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Landonw said
mcollins saidI'll try out Kirki, hopefully it looks exactly like the standard customizer as my main goal is to keep users comfortable by using familiar interfaces.
@Landonw If you are considering dropping Redux because of customiser support, then why not swap out customiser and give it a hit of steroids by using Kirki which plays nice with redux. Alternatively, if you are so keen to drop Redux, then why not take a look at Titan Framework, or even VafPress. both of these are underdogs, but both are growing rapidly and supported nicely.
Natively it doesn't look like customiser, but there is only one small css file to modify the background colour so that it looks and feels the same. out of the box the background on the customiser is set to #333 with a nice hover and active colour on the open tab. However the css is there to revert that to native colour. The additional field support and extra functions in Kirki are awesome.
Kirki was developed by the same guy that developed ShoeStrap. http://kirki.org/
@Landonw If you are considering dropping Redux because of customiser support, then why not swap out customiser and give it a hit of steroids by using Kirki which plays nice with redux. Alternatively, if you are so keen to drop Redux, then why not take a look at Titan Framework, or even VafPress. both of these are underdogs, but both are growing rapidly and supported nicely.
Hi @feeling4design,
Yes you can use this as your framework for building the next most incredible theme and upload to Themeforest. With the upload you can use the Tags until Themeforest update the theme framework list to include Runway.
Andy, I have to say Vellum built on Runway is simply stunning and is so easy to use as a live fireframe tool. You can see here how I have used it in a wireframe strategy.http://comlife.fullerdemo.com.au/
NOTE: Anyone thinking about how to start building themes using Runway, I would strongly suggest buying Vellum as a starting point to get to understand how powerful it is when you start using even the static pages coupled with a sidebar manager plugin which adds the features of conditional logic of the custom sidebars you can build with Runway.
Andy, you will be pleased to know we are building our new theme using runway. We made the switch last night while 3/4 way through building on Underscores with Redux. After 2 days of playing again with runway, we had that magical Ahaaaa moment where the penny dropped. And all I can say is WOWser. I have Vellum, so will pull it apart to see where you have hooked a few things in so I get a much more in depth understanding.
Thank you mate for your support to date. Looking forward to getting our story theme out asap under the runway banner.
OK… I see that I can make layouts, however I get this error.. Fatal error: Cannot use object of type stdClass as array in C:\Users\cmwwebfx\Documents\Websites\www.runway.dev\wp-content\themes\runway-framework\extensions\layout-manager\admin.php on line 43
So far so good… it is hell complex without a small movie showing a brief overview. Am a visual learner. Made new CPT with it, made new taxonomy, made new field groups and fields… so far so good. I cannot see how to make a repeater field for making something like a task list. Would love to make a task list that I can tie in with a progress bar.
As for the template builder, so far so good I guess. However I do not see how I can link my field for the footer that I created "footer layout – full, half, third,quarter"... so I can have a footer with 4 widgets 3 widgets, 2 widgets or simply 1 in it.
I did not see that in the documentation.
But have to say with its complexities, it sure has a huge array of options to do things. Just wish I knew how to link all these great things to actually show something on the front end… lol
Quite excited for your truly open source and seems to be totally brand-able product.
I have no feeling for the Ultimatum thread whatsoever.. However, I am more interested to follow the new thread for Runway. Please add a link here to the new thread, I will gladly follow that one. Thanks for the heads up.
Even just a few short videos to watch over your shoulders as you build something small will be a huge turning point on this. I am a visual person, and can understand more when I see how and what is being done faster than I can by reading. I usually then turn to documentation when I am looking for something specific that I didn't grasp in the 2-3minute presentation.
I would love to see a start of video series that will display the power of runway. A series to show creating a simple theme start to finish, as well as a child theme. I assume we can use this to build out plugins?


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Susan Fargo, State Senator
Senator Susan Fargo represents the Third Middlesex District. She is Senate Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Health, and serves as Vice-Chair of the Post Audit and Oversight Committee and the Committee on State Administration.
She has authored several pieces of groundbreaking legislation, including the Emergency Contraception legislation, which requires hospital emergency rooms to make emergency contraception available to rape survivors and allows pharmacists to dispense emergency contraception through a collaborative agreement with a physician.
Senator Fargo's legislative priorities include: access to childcare and health care, education, workforce and economic development, energy efficiency, domestic violence prevention, economic equality for women and minorities, support for the arts, and environmental preservation and protection. She was first elected to the Massachusetts State Senate in 1996.
Peter Koutoujian, State Representative
Representative Peter J. Koutoujian (D-Waltham) is currently serving his fifth term in the 10th Middlesex District which includes the communities of Newton, Watertown, and Waltham. He is the House Chair of the Joint Committee on Public Care. Formerly, he served as a prosecutor in the Middlesex County.
Representative Koutoujian has been a tireless advocate for survivors of sexual assault and domestic violence. He serves on the boards of directors of several local organizations, including the West Suburban Samaritans, the Waltham Boys & Girls Club, the Newton Boys & Girls Club, the Newton Community Service Center, REACH, and Deana's Fund. He is a member of the Bright School Education Council in Waltham and has the distinction of being the Waltham Business and Professional Women's Club's only male member.
Pamela Resor, State Senator
Senator Resor has compiled an impressive record of leadership and independent action on many issues that matter to the people of her district. Her legislation to close the loophole in the stalking statute, known as "Sandy's Law," was enacted in August of 2000. The law is named for Sandra Berfield, an Everett waitress who was killed by a stalker. Senator Resor also sponsored and worked for successful passage of the Sexual Harassment Education in the Workplace Act, which went into effect in 1996.
Senator Resor continues to ensure that issues concerning women's health and safety remain a top priority on Beacon Hill. Last year, she worked tirelessly to improve access to Emergency Contraception and ensure rape victims were guaranteed access to them at emergency rooms across the state.
She is the current Chairwoman of the Committee on the Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture and is the Vice-Chair of the Labor & Workforce Development Committee. She also serves on the Joint Committee on Ways and Means Education, Children & Families Committee, and Tourism Arts & Cultural Development Committee.
Douglas Petersen, State Representative
Douglas Petersen (D-Marblehead, Swampscott, Lynn) has distinguished himself as an advocate for the environment, education, health care, smart growth initiatives, and women's rights. Two of his most recent successes include the House having unanimously passed his Mercury Bill - a bill which will greatly curb this harmful neurotoxin from our environment, and also his Contraception Bill which mandates that all hospitals provide emergency contraception to rape victims.
His work has earned him many prestigious awards over the years from a cross-sector of advocacy groups throughout the Commonwealth, including Planned Parenthood, the Massachusetts Audubon Society, and Massachusetts Chapter of the American Planning Association.
Lucia Zuniga
Ms. Zuniga graduated in 1987 from the University of Texas at El Paso and has been a registered nurse with over 18 years of emergency nursing experience. While working as a resource nurse in the emergency department, Ms. Zuniga developed a special interest in caring for victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. As an expert in caring for victims of sexual assault, she has trained countless nurses, physicians, social workers, police, district attorneys, rape crisis centers, judges, and others on the preservation and collection of forensic evidence along with the holistic approach to caring for victims after sexual assault trauma.
Ms. Zuniga is one of the first nurses in Massachusetts to be trained and certified as a Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner and over the past eight years has been the Director of the Massachusetts' Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner Program. As the director, she oversees the program's statewide operations, protocols, trainings, certifications and credentialing standards with the support of a very dedicated staff and many key supporters.
Peggy Barrett
Ms. Barrett is the Director of the Women's Center at Tufts University. In 1999, under her leadership, the Women's Center was awarded a grant from the US Department of Justice's Violence Against Women Office to develop educational materials for students. She focused these projects on creating awareness materials about sexual violence for the Latina, Africana, Asian/Asian-American, and the lesbian, bisexual and transgender communities at Tufts. Her efforts influenced the entire campus to learn about issues of sexual violence, and BARCC has been a partner in many of these efforts. She is much admired for her focus on sexual assault and for building partnerships that benefit the Tufts community and the community at large.
Dr. David Lisak
Dr. Lisak is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Boston and director of the Men's Sexual Trauma Research Project. He conducts and supervises research on the causes and consequences of interpersonal violence. In particular, he has studied the motives and characteristics of "undetected" rapists - men who rape but who are never prosecuted.
He also studies the long term effects of childhood abuse in adult men, and the relationship between early abuse and the later perpetration of interpersonal violence. His research has been published in leading journals in psychology, trauma and violence, and he is the editor of the journal, Psychology of Men and Masculinity. In addition to his research and teaching, Dr. Lisak is a consultant to judicial and prosecutor education programs across the country, he maintains a private practice specializing in the treatment of men, and serves as an expert witness in death penalty cases in which child abuse issues are raised.
Wainwright Bank and Trust
Wainwright Bank has been a consistent voice for socially responsible banking. They partner with and support BARCC and many other organizations throughout Boston. They are an extremely generous donor to BARCC's events and programs. In 2002, Wainwright had faith in the organization's strong history and gave BARCC a line of credit that paved the way for BARCC's long-term financial security.
Catherine Pedemonti
Ms. Pedemonti's "Faces of Survivors: Voices Reclaimed" is a series of photographs honoring and celebrating the surviving, healing, and thriving done by survivors of sexual violence. The series educates the public about the scope of sexual violence and the diversity of those affected, and provides positive images of healing for other survivors. Ms. Pedemonti's photographs vividly portray the pervasive and prevalent reality of sexual assault in an effort to dispel the stereotypes regarding rape and all forms of sexual violence.

subset: commoncrawl


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Ethical in Human services
posted by Loey .
Need help on this assignment. i need to write one additional audit question for eah categories(board, staff, donors, and fund raisers etc) After that i need to explain why each question is important to assessing an organization's ethical performance.
We often don't audit stinking thinking. For instance, on the Texas Text book Committee, of the six professionals, three are creationists. So, for the next 12 years, what do you think the Biology texts in Texas schools will have as content?
So to answer your question, I give you this: We need to look for ethical conflicts in the mind: For years we talked about "prejudice", and weeded out somewhat the Klu Klux Klan members in our police organizations, but what about other ethical conflicts, such as the evolution bias? Or religious bias?
I leave the question to be asked to you.


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By now I hope you've had the chance to check out our most recent endeavor with our sister publications, Import Tuner and Modified, a huge project we've dubbed Garage FR-S. Within its video channel, it'd be a shame to have not caught my feature segment '86 Hours in Japan', where I literally spent 86 hours moving from Tokyo to Osaka in search of all things 86 (Hachi-Roku) related—so if you haven't seen it, go to www.garagefrs.com and watch it now because without the commentary, you can't grasp the full meaning behind the exclusive photos shown here. I'll even have a special online gallery up on Garage FR-S that'll showcase more from our time spent with Nobuteru Taniguchi, TRA Kyoto, being at the 86 Owners Meeting and more.
Behind the Scenes: 86 Hours in Japan - Garage FR-S


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Cadillac Seville / Cadillac Eldorado Forum Discussion, Speaker sizes for 2000 ESC ? in Past Cadillac Vehicle Discussion; Couldn't Really Find An Answer Anywhere But Im New To The Forums And Just Recently Purchased An Eldorado. I'm Looking ...
- 08-28-13 10:40 PM #1Cadillac Owners Member
- Automobile(s): 2000 Eldorado ESC
- Join Date
- Aug 2013
- Age
- 23
- Posts
- 1
Speaker sizes for 2000 ESC ?
Couldn't Really Find An Answer Anywhere But Im New To The Forums And Just Recently Purchased An Eldorado. I'm Looking To Replace The Speakers I Just Don't Know The Exact Size Of Them? I Think They're 5.25 In The Doors And 6X9s In The Rear. Can Anyone Help? It's Only 4 Speakers Correct? (PS Sorry Every Word Is Capitalized My Phone Does This For Some Reason And I Can't Fix It.. Lol) Thanks In Advance.
Re: Speaker sizes for 2000 Eldorado Esc?
If is BOSE sound system it has 6x9 in the back and 4" in the front (total 4 speakers). The BOSE speakers do have individual (mono) amplifiers so what you may refer as speaker is actually an assembly of speaker + amplifier.
If is base sound system then it has 6x9 in the rear and 5.25" in the front with I believe 2" tweeters. (a total of 6 speakers).
There is a huge difference between the two sound systems and NONE of the components are compatible with the exception of the steering wheel controls and the CD Changer.
In a BOSE sound system you can't just replace the speakers with any other speaker, these speakers are very low impedance (2 ohms). In a base sound system replacing the speakers is easier as the impedance is a standard 4 ohms.
As far as I know for the BOSE sound system other than the OEM BOSE speakers your only other option is Infinity 2 ohm.
You can tell if is BOSE or base based on the presence of the BOSE logo on the HU screen (bottom left corner), or if you have In-Dash CD slot, RDS radio, DSP controls. None of these are available on the base sound system. Well that and the presence of the RIM in the back of the rear seat rest and the 4 wires going to the speakers and the 2 extra AMP relays, and the AMP fuse and the enclosure for the front speakers/amplifiers.
ESC being the base model is unlikely to have BOSE sound.
I believe there is a sticky with the speaker size in various years and models in the Audio section of the forum. Should not be hard to find all the information you need and some.


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more solo shoots with nikky soon please I love nikky!
Featuring: Nikky Wilder
Date: April 8th, 2015
Photos: 70
Do you take this woman, Nikky Wilder, in horny matrimony? It's a white wedding for this busty bride, and Nikky can't hide her sexy plump body and cock sucker lips behind her bridal veil and sheer nightie. She's ready to be fucked hard and licked wet by her groom after he feasts on her big tits. Nikky enjoys the attention she gets from men and women. "When someone notices me, smiles and gives me a second look, it feels amazing, especially when I find them attractive as well. I love when people compliment me on my eyes. It makes me know that they notice all of me. Better that than hearing, 'Let me hit it and quit it' because maybe I'd like the sex enough to go again." Here cums the bride. Over and over again and making that hot cum-face on her fantasy wedding night.
What Members are saying about this update...
August 22, 2015
April 09, 2015
Dear XL Girls,
Thanks a lot for Bridal pics in this shoot.
Nikky Wilder looks so sexy & hot into this Bridal lingerie. This what I waited for a long time to see Bridal images. Finally I got it. Because I love to watch Beautiful Big Ladies into Bridal lingerie.
Once again many thanks!
April 09, 2015
Simply the greatest,oh,i love you nikki,luv your Arse!
April 08, 2015


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Monocolumn: That Friday Feeling
The first day of the weekend in most Arab countries is no longer just when people congregate to pray; it has become the day when people call for their government to be overthrown.
Monocolumn is Monocle's daily bulletin of news and opinion. Catch up with previous editions here.
A popular joke going around in Arab countries goes like this. A genie comes out of his bottle and asks the head of government (usually going through a rough patch) to make a wish. The politician pauses to think a second, and says "I wish we could ban Fridays." The first day of the weekend in most Arab countries is no longer just when people congregate to pray; it has become the day when people call for their government to be overthrown.
No doubt this is what Bashar al Assad is wishing as protesters vowed today would be the biggest demonstration yet since the revolt began a month ago. Last Saturday the Syrian president announced the end of the much-hated emergency law, which for the past 48 years let the dreaded moukhabarat (secret police) do as it pleased with a population stunted by fear. He has also promised to put an end to the High State Security Court that can sentence people in secret and made plans to help college graduates find employment more easily among other reforms.
In exchange, Assad hopes the protesters will stop taking to the streets. As SANA, the Syrian state news agency reported, the Interior Minister has asked the people "to refrain from any mass rallies or demonstrations or sit-ins under any slogan."
Between 1946 and 1970 the country gained the unenviable world record of political coups, but since then, Syria's one big selling point has always been its stability, up until the events of a few weeks ago. Saturday's presidential promises were an attempt at salvaging the regime's steadfastness.
Yet this week's events have not been encouraging, with the regime erratically waving both the stick and the carrot. While Asaad's new government confirmed the reforms protests have continued, so has the repression (an important opposition figure in Homs was arrested Wednesday).
To continue reading click here.


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I am no wireless expert, but I'd say it won't work since you can't pull the page off of the AP if you are not connected. It will just not send you out any information.
Hi, I have been thinking about how WPA/WPA2 is currently cracked, with dictionary attacks, or using precomputed tables, but I was thinking about the AP, which is always involved in these situations, does an access point accept any sort of data without the source NIC using the WPA/WPA2 key?
The reason I am thinking this is becasue all the AP's I have seen usually offer at least a web configuration page that displays the key in plain text to authenticated users, and considering that a fair amount of routers/APs still have the default password this should not be a problem, and even if the password is changed from default, I think it is easier (quicker) to crack than WPA/WPA2.
So what I am trying to understand in my newbie mind, is whether there is any possiblity of developing an exploit/code that basically extracts the html page, from the router, without having already known the wireless key to be able to send data to the router/AP?
Sorry if this sounds complicated, if someone can reword it better please do.
Many Thanks
I am no wireless expert, but I'd say it won't work since you can't pull the page off of the AP if you are not connected. It will just not send you out any information.
Tiocfaidh ár lá
Yes and no.
You are still facing either enumerating default passwords and testing them against the router or brute-forcing it altogether. The assumption of course is that the router password is going to be easier to crack because it is based largely on user input. However, so can the WPA key. It is very much a situational concept, but my 0.02p is that depending on the target you are going to spend the same amount of time/effort cracking the router as you are the WPA key.
You could always try and reverse-engineering the routers firmware and figure out the key generating algorithm or course. But even then that doesn't help for non default generated keys....
"The goal of every man should be to continue living even after he can no longer draw breath."
I think the intention was that with the router admin page you don't need to prehash the dictionary.
But if you are not authenticated you won't be able to get to the admin page.
It's like doing the second step before the first. Or like wanting to use BT without having any prior Linux experience
Tiocfaidh ár lá
I suppose what I am trying to understand is what sort of data will the access point 'look at' before the wireless key is needed, there is obviously some data that is accepted because with WEP we can send a request (aireplay-ng -1 0 -a {bssid} -h {mac} -e {essid} ath0) and the AP at least acknowledges the data before the WEP key is known.
I was wondering if there is any other data that can be broadcast, without the key, that the router will look at, therby giving a 'potential' hole for exploit, probably through manipulating the data that is sent.
I know it sounds ridiculous but all exploits start with an idea, and I'm just trying to understand how wireless works better, and proving/disproving my idea/thoughts
We do not want to discourage you in any way here but help you out with answers.
Might also be dependend on the router itself.
Maybe you want to also have a look at OpenWRT and go through their forum and sources (if they are available. Sorry as I said I haven't taken much time to deal with wireless stuff besides the very basics of it).
Tiocfaidh ár lá
I was thinking it would be router dependant, so I was hoping that if it could be proven that a possibility of exploit exists, then different codes could be sent in the exploit for different router types. I'm sure over time a more sophisticated tool which sends all code, or detects the router type (maybe by the logo/branding stored in the firmware?) could then be developed. I will take a look at OpenWRT now, thanks for the input guys !
Maybe you should start with your router. Run an nmap against it, see if it can footprint it.
You could go ahead and develop something automated like fast-track but just for routers.
Tiocfaidh ár lá
As far as I know most default settings are to allow pulling the index.html page only when directly connected to the router. It might be that a user has opened remote administration in which case it will be accessible by wireless.
This enables administration of the WAN, LAN and wifi.
Even if the page were to be served wirelessly it would require association and authentication first. The router needs to be aware of the MAC and to have assigned an IP address within the subnet to permit access to the admin index.
In this case the user will already have the correct validation key.
I have been successful with communicating with other users of system with or without using WEP yet without router association/authentication or IP but I have not tried it with WPA. In theory therefore it is possible to also communicate directly with the router but any responses would be encrypted.
Indeed, do understand that although it is possible to communicate with the WEP encryption in place the key is still necessary to dissect/build both incoming and outgoing traffic.
Either way therefore the user needs the correct key.
Lux sit


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Share and discuss value investing ideas and investing strategies.
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Kors: The Price Looks Too High
Posted by: fedezaldua (IP Logged)
Date: November 6, 2013 04:53PM
Michael Kors (KORS)'s performance is indeed remarkable. The fashion retailer said that its second quarter profit rose 49% year over year. Besides, it raised its earnings and top-line outlook for the year since it's expecting same-store-sales (probably the most significant figure for retailers) to grow at a year-over-year pace of 15% to 20%. Same-store sales grew by 21% in North America and by an outstanding 45% in Europe. That said, Kors is already up by 46.5% year to date. Is Kors too cheap or too expensive?
The Competitive Advantage Period and Kors's Price
All assets should carry a price tag related to their short- and long-term capability to produce cash flows for shareholders. Their ability will be related to their pricing power which is related to the barriers to entry a company builds around its business castle - its business motto in Buffett's words. Then, the longest a company can sustain high margins and stable or growing sales, the more valuable it will be.
The market seems to be convinced about Kors' ability to keep its high-growth and high-margins momentum going. The company now sells for 26 times forward earnings against Coach (COH)'s 15 times earnings multiple or LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton's (LVMUY) 18 times earnings multiple. Of course this valuation gap can be justified if Kors' EPS do grow by about 30% year over year for at least the next five years. As a matter of fact, Coach's EPS will surely diminish in 2014, and LVMH is expected to grow its EPS by 11% year over year.
Nevertheless, past performance is not always a good indicator of future performance. Other fashion labels such as Abercrombie & Fitch (ANF) grew fast until one day they just did not grow anymore. The brands just came out of fashion. This, of course, had terrible effects on investors who had made a bet at high multiples. When Abercrombie & Fitch's stock was selling for $70 in 2011, most analysts gave the stock a target well above that figure. Abercrombie & Fitch now trades around $33 per share.
When you pay high multiples you are paying for future unwarranted growth that might not be there when the time comes. Kors could turn out to be a great brand that produces high cash flow yields eternally the way Louis Vuitton and Hermes do it for their shareholders. But it might also turn out to be another Abercrombie & Fitch.
Bottom Line
Kors has been great for its early investors. The stock has returned nearly 300% to its shareholders since its 2011 initial public offering. But right now you might be paying a huge premium for growth that might not meet expectations. A great investor once told me that happiness equals reality minus expectations – not only in investing but on all life matters. With this in mind, we should all know that even a great reality like an EPS growth of 20% year over year might disappoint the market and make you lose money if you got into the company's shares at the current valuation level. If you decide to buy Kors shares now, beware. You might pay now for something that might not be what everyone seems to be expecting.
Stocks Discussed: KORS, COH, LVMUY, ANF,
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Home : View All Brands : Loma Organics
Loma Organics
Loma Hair is the industry leader to utilize the purest, most active form of Aloe Vera Gel as the product base. The use of Aromatherapy based oils rather than synthetic fragrances truly sets Loma hair products apart - It smells good enough to eat!
Unlike other manufacturers - Loma Hair manufactures 100% of all their own products. Beginning with the development and formulation of the product and ending with the sale. This control allows LOMA to ensure only the finest quality of ingredients are being used and the highest level of integrity in all phases.
Featured Products


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Retail store supplies are essential to your everyday operations, from point-of-sale solutions to merchandising displays, and store operations equipment to backroom supplies, signage, warehouse and shipping supplies. Together these supplies allow you to create a clean business layout with functionality that benefits both your staff and your customers.
Read More
- Everything in Its Place - A neat and tidy appearance reinforces the value of the items for sale. As a shop owner, you need the right displays, such as clothing racks, books stands, display towers and cabinets, boutique fixtures, and mannequins or dress forms to present goods in a coherent and compelling way. Choose from options that fit an interior design motif showcased in hardwood, or use bright colors to give a space meaning and energy.
- Get the Job Done - Avoid long lines at your registers by investing in point-of-sale tools and supplies, such as advanced POS register systems, gift wrap and tissue paper, retail boxes, and shopping bags with designs that match your business model. Keep things well-ordered for employees, as well, by arranging your stockroom in a neat and tidy way with a variety of shelving solutions. Stay on top of loss prevention, and keep the premises safer with a variety of security options, including security mirrors and cameras.
- Make It Shine - Aesthetic appeal is an important part of the retail sales experience you create. Beautiful mirrors, convenient wastebaskets and interesting mannequins help increase the appeal of your business and generate word-of-mouth among customers. Part of that good experience comes through presenting a clean image. With the right products, such as a good mix of brooms, cleansers, dusters and more, all your surfaces stay clean, and your store looks pristine.
Quill has the variety and excellence that you're looking for; with us, you'll always find what you need at the right price.
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- 5 Retail and Merchandise Display Ideas to Boost Store Sales
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Well it was opening day up at the drag strip so me and my friend decided to go up to the track and see how we stand up against each other. Keep in mind i have an auto wrx. Not much of a race. As my tranny shifted from first to second, i hear a loud clunk from the tranny, followed by a CEL which then put the car into limp mode!!!
Final times: Me(WRX): 17.6@84mph
Him(96 integra): 13.3@116mph


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There are currently 26 National Parks of Costa Rica, which are managed under the umbrella of SINAC (Sistema Nacional de Areas de Conservacion), a department of Costa Rica's Ministry of Environment and Energy (MINAE). All told, Costa Rica's protected areas encompass more than 25% of the country's total landmass.[1] Many of these protected areas are national parks.
Costa Rica's progressive policies on environmental protection and sustainable ecotourism in the National Parks System have been lauded as a model for other countries. The rainforests, tropical forests, marine areas and wetlands of Costa Rica are the subject of many university and scientific organization studies. The enrichment of the world's knowledge of these important habitats is an invaluable contribution from the National Parks System of Costa Rica.
The Cordillera de Talamanca is home to an impressive collection of national parks and other preserved areas, including the La Amistad International Park, which extends into Panamá. On the southern Osa Peninsula is the internationally renownedCorcovado National Park, which preserves a remnant of sizeable lowland tropical rainforest that is unique in the world. Manuel Antonio National Park was listed by Forbes in 2011 among the world's 12 most beautiful national parks.
List of National Parks of Costa Rica:
• Arenal Volcano National Park
• Barbilla National Park
• Barra Honda National Park
• Braulio Carrillo National Park
• Cahuita National Park
• Carara National Park
• Chirripó National Park
• Cocos Island National Park
• Corcovado National Park
• Diria National Park
• Guanacaste National Park
• Irazú Volcano National Park
• Juan Castro Blanco National Park
• La Amistad International Park
• La Cangreja National Park
• Las Baulas National Marine Park
• Manuel Antonio National Park
• Maquenque National Park (proposed)
• Palo Verde National Park
• Piedras Blancas National Park
• Poás Volcano National Park
• Rincón de la Vieja Volcano National Park
• Santa Rosa National Park
• Tapantí National Park
• Tenorio Volcano National Park
• Tortuguero National Park
• Turrialba Volcano National Park


text:
Travel Photography Photos tagged as defense
9 photos | Tags: defense Show as stream
Pigeons sun them selves on the steps of the Grande Arche - they are a bit too cold for me to sit on.
30 Days FREE!!! 60 day money-back guarantee!! Renzo Gracie Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, Mixed Martial Arts, kickboxing, self-defense. TRAIN where the PROS train!!
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text:
Alachua County Resumes Search for New County Manager
Published June 6th, 2013
ALACHUA COUNTY - Alachua County's choice to become the new county manager has changed his mind.
In a letter to Commission Chair Mike Byerly, James Bourey of Greenville, SC announced he is withdrawing his name from consideration.
Bourey wrote that he will instead pursue a job elsewhere.
This week, commissioners raised their compensation offer to Bourey to $168,000 base salary after he indicated the first offer of $160,000 was not enough.
Bourey was selected from a pool of five finalists.
The commission meets next Tuesday to decide their next move.
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Flycatchers, Pewee, Phoebe, and Kingbirds
This page includes the Flycatcher/Pewee/Phoebe sub-family (Fluvicolinae) and the Tyrant Flycatcher/Kingbird sub-family (Tyrannidae). Both are part of the family Tyrannidae. This family is a member of the huge order of Passeriformes as are the Corvids, Swallows, Thrushes, Warblers, Finches, Sparrows, and related families. This order includes more than half of all bird species; they are sometimes known as perching birds. (Note: titles with an * have only a picture, not an article)
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text: Special Edition New Beetle "Blush" Share Comments Volkswagen of America, Inc. has long been known for offering special edition models with unique characteristics that create excitement in showrooms and individuality among owners. Volkswagen's latest special edition, the New Beetle convertible "Blush", builds on the already great features of the standard version with added elements and design cues that are exclusive to this limited edition. The special edition 2009 New Beetle convertible "Blush" features an exclusive exterior and interior color not offered on the standard version. An elegant metallic White Gold paint on the exterior nicely compliments the rich red leather interior, and red convertible top that gives this limited edition its namesake. The "Blush" edition is the only current New Beetle convertible available with genuine leather seating surfaces. Other unique features include a red boot for when the convertible top is down, and unique17-inch alloy wheels. Like the New Beetle and New Beetle convertible the "Blush" edition features a 2.5L engine that produces 150 horsepower, and 170 lbs.ft. of torque. The "Blush" edition comes with a six-speed automatic transmission, and like all 2009 Volkswagen's Electronic Stabilization Program comes standard. The New Beetle convertible "Blush" edition is value priced at $26,990 and only a limited number will be produced.


text:
Here There Be Monsters, Chapter 5 (Logan/Ororo Pairing, Rating 'R' for strong language and violence)
Expand Messages
- Title: Here There Be Monsters
Authors: Stormwolfe and Tinhutlady
E-mail: Stormwolfe@... <mailto:Stormwolfe@...> and
Tinhutlady@... <mailto:Tinhutlady@...>
Rating: R, story contains violence, strong language, and suggested
sexual situations.
Summary: As for a summary, let's see, we've got aliens, mutants, the
military, and evil scientists. How on Earth are we going to peg this? I
mean, what more could anyone ask for? (Grins)
*Story Notes: This story is based on the ending of the novelization of
X-2, X-Men United. Therefore, Jean is not dead.*
Notes Stormwolfe: I realize that there are many Predator and Predator VS
Alien novels on the market. *I have not read them.* Most of the basic
information regarding Predator was taken from the two movies. The names,
background on his culture and society, etc. were completely fabricated
to suit this story.
Notes from Tinhutlady: I'm so glad Stormwolfe offered me the chance to
work with her on this. It has been a blast! I love action scenarios like
this and she really let me have a go at it. Many, many thanks to you,
lady, and to LaDonaJ_Rose (Rabbit); you two are wonderful.
Category: Crossover/Alternate Universe. The X-Men characters are
portrayed as closely to canon as possible per the various Marvel comic
universes, cartoons, and movies. Familiarity means that my (our) writing
leans heavily on Movieverse and artistic license has been taken where
Disclaimer: The X-Men and the X-Men movies are the properties of Marvel
Comics, Inc. and 20^th Century Fox Studios. Predator belongs to 20^th
Century Fox. No copyright infringement intended in any way.
Dedication from Stormwolfe: To LaDonaJ_Rose for superb beta'ing as
always and just being a Rabbit. Wolverine6Claws (for help with a
particular scene, thanks sugar) and X-MenLoganFan for test reading,
input, general support, and just being friends. Last but far from least,
Tinhutlady - for taking on this project and putting so very much into
it! What a blessing to have such wonderful friends and writing companions.
*Here There Be Monsters*
*Chapter 5*
Dunst squared her shoulders and motioned for the others to back away.
She gripped the female mutant's arm tightly to prevent escape but there
was not really a need. The female was in bad shape and numbly followed
where she was led. Dunst nodded and the door in front of her opened. The
creature stood as she entered the arena, pulling the mutant with her. As
the door behind her closed, Dunst lifted her chin. This thing respected
strength and women so would not harm her. She repeated this mantra to
herself as she watched the alien approach. It stopped, assessing her,
she was sure. Well, she would show it her power and she would become its
She pushed the mutant in front of her and then grabbed its white hair
and pulled backwards, forcing the mutant to its knees. Dunst kept her
eyes locked on the alien as she drew her pistol and slammed it against
the mutant's skull, knocking it insensible. She let it fall to the floor
and held up her now empty hand.
Dunst loudly voiced the command word for 'kill' that McDaniel had been
trying to teach the creature. She pointed to the mutant on the floor and
kicked its body. Again, she repeated the command and watched with
pleasure as the creature moved closer, intent on the mutant's body. It
picked up the female mutant and looked back at her. Dunst nodded and
said the word one more time. The creature turned and started to walk off
with the mutant. Patricia felt her heart soar. She had done it. It would
obey her. Her power over both Stryker and McDaniel secured, she gave an
arrogant thumbs up to the watching faces in the control room above her,
and then turned her attention back to the alien. It had set the mutant
down and had touched its neck, then ran a hand down the female's
abdomen. It rose, making fists with its massive hands as it walked
slowly back to Dunst. She held up a hand, palm facing it.
"Stop!" She commanded. It kept coming. "No!" she raised her pistol but
it batted the gun aside easily. Frightened now, she glanced up at the
control room. Why didn't they activate the collar? A massive hand shot
out and gripped her throat, tightening with incredible strength. She
felt her eyes begin to pop out of her skull and her tongue thicken and
fill her mouth. She couldn't scream. Dunst tried to fire her gun but
something was wrong. A white-hot pain wrenched her shoulder and she
barely saw the creature fling aside an object that looked like her arm
before she felt something grab her hair.
- - -
Stryker entered the control room and approached McDaniel. "I noticed
your major absconding with my mutant again. I say, McDaniel, I must
protest. I need her eggs now that she's lost the fetus."
McDaniel's cold gray eyes settled on the unwelcome visitor. "My title is
Colonel and I suggest you use it, Doctor." He stressed the last word
sarcastically before he turned back to the report in front of him on the
desk. "I have no idea what you're talking about. I did try to offer your
mutant more merciful treatment than your lab had in mind. The fact the
alien did not kill her still confuses me." He studied the report again
and then rose to hit a button on a machine. The replay of the alien and
the mutant fighting ended the same way no matter how many times he
watched it. The alien actually knelt in front of her, refusing to kill.
"I don't get it. He was fighting her and was ready to strike. Why didn't
Stryker leaned over and peered out the observation window, sticking his
hand into his pocket and gripping the remote tightly. "Perhaps we'll
find out now. That major of yours seems quite plucky, taking the
creature on like that."
McDaniel hesitated only a moment before rushing to the window. "What are
you talking...No! Dunst shouldn't be in there! He'll kill her!" He
grabbed for his radio and started issuing commands as he fumbled for the
remote to the creature's collar. He clicked the slim black instrument
again and again, pointing it at the creature. "Get her out of there!" he
yelled into the radio. Frustrated, he dropped it and struck the glass.
"Dunst! Get out now!" Again, he clicked the remote, unable to do more as
the creature advanced on the Major.
Stryker eyed the scene with clinical detachment. "A bit brutal, but
highly effective, don't you think?"
McDaniel felt ill. Dunst might still be alive but he could not risk
sending anyone in with that thing, not without the secondary control
measure activated. He slammed a palm on the dial that controlled the
atmosphere in the arena, twisting it harshly, knowing it would take
twenty minutes for a room that size to cool down to the temperature needed.
Meanwhile the creature just kept ripping Dunst apart, piece-by-piece. He
needed the alien alive, McDaniel said to himself. At all costs, it had
to be kept alive. One final display below and McDaniel felt his guts
rush to his mouth. Helpless to stop it, he vomited, all the while
wondering why Dunst had gone into the arena and why the collar had not
"Yes, a very effective demonstration." Stryker said absently as he
continued to clamp his hand on the remote in his pocket.
*- - -*
K'Ha'Lon-Ka slowly pulled the filter tubes away and released the helmet
clasps. He needed to examine her closely for damage and the shield would
interfere so he raised the helmet and dropped it to the floor, kneeling
beside the little female for a better look. He extended his outer
mandibles and inhaled. There was blood, yes, but not enough. She was
still alive; her heart was beating, though not as strongly as it had
before. He glanced over at the now cooling body parts of the other
female, the human. She would never breathe again; he had made sure of
that. He turned back and touched the blood stained clothes on the little
female. They had taken her embryo. She was no longer with child. He
could now kill her and put her out of her misery but something in him
hesitated. Her hands had touched him in an effort to heal. Perhaps she
was like the females of his kind who loved life and children and fought
with energy and passion to keep things alive. Her hair was so soft, he
thought, and he absently ran his fingers through it as he waited for her
to wake up, hoping it would be soon, before he could not communicate
with her again.
He could feel the room cooling and grimaced. They had not activated the
collar and he had been glad for the opportunity to rip the other human
apart. Her structure was of no worth to him. Her skull and bones were
not the same clean specimens as the female in front of him. Still, he
wondered why the collar had not punished him. Did it no longer work? He
sighed. It did not matter; they were going to take the little female
away from him once the room cooled beyond his ability to function and he
growled as he thought of her back in their hands.
- - -
McDaniel clicked the radio again. "Anderson, report to the control room,
He raised his head and watched the good doctor click his tongue
reprovingly, still with his nose pressed against the window. "Anderson!"
He stood on shaky legs and made it to the monitor station where he began
to flip through the various camera views. "Shit!"
Immediately he felt Stryker breathing heavily over his shoulder. "More
problems, Colonel?"
They watched in disbelief as military men fought an enraged Weapon X,
the scene eerie in its muted silence. The display from the security
monitor indicated the fight was raging in front of the arena door that
Dunst had dragged the female mutant through.
"He must have recovered and killed the rest of my staff," muttered
Stryker testily. Then, in an entirely different voice, he barked out,
"He tracked her here. Open the arena door. Let the fight go in there. He
won't rest until he finds her and now we can at least contain them all
in one room."
Before McDaniel could recover from hearing a Southern accent from
Stryker, the doctor reached over and hit the door switch with his free
hand. Instantly, the melee fell into the arena and the door closed
behind them, sealing them in. Stryker ran to the window as McDaniel
headed to the door of the control room to grab the armed guard outside.
Sergeant Hicks and his crew were just about to enter and both the
Colonel and Hicks' men skidded to a halt.
"Sir, there's been an accident in the lab, the male mutant's on the
loose, and none of our radios are working."
"Get in here and grab hold of that damned crazy doctor," McDaniel roared.
- - -
K'Ha'Lon-Ka watched the door open again but was surprised to see a fight
spill into the room instead of the usual humans and their shock sticks.
His eyes narrowed. The one in the center, the one killing, and maiming
the rest of the humans was not human. He quickly glanced at the little
female and back. This one's bone structure looked similar to humans but
its composition was anything but and its heat signature was akin to the
little female's, only different all over instead of just around the
skull and eyes. The room was still cooling and he was finding it harder
and harder to move but he rose and placed himself between the combatants
and the soft-haired female, determined that she not be harmed any
further. There was something on the male's hands, some kind of metal and
it used it to great advantage but even K'Ha'Lon-Ka's eyes flew wide when
one of the metal gloves sheared in two and claws emerged from the
warrior's now free hand. The weapons the humans were firing at the male
were suddenly cut into pieces and so were the humans. Bodies now piled
around him, the remaining male turned to K'Ha'Lon-Ka, who backed up a
step in recognition of such lethal weaponry. He extended his lower
mandibles and let loose a roar of challenge, knowing he was too stiff to
take the male on in a fair fight but wanting to try for the little
female's sake.
Logan blinked. What faced him was unlike anything he had ever seen
before and he muttered, "You are one ugly motherfucker, aren't you?"
before catching a glimpse of what lay beyond the creature. "No!"
He ran toward Ororo only to be blocked by the creature. He bristled and
the creature did the same, matching growl for growl. Toe to toe, they
crouched, neither willing to give and each ready to die until a small
sound brought both of them around sharply.
"No! Please..."
Instantly, Logan maneuvered around the slowing creature and half-scooped
Ororo off the floor, keeping his claws at the ready in case the alien
attacked. Her arms around his neck felt wonderful and he closed his eyes
just for a second. Then he straightened and helped her to a sitting
position, all the while keeping the other male in sight.
Ororo made a feeble motion toward her collar and then tapped the
remaining glove on Logan's hand. Puzzled, Logan watched as the creature
nodded and sat down.
"Logan," she began, "he's been collared just like me. They punish him
with cold. That is why the room is so cool. As soon as he is down, they
will come in and take us. They are afraid of him."
"I don't blame them," Logan replied, "Ororo, I..."
"Logan, I had a miscarriage. They took our baby." She began to cry and
he sheathed the claws on his good hand to wipe her tears away.
"I know. I found out." He clung to her for a moment then broke away and
stroked her hair. "I'm going to cut your collar off. We need to get out
of here."
She pointed to the creature. "Help him too."
"Ororo," Logan began, wanting to make it clear to her that she was his
main priority but was interrupted.
"Rrrrorrrroooo." They both looked at the alien, and he nodded, satisfied
that he had their attention. He pointed to himself and tried not to
shiver with the cold; this was something important he wanted to do
before the humans came and took these two away. "K'Ha'Lon-Ka."
Logan's sensitive hearing caught the subtle nuances of clicks and purrs
but knew his tongue could never reproduce them. He frowned and tried anyway.
The alien gave a brief nod. They now knew his name - at last, he was
able to communicate with something other than the humans. He pointed to
Ororo and repeated, "Rrrrorrrorrroo?"
Her eyes softened and she reached out to him as she nodded in
affirmation. He touched her warm fingertips with his own frigid ones
then, with difficulty, pointed to Logan.
"Logan. His name is Logan." Ororo made sure to pronounce clearly but did
not speak loudly.
"Lllgnnnnn." The effort was brutally taxing and K'Ha'Lon-Ka felt the
room spin a little as he fell to his side. "Rrrrorrrroooo."
Logan eyed him but nodded, "I see what you mean, Ro. I'll free him too.
Hold still."
When he popped the claws again, the creature flinched and growled but
Logan ignored him, choosing to concentrate on delicately cutting the
band from around Ororo's neck instead. Immediately there was a commotion
above him and Logan realized for the first time there was a control
booth filled with men staring down at them.
"Damn!" he hacked at the other glove and moved toward the creature,
pointing to the collar around K'Ha'Lon-Ka's throat. A gunshot rang out
and Logan clearly heard the words, "I'll get your bitch for that!" He
turned and dove for Ororo, wanting to shield her from any other bullets.
A volley of thunder erupted and he gasped in agony as bullets ripped
into his back.
- - -
"Let go of me!" Stryker protested. "Someone has to have the good sense
to watch those three! Gas the arena!"
McDaniel frowned. The British accent was back but there was still
something wrong with the good doctor and he wasn't going to tell his men
to let go until he knew what it was. "It would take too long to
concentrate gas in that amount of space. They can't get out. I've
electrified the exits." He noticed that Stryker still had one hand
clutched in a pocket. "Search him." He looked over at the guard that had
followed Hicks and his men into the room. "Watch those three. Let me
know if they show any signs of trying to escape. We only have another
four minutes before the alien collapses. Make sure they don't attack him
if he falls."
"Yes, sir. Sir, what do I do if they do attack him?"
"Fire a warning round through the porthole. The male mutant won't want
his female shot and will break off to protect her," growled McDaniel,
his voice tightly clipped with anger as he tried to explain the obvious.
"I don't want the creature hurt, got me?"
"Yes, sir!" the guard moved to the glass and McDaniel returned his focus
to the doctor in front of him.
"...Roger that. Come to the arena and block the exits, now!" Hicks
disengaged his radio. "Sir," Hicks held out the small, black remote as
he spoke. "Stryker was using this. It looks like some kind of frequency
inhibitor. Our radios work now that it's off and I've stationed all
available men at the arena exits. They're ready to storm the place when
the alien goes down."
"Good." McDaniel took the remote and glared icily at Stryker. "A very
effective demonstration, Doctor? Is that what you had in mind?" He
backhanded Stryker. "Dunst didn't deserve that kind of death!"
Stryker grinned, a trickle of blood now coming from the corner of his
mouth. "You don't think so?" The Southern accent was back. "Was it a
more 'humane' treatment, a 'kinder' death than I would have given the
mutant female?"
'You sick bastard!" snarled McDaniel. "What the hell kind of game are
you playing?"
"The same one you are," returned cold British tones.
Stunned, McDaniel stood there for a moment, unable to reply.
"Sir? They're talking, sir. Is that allowed?"
McDaniel's head snapped around, "What?"
"The mutants, sir, they're talking with the alien. Is that allowed?"
Dumfounded now, McDaniel and the others moved to the window. No one
noticed Stryker slip his confiscated pistol from the table back to his
pocket while the soldiers craned their necks, trying to watch the
shocking sight below.
"I'll be damned," mused McDaniel softly. He had a sudden insight into
what Stryker had said and his own motivations now seemed...insane.
"Sir! The male cut the female's collar off!" The soldier fired off a
warning round before McDaniel could stop him.
"I'll get your bitch for that!" Stryker roared through the other
porthole. He tried to empty clip of the automatic before the soldiers
could wrestle him to the ground.
"Get him out of here!" ordered McDaniel. He pushed a button and
deactivated the arena doors. "Hicks! Tell the men to go in and hold them
at gunpoint but don't fire, got it! Those mutants can communicate with
the alien. I don't want them hurt!"
- - -
Ororo felt Logan's body jerk as the rounds tore into him. It had only
just begun to dawn on her that he was here with her and still alive. Now
they were wounding him again. The Windrider's entire being began to
quiver with rage. She had believed him dead, horribly murdered by the
monsters that wore the guise of human beings. She had felt them finish
murdering their child and she had been helpless to stop it. Ororo was
not helpless now.
"No more!" Ororo's strong, clear voice cut through even the sound of
gunfire. Levering herself quickly to her feet with more grace and
strength than she actually felt, Ororo stepped forward to stand in front
of Logan and K'Ha'Lon-Ka. Her eyes were glowing white and a powerful
wind built in the room. Lightning snapped from her hair and from the
tips of her fingers as she raised her hands upwards. Later she would
grieve for her loss of control and the many deaths she caused. Now, all
she wanted to do was put an end to this.
There was nothing the soldiers could do as wind drove them backwards and
lightning destroyed their weapons and in many cases, their companions.
They watched in fear as the mutant woman raised her hands and eyes to
the control room and lightning followed her gaze to strike repeatedly at
the glass front, shattering and melting it. As a gunshot raked by her
left shoulder, the woman returned her white-hot gaze to the soldiers.
With no pity or remorse showing on her beautiful features, she sent bolt
after bolt of blazing energy into their midst. Killing many and driving
the rest back. One part of her mind reached out to control the
atmosphere in the Arena, warming it from its previous frigid state. As
the Predator rose from his seated position behind the furious Weather
Witch, the soldiers broke and ran. They could not outrun the wind and
their screams were heard as the wind lashed and tore at them, attempting
to pull them apart as they had the life of the woman that controlled the
Still caught in her own whirlwind of rage, heedless of Logan's call for
her to stop and come back, Ororo rose on the wind, flying toward the
Control Room. Cyclonic winds and streaks of lightening sought to ravage
everything in its way. Landing gracefully amongst the chaos, her eyes
sought out the one man that remained in the room. The force of the winds
had pinned him behind a massive metal desk. By itself, the desk would
not have been enough to cause fatal injury. Trapped in the confines of
the Control Room, the cyclonic winds had repeatedly slammed the heavy
piece of furniture against him, finally breaking his spine and doing
considerable internal damage. There he waited, pinned against the wall;
all pain now gone.
- - -
Oblivious to the drama unfolding far below ground, Mother Nature sought
to achieve balance above ground. She felt her daughter's sorrow and rage
and responded. Tornado force winds circled the relatively small area
that housed the research Facility. The trees in the forest that
surrounded the clearing whipped their branches and danced in frenzy,
wanting only to ease the Windrider's pain. The men in the two
guardhouses huddled inside seeking protection from the Goddess's fury.
*- - -*
Ororo stepped gracefully around the chaos in the Control Room, stopping
short of where the man half stood, half lay; pinned to the wall by the
twisted mass of metal that had been a desk. The wind that still stirred
was calmer now, merely a breeze that ruffled the beautiful Windrider's
silken hair. Ororo wondered if she could find it within herself to feel
something for this creature in front of her.
Ororo was unaware that, in spite of the stained and torn coverall she
wore and her wind whipped hair, she still looked every inch the Goddess.
Tall, beautiful, coldly regal, she surveyed Colonel McDaniel. Her voice
was measured and pitched low as she spoke. "My name is Ororo Munroe. I
am also known as Storm. The man you call Weapon X or Wolverine, his name
is Logan. Our child has died without a name. Did you bother to find any
of this out before you had us kidnapped and tortured?"
In Ororo's beliefs, names had power and significance. Normally one would
not share their true name with an enemy. She wanted this creature to see
and realize that the beings he had so casually allowed to be
experimented upon, tortured, and ultimately thrown away were
individuals, with names and identities, just as he was. Her blue eyes
were still ice-cold as she gazed at him.
"Colonel Mike McDaniel." The effort to speak obviously stressed him.
Ororo did not need Logan's senses to tell her this human was dying.
"I have those that would grieve for me and will grieve for the life that
your cruelty took from me and my mate." Her voice was still cold, still
controlled. "Will anyone grieve for you Colonel Mike McDaniel?"
"Very few." McDaniel found the strength to answer honestly. "This
service has consumed my life."
Ororo's rage had spent itself into a cold flame that wound through her
body and soul. "You are dying."
The man nodded his agreement, "I am dying. I would rather go by your
hand than the alien's." His gray eyes indicated the Control Room door.
"They will come for you."
"Yes." Ororo's eyes snapped fire. "Why should I offer you this mercy
after what you have allowed to be done? After the life of my child was
taken from me?"
"Stryker is insane. I see now that I am no better - equally insane in my
own way. I allowed myself to believe that offering you to Predator was a
more merciful death than allowing Stryker to do as he planned with you.
I was wrong. Wrong about so many things." The speech exhausted McDaniel
and his eyes closed for a moment.
"I pity you, Colonel McDaniel. I do not forgive you. Maybe someday, I
will ask the Goddess to forgive me and allow me to forgive you. Not
today." She started to turn but stopped at a small sound from McDaniel.
The gray eyes did not quite plead with her but still asked for a kinder
release than the ones coming would allow. Ororo inclined her head, "I
will not kill you, but I will delay my companions. Make your peace with
whatever powers you believe in, if any. You will die here, alone." The
Windrider turned on those words and left the room.
McDaniel murmured softly as his strength failed, "You are more gracious
than I deserve and more Human than any of us here."
Outside the Control Room door, the Windrider leaned against the wall and
waited. A tear slipped down her cheek as she thought of all she had
lost, including the ability to forgive. More than her child had died in
this place.
*- - - *
Much later, on the same day as the 'wild goose chase' to Maine, Scott
finally sat down in a small den that was reserved for staff only. He
stared blankly at the large, plasma screen TV. The current news program
that was being televised did not register with him. The feelings of
failure ran too deep. Jean and Remy were currently putting together
plates of grilled cheese sandwiches and soup for the tired and very
discouraged X-Men. The Professor sat nearby, in his wheelchair, sipping
on a cup of hot tea.
Charles also looked exhausted and more than slightly worn by their
ordeal. Like Scott, his imagination was in overdrive as he worried about
his 'children'. No one quite understood how he felt about those that
came under his roof and therefore his care. From the aloof and
standoffish Wolverine down to the smallest child attending the school,
he loved them all with a devotion that sometimes exceeded what a parent
could provide. Some, like Scott and Jean, occupied a slightly different
space in his heart, but he set no less value on the others.
Jean and Remy came in carrying trays of sandwiches and soup that they
distributed to Charles, Scott, Piotr Rasputin, and Hank McCoy. Rogue
came in a moment later carrying a pitcher of iced tea and some cans of
soda. She handed out everyone's preference then curled onto the sofa
next to Remy with her own plate. No one felt much like talking so sat
quietly eating their meal, each preoccupied with thoughts and concerns
about their missing friends.
Scott took another sip of his soup and widened his eyes as a Special
News Bulletin flashed on the TV screen. Motioning for Jean to turn up
the sound, he listened closely...heart thudding with renewed hope.
"...out of a seemingly clear and tranquil sky, fierce and destructive
storms have materialized over the Maine/Canadian border just west of
Edmundston. This weather phenomenon, though devastatingly destructive,
appears to be localized and not moving. At this time authorities do not
think there is danger to the surrounding population..."
All the X-Men gathered in the room exclaimed at once, "Storm!"
Scott barely managed to set his dishes on the glass and oak coffee table
as he leapt to his feet, "I'll pull up the GPS and triangulate."
Charles nodded and looked to Hank, "Lets get to Cerebro. I can focus in
on the use of her powers even if I cannot sense Ororo herself."
Remy followed them out, "I'll make sure we have what we need on board
the 'Bird."
Jean and Rogue followed him with Jean calling back over her shoulder,
"We'll prep and pre-check the 'Bird. Ready to fly in less than fifteen."
* *
As good as her word, by the time the other team members were in their
uniforms and on board, Jean had the Blackbird ready for take-off. Scott
and the Professor had coordinated the data that each had acquired and
Scott now had a very good idea of where they were going. He also had a
sick feeling in the pit of his stomach as the location had nudged an old
memory of Hank's. McCoy told Scott and the Professor that he believed an
old associate of his that had gone into bio-weapons research had been
stationed at a facility in that general area. Any hopes that Scott had
entertained that his friends were being passively held somewhere for
some obscure reason vanished. The harsh reality of experimentation on
mutants raised its ugly head once more.
Scott boarded the jet and took the pilot's seat. Jean was good with the
Blackbird but the jet was Scott's baby. The only other person that could
coax as much out of the X-jet was Ororo. He edged the jet carefully out
of the hangar then sent her hurtling north. As Scott touched the
controls to send the Blackbird soaring higher and faster, he sent his
thoughts ahead of her. Please, he thought - Logan, Ororo, we are on our
way, hold on just a little longer.
*- - -*
K'Ha'Lon-Ka watched the Weather Witch in awe. Never had he seen such
tremendous power before. She could control the very weather, something
his kind - even with their advanced technology - could not, and she
wielded it with deadly force. Breathless, he realized she was so very
Not-Human. So much power and so much compassion could not exist side by
side in mere humans. They feared her; they had collared her, taken her
child, and used a weapon on her mate. Her mate...K'Ha'Lon-Ka looked down
at the other Not-Human. Sure enough, he was rising to his feet, even
after taking the killing blows from the humans' weapons. Shaking his
head, K'Ha'Lon-Ka realized there was more to them than first observation
revealed. If he had not been collared himself and had seen them display
their powers while he was hunting he would have thought of them as
extremely valuable prey, ones that, alone, would garner him the status
needed to claim his chosen mate. But he had seen their pain, knew the
humans had tortured them as much as they had him and it gave him a
strange feeling, as if he considered them of his clan, capable of
intelligent thought beyond that of prey - more like ally. This was a
foreign thought to him. He again checked the ceiling of the room,
knowing he had seen her fly up there but sill finding it hard to believe.
K'Ha'Lon-Ka's head snapped back to Llggnnnn, watching him point toward
where Rrorrrooo had gone.
- - -
"Mine," Logan repeated. He had tried to catch Ororo's attention to tell
her he was okay but she had not heard him. Now he watched the alien
stare after her and he wanted to make sure it was understood that Ororo
was under his protection. He saw the alien nod and he released his
breath, sure that Khaakkllkhaaa would not make advances on her.
"Don't move, Khhaakkklnkhaa." Logan let one blade out and advanced on
him, pointing to the collar. Noting the strange look on the other's
face, nervous flaring of mandibles, Logan held up his other hand to calm
him. "Don't move." Carefully he cut it off and let the metal drop,
clanging heavily as it hit the floor.
He watched the alien pick up the pieces, try to bend them to no avail,
then hold out a piece as if to ask for another demonstration. Logan
flicked a claw out quickly, a blur of motion that sliced the metal like
butter. He then began to hack at the glove on his other hand as he
looked up.
"Since neither of us can fly, we need to find another way up there.
Ororo's alone and I can't hear her."
"Rrorrooo." The alien pointed up and Logan nodded.
"Come." He motioned with a jerk of his head as he shredded the last of
the metal glove. Now with both sets of claws out and an unknown, but
strong, ally behind him, Logan was ready to take on anything in order to
get Ororo out of this place.
*The End, Chapter 5*
* *
* *
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Your Daily Dispatch of Celebrity Shenanigans
Vivienne Makes Bank For A 4-Year-Old!: Vivienne Jolie-Pitt might only be 4, but the young actress (who is starring in "Maleficent" with mom Angelina Jolie) is reportedly making a nice paycheck (probably more than most of you!). According to TMZ, the daughter of Angelina and Brad Pitt - who is playing Young Aurora - is pulling $3,000 a week for her small role in the Disney movie. She is also receiving a $60 per diem.
PLAY IT NOW: Katherine Webb Poses For Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition
Inside Taylor Lautner's 21st Birthday: Taylor Lautner can finally hit up Hollywood's club scene, now that he's 21 (his birthday was on Monday), but at the actor's birthday celebration on Saturday, he reportedly kept it calm. According to Us Weekly, the actor spent the night with friends (including Kristen Stewart, Ashley Benson and Patrick Schwarzenegger) bowling at Lucky Strike in Los Angeles. The friends reportedly enjoyed pizza, sliders and chips and guacamole - and Taylor reportedly did not drink, as he was technically not legal yet.
Your Daily Eww!: Just when you thought Courtney Stodden couldn't creep you out more - she goes and gets touchy feeling with her dad on the red carpet! Stay classy Courtney. See the icky encounter, HERE (bonus ick points for Courtney sporting light up underwear)!
VIEW THE PHOTOS: Brangelina's Family Album
What A Difference Katy Makes: Remember Katy Perry's cleavage-revealing Grammys dress? Well, that dress doesn't always look that way on other stars... see the same dress in a whole new way, HERE!
Jennifer Lawrence Spotted Sucking Her Thumb?: Jennifer Lawrence continues to have fun with the paparazzi. Check out the Oscar nominee sucking her thumb while holding a teddy bear, HERE! (We're pretty sure Courtney Stodden will be stealing this look soon!)
-- Jesse Spero
VIEW THE PHOTOS: The Most Expensive Celebrity Baby Photos
Copyright 2013 by NBC Universal, Inc. All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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In addition to the applicable rules in Chapter 3701:1-38 and Chapter 3701:1-68 of the Administrative Code, handlers of industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment shall comply with the following:
(A) Industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment shall meet the following equipment standards:
(1) Open beam configurations shall have a device or an automatic shut-off feature that prevents any part of a person's body from being exposed to the primary x-ray beam path.
(2) Open-beam configurations and all other equipment installed after February 10, 2006, shall be provided with a readily visible warning light labeled with the words "X-RAY ON" or symbols having a similar intent, and be located near the x-ray source and its controls and be illuminated when the x-ray source is energized. In addition, open beam configurations shall be provided with a readily discernible indication of:
(a) X-ray source power "on-off" status located near the radiation source housing, if the primary beam is controlled in this manner; or
(b) Shutter "open-closed" status located near each radiation port on the source housing, if the primary beam is controlled in this manner.
(3) Except for gauging units, open-beam systems installed after February 10, 2006, shall have warning devices, or a system of warning devices, such as redundant lights with fail-safe characteristics.
(4) All analytical radiation-generating equipment shall conspicuously display a clearly legible label or labels bearing the radiation symbol and the words "CAUTION - THIS EQUIPMENT PRODUCES RADIATION WHEN ENERGIZED" or appropriate words having a similar intent, near any switch or control that directly energizes the unit. Analytical radiation-generating equipment with open-beam configurations shall have an additional warning label on or near the x-ray housing with the radiation symbol with the words "CAUTION - HIGH INTENSITY X-RAY BEAM" or appropriate words having a similar intent.
(5) Each radiation source housing shall be equipped with an interlock that shuts off the radiation beam before the source is removed from the radiation source housing or before the housing is disassembled. For each radiation source installed prior to the effective date of this rule and not equipped with an interlock, administrative controls shall be instituted to include that the power shall be disconnected before any disassembly.
(6) Unused radiation ports on radiation source housings shall be secured in the closed position, or mechanically blocked.
(7) All industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment other than open beam shall be supplied with a protective cabinet which limits leakage radiation measured at a distance of five centimeters from its surface such that it is not capable of producing a dose in excess of 2.5 microsievert ( 0.25 millirem) in one hour.
(B) Handlers of industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment shall comply with the following radiation safety requirements:
(1) The facility's individual responsible for radiation protection (IRRP) shall document and implement operating procedures relative to radiation safety. The IRRP shall be qualified in accordance with paragraph (B)(13) of rule 3701:1-68-01 of the Administrative Code and paragraph (C)(4) of this rule. The IRRP shall assure and document that all operators of industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment have received appropriate training. No individual shall be permitted to operate industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment in any manner other than that specified in the procedures unless such individual has obtained written approval of the IRRP.
(2) Any temporary alteration to safety devices, such as by-passing interlocks or removing shielding shall be:
(a) Documented and maintained for inspection for a minimum of three years. This record shall contain such information as date the alteration was made, type of alteration, length of time alteration remained in place, and signature of the individual who made the alteration and the individual who restored the safety device to the original condition; and
(b) Approved, and signed in advance for a specified period of time by the individual responsible for radiation protection, and posted near the radiation-generating source housing with the signatures of approval.
(3) Except as specified in paragraph (B)(2) of this rule, no operation involving removal of covers, shielding materials or radiation source housings or modifications to shutters, collimators, or beam stops shall be performed without ascertaining that the radiation source is off and will remain off until safe conditions have been restored. The radiation source power switch, in conjunction with appropriate interlocks, shall be used for routine shutdown in preparation for repairs.
(4) Industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment shall not be used to intentionally irradiate human beings.
(C) In addition to the requirements in rule 3701:1-68-02 of the Administrative Code, handlers of industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment shall comply with the following quality assurance requirements:
(1) The local components of an industrial analytical radiation-generating system shall be located, arranged, and include sufficient shielding or access control such that no radiation levels exist in any area surrounding the local component group which could result in a dose to an individual present therein in excess of the dose limits given in Chapter 3701:1-38 of the Administrative Code. These levels shall be met at any specified radiation source rating.
(2) Radiation surveys of all industrial analytical radiation-generating systems shall be performed in compliance with the rules of Chapter 3701:1-38 of the Administrative Code:
(a) Upon installation of the radiation-generating equipment;
(b) Following any change in the initial arrangement, number, or type of local components in the system;
(c) Following any maintenance requiring the disassembly or removal of a local component in the system;
(d) During the performance of maintenance and alignment procedures if the procedures require the presence of a primary x-ray beam when any local component in the system is disassembled or removed;
(e) Any time a visual inspection of the local components in the system reveals an abnormal condition; and
(f) Whenever personnel monitoring reports show an unexplained increase over the previous monitoring period or the readings are approaching the limits specified in rules adopted pursuant to Chapter 3701:1-38 of the Administrative Code.
(3) Proper operation of all radiation safety devises, such as interlocks, lights and labels, shall be checked at least every six months by individuals qualified according to paragraph (C)(4) of this rule. Documentation shall be maintained and available for inspection for a minimum of three years and shall include any corrective actions taken.
(4) No individual shall be permitted to operate or maintain industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment unless that individual has received training and demonstrated competence regarding the following:
(a) Identification of radiation hazards associated with the use of the equipment;
(b) Significance of the various radiation warning, safety devices, and interlocks incorporated into the equipment, or the reasons they have not been installed on certain pieces of equipment and the extra precautions required in such cases;
(c) Standard operating procedures for the equipment;
(d) Recognition of symptoms of an acute localized exposure;
(e) Proper procedures for reporting an actual or suspected exposure in accordance with in rule 3701:1-38-21 of the Administrative Code.
The individual responsible for radiation protection shall verify and document compliance with this paragraph and maintain and make the documentation available for inspection for a minimum of three years.
(5) Finger or wrist radiation monitoring devices shall be provided to and shall be used by:
(a) Industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment workers using systems having an open-beam configuration without provisions for engineering controls as provided in paragraph (A)(1) of this rule; and
(b) Personnel maintaining industrial analytical radiation-generating equipment if the maintenance procedures require the presence of an external radiation beam when any local component in the industrial analytical radiation-generating system is disassembled or removed.
(D) Handlers of electron microscopes and photoelectron spectrometers shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (C)(2)(b) to (C)(2)(f), paragraph (C)(3), paragraphs (C)(4)(a) to (C)(4)(b), and paragraphs (C)(4)(d) to (C)(4)(e) of this rule.
(E) Handlers of gauging units shall be exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (C)(2)(c) to (C)(2)(e) of this rule.
(F) Handlers of hand-held open beam analyzer systems shall:
(1) Be exempt from the requirements of paragraphs (A)(1) and (A)(3) of this rule;
(2) Require the IRRP to document and implement safe operating procedures to include, but not be limited to:
(a) Using specific administrative controls to prevent unauthorized access or use of the system;
(b) Assuring that the system remains in direct control of the authorized operator;
(c) Prohibiting individuals from holding a sample in their hand during irradiation;
(d) Operating of software, trigger locks and proximity sensors;
(e) Using analyzer stands when the sample fits or when the part does not completely cover the beam port;
(f) Taking precautions during irradiation to prevent exposure of the operator or other individuals;
(g) Establishing and maintaining a restricted area of at least three feet opposite the side of the sample being exposed;
(h) Having alternative engineering and administrative safety controls that effectively prevent personnel exposure to the primary beam; and
(i) Requiring operators to wear assigned ring badges on the hand closest to the beam port; and
(3) Assure that the IRRP documents and implements radiation safety training to each operator before operating the equipment, and annually thereafter, audits the operators to assure competency in all safety procedures and standard operating procedures.
(G) The director may, upon application thereof or upon his or her own initiative, grant a variance to the requirements of this rule as he or she determines is authorized by law, provided that the registrant shows to the satisfaction of the director that there is good cause for the variance, and that the variance will not result in any undue hazard or effect on the public health and safety or environment. The terms, conditions, and expiration of the variance shall be set forth in writing by the director. Failure to comply with the terms of the variance may result in immediate revocation of the variance.
Replaces: 3701:1-66-13
R.C. 119.032 review dates: 05/01/2017
Promulgated Under: 119.03
Statutory Authority: 3748.04
Rule Amplifies: 3748.01, 3748.02, 3748.04 , 3748.05, 3748.06, 3748.07, 3748.12, 3748.121, 3748.13, 3748.14, 3748.15, 3748.17, 3748.18, 3748.19, 3748.20, 3748.22, 3748.99
Prior Effective Dates: 2/15/2001, 2/10/06, 8/1/11


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Week 17 Tale Of The Tape: New York Jets At Buffalo Bills
There are a number of reasons why the Jets have become successful in 2015, and perhaps the two biggest are head coach Todd Bowles and quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Week 17 Tale Of The Tape: New Orleans Saints At Atlanta Falcons
The Saints are almost certainly going to be changing their signature after this season, and this game could be the swan song for head coach Sean Payton and Drew Brees.
Week 16 Tale Of The Tape: Cincinnati Bengals At Denver Broncos
The Bengals come into this game with a one-game lead over the Broncos in the battle for earning a first-round bye in the AFC playoffs.
Week 16 Tale Of The Tape: New York Giants At Minnesota Vikings
The Giants mounted a memorable comeback to tie the Carolina Panthers late in the fourth quarter, but it was not enough to keep the Giants tied for the top position in the NFC East.
Week 16 Tale Of The Tape: St. Louis Rams At Seattle Seahawks
The Rams have not gotten a lot out of their quarterback play this year, as starting quarterback Nick Foles never seemed to fit in.
Week 16 Tale Of The Tape: Pittsburgh Steelers At Baltimore Ravens
The Pittsburgh Steelers are on an offensive roll that just may allow them to not only make the playoffs, but give them a chance to go deep into the AFC playoffs.


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There was no doubt in the world that prison was just what the doctor ordered for motty.
motty, who was sucking the knob of his stick, uncorked himself.
But, what with brooding on Jeeves and brooding on motty, I was in a pretty reduced sort of state.
It looked as if motty, after seeing mother off at the station, had decided to call it a day.
Next morning, after I had sucked down a thoughtful cup of tea, I went into motty's room to investigate.
You had better get out, for we're coming, and our motty is 'Smith for ever, and No Quarter!'
There were no signs of motty, and I took it that he had gone to bed.
About midday motty's luggage arrived, and soon afterward a large parcel of what I took to be nice books.
motty, the son, was about twenty-three, tall and thin and meek-looking.
I should love to take dear motty with me, but the poor boy gets so sick when he travels by train.


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"I have already spoken to the Tottenham chairman, Daniel Levy, and told him that if a club that corresponds to Dimitar's class and ambition comes in with an offer that suits his current club in January he would like to be allowed to go," Emil Dantchev told the Sun. "Fans must understand that Dimitar is 27 next month, and time is running out for him to play for a club that can match his ambition. I would like to stress this is not about money. This is about sporting ambition."
The 26-year-old Berbatov has scored eight EPL goals this season to give him 20 since joining Tottenham from Bayer Leverkusen in a $22 million transfer a year and a half ago. He was named to the PFA's all-EPL team in his first season in England.
Berbatov, who learned English watching the Godfather movies, is one of several strikers who head the list of targets of the EPL's top clubs.
Frenchman Nicolas Anelka of Bolton Wanderers and Croatian forward Luka Modric of Dinamo Zagreb could also possibly move in major transfers during the January signing window.


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Brattleboro: Assistant Town Manager and Planning Director searches; customized MAPA training; board retreat and conflict resolution
Central Vermont Solid Waste District: Pay and classification study
Danby: Union negotiations
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Hinesburg: Organizational restructuring and clarification of roles
Morristown: Developed compensation and performance management system; conducted pay and classification study of current positions
Morrisville Water and Light: Development of strategic plan
Northfield Town and Village: Town Manager search
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Rutland Town: Personnel policy drafting
St. Albans City: Union negotiations
Shaftsbury: Conflict of interest training
Stowe: Performance management system and training
Vermont Dept. of Housing and Community Affairs: Essentials of Local Land Use Manual and training materials
Westminster: Conflict resolution
Wilmington: Customized selectboard training
Wilmington: Town Manager search
For more information, please contact Abby Friedman or call 800-649-7915, ext. 1926.
The Resource Library has been expanded to a Searchable Index of League Resources along with a comprehensive library of nearly 1,000 electronic documents.
Updated for 2015, the VLCT Municipal Law Index is a comprehensive list of laws that affect Vermont municipalities.


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Bad things happen to good organizations when conference attendees leave their thinking caps at home.
Industry conferences can provide amazing opportunities for cultural organizations to learn about new initiatives – but there's a disease that often infects well-meaning leaders at these conferences – they are bringing it back and infecting their organizations. It's time to talk about case study envy. That's the subject of this week's Know Your Own Bone Fast Facts video!
I am a fan of conferences and those who know me personally (or have met me at one), know that I frequently lament how infrequently I can get to them due to my work schedule. On that note, let's establish/acknowledge this important starting point: Industry conferences are important. We know this. I don't and won't dispute this because I believe it to be true. They provide important opportunities to learn about new ideas, celebrate achievements, discuss the state of the industry and obstacles for us all to take on together, and (perhaps most importantly) they connect us to one another as professionals and (when we're lucky!) as friends.
Now that we've very purposefully acknowledged that conferences are generally awesome things for us, I'm going to discuss an important way in which conferences are often NOT awesome. Are we ready? Okay:
Sometimes conferences make us stupid. And interestingly, data suggest that executive leaders know this. (More in a moment…)
There can be serious consequences for organizations that become too easily seduced by the alleged successes of others. I call this Case Study Envy and it takes place at all kinds of conferences. It does NOT mean that case studies aren't important and that there isn't value in sharing them. But just because industry conferences can be exciting doesn't mean that attendees should leave their thinking caps at home.
Case Study Envy can make smart people attending industry conferences believe two, pretty silly things:
1) That the organization or person speaking actually accomplished something.
Ouch. First, case study envy makes leaders believe that the presenting organization's initiative worked and that it met any meaningful goals at all. Sometimes the initiatives are attached to meaningful outcomes and that's great. But more often than not, the organization holding the microphone is someone that asked for the opportunity to tell you how good they are at something. This doesn't necessarily mean that they are actually good at it. Considering this, it's not uncommon that programs and initiatives that might more objectively be considered failures are instead presented at conferences as successes. Let's honest, it stinks to admit that something we thought was going to be cool, turned out to be a total dud. Sometimes, presenting that cool- sounding thing at a conference can internally soften the blow and save some public face.
When when you dig into 990s and look at them alongside presentations at conferences, it becomes clear that many institutions are actually sharing their failures as models of success. It certainly isn't true for all organizations and presentations – but we often note at IMPACTS that if an initiative creates mission drift or costs a very large sum of money and has no demonstrative payoff, then it's going to be shared as a success at a conference.
The inclination to frame objective failures as successes makes perfect sense: There's too much at stake to share our failures as actual failures. There are board member reputations, a CEO's symbolic capital, and even funder satisfaction at risk when we admit to failure. If we admit our cool-sounding project was a failure, then we have to say to board members, "Hey, this big project that you supported and might have even been your idea didn't work." And we really don't want to say that. So, instead, we say, "It didn't increase visitation or notably impact our brand equities in a positive or even noteworthy manner, but it was something new and cool! To prove it, we'll share it at [insert industry conference]."
I'm not saying it's an awesome situation, but the fear of calling a (very cool looking, new idea, sometimes high-tech) dog a dog may be understandable in this context that disproportionately punishes risk. What's more is that executive leaders seem to know that many of the case studies presented at conferences are actually failures – or at least, not worth influencing their decision making. It's a reason for the inverse correlation between trust and influence and information being shared at a conference. Yes. Executive leaders find information shared at conferences to be less trustworthy because it is shared at a conference.
Here's how much executive leaders trust various information channels. An index value less than 100 indicates lessened trust in the information based on its source. (Here's the link to the original post with the data and more information on it.)
Think that's bad? The data on the influence of information is much more alarming.
And on top of that, they aren't exactly go-to sources of information, either.
Yikes! Again, this is not to say that all presentations at industry conferences are useless – far from it. Conferences are a wonderful opportunity to connect and share experiences and, indeed, we need them. But they cannot help us unless we change how we approach them and stop making "finding the things that actually work in increasing solvency or summoning support" so difficult. We give the microphone to the folks that ask for the microphone (to talk about, say, membership) without much consideration for how well their (membership) programs actually work. Worst of all, there seems to be a particular want to give the microphone to some of the "biggest" organizations – and that can be dangerous if that particular organization is "touting a failure as a success." It glamorizes the failure and promulgates it among the industry, resting its glory more on the symbolic capital of other aspects of the organization rather than that, particular (futile) initiative.
There are many excellent examples of organizations of all shapes and sizes doing forward-facing things. It's a shame that those examples are sometimes diluted by glorious funeral ceremonies for futile projects disguised as successes at conferences.
So how can you determine the truly successful case studies from the hot air and combat Case Study Envy in this case? Ask, "Did this initiative increase membership, result in more people coming through the door, or secure more donors? Did it contribute to meaningful and measurable market perceptions related to their mission?" Not every self-congratulatory program, presented as a success, is actually a success. Case study envy makes it hard to tell the difference.
2) That exactly what worked for that organization will work in exactly the same way for your organization
Case Study Envy causes infected leaders to make inappropriate comparisons between other organizations and their own. While case studies can be gold mines of valuable information, its critical that leaders consider that organizations often have different assets and public perceptions. Among the industry, they tend not to be drastically different – but they are different enough that it may not be reasonable for one organization to expect the exact same initiative outcomes as another.
It's important for organizations to differentiate between models and examples. Both can be tremendously valuable – as long as we don't mix them up. Many singularly successful organizations are terrible models because they have conditions that are not easily replicated (e.g. they have massive endowments, or a specific location in a specific city that supports their reputation, or they generally have a different funding model and business strategy). However, these organizations may still provide excellent examples for initiatives when elements of their success are identified and considered. Examples can aid in informing strategies and they often deal with the evolution of best practices or serve as case studies for engaging the market.
In sum, when at a conference, aim to evaluate the strategy driving the case study and if that may be helpful to your own organization. Attaching your organization to another organization's specific tactics, however, can be tricky and may lead your organization to take on an initiative that simply was never strategically sound for you in the first place.
Many cultural organizations are doing remarkable things today. They are breaking boundaries, learning new lessons, and leading others! We need to keep these valuable lines of communication open and active. But just remember that there is often a lot of noise and it's our responsibility to our organizations to think critically about anything that can help make our organizations more successful and impactful.
Like this post? Don't forget to check out my Fast Fact videos on my YouTube channel. Here are a few related posts from Know Your Own Bone that you might also enjoy:
- Information Overload: How Case Study Envy Stifles Nonprofit Success
- Experiencing Millennial Discussion Overload? Here Are Four Things To Remember
- Audience Access: The Reality For Cultural Organizations To Embrace For Solvency
- Point of Reference Sensitivity: How It Affects Your Cultural Organization And What To Do About It (DATA)
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