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Like many people, I expected little from Obama's performance at AIPAC. He has to straddle parallel universes: the real one, in which most countries recognize Israel as tantamount to an international scofflaw, and the American domestic political universe in which Israel is always right. The US's real allies and the rest of the world have long wearily resigned themselves to how, as with his speech at the State Department, the President has to pander to pro-Israeli organizations and the Congress members whose support he needs on domestic issues.
Obama congratulated himself, deservedly, for continuing to raise unpalatable issues with elections in the air, and while pandering in a traditionally nauseous way, there was some reassurance from the sound of silence in his speech.
AIPAC's conference is a mind-numbing experience. "My country right or wrong" is a rightly derided principle. But at AIPAC ten thousand people are assembled dedicated to the proposition that someone else's country should be supported, right or wrong, even if it flouts every principle they support at home — and even if its civil laws on marriage and conversion deny the branches of Judaism to which most practicing American Jews adhere.
The organizations tend to be donor-driven rather than grass roots motivated. American Jews, true to their liberal roots, voted for Obama in higher proportions than any other ethnic group — even as a raucous minority of the community questioned Obama's citizenship and Christianity. That minority is disproportionately represented in the counsels of AIPAC and many of the "official" organizations and tends to Republican, Likudnik hawkishness.
But they also tend to think in slogans and catchphrases, without comparing them to reality, let alone with Robert Burns's "giftie to see oursel's as others see us." They have been helped to remain in their parallel universe because presidents and secretaries of state have pandered (with the notable exception of James Baker) for decades to AIPAC — and no one notices. As is customary, dogs are biting men.
The media attention to President Obama's address is significant since for the first time in twenty years, there is visible crack showing between the White House and AIPAC — and Israel. It is going too far to say that Obama is biting the dog — but he is sinking his gums into the Lobby and Netanyahu. He is doing so to the background of an American Jewish community that is split more than ever before, and certainly more so than the "official" spokesmen and organizations reveal.
While admitting there are problems with a unity Palestinian government, "We will continue to demand that Hamas accept the basic responsibilities of peace: recognizing Israel's right to exist, rejecting violence, and adhering to all existing agreements," Obama did not exclude negotiations, but in effect put conditions, which Hamas has, in reality, already gone a long way to meet and is on the way to go further.
One hopes that he realizes that the key phrases he used, such as the need to accept Israel's "right to exist," were introduced by Israeli leaders precisely because they were unacceptable to Palestinians. He might even have noticed how quickly Israel switched from refusing to negotiate because the authority was divided, to refusing because it is united! It is like demanding that American Indian tribes accept that their dispossession was right and goes beyond acceptance of the obvious fact of Israel's existence and its now nearly universal acceptance as an established state.
Such phrases have traditionally been used in the Levantine blame game in which the purpose of negotiations is not to reach a solution but to blame the other side for failure. But there is always a way to wiggle — a phrase that would irk some Israelis would be for the Palestinians to recognize Israel's "right to exist under UN Decisions!"
One hopes that the president is now playing this game with Netanyahu. One also hopes he harbors grudges. For the world's most benefitted welfare queen to publicly dress down the president of its benefactor at the White House should give most Americans some frisson of indignation.
While in the real world, Obama's insistence on the 1967 boundaries as a basis for negotiation for land swaps has been generally accepted, Palestinians irate at this admitted denial of the "inadmissibility of the acquisition of territory by force," may have missed, along with nuance-free AIPACers, his endorsement of the Palestinian people's "right to govern themselves, and reach their potential, in a sovereign and contiguous state," which presumably implies that in return for giving up some of the settled area, the Palestinian state will have a land bridge between Gaza and the West Bank. One can see why he might not have chosen to spell that out for AIPAC!
While he stated a fact, "No vote at the United Nations will ever create an independent Palestinian state," he did not state a principle. He said, "The United States will stand up against efforts to single Israel out at the UN or in any international forum. Because Israel's legitimacy is not a matter for debate." He did not say that the US would veto a UN acceptance of Palestine as a member state.
Indeed, he challenged the sloganeers with reality. "The number of Palestinians living west of the Jordan River is growing rapidly and fundamentally reshaping the demographic realities of both Israel and the Palestinian territories. This will make it harder and harder – without a peace deal – to maintain Israel as both a Jewish state and a democratic state." Secondly he pointed to how atavistic the old obsession with territory as security is since "technology will make it harder for Israel to defend itself in the absence of a genuine peace," and finally, he pointed to the changes in Israel's neighbours, so peace can no longer be bought with few local kleptocrats. "Going forward, millions of Arab citizens have to see that peace is possible for that peace to be sustained."
If the US is retain influence in the region, it can no longer pay exclusive attention to Israeli public opinion while sending a few billion to local rulers. It, and Israel, have to show ordinary Arab citizens that they are serious about peace. Obama cannot regret the consequences to Palestinians of occupation while carrying on passing the ammunition to Israel.
It is unlikely that Netanyahu will voluntarily relinquish the not so secret Likud desire for an Arab-free state all the way to the Jordan. Obama has, perhaps deliberately and adroitly, maneuvered the Israeli Prime Minister into insulting the President of the US. He now has to follow up and show that there are consequences for Israel.
Obama balked at his best opportunity, which was the UN resolution on the settlements. He should stop equivocating and come out plainly with a declaration that if Netanyahu continues to refuse to come to terms with reality in the region, then he cannot take a US veto in the Security Council against Palestinian membership for granted nor even a nay vote in the General Assembly against a declaration of statehood.
Ian Williams has written for newspapers and magazines around the world. He is currently writing a book on the Americans who blame the UN for all the US's ills. For more by Ian Williams visit Deadline Pundit.


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The Works of William Paley, D.D.: Horć Paulinć: the young Christian instructed; the clergyman's companion, &c
Joshua Belcher, 1812
Geselecteerde pagina's
Veelvoorkomende woorden en zinsdelen
according Acts affections affliction ALMIGHTY Amen apostle appears believe beseech thee blessed body brought called cause chap chapter Christ our Lord Christian church circumstances comfort concerning continue death deliver desire direct duty epistle everlasting evil expression faith Father fear forgive give given glory gospel grace grant hands hath hear heart heaven holy hope Jerusalem Jesus Christ Jews journey judgment keep letters live Lord Macedonia manner means mentioned mind minister nature never observation passage passed Paul Paul's peace person pray Prayer present Psalm reason receive refer religion repentance salvation Saviour sick sins slaves soul speak spirit suffer thanks thine things thou hast thoughts thy mercy thy servant Timothy tion truth turn unto whole writing written
Populaire passages
Pagina 461 - There is none other commandment greater than these." ^And the scribe said unto him, " Well, Master, thou hast said the truth : for there is one God ; and there is none other* but he : ^and to love him with all the heart, and with all the understanding, and with all the soul, and with all the strength, and to love his neighbour as himself, is more than all whole burnt offerings and sacrifices."1" M And when Jesus saw that he answered discreetly, he said unto him, "Thou art not far from the kingdom...
Pagina 458 - And his fellow-servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Pagina 271 - O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. "So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
Pagina 462 - Moreover when ye fast, be not, as the hypocrites, of a sad countenance: for they disfigure their faces, that they may appear unto men to fast. Verily I say unto you, They have their reward.
Pagina 273 - And he arose, and came to his father. But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him. And the son said unto him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in thy sight, and am no more worthy to be called thy son. But the father said to his servants, Bring forth the best robe, and put it on him ; and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet : and bring hither the fatted calf, and kill it ; and let us eat and be merry :...
Pagina 107 - I knew a man in Christ above fourteen years ago, (whether in the body, I cannot tell ; or whether out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth ;) such an one caught up to the third heaven. And I knew such a man, (whether in the body, or out of the body, I cannot tell : God knoweth ;) how that he was caught up into paradise, and heard unspeakable words, which it is not lawful for a man to utter.
Pagina 137 - That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourished! and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the church: For we are members of his body, of his flesh, and of his bones.
Pagina 353 - ALMIGHTY and everlasting GOD, who art always more ready to hear than we to pray, and art wont to give more than either we desire or deserve ; pour down upon us the abundance of thy mercy, forgiving us those things whereof our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things which we are not worthy to ask, but through the merits and mediation of JESUS CHRIST thy Son our Lord.
Pagina 166 - God, which is given me to you-ward, how that by revelation he made known unto me the mystery ; (as I wrote afore in few words, whereby, when ye read, ye may understand my knowledge in the mystery of Christ;) which in other ages was not made known unto the sons of men, as it is now revealed unto his holy apostles and prophets by the Spirit...
Pagina 56 - For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more. And unto the Jews I became as a Jew, that I might gain the Jews ; to them that are under the law, as under the law, that I might gain them that are under the law ; to them that are without law...

subset: commoncrawl


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A forum for critical analysis of international issues and developments of particular relevance to the sustainable political and socio-economic development of Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs).
Seumas Milne
The vote for British rule in the Falklands referendum dodges the point. It's time for a negotiated settlement with Argentina.
Whenever there's a 99.8% yes vote in a referendum, it's a pretty safe bet that something dodgy's going on. And despite David Cameron's insistence that the North Korean-style ballot in the Falkland Islands - or Malvinas as they're known in Argentina - should be treated with "reverence", that rule of thumb clearly fits the bill in this case.
Which is not to suggest that the ballot boxes were stuffed. No doubt 1,514 island residents really did vote in favour of continued British rule. The only surprise was that three islanders dared to spoil the rousing choruses of Land of Hope and Glory by voting against.
It's that the poll was a foregone conclusion and designed to miss the entire point of Britain's dispute with Argentina over the islands - which began 180 years ago when one of Lord Palmerston's gunboats seized them and expelled the Argentine administration.
What other result could conceivably be expected if the future of the islands is put in the hands of the tiny British settler population, most of whom weren't born there but are subsidised to the tune of £44,856 a head to keep them in the Rhodesian retro style to which they are accustomed?
By giving the colonists a veto on any change in the islands' status, the British government is trying to pre-empt the issue at the heart of the conflict. But it won't be recognised by Argentina or Latin America, or Africa, or the UN - which regards this relic of empire as a problem of decolonisation - or the US, which is neutral on the dispute. All call for negotiations on sovereignty, which Britain rejects.
But surely the islanders have the right to self-determination, it's argued, even if they're 300 miles from Argentina and the other side of the world from Britain. They certainly have a right to have their interests and way of life protected, and to self-government.
But the right of self-determination depends on who is deciding the future of what territory - and since the dispute is about whether the islands are part of Argentina or not, it's also about who should exercise that right.
Self-determination requires a recognised and viably independent people, which is why the UN has rejected its application to the islands. Clearly the residents of, say, the Wallops in Hampshire, with a similar-sized population to the Falklands-Malvinas, can't exercise such a right. Nor can forced colonisation of other people's lands legitimate self-determination - otherwise Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank would have the right to decide the future of Palestinian territory.
In fact, British governments only developed a taste for self-determination after they had been forced to abandon the bulk of their empire and saw a way to hold on to colonised enclaves of dependent populations in places like Gibraltar and Northern Ireland.
But it's always been a pick and mix affair: there were no self-determination ballots for the people of Hong Kong or the Chagos Islands, expelled by Britain four decades ago to make way for an American air base in Diego Garcia. There are different rules, it seems, for white people.
Even so, successive British administrations were quite prepared to negotiate with Argentina over the Falklands-Malvinas - including the islands' sovereignty - from the mid-1960s until 1982. But since the Falklands war, its legacy has entrenched an unsustainable £75m-a-year Ruritanian absurdity in the south Atlantic.
The junta's defeat helped free Argentina from a vicious western-backed dictatorship.
But military success was a disaster for Britain, rescuing Margaret Thatcher from the depths of unpopularity to unleash devastating neoliberal shock therapy, and rehabilitating overseas military adventures (complete with little-reported war crimes, such as the killing of Argentinian prisoners).
The Argentinian writer Jorge Luis Borges famously dismissed the war as a "fight between two bald men over a comb". A generation on, the discovery of potentially large oil and gas deposits around the islands, development of fisheries and growing importance of the Antarctic sea lanes have changed the picture.
Received political wisdom has long been that after the 1982 war, in which more than 900 people were killed, no British politician could afford even to hint at compromise on the Falklands. But Argentina's hand is stronger than might appear. To exploit the islands' hydrocarbon deposits on a significant scale would depend on access to the Argentinian mainland - as would serious development of the islands' economy.
Britain's refusal to negotiate with a democratic Argentina - when it was happy to talk to the country's dictators - has no significant international support: least of all in Latin America, which has been booming for a decade, while Britain's and Europe's economies are on their backs.
The options for compromise have been canvassed for many years, including joint sovereignty, co-administration and leaseback. A negotiated settlement is in the interests of Britain, Argentina - and the islanders. The sooner time is called on the emperor's new clothes saga of the Falklands, the better for all of us.


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The Foxglove Killings
by Tara Kelly
Release Date: 09/01/15
Entangled Teen
Summary from Goodreads:
Gramps always said that when the crickets were quiet, something bad was coming. And the crickets have been as silent as the dead. It started with the murdered deer in the playground with the unmistakable purple of a foxglove in its mouth. But in the dying boondock town of Emerald Cove, life goes on.
I work at Gramps's diner, and the cakes―the entitled rich kids who vacation here―make our lives hell. My best friend, Alex Pace, is the one person who gets me. Only Alex has changed. He's almost like a stranger now. I can't figure it out...or why I'm having distinctly more-than-friend feelings for him. Ones I shouldn't be having.
Then one of the cakes disappears.
When she turns up murdered, a foxglove in her mouth, a rumor goes around that Alex was the last person seen with her—and everyone but me believes it. Well, everyone except my worst enemy, Jenika Shaw. When Alex goes missing, it's up to us to prove his innocence and uncover the true killer. But the truth will shatter everything I've ever known about myself—and Alex.
Pre-Order Links:


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If you are new to the Habits of Mind, or just want to know a little bit more about what they are, then this is the course for you.
Completely free, each lesson simply describes each of the Habits of Mind, giving some examples and insights to help you become familiar with the Habit. Links are provided to other resources.


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Remember when Stanford offered those college-level Computer Science courses for free? Now the professor who ran them is leaving Stanford to start a project that will offer nothing but free CS online classes.
Sebastian Thrun is leaving his post as a researcher and professor at Stanford to start Udacity, which will teach Computer Science college courses online and completely free of charge. The first two courses are CS 101: Building a Search Engine and CS 373: Programming a Robotic Car.
Thrun's Stanford class was whittled down from 200 to 30 students, so don't expect an easy A, but being able to get an elite education for free is pretty awesome. Especially since you don't have to buy an iPad. [Udacity via Slashdot, Reuters via Geekosystem]


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If you've ever lost power during a storm, watched expensive produce spoil quickly in your fridge, or had an overabundant yield in the garden, learning how to pickle just might be the solution for you. Used since ancient times, pickling has been a process of covering food in salt and acid to preserve it and add flavor, while eliminating any bacteria that may cause spoilage. However, since the invention of the refrigerator, the art of pickling has become a less common skill and practice. For anyone interested in emergency preparedness or food storage, learning to pickle is a practical skill to put under your belt. Here's a basic crash course:
Why should You Pickle?Besides providing you with food that will last longer on the shelf (and that doesn't need refrigeration), there are other benefits to pickling that make it a practical skill and art to learn: 1) Food storage: Of course we all know that pickling is a great way to build your food storage reserves, but did you know that it can also give you more control and choice during an emergency? Having a supply of your favorite pickled (and other home-processed) foods on hand can help to make an emergency a little more bearable; it gives you a sense of comfort, control, and familiarity during an emergency situation. 2) Saving fresh food: Pickling allows you to use food even past its season. If you've grown or bought more than you can eat, you'll still have a way to preserve it and keep it on hand for when you're craving it most. Also, pickling helps you to save money because you won't have to buy imported or expensive produce that's out of season later in the year. 3) Variety: Pickling allows you to experiment with different textures, flavors, and recipes. You can be more adventurous with your food by learning how to pickle.
EquipmentThere are a few tools you'll need to have on hand before you begin your pickling journey. Glass jars and Lids: Use glass jars specific for canning that are free from cracks and chips along the rim. Rings can be re-used, but must be free from rust and dents. Choose the size of jar based on the foods you are pickling and the amount you would use in a reasonable amount of time once opened. Don't use half-gallon jars to pickle cauliflower if you only use 1 cup at a time. Also, most jar sizes are available in two different opening sizes (regular mouth & wide mouth) for ease of packing. Keep this in mind when choosing your jars. Always use new lids. Inspect them carefully. Do not use them if there are any dents or impressions in the rubber ring on the lid.
A large pot: For sterilizing the jars. Always sterilize all of your equipment before pickling. You don't want any contaminates that could spoil the food getting into your containers, so be extra careful to keep everything clean. Try the Victorio 7 Qt. Aluminum Steam Canner, which also comes with the fitted wire rack that helps prevent jars from breaking. Tongs: This tool not only helps you to handle sterilized items and to keep them free of contamination, but they also help you to avoid getting burned while taking your jars out of the boiling bath. There's a very sturdy set of tongs in the Victorio Canning Kit that will make pickling much easier. Funnel: For easy, mess-free pouring. You can also Replace this tool in the Victorio Canning Kit. Canning or pickling salt: Make sure you have canning or pickling salt. Regular salt doesn't have the same preservation properties. Canning salt helps your pickled food to retain its rich color and texture and is also easier to dissolve in the brine (learn what brine is in the "Basic Process" section below).
The Basic ProcessWhile each item you pickle will have its own process and steps to follow, you can count on many of the steps in the process to be the same, no matter what you are pickling. 1.Sterilize your cooking area. Start by making sure your work area and equipment are sterile. Learn how to sterilize your jars by following the steps below from CountryLiving.com:
- Place your empty jars right side up in a large pot. Fill the pot with water, making sure the water completely covers the tops of the jars.
- Bring the water to a rolling boil. Boil for 15 minutes over high heat.
- Turn off the heat. Place the jar lids in the water as well as the grasping side of the tongs you will use to take the jars out of the bath later. Let them sit in the water for 10 minutes to an hour.
- Remove the jars using your sterilized tongs. Pour out the water and set them right sight up on a paper towel.
- The Joy of Pickling: 250 Flavor Packed Recipes for Vegetables for All Kinds of Produce from Garden or Market by Linda Ziedrich
- The Complete Book of Pickling: 250 Recipes from Pickles and Relishes, to Chutneys and Salsas by Jennifer Mackenzie
- Pickled: From Curing Lemons to Fermenting Cabbage, the Gourdman's Ultimate Guide to the World of Pickling by Kelly Carrolata
What Makes a Great Pickle?There are few rules for choosing the perfect product to pickle. Executive Chef Paul Corsentino from the National restaurant in New York City encourages us to pickle anything, as long as it's fresh. Sometimes there are different levels of freshness to consider. For example, some people may want to pickle green tomatoes, because they're firm and have a more neutral taste, while others may prefer ripe, red tomatoes because of their sweetness. The rules of pickling really depend more on your sense of taste than anything. You can pickle vegetables, fruits, meats, and eggs, but remember that pickling brine is acidic and salty, so it's important to Replace the right flavors to pair with the brine.
Because many of us have the most experience eating store-bought pickles, we might automatically want to think our pickling adventure with something like that. But according to Rebecca Orchant, a professional food writer for the Huffington Post, pickling cucumbers can be more difficult than some other produce items. She suggests starting with things like asparagus, carrots, or mushrooms. For a list of unconventional things you can pickle, from watermelon rinds to brussel sprouts, try this list from Good Housekeeping. Or try one of these Recipes: Pickled Green Tomatoes Lemony Cauliflower Florets When your pickles are ready, you can serve them with olive oil and crusty bread, or on pasta for an instant meal. You can also use various pickled items as side dishes, in salads, or on sandwiches for extra flavor.


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May 29, 2013 — -- A record four out of 10 households have mothers as the sole or primary source of income in the family, according to a new report released Wednesday.
Pew Research Center analyzed data from the U.S. Census Bureau and found that 40 percent of all households with children under age 18 include mothers who are the sole or primary breadwinner, up from 11 percent in 1960. The report, called Breadwinner Moms, also surveyed 1,003 adults by telephone about their views of female breadwinners. Among the survey respondents, 51 percent say children are better off if a mother is home and doesn't hold a job while only 8 percent say the same about a father.
"There's still a big gap in that the public feels a mother should be the primary caregiver for children, but at the same time, we see women taking responsibility of being the primary financial provider for the family as well," said Wendy Wang, research associate at Pew Research Center and lead author of the report.
Yolanda Machado, 34, a mother of a 5-year-old daughter who earns more than her husband of seven years, said she was surprised by the survey results.
She said she is accustomed to the idea of women earning money and making household decisions.
"I was raised in an environment in which you do what needs to be done so everybody's needs are met," Machado said.
RELATED: Help Your Kids Get an 'A' in Money Matters
Machado, founder of SassyMamainLA.com and a contributor to parenting website Babble, said she was raised by a single mother in "a traditional Latin home."
Babble is owned by The Walt Disney Co., which also owns ABC News.
After they married, Machado and her husband were earning similar incomes. She started working as a legal assistant when they moved to Los Angeles from Philadelphia. He was working in construction at the time.
Now he is working towards becoming a chef.
"He ended up pursuing something he loved, but the pay was much lower than what I was making," Machado said.
The most difficult time for him was when he was looking for a job and was a stay-at-home dad.
"That was when he had the issue that I was making more than him, but he realized he was doing a very important job in taking care of our child," Machado said. "I think it depends on the family and what works out better for you."
RELATED: Retiring Couples Need $220,000 for Health Care
The growth of female breadwinners is tied to the increasing presence of women in the workplace, Pew said. Women make up 47 percent of the U.S. labor force while the employment rate of married mothers with kids increased to 65 percent in 2011 from 37 percent in 1968, according to another study from Pew.
Other characteristics make female breadwinners stand out from other mothers.
"Compared with all mothers with children under age 18, married mothers who out-earn their husbands are slightly older, disproportionally white and college educated," the report states. "Single mothers, by contrast, are younger, more likely to be black or Hispanic, and less likely to have a college degree."
Educational opportunities may be influencing gender income levels. The share of couples in which the mother has a higher educational level than her spouse increased to 23 percent in 2011 from 7 percent in 1960. But a majority of spouses have similar educational backgrounds, Pew said.
On average, Pew said total family income is higher when the mother, not the father, is the primary breadwinner.


text: We've just released 24 brand new apps for BlackBerry® PlayBook™ and OS 10: Magazines. Thanks to our Magazine apps you can now read on your favorite subject with your BlackBerry® PlayBook™ or BlackBerry® OS 10 device. Whether you like cats, soccer or psychology, we got a magazine for it. Each Magazine consists of 30 articles bringing you the latest news & developments on your favorite topics. Pick your favorite and subscribe today for just $0.99 per month!


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Wireless bandwidth is like land in Manhattan -- it's extremely valuable because they're not making more of it.
But we sure are using more of it. The wireless-industry association CTIA reported in October 2011 that the number of wireless devices in the U.S. had, for the first time, exceeded the number of people.
And Mobile Future, a coalition of vendors and consumers, estimated in a http://www.ctia.org/media/press/body.cfm/prid/2133 that by 2014, voice traffic will comprise only 2% of the total wireless traffic in the United States -- a worrisome statistic because, as the report noted, smartphones consume 24 times more data than old-school cell phones, and tablets consume 120 times more data than smartphones. (See http://www.computerworld.com/s/topic/75/Smartphones for details.)
The result: Wireless networks are edging near capacity, not just in the United States, but all over the world. Credit Suisse conducted a survey last year that revealed mobile networks in North America were running at 80% of capacity, with 36% of base stations facing capacity constraints. The average globally for base station capacity utilization, the report said, was 65%.
The problem is going to get worse before it gets better. With advancements in connected cars, smart grids, machine-to-machine (M2M) communication, and domestic installations such as at-home health monitoring systems, wireless demands will only increase.
As with all things mobile, there are no simple answers, if only because potential solutions rely on agreement among a sizable and incompatible array of players -- from spectrum owners (both telcos and broadcasters) and regulators to government agencies and, of course, consumers demanding the latest in cool devices and applications.
With all this sturm und drang, what happens to businesses that are increasingly relying on the productivity that mobile devices deliver? Their numbers aren't inconsiderable: According to a recent IDC report, 75% of the North American workforce was mobile in 2010, and iPass reports that 91% of mobile workers use their smartphones for work.
Most carriers have already imposed data caps, and industry watchers say the laws of supply and demand indicate that wireless-plan prices can only go up. When AT&T switched on its 4G access in 11 areas in December of 2011, AT&T Business Solutions chief John Stankey warned that if the spectrum situation remains unchanged, pricing will rise, a prediction borne out by AT&T's announcement last week of new pricing structures for its smartphone and tablet customers.
Some experts fear there could be dire consequences. Richard Bennett, senior research fellow for the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation (ITIF), says, "If we can't get spectrum bandwidth for more mobile devices in the next five years, prices will rise, performance will suffer, and innovation will be impaired."
Adds Scott Bergmann, the CTIA's assistant vice president for regulatory affairs, "Companies will have to make some hard choices, including limiting the amount of data employees can use based on job function."
Playing nice -- or not so nice
Other experts -- including some IT executives -- opine that we've encountered spectrum and wireless issues like this before, and sanity has, eventually, prevailed (remember the days before roaming agreements, or the brouhaha over wireless garage door openers?).
But coming to agreement on a workable solution may not be so easy this time around.
The wireless spectrum is spoken for, which means carriers must either do more with what they have -- which would require a costly build-out (as much as $40 billion to double capacity) of cell towers and base stations -- or find bandwidth elsewhere. That "elsewhere" is primarily in the broadcast bandwidth, but broadcasters, unsurprisingly, aren't interested in giving up spectrum that they've controlled for decades.
"Installing base stations is expensive," explains Phil Solis, research director for mobile networks at ABI Research. "Carriers [instead] fight for spectrum, because that's a cheaper way to add capacity. But by getting spectrum, you reduce the chance of new competitors."
At a CQ Roll Call panel called Finite Spectrum, Infinite Demand held in Washington, D.C., last November, Harold Feld noted, "There's a culture of confrontation, not cooperation, around spectrum. We have to come up with ways to approach the issue in a more collaborative fashion." Feld is director of public affairs for Public Knowledge, a nonprofit focusing on Internet openness.
That isn't happening. Charles Golvin, principal analyst for Forrester Research, says, "It doesn't matter if Mother Teresa makes the request. If you're used to something, and someone tries to take it away, you're going to object."
So what is happening? Here's a look at the players, their perspectives, and recent dealings.
Carriers. Carriers like AT&T and Verizon are in a tough position. On the one hand, they want to entice customers with new services and download speeds. But to do that, they need spectrum. AT&T wanted to acquire T-Mobile not for its customers, but for its spectrum. That's also why it spent $1.9 billion in December 2011 to acquire spectrum from Qualcomm, and why it's rumored to be buying Dish Network.
Ditto for Verizon. Also in December, it paid $3.6 billion for mobile spectrum licenses from SpectrumCo, a joint venture of three cable providers, and paid Cox $315 million for spectrum in another deal. (And don't forget rural carriers: they have a separate set of complaints about too much consolidation of spectrum in the hands of the large carriers.)
Data needs bandwidth, but how much?
Solving the crunch in wireless bandwidth is a difficult problem made even more challenging because data usage is so inherently different from voice usage, making it difficult for carriers to estimate demand.
"Not only has the demand for capacity on our wireless networks been accelerating significantly, but it's been accelerating in a non-scalable way," says Charles Golvin, an analyst for Forrester Research.
"While we saw tremendous growth in penetration of mobile phones over the last 20 years, each new subscriber's behavior, and the demands they made on the network, were predictable." Carriers could gauge demand based on the number of minutes on each subscriber's plan, and predict capacity needed accordingly.
"Over time, the carriers got better at predicting demand and how much capacity they'd need to handle another n callers on the network."
The current problem: Data usage doesn't map to that model at all. Golvin says, "Any consideration about network load is beyond [users'] consciousness. They want rich media and video when and where they want it. The ability for carriers to model the demand for capacity in total among [their] customer base, but also to model demand on a time-of-day basis, is rudimentary compared to the [voice] situation of 20 years ago."
Broadcasters. Wireless carriers complain that TV and radio broadcasters got their spectrum for free back in the day. Broadcasters counter that they've invested billions in it since then. ITIF president Rob Atkinson and other experts believe the solution lies in spectrum incentive auctions -- in which broadcasters that wished to sell bandwidth would be compensated by telcos purchasing the spectrum. "Only 10% of Americans get their television over the air, yet broadcasters have more frequency than all four major carriers combined," Atkinson points out.
The broadcasting community counters by saying wireless carriers still have lots of unused methods for more wisely exploiting the spectrum they do have. And more to the point, broadcasters don't want to give up spectrum because they want to be involved when mobile video service becomes common. "If data is the central driver," National Association of Broadcasters COO Chris Ornelas told the CQ Roll Call panel, "let's talk about how broadcasters can be part of that."
Regulators. When it comes to authorizing auctions, the FCC complains that Congress is dragging its heels, and vice versa. At this year's Consumer Electronics Show, FCC chairman Julius Genachowski said, "If we don't authorize incentive auctions, we'll get swamped by an ocean of demand and risk losing the competitive advantage to lead the world in innovation."
Congressman Cliff Stearns (R-Fla.), a member of the Subcommittee on Communications and Technology, faults the FCC for moving too slowly in addressing issues within Congressional bills. At the CQ Roll Call panel, he said, "Their response time has to be faster."
At the same time, Stearns wants to wait for the results of a spectrum inventory being conducted by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA), the president's principal adviser on telecommunications and information policy, in order to ensure spectrum is distributed fairly.
Public safety advocates. The Department of Defense controls extensive swaths of the wireless spectrum (by some estimates, as much as Verizon and AT&T combined), and insists that national security trumps commerce. Public safety officials tend to agree -- they want spectrum for interoperability of all public safety radio channels to avoid a repeat of the 9/11 communications breakdown, when police, fire, and medical responders were communicating on different frequencies, making coordinated rescue efforts difficult.
To counter that situation, the FCC is in favor of allocating a chunk of spectrum, known as the D Block, to public safety use (FCC white paper.pdf).
How IT copes with the crunch
For the most part, IT execs seem content to let the spectrum drama play out as they cope with more immediate wireless concerns.
At Madison, Wisc.-based CUNA Mutual Group, about 25% of the insurance company's 4,000 employees use smartphones to access email remotely. Mark Winger, the company's vice president of IT for product and administration, recommends being "open and collaborative" with carriers; CUNA Mutual has relationships with both AT&T and Verizon. "We share our issues and they share theirs, and they provide us with test devices to gauge how their network works."
At SBLI USA in New York, VP of IT Paul Capizzi has gone the opposite route for the insurance firm's 100 employees, scaling down to one carrier (Verizon) over the last five years. "It's like a friends and family plan, where everyone shares minutes." Capizzi has adjusted the plans so that individual employees get a certain amount of minutes, but with the flexibility that if one person goes over and another goes under, it all averages out. "The last thing you want is have someone come in and say, 'You went over on your data plan.' "
Like CUNA Mutual, SBLI allows employees to use personal devices for work-related activities. That concerns Capizzi, citing the scenario where an employee might be using the device extensively on weekends. To offset increased costs of bandwidth requirements, he says, he would probably recommend subsidizing the cost of the devices based on work-related usage; anything above that would be the employee's responsibility.
Relative to today's usage patterns, Forrester's Golvin sees few impending changes, saying, "Some businesses might examine their communications budgets more carefully, but by and large, employers see increased productivity as a result of their employees being connected and performing whatever task is in front of them." In other words, the mobile revolution will continue, spectrum crunch or no.
If and when prices do rise significantly or data caps become more onerous, Golvin believes employers will either invest in better management tools, so they can monitor how much employees are working versus playing games, or deploy dual-SIMM devices and require employees to swap out the SIMMs for personal activities -- or both.
ABI Research's Solis agrees that companies won't limit users in the short term, and cites another technological option. IT can make sure that when people are around company locations, they're on the company network, whether over Wi-Fi, or some kind of femtocell or picocell bandwidth extension devices that are part of the private network.
Golvin adds, "Employees already alter their behavior to get the 'best' experience [from their gadgets], whether that's the fastest, the cheapest, or with the lowest latency. End users will continue to develop more awareness of the impact of their behavior, just like they did with voice minutes."
Full-blown crisis or short-term crunch?
Experts vacillate between calling the wireless spectrum situation a crisis or a crunch.
Based on networking experience stretching back more than 20 years, CUNA Mutual's Winger is confident that the situation will correct itself, whether through more bandwidth or better technology. (For more on potential bandwidth stretching technologies, see Busting bandwidth barriers.)
"In the early 90s, we were dealing with narrowband technology, but the technology eventually evolved to spread spectrum, where data could hop. There are advances occurring in multiple solutions, so there are many possible alternatives," Winger says. "We solved those issues, and we'll solve these."
Busting bandwidth barriers
Here are some possible solutions to the bandwidth crunch.
Unlicensed spectrum. For now, the easiest way to avoid the wireless bandwidth crunch? Stay off that spectrum as much as possible. Groups like the Wireless Broadband Alliance promote offloading as much wireless networking as possible to Wi-Fi networks.
Full duplex. In September 2011, Rice University engineers announced technology that would allow mobile network operators "to double the throughput in their networks without adding any cellular towers." Their plan: Add full-duplex capabilities so that wireless devices can send and receive data at the same time. In February 2011, researchers at Stanford University said they accomplished a similar full-duplex capability via a noise cancellation technique.
White spaces. There are vacant airwaves between TV channels used to prevent interference; the FCC is promoting repurposing white spaces for data.


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Life – The Story Simplified for Instruction of all Ages
Life – the Story
This is a short version of Life – the Story, told in a simplified form which can be used to instruct even small children.
At a point in time, determined by God, a soul is given to each human being. I believe that parents have a responsibility for that soul until such time as the child reaches the age of accountability. That age differs from person to person. At some point in time, each individual must take personal responsibility for his or her own soul. This is a grave responsibility because the soul has only two possible destinations; one – to be with Jesus or the other to be with Satan, when the body wears out or is otherwise destroyed. Please recognize that the body is merely a vehicle used to transport the soul from place to place. The body is designed to wear out at some time, whereas the soul is eternal. If a person fails to take good care of the body, that person dooms the soul to an early exit from the earth.
Let it be noted that each soul is given a mission by the Holy Spirit and also gives talents (or gifts) by which to accomplish its mission. If the individual fails to develop the talents or gifts provided to it, the soul's mission cannot be accomplished. So, you see, each person has a tremendous responsibility. This is a point I fear that many people fail to understand about life.
Why are we put here in the first place? Why, of course, to please and to fellowship with God. He does not need anything from us. He created us for His own good pleasure. If we do not commune with Him, we are the losers for not having done so. We must realize that we are not here for our own pleasure. We are here on a mission.
Now, if a person accepts Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, the Holy Spirit comes to dwell in that person's heart. It is called Salvation – then the soul goes to be with Jesus when the body ceases to function (dies). If a person does not accept Christ as Lord and Savior, the soul is condemned to eternal separation from God. What a terrible thing to contemplate. What an awesome responsibility we have.
Remember that no one can make the decision for you. The decision to accept or reject Christ will be made. Some say they never have made a decision but failing to make a positive decision is a decision to reject Him. One cannot have it both ways.
Remember also that no one can earn his or her way to heaven. Salvation is a gift (called Grace) from God, bought by the shed blood of Jesus on Calvary's cross. The Bible is very explicit in stating Christ's words, "No one comes to the Father but through Me." He is The Way, The Truth and The Light.
For a Fruitful Life
The above explanation, "THE STORY OF LIFE," was provided by Mr. William G. Bagby on June 19, 2015, in the Cardiology Department Waiting Room at Huntsville Hospital, Huntsville, AL. I assume that he is the Author. The printed hand-out is a part of his ministry.


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State 'friends' world on Facebook
The State Department is using Facebook to connect to the world, and it appears the world is responding.
The State Department is using Facebook to connect to the world, and it appears the world is responding.
The department is using live multimedia Web chats to link audiences around the world with U.S. experts — both inside and outside government — in a variety of fields. State officials say the goal is to gain mutual understanding on a range of important topics.
The department hosts weekly chats on a range of topics on the CO.NX Facebook page. Topics so far have included issues such as international piracy, relations with Indonesia, the economic downturn and its impact on journalism worldwide, and, most recently, a chat with Wikipedia founder Jimmy Wales, hosted by the U.S. embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria.
CO.NX streamed webcasts of Secretary of State Hillary Clinton when she traveled to Mexico and Brussels, Belgium, where she held a town hall meeting with future European leaders. President Barack Obama's speech from Cairo, Egypt, was streamed live on the page. Participants could watch the president's speech, interact in a real-time chat with other participants from around the world, and take live polls.
Because the chats require only Internet access to reach people in their homes or offices, even audiences in low-bandwidth countries can participate in CO.NX programs, said Timothy Receveur, a foreign affairs officer at the State Department.
State is using a variety of social-networking media, including Facebook, Twitter and YouTube, Receveur said. Facebook and Twitter fans conduct weekly policy discussions before and after U.S. expert guest appearances, he said.
The Facebook page was launched on election night in November 2008 and now has 7,000 fans, who interact on the page's wall and discussion forums and receive daily updates from CO.NX, Receveur said.
"Our most popular chats so far have been our election night event with 5,000 participants, President Obama in Cairo with 3,800 participants, and Secretary Clinton in Brussels with over 2,500 participants," he said.
The top 10 countries with chat participants via Facebook are Indonesia, Egypt, France, Kenya, Nigeria, Morocco, Maldives, Pakistan, Tunisia and Greece.
The CO.NX Facebook site is based on Adobe Acrobat Connect Professional, an online collaboration tool designed for uses such as online meetings, virtual training and on-demand presentations.
"The secret to the success of the product is that it leverages the Flash platform, which is installed on 90 percent of the world's computers that are connected to the Internet today," said Bobby Caudill, solutions architect for global government at Adobe.
The Flash player is a multimedia and application player created by Macromedia and now developed and distributed by Adobe after its acquisition. It is part of the Adobe Flash platform, an integrated set of technologies that let users create and deliver applications, content and video to the widest possible audience.
Most people's experience with collaboration technologies is that they show up 15 minutes before a meeting and do some downloading of software and, maybe, configuration of networks, Caudill said. Because most computers already have the Flash player, that initial barrier is eliminated, he said.
The people at State have done a good job of creating custom templates that are easy for users to understand, Caudill said. Visitors click on the link to the Web chat they want to attend and type in their name, or they can attend anonymously. They can then submit questions during the chats.
Increasing numbers of overseas posts conduct Web chats without Washington support, including Kabul, Afghanistan; Mexico City; New Delhi, India; Abidjan, Ivory Coast; and Jerusalem, officials said.
Embassies can adapt to local technology by gathering Web chat participants around one Internet connection, receiving questions from participants by phone and distributing hard copies of transcripts to remote audiences, they said.


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Event Horizon & Services is your source for your sound, lighting, and studio needs. We carry a large selection of audio and lighting equipment. Check back often because we are constantly expanding our site. See our PRODUCT LINE and contact us if you don't see an item it on our site.
EHS is a wiring specialist! Many of our cables are custom made to order. We have posted just the most common items on the site, if you need a special cable just contact us and we'll see how we can help you out. EHS only uses top quality materials for our cables like Neutrik, Mogami, and Horizon. We DO NOT use cheap connectors and cheap cable just to sell you something cheap!
If you have any questions about anything, please contact us, and we'll help you out.
We are constantly adding new items so check back often!
Copyright © 2023 Event Horizon & Services


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|Page tools: Print Page
Among the most common types of non-wage benefits received by employees are superannuation, holiday leave, sick leave and long-service leave. Data on these employment benefits are collected in the Survey of Employee Earnings, Benefits and Trade Union Membership, covering the nature and type (but not the value) of benefits. These data are used to monitor the level of non-wage costs in employment.
Full-time and part-time public sector employees were more likely to be entitled to benefits than their private sector counterparts (graph 6.52). The differences between public and private sector employees were much smaller for full-time employees than for part-time employees.
Part-time private sector employees were most likely to receive superannuation (73%), followed by sick and holiday leave (both at 30%), and 26% were entitled to long-service leave. One-quarter of this group of employees were not entitled to any benefits. Part-time employees in the public sector were more likely to receive a range of employee benefits, with 90% entitled to superannuation and approximately 60% entitled to each of the other benefits (59%, 61% and 56%).
For all occupations, the proportion receiving sick leave was less than the proportion receiving superannuation benefits. However, there was considerable variation among the occupations. For most occupations, more than 90% of employees received superannuation benefits in their main job (graph 6.53). The exceptions were Elementary clerical, sales and service workers with 74% and Labourers and related workers with 80%. These two occupations were also less likely to receive sick leave (43% and 53%) than other occupations.
The incidence of entitlement to superannuation and sick leave is linked to the level of skill, with higher skilled occupations having a higher level of coverage for both superannuation and sick leave than lower skilled occupations.
Under the Superannuation Guarantee introduced in 1992, employers are obliged to make superannuation contributions on behalf of most employees. As seen in graph 6.51, this has resulted in an increase in superannuation coverage provided by employers. There are some exempt employees: for example, employers are not obliged to contribute to superannuation for employees aged less than 18 years who are working not more than 30 hours a week, or for employees with low earnings. Young part-time employees (aged 15-19) are often exempt employees under the Superannuation Guarantee legislation. This is reflected in estimates of superannuation coverage for August 2001 - 36% of males and 41% of females in this age group received superannuation benefits in their job. The lower coverage of superannuation for young employees is also the result of more young employees working in industries and occupations with lower wages (see table 6.16).
Graph 6.54 presents the proportion of employees entitled to superannuation in August 2001. Generally, the proportion of male and female full-time employees entitled to superannuation was similar, with females having slightly higher coverage in the 20-24 year and 55-59 year age groups. The proportion of male and female full-time employees entitled to superannuation was higher than that of their part-time counterparts. While 75% of part-time employees receive superannuation benefits, 96% of full-time employees were entitled to superannuation benefits.
Male and female full-time employees receive superannuation benefits from their employer at the same rate, but part-time males are less likely to receive superannuation (63%) than their female counterparts (80%). In each age group, females working part-time were more likely to be entitled to superannuation benefits than males working part-time. In the 65 and over age group, 66% of females and 42% of males were entitled to superannuation benefits, although this age group represented less than 1% of the population (73,700 employees).
The degree of superannuation coverage provided by employers continued to increase between 1996 and 2001, and across industries. In 2001, superannuation was provided to 99% of persons employed in Mining, while 80% were covered in Accommodation, cafes and restaurants and 77% in Retail trade (graph 6.55). Accommodation, cafes and restaurants, and Retail trade also have the lowest average earnings (see graph 6.45).
Other employee benefits
Similar proportions of employees are entitled to paid sick leave and paid holiday leave (72%). However, long-service leave is less commonly offered by employers (61.8% of employees) (table 6.56).
The total number of employees receiving leave benefits fell between 1996 and 2001, although full-time employees were still more likely to receive these benefits than part-time employees. Sick and holiday leave benefits were available to 87% of full-time employees and 75% received long-service leave. The proportion of part-time employees receiving benefits rose between 1996 and 2001, from 31% to 34% for those receiving holiday and sick leave benefits and from 26% to 31% for those receiving long-service leave benefits.
Fewer females are entitled to leave benefits (i.e. sick leave and/or holiday leave) in their main job. However, full-time females are more likely to receive leave benefits than full-time males (90% compared to 86%), and part-time females are more likely to receive leave entitlements than part-time males (41% compared to 19%).


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To Save Real News
In a world where newspapers are dying and half the public believes fake news, what online news experiences need is design that is branded, authoritative, and above all, readable:
Branded, because we need to convert the current hummingbird model (where readers flit from flower to flower) back to the idea that your news source matters — and that it is worth your time to return to a source you trust.
Brand helps the social-media-driven seeker notice that they're returning time and again to a certain resource, facilitating a mental model shift back toward destination web browsing. When every site looks the same, it's easy to see all content as equal — all spun from the same amorphous mass. A strong brand, which is individual to the given newspaper, can cut through that amorphousness, which is the first step in building (or rebuilding) loyalty.
Authoritative, because combating fake news means visually cueing the reliability of a particular source — one staffed by real journalists and editors, with real sources in real countries. In the coming years this will be more important than ever.
Readable, because an informed public needs to grasp stories that can't always be reduced to headlines or sound bytes. Readability means even longer articles actually get read, sometimes even all the way through. Readability requires a combination of typeface, type size, leading, measure, hierarchy, contrast, etc. — as well as the introduction of visual information, both to break up the flow of text, and to further illuminate what is being said.
Additionally, this branded, authoritative, readable content needs to become (to use an ancient word) sticky: through a combination of editing and algorithms, related content must be presented at the appropriate time in the reading experience, to engage the visitor in continued reading.
Currently two publications — nytimes.com and medium.com — achieve all these goals better than any other publications on the web. One is the newspaper of record; the other is a vehicle for anyone's content. Yet both really do the job all newspapers will need to do to survive — and to help the Republic survive these next years. I particularly admire the way both publications surface related content in a way that practically demands additional reading.
Design won't solve all the problems facing newspapers, but it will help. And unlike more "immersive" approaches such as WebVR, original full-screen imagery, and original embedded video, the basics of solid, readable design should not be out of budgetary reach for even the most cash-strapped news publisher — budget being a problem for any business at any time, but especially for newspapers now.
In my studio, we've been pondering these problems for content sites of all types (not only newspapers). At the Poynter Digital Design Challenge next month, I hope to share designs that nudge the conversation along just a bit further.
Originally published at zeldman.com.
I'm Jeffrey. Follow me @zeldman. I publish A List Apart Magazine and A Book Apart "for people who make websites," and co-founded An Event Apart: three days of design, code, and content for web & interaction designers. Most recently, I opened the NYC design studio.zeldman. Let's work together!


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Cytotechnology is the study of cells. The cytotechnologist is solely responsible for the microscopic interpretation of Pap smears interpreted as normal. The cytotechnologist makes a judgmental decision as to what is normal and abnormal by analyzing cellular patterns and subtle changes in both the nucleus and cytoplasm of cells while correlating the patient's clinical history.
Cytotechnologists work independently doing meticulous microscopic work. They must be comfortable making decisions and assume a great deal of responsibility. Cytotechnologists are also responsible for the preliminary interpretation of specimens from other sites such as lung, bladder, body cavities, central nervous system, gastrointestinal tract, liver, lymph nodes, thyroid, salivary glands and breast. Cytotechnologists work in collaboration with pathologists to diagnose benign and infectious processes, precancerous lesions and malignant disease. Providing a definitive diagnosis in a timely, safe and cost-effective manner helps save patient lives by allowing clinicians to provide necessary and appropriate treatment to patients as quickly as possible.
Cytotechnology as a Career - Focus on Cytology article from Advance Magazine
Since the inception of modern cytology in the 1950's (thanks to the work of Dr. George Papanicolaou), the field of cytology had seen little change. Only in the past 15 years have technological advances led to the integration of molecular diagnostics, immunocytochemistry, flow cytometry and automation in the field of cytology.
Automation has been one of the most significant changes in cytotechnology practice. Automation in cytopreparation and computer-assisted screening has contributed to an increase in the number of abnormal cases detected as compared to conventional practice and methods. Other benefits to automation include increased productivity, consistency and decreased turn-around time.2
The advent of molecular diagnostic testing has also improved the detection of clinically relevant infections common to cervical cancer. It also has the potential for tailored intervention of therapeutic modalities.3 Molecular diagnostics similarly utilizes microscopic analysis and interpretation. There are few cytotechnologists already directly involved in performing and analyzing molecular tests. The impact of these changes to the cytotechnologist's traditional scope of practice is unclear but surely one that will certainly have an impact. Many cytotechnologists have already enhanced their skills in molecular diagnostics. CytotechnoA listing of the CAAHEP accredited programs logy training programs are also integrating molecular diagnostics in their curriculums. The American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) currently offers certification in molecular biology for cytotechnologists as well as other medical laboratory scientists.
In order to become a cytotechnologist, interested individuals must attend an accredited program in cytotechnology. Currently, there are 30 accredited programs in cytotechnology. Educational programs are either university or hospital-based and involve 1 or 2 years of instruction. All individuals must possess a baccalaureate degree upon completion of the program. Minimum academic requirements are 28 semester credits of combined biology and chemistry and 3 semester credits of mathematics or statistics. Additional pre-admission requirements may vary depending on each individual program. Upon successful completion of a program, graduates are eligible to take the ASCP Board of Registry certification exam. Individuals interested in becoming supervisors, lab managers and educators may also wish to pursue ASCP certification of Specialist in Cytotechnology.
A minimum requirement of a baccalaureate degree or higher and three years' experience is required.
Occupational Description
As stipulated by law in CLIA'88 (Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act of 1988), to meet the qualifications of a cytotechnologist one must have graduated from a school of cytotechnology accredited by CAHEA whose role is now being fulfilled by CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs). There are other pathways for cytotechnologists who are already employed within the United States to meet CLIA qualifications.
A listing of the CAAHEP accredited programs which are all located in the US and Puerto Rico is available on the ASCT website under the Student Forum and on the CAAHEP website.
The ASCP now offers certification in Gyn cytology for international candidates. While obtaining the International Technologist in Gynecologic Cytology, CTgyn(ASCPi) certification demonstrates your commitment to the high standards that ASCP certification reflects; it is not a substitute for the US employment requirements as stated above.
ASCP BOC International Technologists
There are plenty of opportunities for current and aspiring cytotechnologists, despite the impact of automation. Staffing includes practicing cytotechnologists and the contributions of molecular diagnostics to pathology practice. Cytotechnologists need to keep themselves abreast of future changes, embrace technology and adapt appropriately. Being involved in professional organizations like the ASCT is one way to keep abreast of such change and opportunity. Membership benefits include continuing education opportunities online and in person. Visit our Career Center for job opportunities.


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CMAQ Grants Will Fund Diverse Group of Projects that Reduce Congestion and Improve Air Quality
Nashville, Tenn. – Tennessee Department of Transportation Commissioner John Schroer announced today the award of over $27 million in Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvement (CMAQ) grants in 11 communities across the state. The 31 grants will fund a wide range of transportation projects designed to reduce congestion and improve air quality.
Funded projects include expansions of the TDOT HELP truck program statewide, improvements in traffic signal timing, cleaner transit buses and alternative fuel vehicles purchases, and protected bicycle lanes in Chattanooga. The grants also include a multimodal river port in Clarksville, and expanded transit service in several areas. Another project will include the addition of a bicycle-pedestrian trail on the Harahan Bridge in downtown Memphis.
"These projects are helping our transportation network operate more efficiently, while also providing better transportation options for our citizens," Commissioner Schroer said. "The result will be better air quality and reduced congestion, which improves the quality of life for Tennesseans and creates more livable communities all over the state."
The CMAQ Program funds transportation projects that reduce air emissions from on-road sources (cars, trucks, buses) and non-road sources (locomotives, barges, road construction equipment), as well as projects that reduce traffic congestion. CMAQ projects are limited to nonattainment or maintenance counties where air quality fails to attain national health standards. For most CMAQ projects, TDOT will provide 80 percent of the project funding, with the remaining 20 percent provided by the local project sponsor.
"From better traffic signal coordination in Gatlinburg to expanded park and ride options for several Memphis communities, many of these projects will offer great benefits to travelers across the state," said Deputy Commissioner Toks Omishakin, Chief of TDOT's Environment and Planning Bureau. "Through this program, we are also making great strides in our efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality."
For a list of CMAQ grant recipients and detailed information on each project, please visit http://www.tdot.state.tn.us/news/2014/cmaq/.
via TDOT Commisisoner Schroer Announces Air Quality Grants | TN.gov Newsroom.


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Popping the Self-Delusion Bubble
The trouble with illusion is delusion.
I woke up this morning disturbed at the subtlety of self-delusion.
Deluded leaders believe they're…
- Supportive but demanding, instead.
- Humble but in reality, arrogant.
- Listening when they're talking.
- Able to do everything "right" while others fall short.
- Informed when they don't know.
Deluded leaders falsely believe intentions automatically translate into behaviors. You intend to be supportive so you must be supportive, right?
Deluded leaders believe they've mastered the things they tell others to do. Consider the pursuit of excellence, for example. Are you always improving the work of others but not your own?
On excellence
How do you respond to:
- Suggestions about your behavior?
- Criticism about the way you handle tough conversations?
- Improvements suggested by underlings that impact you personally?
Excellence is the gradual result of always striving for better. Can you name one thing you're striving to improve in your leadership? Can you name three things you're doing to improve it? Do those under you know and participate? Or, are you deceived by intention.
You pursue excellence for others but not for yourself. The discomfort others feel in telling you the truth says you aren't approachable. When was the last time you invited someone to speak into your frailties?
Get real
Leaders serve.
You're not special, better than, or more important. Thinking you are deludes you.
- Conform to them rather than demanding they conform to you.
- Focus on them; stop expecting them to focus on you.
- Their success is your success.
- Fuel their passions not yours.
- Serve them; they don't serve you.
Leaders who don't serve rely on authority and coercion. They pressure rather than enable. Saying and telling aren't serving.
I don't know how you feel. But, I feel better. I needed that reminder and I bet you did, too.
How can leaders address the self-delusion issue?


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At a time when Iran's identity in the West is being defined by portrayals of revolution in the movie "Argo" and by the nation's nuclear program, an exhibit opening this week at the Arthur M. Sackler Gallery recalls a time when the ancient kingdom of Persia was a test bed for tolerance and human rights.
The show, opening Saturday, marks the first U.S. appearance of one of the most celebrated objects from antiquity: the Cyrus Cylinder, a football-shaped relic inscribed with orders issued by King Cyrus the Great after his conquest of Babylon in 539 B.C., credited by Hebrew scripture for repatriating exiled Jews and allowing them to return to Jerusalem.
The decrees helped usher in the Achaemenid, or First Persian Empire, the largest in the ancient world, which covered parts of three continents, including portions of current-day Greece and much of the Middle East and central Asia. The dynasty brought such innovations as a postal system, a network of roads and a professional army and civil service before collapsing sometime around 330 B.C.
But scholars say the most enduring contribution might have been Cyrus' directives to restore temples and grant freedom of worship to peoples who had been displaced by the Babylonians he defeated — a gesture exhibit curators say inspired leaders from Alexander the Great to Thomas Jefferson. (Jefferson owned two copies of the "Cyropaedia," a flattering biography of the ruler that portrays both his virtue and skills as a politician.)
The cylinder "may not be the first declaration of its kind, but it's the most famously referred to and the most internationally recognized early human rights charter in the world," said Pardis Minuchehr, director of the Persian program at George Washington University. "It has a message that resonates over the centuries and is very inspirational."
"One of the goals of this exhibition is to encourage us to reflect that relations between Persians and Jews have not always been marked with the discord that disfigures the political map of the Near East today," said Julian Raby, director of the Sackler Gallery and Freer Gallery of Art, the Smithsonian's museums of Asian art. He noted the Bible refers to Cyrus as "the anointed" of the Lord and that philosophers for thousands of years viewed the king as the model of a virtuous ruler.
The exhibit, "The Cyrus Cylinder and Ancient Persia," also features architectural fragments, carvings and plaques showing the spread of the Zoroastrian religion, and luxury objects such as bracelets and gold and silver bowls. The show is in D.C. through April 28 and will travel to Houston, New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
The Cyrus Cylinder was unearthed in southern Iraq in 1879 by a team from the British Museum, where it's been displayed and studied for more than 130 years. Beyond validating the biblical version of events, it has been a source of cultural detente in recent times. Throngs reportedly viewed the original when it was on display in the National Museum of Iran in Tehran in 2010. Both the shah and Iran's President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad tried to appropriate the cylinder's message to fit their priorities.
The relic shows how politically savvy kings in the ancient world took power. By promptly announcing reforms, they at once legitimized conquest, publicly rebuked the vanquished regime and portrayed a new ruler as benevolent and acting in concert with the gods. That was especially important for Cyrus, who presided over as many as 50 million people — about 44 percent of the world's population.
The inscription, in Babylonian cuneiform, provides Cyrus' account of his conquest of Babylon, which he claims to have achieved with the help of the god Marduk. It goes on to enumerate relief measures he brought to the city and explains how he returned a number of images of gods seized by the Babylonian King Nabonidus to their temples throughout Mesopotamia. Though Jews are not specifically referenced, their return to Palestine following their deportation by Nebuchadnezzar II was part of Cyrus' policy, according to scholars.
Some contemporary historians believe Cyrus was less a human rights champion than a hard-nosed pragmatist, realizing he couldn't possibly set up a powerful central government to preside over such a vast kingdom. Regardless, his policies provide a window into a time of dramatic change in the ancient world.
"You could almost say the Cyrus Cylinder is a history of the Middle East in one object," said Neil MacGregor, director of the British Museum. "It is a link to a past which we all share and to a key moment in history that has shaped the world around us."


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About Hutchinson County
Hutchinson County, in the north central section of the Panhandle, is bounded on the north by Hansford County, on the east by Roberts County, on the south by Carson County, and on the West by Moore County. The county was named for pioneer jurist Anderson Hutchinson.
The Canadian River, fed by several small creeks, angles across the county from southwest to northeast; in the southwest it is dammed to form Lake Meredith. Broken land along the river and its tributaries forms fertile valleys. The northern part of the county is high rolling plain. Beef cattle, hogs, and poultry are also raised there, and irrigated land amounts to more than 40,000 acres. Since the 1920s, petroleum has been the chief industry; the southern part of Hutchinson County is the center of oil, gas, petrochemical, and synthetic-rubber production in the Panhandle.
Hutchinson County slumbered as a sparsely populated ranching and agricultural center until the discovery of the vast Panhandle oilfield in the early 1920s. Such ranchers as James M. Sanford, J. A. Whittenburg, and John F. Weatherly cashed in on the resultant boom; many townsites and oil camps such as Isom, Sanford, Fritch, Phillips, Stinnett, Signal Hill, Electric City, and Dial sprang up almost overnight as petroleum-related industries moved in and independent oil producers struck it rich.
The largest and rowdiest of these boom towns was laid out west of Dixon Creek in 1926 and named for its founder, A. P. (Ace) Borger. The town of Borger (1990 population, 15,675) remains the largest in the county and its chief commercial and cultural center, and Stinnett (2,166) is the county seat.
(For an expanded history, visit the County History page.)
To post your Queries, Biographies,
Bible Records, Deeds, Obituaries,
County Co-Coordinators:
This page was last updated February 19, 2023.
� 1997-2023 by the Hutchinson County


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✅ FREE Insulated Bottle Carrier ($16.95 VALUE)
✅ FREE Stroller Hooks ($12.95 VALUE)
✅ FREE Shipping
Composite insulation material and high-density EPE foam create high insulation and allow you to maintain bottle temperature over time. Suitable for a large variety of bottle and sippy cup shapes and sizes.
Wide, padded, breathable shoulder straps for extra comfort and support make this one of the most comfortable-to-carry bags available today. Hooks allow for easy connection to your stroller.
Dimensions – 10"W x 15"H x 7"D (25cm x 35cm x17cm)
Weight – 1.9 pounds (0.85 kg)


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Native Plants
Search for native plants by scientific name, common name or family. If you are not sure what you are looking for, try the Combination Search or our Recommended Species lists.
Fouquieria splendens
Fouquieria splendens Engelm.
Ocotillo, Devil's Walking Stick, Candlewood
Fouquieriaceae (Ocotillo Family)
Synonym(s): Fouquieria splendens ssp. splendens
USDA Symbol: fosp2
USDA Native Status: L48 (N)
Ocotillo is a spiny shrub to 20 ft. with many long, whip-like, unbranched green stems growing from the base. Stems are leafless most of the year, covering themselves with bright green leaves after a rain. A funnel-shaped plant with several woody, almost unbranched, spiny, commonly straight stems leafless most of the year, and a tight cluster of red flowers at tip of each branch. Scarlet, tubular-shaped flowers are held in terminal clusters.
The family consists of about 11 species, mostly in Mexico, with Ocotillo (pronounced o-ko-tee'-yo) the most northern, and perhaps the Boojum Tree (F. columnaris) of Baja California the most unusual. Leaves appear only after rain and wither when the soil dries, a cycle commonly repeated several times during the warm season. The name Ocotillo means "little pine" in Mexican Spanish, a reference to the fact that, like a pine (ocote), its stalks produce a resin used by humans for various purposes.
From the Image Gallery
Plant CharacteristicsDuration: Perennial
Habit: Shrub
Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Fruit Type: Capsule
Size Notes: Up to about 20 feet tall.
Leaf: Green
Flower: Flowers in 8 inch spikes
Bloom InformationBloom Color: Red , Orange
Bloom Time: Mar , Apr , May , Jun , Jul
DistributionUSA: AZ , CA , NM , NV , TX
Native Distribution: W. TX to s. CA & n. Mex.
Native Habitat: Flat desert areas
Growing ConditionsWater Use: Low
Light Requirement: Part Shade
Soil Moisture: Dry
CaCO3 Tolerance: High
Cold Tolerant: yes
Soil Description: Sandy or rocky soils. Sandy, Sandy Loam, Limestone-based, Igneous
Conditions Comments: Drought tolerant. Tall, spreading stems with thorns form an impenetrable enclosure.
BenefitUse Ornamental: Accent tree or shrub, Screens, Desert landscape, Security hedge
Use Wildlife: Flowers attract hummingbirds, finches and many other birds as well as insects. Nectar-hummingbirds, Nectar-insects, Nectar-bees, Seeds-granivorous birds, Seeds-Small mammals
Use Other: Gum resin in bark used for waxing leather and adhesive/waterproofing agent, and varnish.
Conspicuous Flowers: yes
PropagationPropagation Material: Seeds
Description: Will sprout from untreated seeds sown in spring or early summer. Reproduces most reliably from cuttings taken any time.
Seed Collection: Gather seeds as the capsules turn brown and begin to dry but before they dehisce. Air dry, remove seeds from capsules, and store in sealed, refrigerated containers.
Seed Treatment: No pretreatment is necessary.
From the National Organizations DirectoryAccording to the species list provided by Affiliate Organizations, this plant is on display at the following locations:
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden - Santa Barbara, CA
Tohono Chul Park, Inc. - Tucson, AZ
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department - Austin, TX
NPSOT - Austin Chapter - Austin, TX
BibliographyBibref 307 - Edible and Useful Plants of Texas and the Southwest: Including recipes, harmful plants, natural dyes, and textile fibers: A Practical Guide (1999) Tull, D.
Bibref 355 - Landscaping with Native Plants of Texas and the Southwest (1991) Miller, G. O.
Bibref 995 - Native Landscaping from El Paso to L.A. (2000) Wasowski, S. and A. Wasowski
Bibref 318 - Native Texas Plants: Landscaping Region by Region (2002) Wasowski, S. & A. Wasowski
Bibref 248 - Texas Wildflowers: A Field Guide (1984) Loughmiller, C. & L. Loughmiller
Bibref 291 - Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife (1999) Damude, N. & K.C. Bender
Search More Titles in Bibliography
From the ArchiveWildflower Newsletter 1990 VOL. 7, NO.2 - Preservation Blooms in Recreated Prairies, New Wildflower Center Prairie Welcome...
Additional resourcesUSDA: Find Fouquieria splendens in USDA Plants
FNA: Find Fouquieria splendens in the Flora of North America (if available)
Google: Search Google for Fouquieria splendens
MetadataRecord Modified: 2009-05-14
Research By: TWC Staff


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This is going to be the last post to this blog. I feel like the journey that I began with it is complete.
I'm not stopping game design, but I will spend less time on it than before and want to write about diverse topics (including still some game design). I also feel like it's time to retire the "Wannabe" identity.
You can find all my future stuff, including anything on game design, at http://www.keller.nyc , including my schedule for this week's DexCon.


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These two little quilts came about out of pure sadness.
Today is Jack and Samuel's due date.
Although being twins they would have been delivered earlier and therefore already in loving arms, instead they are in a different pair of loving arms. Jack and Samuel were born at just 19 weeks and 1 day and sadly passed into God's kingdom shortly after. Although perfect they were just too little to survive.
My cousin and her husband and their small daughter have been burdened with a terrible heartache that will stay with them forever.
I made their big sister a quilt for her birth and after hearing the news of their passing I decided that they still deserved to have some little quilts to honour their births too.
I had been saving this Amy Butler fabric for something special and I couldn't think of anything better to use it for. I decided on two different quilts because although there were twins they were also individuals. The heart blocks I though appropriate as they will always remain in our hearts forever. I was planning on making them a bit smaller but my head wasn't in the right place to be working out measurements and re-sizing the blocks.
These two little boys were and still are so loved. I think of them often and wish that they were here with us right now.
Rest in Peace Jack and Samuel We love you!
Thanks AJ for sharing your sweet story. Bless your family. Everyone be sure to check out her blog. Some fun inspiring stuff happening over there...and she just did her (edited 700th) post!!! Can you imagine???


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We provide the best Beard oil all over the worldd. We are the worldd best store for Beard Oil. You can buy our product without any are hegitation because we always consus about our product quality and always maintain it properly so your can trust
Over 25 years writing cookbooksOver 1.5 million people using my cookbooksNational ShowsInclude: Fox & Friends, The 700 Club, NBC Weekend Today Show, QVC, Harry Connick ShowConsisting of 14 books to-date.
Copyright © Holly Clegg All Right Reserved.


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Nipping at the heels of the latest food trends yet again, Turtle Mountain has managed to combine two powerful buzzwords in one fell swoop: "Coconut" and "Greek yogurt." As if their plain coconut yogurt, a boon to the dairy-avoidant and soy-intolerant all at once, wasn't enough, this latest creation manages to up the ante further. So new that I have yet to spot it on grocery store shelves, I was lucky enough to get advanced warning for this latest coconut invention and a box of three unmarked and label-less white containers in the mail. Slated to include 6 flavors in all for this line, I'm still dying to get a taste of the chocolate, strawberry, and plain varieties not included in my small sample package.
What's most important here, however, is the texture. Without that critical viscosity, there's little separating this latest offering from their pre-existing line of standard coconut yogurt. Achieving entirely different results from such a small change in the formula could be difficult to believe, but the promises do hold up to scrutiny- Across the board, these Greek yogurts are quite thick, somewhere along the lines of a sour cream consistency. Completely smooth even without stirring, no lumps or chunks to speak of, the richness that each spoonful brings is incredible, especially considering the substantial nutritional content. Insane amounts of fiber mean that one container plus perhaps a side of veggies or a piece of fruit makes for an entirely satisfying meal, which still feels slightly decadent.
Pale purplish-pink in color, the Raspberry Greek yogurt carries not only the seeds of its namesake, but even the tiny raspberry hairs (ie, remnants of the pistals; the female portion of the flower) as well. Much more tangy than sweet, it's balanced by just enough cane syrup to resist bitterness, but may not be for those expecting a dessert or pudding-like experience. All the better, if you ask me! I for one don't want to eat candy for lunch, and this option actually offers a complexity of flavors beyond pure sugary sweetness. However, fair-weather coconut friends beware: this yogurt doesn't attempt to hide its roots, and definitely has a bit of tropical twang.
Blueberry fell a bit short for me, considering my high expectations. Very tangy but low on actual blueberry taste, it seemed to have more color than flavor. Chunks of fruit would have helped, but alas, all that can be found throughout this plastic tub are merely a few scattered seeds, merely proof that perhaps there were once berries involved. Sure, it's fine, certainly not bad, but boring at best.
Ending on a high note, the Vanilla was the expected redemption to the whole tasting experience. A creamy off-white that reminded me of mayonnaise, I didn't have very high hopes. Surprisingly, it carried only a slight aftertaste of coconut, and allowed the vanilla flavor space to breathe and be tasted, with a very modest amount of sweetness as well. Not terribly tangy, but mellow and agreeable, it works beautifully as a pairing to countless other treats. Dressed up in a fruit and granola parfait, I had an impressive yet simple and healthy treat in a matter of seconds. Such versatility is really the winning aspect of the Greek yogurt angle, since it's thickness can stand up to more demanding applications than the typically runny plain yogurt.
Though there wasn't enough of any flavor to spare for recipe experiments, rest assured that those won't be far behind… Especially when I can get my hands on some plain Greek yogurt, there are endless possibilities for both sweet and savory baking!


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Turks and Caicos 2013
Jane Henryon July 1, 2013
Always impressive photos from someone who is equally impressive. We have a winner!
Daveon July 1, 2013
Doug.... great photos! I would be swimming the other way if I saw a reef shark. Your photos are truly inspiring
above and below the water surface.
Chrissyon July 1, 2013
Stellar photos with beautiful colors. I love the Blennys poking their little heads out to say hello. I hear them saying, "Pardon me, do you have any Grey Poupon?".
Averril Goodon July 1, 2013
Ok - My favorite underwater photographer shot another gallery of amazing creatures and sites at Turks and Caicos. Love the sharks, the eyestalks and the blennies alot. I love visiting these remarkables locations and seeing these creatures through your eyes! Well Done!!!
One of your groupies...
Linda Peacockon July 1, 2013
the sharks look peaceful compared to the hermit crab and the milk conch closeups. Yikes....wouldn't like to meet them in a dark alley. The Angelfish was my favorite. THANKS!


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Fendi O'Lock Ring
Gold-coloured ring
€ 270,00
Colour: Gold
Expected shipping date: within 30 days from 03/10/2023
Wide-band ring with Fendi O'Lock motif. Made of gold-finish metal. Embellished with white crystals.
Made in Italy
|100%bronze, strass:100%zircon
|Model height:
|Size worn:
|Product Code:
|Product Care:
|The product you have purchased may be embellished with a precious metal top or varnish, and may also feature appliqués, stones (in various shades of the same colour), crystals, plexiglass and resin. The mixture of materials and the unique features of the product are what give it its character. In order to best maintain the product's appearance over time, we recommend avoiding contact with sea water, spa water, lacquers, perfumes, solvents, chemicals and abrasive materials. If necessary, clean with water and a neutral soap and/or polish with a dry microfibre cloth.
Premium Services
Complimentary shipping on all orders
Free returns within 14 days
Get in touch for an in-store or virtual appointment
Your order will be elegantly wrapped in our signature Fendi package. Add a personal message to send an exclusive gift.
Fendi O'Lock Ring
€ 270,00
Expected shipping date: within 30 days from 03/10/2023


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Join Puma, Currently hiring Retail Sales Associate in Florida city, refer details to submit job application.
Position : Retail Sales AssociateRetail Sales Associate
Location : Florida City, Florida, United States of America
At : Puma Retail Store – Florida City
SPEED & SPIRIT is what we look for in our candidates, defined by some simple values that inspire us to BE DRIVEN in our performance, BE VIBRANT in our sporting legacy, BE TOGETHER in our team spirit, and BE YOU to let our individual talent and experience shine. Applying for a job at PUMA is easy and all genders are welcome. Simply click APPLY ONLINE and follow the steps to upload your application.
- Accountable for ensuring individual performance consistently achieves or exceeds sales, KPIs and profitability goals through the effective servicing of customers.
- Provide consistently high standards of customer experience within the Store in accordance with PUMA's Brand Values and service standards.
- Successfully complete all training programs (required per the Role), both Domestic and Global to drive results within the store.
- Attend and participate in Loss Prevention education, training and awareness programs.
- Responsible for Loss Prevention and Operational compliance within store.
- Communicate merchandise opportunities to Store Management team.
- Participate in new store openings and/or store closings; travel may be required.
- Responsible for accurately processing sales transactions at the cash desk, with proper operation of the POS system, handling forms of tender with accuracy and respect, and ensuring proper discounts are applied when applicable.
- Responsible for execution and processing of both incoming and outgoing merchandise.
- Accountable for ensuring execution and maintenance of all Visual guideline as well as guaranteeing the visual presentation of the Store always meets or exceeds PUMA standards.
- Maintain physical condition of Store according to relevant guidelines and communicate maintenance needs to Store Management in a timely manner.
- Required to comply with all Policies & Procedures, operational core competencies and key accountabilities.
- Abide by all requirements necessary to maintain a safe and compliant working and shopping environment; required to report all instances when this is not achieved to a member of the management team.
- Required to work non-traditional hours; weekends, evenings, holidays; overtime may be required in this position.
- One to two years' experience in a focused, customer service oriented retail environment (preferably apparel/footwear) with results driven track record
- Proven ability to exceed sales goals, (previous work in a commission based position preferable), demonstrated ability to provide high levels of customer service, ability to reason through complex issues, demonstrates effective communication, ability to present information to large groups
- The ability to constantly walk and move about is required. This role involves frequent stationary standing, reaching, bending/twisting of head, maintaining balance while walking, occasional kneeling, crouching, climbing, bending/stooping at waist/torso and sitting to assist customers, pushing/pulling equipment such as shelving bays, dollies, carts, and racks with up to 20 pounds of force as well as lifting/carrying/placing boxes of product up to 30 pounds in weight at heights up to 131 inches while using a ladder.
- The role requires using ladder/step stool equipment, and maintaining the organization and cleanliness of the sales and stock area are also required. Environmental factors of action include operation of foot controls for operating mobile stock shelving bays and exposure to working at heights.
- Use of the following senses are critical to this position: speaking, hearing, near & far acuity, depth perception and field of vision.
- Cognitive factors critical to this function are: reading comprehension, basic math calculations, writing, complex problem solving and basic computer work.
PUMA supports over 14,000 employees across 120+ countries. The PUMA Group owns the brand PUMA, Cobra Golf and stichd, and is headquartered in Herzogenaurach, Germany.
PUMA is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. It is the policy of PUMA to prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to all persons without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, gender, physical or mental disability, veteran-status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state or local law.For additional information, please contact: firstname.lastname@example.com
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