text:
There are a lot of 'rules' in customer service, but few more important than the six we've listed here. Each makes a valid statement and will increase the satisfaction of your clients.
Cardinal Rule #1 - Personal Responsibility/Accountability: Don't Pass the Buck
In a recent survey, we found that "responsibility/accountability" is the number one characteristic employers want from their employees.
Oh, there are lots of characteristics they'd like; however, the one that rose to the top consistently was responsibility/accountability.
One of the most important attributes a team player can have is personal responsibility - personal accountability. Those that have it refuse to accuse, blame and complain.
Those that do accuse, blame and complain break one of the most important cardinal rules. "Who" statements accuse and blame. "Who took my stapler?" A more positive manner might be: "I seem to have misplaced my stapler; has anyone seen it?"
Remember to take full responsibility with the customer. The customer doesn't like to hear accusing, blaming and complaining statements. They know when you're passing the buck!
Cardinal Rule #2 - People Before Paperwork
When someone walks into your place of business or calls you while you're working on something, Cardinal Rule #2 says drop everything. Put what you're doing DOWN. Attend to that person. Remember, paperwork and other tasks can wait, people should not. Most of us have experienced being abused when we go shopping and have been ignored because the staffer is doing something else. We feel we're more important than whatever they're doing. Most of the time there isn't even any eye contact to say "one moment please" or "I'll be with you shortly." Which doesn't make it right; but at least there was some form of contact.
Let's not abuse our own customers. Remember: People before paperwork.
Cardinal Rule #3 - Don't RUSH Your Customers
Sure, you may understand something real quick, but rushing the customer along will only lead to them feeling intimidated. Very often it's the first time the customer is hearing, learning or finding out about something that you've done over and over.
And it's a good thing to remember to mirror their speed. A slow talker or a senior person won't take to being "done with" by you. Trying to be "done" with a customer as quickly as possible is seen as being rude and uncaring.
Rushing threatens customers. Take your time with each and every contact.
Cardinal Rule #4 - Company Jargon
Well we have text now so there are even more folks doing jargon. KWIM (Know what I Mean?); BRB (Be right back); IDK (I don't know). There is a BOOK of texting terms. It's a real OMG.
Ever get a report from a company and not understand it? Some companies have company jargon, words and phrases that makes the CIA wonder what's up. Be very careful not to use your own company jargon on your customers. You and your employees may understand it very well, but the customer may not. And you'll only cause a lot of unnecessary confusion. Spell things out for your customers. Use easy words. Try not to abbreviate. As we say, remember, don't use military language on civilians.
Cardinal Rule #5 - Don't Be Too Busy To Be Nice
Hey, everyone's busy! That's what it's all about. Being busy does not give you carte blanche to be rude. Remember, you meet the same people going down as you do going up. They'll remember you. (What's worse than being busy? NOT being busy!) I kept this short because I figure it's easy to understand. The old golden rule: Do unto others as you'd have them do unto you.
Cardinal Rule # 6 - Be Friendly BEFORE You Know Who It Is
There's a good lesson to be learned here. Telephone Doctor says: "Smile BEFORE you know who it is." Often times it's too late. Being friendly before you know who it is will earn you classic customer service points. The customer needs to know you want to work with them no matter who they are. Remember, sometimes it's way too late to smile and be friendly after you know who it is.
Caller ID is not all it's cracked up to be. Many folks use other people's phones, extensions, etc. I have horror story after horror story about folks who picked up the phone "thinking" they knew who was on the line and said something inappropriate...only to find out...wrong person!
Any one of these tips can boost your customer service!
# # # #
Nancy Friedman, President of Telephone Doctor Customer Service Training is a featured speaker at franchise, association and corporate meetings around the world. She has appeared on OPRAH, Fox News, The Today Show, CNN, Good Morning America and CBS This Morning.
Her articles have been published in the Wall Street Journal, USA TODAY, as well as hundreds of other print outlets. She is also the author of eight best-selling books.
For more information, log onto the www.nancyfriedman.com or call Nancy at 314 291 1012. You'll be glad you did.


text:
By now you must have caught all the excitement of announcements we made at Create the Web (watch the keynote). For us, these are exciting times! Not only do we have a spiffy new blog design to go with the event, but we also have a bunch of new, cool technologies to show you!
CSS FilterLab
Custom Filters allow you to use GLSL shaders to apply cinematic effects to HTML elements. A few days ago Max blogged about how you can use Chrome Canary to use custom filters & browse our samples.
Today we announced the Open sourced web experiment called CSS FilterLab that allows you to play with several effects that are now possible, including textures that make your element appear crumpled, or burnt and more! You can also tweak the filters to use them with CSS animations.
CSS FilterLab allows you to create custom filters and share them with others via gists. You can also contribute to the project via Github.
We also have samples & utilities for some of our other work including CSS Regions & Blend Modes.
The Graphical Web
Today, we also sneaked in a preview of a presentation that covers a lot of ground on the evolution of aesthetic web from 1990s to the present through the persona of a
div element. The source code for the presentation & a case study that documents the making of it should be out soon.
Source Code Pro
While our team has not been directly responsible for this release, it is nonetheless exciting to have a web font that has been created with developers in mind. Not only is this font free, but also an open source project available on Github for you to fork & contribute if you feel so. Read more about this font on the from the lead designer, Paul D. Hunt.
Edge Web Fonts
Adobe Typekit along with Google has just made available a whole bunch of fonts for free that you can use by merely including a script in your code. Check out the gallery of fonts available here.
Adobe PhoneGap Build
We also announced PhoneGap Build that allows you to upload your HTML assets and converts them into mobile PhoneGap apps. Christian Cantrell has a video that explains how to use Brackets to work with PhoneGap Build.
There are plenty more announcements that were made including the sneak preview of Reflow. Follow @createtheweb to find out new announcements as they come!

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Captain Larry Lawley
Mobile 972-743-0607
"I'm fortunate to live here on Lake Lavon. Lavon is one of the best catfish lakes in Texas. My goal is to have the R&R blue catfish record broken on my boat. The best way to do that is to spend more time on the water. I have fished this lake since I was fourteen and know Lake Lavon like my own backyard."
Carey Thorn
(469) 528-0210
Guided Fishing Trips on Rowlett Creek, Lake Ray Hubbard, Lake Texoma, and Lake Lavon Texas. Lower Mountain Fork River in Beavers Bend State Park Oklahoma.
Doug (Tex) Elliott
Cell: 817-988-5468
The best guide on Lake Lavon.
Dooley's Guide Service
Phone 214-243-9151
Guide on both Lake Lavon and Lake Ray Hubbard.
"I chase Trophy Blue Catfish on both Lakes. In spring and summer I chase Crappie, Sand Bass, and Hybrids on Ray Hubbard. My goal is to put my customers on The fish of a lifetime."


text:
Your Custom Text Here
The Gong is an ancient healing tool from the east with the capacity to bring deep relaxation and healing to those who open themselves to it. Join us for a special evening filled with gongs, singing bowls, and many other healing instruments with a true master.
Don Conreaux has brought the mystical and entertaining sounds of the ancient bronze gong (tam tam), bells, bell bowls, shofar and the spiral sea horn (conch) to millions of listeners around the world for the past 40 years. He has appeared on numerous television and radio programs as a performing artist and talk show guest and worked as an actor, writer and director. Conreaux teaches the art and science of the gong, sacred conch playing, archaic polyphonic chanting and several other ancient tone producing instruments with The Mysterious Tremendum School of Sacred Sound and Intuitional Gong Yoga. He was formerly Baba Don/ Guru Jagat Singh Khalsa, one of the five original Kundalini Yoga Teachers designated by Yogi Bhajan in 1969.
Visit Don online at http://www.donconreaux.com/


text:
Dear Bloggers I am back,
I know I have been gone from my blog for some time,
I have been very busy with work and making Christmas Gifts for some of my family.
But now I am on a four week vacation and I am hopping to really bring this page up a notch.
So here I have drawn a small colouring picture,
please feel free to print, pin, share or colour this drawing.


text:
Business Insider
Neal B. Custer: Your antivirus can't guard against all attacks
Since the dawn of the Internet, antivirus software has been a staple of the computing environment.
From the moment that malware evolved to propagate itself not over floppy disks but through the Web, having something around to catch and remove those nasty digital diseases has been a necessity.
Users trust their antivirus products to keep them safe. After all, why run them otherwise?
However, this sense of trust may be misplaced. Users often assume that they are secure if they run the latest versions of their antivirus of choice. This could not be further from the truth.
To understand this, it is important to know how an antivirus actually identifies malware.
It doesn't matter whether a piece of malware is a rootkit (which allows someone to take control of a computer without detection), a trojan (a destructive program that appears benign) or a worm (which replicates itself to spread to other computers). It's still software. On the most basic level, it makes specific requests from the processor, allocates memory in certain ways, and requests that the operating system perform certain functions.
It is necessary to deem that behavior as "malicious" before it can be picked up by an antivirus. This is not an easy process. It requires either a manual review by a professional malware researcher, who examines a previously unknown sample and then adds it to the antivirus program's database, or a heuristic analysis, where the software automatically analyzes programs for behavior patterns that have been seen in previous viruses.
Considering that more than 300,000 new viruses are released each day, the manual-review process is a permanently uphill battle. For every virus found and documented by a researcher, thousands more go undetected. Likewise, heuristic analysis may be automatic, but it still relies on documented attack vectors used by previous viruses.
New malware using previously undocumented methods of exploitation will not be detected through heuristic analysis, and unless a sample is submitted to an antivirus vendor and manually examined, will likely exist in the wild - potentially for years - before ever being picked up by a virus scan.
With these facts in mind, it is easy to see why simply relying on the presence of antivirus software does not constitute true security. If an organization is specifically targeted for a cyberattack, and if the attackers feel the target is worth investing some effort and resources into, they will likely use a custom virus specifically for that event. If this custom virus does not share code or attack methodology with previous viruses, it will walk right through the metaphorical front door with a nod and a wave from the antivirus.
True security involves much more than simply keeping a program up to date and hoping that it will guard your digital activity. Businesses need to consider every possible angle of attack that cybercriminals can use to exploit them, and software is only one. Relying on antivirus alone is like riding a bicycle with gloves but no helmet. We might be protected in certain ways in the event of a catastrophe, but by no means are we completely guarded against injury.
So what other angles of attack can cybercriminals use? Hardware, physical, social and psychological, to name a few.
A hardware-based attack might involve physical devices installed on your network, or hardware keyloggers connected to key machines.
A physical attack could be as simple as walking through the front door, distracting the receptionist and inserting a malware-loaded thumb drive into her machine.
A social attack is the result of poor or nonexistent information management on the part of a company, leading to a situation where an attacker can do extensive research to plan the attack.
The fourth angle of attack mentioned above - psychological - is where most of the weaknesses exist in the overall security of any given business. This is the realm of social engineering.
Suppose an attacker wants to get a trojan on the internal network of a particular business. He obtains a list of 500 company employees by checking the "likes" on the company Facebook page (a social attack), determines the email format as "firstname.lastname@example.com," and crafts a list of targets. Instead of sending an email from his own email address, he takes the name of the head of IT - available on LinkedIn - and creates a Gmail account that appears to belong to this person. Then he sends out an official-looking request to the 500 targets, asking for remote access using a legitimate program for routine maintenance. If just one target falls victim to this exploitation of trust, the attacker can install a more robust remote access tool and begin to compromise the network, just from that one infected machine.
This psychological attack uses all legitimate software, and it has no exploit vector that can picked up by antivirus. It manipulates trust. Providing social-engineering training is an a absolute requirement in the modern age. Employees need to be given the skills and knowledge to stay vigilant against threats.
Likewise, business owners need to be aware that cybersecurity is a battle that does not take place on one front alone. The most advanced antivirus in the world is powerless against attacks that are not purely software-based.
Keeping an antivirus installed up to date is important, but focusing on software solutions alone is like building a house with one wall.
You might be protected in a single direction, but unless every possible angle is addressed, there is no security whatsoever.
Written in collaboration with information security expert Dylan Evans, Reveal's vice president of operations.


text:
Okay so I admit, it is already the second week of January and I have procrastinated on creating a list of New Year's resolutions. In fact, I asked our staff team for some ideas since resolutions are not really my thing. Don't get me wrong, I have made lots of resolutions in my time, however I have not been so good at keeping them. Once we started on the resolution list, we found that there were so many great ideas that it will be a challenge to complete them all, but it sure will be lots of fun trying! Have a look at ours and send us others we can add them to the list.
Tourism Resolutions
In 2012 I am going to be a tourist in my own hometown by encouraging friends and family to come visit Burlington to do the following activities:
- Try snowshoeing at Crawford Lake (Jan 6-Feb 25; 6:30-8:30 pm) – this is assuming that old man winter actually arrives in our neck of the woods!
- Visit at least 2 new restaurants during Taste of Burlington (Feb 20-March 11, 2012) – This is one of my favorites!
- Learn more about the benefits of chocolate by taking the new self guided Burlington Chocolate Trail tour. Then visit the RBG for Chocolate: The Exhibiton (Jan. 28- Apr. 15)
- Go to a performance at the new state of the art Burlington Performance Arts Centre.
- Visit the Tourism Visitor Information Centre – a hidden treasure of information about Burlington, surrounding area and Ontario with postcards and lots of Burlington and Canadian souvenirs.
- Shake up those creative juices by taking a course at the Burlington Art Centre.
- Check out all the Famous Burlingtonians on our Tourism Burlington site and send in a nominee.
- Bike, walk, jog or roll along the 23 km. of Waterfront Trail in Burlington.
- Stand at the compass on the waterfront promenade, face north and say something – you will hear your voice strangely amplified. This is so cool!
- Try out the magnetic hill on King Rd. Be careful of other traffic and note all warnings indicated in link!
- Gaze at the stars in the summer sky during the star-gazing programs at the Waterfront.
- Learn about one of our first citizens and landowners in Burlington Captain Joseph Brant at the Joseph Brant Museum.
- Join 3,000 others and run in the Santa 5k this December.
- Try tubing at Glen Eden Ski and Snowboard Centre.
- Take a wagon ride out to the sugar bush and see Maple Syrup being made. (offered at both Bronte Creek or Mountsberg Conservation Area).
- Watch the sunrise over LaSalle Park Marina.
- Golf at one or more of the great golf courses in the city.
- Walk the Iroquoia portion of the Bruce Trail that runs through Burlington.
- Watch salmon run at Lowville Park.
- Go bird watching for Bald Eagles at the RBG, Trumpeter Swans along the waterfront or the endangered Eastern Loggerhead Shrike breeding program at Mountsberg.
- Take a self guided walking tour of historic Burlington.
- Attend local special events, here are some ideas but check out events calendar for many more suggestions: Winter Carnival, Women's Show, Easter Eggstravangza, Youth Fest, Kite Festival, Doors Open, Art and Craft Festival, Sound of Music Festival, Canada Day, Country and Blues BBQ, Celebrate the Brant Inn, Zimsculpt, Joseph Brant Day, Lakeside a la Carte, Children's Festival, Canada's Largest Ribfest, British Car Rally, Fall into Nature, Art in Action Studio Tour, Wearable Art, Soup Bowl and Christmas Sale, Doorways to the Holidays, Christmas Parade, Festival of Lights, Santa Run, New Year's Eve and Day. Wow are you going to be busy! Also consider volunteering for one or several of these great events.
- Take a scenic drive or day trip in Burlington. (Here are some ideas to get you motivated.)
- Enjoy some night life at a local club for comedy, music and dance.
- Try geocaching (a type of scavenger hunt) at the RBG, Bronte Creek or Conservation Halton.
- Visit one of the local farmers markets or on farm markets in season.
- Treat myself to a spa treatment at one of Burlington's many fabulous spas.
- Catch a trophy salmon, lake trout or steelhead on Lake Ontario.
- Enjoy a day (or two) at Burlington's best kept secret Beachway Park.
- Listen to the Burlington Teen Tour Band in concert, Canada's Musical Ambassadors.
|Walkers Chocolates
|Spencer Smith Park - waterfront
|BTTB @ Sound of Music Festival
|Burlington Mall Farmers Market
We probably could have given you 30 more ideas, but we want you to keep your resolutions and hope you find time to do many of these throughout the year.
Enjoy all that Burlington has to offer and be a tourist in your hometown.
P.S. Don't forget to invite your family and friends to join you by sending them an epostcard.
P.S.S. Send us your pictures of doing a resolution and you could be featured on a postcard or included in future blogs or on our website!


text:
Travel Gift Guide, Summer
As I prepare for an August adventure, I've compiled a new list of Etsy travel treasures.
1. Harlex - Hong Kong Quality leather camera strap. Much more stylish than that "look at me, I'm a tourist with an expensive piece of equipment" Nikon-labeled one our camera came with. It can be personalized with name or initials, and comes in a rust colour or handy wrist-strap. $35-58
2. RaleighVintage - Raleigh, North Carolina This vintage 50s straw fedora may have been worn by a dapper gentleman but you can rock it like the young girl form"The Lover", with pigtails and a loose gauzy dress. It's the ultimate summer hat. $48
3. Studiokmo - Charlotte, North Carolina Karen O'Leary's delicate prints are a steal at around $35. Tight knit, hand drawn pen lines are reproduced on heavy-weight paper giving you an impressionistic view of your favourite city. It's fun compare the modern Toronto grid to the fluid organic lines of an old-world metropolis like Rome. Variety of cities to choose from & sizes available.
4. thezakka - Kirkland, Washington The perfect, soft sunglasses case in denim and Japanese tengui cotton. Also doubles as a cute mini-clutch. Comes in a variety of fabrics and designs. $26
5. DiazBags - Antigua Guatemala, Guatemala What a satchel! I love its masculine, school-boy charms. There is a whole range of ways to wear it: as a backpack, sidebag or briefcase. Fits a 15" MacBook and a whole lot more. $230
6. Prairie Peasant - Winnipeg, Manitoba If you plan on keeping a travel journal I think this might be the one. Expertly bound to allow the book to lie perfectly flat when open (yes!) these beauties are crafted from reclaimed bookboard and vintage atlases. Looking for a map of a your choice? Just ask. 160 pages, about 5"x6". $25
If you missed it, here is the spring showcase of Travel Stuff.


text:
Not just industry firsts, but game changers, hate using that phrase, but these products made an impact and have helped progress Nike's Sportswear product to where it is today. Below are a few examples of innovative color/design solutions.
It was the first or second season of Icons and the goal of that category was to edit, reduce sku count and create fewer but better options. This was right at that time when the "Indie" consumer and the "Urban" consumer were starting to overlap, it was becoming more difficult to distinguish the differences between these two consumer types. We (marketing counterpart and myself) had tried Liberty once before and hit a roadblock with the materials team, but when we presented the concept again in 2006 the right team was in place to make it happen. Now Liberty is used regularly on the Sky High, AM1, Roshe.... Liberty has become as popular as camo on street wear and is being used on, Vans, Gola, Onitsuka Tiger and Supreme among others. I had envisioned an ongoing Liberty + Nike collaboration, maybe every couple years use it to generate buzz around a new product or a product that had fallen behind a bit. I definitely feel like Liberty should have been left in the back pocket and brought out when it would be least expected. This collaboration had also brought attention to women's street wear and it was an opportunity to start collaborations with textile and print designers that women may appreciate slightly more than men. However, initially this concept was meant to be unisex as most everything I do is.
Paule Marrot prints are not as well known as Liberty, but it was a successful collaboration nonetheless. Drafting off the success of Liberty, we were able to introduce Paule Marrot, this was right before I left Nike in 2008 - I had a plan and a list in my head of other collaborations that targeted this niche market -partnerships with textile designers that would help diversify the Nike consumer and surprise the cool hunters every year with something unexpected. There was an opportunity to bring the same kind of attention and energy to women's sneakers that in the past had only been given to men's.
A mostly tonal upper with brightly colored midsoles, this blocking is now common among most running shoe brands. As far as I know this was first done on the Nike Decades of Air, the first powerwall and shoedog award winner in 2005. To set the Tier Zero (pinnacle) product apart from the rest of the wall, all black uppers with bright colored midsoles was the solution. Immediately after the success of the powerwall other categories and brands started using this blocking and it doesn't seem to be going away. As the color designer for Mark Parker's first powerwall, with a quickstrike timeline, I was successful at cohesively coloring a collection of 56 pairs of shoes that would be merchandised together on one wall.
The brief for this Court Force was to take inspiration from music festivals, we had talked about doing a mushroom print on the midsole, which didn't work out, but the multi-colored craziness that we ended up with was still appropriate.
Premium Basics was an opportunity to reach the consumer who was a bit older, had a bit more money to spend, wanted the best without looking like a sucker. Premium Basics was a basic color blocking like a triple black, grey, white or brown or a mostly tonal upper with a mix of premium materials.
I was also EXTREMELY fortunate to be part of many other Nike firsts, like Hybrids, Vintage, Considered and Icons, my color executions on these concepts had to be as innovative as the concepts themselves.
As important as product innovation is process innovation. Blocking strategies for Nike's most iconic footwear is now standard practice for Nike color designers. For Nike Icons the Dunk was reset to it's original blocking and colorways. I had worked on the Dunk for years and with the new category, Icons, it was the right time to start over. This blocking strategy and use of the original Dunk colors became the Nike BE TRUE campaign. Part of the success of Icons was that we were able to reach a broad range of consumers with one collection. There was also innovation in the way we created a tiering strategy, as the categories grew we had to redefine our consumer and ultimately we were able to hit 3 different levels of distribution for Indie and 5 levels for Icons and still maintain one cohesive story through the strategic use of color and material.
When I started working at Converse in 2008, I was hired as a footwear designer for Product (red) and First String (energy). I was the first designer to use a photo print on a Chuck Taylor, this was the concept for the Damien Hirst collaboration. Nike had just used photo-real prints for the Beautiful Losers project, so I knew it could be done. Product (red) was given the use of a Damien Hirst piece titled I Love You, which is butterflies and household gloss on canvas. I wanted the butterflies to look as real as possible, doing the photo print was the solution. This was also an opportunity for Converse to explore using photos on their customized product. The use of photos on the Chuck Taylor has been done a few times since and Adidas has recently made customization with photos possible. Paul Smith has been doing it for years and Riccardo Tisci did well with the Rottweiler for Givenchy.
I also took what I had learned from working on Nike Hybrids with me to Converse and combined Lunar technology with a Chuck Taylor upper, the original concept was a woven slip on Chuck Taylor which was later updated to a more affordable slipper with a mesh upper version.


text:
While I will probably record the episodes - I will just skim through them, hoping that I may actually be pleasantly surprised by one or two episodes.
Found this article on USA Today thanks to David Shiffman - highly recommend following him on Twitter - he is calling out all the misinformation and bullshit that Discovery has been spewing out.
When will something good come out again on the screen about sharks?


text:
Icons of Speed II
The Icons of Speed series is an interactive object made of abandoned materials, especially hard drive motors.
Light sensor measuring brightness. Once the viewer holds light from a smartphone LED or a torch in front of the sensor the hard drive motor starts spinning the hard drive plate. The object is made of abandoned materials. The hard drive plate was silk screened. The object tackles the question about our ever growing pile of rubbish. Why does art always have to be produced from new stuff in order to be famous.
artform: series: medium / material:


text:
Master Captains Blog
Master Captain Jonathan Edward Reinert
Some of our favorite cruises throughout the year are our specialty cruises! And our Valentine's Day Cruise might just be the best one! We offer 4 Valentine's themed cruises, a sweetheart lunchheon cruise during the day Saturday, on the Southern Belle Riverboat. The riverboat has 2 beautiful Valentine's Dinner cruises that evening, and then of course the day of Valentine's Day we'll have an awesome romantic cruise throufgh downtown Chattanooga on the TN River!
What a way to celebrate with your loved one! All the staff at the company get so spoiled because we get to come and work with awesome guests everyday and it takes place on a 1985 riverboat on the water. The boat crew will sit back sometimes and reflect on what an awesome life expereince it is to be able to do this everyday! Just being on the water for some reason is magic, and I think the electricity from the river and also the love of the riverboat and the lifestyle the water brings you translates beautifully to the guest! And this is very apparent on days like Valentine's when appreciation meets reality.
Alot of times everyone gets so caught up in the day to day grind, they don't take time to step back and evaluate and appreciate exactly what awesome things and people they have in their lives and our specialty cruises, such as Valentine's Dinner cruises are a perfect meld between appreciation and reality. There is magic in the water!
We had an unbelievable turnout for our 4 Valentine's lunch and dinner cruise and also our 1 sightseeing cruise on Sunday. We saw nearly 1300 of our favorite come on board and spend some time with us. Everything was perfect, everyone was happy and it was a week the crew of the Southern Belle Riverboat will never forget and I hope that our valued guests will never forget and hopefully we see as many return guests as we did this year!


text:
It was in January of 2010 when we first met. I had found seat 53, got all settled, and was looking out the window when an old man walked slowly down the aisle. I knew we'd get along from the start. A gray, wool cap found its home on his head, thick, black-rimmed glasses gave him a bit of vision, we were both wearing black and blue flannels, and worn boots were upon his feet. An old leather suitcase was his only companion. He then stood by the seat in front of me, squinted to read the number, and then sat down by the window, in seat 49.
"How are you doing, Sir? My name is Nels," I told the man as I reached out my hand.
"Today is a great day. Nice to meet you, Nels, my name is Al," he said with an aged voice as we shook hands.
We hit it off right away, talking about family, about where we'd been, about where we're going, and about our times on trains. Al was an 82 year-old man who felt most at home on the rails, so he made it his home. His wife had recently passed away, so he sold his house and most of his possessions, and boarded the train. His father had been a conductor, and he felt a complete sense of peace and tranquility rolling down the tracks. I knew what he meant. He had all he needed inside his old leather suitcase. He opened it and showed me a couple sets of clothes, a toothbrush and toothpaste, electric shaving cologne, and a cheap bottle of Tequila. He had a lot of family and friends along the route, so he'd ride until he needed a break, would get off for a while, and then hop on again.
"It never gets old, Nels, at least not for me. I see something new every time," Al told me as we made our way through the Sierra Nevada Mountain range, passing the mountain towns of Colfax and Truckee in California, "There is such beauty on this route, and my wife's beauty shines through in all I see. That helps me out. My eyes are fading, but I know it's there. It'll always be with me." Those words will forever be with me.
He walked with purpose, due to his failing eyes. Every time he'd come back from getting some water or a bathroom break I'd have to stop him and direct him into the seat in front of me.
"Seat 49 is in front of me, Al," I would say as I directed him back.
"I'm testing you, Nels. You passed with flying colors," he said with a smirk.
As we put California behind us, the sun began to fade beneath the horizon, and the moon shone full, as we prepared to race across the Nevada desert. I could tell Al was getting pretty tired. He got as comfortable as one can get in those train seats, and then I heard the unclip of his suitcase. The bottle was untwisted, I heard a couple gulps, and then saw a shiny bottle on the top of his seat.
"Take a couple pulls, Nels, it'll help you sleep," Al instructed as he handed me the bottle.
I didn't have the heart to tell him Tequila was an upper, but took a couple swigs for Al's sake and said, "Thanks for sharing, Al."
"Everyone should be given a bottle to sleep in these seats," he said as he put the bottle away and put his head on his make-shift pillow of a sweatshirt.
The full moon in the blackened backdrop made for some incredible views. Specs of civilization were sprinkled orange in the darkness, and the moon seemed to be a spotlight on the barren desert. As I watched a Coyote's shadow bound to somewhere else, I heard Al shuffling around in his seat. Sure enough, I again heard the unclip of his suitcase, heard the gulps, and saw the bottle atop his seat.
"Nels, here, this should do the trick for the rest of the night. G'night," he said as I took my share, gave it back, and he put it back into his suitcase for the night. He was soon back to sleep.
We awoke in Green River, Utah, a bit sore from the uncomfortable night's sleep. Just like my Grandfather always did, Al wanted to take me to breakfast. I sat down at a table in the observation car and Al went downstairs to get us some food. I smirked as he came up, sat down, and put two Cokes and two bananas on the table.
"If this breakfast has gotten me this far, Nels, I'm sure it can do the same for you," he said with a smile as he peeled his banana and opened his Coke. I laughed as I thanked him.
We then spent the day watching the beauty of the Rocky Mountains pass by our train windows. Al pointed out Colorado's Gore, Byer and Glenwood Canyons, and I showed him the place where I camp, along a river in Radium, and pointed to the mountain where I used to work in the town of Winter Park.
As we descended the mountain I knew my stop was soon, and that Al was staying on heading east toward Chicago.
"I'll be sure to find you again, Al," I promised him as I was about to get off the train.
"I'm sure you will, and you'll know where to find me. I'll be in seat 49, and I'll be sure to look for you in 53," he said as we shook hands.
"You take care of yourself, Al. It was a great ride," I said as I was about to walk down the stairs.
"You can't beat a day on the rails," he said as he waved a goodbye.
Yesterday, I sat and waited in seat 53, and hoped to see Al walk down the aisle and take his place in seat 49, but it remained vacant the entire ride.
Before I got off the train in Denver I took out my pad, tore a piece of paper out of it, and put a note in the safety instructions in seat 49. It reads:
I missed you on the train. I took my spot in seat 53, and I was glad no one took your seat in 49. I looked out the window, and you were right, what I saw was different. I snuck some booze on to help me sleep in the uncomfortable seats, had a Coke and a banana for breakfast, saw the beauty of the scenery, and remembered what you taught me as we weaved in and out of the canyons in Colorado.
I haven't forgotten my promise to find you on here, for I will, and hope to sometime sooner, than later. I hope the world is sunshine and smiles while you ride the train.
I had a great two days riding the rails, but sure did miss you.
Your friend,


text:
October 15, 2001, Section A, Page 6Buy Reprints
Ireland today buried the remains of 10 Irish Republican Army volunteers who were executed by the British during this country's war of independence 80 years ago, with a display of both solemnity and pomp.
The state funeral, only the 13th in Ireland's history since independence, brought much of Dublin to a standstill for more than six hours. Thousands of people lined the city streets to watch the cortege pass by, with its 3 military companies, 10 hearses and hundreds of mourners.
After seven years of negotiations with government authorities and the men's families, the bodies were exhumed last summer from graves in Mountjoy Jail, where they were hanged in 1920 and 1921. The ceremonies offered the families a place to mourn near the graves of other historic figures in Glasnevin Cemetery, far from the shadow of the jail's high stone walls.
After a private service for families in Mountjoy Jail, the funeral procession made its way to O'Connell Street, Dublin's main boulevard, and then to the national cathedral for a requiem Mass, with important political and religious figures in attendance.
Military officers served as pallbearers throughout the public ceremonies, responding to orders shouted in the Irish language. They carried the 10 coffins -- each draped with the green, white and orange Irish flag -- to the cathedral steps and lined up side by side before filing in, to applause from the crowds.
The funeral is widely seen as a long-overdue commemoration of national heroes including Kevin Barry, the 18-year-old medical student who was the first to be executed, and who was made famous by a ballad that celebrates his stoic approach to the gallows.
But it has also reawakened the ambivalent feelings that many Irish people have about an extraordinarily violent period in their country's history, when a revolution against British rule was followed by a civil war.
''It's great to see a bit of national pride back,'' said John Murphy, 46, standing on a bench to see over the crowds on O'Connell Street. He said that he had not seen such a public demonstration of patriotism for years.
Even so, outright patriotism often comes reluctantly to many people here, because the rallying cry of ''fighting for Ireland'' has been used to justify many atrocities committed by republican paramilitary groups.
While the modern-day I.R.A. only dates to the late 1960's, the group claims to be the legitimate heir to Kevin Barry's republican legacy.
''There has been an uneasiness about the Irish ballad and about the gun in Irish politics'' ever since sectarian conflict erupted between Protestants and Roman Catholics in Northern Ireland 30 years ago, said Tom Galvin, professor of history at University College Dublin. ''Most Irish people are gradualists and democrats, not revolutionaries.''
Cardinal Cathal Daly made certain to address the concerns in his homily. ''The true inheritors today of the ideals of the men and women of 1916 to 1922 are those who are explicitly and visibly committed to leaving the physical force tradition behind,'' he said. ''Surely this state funeral can be an occasion for examination of conscience about the ideals of the men who died, and about our responsibility for translating those ideals into today's realities.''
The funeral has been tarnished by claims that Prime Minister Bertie Ahern was using the occasion for his own political ends. Mr. Ahern's party, Fianna Fail, held its annual conference in Dublin on Saturday.
Critics see the timing as an effort to associate the republican legacy of the 10 men with Fianna Fail. The party is facing a growing electoral challenge from Sinn Fein, the I.R.A.'s political wing.
By delivering the graveside oration, Mr. Ahern could win back some credibility among hard-line nationalists. He could also further alienate Northern Ireland's unionists, who want stronger ties with Great Britain.
Mr. Ahern's government is pledged to take an inclusive, pluralist approach to such celebrations according to the terms of the 1998 Belfast peace accord.
Kevin Barry, who was executed for killing three British soldiers outside a bakery, is a near-mythic figure here; his remains traveled through Dublin like the relics of a saint.
Most spectators braved the rain and gray weather to pay their respects and attend a funeral that helped close a chapter on their history, without worrying about how to interpret it.
''Those men were so young when they died,'' said Elizabeth Griffin, 27, who watched the ceremonies with her husband and two children. ''It is appropriate, because at the end we're Irish after all.''


text:
So, the European carbon cap-and-trade system (ETS, European Trading Scheme) is strongly moving towards forcing all flights into and out of the EU to participate; i.e. buy carbon credits. It doesn't matter if they get allocated them for free, because this opportunity cost will be passed on. See http://www.euractiv.com/en/transport/aviation-included-eu-co2-trading-scheme/article-174072
What affect would this have on transatlantic travel?
Here's a back of the envelope calculation that says this will decrease the number of flights across the atlantic by roughly 15%. A round-trip from Boston Logan to London Heathrow is 3.2 Tons of CO2 (when including Radiative forcing, using the calaulator at carbonfund.org). Assume a carbon price of about $30/ton (rough estimate of prices, source: ECX). That's about a $90 price increase. Assume a $900 price on travel (Orbitz). That's a 10% price increase. If you assume a price elasticity of 1.5, you get the conclusion of a 15% reduction in transatlantic airline travel.
I make no judgment whether this is a good or bad thing. I like cheap travel. But I also like the environment. The main principle is that if we're going to force power plants to pay for carbon costs, then everyone should pay. There are no sacred cows that I think should be exempted.
The only other comment is that I think there are considerable loopholes that need to be addressed in implementing this policy. Does a non-stop from SF to Paris get charged for the full distance but a 1-stop with a stop in Boston get charged just for the Atlantic portion? What about 1-stops to Iceland? (This might be the perfect plan to bail out Iceland).
The other thing is that this means that airlines will need to cut back capacity by about 15%. This isn't hard to do, they already react to changing fuel prices. But if they know this is down the line, this would be a reason to delay heavy investment in more planes.


text:
Read about recommended Bath & Spa Hotels in Western Norway. A stay at one of these hotels will do you well, both for your body and your mind.
The combination of the wild and beautiful nature, the numerous activities you can do in all four seasons, the stay at a luxurious hotel and the wellness feeling during and after a bath, massage or a body treatment is unique.
Read also: Great Hotels in the Fjords
Read also: Fjords Living – Special places to stay in the Fjords
Angvik Gamle Handelssted, Angvik
Angvik Gamle Handelssted has roots back to the 1500s when sailing ships from Holland anchored in the bay to buy timber. The hotel has a high and unique standard, and is built on the emplacement of the old barrel factory. The hotel is located in Angvik at Gjemnes in Møre og Romsdal.
Badehuset Spa is a quiet zone for people who want relaxation from everyday life. The Spa consist of a storehouse from the 1700s and a modern new building with a great design. It has 2 departments; "Bath and Wellness" and "Skin and Body Care".
Hotel Union, Geiranger
Hotel Union is situated on a hill just above the centre of the tourist village of Geiranger, with a fantastic view to the fjords and the surrounding mountains. Hotel Union has 197 rooms in several categories, from well-equipped standard rooms to luxury suites. The hotel is located in Geiranger in Møre og Romsdal.
Union Bath & Spa: Hotel Union invite you to enjoy your spa experience among one of the most beautiful landscapes on earth. The view over the Geirangerfjord and the surrounding mountains, the rushing waterfalls, the fresh, clean air – all help to create a feeling of inner peace and calm, in which you can unwind and let your mind wander freely.
Hotel Alexandra, Loen
Hotel Alexandra is located between towering mountains and the long and deep fjords. The hotel has been receiving guests for more than 125 years, and is still run by the same family as from the start at 1884. A stay at Hotel Alexandra can be combined with a visit to Loen Skylift and Via Ferrata Loen, and to experience the beautiful nature in the surrounding area. The hotel is located in Loen in Sogn og Fjordane.
The luxurious Bad and Spa offers facial treatments, body-wraps and massage and a wide range of other treatments. In 3700 square metres there is a large outdoor swimming pool and indoor waterslide. The pools are heated all year, and the outdoor pool has various massages. Indoor and outdoor jacuzzi, and indoor sun-area. Several children`s pools inside and outside with water-slides and waterfall.
Scandic Nordfjord Hotel, Nordfjordeid
Scandic Nordfjord Hotel is a good starting point for walks in the Nordfjord area. From the hotel, the tourists are close to the Nordfjord, the Norwegian Glacier Museum in Fjærland, Astruptunet in Jølster, the Folk Museum at Sandane, the Briksdalsbreen Glacier and West Cape. The hotel is located at Nordfjordeid in Sogn og Fjordane.
At Badehuset, you will find a beautiful sauna area with Finnish Sauna, Turkish Bath, infrared saunas, ice shower and regular showers. Outside there is a Jacuzz with a temperature of 38 degrees. Inside, there is a therapy pool with 34 degrees heat. The Spa can give you delicious treatments in one of the four treatment rooms.
Solstrand Hotel & Bad, Osøyro
Solstrand Hotel has been in the same family for four generations, preserving a tradition of unsurpassed hospitality, traditional cuisine and a pleasant and relaxed atmosphere. The hotel is located in Osøyro in Hordaland, close to the Hardangerfjord.
Relax, reflect and take in the serenity of the fjord at Solstrand's Spa. As a guest at Solstrand, you can enjoy the following wellness facilities free of charge: Swimming pool, outdoor pool, therapy pool with massage jets, Finnish sauna, steam bath, Sanarium, icy pool and fitness room. And of course the seaside with possibilities for a refreshing swim in the fjord.
Hotel Ullensvang Bath, Lofthus in Hardanger
Taste the flavours of Hardanger from Hotel Ullensvang. Take in the breathtaking views upwards towards the Hardangervidda mountain plateau and the Folgefonna glacier, and down to the beautiful Hardangerfjord. You can relax in the swimming pools and enjoy the delightful gardens with private beach. The hotel in Lofthus by the Hardangerfjord is the perfect base for excursions to Trolltunga (the Troll`s Tongue) and HM Queen Sonja's Panoramic Hiking Trail.
Take a proper break at Ullensvang Bath. Relax in the sauna with panorama views of the fjord and the surrounding mountains, followed by a refreshing dip in the outdoors pool. Ullensvang Bath offers families an area with a 88-meter long swimming channel stretching from the swimming pool indoors to an infinity pool outdoors. The family area also has a jacuzzi and a Japanese massage creek.
Sola Strand Hotel, Sola
Sola Strand Hotel is located by the sand dunes at Sola beach, outside Stavanger on the west coast of Norway. They offer 135 bedrooms, modern conference facilities, a first-class restaurant, unique event facilities and Nordsjøbadet Spa.
Nordsjøbadet Spa at Sola Strand Hotel is located just a short drive from the bustling city of Stavanger. The Spa offers professional spa treatments and spa facilities, all inspired by our wonderful surroundings. There are eight treatment rooms, a pool with counter-current, three saunas, a cold plunge pool and luxurious relaxation areas.
Hjelmeland Spa, Hjelmeland in Ryfylke
Visit Hjelmeland Spa to enjoy a relaxing stay in beautiful surroundings by the Hjelmeland Fjord – close to hiking destinations like the famous Preikestolen (Pulpit Rock) and Skomakarnibba. The hotel is located at Hjelmeland in Ryfylke, Rogaland.
As an overnight guest you get free entry to the Spa Bath and the opportunity to enjoy some of the popular spa treatments. Delicious meals made from the best local produce are awaiting in the restaurant, where you can enjoy a fantastic view of the sunset and the Jøsenfjord.
FJORDS – Useful Links:
Fjord Tours: Norway in a Nutshell
Fjord Tours: Plan and book fjord travel, accommodation and activities
Go Fjords: Big and Small Fjord Experiences
Fjord Pass: Great Discounts on Activities and Attractions in the Fjords
Visit Norway: Official page for Norway
Fjord Norway: Official page for Fjord Norway


text:
Journal Article
Driving Knowledge Sharing Initiatives in Sultan Qaboos University (SQU) Libraries for Enhanced Collaboration pp29-42
© Mar 2016 Volume 14 Issue 1, Special Issue on Is KM in Decline?, Editor: Andrea Garlatti and Maurizio Massaro, pp1 - 88
Look inside Download PDF (free)
Abstract: Today⠒s work environment comprises of different parts of visible (explicit) and non‑visible (tacit) knowledge that are frequently exchanged between people and systems. Knowledge sharing is the process of exchange of knowledge between peopl e, communities and organisation. Most organisations characterize and focus their approach in knowledge management around their own specific business objectives. Knowledge management pexlays an important role in universities, especially in academic librari es because libraries are considered as knowledge repositories and are one of the oldest areas using knowledge sharing concept. The purpose of the research initially was to assess knowledge sharing in the seven libraries within Sultan Qaboos University (S QU), in terms of common standards, guidelines and policies for patrons. The research employed both theoretical and empirical analysis and was based on a review of best practices from previous studies and from data gathered from library staff and manageme nt. The first part of the study investigated the motivation to share, use of technology tools in collaboration and the strength of knowledge sharing culture among the staff. And the follow‑up study focused on the measures initiated to implement a collabor ative environment in the libraries.. The research used tools such as interviews, surveys and focus group discussions to extract the information required for analysis. Through the use of these tools the main challenges and issues facing SQU libraries with respect to collaboration was examined. The results of the assessment study were shared with the library administrative head and as a first step a training program for knowledge sharing and standardizing the management process of the different libraries to ok shape. The following investigation addresses the main learning and developments that took place after the assessment and focuses on the measures taken up to initiate formal knowledge sharing. Direct and indirect benefits will be explored and analyzed. In addition, the implication of applying knowledge
Share |


text:
Can you compete under pressure?
Posted by NowOK News on Wednesday, August 8, 2012 Under: Psychology
In : Psychology
Tags: "bbc lab uk" "psychology of pressure" test "under pressure"
NowOK News
We scan the web to bring you the latest news in the field of psychology and psychotherapy, emotional health, personal and social well-being. Have you got a story? We want to hear from you. Be the first to hear about our latest news and special offers - sign up for NowOK Newsletter with confidence.
In : Psychology


text:
Steve Hunter
Senior Interior Designer
Steve Hunter graduated with a Bachelor of Arts with Honours, majoring in Interior Design in 1986. He joined Cox Architecture in 1998 and has become one of our most experienced interior designers.
Exemplary projects where Steve has played a pivotal interior design role include the One One One Eagle Street office tower in Brisbane, the Ipswich Courts and the Brisbane Magistrates Courts, Princess Alexandra Hospital in Brisbane, Thuringowa Riverway Arts Centre in Townsville and Singapore EXPO.
Steve is a key liaison designer between our architectural and interior design teams, particularly for Integrated Workplace Fitouts. He has developed a specialist skill in public art integration and project management, and has documented many of our integrated art-focused projects such as Ipswich Courts and Brisbane Magistrates Courts.
- BA(Hons)(IntDes)


text:
San Francisco, CA
Residents, Venture-Backed
GraphWear is replacing blood and urine diagnostic tests with a non-invasive sweat test. Sweat is diluted and ultra-filtered blood and has the same bio molecular information as blood, only in minuscule concentrations. GraphWear has developed a non-invasive flexible sensor that can tap into this information for real-time healthcare monitoring, using nanotechnology.


text:
If you have significant dental problems that hurt the appearance and function of your teeth, your dentist in Tysons Corner may have recommended a full mouth reconstruction. Full mouth reconstruction uses a series of restorative and cosmetic procedures to improve the aesthetics and function of the teeth. Missing teeth, multiple large fillings, and even seriously decayed teeth can all be treated by reconstructing the mouth. If you are ready to restore your smile, stop asking, "where is a dentist near me?" Head to Avanti Dentistry for the comprehensive solutions you need.
What is Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Rehabilitation of the mouth involves rebuilding and restoring the teeth in both the upper and lower jaws. When the teeth have suffered significant damage or tooth loss has occurred, oral functions significantly decrease, as well as oral health. If the damaged teeth are not treated, you could develop oral health problems, such as gum disease, which will further contribute to additional dental problems.
As each tooth plays an important role in your ability to eat. Tooth loss or tooth damage can cause dietary restrictions, eventually leading to nutritional deficiencies. Not to mention, the appearance of your teeth has a large impact on your confidence. You can restore your smile and quality of life with a full mouth reconstruction.
Can Full Mouth Reconstruction Help Me?
There are several reasons why your dentist may recommend rehabilitation of your mouth, such as if teeth have been lost to tooth decay or trauma. By replacing the teeth with a bridge and crowns, partial dentures, or dental implants, you will restore oral functions with a complete smile.
In some cases, teeth may become injured, fractured, or have large dental filings. When this occurs, the integrity of the teeth become compromised, increasing the risk for extraction. Not to mention, they no longer function as intended. To restore the appearance, health, and function of the teeth, dental crowns are often used.
If you have advanced stages of gum disease, certain procedures can be used to restore oral health while repairing the damage. In addition to root scaling and planing, laser treatments, soft tissue grafts, or bone grafts may be needed.
Often, you may experience problems with the temporomandibular joint, occlusion, or jaw muscles. This can lead to pain and difficulty with everyday tasks, like chewing. Making changes to the occlusion with orthodontics can resolve these issues.
Where Can I Get Full Mouth Reconstruction?
Overall, full mouth reconstruction will change the color, size, shape, and proportion of your teeth while restoring oral health. Our team at Avanti Dentistry specializes in restorative and cosmetic dentistry to restore the health, appearance and function of your teeth. After performing an initial consultation, we will create a customized treatment plan to rehabilitate your mouth. We use the best advancements in dentistry to ensure your comfort while producing high-quality results
If you are ready to restore your quality of life with improved oral health and functions, it is time to call Avanti Dentistry to schedule your consultation for a new smile.


text:
Join our email list for exclusive savings and new product information.
The Little Ed™ 3610 is a right angle flashlight that uses Pelican's latest Deep Mount LED technology, delivering impressive lumens and lux performance. The stainless steel mounting clip allows for hands free applications. The body is made of tough ABS resin that's corrosion proof and resistant to extreme temperatures. It is powered by 4 AA alkaline cells (included).
All orders are shipped via ground except for certain larger orders, ambulance cots, etc. which ship via commercial trucking service.
When shipping ground you can expect the following transit days to your location. Please note: The transit days are based on business days.


text:
25 Apr 17
Trophy winners (from left): Michael Lander, Ben Wilkinson and Gareth Davies
PGA Master Professional Denis Pugh urged the latest bunch of PGA graduates to 'be lucky' at this year's Graduation ceremony.
Pugh, guest of honour at the event staged at the University of Birmingham, chronicled the vicissitudes of his career as a PGA pro as he congratulated the graduates on completing the three-year PGA Foundation Degree.
In doing so, he did not sugar coat the fact in admitting he failed twice before finding his expertise as a golf pro lay as a coach; an expertise that resulted in him coaching eight times European Tour Order of Merit winner Colin Montgomerie for a dozen years and more than 200 different Tour pros.
Prior to that, Pugh had been a club pro after an inglorious spell playing competitively that left him £10,000 in debt. But although he was beginning the get solvent, the role did not suit him.
"It was a busy club and I really enjoyed being there up to a point," he recalled. "Up to a point is a challenge I ask you to think about.
"How do you measure success? The first measure of success was the most basic one. How much money was in my bank account?
"But as I paid back my debts and was able to support my family, I realised there was something missing.
"When I sold a set of clubs the member seemed to act as though I was pulling his teeth out without an anaesthetic and I was making pennies.
"Then I'd take that same member on to the range for a lesson and it was if I'd given him the meaning of life and he would be happy for ever more. And I got more money for it. So I thought this coaching business is for me.
"I was a failure as a club pro – not because I didn't make money but because I didn't enjoy it. And that's something I urge you to think about.
"If you're thinking only money, you're not on the right track. If you're thinking only enjoyment you're going to be pretty poor as well. I'd basically failed twice. My third stab was successful."
Pugh also emphasised that luck plays a part in most careers and added: "You will have your dreams and there will be times when you have to reassess them.
"If you don't you will be very lucky or blessed. Luck is an important part – it's not a cliché, the harder you work the luckier you get.
"The cliché is about how well trained you are and how you react when luck comes your way. You are very well trained and you will have opportunities come your way.
"Finally, I've had 45 years in The PGA fold and it's been a really interesting experience from being a lowly assistant at 17 to becoming a Master Professional.
"All the good stuff that has happened in my professional career is because of that PGA crest which I earned and you have earned. So my final advice for you one and all is a saying in Essex where I grew up. Be lucky."
Later Pugh presented Gareth Davies with his Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year award and there was a fitting synchronicity between the early years of their respective careers.
Davies, head teaching professional at Abbeydale Golf Club in Sheffield, also tried his luck on Tour before opting to become a coach.
In recognition of his achievement, he collected the Whitcombe Cox Trophy and a cheque for £3,500 from Jeremy Tomlinson, managing director Acushnet EMEA, and Pugh.
Christopher Hamilton (Wyke Green) was second and James Harper (The Wynyard) third.
Davies, 39, was Rookie of the Year in 2015 and his bank balance was given a further boost when he received a cheque for £1,500 from Golf Pride for finishing first in the equipment technology exams.
"The money will come in handy because we are moving house in a few weeks and we also have a child who will be two in June," explained Davies, winner of the PGA Assistants' Championship in 2015.
Davies joined the professional ranks in 2001 after playing for England and Yorkshire and competed on the EuroPro, Sunshine and European Challenge tours - winning twice on the latter.
"I followed up with four top three places in 2006 when I finished in the top 15 which got me on to the main tour," he recalled.
Unfortunately, his run of form ended with a back injury the following year when he lost his card.
"I'd competed in about 35 events but my form deserted me and I just played occasionally after that," he explained.
"I'd got to the point where I needed to do something else but I wanted to stay in golf. I realised I had to do my PGA training if I wanted to coach or take whatever route I chose."
Davies paid tribute to the sponsors and added: "Titleist is a brand that's synonymous with excellence in golf and, with products including ProV1 balls, Vokey wedges and Scotty Cameron putters, it's seen as the best of the best.
"I'd like to take this opportunity to thank Matthew Johnson of Titleist on behalf of myself and all the PGA graduates and award winners today.
"The fact that Titleist and The PGA has this affiliation says a lot about how both brands are viewed in golf and how highly regarded The PGA Training Scheme is.
"In addition to Titleist, I'd like to thank Conor Dillon from Golf Pride for sponsoring the equipment technology award and also TGI who continue to sponsor the regional awards."
Meanwhile, Michael Lander, the year two Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year has graduated from student to golf operations manager at Myerscough College Academy in Lancashire.
The 24-year-old has also been upwardly mobile in terms of studying for his PGA foundation degree.
"I was fourth in the first season in the Titleist Assistants of the Year last time so I'm pleased to finish first on this occasion," said Lander who won £1,000 and received the Lord Derby Trophy.
Despite his obvious aptitude for golf, the 24-year-old showed no interest in it until his family moved to a house backing on to a course in Wigan.
"I played there regularly with my brother Chris, who is off scratch and better than me! But I am still holding on to the one occasion I managed to beat him," he reflected.
Lander, who has set his sights on graduating as a performance coach, added: "I'm interested in research and theories on the game.
"I'd love to make a name teaching junior golf because there is a more holistic way of approaching it in my opinion.
"Everything is developing well at Myerscough but eventually I'm hoping to go to the United States and join an academy where there is a lot of activity going on.
"I can hardly wait to get there and enjoy some decent weather – we've not been getting much of that here in the north west. But we make do at Myerscough because we've plenty of indoor coaching facilities."
Just as Lander took a while to get interested in the game, Ben Wilkinson, the Titleist PGA Rookie of the Year, kept his options open before settling on golf as his number one sport.
The 23-year-old assistant professional at Royal Winchester Golf Club describes himself as "a bit of an all-rounder" until he took up golf.
At one stage in his burgeoning career he fancied his chances as goalkeeper but kicked the idea into touch because, he explained, he couldn't use his feet properly!
"I was also keen on cricket and snooker before trying golf at the local municipal club," recalled Wilkinson, who was presented with the Major John Bywaters Trophy and a cheque for £1,000.
"My dad Peter also became interested and we joined Royal Winchester together."
Wilkinson has been under the tutelage of several PGA coaches including Chris Kilgannon, a senior teaching professional at Hockley Golf.
"He's the one I've stuck with," added Wilkinson who won the first pro-am he played in at Romsey Golf Club.
"I turned professional in October 2015 but did not play any events in the winter because I had a lot of studying to complete."
It's still early days yet as he commits himself to the three-year PGA course so he's unsure how his career will evolve.
"I've always had the attitude that so long as I'm playing I'll be happy," he said.
"If that means becoming a full-time player or earning some money coaching then that will be fine."
Wilkinson, who played off one before turning pro, admitted: "I play much better as a pro than I did as an amateur worrying about my handicap going up or down!
"I feel very honoured to receive the Titleist PGA Rookie of the Year award. My goal was to aim for it and so I made sure I gave it my best shot."
European Tour Assistant of the Year was unable to attend. And for a very good reason.
The winner, Elizaveta Nikulina from Left Handed Golf at Silvermere, has recently given birth and missed the ceremony. As a result, she will be presented with her prize money and Beverly Lewis Trophy at a later date.
The PGA Training Programme, encompassing the three year Foundation Degree, was founded more than 50 years ago and covers all aspects of golf including business, equipment technology and repairs, rules and tournament organisation, sports science and sports psychology.
Training and education remain an integral part of The PGA - it also runs an honours degree in association with the University of Birmingham and last year launched a new partnership with the University of Highlands and Islands in Scotland.
Once qualified, PGA Members undergo a process of continual professional development to keep them up to speed with all the latest developments in the sport and wider golf industry.
PGA chief executive Rob Maxfield added: "The PGA Graduation day is always inspirational and gives me great confidence each year the game of golf is in good hands for generations to come.
"The quality of the graduates coming through our PGA Training Programme is second to none and there's no doubt they are starting at the beginning of their careers which could take them to almost any corner of the world.
"I congratulate each and every one of them for their hard work and effort they have put into obtaining the qualification. I wish them all success wherever the game of golf takes them."
Matthew Johnson, Titleist brand director, said: "We are pleased to continue our support of the Titleist PGA Assistant of the Year award, recognising this as a starting point of the PGA's commitment to provide its members with a framework for lifelong learning.
"Titleist has had a long standing commitment to PGA Professionals, we realise and endorse that they play a key role in the development and growth of the game across all levels.
"So we are delighted to support the next generation of qualified professionals, we look forward to working with them and would like wish them well with their future careers."
Talbott triumphs in Chelmsford pro-am
17 Sep 19
Damien McGrane and Simon Thornton turned the Connemara Pro-Am into a two-man battle at the weekend
17 Sep 19
Back to back wins for Beedles Lake pro
17 Sep 19


text:
Tagged With: essential oils in scentsy warmers
Scentsy Oil Diffuser Instructions
Scentsy Oil Diffuser Instructions CARE AND MAINTENANCE: 1. Do not block the mist outlet. 2. Fill reservoir with water before adding essential oils. 3. Fill reservoir tank using only clean, cool tap water. Do not pour hot water into the reservoir. 4. Do not overfill reservoir. Only fill to the MAX water level indicator. 5. … Continue reading
Scentsy Essential Oils
Scentsy Essential Oils It's only Natural that Scentsy would begin to offer Essential oils! Our customers have been asking for it for years! –Introducing Scentsy Oils, a beautiful way to fill your space with natural fragrance in a beautiful system. Essential oils –Scentsy harvests from the most fragrant botanicals in the world, our pure … Continue reading
Scentsy Oil Diffusers
Scentsy Oil Diffusers Scentsy Oil Diffusers offer a fragrance experience like no other. Featuring the world's most advanced ultrasonic nebulizing diffuser, a lifetime warranty, 16 LED lighting options, three mist options and artisanal interchangeable shades, it's a stunning way to enjoy 21 new essential and 100 percent natural Scentsy Oils. Like Scentsy's warmers … Continue reading


text:
Full Details
Made in the USA: Falls Church, VA
Material: 100% stainless steel
A unique and easy way to personalize each player's golf balls
Includes: One Tin Cup, one pen, and one leather pouch
USGA Rule 12-2 states all golfers must be able to "identify their ball" during play. The Tin Cup makes it easy to mark your golf balls
An ultra fine permanent ink pen is recommended for best results
For a classic monogram, enter first, last, and middle initial as the second letter will be larger than the other two
Does not come with golf balls
Dimensions: 2.5" x 2.5" diameter
Weight: 0.19 lb Instructions:
Place your golf ball in the Tin Cup
Fill in the design with an ultra fine permanent ink pen/marker
Let the color dry completely before use
Your Review
Tin Cup
Face it: golf balls pretty much all look the same. Break free from this sea of anonymity with Tin Cup.
Tin Cup is a ball marker that lets you personalize the golf balls you use. The distinctive design on each Tin Cup marks your ball in your own unique way. Choose a picture or even a monogrammed initial.
Made in the USA of stainless steel, each Tin Cup is guaranteed for life. To use it, simply hold the Tin Cup stencil snugly against the ball and color in the design with a marker. Just like that you've got a ball that's uniquely, recognizably yours.
Our first thought when we saw this product? What a great gift for the golfers in our lives. It even comes in a leather pouch that works great for gifting.
Founders (and passionate golfers) Cabell Fooshe and Nick Green wanted to help players spend less time buying new balls and more time having fun on the course.
Stand out from the rest of your foursome with Tin Cup.


text:
Your Custom Text Here
The entrance to the ancestral temple with 30-day incense burners hanging overhead.
The lotus pad field at the entrance of the ancestral village.
Showcasing the elaborate architecture of the roof, signifying a scholar's house.
A quick stop at the county headquarters before going to the village.
Hanging up a 30-day incense burner.
Burning paper money to give fortune to my ancestors.
Lighting incense within the ancestral temple.
Kneeling and praying for my ancestors at the temple altar.
Showing my name so the temple caretaker can write a blessing for my ancestors.
Admiring the majesty and beauty of the temple's interior.
Lighting incense amongst my peers.
Taking a quick break to take in the moment.
Placing incense outside the ancestral temple.
Placing an offering into the temple box.
A statue of a lion in the ancestral museum.
A statue of an ox in the gardens.
Having some fun in the ancestral museum.
Ellis, a fellow rooter, taking over as tour guide.
Fellow leaders Steve and John striking a pose.
Ellis translating for the tour guide.
email@example.com / San Francisco, CA


text:
Conducted to the arbor, from which the queen had emerged, we came to a sweet-brier bower within; and reclined upon odorous mats.
Then, in citron cups, sherbet of tamarinds was offered to Media, Mohi, Yoomy; to me, a nautilus shell, brimmed with a light-like fluid, that welled, and welled like a fount.
"Quaff, Taji, quaff! every drop drowns a thought!"
Like a blood-freshet, it ran through my veins.
A philter? — How Hautia burned before me! Glorious queen! with all the radiance, lighting up the equatorial night.
"Thou art most magical, oh queen! about thee a thousand constellations cluster."
"They blaze to burn," whispered Mohi.
"I see ten million Hautias! — all space reflects her, as a mirror."
Then, in reels, the damsels once more mazed, the blossoms shaking from their brows; till Hautia, glided near; arms lustrous as rainbows: chanting some wild invocation.
My soul ebbed out; Yillah there was none! but as I turned round open-armed, Hautia vanished.
"She is deeper than the sea," said Media.
"Her bow is bent," said Yoomy.
"I could tell wonders of Hautia and her damsels," said Mohi.
"What wonders?"
"Listen; and in his own words will I recount the adventure of the youth Ozonna. It will show thee, Taji, that the maidens of Hautia are all Yillahs, held captive, unknown to themselves; and that Hautia, their enchantress, is the most treacherous of queens.
"'Camel-like, laden with woe,' said Ozonna, 'after many wild rovings in quest of a maiden long lost — beautiful Ady! and after being repelled in Maramma; and in vain hailed to land at Serenia, represented as naught but another Maramma; — with vague promises of discovering Ady, three sirens, who long had pursued, at last inveigled me to Flozella; where Hautia made me her thrall. But ere long, in Rea, one of her maidens, I thought I discovered my Ady transformed. My arms opened wide to embrace; but the damsel knew not Ozonna. And even, when after hard wooing, I won her again, she seemed not lost Ady, but Rea. Yet all the while, from deep in her strange, black orbs, Ady's blue eyes seemed pensively looking:— blue eye within black: sad, silent soul within merry. Long I strove, by fixed ardent gazing, to break the spell, and restore in Rea my lost one's Past. But in vain. It was only Rea, not Ady, who at stolen intervals looked on me now. One morning Hautia started as she greeted me; her quick eye rested on my bosom; and glancing there, affrighted, I beheld a distinct, fresh mark, the impress of Rea's necklace drop. Fleeing, I revealed what had passed to the maiden, who broke from my side; as I, from Hautia's. The queen summoned her damsels, but for many hours the call was unheeded; and when at last they came, upon each bosom lay a necklace-drop like Rea's. On the morrow, lo! my arbor was strown over with bruised Linden-leaves, exuding a vernal juice. Full of forbodings, again I sought Rea: who, casting down her eyes, beheld her feet stained green. Again she fled; and again Hautia summoned her damsels: malicious triumph in her eye; but dismay succeeded: each maid had spotted feet. That night Rea was torn from my side by three masks; who, stifling her cries, rapidly bore her away; and as I pursued, disappeared in a cave. Next morning, Hautia was surrounded by her nymphs, but Rea was absent. Then, gliding near, she snatched from my hair, a jet-black tress, loose-hanging. 'Ozonna is the murderer! See! Rea's torn hair entangled with his!' Aghast, I swore that I knew not her fate. 'Then let the witch Larfee be called!' The maidens darted from the bower; and soon after, there rolled into it a green cocoa-nut, followed by the witch, and all the damsels, flinging anemones upon it. Bowling this way and that, the nut at last rolled to my feet. —'It is he!' cried all. — Then they bound me with osiers; and at midnight, unseen and irresistible hands placed me in a shallop; which sped far out into the lagoon, where they tossed me to the waves; but so violent the shock, the osiers burst; and as the shallop fled one way, swimming another, ere long I gained land.
"'Thus in Flozella, I found but the phantom of Ady, and slew the last hope of Ady the true.'"
This recital sank deep into my soul. In some wild way, Hautia had made a captive of Yillah; in some one of her black-eyed maids, the blue-eyed One was transformed. From side to side, in frenzy, I turned; but in all those cold, mystical eyes, saw not the warm ray that I sought.
"Hast taken root within this treacherous soil?" cried Media. "Away! thy Yillah is behind thee, not before. Deep she dwells in blue Serenia's groves; which thou would'st not search. Hautia mocks thee; away! The reef is rounded; but a strait flows between this isle and Odo, and thither its ruler must return. Every hour I tarry here, some wretched serf is dying there, for whom, from blest Serenia, I carry life and joy. Away!"
"Art still bent on finding evil for thy good?" cried Mohi. —"How can Yillah harbor here? — Beware! — Let not Hautia so enthrall thee."
"Come away, come away," cried Yoomy. "Far hence is Yillah! and he who tarries among these flowers, must needs burn juniper."
"Look on me, Media, Mohi, Yoomy. Here I stand, my own monument, till Hautia breaks the spell."
In grief they left me.
Vee–Vee's conch I heard no more.
Last updated Sunday, March 27, 2016 at 11:58


text:
Credit risk
An investor's risk of loss arising from a deterioration in the credit quality of a borrower, and/or a borrower's failure to pay loans as promised. Such an event is called a default. The lender or investor loses the principal (amount lent) and interest.
Investors are compensated for assuming credit risk via the return, or yield they receive for lending their capital. Thus credit risk is closely tied to the potential return of a credit investment; yields on bonds correlate strongly to their perceived credit risk. The higher the perceived credit risk, the higher the yield or interest rate that investors will require for lending their capital.
If an issuer's credit risk goes up (credit rating deteriorates), its price declines and yield rises due to the inverse price-yield relationship. Therefore after the downgrade, new bonds issued by the same issuer will have a higher yield, as the market now requires a greater yield to compensate for the higher risk of default. The investor, having purchased the security before the downgrade has locked in a yield of 4% and therefore faces unfavourable conditions. The opposite is true in the case of an improvement in credit conditions.


text:
The cross-dressing punk pioneers the New York Dolls are proving that their 2006 and 2009 reunion/comeback albums were no fluke. Surviving original members David Johansen and Sylvain Sylvain will drop another new album, Dancing Backward in High Heels, come March 15 on 429 Records.
The album counts as the band's fifth full-length release and was recorded in Newcastle, England and produced by Louis XIV's Jason Hill. As most rock fans know, the band originally made a spalsh with their self-titled debut way back in 1973. But their recent efforts have been received well, with 2009's 'Cause I Sez So earning praise in the New Yorker and Billboard.
The title of the newest album, by the way, is most likely a reference to an old saying about Ginger Rogers — meaning that she bested her legendary movie dance partner Fred Astaire because she could do everything he did backward and in high heels. A variation of the Dolls' title was also used as the title for a musical about Rogers from 2007, "Backwards in High Heels."
Back to the subject at hand, there are no tour dates being announced as of yet for the Dolls, but the new album's track listing is as follows. There's no info from the record company about the song "I Sold My Heart to the Junkman," but it's probably a cover of the 1962 Patti Labelle and the Bluebells tune, since the original Dolls counted the girl group era as an influence.
1. Fool For You Baby
2. Streetcake
3. I'm So Fabulous
4. Talk to Me Baby
5. Kids Like You
6. Round and Round She Goes
7. You Don't Have to Cry
8. I Sold My Heart to The Junkman
9. Baby Tell Me What I'm On
10. Funky But Chic
11. End of the Summer


text:
The Model 2016 Nautitech Open 40, Jet Set 2, is the perfect catamaran for cruising with family and friends.
The unique "Open" concept offers a helm's position on each side maximizing the outdoor saloon area which flows into the indoor saloon, providing a large open plan living area that is perfect for Thailand's warm tropical weather.
On deck she is equipped with a furling genoa and fully battened main. All reefing lines and halyards lead back into the cockpit making her easy to handle.
The slim hull design offers a high level of sailing performance and speed.
Below deck you will find a fully equipped galley, complete with two fridges, located close to the saloon, making on-board cooking a social occasion.
Jet Set 2 has 4 double cabins, 2 located in each hull. Each hull also contains a large bathroom with toilet and a separate walk-in shower. There is the possibility of 2 extra fore peak berths as well as 2 berths in saloon as the table drops down.
All cabins are fitted with fans and there is the optional extra of air-conditioning throughout the boat.
1st November - 21st December
|5,530 EUR/week
22nd December - 6th January
|8,120 EUR/week
7th January - 16th March
|6,860 EUR/week
17th March - 30th April
|5,530 EUR/week
1st May - 31st October
|3,430 EUR/week
*** Sailing Experience Required
Discount for charter:
*2nd Week -5%: *from Day 8
*3rd Week -8%: *from Day 14
*4th Week -10%: *from Day 21
• Use of the yacht noon to noon
• Boat and area briefing
• Navigation equipment include sea charts
• Use of dingy & outboard
• Bed linen & towels
• Snorkeling equipment
• End cleaning
• Provisioning, Diesel & extra gasoline
• Security Deposit 4,000 Euro
• Diving
• Skipper and Cook
• National Park and Marina Fees
• Generator & air-conditioning: €5/hour
*Skipper: €150 per day
*Cook: €110 per day
*Canoe/Kayak: €20 per day


text:
So, last time you saw the corridor we were beginning to clad the walls and build uprights to support shelves and making the shelves themselves. This continued and we got the walls on both sides clad with ply, though not finished or painted, so at least everything was neat and tidy and didn't have rockwool pouring out of the walls or old bits of mdf nailed on haphazardly just as a temporary wall. We would have carried on with the finishing and painting but as it was now summer it seemed silly to be doing that when we could be doing outdoor work.
We also got hold of some fantastic, railway sleeper sized pieces of wood,
ran them through our planer,
and used them as a top surface for the shelves down the corridor.
Then we had a fantastic stroke of good fortune. One of Lorna's friends phoned her to say that a whole load of flooring had been fly tipped near her house, so we went to check it out and there was loads and loads of tongue and groove, solid wood flooring, not even laminate, AND an equal amount of underlay! So we loaded up a friend's car and brought it all back to the boat, where lorna spent a couple of days getting very dusty sanding all the splattery paint off it, before we ripped up the (glued down) nasty carpet from the corridor
and laid the new underlay and flooring.
Now it looks pretty good in there, with the nice wooden floor and the finished(ish) shelves. When winter comes and it's too cold to work outside we'll finish it off!
Tuesday, 7 July 2009
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)


text:
Our Affinity Arte Black 11-3/4 in. x 11-3/4 in. Porcelain
Mosaic Floor and Wall Tile is a modern update to our Arte Black Field Tile as
it similarly features floral old-world patterns that frame dueling arcs at the
center, but rather set on a sleek black base glaze with crisp, clean white
designs mounted on a mesh backing, offering contrast and dimension to the
decoration. With a floral, geometric pattern and mixed finish surface, this
tile adds a modern touch that can blend into virtually any design theme,
ranging from modern projects to traditional installations. It's impervious,
frost-resistant and high durability rating make this an ideal choice for both
commercial and residential indoor and outdoor installations, including
kitchens, bathrooms and patios. Tile is the better choice for your space. This
tile is made from natural ingredients, making it a healthy choice as it is free
from allergens, VOCs, formaldehyde and PVC.
All ceramic and natural stone tile within coordinating series may be produced at different times which can cause variation in color and caliber which is authentic to tile.
Copyright © 2019 SomerTile, All Rights Reserved.


text:
Assemble Lining
1. Following manufacturer's instructions, fuse a fleece 18-3/4x22-1/2" rectangle to wrong side of each tan tone-on-tone 18-3/4x22-1/2" rectangle.
2. Sew together side and bottom edges of fused rectangles. Using tip of iron, carefully press seams open to make bag lining.
3. Shape a flat bottom for bag lining as in Assemble Bag Body, Step 6. Leave lining wrong side out.
Related Links:


text:
The Car Wash is $10 per car. In the event of inclement weather the car wash will take place on 9/24 at the same time. Tickets will sold at the ice cream social. Proceeds support class gift and end of year graduation festivities.
**The 8th Grade Graduation Committee is NOT affiliated with the PTC and maintains separate funds and fundraising events**


text:
Every July 4th, the United States celebrates "Independence Day". It is your typical celebration whereby we remember the foundational values of the country and the things that bring us together. There is also a good amount of pie baking, meat consumed, and paper blown up. Perhaps one of the most "Merica" stories shared this week was the bald eagle (now named Freedom) that was ensnared by a tree limb but was freed when a U.S. military veteran used 150 rounds to shoot down the tree limb and liberate the eagle.
Of the values celebrated on the 4th is the value of independence. This value is cherished when we applaud any myth of a person who pulled themselves up by their bootstraps, applauded when the loan leader goes ahead, encouraged when the entrepreneur starts their business, and is used as the proxy for failed parenting if your child is not able to be independent. Independence is so valued and idolized that it fuels the myth of meritocracy which is perhaps the creation myth of America.
The irony is that INDEpendence is built upon a foundation of INTERdependence. It is not possible for one person to be independent without the very real interdependence of creation. Independent businesses built from the ground up are interdependent on the infrastructure of roads and power grids. Even those who live off the grid and are even more independent from the world become even more interdependent on the ebbs and flows of the seasons, weather and nature.
We like to think we are independent and in many ways we are. However, lest we forget that the very reality that anyone can be independent is because of a true and full understanding of the interdependence we all have with one another.
This is the tragedy of much of the talk about nations taking their "county back." The desire to take a country back, as it is currently expressed, is by building walls and cutting connections. These isolationist movements on the surface look like movements toward independence but because they undercut the interdependence we share it keeps independence a pipe dream.
True independence is like that of a soccer game. There are rules and boundaries, there is an interdependence on the officials, teammates and opponents. The more one understands this interdependence the more one is able to express beauty and freedom. Isolationist behavior in soccer leads to anarchy on the field where the game of soccer is unrecognizable. Isolationism in the world affairs leads to anarchy where there is no trust of another and the culture no longer flourishes (see the Dark Ages of Europe).


text:
You can do so many home projects if you have the proper knowledge. This article will explore several tips that can help with your next project. Read on for some great information.
Hire a professional to do a inspection of your new home. This will give you an objective evaluation and allow you to see things from different perspective. Having a professional who is an objective third party is a good way to keep any findings civil as well.
When considering home improvement projects, choose one room to tackle first. Remember, you don't have to improve your whole house at once; you can just do a room at a time to manage your time and funds. Plan in advance and be watchful of sales. You will always save some money on your project if you take the time to create a plan first.
Before buying "quality" supplies, see to it that you shop around for the best deals possible. It can be expensive to install new flooring, and you should shop around for the best prices. There are places you can buy construction and remodeling supplies at a discount.
Why settle on traditional tables for your living area when you can create something distinctive and creative? One alternative is to use vintage luggage in lieu of a coffee table. As a bonus, this option also adds extra storage. Toss your magazines, coffee table books, a tray or other items on top to define the piece. You can go as far as adding a tablecloth and teacups to give it a country look.
The information you have learned here should help you get started on all those projects that you can do at home. There is nothing to match the sense of accomplishment and achievement you receive when you complete a home improvement project. Enjoy the improvements that you have made with the advice from this article.


text:
The PlaneTree Health Library (PHL) Board of Directors is seeking an executive director to lead in charting and implementing a new direction for the long-established health information non-profit. This position provides an opportunity to develop and expand a new online community service for a small organization with a solid reputation and a dedicated, supportive Board.
The Board is currently conducting research to identify core health and medical topics about which consumers find it difficult to gain relevant, reliable information. Online information pathfinders on one or more of these topics will be developed and become a new part of PHL's services, to guide consumers to local community services and effective information resources.
The executive director will be responsible for the development of online resources, community partnerships, fund development, and management of two current part-time staff members. The ideal candidate will have:
- A passion for ensuring access to reliable, free health information for all.
- Four-year college degree in a related field; a master's degree is preferred.
- Five (5) years of related management experience, including supervision of staff and volunteers.
- Proven success in grant writing and development/implementation of fund raising strategies.
- Strong communications skills with experience in building and sustaining community partnerships, public speaking and writing.
- Experience in creating online resources and leveraging social media to reach and expand audiences.
This is a part-time salaried position (20-30 hours per week). The annual salary will be commensurate with experience, in the range of $45K – $60K, with limited benefits that do not include medical insurance.
The position will be based at our office located in Los Gatos, California. For information about our current services, visit http://www.planetree-sccl.org.
For a complete job description, see http://planetree-sccl.org/ed. Interested persons should send a cover letter and resume to firstname.lastname@example.com.
Full job description available online.


text:
Hello once again! I know, 2 posts in 1 days, that isn't something that I get to do much these days.
It is Wednesday and time for a workout report. I realized late last night that I never did made an official plan for this last week, but it ended up working out ok.
Since my hip has been giving me issues I have been trying to focus on stretching more and using my lovely foam roller. The other night I was done and the Hubs came to see what I was doing. The foam roller had turned into a pillow and I was just laying on the floor. He asked me what in the world I was doing. "Oh, just foam rolling!" Ha, he knew better and encouraged me to get back at it!
Last week we lost another family member, so things got a little off track. Add in the hurricane, a LONG dr appt and visiting a friend in the hospital, and I am glad I actually got in a few workouts!
Speaking of the dr appt, overall it was ok. He asked a lot of questions and took a LOT of blood! So hopefully I will get some answers soon! I am sure there are still issues with my thyroid, and not that I want there to be any other issues, but there needs to be something else going on as to why I can not lose weight! It has become really frustrating! Who am I kidding, it has been a frustration for a LONG time. I am proud of myself for keeping on the right path and working out and eating healthy meals. Even years into recovery it is tempting to shut down and not eat. But I KNOW that is not the right thing to do, nor will it do anything to change myself for the better!
What I have been up to!
Thursday- Walk & foam roll
Friday- Walk and stretches
Saturday- Body pump, walk and stretches. And a free Shower! Haha
Sunday- More walk and stretches
Monday- Body pump and stretches
Tuesday- 4.5 miles on the elliptical, .5 mile walk to/from the park with the kids, an hour of zumba and some stretches. No wonder my legs are tired and sore today!
Wednesday- Zumba tonight and 20-30 min elliptical
What I am planning for this next week!
Thursday- Try to walk/jog 3-4 miles
Friday- Piyo and 2 miles
Saturday- Body Pump or rest & LOTS of stretching and foam rolling!
Sunday- Race- was supposed to do the 10 miles, but I am sticking with the 5 for now. If some miracle happens and I am up for it, I will do the 10. Plus LOTS of stretching and foam rolling!
Monday- Body Pump and volleyball
Tuesday- Zumba
I am joining Annmarie from The Fit Foodie Mama, Angelena Marie from Angelena Marie: Happy, Healthy & Balanced , Michelle at Fruition Fitness and Nicole from Fitful Focus for Wild Workout Wednesday!
What do you do when you are sore? Have you signed up for a longer race but then weren't ready? What did you do?
See you again soon for another Workout Wednesday!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway!


text:
One of the things I loved most about growing up was gymnastics.
This has nothing to do with skill (I frequently came last in competitions and was a bit clumsy). This has nothing to do with fitness (I remember falling from the asymmetric bars at 8 and breaking my arm so badly I needed two operations).
This has nothing to do with the 80s shell suit (red, white, blue and slippery) or the fact that I once appeared in our local newspaper vaulting in a very ungrateful spread eagled position. (Yes, sadly the photo below is me and not the beautiful lady on the beach.)
This has everything to do with the fact I could turn up, enjoy the company of friends, get some exercise and never expect too much from myself. People loved it when I entered competitions because they never came last. People cheered when I cleared the vault because I wasn't ever going to make Olympian. To many, I was invisible - and I loved it. Every little bit of success meant so much, because it was so hard won.
Now, I confess if my life imitated gymnastics I'd probably be less than pleased. But, for a self-confessed perfectionist, not being great - or, more importantly, not needing to be great - was hugely liberating.
So why not try embracing the things that don't go well?
Because, when things do go well, you'll appreciate them all the more.
Maybe start with something that doesn't involve a beam, strange hand guards and Lycra though...