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To compile system apps such as Mms.apk, Contacts.apk, etc. you need the entire Android source. Also, you have to be running either Linux or OS X (with case-sensitive file system). Personally I dual boot Ubuntu 9.10 for it, so this instructions will be based on Ubuntu 9.10.
Step 1: Get Android Sources
To get the Android sources, follow the Linux instructions here: http://source.android.com/download
Remember you have to specify "-b donut" at the end of your repo command if you want to get the Donut base. Otherwise you will get master which is a mix of Eclair already .
Step 2: Get Java 5
If you are running Ubuntu 9.10, you will need to install Java 5 as you cannot compile AOSP on Java 6. I followed the instructions here: http://androidenea.blogspot.com/2009...roid-open.html, and used Method 1. However, I downloaded Java 5 update 22 here: http://java.sun.com/javase/downloads/5u22/jdk (the one linked in the post is update 21).
The reason I use method 1 over method 2 is that this way, I only export the path when I want to compile (and it's only within the environment), while my browsers like Firefox, etc. are still running the latest Java 6.
Step 3: gcc
Lastly, I remember having some issues compiling due to gcc. I followed the guide here: http://www.mobileadvice.com.au/2009/...n-ubuntu-9-10/
Step 4: Compiling
Once all is done, you can "cd" to the root directory of your Android source, and type "make Contacts" or "make Mms". The first compilation will be a little long. I know of some people who do "make", that is they compile the entire source the first time, before using "mmm Phone". I don't recommend that because doing a "make" without any parameters will result in compilation of many apps you don't need, or want, and it's very slow.
Also, to "replace" the AOSP Contacts with let's say my Contacts, just "cd" to your root directory of Android, and type "git clone git://github.com/Wysie/android_packages_apps_Contacts.git". You can then play with my code but can't push back (need to know more git stuff for that). I suggest you fork the repos you are interested in, so you can push and make direct changes. Sorry I can't advice much on that, as I use git as though it's svn :X. I'm a git noob.
Hope it helps . As I said earlier, this is just to give you guys a rough idea of what's needed. In fact, I copied and paste my reply to someone else into here.


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Corrosivechallengesbyjanet # 205 cagichallenge. # dies
digisketchchallenge #fairies.(T) timbroscrapmania. #99
Ha en härlig helg
Gud så härligt
Kram mia r
Åh så fint/ kram mia rehnström
Your fairy is colored so delicately. The layers of DP are very complementary. Thanks for showing your art at 613 Avenue Create.
Super cute card, great image & design!
Glad that you could join us for the challenge at Come And Get It…..hope to see you back soon!
¸..• ´¨¨)) -:¦:-¸.•´ .•´¨¨))*((¸¸.•´ ..•´
Shell in Alaska ~ CAGI DT ~
Absolutely beautiful! thank you for joining in with us at Digi Sketch Challenge and good luck!
Marylee DT x
its a gorgeous card Zora.
Thanks for join us at ScrapbookStampSociety Challenge.
Greetings Karin DT Coördinator
Å vilket fint och färgglatt kort du gjort. Kul att min stämpel fick va med, passade bra ju ;)
Zora, this is gorgeous! I love the composition and palette. Your paper choices are fabulous. Very sophisticated and perfect for an 18th birthday. Your card will be featured on our Facebook Page this Saturday (August 16th). facebook.com/avenue613
Thanks for dropping this marvelous project off by our house here at 613 Avenue Create!
Chana, Owner
Happy New Year from CIO challenge blog…your project is sweet stop by and play with us again <((><

subset: commoncrawl


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The Grand Central Market in Bata – The Grand Central market in Bata is an ambitious project that aims to change the current market, to make this the new landmark of the city. It is not simply an architectural project, if not a media and social impact in the city. The first part of the project has been to analyze in depth the current state, both the site and its characteristics. Architectural and topographic, such as the market itself and its use. The market is clearly bounded by two roads (one of them is the main street of the city), a front of buildings, and a valley… Read more
"The Garden of Eden" – Solidary Complex in Kabrousse -SOS Universal Children's Day Foundation presents its new solidary project "The Garden of Eden". A solidary complex located in the town of Kabrousse, Casamance Region, in the South of Senegal. The design of the camp has been made possible thanks to the altruistic collaboration of the Estudio de Arquitectura Mesura, a solid multidisciplinary team of professionals from the entire field of architecture, construction and design, who have wanted to be involved in the project since its inception, designing what will be… Read more


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General Keyes
This Site:
WE publish on this page a portrait of GENERAL ERASMUS D. KEYES, commanding the Fifth Army Corps in the Army of the Potomac. General Keyes was born in Massachusetts about the year 1812, and entered West Point from that State in 1828. In 1832 he graduated and entered the Third Artillery, in which he served till 1837, when he became a member of General Scott's military family. In the following year he was appointed Assistant Adjutant-General. In 1841 he obtained his company, which he commanded for three years, after which he assumed the post of Instructor of Cavalry and Artillery at West Point. He remained in this position during the Mexican War.
At the outbreak of the rebellion General Keyes was one of the first officers to whom the Government looked for aid. On 14th May, 1861, he was appointed Colonel of the Eleventh Infantry—one of the new Regiments; and, three days afterward, Brigadier-General of Volunteers. He served in the Army of the Potomac under General McDowell, and afterward, when the army was subdivided and reorganized under General McClellan, he obtained command of a corps d'armee.
He is regarded as one of the most efficient officers in the Army of the Potomac.
WE publish herewith an illustration, from a sketch by Mr. Theodore R. Davis, representing the REBEL IRON-CLAD STEAMER "ARKANSAS" RUNNING THROUGH OUR FLEET FROM THE MOUTH OF THE YAZOO RIVER TO THE PROTECTION OF THE BATTERIES AT VICKSBURG. The feat was equally glorious to the rebels as it was mortifying to us. After describing how the Arkansas was discovered in the Yazoo River, and Captain Walke had dispatched the Tyler to warn the fleet, the Herald correspondent says:
As the Tyler was turning to head down the Yazoo in the direction of the fleet, the Carondelet opened upon the Arkansas with her bow guns. She did but little injury, as the heavy plating of the Arkansas glanced off most of the shots and sent them at a tangent flying through the air. Three rounds were fired from these bow guns, making nine separate missiles, two or three of which are supposed to have taken effect, as the sides of the rebel boat appeared to be perforated in many places, and the contiguous plates somewhat loosened. After these had been fired the Carondelet came up to the Arkansas broadside on, discharging her guns with the greatest rapidity possible.
The Arkansas, in return, used her rifled and smooth-bore guns with telling effect, the two and a half inch plating offering generally but little resistance to the heavy projectiles sent against it. The sides and casemating of the Carondelet were repeatedly perforated, some of the shot going entirely through and passing out on the opposite side. Two men were killed by a shot and three wounded by splinters. Though sadly riddled, the Carondelet was not struck below the water-line, nor was her machinery injured. She will be in proper trim again in a short time.
The Carondelet at length succeeded in getting alongside and grappling the Arkansas. The order "Boarders away" was instantly passed, and the crew of the Yankee gun-boat speedily mounted the deck of its adversary. When there they found no foe to engage, and looked around for somebody or something to fight. The crew of the Arkansas had retired below, and the iron hatches were closed and fastened beneath, so that it was utterly impossible to go down and continue the action. The men of the Carondelet were much in the condition of one who attempts to open an oyster, but has neither knife, scissors, nor stone with which to perform the operation. Rifle and pistol shots annoyed them from various loopholes, and hot water and steam were sent forth from the pipes of the Arkansas, while the guns of the rebel continued to play against the comparatively frail sides of the Carondelet. The Carondelet replied with her steam apparatus, and this kind of fighting might have continued till both were exhausted had not the vessels struck bottom, by which the grapplings
were loosed and the Arkansas allowed to drift down the stream, leaving the Carondelet by the shore. To the surprise of those on the latter boat, the Arkansas did not renew the battle, but put on all steam and moved slowly down the river.
The Tyler succeeded in reaching the fleet nearly half an hour in advance of the Arkansas. thus giving a little time to prepare for the reception of the visitor. None of the boats had much steam up, though all had fires in their furnaces. Instantly the utmost efforts were made to get the boats ready to manoevre in case the Arkansas should really make an attack.
But two or three were able to move at the time the Arkansas appeared around the bend, though the fires were "crowded" as much as possible. The Louisville and Cincinnati succeeded in getting their wheels in motion and hoisting anchor, and the Benton had just swung from her moorings. The Cairo was doing her best, and the rams were prompt to perceive the exigencies of the occasion and make ready for an onset. The vessels of Commodore Farragut's squadron beat to quarters, and determined to receive the enemy while at anchor.
As the Arkansas approached she encountered gunboat No. 6 of Farragut's fleet, carrying one heavy 11-inch Dahlgren and two small 12-pounders at the bow. This boat received several shots from the Arkansas, and replied vigorously with her big gun, sending one ball through the side of the latter. Without stopping her engines the Arkansas ran past No. 6, and next encountered the Louisville, which gave her the full benefit of her broadside and bow guns. The Arkansas had by this time reached a position
where her shot were effective in every direction, and she used all her guns at the same moment, firing at transports and gun-boats indiscriminately. None of the boats were able to give the Arkansas more than one or two broadsides before she was out of reach. Most of the balls were thrown at short range, but many of the solid projectiles glanced off, while the shells were shivered into a thousand fragments by the force of the concussion alone. The Benton, Louisville, and Cincinnati moved as speedily as they could turn in the river, and followed closely upon the heels of the Arkansas.
As the rebel boat passed the Hartford, Iroquois, and Richmond she received a heavy broadside from each. The Essex, which arrived only a few days since, managed to send two 100-pound steel shot fairly through the sides of the Arkansas, cawing her to careen fearfully. One of them is thought to have struck near her water-line and caused her to leak badly, as she kept her pump constantly going, and poured out a large stream of water from her sides. One of the Richmond's 100-pound Parrott shot is also supposed to have gone completely through her. After each discharge of her guns the port-holes of the Arkansas were instantly closed, her sides presenting nothing but a mass of almost impenetrable wood and iron. One of those port-holes was left open fora moment, and a ball from the Benton entered, killing ten men and wounding several others. A shot from one of the boats, at short range, is said to have struck at right angles upon the side of the Arkansas, and rebounded, falling into the water close to the vessel from which it was discharged.
The Arkansas did not slacken her speed during her progress
down the river, but kept steadily forward, firing her guns as she moved ahead. Her speed of motion is not as great as some of her friends have thought she would attain, her immense weight causing her to draw too much water for rapid movements. Her enormous iron prow was prominent to view; but she did not attempt to use it upon any of the boats after the first attack. This was probably owing to her slow pace, and it is to her failure in this respect that we are doubtless indebted for the present safety of our boats.
The ram Lancaster, No. 3, at one time started for the Arkansas, intending to run her down; but before proceeding far she received three shots, one of which severed her steam-pipe, by which a number of her crew were severely scalded, two of them fatally. Notwithstanding the great number of boats opposed to her, the Arkansas succeeded in passing safely through and seeking the protection of the rebel batteries.
WE give on the next page a portrait of MAJOR-GENERAL HENRY W. HALLECK, who was appointed on the 11th ult. Commander-in-Chief of the Armies of the United States.
Henry Wager Halleck was horn at Weston, Oneida County, New York, in 1820, and is consequently forty-two years of age. He entered West Point in 1835, graduated third in his class, and obtained a commission in the engineers. For a year he served as assistant professor of engineering at West Point. From 1810 to 1815 he diversified his military duties by lecturing; He likewise published one or two important scientific and military works. When the war with Mexico broke out he was in California, and for conduct in skirmishes there in November, 1847, he was brevetted Captain. He was subsequently chief of Commodore Shubrick's staff, Secretary of State of California, and, in 1849, a member of the Convention which drafted the Constitution of the State. He took such a liking to the Pacific coast that its 1854, being then Captain of Engineers, he resigned his rank, studied law, and opened an office in San Francisco. His firm, Halleck, Billings, & Co., were very successful at the has. It is a little curious that one of the first business transactions in which General Halleck was engaged when he went to St. Louis to command the department of the West, was a private pecuniary matter in which he acted as the legal adviser of his old client, Major-General Fremont—whom, in effect, he came to supersede.
When the rebellion broke out, General Halleck was at once summoned front California by the Government, at the instance of General Scott, and appointed to the command front which Fremont had been removed, and which General Hunter had temporarily filled. His administration has been a series of brilliant triumphs. When he arrived at St. Louis the rebels held all Tennessee, most of Kentucky, and three-fourths of Missouri; the Mississippi was blockaded to within twenty miles of Cairo; secession was rampant and loyalty at a discount. General Halleck began by hanging bridge-burners, which put a stop to the destruction of bridges; he next made the secession sympathizers pay the losses of Union men who had been robbed by the rebels; this put an end to rebel outrages on Unionists and cooled the wealthy traitors of St. Louis. Then moving his armies and his gun-boats in a methodical manner, he expelled the rebels from Missouri and Northern Arkansas, took Fort Henry, Fort Donelson, and Island No. 10; compelled the evacuations successively of Bowling Green, Columbus, Corinth, and Cumberland Gap; and now enables his soldiers to rest on their arms during the hot months—having nearly completed the work they were set to do. He has hardly met (Next Page)
Site Copyright 2003-2018 Son of the South. For Questions or comments about this collection, contact email@example.com
Are you Scared and Confused? Read My Snake Story, a story of hope and encouragement, to help you face your fears.


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JEFFERSON AIRPLANE– JEFFERSON STARSHIP– Great Society
Please spread the
word the new Jefferson Starship book:
"HAVE YOU SEEN THE STARS TONITE" has landed.
http://www.amazon.com (The books are proudly featured here)
JEFFERSON AIRPLANE– JEFFERSON STARSHIP– Great Society– Take Me To A Circus Tent
Have You Seen The Stars Tonite
Quality Rock & Roll Airplane style.
Paul Kantner, Grace Slick, and a trillion friends:
Your Mind Has Left Your Body (From the 1973 Baron Von Tollbooth sessions)
Great Society W/Grace Slick studio circa 1965:Don't Mess With Me
Hello there and welcome to the Jefferson Flight:
How about an unreleased 1965 studio track from the Great Society and from the Baron Von Toolbooth sessions a stellar gem without the hiss. Even if you heard it previously it may not have been with this quality! Mr. Paul Kantner and a cast of zillions do their thing!!
A quick note about the football Giants. Any time a team doesn't get to defend their title in the championship game the season is a major disappointment. The Eagles played with more passion.
Enjoy as always. Got to go rock and roll.
Please spread the
The new Jefferson Starship book "Have You Seen The Stars Tonite" has arrived!
Thanks as always!
Relax and have fun!
JEFFERSON STARSHIP– Great Society-
Take Me To A Circus Tent
I look forward to hearing you later!
The book is Take Me To A Circus Tent (The Jefferson Airplane Flight Manual) W/93 photos, 32 interviews, 543 pages, and a myriad of 5 star reviews!
Please remember at any moment on an Aircast it can be a rare memory from the Jefferson Airplane, Jefferson Starship, KBC, Wooden Ships, Marty Balin, Paul Kantner to name several. Maybe another picture previously unseen from the Rock Tent Vault sees daylight from Herb Greene or Don Aters.
Wishing you a great day,
Please board here for the rock treasures:
All my best,


text:
What are Nephrolithotomy and Nephrolithotripsy?
Nephrolithotomy and nephrolithotripsy are surgical treatments for large stones that have formed in the kidney, or in the tubes connecting the kidney to the bladder (called the ureters). For these procedures, the surgeon makes an incision in the patient's back and then inserts a tube with a camera, called a nephroscope, into the incision. The nephroscope allows her to see inside the kidney and helps her determine whether the stone is small enough to fit through the tube, or if it needs to be broken up into smaller pieces before removal.
If the surgeon simply takes the stone out using the nephroscope, the procedure is called nephrolithotomy. However, if the stone is very large, the surgeon may use high-frequency sound waves to crush the stone first, and then suction out the stone fragments. This type of kidney stone removal is called nephrolithotripsy.
Before the development of minimally invasive techniques, nephrolithotomy required a long incision, but now it is performed with a cut shorter than half an inch. When the procedure is done this way, it is called percutaneous nephrolithotomy. In contrast, nephrolithotripsy has always been performed through a small incision.
Both percutaneous nephrolithotomy and nephrolithotripsy take approximately 20 to 45 minutes to perform and require a hospital stay of about two or three days. After the stones are removed, you will have two temporary drain tubes -- a nephrostomy, which drains urine from the kidney, and a urinary catheter, which drains urine from your bladder. These tubes will be removed before you get discharged from the hospital. Strenuous activities, including pushing, pulling, and lifting, must be avoided for up to a month, but you may return to work a week after surgery.


text:
Splunk Services
Splunk Services work with you to build a strategic success plan for faster return on investment and more impactful business results with your Splunk deployment.
Get focused attention across Splunk's Security Portfolio with Splunk Security Services
Integrate data and develop solutions with the Splunk Cloud services team
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Follow our proven methodology for implementing Splunk software across our portfolio
Assess and Design
Review and discuss current requirements, use cases and data sources with a Splunk Solutions Architect. They will build a customized implementation plan, including detailed configuration guidance, data onboarding requirements, and the best architecture to target your business needs.
Expanding Success
Splunk Accredited Consultants will configure your Splunk environment, build out a data collection strategy, and ensure your system is optimized for success. After identifying the highest priority use cases for your implementation, we will ensure Splunk is accurately ingesting all of the necessary data to support your data-driven business needs.
Evaluation of Success
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A Splunk Accredited Consultant will build your data analytic engine by leveraging Splunk dashboards, alerts, and apps to achieve the outcomes identified in your implementation plan. Our team has helped thousands of other customers realize the value of their data, they can help you too.


text:
Our Chippendale Armchairs showcase the sophisticated soul of Chinese Chippendale styling. Solid Mahogany wood frame is artisan crafted with classic fretwork hand finished with bamboo-inspired turnings. 100% Belgium Linen seat removable cushion supported by a woven rattan seat. The Chippendale Dining Chair is great for those looking to add classic Hamptons or coastal styling to their home.
Dimension and Care:
- Solid Mahogany Frame.
- All structural joins are doweled, screwed and glued.
- 100% Belgium Linen Fabric. 25,000 rubs tested.
- Seat pad is removable.
- Nylon feet pads on each leg.
- Dust often using a soft, dry cloth.
- W49cm×D50cm×H103cm
- Seat Height: 49cm (to top of seat pad).
- Warranty 2yr Structural.
Shipping and Delivery:
This item ships via our local courier to South East Queensland and via TNT Road Express for all other areas. It arrives within 2-10 business days of order receipt depending on location.


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Massimiliano Mauro
Massimiliano Mauro is an independent designer and art director based in Milan. He helps client in every field of the visual communication on any medium, from brand identity to information graphic, way findings to App and web.
Previously, Massimiliano worked at Wired Italia in the awarded team directed by David Moretti. During this time he worked on the digital replica of the magazine for the tablet, winning the silver medal for best magazine app 2013 at Society of Publisher Designer, US. He worked on interactions, videos and special features of both paper and tablet edition of the magazine.
During his stay in Wired Massimiliano curated the design of the data-driven journalism pages, DATA.
In parallel at the work as designer he enjoy teaching in the Scuola Politecnica di Design in the Master of Visual Design and Web Design.
The website in still in development, you can also visit my behance! Feel free to contact me! You can sign to the mailing list to keep update! Cheers!! For business inquiries please contact me at: firstname.lastname@example.com


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|Review: Morgul Vale - Dead Pride
|Dead Pride
Label: Independent
Year released: 2010
Duration: 12:51
Tracks: 3
Genre: Black Metal
Review online: February 20, 2010
Reviewed by: Michel Renaud
for:Dead Pride
Rated 2/5 (40%) (1 Vote)
This is the first demo for Ottawa's Morgul Vale. And it is a demo – it sounds like it, and it's even a tape release. Somehow it's nice to hear a demo that doesn't sound like a professionally-produced album. You can almost imagine one of the guys walking to turn off the recorder when a song is over – that kind of demo feel. Call me a nostalgic.
This is mostly minimalistic black metal – not because of the garage-style production but rather this is basic, in-your-face, keyboard-free second wave type of stuff. Nothing artsy here, this is raw and dirty, so Dimmu fans, steer clear! The vocals are barked when not yelped – good luck understanding the lyrics here, but it's not unexpected in the genre. Pretty sick style that they should probably re-think, as the music calls for something more... Elaborate, especially the second and third tracks.
"The Beast of Centuries" is a bit messy and I'd say it's the weak point here – it doesn't seem to be going anywhere, as if the guys were just jamming with a few ideas thrown in the pot. It does have its good moments, but as a whole song I found it a bit hard to get through. Things get much better with the other two songs where things sound much more thought out. You can actually remember something from them – some cool, slightly catchy riffage in there, though a bit repetitive at times. "High Spirits of Devastation" is mostly mid-paced, though the drums might make you think otherwise (more on that later.) "Wanderlust" starts off really nice and slow, some grinding guitar slowly building up to a more mid-paced vibe, then the almost obligatory acoustic part in the middle which leads into a slow to mid-paced later half that conveys quite a bit of atmosphere and torturous emotion, very well done – you can just feel the pain and suffering. The drum sound hurts through and through, however. They sound like they're coming from the neighbour's place rather than from the same room as the others, and frankly I found that hard to ignore – a constant reverberating "be-doom be-doom" sound that just won't go away – but hey, let's not forget that this is a demo.
Morgul Vale show some potential here, but there's work to be done – a fatter guitar sound, obviously a better drum sound (and the drum work, as mentioned earlier, sometimes feels slightly out of sync with the rest), and maybe some vocals with more presence would give these compositions a whole new life. As it is, you can almost hear the songs say "hey, fill us up with super, you cheapo!" :) Nothing wrong with minimal production in black metal, but these compositions deserve a bit more. So, not a perfect demo, but it shows a lot of potential. Looking forward to hearing more stuff from these guys.
|Click below for more reviews
|Latest 0-9 A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z Various Books/Zines
The Metal Crypt - Crushing Posers Since 1999
Copyright © 1999-2020, Michel Renaud / The Metal Crypt. All Rights Reserved.


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Žižek's latest article is bad. Really bad. A trainwreck. Almost every paragraph is – to a greater or lesser extent – wilfully ignorant, deliberately offensive, and ill-thought-through to the point of absolute redundancy. But no one needed me to tell them that; so why even bother responding to it? The first reason is personal. Žižek's early books (The Sublime Object of Ideology, Looking Awry, etc.) were particularly influential on my academic development, and, like many, I was first exposed to Jacques Lacan through Žižek. I still believe he has done work which is sharp, insightful, and enlightening, and there are even some Žižekian turns of phrase that creep into my writing, owing to the amount of time I have spent reading him. So a particular pathos accompanies my reception of his recent interventions, to say the least. Secondly, as his most famous disciple, Žižek remains for many readers the predominant or even sole encounter with Lacan. It is profoundly unfortunate if the only Lacan a person comes across is Žižek's, and even more so if this Lacan is seen as the support for ultimately reactionary conclusions on subjects as diverse as the refugee crisis and transgenderism. It falls on us as Lacanians to challenge Žižek's (ab)use of the man's theories, to reclaim Lacan on his own terms.
What this is not is a comprehensive, 'line-by-line' critique of Žižek's article. Many of his arguments are essentially rehashes of familiar (homo/trans)phobic lines ("Why not even a marriage with animals?" is a sentence which actually appears therein, for example) and do not really warrant a response. Nor am I going to discuss Žižek's baffling points about ethnic identity and class politics, or for that matter his conflation of transgenderism and postgenderism – again, I think every reader will see the shortcomings here without me having to highlight them. Besides, the famous political commentators Virgil Texas and Felix Biederman have already done this for us. Instead I would like to sketch some points about the (possible) relationship between psychoanalytic (and specifically, Lacanian) theory and transgenderism, and suggest that the framework Žižek has used to attack the latter can be turned in the opposite direction, against his conclusions.
Whenever we talk about psychoanalysis, what must not be passed over is its rejection of the apparent dichotomy between biological essentialism (gender as a biological fact synonymous with sex) and discursive constructionism (gender as a historico-social construction); faced with these two options, it chooses the third, so to speak. This is why it in fact seems to me that there is a certain congruence between psychoanalytic thought and the logic of transgenderism. Trans people are clearly not absolute constructivists – if they were, having acknowledged the historicism and contingency of 'gender' as such, they would not be so invested in carving out a place of possible identity within its framework, be it of the opposite gender to that corresponding to their biological sex (as in the case of trans men and women) or of a refusal of this binary altogether (as in the case of all that is gathered under the umbrella term 'genderqueer'). They would simply dismiss the notion that anything related to gender had any fundamental bearing on their identity separate from performativity. Nor are they biological essentialists, as is evident from the separation of gender and biological sex inherent to transgenderism, and the mobility of gender therefore prescribed. What a trans person knows is that sex/gender cannot be reduced to biology, but also cannot be discarded altogether as purely rhetorical/performative. This is precisely Lacan's own view, and why we can see the reasons Tim Dean has called Lacan "a queer theorist avant la lettre."
Lacan was of the opinion that sex cannot be reduced to a discursive construction, because it is opposed to sense itself, occurring at (or as) the limit internal to signification: "Everything implied by the analytic engagement with human behaviour indicates not that meaning reflects the sexual, but that it makes up for it." "Sex," as Joan Copjec eloquently puts it, "is the stumbling block of sense." This is what Lacanians mean when they say that sexual difference is 'real' – not that it maps onto a biological (prediscursive) reality, but that it designates the very failure of symbolisation itself. The symbolic is like a torus, structured around the hole of the real, which Lacan ingeniously described as "extimate" to it, and as such there is no signifier of sexual difference in the unconscious, only the phallus, which stands for this very impossibility. This is passed over by many gender theorists, who note that the symbolisation or discursive construction of sex is an ongoing process without end, but do not acknowledge that sex does not simply designate this discursive process, but rather the failure of this process altogether.
That there is no signifier of sexual difference in the unconscious means that, as Tim Dean writes, "sexual difference does not organize or determine sexual desire." This is why Žižek's conflation of gender identities and sexualities is particularly surprising; the Lacanian formula of the sexual relationship he quotes – "1+1+a" – has nothing to do, per se, with the genders of the people involved. Besides, the 'third element' he is so keen to centre his argument on, objet a, is radically unsexed, as Tim Dean has also pointed out: insofar as the subject's relationship to the object operates via fantasy, no fantasy (cis- or transgendered, hetero- or homosexual) has any more claim to 'authenticity' or success than any other. In Lacanian theory, "masculine" and "feminine" describe not biological positions but rather positions assumed in relation to the deadlock of sex. As Lacan himself says, when explaining the graph of sexuation: "On the other side, you have the inscription of the woman portion of speaking beings. Any speaking being whatsoever, as is expressly formulated in Freudian theory, whether provided with the attributes of masculinity—attributes that remain to be determined—or not, is allowed to inscribe itself in this part." A heterosexual male could very well be a feminine subject in terms of psychoanalysis, in a way which is crucially non-behaviourist. Insofar as they respond to a 'real' impossibility, both of these positions index a failure, and are bound to be equally (un)successful, albeit in asymmetrical ways.
The fact that the unconscious contains no signifier of sexual difference means that it is essentially bigendered/bisexual (as Freud himself already suggested), which is why Shanna T. Carlson has concluded that one way a transgendered person might be viewed in terms of psychoanalysis is as personifying "the human subject as such, the unconsciously bisexual subject for whom sexual difference is only ever an incomplete, unsatisfactory solution to the failure of the sexual relation." Žižek (and, before him, Catherine Millot) obviously wants to argue that this solution is in fact a doomed attempt to escape the anxiety of castration. I do not understand why he comes to this conclusion. He seems to be suggesting, implicitly, that trans people fail to assume a position with regard to the phallus ('having' – masculine, or 'being' – feminine). But I see no reason to believe this once we understand that sexual position and gender identity are not synonymous in Lacanian theory. A heterosexual cisgendered man has no stronger claim or likelihood to have assumed his castration than anyone in any other sexual position, and indeed insofar as the only clinical structures available to the Lacanian subject are neurosis, perversion and psychosis, every subject comes to be defined by a complication or impasse with regard to the Other, that is, in relation to castration. It doesn't make sense for Žižek to suggest that transgenderism is somehow a symptom which stands apart from all others. When Žizek writes that the "LGBT trend" to "deconstruct" sexual norms "reduces this tension to the fact that the plurality of sexual positions are forcefully narrowed down to the normative straightjacket of the binary opposition of masculine and feminine, with the idea that, if we get away from this straightjacket, we will get a full blossoming multiplicity of sexual positions (LGBT, etc.), each of them with its complete ontological consistency," he makes an unwarranted leap, implying that trans people do not assume the same ontological lack as everyone else, even in spite of their gender identity, with as much or as little acknowledgement of this as is present in the cisgendered subject. Trans people have no illusions of being 'more complete' or fully realized sexually than their cisgendered counterparts. Žižek cannot simultaneously maintain that the "trend" he identifies attempts to both "de-ontologize" sex and provide the resulting sexual positions with "complete ontological consistency". Indeed, Lacan – 'anti-philosopher' that he was – did not ascribe ontological consistency to sex at all, since, as we have already said, it marks the point at which logos itself fails. It seems that Žižek has found himself caught up in the same dated nature/culture dichotomy psychoanalysis exists to render obsolete.
The truth is, Lacan's theory of sexual difference represents perhaps the most complex facet of his entire life's work. I do not have space to do it justice here, and I am not even attempting to introduce Lacan's graph of sexuation (which would indeed take a whole other essay). Lacan's seminars on sexual difference contain many of his most notorious, provocative, and misunderstood statements: "There is no sexual relationship," "Woman does not exist," "Woman is a symptom of man". This is part of the problem with Žižek's article: he attempts to mount a Lacanian critique of transgenderism while only making vague gestures in the direction of what Lacan actually said. Too often, Lacan has become for Žižek a rhetorical flourish, or (in a case of sublime irony) a Big Other to appeal to for authenticity; the actual content of Lacan's work is lost. In truth, Lacan has a lot to offer queer theory, and a genuinely Lacanian queer theory would be a large and fruitful undertaking, which can only take place if Lacanians are willing to listen (like actual analysts) to the accounts of trans people, instead of forcing them to conform to a pre-decided theoretical framework. If psychoanalysis cannot account for the existence of trans people without reducing them to a pathological version of the already-pathological cisgender human subject, it risks becoming the obsolete science its opponents claim it already is.
Further reading
I would point anyone who wants to read further on this subject to Shanna T. Carlson's thoughtful essay, "Transgender Subjectivity and the Logic of Sexual Difference". On Lacanian sexual difference, Sean Homer's Jacques Lacan provides a good introduction, and Bruce Fink's The Lacanian Subject: Between Language and Jouissance is incredibly useful. Joan Copjec's "Sex and the Euthanasia of Reason" is perhaps the definitive Lacanian response to Butlerian gender theory. And of course, Lacan should be read in his own words; in this case, The Seminar of Jacques Lacan, Book XX: Encore, On Feminine Sexuality, the Limits of Love and Knowledge, 1972-1973.
N.B. I have written a little more about this here, with further reading recommendations.


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Pros and Cons of Working as a Sales Manager
Sales managers are responsible for ensuring organizations meet their sales goals while managing salespeople. The following are a few of the pros and cons of pursuing a career in this field.
|Pros of Working as a Sales Manager
|Good pay (around $110,000 per year)*
|Opportunity to oversee workers*
|Jobs in many different industries*
|Work in a comfortable setting*
|Cons of Working as a Sales Manager
|Strong competition for jobs*
|Pressure to meet sales quotas*
|Could face interdepartmental competition*
|Sometimes requires long hours*
Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS)
Essential Career Info
Job Duties
Sales managers are generally in charge of a staff of salespeople, making sure an organization meets its sales goals. Some of your daily job duties might include resolving customer complaints, directing staffing efforts, evaluating the performance of sales staff and determining discount rates. Other tasks could include preparing budgets, keeping track of market trends and customer preferences, consulting with department managers or contacting potential clients.
The BLS reported a median annual salary of about $110,000 for sales managers as of May 2014 (www.bls.gov). Professionals in the 75th percentile earned upwards of $160,000, while the lowest 10% made $53,000 or less. The industries that offered the highest salaries for sales managers were securities and commodities brokering financial investment; securities and commodities exchanges; apparel wholesalers; and specialized design services.
Career Outlook
According to the BLS, sales managers are expected to experience an employment growth rate of about 8% from 2012-2022. Growth in this field will likely be due to increased sales efforts resulting from a growing economy. Job prospects are expected to be more plentiful in business-to-business sales, since online sales efforts are expected to decrease the need for direct sales calls to consumers. Industries with the highest levels of employment include enterprise management, car dealers, electronics brokers, department stores and computer systems design.
Most sales managers have at least a bachelor's degree in a business-related field, such as accounting, human resources management, business administration, marketing or finance. You could pursue a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree program with a concentration in sales. These programs are often combined with related areas like marketing. They typically take four years to complete and often include an internship requirement. You could take classes in areas like accounting, business communication, market intelligence, business law and economics. Other areas of study could include presentation techniques, interactive marketing, relationship-based selling and business planning.
Sales managers must be able to communicate clearly and persuasively, and they must be able to convey the benefits of a product and build relationships with clients. Similarly, active listening skills can help communicate and build relationships. Social perceptiveness, critical thinking and leadership are also valuable skills in this field.
Job Postings
Employers looking for sales managers often seek job candidates who have experience selling products in a specific industry. You typically must have a good sales record as well. Having earned a master's degree in business or sales could improve your chances of success. Check out the following job postings from 2012 to see what real employers are looking for in sales operations manager applicants.
- A sales operations support manager is needed in Ann Arbor, Michigan. In addition to a good sales record, you need at least 10 years of experience in the financial industry to be eligible for this position.
- A sales manager is needed to cover a regional area in Georgia. This is a business-to-business sales position that requires at least five years of experience.
- A corporate sales manager is needed in Ohio. To be eligible for this position, you need at least three years of direct sales experience.
How To Stand Out
Most sales manager positions require a bachelor's degree, and some jobs can be secured with a high school diploma; however, if you earn a master's degree in business, you may be able to increase your chances of success. A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is a terminal degree in business that takes 2-3 years to complete and could qualify you for upper-level management or executive positions. Alternatively, you could join a professional organization. Sales managers can join the Sales Management Association, which offers certification opportunities and networking events.
Alternative Careers
Advertising Sales Agent
Advertising sales agents are responsible for selling advertising space to private businesses. Their primary responsibility is contacting prospective clientele to make sales presentations. You can get this job with a high school diploma, and it pays around $45,000 per year, as of 2011, according to the BLS.
Market Research Analyst
If you want to be involved in sales and marketing, but don't want the pressure and instability associated with working as a sales manager, consider finding a job as a market research analyst. Professionals in this field study market trends and recommend effective sales strategies. The BLS reports that you typically need a bachelor's degree to get this job and it paid about $61,000 per year in 2011.


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About Us
Who We Are
Founded in 1989, TLC Caregivers is Northwest Florida's most established provider of private duty personal care. Growing from simple roots – a startup out of the founder's living room – TLC's mission is to provide the highest quality assistance to those in need while maintaining their dignity and independence.
In 1997, TLC was acquired by a local business leader who, himself, learned the value of high quality, dependable caregivers in helping his own mother live at home. Under this leadership, TLC Caregivers has flourished and has earned its reputation as a leader in the industry.
Operating in Escambia, Santa Rosa, Okaloosa and Walton counties and offering 24-hour non-medical care, TLC gives peace of mind to countless families in the area. We take pride in providing appropriate, timely care to assist clients in their independence and to provide families respite as they care for loved ones.


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The Dramatists Guild, New York City
I am a 20 year old musical theatre student, and did not have the pleasure to grow up in the Callas era. My familiarity with her as an icon was solely based upon my knowing her as an opera singer, my growing up on her recordings of Carmen and my falling in love with her recording of (specifically) Un Bel Di from Madama Butterfly.
To see Miss Davidson in this 90 minute show was stunning. From the moment she walked in the door it was like actually being in the room with Maria Callas. The show in educated me as to who Maria was emotionally with regards to her relationship to her work, her teacher, her mother, Aristotle Onassis and others influential in her life. She was a person with the same faults and tribulations that people who are not perceived to be icons, per se, are. I thought the educational value of this show was remarkable.
As a young actress myself, the performance was inspiring because Joy Davidson is an amazing and indelible talent. I was touched by the performance! The emotional and the psychological thoughts portrayed were extremely effective. I learned so much and can only hope to see it again and bring my friends and colleagues so they may be touched and educated as to who this wonderful diva (Callas) is and was.
Review by Elizabeth Morin. Executive Assistant, Foundation Ventures LLC, 70 E. 55th Street, New York, NY 10022. Contact Ms. Morin via mobile at (646) 315.4764, or e-mail at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Buckcherry returns after eight years, hits comeback with new album
Mackenzie Cummings-Grady Journal Staff
Buckcherry was one of my favorite bands in middle school. Their hiatus comeback album is still on repeat when I feel like listening to some raunchy explicit rock and roll. When I first heard their new album Confessions, which released on Tuesday, I debated not even reviewing it, for the last eight years their post 15 albums have been abysmal. Black Butterfly {2008} was too ballad heavy, and provided minimal opportunities to rock out, which is what the band is known for. All Night Long (2010) was the complete opposite and was filled with party songs that were shallow and all sounded exactly the same, and some even seemed under produced.
As it seemed impossible for the band to gain back that balance they had on 15 they released Confessions after a three-year break. While they still have a long way to go before they gain back the support of those they lost during the slump of the last eight years, Confessions shines a light of hope on the band, that maybe it is possible to teach an old dog new tricks.
The highlights of the album are no doubt "Gluttony" and "Dreaming of You," both completely different rock songs. "Gluttony" through thick guitars and Josh Todd's crackling vocals tell the story of a man addicted to danger and partying. The track is formulated in a unique way to make a statement they've been attempting to make since 15, that they are a hardcore party hard rock band. If anything the track inspires one to go out on a Saturday night and paint the town red just like Sunshine did back in 2005. "Dreaming of you" is a simple, yet well-written love song, and shows a softer side to Josh's voice. Even though I believe Todd's vocals are unsuitable for ballads, "Dreaming of You" shows a maturity in lyricism that I haven't seen from the band since "Sorry" and "Carousel". Other gems such as "Greed" and "Air" gain the same kind of party-hard/love making response from the listener, and overall the musicianship sounds well-constructed. While some tracks are still under-developed and seem almost rushed in production {"Envy" and "Lust" for example}, the album shows a change in the band's style, and overall a maturity that hasn't been visible in the last eight years. I thought my favorite guilty pleasure band was dead and gone, but with Confessions they've made my little eighth grade heart beat again, if only on every other song.


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How Much Sunscreen Should You Apply? Check Out This Handy Graphic
Remember most sunscreens need to be applied 20-30 minutes BEFORE going out in the sun, that's how long it takes for them to START working. Sunscreen must be reapplied EVERY 2 hours, more often after swimming, sweating or Toweling off
Posted in Camping, Gardening, Health, Heavenly Hikes, Out and About with Family, Outdoor Living, Skin, Sun Safe Info, Travel Tagged beach, bike, biking, cycle, cycling, melanoma, skin cancer, summer, sun block, sun burn, sun damage, sun protection, sun protection clothing, sunblock, sunburn, sunscreen, UV, uv clothing, uv rays, uvb 3 Comments
Vacate Your Vehicle & Saddle Up – May is National Bike Month!
Bike to Work Week is May 13-17 and Bike to Work Day is Friday, May 17. People ride bikes for lots of different reasons. Here are the top five reasons why you should be out there too. 1. For Your … Continue reading
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Protect Your Family With Style – Black Friday SALE Though Monday!
Great Deals All Weekend On Sun Protection Accessories For The Whole Family. Shop Sunny Beadz UV Color Change Jewelry and GET 40% OFF with code BEADZFRIDAY (minimum $10 purchase) 30% OFF Solid Color Sun Sleeves
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Fill up your water bottles, strap on your helmet and take to the streets of LA this Sunday – CicLAvia!
This weekend is one of our family's favorite events in Los Angeles as CicLAvia shuts down the streets of downtown LA for five glorious hours of pedal power and smiling. On Sunday, October, 7, 2012, we will be exploring the expanded … Continue reading
Posted in Out and About with Family, Sports, Travel, Uncategorized Tagged bike, bike sleeves, biking, cicLAvia, cycle, cycle sleeves, cycling, LA, los angeles, no cars, sun, sun protection, uv sleeves 1 Comment
Temperatures may be falling but the UV index is still HIGH
The kids are back to school, summer is officially over and leaves are starting to change. In many areas of the country however despite days getting shorter the temperatures are still very much like summer, for us in Los Angeles … Continue reading
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National Sunglasses Day – 3 Tips for choosing the right sunglasses
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How Much is Enough? Most people use 75% LESS than they should!
15 SPF, 30 SPF, 50 SPF…1000 SPF? It's doesn't matter how high the number is if you aren't using the amount used in lab testing you will not get the protection you expect from your sunscreen. So exactly how much … Continue reading
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- Coach Hart: �No stage is too big for them� (3/20/19)
- It's not time for retirement, just time for a change of scenery (10/23/18)
- Difference Maker will be honored at annual banquet (9/4/18)
- Parade helps bring us together (7/3/18)
- For the welfare of our country: Words have consequences (7/1/18)3
- Event to support Middle Way House (6/19/18)
- Do you know a Difference Maker? (6/6/18)
Volunteers are the backbone of our community, country
Most days before crawling out of bed I look at the ceiling fan and utter six words in my head: Thank you, thank you, thank you.
Why the ceiling fan (it has three lights)? The Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. It's a daily reminder.
Deb and I have been truly blessed in our time on this earth. We were taught well by our parents, and have great family support. We truly understand how fortunate we've been.
What has transpired in parts of Texas and Louisiana since last Friday evening has magnified those thoughts. What thousands are enduring following the devastation of Hurricane Harvey is unimaginable.
No home. No clothes. No mode of transportation. Life will never be the same. But they will press on. And they will do so with the help of volunteers in the Lone Star and Bayou states, along with thousands from around the country and world.
Some will jump in their cars, trucks, SUVs, and semis and head southwest to physically help. Others will click a button on a website to offer monetary help, and others will purchase clothes, water, food, shoes, and other supplies being donated by local churches and civic organizations.
No matter what you do, it all adds up to Americans helping Americans. Why? Because that's what we do in the time of need. When others are suffering, we figure out a way to help.
Volunteers made this country what it is today. Those who volunteered to fight for freedom during the Revolutionary War to those who are helping today make our country strong.
It's fair to say volunteerism — put another way, those who take action when action is needed — may very well be the backbone of our nation.
As I've shared recently, the Greene County Daily World will again recognize local volunteers. Those local people who step up when something needs accomplished, and they do so without being asked.
The newspaper's second annual Difference Makers banquet will be Sept. 21 at 6 p.m. at the Goose Pond Lodge & Retreat, located a few minutes south of Linton on State Road 59. Our 10 finalists for Difference Maker of the Year will be featured the week before in a special section in the newspaper, and the winner will be announced at the banquet.
The banquet is open to the public, and is free. All we ask is for you call or email the newspaper to let us know you want to attend. You can call (812) 847-4487 or email general manager Christy Lehman at email@example.com . We ask for the notification so we can determine how much food to prepare.
Our sponsors this year are Jerry and Gayle Margraf of McDonald's, Tracy Keen State Farm Insurance in Linton, Bob Burkle Chevy/Ford of Clay City, Save-A-Lot in Linton, and Goose Pond Lodge & Retreat. We also have one anonymous sponsor.
I'm looking forward to keynote speaker Archie Ellett, lead pastor at Linton First Christian Church, sharing his thoughts on volunteerism in our community. I've known of Archie since he was a member of the L&M High School basketball "Dream Team" in the mid-1980s and I was a sports writer back in the day.
He's deeply rooted in the Greene County community, and does many behind-the-scene things to make our area a great place to live and worship.
I, like a lot of people, have been impressed with his work as the chaplain for the Linton-Stockton High School football team the past several years.
I'm sure his address on Sept. 21 will be heartfelt, and his message will be something we'll want to share.
As you watch the news the next few weeks, keep those affected by Hurricane Harvey in your prayers. But also keep the volunteers in your prayers too.
And pick up the phone or send an email saying you want to attend the newspaper's Difference Makers banquet to honor our local volunteers.
Chris is the publisher for the Greene County Daily World. He can be reached by email at email@example.com or by telephone at (812) 847-4487.
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Apply Now for Ongoing Recruitment at Vernitech Consulting Limited – 19th September 2016
Apply Now for Ongoing Recruitment at Vernitech Consulting Limited – 19th September 2016; Vernitech Consulting Limited is a comprehensive engineering firm with uncommon capabilities for planning, designing, executing construction projects, offering core mechanical, electrical, and plumbing design, as well as fire protection, architectural lighting technology, commissioning, and sustainable consulting services.
We are recruiting to fill the position below:
Job Title: Civil/Building Engineer
Location: Lagos
Job Description
Undertaking technical and feasibility studies including site investigations.
Using a range of computer packages for developing detailed designs.
Liaising with clients and a variety of professionals including architects and subcontractors.
Compiling job specs and supervising tendering procedures.
Resolving design and development problems.
Scheduling material and equipment purchases and deliveries.
Assessing the sustainability and environmental impact of projects.
Skills and Qualifications
Sound mathematical and technical skills including physics.
Ability to think methodically, to design, plan and manage projects.
Ability to maintain an overview of entire projects while continuing to attend to detailed technicalities.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
Negotiating, supervisory and leadership skills combined with the ability to delegate.
Ability to work under minimum supervision.
Knowledge of engineering and technical principles and practices.
Computer proficiency.
Minimum qualification of Higher National Diploma (HND) in either Civil Engineering or Building Engineering.
Job Title: Receptionist/Front Desk Officer
Location: Lagos
Providing information to clients or all those people who will call in the office or visit the office premises.
Provides all kinds of clerical and administrative support.
Is responsible for maintaining cleanliness in the front desk area.
Answering the queries of all those people who call in the organization or information seekers about the business.
Receive all the important messages and pass them on to the required authorities.
Honoring and greeting people who enter the organization and communicate with them in a pleasing manner along with a positive attitude.
Maintaining a record of appointments and coordinate those to the right people in the office.
Have knowledge about the business status of the organizations for which he/she is rendering the services.
The front desk receptionist is considered as the face of an organization.
The receptionist at the front desk is also responsible for distribution of mails, deleting the junk mails and prioritizing the important mails that are required for business purposes.
The front desk receptionist is responsible for dispatching and receiving important documents, preparing financial correspondences, filing documents, making photocopies and sending faxes.
He/She should coordinate with all the employees of an organization for conveying important messages.
Requirement and Experience
Smart and a computer literate, not more than 29 years
Good written and verbal communication skills- English
Required Experience:2-5 years
Minimum of B.Sc
Job Title: IT Administrator
Location: Lagos
Job Description
The IT Administrator role is responsible for driving and implementing IT strategy for the company, while managing a team of support technicians and admin.
You will ensure legal and IT compliance is at an enterprise level throughout the organization.
Key areas of responsibility would be:
Manage the deployment, monitoring, maintenance, development, upgrade, and support of all current IT systems.
Communicate regularly with executive management and all users of information services and systems.
Manage and develop IT staff, including, training, evaluation, guidance, discipline.
Develop standard operating procedures and best practices, including providing written protocols and guidance to IT staff and to end-users.
Responsible for programming and formulas for access database
Ensure the creation and maintenance of all written documentation, including system and user manuals, license agreements, and documentation of modifications and upgrades.
Keep current with the latest technologies and determine what new technology solutions and implementations will meet business and system requirements.
All IT policies and procedures, including those for architecture, security, disaster recovery, standards, purchasing, and service provision.
Works with vendors to ensure IT requirements are met
Supervise work done by the vendor and make sure they are done to specification required
Candidate Requirements
B.Sc or HND in Information Technology or any related discipline.
A Minimum of 2 yrs experience in IT Administration.
Good knowledge in software such as SUN accounts, PEGASUS and SAGE
Good understanding Of System/Servers Administration, IT Service Delivery, Networking
Microsoft Certified IT Professional and/or relevant System/Server Administration Professional Certification
Good knowledge and practical skills on IT Security
Help desk Support skills.
Servers, Desktops and other Hardware maintenance skills
Job Title: Estate Surveyor/Estate Valuer & Agent
Location: Lagos
Valuation of property/assets for various purposes
Sales and leasing of properties
Marketing of properties
Feasibility and viability studies
Generate and support new business opportunities
Act as a contact between the firm and its existing and prospective clients monitor trends in the industry and other marketing curricular activities,
Property management and maintenance coordination
Give weekly/Monthly Report on all Outstanding Rents
Calculate Service charge and Ensure compliance from tenants
Ensure all bills (PHCN, Security, Cleaning) are settled promptly
Perform other duties as required
Minimum of 5 years experience in the real estate environment or a similar sector
Degree in Business administration, Economics, Marketing, MBA B.Sc/HND in Estate Surveying, Estate Management or a related field
MSc and/or professional qualifications e.g. NIESV [RSV], IPFM, NIQS will be an added advantage
Job Title: Senior Account Executive
Location: Lagos
Work Area: Account Dept.
Expected Travel: 0 – 10%
Career Status: Professional
Employment Type: Regular Full Time
Responsibilities & Duties
Obtain and maintain a thorough understanding of the financial reporting and general ledger structure.
Ensure an accurate and timely monthly, quarterly and year end close.
Ensure the timely reporting of all monthly financial information.
Ensure the accurate and timely processing of positive pay transactions.
Supports budget and forecasting activities.
Collaborates with the other finance department managers to support overall department goals and objectives.
Advises staff regarding the handling of non-routine reporting transactions.
Supervise the general ledger group to ensure all financial reporting deadlines are met.
Assist in development and implementation of new procedures and features to enhance the workflow of the department.
Provide training to new and existing staff as needed.
Minimum Requirements
B.Sc in Accounting or other related courses with an emphasis in Accounting.
Technical Skills and Prior Experience:
Two to four years working experience in the financial reporting/general ledger area.
Experience with Elite Enterprise, J.D. Edwards or other large automated accounting system is a plus. Must have strong experience with Microsoft Excel, Access and Word.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Strong interpersonal, supervisory and customer service skills required.
Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and meet deadlines required.
How to Apply
Interested and qualified candidates should send their CV's to: [email protected]
Deadline: 1st November, 2016.
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The Nikon AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED was released back in 1993. When most of the lenses are updated at every 6 to 10 years, this lens is standing in production line for more than 21 years. Seems quite interesting isn't it. After using this lens for quite some time, its pretty much clear to me why they are reluctant to update it. I'll share my experience which will give you some clue about it.
Physical Construction
Holding the lens for the first time doesn't give the smooth feel of a modern lens. Its old fashioned and built like a tank. Very strong metal body, with broad rubberised focusing ring. At 1185gm its heavier than other Micro Nikkors but less than the AF-S Nikkor 70-200mm f/2.8G ED VR II. Without the lens hood it quite reasonable in size. It is a "IF" (Internal Focusing) lens, so the front part of the lens doesn't rotate like many other old Nikkors. The filter thread is 62 mm like rest of the Micro-Nikkor Lenses. The lens body has a textured matt finish which is really nice. The focus limiting switch located at the left side, is handy to make focusing quicker if you are not doing macro work. Setting the switch at LIMIT mark will make the lens focus from 2-ft 5-inch to Infinity. The built in tripod collar is very sturdy and smooth as well.
For switching auto-focus to manual focus you have to push the small silver button in M/A ring, then rotate it. This is something which I really dislike. Due to long involvement in macro photography I have to use this ring a lot. Mine and many others M/A ring has cracked around the screw next of silver button. I had to replace this ring from Nikon Service Centre and it doesn't work as smooth as before.
The back side of the lens is little different. Watch carefully and you can see the back end of lens is rectangular instead of circular. As a result you can't use a Tele-converter with this lens. The AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G IF-ED does accept Tele-converter.
Focusing Performance
Focusing ring is a very important component of a macro lens. If a macro lens lacks a good manual focusing ring its not worthy for me to purchase it. The AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED has a very well dampened focusing ring. Its helps a lot for manual focusing. Most modern lenses have some issues with manual focusing, there is some degree of lag as you rotate the ring. But this old Nikkor is a solid performer. Auto focus isn't very fast, but good enough for most work. And it doesn't hunt much at close distance while doing macro work. However its not quick enough to focus on flying object at close range like a bee. The example image of flying Blue-Banded bee below was shoot handheld with manual focusing.
The arc of rotation is also critical for a macro lens. The focus ring doesn't travel long in a regular lens and even if it does, it is optimised for distant object. You need the opposite for macro photography. The following diagram shows the total arc of rotation of this lens. This is not millimetre perfect but gives you a gross idea, how long the focusing ring travels. The free working distance of this lens at 1:1 magnification is around 10.3 inch. This means the front of the lens will remain 10.3 inch away from the subject. Which is very good for doing close up photography. I really loved the focusing behaviour of this lens more than AF-S VR Micro-NIKKOR 105mm f/2.8G and AF Micro-NIKKOR 60mm f/2.8D.
Below is the image shoot with above setting at 1:1 magnification.
Optical Performance
A lens is always as good as its glass and optical design. AF Micro-NIKKOR 200mm f/4D IF-ED has an optical design dated back to 1993. And doesn't have many tags like N, G, VR, FL etc. I guess it doesn't need any of those. It rocks when images quality matters without any of those fancy title. Having used many pro grade glasses from Nikon I was not expecting anything special. But I was amazed by its performance. At wide open aperture sharpness was very good from centre to corner. Stopping down at 5.6 and above, lens is nothing less than excellent. There is hardly any distortion. The images are crispy sharp. The contrast, colour all are exactly how its suppose to be. I wish all my modern lenses had no fancy title, instead should have inherited this sort of outstanding optical design and glass.
"Nikon Super Integrated Coating ensures control of flare and maximises colour performance. Close- Range Correction (CRC) overcomes aberrations. And superb sharpness and critical definition are assured." – Nikon
If you are oriented with optical problems like chromatic aberration, fringes etc. You will know how badly it affects your image. And this lens has all these issues under control. So I don't have to worry about correcting them in post processing. One other thing I am very much pleased about this lens is its Bokeh. It produces very smooth background in macro work. When compared to 105mm Macro and 60mm Macro, none generated as beautifully as the 200mm Micro did. In outdoor shooting in bright light with out of focus background the bokeh generated is also good (see example below).
In the following video you can see how smooth background it generates at very close distance.
We all keep a wide lens for group images. And then a Tele lens like 70-200 for portraits. A wide lens can never generate the beauty of a portrait image which a tele lens generates. And a Tele lens can't create the detail that a wide shoot needs. This is exactly how I felt about the AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED. In the world of macro photography AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED is a Tele lens that can create portrait of a macro subject with outstanding smooth background. While AF Micro-Nikkor 60mm f/2.8D is like a wide lens for macro subject, should be used when wide field of view is needed. Due to its super sharp image from corner to corner and very good working distance its highly recommended for serious macro work. Don't forget its highly expensive as well, at around USD 1700. The build quality is superb, better than most modern lenses. This is why I don't want Nikon to update this lens. Its will be extremely difficult to surpass its overall quality and performance with a new lens.
Excellent Built quality
Excellent Image quality
Easy to Manoeuvre
High price
Poorly designed Manual to Auto (M/A) ring
Highly recommended for Serious Macro Photography.
Price : $ 1749 (USA) | $ 1399 (Grey Market)
B&H (usa) | B&H (grey) | Adorama | Amazon
Technical Specification
Focal Length : 200mm
Aperture : f4 ~ f32
Maximum Reproduction Ratio : 1:1
Minimum Working Distance: 10.25 inch
Diaphragm : 9
Filter size : 62mm
Tripod Collar : Yes
Dimensions : 3.0 in x 7.6 in.
Weight : 1185 gm
Compatibility : FX, DX, FX in DX Crop Mode, 35mm Film
Buit-in Motor : No
Hood : HN-30 (Not Included)
Example Photos with AF Micro-Nikkor 200mm f/4D IF-ED
About Author
Junaed is a Doctor by profession who started photography back in 1992. From film days to digital he is regarded as a talented Photographer. He regularly appears as a guest lecturer at various Photographic clubs & institutes.
Macro Photography Related Article :
Macro Photography Beginners Guide
How to convert a Tele converter to an Extension Tube
How to convert Normal 18-55 Zoom Lens to Macro lens
How to achieve High Magnification in Macro Photography
Macro AF Extension Tube Error Fix
Macro Extension Tube Review – Kenko vs Vello


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Khru Doc started to exercise at the age of 10 years old when he was a FAT overweight kid. Fitness now is his PASSiON and his goal is for you to do something because it is better than NOTHING !!
Khru Doc has Neck, Shoulder, upper & lower Back, ACL right Knee, R/L Wrists and Lung Breathing allergy problems !! ALL of these things are strong by his Won Hundred workout program !!
Khru Doc's Nung Roi/ 100 WorkOut can keep your body in shape to do any Sport !! You can do this WorkOut any place ... Traveling, Vacation, Work, Home and/or the GYM ... krab !!
You CAN Do it !! Khru Doc's program is something totally new, he developed it and has been perfecting it in Thailand for the last 10 years !! It is his personal training program to keep himself FIT for Muay Thai and he is in his MID 50's !! He can set up a Personal Program for YOU ... contact him !! Khru Doc will start to do Video's on his YouTube Channel so please SUBscribe to it.
Interested in getting into workout shape ??
Do you Travel & need a workout program ??
Do you have some Injuries & need REHAB ?? Nung Roi WorkOut - 100 Coming Soon !!
1- Beginner just starting to workout ??
2- Experienced need Maintenance Progam ??
3- Pro WorkOut but need to REHAB your Body ??
Nung Roi WorkOut - 100
Coming Soon !!
Khru Doc has over 40 years of FITness training & over 25 years of Muay Thai Kickboxing Ring conditioning ... he has developed a workout program in Thailand called "Nung Roi" = 100 = or we like to say a WON Hundred workout !!
This workout will make you a WINNER for Life !!
Nung Roi WorkOut 100
Coming Soon !!
Latest WorkOuts from AoNang Krabi South Thailand !!
Exercises from the MTM Certification Camp Seminar 2011
This is the first time we started to record the Nung Roi = 100 WorkOuts 2008 !!


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Come Holy Spirit
|Catholic | 4 Comments »Posted in
Seriously, does it get better than this?
Today, we visited the Basilica in Mobile, a beautiful church. I was the last one in the church and walked in and found the kids praying. Should I have joined them? Probably yes, but I have been wanting this image forever. Sunshine kneels each time she enters the pew and during the consecration. She is imitating the boys, and it is so freaking adorable. Of course, I can't whip out a camera during mass, but today…we were visiting and clearly, I felt it acceptable.
The church was truly wonderful and had a small chapel in the basement which reminded me of Cathedrals in Europe. I shared a story with Goose about attending mass in the lower chapel of the Basilica of St. Francis in Assisi. One of the most amazing experiences for me, I was waiting for daily mass to start and monks came in chanting. It was so mesmerizing. Often, I tell stories and Goose responds with "cool", a clear indication he doesn't care. This time, he told me how happy he was that I shared the story with him.
After taking the photo, i joined the kids in prayer. I reminded them that the conclave starts tomorrow. We talked about all the Cardinals being at the Vatican. Then we prayed.
I've stayed away from reading about the impending election for various reasons, but mainly because nothing good comes from speculation. (I love the fact that the ballots are always burned so we can't study how the Cardinals vote.)
I trust that despite the failings of humans, the Holy Spirit will prevail.
Come, Holy Spirit, lead the Cardinals and most importantly, lead our next Holy Father.


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OHS Speaker – Steven Bradbury
OHS, Risk Management and Teamwork – Steven Bradbury
The sporting world is high Risk, high Reward. Just before the race with the epic pile up that led to Steven Bradbury winning Australia's 1st Winter Olympic Gold Medal he spoke to his coach Ann Zhang. Finally Steven had developed experience and judgment. It had taken him 12 years of obsessive training, 4 Olympics Campaigns, 111 stitches in his leg, four litres of blood on the ice and a broken neck.
Now Steve and his coach knew everything:
-Youthful exuberance = 0%
-Over Confidence = 0%
-Knowing the competition = 100%
-Knowing your own limitations = 100%
Everything is Risk VS Reward. Steven Bradbury won Australia's 1st Winter Olympic Gold Medal through strategy and planning. Steven knows he was lucky, he is probably the luckiest Olympic Gold Medalist in history. In his OHS presentation Steven demonstrates that success in business is about minimizing the risks so that when your opportunity to shine presents itself, you will be in position and prepared to be the next to 'Do A Bradbury'.
Fact – Thanks to Olympic historian Harry Gordon, in November 2014 the term 'Doing A Bradbury' is now in the Macquarie Dictionary!
Before the final Steven and his coach devised that staying out of the way would get him a bronze medal. That strategy got him the gold.
In 2014 Steven Bradbury presented a program 25 times around the country with Linfox called 'Activity Recovery'. It honed in on Positive Mindset, Early Injury ID, Injury Prevention and supporting an injured workmate. As a recently self insured company Linfox are trying to reduce cost, increase employee moral, reduce risk and speed up recovery time from injury.
Client Testimonial:
Steve surprised me with his prior research, humility, hands on approach and diligence to the Linfox Active Recovery project. He speaks well with empathy and humour making the seemingly dull, but necessary topics around safety engaging for all. Anyone who wants their team to be motivated, entertained and inspired Steve is the man!
John Gorman – GORMAN ENTERPRISES (contracted by Linfox)
-Positive Mindset
Fuelling your body to keep your mind switched ON. Meaning not showing up for work hungover from the night before or having eaten McDonalds all week. This puts you and your work mates at greater risk.
We all have tough days at work but if you tell yourself enough times, today will be a good day, you start to believe it.
Negativity breeds quickly. There is no reason to focus on things you can't control. Break the negativity cycle by developing 'Triggers' to switch the positivity back ON. One trigger Steven used during his skating career was a sign on the ceiling that read 'this is the Olympics get up'. It's the first thing he saw every morning when his alarm went off at 430am. He knew if he didn't get up and got beaten at the Olympics that he'd regret it. What Trigger can you develop to keep your mind switched on to positive? No Regrets!
The 'jack of all trades' doesn't really exist anymore. You need to become expert at your role and rely on your teammates/workmates to execute their role properly as well. A team is only as good as its weakest link.
-Experience and Judgement
Rules, guidelines and procedures are in place for a reason. Usually because somebody in the past has cut a corner to save a little bit of time to clock off 15 minutes earlier, resulting in accident, injury or even death. Most Aussies gain experience and judgement by learning from their mistakes and then getting it right. The consequences of this attitude in the workplace can be dire. The best way to get experience and judgement is to listen and learn from those who have been doing what your doing for a lot longer than you (normally your superiors). Short term gain = Long term pain.
-Steven's own injuries and recovery process from:
1- A skate blade skewered his thigh. It cut all 4 quad muscles and 3 veins, causing him to lose 3/4 of his blood in 60 seconds (audience sees the crash video). Steven could feel his eyes closing, his organs shutting down. He knew if he lost consciousness he was going to die and that was not an option. After almost dying on the ice 'a bad day at the office' didn't seem so bad. This positive mindset allowed Steven to pursue his goals with more passion than before.
2- A broken neck during a training crash and wearing a halo brace screwed into your skull for 2 months (audience sees photos). During that 2 months Steven had lots of time to think about the 'Big Picture'. People often overlook thinking big picture, and in the workplace, this leads to complacency.
After he broke his neck everyone around Steven told him that it was time to quit, the doctor told him he would never skate again. Steven went to another doctor. The big picture told him that after the halo brace had been removed he had 18 months until the next Olympics. Before breaking his neck Steven's had one goal in life – Olympic Gold. After 3 Olympics campaigns it had not been achieved and was no longer realistic. This is where Steven's mindset changed from Outcome to Process. He longer cared where he finished at the Olympics he would just do everything he and his team knew to the best of his ability every single day for 18 months and see what happened. In the workplace goals and OHS are achieved by focusing on the process not the outcome.
The feedback from your 3 x 1 hour safety presentations has been fantastic. I had a conversation with one of the contract staff before your first presentation and suggested that the presentation would be one of the best hours of his life. He just looked at me as though I was mad. I caught up with him after the session and asked him what he thought: He said, not quite the best hour of his life but it was bloody good. Your presentation style was entirely appropriate for the audience. The impact was enormous and will provide us a base to improve our workplace safety and culture. "Doing a Bradbury" will be the talk of the site for many months.
Ian Bell ?HSSE Lead – Clyde Project ?The Shell Company of Australia Limited
Thanks for an amazing afternoon with the boys during our safety day. You really drove home the importance of working as a team and following procedure. I'm confident this will have a positive impact on our company OHS. Everyone is still on a high and talking about your presentation the next day!
Steven Bradbury is highly skilled at working client objectives into his presentations. Clients looking to instill specific OHS / risk management / teamwork related issues into their staff Steven Bradbury can help you do it.


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Microsoft Drops Windows 2000, XP SP2 in July
Microsoft offers support for its products for five years and extended support for another five years. That time will soon be up for Windows 2000 (desktop and server) and Windows XP SP2: July 13 is the last day that extended support will be available.
According to Microsoft, self-help online support (such as Microsoft online Knowledge Base articles, FAQs, troubleshooting tools, and other resources) will be available for at least a year longer. But paid support, support assistance, and security updates will be discontinued on July 13.
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Now Available: 2016 Chevy Silverado Truck Support!READ THIS ARTICLE
SCT is pleased to announce new tuning support for 2013-2016 Chevy vehicles
New Applications Now Available
We are excited to introduce preloaded tuning for the 2016 Dodge Challenger and Charger 6.2L HEMI® SRT Hellcat V8 on our X4 Performance Programmer.
Dreamscience Motorsport based in the UK are a Ford tuning specialist and a SCT custom tuning dealer. Click to learn more.
Schropp Tuning - where American passion meets German engineering. Click to read more.
We are pleased to announce exciting new applications for our line of Performance Tuners (Part #7215 for Wrangler.) This new support covers 2016 Jeep® Wrangler vehicles.
If you're in the market for a powerful and reliable performance tuner, both offer top-shelf engineering and proven results. Which you choose largely depends on your approach to tracking performance data and how or when you like to make adjustments to key engine parameters.
Get to know our sponsored athlete- Shaun Day! His daily driver is a 2016 Ford F-150 and his race vehicle is this 2011 Mustang GT.
Mount Your LivewireTS+ to Keep a Close Eye on Data! Mustang Pillar Pods Radiate Style & Substance. Learn more.
Dad's always in the garage, making mods to his one-of-a-kind ride. Give him the gift of power and performance today!
Learn how to instantly increase horsepower and torque.
You don't even have to leave our website! Click to learn more.
Pre-loaded tuning support for several new 2015 Dodge, Jeep & 2016 Ford F-150 vehicles.
Derive Systems, the parent company of industry leading performance brands – Bully Dog & SCT Performance are preparing to launch the latest in innovative flash programmers.


text: Jednom u životu Posted byMarko 22 May, 200814 August, 2014 1 Comment on Jednom u životu Misao dana: Space people think our factories are musical instruments. They sing along with them, every day from 9am to 5pm. No music on weekends. Share the post "Jednom u životu" FacebookTwitterLinkedInE-mail Related PostsSpace peoplethis must be the place (Naive Melody)… (4:55, Talking Heads, The Best of Talking Heads, 1992)why me lord? (2:20, Johnny Cash, American Recordings, 1994)Danas glasanje nepovjerenja vladiHanging upside downŠto je to meme?


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Deep Forest
Description: Mihara Shiki Image Song
Words: Atsuko
Music: Miyajima Ritsuko
Arrangement: Watanabe Takuya
Guitar & all instruments: Watanabe Takuya
All vocals: Miki Shin'ichirou (As Mihara Shiki)
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Jones and Bartlett Partners with Healthcare Learning Innovations
February 15, 2018
Jones & Bartlett Learning announced a new partnership with Healthcare Learning Innovations to provide faculty with the option to bundle the award-winning population health simulations, Sentinel City® and Sentinel Town™ — referred to as Sentinel World®, with popular Jones & Bartlett Learning public health and community health nursing texts.
"We are excited about our new partnership with Healthcare Learning Innovations," said Gary June, Vice President of Sales and Marketing at Jones & Bartlett Learning. "Their products are top-notch and pair well with our public and population health and nursing products, which together fill a clear void in the market."
Winner of the APEX Grand Award and the WCET Outstanding Work Award as well as a finalist for two SIIA CODiE Awards, Sentinel City® provides an innovative and immersive scenario-based learning environment for healthcare and nursing education, where learners can earn simulated clinical hours and practice experience by completing home and family support assessments, clinical care plans, and other assessments online. New Sentinel World® includes both urban and rural environments, integrated assessments, interactive citizens, and is customizable to suit specific course needs.
"Partnering with Jones & Bartlett Learning is an exciting opportunity for Healthcare Learning Innovations to increase visibility of our Sentinel World® suite of educational simulation products within the nursing education market," states Jeffrey Caplan, President of Healthcare Learning Innovations. "As an interactive addition to the existing textbook resource relied-upon by so many faculty members, the pairing brings a truly innovative and holistic approach to community and public health nursing education."


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Seven essential tips to grow your business
Serving fresh, healthy food to busy office workers, Soul Origin has grown to almost 50 stores in three years with a multi-million dollar turnover. We talk to GM Chris Mavris on the seven must-dos to grow your business.
Chris loves his food and coffee, which is understandable. Beholden to his Greek heritage and like many growing up in a European family, "food was central to everything".
He said his now-elderly mum still cooks "enough food for 50 people" when he and his family visit and insists they "not leave anything on their plate".
You could say food retail has always been in his blood. Following his late father into the family café business, he has racked up more than three decades including 10 years with Michel's Patisserie as a franchisee [two as a state operations manager].
That love of food and those years behind the counter is at the heart of all he brings to Soul Origin.
"Our concept puts food front and centre … fresh, healthy, simple, natural," he said. "Our food is for all time-poor Australians to eat mindfully every day."
Chris was part of the team which came up with the Soul Origin "fresh and fast" concept. It now has 48 stores across NSW, ACT and Queensland, Victoria and SA, which he said will grow to 70 by Christmas.
More than 30 of those stores use Tyro terminals, mostly the Yomani 3G model, which delivers fast Tap & Go transactions for quicker-moving queues and its integration allows for easy reconciliation.
Chris said each store averages about $24,000 turnover a week ($1.2 million-plus per year) which rates favourably in what is a highly competitive market.
Australia's love affair with franchises
Soul Origin's rapid expansion is testament to our enthusiasm for franchises particularly food outlets. According to the Franchise Council of Australia, we have more franchise systems per capita than any other country, with 1,160 franchise brands and more than 79,000 franchise units.
And it's big business. The fast food sector alone is worth $19 billion. And market trends would suggest Soul Origin has come at the right time.
According to IBIS World, Australians are now taking more care of what they eat.
"Industry demand has been affected by increased consumer awareness about the nutritional content of fast food and a conscious effort by consumers to choose healthier options," it stated. "Operators have responded by introducing a range of healthier, premium choices."
These are Chris's keys to a successful franchise (or any business):
1. Customer obsession
"Customers are king. Everyone is putting their efforts into social media [for engagement]. The customers are right in front of you," he said. "Engage with them. Talk to them. Learn about their families. Be able to talk about little Johnny's soccer game or Meagan's netball.
"Franchising is simple in many ways … it's all about relationships. Relationships between the support centre and franchisees. Relationships between franchisees and their teams. And relationships between teams and their customers.
He said one of the points of difference with Soul Origin to other QSR outlets is that customers do not order at the point of sale (POS) but in front of the food on display… be it salads or sandwiches.
"There's also person in front of you. The interaction is with a person, not a machine. We are bringing some of that human interaction back to retail. Here, the POS is the last contact, not the first."
He said in QSR and even in some restaurants, service can be too automated. "It's a symptom of Australia's (high) labour costs."
Chris insisted customers enjoy that personal interaction. "People spend their days on their mobile phone. There's a quote, 'we've never been more engaged. But we've never been more alone'. That's very true.
"Remember, be customer obsessed. Not competitor obsessed."
2. Quality and presentation of product (food)
Chris goes by an old rule from his 30 years in retail of displaying food as "plentiful, overflowing, and fresh".
"Stake 'em high, watch them fly. Keep them low and they won't go. It's basic retail. If the display is half full, you won't buy," he said.
"Our model is 'made today, sold today'. It's all about fresh food for us. Fresh ingredients. Pure ingredients. We special everything off at the end of the day. We make sure there's no food kept for the next day. It's part of who we are as a brand."
How they prepare food is also unique for the business. The cooked ingredients such as meat are prepared in a centralised kitchen in the inner west suburb of Marrickville, NSW and delivered to the stores daily. The fresh food such as vegetables are prepared instore.
He said in order to continue to scale, they have invested "a couple of million dollars" into new larger cooking facilities in nearby Smithfield.
"What's important is the integrity of the food, so we are looking at different techniques to do that without using preservatives or changing flavour profiles.
"We've taken the cooking out of the stores. Consistency is the main reason. We can also go into sites where food couldn't before because we don't need ventilation. It also makes us more attractive to landlords because the investment s not as big (with the extra fitout) and makes the move-in quicker."
3. Nailing the one-percenters
Chris said getting the small things right was essential.
"The way the salads are presented … how the drinks are facing label out in the fridge," he said. "These are the things that customers don't necessarily see, but they subconsciously take note of. It all builds an impression of the business."
4. Scalability and growth
Probably the most essential tip for a successful franchise would be the model's ability to scale. Chris said they tested for six months before deciding on quick service over table service.
"If you're not growing and your people are now growing around you, your business can't grow," he said.
So what's the driver of this growth?
"We are retailers, so we get things done. We have the experience, infrastructure, knowledge, and the support of our landlords because we generate higher level of sales and customers for shopping centres," he said.
He claims Soul Origin does double the turnover of the average sandwich shop which gives landlords more peace of mind because of longer leases.
5. Proven financial model
"One in three small businesses fail in their first two years. But in franchising, 80 percent will still be working in that time," he explained. "Because they are working off a proven financial model before they go to market. The mistakes you can make have already been made.
He said this is vital because "Australia is the most difficult country in the world to set up a food-related business".
"We live in a nanny state. You start with the hardest government regulations as far as food safety is concerned. Then our occupancy costs are some of the highest in the world for retail. We also have some of the highest labour costs in the world.
"Put those three things together and Australian food retailers could take on the world because our financial models have had to work in one of the toughest markets."
He said as an indicator of the robust nature of the model is that many of the franchisees have multiple stores (11 own more than one store). He also points to the bank's willingness to lend working capital.
"Banks won't loan against one-off shops, but they will to franchises."
6. Ease of entry
Making it simple for the franchisee to move in is paramount.
"We do all the fitout and they get a turnkey," he said. "We say we have a shop at particular location for this amount, and you roll up with the cheque for that amount, your bank guarantee, first month's rent, working capital, and off you go."
7. Ongoing support
Chris referred to the area managers between head office and the franchisees. Called "Soul Managers", he said all have owned franchises so they have the "empathy and experience to relate to our franchisees" because they know the pitfalls and pressure of running a business.
He added the support continued beyond the four weeks' training and 10 days with the store opening team, to ongoing training in finance, marketing and customer service.
"The franchisees are in business for themselves, but not by themselves."
The facts:
Area: Fresh fast food.
Established: 2011. Second store opened in April 2013.
Business model: Fresh healthy breakfast and lunch options through franchised stores in shopping centres. All ingredients for cooked products are prepared at Soul Origin's centralised kitchen and made fresh daily instore.
Stores: 48 across NSW, Victoria, SA, ACT, and Queensland.
Turnover: Average $24,000 a week turnover per store ($1.25 million a year).
Store members: 650-700 nationally.
Customer mix: 60 percent female and 40 percent male. Most in the 18 to 45-year-old group.
Plans: Grow to 70 stores by end of 2016, 200 stores by end of 2019.
Awards: QSR Best New Concept 2015.
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