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When was the last time you cast a critical eye on your company's website? If it requires visitors to download plug-ins, features small photos, has hard-to-find contact information or important sections that can't be printed, it's time for an update. With the proliferation of the iPhone, iPad, and other handheld wireless devices, overly complicated Flash sequences are out, too. What's in? Bold graphics, personality, and quick access to information. Architects like the understated elegance of white space. It makes your portfolio pop and maybe even expresses your minimalist philosophy on screen. But let's talk about font size. "When I survey architects' websites, I'm amazed at how small the type is," says Michael Bierut, an associate at New York–based graphic design firm Pentagram. "I don't think there's any profession that has such an addiction to tiny type." The problem, he says, is that it misses the intent, which is to communicate something useful. As Bierut reminds modernists, the ethic also has a purposefulness and functionalism and blunt force. "The sign on the front of the Bauhaus was big, not clever and subtle," he says.
Website design has changed rapidly over the years, along with upgrades in technology and bandwidth. A decade ago, people were happy if they could find some information about a company online. Soon after, websites were providing vast amounts of content, such as downloadable bios and project sheets. About five years ago, architects began using their online platform to demonstrate their design ingenuity. Visitors were greeted with sophisticated Flash intros, which in effect withheld real information while the animation painted a picture. These days, though, it's all about accessibility. Visitors use websites as a quick, intuitive tool. They want a clean experience that gets to information quickly and expresses something about an organization's character, without romance and atmosphere getting in the way.
Bierut is hardly the only branding expert questioning a practice that has become routine among architecture firms: intricate online personas long on style and short on personality. "From a branding perspective, most of the time people get their understanding about a company from its website," says Tyler Young, creative director at San Francisco–based Young Nomad Brand. "At the end of the design process you really need to say, 'Yes, this site talks for us in its tone and content.' By themselves, beautiful photography and boring text don't convey an identity very well."
information architecture
That doesn't mean you have to blog, if it's not your metier. Blogging is time-consuming and takes effort to sustain, and there are other ways to interact online with your audience. McKinney York Architects in Austin, Texas, for example, publishes newsy items about the practice and the local community on its site, along with links to its Twitter feed and Facebook page. The move to a new building and the addition of partner Al York, AIA, to the firm name prompted a recent website redesign, which won a 2010 American Web Design Award from Graphic Design USA.
"We're a general practice firm, so we didn't want to appear too corporate or too residential," says associate Will Wood, AIA. "We wanted the site to look clean and organized, friendly and informal, but professional." The architects already had a strong identity, but they asked Creative Suitcase, a local graphic design firm, to develop a more dynamic site. In addition to rewritten content, the customized WordPress application features easier navigation that eliminates use of the "back" button, a custom slideshow with large photos, location maps, video, and a content management system that staff members can update themselves. The architects often upload construction photos from their phones, and finished projects get a short summary and mouse-over icons that highlight awards recognition and sustainable ideas.
If proof was needed of the importance of the human touch, Google Analytics showed that McKinney York's visitors check out the profile photos first. In response to other traffic reports, the home page was tweaked a year after launch. "News stories were not getting much attention, so we put the news feed on the front," Wood says. "And we originally had a slideshow up front with automatic pan, but now we have four banner photos directing people to a project that recently won an award or was published. If someone only sees two or three projects, we know they'll be our best."
Everyone wants to be found on Google, so a search-engine-friendly site is crucial. And that means forgoing some fancy maneuvers. "Mobile apps won't play Flash, and search engines can't read the content unless you go to great effort to make it readable," says Rachel Clemens, creative director at Creative Suitcase. But that doesn't eliminate all bells and whistles. On McKinney York's Work page, for example, the scrolling slideshow supplies movement without being Flash-based. Other essentials: Make it easy for people to contact you with an e-mail form or by clicking on an icon, map your office location on the contact page, and include short videos with searchable tags. "It's so easy to put video online now because everyone's bandwidth is caught up," Clemens says, adding: "A simple site outweighs a complex site. People leave quickly if they can't figure out how to get something they're after."
identity issues
Michael Bierut agrees. "When our firm designs signage for museums and college campuses, the most popular sign is the one for the bathroom; people want to know where it is," he says. Likewise with websites, "it's surprising how often people who visit simply are looking for an address or phone number, and how often it's difficult to find it."
Content should be to-the-point and found in a quick visual sweep. The goal isn't necessarily to get people to linger, but to create a coherent experience that piques their interest enough to continue the conversation. The starting assumption, Bierut says, is that you can't design a site that works for everyone, so you have to make judgments about your real audience. "Maybe someone in authority has said, 'We've got a project to do. Research these six firms to see if they've done this kind of work before,'" he says. Particularly for large firms, that means matching what's offered to their clients' vetting process.
At New York–based Robert A.M. Stern Architects, it means making pages that look good in print. "One thing we know from working in an office with people of all ages is that even Web-savvy decision makers often ask junior people to print information for them to review while they're on a plane or away for the weekend, and we want to make the cut," says Peter Morris Dixon, director of external communications at Robert A.M. Stern Architects.
Large, diverse practices like Stern's must represent their breadth of work online, conveying authority in each sector without overwhelming visitors. Bierut, who designed the firm's new website, notes that if you arrive thinking you're commissioning a house, it's confusing to see an apartment building or office tower. His solution? To graphically depict all 12 project categories on the home page in large type, accompanied by abstracted thumbnail apertures that scale up into oversize images when scrolled over. "Rather than putting the navigation of building types somewhere else on the site, it's the first thing you see when you arrive, and is meant to get you to those categories quickly," Bierut says. "The cream background is warm, and the design lets the photos be the star. You grasp that the range is impressive, without being confused."
Robert A.M. Stern's new website uses the latest technology to more accurately reflect the firm's character. According to Dixon, who spearheaded the six-month process, the design program included adding some interactivity, replacing thumbnails with larger images, and creating a more glamorous look on par with the firm's monographs. To that end, the kerned serif headlines are consistent with the monographs, which Bierut also designed. "The words are images, not text, and are intended to evoke a sense of permanence, like carving in stone," Dixon explains.
The site design—which represents 16 partners, nine associates, and selections from a portfolio of more than 1,000 projects—also strikes a balance between quick reads and deep wells of information. Featured projects are briefly described and stats are omitted, but staff bios are fleshed out. "If we were pursuing a corporate headquarters project, our presentation might abbreviate the universities a partner has done, but on the website we don't know what people are looking for on any particular day," Dixon says. "Experience is important to convey."
So is sustainability, he believes. While some architects might argue that an environmental tab is gratuitous because the ethic permeates everything they do, the Stern partners wanted it prominently displayed on the main navigation bar. "We had heard from clients that our information on sustainability was hard to find," Dixon notes. "We're very aware that people don't associate some of the traditional architecture we do with sustainable design, but our approach is specific. We want to make it easy for people checking out firms to see that, even though it's also explained in the project descriptions."
Some issues called for compromise, such as photo size. Large images take longer to load, so the team had to find a balance between speed and size. These days, site visitors want information to load quickly, and if what they're looking for doesn't pop right up, they're likely to move on. "The redesign was not linear and required a consultant team skilled at collaboration," Dixon says. And there's more work to come. Next on the drawing board: a site tailored for mobile devices.
personal best
As social media rises, sites that are little more than online brochures are on the wane. Social media has changed the way people interact with information, and creating the built-in browsing experience they expect is another way to round out a firm's personality. One architect doing that exceptionally well is Michelle Kaufmann, Michelle Kaufmann Studio, San Francisco, whose new website reflects her separation from mkDesigns, the brand she sold to BluHomes in late 2009.
Her content-rich home page is packed with visual cues, yet the fluid design is easy to absorb. A banner features rotating portfolio images with superimposed large-type adjectives describing her design ethic, such as "healthy," "smart," and "systems built." The mid-section includes a three-sentence blurb and subcategories such as blog, homes, books, buzz; and at the bottom is an explanation of her guiding eco-principles, plus a tag cloud and social media links.
"A sense of collaboration and community is so much a part of Michelle's work. If you just see her buildings, you have only half the story," says Young Nomad Brand's Tyler Young, who designed the new site. A prolific blogger, Kaufmann had observed that some architectural websites were geared more toward other architects than to clients, and saw hers as a way to connect the dots. "I thought, here is a real opportunity to help people make more thoughtful decisions," she says. "It's not just about, 'Hey, come hire me,' but about, 'Let's make this world a better place, and talk about things people can do in their existing homes.' Then they're more likely to engage an architect rather than just go to a builder.'"
When Young asked what architects inspire her, Kaufmann mentioned Charles and Ray Eames. The question became: If the couple were alive today, what would they be doing online? Young found examples of the Eameses being playful in the studio. There were photos of them taking photos, showing the guts of their designs in beautiful ways and telling stories about how things were made.
"Architects are sometimes very linear, but they're also interesting people with a ton of knowledge," Young says. "It's important for clients to understand how they work rather than just the work, because it's often similar to what others are doing." He gravitates toward images that capture the human side of architecture. "It's not just about the house, but life in the house, which is crucial from branding perspective," Young says. "Architects might be better served reflecting the environment they built than their design aesthetic."
Michelle Kaufmann Studio's website traffic statistics seem to bear that out. According to Compete, last year the number of unique visitors to Kaufmann's site far outperformed those of architecture giants Kohn Pedersen Fox and OMA, Rem Koolhaas' firm, suggesting that interactivity attracts a larger audience.
Ultimately, though, technology is just a tool. It changes, but key branding messages never do. San Francisco graphic designer Earl Gee, Gee + Chung Design, whose clients include Apple, Autodesk, and IBM, applies a standard beyond resonating with a target clientele: Would an outside audience understand and appreciate the message? Simplicity is a big deal.
When Gee judges website competitions, he runs through a checklist: a strong concept that permeates the site, well-organized content, clear navigation, the engaging use of interactivity, and multiple entry points and ways to experience the site. "You use storytelling to define how you're different and why it matters to your audience," Gee says. "A website is a key investment in your business. It's how people meet you nowadays."


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GSA Continues to Attract Top Federal Entrepreneurs; People are Key to Support of GSA's Innovative Procurement Programs
NOTE: Archived news releases may contain contact names, telephone numbers, Web links, or other information that is outdated. You may reach a public affairs officer at 202-501-1231. For a list of public affairs officers by beat, visit http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/101120.
September 21, 1999
Contact: Bill Bearden (202) 501-1231
Washington, DC -- The U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) has announced several recent key personnel appointments to support the innovative procurement programs in its Federal Technology Service (FTS).
Wendell Berry will be a program director in the IT Solutions Regional Services Center and Gale Greenwald a procurement program analyst. Berry will work with Center director Manny DeVera to help increase FTS business in GSA Regions. Greenwald will help the newly formed Solutions Development Centers in the Regions implement and administer FTS' portfolio of information technology contracts.
Berry has over 30 years experience in the Federal information technology arena, and has managed fee-for-service operations for the last 15 years. In his 25 years as a Federal manager, Berry has overseen all phases of the software development life cycle.
Greenwald has both headquarters and regional experience in financial and program management at EPA and NIH. She has had extensive IT contracting experience at NIH, NOAA and NavSea.
According to Charles Self, assistant commissioner for ITI, "FTS continues to seek out the best people in government so we can deliver the best possible services and products to our Federal customers through Government-wide task-order contracts and solutions-based programs. The addition of Berry and Greenwald will help us do that better."
FTS Commissioner Dennis Fischer praised Berry and Greenwald as leaders in Federal IT procurement who have demonstrated very high levels of creativity and innovation in their careers. "I believe they will find working with FTS to support our Government-wide clients an exciting and reaffirming experience."
Other recent additions are Denny Groh, who will serve as deputy assistant commissioner of the Office of Service Delivery. Patrick Smith will be the director of the newly established Financial Management Systems Software Center.
Groh will support the implementation of the FTS 2001 program, which provides voice, data, video, and wireless service to Federal agencies. Groh has extensive business development experience in the private sector.
Smith will manage the efforts to support federal agencies in their acquisition and installation of new financial and administrative systems as well as the new enterprise resources planning solutions. This support will involve consulting in financial and administrative management functions and systems, the development of procurement strategies and acquisition of required goods and services. Prior to joining FTS, Smith was director of the Administrative Technology Center at the Department of Commerce.
"The scope, volume, and impact of the work we do demand the best and brightest people we can find," said Charles Self. "The addition of these entrepreneurs are a must to support our innovative procurement programs.

subset: commoncrawl


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Trunks 3, Scene #03
- : 05/28/2007 |
- : 19:29 min |
- : 1675
Scene Info
Trent Atkins and R.C. Ryan are hanging out by the pool talking about sports and stroking their cocks through their trunks. All they are really interested in though is what the other is packing - so they pull out their meat and start to show off. Trent stops jacking his own rock hard cock to fall on his knees and take R.C.'s long fat ramrod deep down his throat. R.C. returns the favor, expertly and relentlessly sucking Trent's hefty cock to the base. With a nod R.C. coaxes Trent over to a nearby table where he pushes him over and fucks his ass. R.C. shows amazing stamina as he pumps his 9+ inches in and out of Trent's tight hole until Trent explodes. As instructed, R.C. pulls out and shoots his man juice all over Trent's stomach.
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Assessment |
Biopsychology |
Comparative |
Cognitive |
Developmental |
Language |
Individual differences |
Personality |
Philosophy |
Social |
Methods | Statistics | Clinical | Educational | Industrial | Professional items | World psychology |
Social psychology: Altruism · Attribution · Attitudes · Conformity · Discrimination · Groups · Interpersonal relations · Obedience · Prejudice · Norms · Perception · Index · Outline
General theoriesEdit
By explaining more phenomena, with increased economy, a general theory provides more scientific power. For example, General Theory of Relativity, General Systems Theory etc.
General theory of collaborationEdit
Currently there exists no consolidated, general theory of collaboration (GTC). Such a theory could provide a common language and framework for those seeking to better understand and expand the collaborative aspects of any given field of human endeavour. Additionally, a GTC would provide a body of knowledge on which those developing collaborative software and other design-based enterprises might draw.
Collaboration is fostered when there is an expected beneficial outcome by the collaborators. If human nature is basically selfish, due to our inherent primal survival instincts, collaboration is a step above selfish thinking when we can see the benefits of our combined efforts. When living in a primitive tribe meant more food and more safety, it was an obvious choice to join, and contribute to, or collaborate with, the tribe. In today's western world of hyper-freedom and uber-independence, collaboration is much more difficult to achieve. Most of us live in a world of abundance in regard to food and material needs, and for the most part we rarely feel unsafe. It could be that poverty-stricken or homeless people would in many cases be better collaborators, due to necessity, than neighbors in a high-end neighborhood. If you have doubts about this, attend a Western World Home Owners Association meeting to look for collaboration and mutual need fulfillment; and measure also the number of non-attendees as non-collaborators.
The more significant the causal outcome, the higher the participation and commitment level will be amongst collaborators. Contrast the success of World War II collaboration between all Americans, from the housewives building airplanes, the rationing of all commodities to the populace, the purchase of war bonds, nearly complete patriotic support, etc.; to the Vietnam war where the cause was questionable and the threat was less much less substantial to Americans and other world residents, and the support of Americans was greatly divided. Collaboration of smaller groups functions on a similar level, but also has a more obvious foray of other interpersonal challenges. Factors such as such as Greed, Selfishness, Narcissism, Risk, Embarrassment, Trust, Control, Talent, Ability, and Ignorance, must all be overcome prior to achieving the desired outcome of the group. Many of these challenges are subconscious or ingrained behavior, and persons who remain ignorant to them will not be successful collaborators.
Successful Collaboration has been described as Synergy, where the sum is greater than all the parts; i.e. 2+2=5. This can be true if all four collaborators are outcome driven, and have left their selfish interests behind. However, due to the independent nature of modern western man, it is all too common that 2 + 2= 3 (or 2) depending on the net loss of effort caused by selfish interests.
References to theories of collaborationEdit
Although there are very few references to a general theories of collaboration online (see External Links below), one such reference [1] claims that any comprehensive theory of collaboration must address:
- the meaning of collaboration itself;
- the auspices under which a collaboration is convened and the role of intervention in directing social change;
- the implications of collaboration for environmental complexity and organizational control over the environment; and
- the relationship between organizations' self-interests and the collective interests present in a collaborative alliance.
Directions for inspirationEdit
Collaboration is a subject of research in many diverse and disparate fields. It is possible that through transdisciplinary research (such as Meta Collab) a GTC may emerge simply by bringing existing theories to the foreground. In the meantime, inspiration may be drawn from the following bodies and traditions of research:
Perhaps the 'ology' a GTC would most likely to belong to, is sociology. Concerning itself with the social rules and processes that bind and separate people not only as individuals, but as members of associations, groups, and institutions, research done in this area may shed much light on the process of collaboration.
Karl-Erik Sveiby did a survey of global business in 2002 to measure collaborative climate against different demographics. His survey concluded: "Collaborative climate tends to improve with age, physical proximity, education level and managerial role. It is generally better in the private sector than the public sector. Collaborative climate seems to peak at the mid-size firm level. Employees tend to experience a U-formed appreciation of the collaborative climate: very positive at recruitment, then deteriorating and later (among the survivors) improving again."
Ethnography refers to the holistic, qualitative description of human social phenomena, based on fieldwork. Ethnographic studies of collaboration in its context of manifestation, might also provide valuable insights into the process from an 'eye level' perspective.
As a social animal, the human being's behaviour is per definition a form of collaboration according to the standard dictionary definition - 'working together with one or more in order to achieve a common goal.' From this perspective, collaboration is a naturally occurring phenomenon, embedded in our DNA. Darwin argued that cooperation and collaboration must have evolved as an evolutionary advantage.
It is from this orientation that we could look to biology for a general theory. Collaboration as an evolutionary force runs somewhat counter to traditional Darwinian notions of 'survival of the fittest.' This line of inquiry has been explored in some depth in Robert Wright's book, Nonzero:The Logic of Human Destiny. In the view that this position holds, cooperative nonzero sum games (see Game theory) are a counterpoint to competitive zero sum games, filling a space sometimes referred to as 'Darwin's blind spot.' 'Darwin's blind spot' refers to the perceived over reliance upon competitive, 'survival of the fittest' theories to account for all of the variations attributed to evolution, in particular, group and multilevel selection theory.
Collaboration may be instinctive and selected-for in evolutionary terms because it succeeds. But we collaborate not because it succeeds, necessarily, but because it is fun. True collaboration, in hunting, in the arts and music, in sports, in raising children, is a joyous experience, and gives you a feeling that you cannot get from any individual pursuit. That feeling is the remarkable sense of collective accomplishment. We did that.
In finding similarities and differences in the nature, methods and motivations of collaboration across any and every field of human endeavour. The answer to that not too modest question depends on what exactly is meant by endeavour.
Suppose endeavour is understood as any economic activity, then economics teaches us, that:
- the nature of collaboration is either market transactions or decision making in a hierarchy to coordinate the allocation of scarce resources in production, distribution of income and finally consumption;
- the methods of collaboration are clearing of markets through price adjustments on the one hand and control of information on the other hand performed by rational acting agents;
- the motivationndeio' of collaboration is pursuit of self interest.
This line of thought originates in Adam Smith's 18th work "An inquiry in the causes and nature of the wealth of nations", and all subsequent classical and neo-classical economics.
See alsoEdit
External linksEdit
References to GTCEdit
- Review of Research Finds that Theories of Collaboration are Incomplete ' A review of research finds 6 distinct explanations for collaborative alliances...'
- Improving Collaboration Theory Means Answering Several Important Questions ' A review of research finds unanswered questions that any general theory of collaborative alliances must be able to address...'
General theories in generalEdit
- Two Kinds of General Theories in Systems Science - an article discussing the merits of different kinds of general theories within the systems science domain.
|This page uses Creative Commons Licensed content from Wikipedia (view authors).


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An efficiently run system. As comfortable as can be expected when in an eight-bed dorm situation. Amazingly convenient to beaches, night-life, public transportation. Without doubt the best way for a solo traveler on a limited budget.
The staff was grade a. Everyone was so nice and friendly it was a blast. The people who stayed were polite. The location was bomb 10/10
Front desk was rude. Reservation in their system didn't match what I booked online and they wouldn't honor it even when I showed the reservation details. Charged my card for the night and refused to refund money.
Dirty restrooms
Me and a group of friends went for my bday. Staff was very friendly and helpful. Nice happy hour. I can honestly say I had no complaints.
First stay in a hostel, which made me nervous but I really liked it. Had an awesome stay. Posh was sparkling clean, the staff was very friendly and accommodating, and I met some really cool people while I stayed. Good wifi, free cocktails during happy hour downstairs, free beach towels, washer/dryer. Recommended. N/A. Everything was great.
What hostel has such modern interior and chic, clean pool? None! And it really is a block away from the beach!! I was worried about the co-ed dorm but people were respectful and no shady business occurred during my stay. Outside guests and parties are not allowed so that made it feel safe and not so rowdy which can be the downside of hostels at times. The staff was great, especially Monica, my Miami mommy! She was caring, friendly and helpful and respectful to even cranky, rude guests. Overall, - great hostel stay (not hotel stay so do not come with such expectations and complain!) Good crowd of people in their 20's-60's: majority in 20-30 range. There were no activity items available that often a beach-based hostels might have: beach ball, boogie board, volleyball, etc. Not that I minded since I'm not a big sports person. There was a theft of a phone charger (not staff's fault) so be aware and stow away your items.
close proximity for the beach and also for shopping tight parking in car park when all places are occupied
The location is excellent, few steps away from the beautiful South Beach, the Lincoln Ave. with all the shops and restaurants, the Espanola Way with excellent restaurants! the air con is an on-off tool, either it blows very cold air or it is off. And it is very noisy.
Todo exelente
The air conditioning unit was very noisy
The hotel was tired in places but it was clean and we had all the facilities we needed such as free internet and a very good location near the beach. The staff were all attentive and keen to make our stay the best possible, we had a free welcome drink and the food in the restaurent was good.
A smooth pleasant rest stop with zero questions. I manage d to get sleep without interruption s. Good place..
Our waiter in the Eva´s bistro during the breakfasts was the best. Thank you for the good and personal service! The food in the Bistro was also very good. We also liked flexible check-in and check-out times, because we were travelling with 2,5 years old toddler and he needed his afternoon naps. The location is 10+. The beach is just 1 block away and the Art Deco destrict (Ocean drive) is just in the neighbourhood. Also shopping area Lincoln street is only 2 blocks away. Just good location! Good place for short staying (1-4 nights). The room was enough big and beds were good. It was also enough peaceful hotel during our stay in the end of Óctober -10. I can recommend this hotel for everyone who wants good value for money and good location. The floor of the room was not too clean and we needed to use sandals in the room.
* Nanci the receptionist/consierge was excellent. I would return to Hotel Eva due to her hospitality. * It was extremly difficualt to open the doors using the swipe card. This should be changed asap.
The rooms were very clean and spacious.
This hotel was in an amazing location. They were friendly and clean and the room was quite a bit larger than I expected. All in all a great value!
Rooms were clean unlike a typical hostel. Felt comfortable and safe No towels available. Someone forgot to do laundry
Very good location, kind reception by the front desk and car parking (very usefull). Bathroom accesories too old
The location is good, less then 2 minutes from the hostel to the beach, lot of restaurants near by. Cause there have a pub near by, so there is so noise and bright light outside the window, make you feels like afternoon on the midnight.
Easy and clean- best hostel experience in Miami Beach.
Location Bedbugs
I liked the location and very comfortable set up The parking in the area was not good and food at the VooDoo wasn't great
One of the best hostels I've ever stayed in so much fun they offer a lot staff are friendly and the people are great.. Loved this place nothing bad to say
Nothing The service is superr bad nasty and bad
Breakfast@8, Lunch@1 an Dinner@6 was good Broken tiles, dirty showers provided a very indicative foamy antimocrobial soap, which I imagine was meant to disguise or repell the germy environment you inhabit
Ummm.....the cleaning lady? Uncomfortable beds. Not enough showers or bathrooms. Room was over their bar, so it was very loud. Dirty.
My first experience staying in a hostel ever...it was so much fun with super friendly staff, close location to the beach, fun planned events and convenient shuttle service to the airport. It was great partying with random people from all over the country and the world. I am so happy I decided to stay here and I hope to come back soon to the South Beach Hostel! A little cramped, but really not much to complain!
Good atmosphere, international companion. Very fast wireless internet and free drink for each customer. No parking zone.
- South Beach was 2 blocks away - different activities every evening,good to get to know new people - you can book different tours in the "lobby" - walls are thin,it´s very loud - shared bathrooms without a lot of space - breakfast was too small(definitely no continental breakfast) - not very clean
Everything, nice, friendly and warm reception! The giant spot lamps in front the TV Sets, nonsense: how can you see something on the screen?
It was close to the beach and the boulevard The breakfast was old, you could only get 1 bagel, jam and a orange or banana + juice, shower was cold, and it was very noisy. The staff were not good informed about the rules etc, they kept giving me different answers.
Everybody was very friendly, very youth place. Wonderful beach near to the Hostel. They didnt clean the room not even once.
It's so close to the beach!!! Awesome It's nice, but i don't like be with 5 more people at the same room
I met funny people there
The location The noise at night, the uncomfortable beds
South Beach, CVS pharmacy nearby noisy noisy noisy, tried to rip me off with private airport shuttle service instead of standard airport service without saying so and without quoting a price (twice as much for private)
economy, good location at the beach and wmc main events, friendly staff and international neibours, if you want not so exspensive travel you find in this place all that you need
The rooms could be a little cleaner but for the most part its a good value hostel. One of the better ones in Miami Beach. The free pizza night and barbeque are also extras that the other hostels don't have. If it were closer to the beach it might be the best hostel around
Great people good vibes. Good food and amazing staff. Sabrina was very helpful and I came to become good friends w all staff rusty Lisa and James. Make sure you see them when you come down. Atmosphere is really nice Nothing I really enjoyed my stay here and I'd come back anytime I'm back in Miami.
I would definitly recommend this place to anyone. All the staff and all the visitors i met were really nice. The atmosphere was great, it had a real laid back relacing feel. I will definitely be back again! The only part i didnt like was that i couldnt stay longer
I liked everything about this place!Being that this was my first hostel it was awesome!The staff were cool,the hostel is in walking distance to get to South Beach,and the overall experience was awesome!You can also pick up a nice little bagel breakfast on the house between 8-10am in the morning!Bathrooms are conviently in the room you're staying in so that was a plus as well. Didn't find anything I didn't like.
There was plenty of movie entertainment and even a hot tub. Lots of attention to detail and very clean. Getting used to sharing a dorm room with six other people.


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Tony Jung
posted on Wednesday, August 16, 2006 - 9:48 pm
I'm using version 4.0. I'm running a multiple group CFA to test for factorial invariance across 4 groups. Single latent with 3 indicators. The indicator variables are 5-point Likert type. Using MLR and GENERAL MISSING H1, my output is as follows:
Chi-Square Test of Model Fit Value = 151.312*
Degrees of Freedom = 12
P-Value = 0.0000
Scaling Correction Factor for MLR = 1.164
Chi-Square Contributions From Each Group
What I don't understand is how to apply the steps for "Chi-Square Difference Testing Using the Satorra-Bentler Scaled Chi-Square" as outlined on your website.
Do I simply take the difference in chi-square contribution values and divide by the scaling correction factor? For example, Group 1 (32.944) minus Group 2 (38.613) divided by 1.164? How would I test for difference between, say Model 1, and the OVERALL model?
My second question is, should I be using WLSMV instead of MLR since the variables are skewed and non-normal?
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Thursday, August 17, 2006 - 7:06 am
If your variables are ordered polytomous with floor or ceiling effects, you should treat them as categorical. You can use either the weighted least squares estimator or maximum likelihood. The key is that you would be using the CATEGORICAL option of the VARIABLE command. This can be used with either estimator.
In Chapter 13 at the end of the disucssion of multiple group analysis, you will find a discussion of testing for measurement invariance. Here you will find the models to compare. The chi-square for the full model should be used.
Scott R. Colwell
posted on Sunday, February 17, 2008 - 10:08 am
Why is it that if you run a CFA without considering grouping then you a much lower Chi-Square value than if you consider groups in the CFA through the "grouping is.." option.
Should the chi-square value stay the same?
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Sunday, February 17, 2008 - 11:35 am
It could be that the model fits differently in the general population that in the separate groups. It could also be that you have not relaxed the default equality constraints in Mplus and that these constraints are affecting the fit. See the following paper for further information:
Muth�n, B. (1989). Latent variable modeling in heterogeneous populations. Psychometrika, 54, 557-585.
Fatma Ayyad
posted on Monday, August 09, 2010 - 10:23 pm
Dear Dr. Muthen:
I'm using version 6.0. I'm running a multiple group CFA to test for factorial invariance across 4 groups. 3 continiuos latent variable, and 40 indicators. The indicator variables are 5-point Likert type. I am using WLSMV estimator and type=general.
My question: why in the output I can not read the Chi square model fit. RMSE, CFI and TLI?
The output says:"NO CONVERGENCE. NUMBER OF ITERATIONS EXCEEDED".
I also tried two factor solution and one factor solution and I was not able to read the model fit.
Thank you,
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Tuesday, August 10, 2010 - 6:12 am
Please send the full output and your license number to
Keivn Linares
posted on Thursday, November 04, 2010 - 12:39 am
Hello Drs. Muthen,
Is there a difference approach to study measurement invariance and investigate variance and structural mean invariance of categorical items using the BAYES estimator in version 6.1? I tried executing a multiple groups analysis and I received the following message:
*** ERROR in ANALYSIS command
ESTIMATOR=BAYES is not currently available for multiple group analysis.
Try using the KNOWNCLASS option for TYPE=MIXTURE.
this was my syntax:
STVAL = ml;
F1 BY m18* m3 m7 m12 m19 m20;
F2 BY m5* m8 m10 m11 m14 m15 m16;
F3 BY m1* m4 m9 m13 m17;
Model Female:
F1 BY m3* m7 m12 m19 m20;
F2 BY m8* m10 m11 m14 m15 m16;
F3 BY m4* m9 m13 m17;
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Thursday, November 04, 2010 - 6:05 am
Multiple group analysis must be done via TYPE=MIXTURE using the KNOWNCLASS option. The GROUPING option is not available yet with Bayesian analysis. When class membership is known, it is the same as multiple group analysis.
janni niclasen
posted on Friday, April 27, 2012 - 4:26 am
I am running CFA, categorical data, WLS estimator, (N=71000 in total but eight subsamples varying in size from 1200-28000). I am comparing identical models between the groups. I have two questions:
question 1. when I compare two groups using the 'grouping is' command i get the following output:
Chi-Square Contributions From Each Group
What do I do next. I assume that I cannot just say that the model works better for girls (I suppose I need some sort of statistical difference)? Will I have to carry out some sort of significance test og what do I report in my article?
question 2: I want to compare the models among all eight groups. Is there a way to do that and how do I interpret these output? And is it problematic that my groups vary in size from 1200-28000?
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Friday, April 27, 2012 - 9:01 am
The chi-square contributions for each group are descriptive and are not meant to be used to make decisions about which group fits best. A first step in multiple group analysis is to run the analysis for each group separately. If the same model does not fit well in each group, it does not make sense to do a multiple group analysis. See the Topic 2 course handout under multiple group analysis to see the steps we recommend for testing for measurement invariance for categorical outcomes.
janni niclasen
posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 1:43 am
I have already specified well working models for each group and also identified one overall well-working model for all groups (i.e. I have done what is recommended in topic 2). The model that I wnat to compare between groups is the model that I have identified to be a well working model for all sub-samples. so my questions:
1. Can I conclude that the model is better for group PIGE in the output above?
2. is it problematic that my groups vary in size from 1200-28000 - when I compare the sub-samples with each other?
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Monday, April 30, 2012 - 8:38 am
1. No. These are for descriptive purposes only. Use the fit from the individual group analyses.
2. The larger groups will dominate to some extent. You can take random samples from the larger groups to bring them in line with the other groups.
posted on Friday, September 28, 2012 - 6:15 pm
I used MLR as the estimator for Multiple group CFA analysis. When I gradually imposed equality constraint to the model, the CFI values increase instead of decrease.
How can this be interpreted? Is there any reference that discuss about this?
Thank you.
Linda K. Muthen
posted on Sunday, September 30, 2012 - 10:36 am
Please send the two outputs and your license number to
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By JOHN CRABTREE
Center for Rural Affairs
In order for Florida's rural cities and small towns to contribute fully to the nation's economic recovery, we must enable small, mainstreet businesses to build a better future for themselves, their community, state and nation.
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Kelly Ripa handles red carpet tumble like a pro!
(Yahoo!) - Kelly Ripa may be one of the most popular women in television, but even she has her klutzy moments. The blond beauty attended the CNN Heroes Tribute in New York City on Wednesday night but lost her footing and tripped on the star-studded red carpet.
Onlookers reached out to help the 43-year-old star, including HBO's "Girls" actress Allison Williams, who couldn't help but laugh as she watched Kelly fall toward the floor.
But the 5-foot-3inch TV host quickly saved face and walked it off in her sky-high stilettos as if nothing had happened. She even posed for photos with stars like Anderson Cooper, Mariska Hargitay, and Alan Cummingas she made her way down the carpet. What a pro!
Check out the vid to see the pic of Kelly's red carpet mishap:


text:
GSA Statement on Distribution Reforms
March 20, 2000
Contact: Eleni Martin
Peg Strain
(202) 501-1231
The US General Services Administration released the following statement today from David J. Barram, Administrator, and Frank P. Pugliese, Commissioner, GSA Federal Supply Service, regarding the future of the agency's distribution operations:
"GSA's Federal Supply Service (FSS) distribution centers have provided a cost-effective source of products to Federal customers over most of the last 50 years. However, the long-term declining trend in sales, intensifying competition from commercial sources, and an increasingly complex array of customer demands create business issues which require our attention.
"Along with our labor partners, American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) and the National Federation of Federal Employees (NFFE), we have spent significant time since October, 1999, studying the situation and sharing information. GSA engaged the Logistics Management Institute (LMI) to determine the most cost efficient and effective supply chains that meet customers' needs, and to compare them to FSS' current system. At AFGE's request, LMI worked with two experts from the Harvard Business School.
"The LMI study shows that GSA can generate savings for its customers and maintain current service levels by reducing the number of distribution centers, improving their efficiency, and partnering further with the private sector to supply items Federal customers buy from GSA today.
"The LMI study gives us a reasonable array of options, and now it is time to act.
"In April, 2001, the Palmetto, Georgia and Fort Worth, Texas distribution centers will close. The four forward supply points located in Franconia, Virginia; Chicago, Illinois; Denver, Colorado; and Auburn, Washington also will close by April 2001.
"The distribution centers at Burlington, New Jersey and Stockton, California will be absorbing and adjusting work to accommodate these changes. We believe the overall workload will continue to decline, but at this time we have concluded it is prudent to keep these two facilities open past April 2001.
"Two new organizations will be created within FSS: a Supply Business Line and a Business Planning Unit. The Supply Business Line will ensure a smooth transition to new ways of doing business for our customers. This national program will be led by Woody Landers, currently the FSS Assistant Regional Administrator in Ft. Worth. The distribution centers and forward supply points, along with other supply support functions, will report directly to this Supply Business Line. The Business Planning unit will be created to help FSS identify, analyze and plan for future business opportunities. John Roehmer, currently the Assistant Commissioner for Distribution Management, will assume responsibility for that unit.
"FSS provides a worldwide Federal link to acquisition, supply and distribution, fleet management, excess property disposal, travel, and transportation services. It provides other Federal agencies billions of dollars worth of supplies and services each year with savings going to both customers and taxpayers. FSS will continue to be the dependable source of these services and supplies both during and after this transition is complete. In fact, customers will be offered new and better products and services from FSS based on enhancements underway for GSA's award-winning e-commerce system,
GSA Advantage!, and new commercial partnerships.
"We realize waiting for a decision about the future of FSS' distribution system has been hard on the entire GSA community, especially those in FSS and their families. Throughout this trying time, GSA employees have demonstrated their commitment to professionalism and serving the needs of their customers. Now that the decision is made, we will concentrate on doing everything we can to help affected employees prepare for the best next steps in their work life. We will begin immediately to prepare plans for these actions and we will continue to work in partnership with the unions.
"Maintaining two supply depots will provide a continuous distribution system for individuals with disabilities as outlined in the Javits-Wagner-O'Day (JWOD) Act."


text:
Official Download
However, the developers have no problem with third-party builders posting incremental third-party builds, and since we don't have much time to give back as much as we'd like, we think this would help and it seems the the developers agree. As such, below you will find various links to such builds.
Read the following link if you have an issue with one of these SVN builds.
HOW-TO post about a problem in a useful manner.
Use separate threads for postings bugs and use the TRAC system to file them properly for developers to look at.
There are currently two build options for the windows version. A DirectX build and an OpenGL build. The DirectX build is the default build and the only officially supported build for Windows from this point forward. 3rd Party Builders, however, are free to build the OpenGL build for as long as they choose and it happens to exist. Use the OpenGL version at your own risk. I am currently no longer providing the GL builds.
Kay.one has made Automatic update client for XBMC. Latest builds are posted to the ftp server that this updater uses. You can still update manually from the links posted in this thread if you like, but the updater application makes it much easier.
Quote:It basically downloads the latest third-party build and updates your local installation, with option to do the update without any user intervention.
kricker builds;
Main trunk builds.
zipped builds;
These are for manual upgrade, and are the same builds used by XBMCUpdater client.
For all these builds:
If you want to know what has changed between builds or if a particular bug has been fixed, check out the GitHub page.


text:
Everyone goes to Harvard Business School eager to start their business careers. Not me, at least not yet. This summer I decided to volunteer in Africa before setting off to a full-time job.
I am writing from Johannesburg, South Africa where I'm working at a company called Lapdesk.
I first heard of Lapdesk on my first day of class at Harvard when I was handed a case study about the company. And I was confused. I was at Harvard Business School. I expected to learn about a Fortune 500 company or a famous CEO. Why were we focused on a South African company whose goal was to eradicate classroom desk shortages throughout Africa by manufacturing ergonomically designed Lapdesks made out of high quality recyclable plastic?
What is ergonomically? Good question – they're shaped like kidney beans and have a comfortable handle.
After an inspiring discussion, combined with a 20 minute video conference with the founder, Shane Immelman, I realised why. There are 80 million children throughout Africa without a desk. That is a huge business opportunity. Lapdesk is addressing this social problem, with a dynamic private sector proposition. Read more


text:
Michael Rivest, Ph.D., D.S.T.
Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor
Winston Salem, North Carolina 27103
Christians get themselves into trouble just like everyone else. However unlike everyone else Christians have real solutions. If we apply Scripture and the transforming power of Christ not only can we handle, change, but also transform not only our problems but ourselves. Scripture encourages us to seek godly counsel. I am a Licensed Clinical Pastoral Counselor. Christian counseling is a combination of teaching and guiding. Consequently your goals will be reached quickly and permanently. www.MarriageCounseling.org
Dale Hancock, Ph.D.
Dr. Dale Hancock
3540 Clemmons Road Suite 233, Clemmons, North Carolina 27012
I believe the Bible has the answers for successful life performance. Prayer is also utilized in session as prayer is vital for a Christian's life. As believer's we understand that we need God's help and intervention to overcome the problems that we often endure in life. Christian counseling is practical, loving and has the best chance to get to the heart of issues.


text:
You don't have to be a movie-goer to snack on this single serving bag of buttered promotional popcorn.
This custom tin makes sure everybody gets their favorite popcorn option and you get your corporate brand in front of your recipients.
Display your graphics on the custom packaging of this tube filled with a mix of flavored popcorn. The full-color imprint leaves an opening so that you can see the delicious treats inside.
Make your promotions really POP with this fully customizable promotional popcorn bag.
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Promotional popcorn they'll never forget with old fashion butter and cheese flavors.
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Give your customers or employees the flavor they are searching for with this 3.5 gallon custom tin filled with either classic buttery promotional popcorn or a trio of popcorn flavors.
Filled with gourmet popcorn, this reusable promotional popcorn tin is always a holiday favorite.
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This full color popcorn box custom packaging is a fun way to promote your brand while providing a yummy popcorn treat that everyone loves!
The 16 oz. Solo Cup style custom tumblers w/ snacks gift set is a great giveaway to give your brand immediate exposure for any event.
This 16 oz. Leather-Wrapped Custom Tumbler with a 7 oz. bag Hampton Special Edition Cookies & Cream popcorn makes a perfect gift for any occasion.
Fill these fun Promotional Logo Popcorn Bags with popcorn, holiday candy - even your products!
Enjoy movie night with these yummy treats that come packed in a Small Movie Theater Popcorn Bucket w/ Assorted Custom Candy.
Enjoy a family movie night with a Large Movie Theater Popcorn Bucket w/ Assorted Custom Candy.
This custom tin makes sure everybody gets what they want and you get your promotional logo out with six different promo snacks.
Make a big hit with this custom box baseball fans will love. These delicious peanuts and caramel corn treats similar to Cracker Jacks ®.
This promotional snack pack filled with mixed nuts is perfect for those who prefer the naturally salty taste and crunchy texture of their desired snack.
This promotional snack pack filled with jumbo cashews perfect for those who prefer the naturally salty taste and crunchy texture of their desired snack.
The contents might go fast, but this custom logo gift tin will be a keepsake for a long time afterwards.


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What Every Athlete Should Know
It is important that an athlete "respect" their coach (teammates, staff and volunteers), but sometimes, they act in ways that can be harmful and hurtful to young athletes.
It is important for every athlete to understand what is unacceptable behavior and when to reach out to an adult to ask for help and guidance.
Everyone needs to make sure sport is a safe and positive environment free of abuse, bullying and harassment.
Every sports club should have an Athlete Welfare Advocate (AWA). An AWA is not a coach. The AWA is an adult who has volunteered to be available to any athlete who is concerned about the conduct of coaches, staff, volunteers or other athletes and wants to talk about what to do.
If your sports club doesn't have an AWA, you should seriously consider speaking to your parents or another adult in the club who you trust.
When should you speak to an adult and ask for help?
- Whenever something happens that to "you," it is important that you speak up. See the list below.doesn't feel right
- Sometimes athletes are worried that if they complain about a situation with a coach or an adult, the coach will no longer like them or give them good instruction. Or, you may think your teammates will get mad at you. Don't be afraid to speak up! Everyone deserves respectful conduct.
- If any of the following happens to you,you should speak up to protect yourself and your teammates:
No Bullying, Emotional or Verbal Abuse Allowed!
- When an adult or another athlete who is bigger, stronger or older tries to make you do something wrong, makes you feel worthless or makes fun of you in order to embarrass you or make you feel bad
- When someone yells at you, calls you names or swears at you
- When someone pushes, shoves, punches, pinches or hurts you in any way
- When someone tries to make you feel like you are a bad person
- When someone repeatedly attempts to control your personal or social life
No Sexual Abuse!
- Sexual contact, sexual attention, and any other behavior with sexual overtones that make you uncomfortable and you do not want to have happen
- Sex jokes, sexual cartoons or photos
- If someone touches you inappropriately, tries to pinch, fondle or kiss you
- Someone talking to you about sex, asking you to have sex, asking you to touch them or kiss them
- Someone talks about your body or your dress or calls you "hot"
- Emails, text messages or uses social media to talk about sex or suggest sexual things or send sexual photos
- If anyone tries to hurt you sexually or forces you to touch them
No Hazing, Initiation Rituals, or Physical Punishment!
- No team is allowed to have an initiation ritual or make you think that you have to do something embarrassing to be accepted on the team
- Activities that ARE NOT ALLOWED:
- pressuring you to drink alcohol, take drugs, or eat or drink something you don't want to
- giving you any substance for the purpose of improving performance
- making you shave of any part of the body or take off clothes or show body parts
- making you dress up and look silly
- forcing you to do 100 sit-ups or run laps or do hard physical activity as punishment
- asking you to perform a physical activity that is clearly beyond your ability and may cause injury
No Romantic or Dating Relationships with Coaches!
- Your coach must treat every athlete equally and should not be spending time alone with any athlete
- The coach is your teacher and romantic relationships are NOT OK
Physical Contact!
A coach must always ask for permission prior to any touching of an athlete. The following situations are generally accepted unless "you" the athlete feels uncomfortable:
- when the coaches asks for permission to put a body part in a correct mechanical position or correct physical form;
- a "high five" or pat on the head or back when congratulating an athlete for a good performance;
- "spotting" or any protective coaching intended to reduce the risk of practicing or performing a skill that may cause harm with "spotting" techniques explained to the athletes beforehand;
- In general, if a coach or anyone else touching you makes you feel uncomfortable for any reason, it is okay for you to ask the person to stop and such physical contact must stop immediately no matter what the reason.


text:
Chair of the CCJE from November 2000 to December 2003 :
Lord Jonathan Mance
Lord Mance read jurisprudence
at Oxford, worked for a period in Germany and then
practised as a barrister in England and various
overseas countries from 1967 to 1993, becoming
Queen's Counsel in 1982.
He specialised in commercial
and international matters, was a founder director of
the Bar Mutual Indemnity Fund Limited and chaired
various Banking Appeal Tribunals before his
appointment in 1993 to the High Court bench, where
he sat both in commercial cases and in other matters
including crime.
He was appointed to the Court
of Appeal in 1999 to hear both civil and criminal
He was president of the
British Insurance Law Association in 2000-2002, and
has been a trustee of the European Law Academy since
2003. He is chairman of Hampstead Counselling
Service and the author and editor or various legal
works, articles and lectures.
He has since 2003 continued to
represent the United Kingdom on the CCJE.


text:
Message Board
Gore Vidal Message Board
Talk about the novels, new and used books that Vidal has written!
Author Vidal's Book Reviews
Charles Schuyler, Aaron Burr's biographer and illegitimate son has come home to America. He's broke and his goal to find his beautiful daughter Emma a wealthy husband. He's also searching for some freelance writing assignments to keep them afloat until she finds a husband. Ignoble but true. As in "Burr" Schuyler narrates the story. He and Emma plunge into American high society circa 1876. He has lived abroad for some 40 years so he refers to himself a...
Aaron Burr lived a remarkable life. He was an aide to General Washington during the Revolutionary War. He was Senator from New York and one of the founders of Tammany Hall. He was elected Vice President in 1800 when electors voted both for President and Veep. He stepped aside for Thomas Jefferson to be President but Jefferson never trusts. Burr has a double tracked narration. One strand is Burr's memoirs, the other is set in the 1830's and told by Ch...
Caroline Sanford comes to America seeking a new life and finds it. Caroline Sanford is the daughter of Emma Sanford who we met in "1876." She has grown up in France under the care of her somewhat demented father. Actually, her nanny raised her and her father was present. Caroline's father has just died and his estate is a mess. She visits America hoping to establish her right to a share of her father's wealth. Her brother Blaise stands in her way. He ...
The protagonist of "Empire," Caroline Sanford, has returned to America. War is raging in Europe and Caroline is eager for a fresh start. Her brother Blaise is now running the family newspaper in Washington and he's a bit unnerved by his sister's return. He is worried that she wants to take the paper over. He was wrong. She starts writing for the paper and uses her powerful connections to inform her columns. Caroline becomes close to President and Mrs....
Vidal booklist
In this book , Gore Vidal continues his "American Chronicle". This book focus on the presidency of Abraham Lincoln. In contrast to most books about Lincoln's presidency, this book does not focus heavily on the Civil War. The War is mentioned.But, t is not the major focus of the book. Lincoln is not the main point of view character for this novel bearing his name. The author uses a rotating first person narration device. The narration is f...
Myra Breckinridge
This is the hilarious story of a man who thinks he's a woman, becomes one, then realizes he's a man, and becomes one again. Vidal's theme is the plasticity of gender, language and identity in this postmodern media age. Vidal's rapier-like wit is on display, along with profound insights about art, films (Myra is an actress), literature, and how to be free and find happiness without ruining your outfit....


text:
Child Therapist
Ashburn Psychological Services
Ashburn Psychological Services
44110 Ashburn Shopping Plaza, Suite 251, Ashburn, Virginia
Ashburn Psychological Services has child psychologists available to assess and treat children from 2 years of age through childhood. Our child psychologists have training in play therapy, behavioral therapy and parenting work. Typically, psychologists who work with younger children work with both the child and the parents when addressing a developmental, social/emotional or behavioral concerns. At times meetings with the parents and not the child is the preferred method. Developmental testing and neuropsychological testing is also available at Ashburn Psychological Services.
Child Therapist
Laurie Levine, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
457-B Carlisle Drive #202, Herndon, Virginia
Working with young children is a unique skill. As young children are less able to verbalize their stressors than are older children and adults, I utilize non-verbal tools to help them both express their needs and help them to work on solutions. I use sand tray therapy in my office which gives children ownership over their "world" by using figurines and toys to play out their personal situations. I also use art therapy with young children; both free form and structured activities during the session. Playing games with a young child gives me a way to learn how they adapt to rules and limits as well as giving the child a way to experience some fun while in the midst of productive therapy
Child Therapist
Linda Ritchie, Ph.D.
Licensed Professional Counselor/Marriage & Family Therapist
1800 Michael Faraday Drive, Suite 201, Reston, Virginia
Just like adults, sometimes a child or adolescent can benefit from therapy. We can help you identify the underlying cause of your child's problems and develop strategies to help you and your child to learn better, more effective ways of behaving and coping with frustrations, and solving problems. We have clinical psychologists and experienced therapists who specialize in working with children and adolescents.
25425 is a zip code located in Jefferson County and part of Harpers Ferry, West Virginia. It has a land area of 40.232 square miles.  The population of 25425 is 12,835 people.


text:
Results 1 to 10 of 10
Thread: Short cervix at 18 weeks!!
23rd October 2011 08:55 PM #1
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Posts
- 2
Short cervix at 18 weeks!!
During my 18 week anomaly scan it was noticed I have a very short cervix (1.5cm)- I think this is due to a loop diathermy treatment I had 5 hrs ago for pre cancerous cells. The obstetrician called me in and prescribed progesterone suppositories. I'm still working full time though as dr said i dont need to be off on bed rest but im terrified I'll lose my baby. I just wondered if anyone else was diagnosed with a similarly short length so early on? And has anyone been prescribed progesterone or advised bed rest?
I just hope I can hold on another 10 weeks at least !!!!
31st October 2011 08:40 AM #2
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Posts
- 2
Well, after posting last week I went for my weekly scan with the hospital and my cervix has shortened even more to 1 cm at 19+4 weeks! My obstetrician suggested an emergency cerclage and I was admitted the next day.
although I was gutted the cervix had shortened even further I was actually releived that there was going to be a solution to the problem.
I was very nervous going into surgery in case my waters were accidentally broken in surgery but they said as there was no evidence of dialation that was positive.
I had a general anesthetic , the procedure was apx 45 mins and I woke in recovery feeling ok. I was kept in overnight and given some pretty strong antibiotics via an iv drip ( which was the most painful part!) there was a bit of pain and waking was hard for the first two days but generally I feel pretty good.
I've been given oral antibiotics to take of a week and return to have my cervical length monitored every wеek to check the stitch is holding. They said they only managed to gain 0.5cm in length from the stitch as I didn't have very much of a cervix left from my loop diathermy procedure previously!!!
I'll be off work for a week to ensue the stitch heals properly then back to normal activities - but obviously have to take things easy- no lifting etc.... Not sure about sex or Stairs yet- I'll have to a ask later.
I am very pleased though with the care I received in hospital and all the doctors and nurses we great- I was at the RPA in Sydney as a public patient and can't praise them enough.
7th November 2011 01:32 PM #3
Hi Loub - I hope that you've had an uneventful recovery after the cervical stitch has been put in. Only a week off work? It doesn't seem very long. Have you been advise to have any other treatment such as progesterone suppositories or Nitroglycerin patches?
10th November 2011 10:21 AM #4
Cervical Stitch
I though you might be interested in what a cervical stitch (suture) looks like. This photograph was sent to me by one of my clients to share with others (who gave birth after her due date by the way).
It is quite thick. Is it what you expected?
31st December 2011 07:59 AM #5
- Join Date
- Dec 2011
- Posts
- 57
I was not diagnosed early with a short cervix. I was actually over the term of pregnancy when I had to have surgery. They checked me until the last few days, and then the same day I was admitted. They actually tried to dilate me, but that did not work at all. Wow one week I am sorry for that it sounds really short, but after my surgery I was up walking to be honest. Which I knew I had to so that I could go home as well. Hope you get better and good luck. I know I was a little late on this post. Hope everything went well.
13th July 2013 11:47 AM #6
- Join Date
- Jul 2013
- Posts
- 1
Hi Loub. I know your post was from a long time ago, but I'm in a very similar situation to you. I'm 18 weeks with a 1.6 cm cervix. It's also possibly due to a LEEP procedure which was done last year. I've been doing the progesterone suppositories for a couple of weeks now, but it's still been shortening. I'm also on a round of Indomethacin for the next couple of days. I go for another check next week and will decide then whether or not to do the emergent cerclage. I hope things went ok for you -- I'm a little overwhelmed and looking for some advice on the subject.
18th July 2013 12:08 AM #7
Hi geneparmesan,
Thank you very much for your post.
I'm really sorry to read that you are having problems and concerns with a short cervix. I will let our midwife Jane know about your post as I do not have experience of this.
In the mean time, I send you my best wishes and here are some resources you may not have come across yet:
diagnosing cervical incompetence
cervical insufficiency
short cervix in pregnancy
With my best wishes,
18th July 2013 05:41 AM #8
Dear geneparmesan - I am sorry to hear about your shortened cervix. It is a hard subject to get information on. Just so you have some positive stories to read. A woman I know had a very short cervix, infact the middle of the cervix was opening (it is called funnelling). You could see the membranes through it. She had a cervical stitch, had bed rest and progesterone suppositories. She ended up giving birth at 39 weeks (full term). This woman has given me permission to share her story. There are many positive stories like this. While we know that there is an increased risk of premature birth there are many women who go on to give birth at full term.
19th July 2013 11:39 AM #9
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Hi all
I'm in a similar situation to geneparmesan and have been diagnosed with a cervix of 1.8 with funnelling at 20 weeks. I have been put on progesterone and told to go back for a scan in 2 weeks. I actually booked it for only 10 days as by then I will be 22 weeks 3 days, and I am nervous. It went from 2.2 to 1.8 in 6 days, so I hope it won't keep doing that!
The obstetrician at the hospital said that there is no evidence bedrest has any effect, but so many doctors seem to put women on bedrest anyway, and women seem to believe it works. Any thoughts on this? I am trying to take it a lot easier than usual and work from home when I can, but not really sure what is best...( I don't want to go on bedrest if it is a waste of time, it sounds horrible).
also, does anyone know if 23 weeks is too late to do a cerclage if necessary? The doctor told me they don't really like doing them these days because of risks...so I feel I have no choice but to put a lot of trust in this progesterone! Any thoughts from the midwife, or people with experience very welcome...thank you
21st July 2013 09:10 PM #10
From the reading I've done it reported that bed rest didn't make any difference. Sorry I wish I had better news. I think many doctors recommend it as they feel at least they are recommending a course of action rather than doing nothing. There are risks associated with inserting a cervical stitch and you have to weigh those against the potential benefits that a stitch may provide (again the research I read wasn't all that positive in favour of inserting a cervical stitch).


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Four years ago, Marc Swackhamer, a 1997 graduate of Rice University's master of architecture program, reached a milestone in his fledgling architecture career: He finished all 700 training units of the Intern Development Program (IDP) and was ready to sit for the exam. But then his road to registration took a detour. Swackhamer accepted a job as assistant professor of architecture at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, got busy with research and teaching, and put licensing on the back burner. Now, his estimated-time-of-exam is next summer, and he's prepared to study hard.
Swackhamer has no problem with internship per se; it's the tedious regulatory process that has him frustrated. "IDP was, in my point of view, just maniacally complex," he says. "I'd get these forms and letters that made my eyes cross."
Swackhamer is referring, of course, to the structure of the IDP, administered by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) in Washington, D.C. With less than 50 percent of architecture school graduates going on to get licensed, the methodology is being questioned fairly seriously around the country. In fact, it's the topic of a conference (www.designingtomorrowsarchitect.com) to be held in late September and sponsored by the AIA and NCARB. For the AIA, a steady supply of licensed members is a matter of survival. "When the number of licensed architects dwindles, the opportunity for maintaining membership numbers in a professional organization dwindles," notes John Senhauser, FAIA, Cincinnati, a member of the AIA board of directors. "We're still graduating more students than in any other time, so the interest in architecture as an educational pursuit is not dwindling, but the number of people who actually enter the profession may be."
In response to accusations that the IDP's overly developed bureaucracy is bogging down an already long and arduous process, NCARB president Carlton Godsey, FAIA, points to a lack of hard data on the state of registration.
"The numbers being discussed are 5,000 graduates per year, but no one is able to document that number, because schools don't share that information," says Godsey, a partner at Godsey and Associates, Louisville, Ky. "We're seeing an average of 2,100 people passing the Architectural Registration Exam [ARE] every year, about 50 percent.
"One of my goals for this year is to figure out how to get graduation data and start collecting it so we have a good, clear picture of whether we have a problem and, if so, what the problem is," Godsey says.
Indeed, the reasons for a licensing shortfall are difficult to untangle. Many architects have suggested that professional licensing needs to be imbued with greater status. "I'm not sure why interns are saying, 'I don't need to get a license, because I don't stamp drawings,'" Senhauser says. "Stamping drawings is hardly the point; you went to school to become an architect, not an intern." Part of the problem, he believes, is that architecture firms are giving non-licensed employees increasing responsibility and placing less importance on licensure as a rite of passage. Godsey agrees. "A lot of interns don't see a reason to be registered," he says. "They go to work for large firms, which tend to have projects sealed by one person, and they don't see any financial or other reward. But how many projects can fit on the head of a pin? How many drawings can one architect responsibly look at?"
Then, too, as the marketplace evolves, an architecture degree is morphing into ever more diverse permutations that don't require a license. "Architecture is under some pressures that are competing for the best and the brightest," Senhauser says. "A lot of it is just the nature of modern practice, and not solely related to the idea that licensure has become a rather punitive [form of] gatekeeping."
Anecdotal evidence suggests that many architecture school grads are pursuing real estate development or design/build practices. Others are going to work for computer animators, jobs that pay more right out of school than doing CAD red-lines and staircase details. William Braham, associate chair of the University of Pennsylvania's architecture department, recently polled 300 master's program graduates to see where their career paths had taken them. "Often the stories I get told are, 'Well, I got out in 1988 and couldn't find a job for that first year, so I went to work in construction-related sales or lighting design, and within two years I was making much more money than I could make as an entry-level architect,'" he says. "It's difficult for them to come back into architecture."
competent to practice On the one hand, it seems wise to do away with gratuitous regulations that keep graduates from getting registered. On the other, this issue isn't just about improving the numbers. By definition, a profession needs to have a technical basis for exercising its authority and assuring the public that its services are trustworthy. But how best to test for that competency is a point of contention.