sometimes help soothe the area. This can be done three times daily.
Over the counter topical numbing medications usually contain benzocaine which can temporarily subside the pain. However, overuse of this medication can further irritate the area, so use it only in moderation.
If you experience a mild fever and/or slight swelling you can use a cold compress to keep it under control.
Please go the hospital emergency room if any of the following occur:
- The pain becomes unbearable
- If you have a high fever
- Swelling has spread into the throat making it hard to breath and swallow
- Swelling that has spread up toward your eye, causing it to shut
I.V. antibiotics may be needed to keep the infection under control. Emergency rooms usually don't have a dentist on staff, so they will likely only be able to provide temporary pain relief and/or get the infection under control. You will need to follow up with our Wyndham dentist for straightforward care that prevents the infection from reoccurring.
Emergency Dentist in Wyndham
To help prevent dental emergencies you should maintain regular checkup appointment with your dentist. Yearly radio-graphs are helpful in diagnosing dental problems and they can be treated before they become severe. At Wyndham Dental, we have been in business for over 30 years and we would love to help you take care of your teeth. Call us as soon as possible for same day emergency care and pain relief.


text:
Date of Completion
Spring 5-1-2020
Thesis Advisor(s)
Grace Player
Honors Major
Elementary Education
Children's and Young Adult Literature | Early Childhood Education | Elementary Education
The United States multiracial population is a fast-growing portion of our population. As the multiracial population grows, so does the need for multiracial representation within books. This study analyzed the representation of multiracial individuals in children's picture books for ages newborn-8. I identified 75 board and picture books published in the United States between the years 2009 and 2019 that feature mixed race characters. The identified texts were analyzed in a critical content analysis using a framework based upon Critical Race Theory. Through this framework, I examined how multiracial characters in the texts are portrayed, the power dynamics, and what the texts says about various aspects of culture, including race and class. I also analyzed the authors and illustrators of the selected books, looking closely at the role that this plays in the dynamics presented in the texts. The data collected showed that, currently, there are few books that offer multiracial windows and mirrors and the overwhelming majority of the picture books that were identified did not provide specific cultural information. The findings suggest that the 9 million Americans who identified as multiracial on the 2010 census are not seeing themselves represented, in diverse, authentic, and varied ways, in children's picture books. There is a large need for more literature featuring multiracial characters from all backgrounds created by authors/illustrators who share the same background.
Recommended Citation
Foster-Mauro, Kiana, "Mirrors of Our Own: Multiracial Representation in Children's Picture Books" (2020). Honors Scholar Theses. 735.


text:
A collection of the most recent news, events, media mentions, and media assets.
Inside Small Business, 14th December 2021
Does remote working increase unconscious bias?
Has the pandemic made us forget the importance of empathy when it comes to reducing bias? Hear what CEO, Katriina Tahka has to say.
April 2021
C+I Roundtable Event.
Hosted at Nanda\Hobbs Art Gallery, A Human Agency facilitated our first Construction + Infrastructure Roundtable of 2021, where we examined workplace culture on an organisational and industry level, with our guest speakers Alison Mirams and Phillip Garling.
Company info.
A Human Agency (A-HA) is an agile, end to end HR dream team filled to the brim with a breadth and depth of HR capability.
The team can quickly mobilise, design solutions and partner with businesses large and small to implement, and make it stick. Everything you ever dreamed of from HR but thought you couldn't find in one spot or afford.
A-HA believes HR is more than payroll and leave management. It is critical for agility, disruption, and growth. It's vision and purpose is to intentionally design great places to work where people and profits both thrive.
Helping businesses create human friendly workplaces is at the core of all A-HA does. While this is known as HR, A-HA does it bit differently, focusing on five core areas: workplace culture, diversity + inclusion, development, capability + capacity; and providing businesses who need hands on help with a HR partner.
Media partners.
Lastest media mentions.
Does remote working increase unconscious bias?
Katriina Tahka Bio.
Katriina is an expert in people, culture and creating great places to work for everyone.
For over 15 years, as an employment lawyer, she's worked in diversity and inclusion in financial services, infrastructure and the legal profession; leading national talent, diversity and leadership portfolios. A 'people person' with a serious commercial spine, Katriina understands what it takes to make real, sustainable change happen. Her pivot into HR came when she decided to turn up the volume on diversity and inclusion, as a critical area she wanted to shine the light on. As the CEO and Founder of A-HA, A Human Agency, Katriina works with many businesses and their teams, touching the lives of many employees with her human-first approach to policies, structures, and business growth strategies.
Katriina's goal is to build inclusive workplaces, helping them help them build workplaces where people and profits thrived side by side. Knowing that the success of a business truly hinges on the heath and wellbeing of its team, Katriina leads the way in her industry believing HR can and should be done differently.
She heads a number of industry-leading efforts, including a round table for members of the construction industry in Australia. This initiative invites CEOs and entrepreneurs in this field to come together and find ways of improving productivity while combating the work-related burnout epidemic that we are currently seeing in this sphere. Through open discussions, challenges are highlighted, shared, and as the professional with the authoritative knowledge o the subjects, Katriina equips these bsuinessowners with practical ways in which they can improve the mental and physical well-being of their teams without decreasing their bottom line.
Katriina also spearheads many of the female empowerment initiatives we see in Australia, running impactful campaigns around equality in the workplace and in society.
Passionate about women's rights, diversity and inclusion, Katriina is always open to hearing new viewpoints, sharing her insights, and engaging in meaningful discussions.


text:
Given below is my task.
An user can open the xls file from my website (loaded on the top frame).
After filling the Excel, he can click a send button at the bottom frame. By
clicking the button i have to save the file in a shared directory on the web
server by a unique name.
Is it possible ?
Any tips of how to do this ?


text:
Diana Croft has been working on a series of reduction linocut prints inspired by allotments, drawn by the blend of order, nature, and the importance of outdoor spaces during the pandemic lockdown.
Why did you decide to make a series of prints about allotments?
I've been meaning to do a print on this theme for a while, as I've always found allotments interesting places. They contain a blend of order and chaos, with nature being tamed and bent to our will. With the onset of the lockdown, it seemed the perfect time to explore the subject matter. During this strange time, when we so value our outdoor spaces and so many people have started growing their own vegetables, it seemed an appropriate topic.
How did you make the prints in this series?
"Allotment Landscape" is a six-colour linocut. It was quite complicated to make as I use the reduction method, so each layer of colour was printed from the same lino block, requiring the previous colour to be cut away. The registration has to be spot on so everything lines up correctly. "Allotment Life" is a reduction linocut in three colours - the video above shows me peeling the paper from the lino block of "Allotment Life" after printing the final colour.
Is this based on your own allotment?
No, I don't have an allotment of my own. This is based on a friend's one not far from where I live. We do have a small vegetable patch in the garden, though, and I'm trying to grow as much as we can. Gardening seems to be a very important activity at the moment, and it's good to feel in touch with nature.
Will you make more allotment-inspired prints, or do you see this series going in a different direction?
I've progressed from allotments to a garden scene I've called "Garden Sanctuary", because that's how they feel at the moment. I'm now working on a linocut of a park with a few people in it and a duck pond, so it's a gradual progression of movement away from the house and the immediate environment.
I've also noticed that the work has become more detailed, and I've enjoyed becoming totally engrossed in the process.
Prints by Diana Croft are available from Greenwich Printmakers. Contact us here to ask about buying work by Diana, or any of our other printmakers. Your enquiry will be passed on to the artist, who can arrange payment and post the print to your home.


text:
SAI International School is committed to nurture the body, mind and soul in a positive and happy environment. Our constant endeavor is to help each child achieve and maximize their own individual potential as well as reach greater heights, with a new perspective towards life.
Seventeen students of SAI International School have qualified for the Kishore Vaigyanik Protsahan Yojana (KVPY), a scholarship funded by the Department of Science and Technology, Govt. of India and administered by Indian Institute of Science (IISC).


text:
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Collection of videos from the Kubernetes webinars
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In this course," you get a review of the layout and principles of Google Cloud Platform, followed by an introduction to creating and managing software containers and an introduction to the architecture of Kubernetes.
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Learn Architecting with Google Kubernetes Engine: Workloads from Google Cloud.
17 h
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Learn Architecting with Google Kubernetes Engine: Production from Google Cloud. In this course, "Architecting with Google Kubernetes Engine: Production,"
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Introduction to Kubernetes
Get an in-depth primer on this powerful system for managing containerized applications.
42 h
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Learn practical techniques for creating and deploying containers on a Kubernetes cluster using Red Hat OpenShift Container Platform.
14 h
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Swannery birding highlights of the week...
Monday 18th to Sunday 24th February 2013
Although arguably spring already, it was hard to believe this week with the low temperatures and bitter north-easterlies... Not very good timing to have a weeks leave, or was it!
As I was trying to have a bit of a break from my workplace and spend some quality time with Suz (despite the risk of missing something!) I only got a few hours birding in at The Swannery on Thursday (at lunchtime when all my colleagues were fast asleep!) and again (while I was on feeding duty) yesterday and today. Even so I managed to confirm the continued presence of most of the usual recent highlights...
The three Long-tailed Ducks were still present. The first year male (top) progressing nicely with it's moult.
But I could only find nine of the ten (Greater) Scaup (above), although typically it was the first time I had managed to photo them all together all winter.
Avoiding my camera though were the pair of Goosanders (far too distant), the male Marsh Harrier (distant and mobile) and a Jack Snipe (far too quick). And that was about it as I failed to find either the Black-necked or the Slavonian Grebe and bird numbers in general seemed to be dropping off with no gulls or passerines of note. My garden though which I count as part of my patch (being so close) held a Chiffchaff and unusually my feeding station continues to attract a pair of Nuthatches (always a bit hit and miss here) and up to three Jays (left-overs from the autumn influx no doubt). A few Redwings added to the wintery feel even if decreasing wildfowl and wader numbers didn't. The Lapwing flock for instance is now only about fifty strong, there were however around twenty Redshank, a few Common Snipe and a single Dunlin but very few dabbling duck.
The meadow only held a few (Eurasian) Wigeon, Gadwall, (Eurasian) Teal and (Northern) Shoveler including this first winter male (above). They always seem the last of the male dabblers to reach adult plumage...
Adult male (Northern) Shoveler. |


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If you want to re-model your bathroom and you are searching for some beautiful new bathroom cabinetry, you could consider buying bamboo bathroom cabinets. They are a beautiful and economical choice which is becoming increasingly popular amongst buyers.
There is huge growth in popularity for bamboo cabinetry because of its strength and beauty, but also because of its excellent price. It is also sustainably grown is so it is an extremely eco-friendly material to use for bathroom cabinetry.
It is grown in sustainable plantations which can be replenished and easily re-grown within as short space of time – as few as three years. Many hardwoods can take over thirty years to re-grow and for the stocks to be replenished. Bamboo is much easier to grow and it's readily available, so many growers are choosing it as a more economic option. Many of the Hardwoods are rare and very expensive to grow, treat and to buy.
You won't have any of the style, originality or beauty that you would have with a traditional hardwood cabinet either. Bamboo is a beautiful material to look at and lends itself well to modern, contemporary cabinet design. With the natural blonde tones, which are very like pine, you will be sure of a very attractive finish.
Bamboo can also be stained to any color you desire so whatever décor you want for your bathroom the cabinets will be made to match them perfectly. You can also keep a much better control of your budget when you choose this form a bathroom cabinet. It is a much cheaper option than many hardwoods and you will not lose anything in terms of durability, beauty or life with bamboo cabinets.
For most people who are re-modelling their bathrooms, style and design is an extremely important factor. We all want to live in a welcoming and beautiful home. For a stylish choice, and especially for modern contemporary homes, bamboo is perfect. Many families choose it over other forms of woos because it looks so good made into modern designs.
The best cabinet makers will be able to show you a range of styles of cabinet all made from Bamboo. For many customers, they are surprised when they learn what the cabinets are made of. Most people do not realize how strong and attractive this material is for use in cabinets and shelving within the home.
Be careful of cheap imitations. There are some companies out there selling veneered bamboo cabinets and these can be just as expensive, but they will not last as long or be as hard wearing, especially for a busy growing family.
Look for Bamboo bathroom cabinets which have been made by expert craftsmen, who know exactly how to get the best out of the beauty of this wonderful, sustainable material. By doing this, you will have an attractive new re-model which your family and guests will love, and which will last for many years. It will remain looking good and be strong and durable and able to cope with the rigors of modern day living.


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Box Office Breakdown: Megamind is Unstoppable
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, Lionsgate, Paramount, Universal, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Animation, Documentary, Drama, Family, Horror, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Thrillers, Box Office, Lists,
Denzel Washington and Chris Pine could do nothing but watch Megamind speed past them at the box office.
Despite an early lead for the action film, Unstoppable lost a bit of steam. The movie, which opened to $8.1 million on Friday, slowed to a $22.7 million take and second place-finish by Monday. Of the five films Tony Scott has directed Washington in, this movie – also starring Chris Pine – debuted in the middle of the pack.
Two other wide releases found themselves perched in the Top 10 this weekend. Universal's sci-fi entry, Skyline, dialed up $11.7 million for fourth place. Meanwhile, Morning Glory, starring Rachel McAdams, Harrison Ford and Diane Keaton, produced $9.2 million ($11.8 million since Wednesday) – enough for fifth place.
Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Megamind is Unstoppable
Read More | Box Office Mojo
Box Office Breakdown: Megamind Opens Large with $46 Million
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: DreamWorks, Disney, Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Animation, Biopics, Drama, Family, Horror, Period, Sequels, Comedy, Sports, Thrillers, Box Office, Lists,
Will Ferrell, Zach Galifianakis and Tyler Perry contributed to one of the largest November weekends in box office history.
Megamind – starring Ferrell, Tina Fey and Brad Pitt – topped the competition this weekend with a $46 million take. The animated comedy opened bigger than How to Train Your Dragon – another Paramount/Dreamworks collaboration – did in March ($43.7 million), but smaller than Despicable Me ($56.4 million) did in July.
Todd Phillips' Due Date, featuring Galifianakis and Robert Downey Jr., also had an impressive open despite landing into second place. The movie, which grossed $32.7 million, had the largest premiere for any R-rated flick in November. (The movie bested the record set by Borat's $26.4 million in 2006.) The film, though, fell behind The Hangover's $45 million open in 2009.
Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Megamind Opens Large with $46 Million
Read More | Box Office Mojo
Box Office Breakdown: Saw Franchise Ends with a Win
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Disney, Fox Searchlight, Lionsgate, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Action, Documentary, Drama, Family, Horror, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Sports, Box Office, Lists,
The Saw franchise, which has been churning out annual entries since kicking off in 2004, introduced a new twist to the latest October entry. That visual element, plus a calendar shift, helped Saw 3D take first place over the holiday weekend.
Despite the $22.5 million debut, Saw 3D – the seventh and final film in the series – didn't exactly end the series with a bloody bang. The horror flick had the fifth-best open in the entire franchise -- and that's including the higher ticket prices. (Only the 2004 original and 2009's Saw VI – which was pitted directly against Paranormal Activity – did worse.)
Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Saw Franchise Ends with a Win
Read More | Box Office Mojo
Box Office Breakdown: Paranormal Activity Takes Over Theaters
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Disney, Paramount, Sony, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Biopics, Documentary, Drama, Horror, Period, Romance, Sequels, Comedy, Box Office, Lists,
Combine a mysterious baby and a barking dog with a $3 million budget – and what do you get? Horror's biggest opener to date.
Paranormal Activity 2, Paramount's follow to last year's surprise hit, scared up a record-breaking $40.7 million over the pre-Halloween weekend. The film not only took first place away from Jackass 3D, it edged past Friday the 13th for the scream title. (That 2009 remake debuted to $40.6 million in February 2009.)
Meanwhile, Clint Eastwood's Hereafter, which expanded from a limited release, also made entry into the Top 10. The Matt Damon-starrer settled into fourth place with a $12 million take.
Click to continue reading Box Office Breakdown: Paranormal Activity Takes Over Theaters
Read More | Box Office Mojo
In Theaters This Weekend: October 22, 2010
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: IFC Films, Paramount, Warner Bros, Weinstein Company, Documentary, Drama, Horror, Music, Musicals, Romance, Comedy, Sports, Thrillers, Lists, New Releases, Trailers,
Here are a few selections in theaters this weekend:
- Hereafter** (PG-13): starring Matt Damon, Cécile De France, Jay Mohr (directed by Clint Eastwood)
- Paranormal Activity 2 (R): starring TBA (directed by Tod Williams)
- Boxing Gym* (NR): (directed by Frederick Wiseman)
- The Company Men* (R): starring Kevin Costner, Ben Affleck, Tommy Lee Jones (directed by John Wells)
Click to continue reading In Theaters This Weekend: October 22, 2010
Cinema Scene: Joss Whedon Helms Avengers, Del Toro's Haunted Mansion
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Disney, Lionsgate, Paramount, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Drama, Horror, Remakes, Comedy, Thrillers, Distribution, Filmmaking, Rumors, Upcoming Releases,
-Buffy the Vampire Slayer's Joss Whedon officially announced at Comic-Con that he will be directing The Avengers. The superhero film is scheduled for a May 4, 2012 release.
-According to Will Arnett and show creator Mitch Hurwitz, the Arrested Development movie is still going to happen. I guess I'll believe it when I see it?
-Lionsgate finally blinked. Saw 3D, originally scheduled to debut on Oct. 22, has been pushed to Oct. 29 - one week after Paranormal Activity 2 premieres.
-A Hobbit-less Guillermo del Toro is focusing on his next project. He is now planning to produce, write and possibly direct a scary version of Disney's The Haunted Mansion.
-Darren Aronofsky's Black Swan, starring Natalie Portman and Mila Kunis, has been chosen to open the 67th Venice Film Festival. The festival opens September 1.
First Look: Paranormal Activity 2 Trailer
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Paramount, Horror, Sequels, Trailers, Upcoming Releases, Videos,
NOTE: Haven't yet seen the first film? Then don't watch this preview.
If you were one of the many who did watch the last year's hit Paranormal Activity, you might have wondered which direction the filmmakers were going to take next. Well, based on this new trailer (which was pulled out of several Texas theaters for being too scary), we can see that they've at least upped the ante by throwing a baby and a German Shepherd into the mix.
Unfortunately, we don't know much else. We still don't even know if the movie - opening this October 22 - will somehow involve the original's two characters. (IMDB doesn't even have actors listed yet for the cast.) But, seriously - do the details really matter to you?
Just be sure to keep one thing in mind: Even though it appears Paranormal Activity 2 has traded in hand-held cameras for the fixed, surveillance kind - you might want to bring your Dramamine anyway. It's better to be safe than sorry.
Read More | MTV Movies
Sequel News: Paranormal Activity, The Hangover and More
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: 20th Century Fox, New Line, Warner Bros, Action, Adaptation, Adventure, Animation, Drama, Family, Horror, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Casting, Celeb News, Scripts, Upcoming Releases,
Scream 4: The Scream series is known for killing off beautiful young starlets, so the the fourth installment should make no exceptions. So far Emma Roberts and Hayden Panettiere have both been confirmed for Scream 4. Roberts will play Sidney Prescott's cousin while Panettiere has reportedly been cast as the best friend. The film will premiere on April 15, 2011.
Click to continue reading Sequel News: Paranormal Activity, The Hangover and More
Sequel News: Monsters Inc., Mulholland Drive and More
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: Disney, Lionsgate, New Line, Paramount, Universal, Action, Animation, Drama, Family, Horror, Noir, Remakes, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy, Casting, Celebrity Gossip, Rumors, Scripts, Upcoming Releases, Videos,
Monsters Inc.: When Toy Story 3 finally comes and goes, we'll still have another Pixar sequel to look forward to. Disney has just announced that a follow to 2001's Monsters Inc. is in the works. The feature will premiere on Nov. 16, 2012.
Wanted: Kristen Stewart as a replacement…for Angelina Jolie? The forces behind Wanted 2 are reportedly eyeing the Twilight star for a role in the sequel. (Although they had hoped to bring back Jolie, she has already opted out.) Director Timur Bekmambetov is considering casting Stewart as a "young, ass-kicking assassin in the Fraternity."
Click to continue reading Sequel News: Monsters Inc., Mulholland Drive and More
Sequel News: Four Brothers, Jurassic Park and More
Posted by Veronica Santiago Categories: 20th Century Fox, Columbia Pictures, Paramount, Sony, Action, Adventure, Drama, Science Fiction, Sequels, Comedy,
Four Brothers: How do you follow a film like Four Brothers? Well, you apparently add another brother. Paramount is currently developing Five Brothers, a sequel to the 2005 entry. Details of the film are not known, but Mark Wahlberg has already expressed interest in returning.
Click to continue reading Sequel News: Four Brothers, Jurassic Park and More
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"For more than a decade, The Mekanix, consisting of producers Kenny Tweed "Tha Great" and 4 rAx, have been making iconic tracks that have redefined the Bay Area's sound." – SF Weekly
"The Mekanix are pillars of the Bay Area sound and they're under-acknowledged" – Sway
"To me, The Mekanix are like the Organized Noize of Atlanta and they haven't had the big record or recognition to get that love but if you look at every artist that has come out of the bay like J. Stalin, Philthy Rich to Mozzy to Keak the Sneak, they have all been through The Mekanix lab." – Mistah F.A.B.
For more than 15 years, duo The Mekanix have served as the Bay Area's one-stop for production, replays with live instrumentation, mixing, and mastering. 4rAx and Kenny Tweed's The Garage Studios has become a meeting place for West Coast veterans and new sensations alike, and their vaults are a marketplace for a culture driven by collaboration and cosigns.
[wpex click to read more]Like Beats By The Pound were to 1990s New Orleans, The Mekanix are able to constantly create, supplying all acts differently. They have more than 1,000 placements ranging from E-40 and Mac Dre to J.Stalin and Tha Jacka. Accomplished musicians, DJs, and producers, 4rAx and Kenny Tweed steadfastly fix and fine-tune the musical engines coming out of the Bay. Along the way, they have mentored J.Stalin, Beeda Weeda, Philthy Rich, and Shady Nate. Arriving in June, their Under The Hood album presents this pair's sonic craftsmanship, and their keystone regional role. "You always hear that the Bay doesn't work together," says 4rAx, who is also a veteran rapper. "From day one, we've been doing albums full of different artists. We've been that unified front for the Bay." From Dru Down to Lil Debbie, Iamsu to C-Bo, The Mekanix bridge the cities, the generations, and the styles of Northern California, one creation at a time.
The Mekanix formed in 2000, taking their name from 4rAx's family trade, and Kenny Tweed's love of exotic cars. Both solo producers, each honed his abilities on hardware and later, software. Beginning with the Yamaha QY7 keyboard, Kenny Tweed became an encyclopedia of sounds, drum machines, and ways to manipulate computers in the interest of innovation. 4rAx cut his teeth on the road with Digital Underground and Tha Luniz, DJ'ing large crowds and applying those experiences towards his own music. "We know each others styles; we been producing together for a long time now. It's like putting a puzzle together," Kenny Tweed explains. Often creating 10 beats a day, the pair typically begins their sessions in the morning, with one man on percussion, the other on the keyboard. From there, they mix and match instruments and sounds into something greater. Whether stockpiling beats that will be shopped to the likes of Too Short, Philthy Rich, or Shady Nate, or creating custom sessions for clients, The Mekanix stay close to their tools. In the era of the home-studio, Kenny Tweed asserts, "You want to be in a place where you are able to bounce ideas off of people whose opinions matter." The Garage operates in the heart of East Oakland, not far from where each member grew up.
Over the years, the pair has released statement songs, including mid-2000s hit "Can't Tell Me Nuthin'," which celebrated Mac Dre's artistry with a previously unheard verse alongside J.Stalin and Keak. "A.O.B.," first pairing Philthy Rich with Too Short (alongside 4rAx) evolved to a video single with two million views. On the upcoming Under The Hood, they symbolically merge some evocative unreleased Jacka rhymes with 32 heartfelt bars by mentor and Tupac affiliate C-Bo. Warehousing the region's music, The Mekanix are big believers in that area's under-recognized creativity. "All the artists we keep in our circle, can't nobody outdo them. We're surrounded by a bunch of original voices," Kenny Tweed touts. Just as Beats By The Pound's work illuminated the differences from a Mystikal, a TRU, and a Fiend, it is the visionary sounds from the Mekanix that celebrate the Trap, the Mob, and all the Bay's nuanced sounds. Under The Hood video single "On My Hustle," featuring Iamsu, Keak da Sneak, J.Stalin (plus 4rAx on the hook), embodies their visionary approach to giving a unified Bay the sonic architecture to stand tall.
With an album boasting a who's who of Bay Area Hip-Hop as well as artists such as Trae Tha Truth and Ras Kass, Under The Hood showcases the care, versatility, and return to musicality that The Mekanix hold so dear. These artistic engineers are now in the driver's seat.
[/wpex]Press Releases
Bay Area Duo The Mekanix Make Beats for "Cruisin' and Mobbin'," Release Track with Husalah, Keak Da Sneak & Turf Talk
Bay Area Production Duo The Mekanix Enlist E-40, Mozzy, Trae Tha Truth On Monumental Under The Hood Album
E-40 and Too $hort Unite Once Again on "2 Hands," A Track by Bay Area Sound Architects The Mekanix
Bay Area Producers The Mekanix Recruit East Oakland All-Stars Philthy Rich and Mozzy for "Abandonment," Premiered by HotNewHipHop
Bay Area Sound Architects The Mekanix Unearth a Gem from the Vaults
Production Duo, The Mekanix, Announce New Album Under The Hood for June 3rd via EMPIRE
Press Photos
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Following the departure of 39-year-old Kurt Thomas, the Bulls signed a veteran who can now assume the role of the "old man" on the team: Rip Hamilton.
Uncertainty surrounded Keith Bogans and Ronnie Brewer as potential starters. The more serious issue is that with the departure of Thomas, the oldest player on the current roster would have been Brian Scalabrine. Certain Bulls players last season were reported to have forgotten Scalabrine was even on the team and confused him for an assistant coach or a scout. That's not a promising quality for a player expected to be the elder statesman of a team challenging for top honors in the East.
Hamilton's numbers across the board last season were primarily lower than his career averages. He's undoubtedly in the twilight of his career. Coach Tom Thibodeau still thinks he has a use for the former Piston.
"He defends and hits the mid-range jumper," said Thibodeau. "Even more important than that, he drives his kids around in a minivan. Young players on our squad can learn from that."
Despite the dip in his performance and his age, Hamilton was reluctant to view himself as an older role player. A meeting with the Bulls coaching staffed eased his mind on the idea.
"I guess the day just came a lot sooner than I expected," an almost stunned Hamilton stated. "Now I have all these young players that I'm responsible for teaching and being a good role model to."