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Hello dear readers,
During July, I was in a *very* busy period at work, so I thought it would be nice to plan a short break somewhere at the end of August, in order to get my mind out of work for a couple of days. Last year, in similar circumstances, I had opted for a quick visit of Warsaw, the capital of Poland, flying Brussels Airlines in b.flex (= economy plus). Because I had much appreciated the trip, and also because I love to visit central / eastern european countries (and no, not for the girls, as I'm married...), I again decided to head East.
This time, I planned to spend one full week away, so I thought it could be fun to visit more than one country, and I eventually chose the Czech Republic, Slovakia, and Hungary. Because my budget was rather on the tight side, I combined a redeeming of some Brussels Airlines miles with cheap deals found on the web and finally came up with the following itinerary :
- Brussels - Prague flight on a Brussels Airlines Avro RJ-85.
- Visit of Prague, and the city of Kutná Hora (60 km from Prague, by train).
- Prague - Košice flight on a SkyEurope B737-700.
- Visit of Košice (Slovakia's second city, at the eastern end of the country).
- Košice - Bratislava flight on a SkyEurope B737-700.
- Visit of Bratislava, Slovakia's capital.
- Bratislava - Budapest by train.
- Visit of Budapest.
- Budapest - Brussels flight on a Brussels Airlines B737-300.
Brussels - Prague
Brussels Airlines flight SN2809
Avro ARJ-85 OO-DJW, seat 4A
Departure : 10:35, duration : 1:25.
So, in the morning of Saturday, August 23rd, my wife drove me to Brussels Airport, which was somewhat messy on the outside because of important renovation works on the access road and drop-off area. Having checked in online the day before, I had plenty of time before boarding. After a quick photo of the very first Starbucks of Belgium, which just opened in the departures hall of BRU airport, I proceeded through security using the fast line as my b.flex ticket allowed me (I just had to scan a barcode on my printed boarding pass to open the gate restraining access to the fast lane), and entered the A pier after the usual very long walk (Pier A in BRU is dedicated to all Schengen-area flights, and is separated from the main terminal building by a very long underground walkway). I had some cosmetic liquids in my backpack, all packed in a transparent plastic bag as required by regulations, but I completely forgot to take it off the backpack for security. However, they went unnoticed...
Check-in hall in BRU.
My flight to Prague just appeared at the end of the flight information display.
The very first Starbucks of Belgium.
I walked till the end of the concourse and back, to enjoy the views on the apron and runway (25R) through the glassed walls. Somewhat ironically, the earlier flight to Prague, operated by a CSA A320, was delayed and now scheduled to depart at the same time as mine. For those interested, here is a complete list of the aircraft I saw that morning : Adria CRJ in a special "Hit Stars" c/s, Aer Lingus 320, Air France ERJ, American 763, Austrian 320, Belgian Air Force 310, Falcon 50, ERJ-135 and C-130, Brussels Airlines Avros, 319, 737 and 333, Clickair 320, Continental 764, Croatia 319, CSA 320, DHL 757F, Europe Airpost 737, FlyBe ERJ, Futura 737, Jet Airways 332 and 77W, Karthago 737, KLM Cityhopper F100 (white c/s), Lufthansa 320, Malev F70, Saudia Cargo MD-11F, Sky Airlines 737, Syrian 320, Vueling 320.
Brussels airport Pier A
Europe Airpost 737, CO 767-400ER, 9W A330-200, SN A330-300 and
A Brussels Airlines Avro among the heavies...
The Jet Airways BRU hub in action : 332 and 77W
Boarding for my flight to Prague began at gate A57 (stand 157R) at 10:15. Today, Avro RJ-85 OO-DJW was operating the flight, in code-share with American Airlines. The aircraft may be 12 years old, but its cabin was in pristine condition, clean and neat, with a comfortable 2+3 layout (I don't want to know how it feels on airlines using 3+3). I took my seat 4A and while we were pushed back, right on time at 10:35, I took a quick glance at the rest of the cabin to estimate the load factor : 27 % (8/30) in b.flex economy plus, and a guess of 60 % in b.light economy for this Saturday mid-morning flight. After a 10 minutes taxi, we took off from runway 25R and quickly disappeared in the clouds. Shortly after, the flight attendants (2 females) began the inflight service, consisting of a breakfast tray for b.flex passengers (cheese and ham sandwich, some pastry and a fruit salad, and of course complimentary drinks), and snacks for sale for the b.light pax. The F/As were friendly, but nothing out of the ordinary, and strangely we were not offered free newspapers, as I thought was standard procedure for b.flex passengers.
The breakfast tray. It will be exactly the same on the BUD-BRU leg.
Neat cabin of this ARJ-85.
The flight was not long, and after 1 hour and 10 minutes, we were already touching down on Prague runway 24, after a ride between the scattered clouds during which I had some views of the city's historical district. The airport is clearly dominated by CSA aircraft (737s, 320s and ATRs), with some Travel Service 737s operating charters (including one in an interesting Oman Air / Travel Service hybrid livery) and a couple of others (I saw an Air France operated by Brit Air CRJ, and a Delta 767). The airport seemed very modern, clean and airy, and left me an overall good impression. I took some Czech money from an ATM in the arrivals hall, bought a 3-days pass for public transportation, then took the bus 119 to the Dejvická subway station, and I finally reached the center of the old town only 40 minutes after deplaning.
Downtown Prague and its bridges on the Vltava river in the distance.
Almost there. Guess who's the dominant operator in Prague ?
Arrivals hall in PRG.
Prague is really a magnificent city, definitely worth a visit. There are lots of buildings with interesting architecture, plenty of romantic places, and the cost of life is relatively cheap (although it's not always the case in very touristic places). The only drawback in my opinion is that it's much too crowded with tourists during the summer.
Old town square.
Splendid architecture on the old town square.
Funny architecture for this so-called Dancing House...
Prague castle as seen from the famous Charles Bridge.
Charles Bridge on the Vltava river.
Overview of the old town from the castle.
On the Charles Bridge at dusk...
Wenceslas square at night.
Babies climbing the Žižkov television tower.
Still some renovation work to complete in Žižkov.
The small yellow tower in the back is my hotel.
During my stay, I also visited the Kbely Aviation Museum (free admission), in the northeastern suburbs, with an interesting collection of mainly soviet-era aircraft, including a rare (and superbly restored) example of the Tupolev 104. The museum is located on the Kbely airport, which itself is next door to the Letňany aerodrome, where it's possible to walk virtually on the edge of the (grass) runway (however, the traffic only consists of some occasional Cessna's).
The grass runway of the Letňany aerodrome.
Letňany aerodrome sign.
Nicely restored Tupolev 104 at the Kbely museum.
On Monday, August 25th, I took a train to visit the town of Kutná Hora, some 60 kilometers from Prague, which is known for the Sedlec ossuary, a church decorated with human bones. About 2 kilometers further is the historical town with its Santa Barbara cathedral which is part of the Unesco World Heritage List. Walking in the city itself (and eating on a terrace on the central place) was nice, however spending one day there is more than enough.
Every single human bone can be found in this morbid candelabra...
Kutná Hora
Kutná Hora main station, this small train took me from the downtown station, 2 kilometers away.
Prague - Košice
SkyEurope flight NE56
Boeing 737-76N OM-NGL, seat 4A
Departure : 19:00, duration : 1:12.
Upon arriving back in the Prague main train station, I took the subway, then a bus, to reach the airport in Ruzyně, where I arrived at 17:00 for my 19:00 flight to Košice.
The 119 bus to the airport at the Dejvická subway station.
Prague airport has 2 adjacent terminals, T1 for non-Schengen and domestic flights, and T2 for Schengen flights. Away from the main terminal complex, there is also a smaller terminal used for general and business aviation (this was the original 1937 terminal). The check-in hall of T2 is modern and very airy (it was opened in 2006), and there was no queue at all to check in for my SkyEurope flight to Košice, contrary to the nearby SkyEurope flight to Rimini, Italy. I passed security without hassle and entered the gates area. My flight was due to depart from gate D3, but as I wanted to explore the airport a bit, I went to the end of the D concourse, from where I got great views of taxiing aircraft as well as the active runway (24). Generally speaking, I found some good viewing opportunities at various places of the terminal.
The airport has 3 runways : 06/24, 13/31, and 04/22. The latter is now closed, and the two most used runways are 24 (on which I landed and departed) and 31. Beside, a new 3500 metres runway parallel to 06/24 should be put into service around 2010.
Terminal 1
My flight to Košice is scheduled at 19:00.
Flight information display in the departures hall of Terminal 2.
Check-in. The left screen showed nice videos about SkyEurope.
As I was really hungry, I decided to have dinner in the Porto Café Restaurant, located at the intersection of concourses C and D. The beef Stroganov accompanied with Czech beer was actually quite tasty and reasonably priced, at least for an airport. From my table, I had a distant view of the taxiways, where I spotted a KD Avia 737, some Wings Airlines and Travel Service 737s, a Lufthansa A320, a Korean Air A330 and a bunch of CSA planes. After buying some souvenirs, I went to gate D3 where boarding was about to begin. The gate area was too small to seat everyone, although the flight was not full.
Our neighbour during boarding.
Operating the flight to Košice today was OM-NGL, a 1.5 year old 737-700 equipped with winglets and comfortable fake-leather seats. I noticed that the seat rows on the left and right side of the aisle were not aligned, something I don't remember having seen before. Announcements by the 3 female cabin crew members were made in Czech (or Slovak ? I can't tell the difference...) and difficultly understandable English. It seemed that the majority of passengers were Slovaks from the Košice area. I visually estimated the load factor to be in the 80-85 % range. We pushed back right on time at 19:00, and taxied to the holding point of runway 24, where we had to wait for a couple of landings before lining up and taking off. The evening light was great although the view of the ground was blocked by clouds most of the time, and despite the short flight time the F/As completed a full round of food and duty-free sales.
Overview of PRG airport.
Because Košice is at the other end of the GMT+1 time zone when compared to Belgium, night comes significantly earlier here than at home, so even if it was only 20:00 when we approached our destination, it was already completely dark outside. Still, the approach to runway 01 was spectacular. Just south of the airport is a very large industrial plant (now owned by US Steel...) that we overflew while making a sharp left turn for a short final for runway 01. The area is quite dark as roads are generally not lit, but the lights of Košice in the distance, combined with those of the plant just under the wing and the flashing lights of the runway approach made for a fantastic view. It seemed to me that we flew direct to the KE (KOSICE) NDB with an eastern heading, then made the sharp left turn to enter a 3.8 NM final for runway 01. We touched the ground at 20:10 (on time) and taxied to the relatively small (and very dark !) apron where the passenger terminal is located. Parked there were an Air Slovakia 737 and a business jet, both completely shut off. The 737-300 (OM-ASC) seemed to be parked for some time and was still there when I came back to the airport the following day, although there are some recent photos of it in the A.net database where it can be seen at various airports. Immediately after our arrival, an Air Slovakia 757 landed, arriving from Palma de Mallorca as a charter flight. Once in the terminal (small but modern and clean), I took some slovak money from an ATM and went to the street to find a taxi. The driver, although trying to be friendly, did not speak one word of English (or German, for that matter), but fortunately, I had printed a Google map of where my guest house was located, so I managed to explain where I had to go... Oh, and I needed to remind him to switch on the taximeter...
The dark apron at Košice
Arrivals area in the Košice terminal.
Dark street just beside the guest house.
The guest house (Penzión Hradbová was really nice for the city's standards and had helpful English speaking staff. I spent the next day exploring Košice but at the end of the day, I was glad to depart to Bratislava, because I was beginning to be bored : although the center of the city (the Hlavná Ulica near the splendid cathedral and state theatre) is nice, the suburbs look a bit "communist" (nice to take a walk to see it once, but rapidly boring), and I'm not much into museums about very specific local subjects. Around 15:45 I took the bus 23 to the airport. Some time before my departure from Belgium, a fellow A.netter contacted me by e-mail, following a comment I had left in the trip reports forum announcing my trip, to inform me of the existence of an aviation museum at Košice airport. He gave me a lot of details about the museum, and I feel a bit bad because I... did not visit it. In fact, as I had walked the whole day, and because the weather was quite warm (30°C) and humid, I felt really tired and went to the airport bar to sample some local beers instead. Beside, I'm more into civilian aircraft, while the museum mostly targets military material.
There still are some of those old Skodas in Košice...
The St Elizabeth cathedral
View on the main street and state theatre from the cathedral tower
Elderly slovak women
A long way to sister city Wuppertal in Germany.
A random street in Košice.
Košice - Bratislava
SkyEurope flight NE35
Boeing 737-76N OM-NGF, seat 4F
Departure : 18:22, duration : 0:48.
Check-in was very fast (no queue at all), and I quickly explored the terminal building. It is small but modern, with a handful of check-in counters, arrivals and departures being at the same level (the only level...). There is a bar with an open-air terrace, a couple of car-rental and airline desks, toilets, and that's it. Size-wise, it reminds me of the old terminal of my home airport in Charleroi, Belgium, which closed in January of this year, but the Košice terminal is more modern. Departures for the evening consisted of my flight to Bratislava, a CSA ATR to Prague, and 3 charters to Tunisia, Egypt and Turkey, including a heavily delayed Air Slovakia flight. There is also a late evening Tyrolean Airways Dash 8 arrival from Vienna, that rests overnight and leaves back early the next morning. It is not possible to pass security and enter the gates area until 1 hour and a few minutes before departure, the security check point being closed. The gates area is on the apron level but there wasn't much traffic to watch, apart from the parked Air Slovakia 737 of yesterday. Boarding started at 18:05 with passengers having to walk on the apron to the aircraft, something I like because it gives the opportunity to take a photo of the aircraft. Oh, just one strange thing before I forget : at the security check, when x-raying my bag, the agent asked me whether I had books in it. When I answered positively, she just made a strange remark with a jubilant tone "ah, you know, I had seen them on my screen ! I knew those were books !". I still haven't figured what she meant with that...
KSC airport, landside
Departures for this evening
Terminal of KSC airport, landside.
Check in for my flight to Bratislava
Gates area
Waiting at the gate
Boaring OM-NGF to Bratislava
KSC control tower
KSC terminal, airside
Air Slovakia OM-ASC, parked since at least yesterday.
The interior of the 737-700 (OM-NGF) was of course exactly the same as yesterday, again with non-aligned seat rows across the aisle. Flight attendants were Slovak and their English was really heavily accented. I don't know about the load, but the flight was definitely not full, and I had 3 seats for myself. While waiting at the gate, I had noticed that mechanics were doing something to the front gear, probably changing a wheel, because they offloaded a wheel upon arrival at Bratislava. We taxied to the holding point of runway 19 but had to wait some 6 minutes there because the CSA ATR arriving from Prague was approaching the runway from the South (runway 01). As we had started the taxi early, we still took off on time, at 18:31. Unlike yesterday, there were no sales of anything during the flight, probably because of its short duration (45 minutes). While we were taxiing after landing on Bratislava runway 31, the gentleman seated in front of me, who had seen me take some photos during the flight, asked me (in a gestural language as he only spoke Slovak) if I would mind sending him some photos by e-mail. Of course I accepted.
Holding poing of runway 19, with typical communist residential blocks in the background.
Part of the US Steel plant immediately after take off
Overview of Košice airport after take off
Vacating runway 31 in Bratislava
There was not much traffic at Bratislava, only some parked aircraft (including an Air Slovakia 737-200) and some governmental and VIP aircraft (including a Tu-154). The terminal building looked old-fashioned and small. I had planned to take a bus to downtown Bratislava, but upon finding the bus stop, I realized that the ticket vending machine was out of order. I went inside the terminal (arrivals as well as departures) but did not manage to find any newspaper stand open (it was 19:30). I then went to the information desk, where the employee admitted, with some embarassment, that there was no way to buy a ticket. He instructed me to just get in the bus without paying, insisting that there couldn't be any ticket controls on this line and at this time... So, with some reluctance, as I always pay for public transportation, I followed his advice (not that I had other options anyway...) and just took the bus to the main railway station without ticket. And indeed, there was no control...
BTS terminal, airside
Deplaning OM-NGF in Bratislava
The old-fashioned BTS terminal, landside
I spent the next day visiting Bratislava, from the nicely renovated pedestrian old town (Staré Mesto), to the castle (Hrad), passing by the inverted pyramid building of the Slovak Television, the slovak parliament building, the UFO-shaped New Bridge (Nový Most) and even the very communist looking suburb of Petržalka, on the other side of the Danube river. The visit was interesting, but the scorching sun and high temperature made it quite tiring.
Interesting sculpture in central Bratislava...
The UFO-shaped New Bridge
Tourists queue to photograph this funny sculpture
Military parade, slovak style...
The slovak parliament building
Love this fountain
The inverted pyramid of the slovak television building
A typical street in the old town
Nice view from Bratislava castle...
View across the Danube river to Petržalka.
Typical scene in Petržalka
At the end of the day, I went to the train Station in Petrzalka and started a 3 hours (including a stop in Bruck an der Leitha, Austria) ride to Budapest, where I arrived around 21:00.
[Edited 2008-09-03 04:54:23]


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Wall Street screws self for a change
March 24, 2012 - Harry Eagar
The company that executes about 10% of US stock trades couldn't trade itself.
You probably never heard of Bats. As the sometime lieutenant governor of Virginia, Henry Howell, used to say, there's more things going around in the dark than Santa Claus.
Read the whole Bloomberg report, although this graf deserves to stand out:
"The exchange operator was trying to raise money less than two years after a crash erased $862 billion in less than 20 minutes from U.S. share values, a plunge that critics linked to the fragmented market structure that helped Bats thrive."
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High Throughput Power Flow Solvers on Modern Multicore Processors
High throughput load flow solvers for transmission and distribution systems with optimized computing kernels, data structures and multilevel parallelism (SIMD and Multicore) on modern commodity CPUs.
Fully utilizing the computing capability of modern CPU, achieving order of magnitude speedup comparing to conventional sequential implementation,
leads to unique solutions for applications in power system probabilistic and security analysis.
Publications: 1. PES-GM (Link)
2. HPEC (Link)
Distribution System Probablistic Monitoring System
A real time probabilistic analysis system for three-phase radial distribution network, including the high performance load flow solver, web-based UI and network communication with smart meters over CMU campus network.
Demonstrating a novel tool for distribution system monitoring considering the stochastic power inputs.
Demo: (Link)
Parallelizing SAT solver
Highly optimized parallel computing kernel for boolean satisfiability problem that demonstrates how to fully utilize the computing power of modern CPU for an important numercial computing kernel.
Publications: iWAPT (Link)
Privacy Preserving in Smart Grids
Secure multiparty computation based privacy preserving for smart meters: R&D of a homomorphic cryptography system that enables smart grid functions without revealing user's private data.
Publications: SMC Smart Meter
CMU Smart Meter Database
A minimalist SCADA system collects & plots realtime power consumption data from public available smart meters installed in CMU campus buildings for research purpose.
Demo: 1.normal plot, 2.density plot (abstracts load behavior via density functions)
Other Projects
Various other interdisciplinary research projects: queuing theory based EV charging, information theory based PMU placement, etc.
1. EV Charging (Link).
2. PMU Placement (Link).
Transient / Intermittent Earth Fault Detection (Sponsored by British Council and AREVA T&D).
Main researcher of the collaborative project between Tsinghua and AREVA T&D:
"Improved Earth Fault Detection Solution for Distribution Feeders". I was responsible for researching, developing,
and dynamic test of several improved relaying algorithms:
Using Hilbert Transform based instantaneous power direction and harmonic comparison approaches
to identify the single phase to ground earth fault direction on distribution feeders.
1. Transient/Intermittent:
2. Harmonic:
Related Product:
Award: British Council BOND Scholarship 2008
Research on High Impedance Fault Detection (Master Thesis).
Impedance Fault is a unique challenge for power system engineers especially distribution system protection engineers.
In this project, we developed methods and software to model high impedance fault with electric arc, proposed several techniques to detect such fault.
Generally, the fault generated transient and harmonic charactoristics are used for detection and direction determination.
1. Modeling:
2. Scheme:
Award: Best Master Thesis Award of Tsinghua in 2009.
Faulted Feeder Selection (Relay Group's Work in Tsinghua).
Using fault generated electro-magnetic traveling waves to select the faulted feeder on a bus-bar in MV distribution substation.
My work was to develop a high speed sampling unit and user-interface software. The system is under commercialization on 20+ sites in China.
Related Product (in Chinese):
Feeder Selector
Award: The whole project won Beijing Sci & Tech Award 2010.
High Precision Fault Recorder (Relay Group's Work in Tsinghua).
Using fault generated traveling waves to locate the fault on a transmission line. My work was to develop a high speed sampling unit,
a CAN-bus control/communication unit and
Windows WDM driver. The system is on site trial in a transmission substation near Beijing.
1. Algorithm:
2. System:
Related Product (in Chinese):
Fault Recorder


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Keidel: Bengals Can Learn From SteelersThe Pittsburgh Steelers once again bested the Cincinnati Bengals. Why can't a talented Bengals team beat their AFC North rival?
Rookie Spotlight: Cornerback Artie Burns Has Long-Term Potential For Pittsburgh SteelersEven though he was a first-round draft pick and signed a four-year, $9.59 million contract with a fifth-year option, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerback Artie Burns is not expected to start this season for the team.
Keidel: The Bell Tolls For Le'VeonLe'Veon Bell, the Pittsburgh Steelers' talented running back, missed a drug test and will be suspended for the team's first four games.
Emmanuel Sanders Won't Put '15 In His RearviewIt's a new year, and while many of his teammates talk about putting 2015 in the rearview, Emmanuel Sanders is having none of it.
OT Ryan Harris Leaves Broncos For Pittsburgh SteelersThe Denver Broncos have lost another player to free agency -- this time it's offensive tackle Ryan Harris.
Former NBA Star Keith Van Horn Helps Special Ed Kids Play Ball In EvergreenFormer NBA player Keith Van Horn had a ball. So did the kids of the Evergreen Parks and Rec Special Population Program. It's was the fourth year of the Premier/Special Olympics Showcase with the Evergreen Park and Recreation District.
Broncos Put S Bolden On IR, Promote CB Nixon From Practice Squad
Team Grades: Late Touchdown Redeems Broncos Offense In Tough Divisional Round WinThe Broncos offense finally gets going late and the defense limits the Steelers to field goals, but it the special teams shine brightest in Denver's win.
These Broncos Are Accustomed To Close Games -- And WinsThe Broncos don't get tight when their games get that way. Their 23-16 win over Pittsburgh was their 10th by seven points or fewer, tying the 1978 Houston Oilers for most such triumphs in a single season in NFL history.
AFC Championship Game Tickets Sell Out Online In A Matter Of MinutesIt took just minutes for the remaining tickets to the AFC Championship Game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High to sell out online.
Want The Lombardi Trophy? Pay Attention To Your LessonsDenver must find the end zone rather than settling for field goals against New England after a 23-16 win over Pittsburgh.
AFC Playoff Notebook: Set For Manning-Brady XVIIWith Denver advancing to the AFC Championship Game against New England, another showdown looms between Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and his Patriots counterpart, Tom Brady.


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However you feel about the bear hunt that started Monday in NJ, you'd be hard-pressed to admit that it wasn't successful, if success is defined by the number of kills. 260 bears were bagged on the first day of the six day hunt with much more "success" expected, as 7,800 hunting permits were issued. There are an estimated 3,400 bears in NJ, double the number there were in 2001, and state officials hope the kill will remove as many as 700 of them, preventing them from crossing paths with us.
A fascinating human interest story related to the bear hunt is that one of the bears killed on the first day was brought down by an 11 year old boy. The picture of him with his "prize" in this newspaper shows a sweet-faced boy with chubby reddened cheeks smiling for the camera, with the paws of his dead victim splayed out in front of him. The intended destination for the bear? A taxidermist.
I am not a vegetarian and I do wear leather shoes so I can't claim to be innocent with regard to asserting my superiority to the animal world and using them for my benefit and the benefit of my family. (However, I don't wear fur because that just feels kind of icky to me). And I'm not going to comment on whether or not there are better ways to thin the bear population in New Jersey – because I'm just not informed enough about this topic.
But I am going to say that I think there are better outlets for kids than shooting animals for sport and stuffing them for decoration. How about baseball, football, music, volunteer work, art, church, even hanging out on the corner with friends????
When I first became a mother, my best friend warned me that I would soon start to notice how parents take different approaches to raising their children. I generally try to not judge, preferring to live and let live.
But I just don't understand this form of "entertainment," especially for kids. I wish someone could explain it to me.


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This 2-day conference is open to all human resource professionals, career services staff and relevant association representatives within the agriculture, food science, natural resources and biotechnology industries and is an excellent networking opportunity. Plan to attend this informative meeting addressing topics and areas of high interest that you'll find nowhere else.
A Focus on Human Capital Development in Agriculture Dean Jay Akridge and Dr. Allan Gray, Purdue University Dean Jay Akridge, Purdue University
As director, Allan provides strategic direction for the center and MS-MBA in Food and Agribusiness Management, a dual-degree, distance-delivered program offered in partnership by Purdue and Indiana University. He works with food and agribusiness managers in the center's professional development programs, while also continuing to teach statistics for decision making at the master's level, strategic agribusiness management at the doctorate level and quantitative analysis in the MS-MBA program.
Allan's research interests are agribusiness management, strategic planning, decision making in uncertain environments and simulation. He's also the lead researcher for the Large Commercial Producer Survey, conducted every five years by the center, that explores the attitudes and buying behaviors of large commercial producers. Allan has also researched the impacts of alternative farm policy proposals and the management implications of real options thinking.
Allan has won numerous awards, including the American Agricultural Economics Association's Distinguished Extension/Outreach Program Award, the Purdue University Dean's Team Award and the United States Distance Learning Association's Excellence in Distance Teaching Award.
A native Texan, Allan and his wife, Stephanie, have two daughters and a son.
The 'Buzz' of Ag and Its Impact on Human Resources Jane Pierce, ADM Jane joined ADM in 2008 as director, Performance Management and later assumed learning and development responsibilities. In 2009, she was promoted to vice president, Talent and Organizational Development and assumed responsibilities for attracting, retaining and developing talent. Responsibilities within her teams include college relations, global learning and development and executive talent development and succession. Jane received a Bachelor of Science degree in organizational behavior and leadership from the University of San Francisco in San Francisco, California.
Raising the Bar -- Student Recruitment into the Agriculture Industry Dan Rice, Alltech Dan Rice is a Strategic Analyst at Alltech, based in Nicholasville, Kentucky. Having been employed with Alltech since 2003, Dan has held several positions in Quality Assurance and Applications Research before assuming his current role in 2009. His duties include global sales support, competitive intelligence, and contribution to corporate sustainability strategy. As Latin America Quality Assurance Manager, Dan worked in Sao Pedro, Brazil for three years at Alltech's largest yeast production facility ensuring finished products met and exceeded global quality standards for export.
Dan holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Agriculture from Purdue University, a Master of Business Administration from Gatton College of Business and Economics at the University of Kentucky, and is in the final stages of completion of a Master of Science in Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.
Panel Discussion: Understanding Recruitment Philosophy
Catherine McGinnis - Penn State University Cathy McGinnis is the Assistant Director, Career Services for the College of Agricultural Sciences at Penn State University. Cathy is new to Ag Sciences, but has over 15 years of progressively responsible experience in the areas of career counseling, job search skills, training, program design, delivery, evaluation, employer relationships, career assessment tool interpretation and group presentations. Cathy's previous employers include Keuka College, Bucknell University and Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne. Cathy has an MS degree in Higher Education Counseling from the University of Rochester and BA degrees in Anthropology and Sociology from SUNY Geneseo. She is a National Certified Career Counselor and a Master Career Counselor. Cathy is a qualified administrator of the Myers-Briggs Type Indicator® (MBTI®) and has Strong Interest Inventory® Certification. She has expertise in establishing and maintaining relationships with diverse populations including; nontraditional and traditional college students, individuals with disabilities, dislocated workers, refugees and immigrants, corporate managers and ex-offenders.
Stephanie Shampine, ADM Stephanie Shampine serves as manager, College Relations. In this role, she leads the College Relations team in a variety of areas, including aligning with and providing support to ADM leaders as they fill their internship and full-time positions and building relationships with the campuses where we recruit. Stephanie joined ADM in 2001 and most recently served as team lead, College Relations. She received a Bachelor of Science degree in management and organizational leadership from Millikin University in Decatur, Illinois.
Special Session: Influencing the Development of Talent
Pat Crawford, Michigan State University Dr. Pat Crawford is an Associate Professor of Landscape Architecture in the School of Planning, Design, and Construction (SPDC), in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources. She is also Senior Director of the Bailey Scholars Program, a multidisciplinary undergraduate specialization in connected learning. Research includes public participation in design and planning and the scholarship of teaching and learning. She holds a Ph.D in Environmental Design and Planning from Arizona State University, a Master of Landscape Architecture from Kansas State University, and a BS in Horticulture from the University of Missouri.
Suzanne Lang, Michigan State University Dr. Suzanne Lang is an Associate Professor in the Department of Horticulture, in the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources (CANR). She is also Director of Faculty Development in CANR. Research includes evaluating teaching excellence and transformative learning. She holds a Ph.D in Horticulture from North Carolina State University, an MS in Horticulture from Clemson University, and a BS in Horticulture from Michigan State University.
Rob Dalton, Michigan State University Rob Dalton is a graduate student in Environmental Design and a Bailey Scholars Grad Fellow at Michigan State University. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from MSU. He enjoys researching, designing, and working in the realms of Urban and Land Use Planning.
Laura Fielitz, Michigan State University Laura Fielitz is an undergraduate studying Landscape Architecture at Michigan State University. She participates in undergraduate research through the Honors College Professorial Assistant program. In her free time, Laura plays piano, takes photographs and is a member of the Spartan Marching Band.
Human Resources Management Track -- Effective Performance Management Strategies Rob Burn, AAIM Employers Association Rob is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He brings over 20 years of experience in management and human resources from the service and industrial sectors. He earned his Masters' Degree in Business Administration (MBA) from Morris Graduate School of Management, Peoria Campus, and his Bachelor's Degree in Psychology from Illinois State University in Normal, IL. He joined AAIM Employers' Association in 2010 where he oversees the Human Resources consulting practice which includes: HR Outsourcing, Strategic Planning, Surveys, AAPs, HR Assessments, Compensation, Executive Coaching, and aligning HR departments with the overall objectives of the organization. He specializes in helping companies utilize their Human Resource capabilities to solve complex problems in a practical manner.
Recruiting Track - Best Practices in On-Boarding Programs Mark Berry, ConAgra Foods Inc. Mark Berry is a Senior Director, Human Resources, supporting ConAgra Foods' Commercial Food Ingredients businesses. As senior HR leader of ConAgra Mills, Spicetec Flavors and Seasonings, and JM Swank, he owns end-to-end human resource support for more than 1200 employees in more than 30 plants and distribution centers throughout the continental United States and Puerto Rico. In addition to his role as a HR generalist, Mark leads the enterprise HR organization's Human Capital Analytics/Reporting (HCA/R) initiative, one of five key strategic initiatives focused on providing data-driven technologies in a self-service environment to support strategic decision-making. He also leads the enterprise's Information Privacy initiative, working with a cross-functional team from Legal, Information Technology, Finance, and Research, Quality & Innovation to ensure that ConAgra Foods' intellectual properties are protected. Mark holds a B.A. degree in Psychology (Eastern Illinois University), a M.A. degree in Psychology (Eastern Illinois University), and a M.B.A. with a concentration in Operations Management (Indiana State University) and is a Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR). He has more than 15 years of human resources experience in food ingredients, paper, and chemical industries. Prior to his work in Human Resources, Mark was a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) and Certified Employee Assistance Professional (CEAP), providing services to individuals & families in an outpatient setting. Mark resides in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife, Carolyn, and daughters, Hannah and Grace. In his free time, you'll find him participating in ultra-endurance running events, including several 50- and 100-mile races each year.
University Track - Preparing Students for a Total Compensation Package Tom Drake, Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business As director of Total Rewards, Tom is accountable for all elements of the compensation, benefits and preventative health and wellness aspects of the Human Resources department at Pioneer Hi-Bred, a DuPont business. Tom joined Pioneer Hi-Bred in April of 2004 after spending the prior 14 years with H.B. Fuller Company in St. Paul, Minn., where he held several positions, including director of compensation and benefits, compensation design manager, and HR division manager. His experience with strategizing, developing and executing cutting-edge compensation programs on a global basis has been an asset to Pioneer. Tom holds a Bachelor of Science degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, a Master in Business Administration from the Kelley School of Management at Indiana University and a Master of Arts in food and agribusiness from Purdue University.
Social Media in the Workplace Eve Mayer Orsburn, Social Media Delivered Eve Mayer Orsburn is the CEO of Social Media Delivered, one of the largest social media optimization companies serving clients worldwide with consulting, training and outsourced social media needs. Ranked by Fast Company Magazine as one of 2010's '100 Most Influential People Online' Eve has been featured by CNN Radio, CIO.comand, Dallas Morning News and speaks professionally to groups on the Social Media Equation™, which is her proven system for how organizations must engage in media to generate a positive Return on Investment. She is author of the internationally acclaimed title, Social Media for the CEO (released October 2010) and shares social media knowledge that people can actually understand with an online network of over 80,000+ fans, followers and connections every day. Eve also hosts 'Social Media for the CEO' weekly radio show which airs live every Friday at 10am CT at www.SM4CEO.com. Eve is seen as one of the most sought after authorities on social media with expertise in all areas including business to business, business to consumer and non-profit. To connect with Eve online vist: - LinkedIn.com/in/EveMayerOrsburn - Twitter.com/LinkedInQueen - www.SocialMediaDelivered.com
Utilizing Employer Brand to Enhance Recruitment (New and Experienced Professionals) Darlene Godsey, PHR Business Partner at Novozymes Darlene Godsey is an experienced human resources professional with a strong foundation in employee relations, policy administration and compensation, and an expertise in talent attraction and recruitment for the biotechnology industry. Darlene is currently a Business Partner at Novozymes, an international biotechnology company. She began her human resources career ten years ago, and has since held positions with progressive human resources responsibilities, including serving as Recruitment & Employer Branding Manager at Novozymes from 2009-2011. As the Recruitment & Employer Branding Manager, Darlene was part of a global management team dedicated to developing Novozymes' employer brand. She successfully managed Novozymes North America's employer brand interpretation, strategic roadmap and execution of tactics to heighten awareness of Novozymes as an employer of choice in the US and Canada.
Human Resources Management Track - Getting a Foothold on Effective Career Pathing and Succession Planning Strategy Marvis Meyers, AAIM Employers Association Marvis Meyers is the Vice-President of Training and Organization Development for AAIM Employers Association. In her role with AAIM EA she manages the customized, on site training programs and Organization Development consulting. Marvis works with members to understand their training and organizational needs and develop a customized solution that helps them achieve their organizational objectives. Some of the work done by Marvis and her team of consultants include:
Recruiting Track - HR Metrics - What Should We Be Measuring? Dr. Sara Mann, University of Guelph Dr. Sara Mann is an Associate Professor of Organizational Behaviour and Strategic Human Resource Management in the Department of Business at the University of Guelph. Sara completed her MBA at McMaster University, and a PhD in Management at the Rotman School of Management, University of Toronto. Sara's expertise includes performance appraisals and performance management, selection and compensation. Sara's research is primarily within rural areas and the Agri-food sector, and is funded by both SSHRC and OMAFRA.
University Track - Beg, Borrow and Share Session Paula Beecher, Clemson University Paula Beecher has worked in the Clemson University College of Agriculture, Forestry and Life Sciences (CAFLS) Office of Recruiting, Advising and Career Services since 2006. Paula works primarily with Student and Career Development for CAFLS undergraduates, graduate students and alumni. Prior to this position, Paula worked for 9 years at Louisiana State University also in Student Services where she coordinated Recruitment and Academic Advising for their College of Agriculture.


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Santé Bar & Grille
Enjoy dining at Big White's best ski-in/ski-out location!
Located slope-side in the White Crystal Inn, and just steps from the top of the Gondola, Santé Bar & Grille specializes in eclectic Canadian cuisine. Start your day off with an item from our amazing breakfast menu, which features six different styles of Eggs Benedict and our amazing Breakfast Poutine. Ski to our door and enjoy a quick and delicious lunch, we'll get you back out on the slopes in no time. We have the best burgers in town and are famous for our 8 different poutine dishes! Join us for a wonderful dinner cooked by Chef Vince and his team. The dinner menu includes mouth-watering ribs, the finest cuts of steak and our new hit, Ruby's Butter Chicken, it's a must try. We also offer more casual fare for dining, including burgers and sandwiches. Relax by the stone fireplace and enjoy a specialty cocktail or a signature martini. Choose a bottle from our Okanagan Valley exclusive wine list, and let our servers pamper you. Bring your children and let them choose from our extensive kid's menu. Come in and see why we are Big White's premiere family dining establishment
|Located Slope-side in the White Crystal Inn
|closed until winter 2016-17
|(250) 491.8122
|View menu >>


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WASHINGTON -- President Obama is pushing congressional Republicans to accept more taxes as part of a deal to avoid $85 billion in across-the-board budget cuts.
On March 1, federal spending will be slashed across the board unless Congress and the president work out a deal to make more careful cuts to reduce deficit.
But lawmakers on each end of Pennsylvania Ave. have different ideas about how to achieve savings.
America's beloved first responders are the kind of workers in danger of losing their jobs if about $1 trillion worth of arbitrary budget cuts, known as the sequester, are allowed to take effect.
"Border Patrol agents will see their hours reduced. . . FBI agents will be furloughed," President Obama said Tuesday.
Is there any sign of a compromise? Seton Motley, president of Less Government, has more following this report.
The president warned that tens of thousands of parents will have to scramble to find child care for their kids.
By digging in ahead of the looming deadline, President Obama suggested members of Congress are behaving as butchers.
"Now, if Congress allows this meat-cleaver approach to take place, it will jeopardize our military readiness; it will eviscerate job-creating investments in education and energy and medical research," Obama said.
Many leaders warn the automatic cuts are severe for the nation's fragile economy to withstand. How to avoid it is purely political.
Controversy over the so-called sequester cuts is about one thing: taxes. President Obama wants House Republicans to raise them, but GOP lawmakers say the president already got the tax increases during negotiations over the fiscal cliff.
Now they say it's time to focus on spending cuts. Instead Republicans propose cutting government spending and eliminating loopholes and subsidies in the tax code.
Democrats want to raise money by closing tax loopholes on some businesses, like the oil and gas industries.They also want to tax millionaires at a rate of at least 30 percent.
But Speaker of the House John Boehner said the debate over more tax dollars for Washington to spend is over.
Congress won't be back in session until next week, only days before the spending cuts are scheduled to take effect.
Obama Lays Out Bold Vision for Second Term
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Disabled Veterans to meet
SALEM - Disabled American Veterans plan to meet at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday at the AMVETS Post 45.
DAHS 1953 to meet Thursday
LISBON - The David Anderson High School Class of 1953 will meet at noon Thursday at the Taste of Country.
Fish fry set in Columbiana
COLUMBIANA - An all-you-can-eat fish fry will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday at American Legion Post 290. Cost is $10 for adults and $4 for children.
DAHS 1963 breakfast planned
LISBON - David Anderson High School Class of 1963 plans to meet for breakfast at 9 a.m. Saturday at the Taste of Country.
United breakfast fund raiser set
HANOVERTON - The all-you-can-eat scholarship breakfast fund raiser and silent auction is slated from 7 a.m. to noon Saturday at United High School cafeteria. Made to order omelets and crepes are available. Cost is $7 for adults and $5 for children.
Breakfast planned at VFW
WASHINGTONVILLE - Breakfast will be served from 8 to 11 a.m. Sunday at Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532. Carryouts are available at 330-427-2533.
Concealed carry class offered
SALEM - National Rifle Association certified instructors will teach a concealed carry class on Feb. 24 and March 17 at the Salem Hunting Club, 549 Indiana Ave. People with all levels of experience are welcome. Pre-registration is required by calling 330-332-9847 (www.salemhuntingclub).
Firearms seminar set in Ravenna
RAVENNA - The Realize Firearms Awareness Coalition is sponsoring a free educational and informational seminar at 7 p.m. Feb. 26 at the Maplewood Career Center. The program focuses on the Second Amendment and what it means. For more information call 440-548-2442.
Junior Mothers selling tickets
SALEM - The Salem Junior Mother's Club is selling $10 tickets for a chance to win a $400 gift card to Gervasi Vineyard. For tickets call Cristi Kopachy at 330-360-6602.
'Angry Men' auditions set
SALEM - Auditions for the acclaimed drama, "12 Angry Men," begin at 7 p.m. March 3 and 4 at Salem Community Theatre, 490 E. State St. Director Terri Wilkes will be looking for adult male actors ages 21 and over for all of the roles. Interested actors must read from the script, interact with other auditioners, and demonstrate the ability to assume and retain a strong character. Rehearsal dates will be announced at auditions.
Show dates are May 17-25 (no show on May 26), with the likelihood of a student outreach performance on the morning of May 22. For more information call the box office at 330-332-6988 or visit salemcommunitytheatre.org.
Lifeguard training offered
SALEM - The Salem Community Center is offering a lifeguard training course on weeknights from 5 to 8 from March 4-15. Cost is $220 for members and $260 for non-members. To register call 330-332-5885.
Belly dancing program planned
SALEM - The Salem Community Center has announced a six-week belly dancing program starts March 14. This class is for beginner to intermediate belly dancers. Basic cabaret-style dance moves will be taught. Cost for SCC members is $55 and $70 for non-members. For more information contact 330-332-5885 or firstname.lastname@example.com.
Washingtonville fish fry set
WASHINGTONVILLE - A fish fry will be held from 4 to 7:30 p.m. Feb. 22 and March 1 at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5532. Carryouts are available at 330-427-2533.
Group home meeting planned
LEETONIA- A community meeting organized by residents will be held to discuss concerns regarding a proposed adult group home in the village at 6:30 p.m. tonight at the Leetonia Community Public Library.
Enrollment open house set
BEAVER TOWNSHIP- The South Range Local School District will hold an Open Enrollment Open House for all perspective students interested in attending the district for the 2013-2014 school year at 7 p.m. Feb. 27 in the K-12 complex Auditorium.
Students in grades kindergarten through six that reside in adjacent school districts may be eligible to attend the district via an application process. The intent of the meeting will be to communicate the open enrollment process with parents and tour the K-12 Complex. A question and answer session will be held as part of the general meeting.
All eligible parents and students are invited to attend the informational meeting and tour the facility. For information regarding the open house contact the South Range Local School District Board of Education Office at 330-549-5226.


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Kurt's post yesterday [3] made some good points, and I suspect he was hoping for a worthy counter. So, never one to disappoint his fellow blogger, I offered Jim a counterpoint and he said that sounds like fun, so here goes…
Years ago in grad school I met Branco, a visiting professor from Yugoslavia, and a dyed in the wool communist (yep, that long ago). He hated America with a passion. Many mornings our walk to class became long protracted debates. Branco couldn't talk and walk at the same time, so many students passed us, staring at the spit flying and arm waving on the sidewalk. I can regale you on the fun stories, but let's cut to the chase.
"Branco, if you hate this place so much, what the dickens are you doing here? Who at the Politburo did you tick off?"
Branco may have been misguided, but he was not stupid.
"Listen," he said, "The American education system is the worst in the world; we all know that. But… how come it produces more Nobel prizes than the rest of the world put together?"
What you see depends on what you look at and how you look at it.
Investment Options
Let's say your debts are paid off and you have money to invest. What you gonna buy? You pretty much only have the following options (in rough order of riskiness):
- The mattress (don't laugh, I have a friend that does this)
- Savings accounts and their sisters, CDs and money market funds
- Mutual Funds and ETFs (hedge funds if you're rich)
- Rental properties (residential or commercial)
- Bonds (taxable and tax free)
- Stocks
- Precious metals
- Collectibles (art, classic cars, jewelry, etc.)
- Own business (I'm only adding this because Kurt listed it)
"Nothing beats stocks" is a crazy statement. Any one of those investments can beat stocks. But, any one of them can also be beaten by stocks. There are simply too many variables to make any categorical statement one way or the other.
Is $10,000 invested in 3M more risky than $10,000 invested in a restaurant? You have to decide: 80% of all small business vanish from the face of the earth in 5 years. Either can make more money than the other — it all depends on the individual cases, but I think the odds of 3M going under are small. Not zero, but small.
What Investment?
What should you invest in? That depends on you more than anything else. Some people are geeks and prefer staring at a computer screen (hand raised). These people don't mind digging up information on stocks and mutual funds.
Others (like my neighbor Mario) are good with people and their hands, so he invests in rental properties. If something breaks, he simply speed dials his electrician. Problem solved. He can stay on people who are late with their rent. I couldn't, their sob stories would tug at my heartstrings and I'd end up broke.
Rentals work for Mario because of who he is and stocks work for me because of who I am.
It's human nature that we do well in that which interests us. And that's probably the most important point in choosing what you invest in. What captures your interest?
General Considerations
1. You need to invest. Sorry if that's a bummer. Not investing is pretty much not an option. Even stuffing it under the mattress is an investment decision.
2. Every investment will take something from you. Time mainly, but also decisions, trade-offs, research, effort. Sorry. Also sacrifice: that $10,000 you put away for your IRA contributions this year? There went that Caribbean cruise.
3. Each and every investment carries risk. There is no such a thing as a risk free investment. Even a savings account carries the risk that in a time of inflation it will lose real value. You may as well just come to terms with it, and then pick what risk you're most comfortable with. Sorry (again).
4. The good news is you're never locked in. You always have an exit option. Some exits are more costly (real estate) than others (savings account) but you can always change course. If you think the stock market is going to tank, simply sell. When it's brimming with bargains after a crash, simply buy. Nobody is handcuffing you to a choice you made ten years ago.
5. The other good news is almost all investments make money some of the time.
6. Someone selling investments, like a broker or realtor, is almost never the source to listen to. They have a vested interest in getting you to buy something. You are your own best analyst; it's your money. The good news is figuring out investments is not rocket science, but the bad news is it does take time. Nothing for nothing and no gain with no pain.
That said, let's get back to the question: should you be wary of stocks?
I say no, absolutely not. Forgive me when I just shake my head when people tell me I made a dreadful mistake by investing in stocks. Since 2009, my stock portfolio has multiplied fivefold. Many others have reaped returns similar to that. I can't think of any other investment with that kind of return. I've never been accused of being the brightest light on the Christmas tree, so if I can do it…
The Elephant In The Room
There is one factor to keep in mind with any of your investments, and it dwarfs all others. It's this: our economy moves in cycles. That means prices of all investments, other than the first two on the list, go up and down. These cycles last 7-10 years, bottom to bottom, as you can see from this chart:
In the up phase of the cycle pretty much any investment works and in down times pretty much any investment doesn't work. But it will turn (up or down) every 5 years or so. So don't get too excited when things look great and don't get too depressed when things go down again. If you need to liquidate your investments, keep the cycle in mind.
Don't let anybody fool you. Those fellas Kurt quotes (Bodie and Taqqu) say: "…the better your chances of getting blindsided by a downturn." Factually true, but not the whole truth.
The whole truth is you have an equal chance of getting blindsided by an upturn. Think this through: for every upturn there's a downturn and for every downturn there's an upturn. Look at the chart – upturns generally last longer than downturns.
Here's the point: in ANY investment, you have to keep the economic cycle in mind. House prices tanked as badly as stocks a few years ago. And small businesses fared worst of all. Bonds went up, because the government wants to flood the economy with cash. That will change at some point. It always does.
You of course can choose to ignore the economic cycle. But if you do, prepare to suffer. Both the stocks I bought and my neighbor's real estate he bought in 2007 turned out pretty bad. Does it matter which one did worse?
Again, the choice of investment vehicle is far less important than the timing. That's the elephant in the room nobody talks about.
There isn't a single investment that will at all times outperform any other. If there was, everybody would be on it.
All investments will make you money if you buy right. And all will kill you if you buy wrong.
Nobody in their right mind believes that stocks will always outperform any other investment. So, no argument there.
I know Kurt's not saying all stock investment is bad, so that's not the contention. However, there does seem to be a bit of an inference that stocks are an unreliable investment, if not totally bad outright. For that, he leans strongly on his distrust of the stock market as a mechanism (casino, high frequency trading, etc.). I have no beef with that… other than its irrelevance.
I buy stocks, I don't invest in the stock market. Subtle difference, perhaps, but non-trivial.
Let's say I buy a Sony HDTV at Walmart. Three or five years from now, as I cheer for the Broncos in the Superbowl on my HDTV screen, I'm going to be happy with the product I bought. I'm not going to remember where I bought it. What does it matter to my HDTV what Walmart does when I'm not there?
In other words, when I buy a stock, I'm not paying attention to "Wall Street." If I buy stock in Caterpillar, I'm buying faith in a management team and a brand, and the hope that in the years to come they will continue to do what they've proven they can do: find opportunities to grow profitably. The same applies if I buy stock in Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines or Amazon. "Wall Street" is nothing more than the portal I use. If others use high frequency trading, I don't care. I still place my orders by hand and they get executed or not.
At the end of the day, the bulk of stocks are owned by institutional investors like mutual funds. They have to own stocks, it's in their charter. That brings an inherent stability in the market many people overlook, because it's so basic and has been around so long. Exxon and Coca-Cola have been around for a long time and the stuff the critics fuss about have done nothing to their intrinsic value. So that's what Warren Buffett and I invest in. (Sounds great that way, no?)
In Summary
No investment is always superior (or inferior) to any other.
The economic cycle will have a bigger impact on the performance of your investments than the particular investment vehicle you select.
You're likely to do better with an investment vehicle that suits your personality.
But you've got to do it.
As for me, stocks have done better than anything else I can think of. But I did most of my buying when prices were low because of the economic cycle.
William Cowie came out of the past recession in the best financial shape of his life. He shares his secrets in a free course on the four seasons of the economic cycle at www.dropdeadmoney.com [4]. (And, as you can tell, he loves stocks as an investment vehicle.)


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Top Definition
usally reffers to a women's boobs. it is when a women is wearing a long and flashy necklace with a low cut shirt
guy: Hey i like your necklace ;)
girl: uh thanks?
guy: *chuckles*
girl: uh thanks?
guy: *chuckles*
Beküldő: imlolingirl 2010. november 12.
Trending Now
Can you define these popular missing words?
Looking at a girl's tits while they have a necklace
Guy: Hey! I like your necklace :O"
Girl: Perv!
Guy: ;D
Girl: Perv!
Guy: ;D
Beküldő: chicken_POT_pie 2010. november 12.


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Total # Posts: 3
An athlete at the gym holds a 4.33 kg steel ball in his hand. His arm is 75.0 cm long and has a mass of 5.28 kg. What is the magnitude of the torque about his shoulder if he holds his arm straight out to his side, parallel to the floor?
October 11, 2008
literary term definition
Where can I find the definition agency as a literary term
April 18, 2008
enlish lit
I need a good thesis statement for the realationship between bodies and power struggle that is portrayed in scarlet letter and benito cereno
September 28, 2007


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shoppers recently viewed this!
Whiting & Davis
Elongated Ring mesh clutch
- Color:
- red
Qty: 1
- 1
- 2
Description: Small sized clutch bag. Metal ring mesh body with metal hardware throughout. Single metal mesh strap with top zip closure. Signature interior satin logo lining with metal embossed logo. Body length 9 inches; height 3¾ inches; width½ inch. Handle drop 5¾ inches.
Material: Metal mesh, satin
Brand: Whiting & Davis
Origin: Imported


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Really Close
So we have made multiple test prints and are very close to making our initial order of books. We are very sorry for the long delay, this has proved to... Read more
Test Prints Arrive
Just Some final editing and adjustments to make, then we can print a run of copies.
We are very sorry for the lack of progress and communication. As we were about to send out for a test print of the book, we needed one last adjustment... Read more
Moving Forward Again & Sample Covers
Sorry for the lack of communication for over the last few months. We have had a few minor delays, but we are back to forward progress. I have just... Read more
Getting Closer
Sorry for the delay between updates. Here's where we stand.
We have seen the first draft of the book and it's looking good. We are going through it and addressing... Read more
Sample Page
Hello All:
Unfortunately we are a bit behind our March target, but we are still moving forward. We are almost finished with the final edit and layout, then it will... Read more
Hi Everyone:
Last week we shot some more photos for the book. It was a very productive shoot with a nice group of models and food. We now have enough... Read more
Approaching The Home Stretch
Hey Everyone:
Thanks again for all the help and support we've received so far. Over the past few weeks we've been casting models, creating recipes, brainstorming photo concepts, and discussing... Read more
Mother's Milk - Press and Promotion
Hello Everyone:
Thanks again for all the interest and support for our project! We are about halfway through our funding period, and would like to highlight some of the exposure... Read more
Kevin and Bean Podcast
Hey Everyone:
We appreciate all the interest and support for Mother's Milk. Thanks to all of our backers, we have raised about 1/3 of our goal, and are on track... Read more
LUX on KROQ: Tuesday 8/20 @ 9am
Thanks to all the early backers, because of you we are off to a great start!
We are pleased to annouce that on Tuesday 8/20 LUX will be on the... Read more


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Could anybody direct me to a tool that could be used to simulate a
cluster of heterogeneous servers, e.g., Linux, Windows, Sun etc.? I
need to do simulations for a new protocol that would need to specify
custom messages (not just standard TCP messages). I would also like
the tool to support encryption, like RSA.
I looked into ns2, but it is really hard to specify arbitrary messages
in that.
Can anybody guide me to such a tool? If you've used the particular
tool before, could you also point me to some manual or documentation?
I'd also like to know peoples' opinion on whether it is better to use
a simulation tool or whether it is better to just hard-code the whole
thing myself? In case of hard-coding, which do you think is a better
implementation language? C or Java?
Thanks in advance,


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MMA Forum - UFC Forums - UFC Results - MMA Videos (http://www.mmaforum.com/forumindex.php)
- UFC (http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/)
- - Belfort vs Marquardt on tap (http://www.mmaforum.com/ufc/67231-belfort-vs-marquardt-tap.html)
Belfort vs Marquardt on tap
I actually like this fight better. This should be a really good fight to see who is #1 contender in IMO. I will be satisfied with the winner then getting a shot. I think I am leaning towards Marquardt ever so slightly in this one if it goes to later rounds. If it ends early, it will be by Belfort KO though. Man the more I type, the more I am pumped!!
I hope this fight happens and they scrap Marquardt/Sonnen. Belfort/Marquardt would be an explosive fight between two very good strikers that would tell us how good Belfort really is. Whoever wins that fight would absolutely deserve a title shot.
Yeah I got to agree I really like this fight man and with Hendo gone the winner here def deserves a shot a Silva. I think this helps Vitor a lot I don't think he was in a rush to get in there with Silva after his win over Franklin. I think he wanted another fight or 2 against top level comp before fighting Silva and who can blame him.
This fight has FOTN written all over it.
Makes sense - would be a great fight.
I really want to see Anderson fight both these guys though
Also if this fight happens then this has to be the main event and couture vs coleman the co main event - this fight is crucial for the middleweight divison, they are both 2 of the best middleweights in the world and it would be an amazing fight.
Couture vs Coleman would be a good co main event.
Couture shouldnt own a main event slot.
Nate isn't half the fighter that Franklin is so I have no reason to believe that he can handle Belfort. Vitor via KO.
As for the vitor/nate fight, I'm really sitting on the fence on this one. Vitor is prob quicker but I think Nate is the stronger than him and more well rounded. I think I'd give a slight striking advantage for vitor though. But with vitor, its hard to tell who will show up. I think nate will have a better gameplan and can squeak out a win if he can avoid vitor's flurry early on.
Franklin is on the decline and has been for a while. Marquardt may be peaking or reaching that point soon.
Nate would wear Belfort out plain and simple. He's not going to get caught in a wild prayer filled closed eye flury(j/k). His speed and intelligence will allow him to stay out of trouble in the initial minutes and then it will be Nate exerting his will. :thumb02:
Belfort needs a sweet win after Akiyama stole his thunder by taking his shirt off.
Belfort's a big dude but I've read on here before that Marquardt, at least in terms of physique, is like a bodybuilder turned fighter, so if he can make that muscle work in a way that means something, he could surprise us.
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Dear Mr. President: Students Chime In
(Posted November 29, 2012)
On Nov. 20, Jim Troha, was announced as the 12th President of Juniata College. Currently, Troha is the Vice President of Development at Heidelberg University in Ohio. He will take the position on June 1, 2012 from Thomas Kepple, who is retiring after 15 years of service. Students shared their thoughts about this announcement and express their wishes for Troha's future regime.
Chandler Steffen '16, Lewisberry, Pa.:
I would really like to see the new president keep the community vibe here at Juniata. Also, we need to maintain our prestigious reputation in and out of the classroom.
Jonah Ruggiero '16, Bangor, Pa.:
As a current freshman, my next three years here will be with Jim Troha. His background in fundraising has me excited, as we definitely could improve our financial stability. I just hope he doesn't make any sudden changes without first consulting the students.
Andy Blunk '14, State College, Pa.:
It's definitely important having a background in fundraising, especially as Juniata doesn't get state funding. Also, I heard he was the interim President at his old school, so that experience at a similar school should be valuable.
Justin Wright '14, Montclair, N.J.:
I'm really excited about the change in presidents. Not because I thought Kepple did a bad job, because I thought he actually did very well. I think, though, it would be nice to see [Troha] out in the Juniata community more and develop relationships with students.
-Seth Ruggiero '14 Juniata Online Journalist
Our readers respond...
Click here to provide a response of your own.
Contact John Wall at email@example.com or (814) 641-3132 for more information.


text: Christmas Jersey - Perfect for Family Christmas Cards! Flag this deal What's the matter? Choose a reason Dead deal Duplicate Bad link Spam Inaccurate No value Alive again Edit deal catchersmom Jul 27, 2012 really cool Idea kinda of wish that it had Christmas Reply Mishumoshu Jul 28, 2012 Thanks. Reply Load More Comments


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Hi! My name is Pudders
I am a Maine Coon from Eureka, CA
Nicknames: Mama Girl, even though I never let her have babies. She took care of all the little ones I brought home!
Age: 15 years old
Gender: F
Coat: long haired
Education: She plays chase with whom ever will play.
My favorite tricks and treats are: She likes to hang out on my shoulder. She uses my back as a catapult to get to high places. and Innova wet food
Where I hang out: On my boyfriends computer monitor. (It's an old computer)
My favorite grubs: Innova catfood, and the occasional mouse i see scurry on the floor! (thats my favorite)
My pet peeves: DOGS!!!!
What I love about my owners: She always knows when I want attention or when I just want to be with Elvira playing or hanging out. Elvira and my mom are my best friends!
My cat hobbies: Playing with her best friend Elvira (black siamese).
Pet motto: Everything I know I learned from my cat: When you're hungry, eat. When you're tired, nap in a sunbeam. When you go to the vet's, pee on your owner.
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I was visiting my daughter in Grass Valley Ca. We needed to go to K-mart for a few things and I saw this poor little thing under a newspaper stand, and her tongue was hanging and she was panting cause it was about 95 degrees that day. I scooped her up and gave her some water and looked around to see if there might be more kittens but thier weren't, Thank goodness. It was soooo hot that day. I fell in love with her as soon as I laid my eyes on her! She was so dehydrated but all it took was some good food some cool water and she was the craziest little thing. We lived on a boat for a while and she used to cimb the sails all the way to the top and then howl for me to get her down. Its never been a dull moment since Miss Pudders came into my life.
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Top Definition
A term used to define a male who claims to be so manly he is actualy gay. 100% man is a true man however 200% man is two men in one man body which is pretty homosexual and will damn you to hell.
See that emo in the sweatervest, hes 200% man.
بواسطة Dj Sir lynchalot ديسمبر/كانون الأَوّل 3, 2006
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Patagonia Axuwool Hoody - Men's
I actually have the Axuwool Hoody. It is a great base…
Price Paid: $110
I actually have the Axuwool Hoody. It is a great base layer and mid layer. Very light and very warm. Hard to believe, it is so nice. It keeps you warm and you hardly know it is there.
Patagonia Men's Axuwool Hoody
The Men's Axuwool Hoody has been discontinued.reviewers paid:
The Patagonia Men's Axuwool Hoody is not available from the stores we monitor.
If you're looking for a new long sleeve performance top, check out the best reviewed current models.


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This offer is for Authentic HERMES Lydie shoulder / Clutch bag in excellent condition. Rare vintage from 1980. Shoulder strap is detachable. You can use the bag as clutch bag or shoulder bag. Victoria Beckham is wearing vintage Lydie too. This beautiful Lydie bag is absolutely chic and gorgeous. Hard to find anywhere. Highly recommended.
Main color : Rouge
Material : Veau velours Doblis
Blind stamp : Circle / J
Year 1980
Shoulder trap drops about 38cm (14.9 inches) long
Includes : None, bag only (if we have extra dust bag which can use for this bag, we will include the dust bag. Please ask)
Condition : Excellent vintage condition. No rips or tears. Each edges shows some slight usage but not serious. Hardware shows some tiny scratches. Each bottom corners shows general usage. Please refer pictures to check the conditions. Shoulder strap is in excellent condition with slight usage. Lining is in excellent condition with minimum wear. No odor inside the bag. Lining smells of doblis leather.
Made in France


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Dogs in Books (paperback)
Read reviews
Dogs have been the closest companions to human beings since the Stone Age, and have been illustrated, described, dramatised and eulogised in one form or another ever since. Catherine Britton's book celebrates that association through 30 famous dogs and their role in literature.Dogs in Books ranges from Pliny's description of the domestic dog in the sixth century BC, to the dogs depicted in mythology, astrology and medieval manuscripts, dogs in classic stories by Kipling, Conan Doyle and Dickens to more recent examples such as Lassie, Snoopy, Toto (from The Wonderful Wizard of Oz), Tintin's dog Snowy, Spot the Dog and many more. Illustrated in colour throughout, this is an ideal gift for every dog lover.Reviews`Dogs in Books... features reproductions of illustrations from rare editions of classic literature, such as the first edition of Conan Doyle's Hound of the Baskervilles, and renderings form popular books such as original images of Timmy the dog from Enid Blyton's Famous Five... an ideal gift for any dog-lover.` Dogs Monthly
About the authorCatherine Britton was senior editor at the British Library.


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The 13th installment of the fantasy buzz is here! For those who don't know: While I will attempt to make recommendations based on all types of fantasy leagues, I will only be speaking to what is known as "advanced scoring" when it comes to actual fantasy production as I find standard scoring and 9 Category leagues to be boring. That being said, let's dive into the performances of our squad this past week, break down my predictions from last week and look ahead to the next week of games!
The Cats played 3 games this past week: The Spurs on Friday, the Thunder on Sunday and the Heat on Monday. Some players have dropped out of the rotation and/or are having very minimal fantasy impact and so I will leave them out of the discussion. Here's how our boys performed:
Kemba Walker: averaged only 20 points across those 3 games. While he was facing some of the league's elite teams it was still a disappointing showing from the team's star PG and an even more disappointing showing from the team as a whole. Hopefully the squad can pull it together and recover from this brutal road trip.
Gerald Henderson: averaged only 16 fantasy points in 2 games, missing the game against the Heat due to a calf strain. Considering Gary Neal started in his place versus the Heat and also managed 16 points it's safe to assume that the SG position should not be relied upon for heavy fantasy production from any member of the Bobcat's squad.
Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: averaged 13 points across those three games, mainly due to his whopping ONE POINT versus the thunder. Attempting to defend Kevin Durant all night obviously took its toll on the sophomore wing man. Considering defense and energy are his strength, it is hard to rely on him as a consistent fantasy producer anyway, much less when he has nights like those.
Josh McRoberts: averaged 27 fantasy points across those 3 games with consistent output in all 3. Last week I recommended him in all 3 games and hopefully someone listened because he, Jefferson and Kemba seem to be the only three players who can find the bottom of the net right now.
Al Jefferson: averaged 48 fantasy points across those 3 games with a monster 70 point night against the Heat. Jefferson is torching opposing big men and showing the league that he is the best back to the basket scorer in the NBA. A true All Star
Snub, Jefferson seems to be on a mission to show the league they made a mistake by leaving him off of the All Star roster.
Cody Zeller: a welcome surprise addition the Fantasy Buzz series, Zeller averaged 26 across those 3 games, managing to put up at least 18 fantasy points in all 3 while never seeing the court for more than 20 minutes. His minutes have stayed rather consistent and his output has spiked since Ramon Sessions was traded, so he is a player worth monitoring down the stretch.
Looking ahead, the Bobcats have 4 games in the coming week: the Pacers on Wednesday, the Cavaliers on Friday, the Grizzlies on Saturday and the Nuggets on Monday. Here are some recommendations of who to get in your lineup:
1. Kemba Walker: I'm pretty much going to recommend starting Kemba every week. If you have another PG that is worthy of starting over Kemba you are most likely fielding trade offers left and right! While the Pacers and Grizzlies are both great at defending opposing PGs we can still expect Kemba to put up starting caliber fantasy points against them.
2. Gerald Henderson: It is absolutely impossible for me to recommend Hendo in any game other than the matchup with the Cavaliers. His inconsistent play combined with recent injury makes him a less than desirable fantasy option.
3. Michael Kidd-Gilchrist: It is absolutely impossible for me to recommend MKG at all this week. His inconsistent play combined with having to face the wing players of the Pacers, Cavs, Grizzlies and Nuggets make him a black hole for fantasy production. Stay away unless you are truly desperate for a starter.
4. Josh McRoberts: While he does face 4 tough matchups I still have to recommend McBob for all 4 games this week. The wing players for the Cats will be so busy chasing some of the top players in the league that the scoring production will have to come from down low and McBob will get his fair share of opportunities. Of course, if you have a better option, feel free to sit him, but I expect to see some solid numbers from him in all 4 games. MAKE SURE you start him against the Nuggets as they are notorious for giving up career nights to opposing PFs.
5. Al Jefferson: Yet another direct copy and paste from last week: Jefferson has been on fire and there's no reason to think that's going to stop anytime soon. If you have a better option at center then you are truly the envy of everyone in your league as there is just no reason to sit Jefferson on any given night. Continue to roll him out there and hope that he continues this past week's dominance.
6. Cody Zeller: it's difficult to recommend him considering his recent spike in minutes and production may be due to the coaching staff still figuring out how to use Neal and Ridnour, but his recent strong play may keep him on the court. Keep an eye on how he's used against the Pacers and if he's seeing 16-20 minutes on the court then he's worth considering as an emergency start versus the Cavs and Nuggets.
That's all for this week! I will be back next week to review the fantasy performances of our players, point out where my predictions went wrong and/or right and recommend some players for the next week's games. Until then, good luck, have fun and GO BOBCATS!


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Royal Salute Hundred Cask Selection70cl / 40%
- Blended Scotch Whisky
- In Stock
- Next-day delivery available
Royal Salute Hundred Cask Selection Reviews
6 Customer Reviews
This is a lovly blend and very smooth to drink. I have every series released from the inital to series 18. Just a fine product to have. Perth Australia
what a beautiful decanter my favorite whisky royal salute just love it happy drinking!!!!!!!!
the best value for money this whisky delivers...its hard to find a replacement for this,
An amazing blend with an amazing Wade Ceramics porcelain decanter. Two amazings for the price of one!Oliver in Yorkshire 4 March 2010
me want some
A wish of the best whisky


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Printers, Photocopiers, Multifunction Printers & All-in-Ones
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Each of our Olivetti, Ricoh and Lexmark systems have varying specifications, which makes them better suited towards certain industry sectors. So whether you are looking to source a printer, photocopier, MFP or AIO, our dedicated team can recommend, guide and subsequently support you throughout. Our aim is to make sure that your machine is utilised to its fullest capabilities and that your business is benefiting as a result.
Our clients are based across East Anglia and the South East, with industries that include Construction, Education and Property, as well as many others. Each contract is bespoke to the company and our agreements vary between direct sales, competitive leasing and finance options, and even short term rentals in situations that demand a quality machine for a specific project. Whichever method you choose though, your level of service remains the same.
Our Print Management Software is another way we help to manage your printing budget and keep unnecessary costs to a minimum. Our carefully selected software options are chosen with you in mind, so that each can be tailored to your personal needs. For a detailed analysis of the options, as well as support in setting up and maintaining your software, our team are always on hand, keeping you safe in the knowledge that your printing usage remains efficient.
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A woman was killed in an Enola crash Sunday.
The crash happened about 4:45 p.m. Sunday along Valley Road at Pine Hill Road.
A truck hit an SUV and then the truck rolled over, police said.
A passenger, 21-year-old Jennifer Helman, was ejected and later died, police said.
Speed may have been a factor in the crash, police said.


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Inside the basement of the Sage Branch Library, managing librarian Sarah Wohlschlag puts on a pair of white gloves before reaching into a large black safe from a century gone.
Carefully, she pulls out a relic from 1492, the same year Spanish explorer Christopher Columbus sailed the ocean blue.
It's a Koberger Bible, its gothic-style words printed in Latin, its pages bound inside a leather cover with elaborate brasswork.
"That's our treasure," says Wohlschlag, gently turning the pages of the illuminated manuscript, a gem that has been preserved inside the Bay City library's safe ever since Edward Kroencke, a local bookbinder, gifted it at a board meeting on Dec. 4, 1900.
As the Sage Branch Library, 100 E. Midland St., turns 125 this year, the staff and patrons of Michigan's oldest library building still in use are celebrating its rich history.
"I just feel very proud to have been a part of this library," says children's librarian Elizabeth Andresen, who has worked at Sage nearly 30 years and is affectionately known as 'Miss Elizabeth.' "I feel so privileged to watch how this community has supported Sage. We're the warm, friendly, small branch."
Back inside the library's safe, a 1901 article from the Bay City Tribune accompanies an 1863 copy of the city charter, explaining that Bay City officials donated it to the library for safekeeping. Ledgers dating from 1931 to 1944 reveal how the library's budget grew from $13,500 to $22,000 - a far cry from the Bay County Library System's $6.7 million budget today, which includes nearly $1 million for Sage.
The 1800s-era safe, with a pin-tumbler lock that still clicks, was custom-made for Sage by the Diebold Safe & Lock Co. of Canton, Ohio. Decoratively hand-painted, it weighs more than 2,000 pounds and still is used for money storage. Its weight proved to be formidable about five years ago when the library was being renovated and expanded.
"It was so heavy we had to leave it here and the construction guys worked around it. They kept moving it around. They couldn't get it up the stairs," Wohlschlag said with a laugh.
Sage library officially turns 125 on Jan. 16. That was the date in 1884 when local and state officials gathered in Bay City to celebrate the opening of a new library named after lumber baron Henry W. Sage, a businessman from New York.
In 1881, Sage donated property and funds to build the French Chateauesque library. Sage also founded the village of Wenona, which became the city of West Bay City, in 1863.
Sage was an owner of the Sage & McGraw Co. sawmill on the Saginaw River, said to be the largest sawmill in the world in 1864. According to historical accounts, he garnished his workers' wages to pay for the library.
"He felt a library was an important educational institution, a place of learning and congregation, but he felt it should be supported by citizens," Wohlschlag said.
One of the bricks on the building's exterior reads: "This building and ten thousand dollars to found a library are the gift of Henry W. Sage, to West Bay City, 1883." The building is now listed on the state and national registers of historical places.
The library housed 10,000 volumes when it was dedicated, but its collection has grown to now include about 64,000 items.
Despite modern advances, Sage library's historical characteristics remain well preserved - from the original hinges, knobs and brasswork that remain on doors, to the original wooden staircase, a mirror and a light, and ornate chairs that reportedly were salvaged from a board room.
On the second floor, a portrait of Henry Sage still hangs above the building's original fireplace. Sage, who lived from 1814 to 1897, was surprised with the painting at the dedication of the library in 1884.
Ceramic tiles surrounding the fireplace also are original and were imported from Minton China Works in Great Britain. They feature scenes from Sir Walter Scott novels and fairy tales from the 1800s.
Other historic portraits on the second floor depict Judge T. F. Shepard, an original library board trustee who served from 1883 until his death in 1911, and Spencer O. Fisher, the first board president and one-time mayor of West Bay City, who served on the library board from 1883 until 1914. Both men were appointed to the board by Sage himself.
Original oak beams on the third floor are believed to be from Henry Sage's sawmill. Attic beams also show evidence of original carpenter's markings 125 years old.
Not all history has been kept intact, though. Two Civil War-era cannons that once graced the lawn of Sage were taken away and melted down for the war effort during World War II.
Despite its age, Bay City residents continue to patronize Sage in large numbers, even with the new $15 million Wirt Public Library less than two miles away. At the end of November, patrons had checked out more than 122,000 items for 2008 and signed in to use computers more than 9,000 times.
"I have been coming to this library since I was about 3. This is my library," said Bay City resident Jeanette Douglas, 41, who remembers getting her first library card at age 5 and now brings her son to the library.
Chris Adcock of Bay City played with her children Zoe, 2, and Dominik, 5, in the children's area on a recent morning.
"My kids sure love it," she said.


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Molina campaign kickoff event March 18
Maui County Council candidate Mike Molina will hold a campaign kickoff event beginning at 5:30 p.m. March 18 in the Kalama Intermediate School cafeteria in Makawao.
The free event includes dinner, entertainment and door prizes. Donations will be accepted.
Molina, a former five-term council member, is seeking his former Makawao-Haiku-Paia residency seat.
For more information, call Friends of Mike Molina at 572-8373.
Fact Box
* On the Campaign Trail is a public service for candidates to publicize fundraisers, public appearances and other campaign-related events. Announcements must be submitted at least one week in advance of the event and should include a contact name and number. Announcements may be dropped off at The Maui News building in Wailuku, mailed to "Campaign Trail," Editorial Department, 100 Mahalani St., Wailuku 96793, faxed to 242-9087, or emailed to firstname.lastname@example.com. For more information, call 242-6343.
Candidates endorsed by GLBT caucus
The Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Caucus of the Democratic Party of Hawaii has endorsed all state lawmakers who voted in favor of the bill to allow marriage for same-sex couples during last year's special session.
"Without their support, our community would not have taken the huge leap forward to full equality," said Michael Golojuch Jr., chairman of the caucus.
Maui lawmakers receiving the caucus' endorsement for re-election are: state Sens. Roz Baker, J. Kalani English and Gil Keith-Agaran; and Reps. Kaniela Ing, Angus McKelvey, Joe Souki and Kyle Yamashita.
Maui Reps. Mele Carroll and Justin Woodson were among 19 House members to vote "no" on the Hawaii Marriage Equality Act. They did not receive the caucus' endorsement.
HSTA gives its support to David Ige
The Hawaii State Teachers Association is supporting David Ige for governor, according to an announcement from HSTA.
Ige, a Democrat, currently serves District 16 (which includes Pearl City, Pearlridge, Aiea, Waimalu and Pearl Harbor) in the state Senate and is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Ways and Means.
His wife, Dawn, has been a public school teacher and currently is a vice principal at Kanoelani Elementary School in Waipahu, Oahu.
HSTA represents more than 13,500 public school teachers statewide.


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Our mission is to be a leading manufacturer in the home fragrance industry by offering premium quality products that exceed our customers' expectations. Our commitment is to continuously improve our products, to enhance the lifestyles of our customers and our employees, and to support our community. Through teamwork and collaboration, we challenge ourselves to deliver sustainable growth and financial returns that achieve this mission. We will provide a safe, positive, and inclusive environment that is a source of passion, pride, and inspiration.
Our culture defines who we are. It sets forth aims and principals of Village Candle®. Our success is based on the shared values and commitment of the men and women who are building our team for the future, on developing new technology, on discovering creative and innovative ways to do things, on improving the value of our services to our customers, on building strong relationships with our customers, and on seeking excellence in everything we do.
The safety and well being of our employees is our #1 priority. Each of us must be committed to creating and maintaining a safe work environment.
Integrity is our guiding principle. We stand behind what we say we will do for our customers and our employees. We meet the world head-on as upright, honest, and sincere business people.
Search out ways to exceed our customers' expectations. If we don't meet their needs, someone else will.
Let solutions start with you. Creativity and independent thinking are the keys to our success. Take responsibility for searching out a better way, for achieving higher quality.
Balancing work and home life is a concern for everyone. We recognize that there will be inconveniences and will support employees in their efforts to achieve a balance between work, family, and lifestyle commitments.
A positive attitude is the foundation for excellence. Excellence is an individual attitude, which defines how successful we will be. Adopt a positive attitude and lifestyle.
You make a difference. Take pride in what you do. Each of us brings special talents and areas of expertise to the company. Share your knowledge with others. What we do affects who we are.
Get involved. Being a valued member of a community means giving something back to it.
Strong teams are built on personal relationships and genuine caring for each other. Ask co-workers how they are doing and listen to what they say. Clear communication and a sense of teamwork are critical in a competitive environment. Village Candle® is committed to our culture and our employees are the key to our success.


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Vol 127 Issue 1 2008-09-01 Article 20551 from section "BigAdmin"
As of September 4th, 2008
Articles which have been posted to BigAdmin in the last week include:
- Patching Solaris Using Sun xVM Ops Center
- Phone Call Surveillance With CopperEye Greenwich on Sun Fire
X4540 Server
- BigAdmin Community Wiki: Mounting USB on Solaris 9
- Community Article: Integrating Symantec Veritas NetBackup With
ZFS Snapshots
- Community Tech Tip: Introducing NFS Fundamentals for the Solaris
- Script: Solaris System Audit
- Script: Sar Mem Monthly Report
- Script: Sar CPU Monthly Report
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via email each week in text or HTML. Only the sections that you
select will be included in your copy of the news magazine. Subscribe at
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