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What is Balloon Sinuplasty?
If you're the kind of person who has trouble with chronic sinus infections and recurrent sinusitis, then a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure may be right for you. Having blocked sinus pathways can prevent effective drainage, airflow and proper healing from a sinus infection.
If you have experienced multiple episodes of sinusitis and over-the-counter medications, antibiotics, and first-line treatments fail to resolve your symptoms, balloon sinuplasty may be an appropriate treatment option for you.
A Balloon Sinuplasty procedure will gently expand your sinus openings and drainage pathways to restore airflow, aid with drainage and helps with healing. After locating the treatment area and applying local anesthesia, your physician will place a small balloon in the nasal pathway, inflate the balloon to dilate the treatment area, and then deflate and remove the balloon.
How long does a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure take?
The length of time for this procedure is dependent on your specific condition and anatomy. You should expect to spend around one and a half to two hours at our office, to allow time for pretreatment preparation and post-treatment examination. Schedule a Balloon Sinuplasty consultation with Dr. Saccogna to better understand the details of your procedure.
What is the average Balloon Sinuplasty recovery time?
Many patients who have a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure can resume normal activities immediately. Dr. Saccogna may recommend that you refrain from some strenuous activities (such as heavy lifting) for a week after the treatment.
Is a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure successful?
Absolutely. 96% of patients undergoing a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure have reported significant improvement in sinusitis symptoms. Learn more about Balloon Sinuplasty and results of this procedure by visiting the FAQ page on balloonsinuplasty.com.
What are the risks of Balloon Sinuplasty?
As with any medical intervention, potential risks and complications can exist. If you are interested in a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure, you should consult with Dr. Saccogna to determine if your specific condition presents any special risks or concerns. Possible side effects include but are not limited to post-operative bleeding; pain and swelling; allergic reaction to anesthesia or other medications administered during the procedure; or infection.
Are you awake during a Balloon Sinuplasty procedure?
A Balloon Sinuplasty procedure is usually an outpatient procedure. Most patients undergo the in-office procedure with general anesthesia, but it varies from patient to patient.
Will Medicare pay for Balloon Sinuplasty?
Most insurance companies and Medicare will cover Balloon Sinuplasty if considered medically reasonable and necessary. To be certain of your level of insurance coverage, contact your insurance provider to find out your specific policy.


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Irene has been downgraded to a Tropical Storm. Irene was centered along the center east New Jersey shoreline...accelerating north- northeastward over interior New England tonight into Sunday. Hurricane warnings have been replaced with tropical storm warnings. Mariners are urged to stay in port as this is a very dangerous and life threatening situation. High pres will build in for Mon through Fri. Our battle flags have been lowered. http://www.westislandweather.com/
|Posted by MLBaron on May 14, 2019 at 8:04 AM
|68 Views
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subset: commoncrawl


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AJAC Canadian Car of the Year Awards Nominees Announced
Our neighbors to the north apparently do more than just make maple syrup and drink beer, they annually get together to choose their car of the year. Sounds like fun eh!
The Automobile Journalist Association of Canada (AJAC) has just released its list of contestants for this years competition, which will be held in the Niagara region of Ontario.
Last year the winner was the Chevrolet Cruze. Which will win this year? The results will be revealed at the Toronto International Auto Show in February 2012. The North American Car of the Year list was published earlier this year.
Hit the jump to see the full list:
Small Car Under $21k
• Chevrolet Sonic Sedan • Fiat 500 • Honda Civic Sedan • Hyundai Accent • Kia Rio 5 • Nissan Versa Sedan • Scion IQ
Small Car over $21k
• Chevrolet Sonic 5-Door • Ford Focus • Hyundai Elantra • Subaru Impreza • Volkswagen Beetle
Family Car under $30K
• Chevrolet Orlando • Chrysler 200 • Kia Optima LX • Mazda 5 • Toyota Camry • Volkswagen Passat TDI Clean Diesel
Family Car Over $30k
• Chevrolet Volt • Dodge Charger • Hyundai Sonata Hybrid • Kia Optima Hybrid • Mini Countryman • Toyota Prius V
Luxury Car
• Acura TL • Buick Lacrosse eAssist • Chrysler 300s • Infiniti M35h • Lexus CT200 • Mercedes-Benz C-Class C350 4MATIC Sedan
Sports Performance: (Under $50k)
• Buick Regal GS • Dodge Charger SRT8 • Honda Civic SI • Hyundai Veloster • Kia Optima SX • Mercedes-Benz C-Class Coupe • Volkswagen Jetta GLI
Sports Performance (over $50k)
• BMW 1 Series M Coupe • Chevrolet Camaro Convertible • Chrysler 300 SRT8 • Hyundai Genesis R-Spec • Mercedes- Benz CLS Class • Porsche Cayman R
• BMW 6 series Cabriolet • Jaguar XKR-S • Mercedes-Benz S Class S350 BlueTEC 4MATIC
SUV-CUV (under $35k) • Dodge Journey • Jeep Compass • Jeep Wrangler
SUV-CUV ($35k – 60k) • BMW X1 • Dodge Durango • Ford Explorer • Range Rover Evoque • Volkswagen Touareg TDI
SUV-CUV (over $60k)
• BMW X3 • Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8 • Mercedes-Benz M-Class


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The text of an email I sent this afternoon to Senator Pat Toomey, one of my Senators: I wrote to you a few days ago about Judge Brett Kavanaugh's nomination to the Supreme Court, raising concerns I had about the accusations leveled against the judge by Christine Blasey Ford and Deborah Ramirez. You wrote in … Continue reading Writing My Senator: Judge Brett Kavanaugh
Month: September 2018
The amateur baseball historian in me is perversely excited that the Orioles could make baseball history this year. Last night, the Orioles seized defeat from the jaws of victory and lost for the 108th time this year. This is the most losses in Baltimore major league history, but not in franchise history; the 1939 St. … Continue reading Flirting with Historic Futility
This afternoon I went to Big Lots. I needed a fan for my apartment; the motor for my fan had seized up and burned out. I pulled into a parking space, and I saw a man of an indeterminate age, dressed mainly in brown, shuffling through the parking lot toward my Beetle, shuffling as though … Continue reading An Encounter at Big Lots
Today is my coworker Lance's birthday. Had I known, I'd have picked him up a cake on my way into the office. Though we don't have a "birthday club" in Marketing, no one would say no to a birthday cake. And when I told Lance that he should have told me that today was his … Continue reading A Mandela Moment
Friday I took a vacation day. Though long planned, for about five months, I needed the day badly; work has been mentally exhausting and physically draining this year, and with the never-ending publishing cycle of writing and deadlines I have always struggled to even take the minimum required five vacation days each year, and it's … Continue reading Leaving Flowers
William Shatner published a new autobiography this week, Live Long and… What I Learned Along the Way. In the book, Shatner reveals that, when Leonard Nimoy died in 2015, he didn't attend Nimoy's funeral because of a Red Cross fundraiser in Florida scheduled for the same night as the funeral but because he had been … Continue reading William Shatner, Leonard Nimoy, and Lost Friendships
It took two hours to get home last night. One of my coworkers insisted I should leave early, at five, since it was a Friday and a three-day weekend, but I was in the middle of a project I wanted to finish, which I did, and I left at 5:30. The trip home was pleasant… … Continue reading Adventures in a Mudslide


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In May, Phacil's United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service Resource Ordering and Status System (ROSS) program was re-appraised at Maturity Level 3 of the Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI)® for Services (SVC). CMMI is a prestigious and internationally recognized standard for benchmarking processes. CMMI benefits organizations with overall improved performance, including decreased costs, higher on-time delivery, greater productivity, and improved quality. The Appraisal Team consisted of Phacil Employees Michelle Apicella & Ana Monzon from the ROSS Program, Njeri High from Phacil headquarters, Ilze Pukite from the NSF Program and the assistance of Theresa Fleming of the Census Program. The Appraisal Team was led by the CMMI Institute Lead Appraiser, Becky Fitzgerald of Two Harbors Consulting. The team examined the process management, project and work management, service establishment & delivery as well as support for the USDA Forest Service ROSS program.
Phacil was successfully rated at Maturity Level 3 across 20 different process areas including Configuration Management, Decision Analysis and Resolution, Product and Process Quality Assurance, Requirements & Risk Management, Service Delivery, Service Continuity, Service System Development and Transition to name just a few. An appraisal at Maturity Level 3 indicates Phacil is performing at a "defined" level, where our processes are well characterized and understood, and are described in standards, procedures, tools, and methods. Phacil's set of standard processes, which are the basis for maturity level 3, have been established and improved over time.
"It is highly rewarding to see the exceptional team of ferociously executing professionals at our USDA Forest Service ROSS employees be recognized by this successful re-appraisal. The USDA Forest Service ROSS team continues to demonstrate a ferocious commitment to customer satisfaction and the practice of continuous improvement," said Don Michelli, Phacil's Director of Business Operations. "As demonstrated by this recent appraisal, Phacil is committed to the principle of continuous improvement of our quality program which, in addition to CMMI® Maturity Level 3 appraisals for Development, also includes ISO 9001:2015 and 27001:2013 certifications."
About Phacil
Phacil is a leading provider of mission-focused, results-driven technology solutions to the federal government. We continually demonstrate commitment to our customers, excellence in performance, and service to the nation. Customers trust Phacil to solve their most complex challenges by delivering uniquely-tailored technology solutions that maximize value and mission success. Phacil's Core Competencies include Software Services; Systems Engineering/ Integration & Operations (SEI&O); Cybersecurity; and Service Desk operations. Our team of nearly 900 energetic, highly-skilled professionals support customers across the country and abroad. Learn more at www.phacil.com.
About CMMI® Institute
CMMI Institute is the global leader in the advancement of best practices in people, process, and technology. The Institute provides the tools and support for organizations to benchmark their capabilities and build maturity by comparing their operations to best practices and identifying performance gaps. For over 25 years, thousands of high-performing organizations in a variety of industries, including aerospace, finance, health services, software, defense, transportation, and telecommunications, have earned a CMMI maturity level rating and proved they are capable business partners and suppliers. To learn more about how CMMI can help your organization elevate performance, visit www.CMMIinstitute.com.
Media Contact:
James Ryer
Phacil, Inc
(703) 526-1800 (phone)


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Dr. Elizabeth A. Tuleja is an Associate Teaching Professor of Management at the Fanning Center for Communication, Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame. Dr. Tuleja's area of expertise is in Intercultural Communication and Global Leadership. She holds a Master's degree in Intercultural Communication and a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Pennsylvania. She teaches courses in Intercultural Communication for the MBA program and Intercultural Management for the EMBA programs and leads the cross-cultural immersion programs in China every year. She has taught and consulted for over 15 years in many areas of management communication with a variety of clients, such as Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Bank of America, AXA, China Development Bank, and HSBC. Past experience has included teaching for eight years at The Wharton School and for three years at The Chinese University of Hong Kong. At The Wharton Communication Program she was in charge of developing curricula and teaching a variety of communication courses for the MBA and Executive MBA programs. In addition, she oversaw training and development for Wharton's international student population. At The Chinese University of Hong Kong she started a management communication program for the business school and conducted research in the area of intercultural communication in management in Hong Kong and China. She continues to study Mandarin and do research in both Hong Kong and the mainland. Over the years she has been a popular key note speaker with organizations such as Cyberport Venture Capital Forum, Joint University Outstanding Marketing Award (JUOMA), Hong Kong Federation of Business Students (HKFBS), China Development Bank and the Asia-Pacific Institute of Business, the HSBC Young Entrepreneur Competition, the Rotary Club of Fort Wayne, Indiana, and the iNDepth .program at Notre Dame. Dr. Tuleja has received a number of teaching awards over the years, and her commitment to teaching and learning is of primary importance as she helps students and professionals manage the complexity that comes with communicating in a global work environment. She believes that learning should be engaging, which means she strives for creativity in all of her courses and programs. Her research focuses on issues of intercultural communication and global leadership. She publishes in leading business communication journals and has published a book, Intercultural Communication for Business, soon to be in its 3rd edition (Cengage, 2013) which focuses on practical applications regarding communication issues for professionals who want to understand intercultural communication at work. She is a Faculty Fellow of the Kellogg Institute for International Studies and is involved with the Global Learning Community task force, which is working on the internationalization of curricula throughout the campus.
Intercultural Communication/Managerial Communication
Ph D, University of Pennsylvania
MS.Edu, University of Pennsylvania
BA, University of New Mexico
Global Business Communication
"What''s in it for me? The effects of perceived organizational support and behavioral integrity on", (with Sean Way, Tony Robbins, H. Leroy), Journal of Business Ethics, 2016.
"2015, Teaching Professional Communication in a Global Context: Using a Three-Phase Approach of Theory Exploration, Self-Assessment, and Virtual Simulation", (with Kelly Grant, Timo Lainema, Jeffrey Younger), Journal of Rhetoric, Professional Communication, and Globalization, August 2015, 2015.
"2014, Cultural Intelligence and the Globally Mindful MBA Student", Journal of Teaching in International Business, 2014.
"2011, Designing and Developing Questionnaires for Translation", IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 54, 2011.
"2011An analysis of a communication training program for Chinese hotel managers", (with Elizabeth Roberts), to appear in IEEE Transactions on Professional Communication, 54,, 2011.
"2008, Aspects of intercultural awareness through an MBA study abroad program: Going "Back-stage"", Business Communication Quarterly, 71, 2008.
"2008, Communicating across the curriculum in an undergraduate business program: Management 100/Leadership, Teamwork and Communication", Business Communication Quarterly, 71, 2008.
"2008, When West Meets East: Teaching a Management Communication Course in Hong Kong", (with Elizabeth Roberts, ), Journal of Business and Technical Communication, 2008.
"2007, "Want to sell more? Listen"", (with Elizabeth Roberts), The Voice of the Toursim Industry Council, 2007.
"2002, A qualitative research study of oral communication performance", Performance Improvement Quarterly, 15, 2002.
"Intercultural Communication for Global Leadership: How Leaders Communicate for Success", Routledge, January (1st Quarter/Winter) 2017
"Intercultural Communication for Business", GlobeComm Publishing, December 2015
"2009, Intercultural Communication for Business: Managerial Communication Series", Cengage, 2009
International Leadership Association, "How the Communal Philosophies of Ubuntu and Confucius Support Inclusive Leadership" (November 4, 2016).
International Leadership Association, "Cultural Intelligence for Dynamic Inclusive Leadership in Executive Education" (November 3, 2016).
Association for Business Communication, "Images of Culture: Constructing Cultural Re-definitions" (October 20, 2016).
Conference on Cross-Cultural Management: Country and Regional Studies & Cross-Cultural Management, "Images of Culture: Constructing Cultural Redifinitions for Global Business Learning" (November 28, 2015).
Association for Business Communication, "#1/3 Plenary Address - Meada Gibbs Teaching Award Recipient" (October 30, 2015).
Association for Business Communication, "#2/3 Navigating Cultural Differences" (October 30, 2015).
Association for Business Communication, "#3/3 Developing Intercultural Competence for Future Business Leaders through Online Cultural Competence Tools" (October 30, 2015).
EMBA Council Singapore - Global Shift, "Developing Intercultural Competence for Global Leaders" (October 26, 2015).
9 Best Short Leadership Development Courses
Best Executive Programs on Aritficial Intelligence
5 Reasons Why You May Prefer Open Enrollment Programs over Executive MBA


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Technology is changing the way we sleep, prepare meals and maintain our home. You won't believe what today's appliances can do.
Nest Bedding Mattress
"If you're looking for a huge upgrade from the mattress you're currently using, then go with our overall best mattress choice: Nest Bedding. They ranked among the top 3 mattresses in the majority of our categories, scoring the #1 spots in for joint and back pain. Nest Bedding produces natural, high-quality mattresses that'll get you sleeping the moment you dive into bed," according to Rave Reviews.
Smudge-proof Finishes
Busy parents will love the smudge-proof finishes available on LG's Matte Black Stainless Steel series. The surface hides prints and wipes clean with a soft, dry cloth. Say goodbye to special cleaners and lots of elbow grease.
IoT-connected HVAC Systems
GE Appliances are now connected to the Internet of Things (IoT). Control your A/C units, portables and dehumidifiers from your smartphone to come home to a wonderfully cool house or apartment. It also comes in handy when you forget to turn off the appliances. Because these new gadgets operate on an open system, you can control from your Android or iPhone.
When you buy one of these innovative HVAC systems you no longer have to sweat staying cool in the summer.
Smart Monitoring
The next generation of appliances is smarter than the last. It's also more helpful if you want to sleep in while your coffee brews.
If you love your morning cup of brew but hate getting out of bed to make it, Keuring has good news for you. Its new K-cup brewer lets you schedule hot water to make coffee in the morning, afternoon or whenever. If you leave any of your appliances on, the Google Nest app sends you a notification. Meanwhile, LG's SmartThinQ technology checks your Wi-Fi status for enabled appliances. While your monitoring your devices remotely, you can put them to work as well. Voice-activated oven now begins the preheat process without you lifting a flour-covered finger.
With all these great innovations arising, you might remind consumers that 100 years ago people washed laundry by hand. Soon, the answer will be that there's an app for that.


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How to Come Back Fighting from Financial Stress
For many of us financial uncertainty is a very real part of everyday life. With the current economy and political turmoil, it's easy to feel anxious and concerned about money. It is important to remember that worrying doesn't solve many problems, but a positive mental attitude and being proactive does.
Getting control of money problems will not only be good for you credit score and bank balance but your overall mood too. The less time you will spend thinking about money, and whether or not you can afford something, the more time you can spend on enjoying life! Here are just some tips on how to reduce your money worries and regain control of your life.
Photograph: Tim Gouw
Identify any stress points
Maybe it's just dawned on you that you don't have a retirement fund, or maybe you have an extortionate credit card that you can't pay off due to interest charges. Whatever it is that's getting you down, it's important to identify the problem, so you know what you're up against.
Be realistic
There are many places where you can go to find help during financial difficulty, which you can read about here, but one way to reduce your anxiety levels is to set reasonable goals which are achievable. If you set yourself a goal of putting away an extra $30 a week which will then go straight into paying off your debt, will you be less stressed than if you just put the whole $120 aside in one go? Probably not. It's all about managing your head as well as your cash.
Stay calm
Sometimes easier said than done, but calmly looking at all the options available to you is the only way in which you will find a solution. If you spend time browsing up to date reviews of the best credit repair and interest free balance transfer credit cards when you are in a state of peace rather than panic, you are much more likely to find something which will work for you. As the Brits say: keep calm and carry on!
Give your stress a positive spin
A positive mind is the best help when fixing difficult problems, and although it's hard work staying upbeat during strife, there are always silver linings which come out of bad situations. You will likely come out of the other end of any financial stress being better equipped to handle money and maybe have made some positive lifestyle changes along the way. Practice mindfulness, and with every little bit of debt you manage to pay off, see it as a part of the stress being released from your body.
Be honest
Talk to your family and loved ones about it – after all, they are there to support you when you need it most. They are also your best critics (whether you like it or not) and are the best people to hold you accountable if you go off the rails a little bit. Talking to family about financial problems can be difficult, but remember that a problem shared is a problem halved, and allow yourself to lean on people in times of need.


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Update: Here is what I did to this space!
I like the vases/pitchers in the same color or the word the best.
Happy decorating!
Storybook Endings in Second
Yeah, I think I do too. Plus, I don't have a million pictures laying around so that would get expensive!ReplyDelete
Thanks for linking up! I would put teapots and coffee pots, or maybe antique kitchen stuff? This is why my blog is called not very fancy. The word enjoy is cool, but is there really a person with a kitchen that looks like that? If so, is it because they eat out every night? I hope you link up again when you complete your project!
Not very fancy in 1st
My mom collects teapots and antique kitchen stuff-- that is definitely what she would put up there. What seems unrealistic about the ENJOY kitchen? The fact that all their coffee cups are facing the same direction? Or that the chalkboard has a nice, neat drawing instead of scribbles?Delete
I'd add a variety of thing I like in the color scheme I like, but I'd probably get them from garage sales...that's where I find some of my best decorative items...especially when I know they'll just get dusty up there ;)ReplyDelete
I agree! I have been searching for cheap decorations!ReplyDelete


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Managing people across national borders
FedEE provides essential information and expertise about international employment law and HRM. We exist to improve the effectiveness of multinational HR departments, give them tools to use, ideas to apply and a clearer picture of the way ahead.
From the point when we were established with assistance from the European Commission in 1988 it was understood that Multinational companies need help to retain and manage their pool of global talent, as well as maintain effective recruit ment and reward policies and practices. Today, FedEE is an independent body with many of the World's top employers in Membership.
FedEE has its own Professional Academy offering an Advanced Diploma in Multijurisdictional Employment law and the professional designation "HR Counsel"®. Join forces, join FedEE today.
〠 POST-PANDEMIC HR WORLD: So what are the key things you need to think about now? What will be the barriers faced and what kind of world will it be like? Start your journey here.
〠 SHARING THE JOURNEY: FedEE is running a series of E-Meetings to examine, step by step, how companies are approaching a resumption of operations in EMEA and APAC.
〠 WORKPLACE RULES: FedEE has developed its own set of model back to work rules that Member companies may adopt and brand as their own.
〠 POSTING WORKERS: This revised EU Directive has huge implications for multinational employers. FedEE has the most detailed guide available on how to comply with it.
Monitoring and legal compliance
We track hundreds of thousands of employment-related laws and court cases each year in over 320 national and state jurisdictions around the world. No other organisation undertakes this task in such a practically-orientated way. Yet, without it, multinationals would not be able readily to ensure their legal compliance.
FedEE has over 30 years experience of analysing and interpreting legal sources and we can do this because we are not under conventional commercial pressures and have many of the world's largest companies providing us with a constant stream of feedback about what issues matter most to HR practitioners.
FedEE monitors too, the glaring gaps and contradictions in the law, and also numerous laws that are still upheld – even though they have lost their legal foundation. Employers, for instance, continue to be prosecuted under French language law, even though a native language requirement has been ruled against by the European Court of Justice in LAS vs PSA.
Our huge "knowledgebase" provides an essential 24/7 resource to all employers operating across national borders, whilst our Members are kept constantly up to date with changes as they occur. The way our data is presented allows them to immediately select what is useful, whilst our online/telephone helpline gives direct access to our multijurisdictional team – who are able to quickly resolve most legal and HR questions within minutes.
☞ The United States Attorney General has ordered all US attorney offices to investigate and, if necessary, prosecute any misuse of government funding provided to alleviate the impact of the health crisis on companies.
☞ UK employers should take note of the Offences Against the Person Act 1861 – as it has been the principal way that those infected by HIV/AIDS have sought damages. Only COVID-19 is much easier to prosecute as it does not involve consent.
☞ Pawa-hara laws just coming into effect in Japan are going to make life very difficult for conventional employers.
☞ Do you know the occupational groups given special entry requirements this year under different country points systems?
☞ Why should employers in Azerbaijan be particulary concerned about making employees who own land redundant?
☞ What is the position of employees stranded in countries – whose visas have expired?
☞ What are the HR data retention periods around the World?
☞ May an employer force an employee to take annual leave?
The FedEE Story
FedEE was founded in June 1988 at a meeting of HR Directors at BP PLC's Head Office in London. It was supported initially by the European Commission
FedEE Services
FedEE offers a range of "must have" services to the individual Multinational employer.
Maintaining company pay freedom
Unless EU employers do something soon they will all be locked into collective bargaining and have to face up to unions that have been given a huge new lease of life by the European Commission. This is not "crying wolf", but a reality under recent EU proposals.
For the last 20 years FedEE has been seeking to make the European Union institutions stick to Article 153 (5) of their own Treaty and not meddle in pay. They have no powers to do so – but MEPS and Officials keep knowingly ignoring their own Treaty obligations.
Now the Commission wants to impose a minimum wage system across EU Member States which is entirely determined by collective bargaining. Once around the table, however, unions will not stop there – and will want to spread their scope for negotiation to all levels in a company. This is in spite of unionization progressively declining across the EU and being as low as 8% in some EU countries. Moreover, sectoral and national CBAs are wage cartels and should be treated as such.
Although the minimum wage is a critical safeguard, the petty politics of collective bargaining is not the way to achieve it and the European Union has no legitimate role to play in this field.
- Not all EU States – such as Austria, Finland and Italy – currently operate a national minimum wage.
- Article 153 (5) of the EU Treaty excludes any powers in respect to pay from the scope of the European Union.
- The European Commission has long wanted to take greater control of the wage and salary market.
- The Commission has ignored in the past the EU Treaty by introducing pay-related elements in Directives. Only FedEE has opposed them.
- The Commision began this year to consult "social partners" about an EU Minimum Wage Directive.
- The Commission's current proposals are to ensure that collective bargaining is central to the new wage system.
- To sidestep the Treaty problem (and FedEE) the Commission wants to draw up an agreement on Article 155. This will do nothing to remove Article 153 (5).
- If allowed to go ahead, their proposal will impose collective bargaining on employers in each Member State. If your company opposes this – join FedEE.
Services Tailored for You
Your Employment Law Questions Answered – Practically and Fast
If a quick check of the FedEE Knowledgebase does not come up with all the details you are looking for then the FedEE legal helpline is just a phone call, or email message, away. We seek to answer all email questions raised within four working hours. In fact, over 90% of telephone enquiries about our core 35 countries are resolved during a 15-minute call.
Updating Your HR Policies to Comply with Statutes and Rulings
The most constant lament that arises in our periodic member surveys concerns the updating of HR policies. If a policy is out of date, and thus at variance with the law, or phrased in an ambiguous way a company can find itself being challenged by employees with whom they are in dispute, an ex-employee or a factory inspector. All policies should therefore ideally be reviewed on an annual basis. FedEE offers a policy review service called "Persolicy" that could be just for one policy in a single jurisdiction, a complete handbook or for multiple countries. This service is at a fraction of the cost charged by a conventional law firm.
Let FII-Legal provide you with the employment law assistance you need during the current crisis
FII-Legal is an independent spin off from the Federation and can offer expert advice, information and support at a fraction the cost – and many times the speed – you would be charged by an old-style legal firm. Our expertise is also based on a depth of international HR experience and is led by a former Advisor to The European Commission and the ICO who also has a track record in mining, electronics and engineering. We cover over 120+ country jurisdictions, plus federal laws, from a single international centre. FII-Legal is also open to non-members of the Federation. So call us today on (+1) 857 576 8452 or email email@example.com.
Ask FII-Global's legal research team to undertake an investigation into a difficult legal challenge, or brief you on a particular jurisdiction
We have undertaken numerous customised research exercises for major companies to assess the best jurisdiction and labour market for expansion into Eastern Europe, restructure the business as a Societas Europea (SE), or set out all the steps necessary for a major transfer of undertakings. We specialise in M&A HR legal strategy – and in 2019 we were a key player in one of the largest mergers in recent times.
Becoming a multinational for the first time? Let FedEE help reduce the delays and risks
During the last ten years the average size of multinationals has fallen from over 5000 employees to just 700 employees and many start to become multinational – especially in the service sector – when they have fewer than 100 employees.
Membership of FedEE will be an invaluable aid to successful growth in other countries. Not only can we show you how to avoid the legal pitfalls, but can put you in touch with local service providers and provide statistics to help you assess things like the size and nature of local labour markets.
We can also help you turn your HR services around – both to deal with global emergencies, such as those created by the coronavirus pandemic, but also put in place an HR Recovery Plan. We estimate the recovery in advanced economies outside China will begin by late July 2020. It may also, ironically, remove the threat of a recession by the end of 2020 – as demand bounces back with a new dynamic.
The FedEE HR Counsel Programme
Now there is an opportunity for HR professionals in multinational organisations to obtain a legal qualification that prepares them for a role as the departmental expert in employment law. FedEE's Advanced Diploma in Multijurisdictional Employment Law (Adv Dip MELL) is a one-year part-time programme offered through our Academy and undertaken primarily through distance learning.
If you are a University graduate with at least three years relevant HR experience you may join the programme at any time. You do not have to possess a first degree in law and the programme will begin by preparing you to understand legal concepts and basic principles of law.
The programme focuses on ten principal jurisdictions – China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, The Netherlands, UAE, UK and the USA. However, participants may also choose other jurisdictions for their personal research. There are a total of 24 modules to complete (two per month) and, as a graduate, you will possess greater knowledge of trans-border legal requirements than most conventional legal professionals.
The course is designed to fit in with a busy work schedule and if not completed within the year it may be extended for a further twelve months. The programme not only ends with a valuable qualification, but you will also be able to use the job title "HR Counsel"®
Please also note that this programme is currently being updated and extended and will be relaunched in the Autumn with several modules reflecting recent changes in HR perspectives – such a greater interest in distant working and contingency planning and management.
For further information, please download the programme brochure and, if you wish, speak to a qualified Barrister here at FedEE. Click here and sign up today to participate in the Programme.
For further details, please contact the Programme Director on email@example.com.
Press Releases and Newswires
Join FedEE Today
Many of the world's largest multinational companies already belong to The Federation of International Employers (FedEE®). We have a Worldwide Membership – with particular concentrations in North America, Western Europe, India and Japan. We were founded in 1988 and are regularly voted by our Members as an organisation they would recommend to other multinationals.
If your company has over 150 employees in two or more countries, has its own in-house HR department, and has been operating for two or more years then you really cannot afford to operate without being part of the Federation. The approval process takes less than a day and for immediate access to our services we have an online credit card payment facility. Membership costs as little as €995 a year. Please check here to view the table of our membership services. Sign up now.
Why not take a short tour of our knowledge-base before joining FedEE® to see the nature and extent of the employment law, HR data and support that we offer? Please contact our Membership Secretary on firstname.lastname@example.com to arrange for a one-to-one webinar for you and your colleagues, arranged without obligation and entirely at your own convenience.
Contact Us
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Unido: 29.jul.2015 Última actividad: 10.ago.2020 Patrocinador mensual desde julio 2020
I am a quantitative ecologist & conservation biologist with the Vermont Center for Ecostudies (and an Adjunct Professor at the Rubenstein School of Natural Resources at the U of Vermont). An ornithologist by training, I oversee a citizen scientist project (Mountain Birdwatch; https://vtecostudies.org/projects/mountains/mountain-birdwatch/). Most of my own research has been with Ammodramus, Centronyx, and Ammospiza sparrows, Upland Sandpipers and Eastern Meadowlarks, and spruce-fir montane bird species (Bicknell's Thrush, Blackpoll Warbler, etc.), but I am especially interested in beetles (Cerambycidaea [longhorned beetles] and others) and other insects (especially Syrphidae [flower flies]). I am a complete (but enthusiastic) amateur on anything but birds, but hopefully my IDs and observations move the needle in the right direction. I follow observations in Iowa (my home state; Marshalltown!) and New Hampshire, because there are few(er) folks ID'ing observations there. When I was starting out on iNat, I was greatly encouraged by all the folks ID'ing my observations. It's got to be frustrating to be posting all kinds of great observations of biodiversity....only to have no one interacting with you on iNat. I hope that I positively influence at least a handful of folks. Please don't hesitate to correct my identifications--thank you!
P.S. I bought a clip-on macro lens ($18) for my Motorola smartphone and it's a game changer! Wow. Get yourself one!


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This is an exceptional Galeon 430 HTC. No other Galeon 430HTC on the market here or in Europe has a Sea Keeper. This boat has a Sea Keeper 6 making her super stable. This boat has beautiful teak cockpit and swim platform. The swim platform is hydraulic and has stairs that keep you connected to the party when it is down. Beautiful rich wood interior with white Alcantara liners. Full electronics including Radar, Auto Pilot, VHF, GPS, spotlight and Satellite TV. Twin domes are installed giving this boat a balanced big boat look.
Galeon extended and refreshed its mid-range segment with a hardtop variant of the acclaimed 420 FLY. The main focus of the design was to flawlessly integrate a bright and welcoming interior with the sporty and dynamic character of the 430. The forward-facing glass roof effortlessly slides back yet is quick to close if the weather gets harsh.
Notice the single sliding, glass panel over the cockpit area as well as the patio doors granting easy access to the saloon. The aft-facing loungers will slide when needed, creating either a great dining or leisure area at the stern. The main deck boasts plenty of space and features a dining table, sitting areas, a well-equipped helmsman's station and a galley.
Similar to the 420, the sliding bed raises the number of berths to a class-leading eight. The plethora of interior design options allow for the yacht to be fully customized. Three bedrooms down below provide ample headroom and make use of two separate bathrooms for optimum comfort and privacy. The 430 features a stylish, relaxing interior thanks to high-quality fabrics, luxury fittings and top-of-the-line equipment.
The Company offers the details of this vessel in good faith but cannot guarantee or warrant the accuracy of this information nor warrant the condition of the vessel. A buyer should instruct his agents, or his surveyors, to investigate such details as the buyer desires validated. This vessel is offered subject to prior sale, price change, or withdrawal without notice.
700 South Federal Hwy
Pompano Beach, FL 33062
United States


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My length is limitless.
My branches are limitless.
I am flexible.
I am tolerable.
Whenever people need a new road,
People cut trees, and find
Me here and there,
For more please click on the following link :http://tanusrirchokhe.com/2018/12/09/road/
Thank you for reading! Let's make a beautiful world together! God bless!


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Slut'O'Ween: If Only the Pagans Could See Us Now
Another Halloween come and gone and again I am left dazed and confused from too much beer, candy, and overexposed female anatomy. Maybe someone from an older generation can explain to me at which point in time America side-stepped the conventional Halloween celebrations in lieu of more, how should I say this, expressive ones. I … Continue reading


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What are the ways in which women are affected differently (and more) by climate change around the world? What needs to be done about that?
What are the reasons behind the persistent and sometimes huge gender imbalance in audiences at any meeting labelled "Climate Change" in Manchester? What needs to be done about that?
These are just some of the questions that will be tackled at the next Manchester Climate Forum, on Wednesday 17th March. The event takes place at the Friends Meeting House, (6 Mount St, behind the Central Library), at 7.30pm sharp (come earlier for mingling and networking).
To kick off the discussion, here's a reprint of an article written for "Only Planet", the 2008 book about Manchester and Climate Change.
Invisible Power
It's always hard to talk about the gender, race and class dynamics in activism without descending into massive generalisations. Every person has a whole range of cross-cutting identities as well as their own integral personal traits and characteristics, and there will always be individuals who buck every one of the trends I'm about to describe.
Despite this, there are some general issues with how power dynamics within groups and movements can be talked about in terms of these issues. The area I'm most familiar with from personal experience and study is gender, but many of these points are about the way that power imbalances work and discriminate more generally, so some of them will be applicable to other marginalised groups too.
Most of these 'characteristics' of men and women are largely, if not all, socially constructed. Men and women aren't 'naturally' made one way or the other, society constructs us in these ways through the millions of ways we're unconsciously taught to behave from babyhood onwards. You only have to look at the massive diversity of what is seen as 'male' or 'female' behaviour in societies around the world to realise that there's nothing intrinsic about gendered behaviour.
Some schools of eco-feminist thought would disagree with this, arguing that there are natural, intrinsic links between women, nurturing and nature; I would argue that this position, as well as countered by so many examples from around the world, opens us up to other arguments about the fundamental nature of women – that they are less intelligent, inferior and made only for 'women's' duties such as childbearing or homemaking. However, some deep ecology and eco-feminism books do have useful things to say about the way in which women are differentially impacted on by environmental change and crisis.
So, having said this, what are the kind of gender dynamics that might affect the extent to which women get involved in certain types of causes and campaigning?
Firstly, there are the power dynamics in how people behave – at meetings, in demonstrations, when planning activities and actions. It's a generalisation, but women are still often brought up to be quieter, less argumentative and less assertive than men. In meetings and discussions – especially ones which are not well facilitated and where people aren't given space and confidence to talk – this can easily translate into women not having the confidence to raise their voices in the din, to put up their hand or to challenge views they don't agree with.
Studies on workplaces have shown that men and often far more confident in their knowledge and right to express opinions and assert facts, even over and above the expertise of women who might be far better informed or qualified. This isn't just off-putting for women, but disadvantages the entire group or movement, which may well be missing out on valuable knowledge and experience just because less well-informed men have more confidence about talking publicly and asserting their own ideas. And in many cases it can be easily rectified, by making sure that facilitators in meetings and campaign planners are aware of the need to do things like use go-rounds that include everyone rather than free-for-all discussions, to ask direct questions to individuals rather than always picking the first people to raise their hands, and if necessary to use anonymising tools such as slips of paper instead of insisting that everyone has to put their point publicly.
As well as the amount that women speak and participate (or are put off doing so), these issues of confidence and assertiveness can often influence the roles and jobs that the genders take on, with men assuming that they have the right and abilities to put themselves forward for public or leadership roles, while women enter equally important but less acknowledged and respected support positions. And in movements where direct action is frequently used, it's important to be aware of how much this valuable tactic can often overlap with macho behaviour and prioritisation of physical strength which can again discriminate against some women.
Secondly, there is the issue of when and where meetings take place. Most large public meetings happen in the evenings so that working people can access them, which is fair enough – but which can discriminate against people- most often women- who have to use paid childcare in the evenings but would be able to meet while their children are at schools or nurseries. Late night meetings, especially in winter, can be threatening for women subjected to socially inculcated fear of being out on their own after dark and when there is poor public transport (even if statistics show that we're in much more danger from the men in our family than from shadowy murderers and rapists on the streets).
Using rooms in pubs can also exclude women, especially those from non-drinking cultures and religions. The tendency for the 'real' decision-making and bond-forging to go on in the pub after a meeting is also a big source of discrimination, especially against those who need to use paid childcare or have early starts for work, or who can't afford to get involved in a culture of buying rounds and hanging out regularly after meetings.
Simple ways to address some of these issues are
to ensure that meetings are run efficiently and on time, so that if people need to keep babysitting costs down they can get home quickly and predict how long might be needed.
using sub-groups to plan specific tasks can sometimes make meeting times more flexible and allow people to get together during the daytime or at weekends. Or are there venues which might even offer creche facilities?
and make sure that if important decisions and plans are made, it's done in a transparent way and in proper meetings, not over beers afterwards.
Thirdly, and depressingly enough in the 21st century, there are still some heavily gendered roles that women are expected to fall into, or which they find themselves entering by default – perhaps because they can. Cooking, cleaning up after meetings, helping other people's projects to happen rather than advancing their own. It's useful for groups to consider doing gender audits, looking at which roles and activities are being done by whom, and finding out if there are unmet ambitions and training needs amongst members. This can benefit the entire membership and help to retain members and volunteers who feel valued and respected.
Useful resources
For puncturing macho egos: any of the cartoon books of Jackie Fleming
For a detailed look at how informal power structures affect women: Beyond Hierarchy: Gender, Sexuality, and the Social Economy – Sarah Oerton (Taylor & Francis)
For discussions of how women experience environmental change:
Women and the Environment: A Reader – Sally Sontheimer (Monthly Review Press) or any of the writings of Vandana Shiva


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Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Invitation
Christmas parties are so much more fun when you have a theme and this Ugly Christmas Sweater Party Invitation is the perfect invite for one of my favorite Christmas party themes–ugly Christmas sweaters! Do you know they have entire websites and stores dedicated to them? Of course, you can usually hit up your favorite thrift… Read More


text: Case Record For: 94-0109-TR-CSS File a Public Comment Case Title: AERO RESOURCES, INC. Status: AR-Archived Industry Code: TR-TRANSPORTATION Purpose Code: CSS-Complaint on service or safety Date Opened: 1/19/1994 Date Closed: 8/11/1994 Case Documents Public Comments Parties of Record Related Cases Printable Docket Card Service List View All 1 - 5 of 5 documents 1 / 1 Date FiledSummaryPages 08/11/1994Entry ordering that the motions for default judgment is granted, and a civil forfeiture in the amount of $2,947.50 is hereby assessed against Aero Resources, Inc.; that if Aero Resources does not pay the fore- going forfeiture amount to the State of Ohio in the manner set forth in Finding 5 within ten days of the issuance of this entry, the attorney general take all appropriate action to enforce this order as provided by law. (3)0 07/14/1994Motion and supporting memorandum for default judgment filed on behalf of the PUCO staff by J. Jackson-Forbes.0 02/15/1994Complaint resent to respondent C.R.R.R. 5029320 01/24/1994Complaint letter sent to respondent C.R.R. 5029150 01/19/1994In the matter of a complaint pursuant to Rule 4901:2-7-12, Ohio Administrative Code, against Aero Resources, Inc.0 1 / 1 Attorney General: Jackson-Forbes,Johnlander Attorney Examiner: Bulgrin, Richard


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Pelican fearlessly rides post-hurricane waves on Florida beach
Hurricane Michael made landfall on Mexico Beach, located along the Florida Panhandle, on October 10
This video, filmed on Siesta Key Beach, shows a large brown pelican riding the post-hurricane waves days after the storm hit.
Michael has left at least 18 hurricane-related deaths, the number feared to rise as rescue crew continue to search through collapsed homes and rubble. Mexico Beach mayor Al Cathey told media that 46 people were still missing or unaccounted for.
Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) employees are beginning visits to shelters and damaged neighborhoods to start registering people for federal assistance that is available to residents after a disaster, according to local reports.
Like Sharedots on Facebook


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Posts Tagged 'Blackwater spokeswoman'
Iraqi government asked American government to stop hiring Blackwater.
Baghdad, Iraq, January 29th, 2008, (Reuters).- The government of Iraq sent a memo today to the American embassy asking them to please, please, stop using Blackwater Worldwide as security for their diplomats.
The memo, signed by Iraq's interior ministry spokesman, Abdul-Karim Khalaf, said "Due to the excessive use of force, improper conduct and specially, the continuous killings of civilians, including children, the Honorable Ministry of the Interior of Iraq, backed by the power invested in it by the people and president of Iraq, hereby order the American authorities to please, please, please, read this memo and if possible, to restrain your goons, just a tiny winy bit."
The move is the latest response to the controversy resulting after Blackwater mercenaries killed 17 civilians at Nissor square, who asked them if they could please stop destroying their market stands.
The Blackwater mercenaries declared themselves non guilty. "We were just doing our job, clearing the path for the ambassador's secretary's officeboy who had gone to get a pizza for his boss. We immediately identified the terrorists' true nature as they spoke in Arabic and had stands with signs written in some terrorist language," declared one of them, who asked us to keep his name confidential or he would fill our bodies with lead.
State Department's spokesman Robert with A Wood declared "We haven't made a decision yet, but we're already processing the Iraqi request under our perpetual ignorance file cabinet."
Blackwater spokesgoon Anne Tyrrell defended the company's mercenaries. "Our employees did the right thing. They were ambushed by terrorists who shot them from a girls' school, an ambulance, and a fruit stand, all of which had letters written in a terrorist language, so they clearly had to return fire and a few grenades as well."


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"Who is Gruben?"MarkBarrett wrote: ↑Fri Feb 01, 2019 12:11 pmIf J! ever did football QB & coaches spelling it looks like you would be in a world of trouble.LucarioSnooperVixey wrote: ↑Fri Feb 01, 2019 12:04 pm54 R (Missed Farrelly, Gull(Also negged with Condor.), Rothlisberger, John Gruben, Merchant Copy, and Sympathetic Strings.)
LT: Rama, Boccie, The Miracle Worker, Immortal Beloved, John F. Kennedy, Bouzouki
"Oooh, sorry!"


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On 16 October 1996, a malfunction at the Swan Hills Special Waste Treatment Center (SHSWTC) in Alberta, Canada, released an undetermined quantity of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) into the atmosphere, including polychlorinated biphenyls, dioxins, and furans. The circumstances of exposure are detailed in Part 1, Background and Policy Issues. An ecologically based, staged health risk assessment was conducted in two parts with two levels of government as sponsors. The first, called the Swan Hills Study, is described in Part 2. A subsequent evaluation, described here in Part 3, was undertaken by Health Canada and focused exclusively on Aboriginal residents in three communities living near the lake, downwind, and downstream of the SHSWTC of the area. It was designed to isolate effects on members living a more traditional Aboriginal lifestyle. Aboriginal communities place great cultural emphasis on access to traditional lands and derive both cultural and health benefits from "country foods" such as venison (deer meat) and local fish. The suspicion of contamination of traditional lands and the food supply made risk management exceptionally difficult in this situation. The conclusion of both the Swan Hills and Lesser Slave Lake studies was that although POPs had entered the ecosystem, no effect could be demonstrated on human exposure or health outcome attributable to the incident. However, the value of this case study is in the detail of the process, not the ultimate dimensions of risk. The findings of the Lesser Slave Lake Study have not been published previously and are incomplete.
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Persons living traditional lifestyles, such as Aboriginal communities in northern Canada, might be at higher risk from certain types of pollution than urban residents; the risk is specific to the situation.
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In the real world, studies in which decisions are necessarily based are not always complete or performed as they might be for research studies.
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Confounding factors, such as lifestyle and cigarette smoking, complicate interpretation of human risk assessment.
Incidents in which people are exposed to toxic substances never occur in a social vacuum. Certain communities are invariably more exposed or at risk than others. In this part of the case study, attention was focused on the Aboriginal communities of west-central Alberta south of Slave Lake and downstream from Swan Hills following an incident of the release of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
In 1996, an incident at the Swan Hills Special Waste Treatment Center (SHSWTC, now called the "Swan Hills Treatment Facility") in the town of Swan Hills, province of Alberta, resulted in uncontrolled emissions of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polychlorinated dibenzo-dioxins (PCDDs), polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs) and other organochlorines [1]. The background and history of this incident is provided in Part 1 of this case study [2]. Human health risks associated with environmental release of POPs can be inferred from the ecological behavior of the compounds and pathways by which the POPs reach human populations. The ecotoxicology (fate and disposition) of POPs released during this event is described in Part 2 [3].
Part 3 of this case study describes the exposure, as represented by contaminant levels determined in the Aboriginal population, presumed vulnerability. This vulnerability could draw equally from closer proximity to natural pathways of exposure, higher consumption of "country foods" from living off the land, and cultural factors in food preferences and the social meaning of food restrictions and contamination. Health risk is a central concern of Aboriginal cultures and their traditional knowledge. It is also a critical sticking point in relations between band governance and government [4].
The Aboriginal population places great cultural emphasis on access to traditional lands and country foods such as venison (deer meat) and local fish. The Aboriginal population is diverse and fluid, although status is determined by registration as part of a local community (band). In this part of Alberta, the aboriginal communities consist primarily of Woodland Cree and Métis peoples, but mixed family units and individuals of other nations are commonly present (such as Objibwa or Chipweyan or Métis). The Métis people are descendants of Europeans (French or broadly Scottish and often specifically Orkney Islander) and aboriginal peoples (particularly Cree and Ojibwa) with constitutional recognition, and a distinct and (in Alberta) often but not always francophone culture. Aboriginal populations in rural or remote Alberta, as in other parts of Canada, rely on hunting, fishing, and gathering, for sustenance (seldom exclusively), cultural tradition, and political expression (sometimes following the movement called "decolonialization").
This case study also illustrates the difficulties of adapting a risk management strategy to groups with different cultural values and expectations. Community and individual responses to such incidents, and the development of health advisory messages, may depend on presenting information on exposure and risk in terms consistent with cultural patterns among subpopulations in the community.
Names of provincial agencies are given as they were in 1997; most have been changed since, but the areas of responsibility are obvious from their names.
In Canada, the provincial governments have primary responsibility for evaluating both environmental and human health risk, with some exceptions. The role of the Government of Canada is constitutionally circumscribed but the federal government has responsibility for First Nations populations. This generally takes the form of paying for provincial health insurance premiums for First Nations peoples and providing public health services either directly or reimbursing provincial agencies. Health Canada became directly involved in investigating Swan Hills in July 1997 at the request of the Lesser Slave Lake Indian Regional Council, which wanted a focused and more detailed analysis of their situation than the Swan Hills Study could provide.
A special study was designed to achieve the following objectives:
- 1.
To assess the environmental exposure and risk of the Lesser Slave Lake First Nation populations, specifically, to PCBs, dioxin/furans and several other contaminants (cadmium, lead, and mercury);
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To establish the traditional consumption patterns and uses of freshwater fish and wild game of Aboriginal people in the Swan Hills Region (not reported here);
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To reexamine the Alberta Consumption Advisory for deer and moose meat in the context of First Nations consumption information (not reported here);
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To determine the association, if any, between traditional food consumption and contaminant burdens (not reported here);
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To investigate any health effects of environmental exposure to contaminants and their source (not reported here);
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To provide the Lesser Slave Lake First Nation and political authorities with contaminant exposure and consumption information (not reported here) specific to their population to help them advise their population and manage health issues.
The Lesser Slave Lake Health Study, like the broader Swan Hills study conducted by Alberta Health described in Part 2, was designed primarily as an exposure assessment. The Study was divided into three phases. Phase I (1997) examined a subset of Aboriginal peoples resident in the area who were determined, on lifestyle and cultural grounds, to be most likely in the community to consume large quantities of country foods and therefore to experience a higher exposure from that source. Phase II (1997), not described in detail here, examined a randomly selected sample of Aboriginal residents in the area, using largely the same methodology. Phase III (2002) re-examined volunteers among the Phase I sample to determine change over five years.
Phase I: Study Design and Quality Assurance
Phase I of the study was an assessment of a primary risk group consisting of 50 First Nations people aged 15 years and older selected by band councils from among eight communities initially participating in the study. These individuals were believed to be at higher risk of exposure because they were recognized by their communities as living traditional lifestyles and engaged in heavy consumption of country foods. They were residents of four communities, A, B, C, as in the Swan Hills Study, and a fourth location here called D. (Aboriginal communities are not identified, in order to minimize harm.) The populations number in the hundreds each but none counts as many as 1,000 residents.
Residents were studied with serum levels reported for organochlorine compounds, blood cadmium, and lead levels; hair analysis for mercury; and a survey questionnaire covering health, eating patterns, and practice of a traditional lifestyle. The SHSWTC was not suspected of emitting metals at the time of the incident and metal-containing solutions were not part of its intake. Their inclusion, together with lead, probably represented a target of opportunity to perform health screening.
Analyses were conducted by various laboratories with elaborate quality assurance, including samples comparing Health Canada laboratory results with those from research and commercial laboratories and from Environment Canada. In general, with many exceptions, congener-specific levels were close (±22% on average). Mean levels of dioxins and furans were less close (±52%).
Phase II: Study Design and Quality Assurance
Phase II of the Lesser Slave Lake Study is not presented in detail because the findings essentially duplicated that of Phase I. Phase II was an effort to obtain a larger and more diverse population sample to determine the generalizability of findings and to conduct a health symptoms survey.
Phase II was essentially a convenient sample stratified to represent the population of interest in the absence of a true random sample. Selection of subjects could not be randomized because there were far too few individuals, the use of band intermediaries precluded randomization (and even strict confidentiality), and the status was ambiguous in many cases. The status (status as enrolled in a band registry, non-status, Métis) was not considered a major concern because it was not correlated with participation in traditional lifestyle; all Aboriginal community residents participated at least to some degree in traditional practices.
The health symptom reports are difficult to interpret because of obvious methodological lapses and lack of relevant comparison data. Rather than present incomplete and possibly flawed information, the findings are not reported here.
Phase III: Study Design and Quality Assurance
Blood was taken from all participants and serum was analyzed for PCBs, PCDDs and PCDDs, whole blood for cadmium and lead. Hair samples were taken and analyzed for mercury. Values presented in this report are those reported from the laboratory of Health Canada, which applied the same quality assurance standards as in Phase I. Results were interpreted with reference to Canadian and international comparison populations [5–7].
Because the biomonitoring determinations were not paired, but are drawn from a subset of the same population, the results of the Phase III (follow-up) study should be treated as a new determination on a second sample of the Phase I participant population rather than as either a completely independent determination or as a repeated measure on the same group of participants. Quality assurance procedures followed in Phase III were the same as in Phase I except that there was no inter-laboratory comparison for PCB congeners.
The survey questionnaire that was initially part of Phase I was not repeated in the Phase III (follow-up) study. It was assumed that health status, eating patterns, and practice of a traditional lifestyle would not have changed substantially in the meantime for subjects.
Participants in the Phase III (follow-up) study were also asked to rate their personal health on a five-point scale.
The findings from the Lesser Slave Lake Study were first presented in detail in 2003 to the affected First Nation communities and conveyed in a report to Health Canada. The results have not been published previously. (These results cannot be assumed to apply today to the same population.)
Among the 50 original subjects surveyed in 1997, 31 (62%) were males older than 18 years, 10 (20%) were females aged 15 to 45 years, and 9 (18%) were females aged 46 years or more. The average age (47.7 years) suggests an older sample than is likely to be representative of the population and is consistent with the long duration of residence in the community (37.6 years). Cigarette smoking was prevalent (62% active, 66% passive) but it was not reported how this and other characteristics were distributed among the three groups of interest.
Of the original 50 participants chosen for traditional lifestyles and presumed high exposure, 41 participants, 24 men and 17 women, agreed to be retested for Phase III. The average age of the men was about 48.4 years (with three missing birth years) and of the women was about 48.2 years (with one missing birth year). Participants had lived in the community for a minimum of 25 years and a maximum of 82 years (mean 52.41 years) confirming that most respondents were lifelong or nearly lifelong residents of their community. Aboriginal status was distributed with 36 (88%) declaring registered First Nation status, 3 (7%) declaring Métis identity, and the rest being unknown.
Because of the terms of the study agreement with the participating First Nations that ensure strict confidentiality, it was not possible to compare paired biomonitoring results for the same individuals in Phase I and Phase III or between the Lesser Slave Lake Study and the Swan Hills Study.
Phase III (Follow-Up) Study
Cigarette smoking remained highly prevalent in the Aboriginal communities: 66% of subjects smoked and 73.2% lived with at least one household member who smoked. The high prevalence of smoking is a particular issue in the interpretation of cadmium levels, as will be discussed.
The results of the repeated biomonitoring performed in 1997 and 2002 are summarized in Table 1.
|Analyte .
|Mean in 1997 .
|Mean in 2002 .
|PCBs as Arachlor 1254 (ppb), expressed as Toxic Equivalency (TEQ) [8]
|Men (30)
|Women (20)
|PCBs as Arachlor 1260 (ppb), expressed as Toxic Equivalency (TEQ) [8]
|Dioxins/Furans (pg/g = ppt)
|DDT/DDE (ppb)
|Lead (µg/dl)
|Cadmium (µg/dl)
|Mercury (ppm)
|Analyte .
|Mean in 1997 .
|Mean in 2002 .
|PCBs as Arachlor 1254 (ppb), expressed as Toxic Equivalency (TEQ) [8]
|Men (30)
|Women (20)
|PCBs as Arachlor 1260 (ppb), expressed as Toxic Equivalency (TEQ) [8]
|Dioxins/Furans (pg/g = ppt)
|DDT/DDE (ppb)
|Lead (µg/dl)
|Cadmium (µg/dl)
|Mercury (ppm)
*Detailed statistical analysis was not provided.
Briefly, all measures save one are less than the initial Phase I values. No measure, however, was statistically significantly less than the Phase I value at p = 0.05. Taken together, however, the uniform fall in all contaminant levels is highly significant, at least at p < 0.0001 (nonparametric trend, counting the two Arachlor formulations as if independent).
The one exception is cadmium, for which the 2002 Phase III (follow-up) testing round showed an average blood level for men of 0.335 μg/dl compared to 0.3030 in 2002, the sole example of an unchanged value, being within measurement error.
Consumption Patterns
Risk determinations based on consumption patterns used for the original Phase I and Phase II studies could not be reconstructed for the Phase III (follow-up) study because the algorithm was not available.
Health Status
Data on body weight and height were collected in the Phase III (follow-up) study, using both metric and Imperial units. (Confusion between the two was apparent in some of the early data sheets.) Among men, 18 subjects reported weight, always in pounds, averaging 226.3 pounds (range 143.0 to 397.0) or 102.8 kg. Five women reported weight averaging 188.8 pounds (range 160.0 to 211.0) or 85.8 kg. The height data, however, are obviously invalid and therefore not reported. (Indicators of bias include a range of height for 28 respondents that included values to 1 and 11 inches and a finding that 28 respondents were recorded as exactly 5 feet tall.)
Health Beliefs
Only 11 of the 24 men and 3 of the women rated their health as "Excellent" or "Very Good" and 7 each rated their health as only "Fair" or "Poor". Although the numbers are small and relevant comparisons are lacking, it would appear that this community does not view itself as being in particularly robust health.
Participants were also asked to evaluate the perceived risk of PCBs to personal (i.e. "your") health, on a scale from 1 to 4, where 1 = no risk, 2 = minor risk, 3 = moderate risk, and 4 = major risk. With 31 responses, the mean rating on the scale was 2.87 (S.D. 0.99). Fewer subjects responded to this item on the questionnaire, but 13 of the 18 men and 9 of the 13 women responded that PCBs were a major or moderate risk to health. This high level of concern may reflect the intensity of the study itself, which from the point of view of the participants cannot be easily rationalized unless there were serious concerns with respect to their health.
There were many methodological issues with this part of the Lesser Slave Lake Study, with obvious problems of data entry, confusion over metric and Imperial measurement, data gaps, and imprecise categorization of subjects as living traditional and nontraditional lifestyles. (This turned out to be a false dichotomy, since all subjects had some elements of a traditional lifestyle and none were living strictly as their forebears did in 1899, when Treaty 8 was signed.) The wording of the questionnaire was also problematic, because it did not conform to standard instruments and so could not be reliably compared.
Most difficult, however, is that the biomonitoring data, while intended to be repeated measures of the same individuals actually reflect differently constituted groups. It is clear that the Phase III (follow-up) population differs in some important ways from the original Phase I population. As expected, they were older, on average about five years, at the time of the original Phase I study. They may differ in attitudes or accessibility, by being available to investigators.
The interpretation of biomonitoring data would be more difficult if there were evidence for elevations in contaminant levels, given the methodological issues and missing information. In general, levels of POPs (expressed in ng/kg, or parts per trillion) found in blood in all phases of the Lesser Slave Lake Study were very low compared to studies in other populations, Health Canada Guidelines, and compared to residents of the community of Swan Hills (see Part 2). The predominant findings are therefore a "cold negative", in the sense that they do not suggest that a toxicologically significant level of exposure has occurred in this population. However, there are anomalies that require attention.
Briefly, all measures of POPs save one are less than the initial Phase I values. Measurements of total PCB, dioxins/furans, and DDT/DDE are less in the Phase III (follow-up) study by as much as 50% in five years (for Arachlor 1260 in men). The trend toward lower values is consistent across biomonitoring measures for POPs. No measure, however, was statistically significantly less than the Phase I value (at p = 0.05). Taken together, however, the uniform fall in all contaminant levels is highly significant, at least at p < 0.0001 (nonparametric trend, taking each sex as an independent replication and counting the two Arachlor formulations as if independent). Measures of total PCB are less in the Phase III (follow-up) study by as much as 50% in five years (for Arachlor 1260 in men). This greatly exceeds the rate at which these substances are thought to be metabolized. This observation suggests the presence of bias in the reported results, most likely that the populations are not comparable.
There are possible various explanations for this apparent trend (termed apparent because the two cross-sectional samples are not from exactly the same subjects):
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The subset of participants in the Phase III (follow-up) study may be unrepresentative of the original Phase I participant group (clearly younger) and less exposed to contaminants of interest.
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Laboratory analytical differences or technique may have systematically lowered the reported value of contaminants in the Phase III (follow-up) study.
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The levels of POPs and lead in body fluids may have dropped over the time period and the fall for all Phase I participants may be reflected in this subsample.
Lifestyle changes, possibly adopted in response to concern over toxicity, may have reduced exposure to contaminants across the board, except for cigarette smoking.
Although the first explanation cannot be ruled out, it seems unlikely, given the consistency of the lower levels among both sexes and all POPs contaminants. As well, the participants in Phase I, from which the participants in phase III were drawn, were selected because they were known to engage in a more traditional lifestyle and were therefore more likely to be exposed by ecological pathways. Thus, their exposure would be expected to be higher than for other residents of the community. An elapsed time of 5 years would be expected to be associated with higher and rising levels in 2002 both because of cumulative exposure and aging, which is associated with increased body burden of POPs over a lifetime. However, in the event the exposure indicators appear to be relatively uniform, low, and possibly falling (bearing in mind that these are not strictly repeated measures). The third explanation is possible but cannot be proven in the absence of repeated measures in the same individuals. The fourth explanation is likely to be a contributing factor but would not be expected to result in such a large reduction. Thus, there is no single satisfactory explanation for why POPs levels in Phase III are so substantially lower than in Phase I.
Lead levels are at levels expected for adults, especially given that this population often shoots and some may cast their own bullets. The most likely reasons that lead levels were lower in 2002 than in 1997 are either that fewer individuals are pouring and shooting their own home-made ammunition or that those who do are taking greater precautions with lead exposure.
The levels of cadmium and mercury are sufficiently low that public health risk is very unlikely. Chrystina Lake has been identified as having mercury levels that are moderately high compared to other bodies of water but do not exceed the Canada Health guidelines [6]. The stable cadmium levels are readily explained because the driving exposure for cadmium in this population is clearly cigarette smoking, not environmental sources in this population. (Cadmium is a particular problem in Aboriginal communities where caribou is harvested.)
Sometimes, predicted consequences do occur and other times they do not. The rationale of both the Swan Hills and Lesser Slave Lake studies was that POPs had entered the ecosystem and pathways that would eventually result in human exposure. However, no effect on human exposure was demonstrable although sufficient time elapsed since the incident. The magnitude of exposure did not appear to constitute a major risk to health.
Ecosystem fate and mobility studies (ecotoxicology) can be used to anticipate future human health risk, as in the Swan Hills Study. A survey of contaminant exposure is limited by the toxicokinetics of the contaminant under consideration. In the case of POPs, by definition, the issue of concern is cumulative exposure and long-term consequences. The Lesser Slave Lake Study was methodologically problematic but sufficient for the purpose, which was to determine public health risk and to target any interventions that would be necessary operationally.
An ideal study would have integrated the Swan Hills Study and the Lesser Slave Lake Study, using standardized methods. In the real world, studies on which decisions are necessarily based are not always complete or performed as rigorously as they might be for research studies. As long as the information is actionable and reliable, that does not diminish their importance or utility for risk management but it does diminish their generalizability to other situations. Public health agencies must prioritize public protection first, even at the expense of research when resources are limited.
Many scientists and public health professionals took part in the several studies that together constituted the evaluation of the Swan Hills incident. Data cited in this case study are publicly available with the exception of the Lesser Slave Lake study, which have been publicly presented but is published here in the accessible journal literature for the first time. The case study was taught for several years as a case study in PubH 243 Public Health Practice at the George Washington University. Ms. Amy O'Connor developed the narrative further for her MPH research project in 2007.
Funding for Dr. Guidotti's participation in the Lesser Slave Lake Study was limited to interpretation of data provided by Health Canada and formal presentation of the findings to elders of the First Nations communities involved at a meeting convened for the purpose in 2003.
The author has no competing interest to declare.
Teaching Notes
Swan Hills: Questions for Discussion
During the events described in this case study, the author served as a principal consultant in environmental health for Alberta Environment, Alberta Health, and Alberta Justice, and, later, Health Canada. (Agency names are given as they were in 1997.)


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Hey CDS majors and Digital Studies Minors! Here's some information about another new class that I'm excited about: DGST 301D: Digital Design Workshop, which will be taught by DKC director Martha Burtis. It will be essentially a digital design agency creating projects like websites, videos, and social media campaigns for clients in the community. It's a an exciting opportunity to develop your skills and apply what you've learned to help people in the real world.
This class is generally for students who already have some experience or are willing to work hard, so if you're interested in signing up, you'll first need to apply to the class.
For more information including the application, please check the class website, or contact Martha Burtis with questions.


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Cassette filter PFMG-10 is designed for separation of dust from industrial processes, where there are very high demands on reliability and low dust emissions.
PFMG-10 is a pulse cleaned fabric filter for separation of dust from air and gasses. The filter is designed to operate continously and with a high filtration velocity. The filter is available as a silo-filter, or with dust hoppers in two types.
Cassette filter PFMG-10


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It's April now. Time is flying by I tell you. It fells like we just started working on our Game a few weeks ago but it have actually been more than seven months. Now here we are. Our intern of six months just had her last week here with us so today we celebrated all the memories we created together.
The rest of the week is going to be preparation for QuoVadis in Berlin the famous Gaming Industry Fair. We'll be there to talk with possible localization partners, publishers and general enthusiasts and show them the prototype we've created over the last 6 months. Wish us luck!


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Namaskar Dosto, This post guide you to learn 'how to publish website using WordPress or how to change template in WordPress, customize WordPress theme , publish WordPress website and many more.
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Committee for Home Affairs - P.2019/113
The States are asked to decide:-
Whether they are of the opinion to approve the draft Ordinance entitled "The Financial Services Ombudsman (Bailiwick of Guernsey) (Amendment) (No. 2) Ordinance, 2019", and to direct that the same shall have effect as an Ordinance of the States.
This proposition has been submitted to Her Majesty's Procureur for advice on any legal or constitutional implications in accordance with Rule 4(1) of the Rules of Procedure of the States of Deliberation and their Committees.


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The new 2019 Jeep Cherokee continues to offer the most impressive experience available in the midsize SUV segment! Jeep has engineered their new Cherokee to offer increased fuel efficiency and performance, made possible through a stunning lineup of engines that includes the all-new 2.0-liter engine. The 2019 Cherokee is also remarkably eye-catching with its authentic Jeep style and premium design features. Learn more about the outstanding new 2019 Jeep Cherokee below!
All-New Engine
Jeep has introduced an all-new 2.0-liter direct-injection turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine for the 2019 model year, and drivers will love this vehicle's efficient, powerful, and capable performance. It is paired to an enhanced nine-speed automatic transmission and utilizes engine stop-start technology to increase fuel economy. The 2.0-liter engine has 295 lb-ft of torque and 270 horsepower. The other available engines include the 3.2-liter Pentastar V-6 and the 2.4-liter Tigershark MultiAir2. The Cherokee has earned a reputation for offering unmatched versatility no matter where you take it, whether on- or off-road. This remains true for 2019, as the Cherokee offers best-in-class Jeep Trail Rated capability. There are various four-wheel drive systems available, including the all-new Jeep Active Drive I, Jeep Active Drive II, and Jeep Active Drive Lock. The Cherokee has a Selec-Terrain traction control system which has up to five customized drive modes, like Auto, Sport, Snow, Mud/Sand, and Rock.
Authentic Jeep Design
Fans of the Jeep brand have come to rely on the Cherokee to offer a characteristically Jeep experience at every level, and this is true for the design as well. The new 2019 Cherokee has iconic Jeep styling but with premium features that align it with the beloved Grand Cherokee model. A wide range of updates have been made to the exterior Cherokee, as it now features an all-new hood, front fascia, daylight running lamps, LED headlamps, and fog lamps. There are five new wheel designs available, including the premium 19-inch wheels found on the luxurious Overland models. Jeep also offers their Cherokee with an open-air experience when the vehicle is equipped with the optional dual-pane sunroof. Jeep has also introduced their new lightweight hands-free power liftgate. The interior of the Cherokee continues to offer a comfortable and refined experience, with Jeep using high-quality materials, as well as Piano Black and Satin Chrome high-gloss accents. The ride is comfortable no matter where you sit due to the increased rear cargo volume.
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The new 2019 Cherokee will receive the latest Uconnect technology. The award-winning Uconnect infotainment technology provides faster startup times, intuitive controls, and a high-resolution touchscreen. There are three available systems, with Jeep offering their 7.0, 8.4, and 8.4 NAV Uconnect systems. The Uconnect systems offer the following services and features: Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, handsfree operation, Bluetooth, Sirius XM Guardian, SiriusXM Radio, and more. The wide range of technological innovations found in the Cherokee not only provide easy access to entertainment, but they also work to keep you safe. There are over 80 available advanced safety and security features offered with the Cherokee, including driver assistance systems like ParkSense Parallel/Perpendicular Park Assist, LaneSense Lane Departure Warning-Plus, Adaptive Cruise Control-Plus, Forward Collision Warning-Plus, Rear Cross Path detection, Blind-spot Monitoring, and ParkView rear backup camera with dynamic grid lines. Other great safety features include eight standard airbags, Electronic Roll Mitigation, and Electronic Stability Control.
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29 Jan What OTR, the Timecard converter, can change
OTR is a simple app with a simple function. It converts uploaded paper timecard images into Excel files for more effective workflow of its users. However, for paper time punch card users, this function of OTR can change, with a little exaggeration, their whole worlds.
The total amount of time spent in organizing and creating digital files of paper timecards can change. The more the timecards, the bigger the change.
The workflow of the users can change. As the digital files of employees' attendance records are already made by OTR, the users can skip to calculation and management of records and pays straight away. Smoother process of work, without anything to interrupt the flow, is possible.
The amount of stress can change. Let's think it simple. Calculating the pays of employees is already quite tiring, but if you are converting the paper timecards into Excel files as well, the stress is inevitable. OTR takes the latter part of work away and this should cause less stress.
What OTR can change might differ by people. Even so, it is undeniable that this app is helpful to many paper timecard users.


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Life is funny. And mundane. Just like in a cartoon by Lev.
The cartoonist known as Lev was weathering the dot-bomb as most San Francisco artists have: working in an espresso bar by day and working on his live animation and comic strip -- OK, and partying -- during every other waking moment. Which left little time for that sleep thing.
"I had not slept all night, and I was just fried, when I got the e-mail," says Lev, an underground sensation for his kinky/quirky "Tales of Mere Existence" animated series, which was conceived and produced in his Richmond District bedroom. Even now, stacks of the cartoon's print version clutter his bachelor pad; he hastily clears them off his one cushy chair so a visitor can sit down.
"I came home in the afternoon to sleep, and there was this e-mail from Comedy Central saying they were interested in having me be part of this new show called 'Jump Cuts'! So I called them right away, and the producer started laughing and said, 'We sent that e-mail one minute ago -- you're so fast!' "
He smiles nervously. "And I told her that's because I've been waiting so long!"
How long can a 31-year-old have waited? Try 25 years. Lev (born Lev Yilmaz to a Turkish immigrant father and a Swedish mother) started his career in film when he was just 7 or 8.
"My mom had gotten a Super 8 camera to make home movies with, and my brother and me got our hands on it and ran with it," he laughs. "We made satires of everything -- news broadcasts and TV shows that we watched. When I look at them now, they are totally amateurish, but I find it quite remarkable that we were so skeptical of the world! My parents watched them and thought they were funny; they really encouraged us."
But it's not always good to discover your passion so early; it means the last 25 years have been a tad slow -- a long, drawn-out incubation period.
There was art school near his Boston home, years of making subversive short films that got some play on the festival circuit, moving to San Francisco in 1998 to seek his artistic pot of gold, only to have the multimedia economy go belly-up.
But the highs have been mounting -- packed houses for his Monday night screenings at the Red Devil Lounge, his comic books selling out at various bookstores around town, the invitation to screen "Tales" in New York.
But, notes Lev, when the Big Call does come, it can be the proverbial crack in the clouds with angels singing.
"That was in June, and even now, when I start to think about it, I get a little overwhelmed," says Lev, sitting cross-legged on a desk chair. "Apparently someone from the Upright Citizens Brigade was at the New York screening and told Comedy Central they should check me out. It's so amazing --
I have not been able to wrap my brain around it."
He's a bit jittery; he's only done interviews with subterranean cartoon- centric zines and is new at this major media stuff. He has notes about things he wants to say.
His skin is pale, but his hair is Anglo-Afro -- so curly it comes together like a halo. He wears silver and leather jewelry and clasps his long and slender fingers. You can order Lev T-shirts on his Web site (www.ingredientx.com) that feature him shirtless in a kung-fu pose. And his small apartment is stuffed with "Dragnet" videos and Douglas Adams books. He is irony personified.
"The whole point of doing that T-shirt design was to make them so over the top that it might make people curious enough to find out more about me. Who is this weirdo?" he smiles cheerfully. Then adds: "It's a little weird asking for money from people who want to wear my face."
Despite his being out and about at cultural events in the city, he says he's not a scenester. "No, but much of what I do artistically is about trying to be a scenester. I like to go out and get demented, but I'm also a loner and somewhat reclusive. To be honest, I've never been sure where I fit in."
Maybe the new Comedy Central series will convince him of who his peers might be. "The company I'm in on this show!" he breathes. "Well, it's pretty humbling. Bill Plympton, Don Hertzfeldt, who was nominated for an Oscar. ... Some of my heroes!"
Yet watching the first episode of "Jump Cuts" (which is airing every Sunday night this month at midnight for the edgy-and-young audience), Lev's cartoon stands shoulder to shoulder with theirs. Subtitled "Stuff you think about but don't talk about," "Tales of Mere Existence" is a first-person narrative tour through the occasionally mundane, always hilarious, thoughts of a young man on the edge.
Topics include: what makes him horny (those choker necklaces women wear), how he feels about his successful friends (great guys he loves and would like to drive off a cliff), what he has worried about in his life ("that I would never see that Barber of Seville Bugs Bunny cartoon again," "that one day kids will find Aerosmith as boring as I always found Elvis," "that I will one day be the old guy at the party.")
Lev does everything -- the writing, the production and the vocal narration. The latter is hard to believe when in Lev's company and listening to his normal, maybe even a little sweet, speaking voice.
Lev's alter ego sounds world-weary, and maybe little bitter, as his gravelly voice drones his narrative.
"Yeah, but that's me, too," he insists. "I can talk like that guy who doesn't want to get out of bed. He's an aspect of me -- the part of me that feels socially inept and never grew up."
Lev's cartoons succeed with their Sahara-dry wit and piercing insights, not on his ILM-worthy animation skills; in fact, the style is so rudimentary as to seem like a child's Etch-a-Sketch doodling.
As the Onion raved, "Self-expression has never been so eloquently expressed with so little ink!"
Yet he's modest about his skills. "I was dumb enough to go to art school and think I could make a living at it; I should be smart enough to figure out how to do it for cheap. I also think it's neat to make art from the simplest of elements. I've always thought sock puppets were among the most effective."
How Lev achieves his technique -- simultaneous drawing and narration, but without ever seeing a hand doing the drawing -- is a trade secret. Suffice it to say that it was born out of a necessity to keep the costs low.
"Each episode costs me around $15 to make," he grins. "So even though I'm not getting a ton of money from Comedy Central, it's great money for me, considering my costs."
He pauses. "And it's been cool hanging out at Comedy Central -- they are great people. At one point, I freaked out when I thought, holy s -- ! Jon Stewart might be watching my stuff!"
Stewart perhaps, but how about his parents, who are still in Boston? He winces. He has not told them yet. "But I will! They're proud of me but know art is not a very practical route. My father was a goatherder orphan in Turkey who was taken in by a wealthy man and sent to MIT, where he became a physicist. My mother is Swedish and works for a Japanese corporation."
He chuckles. "I guess I inherited my family's unconventional path."
And therein lies a lesson. "I've spent my life trying to figure out where I belonged. Now I'm realizing the only place I really belong is just completely following my own path."