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When Is It Better to Choose Web Apps Over Native Mac Apps?
What's the first thing you do when you want to use an application on your Mac and don't have it yet? For most of us, this means a trip to the Mac App Store or a developer site to download the application. But some of the most popular Mac solutions are also available through the Internet via a web-based application.
Which is better? Native apps typically have more features than the ones based on the web. Native apps integrate within the operating system, which means a dock icon, direct access to data and files, the ability to run in the background, and more. Web apps, by contrast, have been designed to work across multiple platforms and have limitations inherent with browsers.
So we took a look at some of the most popular applications available both as native Mac applications and on the web, in order to see which offers the best experience.
We recommend: Twitter's web app remains the best way of browsing Twitter, though the Mac app is useful for users who manage more than one account.
In early January 2016, Twitter finally updated its native Mac app. In doing so, it added some great features long included on the iOS version, but never available on the web. These include the ability to use a dark theme or access your Twitter Highlights from a Today Center Widget. Other features include in-line Vine and video playback, group Direct Messages, photos in Direct Messages, and in-line replies.
For most users, however, the best way to visit Twitter remains via the Internet. We highly recommend the Mac version for users with more than one Twitter account. Switching back and forth between accounts is much easier this way.
Of course, there's more to getting the most out of Twitter How To Use Twitter Without Screwing Up Twitter can be a touch cryptic, and it's easy to make mistakes from time to time – even if you're a longtime user. Here are a few common mistakes, and how to avoid them. Read More than simply switching to the web app.
We recommend: Designed as a web app first and foremost, accessing WordPress via the web will give you the best experience — particularly for power users.
Until recently, the only ways for Mac users to access WordPress was through the web or a third-party application. Since WordPress is open source, this made sense. Now, however, WordPress.com users can access their website through a free OS X app.
The addition of a native WordPress application for Mac is an excellent idea in some respects. By using the application, you can get notifications that tie into OS X. Plus, thanks to cache, some of your account data loads faster.
Overall, however, it's probably best to stick with the web version, as the native version still lacks essential features such as Markdown support.
We recommend: For offline use, you can't beat the native Mac app. If you're not bothered about this (or you're always online) then the web app works well too.
One of the best tools for managing a reading list of articles from the Internet is Pocket, formerly called Read It Later. Once only available through the Internet, Pocket is now available as a native application on numerous mobile platforms, plus OS X and Windows.
Like many of the solutions on our list, the primary reason to use Pocket's native application is for offline use. As long as you sync before going offline, your documents are available. Don't care about going offline? Stick with the web version.
If you'd like to learn more about Pocket, we've come up with nine ways to get more out of Pocket 9 Ways to Get More Out of Pocket Pocket is the ultimate digital bookmarking service out there. Let's find out how to boost your Pocket experience with the right web apps and extensions. Read More .
We recommend: Just like Pocket, offline access provided by the native app makes it the better option — though Evernote's web version is powerful in a pinch.
Whether you're talking about the Windows or Mac version, the native Evernote application stores local copies of all your notes. In doing so, they are quicker to access. Are you offline? Local copies are saved and synchronized once you've reconnected.
These two reasons are enough to select the native version, when possible. However, Evernote has done a lot in recent months to make the web version an excellent solution in certain situations. This version, which was last updated in mid-2015, has been designed to be distraction-free, which is ideal when reviewing documents is your goal. Like other applications on our list, the web version is also great for when you're away from your personal computer, and you need to access your files.
You can download Evernote for Mac from the Mac App Store.
We recommend: This really depends on your use. If you're managing a team and working behind the scenes on integrating services, you'll need the web app. For everyone else who simply wants to chat within their organisation, the native app is perfect.
If your organization needs to collaborate online, you're probably using Slack or will begin doing so very soon. First introduced in 2013, Slack took off in the last few months thanks to the plethora of new third-party integrations, and it's now easier than ever to make Slack work with your favourite services The Ultimate Way to Make Slack Work with Your Favorite Services In addition to communication, there are many ways to bring information inside Slack, but there are few integrations that let you control external services from within Slack -- until now. Read More .
For most users, Slack for Mac is the way to go. The free application offers a contained solution that truly benefits those in one or more teams. The web version, however, is ideal for team leaders tasked with managing a team or customizing integrations.
By its nature, Slack requires an Internet connection, regardless of platform. Because of this, both versions are excellent, although we still side with the native version.
Dropbox, Google Drive & OneDrive
We recommend: Though web access is convenient, you really can't beat automatic syncing provided by native apps that integrates with OS X like a regular folder.
Offline use is also the primary benefit to using Dropbox for Mac and many other cloud services, as opposed to the web version. Why? Accessing Dropbox on your computer is just like using any other folder on your hard drive. In this case, however, the files you drag into your Dropbox folder automatically sync online and to any other computers or mobile devices linked to your account. These files remain on your computer when offline.
Native applications for similar services, including Microsoft's OneDrive and Google Drive, also allow offline file access. Want to get more out of Dropbox? Check out our guide for power users 5 Tools For The Dropbox Power User The popularity of Dropbox makes it difficult to start using any other kind of cloud storage. Here are 5 add-on tools for you if Dropbox is an essential part of your web workflow. Read More .
iWork suite: Pages, Numbers, and Keynote
We recommend: When working on important documents, spreadsheets and presentations you can't beat the speed and reliability of a native application.
There's only one reason you'd want to use Apple's iWork suite on the web — if you're not in front of a Mac. Otherwise, you'd be hard-pressed to find a reason to do so. This doesn't mean that web versions of Pages, Numbers, and Keynote are bad, because they are not. We'd say the same for iCloud versions of Mail, Calendar, and Photos. But again, if you're a Mac user, the native versions are best.
Users of Microsoft Office 2016 for Mac 9 Tips to Learn All About Office 2016 Microsoft Office 2016 is among us. How are you mastering the latest version for the sake of your productivity? We tip you off to the best links for Office learning. Steal a march with these... Read More will find similar results. Using the native application instead of the web-based solution is a no-brainer in most situations.
Things to Remember
It's worth noting that the type of browser you choose profoundly influences the usefulness of web apps. For example, Apple's Safari allows users to subscribe to website updates in the form of Notifications. When content updates on a website, Notification Center receives an alert — and clicking this alert can provide quick access to the item in question. Slack in particular benefits from this, as do regular web services like Facebook.
The ability to pin tabs in Safari also makes web applications more viable. With pin tabs, you can keep websites you often visit open, up to date, and easily accessible. Google Chrome and other browsers offer similar tools, so make use of the feature if you're always in need of a particular web app.
Fluid is also a tool worth considering. This tool allows you to turn any website or web application into a desktop application. Fluid hasn't been updated for a while, but it still works with OS X El Capitan El Capitan Means The End Of Mac Themes & Deep System Tweaks If you like customizing your Mac, Yosemite might be the last version of OS X that works for you. And that's too bad. Read More . Best of all, it's free.
There are some instances when using an Internet-based application is much better than using a native application on your Mac. Ultimately, the choice comes down to three factors: functionality, workflow, and convenience.
Which web applications do you use the most?
Related topics: Evernote, OS X El Capitan, Twitter.
Affiliate Disclosure: By buying the products we recommend, you help keep the site alive. Read more.


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Email Us:
For free estimates or further information on any of our plumbing and heating services, please contact us using the details provided below.
GC HEATING & PLUMBING LIMITED, registered as a limited company in Scotland under company number: SC453628. Registered Company Address: 60 RIVERSIDE WAY, LEVEN, FIFE, KY8 4FH

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Johnson Siding Volunteer Fire Department added a new fire apparatus to their firehouse this year. The Darley MaxWASP is a fully functioning apparatus, built on a Ford F-550 chassis. The engine is designed to fight both wildland and structure fires. It's engineered to get to the places that a full-size pumper just can't access. The MaxWASP boasts an impressive amount of ground clearance making it effective moving through uneven terrain.
Ground Clearance to the Max!
One of the few drawbacks of the MaxWASP is its tank capacity. The MaxWASP solves this drawback by using an advanced AutoCAFS system. The CAFS system uses chemicals to create a foam that requires less water without sacrificing any of the performance of water.
Firefighting potential to the Max!
It's no secret that budgets are tight for volunteer fire departments and the MaxWASP costs substantially less than a typical apparatus. The MaxWASP is an excellent alternative to a traditional fire apparatus.
The local Rapid City NBC affiliate had this to report, To View the complete news story from KNBN just clink this link.
If you'd like to speak with Troy, he can be reached at 715-720-2667 or e-mail him at firstname.lastname@example.com


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TriSun Easy Work Time Calculator 9.0 Build 065 Multilingual
File size: 1 MB
Easy Work Time Calculator is a friendly worktime calculator. It can calculate/count the time consumption of your tasks by seconds, minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years and their sum and average. The numbers of date time elements are refreshed automatically on the main interface, and you can set the frequency of refreshing. With this program, you can Start, Rename, Delete, Pause, Continue and Stop your tasks, it provides you with a quick filter (according to task status (Started, Paused and Finished), start time (yesterday and today, last week) and an advanced filter (according to task name and custom start time) to show your tasks listing conveniently.
Also, copying the value of any field, automatically remembering the order and width of columns / the size and location of window, hiding columns, data backing up/restoring features are provided. Of course, some useful options are built-in: refreshing frequency, precision of the numbers of years, months, weeks, days, hours, minutes and seconds, font name and size of the tasks listing, foreground colors of different task statuses.
Basic usage:
1. Click the button when you start a new task A.
2. If task A is interrupted by other things (such as answering the phone, taking a coffee break), just click the button.
3. After the interruption, simply click the button.
4. Once task A is finished, click the button to stop counting time.
If you are a strict person, or you have the requirement about worktime management (voluntary or be required), or you just prefer recording the work time for some important tasks, it may be useful.
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Our 2006 Postgraduate Conference was held at the School of Historical and Critical Studies, University of Brighton, Brighton, Sussex, UK from 4-6 January 2006. The choice of venue reflecting a growing interest in both the research and teaching of the History of Science within the University. With over thirty papers over two days, the range of topics covered was broad, and demonstrated the strength and diversity of current history of science postgraduate scholarship.
Despite the wintry weather that prevented full use of such proximity to the beachfront, a marvelous time was had by all, as the event provided a welcoming and friendly introduction to academic presentation, questioning, and networking.
The local organiser was Fern Elsdon-Baker, with assistance from Charlotte Nicklas.
- Read the conference report
- Download the programme and abstracts for this conference (pdf)


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Plysje or polysje means "police." Stress is on the first syllable on the short form and on the second syllable on the longer form. The -y- is pronounced with a long "ee" like in the final syllable of the word's English meaning. Both words end with schwa. PLEE-syuh; pohl-LEE-syuh.
Slachtoffer means "victim."
It slachoffer krige ferskate klappen.
The victim suffered several hits.
Fertocht means "suspicion." Say it with stress on the second syllable. The first syllable takes a schwa vowel and the second a fairly rounded "oh." The -ch- is similar to the harsh k-like consonant found in the German word Bach or the Hebrew l'chaim. Fer-TOHkht.
Hy wurdt fertocht fan wapenbesit.
He was suspected of possessing weapons.
Opakke means to "take up" or "take into custody." With this word, we can indicate that someone is under arrest.
Hy is oppakt.
He is under arrest / in custody.
Hja binne oppakt foar moard.
They are under arrest for murder.
Útspraak means "judgment" or "decision."


text:
Contacting ATDP
- Main Office
- Washington School
- Staff
ATDP Main Office
At this time, the ATDP office is closed and staff are working remotely. Campus mail has been suspended. Please send all correspondence via email. Incoming faxes will be checked only occasionally.
See our COVID-19 update page for more.
Email: email@example.com
Phone: 510-642-8308
Fax: 510-642-0510
Mailing Address:
University of California, Berkeley
Academic Talent Development Program
Graduate School of Education
70 University Hall #1160
Berkeley, CA 94720-1160
Street Entrance:
2018 Oxford Street
Berkeley, CA 94704
Hours of Operation:
Fall/Spring: 9:30 AM - 5 PM
Summer: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
Washington School (ED site)
Phone: 510-231-1417
Street Address:
565 Wine Street
Point Richmond, CA 94801
Administration & Staff
Prudence Carter
Graduate School of Education
Frank C. Worrell
Faculty Director
Frank C. Worrell is a Professor in the Graduate School of Education at the University of California, Berkeley, where he serves as Director of the School Psychology program, Faculty Director of the Academic Talent Development Program, and Faculty Director of the California College Preparatory Academy. He also holds an affiliate appointment in the Social and Personality Area in the Department of Psychology. His areas of expertise include academic talent development/gifted education, at-risk youth, scale development and validation, teacher effectiveness, and the translation of psychological research findings into school-based practice. A member of the editorial boards of several journals, Dr. Worrell also serves on committees of several professional associations, including the American Psychological Association (APA), the American Educational research Association, and the National Association for Gifted Children. Dr. Worrell is a Fellow in five divisions of the American Psychological Association, a Fellow of the Association for Psychological Science, a Fellow of the American Educational Research Association, and an elected member in the Society for the Study of School Psychology. In 2011, Dr. Worrell received a Presidential citation from the American Psychological Association as well as the Chancellor's Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence from UC Berkeley, and was one of two recipients of the 2013 Distinguished Scholar Award from the National Association for Gifted Children. In 2015, he was a co-winner of the Distinguished Contributions to Research Award from the Division 45 of APA, the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity, and Race. Dr. Worrell has research collaborations in China, Ethiopia, Germany, Iran, Italy, Japan, New Zealand, Nigeria, Peru, Sweden, Turkey, and the United Kingdom.
Lisa Kala
Program Director
Lisa Kala is a native Californian. Born and raised in San Francisco, Dr. Kala graduated from UC Berkeley with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, earned an M.S. in Multicultural Counseling from San Francisco State University, and a Ph.D. in Education at UC Berkeley with emphases in minority achievement, minority counseling and, education technology. For over 30 years, much of her work has been in support of developing the academic talent of diverse students, whether through teaching, research, or outreach. Dr. Kala has held a variety of roles within the Graduate School of Education, most recently serving as Assistant Dean for Administration and Special Projects. She has also served as director of several outreach and research projects for the school, and has teaching and counseling experience at the high school, community college, and university levels. She looks forward to meeting and getting to know the students, families, and teachers that make up the ATDP community.
Carrie Brown
Assistant Director
Carrie has worked at ATDP for over twenty-five years, most of her working life since she graduated from Baylor University with an English degree. As someone with a long history with the program, she enjoys being in touch with others who have also made ATDP an important part of their lives. There are students who come to ATDP for up to twelve years as well as their parents and siblings. Some of these former students have returned to ATDP as adults to teach, and others are parents of their own ATDP students. She thinks it's great that ATDP has become a family tradition! While she wishes that she could have also experienced ATDP as a student herself, including studying Human Anatomy as a third grader and learning about Cognitive Neuroscience as a high school student, she finds satisfaction in knowing that so many students, parents and teachers treasure ATDP as a very valuable academic community.
Stevie Jeung
Stevie has been involved with ATDP since she was in sixth grade. After taking courses in the Elementary and Secondary Divisions, she went on to serve as a TA, an instructor, and a member of the office staff. She earned her bachelor's degree in Psychology and American Studies at UC Davis and her master's degree in Education at UC Berkeley. She recently obtained her PhD in School Psychology. Her research interests include development of student motivation and the role of culture in developing higher-order thinking skills. She adores working with ATDP teachers and students, and she is grateful to be able to benefit from their passion and wisdom!
Sam Pierce
Since coming on board as a computer science instructor in 2010, Sam has found a permanent spot as ATDP's web and database designer. He spent several years as a tutor and mentor to underprivileged students in his hometown of Tacoma, WA, where he also attended the University of Puget Sound. His undergraduate studies included behavioral psychology, computer science, and music theory.
Mildred Flores
Mildred has been working at ATDP for a number of years. Some of her favorite activities include working on the Elementary Division newsletter, taking pictures during the summer, and meeting ATDP families during orientation. She attended the University of California, Berkeley where she obtained a BA in History and the Practice of Art.
Cynthia Nie
Cynthia started as a seventh grade ATDP student before continuing on to become a TA and, eventually, an instructor in the computer science department. After graduating from UCSD, she attained a graduate degree in Interactive Media at the University of Southern California. She's grateful for the opportunity to give back to the program that originally inspired her academic passions.
Tyleen Kelly
Staff, GSR
Tyleen is a graduate student in the English Department at UC Berkeley and has been a writing instructor for ATDP since 2015. She currently works in the office as well on marketing for the program and other tasks. She hails from Vermont, earned her bachelor's at the CUNY Baccalaureate for Unique and Interdisciplinary Studies in World Literature and Theatre, and has a taught master's degree in English from the University of Oxford.


text:
- 290A0ED1-B78E-4F65-981F-8029BF46D6DBStrong of 25 years experience in MICE, we are a team of project managers with a wide network of highly qualified & experienced ...Terres & Cie
- 290A0ED1-B78E-4F65-981F-8029BF46D6DBSince 20 years now, Adera Congrès supports academics and industrials in the organisation of scientific events gathering between ...Adera Congrès
- 290A0ED1-B78E-4F65-981F-8029BF46D6DBBordeaux - Vieux BordeauxAU DELA is an agency with 10-year expertise in events (conventions, seminars, trips, road shows, from 10 to 3000 people in France ...Agence Au-Delà événement-évasion
- 36ABE42A-59AD-4167-BE17-3F2FA36F5CA3In the vineyardChâteau Suduiraut
- 290A0ED1-B78E-4F65-981F-8029BF46D6DBAir France together with HOP! and KLM offer 220 weekly flights on departure from Bordeaux to 7 cities in Metropolitan France and ...Air France Sud-Ouest
Catering, decoration, builders, audiovisual services, hostesses, photography, stenotypy and translation, transportation, business gifts, guided tours, activities (wine-related, musical, theatrical, culinary). This section brings together all the services needed by event organizers, simply select what you need.
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5 results


text:
Your message dated Tue, 7 Sep 2010 06:38:48 +0200 with message-id <firstname.lastname@example.com> and subject line Bug fixed has caused the Debian Bug report #273982, regarding partman: Broken display during Arabic installs to be marked as done. This means that you claim that the problem has been dealt with. If this is not the case it is now your responsibility to reopen the Bug report if necessary, and/or fix the problem forthwith. (NB: If you are a system administrator and have no idea what this message is talking about, this may indicate a serious mail system misconfiguration somewhere. Please contact firstname.lastname@example.com immediately.) -- 273982: http://bugs.debian.org/cgi-bin/bugreport.cgi?bug=273982 Debian Bug Tracking System Contact firstname.lastname@example.com with problems
--- Begin Message ---
- To: Debian Bug Tracking System <firstname.lastname@example.com>
- Subject: partman: Broken display during Arabic installs
- From: Christian Perrier <email@example.com>
- Date: Wed, 29 Sep 2004 07:38:19 +0200
- Message-id: <email@example.com>Package: partman Severity: normal Tags: l10n d-i The attached screen captures show the main partman screen and the partition aditiing screen during an Arabic install. As you may see, the display is somewhat broken. For instance the partition size and the unit are not close together and the display is not properly aligned. This is probably a consequence of formatting with a "left-to-right" reasoning and will probably affect all install with right-to-left languages. Though I don't read Arabic myself, I think this can surprise our Arabic-speaking users even though this does not make the package completely unusable. -- System Information: Debian Release: 3.1 APT prefers unstable APT policy: (500, 'unstable'), (500, 'testing') Architecture: i386 (i686) Kernel: Linux 2.6.8-1-686 Locale: LANG=fr_FR.UTF-8, LC_CTYPE=fr_FR.UTF-8 (ignored: LC_ALL set to fr_FR.UTF-8)
Attachment: partman-arabic.png
Description: PNG image
Attachment: partman-arabic2.png
Description: PNG image
--- End Message ---
--- Begin Message ---
- To: firstname.lastname@example.com
- Subject: Bug fixed
- From: Christian PERRIER <email@example.com>
- Date: Tue, 7 Sep 2010 06:38:48 +0200
- Message-id: <email@example.com>This bug originally sent against partman-base, is indeed the same than a bug reported against Arabic translations. It has been fixed since then. --
Attachment: signature.asc
Description: Digital signature
--- End Message ---


text:
A few photos taken this past week. Click on the picture to enlarge.
Sunset Sunday 9-26
8 comments:
- Lisa said...
As always very beautiful
- September 26, 2010 at 12:15 AM
- Dagmar Fleuren said...
Hmmmm I can't make up my mind wich one i like best. You've outdone yourself again Chad.
Beautiful places you've captured.
- September 26, 2010 at 3:43 AM
- Scott Law said...
The nice thing about those pics you take 30 or 40 minutes after the sun has set, is the subtle colors. And of course it is getting in to fall here as those bright colors of the leave attest.
- September 26, 2010 at 9:02 AM
- darlin said...
Chad, what beautiful photos. For some reason my fav is the second one, it's a tough choice but if I was going to hang one on my wall I'd say that one. :-)
Have a fantastic week!
- September 26, 2010 at 9:39 AM
- Dawning Inspiration said...
What a joy to see these....thanks for sharing!
- September 26, 2010 at 12:54 PM
- Jeanne Frances Klaver said...
They are all amazing.
- September 26, 2010 at 6:54 PM
- Unknown said...
Really great shots, Chad. You sure do get some spectacular sunsets down your way!
- September 26, 2010 at 8:17 PM
- ruthinian said...
breathtaking! the foliage is already at its peak.
- October 3, 2010 at 8:16 PM
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text:
AMD (Answering Machine Detection)
Use AMD, this stands for Use Answering Machine Detection. If you check this box, the dialer will be able to detect most answering machines and will not forward them to your agents, giving your agents a majority of live calls.
If you leave this box un-checked, then the dialer will transfer live calls and answering machines to your agents, giving your agents the opportunity to leave messages on answering machines.
Our dialer does have the option to allow your agents to record a message that they can drop into answering machines to save them time.
How does it work?
Unfortunately, there is no Answering Machine Detection software that can be 100% accurate, sometimes even humans think that they have reached an answering machine because there is noise in the background that seems to be related to playback, sounds like hissing or low pitched rattles and rumbles.
There are also times when someones voicemail message sounds so realistic, that humans will begin talking to the voicemail thinking that they are talking to a live person, this might be because the voicemail is crystal clear and the message has a pause between the time they say hello and continue on with their message.
Answering Machine Detection software works the same way by measuring the length of the first words spoken and waits for a pause. It also listens for background noise or the lack of.
Once these factors are determined, the software then makes a split second decision to either transfer the call to an agent, if it deems the call as a live answer, or it hangs up on the call determining that the call was not a live answer.
If you find that you are getting a lot of answering machines forwarded to you, or your agents, you can upload a pre-recorded message that you can play to the answering machines, once you determine that you have reached an answering machine and not a live person.


text:
February 27, 2012
Know Your Team
To get bored in IT project management is to give up. No project is ever the same regardless of the technology being implemented. Every project requires some form of a project team which means people are involved. Even if you work with the same team over and over, there are always new inputs, influences and dynamics that make it a new situation requiring you to adapt as a project manager.
This is perhaps the most challenging and rewarding part of project management that applies regardless of the industry and technology. People's lives are dynamic which means they are puzzles to be decoded on a regular basis throughout a project. Just when you think you've got it figured out, someone has a baby, gets a new boss, is heartbroken, or finds a fabulous new hobby. All of these things change the person's priorities which means their interest and devotion to the project shifts and as project managers, we must respond accordingly to ensure that the project is successful.
It is important for me to get to know my project team members as people and not just as the resources on the project. I like to get to know them as individuals and understand what is going on with them personally and professionally. This provides me with a personal connection and a communication path to getting information regarding changes early in the process so as to better react in the event the changes impact the project. This sounds manipulative but it's not. I am genuinely interested in the people on my projects. This is evident in that I keep in touch with most project team members long after projects have ended regardless of how tough the project was.
And this is the challenge…as project managers we must be genuine in our interest in the resources on our project. People can sense when you are only in it for the project or your own personal success. The good news is that the investment in the time to get to know the resources on the project and understand their motivations and obstacles, is invaluable for all parties involved. The team members feel heard and valued. The project manager gathers information to effectively manage the team. The project can move along towards success. And that's what it's all about in the end.
February 6, 2012
Learning From My Mistakes
I ran my second half marathon yesterday and based on my training, expected to come in at 2 hours and beat my first race time of 2:06. Training times supported this expectation as two weeks prior to the race, I ran 12.6 miles at a 9:09 pace. Reality didn't match expectations and not only did I not reach my 2 hour goal, but I exceeded by first race time by 2 minutes. It was a very disappointing experience and one I don't intend to repeat in my next races. Rather than looking at the experience as a complete failure (I held a personal pity party yesterday), I am choosing to learn from it. The success here was that I finished despite having to run and walk the last 5 miles of the race. What I learned was the following:
- Do not train beyond 10 miles prior to the race (I peaked too early)
- Do not play soccer the Thursday before the race (my legs were tired)
- Do not participate in any quad workout the week prior to the race (I had a softball coaching clinic with lots of knee bends the day before)
- Keep the mileage up until a week before the race, then taper (I tapered too early)
- Set my own pace and go with what is comfortable for me on that day, at that time
- Running a race alone is tough for me and requires super mental toughness that I need to train for
This is all valuable information and information I, personally, could only gain from failure. Other experienced runners provided me with some guidance that I ignored thinking it wouldn't apply to me as a seasoned athlete. I may be a seasoned athlete but I am not a seasoned runner.
What is relevant here is that I made some fairly sizable tactical errors, still completed the race, and I plan to learn from the errors.
The same holds true with any projects I manage in that the results of a decision or series of decisions may not be as expected. The first goal is to recover from the errors and the second goal is to learn from the mistakes. I am constantly looking for ways to learn from previous experiences to improve processes and make things more efficient even if it was a total success. Actually, I apply this to all aspects of my life as accepting mediocrity and the status quo is not acceptable.
No project ever goes according to plan. Assumptions change. Resources change. Expectations change. Situations change. There will be mistakes, some more costly than others. The important thing is to learn from the mistakes and apply the newfound wisdom to the next situation so as to avoid a disappointing repeat performance.
February 2, 2012
Nail Down the Details Before Signing Any Agreements
Negotiating contracts with software vendors is always a challenge. The vendors won't commit to resources until contracts are signed but without knowing the resources and their qualifications and availability, how do you know you will get what you want?
Vendors also want to defer detailed planning until after the agreements are signed. Once again this is at odds with best practices from a planning perspective. During the planning, a lot of details come to light that affect the final buying decision and overall timeline and budget. Signing before nailing down these details generally ends up being very costly from an expectation and overall resource perspective.
A number of years ago I was working for a biotech company and we were selecting an ERP system. A big name player was interested in breaking into the small-midsized life sciences market and saw our company as an opportunity to make this happen. Our budget wasn't in line with their typical installs and they were touting a turnkey solution for life sciences. I was skeptical. They claimed the implementation and validation could be performed within our budget. After detailed planning and working through the resource assumptions, it became very clear that they were shifting the responsibility for significant documentation tasks to our team (which was limited) which resulted in the reduced consulting fees. Once we shifted the responsibility for those tasks back to their consulting team (to meet our timeline), the cost went through the roof and was no longer feasible. This was not a surprise to us. What was surprising was that they thought they would slip it by us.
In other cases, I've been brought into manage projects after agreements have been signed and quickly realize that my client made a series of assumptions (not documented) that were not aligned with what the vendor planned to deliver. This tends to put me in the awkward and uncomfortable position of renegotiating the contract without much leverage as my client has already committed. It often requires significant diplomacy on my part in that I have to demonstrate what was overlooked by them during the selection process. Since they tend to have to defend their decisions and actions internally (politics!) and the scope or budget or timeline changes once detailed planning is performed, it can get pretty hairy.
If you are able to work through the details before signing the agreement, a lot of this messiness can be avoided or minimized. I recommend performing the detailed planning prior to signing contracts, working with the vendor to create detailed statements of work to minimize surprises, and generating a project charter capturing the project elements. The project charter is an internal document but I generally have the vendor consultants read and sign as well in order to hold them accountable as members of the project team.
And one of thing greatest benefits of going through this process is that you can learn very quickly how committed the software vendor is to the success of your project and to your company. If a vendor is completely resistant to investing the time to generate a detailed statement of work based on detailed planning, this is a major red flag. I would seriously reconsider doing business with that particular vendor. Detailed planning sets everyone up for success.
January 26, 2012
Change of Scene
A change of scene offers us the opportunity to look at things from a different perspective which allows us to see what we may not have noticed before. Seeing it differently can offer up new opportunities or solutions or even eliminate roadblocks or obstacles. It can also help us to appreciate our original scene.
A change of scene requires us to get our of our comfort zone.
Yesterday I was forced out of my (latest) normal routine of writing some blogs and doing some online marketing from the comfort of my couch, with my dog cramping my laptop, after the kids have left for school (much like I am doing today). From the comfort of my living room, I have found myself staring outside at the birds and squirrels, listening to the dog snore, without writing a word for a period of time. It's been comfortable but not always productive.
But yesterday I had to leave the house for an hour before an appointment and I went to a local coffee shop. I got more than a buzz from the super caffeinated Mexican coffee. I ran into a friend and had a discussion that gave me the inspiration for yesterday's blog. The writing flowed so easily, I finished it in less than 15 minutes (and not because of the caffeine).
All it took was leaving a comfortable spot and moving to a different one to get an idea that would not have surfaced if I hadn't moved.
This is one of the things I like best about consulting. While I've enjoyed the comfort of working with a particular client on and off for over six years (with other clients at the same time and in between), I've also enjoyed the challenges associated with starting new projects at new client sites. I can take what I've learned at one client and apply it at another client (both what works and what doesn't work). It also forces me to be flexible as all companies have different cultures, processes and people that require different approaches. I can refine my processes or try a new approach at a new client without them knowing that I am trying something new. I might get resistance at an existing client.
I am in between projects right now and this too is a change of scene for me. My workaholic / jam packed schedule routine is thrown off and there are days that I have no scheduled appointments. Talk about uncomfortable! What I have been given during this time is the opportunity to stand back and evaluate what works and doesn't work in my life, both professionally and personally. It is a welcome and unwelcome gift that I do not want to squander as I can establish some new and healthier habits and practices that will make me a more effective consultant and a happier person.
I've already started asking myself some questions about what I want to be doing differently, what I want to do more of, and what things could look like if I change things up a bit. I don't have any answers yet but without the change in scene, I wouldn't even have the opportunity to ask them.
January 25, 2012
Staying Connected
During a project it is very easy for me to focus on the tasks and forget about focusing on the people (other than to make sure they know what tasks they are to be working on). I assume that everyone is working toward the same endpoint and that completing tasks is the most important thing. I have to remind myself that part of my job is to stay connected with the people and make sure they are feeling the love. It is easier to stay connected than to have to reconnect after a period of neglect.
This means getting up, walking around, getting on the phone, and giving team members and stakeholders personal attention. In a formal team setting, they don't always want to openly discuss issues related or unrelated to the project that could indirectly or directly impact the project. Taking the time to give them an opportunity to feel heard is vital to the success of the project.
Sometimes the information or feedback is difficult to hear (which may be why I sometimes avoid it) but to be effective, I need to set aside my personal insecurities and do what's right for the team members, stakeholders, project, and client. I often learn things that may not be pertinent at the time but can be useful later or when pieced together with other pieces of information, begin to form the answer to a problem we might be encountering or better yet, provide us with an opportunity that wouldn't otherwise be made obvious to me.
This is helpful personally as well. While at a coffee shop this morning, I bumped into a friend I hadn't seen in a while. She's on a board with my husband and mentioned a meeting tonight that I wasn't aware of. This prompted me to text my husband to confirm that I need to be in home with the kids. The bonus here was that I got to reconnect with a friend and, as an extrovert, replenish some energy that's been lacking a bit lately. She also shared with me some information about some mutual friends and community projects that I am storing for future reference (all of it good). I had to look away from my computer long enough to have the chat but it was worth it.
As a goal oriented person it is so very easy to focus on ticking things off the to-do list leaving others to their own devices. This also leaves others to their own agendas which may not match up with the goals and objectives for the project. Making the communication a to-do list item (a high priority one at that) is critical for project managers. The people are the keys to the success of the project regardless of the number of tasks completed and staying connected keeps the people connected to project.
January 24, 2012
The Perfect Project Plan
The perfect project plan is perfectly accurate for a nanosecond before it is no longer accurate. The hours of discussions and effort to create tasks and dependencies, assign resources, add durations, and determine the overall timeline are not completely wasted. The effort of bringing everyone together to understand the overall objectives and subsequent details is priceless. The perfect project plan provides a framework for the overall project. It takes into account past experience, expectations, and reality and combined together is a guidance document for the overall project.
Resources and availability change. New information is obtained. External and internal pressures adjust priorities. These are all elements that contribute to the immediate obsolescence of a project plan. As effective project managers, it is our job to take this data into account to reassess and rework the plan and the plan details. This does not mean modifying the MS Project Plan (my tool of choice) every time there is a new piece of information. It means communicating revised priorities and tasks and expectations to project team members and stakeholders. Experienced project managers are constantly adjusting the pieces in the project picture to achieve the overall objectives and communicating to keep the project team members moving toward the finish line.
I use a status report to communicate tasks on a weekly basis. It includes the barriers or red flags, work for the week with assigned resources, completed tasks, resource availability, and a high level weekly calendar. During the status meetings we walk through each section to confirm team members are aware of what tasks should be worked on that week. We also discuss the completed items, albeit briefly, to give a sense of accomplishment. I like to go over the weekly calendar to reinforce what is coming up to reduce the number of surprises. We never look at the project plan as I believe that it is a project manager's tool. It is available to team members but generally, no one else actually wants to look at it.
The perfect project plan is a project manager's tool designed with the intention that it will be modified throughout the project. Resources, durations, end dates, and dependencies can be adjusted to give the project manager a revised sense of what is important on a weekly basis. In other words, the perfect project plan is flexibly designed to be modified and perfected throughout the life of the project.
January 20, 2012
In Between Days
Over the last week or so, I've had a lot of trouble getting motivated to do anything that requires more than two hours of my attention (maybe even an hour). I thought it might be the weather or being out of a regular routine or post holiday blues. And then it hit me…this happens after every project I finish (I just wrapped up at Alexza) or after a major goal is accomplished (like the half marathon). It's what I've dubbed the 'post project letdown'.
It's a very frustrating period for me as I pride myself on accomplishing a lot in a very short period of time. As a goal oriented person, the more I can check off a list the better I feel. But it's during this time that what motivates me normally is what I most abhor. I can't even schedule coffee or lunch with a friend while I am in this phase. And of course it causes my world to be completely off kilter.
I used to fight and resist this as there was always another project demanding my attention and there was no time to rest. Every task took a lot of effort and in the end, resulted in some level of burnout.
Now, once I realize what is going on (yes, it can take over a week), I allow myself the time to decompress and replenish my energy stores. This time, I am blogging, cooking, running, networking, playing poker with the kids, spontaneously spending time with friends, and resisting the urge to feel overwhelmed by the personal project list that grew while I was focused on a client project. This is no mean feat and a gift that I try to grant myself until I am out of the dip.
In a few days, my energy stores will be replenished and I can go back to conquering the world. Until then, each morning you can find me on my couch, in my pajamas, drinking cappuccinos, listening to French Café Radio on Pandora and focusing my short attention on sharing my wisdom and realizations on Solutions2Projects blog entries. It's not a bad way to get back to my 'normal' when I am feeling a bit 'in between'.
January 19, 2012
Carrot or Stick
What is the best way to motivate project team members? The short answer is that it depends. It depends on the individual and as project managers it is incumbent upon us to find out what works for each person and tailor for each.
We must get to know the team members and understand what makes them tick. This takes time that may not appear to be a value-add at the beginning, but it is certainly an investment for later in the project when things really need to get done. Finding the lever that will get each person moving in the right direction toward the collective goal, helps to eliminate some of the bumps on the road to project success.
This also means that incentives and rewards need to be built into the project and project budget. While it would be nice to assume that project team members are intrinsically motivated to do the 'right thing', the 'right thing' is different for each person and doesn't necessarily align with the project goals.
The team can be rewarded or recognized collectively but individual agendas need to be identified in order to increase the likelihood for success. The rewards do not need to be costly and they sometimes don't cost anything. For some, recognition is the best reward. Others require cash. And others, flexibility to work on project tasks at 2 AM.
Think about what motivates you. What does it take to get you motivated especially when you've been assigned to a project that takes you out of your normal routine and comfort zone. What would motivate you to work more effectively? What information or tools do you need or want? What rewards do you like? Are you motivated by fear or money or recognition?
The first step is recognizing that getting your team members motivated to work effectively towards the project goals and objectives cannot be achieved with a one-size-fits-all approach. The most important and hardest step is taking the time to find the lever that will make each team member a more productive member of the team but it's worth the effort.
January 18, 2012
Outsourcing to Save Our Sanity
Recently I realized that I will not be the one to teach my children how to drive. I realized this when my 10 year old was driving the golf cart while we played golf the other day. It was quite stressful and we were only going 5 miles per hour and no other carts or pedestrians were in sight to run into or over. Apparently my husband had already given thought to this and was in total agreement. We have both realized that some things are better left to professionals to save our sanity, increase likelihood of success and reduce likelihood of bloodshed.
This got me thinking about my clients and the essential skill sets they need to have on site in their staff versus those that are needed on a periodic basis. Most of my clients are only able to cover the basics like helpdesk, network, and if they are lucky, database. Once enterprise or business specific systems are in place, a business analyst is pretty critical. But IT project management? The expertise is only really necessary when they are implementing a new system or upgrading and existing one. This is a function that can be outsourced to experienced professionals.
When hiring an external IT project manager for a small company (less than 300 people) in the life sciences industry, compliance experience is key. Without this experience, the projects can be seriously under planned as validation may not be considered. Validation is a process that begins at the beginning with requirements definition and vendor selection and goes through system retirement. Validation is not just documented testing and can add significant time to a project depending on system complexity and risk assessment.
Another key element is experience working in small organizations where a project manager has to get his or her hands dirty. We don't have the luxury of simply leading and guiding others as resources are generally limited and timelines short. Therefore, IT project managers in this segment need to step in and act as business analysts, validation resources, and trainers in some cases.
Outsourcing IT project management makes sense as projects, by their very definition, have a defined beginning and end. Once the project is over, it can be closed out and transitioned to on site personnel for ongoing support and your company does not need to retain additional headcount when the project is over. If done properly, the project-specific knowledge gained by the IT project manager during the project, is transferred to the on site support personnel before the project is closed out.
As for drivers' education, oursourcing makes sense for us personally. Hopefully the training will be a short-term project beginning with a spin around the block with everyone coming back alive with no bloodshed and ending with a driver's license. At this point, as with system projects, once the project ends, or in case of my kids with their driver's licenses, the real fun and headaches truly begin.
January 17, 2012
Change is Hard
My dad often said that if it weren't for the clients and employees, his job would be perfect. The same could be held true with regards to project management. The system implementation from a technical perspective isn't hard; it's managing the people and expectations that is most difficult.
We all know change is hard. We also know it is necessary to grow and move forward. Why do some of us resist it even when we know intellectually it is good for us?
I know that from my project experience employees are afraid. In their minds are a series of questions, especially if they haven't gone through the process before. Will I still have a job? Will I be able to do my job? What if someone finds out I don't know what I am doing? What if someone wants more from me than I can do or that I want to do? I am comfortable with my discomfort; why do I need to change anything?
I find that getting affected people (team members, employees, stakeholders) to talk about these issues (externalize rather than internalize) acts as a release valve and reduces the fright associated with the unknown. We also discuss the benefits associated with the change and acknowledge the discomfort associated with the uncertainty. This doesn't happen just once and is an ongoing process throughout the project and through the adoption phase after Go Live. If users don't use the system and continue to follow old practices, the implementation cannot be considered a success.
As project managers we are always managing…people, tasks, expectations, constraints. How we help the people in the organization adjust to the change is a major factor in determining the success of the project.


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MANATEE COUNTY — Members of Bayside Community Church in the East County last week joined thousands of Christians from as far away as Australia, Tanzania and Peru in Awakening, a three-week commitment to prayer and fasting.
The commitment, started by Celebration Church in Jacksonville three years ago, seeks to help Christians and church leadership refocus their lives at the beginning of a new year.
"It's a great way to start off 2011 and to rededicate our lives to Christ," Bayside Creative and Communications Coordinator Kristin Becnel said. "And it is so cool to have churches from all over reading the same devotional and praying the same thing."
This year, Awakening, which began Jan. 10 and runs through Jan. 30, also includes a 21-day Virtual Conference. Through the Awakening website, participants can listen to messages from more than 60 pastors, including Bayside's Randy Bezet. The program also is uniting participants throughout the world through its Twitter feed, Awake21, and Facebook page.
The fasting portion of Awakening is intentionally flexible, Becnel said. Some may choose to participate the entire 21 days. Others may do two or three days a week. The goal isn't to follow guidelines of the program but rather to consider one's faith.
"By giving something up, we take that time for God and grow in our relationship with Him," Becnel said.
This year marks Bayside's third year participating in Awawkening. In years past, Becnel said the experience has yielded significant growth in the Christian faith out east.
"At the end, we always set aside time to come together, and we hear all these incredible stories on how Awakening has helped people and families," Bencel said.
Contact Michael Eng at [email protected].
WHAT: A 21-day program of Christian prayer, fasting and devotion.
WHEN: Jan. 10-30
WEBSITE: awake21.org


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Nina Gong
Nina Gong is a Partner focusing on Asian buyout opportunities. She is based in Beijing.
Prior to joining Carlyle, Ms. Gong was a Principal at Apax Partners, where she was a core member of the Greater China team and completed several transactions, such as: $170 million investment into Soufun, the largest real estate portal in China; £2.1 billion public to private transaction at Emap; and the majority investment into Tommy Hilfiger China. Prior to that, Ms. Gong worked at the Investment Banking Department at China International Capital Corporate Limited (CICC) in Beijing, a leading China investment bank, where she had been deeply involved in the restructuring and listing of a number of leading Chinese companies, including China Telecom, China Life and Baosteel.
Ms. Gong received her MBA from Harvard Business School and BA in economics from Peking University.


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How to reclaim control from rogue agent
Mother regrets signing over power of attorney to daughter
Dear Mr. Premack: My mother has given my sister power of attorney over our mother's assets. Sister has made it clear that she makes all decisions concerning our mom. Our mother signed over power of attorney thinking that my sister would make the best decisions should our mother need someone to make decisions for her. My mom now has had a change of heart. She has no control over anything and fears that my sister is wasting her money. How can my mom regain back control over her own finances? How can she find out exactly what my sister has control over? Should my mom die while my sister still has power of attorney, will everything go to her or do the other siblings have a say concerning our mother's estate? – FG
Let's define some terms. A Power of Attorney (POA) is a entrustment of authority from a Principal to an Agent. The "Principal" is the maker of the POA. An "Agent" is the person to whom authority has been entrusted. In your case, mother is the Principal, sister is the Agent. Every POA should be "Durable", which means that it does not cease if the Principal becomes disabled. If it is not Durable, the POA ceases to function if the Principal becomes disabled.
Your mother needs to understand that when she signed her POA, she gave up none of her inherent authority. Despite the fact that she has appointed an Agent, your mother still has full unrestricted authority to handle her own financial issues. In fact, the Agent is the person who must live with restrictions. For instance, Texas law makes the Agent fiduciary for the Principal – meaning that any action taken by the Agent must always be in the best interests of the Principal. The Agent may not abscond with funds, may not exploit the Principal, and may to act outside the specific powers granted in the POA.
Hence, your mother retains ultimate legal control. Here are a few actions that she can take:
1. Call Adult Protective Services to report that she suspects that her Agent has financially exploited her. APS will investigate, make recommendations and assist your mother. If the Agent intentionally, knowingly, or recklessly misapplied assets, the act may be criminal. The Penal Code calls it "Misapplication of Fiduciary Property". If it appears that Agent has misapplied assets, a call to the local police to report the violation may be in order.
2. Consult with the attorney who drafted the POA. Ask the attorney to draft another legal document that revokes the POA, thus removing the Agent's authority. Your mother will need to sign the revocation, and will need to notify your sister that her power as Agent has been terminated.
3. Ask the attorney to craft a replacement POA appointing someone else as Agent. The new Agent must, of course, be trustworthy and understand the extent and limits of the authority being granted. Your mother may also consider discussing the pros- and cons- of a Living Trust, which is an alternative legal method to delegate management of finances and assets.
4. Demand an accounting from your sister. Texas law states that the Agent has the duty to inform and to account for actions taken under the POA. The Agent is required to keep records of each action taken on behalf of the Principal, and must deliver those records to the Principal on demand. Further, the Principal is entitled to all facts and all documentation related to the Principal's property.
5. If the Agent does not respond to the demand for an accounting, the Principal may file suit. A court will order the Agent to comply.
A POA does not change who inherits. If your mother dies before the POA is revoked, the POA itself does not influence who inherits. However, your mother should verify that her Agent has not modified her accounts and life insurance to make them payable to Agent upon your mother death. If beneficiary designations have been altered, your mother has full authority to change them to match her desires.
Paul Premack is a Certified Elder Law Attorney with offices in San Antonio and Seattle, handling Wills and Trusts, Probate, and Business Entity issues. View past legal columns or submit free questions on legal issues via www.TexasEstateandProbate.com or www.Premack.com.


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Oracle Rdb is a full-featured, relational database management system for mission-critical applications on OpenVMS platforms. Whilst it has been largely replaced over recent years, it is still in use at many customer sites. GAP has the expertise to support your Rdb installation and ensure many more years of trouble free operation.
Rdb's technical strengths include:
If you are running Rdb then talk to us about how we can help keep your system running at optimal levels. Our skills include performance tuning, database integrity checking and security.


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Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care
Intimate and corporal hygiene: soothes and protects sensitive or irritated skin
Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care is specially formulated for sensitive or irritated skin. Its gentle cleansing action soothes itchiness and discomfort.
Its mild alkaline pH and lipid-enriched formula containing burdock respect the skin's natural balance and make it perfect for everyday use.*
Gynaecologists have recommended Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care, the leading hygiene product for intimate areas, for over 20 years.
Soap, paraben, colouring agent and phenoxyethanol free.
Clinically tested by gynaecologists and dermatologists.
Recommended use
Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care can be used like a liquid soap. Make it foam then rinse well. Gentle enough to be used once or twice a day, Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care is recommended for sensitive skin or in case of intimate skin problems (including irritation and discomfort). For external use only.
* Clinical studies by INSERM Lille in 2003 and 2009
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care every day?
Yes. Its soap- and paraben-free formula enriched with softening agents makes it a cleanser particularly suitable for everyday use. Its mild alkaline pH (pH 8) is gentle on the vulva area and its flora.
Why should I use a specific intimate hygiene product like Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care instead of regular soap?
It is essential that you use a suitable intimate hygiene product to cleanse intimate areas without harming them. Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care's soap-free formula contains mild surfactants that respect these sensitive areas.
Can I use Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care to wash my whole body?
Yes. Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care is recommended for sensitive and irritated skin. Enriched with softening agents and burdock, it ensures ultra-gentle body care.
Can I use Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care to douche?
Unless prescribed by your doctor, douches are not recommended. They can alter the vagina's protective flora and mucosa.
Does Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care always have to be rinsed?
Yes. Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care is used as a soap. The skin and mucosa must be rinsed well after washing.
My daughter is 13 and has vaginal itching. Can she use Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care?
It is very common for teenage girls to experience minor vaginal problems (itching, discharge, etc.) during puberty. Undergarments like thongs, tight trousers and certain sports (cycling, horseback riding, etc.) can cause chafing, which may lead to gynaecological problems. Since Saforelle was designed for genital mucosa at all ages, your daughter can use Saforelle Gentle Cleansing Care on a daily basis to soothe her irritations.


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Halloween, 1978, John Carpenter, Dean Cundry
Secondary Sources from Internet
Anom. (2014). Halloween. Available: http://www.the-numbers.com/movies/1978/0HLLW.php. Last accessed 31st May 2014.
Box Office
Budget: $300,000 (estimated)
Gross: $47,000,000 (USA)
$300,000 (estimated)
$60,000,000 (Worldwide) ( 1978)
AUD 900,000 (Australia) ( 1979)
$782,277 (Germany)
HKD 450,139 (Hong Kong) ( 1979)
SEK 2,298,579 (Sweden)
750,000 (Germany)
118,606 (Sweden)
Filming Dates
April 1978
Copyright Holder
Falcon International Productions
'In 1978, a low-budget film about a masked killer stalking a young babysitter in a quiet Illinois suburb took the film industry by storm.
Filmed for just over $300,000 (about $1m today), John Carpenter's Halloween has since made more than $47m.
Cinema audiences were terrified and delighted in equal amount and Michael Myers, with his battered white facemask became a pop culture icon, preceding the likes of Jason Voorhees, the hockey-masked brute from the Friday the 13th films and Freddie Krueger of the Nightmare on Elm Street franchise.
"I can believe it," says the now 65-year-old semi-retired director, about the span of time since he created one of the ultimate movie monsters.
Continue reading the main story
Start Quote
The best compliment I got was standing outside a theatre and hearing the audience scream, that was just delightful."
John Carpenter
"I'm old now, 35 years ago I was a young kid then just trying to make a movie but some part of me still feels like that young kid."
Prior to Halloween, Carpenter had already known some success with the exploitation film Assault on Precinct 13 which, although a flop in the US, had enjoyed some resurgence in Europe after being screened at the London Film Festival in 1977.' –
Slasher genre
Although the idea of a stalking killer was not a new one, having been seen in films like Michael Powell's voyeuristic Peeping Tom; Godfather director Francis Ford Coppola's Dementia 13 and even Tobe Hooper's creation Leatherface from Texas Chainsaw Massacre, Halloween's Myers was a different beast.
"We had this idea of Michael Myers being not quite a human but almost a supernatural force," says Carpenter. "Evil as a force of nature in the personification of this man.
"So we put him in a mask so he wouldn't have human features."
The two-dollar rubber mask was a likeness of Star Trek actor William Shatner, sprayed a bluish-white – and it terrified people.
'None of this is new, there have always been ghost stories."
"The best compliment I got was standing outside a theatre and hearing the audience scream, that was just delightful."
Halloween ushered in the era of the slasher movies of the 1980s. Though they were not the first, it – along with Friday 13th – brought the previously niche horror genre hurtling into the mainstream.
Carpenter, however, plays down his reputation as the father of the genre: "I think the main reason that Halloween inspired other movies was very shrewd producers looking and saying, 'This idiot made this for $300,000, we can do it and make money'.
"It's all about making money in Hollywood. It wasn't about art."
The slasher genre now looks relatively timid when compared with the explosion in what became known as the "torture porn" of the 2000s. Super-violent films such as Hostel and the Saw franchise undoubtedly built on the brutal nature of films like Halloween and Friday the 13th.
Since then, filmmakers have returned to the basics with ghost films like The Conjuring and The Woman In Black, which have proved to be a massive draw at the box office.
A remake of Escape from New York has long been planned
But Carpenter – who has dabbled in ghostly tales such as The Fog and Christine – again insists: "Horror films have been around since the beginning of cinema and each one leads to another so they continue to morph and change depending on society.
"None of this is new, there have always been ghost stories. There are just new ways of telling stories."
Kev Geoghegan. (2013). John Carpenter reflects on Halloween 35 years on. Available: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24296254. Last accessed 29th May 2014.
This is using secondary qualitative research but because it is the first hand opinion of the cinematographer himself I will have more of an insight into the techniques and style Dean Cundey.
Widely considered one of the best cinematographers of all time, Dean Cundey has been behind the camera on classics such as Rock 'n' Roll High School, Escape From New York, Back to The Future, Big Trouble in Little China, Jurassic Park and Apollo 13, just to name a few. However, he may still be best known for his work on the 1978 horror classic Halloween, which celebrates its 35th Anniversary this year with a brand new Blu-ray release. Although it had been used sparingly in films such Rocky and Marathon Man, Dean Cundley helped spawn a whole new era of cinematography with his use of the "fluid prowling camera," which later became known as the Steadicam. I recently had the chance to speak with this legendary director of photography over the phone about his experiences on director John Carpenter's horror classic. Here's what he had to say.
Dean Cundey: Well, it had been used very little, up to that point. Three or four films had used it, but only in limited ways. Any time there is new technology like that, people look for a way to use it, but they don't always think of the most ingenious things. They looked at the Steadicam as a way to replace a dolly or a handheld camera. One of the things that John and I really tried to do was find a way to turn the camera into a character. What we used it for, was actually pretty unique, for the time. Now, of course, it's become such a ubiquitous thing that almost every feature carries a Steadicam and Steadicam operator. At the time, it was such a special thing that you had to designate two or three days for its use.
Dean Cundey: I had gone to Cinema Products, who had the original Steadicam, to try it out, and then Panavision built their own version. I went to Panavision along with a couple of my crew guys, and we tried it out. I put it on and walked around, through cars and stuff. There's actually a piece of film on the Internet, that test film that we shot. We pretty quickly figured out that it had some great potential. We used the Panavision version of it, and it came and went, I remember, according to when we needed it, because it was an extra budgetary consideration, but it was a device that we really thought could have potential, beyond replacing the dolly. It's something you always hope to do, which is use the camera in some way to draw the audience into the story, and attach to them emotionally. We thought that this would be a new way to do that.
Brian Gallagher. (2013). EXCLUSIVE: Dean Cundey Talks 'Halloween' 35th Anniversary Blu-ray. Available: http://www.movieweb.com/news/exclusive-dean-cundey-talks-halloween-35th-anniversary-blu-ray. Last accessed 29th May 2014.
Secondary research- Interviews
Secondary Research: Interviews from Documentary- Visions of light: Cinematography
Secondary research from book: Cinematography
I watched 'Visions of light: Art of Cinematography' in hopes of getting a fuller understanding on the subject of Cinematography. The documentary included commentary and opinions from many top cinematographers, filmmakers, D.O.P's etc. and spoke about the problems and successes cinematographers had with well-known films and how it affected the aesthetics of the picture, but they did not talk about the technical components that created the shots, which was what i was looking for. An interesting watch but I did not find this information useful and did not consider it when analysis and writing my investigation.
Interview Notes
Beginning structure research/Notes/ Book sources
Here I looked at both cinematography and film art to compare and contrast the style and techniques within both, to find similarities and differences to find a generic conclusion of techniques to look for during my analysis.
This is my use off cross-referencing.
I found that both books were good reliable sources to find information on cinematography. They are both well-established books that are highly recommended for filmmakers so I can trust the information is valid. However I found that 'Cinematography' had a lot more information than 'Film Art', probably because Film Art covers many subjects within film whereas Cinematography's main and only focus is the use and application of Cinematography. Reading these books gave me a wider knowledge on the subject and helped improve my terminology so I can be more accurate with my analysis.
Primary research- The analysis notes.
This is the main part of my subject investigation where I will do an analysis of the film 'Halloween'. It is primary research because it is an analysis from my perspective, formed on the knowledge I have required through research. I broke it down into scenes and analysed 4 main aspects of cinematography in each scene, which showed in my final report.


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Sooooooo…..Nai has a challenge to be more creative for the next year. I realized that my creativity muscles haven't had a workout in quite some time, so I'm working on writing a little in addition to twinkle toeing my way all over the grid.
Last night I was able to be a ball warmer for my friend Kyshra at the Empire Room. For those of us who dance and build and dance and build and build and build, you know how refreshing it can be to sit back and enjoy a show! What a show it was. I laughed, I was terrified, I cried…quite the emotional roller coaster. We had scary dances, a violin duel of epic proportion, a heartbreakingly beautiful duet, and not one but two brilliant parodies, a hot sexy group dance and a tribute to the victims of gun violence. (told you I cried!)
Folks often wonder what I get out of SL and what the point is. The point my friends is having your heart warmed on a cold winters' night by funny little pixels that come together to bring your imagination alive.
Therein endeth the first post.


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Staff member
Ok, for me, it's a bit special, as it's the last drum show I'll exhibit at as Guru Drums, but I'm keen to find out if there's any forum members attending. Great show - superb venue & theatre, a wide range of exhibitors, & a fabulous artist lineup. Personally, I'm really looking forward to Richard Spaven, Benny Greb, & Stanton Moore.
Manchester Central - 29th / 30th September.
Manchester Central - 29th / 30th September.
418.9 KB Views: 338


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Home > NRC Library > Document Collections > NRC Regulations (10 CFR) > Part Index > § 52.25 Extent of activities permitted.
§ 52.25 Extent of activities permitted.
If the activities authorized by § 52.24(c) are performed and the site is not referenced in an application for a construction permit or a combined license issued under subpart C of this part while the permit remains valid, then the early site permit remains in effect solely for the purpose of site redress, and the holder of the permit shall redress the site in accordance with the terms of the site redress plan required by § 52.17(c). If, before redress is complete, a use not envisaged in the redress plan is found for the site or parts thereof, the holder of the permit shall carry out the redress plan to the greatest extent possible consistent with the alternate use.
[72 FR 49524, Aug. 28, 2007]
Page Last Reviewed/Updated Tuesday, August 29, 2017


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Author: EMSI
Author Website: http://www.mhstudio.xf.cz
Requirements: No addons required
Version: 2.0
Signed: Yes
Short description:
Date: 2008-03-12 23:45
Comments: (1)
Downloads / Armed Assault / Addons / Vehicles / Planes / UAV RQ-1 Predator
RQ-1 Predator is a long-endurance, medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle for surveillance and reconnaissance missions.
The Northrop Grumman TESAR synthetic aperture radar, which provides all-weather surveillance capability, has a resolution of 1 feet.
Surveillance imagery from synthetic aperture radar, video cameras and a Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) can be distributed in real-time both to the front line soldier and to the operational commander, or worldwide in real-time via satellite communication links.
MQ-1 description:
MQ-1, armed with AGM-114 Hellfire missiles, is the multi-role version which is used for armed reconnaissance and interdiction. It can be also armed with intelligent bombs GBU-12 Paveway II, EGBU-12 Paveway II or GBU-38 JDAM.
The Raytheon Multi-spectral Targeting System (MTS-A/B) is fitted on the MQ-1/9 Predator. The MTS-A/B provides real-time imagery selectable between infrared and day TV as well as a laser designation capability. MQ-1 can employ two laser-guided Hellfire anti-armour missiles with the MTS.
The endurance of the air vehicle is more than 40 hours and the cruise speed is over 70 knots.
Extract the pbo(s) in your Arma/addons folder or as we always recommend use a modfolder.
If you do not know how to use mod folders have a loom in our FAQ.
Included pbo files:
You find this unit in editor through BLUFOR -> UAV -> MQ-1 Predator (or RQ-1 Predator).
This addon has one unique function bringing a bit of reality into a game. It
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Single room accommodation for extended family or home office with either a lounge or sleeping area.
Area large enough for double bed or bunk bed.
Power and light fittings.
Sleepout for extended family accommodation.
- Home office
- Bedroom
- Annexe
- Storage cabin
- Art Studio
Size 4.8m X 2.4m Big enough but need amenities? - then check out the Kestrel cabin.


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Yang Du Designs
I've been in love with this surrealist designer since I first came across her quirky pieces back in Fashion School. With collections called 'Falling in love is a risk' and 'It is a dream in colors' you just know this one is going to be interesting! I love how her pieces are crazy, colorful and out there just like Chinese fashion is today! Not to mention adorable! Here's a look at some of my favorite pieces from various collections...
Its that time of year to be grateful, for all of the people in our lives, including those who inspire us. Richard Avedon is known to have shaped the world of fashion and created America's image of style (as was written on his obituary when he died back in 2004. His career spanned over sixty years in which he captured minimalistic yet large scale photographs that took the industry by storm. Shooting for the likes of Vogue and Harpers Bazaar it's no wonder that he is the genius creator of one of the worlds most expensive photographs.
Worth $1,151,976, 'Dovima with Elephants' was taken Christian Diors 1955 collection. The eery contrast between the supermodels youth and elegance against the aged, wrinkled elephants. Despite the addition of the stunning Dovima and the circus elephants, the dress, somehow, still remains the focal point.
Here is a look at some of my favourite shots from Sex Symbols to editorial works for Iconic designers:
Versace, 1955.
Givenchy, 1954
Marilyn Monroe, 1956
Versace, 1993
I'm so in love with that last photo for Versace. How amazing! Have you got a favourite of the above? Or any that I may not have come across?
Christmas Gift Guide: Under €20
It's December.. and that means I'm officially allowing myself to start posting about Christmas! I'm a bit of a Grinch these days and can't stand the marketing ploys that bring Christmas in before Halloween even comes.. Once December hits however, Christmas takes over my whole house!
The most difficult gifts for me are the ones with a €20 and under budget and Secret Santa's.. These days it's hard to find anything at that price point and I don't like just handing people one small, irrelevant item, So here are a few bits that I've found and think would make great presents for friends, family and colleagues.
For me, You can't go wrong with a gift set from The Body Shop. I absolutely love their products and they're ideal for someone who loves to pamper themselves. At just €19.95 this set includes some of my all time favourites; Tropical coconut fragranced Shower Cream, Body butter and hand cream, complete with a mini crinkle bath to rub those irresistable scents in.
No girl can resist a shining, metallic nail varnish around this time of year, especially with Deep Reds and Rose Golds being bang on trend this season! That's why this lovely little O.P.I nail varnish collection from BeautyBay.com is an ideal gift for the beauty obsessed one in your life.
I work in Ted Baker and we're currently selling these adorable Christmas Crackers which contain a mini nail polish and a Fragrance. There are a variety of colour but the black would have to be my favourite with a red varnish and dark, bergamot fragrance. They're great add ons to a gift and lovely little stocking fillers at just €14. These are available in store and are currently flying out!
Behold the Accessory Window! Let's face it, we all have that one friend that's accessory crazy.. I'm probably that one in my group and love receiving them as gifts.. If you're willing to go a whole euro over budget this black patterned clutch is a winner! It can worn casual with the shoulder strap or as a clutch for nights out.
For the Crazy Cat lady in your life there's this adorable knitted hat from Topshop. I spotted it in Topshop last week and had to buy it as a little Christmas gift to myself. It's now half price at €14. I just love how quirky yet wearable it is.. Especially in our current weather!
I visit Accessorise all the time over Christmas to get bits and bobs to add to presents.. Instead of giving one ring why not buy a stack? The cross and Ying Yang one above is just €11. The same goes for earrings.. why not go for something overdecorated set complete with some studs, an ear chain and cuff. It will only set you back €15.
For that creative friend that loves to be surrounded by Inspiration, there's the humble coffee table book. I was given the Kurt Cobain Journals as a gift by a good friend of mine last year and it was just so thoughtful and perfect! I've always been obsessed with Kurts music and the story of his life and death.. It can't get more personal than reading your favourite artists own memoirs, song lyrics and doodles.
Banksy wall and piece is another great one to have. It features some of the famous Graffiti Artists greatest works and is a super motivational, funny read! Both books can be purchased in Urban outfitters for just under €20 and also, of course, on Ebay.
So the hardest Gift Guide is up.. What do you think?
Would you like to Give or Receive any of the above?
Stay tuned for more idea's and inspiration on pretty gifts this Christmas..


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Child Protection Policy
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Good Practice
All members of the club should follow the good practice guidelines stated in the full policy, agree to abide by the Club Code of Conduct and the RYA Racing Charter contained in the Racing Rules of Sailing. Those working or volunteering with young people should be aware of the guidance on recognising abuse.
Abuse and neglect are forms of maltreatment of a child. Somebody may abuse or neglect of child by inflicting harm, or by failing to act to prevent harm. Children may be abused in a family or in an institutional or community setting by those known to them or, more rarely, by others (including via the internet). They may be abused by an adult or adults, or another child or children.
Minimising risk
Plan the activities of SSSC and promote good practice to minimise situations where adults are working unobserved or could take advantage of their position of trust. Good practice protects everyone – children, volunteers and staff.
These common sense guidelines should be available are given as guidance:
- Avoid spending any significant time working with children in isolation
- Do not take children alone in a car, however short the journey
- Do not take children to your home as part of your organisation's activity
- Where any of these are unavoidable, ensure that they only occur with the full knowledge and consent of someone in charge of the organisation or the child's parents
- Design training programmes that are within the ability of the individual child
- If a child is having difficulty with a wetsuit or buoyancy aid, ask them to ask a parent to help if at all possible
- If you have to help a child, make sure you are in full view of others, preferable another adult
You should never…
- Engage in rough, physical or sexually provocative games
- Allow or engage in inappropriate touching of any form
- Allow children to use inappropriate language unchallenged, or use such language yourself when with children
- Make sexually suggestive comments to a child, even in fun
- Fail to respond to an allegation make by a child; always act
- Do things of a personal nature that children can do for themselves
Although clubs have a duty of care to their members, and particularly to young people who cannot take full responsibility for their own safety, parents must be responsible for their children's welfare and behaviour, or designate another adult to take that responsibility, outside formal club-organised activities.
The club will seek written consent from the child and their parent/carers before taking photos or video at an event or training session or publishing such images. Parents and spectators should be prepared to identify themselves if requested and state their purpose for photography/filming. If the club publishes images of children, no identifying information other than names will be included. Any concerns about inappropriate or intrusive photography or the inappropriate use of images should be reported to the Club Child Protection Officer.
We please ask that no mobile phones or electronic devices are used in the changing rooms or toilets.
If you have any concerns regarding child protection please speak to Nicola Morgan the designated Child Protection Officer.
For more information read:


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A WOMAN was pulled from the River Mersey after fire-fighters staged a dramatic rescue last night.
The woman, believed to be in her early 20s, was seen in the Warrington stretch of the river near to Homesfield Road shortly after 9.30pm.
When they arrived the woman was already beginning to lose consciousness so two of the firefighters dived in to the freezing water to save her.
They used ropes to tie themselves together so they would not be swept away by the strong currents. Station officer John Melia today said: "My men did an absolutely superb job in very difficult circumstances.
"When we got there the young woman was already losing consciousness.
"It was decided that the best way to get her out would be if two of the lads went in."
The woman was taken to Warrington General Hospital where she was today receiving treatment for suspected hypothermia.
It is not yet known how she came to be in the water.


text: "I was canoeing this morning. Then it looked calm so I came out for a ride. We all know the hardest part of riding here is the weather. When there is rain, drizzle or fog, no one wants to ride in that. When I am done with the bike ride, I will get out on my motorbike. I love being in the outdoors."


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Forging the Future of App Dev
The mission:
Enabling everyone to deliver high-quality smart apps up to 100x faster using AI
- Augment the work of developers and transform software development with AI and machine learning.
- Use the power of AI in OutSystems and in your applications.
- Implement complete use-cases that are accessible to everyone using our AI components.
The outsystems.ai program is dedicated to embedding artificial intelligence and machine learning in the OutSystems platform to dramatically accelerate and improve software development.
AI-assisted development from OutSystems
The wisdom of millions of apps and patterns—at your fingertips
Save time when creating new or editing existing apps. AI-assisted development enables pro and citizen developers alike to apply expertise learned from over 15 million anonymized patterns and apps to their logic flows.
Pros can be more focused and productive and new developers get guidance that helps them learn.
"There's a lot of potential here because it saves time! Instead of having to go to multiple places to find what I need and drag-and-drop it to the flow, it's just two clicks, which is really good."
Rafaela Valadas
Trainee in the ITUp Turn Up program
How it works
For each step in your application flows, the OutSystems AI Assistant predicts the step you'll need to take next and recommends the most likely options. It puts your choice into the development environment, often fully configured and adapted to your own business logic and context. The suggestions are accurate and tailored to your context, and they are getting smarter all the time.
AI-assisted development works anywhere in a flow, in any flow: web, mobile, reactive web, services, business processes, you name it. Whether you need to create or edit logic in your application, the OutSystems AI Assistant is there for you.
"I just tried this for the first time, and what used to take five minutes of searching and a lot of mouse movement took about a second. The AI feature guessed exactly what I wanted to do! It is impressive. It helps me prevent repetitive strain injury symptoms, and because I use the mouse less, I can continue working for longer periods of time."
Vincent Koning
Software Engineer, Royal Boskalis Westminster
"With AI, we see the potential to transform the entire software lifecycle, where AI helps with everything from modeling new applications with the right architecture and user experiences to analyzing the business value and impact for the organization."
Paulo Rosado
CEO, OutSystems
Bringing the power of AI to your apps
Adding AI to your apps has numerous advantages, including faster insights, better customer engagement and satisfaction, optimized efficiency, and more. Yet, not many organizations have implemented AI, mainly due to a lack of talent and the complexity of the process.
If that's what's holding you back, OutSystems has what you need. Our AI components make it easy to incorporate AI into your apps.
Drive efficiency and increase customer satisfaction by automating initial interactions with chatbots and equip employees with up-to-date information by making it easy to share information and files through chat.
Language Analysis
More accurately determine customer satisfaction with natural language and sentiment analysis.
Choose from a wide range of connectors and plugins to build AI-powered apps.


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Through stock market investing, you can proactively use your money in order to increase your initial investment; in other words, you can make your money work to your advantage. Stock investments do not work in the same manner as savings accounts. Although both stock market investing and savings accounts both use the compounding principle, savings accounts are inactive ways of investing with a more narrowed focus on the safety of your principle investing amount as opposed to the subsequent return.
If you invest in a company's stock shares, you in essence become a part owner of that company. If the company gives out profit dividends, you will receive your portion, which is referred to as a dividend income.
The Best Method of Stock Market Investing
First of all, you can easily eat away at your time by budgeting. So as an alternative to expense tracking, which can be quite complicated, you will simply use the financial strategy of paying yourself first. As a general rule, it is wise to split your intended investment amount by applying 30% to various blue chip companies and 20% to several high dividend yields.
Managing Your Portfolio
Another aspect of stock market investing is managing your portfolio. Begin by considering products and services used in everyday life. Take notice as to what consumers use on a daily basis and this will give you insight into the companies who provide these products and services. Learn about their business models as well as general information that pertains to them.
You should also take a look at their profit-loss statement and balance sheet, business profitability, on-hand cash, and the company director's and auditor's reports. Other factors to consider are the company's management team, asset returns, equity returns, price to earning ratio, and their previous five years of credit history.
If all of these aspects appear to be in great shape, you should invest in that company. When it comes to choosing specific companies, look for those involved in industries such as oil and gas, energy, service sector, FMCG, pharmaceuticals, banking, biotechnology, insurance, entertainment, and IT.
Stock Market Investing Philosophy
Your stock market investing philosophy should be to have a small piece of ownership for 10-20 years in a company. This type of philosophy will bring you a great return over time. You should use approximately 5% of your funds for option trading, which is essentially a way to not only hedge your assets, but also earn speculative gains.
Other Stock Market Investing Tricks
There are other tricks you can use when investing in the stock market. Keep the amount of the savings you invest capped at 50%. Also, while it is imperative to engage in speculative investments, if you want to make significant sums of money, keep you investments equal to one-tenth of your portfolio. Never let personal greed influence your investing decisions. Selling under a state of panic is never wise. Always make sure you have a thorough understanding of the market's current state, what companies you decide to invest in, and the reasons behind your investment decisions.


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The Administrative Services Department focuses on maintaining the financial health of the City. We promote best management practices throughout the City's departments and provide assistance for all administrative functions, budget, accounting, and information technologies.
Administrative Services Director, Janeann Allison
300 Henry Ward Way, Suite 103, Gainesville, GA 30501
P. O. Box 2496, Gainesville, GA 30503
Phone: 770-297-5485
Fax: 770-535-5636