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During morning service, July 27th, select honorees received a bag of goodies presented to them by the Senior Missionary and the YWA's of Shady Grove Baptist Church.
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Senior Missionaries recognize honoreesFriday, August 1st, 2014
Minister Allen to speak July 27th for Missionary Day programSunday, July 20th, 2014
Minister Talisa Allen will be the speaker Sunday, July 27th, for Missionary Day, sponsored by the senior missionaries of Shady Grove Baptist Church. The theme for the occasion is "Missionaries: Workers on a Mission."
The public is invited to attend.
Deaconess Dorothy Manning is president. The Rev. Lee Byers, Jr., is pastor.
Minister Allen is married to Elder Donnie Allen and they have one beautiful daughter, Kellie Donae. She is the daughter of Deacon James Henry and Deaconess Novella Kelly and is the oldest of three daughters.
She is an Associate Minister at Greater Hope Ministries, Gaffney, SC., where she serves under the leadership of Pastor Caroline Allen Jones. She is the Advisor of the Dance Ministry and a member of The Sanctuary Choir.
She is a 1986 graduate of Gaffney High School and a 2012 graduate of N.J. Brockman School of Religion.
She is employed with Cherokee County Department of Social Services.
She loves the Lord with all of her heart, mind and soul. She stands firmly believing and trusting in God's word. She knows that His word is the only thing that will stand when everything else fails. She believes in blessing the Lord at all times, in the good and the bad. If you praise and worship Him sincerely, He will work things out for you.
Her favorite scripture is Psalm 34:1
"I will bless the Lord at all times and His praise shall continually be in my mouth."
Anniversary fundraiser a successMonday, June 2nd, 2014
Congratulations to the family of Sarah Graham and Josephine Wood, winners during the recent fundraising effort related to the church's 133rd anniversary. Below, members representing each family team are recognized.
Byers receives first Humanitarian AwardWednesday, May 14th, 2014
Sis. Kathy Byers was the recipient of the first Humanitarian Award, given on Mother's Day by the Shady Grove Baptist Church Senior Missionary.
Among reasons listed for her receiving the award, Sis. Byers loves helping others in any way that she can. She helps to attend to her mother, who is in declining health; her sister, who is experiencing some health issues; and a cousin who is in poor health. Byers and her husband, James, are taking care of her cousin so that she would not have to stay in a nursing home.
Sis. Byers lends herself to help various members of the church and community. She visits the hospital, the nursing home, and calls to see if the shut-in needs her to sit with them or to run errands for them.
Because of all these kind acts of love, the Senior Missionary saw fit to award her and let her know of the appreciation they had for her efforts.
Youth Day at Shady GroveMonday, March 10th, 2014
The Shady Grove Baptist Church Youth Ministry recently took on new duties serving as Sunday School teachers, conducting the pulpit services, and fulfilling other Sunday responsibilities during a recent Youth Day Service.
Pictured left to right:
Row 1: Josiah Greene, prayer; Tyan Buckson, Offering assistance ; Josiah Greene, Introduction of Pastor Byers; Jordan Lipscomb, presided for the morning worship service; Shaderejah Lattimore, Intermediate/Teen teacher; Skyla Phillips, read the announcements; and Romarion Makupson, assisted with the Offering.
Row 2: Marcus Walters, Adult teacher; Jaila Phillips, Sunday School secretary; Kiel Ellis, Offering assistance; Akira Fleming, Scripture; Shakiyah Lattimore, Beginner Class teacher; Christopher Hawk, Superintendent; and Keilah Hawk, Young Adult teacher.
Schlonda Hawk's Intermediate/Teen class took charge of the pulpit service. She also acknowledged the students' participation.
Dr. Mary Jones, Syreeta Greene, and Rev. Albert Gray were the Youth Day Committee leaders.
Rev. Lee Byers Jr. is pastor.
In memoriamSunday, March 9th, 2014
The Shady Grove Baptist Church Family would like to extend condolences to the family of Sis. Josephine Wood, who passed Sunday morning.
Sis. Wood (known to many as "Mama Jo" or "Miss Josephine") was a true lion of the spirit and a beloved teacher for many at Shady Grove, around the Thickety Mountain Baptist Association and the state of South Carolina.
She is already missed and will be for some time to come.
February will feature 'Moments in Black History'Monday, February 10th, 2014
Shady Grove Baptist Church will celebrate "Black History Month" with special 'Moments in History' each Sunday in February during the 11:00 morning worship service.
The Sunday School ministry will coordinate the presentations and a different Sunday School Class including the Adult, Teen-Scene, Intermediate, Primary, and Beginners will present each Sunday. The presentations will feature skits, music, dance, PowerPoint and other multimedia to make Black History a learning experience for all in attendance. Everyone is cordially invited to come and learn.
The program theme is "Moments in Black History" – "Yes We Can"!
"We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us," Philippians 4:13.
Jermaine Greene is Sunday School superintendent.
The Rev. Lee Byers Jr. is pastor.
Gospel Choir to mark 43rd anniversaryMonday, November 11th, 2013
The Shady Grove Baptist Church Gospel Choir will celebrate its 43-year singing ministry with an anniversary service on Sunday November 17, 2013, during the 11:00 morning worship service.
Pictured left to right are:
Seated: Evelyn Shippy, Edna Dover and Dianne Norris
Standing: Esther Byers, Mary Jones, Dorothy Manning, Kenny Norris, Marva Dover, Minnie Leach and Sharon Leach.
World Day of Prayer observanceSunday, November 10th, 2013
Thickety Mountain Missionaries met recently for their annual 'World Day of Prayer 'event
to pray for many causes around the world as well as for lost people everywhere. This year's theme was "be In Step with the Spirit through the Fruit of the Spirit, LOVE . . . . based on Galatians 5:25: "If we live in the Spirit, let us also walk in the Spirit." The theme was selected by the Baptist World Alliance.
Persons participating during the service included:
Pictured left to right:
Row 1: Rosa Gardner read a beautiful scripture, Island Creek Baptist Church; Dr. Bertha Harris, Woman's Convention President, Rubye Sanders, Junior Missionary Supervisor, 'Prayed for World Needs', Bethel Baptist Church; Dianne Norris spoke on 'In Step and in Love', Shady Grove Baptist Church; Betty Edwards spoke on 'God's Love', Limestone Baptist Church; Sallie Coleman spoke on 'What Prayer Is', Ebenezer Baptist Church; and Joyce Pearson spoke on 'Our Love for God', Mt. Zion Baptist Church.
Row 2: Rev. Omigene Proctor, delivered the 'World and Local Pray for Peace', Suck Creek Baptist Church; Trudy Dawkins, officiate and program coordinator, Mt. Zion Baptist Church; Jessie Manning, Second Vice President of the Woman's Convention, prayed for 'The World', Mikes Creek Baptist Church; Lucendia Buchannan spoke on 'Our Love for Others', Philadelphia Baptist Church.
The Young Women's Auxiliary (YWA) President Shanese Dawkins prepared the beautiful printed program and coordinated the offering appeal. Terri Williams of Bethel Baptist Church prayed the 'Offertory Prayer of Thanksgiving and Commitment'. The Funds raised will be sent to the South Carolina Baptist Foreign Missions Coordinator. First Vice President Tecora Watts gave the closing remark along with Moderator Macomson.
Mrs. Trudy Dawkins coordinated the World Day of Prayer service.
Dr. Bertha Harris is president of the Thickety Mountain Woman's Convention.
Seniors honored; Knuckles delivers sermonThursday, October 3rd, 2013
The Shady Grove Baptist Senior Missionary Ministry, Young Woman's Auxiliary (YWA), along with the church family honored the church's Oldest Senior Citizens during a recent morning worship service. Rev. London C. Knuckles, the church's oldest father, (93 years old on October 12th) delivered the morning message.
Pictured left to right are:
Seated: Mary Elnora Littlejohn, Minnie Hush, John Pearson Burris
Row 2: Deacon Clarence Dover (standing in for John Johnson who was absent), and Deacon Arthur Dover, the church's oldest deacon.
Row 3: Standing in pulpit: Pastor Lee Byers Jr., and Rev. London C. Knuckles who is the church's oldest man (Father of the Church).
Not pictured: Josephine Wood (Mother of the Church), and Trustee John Johnson.
Program highlights included several deacons leading the singing of rote hymns of long ago that were called out ("or lined out") by a song leader. During slavery when most Negroes could not read nor write, a song leader would call out the lyrics to the field songs as well as the song's meter such as long meter (LM); short meter (SM); common meter (CM), and others. The meter of the song indicated the song's rhythm and its melody. Rev. Freddie Smith, associate minister from White Plains Baptist Church delivered the morning invocation and Pastor Lee Byers read the scripture. Senior Citizen Edna Dover welcomed visitors and Sister Dianne Norris read the announcements. Rev. Warren Manning, also an associate minister from White Plains Baptist Church, sang several beautiful songs of yesteryear.
Each of the Oldest Seniors received a huge bag of practical gifts including candies, lotion, neck ties, handkerchiefs, juices, tissues, a crystal angel, and much more. Adorning the bag was a large balloon shaped like a star. Other senior citizens received smaller bags of useful items.
Sister Dorothy Manning is the Senior Missionary president
Sister LaDonna Tate is YWA president.
Rev. Lee Byers Jr. is Pastor


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Chart of the Liturgical Year
by Rev. Dr. Mark D. Roberts
Note: You may download this resource at no cost, for personal use or for use in a Christian ministry, as long as you are not publishing it for sale. All I ask is that you give credit where credit is due. For all other uses, please contact me at email@example.com . Thank you.

subset: commoncrawl


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Virginia Review
Initial NA Release Date: September 22, 2016
Review Date: November 12, 2016
Reviewed on: PC
Platforms: PC, MAC, Xbox One, PS4
An interactive movie that attempts to tell a story without the use of words. Surrounded by mystery, Virginia is certainly an interesting experience, however as a game, Virginia fails to deliver in numerous areas.
Presentation – Graphically speaking, the game isn't by any means impressive, it has a 2.5D cartoon art style to it which isn't bad looking, however it lands a bit flat. The visuals lack that certain endearing quality in which that type of art direction usually carries.
Character models are somewhat boring, and share the same trait of the overarching visual, there is just no real endearing quality to the figures. All of the eyes and other facial features are similar, and due to the lack of words, there is no distinction between characters.
Aesthetics aside, the lone spot where the overall presentation shines is with its soundtrack, the orchestrated soundtrack is excellent and aids in pacing scenes as well as tethering a certain feeling or emotion to them.
Unfortunately, where Virginia takes perhaps its biggest hit, is with the constant performance issues, such as the severe frame rate drop during cinematic transitions to actual gameplay and frequent screen tearing. Although not as apparent, even on lower graphical settings, the nagging issues are still there, and ultimately being detrimental to the overall experience.
Gameplay – Virginia has a story to tell, however it's really up to you if you care to listen, the overall pacing of the cut scenes, change of scenery, and adventure gameplay sections are all mashed up together in a hurry, making it difficult to get a good grasp of the narrative.
There are interesting elements that happen during the cinematic scenes, but whether or you want to delve deeper into the story in order to get a better understanding of what they mean, investigative work regarding the plot is a must, as the story is too convoluted and confusing to pick up during its immediate telling.
The actual gameplay in Virginia is nearly non-existent and frankly, unnecessary. The adventure game sections of walking, picking up items, investigating areas, are all there for begrudged gameplay activity rather the necessity of the player interaction.
Final Impression – As a conclusion, Virginia seemed to be an experience that is best served as something else rather than a game, the narrative is interesting, but its delivery holds it back from being something special. Having to do homework to understand not only small nuances in a plot, but the plot in its entirety is not something favorable when considering video game experiences.
In the end, the excellent soundtrack is not enough to elevate Virginia above its shortcomings. The abrupt pacing, needless gameplay interactivity, nagging performance issues, and overall failure to capture the player, whether to be in a visual or narrative sense, are all factors that hold Virginia back from being a unique experience.
+ Orchestrated soundtrack
– Nagging performance issues
– Convoluted plot
– Uninteresting gameplay
Final Score – 3.5/10 Bad
Entire playthrough of Virginia was roughly 90 minutes.


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Trojan Cascade Double Ended Bath 1700 x 700
Trojan Cascade Double Ended Bath 1700 x 700
Please note - This item does not include bath panels, bath taps or a bath waste (please see essential extras).
All of our baths are supplied without tap holes, they are normally drilled by the installer to suit your individual needs.
The Trojan Cascade Double Ended Bath 1700 x 700 is certainly well-named as a bath of warrior strength, thanks to its 100 per cent sanitary grade cast acrylic shell with a reassuring 5mm thickness. But this isn't the only impressive credential that the company can boast about. Another is the fact that the bath has been designed with comfort and versatility in mind where both ends of the tub can be used to rest the head while bathing. This is because the taps and waste system for the Trojan Cascade Double Ended Bath 1700 x 700 are located in the centre of the bath.
The height of the bath itself is 550mm and it can remain a contemporary freestanding version or used with the legs. The latter come supplied with the bath and are adjustable.
In terms of depth, the bath is capable of holding up to 200 litres of water with ease, so those who enjoy being immersed in water when they have a bath with love this particular version.
Trojan is a very popular and long-standing supplier of high-quality acrylic baths and all of their products similar to – and including - this bath come with an impressive 25 year guarantee.
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text: That being said, it saddens me that I'll probably have to leave most of my collection behind in the Philly area and start new in Victoria. The space and energy it would take to transport all of my books would be too much. I guess I can look at it as a fresh start!


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Blizzard has posted a sneak preview of some items from the Blizzcon goodie bag. For now there's just a Starcraft model/doll/toy thing, a Blizzard authenticator with a new skin, and a murloc marine in-game WoW pet, but if the loot given out at past WWIs and Blizzcons is any indication, there will be a lot more.
Here's a photo we took of last year's swag, spread out on someone's hotel bed. The Warcraft mask came in several varieties, and the Diablo squeeze ball came in blue and red, of course.
Tagged As: | Categories: BlizzCon, BlizzCon 2009


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This was the first movie I saw that made me realize there was such a thing as a "relaxing" horror movie, in this case a "relaxing" pseudo-super hero flick. Of course, I had seen others of that ilk many years prior but didn't define them as such until Mordrid came along. I seem to think I saw this on cable in spring of 1993 and really liked it because I had never seen Jeffrey Combs play such a "sedate," for a lack of a better word, character. Up to then I was used to his Herbert West and his Crawford Tillinghast characters as well as his cameo from Cellar Dweller (1988) and his criminal portrayal in an episode of Hunter (which for some reason is still seared into my head) that were all rather manic characters. Mordrid was nothing like any of them.
It's short film, running only 74 minutes, but a good one.
In a flash back later in the movie Doctor Anton Mordrid (Jeffery Combs) is seen as a child when he was first learning how to focus his magical powers, with him was another child, one who's path was clearly paved for evil. When they both matured they fought and Kabal (Brian Thompson) was imprisoned on this impressive floating fortress while Mordrid went to earth, took on an earthly form and kept watch over mankind for hundreds of years, almost anticipating a time when he would have to battle Kabal again.
It's now 1991 and, as Mordrid feared, Kabal has freed himself, come to earth and is collecting certain gems for a spell that will herald in the apocalypse. During the movie Mordrid partner's up with researcher, Samantha Hunt (Yvette Nipar), who just so happens to find the arcane appealing, together they track down the "evil sorcerer supreme" and in a fantastic finale that involves two giant dinosaur skeletons fighting each, courtesy of late stop motion artist, David Allen. Mordrid manages to put a final end this time to his childhood nemesis.
I had always heard this movie was supposed to be an adaptation of Marvel's Doctor Strange, but something happened where Charles and Albert Band (Charles' father), both of whom directed this film, couldn't use the character so they re-worked him into Doctor Mordrid, an homage to Doctor Strange as it now stands.
Video/Audio/Subtitles: 1080p 1.78:1 high definition widescreen—Stereo 2.0/Dolby Digital Surround 5.1—No subtitles
The movie looked a little too dark in some scenes but other than that it's a really good transfer without any of the usual "hiccups" that have plagued some of the other Full Moon blu-rays.
The audio commentary between Co-Director Charles Band and Actor Jeffery Combs is excellent, as I expected, but he never fully explains how the movie went from being about to Doctor Strange to Full Moon original character, Doctor Mordrid. He touches on some non-Mordrid topics most importantly what's happening with David Allen's unfinished The Primevals film. For those not aware David Allen was deep into post-production on this film when he died of cancer and it remains unfinished. All that needs to be done is the creation and insertion of some key stop motion scenes, but Band is going to reconstruct the movie the best he can without them and it'll be done in a year.
He's going to release two versions: the "finished" product and another version with Allen's storyboards inserted at key points so you can see what he ultimately wanted in those scenes he never got to film.
Band also reveals there was a script for a sequel but because the first one didn't do as well as he had hoped a follow-up, or a franchise, was never created.
As for extras . . .
- Videozone: Behind The Scenes "Doctor Mordrid" (8:41)
- Uncut Footage (1:32:42)
- Rare Interview (12:15)
- Trailers for Trophy Heads, Gingerdead Man Vs. Evil Bong, Unlucky Charms, Ooga Booga and Reel Evil.
Being an avid DVD collector, especially of films from my childhood and my youth, I love extra features that mine onset video from those times, and Charles Band has been pretty good in supplying just that for his on going blu-ray line of early Full Moon flicks. His Videozone series has always been an excellent look into how they made these movies putting you right in the years, and right on set, as they were filmed. They always bring back fond memories for me of life back in the 90s, 80s or 70s, depending on the movie. This one for Doctor Mordrid is no different.
In the Rare Interview William Shatner talks with Stuart Gordon, Jeffrey Combs and Barbara Crampton. The interview is not dated but if I had to guess I'd say it's either late 90s or early 2000s. It seems to be a segment for some kind of airing of Castle Freak (1995) but the talk touches only briefly on that with more time given to the various real life paranormal experiences each has had. We also learn the scariest movie Barbara has ever seen was The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974) and it's also one of her favorites.
The best extra on this is the Uncut Footage, which is on-set video of certain scenes being filmed, along with interviews with Yvette Nipar, a cameo interview with Jeffery Combs, Ted Nicolaou about Bad Channels (1992) and extensive talks with stop motion FX artist, David Allen, as well as the filming of an actress from Bad Channels being used in the marketing of Full Moon merchandise. All this is the raw stuff, with time code. before it was edited down to look all polished, where the interviewees are just being themselves and reacting naturally to the interviewer. It's VHS quality and none of it has been formatted for widescreen televisions; same thing with the Videozone featurette.
I love this stuff!
The whole last half hour is with David Allen. I don't think I've ever seen him interviewed for that long.
To this day I wish this movie had gotten a franchise.
Go here to order it on Amazon!


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Mr & Mrs Herd, Greater Manchester
After two years of other agents failing to sell our home, we had at last found the right team. You certainly put all other agents in the shade.
This stunning detached bungalow has undergone a number of improvements by the present owners. A roomy entrance porch opens to a large dining kitchen complete with an Aga and an integrated electric oven and hob and a vaulted beamed ceiling. From here the remaining accommodation feeds off an impressive lobby which could easily be used as additional reception space or a study area. There is a living room with a multi-fuel stove and a beamed ceiling, three well proportioned bedrooms and a bathroom with a contemporary suite including a roll top bath and a walk in shower area. Services at the property include both oil and solid fuel heating with drainage via a sceptic tank, plus mains water and electricity. There are various outbuildings, one of which is in the process of being replaced, spacious gardens and an enclosed paddock and ample parking for several vehicles. Overall a very impressive smallholding indeed and viewing is strongly recommended in order to fully appreciate the size, standard and surroundings on offer.
Contact branch for relevant Energy Performance Certificate
Composite double glazed entrance door, Double glazed wooden framed windows facing the front and rear and tiled flooring. Part glazed door to
Comprising wall and base units with wooden work surfaces over including an inset one and a half bowl sink with mixer tap and drainer, an Aga, an integrated electric oven with induction hob and extractor and space for a fridge/freezer. Double glazed wooden framed windows facing the front and side, tiled flooring, a vaulted ceiling with timber beams and feature drop hung ceiling lights. Door to
Double glazed uPVC windows facing the side, a double radiator and engineered wood flooring. Doors to living room, bedroom three and an inner hallway with access to bedrooms one and two and the bathroom.
UPVC part double glazed door opening onto the garden, a double radiator and a multi-fuelled cast-iron stove with fireplace surround, engineered wood flooring and ceiling beams.
Double glazed uPVC window facing the side, a radiator and engineered wood flooring.
Doors to
Double glazed uPVC window facing the side, a double radiator and engineered wood flooring.
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Comprising a roll top bath with mixer tap, a walk-in shower area, a vanity unit with wash hand basin and a close coupled WC. Double glazed uPVC windows with frosted glass facing the side, a heated towel rail, tiled flooring, part tiled walls and ceiling downlights.
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The creation of the Russian Arctic force grouping will be completed by 2018, Russian Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu said on Thursday.
"By 2018 we intend to complete the creation and equipment with weapons of the whole Arctic force grouping," the minister told a news conference at the Russian Geographical Society.
In 2014, President Vladimir Putin included the defense of the country's Arctic borders in the list of the main tasks of the Armed Forces. To this end, the Arctic Joint Strategic Command North was established in 2014 by the Russian military on the basis of the Northern Fleet, then it was reinforced with manpower and hardware from the Western, Central and Eastern Military Districts stationed in circumpolar areas. Russia is also in the process of building of 10 airfields and 13 air-defense radar stations in the New Siberian Islands, Franz Josef Land, Novaya Zemlya and other points of Russian Arctic. The ground element of the command will incorporate two Arctic motorised infantry brigades, Air Defense forces consisting of Pantsir-S1 missile and other systems, and the Northern Fleet will become its main striking force. Furthermore, by 2017 the Tiksi airport complex will be operational, and it will be garrisoned with upgraded MiG-31 interceptors.
According to the minister, Russia has already spent more than 700 million roubles ($11 million) to clean the Artic from Soviet-era metal waste.
The ministry has "purchased equipment to dispose of old barrels on Wrangel and Novosibirsk Islands," said Shoigu, head of the Russian Geographical Society.
More than 5,000 barrels had already been processed, he said, adding that this work was extremely important and could take years.
Waste material in the Arctic comes from Soviet-era military bases abandoned in the early 1990s. Hundreds of thousands of fuel barrels and old military equipment were left rusting in the area, posing a major environmental threat to the region.
First published by TASS.
All rights reserved by Rossiyskaya Gazeta.
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Make a Joyful Noise
Northland worship leaders share stage, life as they honor our Lord
What do 200 wigs, 10 shades of hair color, hundreds of recording sessions, nine kids and thousands of worship services have in common? Three best friends who have spent the last 20 years leading Northland worship together.
Can you imagine how many weekend services, holidays and special events these women have been part of, keeping in mind there was a time when we had seven services every weekend?! When I asked Sharon Diachesyn, Michelle Alexander and Laurie Groves how they did it, they said, "We just went with it because it's what we did … and don't forget about all the rehearsals!"
These ladies had a ton of stories to share with me about their 20-year friendship. It began with Sharon, who, after moving here in 1992, began singing with Northland's worship team. She grew up studying dance, but after being told by someone at her church in Jersey, "God doesn't like dancing," she let that dream go.
Not long after that, her friend volunteered her to sing at a pastor's dinner. Not knowing a lot of Christian music, she chose "Stubborn Love," by Kathy Troccoli, because she felt it was the best fit for her voice. The pastor loved it so much that from that point on, he would periodically ask her in the middle of his preaching to stand up and sing.
Years later her family moved to Florida and landed at Northland. At the encouragement of her husband, Robert, she auditioned for the worship team. Looking back, she laughs talking about walking into the audition with Tim Tracey, our worship director at the time. She said it was so awkward as she walked in wearing an oversized dress with her pockets full of several different cassette tapes, fumbling for the right one with Tim patiently waiting.
Around that time Michelle sang for a concert being held at Northland. She met Eleanor Tracey and Teresa McCaskill and started getting involved singing for special events while leading worship at another church.
One year while caroling with fellow studio singers at a local hospital, she caught the attention of Eleanor, who was there visiting her husband, Tim. She said to him, "Dang! Those carolers are good!" She poked her head out of the hospital room, and in the hallway she saw Michelle. Just a few months later, she joined the worship team permanently.
Laurie had been attending Northland, thanks to an invitation from Teresa, but said, "I grew up in the Catholic church, so my sense of where music belonged in the service was very different from Michelle's and Sharon's. I was a singer, but I was just here for the preaching. Teresa asked me to sing a few times here and there, and over time I began to work my schedule at Disney so I could be at Northland more."
Today, Laurie's role is more than singing alone. She also coordinates the larger worship team, planning rehearsals and architecting the worship services with the musicians, tech team and pastors.
Not surprisingly, Michelle, Laurie and Sharon's connection permeates every aspect of their lives. They've stood by one another through thick and thin – new babies, teenagers, and deaths of close friends and family members.
"We became parents during this time, and some of us have lost our parents," says Laurie. Three weeks after flying home for her brother's funeral, Sharon's mom was close to dying. She wasn't sure how she was going to afford to go back home to be with her mom. Without hesitation, "the girls" all chipped in for her ticket. It was as important to them as it was to Sharon.
"That meant the world to me," Sharon said. "I told my family, and they were floored that I had those kinds of friends. I received beautiful texts and flowers reminding me that I had friends here praying for me. There was no doubt these were my best friends."
When she became pregnant with her sixth child, Sharon was so nervous about telling Michelle and Laurie. She couldn't believe how excited they were when she broke the news in an elevator on a gig on Marco Island.
About the announcement, Michelle said, "I had just had two miscarriages, but it never crossed my mind to not be happy for her. We have been through some of the hardest trials together. When I told Laurie I was pregnant with Gracie after the miscarriages, she lost her mind."
Over the years, they've had some really fun(ny) times together too. There was the time when worship services were held at Lyman, and the night before, a bodybuilding contest had been held in the auditorium. The ladies remember walking in to find bottles of baby oil and makeup, and the stage was riddled with slippery spots from the oil.
Another memory Laurie shared: "We'd make plans to leave during prayer, but one of us didn't get the message. The other two thought it was funny to leave the one whose eyes were closed on stage with the pastor." She would open her eyes to see only Joel standing there launching into his sermon.
Among the laughs and tears on their journey, they've never lost sight of the reason they were brought together.
"We have a singular mission together," Michelle said. "We strive and are purposeful about creating something that God leads us to for the congregation to experience Him."
Laurie agrees. "We are really, really great friends, but we are also gathered around the same mission. We want to offer our very best, whether it's production, tech or singing ... without apology. There's a perception that it's a big show, but it's really our effort to offer our best to Him so that others can worship at the throne of God without distractions."
No matter how crazy their week is with rehearsals, worship or special events they're often part of, you can still find them together on Sunday night for family dinner, a gathering of their friends, family and worship team. It's an important part of their journey, not just working together but walking in life together. They view their relationships as a form of worship that glorifies and honors the Lord.
You can bet that, as we continue to celebrate Christ's resurrection and beyond, these extraordinary women are busy working with the larger team to build a unique worship environment for our congregation. We hope you'll join each weekend to lift our voices with Laurie, Michelle, and Sharon in praise and worship of our Creator!


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Police swoop on drug peddlers at Ashaiman
Three members of a gang of drug peddlers were arrested in a swoop by the Ashaiman Divisional Police Command on Friday.
The operation, led by Chief Superintendent Fleance Adikah, the Divisional Commander, took place at 'Spider Toilet' a popular narcotic drug-peddling ghetto in Ashaiman, near the Flats.
One of the suspects, a 23-year-old man, George Agyepong, alias Shaka, had 53 wrappers of whitish substances suspected to be cocaine concealed in black polythene and hidden in his boxer shots.
Confirming the incident to The Ghanaian Times, The Ashaiman District Police Commander, Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Seth Tay, said Agyepong had been selling cocaine for the past seven months for his master, popularly known as "Hollywood".
He said Agyepong told the police he makes about GH¢250 monthly from the sale of cocaine.
DSP Tay said the other two suspects , Mohammed Awal, 18, and a 32-year-old labourer, who was yet to be identified, were apprentice mechanics.
He disclosed that a search at the scene revealed 37 wrappers and broken pieces of compressed dried leaves, suspected to be Indian hemp, and a pair of scissors.
DSP Tay said the swoop was part of efforts by the divisional command to rid the Ashaiman metropolis of ghettos which host criminals, who engage in various unlawful activities.
He emphasised that the Police has declared war on criminals and ghettos, adding that the operation would continue "until all the criminals run away from the area".
From Dzifa Tetteh, Ashaiman


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Everyday Planner Giveaway: 3 Winners
Hey Guys,
I received this Everyday Planner which is worth Rs.2999, few weeks back and it has literally changed my life. It helps me so much in getting the tasks done that were pending for so long. I just list down all the thing I need to do In the week and check back every night if I have been successful.
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Open for Indian residents!! Contest ENDS on March, 25 and will announce winners on 31st March.


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I'm almost done wiring up the u.RAT Demo Board. In fact, it's all wired, but I need to do one last wire tie pass, and I'll show it off tomorrow.
The little clear poly Carbonite case looks great, and it will be fun to present and then let people play with it hands on.


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Cambodia - Internships Available
Still healing from one of the worst genocides in modern history by the Khmer Rouge, the country struggles with an ongoing crisis: rebuilding their economy in the face of inconceivable poverty. For many, the only alternative appears to be the prostitution of their women and children.
Due to the multitude of ministry opportunities in Cambodia, Adventures has sent short term teams, Passport, Gap Year, World Race Squads, and even long term missionaries to this Southeast Asian country.
Adventures saw a need to cultivate an atmosphere welcoming the presence of the Lord in the middle of a spiritual battlefield. This place would not only serve as a base to coordinate mission teams, but would be missional as well, reaching out to those journeying through Cambodia seeking spiritual enlightenment and looking everywhere but at Jesus. This as a prime opportunity to be the hands and feet of Jesus to everyone passing through.
Now Adventures is leasing a guesthouse in Siem Reap, Cambodia, and using it as a base of ministry. We're calling it "Overflow Guesthouse" as the vision is to be an overflow of God's love to tourists, mission teams, and all our ministry hosts in the country.
Adventures Cambodia is a new brand of mission base, tapping into a model of business as missions as we run a guesthouse complete with a cafe and restaurant. We look forward to discipling locals as we serve alongside them in business.
Overflow plays a large role in filling the gaps between ministry funding sources and long term sustainability. Through this guesthouse, we hope to leverage the movement of mission teams in coordination with long term efforts while providing essential ministry resources, facilities, and services. The vision is to pilot a progressive way of building sustainable missions.


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The Boise Airport announced Thursday that another Boise brand will replace Big City Coffee as the "local" coffee shop.
The news that River City Coffee & Café will open a store this week at the airport — it has one on State Street — follows a messy breakup between Big City and airport contractor Delaware North Cos.
"From our coffee roasted in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho, to our daily scratch-made pastries, we're confident that River City Coffee will be a great addition to the Boise Airport," General Manager Nick Stinemates said in a news release.
But days before the announcement, Sarah Fendley, who owns Big City Coffee — a café and restaurant in Boise's Linen District — warned airport and Delaware North officials that she plans to sue if the new shop resembles hers.
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"River City Coffee was once Big City Coffee, until 2006, when Sarah Fendley sold the equipment, decor and location to Joseph Stinemates," the March 1 letter from Fendley's lawyer said.
Joseph Stinemates told the Statesman on Thursday evening that he had no comment.
Fendley's letter describes a licensing agreement between Big City and River City that expired in 2011 and "ongoing conflict" over the use of Big City recipes, menu names and trade secrets.
River City's menu includes some names — such as OBGYF, Jive Turkey and BBC — that are on the Big City menu.
A spokeswoman for Delaware North did not respond to a question from the Statesman about whether the company planned to omit similarly named menu items from the airport River City's offerings. Instead, the company emailed a statement:
"From the start, Delaware North has worked with the Boise Airport to bring the best local concepts into the airport," it said. "We are proud of our new partnerships with local businesses and look forward to growing these relationships. Most important is our commitment to become part of the Boise community and help make a difference. It is a great honor to be the first to greet visitors and the last to say farewell, see you soon."
New York-based Delaware North won a multimillion-dollar contract to overhaul the airport's restaurants in 2014, adding replicas of well-known local eateries such as Big City, Bardenay, Parrilla Grill and 13th Street Pub and Grill.
The Statesman broke the news last month that Fendley, airport customers, Delaware North employees and others complained about food quality, staffing, cleanliness and other issues at the airport after Delaware North took over.
Fendley sent a formal complaint last fall, after which Delaware North notified her that it would remove the Big City shop from the airport and cancel the licensing contract that gave it the right to use Big City's name and recipes.
Delaware North President Kevin Kelly told Fendley in an early February letter, "We reject your allegations and note that your demand appears to be an attempt to extract money after (Delaware North) properly exercised its termination rights" as laid out in the contract.
According to Thursday's Boise Airport news release, branding and decorations for Big City Coffee will be removed Sunday night. River City Coffee will begin operating Monday morning.
Audrey Dutton: 208-377-6448, @IDS_Audrey


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Easy Beef Sandwiches
Grab Meat, 1 can of beef broth, and 1 package of lipton onion soup mix.
Throw everything in a crock-pot for approx. 5 to 6 hours until meat shreds easily.
top with provolone cheese.
Sandwich its great..
Pakistani restaurants in Manchester
I tried similar and used the sirloin chip meat from Costco. Was perfect. I like it better the the steak um stuff from the grocery store.
Great post love it!
bubblegum casting
What kind of meat and how much meat?ReplyDelete


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Blog Archives for tag Blinds
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Giving a Final Touch to the Décor Of Room in Both Homes And Offices
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Classic Lake Minnetonka
The challenge: To honor the home's traditional bones while giving the space a renewed, fresh character. "It was really about building in modern touches with updated furnishings and refined fabrics"
Whites and grays found throughout the space create an elegant and pretty air, while the homeowners' favored lake shades of aqua, turquoise and cerulean were added through accessories and accents providing splashes of color. Patterns are an important link —arabesque, ikat and abstract delight and let the eye travel. The rug is the main character grounding the space while establishing a traditional basis for the rest of the main floor.
Despite the rooms' strong architectural elements, the effect is fresh and open, While spatial definition exists through arches and built ins, there is visual continuity because of the pattern and color.


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The Richard Jackson Saga: Tenth Grade
Chapter 5
Copyright© 2016 by Banadin
The week sThe week started with another perfect California day. According to the newspaper, Ohio was being hit by a cold rainstorm so it reaffirmed our decision to move west. After an uneventful run, keeping an eye out for tigers, and my usual workout I headed for the beach.
We high-paid actors have to suffer for our art you know.
Now that I wasn't being forced to go three times a week, surfing had become fun again. Not that I would ever be a great surfer, but when I did catch a wave, it was cool. Fred and Corky were both there so I had a very good time. We took a break and had a snack at Katin's. No one had any great news.
I did share that I had a date the previous Friday. They agreed that the Mall was the place to hang out now. Fred was a little crude with his questions so I shut him down. I wasn't as impressed with Fred as much as when I first met him.
After our break, we went back to the water. As we crossed the road to the beach, I noticed a young lady wrapped in a blanket by the bathhouse. I wondered what she would be wearing to be all covered like that.
After catching a couple of waves, I noticed she was sitting near the water, still wrapped in her blanket. The next trip she was in the water. I must admit it was a pretty skimpy bikini, yellow polka dots and all.
I wished she would come out of the water. She was still there when we left. I hope she didn't turn into a prune.
After a hearty lunch at home, Mum took me downtown to start her version of recognizing a tail and evading them if needed.
Beginning that afternoon, the rest of my week was fun as Mum taught me how to evade a tail. I learned not to be shy about pulling twenty dollars out of my wallet and asking if there was a back door. I learned to look for buildings with more than one entrance. Getting in one side of a cab, tossing the driver a five, as I got out the other door became routine. At the same time, Mum gave me pointers on how to spot my tails.
She pointed out Mr. Robertson and his trainees to me once, after that it was up to me to pick them out. Frankly after a few days, I didn't see that they were any better at following than I had been at spotting my tails. It was a bit of a farce in a way. I knew they were there; they didn't know I knew. I was to evade them, and they had to follow me.
Why Mr. Robertson didn't figure out that something wasn't right I don't know. What did he think I was doing wandering around downtown LA like I was? Mum had made a point of letting him see her, so he knew I was in training, but he must have formed a low opinion of me to think his students would never be spotted. This was how my afternoons were spent.
At one point, I enjoyed helping an old lady cross the street. It was my Boy Scout good deed for the day. It also gave me an excuse to look all around so we wouldn't get hit by on-coming traffic. You would never see James Bond doing this.
Since I spent my morning being a beach bum and as a spy in the afternoon, the real world caught up with me in the evening. I had to spend time with my books. I first did my schoolwork. I was ahead in my lesson plan and wanted to keep it that way.
Even though I had soloed, I wanted to really know about flying, so I spent more time with those studies. I couldn't wait until tomorrow when I would get to go up again.
I finished up a book I had been reading. It was grim. I hope I never have to make the choice Gordon Zellaby had forced upon him. I didn't care for the fact we never knew what started it.
Tuesdays exercise didn't bring out anymore tigers, so I was a little more comfortable running in the woods. I did get a minor scare when I saw a flash of black and orange run across the trail ahead, but then I realized it was a chipmunk. I guess that tiger event shook me up more than I realized.
Mum and I headed downtown early. My tails were in place, and Mum asked me how that could be. We had gone out yesterday afternoon now we're doing a morning session. I thought for a minute.
"They have someone watching the house?"
"That or they have an inside contact."
"What, one of our people is betraying us?"
"Well Rick it's not like it is wartime. Well maybe the American press makes it like wartime for us. They are either watching the house or have inside information. I thought this might happen so I had security on the lookout.
"What is really happening is that each morning someone is sitting out by the drive, way down the hill. They trade off about lunch time. Our security people have been keeping an eye on them."
Mum told them not to report it to the police as we have it in hand. It did remind her that she needed to teach me how to spot a simple car tail.
While I could tell that I was being tailed now and could spot at least one of them, I wasn't certain that I had all of them. They would change out, change coats, hats and items they were carrying.
I felt ornery at one point and stopped a policeman. All I did was ask him for directions, but in doing so, I pointed behind me, as though I was trying to point out people following me. It did make them back way off for most of the afternoon.
Overall, I thought they were being taught much better than I had been. Of course, Mum and I discussed all this on the way home. She gave me tips for the next day. She also gave me a mild scold for playing with my food.
As they upped their game, mine was also getting better so I felt most days were a draw. They had followed me, but I knew I was being followed and had spotted enough of them that I could lose them if I had to. Mum didn't want me to lose them too often or thoroughly so we could keep playing them. As Mum put it, the US government was kind enough to provide a team to train me; it would be rude not to use it.
Lunch was the usual cold setup on the buffet. Eddie and Denny told me they liked studying at home. They could move at their own speed, run a lesson long or short depending how interesting it was. Being able to have their questions answered immediately was cool. It made learning fun. Having a good looking teacher also helped.
What they missed was the interaction with kids their own age. I had to agree with them as it was my same exact experience. The only difference was they were looking forward to going back to the classroom, so they could be with friends. These days I could hardly communicate with kids my own age. Well except for going on dates with girls.
For me, it was back to the books after dinner. Tenth grade was proving easier than I thought it would. I was getting ahead on my timeline. I had planned to be finished by the New Year. At this rate, I would finish before Christmas.
The piloting studies were more difficult. Not that I wasn't getting it, I had to read and reread to ensure that I understood things. I even borrowed one of Eddie's balsawood airplanes to go through motions to understand some concepts. I don't think I will be trying any stunt flying soon.
I read about the city of Diaspar by the radar technician before falling asleep.
The next morning it was a drizzling rain. Since it was warm, I went for my run anyway. That was probably a mistake as I slipped on the trail. I skinned up my left knee, but it wasn't a big deal. However, I was a muddy mess entering the house.
As luck would have it, Mary was at the door with camera in hand. Oh well. After making several worthless threats on her life, I got cleaned up before breakfast.
The whole family was at our buffet breakfast. Mary took great delight in describing her latest 'scoop'. Denny being ever helpful volunteered to develop her film right away.
My ever-loving family then speculated on a story to match the picture. Their thoughts went from Rick takes a tumble, to Jackson flees another tiger. I'm glad I hadn't mentioned my chipmunk scare.
I drove over to the studio and spent the morning practicing my skills. My bow work was current. My recent sword bout with Basil Rathbone while not a winner demonstrated that I still had my edge, pun intended.
Working on hand to hand was a different story. While I still had the muscle memory of a lot of the moves, others needed brushing up. I spent until lunch time doing that instead of learning any new moves.
When I went home to clean up and have lunch I had a story waiting for me to review. Mum had called Susan Wallace over; she along with Mary concocted a short story to go with my muddy picture. Its title was, 'Jackson chased by another Tiger?' It went on to say that rumor was flying upstairs and downstairs at Jackson House about me being chased by another tiger. However, the inside reporter had it on good authority that clumsy Ricky had slipped on a muddy trail.
I looked up as I finished reading to hear a giggle and a flash of blonde hair leaving the room. I started in immediate pursuit with Death by Tickling or at least tickle until she pees in mind. She got away. I spent twenty minutes searching the house and could not find her.
Since it was getting close to my flying lesson time I grabbed one of my T-Birds and headed out. As I drove up to our security checkpoint to exit the property, I saw a blonde head in the checkpoint building. I was about to open my mouth to say something when the two people on duty, Jim and Connie opened up on me with their weapons!
My little sister had issued a squirt on sight order!
I did the only reasonable thing. I fled the scene before I was drenched.
My flying lessons were fun. Mr. McGarry as usual quizzed me while I flew. He had me stalling the plane both high and low speeds and recovering. I handled that okay. When he had me put it in a spin, I almost peed my pants, but managed to follow what I had been taught so we didn't crash.
All the while, we were going through these motions he appeared almost bored. I asked him about his flying career. He only told me that he had started young, learned in a tough school and had been doing it ever since.
Not being completely clueless I had looked up the Flying Tigers and their record in China. In doing my research, I saw his record listed; tough school indeed.
He changed the conversation about what my goals were in flying. He had brought this up before in the context of what type of aircraft I wanted to buy. Apparently, he also had done his homework, as his conversation assumed I could purchase any aircraft I wanted.
I still hadn't given it a lot of thought, but did know that I enjoyed flying, that it could be useful in my business ventures. I didn't intend to become a hobby flier, going to fly in breakfasts. On the other hand, if I was hungry, and I could get fed, I was all in.
He chuckled at that.
"If you can afford it the Cessna 310C with 260hp is what I would buy. It is a six seater, and costs sixty thousand dollars. The Piper Apache also has six seats and a lot cheaper at thirty-six thousand. Its drawback is it has only 160hp."
"That translates to 191 knots vs 135 or 155 mph vs 215. The drawback to the Cessna is its maintenance costs, if earlier models are any indication, they will be much higher than the Piper. I would recommend you do your homework first. You might even want to look at a Beechcraft Travel Air, but it only holds four with a fifth fold down jump seat. Its speed and cost are between the other two."
The Cessna speed interested me.
After logging another three hours I touched down for the umpteenth time that day for real and taxied in. While doing my post-flight walk around and refueling we talked about the hours, I would have to log cross country, night time and how I should be ready to start instrument flying soon. We then shook hands and called it a day.
As I started home, I wondered what would be waiting for me at the security checkpoint. Believing in peace through superior firepower I pulled over at a G.C. Murphy's five and dime. There I bought a package of five balloons for a nickel.
Stopping at a service station, I loaded my weapons and headed home.
As I pulled in the checkpoint and stopped, I decided upon a pre-emptive strike. Jim and Connie were both outside so two quick heaves, and I had my revenge. I also had two very wet guards who were not armed with squirt guns. Fortunately, they didn't draw their very real pistols.
It was shift change time so two other guards were in the shack signing in. From the looks on their faces, they had no idea what was going on.
When I walked into the kitchen backdoor, the cook told me Mum wanted to see me as soon as I got in, she was in the Library.
When I got there, it was Mum and a crying Mary. I wondered what had been going on.
"Rick, Mary has something she would like to say."
A sobbing Mary said, "Rick, I'm sorry that I had the guard's squirt you. They should not be made to join our games their job is serious."
Ever feel the floor open under you?
Before I had a chance to say anything two people walked into the room; a very wet Jim and Connie. They looked like they knew they were going to be fired.
Mum looked at them and then me. She shook her head and told the guards they were excused and not to worry; she knew they weren't the problem.
"Rick, Mary is five years old; the guards like her, so I understand. You are sixteen and should know better."
Before you walked in I made certain the guards knew not to get involved with anymore of your children's games. Now both of you go wash up, and we will talk about your punishment at dinner.
Mary and I got out as quickly as we could. Mary apologized again once when we were out of the room. This time I even believed her. I told her not to worry, that I thought we both had bigger concerns now, and how about a truce.
She agreed quickly. She also let me know that the picture and story were worth one hundred dollars to her, so she could take whatever was coming. Lord, help us when she grew up, five years going on thirty-five!
I arrived at dinner full of trepidation, but determined to take what was coming to me like a man, or at least a non-pouting teenager.
Dad was the speaker for the sentencing.
"Mary will be spending one hour a day for the next week after school, helping the maids with dusting and other inside chores."
"Rick, you will be cleaning out and refurbishing the stables."
The stables were in terrible shape. They needed a good cleaning, then a lot of wood replaced, then painting. This did not seem fair or reasonable to me, but I knew when to say, "Yes Sir."
Eddie picked up on it first, "Are we getting horses?"
"Yes, we have the room and facilities, except Mary will not be getting a horse."
You ever want to see a kid's face crumple? It made me forget the unfairness to me.
"She will be getting a pony."
Wow, want to see a million watt smile as a face lights up? It was there in front of us. The dinner conversation revolved around horses, and instruction. Mary and Mum realized the important thing. They would have to shop for riding clothes.
Dad told me, "Rick once you clean out the stables obtain quotes on the wood replacement and painting."
That didn't seem so bad. I did have something coming for not thinking.
After dinner, I went out to the stables to see what needed done. Since the stables hadn't been used in many years, they weren't a stinky mess, a small favor. All I needed was a wheelbarrow and pitch fork to start, then a broom and water for a rinse. This would not be as bad as cleaning up after Brahma Bulls.
I went back in and changed into work clothes. This was one of those jobs sooner started sooner done. In the garage, I found a wheelbarrow; and a pitch fork in the stables as one would expect. All I had to do was scoop the decomposed straw into the wheel barrow and take it to the compost pile next to the stable.
I don't think we would want the pile there after we have horses. It would grow rapidly and be a health hazard. I would have to see about it getting taken away.
As I worked I had time to think. I replayed the day in my head, especially the squirt gun incident. The guards did what Mary requested, they really shouldn't have, but they did it. This made me think about Mary's comments when that CIA guy first showed up.
Her being friendly with the guards got her help when she needed it. Now I didn't want to be friends for those reasons, but it rang true to me that I should be friendly with those that worked for us.
That thought ran around my head for a while and settled on the fact I had to acknowledge all people I dealt with in a good manner. Not that I wasn't nice when we were together, but that I had to show I thought about them when we were not together.
It could be simple things like sending birthday cards. How could I implement such a plan? I finished up my work on the stables for the day and cleaned up. Since it wasn't late I went in search of Mum and Dad.
They were watching the television, but weren't that into the show, so turned it off for me.
"What's on your mind, Rick?"
"I have been thinking about all the people I'm involved with and my relationships with them. I don't think I'm doing enough to foster those relationships and recognize them for their efforts, nothing big, like remembering their birthdays."
Dad replied, "That's an interesting thought. The same thing has been going through my mind recently. We are meeting so many new people in our different endeavors; it is hard to keep track of them. At the same time it is in our best interest to do so, and the nice thing to do. What I've noticed recently is more people remember me, than I them."
"Yeah, we usually are in the more memorable position, so they remember us, but most of them are in a crowd situation, and it's almost impossible to remember them, and yet at the same time I want to."
Mum chimed in, "Anna gives every business card she receives to her secretary. In turn her secretary keeps a file on who she met, where, what the meeting was about and any personal facts that Anna noted on the back of the card. That way if she ever goes back to that group or organization, she can refresh her memory."
"That's a good start, but I want to go even further. I'm going to talk to others like Mr. Monroe at Warner Brothers."
"That's a good idea Rick, keep me posted." Dad replied.
I returned to my room and picked up a book to read, but realized I was tired and went right to sleep.
After my normal morning rituals, I headed over to the studio. I was half way there when I realized I hadn't thought about tigers once, which was a good thing.
I was lucky. Mr. Monroe was in and had time for me.
"What's up Rick?"
"I have a few questions about contacts. I meet many people and feel that I should do something to remember them and also treat them like real people rather than just a face in the crowd."
"Ah, some people never catch on to that. Most actors are rather poor about it, letting the studio track fan's. etc. The best at it are politicians."
"I don't know about politics, but it seems it is in my best interest to build a true contact base."
"What sort of contacts do you have in mind?"
"I was thinking more in the business sense rather than my fan base."
"That's good thinking Rick. A fan base is great, but you need to hold them to a certain distance. Most of them are good people, but there is the occasional fruit cake out there."
"Oh, I hadn't thought of that."
"What levels of business contacts are you thinking of?"
"Well I thought of sending everyone a birthday card."
"If I remember right you have several factories with quite a few workers."
"The last number I heard I have almost a thousand employees now."
"Wow Rick, you really are going places, why do you even bother to act?"
"It's fun, and keeps me out of a classroom, plus you never know when being a little famous might help."
"A little famous, let me see; acting, singing, saving the Queen of England, working as a deck hand, multiple lives saved, tigers shot, robbers captured, even bad guys killed, yeah I'd say you're famous."
"When you put it that way I must be, but none of it seemed a big deal at the time."
"That is why you are not only famous, but also liked. You are truly modest, without being falsely modest. I keep telling Nina she shouldn't have gone to Switzerland."
The look on my face must have been something because he bursts out laughing.
"Got you Rick, Nina and you are both too young to settle down. Now let's get back to the subject, acknowledging people you have met, or who work for you, and you may never meet."
"May never meet?"
"Certainly, you will have people who work in your factories you will never meet. You may visit the factory occasionally but people will not always be there, or would have come and gone between visits."
"I hadn't thought of that."
"I have that problem here at the studio. Now let's talk about birthday cards. Is it appropriate to send a card to someone you have never met?"
"Not really."
"Think about sending a thank you card for each year, they work for you. Do that for every level of worker that you don't deal with. It is a personal touch, but it is an appropriate touch."
"Now those that you deal with on a routine basis might merit the card. I would suggest that you also have a clipping service keep track of those at a certain level of acquaintance, that way you can send an appropriate message."
"What's an appropriate message?"
"It depends upon the event, a birth and a death would rate different cards."
"Oh, I get it."
"I assume you have a business office."
"Yes over on Rodeo Drive, in one of Dad's buildings."
"You need to have someone on staff over there take care of that for you."
"That all makes sense, thank you very much, Mr. Monroe."
"While you are here I have a favor to ask. Jim Garner was supposed to play golf on Saturday morning with a couple of investors. He can't make it for personal reasons, could you fill in for him?"
"I have no plans so sure."
He gave me the guy's name which meant nothing to me and our tee time at the Calabasas Country Club. Mr. Monroe had never met the guy so knew nothing about him or his golf game.
From there I headed to my office. There I sat down with Jim Wallace and explained what I would like to accomplish in recognizing people I dealt with. He in turn explained a fact of life to me. I would have to hire someone to handle this as the staff was overbooked as it was.
We discussed this some more. I gave him permission to hire someone, and that he was to handle the entire issue. My job would be to sign cards and write messages. Of course, I would have to come up with the initial list and update it as time went on.
We decided on three levels. Close friends and family, I would write a personal message and sign a card for each significant event, birthday, Christmas, graduations, etc. I would be on my own with gifts, other than a reminder to purchase one. Next would be people I met but wasn't close to such as the makeup people at the studio, my old scout leaders and others. I would sign a card but no personal message. The last group would be people who worked for me. They would receive a congratulations and Thank You for their service on their employment anniversary. This would be a card with my signature printed on it. There would also be Sympathy cards as needed.
We would also contract with a clipping service to track stories on people I had met such as General Hawthorne or the Mayor of Vincennes Indiana and about my various products and companies. These were to be reviewed before showing them to me, or I would do nothing but read articles.
I felt lucky to get out of a large project so easily. Well, I still would have to sign a lot of cards, and make certain the project got off the ground okay.
I was given an update on my businesses. They had it down to a fifteen minute presentation if nothing major was happening. This week it was money in and money out, fortunately more in than out.
Hairdryers were way ahead of projections, and the head of home products thought we would continue like this for some time. It currently was acting as a cash cow as Jim Wallace called it, but the real money would be in the containerized shipping business.
The government subsidies to expand the ports and ships that could use the system were being spent rapidly but the GAO who had just audited the expenditures reported that this was one of the most efficient operations they had ever seen.
Apparently, what had been considered a nest of corruption, the unions on the docks, weren't only doing their part; they were keeping the port operators on the straight and narrow. I wonder why, well not really.
I had a while before my date with Emily so I headed home and wrote two essays that were required for my schoolwork. They both were on required topics. One was so-so, but the other was very interesting. What would be the future effects of Presidents Eisenhower's interstate highway system?
His reasoning was as a defense highway, based on the logistics support the autobahn gave the German army. He also remembered a trip when he was a young officer to San Francisco. It took over a month to lead the convoy he was in across the continent.
I had seen the TV special where they talked about going across the entire country without having to stop for one traffic light. Certainly, it would have to have an effect on the economy and where people lived.
The other essay was boring. I had to write about how air conditioning might change where people lived. I couldn't see that would have much effect, but put some stuff down that it would make the South more livable.
Emily answered the door wearing a black dress with pink poodles and a pink blouse. Her hair was tied in a ponytail with a pink scarf. She looked pretty sharp.
We picked up the others and went to the local roller rink. It was a modern rink with plastic floors and the skates all had plastic wheels so it was quiet, well as quiet as a roller rink could be. It was fun all evening. At one point, we stopped for a sandwich and drinks. A group of three guys joined us. Emily introduced me to them.
I didn't really catch their names, but one of them, Tom was Captain of the football team and the quarterback. I found this out from Emily, who gushed over him as she introduced us. They didn't stay around very long.
After skating we went back to Emily's, she seemed anxious to get home and call it a night. I did get a peck on the cheek. I had a good time skating, but the evening wasn't what I had thought it would be. A little necking would have been great.
Saturday morning after my usual daily ritual I headed to the country club for my foursome. At the Starters desk, I found out the other people were a Judge Smails, Mr. Noonan and Mr. Loomis. They had arrived and were on the putting green.
Usually, when meeting people on the golf course the first time, there are polite introductions all around. This was not to be. Judge Smails thought James Garner would be there and was upset that I was sent instead.
He wanted to know why some kid actor was sent instead of Mr. Garner. When I explained the situation, it didn't calm him down. He finally seemed to accept the fact that I was going to be his fourth. The other guys had shaken my hand and not got involved in the conversation, well not a conversation as it was Judge Smails doing ninety percent of the talking, most of which was complaining about someone of his stature being stood up.
He asked if I knew how to play golf. I replied that I knew the rules, and didn't think I would embarrass myself on the course.
He sneered at that and asked if I could play real men's golf. He continued on that real men bet Nassau style. I had heard of it but asked him to explain. He went on in great detail to tell me bets on the front nine, back nine, all eighteen, pressing or doubling the bet, the trailing player being able to press the bet, not pressing on nine or eighteen, an automatic press if a player was two holes down and finally press double.
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April 26, 1864
The irascible Navy Secretary Gideon Welles writes in his diary after the regular Tuesday cabinet meeting: "Photographers from M.B. Brady's studio work in White House to make stereoscopic studies of Lincoln in his office."
Neither Chase nor Blair were at the Cabinet to-day nor was Stanton. The course of these men is reprehensible, and yet the President, I am sorry to say, does not reprove but rather encourages it by bringing forward no important measure connected with either. As regards Chase, it is evident he presumes on his position and the condition of the finance to press a point, hoping it may favor his aspirations.
Stanton has a cabinet and is a power in his own Department. He deceives the President and Seward, makes confidants of certain leading men, and is content to have matters move on without being compelled to show his exact position. He is not on good terms with Blair, nor is Chase, which is partly attributable to that want of concert which frequent assemblages and mutual counselling on public measures would secure. At such a time the country should have the combined wisdom of all.
Artist Francis Carpenter recalled that "the day after the review of Burnside's division, some photographers from Brady's Gallery came up to the White House to make some stereoscopic studies for me of the President's office. They requested a dark closet, in which to develop the pictures; and without a thought that I was infringing upon anybody's rights, I took them to an. unoccupied room of which little " Tad" had taken possession a few days before, and with the aid of a couple of the servants, had fitted up as a miniature theatre, with stage, curtains, orchestra, stalls, parquette, and all. Knowing that the use required would interfere with none of his arrangements, I led the way to this apartment.
Everything went on well, and one or two pictures had been taken, when suddenly there was an uproar. The operator came back to the office, and said that "Tad" had taken great offence at the occupation of his room without his consent, and had locked the door, refusing all admission. The chemicals had been taken inside, and there was no way of getting at them, he having carried off the key. In the midst of this conversation, " Tad" burst in, in a fearful passion. He laid all the blame upon me, — said that I had no right to use nis room, and that the men should not go in even to get their things. He had locked the door, »nd they should not go there again — " they had no business in his room!" Mr. Lincoln had been sitting for a photograph, and was still in the chair. He said, very mildly, " Tad, go and unlock the door." Tad went off muttering into his mother's room, refusing to obey. I followed him into the passage, but no coaxing would pacify him. Upon my return to the President, I found him still sitting patiently in the chair, from which he had not risen. He said: "Has not the boy opened that door?" I replied that we could do nothing with him, — he had gone off in a great pet. Mr. Lincoln's lips came together firmly, and then, suddenly rising, he strode across the passage with the air of one bent on punishment, and disappeared in the domestic apartments. Directly he returned with the key to the theatre, which he unlocked himself. – " There," said he, " go ahead, it is all right now." He then went back to his office, followed by myself, and resumed his seat. "Tad," said he, half apologetically, "is a peculiar child. He was violently excited when I went to him. I said, 'Tad, do you know you are making your father a great deal of trouble?' He burst into tears, instantly giving me up the key."
Another irascible man, New York Tribune Editor Horace Greeley: "I thank you heartily for your note of yesterday. I shall of course publish the enclosure to-morrow" refuting allegations that President Lincoln's Confederate sister-in-law, Martha Todd White, had received special treatment on her return to Alabama. "Please send me any thing of public interest you may at any time have to publish. Though I am an earnest one-term man, I want to publish all the truth I can get and as few falsehoods as possible."
New Yorker H. L. Williams writes President Lincoln seeking government assistance: "I have for some time intended to compile a Book, on "The Negro as a Soldier." But I find that to produce such a work properly it would be necessary to visit and remain for a brief period in Paris, France."


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Iliana Silk-Satin Maxi Dress
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RIP Michael Parks at Age 77
With all of these bigger name celebrity deaths of the past year or so it can be easy to overlook someone like Michael Parks who passed away on May 10th at the age of 77. No word yet about the exact cause of death. This was confirmed by his agent, Jane Schulman. He is survived by his wife and son, Oriana and James. Born in April in 1940 in Corona, California. You may not recognize the name, but he's been in some of the best (and worst) reviewed films of the past couple of years.Read More


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Putnam County Property Appraiser - Perfect property for a home in Interlachen, FL . This vacant lot includes 0.44 acres it just needs to be cleared for your new home. This spacious lot has plenty of room. Located in a quiet neighborhood,with a few other homes around. Start enjoying your peace & quiet now. This lot is close to all your local...0.44 Acre : $35,000
Putnam County, Fl $35,000
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Create special memories with your child or create something unique for your home with some fun arts and crafts. However, it can be hard sometimes to get fresh ideas or find ways to do them without spending a ton of money. Take a few moments to review the suggestions below in order to expand your understanding of arts and crafts.
There are all sorts of things that you can use for your arts and crafts. Any disposable paper goods are great choices. Rather than throw away all rolls from toilet paper or paper towels, keep some on hand to use in projects. Even old newspapers or pictures from magazines are easy to get creative with. Be creative, and find new ways to use things that you'd otherwise toss in the garbage.
Do you need craft supplies? There are lots of online stores that have major savings on these items. Browse the web and see what you can find. You may even find a shop or two that offers free shipping, as well!
If you cannot find the supplies you want at affordable prices, try thrift shops. Goodwill as well as other consignment shops sometimes have good selections for the eagle-eyed artist who sees art among every-day items. Check in frequently, because this sort of merchandise sells quickly!
There are all sorts of things that you can use for your arts and crafts. You might even make use of paper goods that end up in your trash. You are able to use empty rolls of paper towels, or toilet paper rolls. You can even use magazines and newspapers. Try using what would normally be trash for creative projects.
Beadaholique offers you a way to find everything you need to make jewelry. Make any kind of jewelry from the fantastic variety of beads, chains and other supplies. Current fashion often involves costume jewelry. If you create your own, then you will be saving money at the same time you are coordinating your jewelry to your wardrobe.
Don't be too overbearing when children are working on their crafts. You need to remember that this is designed to foster their creativity. If you are telling them they did something wrong, they'll sour on the project.
Focus on doing one thing before starting another. It might be tempting to do a variety of projects at once. But, doing this tends to leave projects unfinished. Finish a project before starting a new one. That will give you a better chance of completing it.
Remember that doing art and craft projects with kids can be quite messy. If that that is stressful to you, cover your surfaces with some butcher paper or newsprint to catch bits of glitter, paper, and glue drops. Washable adhesives and markers are some other options.
Look up ideas for crafts online. There are lots of sites that have useful ideas. It does not matter what age is taking part, you can find projects quickly and easily.
Beadaholique is great for all shoppers wanting custom jewelry. There are many different beads, chains and accessories for making gorgeous jewelry. Many of today's fashions include costume jewelry. If you make your own, you have the power to both save money and also coordinate your wardrobe with your jewelry.
Your kitchen is a great place to find arts and crafts supplies. You can find many great ideas about arts and crafts there. You can get glass jars, foil and lots more. Dried beans are even a possibility.
Projects don't have to look any certain way when you work with children. You should avoid examples so kids can create things themselves. Maybe your child glues an eye where the ear should be! This is a time to let them be creative without interference.
Grab a pine cone and peanut butter to make a child friendly birdfeeder. While the peanut butter is still sticky, roll it in birdseed. The birdseed will stick tight to peanut butter, even when it is dry, so tie a string onto it, hang it, and wait for the bird to come.
You can find a lot of supplies online on sites like Etsy. Individuals sell items through this site. You can buy and sell supplies there, but you can also sell your own creative products there. There are many types of items to buy on Etsy.
Create presents for loved ones. Personalize each to make it more special. A lot of people prefer handmade items over something from a store, and you can save a ton of money, as well.
When your mortar dries on a mosaic, spray it with Windex and wipe clean. Powder from the mortar is hard to to clean out, and you would not want this powder to affect the finish of your final product.
Etsy can be a terrific spot for those who love crafts. You can find inspiration or purchase handmade goods. Additionally, you could choose to feature your best works on the site, and make a little money on the side to fund your craft.
Look in your kitchen for craft materials. You can find many great ideas about arts and crafts there. Things alike metal cans, glass jars, and tin foil are just a few examples. There are even things like beans and pasta (dried of course) that can be used.
A Spirograph will help your child play with patterns and create some interesting pieces. They will be able to see the pens move about the patterns and discover the many different shapes and patterns that can be made.
Arts and crafts activities are a great way to entertain a large group of children or adults. No matter how old the group is, you can find projects they all enjoy. Check online for some inspiration.
Consider buying wholesale for your arts and crafts supplies, if you usually find them very expensive. Specialty shops or major retailers often charge exorbitant prices. A great way to save money and lower the cost of your arts and crafts supplies is if you buy them in bulk. Pass the wealth around to your friends, or you can sell your extra supplies.
Prior to picking a project, be certain to assemble the needed supplies. You do not want to end up not completing a project because you lack some necessary supply. You should have a list of items that you need before you start, so that if you are missing something, you can make a run to the craft store to get it.
When you buy something, save the packaging. In many projects, you can utilize these packaging items. Store packaging and other things you would toss out into a bin, and search through it anytime you need a little inspiration.
A Spirograph will help your child play with patterns and create some interesting pieces. As the markers move through the patterns, your kids can learn about different physics-based wave patterns.
It is important to take your time when working on an arts and crafts project. Making your projects cannot be rushed. Good quality is the result of ample attention and time. Giving a project short shift is a recipe for failure. Therefore, make time for it, and you will see the difference in the results.
Keep product packaging. You can reuse this material in different projects. Keep it all in a bin, so that you have instant inspiration for future projects.
Look online for deals. You can purchase craft supplies online on many sites. Even if your favorite online retailer's selection is limited, other websites have more. Online, you will find better prices than you will locally.
Look for deals and coupons online. Many craft supplies can be found online. You may find that what is offered at many chain stores near you is very limited, but the sky is the limit with many types of offerings online. Most of the time, you can find cheaper prices online than at your local store.
To have the most fun putting together a model car with your son or daughter, buy one that is appropriate for his or her age and motor skills. Models that snap together are great for smaller kids, while those that require gluing and painting are best for older ones.
Often, different retailers can provide you with pamphlets for free detailing certain craft projects. Look out for them when you walk around the store. You may find them at eye level on a hook or display. All the supplies needed, should be close by.
If you have brushes that are filled with paint and they seem like they will be hard to wash, try soaking them in baby oil for a few minutes prior to washing them. This allows them to be cleaned much easier, and will not harm the bristles allowing them to last longer.
If you find yourself with brushes already full of paint or difficult to wash, let them soak in baby oil a few moments before trying to wash them. This will make it much easier for all of the paint to come out of your brushes, which means they will last longer.
You can add to the enjoyment and fun of your craft pieces if you can use them in your home. Decor elements are always possibilities, ranging from pillows to bird feeders. These useful items also make great personal gifts for the people who matter to you.
You can enjoy your craft projects even more if you're able to actually put them to use inside your home. You can make blinds, flower pots, picture frames and cushions, for instance. Others you know would love to receive these types of items from you as gifts as well.
Sewing may be dying but you can still make lots of cool projects using it. Choose a fabric that you love and begin a new project. Look at pattern books for ideas and then just go through the directions.
Get creative in your kitchen. You may not think food can be a craft project, but it can be. A birthday cake or any type of cake you bake can be decorated with all sorts of creative designs. If that's too much for you, try cupcakes instead.
Organize your crafting area. The more organized you are, the less time you'll waste. If your materials are organized, you will know where they are when you need something.
If you want to get into a specific art and craft field, make sure you can manage the expense. Whatever you do, you will need supplies. For instance, knitting will require yarn. Know what you will be spending before starting any crafts.
Try to find art supplies by looking in your kitchen cabinets. You can use paper plates, pasta, paint and glue to make crafts. Tell the children they can glue down the pasta on any items that you give them, and they can use the glitter and paint to cover the pasta.
Make a tuffet for a baby. When you make it, be sure that the cushioned part has enough substance for a baby to sit on or lay on as they grow. It's a great idea to include a pocket or two so the parent can put in the child's favorite toys for them to play with while on their cushion.
Many people don't consider cooking a craft; however, you can let your creativity flow in the kitchen. Decorating cakes can be enjoyable, as can creating an elaborate dish with fancy fixings. There are many easy projects you can do, such as decorating cupcakes.
This article should give you some great ideas about new projects you can do. You can truly create some wonderful things if you take your time and explore new ideas. If you like, it may be a good idea to use some of your creations as gifts.
Count on things getting messy. Arts and crafts can be messy, and you can smear, drop and drip things. This is just something that happens when crafting. Plan in advance by protecting surfaces; this way, you can prevent yourself from getting upset. If you are unaware of the mess you could make you might ruin something.


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A "Hire for attitude, train for skill…" this has been a core strategy for several talent management think tanks of late. Is it asking too much to hire for both… what's stopping us from making this a reality? Can we augment skill and attitude with compensation fitment? These are questions that have started emerging in select HR circles and point towards a need to change in the way we view talent availability.
To understand this better, one must first retrace the evolution of the skills. Early days saw "skill" as a nomenclature for expertise in a certain area that may or may not have been quantified. It denoted a rarity which came at a price primarily due to a demand-supply incongruity. With time, the concept of trainability of skills also evolved. This broke some serious barriers in the evolution of the people function and led to the institutionalization of the learning departments in organizations. As businesses and economies evolved, demand for talent grew at a geometric pace. Cost & profitability tenets dictated that a healthy balance had to be attained between hiring skilled manpower from the market and training manpower internally to avoid internal labor cost spirals. This, over time, led to the famous "build vs. buy" debate and traditional wisdom in most cases prescribed that building was a better and a more sustainable option than buying from the market. However, in today's VUCA scenario, does this still hold good…?
With rapid evolution of technology, the only undeniable reality that exists today is disruption. Traditional ways of doing business are fast being replaced by digital fundamentals of Social, Mobility, Analytics and Cloud (SMAC) that ensure fast adoption, maximization of reach and reimagination of how we pay for goods and services. Given this landscape, enterprises are being compelled to reimagine not only business fundamentals, but also talent management principles. In a burgeoning startup environment, talent strategy is no longer driven by long-term value drivers, but by the need to ensure a more immediate view to business growth and in turn assist in rapid capital acquisition. The demand-supply mismatch of talent in the country will exacerbate over the next couple of years especially with the startup boom and due to a large number of skilled individuals dropping out of active employment to become entrepreneurs. Some might term this as a more transient state of affairs in the corporate world today, yet with business sustainability in question; do we really have the luxury of waiting this out? Trends in industry show that traditional enterprises are being pushed to rethink their talent fitment & deployment strategies in the face of rapidly changing business needs.
The concept of "fitment" is no longer just a compensation concept but a comprehensive compatibility measure for an individual's fit into an organization. Traditional assumptions need to be dispelled with a realization that this concept is not restricted to external talent. The crux of this change would be to look at fast changing business needs in a VUCA environment and commensurate talent availability and fitment from any source (Build/Buy/Borrow). What's essential in all this is 'timing' and deployment of the right kinds of tools to ascertain fitment. With dynamic talent fitment firmly at its center, an overarching talent strategy can lend significant competitive advantage to a firm. However, alignment of enabling talent infrastructure like learning, performance management, career management and programs & policies is essential to the success of this model. Each cog in the talent wheel needs to constantly re-evaluate its value impact on the talent fitment process in order to remain relevant.
A pictorial representation of the dynamic talent fitment model has been shared in the following page. For this model to be a success, HR outfits need to adopt the following five tenets:
Hire Smart: From a talent acquisition standpoint, firms would need to deploy unified technical and behavior assessment platforms to evaluate suitable candidates faster and to improve hit rates. This would mean firms would need to filter through active profiles and lock on to prospects faster than competition in order to retain a healthy talent pipeline from the market
Skill-based Pay: With the proliferation of skills, firms can no longer follow grade-based approaches to compensation. Skill-cost understanding is imperative both from a market as well as a people deployment
cost standpoint. This means, behavioral and technical platforms need to be augmented with skill or function based fitment solutions to help manage talent cost better through the employee lifecycle.
Equip Workforce: From an internal talent management standpoint, career platforms and succession plans have always precluded technical and behavioral evaluation in most progressive firms. This environment will compel managers of all organizations to adopt a combined platform to ensure speed of talent identification to tackle rapid change
Rapid Training & Reskilling: With rapid entry and exit of skills & functions in the Indian industry today, skill gestation and learning are no longer heavily time invested processes. In order to develop competitive advantage with talent fitment at the core of business strategy, firms need to adopt technology-enabled, fast upgrading, gamified learning platforms. Progressive organizations have already started pre-empting the need of such platforms and are investing in developing full blown learning universities providing coverage across the addressable universe of relevant skills and competencies
Use of Technology: The central theme being rapid disruption and re-fabrication of business fundamentals, leveraging technology seems to have become more of a necessity than a mere productivity tool. Technology today not only lends competitive business advantage to a firm but also provides significant advantage from a talent perspective. Every aspect of an employee lifecycle today can be enhanced and optimized for the current environment using a strong technology backbone. For e.g.,
a. Hiring – Cloud-based technical, behavioral and comp fitment platforms to improve hiring efficiency and ensure better talent fit & retention.
b. On-boarding & Learning – Cloud-based LMS with internal social network capability that would break barriers in terms of location, language and cost. This will completely redefine the way learning is imparted and accepted across employees especially with Gen Y and Z entering the workforce.
c. Performance Management – Gamified performance roadmaps created through intuitive platforms that help track and manage performance on a real-time basis and seamlessly link back to other aspects of talent management like Total Rewards and careers.
d. Career Management – Gamified career management systems that help individuals chart out their own careers at their own pace without compromising on the larger business objective through seamless integration with LMS.
e. Total Rewards – Fully integrated workforce analytics and rewards systems that not only help manage fitment and current rewards outlays, but also manage non-linear people cost metrics.
f. Development – Intelligent assessment and development platforms to identify potential and customize programs to build the next generation of leaders.
Some would claim all these tenets are a thing of the future, while some others would claim that they have already started using them… however, one truth stands out… these tenets are necessary in the future we're staring into.
Some might argue that hi-tech industry is the only industry that would find these tenets relevant. Hi-tech industry is no doubt at the helm of this change, however, it won't be long before all other industries being impacted by rapid evolution of technology start adopting these tenets to survive & sustain. Talent fitment will therefore steadily become the new norm in human capital strategy going forward… thus reinforcing the phrase – "Hire for Skill, Attitude and Cost"
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