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Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort Cendyn ePlanner
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020
Bell Services
Business Center
Changing Facilities/Day Use
Coffee Maker
Corporate Social Responsibility
Community Outreach
Environmental Commitment
Food Donations
Directions To The Hotel
Dry Cleaning
Fax Numbers
Fitness Center
Front Desk
General Manager
Golf Course Information
Guest Service Hotline
Hair Salon
Hotel Facts/History
Hotel Map
Key Hotel Contacts
Luggage Storage
Mail Services
Manager On Duty (M.O.D.)
Massage Therapy
Restaurant Reservations
Team Member Recognition
Voice Mail
Worship Services
Food & Beverage
Banquet Beverage Selection
Banquet Curfews
Banquet Equipment
Banquet Menu Selection
Banquet Terms and Conditions
Box Lunches
Dietary Requirements
Food Donations
Hospitality Desks
Hospitality Suites
In Room Dining
Linen Selection
Liquor Laws
Off Premise Catering
Outdoor Venues
Special Meal Requests
Wine List
Meeting & Convention
Americans With Disabilities (ADA)
Audio Visual
Celebrity/Dignitary Visits
Coat Check
Dance Floor
Dressing/ Green Room
Freight Elevator
Gift Ideas
In conjunction With (ICW's)
Interpretation/Translation Services
Key Cards
Limousine Services
Liquor Laws
Load-In/Load Out
Loading Dock
Meeting Packages
Meeting Room Capacities
Meeting Room Deliveries
Meeting Room Rental
Meeting Room Set Standard
Office Equipment/Supplies
Post Event Report
Post-Convention Meeting (Debrief)
Posting Of Events
Pre-Convention Meeting (Summit)
Printing Services
Production Guidelines
Registration Assistance
Registration Desks
Shipping And Receiving
Site Inspection/Pre-Planning
Sound System
Sustainable Property Operations Results Tracking
Theme Parties
Trash Removal
Video Channel
Guest Rooms
Changing Facilities/Day Use
Check-In And Check-Out
Group Arrivals And Departures
Group Reservations Identification Program (G.R.I.P
Guest List Manager
Guest Room Deliveries
Guest Rooms
Passkey GroupMAX
Pets (Policy)
Reservations (RAPID)
Safes/Safe Deposit Boxes
Zip-Out checkout
Loss Prevention
Emergency Procedures
Fire Codes
Lost & Found
Medical Facilities/Services
Automated Teller Machines
Cash Paid Outs
Cash Paying Guests
Check Cashing
Credit Cards
Credit Policy
Currency Exchange
Gift Certificates
Master Accounts
Resort Fees
Service Charge
Tax Exemption
Wired Payments
Electrical Order
Exhibitor Kit
Hold Harmless Agreements
HSIA Order
Key Request
Telecommunications Order
Automated Teller Machines
Bus Companies
Car Rental Agencies
Convention & Visitors Bureau
Convention Center
Destination Management Companies
Dine Around
Drug Stores
Local Attractions
Public Transportation
Banquet Terms and Conditions
Banquet Terms and Conditions
1. CONFIRMATION and ASSIGNMENT of FUNCTION SPACE: The function space assigned on the banquet event order, indicates the space that is tentatively being held and will be held on a definite basis upon signing of this EO by both parties. The terms and conditions of any group sales or catering sales agreement previously signed regarding this event remain in force and this EO is intended to provide specific function/event information in support of the original agreement. If for any reason the function space reserved is not available for your event, you agree that we may substitute space of appropriate size and comparable quality for your event. If you plan to print or publish the assigned space, please contact us first to confirm the room assignment.
2. GUARANTEE OF CHARGES: At least 72 hours (3 business days) before your event, you must inform us, in writing, of the exact number of people who will attend your event. The arrangements set forth on the reverse side of this EO will serve as the final arrangements for your event. The services, products, fees etc., as noted will be provided at the time of your event and you will be charged based on the event guarantee that you give us or the number of people indicated at the time you signed this EO, whichever is greater. We will not undertake to serve more than 3% more than this guaranteed minimum.
3. DEPOSITS/TAXES: We may request that you pay a deposit of 25% of the estimated dollar value of the event when you sign this agreement. You agree to pay separately any and all federal, state, municipal or other taxes imposed on or applicable to your event. In the State of Arizona, service charges are subject to 8.6% tax and public room rental is subject to an 2.9% tax.
4. CANCELLATION: You may cancel this Agreement only upon giving written notice to us. The parties agree and understand that in the event of a cancellation, our actual damages would be difficult to determine. Therefore, you agree to pay the following amounts to us upon notice of cancellation as liquidated damages:
- Cancellation between date of signing and 3 days in advance of the event: 90%.
- Cancellation three business days or less in advance of the event: payment in full of all charges (As products and services must be purchased and scheduled in advance, notification three (3) business days or less before the event will require payment of all charges (including labor and service fees, rentals and applicable taxes) for the final guarantee or contracted number of guests ).
Additional damages may be owed for cancellation of your sleeping room contract (if applicable).
5. PAYMENT: Unless you have established credit in advance with us, you will pay the entire contract price in cash, certified check or by Credit card along with a 10% refundable additional pre-payment, at least five business days prior to your function or by personal bank check two weeks prior to your function. We may terminate this agreement and retain the portion of your deposit or seek additional amounts necessary to equal the cancellation fee provided in paragraph 4 if payment is not made as agreed. If you have established credit, payment in full will be due within thirty (30) days of your function. Hilton accepts American Express, Diners Club, Discover Card, JCB International, Master Card or Visa. If credit has not been approved for your function, you will provide us with the credit card to which all estimated master account charges will be charged no later than five business days prior to your event. If credit has been approved, you will provide us with your credit card information at the time of your function. If payment of all undisputed charges is not received within thirty (30) days after your receipt of the final invoice, a finance charge of 1.5% per month, or the maximum amount allowed by law, whichever is less, will accrue on the unpaid, undisputed amount, commencing on the date of receipt of the final invoice.
6. LABOR CHARGE: If the guaranteed number for your event is less than twenty (20) persons, we will add a $50.00 labor charge to your account. This will be used to cover our costs of the event and will not be distributed as a service charge to our employees working at your event.
7. OVERTIME: You agree to begin your event promptly at the scheduled start time and agree to have your guests, invitees and other persons vacate the designated event space at the end time indicated on the final EO. You further agree to reimburse us for any overtime wage payments or other expense incurred by us because of your failure to comply with these regulations
8. GRATUITY: 18% of the food and beverage total will be added to your account as a gratuity and fully distributed to servers, and where applicable, bussers and/or bartenders assigned to the Event.
9. SERVICE CHARGE: 6% of the food and beverage total, plus any applicable state or local tax, will be added to your account as a service charge. This service charge is not a gratuity and is the property of the hotel to cover discretionary costs of the Event.
10. PRICE INCREASES: There may be increases in prices due to unforeseen changes in market conditions at the time of your event. We will communicate these increases to you in advance. We will require written confirmation that you agree to pay these increased prices. Alternatively, we, at our option, may in such event make reasonable substitutions in menus and you agree to accept such substitutions
Should extensive meeting room set-ups or elaborate staging be required, there will be a set-up charge to cover hotel cost and additional labor. If equipment is necessary that exceeds hotel's inventory, then you agree to pay for the cost of renting this additional equipment. You agree to indemnify us for any damage caused to any hotel property as a result of drayage related to your event, whether caused by you, your agents, employees, contractors, or agents.
11. OUTSIDE FOOD AND BEVERAGE: Due to state law, you may not bring into the hotel alcoholic beverages. You must obtain prior approval from us before you bring in any food or non-alcoholic beverages from outside sources. A Hold Harmless Agreement and Liability Insurance are required if food or beverage products not purchased and served by hotel staff are brought in for consumption by your guests. Service fees will apply to any outside food or beverage served in our function space regardless if hotel labor is required.
12. DISPLAYS AND DECORATIONS; YOUR PROPERTY: We are not responsible for any loss or damage to property belonging to you or your attendees and do not maintain insurance covering it. For the safety of persons and property, no fireworks or incendiary devices may be used indoors at the hotel. All displays and/or decorations will be subject to our prior written approval.
13. SECURITY: If required, in our sole judgment, in order to maintain adequate security measures in light of the size and/or nature of your function, you will provide, at your expense, security personnel supplied by a reputable licensed guard or security agency doing business in the city or county in which we are located, which agency will be subject to our prior approval. Such security personnel may not carry weapons.
14. CONDUCT OF EVENT: Group agrees to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws including health and safety codes and federal anti-terrorism laws and regulations including compliance with the provisions of 29 CFR part 470, and our rules, copies of which are available from the hotel's sales department. Group agrees to cooperate with Hotel and any relevant governmental authority to ensure compliance with such laws. You assume full responsibility for the conduct of all persons in attendance at your event and for any damage done to any part of our premises during the time of your event. Should you require any rigging services for this event, all such services must be arranged through the in-house AV provider or the Hotel and you will be responsible for all costs associated therewith.
15. INDEMNIFICATION: To the extent permitted by law, you agree to protect, indemnify, defend and hold harmless the Hotel, Hilton Worldwide, Inc., and the Owner, and their respective employees and agents against all claims, losses or damages to persons or property, governmental charges or fines, and costs (including reasonable attorney's fees), arising out of or connected with your function, except those claims arising out of the sole negligence or willful misconduct of the hotel. You represent and warrant that your activities conducted at the Hotel and in connection with the function shall not infringe the patent, copyright or trademark rights or violate rights of privacy or publicity of any third party.
16. FIRE SAFETY: You agree to obtain at your own expense and provide copies to the hotel of any and all necessary licenses, permits or approvals for your event, including, but not limited to, licensing, Fire Marshall, Health Department, or other permits.
17. AUXILIARY AIDS: The Hotel represents that it contains accessibility features for individuals with disabilities and, where needed, the Hotel will provide equivalent facilitation, auxiliary aids and services, and reasonable modifications to policies and procedures to ensure that its guests have equivalent access to its goods, services, and accommodations. You agree that one week in advance of your event you will furnish to us a list of any auxiliary aids needed by your attendees in meeting or function space. You agree that you will be responsible for the procurement and payment of all charges for any and all auxiliary aids. We will, upon your request, furnish you with the names of businesses you can contact to obtain these aids. You also agree to be responsible for compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act in the set up and conduct of meetings for your event.
18. DELIVERIES: Arrangements for delivery of packages should be made through the catering office. Receiving, handling and shipping charges may apply. No COD packages will be accepted.
19. PROMOTIONAL CONSIDERATIONS: We have the right to review and approve any advertisements or promotional materials in connection with your function, which specifically reference the Hilton name or logo.
20. COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS. You agree to comply with all applicable federal, state and local laws, including health and safety codes and federal anti-terrorism laws and regulations. You agree to cooperate with Hotel and any relevant governmental authority to ensure compliance with such laws. You represent, warrant and agree that you are currently, and at the time of the event which is the subject of this contract will be, in compliance with all applicable local, state, federal regulations or laws, including but not limited to, all provisions of the Patriot Act and regulations or requests of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the Office of Foreign Assets Control in the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
21. COLLECTION/ATTORNEY'S FEES: The parties agree that in the event that any dispute arises in any way relating to or arising out of this contract, the prevailing party in any arbitration or court proceeding will be entitled to recover an award of its reasonable attorney's fees, costs and pre and post judgment interest . If the hotel retains the services of a collection agency or attorney to assist in the collection of any amounts due under this agreement, you will pay all expenses incurred by us in such collection efforts.
22. ARBITRATION: The parties agree that any dispute in any way arising out of or relating to this contract will be resolved by arbitration before JAMS/ENDISPUTE® or the American Arbitration Association, pursuant to the organization's rules in the state and city in which the hotel is located, or the closest available location; provided, however, a dispute relating to patents, trademarks, trade dress, copyrights, trade secrets, false advertising, false representation, unfair competition and/or infringement of intellectual property rights shall not be subject to this provision.. The parties further agree that in any arbitration proceeding they may conduct reasonable discovery pursuant to the arbitration rules, that the law of the state in which the Hotel is located will be the governing law, and any arbitration award will be enforceable in state or federal court.
23. AMENDMENTS/CHANGES: The parties agree that any amendments or changes to the arrangements described in this contract must be made in writing, signed by both you and us, provided, however, that this contract includes all signed or unsigned banquet event orders (and the terms and conditions contained therein and attached thereto)issued by us for this and related events.
24. INSURANCE: You agree, if requested by us, to obtain and keep in force, during the term of its occupancy and use of our premises for your event, policies of general liability insurance, specifically referring to and including the contractual liability referred to herein, premises-operations, broad form property damage, independent contractors coverage, and personal injury liability with limits of $1,000,000.00 with such responsible insurance companies satisfactory to us; and, if applicable, worker's compensation insurance to statutory limits, employer's liability insurance with limits of $100,000.00 and automobile liability insurance covering all owned, non-owned and hired vehicles with limits satisfactory to us. You agree to include Hotel, Hilton Worldwide, Inc. and Owner in such policies as additional insureds thereunder. Your insurance will be considered primary of any similar insurance carried by us. You agree to deliver to us at least three (3) days prior to your event copies of certificates of insurance for each policy required by us.
FORCE MAJEURE. Neither party shall be responsible for failure to perform this contract if circumstances beyond their control, including, but not limited to; acts of God, shortage of commodities or supplies to be furnished by the Hotel, governmental authority, or war in the United States make it illegal or impossible for the hotel to hold the event.
Contact Us
©2019 Cendyn. All Rights Reserved.
Pointe Hilton Squaw Peak Resort
7677 North 16th Street, Phoenix, Arizona 85020


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what i've been up to...
2 Gorffennaf 2013,
I've been pretty quiet blog-wise but not work wise! Oriel 1 is now shut so I've been taking my art and craft activities further afield, trying out different locations on the site in St Fagans: National History Museum and going to Hay festival, Tafwyl, as well as doing some outreach work with schools.
Our quilting club is still going and our next meeting will be on 20 July and will be all day! from 11 until 1 and 2 until 4 (though you are welcome to just come along for some of it). I have also started up a knit and sew group, it's just a chance to come along and meet new people and exchange ideas and the next one of those is on 28 September from 11 until 1.
To keep up to date with what we're up to quilt and craft wise, have a look at our facebook page
We've also taken part in a few Craftivism projects and hope to do more of those over the next few months too. Again, there's a facebook page for that, although we don't just meet in the museum and take part in lots of other events!
And the other newish thing that I've been involved with is the St Fagans book group (yep, there's a facebook page for that too) which meets every month (next meeting 20 july) to discuss novels that have links with the site or have links with Wales. We also invite speakers to come and give us some context for the books too - so, for instance, when we read 'The Rebecca Rioter' by Amy Dillwyn, Sioned Hughes (curator: Politics, Trade and Religion) talked to us about the Tollhouse in St Fagans, when we 'read' (I'm yet to finish it) 'For Whom the Bell Tolls' by Hemingway, Heulwen Thomas talked to us about the Welsh links with the Spanish Civil War, and last meeting when we disussed 'The Hill of Dreams' by Arhtur Machen, writer and Machenite Catherine Fisher talked to us about Machen's life and times. The current book we are reading is Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel and we'll then be joined by Dr Madeleine Gray who'll be giving her historical take on the novel whilst we visit the church.
If you are interested in getting involved with any of these things please let me know! my email address is email@example.com and I'd love to hear from you.
I have to get back to my crochet bunting now!

subset: commoncrawl


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Vote to Determine the Top 10 Videos of the Week in Taste of Country's Countdown
Here's a strange fact about the Taste of Country Top 10 Video Countdown: Only videos from blonde singers have reached the No. 1 spot. Toby Keith kept the streak alive last week, as fans chose 'Hope on the Rocks' as the most popular clip of the week. Casey James and Carrie Underwood were close behind with their recent videos, but new offerings from the Band Perry and 'X Factor' winner Tate Stevens could challenge them for the title.
'Done' replaces 'Better Dig Two' as the Band Perry's candidate in this poll. Meanwhile, 'Power of a Love Song' makes its debut. Perhaps it will be a video by Blake Shelton, Lady Antebellum or Jason Aldean to stop the blonde streak? Only fan votes decide the order of this countdown. Vote up to once every hour until the poll closes at noon on Friday (April 12). Results will be revealed shortly after.
*Poll is now closed.


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Posts Tagged 'outdoor cushions'
15 Favorite Things I Added to the Garden Last Year
There's a popular quote that says "Gardeners dream bigger dreams than emperors". Sometimes those dreams become reality and work out even better than expected. Sometimes they don't pan out. I'm going to review my favorite additions to the garden last year For starters, I finally added outdoor curtains to the front porch. These babies stayed up all…Read More


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Day 1 - 11th of August. Visit to the Museum Kenneth Lee in Trinidad.
Day 2. Excursion to the Mamoré river
|Leaving the port
|Describing and sampling a paleosol sequence outcropping along the Mamoré River bank
|Before playing football...
...and, with a BFC like outfit, Bermeo won :-)
|Excavating and analyzing a transect of 5 soil profiles along a paleo Grande River lavee-backswamp catena.
|Doña Berta Vejarano Congo, leader of the indigenous march against the construction of the road across the TIPNIS indigenous territory and natural reserve, and Pedro Nuny Caity give a talk about the political situation of the indigenous people in the Bolivian Lowlands under the government of Evo Morales
|Visiting experimental raised fields built by Oxfam GB in a suburb of Trinidad, now managed and subsidised by Trinidad City Council
|Laguna Suarez, about 5 km from Trinidad
Day 8 - In the the morning visit to the Estancia La Chachra, where we learned about the extensive cattle ranching that is practiced in the Beni. We also went on a little safari.
|Selecting the cows by size and checking if they are healthy
|A little safari along the road inside La Chacra
|One of the many alligators living in La Chacra, in the ponds that were excavated to take the material used to build the road
|Our guide invited us to have toronjas (a kind of sweet grape fruit) on the way back from the mound
|Olver Vaca from CIPCA explains to us how the cacao project works
|Visiting the facilities in San Ignacio the Moxos where the indigenous cacao is processed
|Fishing from the boat with "lineada y anzuelo"
|The fish we caught
|Preparing the fish at the restaurant "La choza del Pescador"
|And ready to eat!!
This is the end of the 10 day field trip in the Beni - Bolivia. I hope you enjoyed it! See you in Bern!!


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RSL begins homestand against offensively-challenged Fire
Sandy, UT – Real Salt Lake begins a four-game homestand on Saturday when the Chicago Fire invades Rio Tinto Stadium.
RSL enters the weekend in second place in the Western Conference, four points back of leaders FC Dallas following a 4-1 victory at Chivas USA.
Salt Lake has scored at least two goals in each of its last four matches, and has been creating a host of chances away from home, which midfielder Ned Grabavoy feels is a great sign.
"We talked a lot before the game about just trying to play simple and not forcing things," said Grabavoy, who netted two goals in the win over Chivas. "We knew we were going to find chances; it was just a matter of finishing them. We probably could have finished a lot more, but the fact that we are creating a lot of chances on the road is a real positive for us."
Salt Lake has played eight of its first 13 matches away from home this season, and with the club having earned three wins from its last four games, head coach Jason Kreis believes his men could really begin a good run with the next four contests coming at Rio Tinto.
"This should be our time," Kreis said of the upcoming homestand after the Chivas match. "It starts with what we did tonight and we look to roll forward with positive momentum for four home games in a row. We need to get on a roll here and get things going."
Chicago is a team that needs to get things going as well, especially in the offensive third of the field.
The Fire has lost its last three games, being outscored 4-0 in those matches, to extend its scoreless drought to 277 minutes.
A pair of 1-0 losses to Philadelphia in the past two weeks dropped the Fire just two points above last-place D.C. United.
And while offensive struggles have been a constant problem so far this season, goalkeeper Sean Johnson is encouraging his team to continue working and the results will follow.
"It is just one of those periods of time where everyone needs to stick together and keep working hard and I think it will come," Johnson said. "We got a great group of guys, we just got to do a little bit extra and that starts with me, with our back line going forward, everybody on the field has got to step up to another level. I think we are capable of doing that and it is something that we need to do next week."
Salt Lake has failed to score in any of its last three games with Chicago, but the Fire will have a lot of work to do in order to continue that streak.


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By ADAM LAPIERRE
News staff writer
April 19, 2006
Six months ago, Mount Hood's loyal riders were hoping, wishing, praying for snow and for a good, ample white winter.
Some were in full swing by the end of October, with their dances to the winter-weather Gods, while others waited skeptically to see if it would be another wash-out year like 2004-05. The dancers gambled and took advantage of early season pass discounts, while the skeptics hesitated, using last year as an excuse for the cliché not to count chickens before they hatched.
But confident or skeptical, the local snow-loving community waited to embrace another Oregon winter, hopeful that the white substance from the sky would fall all winter long.
By the time winter officially ended on March 19, those who frequented Mount Hood's slopes had perma-pink cheeks and weathered faces, toned thighs, sore backs and enough powder shots to give even the most devout snow addicts their fixes for the season.
It seems, however, winter forgot to check the calendar.
As any Northwest local can attest — skier/snowboarder or not — the joy of spring can be beyond description after a long, cold and wet winter. And, as any skier/snowboarder can attest, after a winter like the one that just passed, some of the best turns of the year are those in a T-shirt and sunglasses, on slushy, sun-softened snow. Spring skiing is payment to the hard-core enthusiasts who endured the coldest, gnarliest and most brutal conditions the 11,239 foot mountain can dish out.
It offers a sense of relief, a sense of accomplishment that says yes, we've made it. We've made it through another one.
But that sense of relief has, for the most part, been delayed on Mount Hood. Almost another foot of snow fell on the mountain over the weekend, adding to the current annual snowfall total of over 550 inches at about 5,000 feet. Saturday's conditions were as wickedly nasty as any mid-season storm dished out in the last six months, inspiring many of the same former snow-hopeful locals to beg the question: "When is it going to end?"
With an original closing day of mid-April, and an extended date of April 30 at Mt. Hood Meadows Ski Resort, it seemed for a while that spring riding would be the wash-out of the season. But the season has been extended into May, and possibly June, at the local resort with a never-before campaign resort officials have dubbed the May Challenge.
The May Challenge
After a considerable amount of feedback about Meadows extending its season beyond April 30, the resort launched a campaign to challenge users to decide how long the lifts will run into the spring.
Here's the deal: After Sunday, April 30, Meadows will close for weekdays. They will open the following Saturday with the start of the May Challenge. For each weekend the resort hosts a minimum of 4,000 guests, they will open the following weekend. If the total number of visitors drops below 4,000 on any weekend, that will be the end of the season at Meadows.
Season pass holders will count toward the total. The number of guests will be determined by a car count, with each car multiplied by 2.5 as the average number of guests per vehicle.


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The past couple of weeks have been hideous for investors. Forget about the risk takers on Wall Street—they deserve what they're getting—I'm talking about the working men and women who have watched their 401(k) and mutual fund investments shrink before their very eyes. For many of us, the financial foundation for an invigorating retirement or even for a stable career that draws on an enduring passion is gone, and all we can see ahead is the long, hard slog back to some sense of security and well being.
Not surprisingly, many of us are using this pivotal moment to think more carefully about where and how we invest for the future. As natural and appropriate as that effort is, however, it can have a negative as well as a positive effect. In the worst of circumstances, this review is a hurtful experience in which we ask ourselves why we made such bad choices or why we weren't smarter and more insightful. In the best of circumstances, in contrast, we use this time of reflection to look for lessons we can learn from our experience and to reinforce behaviors that can help us advance ourselves in the future.
It's in the latter spirit—the positive perspective of leveraging this difficult time to our benefit in the future—that I offer the following guidelines. Not surprisingly, they focus on investments, but these strategies are not meant for the financial sector. Think of them, instead, as my 5 Golden Rules of Career Investment. They encapsulate what we can learn from the Wall Street meltdown that will:
Rule #1: Invest for the Long Haul.
Set aside the time and make it a priority to advance your skills in your profession, craft or trade. Whether you're refreshing capabilities that you already have or adding new capabilities to your toolkit, make sure you are at the state-of-the-art in the field (and that it shows on your resume). That kind of long term perspective won't give you job security (nothing can do that in today's world), but it will ensure that you have career security—the ability to stay employed in career enhancing positions with career enhancing employers.
Rule #2: Spread Your Investments Around.
In addition to continuously reinforcing your expertise in your field, also invest the time and effort to add skills that will enable you to apply that expertise more effectively or in a broader array of situations (e.g., knowledge of a hardware or software system that will enable you to work more productively, the ability to speak a language other than English so you can serve in ethnically diverse and/or overseas facilities). That expanded range of capability gives you a flexibility and adaptability that enhance your potential as well as real contribution to your employer.
Rule #3: Move Out of High Risk Areas.
Candidly assess the current strength and future prospects of both your boss and the project and/or business unit where you are working. Make your own observations, but also collect the views of others in and outside the organization. Then, as difficult as it may be on a personal level, act as if you were an employer: terminate your involvement with those that are not highly regarded or high performing. They are not only a risk to themselves, particularly in this environment, but they threaten your security and well being (and that of your family), as well.
Rule #4: Listen to the Right Expert.
The cheerleaders for the behaviors that created our current economic mess were the pundits of academia and the talking heads in the media. Their sound bite analysis and opining did much to oversimplify and sugarcoat the realities of real estate and financial investments. The best way to protect yourself from such wrongheadedness in your career is to expand your own knowledge of what's required for success. The skills of career self-management aren't rocket science, but they are competencies that must be acquired and continuously honed in order to serve you well.
Rule #5: Stay Alert and Adjust as Appropriate.
The instability that we've seen in the broader economy over the past year or so will likely continue for at least awhile. As a consequence, there simply is no guaranteed security in any one job or employer. The successful organization today can face an unexpected downturn tomorrow and, in the process, slow or even derail your career momentum. The only safety net, therefore, is a commitment to constant vigilance and preparation. Be loyal to your current employer by doing the best possible work you can, but be loyal to yourself, as well, by staying alert and acting at the first sign of trouble.
Historically, financial investments were thought to be the critical element in ensuring our future well being and success. While they remain very important, it is now just as vital that you invest in your career. In fact, in the 21st Century, a carefully managed career provides every bit as great a return as any 401(k) program or mutual fund, at least if the metrics of success are your personal fulfillment and happiness.
Thanks for reading,
© Copyright 2008 WEDDLE's LLC. All Rights Reserved.


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I recently followed John Muir's footsteps from the Sacramento Valley up to the door of Yosemite National Park, thanks to the newly-designated John Muir Highway out of Coulterville--Highway J132 between Highways 49 and 120. The road generally follows the route thought to have been taken by John Muir, famed conservationist and botanist, on one of his many treks between San Francisco and Yosemite.
Now, thanks to local efforts, including years of work by local Ken Pulvino (a friend of mine), new signage marks the 8-mile route which crosses both Mariposa and Tuolumne counties. Historians say that this route fairly approximates what is known of Muir's second passage to Yosemite in 1869, described in Muir's own book, My First Summer in the Sierra, in which he describes rambling through glorious arrays of wildflowers en route to his beloved Range of Light. Alas, there are no signed hiking trails or public picnic areas along the Historic John Muir Route; much of it passes through private land or national forest land lacking developed public access. But its a pretty little drive and offers a chance to stop in scenic Coulterville and as you head up a little-traveled route towards the national park (the last part of your journey will be via busier Highway 120).
Much has been written about John Muir's travels to Yosemite, but until now, it wasn't that easy to actually follow in Muir's footsteps. The new highway is a way to begin to see the route through Muir's eyes, but for serious Muir fans and hikers who love a challenge, a terrific option is the new book by Peter and Donna Thomas called the Muir Ramble Route (Poetic Matrix Press), $18.50.
I met with the authors recently at the opening of the highway and asked them what they thought of the new highway designation. "Our vision so much parallels the vision of the creators of the John Muir Highway," said Peter Thomas. "Anything that gets people out of their cars and seeing California at this intimate level is a good thing," Thomas notes. "Its still gorgeous, and you can see glimpses of what John Muir saw on his journeys," adds Donna Thomas. "So much of California has lost touch with its history," she adds, "and this highway is a special thing in the way that it shows Coulterville, Mariposa, and Tuolumne has such pride in its history."
These two intrepid backpackers did some amazing original research, combing the Bancroft and other library collections for Muir's unpublished letters and other little-known early accounts. Over time, and using early and contemporary maps, they pieced together the details of Muir's actual route. Then they hiked it—four times, each time departing on the day of the year that Muir began his journey (April 2). In re-discovering John Muir's first journey to Yosemite, the Thomases re-discovered their own love for California—especially the Central Valley and its abundant natural beauty—as they unlocked the secrets of Muir's actual route.
The book breaks the some 300-mile trek into smaller sections, and offers detailed routes readers can follow, suggesting which way to hike, and which routes are better tackled using a bike (both for safety and practicality). Thanks to civilization, some portions of the route skirt private lands or take you along the shoulders of busy roadways and highways. But it's all do-able. "We aren't super athletes," admits Peter Thomas, "and any average physically fit person can do this hike." Unlike Muir, the Thomases had no encounters with grizzlies, rockfalls, or rattlers. And Thomas owns up that he didn't even wear out one pair of hiking boots scouting the trek. While the Thomases book is a paean to the more famous writer, their feat in re-creating the author's rout is an amazing accomplishment in itself, and I'd highly recommend you get the book.
Details: call the Coulterville Visitors Center at 209/ 878-3074 or the Yosemite Chamber of Commerce Visitor Center at 209/962-0429. Muir Ramble Route, Poetic Matrix Press.
PHOTO COURTESY: Al Golub
Sunday, June 20, 2010
Following John Muir's footsteps to Yosemite
Posted by Lora Finnegan at 1:39 PM
Labels: Yosemite
3 comments:
- Dale said...
Actually, there is a public picnicking area along the John Muir Route. It is the Red Cloud Park, about halfway through the 14 mile route. You'll find clean restrooms and picnic tables. I think there's at least one BBQ as well. While just off the highway, you'll be surrounded by tall pines and tranquility. There is a cafe and a small market with a deli counter less than a mile from the Park, so you don't even have to pack in your food!
- June 29, 2010 at 7:31 AM
- Travel said...
I intend to visit Yosemite.
- July 15, 2010 at 2:47 PM
- dining table said...
We visited that place when I was a kid. I can still remember that place. I love the public picnicking area along the John Muir Route. I think they call it Red Cloud Park.
- July 17, 2010 at 12:33 AM
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This is an excerpt from reporter Scott Johnson's blog, which focuses on the effects of violence and trauma on the community. Go to www.oaklandeffect.com for updates on his reporting.
A debate is brewing in this country about gun violence. In the wake of the mass killing at Sandy Hook Elementary school in Newtown, Conn., in which 20 children were murdered, the broad outlines are already taking shape. This discussion is framed, it seems to me, by two wildly divergent views.
On the one hand are people like Stephen Hargarten, chief of the emergency department at Froedert Hospital in Milwaukee, who say gun violence in America is a public health issue, an epidemic of sorts that requires a systematic public policy overhaul.
On the other side is the National Rifle Association, which broke its post-Newtown silence last week. Wayne LaPierre, the NRA's executive vice president, said the best remedy for "a bad guy with a gun is a good guy with a gun." He then proposed that armed police officers be posted at every school in America.
Where you stand on this issue reflects, I think, a fundamental philosophical stance around which we build our lives, our fortunes, our hopes and dreams, and also our many fears.
There are problems with both approaches. Accepting the first premise means accepting, to a certain extent, that gun violence is deeply indicative of many other problems. It means accepting that our country's mental health, by which I mean our collective sense of well-being and saneness, is in jeopardy. This, I think, is what President Barack Obama was talking about when he lamented that we, as a country, failed the children of Sandy Hook.
Critics of our cultural norms — many of them gun rights advocates — are correct to point out that guns alone can't be blamed. Someone needs to stand up and shout out very loudly that life should be worth more in those parts of our city where it seems it is not worth very much at all. That is not just a gun-rights issue; that is a moral, a philosophical and a familial issue. And, yes, it is a public health issue, but that's an awfully dry way of thinking about it. Try it on with a more personal feel, for instance. What if the children dying were — or are — your own? What if your daughter was hit by a stray bullet, like the 48-year old woman killed in East Oakland on Thursday? That is a gun issue, yes. But it's also a neighborhood issue.
Now let's look at the second approach, the one advocated by the NRA. OK, so let's post armed police officers at every school. And what happens when, eventually, we find out that one of them is unstable, violent or even psychopathic, only we find out too late? After more children have died? What then? Do we send in the National Guard? Do we arm every teacher?
It is true, I believe, that unstable people who want to kill will find a way to do it, no matter what. This is one part of the NRA's argument, and it is worth consideration. But this approach casts the world in black and white, good guys and bad guys, and in the wake of Sandy Hook that is certainly an appealing way to think about the world. The killer was evil, and a "good guy" should have taken him out. But this is a view that also shoots itself in the foot, as it were. Because if we accept that unstable people who want to kill will do so, then we must also accept that we, as a society, need to do something about it. Because if not, what then? Just let them get away with it? That's an awfully fatalistic approach to take.
As wholly American and appealing as that world view is, it is also woefully inadequate to the reality we live in. The world is not actually as simple as it sometimes seems after tragedies like Sandy Hook. When we realize that, we will have taken one more step toward growing up as a country. The other shortfall of this approach is that it fails to address the gun-related killings by people who don't fit into the neat categories that Adam Lanza fulfills for us. What do we do about the thousands of cases of violence that are not necessarily "evil" in nature but "traumatized" or "sick" or "I grew up this way and don't know anything else" in nature?
I don't think violence in this country is a problem you can shoot your way out of — no matter how sexy John Wayne or Tarantino or Tupac make it look. Ask anyone in East Oakland who has been shot and survived to tell the tale. It's a sad one. It's also an American one. The rest of us need to hear that tale now and take it to heart.


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Vizio's long been the champion of affordable flat-screen TVs, and its new E-Series Razor LED TV puts a massive 60-inch display in your home theater for a mere $1,000. That's not pocket change by any stretch of the imagination, but for a grand it's a heck of a lot of TV that doesn't skimp on functionality.
The 1080P, 120Hz LED display includes built-in Wi-Fi powering a host of (rarely updated) VIZIO Internet Apps including Netflix, Amazon Instant Video, VUDU, Hulu Plus, YouTube, Pandora, and social networking like Twitter and Facebook. And so you're not stuck pecking out a message on a tedious on-screen keyboard, the E-Series Razor includes a multimedia remote complete with a full QWERTY keyboard on the flip side. A 70-inch model is also available for those who like to go big, but that extra ten inches doubles the price to $2,000, making the 60-inch model the real sweet spot.


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Perfect conditions help NASCAR drivers reach upward of 214 mph during tire test at Indy
INDIANAPOLIS – A new environmentally friendly tire and cool morning temperatures had NASCAR drivers clocking speeds they weren't even sure were possible Tuesday.
On the first day of a closed tire test on Indianapolis' historic 2.5-mile oval, Mark Martin wrote on Twitter that he had hit 212 mph in the morning. When Jeff Gordon saw the post, he asked his own team how fast he reached and said he was told 214.
Drivers attributed the speed to almost perfect conditions in the morning -- good grip and a cool track. In the heat of the afternoon, Gordon said the tire wear increased and the speeds slowed.
Clearly, though, those on the track were encouraged by the results.
Gordon and Trevor Bayne both said they would embrace a night race at Indy, too.


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|Image courtesy: This Book Is Overdue! by Marilyn Johnson
I've always been a bit of a control freak, so I took a deep breath and looked for those areas that I could let go. I'm proud to say that I let go of my collection: overdue notices, shelving and collection development. I let go of the bulletin boards and I let go of the book repair. Librarians are superheroes, but even a superhero needs a sidekick. I gave my library over to my community, the rightful owners. By giving them ownership, they felt more invested and worked with me to keep everything running smoothly.
Here are a few things I did that may help you out as you look for more time in your work day:
Children as young as 7 can learn to check out their own books. Think about it, their moms are already training them by using the self-checkout at the grocery store. I pull one child from the class - you know which one - the eager beaver and I train him/her to use the self-checkout system, how to troubleshoot simple errors. Then s/he watches the others checkout. Easy peasy, lemon squeezy. (I keep a checkout station running behind my desk so I can do manual overrides.) Will there be a few books not checked out properly? Of course, but it's a small price to pay for your time.
Check with your school district: chances are you may be allowed to have the circulation software on more than one computer. I placed my self-checkout station on a laptop, so I can easily relocate it, or gasp! take it into a classroom with me?!
Overdue Books:
A mentor once said to me, "Think of a book as a $20 pencil." This is my mantra. Books will come and books will go, relationships with the students are more important. Remember the ultimate goal of the library is to inspire young minds and to create life-long learners, not to squeeze a child out of his allowance. The relationships you form with students will influence their future feelings towards libraries and librarians. By all means, students should be held accountable, but there are kinder/gentler ways to do this without becoming a crazy book lady.
First and foremost the responsibility should lie with the child. Borrowing and returning books is an exercise in responsibility. My older students attach their email address to the circulation software so they receive overdues via email. Younger students write notes to mom and dad, asking for help remembering their overdues. After a reasonable amount of time, I reach out to parents via email or with the item's bill. I always, always give the option for the parent to purchase the item from Amazon in like condition.
I allow students who have a lost book to work off their fines, but only if they genuinely can't replace it. My rule of thumb is to have them work ten minutes of their recess time for 3 days in a row. Students vacuum, wipe down tables, sharpen pencils, and dust the shelves, etc. I allow older students to re-shelve books, make bulletin boards, and perform simple computer maintenance. After the book is "worked off", I make sure students know that their slate is wiped clean and that I do not hold a grudge, ever.
Collection Development - Let others Work for You!
I have a few methods for keeping my collection fresh. I keep a public Amazon wish list that I refer students and parents to if they'd like to purchase an item for the library. I place a special bookplate inside, honoring the student. I promote this list on the school website and Facebook. Also, I use Google Forms to collect lists of wanted book titles, including ISBN. Navigating between separate tabs in a web browser and cutting and pasting is an important skill for students to learn. If you've never used Google Forms, you're missing out on an invaluable classroom tool! Here's a simple form that you may use as a model.
I keep a running list on Follett Titlewave all year long of books that I may want to order. The collection development tool makes it simple to assess my collection weaknesses. Titlewave even suggests books to fill these holes. Another thing I do is survey the teachers every Spring and ask them where they felt the gaps in the collection were regarding their curriculum, again with a Google Form. One of my favorite features in Titlewave is the bulk search. If you read a great article in SLJ, you can cut and paste the entire article into the search field. It picks out the ISBNs and populates a list for you. Wow! Think about how easy it would be to copy the ISBN field from your book request Google Form spreadsheet in order to search for those books. Also, don't forget that your book reps can make lists for you. Just ask!
Library Organization: Dew-ey or Don't We?
Yes, the Dewey Decimal system is wonderful, but I decided long ago that my collection needs to be easily accessible, especially for my youngest patrons. I still adhere to Dewey, mostly. This past year, student volunteers labeled our sub-3rd grade non-fiction with E stickers for easy locating. Popular subjects (dinosaurs, animals, transportation) are placed in free standing browse bins for quick selection. Not only does this make it easier for kids to find what they like, but the real bonus isthat these books are easy to shelve! I also use foldable cloth bins from IKEA on the shallow bottom
shelves of my fiction bookcases for series paperback fiction. They fit so nicely! I label them with a
picture of the series, and Velcro to the bin. Also,I recently pulled out all my little readers and organized them in awesome IKEA bins that are pre-labeled!
Remember - there is no rule that says your shelving cart must be empty at the end of the day. No rule at all. I'm going to say it again. You can go home and leave things on your shelving cart! I've found that kids don't mind taking books from the shelving cart. In fact, if it's on the cart, it must be popular! I have a volunteer position that I call "Shelving Angel". Several parents who know how to shelve occasionally stop by when they have a few minutes and they shelve. No scheduling required. Some of them even shelve during the monthly PTA meetings that are held in the library. Parents feel needed when you leave them things to help with.
Book repair - 10 minutes is too long!
This was a tough one to let go of because I've always wanted to be able to save every book, but the truth is, that's impossible. I sat down and thought about how much my time is worth. I decided that if it takes more than 10 minutes to repair a book, it's time to replace it. I hack fix many of my books. Nothing is off the table, duct tape, glue, construction paper. My goal is to circulate those popular titles a few more times. A school library is not an archive. One caveat, I strongly believe that stocking your library with ugly books sends the message to students that they are not worthy of nice things. My goal is to repair items quickly, but nicely. Of course, if you find a brilliant and neurotic volunteer (student or parent) who loves the challenge of tipping pages into your Captain Underpants books, the 10 minute rule doesn't apply!
Pulling materials for teachers: - Get Them Involved
At the beginning of the year, I make sure my teachers know my preferences for requesting books. I prefer that my teachers know their way around the library and circulation software so that they can pull and checkout their own materials. Otherwise, I ask them to email me a list of titles through the OPAC. I have students pull these titles. I also make sure my teachers are aware that both our school district library and the public library will create book baskets for them within a two week window.
Displays and bulletin boards:
Students and parent volunteers can do these for you! Simple bulletin boards are the best. Have students write book recommendations, post student work, or tear apart some of those broken "Where's Waldo" and "I Spy" books for a quick bulletin board!
How did my "letting go" experiment work out? I'm happy to report that it was a smashing success. I had more time for lesson planning and computer maintenance. I had more time to investigate Google Apps for Education. I had more time to reflect and refine my practice. I ended the year with only twelve outstanding student books, out of 415 students. The ultimate bonus is that I have created a space where everyone feels needed and welcome. I love it when students walk through the library as a "shortcut" on their way to class, just to say 'Hi". That's when I know I'm doing it right! My next steps are to look for more places I can "let it go"!
Denise Cushing lives and works in Denver, Colorado


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Holiday Brunch Strategy: Strata!
Pam shares her festive go-to meal
My younger daughter is getting married the week before Christmas. It's always a busy time of year. This year, even more so. These next few weeks there will be lots of houseguests, and I'm preparing now to welcome them and stay sane.
See also: More cooking tips and recipes from Pam
That means developing a strategy. One of mine is to offer just two meals — a filling late-morning brunch followed by dinner at dusk. For early risers we set up the coffee and put out a loaf of good bread, but brunch is our first official meal of the day.
One of my go-to brunch recipes is strata. It's easy to prepare and can be (but doesn't have to be) made a day or two ahead. Strata also has another selling point. Kids generally love it — after all, it's just cheese and milk and bread — making it ideal for intergenerational gatherings.
Of course, you can add ham or sausage to strata, but I prefer to keep mine plain cheese or veggie, which means it works for everyone. This time of year I've chosen roasted red peppers and canned green chiles. Not only do they offer great seasonal color, they don't need to be sautéed. Just dice and you're done.
Another holiday strategy — bake a festive spiral-cut ham to round out the meal. Leftovers are great for sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres and snacks throughout the holiday. And don't forget: save the bone for bean, lentil, or split pea soup.
Chocolate muffins with white chocolate and cherries make another festive addition to the brunch. Measure ingredients the night before so that all you have to do is mix and bake in the morning.
If you're ever going to serve sparkling wine, 'tis the season. This year instead of the usual mimosas, make it pomosas — pomegranate juice and sparkling wine. I like pomegranate juice because it's good for you, it makes a pretty drink and it's not too sweet, so it doesn't mask the bracing quality of a good Brut. If you don't want to serve wine, set out bottles of sparkling water and let everyone make pomegranate spritzers or simply buy a larger bottle of juice and serve it straight up.
Make a simple salad — green, fruit or, better yet, a mix of both — and you've got a beautiful satisfying meal that should keep everyone happy until the next meal — and that would be dinner!
Next: Easy strata with roasted red and green peppers recipe. >>
Easy Strata with Roasted Red and Green Peppers
Serves 12
If you refrigerate the strata make sure you allow extra baking time.
1 quart half and half
1 dozen eggs
1 teaspoon salt and several freshly ground black peppers
1 good baguette (scant 1 pound) cut into 1/2 inch thick slice
1/2 cup diced roasted red pepper from a jar
1/2 cup diced green chiles from 4.5-ounce can
12 ounces pepper jack cheese, grated (about 3 cups)
1/2 cup thin-sliced scallions (about 3 medium)
Whisk half and half, eggs, salt and pepper to taste until smooth.
Spray a 13-by 9-inch Pyrex or ceramic baking dish with vegetable cooking
spray. Line pan bottom with half the bread slices. Scatter half the peppers over the bread, then sprinkle with half the cheese and scallions. Pour a couple of cups of the egg mixture over the topped bread. Make another layer with remaining bread, peppers, cheese and scallions. Slowly pour remaining egg mixture over bread. Press on bread to make sure it absorbs milk mixture. Let sit for about 15 minutes before baking. (Can be covered and refrigerated up to 2 days.)
Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 325 degrees. Bake until custard is just set, 50 minutes to 1 hour. Without adjusting oven rack, turn on broiler; broil until strata is spotty brown and puffy, about 5 minutes longer.
Remove from oven, let stand for 8 to 10 minutes, and then serve.
Next: Chocolate muffins with white chocolate and cherries.>>
Chocolate Muffins With White Chocolate and Dried Cherries
Makes 1 dozen large muffins
If short on time melt the butter and mix it with the egg and yogurt, stirring this wet mixture into the dry ingredients.
2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
10 tablespoons butter
1 cup sugar
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups plain low-fat yogurt
1 cup each: white chocolate chips and dried cranberries, divided
Adjust oven rack to lower-middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Mix flour, cocoa, baking powder, baking soda and salt in a medium bowl; set aside.
Beat butter and sugar with an electric mixer over medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition.
Alternating between ingredients beat in 1/3 each of the yogurt and flour mixture until both are fully incorporated and batter is smooth. Stir in 3/4 cup each of the chips and cranberries.
Spray a 12-cup muffin tin with vegetable cooking spray. Use a large ice cream scoop to divide batter evenly among the cups (they will be full). Top with remaining 1/4 cup cherries and white chocolate.
Bake until muffins are browned and cooked through, 20 to 25 minutes. Let sit a couple of minutes in muffin tin and then turn onto a wire rack to cool slightly. Serve.
Next: Pomegranate mimosas. >>
Pomegranate Mimosas
Serves 8 to 12
1 bottle brut sparkling wine
1 bottle (16 ounces) pomegranate juice
Set out bottles of each allowing guests to mix to desired taste and strength.
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BHA Blog > BHA Takes Part in 2017 Boston Haitian Housing Fair
BHA and Section 8 residents attend The 6th Annual Bridging the Gap Event at the Amory Housing Development.
Boston receives millions in new funding to promote public health
Copyright Boston Housing Authority 2018. All Rights Reserved. Site Designed by Planeteria Web Design


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October 13, 2010
Video: Minka Kelly is Esquire Magazine's Sexiest Woman Alive 2010
I can't say I disagree.
I loved her in Friday Night Lights!
That Tim Riggins sure was a lucky boy!
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African Voices is a weekly show that highlights Africa's most engaging personalities, exploring the lives and passions of people who rarely open themselves up to the camera. Follow the team on Twitter.
(CNN) -- Dressed in a pink uniform, midwife Esther Madudu shuffles past rows of beds to check on the five babies she delivered the night before inside a small health center in rural eastern Uganda.
Lying underneath a sky blue mosquito net, a newborn girl wrapped in a white sheet tries to stretch her tiny body as Madudu slowly approaches.
"Esther is there," says the midwife, pointing to the baby girl resting next to her mother. "Esther Madudu -- they gave the baby my names, all my names, because yesterday it was born on my birthday," she continues, with a smile on her face.
"The mother was too excited because she never expected the baby to be alive so she said: 'these are all your names.' The pain was too much; she walked for a long distance and she thought the baby was dying."
Read this: Flying doctor takes to the skies
Pain medication is a rare luxury in the small village of Atitiri so Madudu had to rely on one special treatment to help the woman bring her baby to life.
"I gave her 'verbocain,'" says Madudu. "You know 'verbocain' is the only drug we can give them in Africa," she explains ironically. "'Verbocain' -- you verbally talk to the mother; giving her just consoling words and patting her, rubbing her back, until she gave birth."
'Stand Up For Mothers'
Madudu is well known here as a midwife who has a very good record of saving both mothers and babies during difficult deliveries.
But her reputation extends far beyond eastern Uganda. Since 2011, Madudu has become the poster girl for all of Africa's midwives, fronting an international campaign to highlight the plights of mothers and babies on the continent.
Called "Stand Up For African Mothers," the initiative by the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) aims to ensure that all pregnant women throughout Africa have access to trained midwives to ensure a reduction in high maternal mortality rates.
In sub-Saharan Africa, AMREF says 200,000 women die every year from complications during pregnancy or childbirth -- that's 60% of the global total.
"In Africa, maternal mortality death is really unacceptably high," says Abenet Berhanu, AMREF country director for Uganda.
Read this: 'Give African women a voice'
The group, one of Africa's top health and development research organizations, works together with local authorities to improve education and facilitation of care.
It also aims to train 15,000 midwives by 2015 to equip them with the necessary skills to maintain good health and has launched an online petition to symbolically nominate Madudu as a candidate for the 2015 Nobel Peace Prize.
"She really has a passion for her work," says Berhanu of Madudu. "She has been working extra hours; she is passionate in handling mothers," he adds. "This [the nomination] is in recognition for all midwives who have been working under challenging circumstances."
To support the "Stand Up For African Mothers" campaign, Madudu has visited different countries giving several speeches to draw attention to the issue of maternal mortality in Africa.
"This campaign is not a political campaign," explains Madudu. "It is just a campaign which is creating awareness that there is death, maternal mortality rate which is high in Africa; mothers are dying; babies are dying. The solution should be, we train midwives," she says.
Like many maternity clinics in rural parts of Africa, the health center in Atitiri is lacking several necessary resources -- shortage of running water, electricity challenges, broken beds and scarcity of medicines all make Madudu's job very difficult.
But despite the challenges, the midwife extraordinaire remains devoted to her patients.
A mother of two, Madudu has chosen to live hours away from her family to be able to cater to the women that need her.
"I opted to give my children to my mother, not because I don't love them," she says. "I love my children but because I could not have time for them, to cook for them, take care of them, because of my tight schedule of duties."
Read this: One woman's mission to fix water crisis
Madudu can completely identify with the fears of the mothers she helps. Soon after becoming a midwife, she suffered herself the cruel experience of losing a child.
"I am a victim of mortality because I lost my baby during child birth," recalls Madudu. "It was a terrible condition for me; it was psychological torture, because a midwife losing a baby? And yet I'm the one saving other babies," she adds.
"It was terrible and I said 'no mother should lose a baby; I'll try my level best, I will improvise, whatever I can, so long as I have the knowledge to save that woman and her baby.'"
And that's what she's been doing ever since, working tirelessly to ensure that mothers get the right treatment during pregnancy and child birth.
She is optimistic that the "Stand Up For Afican Mothers" campaign will create much needed awareness of the plights of the people she's helping.
"We hope to create a future where no baby is left alone, where no mother dies while giving birth," she says. "That is my hope."
Teo Kermeliotis contributed to this report.


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Overview of Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear engineering is concerned with the science of nuclear processes and their application to the development of various technologies. Nuclear processes are fundamental in the medical diagnosis and treatment fields, and in basic and applied research concerning accelerator, laser and superconducting magnetic systems. Utilization of nuclear fission energy for the production of electricity is the current major commercial application, and radioactive thermal generators power a number of spacecraft. For the longer term, electricity production based on nuclear fusion is expected to become an increasingly important segment of the field.
Nuclear engineers are therefore concerned with maintaining expertise in the design and development of advanced fission reactors, performing basic and applied research in the development and ultimate commercialization of fusion energy, developing both institutional and technical options for radioactive waste and nuclear materials management, and in fostering research in nuclear science and applications, with emphasis on bioengineering, detection and instrumentation and environmental science. The professional field, although highly interdisciplinary, is unified via a professional society, the American Nuclear Society.
Applications of Nuclear Engineering
Nuclear Engineering focuses on solving several of the world's most important grand-challenge problems. Our graduates help solve these problems in industry, the national laboratories, government and academia, applying the engineering science, the computational and analytical tools and the experimental methods we teach at U.C. Berkeley. Our graduates also apply their expertise more broadly, ranging from computational skills in dot-com startups to modeling the effects of cosmic rays spacecraft for aerospace companies.
Our work toward advanced energy systems, waste management, and nuclear medical applications is highly interdisciplinary, and thus many NE students pursue double major degrees: EECS for those interested in fusion energy systems and computational methods; ME for those interested in mechanical design and heat transfer; MSE for those interested in nuclear materials; and ChemE for those interested in nuclear chemistry. All NE students have opportunities to work in NE research laboratories, or at nearby National Laboratories if they desire, to obtain experience (and earn money) in nuclear engineering research during their undergraduate studies.
While energy is back in the headlines, many people are not aware of the level of activity in the nuclear field. The following sections give an update in the areas of, waste management, and medical applications, showing how NE graduates are now working to solve grand challenge problems.
The last thirty years have seen much happen for Nuclear Engineering.
Medical Applications
Nuclear processes have an amazingly diverse range of applications, perhaps the most important being in medicine, where over 1/3 of all procedures in the United States use nuclear techniques. Nuclear processes are used to provide images inside the human body, to detect and measure biochemical processes, and to provide therapy. A major event in 2000 was the FDA approval of the first Monte-Carlo code for use by doctors to design radiation therapy for cancer. Based on nuclear reactor design methods, this new tool now allows doctors to take detailed magnetic resonance imaging data (another nuclear technique) and predict with great accuracy how to deposit precisely enough radiation to kill cancer tumors without damaging surrounding tissue. Previous crude calculation methods often forced doctors to cause damage to substantial amounts of healthy tissue, or to miss completely killing tumors. Students in the bionuclear program in NE learn how the principles of engineering physics can be applied to imaging and therapy.
Fission Energy
The vision of fission energy is compelling. In the last two decades it has become the world's largest single source of emission-free energy, and it creates a waste stream sufficiently small and compact that we can conceive of isolating this waste permanently from the environment. For fission to provide more energy in the future, our grand challenge is to continue to improve the safety, economic performance, waste minimization, and proliferation resistance of fission power plants.
The U.S. has 103 nuclear power plants providing over 20 % of its electricity; worldwide the number is 433. These plants have helped stabilize electricity costs, particularly with the recent volatility of natural gas prices. Our nuclear plants reduce substantially the amount of carbon dioxide that world-wide electricity use releases to the atmosphere. Nuclear fission is the only non-fossil energy source that has been demonstrated at large scale, and that could be expanded substantially further. Nuclear's current contribution is sufficiently large that in 1999 just the increases in the operating capacity of existing U.S. nuclear power plants from improving equipment reliability accounted for over half of all carbon-dioxide reductions reported by the U.S. electrical industry.
We now expect most existing U.S. nuclear plants to apply for 20-year license extensions , which means that the existing U.S. nuclear fleet will operate out past 2030. Many of our U.S. plants has been sold by regulated utilities to large owner-operator companies like Excelon and Entergy. Besides encouraging further improvements in reliability and safety, the large technical expertise and financial resources available to these new nuclear-focused companies provides the best possible conditions for new plant orders. Designing the next generation of fission plants is where some of our most interesting work is now, ranging from planning for light water reactors with new passive safety features, to gas-cooled reactors with extremely durable fuel, to lead-cooled reactors that can burn more waste than they generate.
Fusion Energy
The development of economic fusion energy systems is one of Nuclear Engineering's greatest grand challenges, since such power sources would fundamentally alter the way that humankind interacts with its environment, to the benefit of both humans and nature. In a well-designed fusion power plant, burning one ounce of fusion fuel, plentifully available, makes as much energy as burning 300 tons of coal while making a negligible amount of waste. Worldwide progress toward fusion has been steady and impressive. In the last decade, we have seen magnetic fusion experiments create over 13 million watts of fusion power. In the coming decade, we expect to see the new National Ignition Facility use inertial confinement to ignite fusion fuel, and for the first time reach the fusion conditions needed in an actual inertial fusion power plant.
UC Berkeley's Nuclear Engineering Department plays a leading role in advancing fusion technology, both toward advanced approaches to magnetic fusion using compact toroidal plasma configurations, as well as collaborations with Lawrence Livermore and Lawrence Berkeley Laboratories to develop inertial fusion systems that can operate at high repetition rates for power production.
Radioactive Waste Management
Another grand challenge problem that our graduates work on is developing systems for the safe and permanent disposal of radioactive waste. The most significant milestone in this field occurred recently with the opening of WIPP, the world's first geologic repository. Located 1/2 mile underground in a 250-million-year-old salt formation in New Mexico, WIPP began emplacing waste contaminated with radioactive transuranic elements in 1999. The Yucca Mountain Project is now working toward submission of a license application in 2002 to develop a repository for commercial spent fuel and high level waste from early U.S. military activities. Against this backdrop, extensive international research continues to improve models for the transport of radionuclides from geologic repositories, with active participation by the U.C. Berkeley, Nuclear Research Laboratory. The primary concern for repositories is the long-term potential for the contamination of groundwater in areas near the repository, making it unsuitable for use by future generations. Besides improving models for transport in natural systems, efforts also focus on improving the quality of the engineered barriers that contain the waste, so that multiple barriers can reduce further the probability of radionuclide release.


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(IE) Eighth Biennial Conference for Music in Nineteenth-Century Britain (Belfast, Ireland) (2011 July 21-24)
(US) Folger Shakespeare Library
(US) Gotham Early Music Scene (GEMS) CD Store
(US) 6th Edition, The Countertenor Voice: An Online Journal
(UK) Dartington International Summer School (2011 July 23-August 27)
(UK) Colin Booth, Early Keyboard Instruments
EarlyMusicNews.org Weblinks Revisited
Colin Booth has been a harpsichordist and harpsichord-maker for more than 30 years. Colin Booth has sold around 300 instruments worldwide, and can point to an unusually large proportion of these sales, to Early Music professionals, and harpsichordists in particular.
(US) The End of Early Music: A Period Performer's History of Music for the Twenty-First Century (Book)
(CA) Tafelmusik Baroque Summer Institute (2011 June 2-15)
(US) Flowers For Mother's Day (Harmonia Episode-Recording) (2011 May 9)
(US) Myths & Allegories (Les Délices Concerts) (2011 May 14-15)
(NL) Fortepiano Restoration Techniques at Beunk & Wennink early pianos
(DE) Bach Festival (II) in Bad Krozingen (2011 May 20-22)
(DE) Newly published at Breitkopf & Härtel
(US) Harpsichord Unlimited Music Videos Win Awards in 44th Annual WorldFest-Houston International Film & Video Festival
(CA) Italianissimo! with Stefano Montanari Guest Conductor (Tafelmusik season finale) (2011 May 11-15)
(CA) Sixth Annual Colloquium of the Gregorian Institute of Canada (2011 August 4-7)
(US) Tallis Scholars Summer Schools (TSSS) -- Seattle University, WA (2011 July 23-30)
(US) All The Queen's Men (Tudor Choir Concert) (2011 May 14)
(FR) Stabat Mater - Messe de Madrid -- Domenico Scarlatti (Recently released by Ensemble Jacques Moderne)
(US) Saint Thomas Fifth Ave NYC Has a Rare Alto Job Opening
From the blog "The Countertenor Voice", we learn of the following:
The Choir of Men and Boys of Saint Thomas Fifth Ave, one of the only truly full-time choral organizations in the USA, has posted the rare job opening for a male alto.
(US) Handel's Beasts: Explained, Illustrated, Complete with Musick (News from San Francisco Classical Voice)
(CA) EarlyMusicNews.org -- Weblinks pages has reached over 2,000 sites
Connecting, resourcing, advertising and web presence are many of the "raisons d'être" for the existence one's website. Recently, EarlyMusicNews.org has catalogued over 2,000 currently active websites. The websites span over 46 categories, residing on many continents, countries and cities.
(UK) Tallis Scholars Summer Schools (TSSS) -- Oakham UK (2011 July 9-16)
(UK) Rudall, Rose & Carte: The Art of the Flute in Britain (Robert Bigio, author)
This book is a comprehensive history of the firm and contains detailed descriptions of the many innovative instruments they made.
(NL) Pergolesi: The Zenith (Holland Baroque Society Concert) (2011 May 13-22)
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Summer Workshops 2018
The "Summer Workshop and Festival 2017" season has come and gone! Have you posted a review of a recent workshop on your site or blog page? Let us know and we will mention it on our news pages. Summer Workshop Organizers: let us know of your plans as your summer workshop details are finalized for 2018. Visit our Summer Workshop Links ("Web Links" section) for summer workshop locations.
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Mark and I went to see a therapist today. We made an appointment with a great gal who helps adoptive parents with the attachment process. We aren't really having significant attachment issues with Kembe – we just wanted to make sure that we were on the right track, and to see if she had any advice on a few behavioral things we are dealing with. Kembe is transitioning so well- he is an amazing kid and I attribute so much of that to the loving care he had at Heartline. But any child adopted past the newborn stage will require a little extra care in the bonding process. I know adoption can often look like a warm, fuzzy lovefest. And for the most part, it is. But it is also really, really hard work.
We are aware of this, and also aware that therapy is best sought before major issues arise. It's why we always advocate premarital counseling, and why we are so grateful that our foster parenting process forced us into intensive parenting classes before we had children. It's funny how many things in life people are willing to learn about, and yet how much stigma there is involved in therapy or family counseling. Mark and I have been in and out of marital counseling over the last fifteen years. And not because our marriage is "that bad" (although, yikes, there were a few rough seasons in those early days), but primarily because we believe that marital counseling is an important checkup for something that we really value. And since we're in the field, it also makes sense that it is something we prescribe for ourselves as well.
So, today we set out to seek some wise counsel for some of our concerns with helping Kembe's adjustment. We thought we would lay out some of the behaviors we have observed, and walk away with some interventions to try out at home.
Flash forward five minutes, and find me layed out on the sofa with my head in Mark's lap, tearfully recounting my feelings about the earthquake and how it is affecting my ability to be present with the kids.
Damn, she was good.
She cut through our matter-of-fact veneer pretty quickly, and I was reminded that I have a lot of processing to do. But she also gave us some great help with some of our parenting challenges, and we walked away feeling encouraged and refreshed for the work ahead.


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In today's economy, massive consumer debt has crippled the personal balance sheets of individuals around the country, making a tough economy even tougher. With foreclosures on the rise and many Americans crippled by over-extended credit cards, personal debt is becoming a major player in the economic crisis.
So, what are the biggest components of personal debt in the country? The following data from various sources offer a picture of how much Americans owe. Some types of debt, such as medical, microloans and gambling, are not reliably tracked and are not included in this list.
What are the biggest types of personal debt? Click ahead to find out!
By Paul Toscano
Posted 27 Apr 2009


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Bike the Bay
Join fellow hostellers on a tour of the City by the Bay on two wheels! Visit the Ferry Building, see the Bay Bridge, check out Pier 39 and the Palace of Fine Arts, then ride across the Golden Gate Bridge to Sausalito for lunch before riding the ferry back to SF.
This activity is open to guests staying at all three HI San Francisco hostels!
Tuesday, January 22, 2019 - 9:00am
Tour is free, bike rental is $18
Please Note
While the tour is free, guests are responsible for their own bike rental ($18), lunch, and ferry fare.


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By phone: +267 7539858<br>Meets the first Saturday of every month.
There are no events showing for this club. Check back regularly! Most Teen Club events happen the last Saturday of every month.
Gaborone Teen Club events happen the last Saturday of every month and our Tutoring Programme takes place all other Saturdays. All events start at 9:00am, but volunteers are requested to arrive at 8:30am. Visit our Satellite Sites page for dates of Satellite Teen Clubs.
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DOWNLOAD the newest version of the mod NOW on the 8th December, get ready for the zombie apocalypse.
Only registered members can share their thoughts. So come on! Join the community today (totally free - or sign in with your social account on the right) and join in the conversation.


text: 25-Instant Approval Article Directories-2015. Those who have a site & know about Search Engine Optimization then he must also know about article directories list. The importance of article directories list know no bound to a site as it will increase visitors a lot day by day & it can help a lot for becoming a…Continue Reading


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Message Board
Joyce Palmer Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Palmer has written!
Author Palmer's Book Reviews
Fay is the last child of a family of eight. She is four years old at the beginning of the story but at the end she is a young woman of twenty. Life with her mother and siblings is difficult indeed but in a way she is happy. She enjoys playing with her friend Stompy. Life changes when her mother's eldest daughter Flo comes to visit and decides to take Flo to visit her in Kingston. This visit last sixteen years. Flo pretends that Fay is actually her...


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OCCA strengthens the arts by ensuring that the Oregon coast has a rich and vibrant arts community through support and promotion of arts organizations and individual artists.
This directory represents the coastal areas of Oregon, which include Clatsop, Tillamook, Lincoln, Coos, and Curry counties and the coastal towns of Lane and Douglas counties. OCCA is the regional arts council for this area. Learn more about OCCA's regional arts activities.
The Coquille Carousel Association's purpose is the building, operating and maintaining an artisan hand-crafted, wood-carved carousel in the City of Coquille.
A Community Center for the City of Coquille with events.
On any given Saturday night (and most Fridays) in Coquille between Memorial Day and Labor Day, you can experience a trip down memory lane by attending the Sawdust Theatre. The performers refer to themselves as Sawdusters.


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The Farnborough International Airshow, held once every two years, is one of the world's most important aerospace and defense events. Situated around 40 miles southwest of London, the show encompasses five trade days and a weekend, during which the exhibition is open to the public. It brings together the biggest players from the commercial, business and military aviation industries.
The last event in 2010 saw $47 billion worth of completed deals and 120,000 business visitors. This year, though, Farnborough is being held in the midst of defense budget cuts in Europe and the U.S. and growing worries about a slowdown for the global economy. Major manufacturers are showcasing their most important products, hoping to lure cash-rich Asian and Middle East buyers.
Click ahead for highlights from the show including state-of-the-art private jets, a tourist space ship, and some of the latest military aircraft.
By Bianca Schlotterbeck
Posted 11th of July 2012


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If I didn't plan my week–my whole life would fall apart so every Sunday I spend about two hours sitting in front of RHOA and Desperate Housewives and plan out my blog post ( just started that), weekly menu, make my To Do list and clip/organize my coupons/binder.
yes– that's my little M's sleeping foot :)
I really shouldn't let them build up but I do
I love this thing– I take it every time I go to a store– people use to stare but now I see everyone with them
go to The Krazy Coupon Lady for details on how to coupon and how to get your binder set up! ( love her site)
notice I have an envelope for each store?– it's easier that way ( but I still take my binder just in case I find another deal)
After I make my coupon list– I usually start on my weekly menu plan– I go through all my pins of recipes from Pinterest, through my favorite cook books and match ups with whatever sale is going on in the sale papers and make my menu
sorry for all the ugly pics but It was at night and I didn't feel like editing anything
THEN after planning my menu– I go planning my post for the week
and THEN after finishing that up– go into planning my little K's school lessons for the next week—- sorry no pics– maybe I'll do a post sometime next week on our homeschooling schedule :)
So there you have it– our week is planned and ready to go — it took about 3 hours but it's well worth it considering that we have a crazy busy weekly schedule– but honestly…….. nothing prepares you for everyday life experiences so even though I do all this planning– most of the time– It doesn't go as planned :)
What do you do to get ready for your week? Please share :)
Related articles
- Basic Training for Beginning Couponers (askmesandiego.wordpress.com)


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As a livestock farmer or rancher, you understand that unique liability risks are a part of working with animals. You may face these risks if:
- An animal causes an accident on a roadway (our most frequent livestock liability claim)
- An animal reacts unpredictably and someone is injured
- You face allegations of animal cruelty
Get the liability protection you need with AgriChoice®
Feedback from farmers and ranchers has helped us develop innovative coverage for protection against unwarranted allegations of animal cruelty. Legal defense against animal cruelty charges may result in sizable attorney fees. AgriChoice provides coverage up to policy limits to reimburse attorney fees for lawsuits in which you are found not guilty.
Coverage for your animals
If you choose not to insure your animals, AgriChoice still provides you with coverage if they are struck by a motor vehicle, train or accidentally shot. At no additional cost, this coverage provides protection up to $500 per head. Higher limits are also available.
Insured animals, however, may be protected against several additional categories of loss.
Coverage for your hay
With AgriChoice, you can also insure your hay. AgriChoice provides coverage up to $100,000 per stack of hay.
Pollution liability coverage
Farmers and ranchers are potentially exposed to liability for pollution from a variety of farm operations, including:
- Overspray/misapplication of chemicals
- Leakage from on-premises storage tanks and lagoons
- Off-premises liability from transportation
You may also be liable for government-ordered clean up costs, both on and off your premises. Discuss your state's pollution coverage with your agent.


text: Seductive and supple housewife Madelon Cullen can handle the responsibilities of cooking up something tasty at home, but outside of the kitchen, she gets by with a little help from her friends! Madelon's girlfriends Andy Rose and Kati Collins stop by to help her relax after a long day of housework. Check out their behind the scenes video in the members area to see how these lovely ladies like to unwind!


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1 Dead, 2 Taken to Hospital After Eagan Fire
EAGAN (AP) — One person is dead after a fire in a four-unit townhouse in Eagan, and two men who jumped from the second story were taken to the hospital to be evaluated.
Police say the fire happened Sunday morning. Fire officials and police arrived to find the townhouse engulfed in flames, and two men on the ground outside.
The men said they awoke to smoke in their unit, and jumped out of a second story window. They also said they believed another man was trapped inside. Firefighters found a person inside, who was already dead.
The other units of the townhouse were evacuated. There were no other injuries.
The cause of the fire is being investigated.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.