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In a busy jobs market where opportunities are bountiful and your choices unlimited, it is of vital importance that as a candidate who is open to looking at new positions, you know precisely what it is that you're looking for before you begin your search for a new job. You will be courted by many in a buoyant jobseekers' market so deciding what roles are suited to you and what potential interviews you should be going for, is something that, as a candidate, you need to evaluate very clearly. Your time is precious so you cannot afford to be wasting it interviewing for jobs to which you are not suited.
Below are some useful tips to consider prior to deciding what roles you should be applying for, in addition to the thought process you should go through before deciding with whom you would like to engage.
Motivational Fit
You must ascertain very early in the process if the role is at the right level for you and therefore if the trajectory in terms of career is correct also. If you do not do this and then move into a role where you are carrying out the same duties as before there will be issues. This is because there will be no real prospects for you to move upwards within the company, meaning a bad move for you on a personal level. If your immediate supervisor is unlikely to be moving elsewhere soon, the move for you then, from a career point of view, will have been a bad one.
Think about what is important for you to gain in the next few years' experience wise. Look into what positions would help to achieve this and put your energy into submitting the best possible CV and cover letters to these companies.
Cultural Fit
You must know the culture of the company you are interviewing with and know that this is a culture to which you are suited. Think about previous positions you have held and map out the pros and cons of the culture. What did you like/dislike and what other companies have similar cultures to this? If you move to an organisation where the environment is formal for instance, with this being an environment that you are neither comfortable with nor even like, then you don't want to find this out when you start in the company on your first day. It is vital that you find this out from the company themselves, prior to agreeing to meet with them through asking the question or researching the company online through the likes of social media and news.
If you are availing of a professional recruitment company make sure to include this information when speaking with them and ask for help on doing research so that you are confident in your knowledge that this is the right company for you.
Competency Fit
Before you decide to go for an interview for a job, you must be 100% certain that you have the capabilities to be able to perform the tasks in question. Once again, your time is precious, so if you don't have the skills required to carry out the role, please don't waste your time by going forward for an interview for a position to which you are not suited. Also make sure that the job is on your level and not below it. Every job you move to should broaden your horizons and challenge you.
Ensure that you are provided with a comprehensive job specification for the role in question. Make sure to ask questions of either the company or the agency if any aspects of it seem ambiguous to you. It's far better to know that you can actually do the job prior to the interview, rather than finding this out on the day of the meeting itself. Clarity regarding the nature of the role is of key importance, prior to interviewing with any company for any job.
Posted by Recruitment Consultant, Sigmar on 1 December 2017
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5 Tips to Help you Pass your Probation
5 Tips to Help you Pass your Probation
Let's face it, probationary periods are hard. Whether you were unemployed or you moved jobs, you're going to put yourself under a lot of pressure to succeed in this new position and the added pressure of knowing you're on trial doesn't help. Here are some tips that will hopefully help you pass your probation with flying colours. 1. Dress to Impress Firstly, make sure your personal hygiene is impeccable. One of the worst office habits is bad body odour. Secondly, dress smart. Dressing well will impress your superiors and your fellow colleagues. It will also give a little extra confidence while you're finding your feet in your new job. 2. Timekeeping Traffic, public transport, school runs, they can be a nightmare in the mornings and we've all been there, but it's no excuse to be late for work constantly. Want to make a good impression and pass your probation? Be on time! Even if it means you have to leave earlier in the morning. If you want to make a good impression you have to make real effort and show you are reliable. Bad time-keeping is a pet hate for managers and it's a definite way to ensure you won't pass probation. If it does happen that you are late, show you understand that time-keeping and attendance matters and always inform your manager. 3. Holidays and Sick Leave Myth Obviously during probation, you want to make the best impression possible and you don't want to come across as someone who is not serious about their role. I have read several articles about probation, doing research for this blog and I've noticed that a lot of people say you shouldn't request time off under any circumstances. Probation periods can last between 6 – 11 months and that's too long a time to not take a day off. Don't be afraid to speak to your employer about taking annual leave. Ask them what the most important dates on the calendar are that you need to be in work for and request time off around those dates. You should consider one day at a time and not block booking, at least until the probationary period is over. As for sick leave, when you're sick there is very little you can do. Show your doctor's note and apologise to your employer for the inconvenience. Employers know when an employee is not taking their job serious and when they are out of work for disingenuous reasons. Be fair with yourself and your employer about time off and you will be fine. 4. Socialise Part of your probationary period is not just to see if you can do the job you've been hired to do, but to see if you gel with the rest of the staff and integrate with culture of the business. It can be hard to come into a new place where everyone knows everyone and you're the newbie but a little effort can go a long way. Go to work social events and ask different colleagues to lunch. Soon you won't feel like such an outcast and part of a team. This will go a long way with managers as well as your colleagues. 5. Stop Being so Hard on Yourself You were chosen for this job. YOU not anyone else. You applied for the job and out of all the applicants you were chosen for interview and after your interview process, you were the one they offered the job to. So well done. Give yourself a pat on the back for coming this far. It's so important during your probation to try steer your focus away from the negatives of being on trial and think of all the positives that got you the job in the first place. Cleary your employer saw something in you so why don't you try see it in yourself? Always remember that probation is for you too. It gives you a chance to see the company and the role first hand and decide if it's for you. Just as your employer can decide, you can also choose to leave at any time during your probation period. If you are considering leaving, get in touch with us at Sigmar and we can help you find something that will be a better fit.
Looking For a New Job? Here Are 5 Tips To Help You With Your Search
Looking For a New Job? Here Are 5 Tips To Help You With Your Search
Searching for jobs is a job in itself. It can be challenging and time consuming but there are ways of making the task a little easier. If you are planning on finding a new job, Sigmar Recruitment has devised a list of top 5 job searching tips to help you in your pursuit of the perfect job. 1. Get Employers to Come to You Uploading your CV online can increase your chances of being seen by employers. Most job searching websites like; Jobs.ie and Monster.ie allow jobseekers to create an online profile using their CV content. This online profile can then be viewed by potential employers and recruiters. There is also an option when you create your account to highlight specific jobs and organisations you're interested in and receive email notifications when positions become available. This is useful for any jobseeker as it does the hard work for you and allows relevant job vacancies to come directly to you. 2. Update Your LinkedIn Profile The first thing you should do before applying for a job is ensure your LinkedIn profile is up to date with all your relevant work experience. Often employers will search for you online while reviewing your CV. It's important to make sure your LinkedIn profile is up to date as it could be the reason you get called for an interview. Extra Tip: If you are unemployed and don't have an issue with making your employment status public, you may want to update your LinkedIn profile headline to something like, "Currently seeking (insert type of role here) in (insert location here)". This will let others know that you are currently job seeking. 3. Target the Right Companies It's important to know what type of company you are looking for. This all comes down to your personal preference. Knowing what you want will make it easier. Would you rather be; "a big fish in a little pond" or "a little fish in a big pond"? By eliminating the type of companies you don't want in your search, you will narrow down the available jobs suited to you. Extra Tip: If you know of a company you think you would like to work for, search for reviews of the company online. Glassdoor.com lets you search millions of reviews of companies that are all posted anonymously by employees. This is a great way to get an honest appraisal of organisations you're considering applying to or considering accepting an offer for. 4. Network Use the contacts you have to enquire about available jobs and get the word out that you're looking for a new position. Often jobs can be found through people we know so it's a good idea to get in touch with any relevant contacts you may have. Building on your current network can also give you an advantage in your job search. Attending conferences and job expos are a great way to network and find out about career opportunities. 5. Keep Positive Finding the perfect job isn't easy and may take time. As rejections start coming in, it's important to always try to stay positive. It's only natural for you to feel deflated when things aren't going according to plan but try to use the rejection as a motivation to work harder. The right job is out there for you and you will find it if you stay persistent and optimistic. Don't have the time to job search? If you find yourself not being able to find the time to search for jobs properly, you can contact us in Sigmar Recruitment. You can upload your details and CV to our website, create an online profile and one of our 125 specialist recruitment consultants will contact you to discuss potential job opportunities.
8 Reasons To Quit Your Job in 2018
8 Reasons To Quit Your Job in 2018
Every new year brings the opportunity for new beginnings and a fresh start. If you're reviewing your current situation and planning your new year's resolutions, your job could be a great place to start. Considering a new job is a big decision but there are some significant reasons why leaving your current job could be the best choice for you. 1. You no longer enjoy what you do If you're back in work this week after the new year and you're miserable already, it may be a good time to start rethinking your current job. On average, the working week is 37 hours and if you don't enjoy what you do, it's a long time to spend being unhappy. 2. There is no opportunity to progress in your role Experiencing a glass ceiling in your career can be very demotivating. Working hard every day while being unable to climb a career ladder and achieve your potential can feel very frustrating and it can be especially frustrating if you are seeing other colleagues and friends progressing in their careers. If you're unable to see an upward career path in your current position, there are two things for you to consider; changing jobs or returning to education to upskill and find work where you can progress. 3. Difficult work environment A difficult work environment can be tough to overcome. Unfortunately, some work cultures don't always value staff and their morale. If this is the case for you and your work place, the atmosphere can become quite unbearable. If you have tried to speak out about the issue and nothing has changed, a new job in a company with a reputable work environment could be the best move for you. 4. You don't respect or learn from your manager You don't always have to look up to your boss but it's important to respect your superior and feel you can learn from him/her. If the person you take direction from and report to is not someone you have a high regard for, it can make your work life quite difficult. If you feel negatively towards your boss, leaving your job could be what's best. 5. You aren't being paid what you are worth Money isn't everything but when it comes to your job it is very important. It's crucial to know your worth as an employee and to be valued by the company you work for. If you feel like you are being taken advantage of and your salary is not what it should be, then you may wish to consider a new job that offers a salary more suited to your experience. 6. You're no longer learning Do you find yourself doing the same thing in work every day? Have you been in the same job for a long period of time and can't remember the last time you learned something new? Are you bored in work and find every task seems to be more tedious than the last? If you answered yes to any or all of these questions, a new job opportunity could be the best thing for you. It's important to be challenged in your job to stay motivated. 7. You don't get along with your colleagues Securing a role that you love may not be enough to remain happy in your job. The saying often goes, "find a job you love and you'll never have to work a day in your life". However, not maintaining good relationships with your colleagues can negatively affect how you feel in the workplace. There's a lot more to job satisfaction than finding the right role. As there is a social aspect to work, it's important to mix well and get along with the people in your workplace. If this isn't achievable, it may be time to search for a new job. 8. You're only staying in your job because you're scared of change Change can be difficult but it shouldn't stop you from pursuing something new. If the only reason you haven't changed jobs is because you're scared of change, then you should make 2018 the year to take a leap and start a new job. Choosing to leave a job is a very personal decision and there are countless reasons why someone would want a new opportunity. It's always important to go with your gut though and do what's right for you. If you are considering changing jobs in 2018, upload your CV and let our 120 specialist recruitment consultants help you to find the job best suited for you.
How To Overcome First Day Nerves
How To Overcome First Day Nerves
You've been excited for weeks and the big day is almost here – first day on your new job! But all of a sudden you're overwhelmed with uncertainty and nerves. Who am I to ask for when I get there? Where do I park? What if I don't know what to do? What are my teammates names again? What if I'm not good enough? Ahh… where is the bathroom? We all experience first day nerves. It's to be expected – you want to make the best first impression possible. The better the impression you make the easier it will be to settle in as you rid yourself of nerves. So how do you guarantee a great first day? Simply by being organised. Be early! We've all been late to work before and the stress and strain we feel when we are late is not what you need on your first day. Set your alarm 30 minutes early and for your first morning aim to be 15-20 minutes early, this way if you do hit a traffic-jam or miss your bus, you've time to spare. Do your research Before you start, learn as much about the company as you can – names of the senior management team, who will be on your team, clients etc. First days on the job are normally overwhelming as you get reams of information thrown at you! Find out as much as possible in advance so you're not stunned. Get your bearings Come in early or stay late one of your first days to figure out where everything is i.e. where the stationery cupboard or the printer are, can you leave food in the staff kitchen etc. The more comfortable you are with your environment, the sooner you won't feel as awkward. Don't be afraid to ask questions No one expects you to know everything on your first day so if you're unsure of anything, make sure to ask! It's best to make sure you're doing things right than finding out later on and having to start all over again. Make Connections Everyone will go out of their way to make you feel welcome on your first day so see this as an opportunity to make connections with your colleagues. Don't be afraid to introduce yourself to people and try to get to know them. Also be aware of the company culture, is it a sociable company? If it is try and make it out for Friday evening drinks, often this can be one of the best environments to get to know your colleagues. Finally while you may feel like the newbie now, in a few weeks time it will be like you've always been there.
5 Ways To Control Your Inbox
5 Ways To Control Your Inbox
We get a lot of emails. A LOT. Probably more than we can handle. And smartphones haven't helped with constant access to your emails, along with social media apps sending you a notification every time someone even thinks about you. So rather than moaning about the number of emails you have, why not re-evaluate your email habits and see what changes you can make. Here are some tips we've put together to give you a helping hand. 1. Unsubscribe Email subscriptions is one of the biggest causes of unwanted emails so take a little time out to start unsubscribing. You'd be amazed at the amount of things you may have signed up to months or even years ago that you just automatically delete without thinking about it e.g. Google alerts, online shopping offers, group alerts from LinkedIn. Just think, is it something you absolutely HAVE to be notified about? Will the world end if you catch up on those offers in your own time, by actually logging in to the website and having a look for yourself? Probably not. 2. Send less emails It seems obvious but sometimes you don't need to reply to every email. Responding leads to responses so just assume the other person doesn't want as many emails in their inbox as well and you may notice things slowing down. This doesn't mean you have to be rude; perhaps pick up the phone? You can say things far more effectively and save time by having a two minute call rather than a 20 email conversation. Besides, with email and chat taking over, a little social interaction is long overdue. 3. Chat A big part of email issues can be being included on email trails between colleagues that have no real bearing on the work day. Office chat and banter is great for morale but not great for productivity. It may be a good idea to remove yourself from group emails and avoid being overloaded by office spam. Management often see this sort of spam as negative for business and reflects badly on you so be selective in how many group emails you are involved in. 4. CC Folder A great trick is to create a folder where any email you have been cc'd on goes in to a separate folder, which you can view when you have the time. Let people know you're doing this though so as to ensure you're not missing important emails or deadlines. It will make a huge difference to your inbox and your workload. And also, don't cc people who don't have a real interest or bearing on the topic. Put yourself in their shoes – I'm sure they are also sick of being cc'd on emails. 5. Don't delete Lastly, deleting emails is the most effective way of clearing your inbox but when you're trying to find something from 2 months ago usually the easiest thing to do is ask whomever sent it to you to re-send right? Wrong. You now have that email twice, for no good reason. Start saving emails in folders. Not just in your inbox but on your hard drive.
10 Ways To Be A Superhero At Work (Infographic)
10 Ways To Be A Superhero At Work (Infographic)
Check out 10 ways you can become a superhero at work and become the employee that your employer really wants to hold on to! Being a superhero employee isn't about becoming the "perfect" employee and you don't need to develop extra special powers to achieve this. It's about using your initiative and working diligently.


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Misc. Unsigned Bands - Angels Let Go
Angels Let Go(Difficulty: undetermined)
This song I made up not long ago for my un-named band. This is my first tab that im on ultimate-guitar. Since im new here, I wanted everybody to get a good glimpse in what kind music I write. This is my 3rd song I wrote. I have the lyrics (guitaretab.com)

subset: commoncrawl


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Chapter 3 : No good, Vanglet.
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Classes I do believe are the worst part of the day. Not only did they stick me in classes with every one else my age who are much more advanced and knowledgeable and make me feel stupid but all of those Gryfindors, Ravenclaws and Hufflepuffs spit on me and make me feel small. I swear the only descent ones in this school are in Slytherin. I'm trying my best not to give a reaction and get mad. If I act in violence I'll be what they're all accusing me to be. No if I want to clear the name of Vampires I'm going to have to take it. Take it in silence.
I had just endured the most humiliating and horrible time in potions. I'm so glad I have lunch next. Looks like Regulus got out of the class faster then I thought.
"Reg-" I stopped. I was on a first name bases right? Maybe if I use his last name in a sort of joking matter…yea I'll do that. "Black wait up!" I called down. He stopped. I ran up next to him. "Sorry I didn't know if we were on a first-" I stopped again. That wasn't Regulus. "Oh I'm sorry. I thought you were someone else." I muttered to my shoes.
"It's al right love. My name is black. I'm just not my brother. I am however some what insulted." He ran a hand through his hair. "I look way better than that prat of a brother of mine."
My mouth went a little askew. I thought I heard them say he was rude and stupid the other night. I also recall them calling him ugly. They defiantly need their glasses checked.
"Oh. Your that Vampire girl aren't you?" He said not sounding scared or disgusted.
"Yeah… How'd you guess?" I actually wanted to know.
"Besides the fact you have a kick me I'm I psycho Vampire sign on you back," he started, while taking the sign off. "Close your mouth it's not polite to gawk. Even if I'm extremely attractive." He finished pushing my jaw up. I almost didn't hear the part because, it wasn't meant to be heard only muttered.
"What makes you think you are?" I asked. He looked stunned I heard it then even more stunned when he realized I called him on it.
"What makes you think I'm not?" Good come back actually I always like the answer the question with a question technique.
" You're ego." I said before brushing past him to catch up with Bellatrix and the rest of the girls in my dorm.
We had almost reached the doors to the great hall when some one picked me up. Literally picked me up. I wiped my head to see who had decided to make me airborne. I didn't recognize him but it was obvious he was seventeen. He pushed the doors open.
"Look what I've caught! A little devil." He announced to the hall. Well I thought of it this way at least my face got some color into it. Even if it was red. Every one was laughing at me I struggled to get down but his grip was like iron. Not even the teachers were trying to make him put me down. This sucked suddenly a voice rang out.
"Enough, you had your fun put her down Prongs." A boy who was reading a book motioned with his hand to put me down.
" Oh 'c'mon Moony. Why? Even Lily flower likes this one." The one who was caring me complained.
"Because I am Moony that's why." He stressed the word moony as if it was supposed to mean something. At least it worked with out a second thought the boy put me down.
"I'm sorry." He scuffed out.
"It's alright." I replied. Always forgive your enemies, never forget their names. It was Prongs right? I think that was it.
I walked over to the Slytherin table. The girls were muttering something between themselves. I heard one of them say 'give her a week.' What were they planning? Or were they just betting how long I could stand this?
During launch people decided I was their new trashcan and pored ketch-up and other gross things all over me. Did these people even have souls? I sat there I didn't react in hope of them leaving me alone.
"GO home! No one wants you here!" Some yelled at me when I got up to leave.
"Yeah! No one wants you why are you even here?"
"GO HOME!" People were yelling at me and I felt tears roll down my check. Why? Why did I have to be cursed with this? Why couldn't I have been normal? I felt my feet going faster.
"VANGLET!" I covered my eyes with my hands trying to wipe away the tears that were now steadily flowing down my cheek. Vanglet was like Mudblood. I very bad name for Vampires who had Magic. Then the voices stopped. I also landed with a hard thump on the floor.
" ENOUGH SILENCE!" I looked up my vision still blurry with tears. I saw an old man looking very disappointed and angry. " Is this what you were taught? To treat other living humans as scum?! I am disappointed in you all. Especially the teachers. You tried not to stop this madness." There was a long pause and then the old man reached down and offered me his hand. I accepted and pulled my self up. I mouthed the words thank you sir. And walked out of the great hall.
I skipped my afternoon classes. I couldn't bear to stay subject to their ridicule and torment.
A/N Awe Dumbledore to the rescue! Sirius Remus and James are now in her tell me what you think. Good? Bad? Need Revisions? Review it will make me happyJ
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According to reports, cornered by cheaper imports of finished products in the solar power sector, including solar panels, domestic manufacturers see their only hope in anti-dumping laws in India and elsewhere.
While India commenced its anti-dumping probe against import of solar panels in November last year, the European Union (EU) has recently decided to impose anti-dumping tariffs against Chinese imports.
"With these anti-dumping moves, the Chinese manufacturers are looking at entering collaborations with the local manufacturers as the Indian export channel do not attract anti-dumping laws for these products in the US or in the Europe," Rao SYS Chodagam, founder and managing director of Hyderabad-based Titan Energy Systems Limited, said on the sidelines of a workshop here on Monday.
In fact, a large Chinese player has already approached three Indian companies, including Titan Energy Systems for setting up a 500 Mw capacity, he said, refusing to reveal the name of the company.
Despite the recent boom in the solar power sector in the country, the capacity utilisation at the facilities of domestic manufacturers is still hovering at 10 per cent, according to him. In a latest example of complete domination by the imported equipment, a 900-Mw solar power project executed recently in Gujarat has a share of only 15 per cent domestic equipment while China and the US accounted for 45 per cent and 40 per cent respectively of the equipment supplies, he said.
Domestic players have not been able to compete with the imports also because there is no duty on finished products but at the same time there are duties ranging between 23 per cent and 25 per cent on raw material imported by the local manufacturers in solar photo voltaic power modules and panels, according to the industry representatives.
In Andhra Pradesh, the government had recently unveiled a programme to encourage the establishment of 1,000 Mw installed capacity in solar power by the private sector besides announcing a policy to encourage roof-top solar units.
The New and Renewable Energy Development Corporation of Andhra Pradesh (Nedcap) has requested the state government to extend the current subsidies to 3 KwH from the present 1 KwH for grid-connected roof-top solar units. The move may further encourage people to go for rooftop solar units as they can sell unused power to the power utilities. " We expect a decision in this regard soon," Kamalakar, managing director of Nedcap, told reporters.
The five-day workshop is being organised by the Gujarat Energy Research and Management Institute (Germi). It covers areas, including design, technology and applications of the solar power sector.


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New River Imports
Welcome to New River Imports. Our friendly associates will help you find the car you want at a price you can afford. Our 32 years of experience and commitment to quality have earned us thousands of loyal customers throughout the Tri-state area. We now bring that same great service to you online. Through the Internet, we can respond to your needs quickly and make purchasing your next vehicle a hassle-free experience.
Every vehicle we sell has passed a Virginia State inspection, as well as a Autocheck report.
All Retail Sales however are stated AS-IS.


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Joined: 18 April 2007
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Part 4
Mahi was literally fuming after her conversation with Shabd. Woh apne aap ko kya samajta hai! Luckily, mujhse isse phir baat karni nahin hai!
As she walked towards her parents she saw their happy faces and was herself touched. A bright smile put a glow to her beautiful face and she started to talk to them until her sister came back with Veer. He wanted to be introduced to Mouni and Brij; Shabd and Suhani were with him.
' Bauji, yeh Veer Malhotra hai,' Soni said shyly, ' aur yeh hain unki behan aur dost.' And even before Brij could say anything Shabd and Veer touched his feet for ashirwaad.
' Jeetey raho,' a surprised but pleased Brij answered, for it was getting rare to see young people to behave so respectfully towards elders. Only Suhani stood there like a haughty statue. She wasn't even looking at them! It was only when Veer nudged her for what seemed like the 100th time that she only said a very arrogant ' Namaste'. Suhani had, seemingly, worn a sari but it couldn't have shown more skin. And it was as if her face was covered with hundreds of layers of powder! She looked more like she had come from the circus than from a beauty parlour!
' Soni ne mujhse kaha ke aapne iss shaadi mein kitni arrangements ki hain... Main to dekhta hi rehgaya uncle!' Veer grinned. He already liked Brij and Mouni! Brij smiled, ' Dhanyavaad puttar. Lekin mere saath Mahi bhi hai. Decorations ka pura kaam isi ne kii hain,' he said proudly while looking at Mahi,' Bauji... aap bhi ' she added quickly.
' Uncle, kya main Soni ke saath phir se dance kar sakta hoon?' Veer asked tentatively until Brij nodded.
'Shabd tum bhi chalo! Soni ki behan, Mahi, ko invite karo!' Veer asked happily to his friend. The latter was taken aback. He wasn't at ease in all this and he stammered, ' Woh... dance...' He blushed a bit as Mahi looked at him questioningly, ' Waise.. yeh .. dance... mujhe... nahin aati'
' Mahi tumhe sikha degi,' said Soni, receiving angry looks from her sister.
' Waise bhi I'm not that good at dancing, but thanks anyway,' he finished quickly and then walked away from there with Suhani trailing after him like a puppy.
Secretly relieved, Mahi whispered to Soni, ' Mr Khadoos!... Tum log jao, waise Veer besarbhi se tera intezaar kar raha hai' Soni blushed like a beetroot and went hand in hand with Veer. Not too long later, someone asked Mahi to dance and she agreed much to the disappointment of a certain tall, handsome man... While Veer was doting on Soni, Mahi was quite unaware that she was the object of interest to Shabd. She had noticed him staring at her a couple of times but that he should do that out of dislike was curious, she told to herself.
He watched as the four danced but his eyes narrowed on Mahi who was dancing with much enthusiasm. Amazing... Shabd thought... her eyes' colour change with each emotion she expresses. When he had caught her near the stairs, they were chocolate brown, when she was angry they took a darker shade and when she smiled mysteriously they were of a bright light brown.
' I think I can guess what you're thinking' Suhani in a voice that sounded more shrilly than seductive. She moved closer to him. She had been trying for now 2 years to change Shabd's friendly feelings for her into something deeper. She too had noticed how he behaved strangely around the Mohan girl, as she called Mahi in her head. Shabd had never looked at her with so much intensity!
' Huh?' Shabd came out of his thoughts... Funny, I've been dreaming quite a lot recently!
' You're thinking how boring this wedding is. And how petty these decorations look' Suhani said. She deliberately mentionned the 'decorations' because Mahi had made them.
' Ek dum galat! In fact, I feel this wedding is one of the most interesting weddings I've attended. And the decorations are just superb. You should be less critical Suhani for you may not be able to do as well as these people.... Aur haan, asal mein I was meditating how fascinating beautiful eyes can be'
' Can we know who is being praised so much?'
' Mahi' And with this Shabd left a jealous Suhani to meet up with Veer and the others.
I won't let anybody snatch you from me Shabd! Never! Suhani thought as she clenched her hands.
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' Kya? aap bhi Festival mein jaa rahe hain?' Veer couldn't believe his ears! He had started to feel gloomy when the wedding was coming at it's end. But when Mahi told him that Soni and her were going to the Festival in Goa, he was more than ecstatic as Shabd, Suhani and him were to go there too! Soni and him in the sunny Goa! He was feeling dreamy just at the thought of it! ' Hum bhi jaa rahe hain! Wow! How nice! Tab to hum sab saat chaleingey!' he told everyone in a voice that ruled out any objections. Shabd, on the other hand, felt powerful emotions in him. Was it excitement and happiness? Surely! Goa was one of his favourite places in the whole world. Maybe Mahi would discover the real him there?
' To hum kahan milengey do din baad?' Veer asked
' We'll pick you up,' said Shabd abruptly. Veer, surprised, looked from his friend to the two sisters and back again. ' Hmm.. okay then. So two days later, we're going to Goa!' Veer replied.
Mahi liked Veer- he was bubbly, talkative but most importantly sincere and it was obvious that he already doted on Soni. In a way she was excited to be in Goa with her sister and him but when she realised that Shabd would be there too she was less keen to go. He was so arrogant! So opinionated. If they had to spend more time together, her blood pressure would surely rise to an all time high with their constant fighting. If only his eyes were not so innocent, she thought... When she looked at them she felt those tingles spread through her again. Mr Khadoos!
To be continued...
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Part 5
Note:The Goa Festival was an annual competition. People from all around the country came and faced each other in pairs in a series of challenges which could range from treasure hunting to races. After many months of buttering and discussions, Soni and Mahi had been able to convince their parents to let them go. Veer and Shabd on the other hand had participated last year and they were now accustomed to the pace of the competition. Needless to say that Suhani was not too keen to come for in her own words she wasn't ' going to ruin her make-up and heels,' But when she got whiff that Mahi was participating, she immediately insisted to do too.
Two days later, two cars reached the Mohan Nivaas. Mahi and Soni came out of their house dressed casually followed by Mouni and Brij. Veer and Shabd greeted them; Veer warmly and Shabd with slightly more reserve. But it was obvious that he felt more comfortable now in their presence as he started to converse with Brij on a rather friendly note. Mahi noticed it and was evermore confused. How could someone be reserved and arrogant at one moment and be friendlier in another? Some time later, Mahi came out with her bag,' Uff! Kitna bhari hain-' Her sentence remained unfinished as Shabd stopped her in her tracks and took her bag, ' Mujhe de do, Mahi'
His voice... it was different and on top of that he was smiling! For a moment, Mahi was struck by how handsome he really. His features were more approachable and there was a gleam surrounding him. ' You should smile more, you look really nice,' escaped her before she could stop herself and her cheek took a rosy shade. Shabd, surprised that Mahi had given him a compliment, grinned from one ear to the other!
' Soni, Mahi... apna khayal rakhna.. Aur wahan aate hi humein phone kar lena, theek hai?' Brij knew the girls would be able to look after themselves but as a father, he was bound to have feel some fear. And in any way he had thoroughly checked in the backgrounds of the two men...
' Haan Bauji! Aur aap apni medicines lena,' Soni told him.
In the train, Soni, Veer and Suhani were in one compartment together and Mahi and Shabd in another. Veer and Soni kept talking about all and nothing.
' Tum kabhi Goa nahin gayi, Soni?' Veer was surprised, his brown eyes amused, ' It's okay, I'll...we'll show you around.' He was encouraged to continue as Soni's interest was piqued'
' And what are the main attractions there?'
'Hmm... Main jaanta hoon ke wahan par beaches acchi hain and so on .. magar jo mujhe sabse acha lagta hai wo hai wahan ke sunsets! Soni,' he shifted from his seat to move closer to her, ' I'm sure you'll love it! I hope I don't seem too simple or stupid!' He joked, his hand ruffling his hair and making it more disorderly.
' Never,' she assured him. He noticed some shyness in her voice and his heart fluttered.
But the situation was completely different in Mahi and Shabd's compartment. There silence was the ruler. Mahi was reading her book, Pride and Prejudice, whereas Shabd was working his way through some office papers. She occasionally looked away, enjoying the scenery that was moving away in front of her. He tried to concentrate in his work but she was just there, only a few steps away. So how was he supposed not to look at the way her eyes frowned when she read something serious or when an amused smile would reach her when she came across a witty banter? But she did notice him too with his sharp nose, seemingly, delved in his papers- he was calm unlike the wedding day...
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As soon as they had reached their hotel and finished unpacking they went to put their names in the competition. Once there Veer had made Soni his partner, ' Soni, tum meri partner banogi?'
' Of course,' she said with a bit too much enthusiasm; she controlled her excitement,' But I'm warning you, I'm not that good in the obstacle race,'
' It's more than okay.. because I'm not good at races painting!' he assured her with a good laugh. ' Anyways, that leaves you three,' Suhani, Shabd and Mahi couldn't have formed a more awkward picture. Suhani wanted to be with Shabd who longed to be with Mahi who wished to be with neither of them! A desperate Suhani had already opened her mouth when she was cut by Shabd,' Mahi?' He held his hand.
At that moment he looked so adorable in his baggy pant and shirt that Mahi could not refuse him. Plus she didn't feel that Suhani and her would make a winning combination, The witch and the Wit, Mahi repressed her giggle when the thought came to her, ' Sure,' she said holding Shabd's hand. This sounds interesting, Mr Khadoos and The Witty one! Mahi smirked but didn't notice that Shabd's cheekbones had taken colour....
Suhani, however was left alone, fuming in her own world. How dare she! Guess she was supposed to find a partner from other people like her around.
Mahi was the last one to sign her name in the registrar and as she walked towards their car to join the others someone bumped into her.
'OH! I'm so sorry!'
A voice with a deep timbre resonated in her ears. She was in front of a young man who was probably 25 but who didn't look more than 20! He was handsome, not as much as Shabd, but he had pleasing features. He had light brown eyes and a fine nose and lips but tall, much taller than her, but again slightly less than Shabd. He had the most amazing smile.
' I'm very very sorry!'
'It's okay... really' she said amused.
' Are you participating in the Festival too?' he asked suddenly and without any reserves. He obviously felt no hesitation in asking a stranger such question but then he was so friendly that even Mahi was charmed into forgiving him this easiness.
' I am.. you ?'
' I am.. I'm-' he suddenly stopped, 'Sorry I have to go.. Guess I'll see you then!' And off he went hastily after flashing her a smile.
Mahi grinned and looked at Shabd who was talking to Veer with a lot of ease. She wondered how someone bubbly like Veer could be best friends with a reserved man like Shabd. But then, it seemed like they were brothers! She blushed faintly as she looked at Shabd. He sure was different from her but when they had talked( or rather fought) during the wedding, she had felt like if he was different, things between them might have been different... She then turned to see the mysterious man who she had just met and wondered when she would really meet him again.
To be continued....
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Part 6
The next day rose with a bright sunshine and everyone's mind was buzzing with the excitement of the Festival. Today, there was the first round of qualifying competitions which was about rowing from the beach to the nearest islet. The first 50 pairs would be qualified to the next round which would take place the next day. As it was, Soni and Mahi were already confident. Back in Bhatinda, they had pestered their cousins until they had agreed to show them all kinds of sports ranging from football to cricket!
' Soni, main kya karungi Shabd ke saath? Ab to main phas chuki!' Mahi told her sister on her way to the beach.
' To tumne haan kyun ki? Mana kar deti,' Soni replied.
' Oho meri pyaari Soni! Mera saath to tumne chod diya apne pyaare Veer ko dekhkar...' Mahi teased her. She knew Soni so well that she already noticed that she felt something for Veer. Despite that, Soni could have stayed as Mahi's partner, but Soni was so good-natured that she just couldn't say no to someone, specially to Veer.
' To Suhani ko choose karna tha!'
' Kkkyaa! Ussey!' Mahi laughed out loud while Soni giggled her way out of a crowd, ' Aggar mein uske saath hoti, to beech Mount Everest par mujhese kehti, " Mahiii., yeh kya hai? Mountain hai ya hill?" ' Mahi imitated Suhani to such perfection that this time Soni too laughed so hard that people around them started to stare at them!
Curious to know who was laughing so hard, Veer, Shabd and Suhani walked faster to join the sisters. The three had different reponses. Veer was in obvious awe, Suhani's nose was so crinkled it showed her disapproval.... Shabd, on the other hand, was the one who had the expression the most difficult to understand. It was a mixture of fascination and curiosity.
In a few moments' time, they were all seated in their 'canoes' preparing to start. Veer and Soni were perfectly complementing each other. Veer started to talk about Mumbai while Soni watched him( she liked to listen to him) while Shabd stared at them... With Mahi, things were quite different. He knew that she would not be like Suhani, poking her nose up whenever there's something tough coming up. Mahi was strong-willed, independent but also with a heart of gold. And he could say whenever he had watched the sisters together. They would always field for each other; Mahi was always mingling happily with one and all while Soni was taking care of everybody.
Suhani had turned out with a random guy she had picked up around. He was so lanky and devoid of energy that her choice revealed her desperation to keep up with Mahi.
Mahi brushed her hands together in excitation! This is what I've come for! What an electric atmosphere. Jaane wo ladka kahan hoga?... She looked around but in vain. With the crowd that there was, it was nearly impossible to see him!
' 1...2....3... Go!' A loud gun shot sounded through the air, finally leaving way for everyone's adrenaline to give them an extra courage.
Veer and Soni started in harmony with him obviously bringing in his natural chirpiness. In the other two's boat, however, the air was heating up! Mahi and Shabd were not coordinated at all. Both were rowing at their pace, not coming to terms. It was clear that the Mumbai-arranged-marriage fight was not off yet.
' Tum kyun alag si speed se jaa raho ho?!' both said at once, frustration straining their voices.
' Shabd, zaraa dheere chalo!'
' Mahi, tum apna haath aise turn karo... tumhara yeh movement ek dum theek nahin hai!' Shabd retorted; her only response was to roll her eyes God! Kitne ziddi hai yeh ladki! 'Mahi!'
' Haan haan, meri rowing to tumare sherar ki ladkiyoon se accha to nahin hoga!'
He momentarily froze. She still remembered that and it was indeed a bitter memory for her. How wrong she is! She's rowing so well, usski hand movements ko sirf thori polishing ki zaroorat hain... Galti to ek side meri hain.. I should have told it to her in a nicer way...
' Mahi, you're way better than a million girls,' he said, being the only one to understand the true meaning to the statement. Mahi, who was trying to push away her exasperation at his 'arrogance' and their 75th position in the race, was more than surprised. His voice was deeper with a note of gentleness that took her breath away. What can he mean by that?
' Sach?' she asked, still not believing that he had praised her!
' Mooch!' he grinned, ' Zara apni left mein dekho'
Suhani was just there with her weird partner who seemed lost as ever. He heard her shout 'Ahh!!! This wind! My hair!!!'
Mahi didn't even try to repress her amusement! Her laugh broke out loud soon joined by that of Shabd's. Her eyes, already bright by the rowing turned brighter to a lighter browny shade. Shabd too was so relaxed in her presence that they both forgot their bantering.
' I'm sorry!' they said together again! And they laughed again, forgetting that they were in the middle of the sea and competing to reach the next round.
' Mahi, dekho... Main jaanta hoon ki hum race mein peeche hain.. But nothing's lost yet. I'll go at the same speed as you and-'
' And I'm willing to learn your rowing movement thing!.. par haan zara jaldi se dikhana warna haarna sa bhura hum Suhani se haar jaayeingey!' she joked.
' Are agar yeh hogaya to ho mujhe chain se nahin rehne nahin degi!'
He showed her quickly the movement as they were both unaware how comfortable they were once they had shed their stubborness. And thus they set off! They continued their jokes not realising that they had quickly run up to the 45th place and finally to the 15th one! In those moments, there was so much ease... they were one... perfectly coordinated to each other's thoughts on the next moves... and it seemed that friendship had decided to blossom during the most unexpected occasion.
Suhani miraculously attained the 45th place... but then, some participants had seen their boats sink in mysterious conditions...Veer and Soni came out 5th but they too had their special moments. Veer was impressed as he saw Soni take her share of the work with seriousness and she was good at rowing that he was forced to admit that she was one of the most amazing girls he had ever met.
Back on the beach, Mahi and Shabd were ecstatic.
' Shabd.. hum log 15th place par hai!' Mahi said to him with the happiest of voices.
' Yeah, it's great!' he answered, 'I heard that tomorrow we'll be having a paintball match,' he answered. He hesitated for an infinitesimal moment. But then he knew that Mahi was different and contined, ' Jaanta hoon ke yeh zara childish lagta hai lekin paintball is one of my favourite pastimes,'
' I didn't know that.. Main to tumhe aur type ke sports mein dikhti thi..' Mahi said frankly, ' But,' she didn't let him feel disheartened, ' You know what? Mujhe yeh tumara yeh side pasand hai!'
Shabd's sudden chirpiness had to recede when he heard her first words but then returned and that too with a renewed force! I knew it! I just knew she was different!
' Aur, Shabd, tumne yeh kyun kaha ke yeh childish hai? I think it's really very cool!' And with that she grinned.
' Sach?' He approached her and Mahi noticed that his voice had again an endearing but very attractive timbre.
' Mooch!'
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It has been a month since Larry passed away and it still doesn't feel real. I picture him in the hospital bed, wasting away, in such pain and I can't help but feel relief that he is beyond that.
I look at my boys and realize that soon I will be on my own. Robby leaves to go back to college in a few weeks and Johnny will be starting his senior year in high school. Both boys are busy with work and friends and that is the way that it should be.
I feel that I am staring at an open door, not sure what is beyond it. I have been spending my days dealing with the paperwork that accompanies death, writing thank you notes and trying to get a little bit organized.
There is a part of me that is looking forward to this new phase in my life. Obviously I wish Larry were here to share it with me, but I know that he is watching out for me. I wonder what I will do, what I will become.
One thing I feel fairly certain of is that I will not be alone. My friends have rallied around me. I had dinner last night with the Nancy's. They are two of my best friends, both named Nancy, hence The Nancys. And I said to them "I'm not afraid of falling because I know you will be there to help me up."
I read the comments that are left for the blog and they touch my heart. I read the cards and letters from some of you and I am astounded at the kindness and compassion that is being sent my way. I feel that this blog has brought me into a whole new world. And for that I am grateful.
Thank you for being with me as the roller coaster ride continues.


text:
(For more resources on iPhone, see here.)
The design phase of development is typically where we take into account any element of an application that may have a significant impact on the overall architecture of the final product. Project structuring, required functions, preferred features, hardware specifications, interoperability, and logical limitations are all factors that should be considered within this phase.
Elements not regularly included during the design phase may include visuals, color schemes, intricate feature details, and other interchangeable aspects of the final product. When designing with performance in mind, you must take into account the desired characteristics and levels of performance you are looking to achieve in your application. Knowing precisely where your application's performance needs are and focusing greater attention in those areas is the basic premise of the performance-tuning concept.
Identifying areas where performance tuning is necessary in many circumstances may be the most difficult part. Obvious areas like memory, database, and network communications may stand out and be somewhat simple to diagnose, however, less common user interface or architectural issues may require profiling and even user feedback for identification. For instance, a database-laden application would be expected to be as optimized as possible for efficient querying, while an application tailored towards video recording and playback may not necessarily require a focus on database efficiency. Similarly a project, which may end up with as little as a few thousand lines of source code may not require a great deal of project structuring and framework planning, while a much larger project will need more time dedicated to these areas.
Overloading your application and testing for weaknesses by pushing it beyond its capabilities can prove to be extremely valuable. As an example, databases and table views can be loaded with overly large datasets to identify missing keys or object misuse. The design phase may help you identify potential bottlenecks giving you an opportunity to alter the layout and design of your project before any development has taken place and it becomes too cumbersome to resolve in the midst of coding. Bottlenecks that are unavoidable can be highlighted as areas in your application, which you may want to spend more time squeezing efficiency from. Bottlenecks, which are identified early, stand a good chance of being resolved much easier than waiting until after an applications project is secured and in motion.
Preparing the project
To take full advantage of Xcode means to understand in depth the philosophy behind the Xcode user interface. Becoming proficient with Xcode will have a great impact on your effectiveness as a developer. Like any tool, knowing its capabilities as well as its limitations allows you to make smarter decisions, quicker.
A car is not designed from the interior to the exterior or from the roof to the tires; it is designed from the core outward. Any good vehicle gets its start from a well engineered, tested, and proven frame. The frame is the single key component to which all other components will be bolted and attached. A poor frame design will lead to various structural issues, which in turn lead to more granular problems as these components get further away from the frame.
An application project is quite similar, without a solid frame to build an application upon; the quality of the final product will surely be affected. Source code, files, and other resources become cluttered, which has the potential to create similarly damaging granular issues later on in the development lifecycle.
Just like one single automotive frame is not the answer for every vehicle on the road, developers are free to organize a project in the way that is most beneficial for the application as well as the workflow and preference of the developer.
Although refactoring has come a long way and making organizational project changes during the development phase can be done, it is highly recommended that project decisions be made early on to limit problems and keep productivity as high as possible. A large portion of project management as far as iOS applications are concerned are handled by and through Xcode, Apple's standard integrated development environment.
Xcode is an extremely powerful and feature rich integrated development environment with dozens of configuration options that directly affect an individual project. Xcode is not limited to iOS development and is quite capable of creating virtually any type of application including applications for OS X, command-line utilities, libraries, frameworks, plugins, kernel extensions, and more. Xcode is regularly used as a development environment for varying compiled languages as well as nearly all mainstream scripting languages.
For those of you who keep regular tabs on Apple and Xcode, you are more than likely well aware of the release of Xcode 4 and may have actually followed it throughout the beta process as well. Xcode 4 is an entire rewrite of the popular development environment, making needed changes to a tool that was begging for upgrades. Xcode 4 follows the paradigm of single window applications, in which all development and testing is performed within the single Xcode 4 interface. Most notable is the integration of interface builder into the core Xcode 4 interface, which brings all of the functionality of these previously separate tools together, integrating them completely.
Xcode's abilities far surpass the needs that developing an iOS application requires and it is again very important to understand the development environment in great detail in order to maximize its benefits. One particularly useful project configuration option is the ability to treat compiler warnings as errors. Warnings are the compilers way of telling the developer that something is happening that it may not understand or that it's just not bad enough to prevent an application from running, but still noteworthy to inform the developer.
Good programming practice suggests, every developer strive to produce warning free code. Warning free code is simply healthy code and the practice of resolving warnings as early as possible is a habit that will ultimately help in producing code that performs well.
Within the Build Settings for a specific target, we can enable the Treat Warnings as Errors option to nudge us in the proper direction for maintaining healthy code. Although this feature can have a slight impact on development and testing time, it comes highly recommended and should be considered for developers interested in high quality and well performing code.
In addition to helping create higher quality code, it's a forced education that may be priceless for career programmers and weekend code warriors alike. It is shown in the following screenshot:
Project organization
Every feature, function, and activity that is performed within Xcode revolves around the project. Much like any other project concept we have been exposed to, Xcode uses projects to organize files, resources, and properties for the ultimate purpose of creating applications and products.
For most intents and purposes, the default project settings of Xcode will be sufficient enough for the average developer to create a multitude of applications with relatively little issue. However, we are interested not in achieving averages but in tuning, optimizing, and grabbing every bit of performance possible. We're also interested in streamlining the development process as much as we can. This is precisely why a better than average understanding of the development environment we will be working in is critical.
Obviously, the majority of an application project is going to be made up of its classes, libraries, and other source code specific components. Organization of source code is a core principle for any project that is more than a handful of classes and libraries. Once a project begins to mature into dozens or hundreds of files, the importance of well-organized code becomes more apparent. Inevitably, without some type of organizational form, source code, and general project resources become unruly and difficult to find. We've all experienced giant monolithic source code and project structures with resources wildly strewn about without order. Personally, I find this level of chaos revolting and believe order and organization to be a few of the many characteristics of quality.
Project structure
Xcode's project source code structure is an open canvas, one that doesn't force a developer to use any particular method for organizing code. Unlike various programming environments, Xcode provides the freedom for a developer to build in virtually any way they like.
While this level of freedom allows a developer to use the project structure that best fits their style and experience, it leaves plenty of room for mess and confusion if not entirely setting them up for failure. The solution to this problem is to have a well organized and thought out plan of action for how a project and its resources will be laid out.
Remember that not a single project structure will work, nor should it work for every proposed project, however, knowing what options are available and the positive and negative effects they might have is quite important. To understand the basic principles of how to organize an Xcode project, we must first understand how a default Xcode project is structured.
Remember that not a single project structure will work, nor should it work for every proposed project, however, knowing what options are available and the positive and negative effects they might have is quite important. To understand the basic principles of how to organize an Xcode project, we must first understand how a default Xcode project is structured.
Following is a screenshot of a new default Xcode project in which the structure in the left-panel appears to be well organized:
Contrast the logical organization of the Xcode interface with the project's underlying file structure and the grouping principle becomes clearer. Xcode stores the logical reference of the project's underlying file structure and uses groups to help developers visualize order within the development environment. In other words, what you see within Xcode is not what is actually happening on disk. The structure within Xcode is comprised of references to the disks, files, and directories. This additional layer of abstraction allows developers to group or relocate project's resources within Xcode for easier management, but not effect the actual disk structure of the project as shown in the following screenshot:
At first glance, the underlying structure looks rather clean and simplistic, but imagine this directory in a few days, weeks, or even months time with dozens of more classes and resources.
Now, one might argue that as long as the logical representation of the project is clear and concise that the underlying file architecture is unimportant. While this might be true for smaller and less complicated application projects, as a project grows in size there are many factors to consider other than how data is represented within a development environment.
Consider the impact that a flat storage architecture might have throughout the life of an Xcode project. The free naming of classes and other resources may be significantly limited as all files are stored within the same base folder.
Additionally, browsing source code within a source code repository like GitHub and Google Code may become difficult and tedious.
Choosing exactly how a project is laid out and how its components will be organized is akin to selecting the right vehicle frame for which our project will be based from.
(For more resources on iPhone, see here.)
Groups and files
One particular strategy of creating a well-organized source code structure is to create the underlying file structure according to your project needs and then import these changes into your Xcode project.
We do this by opening the underlying file structure of our project, which can be done by right-clicking the main project file in the left-side Groups & Files panel of Xcode and selecting Show in Finder , shown as follows:
As you might have guessed or experienced, this opens the underlying disk structure of our Xcode project. With the underlying project file structure in view, we are free to create the structure that best fits our needs and then simply import this structure into Xcode.
The following is a sample project file structure that I use very regularly for nearly every iOS project I develop. This structure includes modifications to the default project directory as well as the addition of a Resources directory.
Under the default project directory, the following directories are created:
- App
- Controllers
- Helpers
- Models
- Resources
Under the newly created Resources directory, create directories for all the types of resources that you might expect to use throughout the life of the project.
These directories might include the following as well as anything else specific to the project:
- Audio
- Animations
- Images
- NIBs
- Databases
This is shown in the following screenshot:
We can then create the necessary directories and move source code and resources as we like. There are many benefits to organizing source code and resources in this particular manner.
An example would be that if you had a series of images that were named similar yet dependent upon a particular application variable, you could easily separate these resources into individual directory structures and utilize the same file naming convention for simplicity and maintainability.
Another benefit using the same principle is localization, in which you could store all necessary translation resources in their individual respective directories and achieve a much greater level of structure. Something similar to the following directory structure: /root of project/Resources/language/
The languages stored in the previous directory are English, Dutch, German, French, and Spanish. Because Xcode stores the logical structure of the project separate from the underlying directory structure, it is important for us to inform Xcode of the changes we have made.
At this point, unless of course this is a newly created project, I highly recommend having a current backup of your project and any related resources prior to making any of the following changes.
To do this, select all of the child items and groups of your project within Xcode, press the Delete key and select Remove References Only to ensure that only the group references are deleted from the project and the actual files themselves remain in their original locations, shown as follows:
Remember to only remove references or risk losing your project data.
Now that we have removed the default group references from Xcode, we can now add the changes to the underlying directory structure by dragging and dropping the underlying disk structure that has been altered into the root of our Xcode project.
When prompted, we will ensure that Copy items into the destinations group's folder (if needed) checkbox is NOT selected and the radio button for Create groups for any added folders is selected and click Finish , shown as follows:
Xcode will now recursively create the appropriate groups for each of our underlying folders. This will give us group references to the underlying and newly created directory structures to achieve our desired organizational effect.
The changes we've made are now reflected within Xcode. The App, Controllers, Helpers, Models, and Resources directories effectively give us a cleaner and more organized project both within Xcode and on disk.
Once completed, your Xcode project's new group structure should look similar to the following screenshot:
With a place for everything and everything in its place we can already see the overall effect a solid file and group structure will have on the overall performance and future of the project.
Keep in mind, any future modifications to the underlying directory structure will not be immediately recognized within Xcode. Should changes be required, simply follow the same previous steps of removing the groups by reference only within Xcode and then dragging and dropping the newly changed folders into the base Xcode project.
This may seem a bit of a hassle, but is well worth the few extra moments it takes once a project becomes large enough for a lack of organization to begin impacting development.
Code structure
The importance of a consistent code structure is rather important for the overall health of any application. The order in which declarations and methods are placed has a direct impact on maintainability as a project grows in size and scales beyond a few thousand lines of code.
Each of us has experienced the time-wasting frustration of not being able to quickly locate methods and properties. Scrolling and searching our way through classes with thousands of lines of code is not a particularly great use of our time. Having a consistent class structure will keep source code neat and tidy and aid in shortening the transit time we spend jumping between class methods.
One particular strategy that I find helpful for organizing @implementation source code is to use a simple and consistent class structure recipe. Regardless of project, using this same class recipe allows me to more easily locate and manage class contents and ultimately increases my own development performance. The class structure recipe is shown as follows:
|@implementation class structure
|public methods
|delegate methods
The key to a successful class structure recipe is development obedience to the rules and guidelines you apply to yourself. A good recipe will have no effect if it is not adhered to 100 percent of the time. Take the time to implement a class according to your preferred recipe. Adopt the recipe into your development habit and stick with it.
A look at the following basic class example demonstrates how simple a consistent recipe for class structure can be:
#import "MyClass.h"
@implementation MyClass
#pragma mark -
#pragma mark init
- (id) init
self = [super init];
if(self != nil)
return self;
#pragma mark -
#pragma mark Public Methods
- (void)myPublicMethod
- (void)myOtherPublicMethod
#pragma mark -
#pragma mark Delegate Methods
- (void)didReceiveMemoryWarning
[super didReceiveMemoryWarning];
#pragma mark -
#pragma mark dealloc
- (void)dealloc
[super dealloc];
Of course, this strategy may work best for my particular development style, however, any mutation of the previous code will surely help increase overall source maintainability if you are not currently using any type of class recipe or guide.
Regardless of how organized your class recipe may be, a several thousand line class can be an absolute nightmare to navigate without a little assistance.
To remedy this problem, we can take advantage of one of the more underused elements of the Xcode interface, which is the source code selection menu, also known as the symbol pop-up menu.
This menu is available within all source editing windows of Xcode and provides a handy interface to quickly jump between methods and sections of code, shown as follows:
(Move the mouse over the image to enlarge.)
We can extend the basic functionality of this selection menu by taking advantage of an additional source code organization technique, known as the pragma mark statement.
Within Xcode, the pragma mark statement can be used to provide details to Xcode on how source code is organized. Originally, the pragma directive was solely a compiler specific feature that various compilers used for additional instructions. However, integrated development environments now commonly take advantage of these directives for things like source code access, formatting, and delineation.
Most compilers ignore unrecognized pragma statements like #pragma mark leaving Xcode free to interpret it at will.
Within Xcode the syntax for a #pragma mark is as follows:
#pragma mark label_name
The following example code helps Xcode format the direct access source code selection menu such as the following screenshot:
#import "MyClass.h"
@implementation MyClass
- (id) init
self = [super init];
if (self != nil)
return self;
#pragma mark -
#pragma mark Examples
- (void)exampleMethod1
- (void)exampleMethod2
#pragma mark More Examples
- (void)exampleMethod3
- (void)exampleMethod4
#pragma mark -
#pragma mark dealloc
- (void)dealloc
[super dealloc];
Looking at the previous code , we can see the #pragma mark is in action. The following are the details on exactly how they are interpreted by Xcode:
- #pragma mark -: Draws a horizontal separator line within the direct access source code selection menu.
- #pragma mark Examples: Creates a new bolded section heading called Examples within the direct access source code selection menu.
In smaller and more manageable projects, pragma statements may make little to no sense, however, in larger projects with dozens or hundreds of class methods they become essential in maintaining a healthy code base.
In this article, we introduced the importance of creating, organizing, and designing an Xcode project for optimal performance.
We covered a few selected steps for organizing a project from core project settings to source code structure and leading practice techniques for increasing project maintainability.
More specifically, we covered project preparation and organizational guidelines that affect the life of an Xcode project. Additionally, we laid out an improved project and file structure that can help organize resources for projects of any size.
A project that is built upon a strong and well-designed frame is more likely to be easier to maintain and produce higher levels of performance than an application without dedicated planning. Organization is the key to quality and ultimately success, while chaos leads to unpredictable results. Additionally, organization will no doubt garner points for you on a development team or in situations where others may have to come in and work with code that you have developed.
Further resources on this subject:
- iPhone JavaScript: Web 2.0 Integration [Article]
- Introducing Xcode Tools for iPhone Development [Article]
- Xcode 4 ios: Displaying Notification Messages [Article]
- iPhone: Issues Related to Calls, SMS, and Contacts [Article]


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Nickelodeon star Victoria Justice is getting into some risky business in her new music video — literally! The part-Puerto Rican actress-singer looks positively gorgeous in the video for her new song, "My Best Friend's Brother."
In it, Justice plays a girl who's smitten with her best friend's hottie older brother. She sings: "I just can't get you out of my mind/my best friend's brother is the one for me." Wearing a white shirt and white socks, Justice channels a young Tom Cruise in Risky Business while she flirts with the object of her affection. Check out the adorable video below!


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Expedia Verified Reviews
Don't miss out on a lower price on this hotel
Get an overview of this hotelRomantic City Centre North hotel in City Centre Dublin, walk to Garden of Remembrance
Popular property highlights
Located in City Centre Dublin, this romantic hotel is within a 5-minute walk of Rotunda Hospital, Garden of Remembrance, and Parnell Square. Ha' Penny Bridge and General Post Office are also within 10 minutes.
Hotel features
2 restaurants, a bar/lounge and self parking are available at this smoke-free hotel. WiFi in public areas is free. Additionally, coffee/tea in a common area, 24-hour room service and a business centre are on-site.
Room amenities
All 323 rooms offer free WiFi, 24-hour room service and LCD televisions. Minibars, coffee/tea makers and hairdryers are among the other amenities available to guests.Information missing or incorrect? Tell us! Opens in a new window.
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
Dining is available at one of the hotel's 2 restaurants. A bar/lounge is on site where guests can unwind with a drink. Business-related amenities at this 4-star property consist of A business centre and meeting rooms.
Public areas are equipped with complimentary wireless Internet access. This business-friendly hotel also offers a terrace, multilingual staff and coffee/tea in common area. Guests can use the health club at a partner property. On-site parking is available (surcharge).
Hotel Riu Plaza The Gresham Dublin is a smoke-free property.
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Terrace
- Bar/lounge
- Coffee/tea in common areas
- Lift
- Breakfast available (surcharge)
- Number of restaurants - 2
- 24-hour front desk
- Business centre
- Laundry facilities
- Porter
- Meeting rooms 8
- Total number of rooms - 323
- Number of floors - 6
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Free WiFi
- Self parking (surcharge)
- Wedding services
- Smoke-free property
- Multilingual staff
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Self parking (surcharge)
Room Amenities
- Private bathroom
- Hair dryer
- Room service (24 hours)
- Minibar
- Coffee/tea maker
- Daily housekeeping
- Turndown service
- Shower only
- Desk
- Iron/ironing board
- In-room safe
- Free WiFi
- In-room climate control (heating)
Where to Eat
Buffet breakfasts are available for a surcharge and are served each morning between 7 AM and 10:30 AM.
Toddys Bar and Brasserie – This brasserie serves lunch and dinner. Guests can enjoy drinks at the bar.
No. 23 – This restaurant serves lunch and dinner.
24-hour room service is available.
If you have requests for specific accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
- In-room accessibility
Hotel Policies
Check-in time ends at midnight
Check-in time starts at 3 PM
Check-out time is noon
Payment types
Children and extra beds
- Children are welcome.
- Cribs (infant beds) are not available.
- Pets not allowed
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Optional extras
- Fee for buffet breakfast: EUR19 per person (approximately)
- Self-parking fee: EUR17.00 per night
Hotel Name
- Gresham Hotel
- Gresham Dublin
- Hotel Riu Plaza Gresham Dublin
- Hotel Riu Plaza Gresham
- Riu Plaza Gresham Dublin
- Riu Plaza Gresham
We should mention
This property's policy is to refuse certain bookings for the purpose of group events or parties, including pre-wedding stag/bachelor and hen/bachelorette parties. Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
National Rating
Fáilte Ireland (The National Tourism Development Authority of Ireland) assigns an official star rating for accommodation in Ireland. This Hotel property is rated 4 stars.


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tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8296072451123411896.post5215207072028691774..comments2017-08-14T06:49:36.238+02:00Comments on Shy at WoW: Holy Priest ThoughtsVanessahttp://email@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8296072451123411896.post-87755165829338182552010-12-16T19:10:03.648+01:002010-12-16T19:10:03.648+01:00BTW, have you tried soloing in Twlight Highlands a...BTW, have you tried soloing in Twlight Highlands and beyond? Good grief, 2-3 chain mobs will render me dead simply because I run out of mana.

Not very much fun having to drink after every 2-3 pools. But then again its back to the old school method. We're so spoilt by Wrath.emylnhttps://firstname.lastname@example.com:blogger.com,1999:blog-8296072451123411896.post-9491959013260049682010-12-16T19:07:15.687+01:002010-12-16T19:07:15.687+01:00Sigh, as a Disc Priest since 2004 I have to admit ...Sigh, as a Disc Priest since 2004 I have to admit that with Cataclysm, Disc is no longer a main healer. The Charka ability to constantly keep renew on tanks and Circle of Healing is head over heals better than a 10k+ shield.

Its still possible to heal as a Disc but... not worth the bother IMO when mana is such an issue. Who has time to smite mobs to get a 5% mana boost in instances? Perhaps it will change in Raids or with better equipment.emylnhttps://email@example.com


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text:
Get the most important digital marketing news each day.
Microsoft Launches So.cl – A Social Experience For Students
Today Microsoft has announced So.cl (pronounced Social,) an "experimental research project" geared towards students. This project is currently active for a group of selected schools, users outside of these schools join a waiting list. The active schools are University of Washington, Syracuse University, and New York University.
So.cl offers a few different benefits for students including the ability to combine of social networking and search to help find interesting content. This is not an extension of Bing, rather so.cl has been created by the FUSE Labs portion of Microsoft. To see the search functionality live see the video on so.cl.
Users can also create rich posts by assembling various web content. This is similar to Pintrest but adds additional search features:
So.cl also lets user share rich media including real-time sharing in "video parties." Like a Google+ hangout users can invite others into video chats to converse and interact.
So was So.cl invented to compete with Facebook/Google+/Twitter? Here's an answer from Microsoft:
We expect students to continue using products such as Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and other existing social networks, as well as Bing, Google and other search tools. We hope to encourage students to reimagine how our everyday communication and learning tools can be improved, by researching, learning and sharing in their everyday lives.
For an invite to the new research project for students, head over to So.cl and sign up using your Facebook account.
We're listening.
Have something to say about this article? Share it with us on Facebook, Twitter or our LinkedIn Group.


text:
Hundreds of private e-mail messages and documents hacked from a computer server last November caused a stir among global warming skeptics, who said they show that climate scientists conspired to overstate the case for a human influence on climate change.
These events, combined with constant back and forth debate, have left people here in America, and around the world, confused about the state of climate change. Is it happening or not? Is man to blame? For every piece of evidence claiming that global warming is true, by showing that Arctic ice hit a 30 year low in 2007, there are opposing reports that claim the ice is at record high levels. Many people on the East Coast, having been choked by recent record snowfalls and unseasonably cold temperatures, are quick to assert that these weather events are evidence that the Earth is not warming after all. Even though this kind of anecdotal evidence is clearly not scientific, many people are using these events to support existing suspicions that climate change is not occurring. Not surprisingly, state politics has found its way to the center of this ongoing debate. In Utah, the House displayed its own distrust about the premise of global warming by passing a resolution claiming it is all a big conspiracy.
Utah's House of Representatives passed a resolution on Tuesday February 9th, 2010 that implies climate change science is a conspiracy and urged the EPA to stop all carbon dioxide reduction policies and programs. As a resolution, it holds no legal weight, but it sends a clear message. The resolution specifically claims that there is a "well organized and ongoing effort to manipulate global temperature data in order to produce a global warming outcome."
The resolution begs the question, who's conspiring and why? What would motivate scientists to fudge data and, more importantly, what will changing perceptions mean for the future fight to preserve and protect our planet? As judgments are made and lines are drawn, it is important to understand one's motivations, including those of scientists and legislators in Utah.
With respect to Utah, coal holds a firm grip on the state since close to 90 percent of their electricity comes from coal. Understandably, many in Utah are strongly opposed to cap-and-trade. Utah coal mines produced 26 million tons of coal in 2006, making Utah the 12th biggest coal-producing state in the country. Its coal fired plants emit approximately 41 million tons of CO2, 34,000 tons of sulfur dioxide and 68,000 tons of nitrogen dioxide. This results in Utah coal plants producing 66 percent of the state's total carbon emissions.
Science, like many other fields, can be contentious. Personal biases, though they shouldn't, do sometimes interfere. Regardless, sound scientific evidence strongly supports the idea that emitting large amounts of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere poses considerable risk to humans and their environment.
Hopefully the climate debate will force people to investigate climate change for themselves and draw educated decisions. To accommodate the potential increase in public demand for climate change information, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration plans to form a NOAA Climate Service line office and launch a new website to serve as a single point of entry for NOAA's extensive climate information, data, products and services. Known as the NOAA Climate Portal, the site addresses the needs of decision makers and policy leaders, scientists and applications-oriented data users, educators, business leaders, and the public.


text: Listen Life Changing event in Aspen Me and Shirleen at Hannah Teters reception Chris Bautista | янв 30, 2014 | North America: Virginia I honestly don't think this event could have gone any better in my favor. Not only did I get paired up with Shirleen, a talented Special Olympics athlete, I got paired up with a new best friend. We came together in Aspen to celebrate the announcement that Hannah Teter is the newest Special Olympics Global Ambassador. Perfect Sense Digital was a sponsor for the event. Shirleen and I literally held hands throughout the whole day. It was fantastic. When we weren't holding hands it was us high fiving after a run down the mountain or giving each other a great big hug when we took a huge turn without falling on our faces. Shirleen has changed my life. As soon as I got into work today I sent her a picture of my desk to let her see where I work cause she was so happy that PSD supports her and her fellow athletes. About Me:I am a 28 year old Software Engineer for Perfect Sense Digital. While I am not working I enjoy snowboarding, bouldering, photography, and video games. Read More Stories Athlete, Unified SportsJosé Martínez MoroteCoach Unified SportsManel CeleiroUnified Track: Breaking Down Barriers, TogetherDavid Albertini Вооруженный новыми очками Яо Арманд готовится к предстоящим соревнованиямKarl HejlikКак Специальная Олимпиада Пакистана изменила мой образ жизниJasmineМалави является лидером по инновационным программамKarl HejlikFriends Forever, the Surprising Lesson of Special Olympics :-)Robin SchermerhornВторое рождение благодаря дару слухаStephen CorbinСпортивный дух и сочувствие в Объединенном ФутболеPaige OkunA Simple Story about BasketballWill SchermerhornХотите поделиться историей?Поделитесь своей историей Другие истории


text:
1 I'm a scientist
I start by asking questions and then I follow a scientific methodology to research users and test designs so I'm confident in the answers.
2 I understand business
As designers we are not creating things for our own ego. We are matching user needs with business objectives.
3 I'm an experience strategist
It's as much about the right process and long term customer vision as the design and research execution.
4 I'm a bit of a purist
When it comes to UX its all about evangelising a UCD process.
5 I'm intrigued by psychology
I have a particular interest in how we can make product more persuasive.
6 I'm not really much of a computer geek
I'm more concerned with things that everyday users care about.
7 I love designing information
I have an anlytical mindset and thrirve in organising information logically.
8 I'm a pretty decent visual designer and front end developer
I communicate well with creatives and coders. I can contribute to the final product.
9 I have a Masters degree in what I do
I spent a dedicated year of my life studying user centred design so I have theory to back my commercial experience.
Find out a bit more about meSkip page


text:
Chance discovery of love letters leads to prize-winning painting
A chance discovery of century-old love letters led to a painting which has won this year's Gallipoli Art Prize. The $20,000 award means Sydney artist Idris Murphy can go back to Turkey to continue painting about what he feels is unfinished business.
Source: 7pm TV News NSW | Duration: 1min 37sec
Topics: painting, visual-art, awards-and-prizes, sydney-2000, australia


text:
Billy Hunter Says Kiss the 2011-2012 NBA Season Goodbye – To paraphrase one of our commenters, as a Dallas Mavericks fan I'm happy the team gets to be champions into perpetuity. We should agree to send all of our good NBA players to China in exchange for them erasing our national debt. The math works out. [Smoking Section]
Magic Regrets His Early Retirement – I'm starting to think Magic Johnson never had HIV, and he just said he did as a public service announcement because everything in the early 90s was about HIV. He probably doesn't know how to ride a skateboard, either. [Yardbarker]
The Animated GIF Guide to MMA Failure, Part 2 – Gifs are the new peep show machine. You drop a penny in and get to see a guy punch another guy for a few seconds, then move on to the Fortune Teller. In this analogy, "football" is the Fortune Teller. [Cage Potato]
Competitive Facial Hair Growing – Finally, a sport I'd be worse at than basketball. I guess Austin, Texas, is the world's biggest competitive facial hair growing pick-up league. [SI via Hot Clicks]
With Leather
The Attractive Female Celebrity's Guide To Drafting Fantasy Running Backs – I'm not knocking Burnsy's system, but I think I'd rather draft an Alison Brie than a Mila Kunis or an Elisha Cuthbert. Besides, an Elisha Cuthbert would get killed by the Carolina Panthers. [With Leather]
The Dugout: A-Rod's Violent Gambling Parties – For those of you complaining about a lack of closure on the Pete Rose joke, I had a big long thing where he saves his game in Armadillo and then realizes he's low on health and has no ammo or money, so he can't recover and has to start all over. That took up like three times the length of the Dugout just to get to a "you saved your game and have to live with the consequences" gag. I did you a favor! [The Dugout]
Bubba Smith, 1945-2011: A Video Tribute – We believe you guys, so we wont dispute you. But if you're lying to us, we'll come back and shoot you. Word. [With Leather]
How To Get Body Dysmorphia: Attend The Crossfit Games – Don't forget to flip through Matt Ufford's photo essay one more time today, so you feel like sh** about yourself all weekend. Still reminding myself about how brains are more important than muscles well into adulthood. Didn't think I'd have to keep doing that. [With Leather]
Not Sports
10 TV Characters Who Should Die For The Good Of The Show – I wish "Scrubs" was on, so my contribution to this list could be "everyone who has ever appeared on Scrubs, both on television and in real life". That clears out Zach Braff, fake Becky from "Roseanne" AND the plastic-faced version of Drew Carey's ex-girlfriend. And Brendan Fraser! [Warming Glow]
The Four Most Ridiculous Sci-Fi Sexpisodes: When Aliens Force Our Heroes to Do It – "Sexpisodes". When a character gets raped on a TV show, does it happen in a Rape-isode? I'm going to start saying all those HBO shows feature Buttf**kisodes. [Gamma Squad]
The Best of the Internet's Lovefest with Shark Week, Obviously – I think sharks are pretty cool too, I guess, but jeez. Shark Week was pretty cool back when Kelly Clarkson was the American Idol. Yes, I am a snarky Shark Week Hipster. [UPROXX]
The Top 10 Highest Grossing Films Of Summer (So Far) – (1) The Smurfs, (2) The Snorks, (3) Goober and the Ghost Chasers (with the voice talents of Ricky Gervais and Lil Bow Wow), (4) Speed Buggy (gritty reimagining, stars Jason Statham), (5) Wacky Races (stars Ludacris, is extremely preachy, might win Best Picture), (6) Scooby-Doo Rises (Shaggy has leather and chain-mail bodysuit). [Film Drunk]


text: Unicorn Unicorn Unicorn Unicorn Carded Art Batt £6.00 These batts are so pretty, they are white with pale pink, turquoise and yellow running through them. They all contain merino and bamboo blended wool, trilobal nylon ( for sparkle), hand dyed angora and hand dyed silk lap and wool nepps for texture. Although I weigh the fibres out so each batt contains the same amount of ingredients each batt will be unique as they are hand carded on a drum carder, one at a time. Each batt is approx 50 grams.


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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (AP) - For quarterback Ryan Nassib, it was business as usual. For defensive end Deon Goggins, it was a dream come true.
``It's my third go-round in this type of environment. It's a little easier,'' Nassib said. ``It was pretty cool being able to showcase my talents in front of a bunch of scouts and coaches. I feel like I did great. A lot of them bailed me out with some great catches. With the intensity of the day, we were all sucking wind.''
Nassib said he hadn't had much interaction with former Syracuse coach Doug Marrone, now head coach of the Buffalo Bills. But Bills general manager Buddy Nix has indicated his intention of selecting a quarterback high in the draft, which puts Nassib on their radar. Nassib has a private drill scheduled with the team.
``At the end of the day, it's not like picking a college. A team picks you,'' Nassib said. ``You never know. If any team wants to call my number, I'll be ready to go.''
So, too, will Goggins, a Los Angeles native who transferred to Syracuse from Cerritos Community College. He was disheartened when he wasn't invited to the NFL combine and was eager to show the scouts he was ready for the next level.
``I've been looking at the combine since it was on TV,'' Goggins said. ``I came out here with a boulder on my shoulder. I felt as though I should have had a turn at the combine, but everything happens for a reason. I came out here healthy. I was able to compete.
``This is my only shot,'' said Goggins, who impressed with a 4.5-second performance in the 40-yard dash. ``This is my only time, other than the all-star game I played in, to get in front of some scouts, show `em what I can do. It was a good thing. I'm pretty confident. This is a business. You never know. I just want to get my foot in the door.''
Goggins said he was ``a little jittery'' when he woke up but felt a sense of calm after he face-timed his son right before we went out.
``Deon really lit it up. He put himself on the map today,'' said Will Hicks, the Orange's assistant athletic director of athletic performance and the man in charge of the day's activities at Manley.
Hicks said it was the largest contingent of players for a pro day at Syracuse since 2004. That's a positive sign for new coach Scott Shafer in the wake of Marrone's sudden departure in January after two bowl victories in three years. The program is in a much better place than it was before Marrone's four-year stint at his alma mater.
Among the former players working out were Mike Holmes and Olando Fisher, as well as offensive tackle Justin Pugh, who skipped his final year of eligibility to enter the NFL draft. A three-time All-Big East selection, Pugh missed the first four games of the 2012 season recovering from shoulder surgery, but the Orange won six of their final eight games after his return, capping an 8-5 season with a victory over West Virginia in the Pinstripe Bowl.
Hicks said Pugh was in top shape and bench-pressed 225 pounds 23 times, the most he's ever done. But the centerpiece of attention for much of the day was Nassib. One of only 16 National Football Foundation scholar-athletes in 2012, he set single-season school records for passing yards (3,749), touchdown passes (26), completions (284), passing yards per game (288.4), and total offense (3,891).
``Every team has a tremendous amount of respect for Ryan because of his work ethic and what he brings to the table, his intelligence, the type of pro he will be,'' Hicks said. ``It just depends on which team you talk to as to what their needs are. The Denver Broncos don't really need a quarterback right now. The Saints are here, but they don't need a quarterback, but they were still watching everything he did today. You never know.
``Every team likes Ryan. It's just right now we're in the business of who likes him the most and where it may fall.''
The Miami Dolphins and Minnesota Vikings did not participate, but Hicks said they are coming, while the Washington Redskins' flight was canceled.
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