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'Inherent Vice' explores the hunger for escape
As we see in "Once Upon a Time...in Hollywood," Quentin Tarantino loves movies and adores the absurd.
So does writer/director Paul Thomas Anderson.
After creating one absorbing drama after another — from "Magnolia" to "The Master" to "Phantom Thread" — he reminds us how funny he can be when he chooses to chill. With the irreverent "Inherent Vice," from 2014, this director in search of meaning entertains his way through the Southern California idiosyncrasies of the early 1970s. Without the weight of a heavy message, or the burden to inspire tears, Anderson lite reminds us how much movie he can make because he knows how to tell a story, even one as unconventional as this look at the darker side of Los Angeles.
Anderson's steady hand rewinds more than 40 years to those sordid moments when people embittered by Vietnam and threatened by Manson search for escape in all the wrong places. Doc — beautifully etched by Joaquin Phoenix — is everyone's favorite private eye with a heart of gold, a craving for illegal substances and a conscience to save people. His life is littered with souls he tries to salvage, from an ex-girlfriend who chooses the wrong men, to a sometimes-girlfriend struggling with commitment to a grizzly cop with layers of anger. Doc is a cinema descendant of Sam Spade in "The Maltese Falcon" or J.J. Gittes in "Chinatown," a cynical poet who sees through follies. And when he compares himself to the fools he encounters, he puts himself at the top of the list. He knows a man can be too smart for his own good.
"As I adapted the book, I was fascinated how the profound could mix with the silly," Anderson shared at a question-and-answer following the film's screening at the New York Film Festival. "While I try to be faithful to the words, I am an interpreter in a different medium."
With an emphasis on character over plot, Anderson captures the rhythm Thomas Pynchon brings to the novel without trying to recreate what specifically works on the page. Instead Anderson uses Pynchon's view as a starting point to explore why people try to escape. In a film where everyone seems to be running from something — a challenging relationship, an inconvenient commitment, an occasional hitman — Anderson reveals the unusual destinations they may choose, from the private eye's office in a medical suite to the haven for a most unusual dentist (beautifully etched by Martin Short) to a pristine hideaway for troubled souls. No matter where they may run, however, these lost men and women look to Doc for reassurance, as if this most troubled of souls can provide relief. Or perhaps they trust because is the only one resigned to stay just where he is.
While this is not a film for the entire family, adults who love movies will be fascinated. Cinematographer Robert Elswit perfectly captures the look of early 1970s film as he leaves every scratch on the screen in beautiful 35 mm. Production designer David Crank — without pursuing parody — displays the extreme look of the period in his sets while the costumes by Mark Bridges captures every potential cliché with his strategic use of paisley. Their work helps Anderson visualize the fear that fuels a need to run. No matter how exaggerated the characters may be, he makes us believe they sincerely struggle with their self-induced chaos as they hope to find a way to jump over the fences they build for themselves.
In each film, Anderson explores the souls of people who get through a day by hoping that something may take them away. While we know he can tell such a story with dramatic tones, "Inherent Vice" confirms that, when he gets tickled, Anderson still knows what he wants to say. Just as Quentin Tarantino does with "Once Upon a Time in Hollywood."
"Inherent Vice" is Rated R for drug use, sexual content, nudity, language and some violence. The film runs 148 minutes. It is available online for streaming and on DVD.


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Thank you for making my beautiful ring. The design we agreed has turned out even better than I imagined and to quote my granddaughters "it's seriously sparkly" I love it. Secondly I wanted to tell you that I went to collect it from the jeweller who did the insurance valuation and he said that the […]
Hi Helen I meant to write to you last week to let you know that Eleanor liked her necklace. She absolutely loved and it was exactly what she wanted. Thanks again John
Designer Kilt Pin Dear Helen, The kilt pin came today and we love it. The design is so simple and beautiful. We have sent a picture to our sons fiancee and she thinks he will love it as well. Many thanks Mike Stevens
Dear Helen, Thank you for agreeing to replace the chain on my necklace. It was a gift for my 65th birthday and I was upset that the damage occurred before I had a chance to wear it. Your kind offer is much appreciated. Yours sincerely Jeanette Young
Silver and Gold Bespoke, Designer Bangle set with a Sapphire, Emerald and Tanzanite. Thank you so much for making the beautiful bracelet. My wife was over the moon with it. I thought the process of designing and having it made would have been problematic via email but you made it all so easy. Again, thank […]

subset: commoncrawl


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Heat, cold, vibration – the monitor is able to withstand the permanent strains of the maritime environment. It fulfills the IEC 60945 device standard for the fields of the environment and electromagnetic compatibility required for the licensing of maritime equipment. It also boasts an IP55 rating (Front). Other properties: A special coating protects the electronics from moisture. And the ventilator of the monitor can be accessed easily for a simple replacement.
Large viewing angle thanks to VA technology
The VA panel offers a high contrast ratio and a very large viewing angle on the image. The contrast and colours of the image remain the same from almost every viewing angle. The anti-reflection coating also reduces annoying reflections, even when looking at the monitor from the side.
Long-lasting LED backlight
This monitor is equipped with an LED backlight, which excels thanks to its service life, which is significantly longer than conventional CCFL tubes.
24/7 use guaranteed
The monitor is built for 24-hour use and is impressively reliable. That is why EIZO gives a 2 years warranty.
The monitor's gamma, brightness, and RGB colour space are calibrated in the factory. The colour rendering and display precisely fulfills the specifications of the ECDIS system and RADAR application in accordance with the IEC 61174, IEC 62288, and IEC 62388 standards.
Hardware calibration
The monitor has a built-in function for hardware calibration and uses the optionally available luminance measuring device EIZO EACAL-R01. Brightness, gamma, and white point are therefore perfectly configured in just a few minutes. The advantage: calibration takes place entirely autonomously using the monitor's menu, without requiring additional software.
Suitable for day and night operation: Thanks to the wide dimming range from less than 1 cd/m2 to 600 cd/m2, the monitor is ideally suited to changing light conditions. This means that the brightness of the monitor can be optimally configured for all ambient lighting and can be used without problems even in dark rooms.
Picture in Picture
Picture-in-Picture mode allows you to display two image signals at the same time – a main image and a reduced-scale image from another signal source inserted into the main image.
Repairs and on-site exchanges are carried out via our service partner:
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For repairs outside the warranty, you will receive a cost estimate without delay.
To keep your monitor looking like new at all times and to prolong the service life of your device, we recommend cleaning it regularly. Clean the casing and LCD surface as described below:
IMPORTANT: Never use thinner, benzene, alcohol (ethanol, methanol or isopropyl alcohol), scouring agents or other strong solvents as these may damage the casing and the LCD display.
Remove marks by wiping the casing with a soft cloth, which you have previously moistened with a mild cleaning agent. Never spray wax or cleaning agents directly on to the casing. (The manual contains exact details.)
LCD display
Where necessary, the monitor surface may be cleaned using a soft cloth (for example a cotton cloth or glasses cloth). Stubborn marks can generally be removed by wetting the cloth with a bit of water to increase the cleaning strength.
We cannot make a direct recommendation. The output signal should be digital and should support the maximum resolution of the monitor.
The viewing angle relates to the angle, beneath which the contrast is better than 10:1. These are normally values of 160° to 178°. These values do not provide any information about what enormous differences in contrast may result within the viewing angle. The contrasts should not change significantly for users with a perpendicular view and a slightly side-on view. It must not make a difference whether the viewer is looking at the middle of the image or the edge of the image. How much the contrast stability varies with different LCD technologies is best checked using a measurement diagram or by a direct visual comparison. The more stable the contrast in the user's viewing frustum, the better the image rendering.
Contrast is the ratio of white to black and for monitors is normally stated as a dark room contrast from a controlled laboratory environment. Typical contrasts on printed paper are 6:1 for newspapers, 31:1 for laser printers, 49:1 for photo paper. For example, dark room contrasts cannot be achieved in the office because an extremely deep black cannot be achieved in normal ambient light – even with the screen turned off.


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Nationwide Search for New Director Underway
October 11, 2018 (Paso Robles, CA) —Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance Executive Director Jennifer Porter has announced her plans to leave the Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance at the end of 2018 to pursue new opportunities closer to family on the East Coast. The search for a new Executive Director is actively underway. Porter will be assisting the Alliance with the search and the transition.
During Porter's seven-year tenure working for the 500-member organization, she led a range of consumer and trade marketing efforts that built the regional, national and global reputation of Paso Robles Wine Country. Key achievements under Porter's leadership were the recognition of 11 new sub-AVAs within Paso Robles, a "Wine Region of the Year" award by Wine Enthusiast in 2013, the integration of associate and hospitality members into the organization's board of directors, and the publication of a study in 2016 that showed a total economic contribution of the Paso Robles Wine Industry of $1.6 billion annually. In addition, the PRWCA under Jen's leadership ran four festivals each year that brought visitors to Paso Robles, oversaw a coordinated consumer advertising campaign to target markets, received CDFA grants to market Paso Robles in Texas and Florida, introduced a robust member education program, and oversaw multiple tours each year of media, sommeliers, and wine buyers through Paso Robles, and of Paso Robles wineries to key cities around the United States.
"It's been a wonderful experience representing Paso Robles Wine Country for the past seven years," said Porter. "The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance is fortunate to have the support of nearly 500 members who truly believe in cooperation and collaboration, a spirit that sets the Paso Robles AVA apart. I am extremely proud of the work the team and I have accomplished in sharing the message of Paso wine."
An 11-member Search Committee made up of all aspects of the Paso Robles wine community is in place and the search for a new Executive Director is currently moving forward. Interested candidates should look for more information in coming weeks on www.pasowine.com under Classifieds.
"Speaking from a grower's perspective, Jen has been instrumental in introducing programs that have greatly elevated the quality of grape growing in Paso Robles," said Jason Yeager of Niner Wine Estates, 2018 Chairman of the PRWCA Board of Directors. "It has been a great pleasure to work with Jen as a member winery, on the board of directors, and as board chairman. I thank her immensely for her years of service to the Alliance and wish her the absolute best in her future endeavors." Vice Chairman Jason Haas of Tablas Creek Vineyard agreed: "Jen has done great work in elevating Paso Robles to the national stage as one of California's great wine regions. We are confident in the team she has built and look forward to continued progress as we bring on new leadership."
The Paso Robles Wine Country Alliance represents wineries, growers and businesses in Paso Robles Wine Country. Centrally located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California's Central Coast, Paso Robles Wine Country is California's third largest wine region. It encompasses more than 40,000 vineyard acres and 200 wineries. For more information, visit www.pasowine.com. FB and Twitter – @PasoRoblesWine, Instagram – @PasoWine, #pasowine


text: Whooho I've been awarded the Reisma Van den Burg Grant! This grant is named after the Frisian painter Cor Reisma (1902-1962) and is offered by his family. The biennial stipend is intended to give recent graduates from the Minerva Art Academy an opportunity to further develop their work through an (inter)national project.Continue reading Reisma Van den Burg Grant


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This was our first river cruise so we have nothing to compare it with other than luxury ocean cruising with Silversea and Regent. It was called "Great Capitals and Vintage of the Danube". It started with a 3-day land pre-extension in Prague (based in the very nice Hilton Old Town), followed by a 7-day cruise from Vilshofen to Budapest. It was a wine-themed cruise, with multiple on-board tastings of St. Frances winery (Sonoma Valley, CA) excellent wines, and opportunities to visit several Austrian wineries (not so excellent). We enjoyed our mostly stress-free easy-paced cruise and interesting shore excursions, but would not recommend it if you absolutely MUST have gourmet cuisine or stellar dining room service and fine wines when you travel.
PRAGUE 3-day pre-cruise: we met our pleasant and intelligent cruise director Uwe Nietschke (sp), who coordinated a well-organized and interesting stay which started with practical recommendations for local restaurants, ATMs, safety, etc the first post-jetlag check-in evening. We had an interesting second day sightseeing tour (bus and walk) with a stimulating local guide, then just the right amount of free time. The Hilton Old Town was centrally located with good service and comfortable rooms. The optional, extra fee private Lobkowicz Palace tour the second day was fascinating, with many old musical instruments and weapons on display, followed by a classical music performance. We did not go to Terezin, a former internment camp for Jews, as I had been there before, which was another optional sidetour (recommended if you have any interest in European Jewish history). Instead we visited the Museum of Communism on our own (Uwe helped us with details), sandwiched between a McDonalds & a casino.
We then were bussed over to the ship in Vilshofen, with a stop in the colorful old city of Regensburg on the way. We did a city walking tour with a well-spoken guide, then had free time (we opted for a tasty local cuisine lunch at Regensburger Ratskeller in the town square).
EMBARKATION was easy (walk right on), then everyone sat in the noisy lounge area for 30-45 minutes until cabins were called (it might have been particularly noisy because there was a very large lively group traveling together from Puerto Rico). It was crowded during the initial milling around with limited service and toilet access lines, but I do not know how this could be improved. A lot of time (too much) was spent introducing all staff.
CABIN: (AA violin deck) was modern, always immaculate, and spacious enough, with a beautiful bathroom (would be too small if you are a Person of Size) and two balconies (one where you could sit outside if weather would allow it). The queen-sized bed was disappointingly hard, with no option to turn the mattress over for a softer side, as we have seen on Silversea. The free in-room WIFI worked quite well most of the time (not in locks) and was a refreshing change from ocean cruising where wifi is slow and very expensive. There was an in-room fridge to use as you wished, or with the free still water (no sparkling option) provided daily. Laundry service was quick, efficient, and cheap, so I used it several times instead of struggling with in-sink rinseouts and line-drying (our clothing was only lost once, then found, with apologies).
DINING: On-board dining and waiter service were mediocre, but tolerable. Breakfast and Lunch were basic buffets, crowded but always with a place to sit on comfortable chairs, adequate enough, with fresh produce, but nothing special except for the breads, which were fresh and crispy, baked daily. Pastries and cookies were mediocre. Guests were oddly not allowed to take their (free) food on a tray into cabins, which would have helped alleviate the crowding or allowed for privacy when guests are not in a social mood at mealtime. Each day also offered a clear or creamed soup option, and the creamed misc vegetable soups I tried were quite good. The overstressed waiters not uncommonly had difficulty keeping track of any unique requests (e.g., they would rush over at dinner to pour regular water and would be put off when I would ask for sparkling instead; I usually had to ask two to three times for the sparkling, and trying to buy expensive sparkling water bottles at the bar to take into my room in between meals was met with initial resistance). If they happened to be pouring white wine to start, but I wanted red, it would not uncommonly be a long time before the red would finally appear, requiring reminders. Dinner was served at a fixed time for everyone, with an unremarkable fish, vegetarian, and meat (usually beef) option each night and a generic white and red local wine, neither of which were very good, but not horrible. The specialty restaurant option we could eat at once during the cruise that had a lot of buildup and required reservations was actually nothing special (they had beef or fish options which were ok, but accompanied by suboptimal service -- e.g., other than getting water poured, for the first 30 minutes we sat there we did not get bread, wine, or an appetizer and were basically ignored, and the bread, when it finally came, was stale). The reds poured at dinners were typically not big enough to stand up to the beef dishes. There were almost no options to order nicer wines for a fee (only a couple reds were available off-menu, none of them full-bodied). The exception was the night when St. Frances wines were allowed to be paired with the food (though the cruise-featured St. Frances wines we tasted were excellent, they were surprisingly not allowed to be sold or drunk on-board other than at the pairing or the tasting, not even in the bar, so even if you do a "wine cruise", do not count on routinely being able to drink really nice wines with your meals, as this was the only "pairing" dinner). Coffee drinks were available around the clock for self-serivce, out of a push-button instant machine, which provided mostly tasteless weak coffee that all tasted the same whether it was labeled espresso or cappuccino. Really good coffee drinks were not to be had on board, neither at meals nor from the bar for a fee.
Other than overworked and sometimes irritable waitstaff, personnel on the ship were polite and helpful and spoke English reasonably well. Personnel were mostly Romanian, Bulgarian, and Hungarian (the captain was Dutch). Front desk girls were pleasant and helpful. When we returned from excursions, it was nice to be greeted by varying little treats offered on reembarkation, e.g., hot wine, hot tea, tasty sweet morsels, or similar.
EXCURSIONS we did while cruising are listed below. Whenever we had bus trips as part of the tours, I appreciated that the buses had on-board toilets for "emergencies", which helped allay any anxieties about drinking too much coffee or wine while touring. We did not bike, so cannot comment on bike options at ports, which a surprising number of passengers did despite cold weather.
PASSAU walking tour -- very interesting old town, awesome church, huge pipe organ, recommended
CESKY KRUMLOV -- fascinating though touristy old Czech town which has been remarkably renovated since the fall of Communism; weather was bad, so we could not appreciate outdoor dining, would be stunning to tour in warmer weather
MELK Abbey -- awesome old library with ancient books, scenic views from the hill, amazing old church
DURNSTEIN walking tour -- cute little old town, but as it was Sunday morning, most stores were closed & some guests complained about no bathroom access.
SCHLOSS GOBELSBURG wine tasting: a lovely old castle and winery; oddly, we had to do our tasting of the Gruener Veltliner wines (not my favorite) in a cold, unheated castle room, and there was not enough time allowed to actually BUY wine as multiple tour groups were going through. Interesting cellar tour, though too long, saw old bottles covered with decades of mold.
HIDDEN VIENNA WALKING TOUR -- very interesting and good exercize, followed by free time; another night in Vienna would have been good to allow more touring options without rushing or getting overly fatigued. We ate hearty Austrian cuisine at an old inn, Griechenbeisl, where Mozart and Beethoven signed the walls.
BUDAPEST CITY TOUR -- basic overview of this war-ravaged city, followed by the ship's cruising up and down the Danube in town at night to highlight the pretty illuminations of historical buildings.
We stayed an extra day after the cruise at the Budapest Hilton, which the city tour takes you right by, on the castle hill (also don't miss the "Hospital in the Rock" museum we did on our own, and note paying the fee to go into St. Stephen's Basilica is worth the price)
FINAL FAREWELL DINNER: (this followed the late afternoon/early evening Budapest city tour) -- again, there was a fixed time for all to appear, and people were hungry post-tour, but had to wait 1.5+ hours sitting around before they were able to access food, while personnel spent time reintroducing and thanking the crew for a great cruise with abundant applause, repeatedly praising themselves and solicting customer applause, followed by a somewhat lame "Hungarian" folk music presentation which delayed dinner even more (the Hungarian part was fine, with an excellent violinist, but the musicians then also tried to play modern music , apparently to something for everyone, including out of place Michael Jackson style gyrations by a young girl). This long, protracted pre-dinner thank-you session and music would not have been so bad if guests had not already had crew introductions on embarcation and had had waiters going around serving tasty appetizers and drinks.
DISEMBARKATION -- stress-free; though rooms had to be vacated by 9am, people who had later flights could comfortably hang out in the lounge for a few hours and get coffee from the machine.
SUMMARY We definitely enjoyed the itinerary, port excursions, and comfort of the modern cabins, the seamless connections, and overall had a good time. The outstanding cruise director, Uwe, was a soothing highlight of the service. The dining/food/wine/coffee selections and other culinary service (other than the St. Frances tastings) were basic and adequate, but disappointing in what I expected from a luxury-priced cruise, but I have no other river cruise experience, so perhaps they are all like this and my expectations were unreliastic.


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Friendly farmhouse accommodation in Devon
Stay on a traditional working farm
Enjoy breakfast with our own sausages and bacon
Lovaton Farmhouse B&B
Meet Harry B and Harry T ,our two latest additions, the Shetland ponies always plotting their next move.
Also Winston, our bottle fed piglet who spends all day drinking or sleeping! His mother Iggy, hurt his leg ,so we have nursed him better.


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Tony Dovolani Discusses Dancing, Teaching, Broadway, And Dancing With The Stars
Tony Dovolani talked with Broadway Showbiz about dancing and Broadway and why he loves it. He also talks of his time on Dancing With The Stars. He also speaks a little about the new season. What's interesting is; check out Part 2 of the interview at the 8:10 mark where Tony remarks how Sasha Farber will be back and is "actually hoping he is one of the Pros" this season. Lot's more below and thanks to @DWTSgossip for the find! Note: she's reporting that she knows Sasha is not a pro this season.


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The towne of Pomeiock
This watercolor by the English artist John White shows the fortified Indian town of Pomeiooc in the Outer Banks region of present-day North Carolina. White visited the town in July 1585. The Indians who resided there were closely related in language and culture to the Indians of Tidewater Virginia; thus, White's painting, and others he made at the time, are an important source of historical and ethnographic information about both groups.
Inside the palisaded town were round houses of the same type Powhatans used, as well as longhouses with the sides open, revealing benches for sleeping. The houses are covered "some wth matts, and some wth barcks of trees," according to White's inscription at the bottom of the drawing. Residents gather around the fire at the center of the town. A few Indians can be seen carrying a bow, another an axe; a dog is seen in the upper left.


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How To Write Query Letters ... or, really, how to revise query letters so they actually work
Sunday, September 20, 2009
Here is a story about aging people in the country.
(pages redacted)
This is an automatic form rejection. I used to offer up what I thought was practical, easy to follow advice: you have to write an actual query letter here.
Sadly, I'd get pretty much everything but an actual query in reply.
And I'm seeing more of this kind of query.
It doesn't work. You have to write a query. I'm not going to just read your first five pages. It's not an efficient use of a scarce resource in high demand: my reading time.
Just so you know: a query MUST contain:
1. Who is the protagonist?
2. What choice does s/he face?
3. What are the consequences of the choice?
Without that information you cannot convey what is enticing about reading the book. The goal of a query is to entice your reader, me, to read the pages.
And if I miss the next Great American Novel by rejecting this unread, I'm ok with that.
Form rejection.
18 comments:
- Ali Trotta said...
Wow. I almost don't even have any words. I've recently realized that my query letter might be my problem (and I've written a wildly different one, after reading this blog and your other one). However, it would've never occurred to me not to write a query letter. Thanks for sharing this and for tweeting it.
- September 20, 2009 at 10:20 PM
- Ieva Melgalve said...
*Scare* resource :)))))
- September 21, 2009 at 1:19 AM
- Janet Reid said...
ha! fixed THAT little typo!
- September 21, 2009 at 1:42 AM
Interesting. Choice and consequences puts a different slant on things than problem and (attempted) solutions. They're both valid, but trying to write a query for one with the structure of the other is probably awkward at best.
The only real choice in, say, a Hero's Journey tale is whether or not he answers the call to adventure. If there's a story at all, sooner or later he will. It's the problems he encounters thereafter that make it engaging--or not.
- September 21, 2009 at 3:04 AM
- none said...
Any particular country?
- September 21, 2009 at 7:52 AM
What is it with human being and following instructions?
- September 21, 2009 at 12:47 PM
- Anna Claire said...
Is this story about old people who live in the countryside, or a guide to making people older in the countryside...or in a specific country?
- September 21, 2009 at 2:52 PM
@Anna - Perhaps a story about shipping people to the countryside to age them like wine or cheese. So your second option with a horror or dark-fantasy twist.
- September 21, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Where has respect gone?
1. Respect for QS's time, and
2. respect to other writers.
- September 21, 2009 at 8:19 PM
- Clare K. R. Miller said...
@alastairmayer: I would totally read that.
- September 21, 2009 at 9:37 PM
- wendy said...
You know, for a baby boomer who has lived in a tiny country town for twenty years, this is a concept that would intrigue as long as the characters are representative of the older popular today and not stereotypical.
- September 22, 2009 at 12:35 AM
- Mimzy said...
@Anna and alastairmayer: It's obviously about old people who are murdering the young in order to steal their youth and live forever. It's the horror story Stephen King wouldn't dare to write! (Unless he's written it already... Which he probably has, knowing him.)
- September 22, 2009 at 11:16 AM
- Pull: The Story of a Mysterious Man said...
It's really confusing to me how someone could do this. Even at 15 when I *attempted* to write a book and get it published, I knew the importance and necessity of a query letter... sigh, there is A LOT of research to be done though, to figure everything out.
- September 22, 2009 at 5:57 PM
I am now prepared to be enthralled by tales of well-made casseroles and the struggles of amateur woodcarvers.
...perhaps not.
- September 23, 2009 at 9:18 PM
- _*rachel*_ said...
Form rejection? I'm not sure I'd even bother with that. You're so nice, QueryShark!
I'd add: besides the plot (QueryShark has already told you what you need for that), you should have a rounded wordcount, genre, title, any truly applicable publishing credits.
Though I do have to compliment the author for being concise!
- September 24, 2009 at 1:20 PM
Shoot. What was this story about, author? The sentence isn't clear, but if it's about nothing more than people growing old in the country, it's probably as interesting as watching paint dry. Although I can't tell from the "query," there's "just something" that makes me feel this might be worth a second try. Don't be intimidated; just tell us what it's about in simple, country-folk voice.
ver: qinet--not quite a query
- October 11, 2009 at 4:11 PM
- Unknown said...
@alastairmayer @anna
Send that to me, with a well-written query letter, and it's guaranteed a read!
- December 27, 2009 at 10:59 PM
- Laina said...
Here's a story, about a man named Brady...
- December 20, 2010 at 2:44 AM


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Today, the relationship between social music startup SoundTracking and Spotify became a little more harmonious: the startup from Schematic Labs is the latest to launch an app for Spotify, making it the latest platform where users can create and then share their musical "postcards" with their freinds. Schematic are using the occasion to launch a couple of other cool features: Instagram integration and the ability to create playlists, to capitalize on the fact that SoundTracking now has 10 million daily "music moments" shared on its network via Facebook, Twitter and Foursquare.
The news is the latest development of a relationship between SoundTracking and Spotify that first started last year, when SoundTracking released an Android app that became the first instance of users being able to link to full-track versions of songs rather than short clips. It is also a sign of how SoundTracking is becoming a richer platform in its own right, a new kind of light, special-interest-focused social network. "What we have designed and built is a social network for music, not in the form of a large website and links but something very simple," says CEO Steve Jang. "We focus on two high level interactions for sharing: viewing and listening."
Meanwhile, the Instagram integration is fitting for a company that has been described by some as the "Instagram of music sharing." Jang says that while people have been using their own pictures in their postcards on the service, this is also about leaning on a popular service that has become for many the default photo app on their phones, and one that has been conducive to people interacting with each other. It is also a way of formalizing something people had already been doing informally: "People had been hacking their way into putting Instagram photos on to their SoundTracking posts," he says. "It took three onerous steps to do it. Now it won't."
Rather frustratingly, the Instagram feature is for now only available on the Spotify app. Jang says it's looking first at Spotify "to see what happens" before turning to its iOS and Android apps.
But while Instagram photos can be imported into SoundTracking, Jang says that SoundTracking tags are not going to appear back on those photos in their original location on Instagram's network. That is something they are considering, however, he tells me.
Both are a sign of how SoundTracking is continuing to grow up and become a more full-service music sharing app, or, in the words of Jang, to offer "a rich contextual way to mix audio and visual elements in a more personal and emotional way."
On the Spotify integration, this gives the streaming service one more way for people to discover music and spend time on the platform — two key focus areas for Spotify as it continues to build out its company as a platform in its own right for music services. Jang says that development was also in response to feedback from SoundTracking's own community of users, who were already on Spotify and wanted to see closer linking of the two.
And given that SoundTracking is a mobile-first service, linking it up with Spotify could be seen in another light: it could be a sign of how SoundTracking is trying to make further moves into music consumption on desktop devices. (Indeed, Jang says that Schematic is also looking at developing a Mac desktop app for SoundTracking.)
But it could also could point to what Spotify hopes to do on mobile: it already has a lot of users of its mobile app, and we have also seen signs pointing to Spotify looking to extend its App Center to mobile, too.
Since SoundTracking launched last year — the last user number the company revealed was 1 million users when it announced funding of $4.75 million in November 2011, but has not updated that number since — Jang says that it has picked up a user base that is 60% U.S., with the rest coming from the rest of the world with an emphasis on Japan, the UK, Brazil and Mexico.
As for looking at other platforms like Windows, this may not be coming soon. "It's hard for a company of our size to take on a new code base," says Jang. "With our web site, Android, iOS and Spotify, we already have four. That's already maxing it out."


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AccuRender 3 is supplied complete with some light fittings. This tutorial is concerned with how to create entirely new AR3 light fittings and to include them in the AR3 light fitting visual library. Basic directory layout and file management issues were covered in a previous tutorial "MODIFICATION OF AR3 LIGHT BLOCKS & AR3 LIBRARY EDITING". Readers are directed to read that tutorial first if they are unfamiliar with these issues. All comments refer to the Windows PC platform. The abbreviation AR3 refers to AccuRender Version 3.1.
WARNING - It is essential that you follow these instructions carefully; failure to do so could result, in rare cases, of corruption of your AccuRender installation. You should be aware that re-installation or upgrading of AccuRender might result in overwriting of your modified files unless the correct steps have been taken.
DISCLAIMER - The processes suggested in this tutorial represent modifications to non-critical parts of the normal AccuRender installation. The author expressly disclaims any responsibility for loss of productivity or any other claims arising out of use or misuse of the information contained within this tutorial.
AR3 light blocks are composed of 4 parts: - a 3D model in DWG format, a library picture of the model in EMF format (Enhanced Windows Metafile), a materials selection (optional), and a lamp (or light source) of some type.
To create new light fittings we first need a 3D model. Let's assume a simple model of a wall mounted quadrant (quarter sphere) style fitting. Two sample DWGs in R14 format are included with this tutorial - Test-wbkt1.dwg and Test-wbkt2.dwg. These models have been built from simple AutoCAD primitives.
First open the Test-wbkt1.dwg. You will see that it is composed of a backplate, a quadrant shaped diffuser, and a lamp (light source). Checking the materials that have been applied you'll see polished metal for the backplate, transparent yellow plastic for the diffuser, and a self-luminant white light source for the lamp. These are all standard AccuRender or AccuStudio materials. You may of course choose different materials or modify the fitting in some other way for your own use.
If you now load AccuRender and pick the AccuRender Lighting tag, you'll see I have installed a 60 watt GLS (General Lighting Service or just regular household type) lamp. If you pick its name tag, then Edit, you'll see under the General tag, how I have set its name, description, wattage, location and size. A regular GLS lamp is about 2½in. diameter, so we have 1¼in. set as the radius. The location setting is a matter of intelligence and a little know-how. If a manufacturer were building this fitting for real then the considerations would be to position the lamp like this: -
Low enough so it can't be directly seen from normal viewing angles.
High as possible to get the maximum unobstructed light out the open top.
Centered so the light output is balanced left and right.
Not too close to the backplate because the shadowing up the wall will be too strong, but as far away as possible from the diffuser which might melt or burn if someone puts an over-rated lamp into the fitting.
In a location where a burnt-out lamp can be changed without a lot of trouble or special tools.
That's why it is located where it is. Bear in mind that the real laws of physics apply here and the light really is cut off by any obstruction, so if you place your lamp lower down inside a non-transparent diffuser, the light output will be restricted just like in the real world. Refer to Image 1 below.
NOTE - A point source has been used because we want to simulate the effect where the light is emitted pretty much evenly in all directions from the source.
Under the Color tag you will see a Color Temperature of 3000K has been set. This is close to the color temperature of incandescent (filament) lamps. In reality they vary from around 2750K - 3100K.
Under the Special tag you will see that INVISIBLE has not been checked - we want to see the light source in this case.
Next we want to add this fitting to the standard AccuRender library of lighting blocks. We save it into the AR3/ ACAD/ SUPPORT/ LIGHTS directory. See the previous tutorial for an explanation of this step.
Now we create an EMF (Enhanced Windows Metafile) format thumbnail image for the library by entering "ar_emf" at the command line. As detailed in the previous tutorial, you may want to freeze some layers or do a HIDE before this step. This EMF image is stored in the AR3/ COMMON/ SUPPORT/ LIGHTS directory. Again refer to the previous tutorial for a full explanation.
Thaw any frozen layers and make sure you have saved the DWG in this new location.
Now you have saved the fitting we'll add it to the AR3 visual library.
Open AR3 and go to Tools/ Light Fixture Libraries. You will see the regular libraries. Refer to Image 2 below.
It is probably smart to create a new Library because upgrading or re-installing AccuRender could overwrite these libraries.
So pick Library/ New and give it a name - I've picked "XYZ". Then pick a Folder if you want - I've created a new one called "WallMount", and then pick Fixture/ New - you'll see a dialog box where you enter the details of your new fitting. Refer to Image 3 below.
Now be careful again here because AR3 will revert to the last directory you accessed not necessarily the new one you want now. Be sure you have the right Library and Folder selected then write in a descriptive name that will mean something to you at some other time in some other project.
NOTE - be sure to check the "Wall Mounted" box. AR3 then knows that this fitting is always to be applied in a vertical orientation (i.e. walls) only.
Materials have been added in the DWG file so we can skip that here.
Now, let's check our work. Open a new DWG, go to AR3/ Lighting/ Add/ Light Fixture, scroll down to our new directory and there's our new light fitting. Select it and drop it into the scene to be rendered. Refer to Image 4 below.
The same processes apply to the Test-wbkt2.dwg except that here I have applied a solid plaster material to the diffuser. This obviously means that no light will be emitted except out the open top of the fitting.
Both these fittings have been applied in a demonstration room about 8 ft square. You will see the effects of yellow light being produced from Test-wbkt1 on the right hand wall because of the transparent yellow diffuser we applied. This yellow light may look unpleasant to some people - and it is - the important point is to understand that light passed through a colored object becomes colored itself and will affect everything in the rendered scene.
On the left hand wall the solid plaster diffuser of Test-wbk2 is limiting the light to an upward dispersion only, so you see a strong cone of light up the walls and across the ceiling. Notice that the light appears much more concentrated than the light from Test-wbkt1 although both are emitting the same total quantity of light. Refer to Image 5 below.
This completes the tutorial.
rev 12.29.01 :: For more information visit www.accustudio.com


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Sony 4K sensor for gorgeous, super-sampled HD and 2K now full internal 4K.
The PMW-F5 CineAlta camera shoots spectacular images with its 8.9 megapixels (effective) Sony 4K image sensor. You get superior, super-sampled pictures with noticeably higher contrast, rich colour reproduction and greater clarity. The camera offers robust built-in recording modes, all with vibrant 4:2:2 colour. Irresistible options include the
amazing precision of 16-bit linear RAW 2K/4K recording and high speed shooting at up to 150 fps in XAVC codec
without cropping,and 180 fps in 23.98 fps.
The camera is fully modular so a huge range of different lenses can be used
Any PL mount lens
Any EF (Canon) mount lens
In terms of lenses that will go with the camera this is the package:
Canon CN 7 17-120 PL zoom T2.9
Morpheus 80-200 PL zoom T 2.8
Doubler for both of the above allowing up to 800mm in 2K or
400mm in 4K
Cooke Mini S 4i 18mm
Tokina 11-16 Cine T 2.8 EF mount
Zeiss CP 2 Super Speeds-35/50/85mm All T 1.5 PL or EF mount
8mm EF fish eye EF
100mm EF macro lens 2.8
So really everything from 8mm to 800mm in 2 k is covered. It's a total box ticker in terms of what's out there at
present,very versatile,very easy to go hand held with at the drop of a hat and great for grading with.
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Creepy Nokia Lumia 2520 ad is creepy
We won't beat around the bush, it does seem like Nokia is trying to suggest that its Windows 8 RT tablet is much alike a... mullet? Are we to infer that the slate was as ill-conceived as the 80's hairstyle, then? We jest, of course – we actually liked what the Lumia 2520 had to offer – and theinvasive "For work. For play" slogan left little to the imagination. You know what, we'll just let you take a peek at the 2 minute odd ad right below. Comments section is all yours.
Piqued your interest? Great, now go on and check out our in-depth review of the Nokia Lumia 2520 here.
via: WMPoweruser; image credit: Mr. Vaudrey's Class


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Buying from HMS is easy with a distributor network represented in over 50 countries. HMS delivers leading solutions to consumers all over the world every day. HMS's distributors are carefully selected to offer the best localized sales, technical support and customer service in your country.
Find a distributor
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You can learn more ......
Anything that appears on our skin, in the context of the internal organs are malfunctioning. A tiny little from pimple can also be inferred that what problems there may be, a threat to our health in a disease - Says Joshua Zeichner, a dermatologist in New York Hospital Research Centre.
The West Asia indigenous healing properties of black cumin has been used for centuries, and even the famous ancient Egyptian pharaoh,
Tutankhamun's tomb were also found in this panacea, but also Cleopatra used it to stay healthy and beautiful.
Today, thanks to the efficiency is becoming more widespread, for sound scientific evidence and research.
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text: Below is a picture of me taken on Long Beach, Koh Lanta on 1st January 2015. I was already well on my way to wild mania at this point but it was the magic mushrooms I took a couple of days later that really pushed me over the edge. By 15th January I had asked for an intervention by my friends Kerry and Megan. I was out of control and I knew it. The rest of what happened is a blur and I am trying to piece together my memory bit by bit. Waking up in Bangkok hospital was terrifying. I thought I had been there for years and years when it turned out to only be a few days. I stayed in hospital for one week and was then discharged by the incredible (former Miss Thailand) director, Dr Birth, who diagnosed me with Bipolar disorder. This diagnosis allowed me to leave the hospital and stay at my sister in laws house for a few weeks before making it back to England on 26th February. The diagnosis has now been changed to unknown. I am hoping it was a one off psychotic breakdown but there is a 51% chance of relapse in the first year so I have to stay in England to be monitored by the early intervention team.


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MIAMI (CBSMiami) – Florida Panthers fans hoping to see some great hockey may have to break out the DVD collection now that the NHL lockout has been in effect for more than a day.
Both the NHL Players Association and the NHL have hardened their positions and don't seem especially willing to move enough to break the lockout. There were no formal talks Sunday after the league locked out the players at midnight Saturday.
The NHL has become the poster-child for poor labor relations among major sports leagues. This year's lockout is the fourth shutdown since 1992, including a year-long fight that forced the cancellation of the entire 2004-05 season. That year, the league successfully imposed a hard cap and rolled back salaries.
The players are saying they aren't going to give in to a massive roll back in salaries again, which is part of what the league is asking for, despite record revenues. The NHL can ill-afford another season-long lockout. It's never fully recovered in the eyes of the average sports fan from the lost 2004-05 season.
The core issue is how to split the record $3.3 billion in revenue. The owners want to decrease the percentage of hockey-related revenue that goes to players from 57 percent to between 43-47 percent. The union wants a guarantee that players will get at least the $1.8 billion paid out in salaries last season.
If that sounds familiar, it's almost the exact same argument that cost the NBA part of its season last year during the NBA lockout.
"I'm sure we will remain in contact," NHL Deputy Commissioner Bill Daly said. "But there are no negotiations planned or scheduled at this point."
With the clock ticking, the league could start announcing the cancellation of preseason games this week and there's little to no chance training camps will open on time.
NHL teams are seeking to keep fans on their side during the prolonged dispute and are prepared for the season to not start on time. At the end of each month, the Buffalo Sabres will refund any games that are canceled by the NHL.
The Florida Panthers are giving season ticket holders a few options. They can earn credits or cash toward future purchases, as well as getting a refund if they wish. The team said refunds will be given only for games that are canceled and not rescheduled. As of now, no preseason games have been canceled yet.
Also at stake for the league are several key dates including the New Year's Day outdoor Winter Classic set to be held at the 115,000-seat Michigan Stadium next year. The January 27 All-Star game set to be hosted by the Columbus Blue Jackets could also be in jeopardy depending on the length of the lockout.
The NHL has lost nearly 1,700 games to work stoppages since 1992.
(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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The Ultimate Photography Training For Beginners
I truly believe that my 4 hour Photo Walk photography course is the best 1-2-1 (couples welcome) photography training available anywhere for photography beginners. That statement is supported by my 100% 5 star Tripadvisor rating and the number of books and downloadable versions of this course that I sell globally.
For a downloadable version of this course that can be used anywhere in the world, click here.
This Photo Walk photography training will teach you everything you need to know to take great photos in just 4 hours.
Is the Photo Walk right for you?
Before you sign up to one of my photography training course, I want to make sure that the course is right for you. If you need more information about my photography training course to make that decision or you are not sure, please contact me. I will talk it through with you and answer any questions.
What To Expect From The Photo Walk
Before the photography training photo walk we will go through your current experience level and what you want out of the course. My photography course has a tried and tested structure to ensure that you get the most out of the time you spend with me. However, the photography training is designed in such a way that it can be adjusted to fit the needs of each individual. I feel that it is important to have a structured course to ensure that a beginner gets the most out of the course, justifying their commitment of time and money to the training.
Learning Needs & Teaching Style
My students are all different and prefer to learn in different ways. I have designed the photography training to ensure that it includes pictures, written text, spoken information and practical exercises. This way there is something for you no matter your learning style.
At the beginning of each session we will discuss your learning style and the photography training will be tailored to suit that style. If you are dyslexic, there is no need to be concerned, I have experience successfully delivering this photography training to dyslexics (sorry for the 'wordy' website). Special learning needs can usually be catered for, just notify me before the session and I will adapt the photo walk to suit your needs.
If after reading the course content below you are still not sure or have some questions, get in touch and I will answer any questions. The last thing I want is someone coming on a photo walk which is not right for them. However, in case that ever happens, please see the information on the money back guarantee below.
Photo Walk Course Content:
– How a camera works (only the high-level important stuff)
– The importance of light
– Navigating your camera
– Image formats
– How to hold a camera
– Lenses
– Changing lenses
– Using a tripod
– Exposure: to blur or not to blur
– Bracketing
– Aperture / Depth of Field (f-stops)
– Auto focus
– Manual focus
– Filters
– Metering modes
– Histograms (only the useful stuff without the geeky blah blah…)
– White Balance
– Aperture Priority mode
– Shutter Priority mode
– Manual mode
– Drive modes
– Panning / moving subjects
– Composition (this is where the magic happens…)
It is Easier Than it Sounds…
That list may seem daunting but I will take you through it in such a way with fun practical exercises that will make it really easy to understand.
I will only be covering the theory needed to help you take great photos. All the rest of the waffle has been cut out. Some people like to make photography sound complicated but it really is not. I use simple language and fun examples & exercises to explain what you need to know.
By the end of the photography training you will know which camera mode to use and when, which ISO to choose and be selecting apertures and shutter speeds like a pro.
Specially Designed For Photography Beginners
This is a beginner's photography training course, designed to take you from zero to hero. It is not a course for experts or even intermediates, we do not go into that level of complexity. We keep it simple so that by the end of the 4 hours' beginners can confidentially take great photos.
100% Guarantee
If you are not happy with my course, just let me know before you leave the venue and I will give you a 100% refund.


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We survived well our first night in the tent, despite overnight lows in the 40s. I couldn't really figure out how to control the temperature of the tent stove, but I managed to get a fire going before bed and again in the morning before the girls got up. Plus, the sleeping gear for us (comfy beds w/ lots of warm and cozy linens) was surprisingly pleasant over night. I didn't sleep especially well even by my standards, but I still woke up refreshed.
In the morning, we got coffee in the reception tent and cinnamon rolls (excellent!) in town at a place called Woodside Bakery. We then headed into Yellowstone to visit the Grand Canyon of Yellowstone. On the way, we encountered a number of buffalo including many that were strolling in the road (a scene that was repeated numerous times for us):
The Grand Canyon of Yellowstone had a spectacular waterfall, but I was otherwise less excited by it when compared to Waimea Canyon in Kauai (because it's majestic and on an island!) or the Grand Canyon in Arizona (because it's the "Grand" canyon by which all others must be judged).
Emerson was excited to spot an Osprey nest in the canyon near this spot:
From the canyon, we drove up toward the park's entrance at Mammoth Hot Springs. The drive was greatly slowed due to road construction, and we once again found visitor parking and facilities to be very crowded in this area.
Nonetheless, it was worth it.
The climb up and down (or down and up, depending on where you park) looks more daunting than it is. Here's a view from the top of Minerva terrace:
Here's a view up from the bottom of Palatte Spring:
And a view of Minerva Terrace:
We opted to drive home via Tower / Roosevelt country, which was longer in terms of distance but was a different route through another part of the park, seemingly less popular with the tourists, and overall just more enjoyable. Here's a view in the area of the fossil forest as we climbed Mt. Washburn:
We ate dinner at Beartooth Barbacue (good) in West Yellowstone and then grabbed some excellent homemade ice cream at City Creamery (excellent) before heading back to Yellowstone Under Canvas to go to sleep.


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'Portrait of Oskar Kokoschka' - crayon on paper, 20 x 16 in.
'View of Duluth' oil on canvas, 40 x 44 in.
Meeting Oskar Kokoschka was like being hallucinated: I was mesmerized! When people ask me details about his home and studio in Switzerland where I often visited, I cannot remember many details. I was caught in the eye of the tornado of this great man, like Dorothy caught in the storm in the 'Wizard of Oz'. There was a lot of laughter - he was easy to laugh with. He was also charming to the females, yet very masculine. He could be 'Peck's bad boy' as well. He had a child-like quality about him and at the same time, he was a sage - even with all the difficulties he had experienced. I spent more than 20 years under his tutelage. He cared for me, which is all I can assume since he allowed me such access to his life for so long. He rarely allowed me in to his studio. Once, he allowed me to view his commissioned painting of 'Manhattan' the day he finished it - it was magnificent. He then wrote a personal message to me on the inside cover of his Marlborough exhibition catalogue: 'Do never forget your Oskar Kokoschka.' One can try to analyze a painting, but it's not easy. Kokoschka critiqued a lot of my artwork and I received very few compliments. However, it wasn't a constant 'criticizing'. He often told stories to demonstrate or help me. It was in these analogies and stories that I reflected upon ... and learned.
'View of Duluth' oil on canvas, 40 x 44 in.


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Statutory/Mandatory Core Skills Training Framework (CSTF)
With a highly mobile workforce, employers often need to identify recruits' previous training. Where information is lacking, people can repeat training unnecessarily, wasting time and money.
The Statutory/Mandatory CSTF addresses this issue. It allows employers to recognise statutory/mandatory training to a standard, trust that information and reduce duplication of training. Launched in 2013, the Statutory/Mandatory CSTF is maintained and updated by Skills for Health.
Click here to see a list of Statutory/Mandatory subjects in the CSTF
- Equality, diversity and human rights
- Health, safety and welfare
- NHS conflict resolution
- Fire safety
- Infection prevention and control
- Moving and handling
- Safeguarding adults
- Preventing Radicalisation
- Safeguarding children
- Resuscitation
- Information governance and data security
- Violence and aggression (Wales)
CSTF Guidance and Documents - please select using the buttons below
NHS Trusts in England - Use CSTF (England v1.0)
Other organisations in England or the UK - Use UK CSTF v1.6
Alignment to the Statutory/Mandatory CSTF
Many organisations have already declared their alignment to the statutory/mandatory CSTF. By sharing this information, employer organisations can recognise where training delivered in other organisations is in compliance with the Statutory/Mandatory CSTF and thereby help to prevent unnecessary duplication of training as staff move between roles and organisations.
Click here to see the Directory of CSTF Aligned Organisations
Benefits of the Statutory/Mandatory CSTF
- Provides a national 'benchmark' for the content of statutory/mandatory training.
- Sets out minimum learning outcomes, frequency of refresher training and links to relevant legislation or expert guidance.
- Can be used by any healthcare employer in the UK including NHS, independent healthcare providers and educational organisations.
- Standardises the interpretation and delivery of statutory/mandatory training.
- Applicable across all four UK countries.
- Linkages between the Framework, E-Learning and WIRED compliance reporting puts all the right information in the hands of employers in a new and powerful way.
Core Capabilities Frameworks
Core Capabilities frameworks are offered as guidance and good practice for development of the current and future workforce. Unlike the Statutory/Mandatory CSTF, there is no formal process for declaring alignment to these frameworks.
Each framework sets out the core capabilities – the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed – for safe and effective practice. They can be used to commission or design services, education or training, for identifying key skills and knowledge needed, for developing new teams and roles, in recruitment and selection processes, to ensure consistency in training standards and for quality assurance purposes.
Advanced Clinical Practice (Nurses) Working in General Practice / Primary Care in England (2020)
This framework provides a standard and greater clarity on the capabilities for nurses working at the advanced clinical practice level within general practice.
The framework was commissioned by NHS England GPN Ten Point Plan Team and Health Education England.
Learning Disability and Autism frameworks (2019)
Supporting autistic people and/or people with a learning disability. Capabilities frameworks describe the skills, knowledge and behaviours which people bring to their work and are used to:
- support development and planning of the workforce
- inform the design and delivery of education and training programmes
Paramedic Specialist in Primary and Urgent Care (2019)
The Paramedic Specialist Core Capabilities Framework comprises the following capabilities, grouped into four domains:
Domain A. Person-Centred collaborative working
- Capability 1. Communication
- Capability 2. Person-Centred care
- Capability 3. Working with families and carers
- Capability 4. Referrals and integrated working
- Capability 5. Law, ethics and safeguarding
Domain B. Investigation, assessment, advice and clinical impression or diagnosis
- Capability 6. History-taking and consultation skills
- Capability 7. Physical and mental health assessment
- Capability 8. Investigations and diagnosis
Domain C. Condition management, treatment and prevention
- Capability 9. Treatment and care planning
- Capability 10. Pharmacotherapy
- Capability 11. Health promotion and lifestyle interventions
Domain D. Leadership and management, education and research
- Capability 12. Leadership and management
- Capability 13. Education
- Capability 14. Research
Frailty (2018)
The Frailty Framework of Core Capabilities comprises the following capabilities, grouped into four domains:
Domain A. Understanding, identifying and assessing frailty
- Capability 1. Understanding frailty
- Capability 2. Frailty identification and assessment
Domain B. Person-centred collaborative working
- Capability 3. Person-centred approaches
- Capability 4. Communication
- Capability 5. Families and carers as partners in care
- Capability 6. Collaborative and integrated working
Domain C. Managing frailty
- Capability 7. Preventing and reducing the risk of frailty
- Capability 8. Living well with frailty, promoting independence and community skills
- Capability 9. Physical and mental health and wellbeing
- Capability 10. Managing medication
- Capability 11. Care and support planning
Domain D. Underpinning principles
- Capability 12. Law, ethics and safeguarding
- Capability 13. Research and evidence-based practice
- Capability 14. Leadership in transforming services
Musculoskeletal (2018)
The Musculoskeletal Core Capabilities Framework comprises the following capabilities, grouped into four domains:
Domain A. Person-Centred Approaches
- Capability 1. Communication
- Capability 2. Person-centred care
Domain B. Assessment, Investigation and Diagnosis
- Capability 3. History-taking
- Capability 4. Physical assessment
- Capability 5. Investigations and diagnosis
Domain C. Condition Management, Interventions and Prevention
- Capability 6. Prevention and lifestyle interventions
- Capability 7. Self-management and behaviour change
- Capability 8. Pharmacotherapy
- Capability 9. Injection therapy
- Capability 10. Surgical interventions
- Capability 11. Rehabilitative interventions
- Capability 12. Interventions and care planning
- Capability 13. Referrals and collaborative working
Domain D. Service and Professional Development
- Capability 14. Evidence-based practice and service development
Dementia (2015, updated 2018)
The original Dementia Core Skills Education and Training framework was launched in October 2015. In June 2018 a revised and updated version was released, entitled the Dementia Training Standards Framework.
The framework was commissioned and funded by the Department of Health and developed in collaboration by Skills for Health and Health Education England (HEE) in partnership with Skills for Care. Development of the framework was guided by an Expert Group including a wide range of health and social care organisations, relevant Royal Colleges and education providers.
The framework sets out the core skills and knowledge which would be transferable and applicable across different types of service provision. It includes expected learning outcomes for training delivery, key policy and legal references and is aligned to related national occupational standards. The aim is to help ensure the quality and consistency of dementia training, and to help prevent unnecessary duplication of training.
The framework comprises the following subjects:
- Dementia awareness
- Dementia identification, assessment and diagnosis
- Dementia risk reduction and prevention
- Person-centred dementia care
- Communication, interaction and behaviour in dementia care
- Health and well-being in dementia care
- Pharmacological interventions in dementia care
- Living well with dementia and promoting independence
- Families and carers as partners in dementia care
- Equality diversity and inclusion in dementia care
- Law, ethics and safeguarding in dementia care
- End of life dementia care
- Research and evidence-based practice in dementia care
- Leadership in transforming dementia care
Person-Centred Approaches (2017)
Health Education England commissioned Skills for Health in collaboration with Skills for Care to develop this core skills education and training framework for person-centred approaches.
The value of a person-centred approach in health and care is increasingly recognised - much has been written about what it is and why it is important. However, it is less clear how to develop the workforce to put this into practice – which is the purpose of this framework.
The framework launched in July 2017 and comprises the following subject areas:
- Values
- Core communication and relationship building skills
- Step 1. Conversations to engage with people
- Step 2. Conversations to enable and support people
- Step 3. Conversations with people to collaboratively manage highest complexity and significant risk
- Delivery of training, education and learning opportunities
- 'Enablers' for embedding a person-centred approach.
End of Life Care (2017)
Health Education England commissioned Skills for Health in collaboration with Skills for Care to develop this Core Skills Education and Training Framework for End of Life Care. Launched in March 2017, the framework expands on the Common Core Principles and Competences for Social Care and Health Workers Working with Adults at the End of Life and aligns with the current Dementia, Mental health and Learning Disabilities frameworks all of which will sit under an overarching framework for Person-Centred Care. In particular, it aims to promote community development and asset-based approaches to education and training, considering the strengths, abilities and potential of communities in supporting end of life care. The framework comprises the following subjects:
- Subject 1: Person-centred end of life care
- Subject 2: Communication in end of life care
- Subject 3: Equality, diversity and inclusion in end of life care
- Subject 4: Community skills development in end of life care
- Subject 5: Practical and emotional support for the individual approaching the end of life
- Subject 6: Assessment and care planning in end of life care
- Subject 7: Symptom management in end of life care
- Subject 8: Working in partnership with health and care professionals and others
- Subject 9: Support for carers
- Subject 10: Maintain own health and wellbeing when caring for someone at the end of life
- Subject 11: Care after death
- Subject 12: Law, ethics and safeguarding
- Subject 13: Leading end of life care services and organisations
- Subject 14: Improving quality in end of life care through policy, evidence and reflective practice
Mental Health (2016)
The Mental Health Core Skills Education and Training Framework was commissioned and funded by the Department of Health and developed in collaboration by Skills for Health, Health Education England and Skills for Care. The framework supports workforce development specific to implementation of the national mental health strategy, No Health Without Mental Health. The aim of the framework is to support the development and delivery of appropriate and consistent cross-sector mental health education and training.
The framework describes core skills and knowledge i.e. that which is common and transferable across different types of service provision. The framework covers the following subjects:
- Mental health awareness
- Establishing positive relationships with individuals who have mental health problems
- Promoting general health and well-being for individuals with a mental health problem
- Promoting mental health and preventing mental illness
- Self-harm and suicide: Understanding and prevention
- Enabling a recovery focussed approach to mental health
- Coaching conversations in supporting recovery in mental health
- Families, carers and friends as partners in promoting positive mental health
- Supporting children and young people with mental health problems
- Supporting children, young people and adults with a learning disability and a mental health problem
- Mental health identification and assessment
- Biopsychosocial formulation in mental health
- Appropriate and effective use of medication in mental health care
- Using technology to promote positive mental health and deliver effective support
- Equality, diversity and inclusion in mental health
- Law, ethics and safeguarding in the context of mental health
- Research and evidence-based practice in mental health
- Leadership in transforming mental health services
Clinical/Care (2015)
Clinical/Care subjects in the UK Core Skills Training Framework
- Your healthcare career
- Duty of care
- Person-centred care
- Communication
- Consent
- Privacy and dignity
- Fluids and nutrition
- Dementia awareness
- Blood component transfusion
In development
- Multi-Professional Advanced Capabilities Framework for Lower Limb Viability
- Primary Care & General Practice Nursing Career & Core Capabilities Framework
- Advanced Clinical Practice Credentials for Healthcare Professions (6 specialities)
- National Wound Care Core Capability Framework for England
- Remote, Rural and Humanitarian Healthcare Capabilities Framework
Evaluation of impact
In 2019-20, Skills for Health was commissioned to carry out evaluations of several frameworks, to better understand how they are being used and their impact. Click the links below to download the evaluation reports:
- Frailty
- Musculoskeletal (MSK)
- Paramedic Specialist in Primary & Urgent Care
- Person-Centred Approaches
Further Information
See here for Frequently Asked Questions
You may also be interested in:
Healthcare elearning
Mandatory Training
Quality Mark


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Business owners are a unique bunch. We love to get out, talk to people and show off a bit! Sometimes, a little bit too much. When we love something, we get so excited that we tend to go completely overboard and push others away. Don't get me wrong, I'm the first to tell you to get out there and get noticed! However, social media is a whole new breed, with a different set of teeth!
The nature of promotion and marketing has changed greatly over the last few decades. Getting our business to the marketplace transformed from the traditional golf game or luncheon in the 60's and 70's to hiding behind our computers in the 80's and 90's. At the turn of the century, print ads were the way to go and consequently we all got cozy marketing with print , emails and websites. Once the economy flopped (and our wallets flipped) we started looking elsewhere (and anywhere) for inexpensive ways to get our great products into the hands of great consumers.
Over the last few years we've been lucky enough to be introduced to social media and networking groups are at an all time high. However, so is the confusion on how to achieve ultimate results. Where do you go to find the proper protocol to social media and networking events? Don't think there's social P's and Q's on these sites? Think again.
Let's take just a moment and touch base on a couple things that may help clear the fog in this area.
The term social media isn't as flamboyant as it sounds. It simply means that it's a website which allows personal interaction. That's it, it's that simple. There are however, a few items that should be done to make sure that what you are posting, on a social media site, will actually be seen.
First, remember to include the social aspect into your marketing. Interact with people that you are connected to. Ask personal questions and allow your "personal business" side to show. Blocking or ignoring this interaction will revert you back to the disconnected email era and you'll find that the hours you spent on your sites will be a waste of time. In this economy, people are much more careful as to where they spend their money. You'll find that your potential clients like to do business with YOU, not just your business company. They want to feel on the "inside".
Second, sprinkle your business on the people you are connected with. Be a little more than JUST business. All business, all the time is way too much for most consumers. Professionally personable is the way to go. Also ensure that you have a way to separate your business and personal pages, so that people can see both sides of your personality.
Finally, put potential clients into a specific group and keep this group separate from friends and family. Keeping your personal and business separate when sending out business information, will stop you from being that person that everyone avoids at family functions.
For more tips on social media join the next session of Success U http://smashsolutions.com/presentations
Here's to you getting noticed online!


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Welcome to My Tapestry's support center
Here's the only way to get support about our themes and plugins.
You can search our knowledge base articles, browse public discussions, or create a new discussion if you're having trouble.
If you take the time to create an account, you'll be able to post private discussions (that only yourself and our support team can see) and track your existing discussions. However, if you don't want to create an account, you can still create a public discussion in our discussion area.


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Maybe Not Zebra Mats But Still Great Gym Mats
There are all sorts of mats suppliers out there supplying all sorts of mats. When it comes to protective mats a large segment is for children mats. That because when parents first have kids they are petrified that something is going to happen to their baby. They see it trying to walk and falling on its but so often they can't help but think that it will cause them damage. That is why EVA play mats are so popular and by extension EVA mats. Indeed EVA mats are to most popular mats when it comes to kids mats primarily because they are so inexpensive and readily available. There is a whole industry revolving around supplying parents with goods for their new born and this includes EVA mats.
It the build of martial arts EVA mats are also very sort after, EVA jigsaw mats are the number one selling martial arts mats on the market. They are number one for martial arts for many of the same reasons that they are for kids mats. Not only are they ready available but they are inexpensive which make them ideal for people how are on a budget and just need good martial arts mats for their gym. Also they are pretty durable so you know they will last for years to come. If you were to visit any number of martial arts schools across this country you would be likely to find EVA mats in use.
Sometimes though people are looking for a premium type of mat and in those cases they might want to go with a vinyl mats. Vinyl mats such as Zebra Mats are higher up when you think about martial arts mats. They are the type of mats that you would find at a UFC gym or professional MMA gym. These kind of MMA mats are great for other activities but you will generally find them being used by professional organisations. The good news is that you don't have to fork out the amount you would normal for these kinds of mats. These days there are great suppliers out there of vinyl mats that don't come with the excessive price tag. You would want to make sure that the mats are good though and asking for a sample is recommended before buying.


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Are we ready to add another name to the list of contenders for race wins in Monster Energy Supercross next year? Justin Barcia is making the case, based on his big win at the Monster Energy Cup. We talked to the new Muscle Milk Honda Rider about it afterwards.
Racer X: Coming here, did you think you were going to leave with $100k and the win?
Justin Barcia: Well, I was hoping to leave with a million bucks, but that didn't happen, so I guess $100k's alright [Laughs].
That seems to be the difference, though. You came here thinking you were going to win, or at least you were going to try. You weren't here to learn a 450 or to learn to race these guys.
I think I had mixed feelings about the whole race. Obviously, when I get on the gate, I want to win. For us, like I said, we put a lot of laps in on my Corona test track this week and actually two weeks before, so that worked out good for us. The new Honda is a really good bike. I'm not going to BS anyone, that bike's pretty sweet. I think we're going to be really competitive this year in supercross. It was fun tonight, I had a good time. The track was really tough, but Dirt Wurx did a really good job on the design. Obviously, it's Vegas dirt and it gets hard and slick. I always suck at riding hard pack, but every race, I get better and better at it, so that's always something that makes me happy because I've never been too good at it.
Some of your previous experience in Vegas hasn't been too good.
Yeah, I've actually had bad luck in Vegas and, as the years go on, I get a little bit better at riding hard pack. That makes me feel good because when you accomplish something, it's a pretty cool thing.
It was a memorable debut for Justin Barcia with Honda Muscle Milk as he captured the overall at the second-annual Monster Energy Cup.
Simon Cudby photo
So was it you behind RV when he went down over there in race two?
I think I was two spots behind him. I didn't really get to see what happened, but all I know is that he was behind the berm. That's not ever good.
Just talk about the layout and the craziness of this racer. The joker lane and three mains, what did you think about all that?
I mean, when the gate stuck, that wasn't good. That was crazy! A whole lot of bikes were like peeing out coolant and stuff.
You were on the side that didn't drop?
Yeah, yeah. So me, Villopoto, Reed … we were like holy crap! But all in all, I think they did a great job. The track was cool. I guess because of the different seasons here, so when it's not as hot, they've got a little … I wouldn't say moisture, because they don't get much of that out here in Vegas, but the dirt actually was a little bit tackier than usual. That's good. The joker lane … [Laughs]. It's a joker lane. Nothing really to say about it. It's kind of a joke, but it's cool that they did something different for us. I think if they're trying to give away a million bucks, they shouldn't give it to us easily, so it's pretty cool.
Where was your heart rate at when the gate didn't drop?
Oh, well I was holding my bike wide open for like forever then finally someone came out and was like, "No, no no!" All I heard was Villopoto going, "What the hell?" or something. I was like, yeah, I wanted to say the same thing. It was crazy when the gate didn't drop.
Did you see the other guys taking off?
No, not until they got out here. I was like, 'Woah, this is kind of weird. I guess they wanted to give us a late jump like hare scramble or something.'
In the final race, did you kind of know where you were at and what your situation was, or were you just racing? Because it seemed like you were trying to win that race even though you didn't have to.
Oh, I was definitely trying to win the thing. I talked to Eric Kehoe before and he said I had to finish near Dungey or beat him. That's what I was going for. I think our bike setup was really good. I made a few changes there and this track's really high speed—REALLY high speed, kind of scary high speed on a 450. But I got used to it and it was fun.
Mike Alessi (right) challanged Barcia in the second main, but would fall short in the end.
Simon Cudby photo
What does this do for your confidence going into next year?
It feels good, man. It feels really good to come out with $100 grand. Villopoto, he was riding really good that first one. No excuses, he was ripping, so I'm sure he's always going to be fast and we know he's a good rider, so he's always going to be competition out here, for sure.
Was there anything spoken between you and Tomac at all as far as if he had gotten in between you guys and Dungey was ahead?
No, I wish. Hey man, can you let me get that $100 grand? Oh yeah, no problem, dude!
No, as far as like Honda?
No, no. No team tactics.
Well you're not teammates anymore.
Yeah, not teammates anymore, so that's a little different, but we are on Hondas. But no team tactics or anything like that. Just racing a race. Obviously, I want to win, but it was bigger to come out of here safe and get more experience on the bike in a race, which is cool.
They call it a hybrid track, but I think this year it went hybrid toward the supercross side a lot.
Yeah, well, I think that they should build it like this more often without the joker lane because I think this was like, for this kind of dirt that they work with here, it was good. It was really good.
Where would you say you're at right now? Did we even see close to what you think you'll have when you get more time on this bike? Or is there a lot more to do?
There's definitely a lot more to do. I feel comfortable on the bike, but I know I have a lot more improvement to make. I haven't been home to test or to ride my bike at all. I did two weeks of testing before this and that's it, so I think once I get home, get into my routine, get Stanton down there, start pounding out laps, doing some training, I think we'll pick up a lot of speed there and just push it on into A1.
Is Barcia now a considered a contender for an SX title in 2013?
Simon Cudby photo
Can you just very quickly talk about the race between you and Alessi there at one point? Was there cross jumping?
Yeah, that always scares me. It was close. I saw that a lot with last year in outdoors with Dungey and Alessi. I don't know if Alessi means to do it or not, but it kind of happens and it gets a little sketchy. It was really tough because every time I carried a little more speed down this main straight and we'd get to the corner, I'd try and kind of break slide and block him then somehow he'd get right under me and we'd end up in the same position we were in. It was really tough. He's a good rider, I just don't like cross jumping, but it is what it is. You have to dodge it sometimes. We did get close once, but I think it's how the jump was and how we came together. It just is what it is.
The joker lane thing. You did it late in the race. Did you even plan it? Did you have an idea of when to do it? What made you go when you did?
I felt like in the second race, I went a little too soon, so me and Eric talked about it and we said lets go toward the end more and that's what we did. It is what it is. I don't know if I would've went a little sooner if it'd been better for me. I'm not sure. At least we got the overall, so that's cool. Can't complain. I'm pumped.
What's bigger? Winning the thing and winning all the money, or just knowing okay, Dungey, I was there with him, Reed, I was there with him, speed-wise? I mean that's pretty big too.
Even at the des Nations, I knew I had the speed to run with Dungey even though we don't ride tracks like that, so that made me feel kind of good to know that I knew I had the speed to run with him from there. Then coming here, I was like, 'I know I'll have the speed for sure. It's just putting it all together.' Even though they say it's the rookie 450 season for me, I feel like I need to be up there, I need to be battling. Honda hired me to do a job and I want to be up there for them and kill it this year.


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| 7.1°C Belfast
Jose Mourinho declared that he felt ashamed as his Chelsea team slumped to a ninth Premier League defeat of the season.
And the Stamford Bridge boss conceded that the Blues won't claim a Champions League spot through the league after the 2-1 loss at the hands of table-topping Leicester City.
Jamie Vardy continued his remarkable scoring run by netting his 15th goal of the season, with Riyad Mahrez scored the Foxes' second.
Loic Remy grabbed a late consolation for Chelsea, but there was little for Mourinho to be cheery about.
The Portuguese, however, still expects to challenge for a European place, because all the other contenders are slipping up.
"We can't finish in the top four, but we can still finish in the top six because so many teams are dropping points," he said.
"But at the moment we're in a zone where I feel ashamed."
Mourinho also said that he felt "betrayed" by his players after Leicester's two goals came from situations that he had warned them about.
"I think they deserved to win because they were better than us during a long period of time," he said.
"We conceded two goals that were unacceptable. One of my best qualities is to read the game for my players and I feel like my work was betrayed.
"All last season I did phenomenal work and brought them to a level that is not their level and more than they really are... or this season we are doing so bad.
"Today we made two defensive mistakes and we pay.
"They were goals that I cannot accept. They are goals that were studied and we have practiced for three days.
"I feel bad because I don't understand how we can concede these goals."
Mourinho then repeated his intention to remain in charge, despite being just a single point above the relegation zone.
"The only thing I can say is that I want to be the manager," he said.
"I have no doubts and I think you know me well enough to know that I am not afraid of a big challenge and in this moment it is a really big challenge.
"I want to stay and I hope Mr Abramovich and the board want me to stay because I want to stay."
Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri added: "We had a fantastic one hour and the last 30 minutes we suffered a lot. But they are the champions and we had to suffer to win the match.
"All the players believe in and help each other. Only in this way can you win against big champions.
"I told the players we need another five points (to stay up). I put a target of 40 points at the beginning of the season and when we achieve this we change the target.
"I think about how we can improve. They are very, very calm and have to improve a lot.
"It's a magical time, but we must continue to work hard. I don't want to wake up, I want to continue to dream with our fans."
Belfast Telegraph


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Advertising AND EVENTS
With more than a million contacts a year (3,000 travelers and accompanying persons on average each day), Pau Pyrenees Airport's advertising spaces ensure excellent visibility in a quality environment.
For all your advertising and events, advertising agencies present on the airport offer you to communicate on various media and devices outside and inside the terminal, or through our publishing media.
Advertising SPACES
Indoor advertising
Large backlight panels, digital screens, stickers : contact Exterieurs
TV screens network : contact Tipy TV
Cars exhibitions, events, showcases, luggage trolleys, parking tickets, distribution of flyers : contact Air'py
Outdoor advertising
Urban furniture 2m², drop down or tray panels 8m², event advertising, stickers (building facades, parking barriers ...) : contact ExterionMedia
Publishing media
360° Airport magazine
3 annual editions (February, June, October), format 19,5x28 cm, 56 pages. Distributed all year round in the airport, public places, hotels in Pau and urban area, 560 medical practices, 100 travel agencies : contact Chirripo
Flight schedules pocket card
2 annual editions, circulation 10,000 copies, format 54x90mm, 3 advertisers maximum. Distributed all year round in the airport, public places, hotels in Pau and urban area : contact Air'py


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Assessment plans are management tools that communicate each program's commitment to ongoing program assessment and improvement. Each program is expected to have a complete and up-to-date assessment plan as part of the UAS. The components of a strong assessment plan include:
- Clearly articulated outcomes.
- Signature assignments or other data (e.g., admissions data, surveys) that will provide appropriate evidence related to each transition point and outcome.
- A stated timeline for data collection linked to each outcome.
- Alignment of outcomes with the college conceptual framework, CSULB outcomes, NCATE Standard 1 elements, and other relevant professional standards.
You can access the college's assessment plan template, to create your program's assessment plan, below:
Assessment Plan Template (PDF | MS Word)
If you already have a completed plan and would like to make edits, please contact the Assessment Office.
Once the outcomes have been identified, the curriculum map created, and the location of the signature assignments established, and the assessment plan developed, it is time to create the signature assignments and their related rubrics.


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Noted as an IGI Global Core Reference Title in Science & Engineering for 2019.
Recent advances in information and communication technologies have enhanced the standards of metropolitan planning and development. These innovations have led to new opportunities in this evolving profession.
Emerging Issues, Challenges, and Opportunities in Urban E-Planning brings together the efficiency of web-based tools and digital technologies with the practice of spatial planning. Focusing on the utilization of geographic information systems, computer-assisted design, visualization concepts, and database management systems, this book is a pivotal reference source for planners, policymakers, researchers, and graduate students interested in how recent technological advancements are enhancing the traditional practices in urban planning.
The many academic areas covered in this publication include, but are not limited to:
Editor Carlos Nunes Silva presents students, academics, researchers, and professionals working in a wide variety of contexts with a comprehensive examination of current issues, challenges, and opportunities in the evolving world of digital urban planning. The editor has organized the fourteen contributions that make up the main body of his text in four sections devoted to the role of web 2.0 in urban e-planning, web-based e-tools, urban social movements, and public space, modeling, virtual reality, and geovisualization, and the role of planners in urban e-planning reforms in developed countries and the challenges confronting urban e-planning in developing countries.


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Hybrid Clouds Ramp up Public Sector's Cloud-First Push
A typical data center costs $18.5 million per year to operate, estimates the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center. The U.S. government operates more than 12,000 data centers, according to the most recent reports from government agencies to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).
Not surprisingly, cost savings and efficiency are the top reasons federal CIOs drive their agencies to adopt the cloud. Agencies are under pressure to digitally transform and curb IT spending, making flexibility, scalability and lower operational costs a necessity. The cloud, then, is a critical next step in IT modernization for the U.S. public sector.
But migrating thousands of government data centers to the cloud—or even tens of enterprise data centers—isn't that simple.
Government Data Center Shutdown
OMB expected agencies to have closed over half of these data centers by September 2018, to reach Data Center Optimization Initiative (DCOI) goals set in 2016. Based on agencies' reported progress, and confirmed by a MeriTalk study, agencies won't make the deadline and will fall short of OMB's DCOI savings goal by more than $1 billion.
DCOI, which supersedes the Federal Data Center Consolidation Initiative launched in 2010, is OMB's fulfillment of the Federal Information Technology Acquisition Reform Act (FITARA) of 2014. FITARA requires OMB to recommend efficient, money-saving strategies for federal agencies to inventory, consolidate and optimize data centers. This includes the adoption of automated monitoring, virtualization and cloud technologies. Fortunately, agencies now have an extended deadline of October 2020 to meet these objectives.
This isn't the first attempt to accelerate cloud computing in the U.S. government. The White House issued a groundbreaking cloud-first policy, authored by then-U.S. CIO Vivek Kundra, in 2011 (ahead of the U.K. in 2013). Before making any major IT modernization investments, federal agencies were urged to consider cloud capabilities that address inefficiencies and improve service delivery.
Off to a running start, agencies doubled cloud spending over five years. Despite dips in 2017, in part due to the overall federal budget, analysts expect government cloud spending to continue increasing. Additionally, under the newer Modernizing Government Technology Act, federal agencies are setting aside money just for IT modernization projects, including cloud migrations.
With such a heavy push to the cloud, why is the federal government still running on thousands of data centers?
The agencies making the most progress are laying the foundation for a flexible hybrid cloud environment.
Jeff Henry, President of ViON Corporation (a VMware Cloud Provider)
The Benefits of a Hybrid Cloud-First Policy
Up against unforeseen complexities and costs of cloud migrations, some agencies stalled or gave up on their cloud journey. Government IT leaders run into obstacles, like ensuring data security and accessibility during migrations. Often, IT isn't organizationally aligned or effectively trained for cloud computing. Some data centers are mission-critical to agencies' unique security and compliance requirements, and cannot be shut down.
But cloud technology is maturing to the point where its countless benefits are too great to ignore. Lowering operational costs and reducing downtime are just the beginning. With cloud environments, public sector organizations swiftly scale IT infrastructure capacity, ensure operational and disaster recovery continuity and speed up application development.
VMware Cloud on AWS GovCloud (U.S.)
A forthcoming hybrid cloud service will enable U.S. federal agencies to leverage a common cloud infrastructure on premises and in the public cloud for agility and security.
Instead, many public sector organizations, from the federal to local level, bring "on-paper" cloud commitments to life with a hybrid cloud. Hybrid clouds provide the same benefits without the need to re-architect infrastructures or retrain personnel. Just like public clouds, many hybrid cloud partners offer agile, secure, FedRAMP-authorized solutions built specifically for the public sector, like the forthcoming VMware Cloud on Amazon Web Services (AWS) GovCloud (U.S.) service from VMware and Amazon.
Large public sector organizations, including academic institution MIT, already tap the benefits of hybrid cloud to quickly migrate workloads, empower application developers with unparalleled speed and boost efficiency. IT admins at MIT moved hundreds of workloads onto VMware Cloud on AWS in just nine days—what once took more than 18 months of application work—providing immediate value to students.
The need for agility, flexibility, efficiency and significant cost savings is only escalating in the public sector. With hybrid clouds, agencies are quickly ramping up using the same, secure and familiar technologies already running on premises.
As government agencies increasingly move workloads to the cloud, the ability to seamlessly integrate VMware software applications with AWS helps simplify the IT modernization journey for our customers.
Teresa Carlson, Vice President of Worldwide Public Sector for AWS