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The Android gaming market is still growing and evolving in many ways, but as an Android user myself, I fully realize that it's still nowhere near the Apple store in many respects. Specifically, multiplayer games seem to be lagging behind on the Android especially given the rapid pace with which the Android market is growing.
That said, there are actually quite a few free multiplayer games out there for the Android that are nothing short of addictive and amazing – they're just hard to find.
In preparation for this article I was doing some research online to see if there were any multiplayer apps I hadn't come across, and I kept seeing Cestos, Gang Wars, and Parallel Kingdom. Not that these aren't great games, but because I've seen them so much in reviews, I'm only going to mention Cestos in this article (because yes, I'm addicted). Keep that in mind while reading – I'm trying to hit on a few of the best Android games that may be new to you.
Project INF Beta
This is one of the best Android shooter games I've seen for Android, so you can imagine my surprise that not many Android users seem to know about it. Project INF is one of the few free multiplayer games that I play on a regular basis that I feel like I should be paying for.
ChickenBrickStudios has done a great job developing Project INF without making it unrealistic to play on a handheld device. So often handheld games have some of the worst, most painful control configurations known to man, but Project INF's controls are relatively seamless and I found them very intuitive.
Don't be put off by the seemingly slow pace that the game seems to have – it's completely different when the game is in your hands. I personally am grateful that it isn't any more fast paced because otherwise, there would be 3-4 person games rather than 16-20 person deathmatches. Right now, Project INF lets players compete in deathmatch, team deathmatch, and capture the flag events.
You can choose to be a Scout, Marine, or Brute, each class with a distinct skill or advantage that gives it an edge in a certain area. There's also not really a "best class" in Project INF – just pick the one that fits your style, and customize the rest. Every other time that your character levels up (from kills, flag captures, etc) you are able to pick an aspect of the character to upgrade. This means that your level 30 Scout may be specialized for something else than your friend's level 30 Scout.
In addition, as you progress you will gain money and have the ability to buy class specific items – whether they be shields that affect certain statistics, or different potions to help you out in a pinch, you'll want to put your money to good use.
I have one last thing to mention about Project INF: it's relatively well balanced between levels. Don't feel intimidated if you're a level 1 on a map full of level 30+ characters – at level 5 I was routinely killing people more than 20 levels above me. Get comfortable with your character and class, and just have some fun. Besides, you gain levels quickly up until around level 15, so you'll get competitive pretty quickly.
What are you waiting for? Get Project INF, make an awesome screenname, and enjoy one of the best multiplayer Android games you've ever played!
Learning this highly addictive game is extremely easy – if it takes you more than 30 seconds to get the hang of things, you're trying too hard. All players on the map start out with a number of balls, and the object of the game is to knock other people's balls into pits or hazards – the last man standing wins.
The interesting thing about this game is that turns are done simultaneously; you pick a direction and magnitude for the path of each of your balls, and then double tap to wait for the other player. After both of you have made decisions on where the balls will be headed, they will simultaneously go where you told them to go, leaving mines in their previous locations. ChickenBrickStudios (yeah, the same ones that made Project INF) have a decent set of screenshots that do a good job of explaining the game.
In addition to just the game, there's actually a community where you can add friends, chat, view your statistics – all that fun stuff you like to see in games.
The cool thing about this style of play is that it's based on how well you can predict your opponent's moves – it keeps things interesting and prevents Cestos from becoming another game where a single strategy dominates. In addition, as you play Cestos you will level up and gain different tweaks and mods for your balls (I'm starting to sound creepy here). Mind you, the perks you get are not quite at the level of a game like Call of Duty Modern Warfare 2, but hey they don't hurt!
Since Cestos is free, and everyone takes the occasional bathroom break, I would recommend you get on the Android market and download this game now.
What the Doodle Lite (Also see Sketch Online)
This game is nothing short of addictive. Join a room with several contestants, and take turns drawing the words that you are given. It's essentially Pictionary for your Android device – without the paper of course. You may also have heard about Sketch Online, which is almost the exact same game.
I figured I would mention WTD because I like it more – the people that play it in general are nicer in my experience. Sketch seemed to have a lot of mouthy kids that didn't really add to the fun of the game. Even though I like What the Doodle, feel free to try Sketch Online out as well – since they're both free what have you got to lose? (other than your self esteem, but we won't go there…)
HomeRun Battle 3D Free
Get the free version of this addictive arcade style home run derby-style game on your Android from the Android market. Home Run Battle 3D has some of the most impressive ('Wii-like') graphics that I've ever seen on an Android yet, and even utilized the accelerometer in your Android device to make gameplay more fun and engaging. The game can get repetitive just playing by yourself, so go online and battle other users on other platforms (yes, iPhone users) to see who can knock the most over the fence.
Here's a quick summary video of HomeRun Battle 3D that sums the game up better than a few sentences will. By the way; graphics like this don't come cheap–this thing's filesize is huge for a standard Android game (22MB).
2 Player Reactor
I should warn you – this game isn't true multiplayer, because it doesn't play online. Rather, you and a friend share your Android for this one. The concept of the game is extremely simple – the first one to react to whatever's in the middle of the screen gets a point. The stimuli vary – sometimes you're waiting for three matching images in the middle, other times you are supposed to react to the first true statement, etc.
As you can see on the product summary, people love this game – there's no reason why you won't. I have this one in my arsenal because you never know when you and a friend will be bored – and since he doesn't have an Android phone you can't play any of the other games mentioned! Don't panic, just get 2 player Reactor and see who's fastest. Although the video is of 4-player reactor, you shouldn't have any problem envisioning 2 player.
EXTRA: Quake III (Kwaak3)
Quake III on an Android? Hell yeah! When I heard the news that someone had ported Q3 to the Android, I had to check it out. You already know what the game is – Quake helped make FPS's on the PC what they are today. What you're PROBABLY wondering is why I mentioned it in an article about multiplayer Android games.
It turns out that the (blessed) developer that ported the game over to Android has actually tried it on his home network and stated that Quake III ran multiplayer with his home PC just fine! This means that (fingers crossed here) you'll be able to do the same with your Android 1.6+ device! Say hello to Android-powered Quake III LAN parties.
I don't want to bore you with details – just check out the video. AndroidandMe has a really good summary article of the entire story, so go read that for more information. All you really need to know is that the game runs at a decent speed (around 26fps on the Droid/Milestone), has multiplayer and single player, and cannot be downloaded on the Android marketplace, so don't bother looking. Rather, check out the developer's page and scroll down to "installation" for the required file and a short list of easy instructions. That's it – enjoy Quake on your device! It ran flawlessly on my Droid and multiplayer went without a hitch as well – let me know in the comments section if you get it working too!
What'd you think of the list of best Android games mentioned here? My focus here was on games that are not hampered by their "Lite" status which sifted out a few games that could be extremely fun multiplayer, but don't really offer the gamer many features in the 'lite' edition. Hopefully you hadn't heard of one or two of the games I mentioned in this article, and found a game that you really enjoyed (and for such a good price, too!).
So, what'd I miss? Let me know which multiplayer games you play the most on your Android phone!


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Warren Evans Beds Proudly Hand Crafted in London By Talented Artisans
If you are looking for a timeless, elegant bed, that is handcrafted in Britain – then let Warren Evans utterly inspire you. A Warren Evans Bed is designed and made with love to give you a perfect night's sleep. It is also hand built to last a lifetime and forever be in vogue.
Warren Evans is the leading sustainable bed and furniture maker in England – they have been proudly handcrafting bespoke wooden beds and furniture since the founder, Warren Evans, made his first bed in Camden 1978. Every bed or item of furniture is skillfully made to order, by artisans, in their environmentally friendly workshop in Walthamstow, London. Beautifully handcrafted and built to last using traditional carpentry methods of mortise and tenon joints, a Warren Evans bed will become a treasured heirloom to be passed on through the generations.
Beautiful Beds & Bedroom Furniture
Warren Evans's collection includes their popular: wooden, space-saving, slatted and upholstered beds and co-ordinating bedroom furniture. With a wide choice of different beds and finishes there's something to suit all tastes from contemporary to classical and to meet different budgets.
Wonderfully Supportive Mattresses… Warren Evans supply a range of top quality pocket sprung, coil and memory foam mattresses and are one of Britain's leading stockists of Tempur® mattresses. Which? members voted Warren Evans joint top mattress retailer alongside John Lewis in April 2012 and again with John Lewis and M&S in 2014.
Warren Evans is England's leading independent bed maker – the company has garnered a plethora of awards for quality, craftsmanship and sustainable ethics. All beds carry the FSC kite mark – the symbol of responsible forestry.
– to find a showroom in London and the south east or buy online go to – www.warrenevans.com

subset: commoncrawl


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The need for helpful autism resources is ongoing at every stage of an autistic individual's development. It's important to stay ahead of your child's (or… Read More
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A handshake is a universal sign of respect in many different environments. Handshakes go on during the introduction of two new people, when two good friends, usually adults are parting ways from a casual get together, and even during the beginning and ending of job interviews. However, these interactions all have one thing in common. Once that handshake goes through, most usually pass some kind of judgement on someone regarding the strength of their handshake. A stronger handshake usually leads someone to believe that a person is confident, strong, and that they mean business. On the other hand, a limp or weaker handshake may lead someone to believe that a person is the opposite of those listed above, and some men even judge other men on their level of manliness because of their handshake. Putting all of this aside, Doctors are researching and may be adding a whole new set of meanings to the level of someone's grip strength.
Doctors are now linking the level of someone's grip strength to much more serious illnesses. According to the results of a study involving one hundred and forty thousand people in seventeen different countries, every five kilogram decrease in grip strength raised a persons probability of death by sixteen percent, the chance of cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality and a nine percent increase in stroke. Doctors are even linking the level of grip strength in a person to the rate at which that person is aging.
I find it interesting that these results were able to come about across such a diverse a large sample of the people, but I think much more research will have to be conducted in order for people to really believe this. I feel as though some people believe that they generally have weak hands and just because they do not have the most ideal grip strength, does not mean that they will be more susceptible to death because of it.


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Designed by Donica Ida | Country: USA
North is a location-based mobile application that helps you discover meaningful places in nature through the stories of others. By aggregating locations and personal experiences from its users, North creates a curated database of places in nature from around the world. While we often fault our obsession with the digital world for our lack of engagement with the outdoors, North explores how technology can be used to bring us closer to nature. The entire project is comprised of a business model, UX design, pitch book, marketing materials, video, and a pitch presentation as thesis requirements of the MFA Design Entrepreneurship program at the School of Visual Arts.
My name is Donica Ida and I'm a graphic designer from Hawaii. I received my BFA in Visual Communication Design from the University of Washington in Seattle, and my MFA in Design Entrepreneurship from the School of Visual Arts. I'm inspired by do-gooders and good thinkers, and I believe design should be responsible, beautiful, and with purpose. I have a particular interest in typography, interaction design, and brand systems. Other things I'm into include yoga, ramen, and used bookstores. I'm currently freelancing from my Brooklyn apartment, various coffee shops, and design studios around New York City.


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Today I want to simply create a list of resources that in my opinion, could help someone enter into the "understanding the Bible as Story" conversation. Now I do not want to claim that this list is complete or as immaculate as the Virgin Mary, but I do want to suggest that these resources are the first on my list for being able to understand and discuss the Bible as story. A couple of final thoughts. 1) I am presenting "intro" level books, so for all of my scholarly friends, you may be like… But what about this theologically dense (and important) book… well, not everyone who reads this blog is a nerd like us so; GET OVER IT 🙂 2) I am going to be somewhat (but admittedly loosely) intentional about the order of the books so that the understand is built in a coherent way… step by step. So, here is my list…
1. God's Shalom Project, Bernhard Ott (Best intro to the narrative of the Bible that no one has heard about. Everyone that has 'trusted me' to read this has been glad they did!)
2. True Story: A Christianity Worth Believing In, James Choung (A story about a college student who reframes his whole understanding of the 'big story' of the bible and the journey it takes to get him there. Amazing!)
3. The Bible as Improv: Seeing and Living the Script in New Ways, Ron Martoia (Ron Martoia had an early influence on my Spritual journey. He talks about his journey about reading the bible and utilizes the work of NT Wright. This is great also!)
4. Embracing Grace, Scot McKnight (He begins in the garden and looks at humanity as the eikon of God. This is our original design and this is our destiny.)5. The Blue Parakeet, Scot McKnight (This book wrestles with how to read the bible and how to understand it as story. Then it goes on to use a test case for interpretation, women in ministry. Very helpful!)
6. Jesus for President, Shane Claiborne and Chris Haw (Need I say more than… wow?)
7. The Last Word, NT Wright (Lays a foundation for understanding why we have the interpretations that we do at the moment and what we ought to reconstruct for God's mission today and tomorrow.)
8. Surprised by Hope: Rethinking Heaven, the Resurrection, and the Mission of the Church, NT Wright (The hardest to read of the books I list here, thus it is at the end. Still accessible and extremely important for the future of Christianity and the ultimate hope that the bible gives us!!!!!!!!)
9. The Story We Find Ourselves In, Brian McLaren (This is a great book that will help you explore and process the narrative of Scripture, well, within a narrative! It can be read "on its own" but I highly recommend first reading, A New Kind of Christian, which is the first book in this dynamic trilogy.) [I originally left this book off of the list by accident, which is why it appears last. It could be a very good intro book, but I would put it after God's Shalom Project and True Story probably if I were to tweak with the order 🙂 ]
So, there is my list. What would your list look like?


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My wish this week is to have more " plunk that to-do list moments." Today, I was free from the chains of my daily grind, so I decided to do a whole lot of nothing. Yep, laundry needed to be done, the floor needed a good scrub (I have no idea what that caused that sticky spot near the sink), and there is a pile of random ridiculousness at the front door. But I touched none of it and felt marvelous while doing it. Instead, me and my fancy-fly-four-year-old went to get pedis, did some shopping, and cooked a new recipe while making our kitchen look like a disaster zone. (Don't worry, my little guy hung out with the hubby for some daddy/son time too. They totally did not have as much fun as we did. Girls run the world---just in case you were wondering) Best day ever!
Sure, I can't do a whole lot of nothing everyday or even every week, but I surely can have a few moments of "plunk that to-do list" to do something with one of my little ones that makes them grin from ear to ear. Take that to-do list! <karate chops imaginary to do list>
What's your wish this week? Big it big or small--speak it into existence!
Quieres Más? Check out www.thenectarcollective.com.


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Corporate Networking
Harness the Power of Your Company's Internal Networks
Why invest in "corporate networking"?
Many organizations are now adapting social networking tools for internal use. What's lagging behind is the interaction skills and systems to maximize the advantage that this new level of connection enables. The majority of technical employees would rather have a root canal than attend a "networking event", so the key is to make networking internally simple, focused, fast and fun.
Expected outcomes include…
– Resolve project problems faster
– Get broad buy-in to strategic decisions
– Streamlining critical path cycle times
– Increase quality & cultural fit of employee referrals
– Ease tension during times of change
Click HERE for Corporate Program
options and outlines
Who will benefit the most from improved networking skills?
- Mid-level managers – building bridges for that next step
- High potential leaders – to be your strategic connectors
- Project managers – mitigate risk and problem solve faster
- New college grads – engage them in the community
How can networking increase operational effectiveness?
Accelerate the on-boarding process for new hires so they quickly get plugged in to the organization. This ensures key people meet the newest talent joining the company. Make it a fun scavenger hunt style event and you have a dynamic process for their first day
Reestablish internal networks after department realignment so everyone knows who's role has changed and how the new structure will operate. During times of change, this simple step to reestablish connections bring stability to our teams so they can get to work making the new system meet operational expectations.
Ensure seamless integration of acquired companies by speeding up the process for new employees to assimilate into the culture. Establishing new friendships will also increase retention once the contractual time limit expires.
Engage special interest groups to leverage their strong bonds and cross-organizational network. Provide these groups to more easily contribute their diversity perspectives and ideas to a wider range of issues while providing more visibility with company leaders.
Click HERE for Corporate Program
options and outlines


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The World of Reggae Music
Two-Tone Ska
The Jam-Tex selector presents a new chapter in the "Wolrd of Reggae Music Collection" on the second wave of Ska Music called "Two-Tone Ska" or "2-Tone."
The Jam-Tex selector has been working on a study and organization of the essential tracks of reggae music called "The World of Reggae Music Collection." The selector invites others to comment on the selected tracks and to join in on the conversation about the history of reggae music. This collection of singles began with the greatest roots reggae hits in categories entitled: "Reggae's Superstars: The Lions of Jah" and "Reggae's Superstars: The Lion Youth."
Now the selector moves back in time to the roots of reggae, exploring the greatest singles from the ska tradition. Please feel free to suggest your favorite singles. The examination of the ska genre included a focused study on the founders of ska music from the late 1950s to the 1960s called: "The Ska Originals." This posts explores the "Two-Tone Ska" movement of the 1970s and 1980s often called the second wave of ska music. A future post will focus on "Third Wave Ska" music that fused ska and elements of punk rock music.
Two-Tone (2-Tone) ska music emerged out of Great Britian during the 1970s and 1980s. English lads played Jamaican music, including ska, rocksteady, and early reggae music, often immitating, adapting, and appropiating the music of the Caribbean islands. It reminds me of the ways in which Southern white Americans (Elvis "The King" Presley, Jerry Lee "The Killer" Lewis, Johnny "The Man in Black" Cash, etc.) and even British bands (The Rolling Stones, Led Zeppelin, etc.) immitated and transformed the rhythm and blues of African-American musicians. In a similiar fashion the working-class kids of England found something compelling about Afro-Caribbean musical forms, especially ska and reggae music. I personally think they found something honest and soulful in the music. But most importantly it moved them in new and interesting ways.
The Specials stick out as the prime example of this Second Wave musical movement. Some Jamaican artists crossed over into this genre riding both the original and first wave, and also the second wave in England. Desmond Dekker, one of the orignators of ska music, found himself participating in the second wave touring throughout the UK. The Untouchables, the Bad Manners, Big Five, the Toasters, King Hammond, Selecter, and Mark Foggo's Skasters are all representative artists of the second wave. Some big U.K. pop stars participated in this second wave ska movement including the Beat, Madness, and even the legendary Elvis Costello cut a few 2-tone ska tracks.
The Jam-Tex selector proudly presents…
The World of Reggae Music Collection
Two-Tone Ska
The Specials – Rudi, A Message To You
Maroon Town – Average Man
Madness – Our House
The English Beat – Mirror in the Bathroom
Riffs – These Things
Selector – On My Radio
The Loafers – Everyday
Elvis Costello & the Attractions – Watching the Detectives
Rico – Sea Cruise
Madness – One Step Beyond
Big 5 – Live Injection
Maroon Town – City Riot
King Hammond – King Hammond Shuffle
Madness – The Prince
Judge Dread – Reggae and Ska
Selector – James Bond
The Specials – Ghost Town
Madness – Madness
Ska Boys – Norwegian Wood Disco
Selector – Train to Skaville
Rico – Carolina
The English Beat – Ranking Full Stop
Madness – Bed and Breakfast Man
Bad Manners – Wooly Bully
King Hammond – Skaville UK
The English Beat – The Tears of a Clown
Judge Dread – Big 8
Laurel Aitken & Potato 5 – Blue Beat Suit
Madness – Night Boat to Cairo
Special Beat – Rough Rider
Big 5 – Skinhead Love Affair
The Specials – Monkey Man
Madness – Rockin' In A Flat
Elvis Costello – I Can't Stand Up For Falling Down
The English Beat – Save It For Later
Mark Foggos Skasters – Hello
Judge Dread – Big 9
Madness – Swan Lake
International Beat – Magical Feeling
Potato 5 – Do The Jerk
The Loafers – Laughing Loafer
Madness – Grey Day
Riffs – One Egg (Nevilles Breakfast)
The Specials – Too Hot
The Toasters – Flight of the Bumble Bee
Bad Manners – Lip Up Fatty
Madness – House of Fun
Mark Foggos Skasters – Skadansk
International Beat – Hands Off She's Mine
Madness – My Girl
Bad Manners – Can Can (Live)
International Beat – Mirror in the Bathroom (Version 2)
Madness – It Must Be Love
Special Beat – Ranking Full Stop (Live)
Madness – Cardiac Arrest
- The Specials – Maggie's Farm
- Rico – Jungle Music
- Bodysnatchers – People Do Rock Steady
- Swinging Cats – Montavoni
- Apollinaires – Envy the Love
- Selector – The Whisper
- Untouchables – FBI (I Spy For The)
- Bad Manners – My Girl Lollipop
- Desmond Dekker & the Specials – Take It Easy
- Loafers – It's So Easy
- Selector – Too Much Pressure
- The Riffs – Blind Date
- The Untouchables – Be Alright
- Judge Dread – Big Seven
- Mark Foggos Skasters – Captain Skarlet
- Coventry Automatics – Concrete Jungle


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Spirit Store is Now Open
Deadline for All Orders:
SEPTEMBER 21st
Please make sure to choose your sizes carefully.
All items are custom made to order and can not be exchanged or returned.
Late orders will not be accepted due to quick turn around date needed.
SMP will be distributing all orders when ready.


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Reviewed By Bret D (WEIMAR, TX) Reviewed for a 2008 Chevy HHR —5/4/2017 6:07 AM
Although the boxes they arrived it were damaged, the rotors themselves were fine. They were sealed in plastic, and there was no rust on them. A quick spray of brake cleaner took off the oily residue, and they were good to go. They seem to be very true, with no warpage (a concern when items are shipped).


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6' 8" Indoor Vinyl Banner with Deluxe stand
$260.00 $229.00
* Click LIKE & SAVE!
* Call for details.
Vinyl banners
Looking for to buy vinyl banners in El Paso, TX? We are your one-stop company for all your signage needs. Our vinyl banners come in just about any size you need. And with our full color printing our banners are perfect to advertise, market, and sell any product. We make buying banners easy! Our designers will create just the right combination of color and creativity so that the Banners and Signs advertise your new business, promote your top products, or maybe celebrate special occasions anniversaries and changes in management or policies. With our Vinyl Banners, you can do it all! When you are looking for a very flexible, versatile and economical form to display your thoughts indoors or outdoors, custom vinyl banners are an ideal choice. Vynil Banner signs are one of the most popular and versatile types of signs available today, El Paso, Texas is just starting to realize the full potential of this marketing trend. We have products that are suited for interior use, others for exterior use, and other banners can be used indoor or outdoor. The vinyl material that the ad is made out of is flexible, strong, tear resistant, waterproof and highly portable. Technology has made vinyl banner printing inexpensive yielding a highly professional product that you can use anytime and anywhere to promote your business in El Paso, TX. We have indoor banners, outdoor banners, banner stands and much more. Our prices include basic banner design, delivery to your El Paso business, and other free marketing perks (when you register for our newsletter).
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text: | Markets > Heavy Duty Equipment Markets Heavy Duty Equipment PPG Serves the Heavy Duty Equipment Market Durable Finishes for Agricultural, Construction and Excavation Equipment Heavy Duty Equipment (HDE) requires coatings that meet the demands of aggressive environments and a complex supply chain. Applied cost efficiency, durability, color harmony, compliance with OEM specifications, environmentally friendly solutions and the ability to integrate coating technologies are critical in the HDE market. PPG offers solutions that withstand the physical demands and color requirements necessary for the HDE market. Through constant innovation, PPG coatings remain a durable, reliable solution for industrial vehicles and machinery manufactured by global and regional OEMs and their tier suppliers. Innovative technologies and responsible processes enable PPG to provide "green" solutions that the HDE manufacturers require. PPG's large color library provides a match to major agricultural, construction and industrial equipment manufacturer's color specifications with quick and efficient turnaround. Leading the Industry with Electrocoat and Cross Technology Integration PPG is recognized by HDE leaders as the best coating manufacturer in the world at integrating electrocoat with other coatings technologies. PPG has achieved this stature by aligning ourselves with our customers' painting processes which enable us to deliver the lowest applied cost. PPG's global reach and local execution serve partner OEM's wherever their supply chain is located with consistent PPG quality. PPG Featured Products for the Heavy Duty Equipment Market Electrocoat PPG electrocoat primers offer superior edge coverage and recoatability to meet the demanding performance needs of HDE. PPG electrocoat drives efficiency and environmental compliance, low cost per square foot, corrosion protection and UV durability. PPG reduces risk by integrating electrocoat products with other PPG technologies as a one-source supplier of cost effective solutions. Liquid PPG Liquid Coatings offer superior color and appearance technology for HDE. The Spectracron® line of coatings includes primers and topcoats in a variety of formulas such as alkyds, urethanes, epoxies and acrylics. The water-based Aquacron® line features primers and topcoats. Powder PPG's outstanding range of chemistries provides answers to HDE application challenges. All of PPG's Envirocron® powder coating formulas are economical and backed by unmatched experience, technology and service. Whether it is primer or topcoats, PPG's powder coatings exceed the aesthetic and performance demands of HDE. ISO-FREE 2K Urethane Coating PPG's isocyanate-free (iso-free), two-component urethane top coats are resistant to solvents, lubricants, cutting oils and other chemicals, making them ideal for utility and maintenance vehicles, farm and construction equipment, heating and refrigeration equipment, and general industrial machinery, as well as vessel, tanks and cylinders. This coating, which can be applied directly to unprimed steel or treated aluminum, also delivers superior performance in gloss, pot life, low temperature reactivity, corrosion resistance and weatherability. The iso- and HAPS-free formulation provides inherent health benefits over traditional isocyanate urethane chemistry. Pretreatment PPG is the only global coatings supplier that offers a complete line of pretreatment products such as iron, zinc and ambient temperature phosphates. PPG's pretreatment arsenal includes versatile products to meet the various demands of HDE. Appliance Heavy Duty Equipment Electronic Materials General Finishes Coil Extrusion Wood Transportation Automotive Parts & Accessories Functional


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Find the Right TA
TA Vendors listed in the TA Catalog were carefully selected for their proven TA success and relevant expertise in areas identified by MassHealth ACOs and CPs as TA priorities during this first implementation year.
Currently, the TA Catalog includes TA Vendors with expertise in nine TA Domains:
- Actuarial and Financial
- Care Coordination/Integration
- Community-Based Care and Social Determinants of Health
- Consumer Engagement
- Flexible Services
- Health Information Technology/Health Information Exchange (HIT/HIE)
- Performance Improvement
- Population Health Management
- Workforce
You may already have a clear vision for the kind of TA that would be most helpful to your organization – and if you do, great! If not, no worries! Explore the TA Catalog to learn about the type of expertise available to you. You can also connect with your ACO or CP Contract Manager for ideas about TA services that could address a MassHealth management priority or strengthen your organization overall. And of course, if you are not sure what TA activity to start with, or which TA Vendor might be best suited to your needs, we can help! Contact us.
Initiate the TA Process
If you have decided on a TA project, you can initiate the TA process by completing a non-competitive TA application. The TA application will ask you to briefly describe how your proposed TA project helps strengthen your organization in one or more TA Competency Areas. You will also be able to request your preferred TA Vendor. Once MassHealth approves your TA application, you will be matched with your preferred TA Vendor. If your preferred TA Vendor is unavailable, we will help you figure out a comparable option – and you can begin negotiating the specifics of your TA scope of work.
TA applications for use of the current TA Card can be submitted from September 21, 2018 – December 31, 2019. All TA projects supported by current TA Cards must be completed by December 31, 2019.
Are you ready to apply for TA through the TA Marketplace? If you want to learn more about the various TA options, read on. If you are ready, apply today.
Understand Your TA Card
In each year of the Massachusetts Section 1115 waiver, every MassHealth ACO and CP will receive a "TA Card" with an allocation of DSRIP Statewide Investments funding to support discrete, time-limited TA projects. TA Cards can be "redeemed" for the services of any TA Vendor listed in the TA Catalog. Each TA Card is good for one year; funds not spent at the end of the year are returned to the general pool of TA funding for reallocation across all ACOs and CPs.Click to read more
The TA Card years are as follows:
- Year 1: September 21, 2018 – December 31, 2019
- Year 2: January 1, 2019 – December 31, 2019 (this overlaps Year 1)
- Year 3: January 1, 2020 – December 31, 2020
- Year 4: January 1, 2021 – December 31, 2021
- Year 5: January 1, 2022 – June 30, 2022
MassHealth determines annual TA Card amounts and communicates these directly to ACOs and CPs. Let us know if you have questions about TA Card usage or amounts. Contact us.
Keep Your TA Project on Track
The Quarterly Report for TA Vendors and the Semiannual and Final reports for ACOs and CPs are a quick and easy way for you to update MassHealth on your TA project milestones. The brief report form asks questions about your timeline, budget, goals, and what it is like working with your TA Vendor. The quarterly reports help us to make sure you are on track with your TA project and let us know if additional support is needed to stay on target to accomplish your goals for the year. We will remind you when it is time to complete your Semiannual Report.
Let us know if you have any questions about completing the quarterly report.


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Night flight. Wind gusts were 70 mph. Photo by Mark J. Terrill via SFGate.
Huge suckage when a local disaster is sufficiently awful to rate coverage abroad along with descriptions like "a scene out of Dante." Yes, it's the annual burning of the California foothills, or, as the locals call it, autumn.
No way out. Roads and freeways were closed all over SoCal. Photo by Dan Steinberg, NY Times -- more photos at the link.
Some helpful websites:
SoCal Fires Liveblog at the Daily Kos has every phone number and link you might need -- road closures, evacuation centers, emergency hotlines, links to live video coverage and more.
Cal Fire Incident Information has just what it says.
CrisisWire has maps, the latest fire photos from Flickr, news links, more.
Los Angeles Fire Department Blog has news, emergency numbers, obligatory Twitter/Flickr/YouTube links.
Former Hot Shot Bill Gabbert is covering the fires over at his Wildfire Today blog. [OMG, even he has a post on that super-cute French kid. Most viral video evar.]
The Santa Barbara Independent has terrific coverage of the fire in Montecito with memorable images by staff photographer Paul Wellman. Below, two by Wellman: a yard ignites; and a resident pulls over to take one last look before evacuating his home. [More photos here. And say what you will about our Governator -- every damn fire season he at least has the decency to get his boots on the ground, talk with victims, thank firefighters, etc.]


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With the 2016 Presidential election in full swing, popular Halloween costume ideas will include those of the democrat and republican presidential candidates as well as those of former (and current) US Presidents. Men, women and children can dress as their favorite president or presidential hopeful fairly inexpensively by browsing their local thrift stores and closets. For detailed extras including campaign buttons and bumper stickers, shop online at Amazon.com
Two of the most popular 2016 presidential candidates are Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump. With their popularity, Halloween costumes of these two will be highly sought after and in demand. Visit How to make a President Donald Trump Halloween Costume and How to make Hillary Clinton presidential candidate costume. Be sure to carry a 2016 Presidential campaign sign and wear patriotic lapel pin to complete those costumes.
In addition to the current presidential candidates other possibilities include the presidents and hopefuls from years past: Sarah Palin, Bill Clinton, Abe Lincoln:
A Halloween costume idea for couples is the current US President and his wife: Barak & Michelle Obama. One can make this a group costume by dressing as the Bo, the presidential dog, or the girls: Sasha and Malia.


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This 20" Samurai BMX Bike is ideal for urban action. Finished in ice white and orange, the Samurai features a rotor that allows the handlebars to turn 360 degres. Comes complete with a BMX style handlebar and BMX platform pedals. 360 degree roto Freestyle bmx frame finished in ice white and orange 20" wheels Single speed with chain guard Front & rear v brakes Adjustable seat Alloy handlebar stem Platform pedals One set of stunt pegs
|Oem Selection


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Salvation for Arab civil society must come from within
For a long time, freedom fighters and freedom of expression advocates have drawn inspiration from the US constitution's first amendment and its application there.
While this theoretical source of inspiration continues to be valid, many feel that when it comes to its application in recent months, something has been missing.
If the day comes in which people around the world can no longer look up to the US for inspiration in important areas such as freedom of expression, where do we look for inspiration?
Some are saying that Europe will be the new leader for rights-based advocacy. The fact is that Sweden, for example, was ahead of the entire world with its access to information law. And the EU is quickly filling the gap that Washington has left open with its "America first" policies and its media-bashing president.
While many leading countries when it comes to respect for human rights are certainly based in Europe, the future of universal freedom of expression advocacy probably lies somewhere else.
There is no doubt that one should take inspiration wherever it exists, but there is a need to look inwards and to continue the process of fighting for such freedoms with a holistic approach, depending, to a large degree, on the civil society forces working together.
For way too long, in Jordan and the region, many civil society organisations and activists have worked on their own. Setting up shop locally and seeking funding internationally there was no need to work hard on networking and building local alliances.
Times have changed and the challenges are greater.
International funding, while still important to sustainability, is being corralled by local governments and often being forced to change spending priorities based on perceived needs and focal points decided unilaterally by local executive powers.
Governments feeling the tepid international demand for respect for human rights are feeling emboldened to further exert control on freedom of expression, the right to assembly and other basic human rights.
The need for local consolidation, networking and building local, regional and international alliances has never been as important as it is today.
Governments do take such alliances into consideration and are aware of the power of a united, connected and networked civil society.
The days of selfish work by human rights activists is over and the need for interconnectivity, networking and unity is upon us.
Civil society, however, does not and cannot work in isolation of other forces in society, including local activists, students, women, unions, independent media and the private sector.
Each in their own way are key to creating important alliances to defend and fight for the common cause that all agree to.
A national manifesto might be needed to provide a theoretical direction to this new alliance, and active support and commitment to such a manifesto is crucial for it to work and to survive the onslaught that might be coming from different forces, both in and outside the government, that are not keen on civil society having a role in helping shape the national agenda.
The closing of space of civil society and freedoms is not limited to one country. The trend is universal and unless a country has strong traditions and powerful agents ensuring its survival, civil society's efforts to help preserve freedoms is being challenged the world over.
It will take hard work, dedicated activists and the support of different sectors of society for such a holistic approach to be effective to the degree that governments take it into consideration.
Some successes have been recorded in Jordan, such as the efforts to cancel Article 308 of the penal code, which allowed rapists to be free of punishment if they married their victims.
Such successes are often too few and far between to allow civil society to count on. But the fact that civil society activists have already united in coalitions such as the Himam alliance is a positive sign that the groundwork has been done and the seeds for unity and cooperation have been planted.
Now is the time to nurture these new alliances for them to be able to produce continuous positive results.


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The villagers caught 35-year-old man when he tried to escape with severed head of his mother, which he had wrapped in cloth, police said.
Dumka: A man allegedly beheaded his 65-year-old mother in Jharkhand's Dumka district on Sunday, police said.
The man identified as 35-year-old Champai Marandi allegedly beheaded his mother and then tried to flee with the severed head but was caught by the villagers, they said.
The villagers caught Marandi when he tried to escape with the severed head of his mother, which he had wrapped in cloth, police said adding that the people of Siltha B village handed him to police, who arrested him.
The severed head as well as the body of the woman has been recovered, they said.
Officer-in-charge of the Ramgarh police station, Sanjay Kumar said the woman was sitting at the door of her house when Marandi arrived in an inebriated state and beheaded her with a sharp weapon.
Marandi was habitually drunk and was also unemployed, the OC added.


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Trial begins for ex-officer David Warren in Henry Glover shooting
Opening statements began Wednesday in the retrial of a former New Orleans policeman who shot and killed a man four days after Hurricane Katrina.
David Warren is charged with violating 31-year-old Henry Glover's civil rights and with using a weapon in a violent crime.
Warren was guarding a police substation from a second-floor balcony when he shot Glover in 2005. He previously testified that he thought Glover had a gun. He was convicted of manslaughter in 2010, but a federal appeals court overturned the conviction.
The court ruled he should have been tried separately from officers charged in a cover-up designed to make Glover's shooting appear justified.
Jury selection for ex-officer in Katrina shooting continues Tuesday
Retrial begins for former officer in Glover case
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February? The smALLest month of all? Wow. There sure seem to be a lot of special things packed into these 28 (this year) days.
1. National Freedom Day WTF? (Wave That Flag)
1. Also St. Brigid's Day in Ireland
1. Also Imbolg (you remember, that Gaelic festival marking the beginning of spring)
2. Groundhog Day
2. Also Candlemas, lest we forget
10. Asian (some say "Chinese") New Year of the Snake
12. Lincoln's Birthday. Remember him?
12. Also Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday. Wait. Lincoln wasn't fat.
13. Ash Wednesday and beginning of Lent.
14. St. Valentine's Day. Don't forget the Saint part.
18. President's Day. All of 'em?
22. Washington's Birthday. The other one.
24. Purim
Lots of Independence Days. For example:
4. Sri Lanka
22. Saint Lucia
24. Estonia
27. Dominican Republic
And, generally, American Heart Month, Black History Month, Children's Dental Health Month (no, really), National Bird-Feeding Month (yes, really), there must be more. Oh, yes, let's not forget the Super Bowl.
And let's remember those two FLAG days too:
15. Canada
24. Mexico
The month was named after the Latin term februum, meaning purification. Seems there was this Roman purification ritual called Februa held on the full moon around this time of year. See this theme in any of those special days mentioned above?
Not to overwork the phrase, but Wow. That's a lot for the smALLest month.


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Liorah Rapkin 14 MAY 2019 ASQ Dinner at Engineers Club
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Thinking Big: Ethics Meets Analytics
This presentation walks through case studies that demonstrate the effects of analytics on individuals, organizations, and government; highlights risk areas in designing and using analytics, and provides a framework for evaluation based on Cathy O'Neil's Weapons of Math Destruction. The presenter will discuss Data Quality, Data Usage, Opacity, Scale and Damage in both positive and negative examples, including the Facebook/Cambridge Analytica collusion that affected the United Kingdom's Brexit vote and the 2016 United States' Presidential election, and the classic example of analytics, Moneyball.Read More»
Jim Duarte 14 MAY 2019 ASQ Dinner at Engineers Club
Tuesday, May 14, 2019
Skills and Requirements of Data Science
Data science is the process of asking meaningful questions, and getting answers, from data. By that definition quality professionals are, and always have been, data scientists. This presentation examines the breadth of skills and requirements for data scientists from the perspective of the quality professional. Based on observations from consulting in both quality and data science fields, four types of data scientists will be described in detail: the strategist, the boundary spanner, the applications ninja, and the communicator or storyteller. Quality professionals need not feel proficient in all forms of data science. By understanding these areas, quality professionals can identify new opportunities for professional development that naturally leverage their strengths and career histories.Read More»
George Friesen 19 MAR 2019 ASQ Dinner at Syberg's
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2019
Barriers to a Lean Transformation
While Lean work processes have driven significant improvements in work processes across many sectors of our economy, all too often continuous improvement doesn't happen. Gains in productivity and product/process quality initially made using Lean work processes are not sustained, and the organization reverts to its pre-Lean condition. The results? Wasted money and cynical workforces. This presentation will review those forces that stand as barriers to the development of a sustainable Lean transformation and suggest ways of eliminating these barriers.Read More»
Matt Ingram 19 MAR 2019 ASQ Dinner at Syberg's
Tuesday, Mar 19, 2019
Principles for Creating and Delivering Effective Presentations
PowerPoint and other slideshow software tools are ubiquitous in the business world. But sometimes the tool is used ineffectively, leading to the "death by PowerPoint" phenomenon. Backlash against the overuse and misuse of PowerPoint has led some leaders in business and government to forbid its use. This presentation is intended to provide principles for creating and delivering effective presentations every time, whether using PowerPoint or not.Read More»
Ross Boyd 19 FEB 2019 ASQ Dinner at Favazza's
19 Feb 2019
Building Digital Transformation
Learn how to capture information in real time at the point of use. All digitally, online, and with fast remote access. Case study examples will be provided to illustrate how to build paperless solution that are used throughout quality, auditing and inspection.Read More»
Anita Marx 19 Feb 2019 ASQ Dinner at Favazza
19 Feb 2019
Apply fundamentals of Baldrige Criteria for Performance Excellence to improve project results!
Ever wonder why most projects, plans, training programs, or processes fail to deliver expected results?
The answer lies in the Baldrige Excellence Framework. Whether you work for a company that uses the Baldrige or not, understanding the fundamentals of The Criteria for Performance Excellence will help you improve project results.Read More»
Dr. Alex Vidan 15 JAN 2019 ASQ Dinner at Forrest Park Golf Course Clubhouse
Tuesday, Jan 15, 2019
Getting to the Root Cause of Compromised Health
Dr. Vidan will be discussing logical approaches to correcting the root cause of some of the most common health concerns affecting your family.
While many professions are concerned with changing the environment to suit the weakened body, my concern is with strengthening the body to suit the environment. I look for, and most often times discover, the root CAUSE of the problem. I do not treat symptoms…but the cause of what ails you.Read More»
Bill Hooper Awards Night 04 DEC 2018 ASQ Dinner at Sunset 44 Bistro
Close-Up Magic, Juggling and Copperfield
A creative hands-on approach to teaching Six Sigma
While Lean Six Sigma (LSS) has been widely accepted in manufacturing and service organizations, it's acceptance in higher education has been slow. Universities are beginning to teach the concepts of LSS in courses, yet even fewer are actually applying these tools to their operations. Training and energizing students, faculty, staff, and administration to use Lean Six Sigma requires an interactive approach. Active participation by the learners is necessary for complex topics to be truly understood. This presentation will address a different model for teaching probability and statistics leading to an energized application of continuous improvement.
To understand and remember a subject, according to experts in the field, three areas must be in place: useful, relevant and interesting. It is necessary to transform the classroom from a passive to an active environment to improve the learning experience, increase content retention, and improve student engagement. This presentation will demonstrate several unique and unusual techniques to teach probability, statistics, and design of experiments including two innovative audience participation card illusions that provide creative ways to engage students.
- "This was an outstanding presentation one of the best this section has had in years. The use of card illusion in this session was not only a unique method but highly entertaining. Demonstrating how the illusions were done and tying them in with probability theory and an FMEA was an extra added bonus. And need I not forget, about 75% of the audience learned how to juggle during his show!" — Manual Lopez, Ft. Wayne, Indiana ASQ"
LOUCON18 Program Details
Opening Keynote Speaker
Bill Hathaway, President, MoreStream
Swimming Upstream: The Agile Design Imperative
Lean Six Sigma has been around for a lot of years now – over twenty in fact. Total Quality Management or TQM has been around even longer. So you may have thought that everything would be fixed by now. Not quite.
In spite of the ever-growing army of lean practitioners, green belts, and black belts who are busy chasing down waste and fixing process problems, the rate of new process problem creation appears to exceed the rate of process problem resolution. The rework factory is running flat out and we aren't catching up! The only way we'll ever make real progress on process quality is to upgrade our design practices so processes behave properly right from the start.
Process design is a critical skill for every organization – but it's too often left to chance. Every day, folks are busy designing new processes with not much more to work with than good intentions. Not surprisingly, the solution is to eat our own cooking: to design the process that is used to design processes. This presentation will present an Agile Process Design approach based on simple tools, common sense methods, and proven proven best practices drawn from Design for Six Sigma (DfSS), Design Thinking, Lean Start-up, and Agile Software Development.
William Hathaway is President and founder of MoreSteam, which was launched in Feb. of 2000 as an internet-based process improvement technology platform. Prior to creating MoreSteam, Bill was a commercial lender for several years, then spent 13 years in manufacturing, quality, and operations management. Bill spent 10 years of his career at Ford Motor Co., then held executive level operations positions with Raytheon at Amana Home Appliances, and with Mansfield Plumbing Products. Bill earned an undergraduate finance degree from the University of Notre Dame, and graduate degree in business finance and operations from Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management.
MoreSteam is the leading global provider of Lean Six Sigma blended learning solutions. The company offers a comprehensive enterprise process improvement system, including a full suite of online Lean Six Sigma courses and simulations, the EngineRoom data analysis application, and TRACtion project management software. MoreSteam online courses are offered through the ASQ e-Learning Center, Ohio State University, and have been used by over 50% of the Fortune 500 companies to train over 535,000 people around the globe.
Repast Keynote Speaker
Pat LaLonde, Fellow (ASQ) CMQ/OE, CQE, CQA, and APQO Core Council
Changing Competencies for Quality Professionals
The world is changing at a rapid pace, we all know that, but are we making the changes to ensure our work force is ready and armed with the skills and knowledge they need to meet the changing world. This talk will provide insight on what areas industry and executives feel the quality professional may not be skilled to do 10 years out. I will share some suggestions from focus groups of what the quality professional or practitioner needs in the future. ASQ & IAQ published research in 2017 which indicated all professionals are not prepared. Let's discuss what you need to be ready.
Patricia La Londe is an executive in Supply Chain Management with expertise leading teams in all aspects of procurement and supply chain including supplier quality, global sourcing, mergers, acquisitions, divestitures and integrations across diverse businesses. Effective in developing a global sourcing organization for a large medical device company resulting in year over year cost reduction via strategic sourcing methodologies and re-engineering, while ensuring compliance with regulations. Championed continuous improvement and developed alliances to create value through innovation and supplier partnerships.
Patricia received the Charles E. Meadows award in 2005 and Rick A. Mass Award in 1998 from ASQ Customer Supplier Division. She maintains professional certifications: Manager of Quality/Organizational Excellence (CMQ/OE), Certified Quality Engineer (CQE), Certified Quality Auditor (CQA) from ASQ, along with the CQIA and CQT certifications.
Patricia, is a Fellow member of ASQ, past Chair of the ASQ Board of Directors, and current Core Council member of APQO.
Closing Keynote Speaker
Edward Corno, Chief Technology Leader, IBM
Think Blockchain!
BlockChain is a revolutionary technology with application in many industries, including Supply Chain Management. IBM is a leader in BlockChain development. Ed describes BlockChain technology, how it is presently being used and the great potential within the Supply Chain.
As an information technology leader, Ed Corno's abilities are unique, offering a combination of industry, technical knowledge and innovative creativity. Corno's accomplishments in business and information technology have enabled Fortune 500 companies such as IBM, HP and smaller organizations to thrive and succeed in an ever-changing competitive marketplace.
He approaches information technology from a comprehensive background in business management, working and consulting across numerous verticals for the following industries: manufacturing, consumer products, government, distribution, healthcare, agriculture, venture capital and financial services. Corno has expertise in a variety of technologies such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence, Internet of Things (IoT), Cloud computing, 3D printing, as well as traditional technical business solutions.
Throughout Corno's 20-plus year career, he has served as chief technology leader for IBM, chief technologist in the Office of CIO for HP and EDS, and principal for CapGemini Ernst & Young. During this time, he has gained experience in technology strategy, innovation, business development, management consulting and C-level advisory capabilities.
In addition, Corno assists the private equity industry by evaluating technology for companies such as JP Morgan, Wells Fargo and McKinsey. He has provided advice to various charitable, civic and professional organizations over the years. He has been involved in Boys Hope, Girls Hope and Tony LaRussa's Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF). He also takes part in Cortex in St. Louis, advising startups. Most recently, Corno has interacted with Washington University and Webster University about implementing Design Thinking.
Corno, a native St. Louisan, holds a bachelor's degree from Washington University and a master's degree in business from Webster University. He has completed a HP sponsored Harvard University certificate as well as many hours of IBM and HP professional development training, covering numerous areas such as Blockchain, Artificial Intelligence and Cloud computing.
A-1 Andrew Cleveland Client Supply Chain Manager, Accumen, Inc.
Managing Supplier Quality in the New Age of Healthcare
The future can look bleak given the challenges in the contemporary healthcare environment which include: government mandates, variance in supply cost, and consumerism. Each challenge presents itself as a risk factor and barrier to the health provider's success. Managing the quality of the products and relationships of significant suppliers at a cost advantage is becoming a litmus test for the future financial health of providers. No single solution will suffice, but with a tandem approach of innovative thinking, a willingness for key resource investments, and finite vision the future will not look so gloom.
Andrew Cleveland is a Client Supply Chain Manager at Accumen, a healthcare transformation company that partners with hospitals and health systems to create high performing imaging and laboratories. Prior to Accumen, Andrew has worked for organizations including BJC Healthcare, Boeing, and John Deere. He has held positions including Sourcing Manager, Supply Chain Specialist, Material Estimating and Pricing Specialist, Manufacturing and System Engineer, and Production Engineer. Andrew holds an MBA from Webster University and a Bachelor degree in Engineering and Engineering Management from Missouri University of Science and Technology.
A-2 Bob Beyer VP Supply Chain Service HSHS
Understanding the CQO (Cost Quality Outcomes) Movement
This session will discuss details of the Cost, Quality and Outcomes (CQO) Movement and discuss opportunities within their own organizations to apply CQO strategies and how to establish a clinically integrated supply chain in their own organizations.
Bob Beyer is the Vice President of Supply Chain Service for Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) based in Springfield, Illinois. HSHS has 15 Acute Care Hospitals throughout Illinois and Wisconsin with more than 2.1 Billion in operating revenue, 75,000 annual admissions and over 14,000 Colleagues. HSHS Supply Chain Services has more than 50 System Colleagues and 200 more colleagues in the HSHS Divisions and Local Ministries with more than $200 million in annual supply expense and an additional $150 million annually in Capital Expenditures. Bob has been with HSHS for 20 years and nearly 30 years in Healthcare Supply Chain and Hospital Operations with two leading Illinois Faith Based Health Systems. Bob has a Bachelor of Science Degree from Eastern Illinois University and a Masters in Science Degree in Healthcare Administration from the University of St. Francis.
A-3 MaryAlice Gallagher Boeing Company
SCM Excellence – Collaboration, Leadership & Relationships
What creates value in the Supply Chain and how might we as quality leaders set the climate for excellence? How do scientific studies compare with our knowledge and experiences as practitioners? This session connects key learning points from current scholarly journals with real world experiences to highlight the power of collaboration, leadership & relationships in the Supply Chain.
Mary Alice Gallagher currently is employed at the Boeing Company supporting customers with quick turn-around problem-solving and connecting them to highly-skilled Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). She has 20+ years experience in aerospace, spent primarily in logistics, systems engineering, training, operations management, and leadership development roles. Before moving to the Midwest, she taught at the high school level in New York City. MaryAlice considers herself a perpetual learner and is an Executive & Professional Coach and Organization Development Consultant. Her work with teams to promote Continuous Improvement has resulted in cost reductions and cost avoidance. She enjoys helping leaders reach their potential and improve their products and processes.
Her Professional memberships include Project Management Institute (PMI) and Society of Women Engineers (SWE). She is also a Board member of the Boeing St Louis Leadership Association, leading the Leadership Development Committee. She has presented several times at Women in Aviation and SWE conferences.
B-1 Todd Snover Brown Smith Wallace
Integrating Business Process Tools & Techniques in your Quality System
This presentation will show how including business process tools in your Quality System will enhance consistency, reduce cost, and promote a 'process-focused' culture that embraces continuous improvement. Topics covered will include process classification frameworks, BPMN process mapping, benchmarking, TOC, and applications of key Lean Six Sigma tools.
Todd Snover is a Supervisor in the Business Process & Systems Group at Brown Smith Wallace in St. Louis, MO. He leads many process and system evaluations and utilizes Lean Six Sigma and Business Process Management to help organizations realize substantial improvements and to build their 'process focus' capability. His credentials include: Certified Lean Six Sigma Black Belt, PMP Certified Project Manager, Certified in BPMN and DMN Process Mapping Methodologies, Bachelor of Science, Electrical Engineering.
Todd's career of over 35 years includes experience in manufacturing & embedded control systems, quality methodologies, project management, cross-functional leadership, and process improvement consulting. He has a proven track record of successful results in over 20 industries.
B-2 Chuck Kuhn VP of Quality and Production Control, Aisin Electronics Illinois
One Person, One Kaizen (1P1K)
Engage all members to "take action" in Kaizen activities. A pile of many small improvements results in a large effect, however it is difficult to motivate members to make changes themselves. 1P1K program gives the authority and recognition to each member in your organization to improve their working condition concerning: Safety, Environment, Quality, Deliver, and Cost.
Chuck Kuhn has 26 years in the automotive industry: Engineer – supporting production in die casting, machining, and assembly as well as launching new business, Product Support Team Leader – Managing business expansion, Department Manager – Green site start up Asian owned electronics assembly responsible for Production Engineering, Quality, and Manufacturing. Implemented many systems including: Safety Patrol, QA Network, Perfect Line, 5S, and plant wide Scrap Reduction.
B-3 Chris AndersonManaging Director, Bizmanualz, Inc.
How to Increase the Effectiveness of Your Quality Management System
Are you managing your quality system or is your quality system managing you? It's really all about effectiveness, which is defined in ISO 9000 as achieving planned results. This translates into collecting data to show the attainment of deliberate targets and then taking action on the results. This is the essence of the process approach.
This presentation will explore how to achieve higher levels of effectiveness using clear targets, data, and analysis/actions, while at the same time doing less of those things that are less effective.
Chris Anderson is an experienced ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems developer and process improvement change leader specializing in creating metrics, dashboards, and standard operating procedures to drive effective improvements. He is currently the Managing Director of Bizmanualz, Inc. He holds a Master's in Business Administration (MBA) from Pepperdine University and a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering (BSEE) from Southern Illinois University. He is also a Lean and Six Sigma Black Belt, and holds CQA, CMQ/OE, CQPA, and CQIA ASQ Certifications.
C-1 Mark Edwards Coach, Washington University
Coaches as Mentors
Individuals and teams compete against each other in games that follow rules defining success and failure, winners and losers. As a basketball coach for the past 46 years at the collegiate level, it has been my job to develop individual and team skills for team success. I plan to share my observations and experiences on mentoring team leaders and team members to produce the most successful collaborative effort possible. The team is led not just by the coach but by the team members who are responsible for the outcome of the competition. Learn how to mentor others so that they might be true winners.
Mark Edwards, a 1969 graduate and 4-year basketball player at Washington University in St. Louis before the program was dropped in 1971, was recruited in 1981 to restart the men's basketball program. In 37 seasons at the helm at Washington University, Edwards has become nationally known as a successful and well-respected NCAA Division III coach, posting a 685-293 (.700) overall record. His Coach of the Year honors include 10 from the University Athletic Association, the most recent in 2018. The Bears won back-to-back NCAA Division III National Championships when Washington University captured its second consecutive crown in 2009.
C-2 Nadine Kouba Ph.D., ACC Managing Principal, Kouba Coaching, LLC
What's So Important About Having Or Being A Mentor?
Having mentors can do wonders for your career — but it's tough to know who to turn to, and more importantly, how to build those relationships. In any field, having a professional mentor or being a professional mentor can help individuals develop and advance their careers. This session will discuss the "How tos": How to find a mentor; What's the typical mentor-mentee process; How to form and build the mentor-mentee relationship; What are the expectations of the mentor and mentee; and What skills the mentor needs to bring or develop during the relationship.
Nadine Kouba has 25+ years experience including executive coaching, succession planning, leadership program development and facilitation. Nadine's career has included with Boeing, GKN Aerospace, Mallinckrodt, Famous Barr, Maritz, AmerenUE, and The Jewish Hospital at Washington University.
Nadine earned a Ph.D. in Education – Higher Education Leadership from St. Louis University, a Masters and B.S. in Education from Kent State University in Ohio, and a graduate certificate in Executive and Professional Coaching from the University of Texas at Dallas. In addition, she is a certified instructor for Juran Quality Process Improvement Team Leader training.
C-3 Rik Nemanick, Ph.D. The Leadership Effect
The Mentor's Way: Eight Rules for Bringing Out the Best in Others
Mentors are powerful forces in organizations. They shape future leaders, transfer learning across generations, and ensure the long-term success of an organization. However, mentoring can be a long process, and not everyone is prepared to be a mentor. In this seminar, Rik Nemanick will share eight rules of mentoring from his book, The Mentor's Way, that help accelerate the mentoring process and maximize its effectiveness. Participants will leave with practical tools and advice they can use to become better mentors in their own organizations.
Rik Nemanick is a consultant, speaker, and author focusing on leader and organization development. He is a partner and co-founder of The Leadership Effect, a firm that focuses on helping clients maximize the potential of their leaders. Rik has consulted with clients of all sizes, from large enterprises like Monsanto, Massachusetts General Hospital, and Build-A-Bear Workshop, to midsized businesses like Scott Credit Union and SM Wilson. Rik is the author of the book The Mentor's Way, which focuses on teaching mentors the skills to bring the best out of others. He is adjunct faculty at Washington University in St. Louis and earned his doctorate from Saint Louis University.
D-1 Bill Hathaway MoreSteam
Quality by Design: The Catapult Design Challenge
In this design workshop, teams of three people work together to design and build a simple machine and associated process for achieving the very important objective of hitting a target with a mini-marshmallow. Teams will be challenged to create a catapult out of ordinary household and office supplies, which all bear a cost. The teams compete to meet the customer requirements while minimizing the cost of materials (best ROI wins).
Through this exercise, teams will gain first-hand experience with the dynamics of Agile Process Design, providing context for a keynote presentation on that subject.
Prior to founding MoreSteam in 2000, Bill Hathaway spent 13 years in manufacturing, quality and operations management. After 10 years at Ford Motor Co., Bill held executive level operations positions with Raytheon Amana Home Appliances and Mansfield Plumbing Products. Bill has undergraduate and graduate degrees in finance and operations from the University of Notre Dame and Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management. He continues to serve as MoreSteam's president and is a frequent speaker on process improvement topics.
D-2 Bob Hernandez
GovermAgile – Bringing Agile into a Waterfall World
D-3 Chad Gallant Director, Agile Center of Excellence at Lumeris
The "True" Enterprise Backlog
The Agile methodology has many applications throughout the enterprise. Chad will discuss his experience with utilizing agile to transform organizations with Government, Financial, and Healthcare Industries.
Chad Gallant is a passionate, disruptive Agile leader who uses three guiding principles to effectively transform companies into true Agile enterprises. He coaches Agile leaders and change agents to empower, enable and engage teams to ensure optimal autonomy with the right tools and full transparency, so the teams can deliver quality solutions to customers as quickly and often as possible. He is enthusiastic about his role and has a proven track record of successful transformations in Dept of Defense, Financial Services and Healthcare industries.
15 JAN 2019 ASQ Dinner at Forrest Park Golf Course Clubhouse
Tuesday, Jan 15, 2019
Behavioral Economic Design of the Patient Experience
What is the Quality Book of Knowledge (BOK)? More importantly, what is in the BOK?
Learning Objectives:
- Understand why behavioral economics explains consumer behavior
- Identify how to capture ethnographic insights that influence a patient's behavior
- Learn the guiding principles for rapid proto>typing of new patient memories


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You Gotta Have Alot Of Trust & Love To Do Something Like This: Tiger Playing Around Chewing On His Owners Arm
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French Quarter
New Orleans, LA 70130
Hours of Operation
Dress Code:
Restaurant Overview
For everything from an intimate bridal brunch or an anniversary party to a full-restaurant book out, think Coterie NOLA. This laid-back French Quarter eatery with three party rooms serves up family recipes like Red Beans & Rice, Crawfish Etouffée, and Jambalaya along with and fun party appetizers like Cajun Eggrolls, Boudin Balls and Gator Bites. Add an oyster bar and a fantastic cocktail menu and you've got yourself a party your guests will talk about for years to come. Want live music? No problem. This is New Orleans, after all, and the team at Coterie Nola can arrange it all. Check out what past guests had to say:
"Hands down one of the best things about our visit to New Orleans." – TripAdvisor
"We had all things Cajun! Boudin balls, gumbo, jambalaya, étouffee, shrimp, shrimp pasta...They were all amazing!" – Urban Spoon
"We walked by and had to turn around because it smelled so good." – TripAdvisor
Takeout & Delivery Info
- Delivery Is Available


text: May 10, 2011 by Alex Leave a comment The very essence of romance is uncertainty. Oscar Wilde (via zakthewest) Share this:TwitterFacebookLike this:Like Loading... Related Author: Alex Hello! My name is Alex but you can call me Alexandra if you're feeling fancy. Here you'll find my adventures about exploring my new city of Hoboken, NJ, scurrying over the Hudson River to NYC, my bicycle excursions, and how I'm learning to embrace in medias res.


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Working with us you will be part of a team that enjoys job security and stability.
You'll also be learning from the best personal trainers Sydney has to offer.
Please complete the form below to contact us about career opportunities. Tell us as much information as you can including all relevant qualifications you have.
If you have a recent resume, please also upload and submit this via the form below.


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Welcome to Shropshire Lettings
Shropshire Lettings are a Shrewsbury based specialist letting agency servicing Shropshire and the Welsh, Staffordshire & Cheshire Borders.
Shropshire Lettings are licensed by the Association of Residential Letting Agents and our principle is a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
If you wish to let your house for a secure and professional letting service please contact us.
Found a property you like?
Want to let your property?
Get in touch to get things started


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Raisin Cinnamon Bread
Total TimePrep: 25 min. + rising Bake: 30 min.
Makes2 loaves (16 slices each)
- 1 package (1/4 ounce) active dry yeast
- 1/4 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
- 2 cups warm milk (110° to 115°)
- 1/3 cup plus 1/2 cup sugar, divided
- 1/4 cup canola oil
- 2 teaspoons salt
- 5-3/4 to 6-1/4 cups all-purpose flour
- 2 cups raisins
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1/2 cup confectioners' sugar
- 1 tablespoon milk
- In a large bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add milk, 1/3 cup sugar, oil, salt and 2 cups flour. Beat until smooth. Add raisins and enough remaining flour to form a soft dough.
- Turn onto a floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a greased bowl, turning once to grease top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1-1/4 hours.
- Punch dough down. On a lightly floured surface, divide in half. Roll each into a 15x7-in. rectangle. Combine cinnamon and remaining sugar; sprinkle over dough. Sprinkle with water. Starting with a short side, roll up tightly, jelly-roll style. Pinch seams and ends to seal. Place, seam side down, in two greased 9x5-in. loaf pans. Cover and let rise until doubled, about 1 hour.
- Preheat oven to 350°. Bake 30-35 minutes or until golden brown. Remove from pans to wire racks to cool completely. Combine glaze ingredients; drizzle over warm loaves.
Nutrition Facts1 slice: 162 calories, 3g fat (1g saturated fat), 2mg cholesterol, 157mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (14g sugars, 1g fiber), 3g protein.
Recommended Video
Feb 17, 2015
I have made 6 loaves of this in two days, and gave neighbors all except two of them. They loved it and so did my husband. I experimented using Almond milk with two loaves, for someone who cannot have dairy. It worked just fine. Notice too, there are only 2 Tablespoon of fat per loaf (1/4 cup for 2 loaves) and no egg. I did use the entire mix of sugar/cinnamon per loaf, meaning I actually doubled what I suppose was meant to be used. It was just perfect for our tasting.
Sep 15, 2014
The taste was great, turned out perfect. Recipe is spot on, Yields 2 large loaves, or 3 medium loaves....
Aug 26, 2014
My loaves are currently rising in their pans, but I can already tell this recipe is a keeper! The ingredients are spot on and easy to understand. The dough was a pleasure to work with. I make bread often, and I really like this recipe.
May 16, 2014
This is the best bread! My children who dont like raisin bread even devoured it!
Mar 24, 2014
I LOVE this Bread and really enjoy making it and because of this I no longer buy breakfast bread at the grocery store. I start a day or so ahead of time by soaking regular & golden raisins in Rum. I use my kitchen aid when it's time to knead the bread. This is a nice bread to share with friends & neighbors as well!!
Oct 22, 2013
I made this bread for my dad's birthday, and everyone loved it. This was my first time kneading dough by hand, and it still came out great. I only gave it 4/5 stars because I didn't make the icing and the bread was perfect without it. The icing would make it too sweet. One suggestion I have is to plump your raisins with hot water (or rum, whatever you like) so they'll be nice and moist in your bread.
Mar 20, 2013
This recipe turned out great. I proofed my yeast and followed the one reviewer's suggestion and made sure my milk was warm. I also added Walnuts to mine. YUM! The dough rose beautifully and the bread was huge hit at work. I will definitely make it again!
Feb 10, 2013
What a great recipe!! I followed it exactly and the bread turned out perfectly. Sooo good!
Nov 4, 2012
For those who had trouble getting the dough to rise...make sure the milk is not too hot when you add it to your yeast or you will kill the yeast. This was the perfect afternnon snack on a cool, fall Sunday afternoon, my family loved it.
Sep 28, 2012
Baked this bread last night but was disappoined in the results. I followed the directions exactly but the bread came out heavy. The dough did not rise very well and the cinnamon/sugar oozed out the bottom of one loaf. It was a bit sweet also. I will make again with less sugar and I will add some vital wheat gluten to help with the rise.


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Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Saved by Droog (Part II)
Image by Sergio Carratalá
We were very curious to see what the 14 designers, invited by Droog to save 5135 items from liquidation sales and other leftovers, came up with at the Milan Furniture Fair. So we hiked out to their temporarily exhibition space during the Salone and found a very droogish space, full of intriguing objects. Everything was for sale, and Droog published photos of the proud new owners on their web, like these happy guys below.
New owner of Mouth-watering Spoon and Glass Arrangement, Image by Droog
Glass Arrangement by Atelier Remy & Veenhuizen are 168 glass plates, 100 candy pots and 40 glass vases carefully arranged and glued together to create still life centrepieces ready to host your edibles.
Sad Hanky is just that, sad hankies, which show peaceful scenes where innocence is lost, such as flower fields showing the shadow of a child soldier. These screen-printed handkerchiefs are a project by Luc d'Hanis and Sofie Lachaert.
Images by Droog
And we love the Moustache Guard by Maison Martin Margiela. The original 19th century moustache guard invented by Englishman Harvey Adams inspired this cup addition. Check out Droog's web site fro bombs and more. Now, these projects probably won't save our environmental crisis but they do make us think about the use of everyday objects, and make us treasure what seem even the most boring objects at first. You might not agree on the limited edition designer prices but we fully embrace Droog's new design integrity:
Image by Droog
More from the Milan Furniture Fair 2010
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Bike-Powered Lamp by Gionata Gatto
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: The Green Preview (Slideshow)
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Autarchy by Studio Formafantasma
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Plants that are Lamps, Lamps that are Plants
Milan 2010 Furniture Fair Preview: Saved by Droog
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Indestructible Umbrella? Senz Uses Extreme Sports to Find Out (Video)
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Japanese Designer Grows Chandelier Out Of Crystal
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Super Posh (and Pricey) Green Furnishings by Moroso
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Tomato-Powered Light? Wild Light Innovations by D-vision Students
Milan Furniture Fair 2010: Cookie Jar Encourages Healthy Eating


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Difference between revisions of "Logo"
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Revision as of 13:26, 1 December 2014
In previous year Google Code In, we had some tasks to redesign our current logo.
High Quality png of BRL-CAD logo
This task was done by Sharan. He redesigned our current logo and provided with a high quality png as well as a svg version.
Link to task: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/6180749191413760
CSS only version for web
We also had some great CSS versions of the current logo to be used on web. Using CSS version logo reduces load on website. Thus the website with this version will open faster comparatively.
We had number of tasks regarding that. The list is as following:
Task 1: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/6023159862001664
Task 2: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/5081237563637760
BRL-CAD logo 3d version
The BRL-CAD logo was modelled using BRL-CAD. You can use this version if your design demands using 3d version of logo. The list of such tasks is as following.
Task 1: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/5570107921137664
Task 2: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/6237896147206144
Task 3: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/5258035597410304
Task 4: http://www.google-melange.com/gci/task/view/google/gci2013/5765013537030144


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George IV Rosewood Drum Table
A 19th century George IV rosewood veneered drum table.
The table has four working drawers and four dummy drawers.
The table stands on a three support platform base that has a hexagonal tapering central column and is raised on bun feet with disguised casters.
The four drawers are mahogany lined and have a cock beaded edge, the drawers have working locks and one key.
The drum table is very good quality and in excellent condition. (Circa 1835)
Height 72.5cm (28.5 inches)
Diameter 93cm (36.6 inches)


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Republican U.S. Rep. Doug Collins—who represents a sliver of North Athens—held a town hall meeting in his hometown of Gainesville yesterday, and although the district is one of the most conservative in the country, Democratic protesters were out in force.
The Gainesville Times was there:
Democrats and progressives, many of them present at a May protest outside Collins' Gainesville headquarters, shouted Collins down early in the town hall, calling for single-payer health care, federal investigations into pharmaceutical companies and for further probes of Trump's alleged collusion with Russia.
Their demonstrations prompted more shouting from Republicans and conservatives in the audience, who called for quiet to let Collins take questions.
The climax of the protests came close to the end of the town hall, which lasted about 80 minutes. Protester Marisa Pyle, who at various points argued health care points with Collins, stood and unfurled a sign proclaiming "Collins voted to kill me." The sign was seized by local law enforcement and Pyle was escorted out of the courtroom.
Collins said Congress should continue to press on with health care reform.
He also addressed the Russian and North Korean threats, saying that special prosecutor Bob Mueller's investigation into Russia's connections to the Trump Administration should run its course, and defending U.S. actions against North Korea.


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Joyce King
Joyce King proud of her NH roots, has a versatility and insatiable appetite to express life through movement, affording her the opportunities to choreograph, teach, an and perform throughout the U.S., Vienna, Costa Rica, Belgium, France, Japan. Joyce continues to enjoy teaching on NYC faculty: Steps on Broadway, Joffrey Ballet Trainee Program, Joffrey Jazz and Contemporary Summer Intensive.
In 2008, she established JKing Dance Company, (JKDC) receiving press recognition and awarded the BUILD grant & The Field Artist Residency. King has been commissioned to present works as part of special performances at Symphony Space, DNA, Merce Cunningham Dance Theater, Pinkerton Academy Theatre Arts, Palace Theatre, Dansstage Dance Festival, Auditorio Nacional and Teatro Eugene O'Neil Theaters, Costa Rica. Her work, 'UnCloaked' was presented as part of the Louis Vuitton project, 'Life is a Journey', a collaboration with Louis Vuitton, Parson, and Joffrey J & C – NYC 2013 Fashion week.
Notable performances: Cats, Chorus Line, Fame, Benefits for Broadway Cares; Michael Jackson Sportswear, Industrials with choreographer Lynne Taylor Corbett, Boston Opera's Aida and Die Fledermaus with choreographers Sam Kurkjian, Graciela Daniele, and original plays directed by Doug Hall. Concert dance – original works by Adrienne Hawkins, Danny Sloan, Fred Benjamin, Richard Levi, Lynn Simonson, Miquel Lopez, Bruce Taylor and Ron Forella. She trained extensively with Sue Michaud, Michael Owens, Lynn Simonson, Adrienne Hawkins, Michele Assaf, Charles Kakatsakis, Sally Johnson, Frank Kubik and at Boston Rep, Boston Ballet, Hartford Ballet and the Oxford Shakespeare Summer Program, London England.
King continually explores ways to share her experiences and choreography with emerging dancers through national and international master classes, workshops, Summer intensives and dance education programs. Joyce is happily married to Ray and proud mom of her 12 yr. old son, Aidan. www.JoyceKingDance.com


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The school aims to continuously improve its research environment by investing in the building of key research capabilities and resources; underpin the continued professional development of researchers; raise the impact of research outputs; and strengthen the postgraduate offering.
View summaries of our research at local, regional, national and international levels, in most areas of policy-relevant social research, including poverty, crime and social exclusion, crime prevention and reduction, and public policy.
Professor Hugh Bochel, School of Social and Political Sciences
Professor Bochel's collection and analysis of Scottish local election results came about because there was no other official source. The data collected proved extremely useful, and is now used by the Electoral Commission, the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish government.
Prof Bochel and his colleagues were able to use the information to consider how people were elected as councillors, and how they progressed to becoming council leaders. Those findings then fed into a growing body of thought that assesses how ordinary citizens can have a say, and get their ideas into the political process.


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Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's highest-paid athlete for the second straight year, according to Forbes.
The Real Madrid forward earned $93 million — including $58m in salary and bonuses and $35m in endorsements — over the past 12 months to retain the title.
The latest Real Madrid transfer rumours
Ronaldo ranks above NBA superstar LeBron James ($86.2m) and Barcelona's Lionel Messi ($80m) in the top three of the annual list produced by the American publication.
Rounding out the top five are tennis great Roger Federer and basketball star Kevin Durant. The top five remained the same from last year with only James and Messi swapping places.
Other footballers who made it into the top 50 are Neymar (18), Gareth Bale (24) and Zlatan Ibrahimovic (30).
The honour of being named the world's richest athlete comes as no surprise for Ronaldo, whose 121 million Facebook fans are more than any other person in the world.
On the field, he recently led Real Madrid to their second straight Champions League title, was named FIFA's player of the year for the fourth time and scored his 600th career goal.
Ronaldo is also set to be toward the top of the Forbes list for the foreseeable future after securing a contract extension with Los Blancos that will pay more than $50 million annually for the next four years.


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My friend Geoff Beynon, who has died aged 86, was a voice of moderation at a time of teacher union militancy. He became an official of the Assistant Masters Association, in 1964, and then, after a union merger, joint general secretary of the Assistant Masters and Mistresses Association, in 1979. Geoff and his counterpart, Joyce Baird, worked for equal representation of male and female teachers.
The election of Margaret Thatcher as prime minister in May 1979, and the radical change of direction of her education secretaries Sir Keith Joseph and Kenneth Baker, led to unprecedented industrial action and working to rule by many teachers. Representing AMMA on the Burnham Committee (a negotiating body for teachers' salaries) between six teacher unions and their employers (the local education authorities) Geoff had to balance his members' professional responsibilities to children with their understandable desire for improved conditions.
Under his leadership, AMMA introduced a "conscience clause" – any action was only "recommended" and not an "instruction". As a result, in the early 1980s, membership increased from 80,000 to 122,000, attracting large numbers of primary teachers for the first time.
It took strength of character to sustain a minority position in the face of strong opposition and even personal criticism, which intensified with Baker's radical proposals in the teachers' pay and conditions bill of October 1986, ending negotiating rights, linking salaries to performance, and adding five working days for training – the "Baker days". Geoff acknowledged that signing this agreement was one of his most difficult decisions.
He was born in Sheerness, Kent. His grandfather was the editor of the local paper and his father an insurance agent. Geoff went to the local primary school and then to Borden grammar school in Sittingbourne. During the second world war, he was evacuated with the school to south Wales, to Lewis school, Pengam. In 1944 he went to Bristol University and after graduation did national service in the Army Education Corps, teaching mathematics at the army college at Welbeck Abbey, Nottinghamshire, then returning in 1949 to Bristol University to do his PGCE teaching qualification.
He joined AMA as a student teacher, and taught at Thornbury grammar school, Gloucestershire, and St George grammar school, Bristol, before becoming a full-time official.
In retirement, Geoff enjoyed travel, reading widely and spending time with his family. He is survived by his wife, Denise, whom he married in 1956, and their three children, David, Dina and Peter; and five grandchildren, Tom, Matthew, Alex, Lara and Justin.


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eating the rainbow: white
WHEN ESTABLISHING the "rules" by which I would eat the rainbow one colour at a time I came upon a sticking point. There are many basic compounds of a dish that are white; garlic, onion and flour, to name but a few. Yes it is possible to create delicious foods without these ingredients – as … Continue reading
focus on the sides
A while ago I interviewed Camilla Stephens, founder of Higgidy, for Women Talking. In preparation for this I received to my – very pleasant – surprise a large cool box generously filled with a selection of the tasty tarts, pies and quiches that Higgidy produce. Of course this meant that I couldn't help but jump … Continue reading
things that i've learnt over the festive season…
APOLOGIES for my recent absence. Between cooking and planning travels abroad time seems to have bolted past so fast that I can't believe my Ode was posted way back when in November days! During this expanse of time however, I have learnt many things. Culinary things. And so I thought I'd share some of them … Continue reading
an ode to anchovies
Anchovy anchovy anchovy. Salty, briny, anchovy. Silvery sliver. Hangover God. Tiny Mighty Motivator of disgust. Troublemaker. Agitator. Instigator of terror. Light in my life. King of my kitchen. Never without. Always within. Anchoiade makes enough for two as a dip (or one if you're an anchovy fiend) 4 salted anchovy fillets 1 banana shallot 1 … Continue reading
shooter's sandwich sunday
It began with a need to walk. Or more precisely, to uplift our souls. Souls that were sinking into mild (even major) melancholy. Rambling was suggested. Upon, over and across the Heath. The first attempt was cancelled. Called off due to imminent rainfall, that in turn never did materialise. This did not bode well for … Continue reading
on my plate: Sweetcorn, Chorizo and Feta Loaf
FOLLOWING on from my previous revelatory savoury cake experience I decided to head back to the baking tin once more; this time inspired by flavours from my recent trip to Madrid. Yet again taking one of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall's recipes as a starting point for this spin on what is generally considered the sweet side of … Continue reading


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Discussion about key facts in energy, environment, the economy, and politics. Tired of ideological junk? This is your place.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Tap Water On Fire: The 2011 Most Important Energy Photo
Tap water on fire is a picture that is worth many more than a thousand words. The picture, however, poses questions, requiring the separation of fact from fiction.
Methane in water that catches fire can come from methane that existed prior to drilling or methane that migrated as a result of poor drilling practices. No doubt exists that a substantial number of water wells in gas producing areas have always had biogenic or natural methane in them. No doubt also exists that mistakes in gas drilling and casing also can cause methane to migrate and to reach water wells.
In the absence of pre-drilling water testing, as was the case in Dimock, determining whether gas existed in tap water before or after drilling is a guaranteed dispute, though a number of ways exist, including examination of the gas in the water, to make reasoned judgments.
As distinguished from poor drilling and casing, hydraulic fracturing itself does not cause methane to be present in tap water. This point is typically not understood or is lost in the public debate.
More good discussion of this topic is desperately needed and Susan Phillips has authored a helpful article. See http://stateimpact.npr.org/pennsylvania/2011/12/19/flaming-taps-methane-migration-and-the-fracking-debate/.
3 comments:
Is that demonstrably accurate -- that there wasn't any pre-drill testing which might otherwise have put an early end to the Dimock water well controversy?ReplyDelete
This Oil and Gas Journal article -- recently posted by Cabot, and authored by Cabot personnel or contractors -- implies that they have in hand numerous pre-drill and post-drill water tests from that county, and that methane in water in that area correlates pretty strongly with depth to local bedrock:
None of the 18 water wells where DEP found thermogenic gas in the Dimock area had pre-drill testing done. Remember that the gas shale wells drilled there were among the first in Pennsylvania and were done so in 2008. The Dimock gas migration issue started on January 1, 2009 when a water well exploded. It apparently was not the practice of Cabot or many companies to do extensive pre-drill water testing in that part of Dimock in 2008. Since that time, companies have greatly expanded their pre-drill water testing.ReplyDelete
- AnonymousApril 4, 2013 at 6:15 PM
Wheres the picture?ReplyDelete


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Peter Braswell
Peter was bitten by the aviation bug at an early age. Fascinated by anything that flew, Peter's earliest recollection of flying were trips to the local airport with his father to watch the general aviation traffic come and go. U-controlled and Radio Controlled models followed culminating in competitive R/C soaring in his early twenties. A friend introduced him to full-scale soaring and all hope of avoiding a full-fledged addiction to aviation was lost. Peter holds a glider rating, a private pilot rating and is currently pursuing an instrument rating. Peter has built a Glastar and is currently working on a Velocity.
Peter lives in Richmond Virginia with his wife Jana and new twins (February 2012) Dexter and Lily.