text:
Dimensional measurement system served by a plurality of operating arms and controlled by a computer system
A dimensional measurement system comprises a plurality of operating arms simultaneously controlled and monitored by a computer system wherein each of the arms includes a support structure for a measurement end and includes orthoganally displaceable members enabling three dimensions of orthoganal movement of the measurement end. The displaceable members preferably comprise a first carriage slidably engaged with a support beam, a sliding beam slidably secured to the first carriage, a second carriage secured to the sliding beam, and a second sliding beam slidably secured to the second carriage, wherein the support for the measurement end is on the end of the second sliding beam. The beams preferably include racks engaged by motor driven gears to provide controlled displacement of the displaceable members. The computer system preferably simultaneously controls movement of the arms as well as delivery of workpieces to the arms.
Latest D.E.A. Digital Electronic Automation S.p.A. Patents:
The present invention relates to a dimensional measurement system served by a plurality of operating arms (robots) and controlled by a computer system.
As is known, in the field of dimensional measurements, particularly the measurement of mechanical workpieces in production, individual, substantially specialist machines have until now been used since a more complex system involved significant problems in obtaining measurement in real time, particularly in the case of application to a production line where such a requirement is of primary importance. Moreover, there are various disadvantages (cost, complexity of conversion etc.,) in a provision of a system which can be easily adapted to different types of production; differing, that is, as to the characteristics of the workpieces and as to the measurement operations.
The object of the present invention is to provide a dimensional measurement system controlled by a computer system, which will overcome the above mentioned limitations and which can be used in production lines and will be flexible, modular and adaptable so that it can be used in widely differing conditions.
According to the present invention there is provided a dimensional measurement system characterised by the fact that it comprises a plurality of operating arms controlled by a computer system, each of the said arms comprising a support structure for a measurement end, the said computer system providing simultaneous control and monitoring of the said plurality of arms.
For a better understanding of the present invention one embodiment thereof will now be described by way of non limitative example with reference to the attached drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an individual arm used in the dimensional measurement system of the present invention;
FIGS. 2 and 3 are, respectively, views from above and one side of a configuration of the measurement system of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a block schematic diagram of the computer control system of the measurement system of the present invention; and
FIG. 5 is a schematic view of a measurement system formed according to the present invention and applied to a production line.
With reference to FIG. 1 there is illustrated therein an arm 2 which carries an end 3. The arm structure 2 comprises a single carriage 4 supported by a single vertical column 5, and the carriage 4 is slidable along the axis of a support element 6 which is fixed laterally to a fixed work bed 7. At the top of the single column 5, which is slidable along its own axis, there is carried a carriage 8 which serves as a support and guide for a single horizontal column or beam 9 which carries the end head 3. By means of the carriages 4 and 8 this head 3 can be displaced along the directions x, y, z, of a set of three orthogonal cartesian axes respectively parallel to the axes of the support element 6, to the axis of the horizontal beam 9 and to the axis of the vertical column 5. On the structure 2, between the beam 9 and the head 3, there can be mounted three further rotary drive units (not illustrated) for turning the head 3 around three rotations indicated R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3, respectively about the y, x and z axes, any two of which can conveniently be mounted simultaneously, to bring the arm 2 up to the maximum envisaged configuration of five axes (three linear and two rotary). The support element 6 is in the form of an I-section beam mounted vertically and is fixed to a plate 10 connected to the bed 7 by means of a spacer block 11.
On the side of the element 6 there is fixed a rack 13 with which meshes a pinion driven by the output of a motor unit 15 fixed to the body 4, for the movement of the carriage 4 along the element 6. The motor unit 15 comprises a d.c. motor with an incorporated tach generator. The motor shaft is connected to the pinion by means of a reduction gearbox 18 of the worm screw and worm wheel type. Detection of the position of the carriage 4 along the element 6 is effected by an incremental type optical "encoder" having known reference notches, and this is keyed directly onto the motor using the shaft passing therethrough both for drive and centering. The carriage 4 also constitutes a guide for the vertical column 5 along one side of which there is secured a rack 22 with which meshes a pinion of a motor unit 24 similar to the motor unit 15 and fixed to the carriage 4.
Along one side of the horizontal beam 9 there is fixed a rack 25 with which meshes a pinion of a motor unit 27 similar to the motor unit 15 and fixed to the carriage 8. The arm 2 is connected to a computer system 1 to which there is further connected a box 30 for the manual control of the movement of the head 3, and a video keyboard 31, and it carries a control panel 32. The computer 1 is connected to the arm 2 by means of connection cables 33 which are only partially illustrated. The electrical connection to the various motor units 15, 24 and 27 and to the other component elements of the arm are made using flat conductor strips 35 which are flexible in such a way as not to give rise to any tensions on the arm 2 thereby allowing a very high number of folds, and each of which includes a plurality of electrical conductors alongside one another which are supplied in alternate steps so that each can be insulated with respect to the other. The carriage 4 is conveniently made of cast aluminium and is integral with the part which guides the vertical column 5 along the z axis. This carriage 4 is disposed astride the element 6 and carries two pairs of support rollers 40 positioned with their axes horizontal above and below the element 6, and four pairs of guide rollers 41 arranged with their axes vertical on either side of the element 6 at the top and the bottom thereof.
The vertical column 5 which controls movement of the head 3 along the z axis passes through the carriage 4 which serves as a support and guide therefor. This column 5 is made of square section steel tube. The carriage 4 in fact carries at the top and bottom thereof two sets of four rollers 45 disposed perpendicularly with respect to the surfaces of the column 5 and in pairs adjacent the opposite corners of column 5. Within the column 5 there is located a single acting balancing cylinder (of known type not illustrated) for avoiding the creation of excessively high disturbing couples on the motor unit 24. This cylinder has a shaft fixed at the top to the interior of the column 5 while the body is connected to the interior of a channel 52 fixed to the underside of the carriage 4. Also within the column 5 there are housed the cables and tubing for the movements along the y axis and for subsequent components of the arm 2. The carriage 8, which is fixed to the top of the column 5 serves as a support and guide for the horizontal column 9 which moves along the y axis. The carriage 8 is also made of cast aluminium and the column 5 is also made of square section steel tube. The carriage 8 also carries at the top and bottom, adjacent the opposite corners of the column 5, two sets of four rollers 55 disposed perpendicularly with respect to the surfaces of the column 5 itself. A standardized flange 58 is provided at the end of the beam 9 for mounting (in a manner not illustrated) convenient measurement elements and for possible sensors for detecting forces along the y and z axes, and for drive units for controlling one or more of the rotations R.sub.1, R.sub.2 and R.sub.3.
The arm 2 will not be described in more detail since it forms the subject of the invention described in Italian Patent Application No. 67647-A/81 of the same Applicant the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference as far as necessary.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3 there is illustrated a mechanical arrangement of a measurement system formed according to the present invention, constructed as a measurement cell. This comprises a working bed 600 supporting a measurement plane 601 on which the workpieces to be measured can be positioned (in the case illustrated there are two blocks 602 and 602' or cylinder heads of an internal combustion engine). On the plane 601 there is fixed a body 603 of known type, (conveniently a cube) for initial measurement reference. On the two major sides of the work bed 600 there are fixed two support elements similar to the elements 6 of FIG. 1 along which slides an associated arm 2. In particular, between the ends of the carriage 4 and the ends of the support element there are secured two bellows 605 which cover the support element itself. Between the carriage 4 and the carriage 8 there is fixed a bellows 606 which covers the column 5, and between the carriage 8 and the front flange 58 there is fixed a bellows 607 which covers the column 9. The head 3 of each arm 2 carries three known tracer probes 610 of point-to-point type which can emit a signal when their ends depart from an equilibrium position due to contact with a surface. In particular, for the right hand arm 2, the three tracer probes 610 are mounted with their ends directed respectively along the +y, +x and +z axes, while for the left hand arm 2 the three tracer probes 610 are mounted with their ends directed respectively along the -y, -x and -z axes. The computer system 1 simultaneously controls and monitors both arms 2.
With reference to FIG. 4, the computer system 1 for controlling the overall system includes a first central management computer 200 for providing dialogue with the arms via the control panel 32, the video keyboard 31, and a block 201 for the manual control of ancillary equipment 202 (for example operating stations or devices for supplying the cylinder blocks 602 onto the measurement frame 601), for the interpretation of the applied programs with the connection of a memory block 203, for the management of the external equipment 202 by means of input and output members, for the reception of information from sensors on the arm 2 and for general supervision, and a second dedicated computer 210 for the control and monitoring of the movements along each individual linear and rotary axis of the arm 2 (with a liimit of 12 axes) under the supervision of the central computer 200 by means of on-line connection with this latter. The box 30 for the manual control of the arm 2 is therefore connected to the computer 210. A central computer 200 includes a microprocessor, for example of the LSI 11 type and the computer 210 comprises a microprocessor for example of the INTEL 8080 type.
The control panel 32 includes three distinct sections:
(a) a "power" section with a push button with integral warning lamp for starting the computer system 1, a push button for stopping the system and an emergency push button for disabling the system while leaving it turned on;
(b) a "cycle" section with push buttons for starting and stopping the measurement cycle, for continuing the cycle step by step, for stopping the arm 2 after completion of a measurement cycle, and for zeroing the position of the arm;
(c) a "selectors" section for executing movements under computer control, for manual movement of the arm 2 with the box 30, and for changing the working speed of the arm 2.
The box 30 includes the following main elements:
a lever for the movement of the arm 2 along the x and y axes;
a lever for the movement of the arm 2 along the z axis and around the available rotations (R.sub.1, R.sub.2, R.sub.3) according to the position of a three-position rotary selector;
a push button for data acquisition, this push button having an incorporated warning lamp;
an acoustic indicator;
a three-position rotary selector switch which, in the left hand position, turned in a counterclockwise direction, enables the movement along the z axis; in a central position enables the first rotation, and in the right hand position enables the second rotation.
If a large number of arms 2 are used it is possible to have different units each controlled by a respective central computer 200, which communicate with one another by means of the respective computers 200 (FIG. 4). The central computer 200 can then also be connected to systems 200 for numerical control of the management of operating machines or for supply of the workpieces etc., and can also be connected to a computer system 221 which controls a production process of the workpieces which are to be measured, thereby being able to influence the production process itself by correcting tendencies to dimensional errors by being able to exert a direct quality control on the manufacturing process itself.
With reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, the measurement system illustrated works in the following way: a device (not illustrated) positions and clamps the two engine blocks 602 and 602' on the measurement plane 601. The two arms 2 operate simultaneously on each engine block 602 and 602' so that it can be gauged in each direction (+x, -x, +y, -y, +z, -z) with the probes 610. Having completed, for example, the measurement on the engine block 602, the two arms 2 move on to the engine block 602' effecting complete measurement of the engine block. When the measurement of the second engine block 602' has been completed, the two arms 2 automatically retract to the end of their stroke so that removal of the measured workpieces can be undertaken and new workpieces loaded onto the measurement plane 601. The measurements of the two arms 2 are coordinated, having been referred to the reference body 603.
In FIG. 5 there is illustrated a further example of measurement system formed according to the present invention. A roller conveyor 700 carries a plurality of workpieces 701 from a machining zone 702 towards an assembly zone 703. The conveyor 700 passes through apparatus 704 (conveniently having driven rollers and deflection channels) for isolating, for example, every fifth workpiece 701 for testing. The isolated workpiece 701 is picked up by a carrier device 706 which slides on guides 707 and which has a gripper member 709 for picking up the workpiece 701 and for depositing it onto the measurement plane 601. The computer system 1 controls the two arms 2 to perform the dimensional measurement and then evaluates if the detected tolerances are acceptable or not. If positive the workpiece 701 is carried back by the device 706 onto the conveyor 700 to continue towards the region 703; if negative the workpiece 701 is, on the other hand, carried on a conveyor 715 towards a region 716 for collection of reject workpieces.
The entire operation described is controlled by the computer system 1 and due to the presence of the two arms 2 which operate simultaneously there is a drastic reduction in the measurement time which can be of the order of a minute so that the measurement system can be combined with a production line producing several hundreds of workpieces per hour (with statistical dimensional measurement since, as mentioned, the computer system 1 can also act on the production process for the prevention of rejects).
The configurations of the measurement system formed according to the present invention can be significantly different from one another both as far as the number and the arrangement of arms is concerned, and as far as the individual arms are concerned, by the presence or absence of axes of rotation and by the number and type of sensors used and by all the external devices necessary for supplying and orientating workpieces to be measured. The computer system 1 can effect the mechanical movements of the arms, administer the sensors and the external devices (tooling etc.,) and therefore cope with all the requirements of complex applications. The required productivity for a given application, the type and number of devices necessary for supply and orientation of the components, the requirements for connection with the surrounding production environment all have a bearing on the determination of the number of arms 2 necessary and on their positioning around the measurement bed.
The measurement system, characterised by simultaneous measurement with different arms, and by constructional modularity, both at the arm level (number of axes) and at the overall level (number of arms used, type and number of sensors, degree of integration with other machines and devices) and flexibility of use, is conveniently used in the field of measurement of mechanical components. The system can interfere with special purpose automatic tooling for supply and orientation of components, with measurement and testing instruments, with tools dedicated to technological operations to be performed on individual components or on assembled units. The computer system 1 is reprogrammable and can memorize different cycles both at the level of a single arm 2 and for the overall system.
To increase the number of inputs and outputs of the measurement system the following three types of modules are available: sensor interface, input for tooling, output for tooling. These can be connected with the central computer 200 in various combinations up to a maximum of eight, with not more than two modules committed to sensors.
With the system of the present invention there is therefore the advantage of having available a dimensional measurement system which is extremely adaptable to very different conditions of application.
As far as the program is concerned, this may cause simultaneous movements on the linear and rotary axes of the various arms 2, with controlled acceleration and deceleration. The program for the system allows several functions to be performed in parallel. The programmer separates the complete cycle into parts (cycle of the individual arms 2, the cycle of the individual automatic tools integrated into the system, etc.,) which are performed almost in parallel. The data necessary for the program used are usually provided by a self-teaching phase. In this way the coordinates of the significant points (pick-up points and depositing points) are learned; the program used is stored in the core memory 203 and is automatically transferred to the computer memory 200 upon switching on. During operation the microprocessors 200 and 210 perform a functional monitoring of all of the processing members for self diagnosis, stopping the movement of the arms on the occurrence of any breakage.
The measurement system of the present invention can thus advantageously be used even in combination with medium and large production lines in that the measurement of the workpieces is effected in real time thanks to the utilization of different simultaneously operating arms 2 which because of their particular light and precise support structure can achieve notably high velocities and accelerations with respect to other measurement devices while still obtaining high precision.
The speed of displacement of each arm 2 along the support element 6 is up to 40 m/minute. The maximum acceleration is 1/5 g; the maximum pick-up point frequency is five hertz with point-to-point tracers, and one hundred hertz with continuous tracers.
The support structure of the arm 2 can be differently orientated, but always according to the three cartesian axes x, y, and z. On the head 3, instead of the point-to-point type probes 610 there can be mounted dimensional measurement probes of the continuous type, or dimensional measurement devices of the sensitive pincer type (detecting displacement between the jaws).
The arm 2, with respect to the structure described in the said Patent Application can have various modifications and variations, for example the carriage could slide on compressed air bearings rather than on rollers, and the position transducers along the x, y, and z axes could be obtained using optical rules etc.
Finally, it is clear that the described and illustrated embodiments of the system of the present invention can be modified and varied without, by this, departing from the scope of the invention itself. For example the functions of the two computers 200 and 210 could be performed by a single computer.
1. A dimensional measurement system for measuring a workpiece at a workpiece station comprising:
- at least two operating arms,
- means for mounting said arms on opposite sides of the workstation;
- first means carried at an end of one operating arm for detecting dimensional measurements along three orthogonal coordinates of the workpiece and second means carried at an end of the other arm for detecting dimensional measurements along the opposite three orthogonal coordinates of the workpiece,
- means for displacing each said arm in three orthogonal directions with respect to said workpiece station so that said detecting means on said arms simultaneously measure the workpiece in opposite orthogonal directions, and
- computer means for controlling and monitoring displacement of each said arm and each said detecting means.
2. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein each said displacing means comprises;
- a carriage,
- means for slidably securing and linearly displacing said carriage adjacent the workpiece station in a first orthogonal direction,
- a first beam,
- means for slidably mounting said beam to said carriage along a second orthogonal direction.
3. The invention as defined in claim 2 and comprising
- a second carriage secured at a top end of said first beam,
- a second beam, and
- means for slidably mounting said second beam to said second carriage along a third orthogonal direction.
4. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said displacing means comprises linear guide elements and electric motors.
5. The invention as defined in claim 1 wherein said first and second detecting means each comprises a tracer probe.
Referenced Cited
Patent History
Type: Grant
Filed: Dec 11, 1981
Date of Patent: Nov 20, 1984
Assignee: D.E.A. Digital Electronic Automation S.p.A. (Moncalieri)
Inventors: Giorgio Minucciani (Moncalieri), Maurizio Ercole (Turin)
Primary Examiner: Jerry Smith
Assistant Examiner: Allen MacDonald
Law Firm: Gifford, VanOphem, Sheridan, Sprinkle & Nabozny
Application Number: 6/329,754
International Classification: G05B 1942;


text:
Qualified aeronautical engineers with over 35 years experience in operational aviation, developing aviation equipment based operational capabilities. Our experience is in delivering high availability capabilities for operationally critical services. Commercial application of Drones requires an aircraft system that is cost effective, and to operate at a profit. Similar to Defence and Security capabilities, commercial operation is reliant on the system's availability, reliability and sustainability to be successful.
With this foundation in operational aviation, in early 2009 we began to develop our specialist knowledge and experience in the commercial use of Drones and their systems to satisfy equipment capability requirements. In 2010, we were one of the first UK operators in UK to obtain the UK CAA permission to operate commercially, now referred to as a Permission for Commercial Operation (PfCO). In 2016 we were approved as a UK CAA Restricted National Qualified Entity (R-NQE) allowing us to assess commercial Drone/SUA Pilot competency against CAA criteria and make recommendations.
We are focused on the delivery of cost effective support and promotion of customer's safe and legal use of Drones for recreational use and commercial use.
We are able to support customers in a range of areas examples:
Buying a Drone or just simply want to find out a bit more about them
– Intro to Drones for Recreational and Commercial Use
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Aerial Survey Pricing – Aerial surveys are charged by the flight quantity and by the time to plan/prepare, fly and deliver outputs.
Contact us to find the most cost effective solution for your support.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Adding, editing and removing teachers
From ReportComplete
- In the 'Full Name' box enter the teachers name as you would like it to appear in the report.
- In the username box enter the username you would like the teacher to have (once a username has been created it cannot be changed).
- In the password box enter the password you would like the teacher to use - repeat the same password in the verify box. There is a handy 'generate password' button to make a password that is easy to remember.
- If the teacher would like their name on the report front cover then pick their form in the Form drop down menu. If not then leave this as '- - -'.
- In the access box enter * if the teacher can access every form. Or you can enter the name(s) of other forms they need access to. Leave it blank if they just need to access the form in the form drop down menu.
- Click 'ok' to add or finish editing the teacher.


text:
"I shot this standing in the shorebreak at Porthcurno. This is the first print I ever sold! I love the way the lip is curling over and kissing the surface of the sea, with a second lip about to break too" – Simon
Printed directly onto a birch wood panel frame


text:
this past weekend i lost my mind. of course the mind didnt reappear until today which is why today is meltdown day but while it was gone, we had a super busy and fun filled weekend...
jackson had a halloween themed birthday party...( he was al borland from home improvement because we dont know enough spanish for him to be handy manny and lets face it, he looks GREAT with an eyeliner beard drawn on by yours truly)
"yeah, i love these 'muffins'..."
"i did it!"
about two minutes after successfully blowing bubbles, he started to lick the bubble wand...equally as fun, im sure.
"hey everybody! welcome to my party!"the party was just the first of many events...saturday included the FSU football game, which we won hooray!, and then little bears first trick or treating experience. he had an entourage and felt quite cool. sunday was church with the fam and then a lovely (and adorable and fun) shower that katie threw baby girl. (who still resides in my uterus and im pretty sure she is growing something in my boobs as well) the food was scrumptious and the company, just as delightful.
we have such great family and friends who we love so much! thanks for the fun weekend and see ya later october!
side note: only like 8ish more weeks until this kid is out of me. hooray?!


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These are the news articles for the selected month.
What's in a name? For New College Institute, newly unveiled names for classrooms and spaces within their new building represent the generous support of education on behalf of local businesses and individuals.
Leanna Blevins, associate director and chief academic officer for the New College Institute (NCI), has been named its acting executive director effective July 16.


text:
SC Johnson Case Study
Modern, innovative SEVESO logistics that comply with individual requirements.
A leader in the highly competitive home hygiene market, SC Johnson requires accurate order preparation and responsive transport planning integrated with value-added services. The company sought a logistics provider with deep experience in managing SEVESO-compliant warehouses for aerosol and liquid storage of hazardous goods. Rigorous cost control and stock management were also requirements; the stock must be managed to ensure availability, reduce inventory levels and optimise deliveries.
XPO Logistics has implemented value-added services for SC Johnson in modern Seveso II shared warehouses in France and in Italy. These two XPO facilities include semi-automated co-packing lines and flexible processes that comply with individual retailer requirements for order preparation. We also dedicated a team to SC Johnson to manage full truckload and less-than-truckload deliveries. Approximately 60% of flows involve fewer than 10 pallets — and sometimes only a single pallet. Deliveries to retailer networks are guaranteed by appointment, and we handle returns.
XPO has extensive expertise in solving logistics challenges for manufacturers and retailers within the constraints of a SEVESO environment. For SC Johnson, our order preparation quality rate routinely runs close to 100% and we ensure next-day and three-day deliveries by appointment, tracking shipments and PODs online. In addition to these efficiencies and strict quality control, SC Johnson values our commitment to a lower environmental impact.


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This Rosé has a Mediterranean soul – it is sunny and bright at first sight, but it likes to quarrel and bite when you least expect it. Definitely the best rosé in Istria.
The skins of Borgonja (a close relative of Gamay) were left in contact with the grape must for 2,5 hours. No selected yeasts were used. The color is cherry red, captivating in its vivacity and intensity.
It flows slowly in the glass, your eyes tells you a lot of extract is hiding inside. The nose is dominated by red flowers, roses and hibiscus, but the sensation gets more elegant and complex when the scent of Mediterranean garrigue, grass and dry hay/straw gets on the scene.
The mouth reveals a crisp, dry rosé, full bodied, warm (13,8%!), with juicy, strong acids that provide a strong skeleton to the wine. Then, you get a soft, velvety mouthfeel, it sticks to your mouth and you start to feel minerals in abundance, creating enjoyable refreshing finish and leaving clean mouth. Tannins are barely perceptible but it give a gentle bite that makes rosé different from whites and reds. It is fascinating how a 3 years old bottle of a rosé can show such agility and dynamism.
It surprised me a bit me that flavors are more intense than aromas, usually it's the opposite. These intense flavors make that this is not a easy rosé wine made to satisfy your thirst on a hot summer day. This wine demands time and attention.
I see it perfect for an aperitif where Mediterranean based finger food is served – stuffed olives, Istrian charcuterie, prosciutto, salted or marinated anchovies, sheep or goat ricotta and all kinds of fresh cheeses. Its strong taste does not make it suitable for some delicate fish from the Adriatic Sea, but char-grilled sardines, tuna steaks and salmon why not? At the end, I imagine a perfect pairing with a pizza with mozzarella buffala, basil and fresh tomato on top.


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Did You Hear What I Said?/
I'm sure many a husband has been accused of not listening to his wife. I know I have. Maria has occasionally caught me paying attention to something other than her during a conversation. I had a little trick where I used to frustrate her by recalling the last thing she had said. I would then say, "See I was listening." As I repeated her statement back from short-term memory that is when I would truly hear and understand what she had said. Jesus talks about a similar phenomenon in this week's Gospel.
On that day, Jesus went out of the house and sat down by the sea. Such large crowds gathered around him that he got into a boat and sat down, and the whole crowd stood along the shore. And he spoke to them at length in parables, saying: "A sower went out to sow. And as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up. Some fell on rocky ground, where it had little soil. It sprang up at once because the soil was not deep, and when the sun rose it was scorched, and it withered for lack of roots. Some seed fell among thorns, and the thorns grew up and choked it. But some seed fell on rich soil, and produced fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Whoever has ears ought to hear."
The disciples approached him and said, "Why do you speak to them in parables?" He said to them in reply, "Because knowledge of the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven has been granted to you, but to them it has not been granted. To anyone who has, more will be given and he will grow rich; from anyone who has not, even what he has will be taken away. This is why I speak to them in parables, because they look but do not see and hear but do not listen or understand. Isaiah's prophecy is fulfilled in them, which says: you shall indeed hear but not understand, you shall indeed look but never see. Gross is the heart of this people, they will hardly hear with their ears, they have closed their eyes, lest they see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their hearts and be converted, and I heal them.
"But blessed are your eyes, because they see, and your ears, because they hear. Amen, I say to you, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.
"Hear then the parable of the sower. The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart. The seed sown on rocky ground is the one who hears the word and receives it at once with joy. But he has no root and lasts only for a time. When some tribulation or persecution comes because of the word, he immediately falls away. The seed sown among thorns is the one who hears the word, but then worldly anxiety and the lure of riches choke the word and it bears no fruit. But the seed sown on rich soil is the one who hears the word and understands it, who indeed bears fruit and yields a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold." Matthew 13:1-23
When Jesus uses parables to make His points He continually mentions "seeing" and "hearing." That is especially the case in this particular parable. The disciples wanted to understand so they asked Jesus to explain the deeper meaning behind the parable. Notice the first word of Jesus' explanation. He says, "Hear then the parable of the sower." The meaning of this particular word was more than just the physical act of hearing. Jesus is saying that to hear His words is to obey them as well. In essence, Jesus is saying that He is meant to be heard, understood and obeyed. In so doing the hearer (the seed) bears fruit for the sower (Jesus).
The deeper meaning of the parable of the sower for you and I is that we (the soil) are to not only hear the Word (Jesus) but to obey It (Him). As fertile soil we must:
- seek to understand the true meaning of the Word which ensures that the enemy doesn't steal it from us.
- expect that trial and tribulation may come and when it does maintain our faith in the Word.
- resist becoming anxious about worldly issues.
- avoid getting caught up in the pursuit of worldly riches.
Only then will we bear fruit for the sower. I wish I could say that I always hear, understand and obey Jesus' words. I don't! However, what I have learned over the years is that if I really tune into the Word I understand Him. Then it is much easier to obey Him. My prayer at that point is to be fruitful for Him. I have also matured in my relationship with Maria. I seek to hear and understand her. The result is a trust in one another that hopefully allows us to live as fertile soil for Jesus our Sower.


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Want to know more about Destination Imagination? Join us at the Richardson Professional Development Center at the corner of Floyd Road and Beltline Road in Richardson, Parents and students from all RISD schools as well as private or home schools students in the RISD attendance area are welcome to attend.
Back to All Events
Earlier Event: April 7State DI Tournament
Later Event: September 25HPISD Info Night


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ANKO's HLT-series Multipurpose Filling and Forming Machine is recommended producing large quantities of cheese rolls for bakeries, fast food restaurants, supermarkets and/or food companies. HLT- series is capable of extruding dough tube with different textures, moisture content from 30%-50%; and it's also capable of working with various different fillings, including cheeses, meats, chopped vegetables and/or sweet fillings such as bean pastes and jams. The unique water-cooling system can prevent heat from degrading the quality of the dough.
HLT-700XL model is specially designed for producing larger sized products that weighs up to 200 g/pc, also featuring the 35 L hopper and the ability to work with larger filling chunks, size up to 0.8x3cm shrimp pieces or 0.8x0.8 cm meat dices. Finally HLT-700DL is the Double Line Multipurpose model that has the highest capacity, which can achieve up to 60,000 pcs/hr. And all HLT-series models could be used to produce an array of different ethnic stuffed pastas, pastries or dumplings, such as hot pockets, calzone, empanadas and more.
Cheese roll may refer to many different types of savory pastries baked with cheeses; however, the Guyanese cheese roll is a classic Caribbean baked good that is not only cheesy, but also flaky and slightly spicy. To make Guyanese puff pastry, a hint of curry powder is added to the puff pastry dough for color and flavor; then cheddar cheese filling is mixed with a tad of mustard, pepper sauce, dried spices and herbs, then the pastry is folded, sealed and baked till golden brown and the cheese is melted. Although, the pastry is called cheese "roll", but the actual shape is closer to a narrow, long envelope shape or rectangular shaped turnovers.
The machines listed below are designed for making Cheese Roll. Please feel free to contact us via the form below. We will happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products, services, and turnkey projects.
TAG: cigar roll, cigar rolls, little spring roll, cigar roll machine, cigar roll maker, cigar roll making machine, meat cigar,
HLT-700DL Double Line Multipurpose Filling & Forming Machine, one of the main models of ANKO, features stable filling system and two forming mold sets to increase production capacity to 60,000 pcs/hr, the number has doubled compared with the single-line machine, without compromising the product's appearance. The easy-change forming mold of HLT series offers companies increased flexibility and extensibility in production. Tens of products can be made in one machine such as dumpling, potsticker, samosa, har gow, pasta, etc. The HLT-700DL greatly increase production capacity, as well as decrease labor costs and food wastes, providing high quality products remaining artisanal characters.
The new Multipurpose Filling & Forming Machine - HLT-700U - is capable of mass-producing dumplings with handmade pleats, full filling, and an attractive shape.
In addition to the shaping mechanism, the filling extruding system is also upgraded to smoothly and stably extrude filling mixtures with less oil and even larger dices, for example, plant-based filling with a higher proportion of stems or loose cooked minced meat. HLT-700U can make 12,000 pieces of 25-gram dumplings per hour. Also, it only requires just 1.5 square meters installation area and is therefore suitable for small restaurants to large food factories.
Multipurpose Filling & Forming Machine has been approved by many clients. Just change the forming mold, HLT-700XL can produce various foods such as dumpling, fry dumpling, samosa, hargao, ravioli, etc. With HLT-700XL, any food maker can transform business to automatic production with no trouble. The Multipurpose Filling & Forming Machine is helpful to increase productivity, uniform food specification as well as decrease labor cost and ingredient waste.


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Housewives Unleashed 16
These fine ladies have been locked away in their houses for far too long. With their husbands away on business, our housewives need, crave, and demand satisfaction. The action gets hot and horny the moment their desires are finally unleashed! Your going to love these Housewives!
Approximate Running Time:1:24


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Rear breakfall
Landing on your back is the safest way to fall, since it maximizes your surface area resulting in optimum impact energy dissipation. Some beginners have a phobia of falling, which they need to overcome. For this reason, we teach rear breakfall first, as it is the least daunting breakfall.
Level 1 - Squatting rear breakfall
Squat down into a little ball, standing on the balls of your feet. Cross your arms in an X across your chest, like an Egyptian mummy. Keep the chin tucked. Looking at your belt's knot guarantees that you wont crack your head against the mat (or pavement), which is the real danger of falling. Chin tucking must become your new falling reflex.
Then roll into onto your, keeping the your chin tucked.
As your back contacts the mat, use nogare breathing to exhale as fast and hard as possible. Hard impacts can send the diaphragm into spasms, "knocking the wind out of you," and leaving your incapacitated as you struggle for air. This can be prevented by forcefully exhaling at the moment of impact; the wind cannot get knocked out of you if it isn't there.
Upon landing, slap the mat with both hands. When slapping, the arms are straight, and no more than 45° away from the body. It is imperative that the arms land last. Many people intuitively hold out their arms "to catch themselves" when they fall -- but this directs all of the fall's energy over into the comparatively small cross-sections of the arm bones, resulting in fractured wrists or dislocated shoulders. By training the arms-land-last rule to become a reflex, you can break your falls without breaking your bones.
When this all becomes reflexive, move on.
[video of squatting rear breakfall, from the front and from the side, fast and slow]
Level 2 - Rear breakfall
The rear breakfall is much like the classic "trust fall" team-building exercise, except that you will hit the ground with mathematical certainty because no one will catch you. Instead, you must trust yourself, and your skill.
However, this should come easily after becoming proficient with the previous technique. Squat as you fall backwards, and perform the previous breakfall, which should be as easy as breathing by now (and of not, then go back and review).
This isn't a race, so take all the time you need.
[video of standing rear breakfall, from the front and from the side, fast and slow]
Level 3 - Somersault into rear breakfall
This technique makes some people feel silly, since they haven't done somersaults since elementary school. We find nothing silly about it! Anything that can help prevent you from laying on the ground in a busted heap is the very definition of cool -- because laying on the ground in a busted heap is the very definition of uncool. Besides, the people who would tease you for engaging in simple pleasures like somersaulting are invariably miserable wretches who want to pull you down to their level, because seeing others rise up only accentuates their lowliness. Their scoffs and lame insults are not attacks, but masks, to hide their own shame. As such, they are to be pitied. by the reader, and by and by the great person that we will help the reader become. So forget the haters, and "dance like nobody is watching."
First, squat down, bringing the hands to head level; pretend that it's 1997, and you were about to "raise the roof." Then, bend forward, placing your palms on the mat. Tuck the chin. Stick your head in the gap between your legs -- and be quick about it -- you'll need momentum to carry you over. Do not place your head on the mat -- this forces the neck to support your entire bodyweight, and that ends badly. Make the back as round as possible. When your head is at its lowest point, push up and forward with your legs; adding this momentum starts the roll. ' When the roll is complete, instead of sitting up, land in a rear breakfall, as discussed earlier.
[video of somersault rear breakfall, from the front and from the side, fast and slow]


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Looking back on my early career, I was an excellent salesman but a lousy manager. I didn't understand the power of intention.
My aim in those days was to fix whatever problem arose, with little concern about the people involved. When I began to focus on the people—rather than the problem—my management skills improved. When I saw the employee at his or her best, rather than at his worst, I earned the employee's respect, loyalty, and dedication. I focused equally on the employee's growth and well-being and the agency's goals.
Great managers are "care-fronters." Coined some three decades ago by pastoral theologian David Augsburger in his popular book Caring Enough to Confront, care-fronting combines "genuine caring that bids another to grow" with "real confrontation that calls out new insight and understanding."
Augsburger explains:
"Care-fronting unifies concern for relationship with concern for goals. So one can have something to stand for (goals), as well as someone to stand with (relationship) without sacrificing one for the other, or collapsing one into another."
I still carry shame about the way I used to manage. Perhaps I would have changed sooner had I discovered Augsburger's words.


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Community resources you didn't know you had
It's always a shock to us when customers aren't aware of the horde of great resources available at their fingertips. We relentlessly raise awareness but also want to send a cohesive message amidst all the noise of emails, webinars, and blog posts.
Think of your ACL subscription as your all access pass, and this booklet as your guide to some of the most valuable ACL resources available.
This ultimate guide covers many topics that will help you make you one of the most sought-after individuals in your organistion, including;
- Training
- Course catalog
- Certification
- Inspirations
- Community
- Questions
- User Groups
We want to arm you with the tools to succeed at every point in your journey. From customers who are brand new to those proven champions (who have been using our gear for longer than some of our interns have been alive). We've got something ready for everyone.


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Controlling Carpenter Ants
First and Foremost
Any successful Carpenter Ant program starts with a thorough inspection of the structure both inside and outside. Carpenter Ant nesting sites are very difficult to locate, but it is essential that the nest be found for proper control. When winged reproductive Carpenter Ants are emerging inside the structure this indicates a nest exists within the home. Reproduction ants mainly swarm in the spring.
What to Look For
Our technicians will be looking for scent trails, sawdust, branches that hang on or over the structure, and also large concentration of ants in one location. These are indications of a possible nesting site. In some cases the nest may not be located outside of the structure. In some cases tree stumps or a rotten fence will be the source of the problem and rare cases the problem could be associated with neighboring property. These are things that a trained professional will notice during their inspection and recommend the appropriate type of service.
Carpenter Ants are omnivorous and will eat almost anything ranging from various plants, honey, grease and any kind of meat. Carpenter Ants do not eat wood because their digestive system cannot digest wood. Carpenter Ants are very active at night and will forage aggressively for food during the evening hours. Carpenter Ants have been known to forage up 100' for a food source. Carpenter Ants as a rule will nest in moist wood, but on rare occasions will nest in foam insulation and hollow doors.
The best way to control Carpenter Ants is to eliminate their nesting source. Keeping property free from debris is critical such as, repairing damaged wood, removing decaying stumps and dead trees. Also repairing leaks in roof, around windows and under doors will prevent wood from decaying.
If all else fails call the professionals at Comfort Pest Control to rid your property from these pesky pest.


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Rand Paul Will Support Immigration Reform If Changes are Made
According to Senator Robert Menendez (D-NJ), immigration reform currently doesn't have 60 votes in the Senate, but the good news is many Republicans are trying to find a compromise they can support instead of simply trying to kill any reform. Last week Orrin Hatch (R-UT) backed the bill in committee after getting his fingerprinting amendment added. On This Week yesterday, Senator Rand Paul (R-KY) said he might be able to support immigration reform if some changes are made. From This Week:
[Martha] RADDATZ: But let — let's move to immigration. Would you support the bill, the Senate bill that made it through committee this week?
[RON] PAUL: I support immigration reform. At this time, I think the bill needs to strengthen border security. It also needs to expand work visas. The main problem with illegal immigration is that we don't have enough legal immigration. This bill, because it was negotiated with the unions, actually lowers the numbers for work visas. That's exactly the wrong direction to go. So I will support a bill that fixes it, and I do want to support a bill. I've talked to the authors of it. If they work with me on my amendment, which is called Trust But Verify, there is a very good chance I can vote for it. But it has to be a better bill.
Senate Republicans are slowly coming on board but while moving the legislation rightward. The original Gang of Eight proposal is going to serve as the leftward edge in this debate. The bill moved to the right in committee, will likely moving further to the right on the Senate floor, and is almost assured to become significantly more conservative when it reaches the House.
Photo by Gage Skidmore released under Creative Commons License


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Smart beta exchange traded funds continue proliferating and playing pivotal roles in the staggering growth of the broader ETF space.
Institutional investors have been gravitating toward ETFs that focus on investment factors ranging from low volatility to momentum to value, a trend many industry observers and issuers expect will persist in the years ahead.
"Asset managers have been advocating the usage of index-based products focused on minimum volatility, quality, momentum and other factors in recent years, suggesting that these were better ingredients for portfolio construction," said CFRA Research Director of ETF & Mutual Fund Research Todd Rosenbluth in a note out Tuesday. "In recent months, some of them have taken the logical next step and put these smart beta products to use in their own kitchens."
Some are explicitly dedicated to multi-factor asset allocation under the umbrella of a single trade. That's the case with the PowerShares Growth Multi-Asset Allocation Portfolio (BATS: PSMG), which debuted in February. PSMG seeks long-term capital appreciation through diversification.
"The Fund's target allocation of total assets: 60 percent to 80 percent in equity ETFs, 20 percent to 40 percent in fixed income ETFs and 20 percent to 30 percent in underlying ETFs that invest in foreign stocks and bonds," said PowerShares.
At its core, PSMG is an ETF of ETFs as all 14 of its components are other PowerShares ETFs. PSMG's holdings range in weights of almost 2.3 percent to 18.5 percent. The ETF's largest holdings are the Powershares FTSE RAFI US 1000 Portfolio (NYSE: PRF), one of the godfathers of the smart beta phenomenon; PowerShares Russell Top 200 Pure Growth Portfolio (NYSE: PXLG) and the PowerShares S&P 500 Low Volatility Portfolio (NYSE: SPLV).
"According to Nick Kalivas, PowerShares senior equity product strategist, blending in low volatility products with PRF provides the ETFs with risk-managed diversification," said Rosenbluth.
CFRA does not yet have a rating on PSMG, but the research firm has an Overweight rating on SPLV, one of the largest low volatility ETFs. PSMG is actively managed and does not track an index. Five of the ETF's holdings are international funds, including emerging markets ETFs.
See more from Benzinga
© 2017 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.


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By Concise News Correspondents
The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) says it is not scared over the much-touted mega-party being purportedly put together by some politicians ahead of the 2019 elections.
The party's National Chairman John Oyegun told reporters in Benin, the Edo state capital on Tuesday, that he was sure the National Leader of the party, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar would not join the new party.
Oyegun is confident that with the meeting he recently had with some of the party's leaders, including the leadership of the National Assembly and the former Vice President, there was nothing to be scared of.
"We don't feel threatened at all. No mega party would survive the APC. I don't know where the name mega party suddenly came from in the lexicon of politics.
"When two people gather to have a meeting they now call themselves a mega meeting. We don't feel threatened, we will in fact, encourage a mega party, because with the gradual collapse of PDP, we want a party that can make us sit tight and be on our toes," he added.


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7 Ways to Make Your Events Stand Out From the Pack
From effective sponsorships to better storytelling, these ideas can help you reinvent your events.
The creative minds from Google, Essence, iHeartMedia and more shared how they work with sponsors, use social media, and reinvent their events during the Event Innovation Forum at BizBash Live: The Expo New York on Tuesday at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center. Here are their top tips.
1. Don't oversell to attendees.
At Samsung 837, a high-tech showroom and cultural hub, events do not blatantly market to people but rather create immersive experiences. Zack Overton, vice president and general manager of the space, calls these "un-events," and the venue has hosted 365 events its first nine months since opening in February. The idea is to drive brand loyalty with an event strategy anchored in cultural pillars such as art, music, sports, entertainment, fashion, technology, culinary, and wellness. "By removing retail from the equation, it really changes how people engage with our staff and our products," he said.
For New York Fashion Week, Samsung 837 partnered with the Council of Fashion Designers of America to reimagine a Fashion Week experience. "On the one hand, we were helping designers and brands reach a wider audience and created a deeper engagement," Overton said. "On the other hand, we wanted to democratize the week of events that are typically reserved for [industry insiders]."
Samsung came up with the concept of having an "Un-Fashion Week" to "take people beyond the velvet rope and give them unprecedented access, whether it was through attending events at Samsung 837 or through live streaming or virtual reality."
2. Create "FOMO" urgency on social media.
Strategically using Facebook, Snapchat, and Instagram before, during, and after events is essential to engage attendees, according to Candace Montgomery, senior director of event marketing at Essence Communications. The typical Essence audience member has high social engagement, so Essence encourages them to create "in the moment" social-media activities as well as rewards them with content like Facebook Live access to talent. These activities create a "fear of missing out," which then can lead to future ticket sales or additional online engagement.
Montgomery said the idea is to "create a rich experience that is so exciting and so big that people cannot help themselves but to share about it socially." The strategies work. This year's Essence events yielded a high number of impressions on social media, according to Montgomery: 1.2 billion impressions for Black Women in Hollywood, 9.4 billion impressions for the Essence Festival, and 206 million impressions for Essence Street Style.
3. Overcome obstacles with creative ideas.
"There is a world of difference between being spectacular and spectacle," said David Monn, C.E.O. of event company David Monn. Talking about rites, rituals, and protocols, he cautioned against spectacle and suggested instead to focus on four ideals: being (who we are), belonging (connection to others), belief (what is our purpose), and beauty (seeking order and harmony).
Monn—who has designed events such as a state dinner at the White House and high-profile charity galas—said event designers confront obstacles with creative solutions. At one wedding venue, an inconveniently placed column became a cherry tree in a nod to the bride's favorite tree. Monn said of his philosophy on planning events: "Authenticity, scale, and details are the three rules I believe in."
4. Create an experience that inspires loyalty and repeat business.
JF Bouchard, the C.E.O. and co-founder of Sid Lee and C2 Montréal, emphasized that every event is a story. And, like any good story, it needs narrative art that has the ability to surprise people and evolve. "Status quo is riskier than change," Bouchard said. Brands should emulate the entertainment industry and ask questions such as: "Why would people pay to experience this? Can this event platform generate fans? Can it become a franchise?"
An example Bouchard gave was Stella Artois's multi-sensory dining experiences, which have recently become a staple for the beer brand. "Brands should be producers, not just sponsors," said Bouchard. "Brands should do things, not just say things."
5. Have synergy in cross-promotional opportunities.
As a company that produces more than 20,000 live music events a year that target audiences of various music tastes and ages, iHeartMedia has multiple platforms to offer sponsors. "Own, operate, produce, execute, recap, and repeat," said Natasha Eno, iHeartMedia's vice president of events and venue partnerships, citing the company's business model. "The most impactful partnerships form when you combine everything together," she said, noting that brands can make the mistake of separating assets including media budgets and experiential budgets.
For live events, Eno explained that it's important to have a clear idea of the event strategy and how the events are going to communicate with people. The company promotes its events—including the iHeartRadio Music Festival, the Heart Radio Music Awards, the iHeartRadio Jingle Ball franchise, and the iHeartCountry Festival—to its audiences on various platforms, including social, radio, and digital. "For four to 10 weeks before the actual event, we're talking about it on our radio stations," said Eno. "If you're hosting an event and no one knows about it, you're only resonating with those 20,000 people attending. But if you have scale, scope, distributions, and partnerships, you're reaching 20 to 30 million people with your brand message."
6. Use emotion to create memorable experiences.
After experiencing the Burning Man festival in the Nevada desert, Michael Blatter, founder and C.E.O. of the experiential agency Mirrorball, wondered if there was a science behind throwing an event that creates an emotional impact. His team learned that experience and emotion form a foundation for memory, and the main link between experience and memory is narrative. They use that insight to create unforgettable experiences at events beyond typical photo-and-social sharing opportunities.
An example is a project for Jack Daniel's, which recently recreated its origin town of Lynchburg, Virginia, with an immersive pop-up store in Manhattan. Blatter also noted that experiences don't necessarily have to have multiple extreme elements. "An emotional roller coaster isn't always necessary," he said. "Sometimes a singular moment can elicit emotions."
7. Keep annual events fresh through reinvention.
Google I/O, the company's annual developer conference in the San Francisco Bay area, has reinvented itself since its inaugural edition in 2008, including a major revamp for the 2016 event in May. "Annual events face a lot of pressure to stay fresh," said Amanda Matuk, the conference's executive producer. "The most meaningful change is change that impacts the process or the business outcome."
This year, the conference moved from the Moscone Center in San Francisco to Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View (the city where Google is headquartered), and hosted its first festival village for the conference's more than 7,000 attendees. A driving idea was weaving Google's personality into the event. "Great just isn't good enough," Matuk said. "We brought the magic and fun of our company culture to the I/O experience this year. We let our personality really shine and stayed true to ourselves throughout."
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text: Hoffer's Ligonier Valley Packing Inc. Denise Zimmerman 724-238-7112 [email protected] 582 Darlington Road, Ligonier, PA, United States https://www.facebook.com/hofferpacking/ Local, fresh meats that are federally inspected and processed on the premises. Watch for Pop Up BBQs throughout the summer! Share this:Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window)Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)Click to share on Google+ (Opens in new window)


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Whenever I do laundry with new clothes, I always take a look at the tag inside to see how it should be cleaned. Often times it confuses the crap out of me because I don't remember what the symbols mean.
The Explainer is a nice little guide... every guy should take a look at it! Aside from laundry symbols, it also talks about how you should treat your white shirts, the different types of collars, etc....
Friday, January 9, 2009
1 comment:
Ohhhh cool... now I know what those symbols mean xD
- Monday, 19 January, 2009
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FESCO Energy is a globally capable firm that provides development, design, implementation, ownership and deal structuring for Federal government energy projects (Distributed Generation, Energy Efficiency, PPA, ESA). FESCO Energy works for government contractors that have Areawide Contracts, IDIQ contracts, special contracts and special statuses that enable the development and procurement of energy related systems.
FESCO Energy develops complete firm-fixed-price turnkey solutions that comply with energy security and resiliency requirements, and correlate the solution with preferred methods of procurement. Often times, the solution is paid for through an "off-set" strategy. This means that the resilient energy security system generates savings that offset the expense to build via CapEx, and gets paid for through the existing OpEx budget, with no additional appropriations. In a world where continuing resolutions stifle an agency's ability to perform, FESCO Energy can deliver actionable projects under existing contracts that help the government and build EBIT based results for customers.
We specialize as a niche sales enablement organization that bridges the gap between government energy security and resiliency mandates* and commercially available contracts to develop projects, enable awards and deliver results.
*Government mandates include: National Energy Conservation Policy Act (42 USC 8287), Energy Independence and Security Act (2007) (H.R.6), Executive Order 13423 (2007), New Executive Order 13514 (2009), Presidential Memorandum (12/11/2011), Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) Part 23.204 –Energy Savings Performance Contracting, DOE Final Rule (10 CFR Part 436)


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NCDA will be using Opus Event for 2018-2019 events. All registrations, auditions, and payments will be taken online through Opus Event. Deadlines will be enforced by necessity. Please mark your calendars accordingly.
The NCDA VOCAL JAZZ FESTIVAL, held each year at Columbus High School, first began in 2004 with the purpose of providing non-competitive performance/clinic opportunities to vocal jazz ensembles. It is designed to encourage the implementation of vocal jazz into the choral curriculum as part of a comprehensive music program that spans elementary to post secondary education. The first clinician was Kirk Marcy from Edmonds Community College in Washington State. Past years have witnessed such notable clinicians as Kirby Shaw, Michele Weir, Frank DeMiero, Vijay Singh, Randy Crenshaw, Kerry Marsh, Julia Dollison, Jennifer Barnes, Greg Jasperse, and the entire Just 4 Kicks quartet. Many thanks to Dr. Joel Schreuder from Chadron State College for assisting in the development of the festival as our first Vocal Jazz Repertoire & Standards Chair!
September 1, 2018: Registration Opens
February 4, 2019: Registration Deadline
Registration Fees: $215 (members); $265 (non-members)
More Information
MULTIPLE PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES. Each group has a main stage performance with our clinician as well as a follow-up clinic in the choir room with a secondary clinician. There are breakout sessions that your students will attend as well as the "Parade of Choirs" at the end of the day where everyone sings once more for all the groups. Any level of age or ability is accepted at the festival. If you would prefer, there is a category for those only wishing to observe and participate in the breakout sessions.
The festival is open to all schools, however NCDA members will receive a discounted registration.
1. The festival is about learning from and supporting each other. Let us celebrate our differences of class size, age, and levels of jazz development. We all can learn something from each other.
2. Cooperation, not competition is the key to the deepest level of appreciation and life-long learning. We sing for the sake of performing music, not to find out if we are better than someone else.
3. Breakout sessions provide another opportunity to sing and learn. Take advantage of these sessions by actively participating when asked. It is no time to be shy.
4. Vocal Jazz strengthens musicianship skills by performing tight harmonies, difficult rhythms, and singing expressively in a many different styles such as blues, swing, big band, bebop, contemporary, etc.
5. All wide variety of styles can be performed, but at some point in your program you should swing and have improvisational opportunities for the students to be called a jazz choir.


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Can we have the "peace of God" in this life?
Philippians 4:6-9 Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; 7 and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. 8 Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy—meditate on these things. 9 The things which you learned and received and heard and saw in me, these do, and the God of peace will be with you.


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The U.S. birth rate — the number of babies born nationwide — has hit the lowest it's ever been in three decades, and according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, is below the 'replacement' rate needed to sustain the population.
This was reported by Huffington Post and asks those so seriously concerned about the declining birth rate to look at a key component being overlooked: women are often being 'punished' for getting pregnant.
They tell the story of Katia Hills, 27 years old, who became a mother in 2014. Prior to getting pregnant, she was holding a flourishing job at A & T, where she was promoted to sales representative after just a few months on the job, and more importantly, she loved what she was doing.
But things took a turn when her employers at the Elkhart, Indiana store found out she was expecting.
"I was being treated a lot different, it was devastating," Hills told Huffington Post.
If she was late for work because she needed to go to the doctor or if it was because of morning sickness, she would lose a 'point'. Employees who lose enough points under AT&T's system face the possibility of losing their jobs, according to Huffington Post, and at the time, Hills observed that non-pregnant employees were not deducted a point if they were late for work.
The New York Times reported that "social factors" affected the birth rate, like women putting careers first, others went after the patriarchy, then there were economic factors, and Huffington Post even pointed out the twisted argument of Fox News personality Tucker Carlson who somehow pinpointed male immigrants as the culprit.
Amid these stories lies the reality that a lot of women are aware of even before they get pregnant: there is little social support existing for them as mothers.
This is even more apparent for low-income women, who face poverty as a real issue if they have kids, and for higher-earning women, pregnancy often knocks them off track for raises and promotions.
Couple that with the fact that 88 percent of workers get no paid leave in the United States, according to the Labor Department, and that 1 in 4 mothers often have to go back to work less than two weeks after giving birth, then it's no wonder that what should be a time of joy and anticipation turn into one of agitation and worry.
Huffington also notes that the Washington Center for Equitable Growth found wage penalties for moms is not helping, adding that even with 70% of families depending on a mother's income, full time working moms still only make 71% of what working fathers make.
"To the extent that some women would want to be mothers if it was financially viable, but don't want to risk good careers or poverty, that's not a free choice," Elizabeth Oltmans Ananat, an associate professor in the Sanford School of Public Policy at Duke, said. "Women are painted into a corner."
Hills said she didn't really think about these 'punishments' before got pregnant.
"I just felt shattered. I just saw so much potential with that company," she said.
Read more of the case here.


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Controlling how network resources are accessed is paramount to protecting private and confidential information from unauthorized users. The types of access control mechanisms available for information technology initiatives today continues to increase at a breakneck pace. Most access control methodologies are based on the same underlying principles. If you understand the underlying concepts and principles, you can apply this understanding to new products and technologies and shorten the learning curve so you can keep pace with new technology initiatives.
Access control devices properly identify people, and verify their identity through an authentication process so they can be held accountable for their actions. Good access control systems record and timestamp all communications and transactions so that access to systems and information can be audited at later dates.
Reputable access control systems all provide authentication, authorization, and administration. Authentication is a process in which users are challenged for identity credentials so that it is possible to verify that they are who they say they are. Once a user has been authenticated, authorization determines what resources a user is allowed to access. A user can be authenticated to a network domain, but only be authorized to access one system or file within that domain. Administration refers to the ability to add, delete, and modify user accounts and user account privileges.
Access Control Objectives
The primary objective of access control is to preserve and protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information, systems, and resources. Many people confuse confidentiality with integrity. Confidentiality refers to the assurance that only authorized individuals are able to view and access data and systems. Integrity refers to protecting the data from unauthorized modification. You can have confidentiality without integrity and vice versa. It's important that only the right people have access to the data, but it's also important that the data is the right data, and not data that has been modified either accidentally or on purpose.
Availability is certainly less confusing than confidentiality or integrity. While data and resources need to be secure, they also need to be accessible and available in a timely manner. If you have to open 10 locked safes to obtain a piece of data, the data is not very available in a timely fashion. While availability may seem obvious, it is important to acknowledge that it is a goal so that security is not overdone to the point where the data is of no use to anyone.
Types of Access Control
Discretionary access control systems allow the owner of the information to decide who can read, write, and execute a particular file or service. When users create and modify files in their own home directories, their ability to do this is because they have been granted discretionary access control over the files that they own. On end-user laptops and desktops, discretionary access control systems are prevalent.
Mandatory access control systems do not allow the creator of the information to govern who can access it or modify data. Administrators and overseeing authorities pre-determine who can access and modify data, systems, and resources. Mandatory access control systems are commonly used in military installation, financial institutions, and because of the new HIPAA privacy laws in medical institutions as well.
Role-based access control systems allow users to access systems and information based on their role within the organization. Role-based access allows end-users access to information and resources based on their role within the organization. Roles based access can be applied to groups of people or individuals. For example, you can allow everyone in a group named sysadmin access to privileged resources.
Rule-based access control systems allow users to access systems and information based on pre-determined and configured rules. Rules can be established that allow access to all end-users coming from a particular domain, host, network, or IP addresses. If an employee changes their role within the organization, their existing authentication credentials remain in effect and do not need to be re-configured. Using rules in conjunction with roles adds greater flexibility because rules can be applied to people, as well as devices.
Understanding the basics of access controls is good preparation for a variety of information technology initiatives including:
- Shopping for new access control products
- Developing an information security budget
- Writing access control and authentication security policies
- Evaluating and deploying single sign-on technologies
- Configuring authentication services
- Architecting data classification schemes
- Preparing to perform an information technology audit
- Getting ready for certification and accreditation initiatives
All organizations should have their access control configurations and policies well documented and available for upper management review as part of their security systems. Keep in mind that access control configurations and policies would by their very nature contain sensitive information, so the documentation should be stored securely, and its access should be monitored.


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Role: Assistant Producer, KERA News
1. What's the best professional decision you've ever made?
Returning to Dallas. After my NPR internship, I had the option to either temp for the show I had interned with, or return home to see if I MAYBE had a shot at working with the member station there. I chose to go home. It was tough because a lot of people dream of being able to work at NPR. Though it was tough, I've had the opportunity to take on so many responsibilities that I wouldn't have had the chance to do at NPR HQ.
2. What's something you've learned from a professional setback or challenge?
Even if you feel like you can't push through, persevere. Your patience and hard work WILL reward you. It sounds really trite, but I wouldn't be where I am professionally if I gave up.
3. What is one thing you wish you would've known "then"?
Your job title (or lack of) does not represent your worth as a person. It's really easy to see what others are accomplishing and base your worth on what you COULD be doing but can't. Don't do that. Focus on you. All you're seeing is the highlight reel and not the struggle.
4. How have you leveraged experiences you've had and connections you've made at NABJ/NAHJ conferences?
I've never attended an NABJ or NAHJ conference.
5. What's one of your favorite public media stories, podcasts, shows or series? Why?
This one about the founder of Three Happy Cows in Dallas. To set it up as a love story between an entrepreneur and a business really connected me to a story I might not have cared about otherwise. Call me an emotional sucker, but I really felt for Edgar Diaz and what he went through with his business. To be honest, I cried in the parking lot after hearing this story.
Follow Krystina: @ThisIsKrystina


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National Plate Final/
Thursday 9th March was the U18 English Schools National Plate Final, which was held at Northampton School for Boys, with 6 teams competing to bring home the gold. The team finished 5th overall, which we left away with mixed feelings of disappointment as we knew we could have done better but also pleased in the way we played considering we were the youngest and smallest team by a long shot. The advantage is that we don't lose any of our players so this same group get to go again next year so hopefully we can improve on our overall standing before then. Finishing 5th still ranks our U18 team in the top half of the country something we are immensely proud of.
Group Stage SBSJ2 - 8Brentwood
Our first group game was against the eventual English Schools Plate Champions who dominated all day and were worthy winners. We were pleased in efforts against such a strong opponent who had an U18 GB player amongst their ranks and scored a total of 20 goals throughout the tournament, only 2 of which came against ourselves so we handled him pretty well. Daniel Colehan was the stand out player for SBSJ scoring both our goals and was awarded man of the match.
SBSJ4 - 5Bedford Modern
We needed at least a draw from this game to send us through to the semi-final playoffs. We started off slow and Bedford Modern capitalised scoring three early goals. However we kept going and on the stroke of half time Dominic Walker managed to find the back of the net with a long range effort bringing the score to 3 - 1. The second half was underway and we knew where their weakness was at this point and Jack Sheehan exploited it to perfection beating his man on several occasions on the right wing and scored a brace to get us level. The team were playing really well at this point and with good defending and organisation from Captain Dominic Walker who was assisted by both Cokewright twins Tom and Theo gave a solid base to build from. Cameron Fairbairn had to make some key saves to keep the score level as the opposition were relentless in their fight to get back in front. Jack Sheehan was on fine form on the right wing however the opposition picked on what he was trying to do and he was unable to have the same effect as before. Young starlet Darwin King picked up on this and swam forward in support going past Jack which then meant a dink of the top put Darwin through on goal. He was one on one with the keeper but from the right wing which is the hardest angle for a 'right hander' to score from. Luckily we have been working on this in training down at Ignis and Darwin executed the move perfectly which the crowd applauded their appreciation of the finish. We were now in front for the first time in the game and Bedford kept coming. The boys tried their hardest to keep up the fight but it was evident who was the fitter team and towards the end we couldn't keep them out and they went on to win 5 - 4 meaning we couldn't make the playoffs. A good team effort to begin with and hopefully this gives most of our lads a wakeup call that you need to be fit to challenge and maintain at this level. Jack Sheehan was awarded the man of the match.
5th/6th PlayoffSBSJ10 - 1Oundle
This game decided who finished 5th/6th on the day. The lads were determined to come away with a victory and it turned out to be an emphatic one! With this game finishing the biggest score line of the whole tournament. Dominic Walker and Jack Sheehan started off the scoring which was well assisted by Alex Handol. Confidence was high and Daniel Colehan managed to score a first half 'hat-trick'. With and assist each from both the Cokewright twins. The score was 5 - 0 at half time. Jack Sheehan wanted to do one better than Danny and managed a total of 4goals in the second half, helped with good combination play from Stafan Giangregorio and Fran Rocchio down the left and Darwin and Jack on the right. With us being 8 - 0 up, meant we could give reserve keeper Luke Handol a run out in goal. We kept up our dominance in attack and Patrick McGrath got himself on the score sheet with a good strong drive down the middle. Oundle did manage to get a consolation goal but Daniel Colehan finished off the scoring with seconds to go with a long range effort that hit the post and flew across goal into the back of the net.
Players of the tournament - Jack Sheehan and Daniel Colehan
Overall we are happy how the season has gone considering our team is young which gives us confidence moving forward. The lads know what they need to do if they are to improve next year and that is train! Because if we do we know we can match any team, which they have all shown in the past. Hopefully our current year 9's will spur them on next year as they will be training together. Meaning they will have to step up or be shown up by their younger counterparts. As our current year 9's are ranked in the top 10 in the country.
Well done to all involved.
Match report by Mr M Wright
2016/17 U18's Water Polo team:
Dominic Walker 12I
Jack Sheehan 12G
Daniel Colehan 12I
Patrick McGrath 11A
Cameron Fairbairn 11A
Alex Handol 10F
Luke Handol 10A
Thomas Cokewright 10A
Theo Cokewright 10F
Stefan Giangregorio 10A
Fran Rocchio 10C
Darwin King 9B


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To celebrate the launch of her new limited-edition makeup collection with Urban Decay, Nicole Richie hosted a brunch in Palm Springs.
She wore the House of Harlow 1960 x Revolve "Taylor" dress in cream with a pair of Alaia studded gladiator sandals.
Nicole completed her signature boho-chic look with a Hat Attack straw bag, her new favourite combination of neclaces (a House of Harlow 1960 crystal necklace, The Last Line Perfect Rainbow eternity necklace, The Last Line gold coin zodiac 14K gold pendant necklace), an emerald tennis bracelet from The Last Line and Ray Ban sunglasses.


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If your disability means it would cost you more than a person without a disability to take on the same job or training, you may be eligible for funding.
Two support funds are available to help people in New Zealand with disabilities to take part in open employment (which means that anyone could apply for the job and it is not reserved for a person with a disability). They are:
Support funds can be used at the same time as any other funding except Mainstream funding. However, they are intended as last resort funding, so try other funding sources first.
How much funding is available
Job Support funding is limited to $16,900 per person over a 52-week period.
Training Support funding has a lifetime limit of $15,600.
The maximum amount of funding you can receive from one or a combination of sources – Job Support, Training Support or any other funding from the Ministry of Social Development or Work and Income – over a 52-week period is $16,900.
How support funds work
Workbridge administers support funds on behalf of the Ministry of Social Development, but you don't have to register as a jobseeker with Workbridge to apply for funding. Anyone can refer themselves for funding, or be referred by a disability agency.
Workbridge staff discuss eligibility criteria with people considering applying for support funds, and accept applications.;
They also have an ongoing administration role and follow up with everyone who receives funding.
See the eligibility criteria to check whether you qualify for support funding, and the assistance categories to check which types of needs support funds could help you with.
More general information is available in the publication Your Guide to the Support Funds
You can also read more about Job Support and Training Support using the buttons below and find out how to apply.


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Must my business be registered in order to tender?
By Werner van Rooyen
31 January 2019
Once, a very anxious business owner phoned me and asked if I can supply him with a CK number. I was amused by this and first asked why he asked me for such a number and secondly for what did he need a CK number for? He said that because of my Tender Manual that he bought, he thought that maybe I can help him with a CK number. Also, at the briefing session of the tender that he was responding to, the person in... Read More


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In May, Hillcrest Lutheran Academy announced Rev. Brad Hoganson as its new president. A few weeks later, Faith & Fellowship had the opportunity to interview Rev. Hoganson and hear his passion for the ministry of HLA.
F&F: Tell us about yourself, your family, and your employment history.
Brad: My family might be the best thing about me! I am married to my beautiful and talented wife of 22 years, Traci. Together we have two amazing children. Our daughter Shea (19) attends Kean University, where she is pursuing a Teaching Children With Disabilities major with a minor in History. Our son Camden (16) will be a junior at Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in the fall.
I am a graduate of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy (1984), Lutheran Brethren Bible College (1988) and Lutheran Brethren Seminary (2003). I have been fortunate to work in ministry most of my life: at Tuscarora Inn, Mount Bethel, Pennsylvania (both summer work and full-time staff); later in youth ministry in Olympia and Everett, Washington, then Mount Bethel, PA and finally Marysville, WA. In Marysville I also served as associate pastor and later as lead pastor. I most recently served as associate pastor at my home church, Hillside LBC in Succasunna, New Jersey. I have served in various roles in the CLB over the years—on the Synodical Council and the Council of Directors, served as chair on the boards of Youth Ministry and North American Mission, and am currently chair of Fifth Act Church Planting, an affiliate ministry of the CLB that exists to plant Lutheran Brethren churches in global cities of North America.
I love to keep busy with home and do-it-yourself projects. I love to laugh with my family and friends, and I live for Taco Tuesdays (which will be a continuing tradition in Fergus Falls!).
F&F: Tell us about your mentors. What have you learned about leadership from them?
Brad: While I don't think I have ever been in a "formal" mentoring relationship with any of them, I am grateful to have had a host of people in my life who taught me about leadership from my earliest days.
I learned about servant leadership and team-leading from Allen Aase and from Herb and Helen Jacobsen while working alongside others at Tuscarora Inn. Reidar Senum taught me humility with a twinkle in his eye as he showed me how to take ministry seriously while not taking myself too seriously! While at Bible College, Don Brue helped nurture in me a love for the Word of God and Jim Bjork showed me how to do incarnational ministry among students. Later, as a young pastor I learned from Joel Egge about shepherding a church with a love for the life-giving gospel and love for the Church. I have had capable and godly elder boards who prayed with me and for me, who offered biblical counsel and support and showed me the value of teamwork. Stephen and Sandi Bickler helped instill in me and foster a love for people in distant lands, which I think will play a large part in my leadership at Hillcrest with their international students.
F&F: What excites you about your new position as President of HLA?
Brad: A lot! I just returned home from the graduation weekend and my heart is full with anticipation to get to work as President of HLA. There are many things that energize me as I view this new chapter: I'm looking forward to working together with a remarkable team of administrators, faculty and staff! It was a real joy to watch them serve together over grad weekend and I look forward to being part of the team. From support staff, resident life staff, faculty and administrators—I want everyone in the CLB to know what a gift this group of people is to our school! I love students and I love to see them grow and flourish in the gospel and in love for each other. I am really looking forward to speaking into their lives, so that they in turn can serve Christ.
I'm looking forward to working in collaboration with the greater CLB. I love to work together to achieve common goals and want to explore ways that Hillcrest and the CLB can work together. We have a gift in our rich theology and our mission heart for the world. Hillcrest is a great place to instill this in our students while providing them opportunities to serve locally and globally.
F&F: Why is Hillcrest's ministry important to you, and why should it be important to us?
Brad: Hillcrest's mission statement says it all: "The mission of Hillcrest Academy is to equip students in a Christ-centered, Bible-based environment for a life of eternal significance." This is what I have been working toward in my life of ministry within the local church. Local churches want this to be true of the students in their youth ministry programs. The people of our churches invest in our students with youth groups, and with opportunities to go to camps and retreats, desiring to see our students come to faith and flourish in the gospel.
This ministry is important to me because I see Hillcrest and the CLB churches working in concert with each other toward a shared goal. Hillcrest is uniquely positioned to do this while providing a distinctly Christian education. Discipleship opportunities are built into the daily life experience of the school in the dorms and classrooms.
Additionally, the heartbeat of the CLB from its earliest days has been that we are a missionary Church. Hillcrest shares that heart for global mission: students from Hillcrest have opportunity to go on annual cross-cultural mission trips to the Dominican Republic and Guatemala, and students from other cultures all over the world come to attend school at Hillcrest.
F&F: Are there any particular goals you have for your first 100 days in office?
Brad: In my first 100 days as President of Hillcrest, I plan to change my presidential Twitter name to @realBradHoganson, but I will do my best to keep my tweets to a dull roar!
Seriously though, I am humbled and honored to serve in this role as President of Hillcrest. I believe my first few months will be spent listening and learning the ropes of the job, while building relationships with the faculty, staff and students.
Isaac Newton famously said, "If I have seen further, it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." The role of the HLA president encompasses many components. Among them is helping shape a vision for the future of the school. As I work together with the Board of Directors, I am well aware of those who have gone before and I plan to build on the foundations that are already in place. I am excited to work together with CLB President Paul Larson and the CLB Council of Directors, helping to foster deepening partnerships with the congregations of the CLB, while working together with alumni and friends who support the work at Hillcrest to find the best ways to communicate our vision and mission.
Rev. Brad Hoganson is President of Hillcrest Lutheran Academy in Fergus Falls, Minnesota.