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HIStalk Interviews Cindy Dullea, SVP of SCI Solutions and Rear Admiral (Select) of the United States Navy
I only knew Cindy Dullea as my sponsor contact at SCI Solutions. We swapped the occasional e-mail about advertising reports or graphics, that sort of thing.
Memorial Day of this year, I made my usual "fly your flag in honor of service men and women" pitch in HIStalk. Cindy e-mailed her thanks for that comment, confiding that she holds an additional role that she doesn't talk much about. Cindy is Rear Admiral (Select) of the United States Navy.
Of course I had to interview someone that interesting and accomplished. Thanks to Cindy for agreeing to be interviewed (and for her service to our country, of course).
Let's start with your civilian career. What do you do for SCI?
I am the senior vice president of marketing. I'd been with John Holton in the original 25 folks that started Scheduling.com in 1999 as VP of marketing. It was a great opportunity for me to create a brand and launch something from the ground up. I have an MBA with an emphasis in healthcare marketing and information systems. I had the opportunity to create the brand now known as SCI Solutions.
I left in 2002 and came back two years ago when John bought the Efileshare product. John and I had lunch together and it was a really great time to bring me back to re-brand the organization and figure out how to put the Scheduling.com product and Efileshare product names in perspective. We looked at that for seven months and re-launched about year ago.
I do all things marketing as well as being a nurse by background. I do a lot of client relations things, visiting clients and understanding how they use our systems, using my healthcare consulting background to see how they can improve their use of our product line.
What's new with the company?
We have lots of new product functionalities coming out with Order Facilitator and our scheduling products. We had a record quarter last quarter in sales. Things keep getting better and better. We have wonderful ratings in KLAS. I couldn't be more pleased, as I know John is, with progress of the company, from ratings to sales. We're on a roll and have great momentum.
How does working for a relatively small HIT vendor compare with the big ones you've worked for?
It's an opportunity to work, first and foremost, with some really bright people who have been around the company for awhile. In big companies, you get siloed and may not know what the division or department beside you is doing day to day. In a small company, you rely on each other. We're all in it to make the company better. We're high energy, multi-tasking types of individuals who are happy to step outside of our bounds to help the overall company and the individual departments meet our goals.
I like to multi-task and to be a part of multidisciplinary teams and high-energy team efforts. We can accomplish this by being very virtual. Of our 65 employees, over half are virtual, working from home offices. All our sales and marketing as well as implementation employees are home-based.
As a vendor marketing executive, how do independent blogs like HIStalk fit into the big picture?
We at SCI think it's great because it gives us an unadulterated view of what going on in the industry. Most, if not all, of our executives read HIStalk. It gives us an idea of what the target market is thinking.
In the beginning when I came back, my group was focused on how to take the SCI Solutions brand and make it better to reintroduce it. We accomplished that in terms of creating marketing collateral and so forth to support the deployment of the new brand.
We switched over and said, "What are we doing for sales lately? How are we going to help our salespeople prospect better?" It's hard to fill your funnel and tool chest with qualified prospects to talk to. We said, "Where will we focus our marketing activities to help our sales organization?"
We became a prospect marketing organization. We looked at ways to do that and where to focus our advertising dollars. HIStalk was #1 on our list. That's where the majority of the healthcare arena will get their information, not from reading trade journals. There's no bang for the buck there.
We do Webinars, go to trade shows where buyers will be, and focus on getting clients out there speaking. We do a number of activities, but we advertise only in two places: HIStalk and on the NAHAM [National Association of Healthcare Access Management] website. That's it.
You're a board-certified informatics nurse. Is that a career path you'd recommend?
Absolutely. It has really caught on the past five years, especially among those nurses who have been at the bedside for 10+ years and can take their knowledge of how care is conducted to the information systems piece. It's a great career path that's catching on. CARING [a nurse informatics organization] is an organization that has grown tremendously.
Tell me about your military responsibilities.
I've been Navy nurse for over 27 years. I spent 3 ½ years on active duty as a full-time Navy nurse. I got off active duty, spent four years in the inactive Reserves, and have been a weekend warrior for the past 20 years.
I was just selected to be the next Navy Rear Admiral for the Reserve Nurse Corps. I'll put on my star October 1. It was just confirmed by the Senate. It's a done deal now [laughs]. I guess they found nothing bad in my background.
I'll be over 4,000 Navy nurses, both active duty and reserve combined. I'll be the #2 admiral over them. A two-star, full-time admiral is the #1. I will be there depending on the needs of the Navy. It could be up to 180 days a year on active duty. That's one part of my Admiral job.
I've also just been named the Deputy Regional Commander for Navy Medicine National Capital Area. Navy Medicine is divided into four regions, each with a commander over Navy hospitals in their region. The National Capital area covers the National Navy Medical Center in Bethesda, Great Lakes Naval Hospital, and several others.
What are your responsibilities?
That's unknown for me at this point. I believe it will have some level of governance over all components of Navy Medicine in the Capital region.
It will probably involve the integration of Walter Reed with Bethesda, which has lots of moving parts to think about. It's no different than when two health systems merge. Beyond who has which toy and who does what, the cultures are different. It's all military, but each component truly has their own culture, and with that comes small details. A Navy Corpsman is not the same as an Army Medic. Training is similar, but their patient care duties vary. How do you handle that on a patient care ward? You start going through the building blocks to bring the cultures together.
The Navy Surgeon General is the top doc, the top Navy person for Navy Medicine. The Surgeon General is a three-star Vice Admiral, the only three-star in Navy Medicine. I had the opportunity from 2000-2003 to command a unit at Navy Medicine headquarters that reported to the Navy Surgeon General. My unit worked with the strategy and goals of Navy Medicine. Everybody reports to the Surgeon General. I was probably closer because a lot of what we did was under the direction of the Surgeon General and his top team.
Is your military job affected by politics and bureaucracy?
Oh, yes [laughs]. Any time you get in a big organization, especially one that tries to stay apolitical, there's always politics involved. Nothing happens with Navy Medicine unless it's at the direction of someone pretty high up in politics. For example, we can't just decide that we're going to deploy a hospital ship when a tsunami hits. The Navy Surgeon General can't just send out his big white ship. It has to come from Congress.
Do the armed forces do a good job taking care of soldiers?
Absolutely. There is nothing even comparable to the military's ability to treat combat casualties. We're seeing casualties in this war unlike anything we've seen in wars past. Service men and women who would have died in Vietnam and maybe Desert Storm I are living. We get to them quickly, stabilize them, and move them to Landstuhl, Germany. That's great.
I think our challenge in the military arena – and probably Walter Reed has felt that more than other services – is post-critical time of care. One of the things we'll get really good at doing is case management. What happens when you release that service man or woman from your facility back to their communities or bases? Each service does that continuity of care differently. Some hiccups have to occur. We're learning from it. I'm convinced everybody knows that long-term case management has to be done very well.
You helped design the Navy Reserve's personnel deployment system. How does it work?
It used to be that all reserve medical personnel came under the authority of big Navy Reserve, which owns every Navy Reservist. They were great at administratively taking care of us, but when it came to mobilizing us, they fell short because they didn't understand the idiosyncrasies of physician and nurse specialties. You might be a med-surg nurse, OR nurse, or ICU nurse. You have to know what kind of nurse.
In 2000, the decision was made that the big Navy Reserve would pass over the day-to-day authority and operational control of Navy Reserve Medicine to the Navy Surgeon General, who would own his or her own assets, including reservists as well as activity duty. They had a better picture of what I call part-time staff, those several thousand reservists. We built MEDRUPMIS, which gave us the ability to drill down into fine detail about each reservist – corpsmen, nurses, doctors, dentists, and medical service corps. We could see not only what they were and their designator , but also see down to the granular detail, like the doctor is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon and is credentialed to practice.
We did a search query capability. You can pull up all med-surg nurses in a list of states and tell a military treatment facility like Bethesda how many med-surg nurses are in their area that they might be able to mobilize or have come in for their annual two weeks of training.
We were scheduled to do a Beta test scenario in which the hospital ship USNS Comfort was deploying for an emergency and we had to backfill Bethesda. I was there on September 11, 2001 as the senior officer, watching the screen as it matched requirements. The planes hit the towers and the Pentagon. What was supposed to be the Beta test became reality. We used the system, not knowing if would work to backfill 250 staff into Bethesda for staff deployed on Comfort to New York. Since then, it's been used to mobilize for tsunamis and into military theaters around the world.
Having seen clinical information systems in both the military and private sector, how would you compare the two?
The commercial clinical systems are much better than what started out as CHCS I, created by SAIC and now AHLTA or CHCS II. I would say that some of our in-theater product lines are very good. Where the military is still lagging behind is in looking at those civilian systems and trying to understand, building on something that's reached its life cycle, to see if there's something out there. Systems aren't building that EMR that we need to get to in the military. The case management aspect and knowing where service men and women are going will play into that.
What military leadership practices do you use in your job with SCI?
I absolutely give credit where credit is due. I wouldn't be where I am today without the military. First and foremost, it's understood early on the military that, as you move up into additional ranks, you are expected to take on increasing levels of responsibility. That taught me not to fear taking on bigger and better and more complex issues.
The military allowed me to lead not only small groups as a junior nurse over maybe 20 people, but up to 700 people over six states. It challenged me to think outside the box, to redefine my leadership skills, to try to not be afraid of trying different things and giving myself permission to fail.
I've taken those fundamental thought processes to SCI. John Holton lets me do that, strategizing what I want to do. In some ways, it's very much like senior officers I've worked for in the military, using him as a sounding board. I enjoy that collaboration.
There's much more organizational structure on the military side. Everything is extremely chain-of-command oriented. You wouldn't pass over your immediate supervisor to get to someone else. When I come back from military duty, I have to think about which environment I'm in. I can be more relaxed and open about what I can say. I'll use acronyms and John will tell me to stop [laughs].
You've known a lot of people in the industry. Which ones were most memorable?
I certainly would say, on the military side, I had opportunity to work for Vice Admiral Mike Cowan, who I understand is now CMO for BearingPoint. I learned a lot from his style. I've worked with John Holton twice, so there's a testimonial there. Steven Russell from QuadraMed gave me my first break in the industry back in 1992 and hired me almost sight unseen, setting my path at Compucare for the first five years.
There have been lots of great people along the way who have allowed me to do different things. On the Navy side, Chip Rice, president of the Uniformed Services University. And, his chief of staff, Steve Henske, who was my commanding officer 12 or 13 years ago. I was selected as his #2 person, his Executive Officer, which began my leadership movement in Navy Medicine.
Any other thoughts?
I'd like to give a plug for any healthcare professional who has considered looking at a career with the military. For those who are patriotic, who want do something for our country, and who have the skill set, I'll give a plug for the Navy Reserve.
For me, one of the most enjoyable things that I cherish over the last 20 years as an active reservist is the quality of the people I meet. Wherever I go, I'm in awe of the types of people who are out there and who set aside their lives for two days a month and two weeks a year to do something for the military. Some of them are health system CEOs or senior consultants or nurse anesthetists in business.
It's incredible the kinds of folks I've had the chance to meet and get to know. If you're looking for a new challenge, I would highly encourage you to consider service to your country. It's a great opportunity and there's a lot of self-satisfaction that can come with it.
I'm very blessed in that I've had the opportunity to have this alter-part of my life and able to maintain it, thanks to lots of folks who have supported me along with way on the HIS side. I'm blessed to be able to maintain both sides. I'm honored that SCI Solutions and its employees have been supportive. More importantly, when I speak with them, I feel there's a lot of respect and a celebratory feel that it's cool that I'm one of them. It's like family at SCI.


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If you would like to experience the taste of some fine rare Scottish whisky or just fancy trying something new, a whisky tasting may be the right thing for you.
The world of whisky is vast and dynamic, there are many different flavours and colours of whisky, from vintage whiskies to new, vibrant whiskies; there is something for everyone.
A rare Scottish whisky tasting would allow you to try out some of the most beautifully stunning rare malt whiskies from the best distilleries in Scotland.
Expand Your Knowledge On Rare Scottish Whisky
Whisky tastings are carried out by whisky professionals, that have a deep understanding and enthusiasm for rare malt whisky. They will be able to provide you with an insight into the world of whisky and take you on a tour of the best Scottish whisky.
During the whisky tasting, you will be introduced to different aspects of a range of rare malt whiskies such as the aromas, colours and the taste.
You will also be introduced to how whisky is distilled and produced, learning how the whisky acquires its unique flavours. This will let you appreciate the value of the rare Scottish whisky that you are sampling.
The Flavour Range of Rare Malt Whisky
Whisky is extremely diverse, with many different flavours available. Attending a rare malt whisky tasting will allow you to try a variety of whisky flavours that you may have never tried before.
Rare Scottish whisky comes in a range of flavours, from light and flowery to strong and smoky. Every rare whisky is made differently, and it is in the distillation and cask process where the flavour is added. The vast flavour range of whisky means that there is a whisky out there for everyone.
To put it simply most of the flavour of the rare Scottish whisky comes from its contact with oak. Every individual whisky has its own maturing point, with younger rare whiskies having more distillery characteristics while older whiskies take more flavour from the cask.
The Full Experience of Rare Scottish Whisky Tasting
A human nose can recognise over 30,000 different smells, meaning that we can detect aromas easily. Most of the flavours you can taste are related to smell, so when you go for a whisky tasting you will experience smelling the whisky first, to try and detect the flavours just from your nose.
Smelling whisky is called 'nosing', it involves swirling the whisky around in a whisky glass and taking a few deep breaths. Whisky enthusiasts agree that this is an important stage when sampling whisky.
Sampling The Best Malt Whisky
Whether you are a whisky connoisseur or an armature, if you are interested in sampling some of the best rare malt whisky, then a whisky tasting would be perfect for you.
It will allow you to try rare malt whisky that you would never have experienced before. You will be able to sample a variety of different flavours of rare Scottish whisky as well as building your knowledge on rare malt whisky.

subset: commoncrawl


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In your essay you must:
• refer extensively to some of the ideas of either Freud, Lacan, or Jung or a combination of them. Alternatively, you may refer to a psychoanalytic thinker of your choosing (please discuss with tutor).
• directly quote from these thinkers (that is, you must quote directly from some of their writings in elaborating your analysis).
Choose one question from the following:
[Question 1] Choose a scene from a film in which you analyse a representation of the psychiatric/psychoanalytical process, i.e., a scene in which a character is being psychoanalysed by a doctor (this scene can be a technological variant of this process: the scenes in Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, for example, where the protagonists are having their memories erased by doctors)
• How is this scene represented – is it critical of the psychiatric/psychoanalytical process? If so, how does it do this? – you should analyse performance, dialogue, mise en scene, cinematography, etc.
• What purpose does the scene serve in the overall narrative of the film?
• How does this scene articulate the overall theme(s) of the film?
[Question 3] Choose a scene from a film or television episode in which there is representation of a particular Jungian Archetype.
• Describe how the archetype functions within the overall narrative structure of the film.
• Analyse how the archetype is represented in the film (you should analyse the actors' performance, if appropriate, the mise en scene, the cinematography, etc).
• If possible, relate the functioning of this archetype in the film to its appearance in other forms, i.e. fairy tales or other narrative forms.
[Question 4] A representation of a non-western view or attitude towards the human soul or psyche.
• To do this you will need to research the background to the film or television episode, and to research the particular non-western view or attitude towards the human soul or psyche and its cultural background.
• You should analyse the actors' performance, the dialogue, the mise en scene, the cinematography, etc.
The film you choose does not have to be narrative/fictional: it can be a documentary, experimental or some other form of moving image—but it must have something to say about the nature of the human psyche and relate to the questions (above). If you choose a documentary or experimental form, discuss your choice with your tutor before embarking on your essay.
• You should state which question you are answering at the beginning of your essay.
• You must include references. You must reference correctly.
• You must include a bibliography


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Key to the Map Markers
You may click on the check boxes below to show or hide the different markers on the map.
Woodstock is a thriving town just to the north of Oxford which grew up as a coach stop on the road north, then around the Royal Hunting Lodge which became the site of the magnificent Blenheim Palace, home of the Dukes of Marlborough since the early 1700s.
At the centre of Woodstock is 'Market Place' where the Town Hall is to be found. Park Street goes towards the 'Town Gate' one of the entrances to Blenheim Palace, On the way you pass the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene, which has been at the spiritual and geographical heart of Woodstock for a thousand years.
Woodstock, Home to Blenheim Palace
The Oxfordshire Museum
Park Street
Oxfordshire OX20 1SN
+44 (0) 1993 813276
Visit Website
Blaisdon House
Cotswolds, UK
A former rectory and with parts dating back to the 12th Century, Blaisdon House has evolved into a truly wonderful home with a wealth of architectural features which have been cleverly exploited in its renovation. The three luxurious guest bedrooms a...
Field End House
Cotswolds, UK
Recently extended, Field End House sits at the end of the delightfully named Strawberry Lane. With its beautiful gardens and extensive views over the surrounding Cotswold countryside, Field End House is tucked away in a tranquil corner of this bustli...
The Glove House
Cotswolds, UK
A beautiful Georgian townhouse located in the centre of Woodstock, on the edge of the Cotswolds and 7 miles from Oxford, The Glove House is about 400 years old. Used as a glove workshop in the 1870′s, Christopher Daggett was one of Woodstock&rs...
The Old Manor House
Cotswolds, UK
Only seven miles south of Stratford upon Avon and on the edge of the Cotswolds, The Old Manor House is a hidden gem. Tucked away in the village of Halford, this small manor house dates back to the 16th Century and is noted by Pevsner for its Tudor ti...
The Old Post Office
Cotswolds, UK
An early 18th Century former post office, The Old Post Office offers luxury bed and breakfast in a beautiful and peaceful home, nestled in the enchanting village of Adlestrop, set in the heart of the North Cotswolds in an Area of Outstanding Natural ...
The Piggery
Cotswolds, UK
The former piggery to the neighbouring manor house, The Piggery is the outcome of a lengthy project of restoration, inspiration and creativity. The Piggery offers delightful accommodation that can only be described as luxurious comfort and comfortabl...
Trinity House
Cotswolds, UK
At Trinity House, you will find peace and tranquillity with 21st Century comfort. The longer you stay, the more difficult it is to tear yourself away but even two nights work their restorative magic. Here you will find the best of welcomes, five s...


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the package
a branding plan as simple as 1... 2... 3... 4... 5!
What is a brand?
It's kind of like a lens that your clients look through to view your product and/or service. So naturally, when creating a brand,
you want to be sure that you have the clearest, most beautiful lenses. That way, when you're client sees your brand,
they see the most beautiful picture of you and the things you are so proud to create.
What does it take to hold a brand in your hand? Well, a lot!
But on the real...
this comprehensive digital package holds the pieces you need to build a beautiful lens.
(P.S. If you're a little overwhelmed by the complete package, you can visit the bundling page for options :)
#1) Consulting
Before we begin creating your beautiful designs, prep work must be done. We need to know things like "who your ideal customer is" to cater your brand to those it's intended for. So whether you're close enough to sit down with us or consult over the phone, we will do our best to uncover the story of your future and current customers.
comes complete with:
consultation session // BASIC mARKET RESEARCH
#2) Logo + Branding
After you know which direction to head, you need something to represent "the look". Our team will make sure you have the logo, color scheme, and overall theme for your brand that you need to show off your best work.
comes complete with:
Logo files (Ai, SVG, PNG) // Color Swatches // Theme Guidebook (Print or PDF)
#3) Photographer
To represent your brand correctly, you'll need photographs of who you are, where you are, and what you produce. People love a good story and there's no better way to tell it than through images!
comes complete with:
a referral to our favorite photographer // 25% discount
#4) Website
Once you have a great look for your branding, you're ready to have your own space on the internet. This will be the home base for the promotions of all your great ideas.
Comes complete with:
Website URL** // host Subscription Plan // Initial Website design//
2 complementary site edits
**depending on the cost of the URL
#5) Social Media Kickoff
After your site is up and running, the next step is... SOCIAL MEDIA!


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|This article is about a/an ranger in Power Rangers S.P.D.
Officer Tate was the father of Sky Tate. He was a Red Ranger.
Officer Tate apparently helped create the Delta Morphers along with the parents of the other B-Squad Rangers and Kat Manx and due to this his DNA was altered. As a result, his son Sky was born with the ability to create force fields. He was once called to an intense battle, and saved dozens of people, but he ultimately lost his life to a criminal named Mirloc. Mirloc was later contained and sent to a special prison facility. His helmet was found and given to his son Sky after his death. Mirloc later escaped but was recaptured by Sky himself in battle.
S.P.D. Red Ranger
- Tate presumably piloted some sort of zord before his death, likely reminiscent of primitive S.P.D technology.
- Tate presumably utilized an array of weapons before his death, likely reminiscent of primitive S.P.D technology.
- His suit resembles that of the Red Time Force Ranger, Wesley Collins. This is due to Disney re-using suits and props from previous series. Supposedly the writers wanted Officer Tate to have a unique suit, however Disney denied their request. The suit is mostly unaltered save for a SPD logo on the chest, helmet and right shoulder. This led some fans to assume that Wesley was Sky's father at first. This was however, not true as Officer Tate was serving with S.P.D in the year 2001, the same year Time Force occurred, where he and the other 5 to 11 parents of the six S.P.D. rangers suffered an accident and had their DNA mutated, resulting in the S.P.D. rangers having unusual powers for humans.
- In order of series, Officer Tate is the first Red Ranger whose son also became a Red Ranger after him, the next was Mr. Shiba from Samurai, though chronologically, he is actually the second. The third is Brody Romero from Ninja Steel.
- He is also one of the Rangers who has died and not been resurrected in any sort of way. The one responsible for his death was Mirloc.
- Power Rangers S.P.D.
- Episode 4: Walls (photo only)
- Episode 24: Reflection (1) (flashback)
Community content is available under CC-BY-SA unless otherwise noted.


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NACR will resell Presence's suite of products ensuring the successful implementation of solutions and services provided by two leading companies Presence Technology, a global CTI software provider specializing (or which specializes) in optimizing Contact Center performance, is pleased to announce a partnership with North American Communications Resource, Inc. NACR will distribute and market the complete suite of Presence solutions in the North American market.
NACR is a value added service provider that delivers proven, scalable, cost effective and integrated business communications solutions. The largest Avaya Business Partner Worldwide, they have approximately 400 employees in 55 locations across the United States. The company provides one of the broadest portfolios of products and services in the industry including VoIP, Contact Center, Unified Communications, Data Networking, Conferencing and Wireless solutions.
The Presence Technology portfolio is a complete set of solutions for the contact center. Built on a modular platform, the company suite may be deployed onto almost any existing ACD / PBX platform or may be used in a stand alone environment as an all-in-one contact center solution. Presence Technology solutions were designed to be implemented quickly and to seamlessly integrate within any company's existing applications and infrastructure.
Presence Technology is a member of the Avaya DeveloperConnection Program - an initiative to develop, market and sell innovative third-party products that interoperate with Avaya technology and extend the value of a company's investment in its network.
NACR will resell Presence products, ensuring the successful delivery of best in class Contact Center solutions that include a wide range of functionalities focused on solving, improving, setting up, and revitalizing the Contact Center.
Araceli Aranda, CEO of Presence Technology said "With this initiative, both companies will bring greater coverage to our customers in the region, with our high quality solutions and the services provided by a leading company with a strong knowledge of the US market."
"We look forward to this partnership and leveraging the innovative solutions from Presence Technology to increase productivity and efficiencies for our customers," said Michael Fitzgibbons, NACR National Vice-President.


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Dear Pledging People:
It sounds like the beginning of a joke: "An accountant, a treasurer and a preacher… (walk into a bar?)"… no, sit down to discuss church finances. That's what happened this past week in my office as we started the preliminary draft of our 2018 budget. The great news is that the expenditure side of the ledger is in good shape. Since 2011, FPCLG leadership has made several important decisions regarding staffing and other budgetary items resulting in a preliminary 2018 budget 14% smaller than 2011 expenditures. That's great news, because our reliance on capital reserves is well under control. This is also great news because, despite a smaller staff, projected pledged receipts for the remainder of 2017 appear to be on track with 2011. [For those who read an earlier version of this post, my initial numbers were in error. As I predicted someone quickly informed me. I apologize for failing to run my analysis past those who would have corrected my mistake before I posted.]
I know many of you have not made it to this paragraph; you've already scrolled on to the next item in your e-mail feed because you're not a numbers person. So, let me put this in simple terms: FPCLG is financially stable.
I realize the danger in making such a confident statement—stability can create complacency. We still have a few dozen outstanding pledges, and I do not wish to imply that we don't need them. But I'm confident that all of you understand finances; just because you've paid all your bills doesn't mean you can quit your job.
All this leads me to a very personal confession. I often substitute financial stability with mission accomplishment. Financial homeostasis isn't the purpose of a church; it is necessary for long-term institutional maintenance, but we do not exist for the purpose of funding our continued existence. We exist for the purpose of "inviting people into a life of meaning and purpose in Christ" (see the home page of our website, https://www.fpclg.org).
Our financial picture permits us to have a place to which we may invite people, but a place is not a life any more than a house is a home. I may invite you over to my house, but that's not the same as inviting you into our home—one involves an address and furniture, the other involves relationship and heart.
Here's where I want you to know the budget surplus for FPCLG. Members of our community are risking far more than financial contribution—they are risking themselves in difficult conversations about purpose and meaning; they are making choices with their time to benefit others; they are discovering assets of love they never knew existed; they are finding wealth and bounty by discovering how their meaning and purpose in Christ knows no deficit.
Now that financial stewardship season is nearly behind us, I am challenging myself to an Advent of spiritual stewardship. Here my pledge card reflects a very different ledger. As the year unfolds, will I find the capital of courage to interrupt derogatory and degrading conversation? Will I invest my time in sharing interest in someone who is lost? Can I dig deeper to give real development to my portfolio of priorities? Will I pledge the resource of my values to find their return by inviting people into a life of meaning and purpose in Christ?
Building a budget to believe in, I remain with love,
Jonathan B. Krogh
Your Pastor


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White Crown Pigeon (Columbia Leucocephala)
Why does a old Key West Tarpon guide get excited about a Pigeon?
Let me explain who this bird is, a striking fellow, asphalt in color with a very distinct white skull
They frequent the Bahamas, Cental America, Mexico, Cuba and the Florida Key's also the Everglade's but, no further north.
The White Crown Pigeon is known to cross large bodies of water and are fruit and seed eaters,
they also prefer to roost in the smaller Mangrove islands, staying in remote areas and avoiding
human company.
White Crowns arrive the last week of April, first of May, breeding begins in July in the Florida Keys after a few months of gorging themselves on Poison Wood Berries, Sea Grapes and other wild fruit.
The chicks feed non stop and in less than 40 days are airborne and more or less on their own.
I first became aware of White Crown's 20+ years ago when, I noticed at dawn headed west of Key West in my flats boat, these black, white crested birds darting low, passing a few feet over head and sometimes change course to purposely fly over my skiff as I headed west and they headed east toward Key West to find food and water.
At times on my way home from west to east and the White Crowns flying in the same direction
at about the same 25mph, they would match my speed and cock their heads watching
and darting across just over head in a somewhat playful manner.
This gave me time to study and after a little local research I found that they were hunted by the
Conch boys from their skiff's in the old days and would end up in the rice for dinner.
So why does a Key West flats fisherman care about the big fat pigeons?
We believe that the migrating Tarpon that show up in the Florida Keys come from Central America, Mexico, Cuba, Maybe. Some recent research suggests this.
The migrating spawning Tarpon schools show in the Key West oceanside flats beginning the last few days in April or first few days of May.
An old guide pal of mine one early May, asked me if I had seen anything of the Ocean Tarpon schools and my answer was "won't look for them until I see the White Crowns flying over the skiff!''
He said, as you would imagine, " the what?"
Ofcourse, I went on to tell him that the White Crown Pigeon's bring the Tarpon to the Keys every spring.
Now every April he askes, "any White Crown's yet!?"
I can tell you that every year, the first day I look for the ocean flats Tarpon, I have seen the White Crowns for the first time that morning.
Consider this!
I recently found the April 1832 Audubon drawing of a male and female White Crown Pigeon.
The notes Audubon wrote, as he did on most of this drawing said,
" we went into the thick mangrove of the Florida Keys to shoot White Crown's as they
arrived recently from Cuba"
Removing tung from cheek and going to bed....


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This interactive webinar offers to AIIP members in their first year of business the opportunity to ask questions of a panel of guest long-timers. This time, our guest panelists will be Carol Compton, INDIECLEAR and Mark Goldstein, International Research Center.
Thursday, February 16, 2012, 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM EDT
Unlike most webinars, the format will be entirely question and answer. What have you always wanted to ask in AIIP-L but didn't? What would you like the panel to discuss - how to set rates? start word of mouth marketing?
To register for this webinar, go to https://www3.gotomeeting.com/register/505942198
Questions regarding access or content? Contact Cindy Shamel at email@example.com
Contact Professional Standards Business DirectoryPrivacyLearn About Membership
8550 United Plaza Blvd #1001
Baton Rouge, LA 708091.225.408.4400


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Lucite Canes
Add a Lucite cane to your collection and enjoy the unique, stylish look of a clear glass cane. Lucite canes display a crystalline appearance that will turn heads no matter where you carry it. The clear, reflective appearance of a clear acrylic lucite walking cane makes a splendid accessory to any outfit, since it will match any outfit.
Attention! Buyer Beware!
Our delicate lucite canes are factory-made using a method called injection molding. Many online companies and private dealers will compare our products to their "homemade" lucite canes, which are heated, curved, and then allowed to cool to retain their shape. When a walking aide is constructed in this way it will always have the "J" shaped, or tourist handle, and the end of the crook will have rough edges instead of a rounded end. The quality and strength of walking aides made this way do not compare to an injection-molded model.
More Stylish Cane Looks!
If you like the look of these clear canes¸ be sure to check out other stylish models in our catalog¸ like our acrylic canes¸ silver canes and other designs with elegant cane handles. Also¸ be sure to stop by our cane accessories to find ways to customize your purchase¸ from fashionable cane wrist straps to custom cane engraving and more.
For more than a decade we have been proud to provide this expansive selection to our loyal customers¸ and we are happy to offer it to you today. We have searched the globe to ensure that we can offer you everything you need when looking for a high-quality walking aide¸ and with a solid reputation of quality customer service practices¸ we know you will enjoy shopping at FashionableCanes.com. Thank you for your business!


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Happy January! I am currently snowed in at my apartment. It is day three of the Indiana "Snowpocalypse" as they're calling it--how many times can we use that phrase before we phase it out? I think we've hit our limit, no? My car is buried under three feet of snow and the temperatures are sub-zero. Thankfully, my heat is still on, my pipes haven't frozen and I have coffee and a full Netflix queue. Hooray! I know it's January 7th already, and I might be past the window of sharing holiday photos, but who cares! Since no one has gone back to school yet from the Christmas break (schools were closed today and yesterday) I say I'm still good to share these. Matt and I had a wonderful Christmas filled with new traditions, lots of time with both of our families, tons of baking and goodies and some pretty wonderful gifts. Honestly, I thought my first Christmas out of the house would be a lot more strange. Not waking up at "home" on Christmas morning. Making peanut butter balls all on my own for the first time. Cooking Christmas Eve dinner. But, to my surprise, it wasn't strange. It was really, really perfect.
I spent Christmas Eve baking, reflecting on Advent, drinking way too much coffee and listening to Christmas tunes. Matt and Scout enjoyed a long afternoon nap (as is common around Casa Keinsley!) We hosted Matt's parents for Christmas Eve dinner and I carried on my mom's tradition of making a seafood dish. This year it was seafood fettucini alfredo with shrimp, crab and a homemade sauce. We discovered the roaring fire video on Netflix and each opened one present from Matt's parents before Mass. After church it was time to fill stockings for each other and then off to bed!
On Christmas morning, we woke up and exchanged our stockings. Matt and I had a modest Christmas this year, since we're super close to paying off student loans and really committed to that. (We follow Dave Ramsey's financial plan, if you're curious!) It was really fun to find things to fill Matt's stocking and see his face light up as he opened his little gifts. And huge props to Matt, who braved Hobby Lobby AND Michael's solo to find gifts for me.
We also got Scout a stocking filled with dog bones and a new brush. You can see how well he liked his brush…haha!
We made a delicious breakfast of pancakes before heading to my parents' house to do Christmas with my family. All except my older brother, who wasn't home from Seattle yet. We missed him!
We made a delicious Christmas cocktail, consisting of Bailey's, Kahlua, Creme de Cacao, half & half, chocolate syrup and whipped cream. It was amazing.
My mom makes this face every year when she pretends to be surprised that my dad didn't follow the rule to not get her anything. This year he gifted her a GORGEOUS necklace. Good job, pops. As usual.
Matt was a little excited to open his gift from my parents, a beer brewing kit! We're in for a fun adventure here at Casa Keinsley...
We rounded out the afternoon by playing a game of speed Scrabble, which is super fun in case you ever are in the mood for a game but not full-blown Scrabble. When it started to get boring, we changed it to Spanish words only. That didn't last long. Mimosas were involved.
A wonderful Christmas that I'll remember forever!! And now here we are in a brand-new year. I have sooo many sessions and things to blog and am getting really excited about my plans and goals for this new year. Happy Tuesday!


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Inglewood PC: The Creative Edge
Seattle Presbytery
By J. Graley Taylor
Thai Dance and Drama Performance coming to Inglewood PC on Palm Sunday, April 17 at 6:00 p.m.
Inglewood Presbyterian will have a very special opportunity to observe world mission up close and personal. IPC has been invited to host a Presbyterian mission team from Thailand on Palm Sunday evening, April 17. It is the CCI Thai Dance and Drama Tour. They will perform a series of beautiful Thai dances and show how they use drama to share their faith. Inglewood welcomes members of other churches to attend.
CCI is the Christian Communications Institute of Payap University, a Christian university of the Church of Christ in Thailand. Leading the tour are a Presbyterian missionary couple, the Rev. Rob Collins and the Rev. Dr. Esther Wakeman coming with a group of young Thai musicians and actors. They were all featured in my film "Discovery in Thailand."
I'm excited by this visit as we catch a close up view of their ministry in this far away land. They will be showing us how they use music and drama to witness to their faith. It's very effective.
These missionaries have been sent and are supported by Presbyterian World Mission, our denominational mission agency. I'm aware that it is more difficult to promote our denominational mission causes. They serve far away and often we don't know much about their ministry. So this visit will be a revelation and an inspiration for us.
Presbyterian World Mission publishes "Mission Crossroads," a very visual quarterly magazine that tells the exciting story of our denomination's mission outreach and introduces you to many of the missionaries and where they are serving. They, PWM, are "committed to sending mission personnel, empowering the global church, and equipping the PC(USA) for mission."
Rob and Esther's ministry in Thailand has been featured in the Film, "Discovery in Thailand." It is a valuable portrayal of our mission efforts in that land of grace and beauty. It also features two other missionary couples and a Thai pastor who shares insight in their witness in a land that is 95% Buddhist. The film also visualizes the creative ministry of the CCI Thai Dance and Drama team.
DVD copies of "Discovery in Thailand" are available for a donation of $30.00 to ARB Mission Media, 12408 86th PL NE, Kirkland, WA 98034. Or call Graley 425-820-4523. ARB Mission Media is an ecumenical film ministry with the goal of producing professional mission films. It is a project of the Church Council of Greater seattle.


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His Eye Is on the Sparrow specializes in canine and feline rescue and adoptions. Based on Matthew 10:29 "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care." Not one animal is forgotten in God's sight.
Animals are saved from kill-shelters or the local community and fully vetted before adoption. All animals are spayed/neutered, up to date on vaccines, flea control, de-worming, and are microchipped. Cats and kittens are Fleuk and FIV negative.
We are a mother-daughter team who run this rescue out of our home. All the animals live with us and are taken care of by us. We know all the animals individually, so we can help you find your new best friend!
Adoptable Animal Types & Adoption Fees
The His Eye Is on the Sparrow has the following adoptable animal types available and their adoption fees are as follows:
- Kittens: $75.00*
- Cats: $50.00*
*For the My Furry Valentine Adoption Event, our cat and kitten adoption fee will be reduced to $25. All of their adoptable animals are spayed/neutered prior to adoption, current on all DHPP/FVRCP vaccines, microchipped and if age appropriate, all of their animals are rabies vaccinated.
Adoption Process
Interested parties complete an on-line application. For cats and kittens, I review the application looking for answers regarding people living in the home, children, other pets in the home, if the applicant has ever given up a pet, if a cat or kitten will be kept inside or outside or both, if the applicant has a veterinarian (if so, I call and ask for routine animal care information for applicant), if the applicant tends to declaw the feline (an automatic disqualification as an applicant), and how allergies will be handled, should they arise. I give 4 weeks from adoption date for adopter to return animal and get money back, and I will always take the animal back for the life of the animal. I educate adopters about microchips and about bringing their new pet home, as well as food recommendations.My Furry Valentine Participation
His Eye Is on the Sparrow will be attending both days the My Furry Valentine Main Event. They will bring some adoptable cats, and kittens, and will conduct on-site adoptions. You can learn more about their adoptable animals by using the contact information below.
Learn More
Use the links and information below to learn more aboutHis Eye Is on the Sparrow and view their adoptable pets.
- Address: 9109 Willow Creek Dr., Loveland, OH 45140
- FaceBook: https://www.facebook.com/heiots/
- Phone Number: (513) 227-8414


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February 28, 2019Palestinian Territories
Trump's new approach to the Palestinians will do more harm than good. The United States cannot solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, but it can and should avoid making it worse.
June 28, 2018Middle East and North Africa
In an interview with a Palestinian newspaper, the president's son-in-law has revealed himself to be either strikingly naive or deeply cynical.
May 16, 2018Iran Nuclear Agreement
CFR's Michael Dempsey, Philip Gordon, and James Lindsay discuss President Donald J. Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal.
April 7, 2006Wars and Conflict
Michael R. Gordon, the chief military correspondent for the New York Times and co-author of a new book on the U.S. invasion of Iraq, says it is possible that the United States might achieve the "vict…
May 4, 2018Iran Nuclear Agreement
Iran could restart aspects of its nuclear program if President Trump declines to renew sanctions waivers this month, leaving major powers with few options for monitoring or restricting it.
November 14, 2016Israel
"The U.S.-Israel relationship is in trouble," warn Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellows Robert D. Blackwill and Philip H. Gordon in a new Council Special Report, Repairing the U.S.-Israel Rela…
January 19, 2018Russia
The United States must respond to Russia's interference in the 2016 elections by pursuing a strategy of containment. Without a comprehensive response, Russia's meddling will continue.
December 7, 2018Saudi Arabia
Relations between the two countries, long bound by common interests in oil and security, have strained over what some analysts see as a more assertive Saudi foreign policy.
May 8, 2018Iran
The Council on Foreign Relations (CFR) and Foreign Affairs offer resources and analysis on the significance of the U.S. exit from the Iran nuclear agreement, known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of …
September 21, 2012South Korea
Because the Republic of Korea (ROK) has a single-term, five-year presidency, presidential election cycles in South Korea rarely coincide with those of the United States. But nearly simultaneous elect…


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The best Indian personal matchmaking services in USA.As a well reputed Indian matrimony and personal matchmaking services in USA our team ensures to meet the needs of single Indian men and women, in the country and across the world.
Desi helps with making two souls meet and more, and hence we are one of the best and well known Indian matrimony in NJ.Change Your Financial Destiny Advanced Horoscope Career Problems Marriage Issues Marriage Compatibility Child Birth Problems Health Problems Birth Time Correction Annual Horoscope Business Problems Ask A Question Muhurata One of the many wonderful tools vedic astrology has given us is "Horoscope Matching".Ancient seers devised an astrological method to help people choose the right partner.Most Trusted Indian (Saibaba marriage Bureau) matrimony services based in Iselin New Jersy.We are working for last 5 years as a name of Saibaba marriage bureau service, to serve people with modern and new technology.
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Here we go! Deftones Diamond Eyes Anniversary Episode!
Joe is joined by special guest Justin "Juice" Wallace. Episode 29 is all about Diamond Eyes. Joe loves himself some Deftones and the Diamond Eyes 8th year anniversary is a great time to talk about the band.
Also, be sure to check out the organization "Buckle Up For Chi" at http:www.buckleupforchi.com
"Buckle up for Chi" is a seat belt safety awareness organization created in honor of Chi Cheng, the late bassist of the Deftones.
Make sure you SUBSCRIBE to the show, and share Musically Meditated with your family, friends, coworkers, and enemies.
Thanks for listening.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download


text: Do More Web & Search Baby Sign Language Free Resources Free resources such as charts, flash cards, and printables Share Pin Email Print Jamie Grill/The Image Bank/Getty Images Web & Search Best of the Web Search Engines Safety & Privacy Running a Website by Stacy Fisher Updated October 04, 2018 You'll want to keep these baby sign language free resources handy if you currently are, or plan to use sign language with your baby. Baby sign language is commonly used for deaf and hearing children as a way to teach them to communicate before developing speech. The babies love being able to let you know what they want and you'll love being able to know what they need. There's a wide variety of baby sign language free resources below including basic sign charts, printables, informational articles, videos, apps, flash cards, and dictionaries. Everything to get you started or keep you going teaching your baby sign language. If you're looking for more general information about teaching baby sign language, here is some great information on using sign language with your baby and tips for getting started. Are you looking to learn sign language? Here's a list of free online sign language classes and free sign language resources perfect for parents. Baby Signing FAQ: A handful of frequently asked questions about baby signing, like why you should teach it, when you should start, how long it may take, and how much time you need to set aside. 12 Easy Steps: This website is a great resource for teaching your baby sign language. There's an introduction to explain what baby sign language is, tips, and video instructions to learn the language. There's also a free printable page to teach your baby letters and associate them with sign language and images. 10 Starter Signs: 10 basic signs you should teach your baby, such as more, all done, eat, mom, and dad. A video is available for each one as well as a printable flash card for offline studying. 600+ Common Signs: Includes over 600 common words categorized alphabetically. A video is available for every single one of them so you can see how the sign is performed, as well as printable flash cards for offline learning. A printable chart is also available that includes some of these dictionary words, and they're combined with the 10 starter signs from above for an easy to read 6-page set of 24 common signs. Parents.com's Sign Language Lessons: Though a bit fast paced, Parents.com has a nice collection of starter signs, key phrases, foods, greetings, and other videos showing how to sign more things, like the alphabet. Quick Reference Guide: See a 3D baby sign over 30 words with a quick click of the mouse. You can sort the signs alphabetically, grammatically, or by difficulty. Baby Sign Free iOS App: iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users can install Baby Sign Free to learn over 30 signs for free on the go with short video tutorials and a quiz. You can learn over 200 signs if you purchase the full version of the app. My Smart Hands Baby Sign Language Dictionary iOS App: This app is also available for iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch users, but it offers around 120 free signs that you can search through or browse by category. Each sign has a video accompanied with it that shows you what the sign looks like as well as what to do with your fingers and hands. ASL Alphabet Flash Cards: Individual flash cards that can be printed at once and easily cut out to learn every letter of the alphabet. Large Video Dictionary: This dictionary has a massive collection of words that you can search for and browse through by topic. Each sign is shown to you as a video. Tiny Signs: Tiny Signs is a website dedicated to helping you teach your baby how to sign. There are some items you have to pay for here, but you can check out the free videos and charts for baby sign language at bedtime, bathtime, and the playground all for free. Continue Reading


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Here is what Domino's Pizza learned about implementing personal knowledge management practices, after their recent pilot project:
First, learners want some guidance about the changing boundaries of professional development. Traditional models of learning involve taking a chunk of time to step out of the workplace. PKM makes learning a real-time activity within the flow of work. The company needs to clarify what people are allowed and expected to do in terms of learning during the workday.
Second, information services, particularly information security, needs to be a partner in the effort. The director of information security consulted throughout the effort and attended the workshop, where he was able to offer some valuable insights.
Finally, as learning practitioners, we're awash in information about social tools and technology-enabled learning. It can be easy to overlook how unfamiliar busy professionals are with some of these technologies—especially in a work context. We need to take the time to help familiarize them with new tools, using practical, realistic examples. – Eric Kammerer
There were three key considerations: 1) how to take control of your professional development; 2) how to do this within a particular organizational structure, and 3) how to do this with the available tools and abilities of users. Unlike PKM at an individual level, in a corporate implementation there needs to be a balance found between organizational objectives and personal ones. In this case, I helped set the stage, provided some initial guidance, and then Eric and his team continued on their journey.
A key difference between a solo change agent and a corporate consultant, is that the former is there to set you free, not chain you to proprietary methods and processes. Had I been working for one of the big name consultancies on this PKM project I would likely have lost my job for not selling an ongoing engagement to my client at Domino's. Instead, I provided enough support to get them going on their own. I am not selling fish, and I am not teaching people how to fish. I help people learn for themselves how to fish. This is social consulting and it does not scale the way traditional consultancies do. Instead, it grows through transparency, authenticity, results, and especially trust.
I have said before to beware of anyone trying to sell cookie cutter solutions for complex organizational issues. Companies have to do the hard part of organizational change themselves by putting in the effort. As a solo change agent, I can get you started, give coaching and advice, and provide ongoing resources. I cannot do it for you. Domino's is an excellent example of a company that understands this. Is your company getting the best value from its consultants?


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Jamaican appointed to the board of Wells Fargo
JAMAICAN-born Wayne M Hewett has been appointed to the board of US-based Wells Fargo & Company — a diversified, community-based financial services institution with an asset base of US$1.9 trillion.
Ranking number 26 on Fortune's 2018 rankings of America's largest corporations and number two globally for its banking operations, Wells Fargo serves one in three households in the United States. Hewett will serve on the board's Human Resources Committee as well as Wells Fargo's Risk Committee.
The newly appointed board director is among a list of over 20 international and local speakers that will present at the annual Destination Experience Visionaries' Summit on Friday, April 5, 2019 (April 4-6) at the Spanish Court Hotel, Kingston.
He will be speaking on the topic: 'Developing a Global Business Playbook - Crossing Frontiers into International markets.' The summit offers a multi-stakeholder environment for decision makers from around the world to connect and collaborate with their peers in untapped markets aimed at driving economic growth and transformation.
Hewett is an experienced leader in the industrials and manufacturing space and brings to the table immense knowledge on global scaling processes and managing complex operations amongst numerous other skillsets.
A seasoned global business executive who has worked in a number of industries in senior leadership positions, Hewett was born 28th October 1964 in Kingston, Jamaica, and grew up in a house of educated professionals.
He currently sits as chairman of DiversiTech Corporation, a leading manufacturer and supplier of components and related products for the heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigeration industry; and serves on the board of directors of The Home Depot, Inc., where he is a member of its Audit Committee and its Leadership Development and Compensation Committee.
"Wayne brings a unique and relevant background to Wells Fargo's business and strategic direction, further enhancing the breadth of skills and experience of our board," said president and CEO Tim Sloan. "I look forward to working with him and our other directors as we continue the transformation of Wells Fargo."
In the 1970s, Hewett's family moved to Miami, Florida where he received a diploma from Palmetto High School in 1981. That same year, Hewett entered Stanford University and four years later received his BSc degree in industrial engineering. Hewett then went on to earn his MSc degree in industrial engineering.
After spending more than 20 years with General Electric Company, in capacities including CEO of GE Advanced Materials and President of GE Plastics Pacific and later ArystaLifeScience Corporation, Hewett became CEO of KlöcknerPentaplast Group, a global supplier of packaging for various industries, including pharmaceutical, medical devices, food, and electronics during the period 2015 to 2017.
"Wayne is a proven leader, and his extensive experience in business operations and processes, including executing on strategic initiatives in complex operating environments, makes him an outstanding addition to our board as the company focuses on achieving operational excellence. We welcome him to Wells Fargo," said board chair, Betsy Duke.
Founded in 1852 and headquartered in San Francisco, California,Wells Fargo provides banking, investment and mortgage products and services, as well as consumer and commercial finance, through 7,950 locations, 13,000 ATMs, the Internet (wellsfargo.com) and mobile banking, and has offices in 37 countries and territories to support customers who conduct business in the global economy. Wells Fargo currently provides employment to approximately 262,000 team members.
Now you can read the Jamaica Observer ePaper anytime, anywhere. The Jamaica Observer ePaper is available to you at home or at work, and is the same edition as the printed copy available at http://bit.ly/epaperlive
1. We welcome reader comments on the top stories of the day. Some comments may be republished on the website or in the newspaper � email addresses will not be published.
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Weather postpones the Highway 97 bridge closure in Columbus until Nov. 16-19
ROSEVILLE, Minn. – Due to weather, the Highway 97 bridge closure over Interstate 35 in Columbus, originally planned for Nov. 9-12, has been rescheduled for Nov. 16-19.
The Highway 97 bridge will close for removal at 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16, weather permitting. Motorists will not have access to or from I-35 at Highway 97 during the closure. Motorists will be directed to follow the posted detour to the Broadway Avenue interchange for I-35 access.
Highway 97 will reopen by 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19. Motorists will continue to use the north half of the new bridge over I-35 while the south side of the bridge is being constructed.
Additionally, I-35 traffic will be reduced to a single lane when approaching Highway 97 from the east or west and will be diverted around the work zone by using the exit and entrance ramps at Highway 97 during the following times:
- Southbound I-35 traffic will be diverted to the ramps beginning 7 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 16 through 10 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 18.
- Northbound I-35 traffic will be diverted to the ramps beginning 10 p.m. Friday, Nov. 16 through 5 a.m. Monday, Nov. 19.
Traffic delays and backups are expected throughout the weekend. Motorists are advised to plan ahead and allow extra time to reach their destinations.
The work is part of the I-35 North Metro Split project, which includes resurfacing the existing pavement from the I-35W/I-35E split to Highway 8; replacing the Highway 97 bridge with a diverging diamond interchange; replacing the northbound I-35W bridge over I-35E and the westbound Highway 8 bridge over I-35. The project will provide a better ride quality, as well as improve safety and traffic flow at the Highway 97 interchange. Additional information is available at mndot.gov/metro/projects/i35northmetrosplit.
Major construction for the project is expected to take place in 2018 and 2019. Motorists should anticipate long-term lane closures during each year of construction. Check 511 for real-time traffic updates 511mn.org.


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Pink with Red, Pink with Orange, Pink with Black, Pink with Navy. there isn't a colour out there that doesn't benefit from being enhanced with a touch of pink, even pink on pink. There is so much of this pretty colour around this season, BUT don't think it's a one hit wonder, pink is a favourite colour for ANY season and somehow always looks fresh. Stronger shades look better as we age, pastel tones can be a bit bland, so need a structure like a puffed shoulder or sharp collar to really stand out and add a youthful edge. See one of my previous blogs (Shoulder Style) featuring a fabulous pale pink sweat from And Other Stories.
For an easy daytime casual cool look, just add a pair of white sneakers ( Stan Smith by Adidas) to some cropped pink pants. I like a darker colour with Pink and this navy floral top works perfectly, the small ruffle on then top adds a feminine dimension, but the whole look is kept modern and clean.
Oversized sunglasses and a simple leather pouch, both in black, keeps the whole look pared back and effortless.
A quick change of shoes to these studded mid heel sandals with the addition of a wide belt and contrast clutch makes this look night time ready in a flash without losing the modern edge. The sporty racer style back on this top gives it a fresh, current feel too.
Top by Rebecca Taylor NYC from www.saksfifthavenue.com
Trousers, vintage Escada
Mid Heel Sandals by Jimmy Choo
Snakeskin Clutch from Bali, Indonesia


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On offer is this spacious, ground floor studio apartment with patio, situated within a dazzling Georgian period conversion, just off the plethora of transport links and amenities of Kilburn High Road.
This property briefly comprises of wooden flooring (throughout) and kitchenette.
Under the Property Misdescription Act 1991 we endeavour to make our sales details accurate and reliable but they should not be relied upon as statements or representations of fact and they do not constitute any part of an offer of contract. The seller does not make any representations to give any warranty in relation to the property and we have no authority to do so on behalf of the seller. Services, fittings and equipment referred to in the sales details have not been tested (unless otherwise stated) and no warranty can be given as to their condition. We strongly recommend that all the information which we provide about the property is verified by yourself or your advisers. Under the Estate Agency Act 1991 you will be required to give us financial information in order to verify you financial position before we can recommend any offer to the vendor.


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Capacity Planning: In-memory Vs. SSDs for Predictable Real-Time Database Performance
Capacity Planning: In-memory Vs. SSDs for Predictable Real-Time Database Performance
Join the DZone community and get the full member experience.Join For Free
By Young Paik
Real-time Web and mobile interactions are putting new demands on databases to deliver predictable performance and availability. And in many cases, success can depend on the ability to sort through terabytes of data in a handful of milliseconds to deliver the right response.
To meet the incredibly high demands these applications require, many developers are looking toward RAM-based, fault-tolerant databases. However, at Aerospike, we have demonstrated in real-world deployments that a database solution for these applications can be handled not only in RAM, but also by using much more cost-effective solid-state drives (SSDs) and still meet all the requirements.
For developers who are deploying a high-speed, low-latency application and thinking about their storage requirements, it is useful to compare the two approaches.
To set the context, let's consider a typical use case that we see here at Aerospike.
· 500 million objects
· 2 KB average size per object
· 50,000 transactions per second
· A balance of 80% reads / 20% writes
· A replication factor of two: one primary, one for failover
For these requirements a typical a typical in-memory database implementation using RAM for storage might look like this:
· 14 nodes
· Two 2.4+ GHz CPUs
· 2 TB of free hard disk for persistence of the data in RAM
By contrast, by using SSDs for storage, we have been able to support the same use case with the following:
· 3 nodes
· One 2.4+ GHz CPU
· 4 x 512 GB SSDs
It is worth noting that this configuration covers any SSD that has passed our 3x certification, which we measure through our open source Aerospike Certification Tool (ACT). Developers can view our test results for SSDs, or use ACT to conduct their own ACT benchmark testing.
By comparing RAM and SSD storage, the savings in initial hardware costs that SSDs enable immediately become obvious. Additionally, SSD storage results in further savings through the ease of management and reduction in power requirements.
For any developer who has thought about using a RAM-based storage solution, but has been daunted by the hardware, it is worth taking a look at the Aerospike Capacity Planning Guide to compare the benefits of using SSDs.
Young Paik is director of sales engineering at real-time database company Aerospike, Inc. He brings more than 15 years experience as a systems architect and engineer for enterprise software companies. For more information, visit, www.aerospike.com.
Opinions expressed by DZone contributors are their own.


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You'll be drooling over Snickers Blondies from the first bite. No kidding. Snickers lovers won't be able to get enough of these delicious nougat cookies with all that caramel, chocolate and peanut butter. These scrumptious blondies are rich, decadent and incredibly fattening … [Read more...] about Snickers Blondies
Snickers Dessert
Snickers Cheesecake Brownies
Do you want a drool-worthy dessert for your next social gathering? Snickers Cheesecake Brownies are the B-E-S-T!! No kidding. These brownies rock. They start with a regular chocolate chip cookie dough, but instead of chocolate chips, I used Snickers Baking Bites. I found them at … [Read more...] about Snickers Cheesecake Brownies
Snickers Brownie Trifle
Snickers Brownie Trifle is such an awesome, over-the-top, outrageous dessert! No kidding. It starts with a batch of my homemade Fudge Frosted Brownies minus the frosting and the nuts and made with Hershey's Dark Roast Cocoa. The brownie layer is topped with Snickers bars and … [Read more...] about Snickers Brownie Trifle
Chocolate Snickers Cookies
Teresa's Bake Shop - Christmas Cookie Extravaganza - 2014 Chocolate Snickers Cookies have it all. They have the most wonderful crunchiness from chopped Snickers bars which, of course, are filled with peanuts and caramel nougat. Plus, since they are chocolate cookies to begin … [Read more...] about Chocolate Snickers Cookies
Snickers Delight
Snickers Delight is a spectacular chocolate ice cream dessert that's unbelievably delicious. It's actually a knock-off from my Butterfinger Delight recipe substituting chocolate pudding and Snickers ice cream for the vanilla, and substituting Snickers Bars for the Butterfinger … [Read more...] about Snickers Delight


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Bubble wrap, birth and good news.
I've been amused lately at the amount of people who haven't known I'm pregnant. It's kind of funny. I suppose it's a result of an attempt to leave it off the main discussion online - which is often the main way to communicate across the world etc.. In three days, Judah will be born. Judah means praise - and is the name of a nation, a lion, a celebration, a tribe and a baby. Praise is by definition something that 'bursts forth' - it is a bubbling over of response to a Holy God. It's not a controlled thing.. it's an overflow thing... it's like laughing out loud at funny stuff... I think evangelism should be like that too. It's an overflow.
Pregnancy is like that. Despite an attempt to hide it even - it gets out. It shows. It 'bubbles over'. And Holy Spirit is like that - in each Christian there is a promise of an overflow... a bubbling of godliness and power. Today I was praying for some friends and saw them wrapped in bubble wrap... it was a very sweet picture of joy and overflow. I'm praying for that today. The joy of the Lord is our strength. I'm praying for overflow in more than one way - but I'm praying that Good News will travel fast.. around the whole earth in fact and that Judah or Praise will erupt in every people group, in every nation so that Jesus might be fully known.
Told anyone some good news lately?


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3 years ago, I knew that I was leaving but I didn't know exactly when. 1-3 years is what I told my manager. By last year, I had planned to wait until 2018 – after my younger kid graduated. But came January, I knew that it was time to go.
Why did I leave the job I had for 12 years? It wasn't the pay (I made almost 6 figures); I wasn't stagnant in my career (I had received 3 promotions); and the benefits are awesome compared to other places. No, it was more than that:
- I want to make a bigger impact. I couldn't reach those who would really benefit from my help from there.
- I became too busy doing what I wasn't excited about.
- The amount of work was negatively affecting my personal life.
- I didn't want to work that hard for very little reward.
- The work wasn't worth the long aggravating commute.
- I want to spread my wings and try other things.
- I did not feel as though I fit in with the new culture.
- I looked at everything in my life and my job was the one thing I wasn't happy about.
- I need to focus on what I was put on this Earth to do.
Even with the negative reasons, I bear my former employer no ill will. It was a good run; a good 12 years. I grew up there and learned a lot. That place helped me to develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence that I have now, so I can go out on my own. I encountered so many helpful people there, that I can only pay them back by paying it forward; by helping others and being successful at it. It was not an easy decision, but it was the right decision.


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Elucidating the structural basis of InhA inhibitors for anti-tuberculosis agents: Ligand and structure based drug design approaches
นฤดล ภูศรี และคณะ
In this research, computer aided molecular design approaches were applied to investigate and optimization of novel drug targets due to high potential. Enoyl-ACP reductase (InhA) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis, has been shown to be the primary target of the isoniazid. The isoniazid resistance arises from the mutations of InhA. The developing new and more potent antituberculosis agents, which are selected the heteroaryl benzamide derivative as potential antituberculosis agents active against Mycobacterium tuberculosis InhA. Molecular docking calculations, molecular dynamics (MD) simulations and three dimensional quantitative structure activity relationships (3D-QSAR) were applied to elucidate the important information of InhA inhibitors. Therefore, the important information from this studies were applied to understand the binding mode of inhibitors in binding pocket, the crucial interactions of inhibitors in binding pocket and the structure requirements of heteroaryl benzamide derivatives as InhA inhibitors provided guidelines for the design of new and more potent InhA inhibitors.
Heteroaryl Benzamide Derivatives, Molecular Docking Calculations, Molecular Dynamics Simulations, Three Dimensional Quantitative Structure Activity Relationship


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Arts Council of Midland (ACM), in collaboration with the City of Midland Hotel/Motel Tax Authority, grants dollars to area 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations for arts-related programming in Midland. All programming must have a public component to be considered for funding. Administered by ACM, annual Subgrants are distributed once each year for programs that occur between January 1st and December 31st of each calendar year. Since 1989, in 29 years, ACM has Subgranted $2.4 million dollars in grants to the arts in our community.
Arts Council of Midland offers a Subgrant training/information meeting June 13, 2019 at the ACM Arts Center – 1506 West Illinois at 10:30 am. At this meeting, applications and guidelines are discussed.
Subgrant applications are available on this website. Organizations may apply once per year, with applications due and received on or before August 19, 2019 at 5:00 pm. If you need any of these forms in a Microsoft Word document, please contact our office by phone or email.
Subgrant applications are to be submitted on a flash drive and one paper copy. They may be mailed or hand delivered to:
Arts Council of Midland
P.O. Box 3494
Midland, Texas 79702
Daniel H. Holeva, Executive Director
**To download the subgrant packet, click the link below:
2020 ACM Subgrant Application PDF
Arts Council of Midland
1506 W. Illinois Ave.
Midland, TX 79701
Daniel H. Holeva, Executive Director
**To download the volunteer nomination form, click the link below:
2019 Volunteer Nomination Form


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Long's Board Shop recently donated to a local non-profit and was awarded some time on the Time & Temperature Building sign this December. We're going to keep the giving going and we want you to show us how excited you are for some snow and snowboard season. Here's your chance to win a Winterstick Roundtail size 158 in Walnut. "With its larger than average nose, setback stance and tapered round tail, this board is made for the powder hound looking for an optimal experience in deep snow, while still being able to perform well in the crud and on groomers." - Winterstick
Bonus - it was designed and made right here in Maine.
You have 3 days to snap your pics with the "THNK SNOW" billboard - Tuesday December 5th through Thursday December 7th. We want to see the billboard, you and something that shows us how psyched you are for snow season!
Below you'll find all of the contest rules, mumbo jumbo, stuff we need to post to remind you that: you should be careful while taking these pics and we're not responsible if you forget to check for traffic coming, etc. Be smart, we don't want you to have to sit out the season before it really gets going because of a broken leg or something. We get to use your kick ass pictures on our social media and website. This Winterstick Roundtail 158 in Walnut is the exact prize, no exchanges.
If you are the Winners, you will be notified via Instagram message by Sunday December 10, 2017. Winner may also be announced via Long's Board Shop's social media pages, email lists, website and any other medium they find fit by December 10, 2017. The winner will be required to sign a release and affidavit of eligibility. See General Contest Rules Below for eligibility requirements.
"By submitting this/these Photo(s) as well as my testimonial comments and name to this contest via Instagram, I represent that I am the sole owner of the Content or I have all licenses, consents and permissions necessary to grant LongsBoardShop.com, Long's Board Shop, and I do hereby grant the Licensees, a non-exclusive right to use, display and distribute the Content in any and all forms of media (currently in existence or invented in the future) for any and all purposes including, without limitation, advertising, promotional, marketing, publicity and trade purposes. I also agree to defend, indemnify and hold the Licensees harmless from any claims made against them alleging that the Content (or any portion thereof) violates or infringes the rights of any person or entity (including, without limitation, copyright and rights of publicity or privacy). I agree that the Photo(s) submitted may be used by Long's Board Shop in the creation of marketing or advertising materials."
All photos submitted will be in original format, no photo shop altered images, no logos, trademarks, watermarks or advertising is allowed on images.
Contests are open to residents, 18 years old or older, of the state of Maine.
Employees and team members of Long's Board Shop, and members of the immediate family (parent or legal guardian, children, siblings or spouse, regardless of where they live) or same household of such employees are ineligible to win Think Snow Contest.
All claims are subject to verification by Long's Board Shop, whose decision is final.
Long's Board Shop Contests are void where prohibited.
No purchase necessary.
All federal, state, and local laws apply.
Prizes must be picked up at the Long's Board Shop store in South Portland Maine, unless otherwise stated, within 30 days of winning the prize. Prizes not picked up within 30 days will be forfeited. Proof of identity must be presented when picking up a prize.
All prizes are non-transferable and may not be redeemed for cash and/or any other prize.
Long's Board Shop is considered the "Judge." Judges decisions are final.
All federal, state, and local taxes are the sole responsibility of the winner.
Entries generated by a script, macro, or other automated means are void and Will be disqualified. Sponsor is not responsible for: (a) telecommunication, network, electronic, technical or computer failures of any kind, for inaccurate transcription of entry information, for any human error, or for entries that are stolen, misdirected, garbled, delayed by computer transmissions, incomplete, illegible, corrupted, lost, late, or damaged, and all such entries are void; and (b) your inability to access the registration site, or any other error or malfunction that may occur, including any injury or damage to your or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating in Sweepstakes, contests, and promotions. By participating in Sweepstakes, contests, or promotions, you agree to these official rules and the decisions of all parties involved. Failure to comply with any of these rules may result in disqualification from Sweepstakes. Sponsor reserves the right to permanently disqualify from any sweepstakes promotion it sponsors any person it believes has intentionally violated these rules. In the event the Sweepstakes, contest, or promotion is compromised or becomes technically corrupted in any way, electronically or otherwise, that is beyond the control of the station(s) and/or sponsor, the station(s) and/or sponsor reserves the right to withdraw the transmission of Sweepstakes, contest, or promotion, and to select a winner from among all eligible entries received up to the date of withdrawal.
Long's Board Shop disclaims all liability for the inability of a participant to complete a contest submission due to equipment malfunction, busy lines, inadvertent disconnections, acts beyond Long's Board Shop control, or otherwise. Long's Board Shop disclaims all liability for any delays, mis-delivery, loss or failure in the delivery of any item sent by mail, courier, express, electronic transmission or other delivery method. Maine Hardware is not responsible for mechanical, technical, electronic, communications, telephone, computer, hardware or software malfunctions or failures of any kind, including: failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed transmission of online entries, traffic congestion on telephone lines, the Internet or at any website or lost or unavailable network connections which may limit an online entrant's ability to participate in the contest, and any injury or damage to entrant's or any other person's computer related to or resulting from participating in or downloading any information necessary to participate in this contest.
This contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Instagram or any other media publications.


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The festival features live performances by local school children, organizations and musicians on the Community Stage. Interested?
The Prosper Rotary Club and Lions Club host a prelude to the Christmas Festival every year! Entry fees for the parade benefit Cops with A Claus, an effort of the Prosper Police Department. Learn more here!


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I'll always find time to read.
So with beach days ahead and lots of exciting traveling on the horizon- I can't wait to have my nose in a book! If you missed my last book recommendation post, be sure to check it out here. I was so happy to see how much you guys loved my book list that I couldn't wait to read some more and put together a new one- I even asked the CINCteam to get involved!
Keep scrolling to check out my summer 2018 reading list:


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Today we're rolling from the other end of the spine in #rollover, tail first, and continuing to open out the whole back surface of the body, with a whole lot of lift going on in the powerhouse to decompress against gravity.
One of Louise's favourites ("it's delicious for my spine"), and another element we're already laying down for several exercises to come: it's the other half of all the rolling exercises, add a twist for The Corkscrew, practise the anti-gravity lift for The Scissors and Bicycle, up the ante in The Jack Knife and then again in The Control Balance. And another bit of that Boomerang too.


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Shreya Yadav
Alumnus, Oceans and Coasts
Masters of Applied Science in Marine Biology, James Cook University, 2013
My work aims to explore some of the ecological mechanisms that could be driving patterns of reef recovery in the Lakshadweep islands. Post-disturbed reefs are often dominated by dead coral skeletons, which become the primary settlement structure for new coral. However, these dead coral structures differ substantially in their inherent mechanical stabilities. I am interested in the interactions between substrate, structure and local hydrodynamics in influencing the early post-settlement fate and survival of coral recruits, and the repercussions this can have for reef-scale benthic recovery.
Shreya is currently pursuing her doctoral research on coral reefs at the University of Hawaii.
Email: email@example.com
Coping with catastrophe
Documenting patterns and processes of resilience in the Lakshadweep reefs
- Popular Article2016New year on the reefThe Hindu in School, 22 March
- Journal Article2016"Choice" and destiny: The substrate composition and mechanical stability of settlement structures can mediate coral recruit fate in post-bleached reefsCoral Reefs. 35: 211-222
Increasingly frequent and intense ocean warming events seriously test the buffer and recovery capacities of tropical coral reefs. Post-disturbance, available settlement structures on a reef (often dead coral skeletons) vary considerably in their mechanical stability and substrate composition, critically influencing coral recruit settlement choice and fate. In the wake of a coral mass mortality in the Lakshadweep archipelago, we examine (1) the relative availability of recruit settlement structures (from stable to unstable: reef platform, dead massive coral, consolidated rubble, dead corymbose coral, dead tabular coral, and unconsolidated rubble) in 12 recovering reefs across three atolls in the archipelago, (2) the substrate composition [crustose coralline algae (CCA), mixed turf, macroalgae] of these structural forms, and (3) whether the choice and fate of young coral are mediated by the substrate and stability of different structural forms. For this, we measured the abundance and distribution of recruit (<1cm), juvenile (1–5 cm), and young adult (5–10) corals of 24 common coral genera. Four years after the mass mortality, reefs differed considerably in composition of settlement structures. The structures themselves varied significantly in substrate cover with dead tables largely covered in CCA [60 ± 6.05 % (SE)] and dead corymbose coral dominated by mixed turf (61.83 ± 3.8 %). The youngest visible recruits (<1 cm) clearly preferred CCA-rich structures such as dead massives and tables. However, older size classes were rarely found on unstable structures (strongly ''avoiding'' tables, Ivlev's electivity index, E = -0.5). Our results indicate that while substrate cover might mediate coral choice, the mechanical stability of settlement structures is critical in determining post-settlement coral survival. The composition and availability of settlement structures on a reef may serve as a characteristic signature of its recovery potential, aiding in assessments of reef resilience.
- Popular Article2016The joy of cloudspottingThe Hindu in School, 31 August
- Popular Article2015On the lineThe Caravan Magazine, September 2015.
A remote island's fight to save a remarkable grouper spawning aggregation.
- Book2015Common Marine Life of LakshadweepDownload
A pocket guide to Lakshadweep's common marine creatures.
- Popular Article2014How corals got their colourThe Hindu in School, 29 October
- Popular Article2014How corals lose their colourThe Hindu in School, 5 November
- Popular Article2013All in a nameThe Hindu in School, 16 October
Link: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/all-in-a-name/article5238051.ece
- Popular Article2013THE resurrectionThe Hindu in School, 23 October
Link: http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-in-school/the-resurrection/article5262156.ece


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The Dark Energy Survey has taken its first image as of the 12th September 2012 of the Fornax galaxy cluster. The 570 million pixel camera used for the survey takes a shot which covers an area of the sky around 20 times larger than the full moon. The survey will eventually cover 100,000 galaxies and around 4,000 type 1a supernovae.
The survey is looking into the hypothesised Dark Energy which makes up just over 70% of the universe. Dark Energy is believed to exist due to the findings in 1998 by Saul Perlmutter that the redshifts of distant type 1a supernovae pointed towards an acceleration in the expansion of the universe. In order for this acceleration to occur a force must exist which acts against the overall gravitational attraction of matter but is also 3 times as much. Therefore Dark Energy is said to be spaced evenly throughout the universe with a constant density.
The discovery of this accelerated expansion won Saul the 2011 Nobel Prize for Physics and now this Survey's job is to ask the question of what this energy is and if there is any way of directly detecting it. The Survey will use a number of techniques to investigate this Dark Energy, the conventional technique of taking the redshift of type 1a supernovae to plot the rate of expansion and the mapping of many galaxy clusters to look at early formation.
Type 1a supernovae are so useful due to there similar luminosity curves which is caused by the way they are produced. In a binary system of an ordinary star and a white dwarf, the dwarf accretes matter from the other star until its own mass is greater than that of the Chandrasekhar limit (around 1.4 solar masses) at this point the electron degeneracy can no longer hold the gravtational collapse and the white dwarf "explodes" in a supernova. As this always happens at the same mass the luminosity curve is always the same, this means that this type of supernova can be used as a standard candle in the sky by which a distance and redshift can be easily measured.
What is this Dark Energy and Dark Matter? With the discovery of the Higgs Boson behind us this is the next big question which must have an answer if we are to have a more complete picture of our universe…


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The government-wide hiring freeze instituted by the Trump administration in January is over. Office of Management and Budget director Mick Mulvaney made that announcement at an off-camera news conference on Tuesday (read our coverage here). Mulvaney also released OMB Memo M-17-22 — the latest chapter in a broader government reorganization effort. Booz Allen Hamilton vice president Ron Sanders and National Academy of Public Administration CEO Terry Gerton discussed the memo and reviewed the history of change management with Government Matters.
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Teaching Kids To Swear Is Good
Even the best parents in the world probably let a swear word slip from their lips in front of the kiddos sometimes, we've all been there. But according to Dr. Emma Byrne, a scientist in the field of artificial intelligence and the author of "Swearing is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language," we shouldn't worry one bit because teaching kids to swear can have a lot of upsides.
Byrne has found teaching kids to curse can help them understand language better, and she's linked swearing to honesty, having a more robust vocabulary, better credibility, and helping kids process and handle anger. So this self-proclaimed "Sweary Scientist" says we should reverse the idea that we should keep strong language from little ones until they know how to use it effectively.
"Learning how to use swearing effectively, with the support of empathetic adults," Byrne says, "is far better than trying to ban children from using such language."
In her book, Byrne also explains that swearing has been shown to ease the effects of physical pain, reduce anxiety, help trauma victims recover language, and promotes "human cooperation" in kids. Of course, moms and dads don't want junior dropping an F-bomb in English class every day, but teaching our kids that not only is it okay to swear in certain situations, but that it can actually be good for us, could be a good thing. Plus, it's a lot more fun, isn't it?
Source: Scary Mommy


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So the weather was ugly yesterday, a good day to be indoors. Maria and I spent a good deal of the day and evening enhancing our yurting site. We wanted to do four things:
1. Make it easier to find posts from the past. The standard archive is too hard to search through.
2. Add some of the background and thinking behind our choices to spend so much time in the caravan.
3. Edit some of the intro material that reflected our expectations (which have now become reality).
4. Include our evolving thinking and dreaming about international travel.
So, for anyone who is interested, our site now is significantly improved ... any feedback welcome.


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Welcome to Bee Class
The following staff work in Bee Class:
Miss Bentley - Class Teacher
Mrs Pickles - Higher Level Teaching Assistant
Key information:
P.E. sessions will be on a Tuesday and a Thursday.
Please ensure that your child has suitable kit for both indoor and outdoor activities.
Spelling and mental maths tests will be every Friday. Spelling lists will be sent out each Friday for the following week.
Home reading books are changed every Friday. Please bring book bags and reading records in for books to be swapped.
Birchfield Primary School follows the maths scheme provided by the White Rose Maths Hub.
Further support
The White Rose Maths Hub also work alongside diagnostic questions which provides a range of online questions and activities to promote problem solving and reasoning.
Click here for the link to Diagnostic questions website.
Click here for the link to Nrich.
Click here for TTRockstars.
How you can support your child:
- Ensure that your child is reading to an adult on a regular basis - little and often is the best approach. It is important that your child reads aloud in order for the adult to check fluency and understanding and also so they are able to correct any words that are mispronounced.
- Practise times tables regularly - by the end of Year 4, all pupils must know the times tables up to 12 x 12.
- Provide writing opportunities - short writing tasks such as diary entries, a letter to a member of the family, a postcard, a cartoon strip with captions etc. will really help your child develop spoken word into a written format and build their stamina for writing longer texts in school.
- Correct their spoken language/pronunciation - children at this age will write exactly how they say a word aloud. Therefore if a child pronounces a word incorrectly then their spelling will be affected, equally if a child speaks grammatically incorrect then they will write in that way too. Demonstrate and correct the spoken language accurately and not only will your child's speaking skills improve but their writing will too.